of the subject in turn communicates corresponding
vibration to its body. We may thus explain the Creative Power of Thought
on the basis of recognizable Law, and so we believe, because we know
_why_ we believe, not because somebody else has told us so. Doubt is
still the creative action of Thought, only it is creating negatively; so
it is helpful to feel that we have some reason for confidence in the
Power of the Word. There are a great many "Thomases" among us, and as
one of the number I shall be glad if I can help my "Brother Tommies" to
get a grip of the why and wherefore of the things which appear at first
sight so fantastic and improbable.

But the conception we are considering is not limited to concrete
entities, whether persons or things. It applies to abstractions also,
and it is for this reason that I have called it the "Soul of the
Subject." We often speak of the "Soul of Music," or the "Soul of
Poetry," and so on. Thus our ordinary talk stands on the threshold of a
great mystery, which, however, is simple enough in practice. If you want
to get a clearer view of any subject than you have at present, address
yourself mentally to the abstract soul of that subject, and ask it to
tell you about itself, and you will find that it will do so. I do not
say that it will do this in any miraculous manner, but what you already
know of the subject will range itself into a clearer order, and you will
see connections that have not previously occurred to you. Then again,
you will find that information of the class required will begin to flow
towards you through quite ordinary channels, books, newspapers, or
conversation, without your especially laying yourself out to hunt for
it; and again, at other times, ideas will come into your mind, you do
not know how, but illuminating the subject with a fresh light. I cannot
explain how all this takes place. I can only say from personal
experience that it happens. But of course we must not throw aside
ordinary common-sense. We must sort out the information that comes to
us, and compare it with our previous knowledge; in fact we must _work_
at it: there is no premium for laziness. Nor must we expect to receive
by a sudden afflatus a complete acquaintance with some subject of which
we are entirely ignorant. I do not say that such a thing is altogether
impossible, for I cannot venture to limit the possibilities of the
Universe; but it is certainly not to be looked for in the ordinary
cours