ASPR Journal, V14 - Iapsop.com

James Hervey Hyslop. 447
lead, he early found himself in opposition to those in authority in
the fold of orthodox scholasticism. In this position he· fought
sturdily for the maintenance of intellectWtl horiesty, demanding
always a freedom from the bias of science, yet declaring in unmistakable
terms the rightness of scientific method. Furthermore,
he always maintained that it was not his object or business
to convince any one, but it was his desire and duty to collect and
report .facts as they occurred in their normal order. In fulfilling
this mission faithfully he would be giving to any and all who
might be interested, the opportunity to review honest facts honestly
and fully recorded. Such was his attitude of mind and will
during all the time it was my privilege to be intimately associated
with him.
Ambitious he was, but it was the ambition of a man whose sole
desire was to benefit humanity through that ambition. Clearvisioned
and far-sighted in grasping the implications involved in
the interpretation of unusual phenomena, our departed friend was
a wise counselor and an able director. In the transition of James
Hervey Hyslop the world has lost the physical presence of a
mighty force and power; for had he lived he could and would
have been a wise director 9ver an organization of efficient workers
whose objective would be the solution of man's future spiritual
heritage, and its practical application to his daily physical life.
As a friend James Hervey Hyslop was constant, faithful and
true. As a teacher clear, concise and endowed with that wonderful
ability intuitively to understand one's difficulties and with
equal ability to clarify such mental haziness.
To his intimate friends he was gentle, simple and direct in the
frank statement of his real position. Endowed with a keen sense
of humor he thoroughly enjoyed the ridicule so often aimed at
himself. Harsh he was frequently in his writings while defending
truth, but the harshness was of the mind, not of the soul.
Laughingly would he speak of some particularly sharp criticism
which he was forced to make in his defence of pri'nciples, and
when an equally caustic answer came in reply, there never remained
any animosity for usually the next reaction would be
loyal and high praise for that same votary.
His intellectual honesty was unquestioned. With his opponents,
when in doubt as to a conclusion, he frankly stated his
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