l8 PSYCHOLOGY AND PREACHING
which we call psychical there flow into the psychical organ ism of man below the level of consciousness impulses and influences that extensively modify this aspect of his being, and sometimes break into the realm of his conscious ex perience. But here we have manifestly passed over the line that separates psychology from philosophy; for while there are psychological facts that give hints and intimations pointing in the direction of this conclusion, psychology itself cannot make any authoritative assertions on the sub ject. We dwell upon it here in order to emphasize two cau tions. First, the psychologist, because he cannot make a scientific examination of the metaphysical roots of the human personality, ought not to treat the matter contemptuously, as one about which an intelligent opinion cannot be formed. Second, the religious philosophers should not make too free a use of this mysterious aspect of life as a means of ex plaining difficulties and solving problems ; should not use the subconscious as a convenient " city of refuge " when they find themselves in trouble. The proper attitude with respect to this problematical phase of human experience is one of scientific reserve, if it may be so expressed. It indi cates neither safe judgment nor a disinterested love of truth to jump to conclusions when there are so few surely at tested facts and when their proper interpretation is so un certain. It is better to confess frankly the limitations of our knowledge and tread warily upon the brink of the sub terranean river which flows through the cavernous depths of our psychic life. Across its waters our feeble torches cast but flickering lights and into its dark depths our vision penetrates hardly at all.
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