If we keep our mind and our heart open to see such
correspondences, we shall often be surprised at the vividness of their
suggestion. But they are suggestion only. They are not proof. That is
not their function. But when an idea is seen in itself to be probable,
a vivid illustration will confirm it.
The world is full of such correspondences between the natural and the
spiritual. To discover one of these correspondences is in my view a
greater achievement than a discovery in science. It is greater because
it is a discovery in the realm of spirit instead of the realm of matter.
It is no wonder, then, that Emerson says that "such correspondences, if
adequately executed, would be the poem of the world."
I will notice a few of those correspondences, that have occurred to my
own mind. I might cite many more, but I think these few will tend to
fortify the conclusions we have been trying to arrive at. I apprehend
that many readers who are not fond of argument will feel the force of
illustration. Thus they will have a more vivid appreciation of the
unseen than can be conveyed by mere argument. To be sure, there is a
greater appeal to the imagination than to the reason. But we must not
decry imagination except when it runs riot into mere fancy. Ruskin says:
"Imagination is the greatest power of the soul.
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