ight: A Journal of Psgahioa/, Occult, and Mystical Research.

'LIGHT! MORE LIGHT !'-Goethe, • WHATSOEVER DOTH MAKE MANIFEST IS LIGHT.'-PauZ.

No. 1,599.-VoL. XXXI .. [Registered as] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1911. [a N ewspa.per.] P~ICE TwOPENOE.

CONTENT!'. Notes by the Way •••• ,;...... 409 Queen Victo1la, a Gold Watch, one of those who appear divinely destined to unify the Eicperiences with Mrs. Comer 410 anda Spirit Medium ...... 417 'Prof, Falcomer on Spiritualism .. 411 Comforting Spiritual Communion418 knowledge of the world, and to help on that great The Real Carlyle. By James Mr. Maskelyne's Vision ...... 418 Robertson .. •• •• .. ... -. .. 412 L.S.A. Notice .. ··-·· ...... 418 harmonisation of life which is more than ever in progress Thec HypothesesfdE d of ' Bilocation ' Itemso f I nerest t ...... 491 ons ere ...... 418 Counterpart• .• _. _ ...... 419 to-day, although the true purpose of the work often fails of 'Space and Spirit' ...... 414 Should Inquirers be Warned? ... 419 adequate recognition. Count Solovovo's Dilemma ...... 416 Mrs. Besant's Attitude Towards 'Submerged Atlantis Restored'._ 416 Spiritualism ...... _ ..... 419 , We have to acknowledge an elegantly bound volume, NOTES BY THE WAY. The Forty Questions of the Soul, and The Clavis,' by Now that the holiday season is nearly over, the strikes Jacob Boehme (John M. Watkins, London, lOs. 6d.). We ended and the drought a thing of the past, we are have in the past dealt so fully with the life and work of beginning to return to normal conditions of living and this greatest of German mystics, that we do not feel it thinking, and, naturally, we turn to the immediate future necessary or appropriate to deal extensively •with the with' the inquiry, 'What nexM' Perhaps the most interest­ matter again. But we can coraially commend the b~ok to ing thing for Spiritualists and inquirers is the resumption of the notice of all students of mystic philosophy, especially the meetings of the London Spiritualist Alliance, and we complimenting Mrs. D. S. Hehner on the thoroughness of are pleased to announce that an Afternoon Social Gather­ her work of emendation, the outcome of a painstaking ing will be held on September 14th, to bid farewell to Mrs. comparison of the translations of John Sparrow with the Praed, on her departure for South Africa. The Annual original German. It is Boehme's great distinction that he Conversazione will be held in the Salon of the Royal Society appealed as a mystic not only to the emotions, but to the of British Artists, Suffolk-street, on Thursday, October 12th. scientific understanding, howbeit that understanding needs Further, we may mention that the Psychic Culture Class to be exalted beyond the purely sensuous side of things to gain a clear perception of the deep truths he utters. He will res~me ita w.ork on October 5th. .Other. arrangements will be duly announced. was the recipient of a great illumination, and happy are those whose interior minds have been opened to receive it. Sir William Crookes says that at a seance with Mr. From a recent issue of 'The Progressive Thinker' we D. D. Home, in full view of all present, a luminous appear­ take the following. It appears in an article by Mr. ance was seen hovering over a bouquet of flowers, and then ,Herman Fascher, who claims that human growth and a piece of China-grass, fifteen inches long, slowly rose from development are the result of successive embodiments in among the floweri), descended to the table; in front of the lower animal stages :- the vase, and went straight through. Mrs. Crookes then saw a hand come from under the table holding the grass. There are about five different ape-like species which if com­ bined in a single being, would produce a form in ;11 respe~ts like a The table was a telescopic one and apparently the grass human form, excepting the capability of modulating the voice for passed through a narrow crack barely an eighth of an inch speech. This ability is no doubt derived from certain birds wide. Sir William says : ' The stem of the piece of grass notably the parrot and mocking bird. A combination of thes~ different animal life centres would produce a human life centre. was far too thick to enable me to force it through this crack without injuring it, yet we had all seen it pass through Mr. Fascher elaborates his theory at c~nsiderable length, quietly and smoothly, and on examination it did not show and it is certainly an ingenious one. - But it leaves the the slightest signs of pressure or abrasion.' If this was not deeper side of the matter untouched. There is that in a case of 'passage of matter through matter' it was some­ man which transcends all the potencies of animal life. thing very much like it. In 'Healthward Ho ! ' for August Mr. Eustace Mile~ From Messrs. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trii.bner and Co., makes a charge against 'New Thought,' and we sym­ Limited, we have received a new edition of a remarkable pathise with the criticism, although we do not entirely book, 'The Life of Hiuen-Tsiang' (by the Shaman Hwui endorse it :- Li) with an introduction by Samuel Beal, B.A., D.C.L., And here is the fault that I would find with a great mass of what is called 'New Thought.' . . The individual seems to Professor of Chinese at the University College, London, think for himself or herself alone, whereas there should be a and a Preface by L. Cral).mer-Byng. It is the story of a great deal of suggestion for others-for the health happiness memorable career-the life and adventures of a teacher success, and right thoughts of others. ' ' and truth-seeker of the remote past (Hiuen-Tsiang was Mr. Miles makes it clear that he does not include the born in 600 A.D.) who, like many other great teachers system known as ' Christian Science ' in this objection. - ' showed marvP.llous mental capacities even as a child. Out- Nevertheless, as regards the rest, we cannot think it is growing the narrow Chinese Buddhism of his day, he set wrong that doctrine and practice should be first expressed off as pilgrim to other lands, notably India. His services by the individual for the individual. 'Individual improve­ to the literature of Buddhism are not easily to be appraised. ment is the basis of general advancement,' is a maxim 'He returned to his own country with no less than six from one of our foremost speakers. When the individual hundred· and fifty-seven volumes of the sacred books, has outworked the process for himself he will begin to seventy-four of which he translated into Chinese.' He was propagate his truth by example as well as precept. All the ~-

410 LIGHT. [September 2, 1911.

same, we have no sympathy with certain sinister American EXPERIENCES WITH MRS. CORNER. systems-loathsome, parasitic growths-that teach mental BY ALFRED VouT PETERS. culture with a view to success in money-getting, and .the attainment of success in dominating other minds for selfish I first met Mrs. Corner, better known as 'Florrie Cook,' purposes. somewhere about June, 1898, in a house at Shepherd's Bush (in the West of London), at a seance arranged by the members of Vle have received Old Moore's Almanack for 1912, and the Shepherd's Bush Society. The conditions were none of the learn from it that a number of p_eople will have bad colds best. To begin with, the evening was very hot, more people (in February); that some people of note will die; that had come into the seance-room than had been expected, and the lack of air and general discomfort of the apartment made the there will be disasters in coal mines ; that many good medium very irritable. On niy being introduced to her she servants will give notice and cause household dismay, and simply bowed, without offering to shake hands. N.ot wanting to so forth. Dear, quaint Old Moore! We like. his almanack, intrude myself upon her I sat some little distance away. and if we laugh at his 'astrology ' he must not mind it. As Mrs. Comer's seances were held in the light, if I describe the general arrangement of one seance it will suffice for the l!'rom Mr. J. Millott Severn, the distinguished phre­ others. In this case two curtains were fixed in one corner of a nologist, we have received a pamphlet 'Phrenology room on a ·rod. A chair was placed in the cabinet, as the space Practically Explained, Illustrated and Applied,' in which behind the curtains was called,.and the medium was fastened to he gives a useful outline of the subject. We find the the chair with tape. She did not object to being tied, but would portraits illustrating certain characters and temperaments not have the tape round her neck for fear lest during the seance she might, while. in the trance condition, be strangled. both interesting and suggestive. The pamphlet (price 6d.) Generally someone tied her who thought, or knew, that it would is to be obtained at the Brighton Phrenological Institution, be impossible for her to get out of the tape under normal condi­ 68, West-street, Brighton. tions. In this case the task was entrusted to a man who had been a sailor, and who performed it very thoroughly. The cur­ According to the Editor of the New York 'The tains were then drawn together, and soon a voice, speaking in Christian Work and Evangelist,' 'The human soul withers French, asked that I should sit near the curtains, which I did.. without prayer and worship and contemplation of God Now, Mrs. Corner did not know me as a medium, nor, indeed, fully as surely as the body weakens without light, air, anything about me. The voice was that of the spirit who used exercise, and food.' He says :- to materialise with Mrs. Corner, and whose name was Marie. We did not obtain much phenomena, except that arms and If the experience of the last two thousand years counts for anything, its inevitable lesson is that with a waning Church legs were thrust out of the opening of the curtains, and soon a waning morality and spiritual life set in. No calamity ' Marie ' said, in French, ' Bits of spirits are materialising.' to the three great Protestant nations could be imagined equal We waited some time, but Mrs. Corner came to her normal self, to the closing of the churches. But the churches cannot endure and asked if the curtain could be lifted as the room by that with an estranged good population indifferent to it, while at the time was terribly hot. Now comes one of the greatest proofs to me same time evil men hate it. It has come to that point that of the tru:th of spirit return. The seance was held on a Monday. there must be more church or no church. Either all good people must learn to love it again, put it chief in their thoughts and On the Saturday before I had assisted at a seance with the attachments, serve it devotedly, or soon it will become as nothing, materialising medium, Cecil Husk. At that seance my dear or only one struggling institution among many. spirit friend, 'Moonstone' (who is known to many of my friends wherever I have visited) materialised and promised that he There is a fine spirit in the following lines by Emily would show himself with Mrs. Corner ; but, seeing that the Read Jones. They enshrine a great truth for those who are conditions were so bad, I thought it would be impossible for him to do so. Mrs. Corner sat with her back close up against able to realise it. But we are not all ready to receive, and the curtain ; in fact her body was leaning upon Mrs. H. act upon, the admonition to take no anxious thought;- Boddington. We all sat still, when suddenly the curtains were My arrows are all sel).t, thrust aside and there stood ' Moonstone.' His form and face, My wealth is spent. with his dark beard and moustache, were seen by us, but only Time, knocking at my gate, Warns me 'tis late ; for a few minutes ; then the medium awoke and began to Yet gladsomely I fare, laugh. She said, ' Oh, there is such a funny spirit here, so old And take no care. and wrinkled ; he is looking at me.' Now 'Moonstone' was Where any bird sings free, well known to all in the room, for I had acted as medium for He sings for me ; some time to the society, and all were anxious to see him, so Where any feast is spread, There is my bread ; we asked him to show himself again, which he did, but was only Where any hearthfires shine, able to show ·his face, which was old and wrinkled, and Their cheer is mine ; naturally so, for he has told us that he was one hundred and Where there are earth and sky, two when he left the earth body. Before this remarkable seance No beggar I. closed I witnessed a phenomenon which in my experience was absolutely unique. Outside the curtain-not within WE learn with much regret that the Council of the Maryle­ the opening-a mist began to gather, which quickly took the bone Spiritualist .Association, a society which has been in form of a right hand and arm, apparently of a woman. I was existenc~ for n~arly foi:ty years, and during the last fifteen years told that the spirit wanted me to shake hands with her, and I has carried on its meetmgs at Cavendish Rooms, is compelled to did so, feeling a warm human hand in mine. Then the seance make an urgent appeal for funds to enable it to continue its closed and I, with other friends, accompanied the medium a labours. · Although of late the expenditure has been less than short distance on her homeward journey. As she lived in the formerly the income has seriously diminished, and the reserve fund has been drawn upon to such an extent that it is almost neighbourhood of one of our party she Mked me to call and see exhausted. Consequently, unless substantial assistance is her on the following Saturday. I accepted the invitation, and speedily forthcoming, there is every probability that the work of we had a seance, and as all present at this second seance were the society will have to be abandoned. The Council however friends, that is to say it was not a professional or paid seance, hope and trust that the friends of Spiritualism in Lond~n will not the conditions were very much better. suffer such a catastrophe to take place and ask that contri­ butions will be sent to the honorary tre~urer, Mr. W. H. Lord, The seance was held in the kitchen, away from the 14, Porteous-road, Paddington-green, London, W. After all noise of the street. The cabinet was the scullery, and these years of valuable service to the cause it would indeed be as this had a stone floor we laid down a rug on the little short of disastrous if this .Association failecl and Cavendish stones so that the cold should not he too much for the Rooms were closed, _ JUediuin's feet. :Before the door we hung two ci1rt&ills. The September 9, 1911.] LIGHT. 411 room- was not in total darkness because there was a small gas jet beautiful, graceful young woman, taller than the medium, and burning the whole time, giving quite sufficient light to enable us clearly a distinct personality. to see the time by our watches. We were then told to talk, not Afterwards we were asked not to touch the medium, as the to sing, for the quality of the singing that usually takes place spirit people were about to try an experiment. Miss Corner was in the seances is not of the highest, and Mrs. Corner was a music­ told not to cry out or touch her mother. This she promised to lover. Presently we heard a deep manly voice, whose owner do, then we saw the curtains pulled each end. Mrs. Corner 8.88erted that he had been a sea captain and had died at the house stood in the opening with her eyes closed and her bands folded of Mrs. Corner. He said, however, he was not dead but in the over her chest. She seemed half in trance, and was saying, in a dark. He never showed himself at any of the seances, but only low voice, ' Oh, let me out, let me out I ' It seemed as if she spoke. A very curious set of circumstances, which I will relate was pulled from behind, as she retreated into the cabinet. later, occurred in connection with establishing the identity of Again the curtains were withdrawn, and we saw the face of a this ma.u. Rut. to return to our seance. Very soon 'Marie' showed man with a grey beard. Then the curtains were drawn aside herself to us by lifting the curtain and we -all saw her. I must still more, and we saw that the man's body was only built up confess that, although I am a medium myself, and although I from the waist upwards, and that it was attached to the right have assisted at many seances, yet in 'my mind was always the side of the medium, who stood before us with her arms folded doubt that the materialising was a clever piece of trickery. over her chest. We all saw the two forms together-the man Mrs. Comer's seances, however, were so natural that there was and the medium's. The face of the man was deathly pale, and nothing to alarm anyone, nor was there any hocus-pocus about the eyes were closed. For several minutes we saw them them. 'Marie' came to the side of the curtain where I was sitting together. Presently the medium seemed to awaken. Turning and drew me to her, telling me to look well at her. I did sq. her face, she saw the man standing behind her, and with a shriek At her desire I put my arms round ·her, and I found that they started to rush out of the cabinet, when two hands, clasping her embraced a living, breathing woman, apparently of about round the waist from behind, pulled her back, and pulled the twenty-five to twenty-seven, slight of figure and as tall as curtains after them. In a few moments she was fully awake myself, with long dark hair and a beautiful complexion. Mrs. and in our midst again. The man's face was not reoognised. Corner was at that time about forty-three or forty four, (To be continued.) she was shorter than I, full in figure, and with quite different hair from that of 'Marie,' so that I am sure of the identity of 'Marie ' apart from her medium. In PROFESSOR M. T. FALCOMER ON SPIRITUALISM, thi>ile early days instructions on how to conduct the seances Writing in the Italian newspaper, 'L'Adriatico,' Professor were often given us in direct writing. Paper and pencil were M. T. Falcomer says :- put into the cabinet, the gpirit would be heard writing and the instructions would be handed out to us. I have preserved both Many years have elapsed since Mr. W. E. Gladstone honoured me with the following letter :'"7" Mrs. Corner's writing and that of the spit-it, and they are clearly DEAR Srn,-I hope to draw profit from your researches, not the same. but my occupations have left me a good deal behind, l am As Mrs. Corner was holding regular seances, I asked her to not one to put on one side the alleged facts of Spiritualism, give a sitting at Forest Gate (a little way from London) where I but I have not yet had the opport1mity to see in it a worthy lived, to my own circle, one which I had conducted for three demonstration of that future world that we look upon as the months. Before going to the seanc~ the medium was frightened fulfilment for our work and ottr hope. lJy an accident, which we found interfered with the phenomena, Since 1896, however, we have had proofs with new im• but, all the same, .we had· a pleasant surprise. ' Moonstone ' had portant mediums of the existence of soul out of the body and promised through me that he would manifest, but the conditions surviving bodily death; proofs so reliable that they would have sufficed to convince even Mr. Gladstone. were so bad that I really thought we should ~t nothing. I In the wide field of mediumship we have· still mediums by was talkin~ to my neighbour when I felt my sleeve pulled and whom we obtain proofs of facts, and are not dependent on mere a soft beloved voice saying to me 'Medi,' ' Medi' (short for philosophical a:flirmatione. ' medium'). I looked and there was 'Moonstone ' standing with Professor Falcomer then refers specifically to and gives inter· a light in his hand which lighted up the whole of the face awl eating particulars respecting a number of well-known mediuID!!• features distinctly. He showed himself twice, and as all the He mentions Helene Smith, who, while entranced, paints pic­ circle k11-ew him they were all glad to see him. A curious thing tures, of which Jesus is the principal subject, and who, while was that Mrs. Corner's own spirits could not prodLtce the light hypnotised, wonderfully assisted Professor T. Flournoy in his unless 'Moonstone' was there. powerful work, I Des Indes a la Planete Mars, ; Lucia Sardi, On one occasion at Mrs. Corner's home, previous to the seance, who is at present at Rome sitting with a circle of scientists for we had been laughing and acting rather frivolously, and when the the Society of Psychical Studies of Milan ; Eusapia Paladino, medium went into the cabinet the spirits could not entrance her. I who is still at work at Naples for the ·society of Psychical Re­ was asked to sit at her feet in the cabinet and did so. Soon the search ; Stanislas Tomczyk, Charles Bailey, Ophelia Corrales, medium's body fell forward, and but for her having been tied to and the mediums of Julia's Bureau who are at the disposal of her chair she would have fallen upon the floor. She was breath­ Mr. Stead. ing heavily, and I knew that she was in a trance. Soon· I The fact that Professor Falcomer's article appeared in a lead­ heard a voice say to me, ' Go out but du not look round.' I ing newspaper such as the ' Adriatico ' is a striking illustration quickly regained my chair and immediately a fully formed spirit of the progress that Spiritualism has made in Italy. The Pro­ followed me out. On another occasion 'Marie' came out of the fessor, in conclusion, says : 'Senator Luciani, who was induced cabinet and asked one of the sitters, a Mrs. D., if she would go in to experiment by Lombroso, wrote to me once, " Alas I all and lift the medin~1 up, for she had fallen forward, and was likely mediums are often fraudulent," and Fogazzaro was of the same to hurt herself. Mrs. D. told me at the time, and miny times opinion. Poor mediums, when will schools be instituted fm: you I since, that during the whole time of her being in the cabinet It is comforting to hear that Arclideacon Colley has financially ' Marie' remained built up. Mrs. D. is not a Spiritualist, and initiated a " Mediume' College" in England, and that Mr. S!an· would not be prejudiced towards the phenomena. One of the ford has presented £10,000 for the study of Spiritualis~ at. the most remarkable seances at which I assisted was on Miss Corner's University of San Francisco.' birthday. ' Marie' brought a silver bracelet out of the cabinet, and said it was for Katy. We asked her how she got it, and she replied : ' Oh, I took the money from the medium's purse, TRANBITION.-Another link with the past has been broken and left it in the shop and brought the bca.celet away.' At this by the passing of Mrs. Charlotte H. Swanston, aged 93. She was a staunch Spiritualist, for many years a member of the seance, at which Mrs. D. and Mr. Robert King were present, London Spiritualist Alliance, and a helpful friend to ' LIGHT ' ' Marie' relegated all the men to the far end of the' room, and had and other allied causes. Her generous sympathy and kindness all the ladies sit near the cabinet. Then she. asked us not to endeared her to so many that her transition will be felt as a touch her. We all promised, and when she appeared we saw a personal loss by a large circle of friends. 412 LIGHT. (September 2, 1911.

THE REAL CARLYLE. brought forth a lucid interpretation. In what is named ' The Harmonial Philosophy ' Carlyle would have found a larger BY JAMES ROBERTSON. setting than ever Darwin gave of the world's true history, and side by side with it the recognition that all is the work of an In 'William .A.llingham's Diary,' published by Macmillan, Intelligent Mind. In the old Greek literature with which Carlyle there are glimpses of many of our great men by one who had had some familiarity, he might have found what he hated, ~he the vision to see and the gift to record. Carlyle, Browning, doctrine of growth, of progress ; and belief in progress as bemg Tennyson appear and reveal themselves by their conversation. fundamentally a belief in God. Darwinism he did not compre­ .A.llingham's poems long ago won my admiration, and so I hend. He thought it meant that the universe came together by felt that anything which he had to tell was worthy of chance, which to him seemed incredible. He was asked once perusal, but I scarcely looked for such a mine of- good things as by .A.Hingham if he had read Martineau in the 'Contemporary ' are contained in this volume. Close, indeed, was .A.llingham's on Tyndall, when he said: 'No, I care nothing about it. It is acquaintanceship with Carlyle and Tennyson ; day after day he an utterly contemptible theory that out of blind dust could was in their society. Mrs . .A.Hingham, who was a good artist, spring the sense of right and wrong. I don't care three half­ has furnished us with one of the best pict.ures of Carlyle I have pence for the Darwinian theory.' There is more of the real yet seen. .A.Hingham was not a Spiritualist and had no disposi­ Carlyle in this diacy of .A.llingham's than in Froude's notable tion to be convinced of the truth of Spiritualism, and although life. Froude stood in awe of his master ; he did not dispute he talked much on the subject with Dr. .Alfred Russel Wallace, with him, but accepted nearly all he eaid as pregnant with Mrs. de Morgan and others, persuasion was hopeless. He tells, truth. .A.Hingham differed and disputed and yet held for however, some incidents which point to the great truth that years the regard of the great man. He seems at tim.es t? ha:e Spiritualists prize. He knew Sir Percy Shelley, the son got closer to him than anyone. He was his compamon l~ his of the great poet, and records a conversation that he had with walks and rides and thoughts which Carlyle never committed his wife, Ladr Shelley. Before she married Sir Percy she to paper were into his ears. .A.Hingham, in one of his had known Mrs. Shelley, Mary Godwin, the wife of the poet, ~oured own poems, says that a man's true life and history is like the and was with her before she died. Mrs. Shelley lay ten days bottom of the sea, where mountains and huge valleys are motionless and speechless, only sometimes opening her eyes wide. concealed, but he managed to get at Carlyle's inner mind When she died Lady Shelley said, 'I felt that Shelley was in the and brought out glimpses of his early thoughts when the room ; her look of joy was indescribable.' When Carlyle was absurdities of some of the orthodox dogmas first crossed him, nearing dissolution, and had to be tended by female hands, lift­ and prevented him following a ministerial career. .At the age ing his head at moments, he murmured, '.Ah, mother, is it you 1' of fifteen he said to his mother, 'Did God .Almighty come down The day before the last, Mary, his niece, heard him saying to and make wheelbarrows in a shop 1' which caused the good himseif, 'So this is Death ; Well ! ' His very last words were, woman to lie awake weeping and praying bitterly. When he ' I am seeing things that yon know nothing of.' It is read Gibbon he first clearly saw that orthodox Christianity was marvellous to read, notwithstanding 'his friendship for Darwin, not true. This he called the most trying part of his life, when Tyndall, and so many Evolutionists, the detestation Carlyle had he would have gone mad, as Hugh Miller did in similar circum­ for Darwinism. He could not see that this new revealment of law stances but that luckily he came into contact with some did not necessarily exclude a spiritual guiding force. The old snperi;r minds. He could not in the lell8t find room in his story of Creation seemingly held him. Great as he was in many mentality for God coming down to earth at any time more than realms, he was not an oracle. .At times he said the bra vest He comes down now into the soul of every devout man. Of things, but it was difficult to know exactly where he stood. He the ftitnre life Carlyle feit no certainty ; Errierso1i had told him was at once contemptuous of those who held Christian dogmas that Swedenborg came nearer the secret of the world than any­ and angry with those who gave them up. 'I have for years,' one but Carlyle could never see that he came near any secret he said, 'strictly avoided going to church or having anything to at He saiCl that of 'Death and the Future we know nothing do with mumba-jt1mba,' and yet he could not bear Froude ~11. -must leave all that alone.' .A.Hingham reminded him that for a time because the latter had said what he thought regarding Goethe spoke of the continuance of existence after death a.~ a Christianity in his' Nemesis of Faith,' and he complained about · Francis William Newman t1·eating Jesus in an unimaginative way. certainty, but Carlyle said :- · Of Strauss' ' Life of J esns' he said, 'It was a revolutionary and I long ago despaired of any response to .sue~ an inquiry. Death is welcome whenever it comes. One thmg 1s firmly held ill-advised enterprise, setting forth in words what all wise men to-God who arranges and decides all, this I keep, and whoe~er had had in their minds for fifty years past, and thought fittest to uses hon~tly the light placed in his own m.ind, acts as the v~1ce hold their peace about.' He was always ~alking about veracity, of God tells hitn, will find satisfaction therem, and not otherwise. but habitually revelled in exaggeration and one-sided presentation .A.gain he said :- of a subject. He was mighty to arouse but useless to guide. The evidence to me of God-and the only evidence--;-is. the How backward Carlyle was in many of his ideas is evidenced feeling I have deep down in the bottom of my heart of right by his opposition to anre3thetics. He held chloroform in a sur­ and truth and jnstice. I believe that all things are governed ~iy gical operation to be a mistake, since pain was a natural accom­ Eternal Goodness and Wisdom, bnt we cannot see, and never will paniment and had its uses. The past in many respects held him see, how it is all managed. . . I often think of. Kant's in its grip. Of all great-minded men, he was the least of a notion-no real Time or Space ; these are only appearances-and philosopher. The new and the old were strangely mixed up think it is true. I have often had a feeling (contrar~ as it is to all logic) that there is a Special Providence-a leading by t~e in his mentality. Much that he spoke was an outpouring which hand of a great friendly Power above us. . . For Darwm had need of modification. 'His bark was worse than his bite,' personally I have great respect ; but for all that. his 'Ori~in of as we say in Scotland. Many of his fierce diatribes cannot be Species,' &c., is of little interest to ~e. What we desire to taken as expressing his real thought. In his heart, there dwelt know is, who is the Maker 1 and what is to come to us when we the · flower of kindness which bloomed day by day. It was have shuffled oft' this mortal coil. Oh, every day and every Darwinism, however, which called forth his wrath in greatest hour my thoughts turn to another life. We know ~othing ; all. is and must be utterly incomprehensible. I have no kind of defim~e measure. On almost every other page of .A.llingham's book we belief or expectation whatever as to the Future, o~ly that it have it brought in :- will be managed with wisdom-the very flower of wl8dom. Tyndall has not come to me lately. Perhaps he was vexed by an outburst of mine against Darwinism. I find no one who Carlyle had read White's 'Life of Swedenborg,' and spoke of has the deep abhorrence of it that I have in my heart of hearts, it rather with praise, bnt it gave him no stronger foothold as to science falsely so called. The Darwinian theory tried to meddle the reality of a future life. It was when reading thi£ book that with things that are out of man's reach ; and 11esides, I don't there first dawned on me the possibility of a future life. Some care a straw about all that. talk one evening in a clergyman's house was brought round to If anyone 11eede:l t.he ripened philosophy of .Andrew the occult side of life, and I rushed the next day and bought Jackson Davis it Wll8 Carlyle. The obscure clairvoyant, of whom the volume, which I gt•eedily devoured ; but there came not to probably he never heard, had sounded Nature's depths ar1d me light or satisfaction. I had to wait till spiritual phenomena September 2, 1911.] LIGHT. 413 .

wel'e brought to my notice. White was not an orthodox ecstatics who lived before the birth of modern Spiritualism Swedenborgian, but a Spiritualist rather, to whom it was beyond agree exactly with those of the mediums, some of whom, like dispute that spirits pass daily from earth and come back to earth Eusapia, are so ignorant that we cannot suppose them capable of once more when they feel they can give counael and consolation. fine points of theory of this kind. The above considerations He was a close friend of Ml'. Andrew Glendinning, and spent can therefore be summarised in the three following propositions : much of his time in his home. He wrote a little work entitled 1. In real cases of autoscopy, spgntaneous or provoked, 'Other World Order,' which is quite a gem in its way, one of the where the subject sees his own phantom appear before him, books of real value in spiritual literature. Many times have I and feels in his own consciousness sensatio11S perceived gone through its pages gathering l'eal knowledge. White had by the phantom, we must deduce that we are concerned truly the literary gift, and it is not to be wondered at that with the duplication of the odic phantom, a duplication which Carlyle spoke with praise of his work. A quotation will give in its first phase reveals itself under the form of exteriorisa­ an idea of the man's gentle nature, ' Spirits who depart from this tion of sensibility. 2. In the case where consciousness is trans· earth in. neglect and contumely, with battered reputations, ported into a doubled phantom which sees its own inanimate wrecks in all conventional regards, are yet received by the body at a· distance, we must conclude that we are concerned with angels with affection and esteem.' He also 'says, ' This world is an authentic 'Phenomenon of the duplication of the ethereal a place of birth, and not of abode-of experience and not of body, noticing also that a priori it is neither logically admissible fruition.' nor philosophically conceivable that the spirit can leave the body without its envelope, that is to say in a condition of pure THE HYPOTHESES OF 'BILOCATION' bodiless spirit. 3. To explain certain complex episodes where CONSIDERED. the phantom has simultaneously conaciousness of the peripheric sensibility and the power to provoke physical results, nothing BY ERNESTO BozzANo. Translated from ' Annales des prevents us from recognising the possibility of ·the freedom of Sciences Psyehiques.' the ethereal body produced with a partial impregnation of the ( Oontinued from page 399.) odic substance. There are, in addition to the categories specified, others in The old magnetisers obtained from their clairvoyant subjects which the interpretation of the phenomena is doubtful and em· detailed descriptions of the triple animic entity : spirit, ethereal barrassing, as, for example, when the subject, whilst preserving body, odic phantom; which the subjects named naturally by consciousness of itself, has the sensation of being tl'ansported the appellations which were usual to them. It will not be use­ to a given place where it sees what happens in that place, and less to quote passages of their revelations in this regard, as they where it is seen in addition by the persons who are there, so wiU serve at least to clear up the ideas of those who are that the subject has the senaation of being in two places at once. interested in the arguments. A subject of Werner, a Lutheran As we cannot confer the gift of ubiquity on the thinking Ego, Pastor of Beckelsberg on the Rhine (1840), expresses himself as we can only explain such cases by recourse to the hypothesis of follows:- simultaneous t.elesthesico-telepathic action in the subject, and we Spirit in its di vine eternal sense as sent by God, is the life note that in a large number of these cases certain essential soul (that is the ethereal body), and it is the soul which gives circumstances which we meet in cases of supposed duplication are the spirit. its personality. Circumscribed it completes it ; it is, lacking, and that on the contrary we find the circu!I¥!tances and as it were, the body of the spirit, and is therefore capable some­ times of being spiritualised with it, sometimes of conquering the conditions favourable to action of this class. Doctor J. H. Hyslop spirit by degrading it and materialising it altogether. Ne~ther recently supported a purely telepathic explanation of certain one nor the other can exist alone. They are intimately united. episodes of this nature, which were reported by Miss .Bates, by I cannot say how this is done ; there are spiritual links which saying that we cannot rationally admit the anomaly that an indi· I cannot see. The soul contains the interior sense of man, and vidual should be normally conscious in his own. body and be the spirit uses its powers, but, although this happens, there is a third substance which adds to the soul and moves and vitalises personally present at the same tiiue in distant places, which the body. This substance comes from the essence of the soul, would imply his simultaneous presence in two places at once. but in consequence of its bodily activity it participates more in Miss Bates, however, replied to Doctor Hyslop that under bodily nature than in that of the soul. Considered by itself this such circumstances the subject was probably not normally ·con­ substance or nervous :O.uid is the indispensable instrument by scious ; each time that this phenomenon was produced while the means of which the soul enters into ra:PPort with the exterior subject appeared to be awake, in reality the subject was world. The nervous :O.uid by nature becomes corporeal and gl'Ows, is destined to separate itself from the soul and to be entranced imperceptibly and interm~ttently. This induction dissipated whilst the soul gradually l'ises, and approaches the ·seems to be justified by the fact that analogous conditions of nature of the spirit. After death the soul cannot free itself psychic absence frequently happen in the weak state in hypnotic immediately f10m the nervous :0.uid, and earthly souls joyfully and hysterical subjects. If this possibility be admitted, certain in1pregnate themselves with it, which gives them the power to of these cases can be easily classed in the category of phenomena take up again a human form and to render themselves visible to regarding the movements of the ethereal body. However this the living or to make them hear, or to touch them, or to make sounds and noises in the terrestrial atmosphere. (Quoted by Mrs. may be, it seems to me necessary to distinguish between the de Morgan, 'From Matter to Spirit,' page 132.) ethereal and the odic phantoms as the result of the considera­ The last sentences above are noteworthy ; they agree per­ tions announced above. Having settled this, I shall refer ex;­ fectly with the assertion of Eusapia, that John used his odic clusively to the ethereal body, and continue the discussion of phantom for the production of phy:iical phenomena. The certain other duplications of hypnotic subjects gifted with the famous Seer of Prevorst affirms the same things, as well as the power of internal autoscopy recently noted by Dr. Bollier, Bain, existence of the odic phantom, which she calls the spirit of the and Le Maitre. nerves, or the principle of nervous vitality. Justinus Kerner This faculty consists in the marvellous power of seeing the writes concerning her :- · most secret parts of the organism not only macroscopically, but also microscopically, in such a way as to exceed the powers of As regards the nervous :O.uid, she said that it was the bond which united the soul to the body and the body to the world. the instruments used by scientists. Ea.Ch time such subjects The facility with which in her case this fluid frees itself was describe with anatomic and physiological precision the structure the cause of her abnormal state. By its action souls which are and functions of their internal organs, they also reveal pathologic still in the middle region are put into rapport in the atmosphere conditions in the completest detail of somatic dissociation, and with the substances which allow them to make themselves heard that even when operator and ·subject are both ignorant of and felt by man, as well as to cause a loss of gravity and to their occurrence in the organism. Hence there is no reao;ion for move heavy bodies. When a person dies in a state of perfect disbelief in their lucidity in those cases where they reveal func­ purity, which happens rarely, he does not carry the nervous fluid tional or histologic peculiarities, which have escaped up to the with him. Happy spirits to whom the nervous :0.uid does not present the reBearches of science. I allude here to the state­ continue to adhere can no longer appear. (' La Voyante de ments of a subject of Dr. Sollier regarding the functiona of the Prevorst,' page 88.) cortical centres. As we have sti~n, the statements of hypnotic sleepers or (To be continued.) 414 LI G H 1'. [$eptember 2, 1911.

O.IJ'FICE OF 'LIGit'l\' 110, ST. M:AR'rIN"S LANF., lute matter, energy and mind, and ·God' is 'tho Alpha . LONDON, W.C. 8ATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND, 1911. and Omega of all things spiritual and spacial.' It is here that we note an example characteristic of Mr. Kennedy's independent thinking, for he boldly avers that ~4Jltt: the Deific attributes of 'Omniscience,' 'Omnipotence,' A Journal of Psychical, Occult, and Mystical Research. and 'Omnipresence' must be taken only in a potential PRICE TWOPENCE WEEKLY. sense, as representing unlimited power to know or not to COMMUNICATIONS intended to be printed should be addressed to the Editor, Office of 'LIGHT,' 110, St. Martin's Lane, London, W.C. know ; to do or not to do ; to be or not to be everywhere Business communications should in all cases be addressed to Mr. present. The author thus dissociates himself from Pan­ ·F. W. South, Office of 'LIGHT,' to whom Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable. theism or Monism in their ordinary aspects. Without Subscription Rates.-'LIGHT' may be had free by post on the following necessarily accepting our author's conclusions in this regard, terms :-Twelve monthg, 10s. lOd; six months, 5s. 5d. Payments we can .easily appreciate his impatience of the arbitrary to be made in advance. To United States, 2dol. 70c. To France, Italy, &c., 13 francs 86 centimes. To Germany, 11marks25 pf!\". classifications of the two schools of philosophy referred to, Wholesale Agents:, Messrs. Simpkin,. Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and and his readiness to accept this method of escape from Co., Ltd., 23, Paternoster-row, London, E.C., and 'LIGHT' ca.n be ordered through all Newsagents and BookRellers. their mechanical forms of thought. _ APPLICATIONS b:y Members and Associates of the London Spirit­ Conjoined with his earnest effort to state his conception . ualist Alliance, Ltd., for the loan of books from the Alliance of existence in exact and scientific terms, Mr. Kennedy's Library should be addressed to the Librarian, Mr. B. D. Godfrey, Office of the Alliance, 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. view of Spirit goes far to vitalise and unify his thinking. 'Spirit,' he says, 'with its infinite power to Will, to Know, 'SPA.CE A.ND SPIRIT.' to act and to restrain, to utter itself in a myriad in­ dividualities (some free, some not so free), or to unite as To the best thought of the age all the phenomena of one, has also an infinite power of capacity.' life are resolved into Unity, and the Universe is justified It would require several articles to deal fully with the of its name. That principle· of Unity presents to us two various conclusions set out in Mr. Kennedy's work, but as sides which we know as form and force, or matter and we have indicated, his definitions, from which we have spirit. Mr. R. A.. Kennedy, whose suggestive and analytical quoted, convey by suggestion something of his attitude. work, 'Space and Spirit,' has gone into a second edition He connects, indeed, with a gradually increasing school of (Charles Knight and Co., Limited), prefers the terms which modern thinkers (of whom Bergson is one) who hold that form the title of his book, holding that there is a Spacial the Universe is to a certain extent indeterminate-some­ universe and a Spiritual universe. thing in process of development, infinitely plastic, and In this second edition of his work Mr. Kennedy has sublimely independent of any system of rigid methods and amplified some of the statements in the first edition, as a measurements. That theory is known as ' Creative Evolu­ result of criticisms and suggestions from various quarters, tion.' Here, for example, are our author's conclusions on and we observe that in this connection he refers to the the subject of Will (to which, by the way, he alludes in review which appeared in 'LIGHT' some considerable time connection with the suggestion contained in our review of ago, in wliich we invited him to expand, with a view to the "first edition of his book) :-. greater intelligibility, bis allusion to the 'self-restraining Now my view is that every life (short of Deity) has. he~n power ' of the 'spiritual pylmatom,' to which we refer partly determined and partly left undetermined. Every hfc is, below. therefore, partly foreknown and partly unforeknown. The un­ Not the least important of the changes in the present known undetermined factor in a life is its divinity . . [a life] is 'set going, is made subject to certain laws or l~mit:=itions, edition is a development of the original presentation of the which however only come into operation under certam c1rcnm­ idea of Space and Spirit as Absolutes to which all things stanc~. Snbje~t to those limitations that life is 'free' and itii! else are reducible. Mr. Kennedy has included the ideit of course unknown. It i~ ·unknown even to Deity, because left un­ Space with those of matter, energy and n:"iind as a 'power' determined by Deity. of Spirit. But this, as the author points out, does not Very illuminating. too, as illustrating Mr. Kennedy's affect his main argument. standpoint, is his remark that- Our original notice of the book appeared so long ago the whole spacial universe of matter and energy might hurl it­ self into the fathomless depths of a single spiritual individuality that it would be scarcely fair to assume that our readers without effect. The finite cannot affect the infinite withont the retain a clear recollection of it, especially those who have acquiesce nee of the infinite. not made the acquaintance of the book itself. We may We have already spoken of our author's concept of a say, then, that Mr. Kennedy's purpose has been to hold the 'Spiritual Pyknatom.' The Pyknatom of Vogt was a scales justly as between Sir Oliver Lodge, in his work on material point or particle conceivably endowed with a unit ' Life and Matter,' and Haeckel and his ' Monism.' of· consciousness and permanently occupying a place in It may be useful at this point to cite some of Mr. three dimensions. The Spiritual Pyknatom of Mr. Kennedy's 'Definitions,' as suggestively illustrating his Kennedy involves an individuality standpoint as between the two scientists upon whose views having the power to exist in a variety of states of which three his work is a commentary and a criticism. dimensional mattei·. is but one, and in all its states wilful, con­ 'Space,' then, he defines as 'that whfoh has extension scious and energetic, although capable.of self-restraint in respect and penetrability' ; 'Spacial Matter ' as spiritual matter of all its attributes. operating in space ; ' Spiritual Matter' as that which is Notwithstanding the sections on Will, however, we spaceless, impenetrable, divisible, and non-spacially change still find this idea of 'self-restraint' by the individuality able ; and 'Spacial Energy' as 'spiritual energy operating in in relation to its attributes somewhat obscure. Perhaps in space.' ' Spiritual Energy ' he finds identical, or at least a later edition Mr. Kennedy may be able to develop the closely allied with, ' Spiritual Matter' ; while 'Will ' is point. Meantime we rejoice to see the continuous advance 'that which originates and organises,' and 'Life' is 'Will . made by modern thought in the direction of a spiritual in action.' 'Soul' he holds to be' Individual Will,' 'Con­ conception of life. This implies a breaking away from the sciousness' 'that which knows'; '.Mind' 'that which wills sterile intellectualisms of the older schools, . which are or knows, or wills and knows.' logical and consistent only when considered solely in Finally, 'Spirit' represents all that we know of abso- relation to their own categories. Septen1ber 2,· 1911.1 ~IGHT. 415

· COUNT SOLOVOVO'S DILEMMA. regards as impossible, or a charge of fraud against a _reputable man, which must surely be distasteful, to say the least-but as The article by Count Perovsky-Petrovo-Solovovo on 'The he adopts the latter course, we hold that he sins against the Physical Phenomena of Spiritism : Some Difficulties,' in the evidence. .August issue of the ' Proceedings ' of the Society for Psychical Mr. E. T. Bennett, who knew Mr. Moses weil, says in his Research, is important because of the fact that its author says he work on 'Physical Phenomena,' pages 61-3 : '.As to the "funda­ has studied the subject under its different aspects for twenty mental questions of sanity and probity," Mr. Myers says: "Neither years and has 'gradually developed an attitude of scepticism I myself, nor so far as I know, any person acquainted with :M:r. and denial,' and because it embodies the objections which are Moses has ever entertained any doubt." Mr. C. C. Massey [a , advanced by many so-called investigators. Sir Oliver Lodge ahly trained and competent witness surely] says: "However perplexed ! digposes of the initial 'difficulty,' tliat ' the physical phenomena for an explanation, the crassest prejudice has recoiled from ever of Spiritism are improbable a priori ' (see page 403), and we suggesting a doubt of the truth and honesty of Stainton Moses." need only notice Count Solovovo's assertion that while we should Mr. H. J. Hoo'a, barrister-at-law, who knew him for many show ourselves increasingly difficult to convince just in propor­ years, writes : "I believe that he was wholly incapable of tion as the alleged facts appear improba,gle, in Spiritism 'the deceit.'" more a phenomenon is improbable the lesil the proofs which are Elsewhere Mr. Myers, referring to the phenomena occurring advanced in favour of its authenticity arc satisfying.' Especially through the mediumship of Mr. Moses, speaks of ' the even is this the case, he thinks, respecting apports, the passage of tenour of this straightforward and reputable life.' Regarding matter through matter, materialisations, spirit photographs and Dr. and Mrs. Stanhope Speer, the main witnesses of these striking direct writings. manifestations, Mr. Myers quotes the te~timony of Dr. Marshall The passage of matter through matter he regards as 'humanly Hall, F.R.S., to the talents and acquirements of Dr. Speer, and speaking, impossible,' and finds.' few serious witnesses and not a then says 'his cast of mind was strongly materialistic, and it is single truly conclusive fact.' 'For apports the evide nee is even less remarkable that his interest in Mr. Moses' phenomena was from satisfact~ry.' .As to these latter, 'apart from the proofs usually first to last of a purely scientific, as contrasted with an emotional associated with the name of Stainton Moses,' he says, ' I know or religious nature.' Mrs. Speer kept careful records of the almost no cases worthy of detaining our attention.' Then we sittings. get this remarkable and unsupported-and in our opinion Summarising the Moses apports Mr. E. T. Bennett says unwarranted and untrue-assertion :- (pp. 69-70) :- .As regards Stainton Moses there can be no doubt that the During two or three weeks over fifty instances occurred great majority of his phenomena (apports included) can be ex­ in which objecta from different parts of the house were placed plained by fraud on his part-necessarily conscious fraud in upon the table round which Mr. Stainton Moses and Dr. and some cases, perhaps unconscious in others. It is certainly im­ Mrs. Speer were sitting in a locked dark room. The gas was probable that a man in his position should amuse himself for years always left burning brightly in the adjoining. dining-room and in in mystifying his most intimate friends, but it is infinitely more the hall outside, so that if either of the doors had been opened even improbable still to suppose that he had the gift to make divers for a moment a blaze of light would have been let into the room articles come through space, one knows not when or how, and in which they sat.' . . On one occasion a small edition of to make them pass through doors and walls while they preserved 'Paradise Lost' was placed on the table, and at the same time the their original shape. .And I think that we have to choose not, words 'to convince' were spelt out by raps. This little book as has been said, between a physical and a moral miracle, but had been in the hands of all of them during the evening, and rather between a physical impossibility and a moral improba­ they could testify to the position on a bookshelf ·where it bad bility. It is difficult to hesitate between the two. been left. One evening seven objects in different rooms were Here we have the main argument in a nutshell. .Apports brought in ; among them a little bell from the dining-room. are physical impossibilities. Mr. Moses and his friends bore They heard it begin to ring, the sound approached the door, they were astonished soon to hear the sound in the room where testimony to having had such phenomena, therefore Mr. Mose~ they sat, round which the bell was carried, close to the faces of must have been a cheat. all, and finally placed on the table, having been ringing loudly Apparently cb.a:i:a.cter, testimony, the evidence of independent all the time. .A curious incident occurred at a later date, the witnesses, the honourable life and long record for probity and circle of three sitting alone. .A small Parian statuette from an uprightness of the medium count for nothing, simply because upper room was placed upon the table. One of the party re­ Count Solovovo assumes that certain alleged phenomena are quested that a friend who usually communicated might be fetched. 'We are doing so' was spelt out by raps. This was taken to be outside the bounds of possibility ! That such phenomena are the complete answer, and they ceased to call over the alphabet. scientifically conceivable and probable, Sir Oliver Lodge has However the alphabet was called for again, and 'mething else' demonstrated-consequently th!l assumption on which the argu­ was spelt out. No idea could be formed as to the meaning of ment rests is baseless. It is therefore, as we have always this. At request it Wad exactly repeated. .After much puzzling insisted, a question of evidence, and of the trustworthiness of it occurred to one of the party to join it on to the previous the witnesses. message-when the meaning became apparent. Mr. Stainton Moses sarcastically remarks-' What a clear case of "unconscious .As to the competency and reliability of witnesses, our authGJr, cerebration I "' 'Very soon an odour like Tonquin bean was after asserting that a large number of the statements of wit­ apparent to all of us. Something fell on the table, and light nesses are valueless, and contending that 'in order to observe showed that a snuff-box which had contained Tonqnin bean had well in matters of this kind special aptitudes and a special train­ been brought from Dr. Speer's dressing-room. The box was ing are necessary,' and that thi>.se are rarely met with, declares closed, and the odour was remarked before any of us had the re­ that 'it follows that only a restricted number of the accounta motest idea that the box was in the room. '* of such phenomena are credible.' Mr. Myers was personally acquainted with Mr. Moses for .Apparently Sir William Crookes is a witness whose aptitude years, and after his decease, and after critically examining and training will be conceded by the Count, yet in his 'Re­ thirty-one of liis note-books containing records of his experiences, searches,' after citing a number of instances of the movement of together with two note-books and other· MSS. by Dr; Speer, physical objects, Sir'William gives an account of how a small bell which ·contained independent contemporary records of much was brought into the seance room from an adjoining room,* into evidential value, Mr. Myers says of the phenomena which which, previous to the seance, he had told his two boys to go to occurred in the presence of Mr. Moses :-'- proceed with their lessons-and had locked them in. This is That they were not produced fraudulently by Dr. Speer or certainly an instance of an apport under almost perfect conditions. other sitters I regard as proved both by moral considerations But let us turn to the Count's method of disposing of the and by the fact that they are constantly reported as occurring .Stainton Moses phenomena, and at the outset we readily recog­ when Mr. Moses was alone. That Mr. Moses should have him· self fraudulently produced them I regard as both morally and nise that the Count finds himself in an awkward dilemma, since physicaUy incredible. That he should have prepared and pro• the alternative, as between a physical impossibility and a moral dnced"them in a state of trance I regard as both physically in· improbability, involves him in the admission of facts which he credible and also as entirely inconsistent with the tenour both * Pages 96 and 97, *See 'Proceedings' S.P.R., Vol. IX., pp, 266-267. 416 LIGHT. [September 21 1911.

of his own reports and of those of his friends. I therefore been quite the reverse of what they have been pictured by some regard the reported phenomena as having actually occurred in writers, and the question to be decided is, which view is the most a genuinely supernormal manner. reliable. It may not matter much, of course, as the continent Yet, in face of this emphatic attestation, Count Solovovo has passed, but the coinmunications of such spirits are as reliable, does not hesitate to charge Mr. Moses with conscious fraud-this, surely, as the alleged interpretations of the Akashic records too, as far as we can judge, not because he can find any evidence by clairvoyant psychics, and the practical Spiritualist would that Mr. Moses was a cheat, but solely because it is the only way rather take his information from one who is most likely to know. by which he can escape from haYing to admit the occurrence of But as Spiritualists are reasonable as well as practical, we can leave phenomena which he, on tt priori grounds, decides to be outside the work with the reader, feeling assured that his own common­ the range of possibility. Could what Mr. C. C. MasJey aptly sense will he his best guide in the perusal of this work, which is, designated ' the crassest prejudice.' go further or arrive at more indeed, a monument of patient, untiring effort, both on the part unscientific and unjust conclusions 1 • of mortal and spirit, and, leaving out the spirits if you will, it deserves to be read if only as a work of imagination. When I 'SUBMERGED ATLANTIS RESTORED.' say that the book deals with geographic, geologic, ethnographic, and ethnologic conditions ; languages, alphabets, figures, money, In ' LIGHT' of July 22nd there appeared a brief review of a cardinal and ordinal numbers, music, musical instruments, monu­ book entitled 'Submerged Atlantis Restored.' From a perusal ments, architecture, sculptors and sculpture, &c., the reader can of this work I find that it differs from others dealing with see that the work of detail is indeed vast, and the book should Atlantis and instead of being the outcome of the exercise of have a good sale because of the attempt to link up the past with some special faculty, and the reading of an hypothetical record the present. In the geographic and geologic sections there is in the Akasha, it claims to be the work of spirits who lived in much which students of those sciences should be able either to Atlantis. From the Spiritualist position, granting that Atlantis confirm or to confute. existed, .there is nothing unreasonable in the idea that cer­ W. H. Ev A.NB. tain Atlantean spirits should give to the world, through suitable Exeter. mediums, what knowledge they possess. The writer of this work, Mr. G. Ben Leslie, with the help of Mrs. Carrie C. Van QUEEN VICTORIA, A GOLD WATCH, AND A Duzee, has spent many years in getting the information SPIRIT MEDIUM. now published, and surely a period of years is sufficient for the author to prove the trustwo1·thiness of the spirits who communi­ The final seance with Mrs. Wriedt. held on August 23rd, at cated with him. No sane Spiritualist puts faith in spirits whom Julia's circle, was made the occasion of a remarkable present.a· he has found to be untruthful, and I take it that these spiritual tion. Mr. W. T. Stead handed to the medium a gold watch monitors have proven their fidelity to Mr. Leslie, and that is the bearing two inscriptions, dated respectively 1846 and 1911. best credential which they can give. The tone of the work is The former read as follows :- reasonable through out, and whether it be an actual history of Presented by Her Majesty Queen Victoria to Miss Georgiana Atlantis or not, it is worth reading and comparing with other Eagle for her meritorious and marvellous clairvoyance produced productions of a similar nature. at Osborne Lodge, Isle of Wight, July 15th, 1846. The causes assigned for the submergence of Atlantis are The second inscription, possibly destined to possess an very different from others I have read. The usual theory seems equally important historical interest, read :- to be that the people of Atlantis made a bad use of their psychic Presented by William T. Stead to Mrs. Etta Wriedt, through powers, and incurred the displeasure of thE gods. There is in whose mediumship Queen Victoria's direct voice was heard in London in July, 1911. this a linking of physical effects with moral causes. In this book, however, we are told that the submergence of Atlantis was a In making the presentation, Mr. Stead said he held it to be result of certain physical changes, chiefly volcanic in origin, and of more value to hear Queen Victoria's voice eleven years after had nothing to do with the morality, or otherwise, of the people. her death than to have the watch which was given in her life­ The attempt to drag in physical changes as a result of the time. immorality of the people is fatal. The two act independently Mrs. Wriedt was also the recipient of the following illu­ of each other. A city is not destroyed by earthquake because minated address :- the people are wicked. We have ceased to believe in such anLi­ 'fo Mrs. Etta Wriedt, of Detroit, Michigan. quated ideas as that. IL is destroyed because it is within the This address is presented to yon on behalf of the many earthquake zone, and is the most vulnerable point at the time. friends who have enjoyed the privilege of having sittings with Besides, all the people in such cities are not wicked, and to say you during your sojourn in London. We desire to express our gratitude to you for the opportunity afforded us of receiving that a place is overthrown because of the people's wickedness is communications in the direct voice from our friends who have to say that those who undertake such a work lack discrimination, passed on before. These communications have been of unmis­ in that they kill the good with the bad, which is a gross viola· takable authenticity from beings who satisfied us as to their tion of the principles of justice. I make this point in passing, identity, and were often in languages with which you had no as it shows the -rational view of the submergence of Atlantis acquaintance. We gladly and gratefully bear testimony to the extraordinary value of your form of mediumship, which is far in taken by the controlling spirits who have inspired this work. advance of any similar manifestations yet witnessed in this Strange as it may seem, these spirits do not believe in the re­ country. We sincerely trust that your invaluable gift may long incarnation of human spirits, but teach the re-embodiment, or be jealously preserved as the means of enabling those who are re-conception of ideas in men. This is rational and I think still in their bodies to hold loving and confidential communion demonstrable also to some extent, and although I have consid­ with those from whom they have been parted for a little time erable sympathy with the reincarnationist position, I must admit by the river of Death. that it is a theory and nothing more. London, August 17th, 1911. The scope of the work is wide, many interesting items are Signed on behalf of Julia's Circle :-William T. Stead. given and many beautiful. spiritual lessons may be educed from Signed on behalf of the other sitters :-W. U sborne Moore, it. The statement is made that the people of Atlantis were Vice-Admiral. E. T. HARPER. well acquainted with the truths of spiritual communion, and 'Review"of Reviews,' Bank-buildings, Kingsway. their civilisation was of a high order. The formation of their cities, their government, and laws are given in detail, and some of the ·thoughts should be useful even ti) modern reformers. WE are informed that Mr. Joseph Isherwood, an English Woman seems to have enjoyed social equality, and motherhood trance medium who has been advocating Spiritualism in Austra­ lia and, latterly, in South Africa, is about to visit London for a was regarded with affection and reverence. In the mechanical short time. Mr. Isherwood is reported to be able to give very arts they were advanced, and poetry, art, science, music, and successful demonstrations of clairvoyance and convincing spirit literature were well developed amongst them, education being messages. He will arrive some time in September, and will be free and compulsory. Altogether these people seem to have pleased to be kept busy. September 21 1911.) LIGHT. 417

THE DISCOVERY OF GOD. knew. This is how I then believed : if there were Gods many, that God might be one of them-perhaps a principle, a person, BY GERALDINE DE ROBECK. in the· mystic sense-but not the Supreme ' I Am.' No conception of God which made Him responsible :for the Since we profess to believe that He whom we call God-the woe of existence, or the world as I saw it then, was high Eternal Spirit-is nearer to us than anything else iu the enough, great enough, universal enough for me: I was not a universe (whether known or unknown), closer in every way and Pantheist, in the ordinary sense, because God, to my thinking, more intimately related to our 'self' than it is even possible for could not be both matter and spirit ; He could not be in things us to realise, surely our chief study in life should be the that were born and died, in things that decayed and perished. attempt to discover everything possible about Him-the mystery And yet, of a truth, nothing c0t1ld actually be without Him. As of His being ; the nature of our being in Him, and the where­ an Immanent power, He must be in all things. Merely to say that abouts o:f that kingdom which we feel ourselves bound for when He had 'created all things' was an insufficient explanation of we speak of being 'far from our heavenly home.' If we do not the relation existing between Him and the visible universe. thus seek God and busy ourselves wit.11 the perfectioning of our Only after emptying my mind of all humanly acquired know­ souls we are unfaithful. Is it enough to go to church once a ledge, and, as it were, leaving it bare and clean-swept, did I call week to worship Him 1 Six days already have w~ worshipped on the Heavenly Visitant to take up His abode within me for in the temple of Mammon; what_ is one day 1 Nay, the agnos­ good-and it was then that I learnt to call Him my Father and tic is more enlightened, for he passes much time in thought about God, and realised why it was that the Gods of ordinary religion those things that are truly of moment to the physical man, and (for even in the Orthodox Church there are so many Gods, i.e., though he says 'I find no proof that a God snch as you describe ideas of what God is, that it is impossible to say that every to me exists,' he seeks :for the secret way, whereas the profess­ Christian worships the same God) could no longer be my Gods. ing Christian very often leaves all to the last.. The God I conceive as existing thus in all things-whether Sometimes it is God Himself who comes to man : as Christ visible or invisible-who transcends and yet is immanent in all He 'stands at the door and knocks.' It is always thus at first things (containing and not contained)-could never be desc1ibed that He comes to the mystic, and the soul of the mystic rises to as 'jealous,' 'wrathfol,' 'vengeful' ('appeased by sacrifice') or admit Him. There is joy in the hearts of those who are ready 'a God of war'-for then what of His attributes of 'love,' for Him-not dismay, uncertainty, confusion. He comes sud­ 'justice,' 'mercy' ? How could He make men weak and then denly, truly as 'a thief in the night;' and the soul, blinded with ' punish ' them for falling ? How could He ' cause earthquakes, light, yet knowing well who stands without, gropes for Him in or fires, or floods ' and let man suffer without comforting him, the darkness, crying to the invisible friend, 'I will arise and as even the least philanthropic of ordinary mortals could not make ready the guest-chamber for Thee, Beloved ! ' The soul help doing ? Why, if He were truly 'loving,' should He wait that is taken unawares fears to open the door and cries, from until sufficient prayers had been addressed to Him in order to within, 'Thy servant sleepeth, Lord ; behold, in my house it is grant release from suffering to the agonised petitioner and good dark and all the doors are closed.' These doors must all be to him who asked it of Him? opened if the Lord is to come to His Temple. The Temple At the same time I recognised always a measure of truth in itself must be cleared of its old idols, its birds of night, its the various creeds-in Buddhism, Mohammedanism, Roman and obscene beasts, lurking in corners and deeming themselves Protestant Catholicism, and all the ' new thought ' and so-called masters of the house. The Holy of Holies must be prepared, metaphysical systems which to-day seem to be springing up like fa order that the Master, when He comes again, may not find saplings in an ancient forest of old beliefs. ' What's in a name ? ' another in His place, and may bring with Him those of His might well be asked when some new form of belief is set up by own household-the Angels and Ministers of His Will, who, a novel thinker, and decried by those of more conservative ten­ long ago, fled weeping from the desecrated sanctuary. That Holy dencies : each of the great religions contains a grain of imperish­ of Holies too frequently contains but a sordid and battered image able truth, the mustard seed (or esoteric faith), which one day of brass-usually a likeness, marred and pitiably distorted, of the is to become the tree of universal science, spreading its branches man himself, wl).o set it up and worshipped it ! Sometimes from earth to heaven. the hidden shrine is empty ; when opened naught can be Yes, the God I believe in and worship is so supreme in might found where once a Holy Likeness was said to be treasured, save a and majesty, so universally present at all times and in all places, little dust-the dust of decayed images. This does not happen that it is and always will be impossible for mere human beings alone in the case of the agnostic, who may, indeed, keep most un - to fully realise either His presence or His supremacy. Yet, as a spotted his inner temple ! To me the sense of God's presence man grows greater in mind, so does his idea of God increas\l in came when I had been, seemingly, abandoned by all on earth, majesty and importance, so that in days to come the idea of God and it has never truly left me. From that moment I have lJeen ·will have changed so completely that men will look with as much hard at work clearing ont the shrine in my little temple and no dissatisfaction on the Deity that mo3t of us worship to-day as one can conceive what an amount of rubbish I fonnd there ! we do upon the gods and goddesses of pre-Christian times. It Old, ill-digested creeds, partially assimilated knowledge will seem futile to that generation of thinkers to seek the omni­ of what it was right for man to lJelieve, and in whom he shonld present One in temples made with hands, or to petition Omnipo­ believe ; bundles of notions that had been picked up and tence to interfere in the affairs of a world which to spirit may treasured-who knows why ? To-day, though order rnles not not appear to exist at all. When man has found the earth and yet-few mystics could be found ready to proclaim their entire heavens which were really formed at the word of the Creator satisfaction with the state of the fastness of t.heir minds-I (as declared in Genesis), then he will realise why it was that no have so far cleared away foreign matter from my inner thoughts answer came to the cry of despair of the suffering ones in the that I can set up what to me was before an ' unkuown ' God, Kingdom of Satan (world temporal) ; and he will know that the that i§, untaught by the creeds, in my Holy of Holies, and ' way out' for him lies in coming into possession himself of worship Him in secret, with a clear conscience and a heart at that kingdom of the mind (within him) wherein he may create rest. for the suffering thousands a progressively better and better When first I looked 'within ' and examined myself as to my presentment of the divine and eternal world of spirit. That spiritual state and private doctrine I found that the God of . there verily does exist a world over against this ruined ordinary religion could no longer satisfy me, I did not believe in and crumbling duplicate of it-imperishable, perfect, and Him at all. I did not believe that any of my so-called mis­ of sure foundations, the ' Something that is not mere man, in fortunes in life had been sent to me by Him as trials of faith ; man' tells us all ; but to the man who communes much with I did not believe that He had ' accepted the sacrifice of His spirit it speaks in clearer language, whispering of things un­ Son's death on the Cross as a means of lJeing reconciled with nameable, which his brother-men have no capacity to conceive, the world '-I do not believe to this day any of these things as maybe, but which the spirit tells him are amongst the very least I am supposed to do-the visitor who came to me in the night of the treasures of the kingdom. The spirit within him teaches of my despair taught otherwise, and I am convinced that he that the Lord of the Heavenly Country is his Father-that he is.- 418 .LIGHT lSeptember 2; 1911.

not only the offspring o an ape-descended man, not flesh and grateful for it all, and realise that all is good that comes to you, blood alone, but primarily spirit (like his true life-giver), and that disappointments are meant to be a lesson or needed experi­ that he need not for ever continue to weave about him a garment ence. My sweetest blessing I bestow upon you, and repeat be of flesh, concealing his proper manhood in the caves and rock­ of good cheer, all is well with thee, my soul's choice.-Ever and everyours, WHITE FLOWER.' shelters of sense, but must emerge at last, little by little, into the light, and put on that higher body originally made for him Can the present-day man of the world be brought to believe in the image of his Father in Heaven. in the manifestations described in the preceding pages, or. to To my thinking, then, all that has been written or revealed credit the interference of discarnate beings in the worldly or regarding the greatness of the Supreme Deity falls far short of spiritual affairs of living individuals in whom they may be inter­ what He truly is ; yet when I call Him 'Father' I have ested 1 W onld he not instantly dismiss the whole thing as the silly included everything that need be said in explanation of His twaddle of a weak-minded and deluded person 1 I fear so. Yet relation to me-all, certainly, that my intellect is capable of among the many there are certainly a few who will pause before conceiving in regard to His Transcendence and Immanence. Is pronouncing a hasty verdict. Some will not be quite deaf and not the son's body compacted of the blood of his parents, and is blind to spiritual truths, some have intuitions concerning soul he not the offspring of a thought that can never die-the matters, some may have been sorely tried by the loss of near thought of innumerable progenitors 1 They truly live in him, and dear ones. To these Paul's experiences may prove of :very and so in the sons of God the seed of holy thought dwells, and real interest. If he knocked and .the door was opened to him, if they cannot die because that thought is a living and quickening he asked and it was given to him, why not to others also 1 Let thought. them try. Let them enter into the investigation of the beyond Therefore is the Kingdom of Heaven mine, also, by inheritance, in a humble, prayerful manner, with an open mind, free from the Lord of Heaven my brother. Well know I that the things preconceived ideas, free from idle curiosity, seeking for the I look on now are a par~ of Him (yet this is when I see with blessed truth and light, armed with patience, perseverance, love, ' the other eyesight,' for matter as I seem to see it is illusion), and pnre natives, and faith in the merciful Father. but I shall see Him some day as a man sees his brother face to It is far from my desire to merely astonish some by relating face (in my brother-man I shall then see Him, as also in myself) a few wonders witnessed in seance rooms. My purpose is when the God in me is more truly expressed. I know that as to call the attention of Spiritualists or non-Spirit­ my Father, God (in the beginning) gave me life-I am His child, ualists, of those with aching hearts, of the many who and that I shall grow up some day into His full image and feel find but meagre hope in the~ pretensions of creeds, of those who myself to be co-existent with the Alpha and Omega. donbt the reality of the after life, to the blessed knowledge which discriminating and patient efforts will most assuredly bring them. I solemnly state and aver that all the phenomena COMFORTING SPIRITUAL COMMUNION. described already, or to be described in the sequence of these papers, cire true, and told without exaggeration or equivocapion. STRIKING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN SPIRITUALISM. (To be continued.) As the writer of the following interesting account of 'per­ sonal experiences in Spiritualism' occupies a high official position on the other side of the Atlantic he stipulates that his name MR. MASKELYNE'S VISION. and address shall not be published. He vouches for the entire accuracy of his statements, and our readers may rest assured that When anything Spiritualidtic comes before the public, the we are satisfied that his narrative is a bo'nJl fide setting forth of journalistic 'interviewer>' for .some inscrutable ·reason, pounces facts as they appealed to him. Our contributor is well known to on Mr. Maskelyne and asks for his opinion. ·ThIB has been us and is one of the oldest subscribers to 'LIGH'.I.'.' done by' TheDaily News' representative respecting 'Telepathy,' (Oontinued from page 405.) and Mr. Maskelyne promptly replies in his customary breezy fashion. He says :- The following letter is the one that was referred to at the In case8 of imminent danger and great excitement there is close of my article in the last issue of 'LIGHT' :- occasionally .a kind of mental telegraphy between brain and DEAR l\IR. PAUL,-! am impressed by your angel guide to brain, but that two persons can communicate at will with one write to yon as follows, you will doubtless understand her another is, to my mind, an absolute impossibility. I should meaning : She w!lnts me to say that she did appear to you on be very glad if the existence of such correspondence could be all occasions at the M.'s ; have no misgivings about that. The established beyond question, if for no other reason than that conditions there are not now as good as formerly, the mediums the solution of the problem would account for nearly all the have become exhausted, they cannot supply the power sufficient gennine phenomena which form the basis of the fraud of Spirit­ to build up materialised forms. They refuse to rest and ualism. recuperate. Mediums can only do so much and no more ; they The last sentence is rather mixed ! Mr. Maskelyne then must then retire to acquire new strength or, in their weakened gave the following incident as one reason why he kept an mental and physical condition, they may be tempted to sub­ stitute fraud for the imperfect produce of their exhausted open mind on the subject :- powers. She says : 'Divest your mind of all thoughts of the I nearly lost my life by drowning while I was still in my M.'s for the present. I will ere long give yo.n undoubted proof teens-in fact, after I was taken out of the water I remained of my identity, you will not have long to wait. Cheer unconscious for a considerable time, and my rescuel's began to up, or your despondency will cause me pain. Be happy give up hope of bringing me back again to life. But here is the in the thought of fellowship and constant heart to heart curious thing about this affair which might have ended so tragi­ sympathy. I saw it coming and gave yon warning to live above cally for me. Just before I lost consciousness in the water I all discouragements. You know that at all times but a very distinctly saw my mother appearing to me in a vision. Again, thin veil separates us. My portrait is genuine; I was able to another remarkable point was that although my mother knew impress my features on the mind of the medium, Mrs. M., while nothing of my accident, when I got home I saw her in a state she and her controls produced it. How I have wished to cheer of intense agitation,•· and she began at once to question me you, I only know. But you will be happy now, won't you 1 about my health, evidently thinking that something serious had I am coming to yon in form again, but not for some time yet. happened. I have been unable as yet to find any explanation Oh, you will yet be so happy in earth life, and only good will for this phenomenon. come to you. Try never to think of disagreeable things, always pnt them out of mind, think only of the bright things in life; so shall you grow spiritually, at the same time you will help LONDON SPIRITUALIST ALLIANCE, LTD. others to do the same. I see you becoming more and more attuned to our sphere of existence, so that I can now impress We have pleasure in announcing that the London Spiritualist yon more easily. In your quiet moments listen for my voice, it Alliance has made arrangements with Mr. Percy R. Street, com· will come .to your ear as a mental thought. I will impress you mencing on Monday next, September 4th, to attend the rooms at the same moment, so that you will know it is apart from your at llO, St. Martin's-lane, W.C., on Mondays, Wednesdays and own thought and no illusion. Dear one, be patient ; all will be Fridays, from ll a.m. to 2 p.m., for diagnosis by a spirit control, well, much more happiness and satisfaction than you can con­ magnetic healing, and delineations from the personal aura. For ceive of at the present . time will come to you ; you will be so full particulars see the advertisement supplement. · September 2, 1911.] LIGHT. 419

ITEMS OF INTEREST. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

The Rev. George H. Hepworth expresses a rational, The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by correspon­ spiritual faith when he says : 'I believe that everyone has the dents, and sometimes publishes what he does not agree with for breath of God in his nostrils. That breath constitutes person­ the purpose of presenting viB'Ws which may elicit discussion. ality-a personality which will persist forever. It will not be absorbed in the infinite ail a drop of water is absorbed by the ocean, but will maintain its separate identity throughout eternity. Counterparts. Moreovtr, it will, amid the opportunities of another life, slowly Srn,-What is the truth about counterparts 1 Belief in the educate itself and rise to heights not dreamed of. No part of doctrine dates from time immemorial. It is not confined to one God can die, neither can it remain dormant. It will, when it age or one race. We find it alluded to under various names becomes conscious of itself, push its way into broader spheres such as 'alter ego,' 'twin soul,' 'other half,' 'affinity,' or ' ljOUl of influence and development.' mate.' It crops up constantly in works of fiction of a psychic nature, while in love stories the two lovers are supposed to be . A representative of the 'Daily News' ha.~ discovered that the one in heart. Perhaps some of your readers could throw some offer of one tbousand pounds for satisfactory proofs of thonght­ light on the subject.-Yours, &c., transfereqce i~ being made by a self-constituted jury who claim OMNIA VINCIT AMOR. to he 'rationalistic,' and who have initiated an 'anti-spook' movement. Apparently they do not want proofs of the reality of telepathy, for one of their number said to the 'Daily News' Should Inquirers be Warned? man : ' Our point is to bring home to the man in the street who reads certain hooks, and who has been led to believe that tele­ Srn,-It is generally thought that simply investigating pathy is proved by heaps of evidence, that the whole idea is due Spiritualism, either by reading books or attending a private to imagination and delusion ! ' Evidently we are to have a lively circle, is injurious to the investigator, and I myself have hnd time this winter, and our thanks are due to our friends the recently to gi vc up a good deal of the study of the subject owing enemy for waking us up. The imagination and delusion seem t.o outside opposition taking this line of objection, and in­ · to exist in their minds rather than in ours. fluencing my wife to prevail upon me to give the matter up altogether. 'The Literary Guide' for September devotes nearly two The only danger that I can see is that one is apt to give too columns to an article on Mr. J. Arthur Hill's' New Evidences much time to the study, and might neglect ordinary lmsiness in Psychical Research.' The writer expresses himself as 'unim­ and home affairs, especially in the early days of investigation. pressed by the evidence which has convinced him [Mr. Hill] A word of warning in your paper might have some good remlts, that the human mind survives the death of the body,' antl as there must be many like myi!elf who have found the subject expresses the opinion that 'we have no right to be intellectually so interesting that for some time the.whole mind was given to convinced of the fact of some very rare and seemingly "super­ this pursuit alone. I think that very likely this was the cause normal " happening, merely by reading other people's testimony. of my raising so much opposition.-Yours, &c., Nothing short of personal knowledge, severely discounted J. w. by reflection on one's own incompetence as a witness, can give any right to personal conviction.' On such lines it is impossiLle Thought Photographs. to establish anything by the testimony of witnesses. But the . Srn,-In 'LIGHT' of August 26th (p. 398) I note a report, strength of Spiritualism is that it is held by the people who quoted from the 'Morning Leader,' of Major Darget's account have 'personal knowledge,' and the weakness of its foes is that of his experiments in the obtaining of thought photographs. they lack that personal experience which is possessed by those The account is extremely interesting, but one vital point appears who take the affirmative. We are told that' the question as to to have been overlooked, viz., that when thinking intently with the existence of individual minds, otherwise than through the his . fingers placed in the developing dish, the experimenter instrumentality of physical Lodies, is one not for a priori dog­ would naturally picture the object as it would appear to his matising, but for expert investigation.' Yet such dogrnatising ordinary vision and would therefore logically expect the same is constantly going on. When investigators who have devoted impression to appear on the plate. That being so, in printing years to patient and careful observation of the phenomena, and from that plate he would get a negative object and not a positive. are therefore the true experts in this realm, publish the conclu­ How doei: the Major get over this technical difficulty ?-Yours, sions at which they arrive, they are immediately met with the &c., LEO. • assertions that their evidence is inadequate, or that they ai>e of questionable competence as witnesses,.and are told that ' a irnst­ worthy consensus of competsnt opinion' is needed ! We are Mrs. Besant's Attitude towards Spiritual.ism. inclined to ask: How much personal experience is required to render a writer competent to judge what constitutes evidence, or Srn,-Your correspondent, Mrs. M. Hopper, seems to me to convincing evidence, in this realm, and what amount of actual be quite unnecessarily disturbed with respect to Mrs. Besant's knowledge does this 'Literary Guide' critic possess 1 attitude towards Spiritualism. Surely the evidence we get through our own personal experience of the identity of the Another writer, this time in 'The Times,' of August 25th, spiritual beings who visit us at our seances is of far greater dealing with 'thought-transference,' oracularly declares : 'The importance than any opinions expressed by outsiders, no matter instances, or supposed instances, have never been examined with who they are. We can best judge the spirits by the works they sufficient care by competent persons to exclude the innumerable do ; therefore if they bring to us comfort and real spiritual help, possibilities of coincidence, and it is even doubtful whether uny it matters little whether the controlling entities are our own per­ care which could be taken, after the alleged event, would be sonal friends or not. sufficient for the purpose, or could avoid the operation of "the One of the tenets of Spiritualism is to regard all myriad shafts of chance." The only conclusive proof would lJe men as brothers ; therefore we can welcome those who come to by the intentional reproduction of the occurtence ; and in us, even if they are of the lowest grade, as members of the one order to accomplish this it would first be necessary to determine great brotherhood. If one class of denizens from other spheres with scientific precision what were the conditions of success.' are able to pierce througb the veil of matter why not another ? Apparently the careful experiments and records of Psychical There is no doubfwe derfre help from spirit friends, and Researchers count for nothing. Evidently they are not 'com­ great is our joy when we can truly say, 'I know in whom I have petent persons.' But those who know what should be done and believed,' because of evidences of identity. Let us do onr how to do it, write for 'The Times' and other journals! We utmost to deserve this blessing, and attract to our circles those are calmly informed that : 'If such a thing as thonght-trans­ who are able anrl willing to impart to us the knowledge they ference be possible, there ought to be no great difficulty in have obtained.-Yours, &c., obtaining trustworthy evidence of it, and then the " next step " Leamington. C. B. N. would be to determine the conditions governing its occurrence. These once known, it would be reproducible at will, and the philosophers of the next generation might look forward to its Srn,-Your correspondent, Mrs. Hopper, should not allow employment as a substitute for wireless telegraphy. Until these herself to be disturbed. She speaks of an 'authority' ! There conditions are fulfilled, we fear that no efforts will have any never was an authority on the survival of man-there are better result than to add to the number of the ignes fatui by authorities on the evidence, i.e., Spiritualistic phenomena, of the which, from time to time, the footsteps of the human race have continuity of existence. She should trust the evidence of her been beguiled.' Surely, now that we understand what is re- . senses (there is nothing else to [be trusted) and deal with and quired, we shall proceed on the right lines ; but would it not accept demonstrable facts. One sitting with Mrs. Wriedt, the be well to invite these gentlemen of the Press to help us by direct-voice medium (see 'LIGHT,' August 12th) is worth all the themselves conducting the experiments, so that we may at last theodes l\Itd specula,tioll$ ever invented !-Yonrs, &c., hl\ve competent expert testimony 1 W. CoofEI\ LlssP;m>ElN. ------·----

420 LIGHT. [September 2, 1911,

Forgiveness and Progress after Death 9 SOCIETY WORK ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th, &c. Srn,-The letter on page 395, dealing with 'Forgiveness and Progress after Death,' is most interesting, and should e1icit Pro8pectwe Notices, not exceeding twenty-four words, may be added replies from those who are well versed in the subject. 'Trying to reports if accompanied 'by stamps to the value of sia:pence. the spirits' is always commendable, but first of all be sure that you are trying spirits. MARYLEBONE SPIRITUALIST .AssOOU.TION, 51, MOBTlllER­ .Accepting the report as substantially accurate, after allowing STREET, W.-0011Jendish Rooms.-Mr. E.W. Wallis delivered an for the emotional style in which it was written, it is pretty evi­ educative and eloquent address entitled 'Spiritualism, .A Plea dent that the unprogressed spirit mentioned was creed-bound as for the Plain Truth.' Mr. W. T. Cooper presided. Sunday well as earth-hound, and dwelling in darkness. .Are not we next, see advt.-D. N. assured that God giveth according to desire, and helps the ascent PECKHAM.-LAUSANNE HALL, LAUSANNE-ROAD.-Morning, of the aspiring soul 1 This spirit had apparently been reared in interesting talk on means of organising and purifying the a belief in the efficacy of the Cross, and in his state of misery it movement. Good clairvoyant descriptions. Evening, Mr. H. came to him as a gleam of light in the darkness-something Wrigllt spoke on' Some .Advantages of Spiritualism.' .An after­ tangible to which he could cling, an emblem to him of vicarious circle was held. Sunclay next, morning and evening, Mrs. A. suffering and atonement and redemption. Webb, addresses and :Ciain·oyance. September 5tb, at 8.15, I remember some years ago being greatly impressed hy a healing circle; Thursday, 7 p.m., Mrs. Neville, psychometry; picture called' The Castaway.' It was a poor man adrift on a September 10th, Mrs. Mary Davies.-.A. C. S. fathomless waste of water (he was seated on a raft), his eyes CROYDON.-ELHWOOD HALL, ELMWOOD-ROAD, BROAD~GREEN. hungeringly roving for a glimpse of a ps.sSing vessel, for some -.At the harvest festival services Mr. .A. V. Peters ga\"e helpful vestige of human life. How eagerly that poor soul would wel­ addresses and good clairvoyant descriptions. Sunday next, at come any ray of hope tliat might come to lighten his dark 11.15, circle ; at 7 p.m., Mr. W. E. Long. despair. BKI:X:TON.-8, MAYALL-BOAD.-Mrs. Boddington gave an I do not think that now, or hereafter, any aspiring soul need address and clairvoyant descriptions. Sunday next, at 7 p.m., Miss dwell in darkness, and we know that 'the effectual fervent Fogwell, L.U.S. ; 3 p.111., Lyceum. Circles: Monday, at 7.30, prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' How much none ladies'; Tuesday, at 8.15, members'; Thursday, at 8.15, public. can tell, as we dare not limit God's mercy.'" KINGSTON-ON-THAMES.-.ASSEMBLY Roo:r.t:s, HAMPTON WICK. I think the poor spirit acted in accordance with the belief -Miss Florence Morse addressed a good and appreciative audi­ in which it had been reared and in which it had remained.­ ence and gave clairvoyaRt descriptions. ·sunday next, at 7 p.m., Yours, &c., Mrs. Jamrach, address and clairvoyant descriptions. E. P. PRENTICE. BRIGHTON.-MANCHlllSTEB•STREET (OPPOSITE .AQUARIUM).­ --~-~---- Mr. Tayler Gwinn gave grand addresses and answers to ques­ Seeing Visions of Funerals. tions. Sunday next, at 11.15 and 7 p.111., Mrs . .A. Boddington, Srn,-I was so impre.9sed by Miss Mary Mack Wall's remarks addresses and clairvoyance. Tuesday at 8, Wednesday at 31 in 'LIGHT' of .August 19th that I decided to send you a brief Mrs. Clarke's circles for clairvoyance; Thursday, at 8, members' account of a similar experience of my own, which occurred many circle.-.A. M. S. years ago, long before I took up the study of Spiritualism. I BRIGHTON.-0LD TOWN HALL, HOVE, 1, BRUNSWICK-STREET am giving, as far as memory serves me, dates and correct names, WEBT.-Good addresses and clairvoyant descriptions by Mrs. so that some light may perchance be thrown on the incident, Curry and Mr. W. G. Tbomas. Saturday, September 2nd, Mr. now or at a future time, by some reader. .A. H. Sarfas, at 8 p.m. (ls. each), and on Sunday, at 11.15 a.m. It would be, I think, the winter of 1886, when I was quite and 7 p.m. Other weekly meetings as nsuaL-A.. C. a youth, aud engaged in farm work in the Turri.ff district of HIGHGATE.-GROVEDALE HALL, GROVEDALE-ROAD.-Morn­ .Aberdeenshire. ing, address and clairvoyant descriptions by Mr. Abrahall. .Evening, Mr• R. .Boddington gave an interesting address and Close to the farm was the mansion house~ of Atdmiddle, the carriage drive to which was often used by residents as a variant ably answered questions. Sunday next, at 11.15 a.m., Mr. to the longer main turnpike. One night, about ten o'clock, I was .Abrahall, clairvoyance ; evening, Mr. G. R. Symons. W ednes­ walking slowly along the a\·enue, which, owing to the closely­ day, September 6th, Mrs. Webster. Every Sunday, at 3 p.m., growing trees, was quite dark. .All at once I perceived in the Lyceum ; visito1·s welcome.-J• .A. blackness something still blacker moving towards me. THE UNION OF LONDON SPIRITUALISTS.-The first of the .A few seconds sufficed to show that whatever it was, it ex­ .Autumn Conferences held l>y the Union of London Spiritualists tended about the full width of the carriage-way, so I stepped on will take place at the Masonic Hall, New-road, Camberwell, on the grassy bo1·der to allow of its passing, and a strange, uncanny SuJJ.day, Septe:nber 3rd. .At 3 p.m. :Mr. R. Boddington will sight it was. read a paper on 'Spiritu(l.lism and Politics,' to be followed by In front walked four men, carrying on their shoulders a discussion. Tea provided at 5 p.m., 6d. each. .At 7 p.m., coffin, while either four or six (I now forget which) walked speakers : Messrs. G. T. Gwinn,R. Boddington,G. F. Tilby. South behind. I was terror-struck, and no sooner had the weird London Spiritualists are invited to make this a record rally. cavalcade passed than I dashed down the avenue, but, missing a turning, fell into a deep ditch, where I lay for a considerable BRi:x:TON.-84, STOCKWELL PARK-ROAD.-Mrs. Imison gave time, ·not d,aring to look up. Some five years later I related an excellent address, followed by good clairvoyant descriptions. the story to a local gamekeeper (whose name has escaped me SouTRS:mA.-LEssER VICTORIA HALL.-Mr. .A. Graham gave now), and, as I told it, his face showed that he knew something. interesting addresses followed by clairvoyant descriptions.-M. It was this. Sixty years before that {according to his E:x:ETER.-MARLBOROUGH HALL.-Addresses were given, father), a former laird of the estate committed suicide, and a morning and evening, by Mr. and Mrs. John Kelland, of London. number of the tenants carried his body home at midnight along BATTERSEA PARK-ROAD. -HENLEY-STREET. -.An uplifting this way. .Another version, but a less credible one, was that address was given by Mr. Percy Smythe.-N. S. they buried him at a spot where four lairds' lands met, at mid­ . CLAPHAM.-HowARD-STREET, NEW-ROAD.-Miss Morris gave night. Whichever, if either, of them be correct, it was a remark­ an address on 'En vironment.'-C. C. - able occurrence, and with many other strange happenings of KENTisH ToWN.-17, PRINCE oF WALEB'-cREsCENT, N.w. .:_ my earlier years, gave me, I believe, more confidence in seership Mrs. Webster gave an address and clairvoyant descriptions. than even all my experiences in Spiritualism proper. WINCHESTER.---=.OnDFELLOWs' HALL.-Evening, Mrs. Harvey, .Am I far wrong when I say that Scotland, Wales, and the of .Southampton, gave_a. good address and clairv()yant descriptions . Midlands or highlands of England, have produced the majority E:x:ETER.-MARKET HALL.-Morning, address by Mr. West; of our mediums ?-Yours, &c., evening, address by Mr. W. H. Evans. Clairvoyant descriptions JAMES LAWRENCE. at both services by Mr. Squires.-W. H. E. Newcastle-on-Tyne. PLYMOUTH.-0DDFELLOWS1 HALL, MORLEY-STREET.-Mr. Lethbridge gave an able address on 'Love,' followed by clair­ voyant descriptions by Mrs. Short. 23rd, Mrs. Evans gave WE have received the second number of the • Esperanta­ clairvoyant descriptions.-E. F. · Psikistaro' a publication in Esperanto issued under the SouTHPORT.-HAWKSHEAD HALL.-Mr. Victor Cain and auspices of the Belgian Spiritualist Federation as the organ Mrs. Scholes gave clairvoyant descriptions. The former also of the International Union for Psychic Studies by means dealt with the question, 'Is Evii a Necessa1-y Element in the of Esperanto, of which the secretary is Mr. .A. Stas, 19, Rue St. Evolution of the Race 1' and addressed the Lyceum.-H. T. .Antoine, .Antwerp. .Among other matter we note letters from PORTSMOUTH TEMPLE.-VICTORIA-ROAD SouTH.-Mr. Wm . Dr. Zamenhof and Mr. W. T. Stead ; a short note on 'Psychic Brough, the advertised speaker, being unable to attend, Mr. Facts ' by Camille Flammarion, and articles on ' What is Spirit­ Lacey ably dealt with the subjects advertised, viz., 'Heaven, ualism 1', by Gabriel Delanne, and ' The ·Role of Esperanto in Where and What Is It 1' and ' Spiritual Phenomena and Their relation to Spiritimlism,' by Chevalier Le Clement de St.-Marcq. Reality1' and also gave clairvoyant descriptions,_:_J, McF, · ight: A Journal of Psychical, Occult, and Mystical Research.

'LIGHT! MORE LIGHT !'-Goethe, 1 WHATSOEVER DOTH MAKlll MANIFEST IS LIGHT.'-Paul,

No. 1,600.-VOL. XXXI. [Registered as] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1911. [a Newspaper. J PRICE TwOP~NCE.

CONTENTP, Sakti-we suppose some persons find a certain intellectual Not.es by the Way ,, __ , ...... 421 'Contrary to Holy Scripture ' ..•. 426 L.S.A. Notices ...... 422 Count Solovovo's • Difficulties' •. 427 satisfaction in using such terms in place of their English Experiences with :\Irs. Corner 422 Premonitions and Telepathy in Baron Dr. Von Schrenck-Nolzlng Dreams...... _ 429 equivalents. They sound portentous and mysterious. But and Signora Lucia Sordi ...... 423 An Anti-Telepathist's 'Confes. The Hypotheses of • Bilocation ' sionj' .... -...... _ 430 why not say 'cosmic consciousness,' 'spiritual guide,' Considered .. _...... 424 Items of Interest ...... 431 Tennyson and Dr. Alfred Russel Some Interesting Questions .•.... 431 'Divine energy'-even though the Hindu names are Wallace ...... 425 Do Spirits, Eat, Drink and Sleep?432 shorter 1 There is no real need to disguise spiritual realities in alien forms of speech. NOTES BY THE WAY.

The spiritual value of influence from the unseen can We have received an attractively printed booklet hardly be over-estimated when it is of an inspiring and entitled, 'The Divinity of Jesus and t.he Christ Sphere,' uplifting character. This fact is well set forth by Professor being a series of letters 'dictated by a husband in spirit­ Percy Gardner, who says :- life' to his wife, with a Preface by Mr. James L. Macbeth It is no doubt true that some of the highest teaching and of Bain. The first part of the book is concerned with the noblest deeds of the past have been the outcome of trance evidences of the divinity of Jesus, and deals incidentally and ecstasy. St. Paul was caught up into the third heaven and with Atlantis and the Flood. The second portion contains heard words unspeakable. Socrates would stand rooted to the ground, and insensible to all that was going on about him, and some remarkable descriptions of the spiritual realm known the divine voice by which he guided his conduct would at such as 1 the Christ Sphere.' We were much struck with the times be heard by him. Joan of Arc implicitly followed the foliowing, describing the 'Temple of Light,' 'a turreted guidance of voices which she heard in her trances. So the saints of the earlier, and the religious leaders of the later, Chnrch have pile,' in that celestial region :- frequently been in the habit of falling into states of trance and The most marvellous part of this building is that it is a have in those states received great messages for mankind. But living structure, full of life, intelligence and active spiritual these divine communications have been few in comparison. And properties. The reason of this is that each p!!rt is soul-created, they have become rarer as man has grown more rational and and nothing can be soul-created without retainin~ the life-energy more fully conscious. The progress' of civilisation may have of its creation. ' · deprived us of some things we arn unwilling to lose. . Often in tlie flashes of genius it is not the sub-conscious which Copies of the booklet may be obtained (price 6d.) from prevails, but the super-conscious. . Something of heaven is Messrs. Morton and Burt, Limited, 187, Edgware-road, drawn down to eartl1. London, '\V., and we commend it to the attention of those It is a welcome change to hear something, especially persons who have become obsessed with the idea that something appreciative, about the ' super'-conscious after Spiritualism and Christianity are necessarily inconsistent the deluge we have had of the ' sub ' this, that, and the with each other. othflr. It seemed almost as though our boasted civilisation had conducted us into the lower, not the upper regions. It was recently stated that 'a lull has set in between the opposing forces of advanced and conservative thought In The Nautilus·' for August we note some stimulat­ on theological and religious matters.' The editor of the ing remarks by William E. Towne. The following is both well-informed 'Chronik der Christlichen Welt' (Tiibingen) true and pungent :- say that- There is a clean cut line between the weak and strong of heart. The line is indicated by their attitude in relation to In the Old Testament department there is scarcely any life. The strong live in the present. The weak live in the struggle at all except among extremists. A dozen years ago past. . . Anyone may become weak by clinging to the past theological students gave up the study of theology because they and by dwelling on the unkindness of fate. Or he may be­ refused to accept the Mosaic authorsl1ip of the Pentateuch, and come strong by turning his face resolutely in the direction of were afraid for this reason that they could receive no appoint­ the fuhlre and living up to the best activities that he is capable ments in the State churches. Now practically all ecclesiastics believe in the Jahvist, the Elohist and the Priest Codes, and of to-day. place the last mentioned in post-exilic times. In this connection we are reminded of Maeterlinck's As regards the New Testament we are told that- teaching concerning bondage to the past, and its ill effects on the mind. 1 Carpe diem,' said Horace, and it is a good The great majority of 'positive' men no longer claim the in­ errancy of Jesus in natural things; they deny the actual possession motto. of the demoniacs by t.he devil; they reject the personal principle of evil, namely, the devil ; accept miracles iii the natural world Always we find, when analysing the curious termi­ only in the sense of the mirabile and not in the sense of the nology in which some persons discourse concerning spiritual mimculwni, and do not dream of accepting the verbal inspiration things, that we are merely dealing with old friends under of the Scriptures or their absolute inerrancy, It is indeed true that the positive scholars, in making these new names. Much of this terminology is derived from concessions, still claim that they have not sacrificed any of the Oriental systems, and although we freely recognise that our fnndamental facts· of redemption. But is it not true that many Oriental brethren are quite properly and legitimately of the old orthodox doctrines are now accepted only in a Pick­ employed in using their own terms, we have never quite wickian sense 1 e.g., the virgin birth of Christ was a decade ago already declared by the conservative Professor Kahler, of Halle, seen the necessity of importing them into the Western as not belonging to the essentials of the Christian system. What. world, especially in face of the copious psychical vocabulary theologian accepts the ' descent into hell' in the old traditional gev!sed by the M~ Mr. F, W, H;, Mrers, 1'a~tra 1 Guru ~nq s~pse? And who dc\)S not s:piritualise the words 'ascend.ed in~o 422 LIGHT. [September 9, 1911. heaven and sitteth at the right hand of the Father'? Eschat­ . EXPERIENCES WITH MRS. CORNER. ology, too, has been materially modified in the current theology of the day. Every day it is being more and more recog­ BY ALFRED VouT PETERS. nised that a trnly religious spirit and life are compatible without the recognition of the so-called 'Heilstatsachen ' (redemption (Oontinued from page 411.) facts) intellectually and dogmatically. Some of the most remarkable seances that I have ever attended were held at the hospitable home of Mrs. Effie Bathe, who at Whatever mity be the CR.Se in Germany, in our own land that time held seances at which she endeavoured to bring to­ there is a recurrence of strife. The Bishop of Winchester gether the sort of people who harmonised with each other. .i\.t recently withdrew the ministerial license from the Rev. one of the seances Dr. Abraham 'Vallace l)l'ought some snr1:teon's J: M. Thompson for having published a book in which he silk to bind the medium's hands and waist. This silk does not says that 'the claim that Jesus worked miracles is as in­ stretch, so that it would have been impossible for Mrs. Corner in her normal condition to get the silk over her hands or from consistent with the doctrine of incarnation as is the idea her feet. But after the doctor had tied her the medium went that his body, mind and normal nature were not really into the cabinet, and almost instantly the silk was handed out human, but distinctly miraculons,' and contends, further, to him without a knot untied. On anot4er occasion my guide, that 'the evidence is strong that the resurrection was not 'Moonstone,' materialised at my side of the cabinet, the left side, a physical fact but a spiritual one.' The fact is that the and all who were sitting near me could see him. Mrs. Bathe new wine is bursting the old bottles and nothing can pre­ asked him to come. over to her side. He did so, standing quite vent it. ciear of the cabinet, and we all saw the tall figure of our kind The 'Christian Commonwealth' draws attention to the hostess and the slight dark figure of our spirit visitor. On fact that there are also ' heresy ' cases in Australia, South another occasion Mr. Robert King aud I were sitting together, Africa, Canada and the United States, and says :- when we were conscious of a very disagreeable scent, and as Mr. King was sitting next to the cabinet, and I next to him, we These all tell the same story, the growing human spirit could both see what the others could not. Talking in an under­ bursting the bonds of ancient dogma. It is very significant that the same force!! and influences are simultaneously operating tone, we informed them that we saw a man's face which was all over the world. What people of limited vision regard as half eaten away-a horrible sight. The smell increai!ed till all attacks upon or denials of the faith are in reality the results of the sitters were conscious of it. Presently the medium cried out the working of the Spirit of God through the human soul. and fled from the cabinet. When asked what was the matter, she told us that she also had seen the horrid face. Afterwards we found that a brother o.f one of the sitters had recently passed We wish we could quote the whole of a remarkable away from cancer in the face. On one occasion the daughter of poem in 'The Forum.' It is entitled 'The Ghostly Florence Marryat materialised, and told Mrs. Bathe that the Brother,' and in poignant phrase.;; depicts the struggle medium must visit her (the control's) mother without rlelay. between the natural man and his immortal self. The man Mrs. Corner at that time was very busy, and had no opportunity wants to rest and enjoy the beauties of the natural world, of complying with this injunction, btlt just afterwards Florence but his 'ghostly brother' bids him break his gyves and Marryat died. It was not only for materialisation that Mrs. burst his prison. Here is a stanza.:- Corner was such a remarkal11e medium, but also for a now rarer form of manifestation-direct writing. She had only to put Brother, brother, follow hence ! Ours the wild, unflagging speed pencil and paper under the table, and at once the spirits would Through the outer walls of sense, write. Follow, follow where I lead ! On one occasion I was in a little trouble. I badly needed Love and hate and grief and fear­ help, but could get no ad vice from my own spirit people, so I 'Tis the geocentric dream ; asked Mrs. Corner if she could obtain for me some direct writing. Only shadows linger here Cast by the Eternal gleam ! She at once good-naturedly acquiesced. It was a bright summer Follow, follow, follow fast ! day, and the sunshine was streaming in at the window as our Somewhere out of time and place little company sat chatting round the table, under which she had You shall lift the veil at last, put some sheets of paper with a short piece of pencil. Soon we You shall look upon my face, heard raps on the table which told us that the writing was Look upon my face and die, finished. I picked up the paper : the fi'rst sheet was blank, Solver of the Mystery! I am you and you are!­ but on the second was beautifully written a short sentence in Brother, brother, follow me ! Greek, a quotation from Euripides, which absolutely applied to my case. I have still in my possession specimens of looking­ Those who 'follow the gleam,' who hear and respond to glass writing which Mrs. Corner obtained automatically. the call of the soul, will see the deep meaning of the poem. Occasionally she was wonderfully clairvoyant. One day she was standing in Mrs. D.'s drawing-room which overlooked a part of Clapham Common, when she suddenly exclaimed: 'Look at that LONDON SPIRITUALIST ALLIANCE, LTD. young man ! now he has fallen ! ' Mrs. D. and Mrs. Corner ran out of the gate, but no one was in sight. Mrs. Corner described .AFTERNOON SOCIAL GATHERING. the appearance of the person she saw, and· then Mrs. D. remem­ bered that just twelve months before a young man, exactly On Thursday next, the 14th inst., at 3 p.m., a SOCIAL answering that description, had come across the common and had GATHERING will be held at llO, St. Martin's-lane, W.C., to bid fallen just outside the gate. He had taken laudanum, and in farewell to Mrs. Praed, of Melbourne, Australia, on her depar• fact expired in that very drawing-room. This incident happened ture for South Africa. Tea will be provided during the after­ before Mrs. Corner had lived in the neighbourhood, and there noon. At four o'clock a few clairvoyant descriptions will be was no means of her finding out anything about . the given by Mrs. Praed. Admission: Members and Associates occurrence. free; Visitors, 2s. each. No tickets required. A revelation as to the identity of Mrs. Corner's control, the ' Captain,' came to us from an unexpected quarter. We have pleasure in announcing that arrangements have been When Mrs. Corner went to live in her house it was absolutely made with Mr. Percy R. Street to attend the rooms at llO, St. empty, and as we Londoners are not given to be over neigh­ Martin's-lane, W.C., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, bourly, she knew no one in the place to whom she could speak from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for diagnosis by a spirit control, magnetic until she met us. The 'Captain' soon made himself manifest, healing, and delineations from the personal aura. For full and told ns that it was his house ; he could not understand why particulars see the advertisement supplement. he \Vas in the dark and why he was alone ; but when ' the girl' September 9, 1911.) ,LIGHT. 423

(Mrs. Corner) was there he could speak. It seemed as if he BARON DR. VON SCHRENCK-NOTZING AND materialised without knowing it or that he was made use of by SIGNORA LUCIA SORDI. higher spirits than himself. He asked me to bring him a news­ paper which he used to read when alive. I asked him which ~ne ; Considerable commotion has been caused in Italian psychic he said 'Reynolds.' This I did. The newspaper disappeared, circles by the publication of an article in the German 'Psychische but during the evening of the same day, at a seance held in a Studien' from the pen of Dr. von Schrenck-Notzing, in which distant part of London, it came down from the ceiling. He told us he gives an account of his experiences with Signora Lucia Sordi. also that he had not believed in God or devil, or a life after death. He attended two of the series of sittings now being held under At first he used to swear in a manner full and free, but later on the direction of a special commission with that medium, and his language became less lurid. All thi~ was very interesting, on both occasions endeavoured to prove the existence of defects but we were unable to get it confirmed. One day, however, a in the construction of the cage, through the bars of which the well-known clergyman called upon Mrs. D., and, the conversation head and body of the medimn were made to emerge under spirit turning '1\)0n Mrs. Corner, he inquired where she lived. On control. He made certain experiments between the seances with being told he remarked : 'That is curious. I used to visit there a lump of· wood fashioned to the size and shape of Lucia's head, an old sea captain who died of cancer ; he was an unbeliever as finding it possible to pass this object in and out of the flexible to the life after death ; his language was very strong, wooden bars without damaging the structure or breaking the and always upon his bed was" Reynolds' Newspaper."' This• seals. coming from an independent source was a good test of In the current number of 'Luce e Om bra' (Milan), Dr. identity. Schrenck-N otzing's deductions are somewhat loftily criticised by Raps were always being produced when we were at table, Signor Senigaglia, who points out that :- joining in our conversation and sometimes making jokes. But Having been able by force to squeeze between the bars of the most remarkable seance took place when only thl'ee were the cage a wooden egg of the exact dimensions of the cranium of present, namely, Mrs. Corner, Miss Corner and myself. We had the medium, he reasons thus : ' If the head can pass through, so can the chest ; once the chest gets through then out comes the been visiting a mutual friend and had endeavoured to obtain whole body ! ' Certainly he admits that this needs extra­ some table phenomena, but owing to the restlessness of a boy in ordinary gymnastic ability in a lady of forty years, but accounts the room could get nothing. Mrs. Corner said to me, ' Let us go for it in the abnormal accretion of great muscular strength to home,' which we did, and there we sat round her dining table. mediums when under spirit control. First we obtained some looking-glass writing, then there was Much is made of the fact that the Doctor discovered no lifting of the table and loud raps. The table was lifted and stood trickery but only expreiised an opinion that the results might on one of its legs. We all held hands, as I must confess we have been obtained by the use of purely mechanical means alone, were all too frightened to move. Behind me was a fender and and Dr. Giorgio Festa-one of the sitters at the second seance, behind Miss Corner a sofa wiLh pillows. We received commu­ at which Signora Lucia wore gloves and a ring fastened to the nications by means of lifting and dropping of the fender ; the fourth finger by means of a thread, one end of which was tied sofa and chairs were moved : then an interval of silence ensued. to her wrist-goes into much detail concerning this ring and its In a comer of the room, right away from us, was a shadowy suggested mechanical manipulation, proving the existence of something building up. It was 'Marie' ; she spoke to us and we errors in Dr. Schrenck-Notzing's measurements. In a recent all saw her. When we lit the gas the room was in great dis­ letter to Signor Senigaglia, Dr. Festa writes :-· order. Cushions were balanced on· the gas bracket, the chairs I have read Dr. Schrenck'sarticle concerning the two sittings were all moved, but no damage had been done. in which we took part together, and while I leave you to occupy One could not be iu Mrs. Corner's company very long with­ yourself with the dispute of the phenomena of the cage, upon out the spirit people manifesting their presence. On one occa­ the interpretation and importance of which our minds were sion a gentleman called to take lunch with her. I was present fully in accord, I shall be grateful to you, if in publishing your having also been invited. Mrs. Corner at that time wished t~ article yon will see your way for the truth of the facts, to take into account also some of my other observations with refer­ relinquish mediumship, and for a wonder there were no raps on ence to the expel'iment of the ring. the table, but Miss Corner and I knew that something was going In his article Dr. Schrenck affirms that, in feeling the hand to happen. Presently Mrs. Corner laid her hands on the table, when that was offered to him during the sitting he certainly found it up it went-much to the astonishment of my fellow-guest-with destitute of a ring, but noticed that the thread from the wri.~t was all the things upon it. Nothing was damaged. I ha\·e been intact. This declaration which, in view of the end he proposes clasped round the ankle by a hand and felt the distinct pres­ to reach, would have been of great importance, is, I am bound to state, made much too late, and was not included in the general sure of the fingers on my leg. I have heard the dil'ect voice statement written out immediately after the sitting and signed speaking to us when there was no seance being held ; things by himself. have been taken away by spirit power and brought back again. In this experiment with Signora Sordi, as in many others of How little we valued the phenomena then ! They were of truly great importance at which we have assisted-,-and always daily occurrence and we got so used to them that we ceased to with the greatest possible surveillance-we have always had wonder at them. To Mrs. Corner everything seemed to be a clear and precise impression of her genuineness. All that Schrenck writes must therefore be considered as a purely per­ quite natural ; I never met a medium who understood her own sonal appreciation and certainly not as the result of mature mediumship so little as she did hers. Naturally of a cheerful consideration. He can, of course, please himself in the expres­ disposition, she was a bright and witty hostess, always happy when sion of his own a priori judgment, but should not rise up and in the company of friends. She loved beautiful things ; a bunch decry the importance of phenomena of the truthfulness of of flowers brought by a friend would give her keen pleasure which others have already expressed their conviction, not from the results of one experiment as he did, but of many experi­ Herself, ever kind and ready to help others, this warm-hearted ments repeated under the severest test ~onditions. little woman was at times terribly imposed upon by the so-called critics. I remember that for weeks she had to wear a bandage It is interesting to note that, in spite of Dr. Schrenck· upon her wrist because burning-hot sealing wax had dropped on Notzing's adverse criticiinu, Signora Lucia Sordi's sittings con• it when she had been bound by a careless sitter. On another tinue to prove successful under approved test conditions. occasion, in locking handcuffs on her wrists, a large piece of CHAS. WM. TURNER. flesh was caught, and a bad bruise was the result. I still have one of the large lead pellets that were used in a so-called scien­ t.ific seance, where she was bound by string. All these things MRS. ANNIE BESANT, on Sunday morning last, laid the she took with the utmost. good-nature. foundation-stone of the new 'headquarters' bnilding of the Theosophical Society on the site in Upper Tavistock-place, In penning these lines I have only endeavoured to put into Tavistock-square, W.C. The stone was laid with Masonic print a few memories of my experiences with a most wonderful honours in the presence of a number of members and friends, medium who neither understood herself and the wonderful and the ceremony was an interesting one. We congratulate our powers with which she had been gifted nor was understood by Theosophic friends, and trust that their anticipations of increased others. usefulness will be fully realised. · ------

424 LIGHT, [September 9, 1911.

THE HYPOTHESES OF 'BI LOCATION' author reviews very briefly and succinctly the main positions of CONSIDERED. the various schools of philosophers.) What, then, were the conclusions or the discoveries of all BY ERNESTO BozzANO. Translated from ' Annales rles these schools of philosophers ? The reply is easy. They came Sciences Psychiques.' to no conclusion, they discovered nothing, and, beyond the fact that each system contained some germs of truth, they came to (Oontinued from page 413.) no conclusion because they could not. The time was not yet I extract the following passage from the story told by Dr. ripe to discover a synthesis sufficiently comprehensive on the Sollier in the' Revue Philosophique' for January, 1903 :- proMem of knowledge. The hard groundwork of facts was insufficient for philosophic speculation to found thereon its Jeanne passed her hand across her brow, threw back her head, bent her back, then straightened it and said, ' Some little theories ; and this alone could have drawn the philosophers machines are open there.' 'What are these little machines?' 'Little from the giddy and deceptive altitudes of pure abstraction and machines which sleep.' 'What is inside ?' 'A little round hole brought them down to the practical groundwork of experimental with points, with a pencil like a needle. The little rooms, induction and deduction. that is, the little holes I saw just now which sleep, are pressed In fact, hew could they reach conclusions ? On the one together.' _ 'What use are they 1' ' They enable me to think, side the spiritualistic school insisted in affirming the absolute these little columns which contract and extend feel like a machine in vibration except those which sleep and remain quite still.' independence of spirit from matter, in spite of their manifest ' Where are these images you talk about 1' ' In the little holes. powerlessness to ruin the phalanx of contrary proofs legitimately When the little points commence to move and vibrate, that presented by the materialistic school ? makes an image come before my eyes. When the image comes On the other side the materialistic school by shO\ving a de­ I see the little holes no longer, the image occupies my forehead, plorable inability in philosophic speculation (even so far as not but I know that they are there inside, for the image comes from understanding that thought and movement will remain eternally them. But the images are held by threads '-here she shows the neighbourhood of the optic lobes of the brain-' because irreducible), believed itself authorised to proclaim the absolute when they sleep I feel nothing there, but when they come with dependence of spirit on matter, basi11g this upon proofs which in colours I feel this thing draw back, and the front begins to move reality do not concern in the least the formidable problem of and vibrate.' knowledge as understood by the philosophers. However, the Dr. Sollier adds the following note : 'All the invalids who school of psychico-physical parallelism forces us to affirm the recover tlieir cerebral sensibility speak likewise of little boxes, incontestible correlation between the opposed activities, morpho­ which are put into order as tlieir ideas grow clearer.' logic and psychical (in the signification of a parallel correspon­ From our point of view the fundamental idea of these quo­ dence, and not in that of an absolute conversion), and if this tations is that the subject sees in cerebral cells small internal school should act really wisely, on the one hand, it would recognise cavities, or little rooms, with fibril prolongations which extend at the same time the irreducibility of the two facts. If, on the other and vibrate, and cause the psychic image to appear in an objec­ hand, it should condemn itself to conclnde nothing, to solve nothing, tive form in the interior of the little rooms. In other words, to conciliate nothing, then it would force itself to leave this during the psychic process of ideation, everything would be question open by maintaining an attitude purely critical and produced as if the images exist in the .cellular cavities, whence experimental. It is necessary to recognise, nevertheless, that the fibrillary vibrations force it out over the surface of the con­ this attitude was the only 011e available to science before the scious Ego. Does not all this imply the idea that psychic advent of metapsychical research, which by suddenly revealing images exist in some fashion exterior to the cerebral organ ? Are the existence of a psychi~ region previously unsuspected, opens not the cellular interstices-here called little rooms-the pre· the door to new inductions, new syntheses· and new hypo­ smuptive ground of activit.y of the ethereal body? If that be theses, to new theories capable of couciliating the two poles of so, we must argue that the physical side of the process of ideation modern philosophic thought, criticism, and positivism. In consists in this :• that by means of vibrating fibrils prolonged fact-to 'confine ourselves to the section of psychical phe­ into a region reserved for the action of the ethereal body, the nomena with which this article deals-if later research should necessary rapport is established between the cortical centres demonstrate the existence in man of an ethereal body, which which register automatically the various vibrations wl1ich come really enters i11to rapport with its own instrument, i.e., the brain, to them as eensations, and the ethereal body which is the in the way in which we have spoken, and if it should be estab­ depository of the corresponding images. This conception of the lished that the process of psychic ideation is exterior to the cerebral functions in reference to the extrinsication of thought brain although this latter organ is ind4Jpensible to psychic idea­ will be fertile in theoretical application if it lends itself to a tion so long as it occurs during the earthly life, or, in other · better -comprehension of the nature of the sub-conscious Ego, words, if we prove that it is not the brain which thinks but the where would be contained the true human personality, aud also spirit, although the two cannot enter into rappol't with the ex­ if it leads to the better comprehe11sion of the, relative value terior world except by means of the brain, it will he possible to of the psychical · sensorial faculties as functions of the formulate a new theory of knowledge capable of conciliating the spiritual personality during the psychical or terrestial fundamental Spiritualistic basis with that of the materialist, and existence. They would serve thus to explain admirably the the partisans of psychico-physical parallelism will see their enormous difference which exists between individual and indi­ point of view admirably enforced, but with this gain-that they vidual-with brains of equal size a11d development-in intel­ will be forced to recognise the wisdom of the attitude which lectual capacity, a difference which would depend in part 011 the they have adopted ill not clearing up the antithetical thesis of higher or lower excellence of the fibrillary amoobic prolongations the inseparability and irreducibility of the psychic and mor­ within the cortical cells and also in part on the refinement and phologic activities. They would now find this thesis sufficiently receptivity, more or less keen, of the ethereal body, whence we elucidated to become conceivable-that· is, conceivable within could explain the possibility that a genius 1i1ight have a 'brain the limits imposed by nature on human knowledge, to which below the normal in size. has been attributed the 'lomain of phenomena whilst that of From the point of view of philosophy we shall be able at noumena is closed-and this is sufficient to satisfy the in­ last to determine in a satisfactory way the eternal conflict between telligence and the heart and to be an act of true scie11ce. We notice then that modem psychologists fall into the same the multiple schools which have tried in vain for almost thirty error into which fell the astronomers who preceded centuries to solve the formidable problem of knowledge, from Copernicus who, by not trusting to the witnesses of sense, the Spiritualistic schools, whic'h affirm the substantial dualism could have no doubt about the daily movement of the sun between matter and spirit, between spiritual a11d bodily sub­ and the stability of the earth, when in reality it was the con­ stance which are extrinsic to each other (Aristotle, Plato, Anaxa­ trary which happened. The physiologists and psychologists in goras, Pythagoras, Descartes), to the other Spiritualistic school dealing in their turn with facts apparently no less certain had no doubt of the absolute rapp01·t of the state of consciousness of Monadism, whose teachers divine spirit as a co11comitant with the cerebral functions, when in reality what happens is the reality without extent (Leibnitz, Herbart, Lotze) to the Scotch exact opposite of what they deduce with a certainty equal to school which considers it as an empirical reality. (Here the that of the pre-Copernican astronomers. · September 9, 1911.) LIGHT. 425

TENNYSON AND DR. ALFRED RUSSEL Mrs. '.le Morgan, witnessed table-tilting, and heard raps, which WALLACE. he designated tiresome nonsense, so that what he heard from Dr. Wallace was not likely to affect his strong bias against the sub­ BY JAMES RoBER.TSON. ject. Tennyson, who knew all about Dr. Wallace's books on Natural Selection and Tropical Nature, was anxious to see him, Tennyson occupies a large portion of ' Allingham's Diary,' and got Allingham to bring him over with him on his next visit. and therein are given many clear glimpses of the poet's home life Dr. Wallace deals briefly .with the interview in his Auto­ and conversation. The poet was larger in mind than Carlyle biography, where he says it took place in 1886 or 1887, but and both Spiritualism and Evolntion were received by him with Allingham's Diary is more likely to be correct, and he places the a welcome spirit. Readers of Tennyson can see at a glance how date as November 7th, 1884. They had a long talk on open he was to ·the receptfon of the thought of the biologists. As Tropical Nature, the poet asking him (reading from a poem) if early as 1844, when Robert Chambers' 'Vestiges of Creation' he had produced a correct picture of some tropical scenes. appeared, he was keenly interested, and got his publishers to They then went to the study, where Dr. Wallace gave details of forward him a copy. He had gathered from the talk about it table-rapping, &c., giving his own experiences and those of other that it came nearer an explanation of the Cosmos than anything people. When Wallace was asked why the spirits so often l1efore it. He trembled as he cut the leaves, but, alas, satisfac­ gave foolish and misleading answers, he replied, 'Yes, as might tion did not come from its perusal. When Chambers got hold be expected; that only proves them to be human beings.' of the great spiritual truths-when he had faced the phenomena Wallace continued explaining that it was absurd to suppose which brought home to him that his loved one~ who had died matter could move itself. The phenomena were manifestly gov­ were still near him-all his previous conceptions became changed. erned by an intelligence like our own. The means of communica­ He wrote that Spiritualism had redeemed multitudes from tion between the unseen world and ours were few and difficult. atheism and agnosticism by making it clear that there was a Tennyson put it, 'A great ocean pressing around us on every non-material universe, whose inhabitants could mingle with side, and leaking in by a few chinks.' Tennyson had great praise us. S. C. Hall, in his ' Retrospect of a Long Life,' tells for Dr. Wallace's work on Tropical Nature, and remarked, _us that as he was returning one night from a seance at Newton 'You have said something very bold about matter. I think Crosland's (at which Robert Chambers had been present) Cham­ matter more mysterious than spirit. I can conceive in a way bers told him that Spiritualism had entirely changed his opinions what spirit is, but not matter,' to which Dr. Wallace responded, and views concerning immortality, and that because of this he ' I conceive matter not as a substance at all, but as points of had burned a manuscript on which he had bet>n occupied for energy, and that if these were withdrawn matter would dis· years, namely, ' A History of Superstition. Tennyson had more appear.' Tennyson agreed with what Dr. Wallace said, as it than a distant sympathy with Spiritualism. It was a snbject was something like his own notion. Some months later, when about which he knew a great deal, while Frederick Tennyson, Allingham was walking with Tennyson, the subject of Dr. whose poetic genius was somewhat eclipsed by his great brother, Wallace's visit again became the conversation. Tennyson said, was an outspoken Spiritualist. Articles by Frederick appear ' It is a very strange thing that, according to Wallace, none of in the old 'Spiritual Magazine,' while he was a frequent corre­ the spirits that communicate with men ever mention God or spondent to the pages of ' The Medium and Daybreak,' and Christ,' to which Allingham responded, 'I always felt that the contributed freely to all objects associated with the movement. Deity was infinitely above us, another step will bring us no Gerald Massey has told me that all the family were Spirit­ nearer.' Tennyson had evidently been much impressed with his ualists, and once when I asked him what hook Tennyson had interview with Wallace, as he kept saying, ' Wallace says that referred to when writing him a commendatory letter, he said : the system he believes in is a far finer one than Christianity. It 'It was my little book, "Concerning Spiritualism."' I do not is eternal progress.' There is much else in the 'Diary' of deep think that Allingham, who was not himself favourable to the and abiding interest. Allingham afterwards met with Browning subject, had any idea how familiar the poet was with it. and told him about his neighbour Wallace, and how he had Allingham was Collector of Customs for some years at arrived, as it were, at_ the opposite goal from Darwin on what are Lymington, which was conveniently near to Tennyson's home in called supernatural questions-Darwin at last believing almost the Isle of Wight, so he was a frequent visitor. Tennyson nothing, Wallace almost everything. I have shown enough to was a student of science, and once showed Allingham a paper by make evident that the book contains many gems of thought. Sir William Crookes on ' Four Kinds of Matter,' solid, liquid, Allingham himself was a poet of too fine a strain for popu­ gaseous and another which is imperceptible to the senses (some­ larity, but he was in every way fall of charm, and loved by all times called ' Ether'). He said : 'I believe we never see .matter, with whom he came in coliltaet. Rich as ~is poetry is, perhaps what we count the material world is only an appearance.' There this Diary will bless the world more than anything else he has is little doubt but that he was familiar with the scientist's study penned. He was for long the editor of 'Fraser's- Magazine,' of the phenomena of Spiritualism, which had appeared some succeeding Froude in .that position. years before this date (1880). Once he said to Allingham: 'If I ceased to believe in any chance of another life, and of a Great Per­ sonality somewhere in the universe, I should not care a pin for To CoRRESPONDENTs.-Owing to pressure on our space anything... Two things I have always been firmly convinced of several communications intended for this issue, including 'Com­ -Goel, and that death will not end my existence.' forting Spiritual Communion,' are held over until next week. ·A.Hingham was the neighbour of Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace 'GLIMPSES of the Next State; the Ed~1catioJ:il. of an Agnostic,' while Wallace was resident at Godalming. He tells about sitting by Vice-Admiral W. Usborne Moore, is the title of a book which will be published on the 15th inst. by Messrs. Watts and Co., under a tree and conversing with the great naturalist on Spirit­ Fleet-street. (Cloth, pp. 666; 7s. 6d. net. ; post free from the ualism, apparitions, mediums, &c. Wallace said to him that office of 'LIGHT,' 7s. lOd.). In 1903 Admiral Moore published probably about one person in ten is a medium, and spoke with a small book called 'The Cosmos and the Creeds,' in whfoh he, unqualified praise of the books and writers on the Spiritualistic incidentally, declared himself an agnostic as regards the destiny side. William Howitt, Professor de Morgan, Professor Barrett of man and the persistence of the ego after bodily death. As and F. W. H. Myers were all discussed. 'He gave an account,' the~ readers of 'LIGHT' already know, since that time he has investigated Spiritualism and has been led by a spirit relative, says Allingham,' essentially Swedenborgian, of the state of spirits who passed away nearly forty years ago, to abandon his agnostic in the next world.' On Allingham's next visit to Tennyson attitude, and adopt one more consistent with truth. Impressed a few days afterwards he told him all about his conversation many times by this spirit-guide that the publication of a large with Dr. Wallace, and that he, Wallace, was a thorough-going part of his experiences is a duty which he owes to her and her believer in Spiritualism. Allingham, as I have said, had no friends in the next state who are endeavouring to arouse the attention of earth-spirits to their true destiny, he, in this volume, place into which he could fit sucl~ a belief. He had heard from gives his records to the world, in the hope that they may be of Robert Browning all about D. D. Home and what Browning called use to waverers, materialists and conjurers, and possibly afford his tricks, which he readily believed, but which belief Mr. Myers some consolation to those who, having been bereaved, fear that satisfactorily proved had no basis. He had often conversed with they may have lost their loved ones for ever. 426 LIGHT [September 9, 1911.

0.i!;FtcE OF 'LiGii:T,' 110, ST. MARTIN'S LANF., in which he approaches his theme. It admirably sum­ LONDON, W.C. 8ATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 1911. marises the attitude of large classes of warring sects and con­ troversialists. Their standard is not what Truth or Reason dictates, but what is said in this or that ancient record­ Jigltt: that is the final Court of Appeal for these minds, and if A Journal of Psychical, Occult, and Mystical Research. one side can quote two sayings in favour of its view, while . . PRIOE TWOPENCE WEEKLY. the other can only quote one, then the side with the larger CO)fMUNICATIONS intended to be printed should be addressed to the Editor Office of 'LIGHT,' 110, St. Martin's Lane, London, W.C. number of 'authorities' can 'march away' claiming the Business c'ommunications should in all cases be add,ressed to Mr. victory. i Victory for Truth, victory for Humanity1 Alas ! F.·W. South, Office of 'LIGHT.' to whom Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable. no · too often the attitude is one of victory for' our side,' Subscription Rates.-' LIGHT' may be had free by post on the following and 'our opinions.' And that is why the result is so 'apt terms :-Twelve monthq, 10s. lOd; six months, 5s. 5d. Payments to be unsatisfactory.' to be made in advance. To United States, 2dol. 70c To France, Italy, &c., 13 francs 86 centimes. To Germany, 11 marks 25 pf~. ' Spiritualists,' said the Canon, 'have appealed to Holy 'VJ10lesale Agents: Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and Co., Ltd., 31, Paternoster-row, London, E.O., and 'LIGHT' can be Scriptures.' It is true. But all the intelligent members ordered through all Newsagents and Booksellers. of that body are as well aware as the Canon himself of the APPLICATIONS by Members and Associates of the London Spirit­ futility of an appeal to isolated instances, and their ualist Alliance, Ltd., for the loan of books from the Alliance Library should be addressed to the Librarian, Mr. B. D. Godfrey, attitude is based on the broad and general aspects of the Office of the Alliance, 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. matter. They claim, and they rightly claim, that the Bible throughout is permeated with the idea of a spiritual world 'CONTRARY TO HOLY SCRIPTURE.' and its interaction with this. And in his interpretations of special passages the intelligent Spiritualist claims (just Our attention has been drawn to the report of a as the Canon does, in effect) to exercise his own judgment, sermon, 'Spiritualism: Contrary to Holy Scripture,' and to be governed by reason and experience in the con­ delivered the other day in Belfast by Canon O'Connell. clusions he draws. We. have already dealt with this subject in 'LIGHT' so many If the Christian world to-day is out of harmony with times in the past, exposing so completely the fallacy of the spirit and teachings of the New Testament-and there appeals to isolated texts of Scripture and to the modes of is no room for doubt on that point-it is still more out of thought of a remote past, that we were minded on this touch with ancient Judaism, so we will pass over the occasion to put the question by as a weariness of the flesh. Canon's appeal to the Old Testament. As regards the New But certain aspects of the Canon's treatment of his theme Testament, we note that he refers to the denunciations of appealed to us. There is a flavour of reason as well as of ' witchcraft' and 'sorcery' in Galatians and Revelations. antique theology about it-a dangerous mixture, by the Does he really think that, in an age when communion with way, for the two things do not blend well, and indeed the spiritual world was widely believed in, no one ever have a tendency each to neutralise the force of the other. sought that communion but with a bad motive 1 Surely it But the good Canon apparently is guilelessly unaware of is a commonplace that in,all ages men hav~ sought the aid this. of spiritu~l powers for pure and high purposes as well as ·The Canon based his sermon on that good old text for the furtherance of schemes of vengeance and self­ (Leviticus xix., 31-Revised Version): 'Turn ye not unto aggrandisement. We could multiply historical instances them that have familiar spirits, nor unto wizards, seek them of spirit communion sought for both good and bad not out to be defiled by them : I am the Lord your God,' and purposes. And is it not readily conceivable that the we are introduced yet once again to that moss·grown and prophets and seers of Biblical times would denounce the mildewed example, Saul and the 'witch' of Endor. Well, evil side of the matter in severe terms 1 we have referred many times before to the things that were St. Paul had his own test in 'trying the spirits '-he prohibited by the Mosaic law, and yet are practised and accepted only those spirits who admitted that Jesus Christ defended by the Christian world of to-day, and we propose had· ·come in the· flesh. That is not a touchstone which is on this occasion to. leave that side of the question out of employed by all Spiritualists, although (as Canon O'Connell account. It is unnecessary to labour the point with intelli­ may be surprised to learn) there are not a few who adopt gent minds conversant with the Bible records, and with it. But Spiritualism is a very wide term and embrc1,ces more than a smattering of the spiritual philosophy of to-day. people of an infinite variety of creeds and opinions. The fundamental and uniting article of faith is a recognition of In the course of his introductory remarks the Canon the reality of a spiritual world and spiritual beings, and of cleared his ground in the following vigorous words :- communion between that world and this, and it is because Personally, I am loth to have recourse to Holy Writ in deal­ ing with a matter like the present subject under discussion, the Church has drifted away from this faith, and whittled because the result is apt to be unsatisfactory. So long as there it down into something remote, academic and unnatural, are people who consider a solitary verse like, 'Woe unto them that it has lost its hold on the modern world, for 'where that draw iniq nity with cords of vanity ' conclusive as against the use of church bells ; or, 'He sealeth up the hand of there is no vision the people perish.' every man' as proof positive of the truth of palmistry; so long Let us quote once more from the preacher :- as there are people who believe in the inspiration of the Eng­ lish authorised version and regard any.reference to the original There is no single instance of a human spirit being controlled Hebrew or Greek or readings of the ancient versions as an in­ by any other than an evil spirit in the who!e o~ the ~ ew ~~ta­ sufferable piece of pedantry ; so long again as there are people ment. On that hypothesis, then, we are Justified ii;i ~la1mn~g who are quite ready to pooh-pooh as obsolete and no longer that the spiritual controls of the present day are evil 111 then· binding pasgages. which run counter to their pet opinions while origin, and the practice of submitting to .s~1ch controls is highly clinging tenaciously and triumphantly to whatever in those same dangerous to the mental, physical and spiritual health. writings may lend the slightest shadow of verisimilitude to their views . . . so long will it be possible for opposing parties, Now what is it that inspires such a statement as this 1 after a wordy warfare, to march away each confidently claiming Mn.lice 1 Surely not, for the Canon, according to his lights, rictory. is n.n intelligent and fair-minded opponent. No, we think We have made a rather lengthr citation from the it is an instance of that 'ignorance, simply ignorance,' to Cu.non's discourse in order to convey an idea of the spirit which frank old Dr. Johnson pleaded guilty when he was September 9, 1911.] LIGHT. 427 asked why he had defined ' pastern' as the knee of a the sitters, yet,in many reported instances the mediums have not horse. been entranced nor isolated. A certain spirit now speaks who We riote that Canon O'Connell disclaims belief in the formerly maintained that materialised forms could not speak ; cases of demoniacal possession recorded in Scripture :- others speak freely. It is held that to produce movements of objects without contact, the medium must have them near I am inclined to hold myself that these persons really to him, or the experiment fails-yet in some eases distant suffered from mental disorders, affecting their personality ; that they spoke, as they still speak in similar cases, in terms of objects are moved, or transported long distances :- popular belief, and that our Lord, in dealing with them, simply The most essential laws of the phenomena are thus turned used the phraseology of the times. topsy-turvy, but the spirits do not show themselves troubled about it. The impression which emerges from all this is We think of Huxley's contr,wersy with Gladstone on that the so-called laws are only the fruit of the fancy of the the so-called miracle of the devils and the Gadarene mediums-when not of their ingenuity. One fact-almost one swine, and wonder what the late Mr. Spurgeon only-never varies : the conditions of the investigation are not and other stalwarts of the 'old light' would have said those wl1ich the observer desires but those 'which the mediums will. . . to this example of 'down grade theology' and the Paid mediums are far from being the only irauds. There 'higher criticism ' l In this case it will be seen the may be unconscious fraud. All who pretend to special powers Canon has found it necessary to make an appeal to his own should be suspect. Confidence in anyone in ordinary affairs of life is no guarantee of confidence for these other matters. judgment, as against the records on which he relies ! If we pass from the phenomena and the mediums to the When he has made a thorough and impartial study of witnesses we find that a very large number of the statements the subject he is denouncing, and again searches the of the 111tter are valueless. Scriptures in the light~of the knowledge thus acquired, his In support of his last statement Count Solovovo cites an views of Spiritualism may undergo a change. We have instance of a man who denied fraud and yet, for six years, numerous precedents (even amongst the ministry) of those during which marvellous phenomena occurred, he allowed who 'came to scoff,' but who 'remained to pray.' Mean­ mediums to deceive and defraud by loosing the hand of the time we have only to say that we are never greatly per­ medium which he was understood to hold tight. turbed by these attacks. If our Spiritualism is a truth it We have endeavoured to summarise fairly Count Solovovo's ' difficulties,' because we sympathise with him, the more so will bear all the scourging and pounding its enemies can because we gather that he has been victimised by tricksters, and administer, and emerge from the ordeal only the stronger in consequence is inclined to take a very pessimistic view. But and brighter. But it is always more satisfactory when our we should have anticipated that, during his twenty years' study opponents take the trouble to know something of the sub­ of the subject, he would have realised that many of his objec­ ject they are attacking before commencing hostilities. And tions are based on misapprehensions, and are not material to the it grieves us to find Canon O'Connell a victim of that main issue. 'little learning' which is such a 'dangerous thing.' For instance, all the assertions about the possibilities and impossibilities and so-called 'laws' are of little moment. Doubtless some of the 'explanations' have been invented by, COUNT SOLOVOVO'S 'DIFFICULTIES.' or on behalf of, pretenders to mediumship, to enable them to carry on their nefarious business-others, possibly; to excuse the That there is, unfortunately,· too much ground for Count misdoings of mediums who, when undeveloped, or temporarily Solovovo's contention, in the A.ugust issue of the 'Proceedings' out of condition, or in the hands of inimical sitters, have yielded of the Society for Psychical Research, that ' the conditions to temptation and substituted their own practices for the which favour phenomena also favour fraud' will be conceded by genuine phenomena. But theories, speculations, and assertions those who are familiar with public prorniscuous dark seances­ do not alt.er facts. All the statements about the laws and lin1its against which, as is well known, 'LIGHT' has protested for many of the phenomena may be mistakes, conjectures, or excuses-the years. Doubtless also most readers of ' LIGH'r ' will agree that point to be settled is one of fact, not of theory. And all along seances for physical I>henomen.a held in total darkness, or in the line investigators have done their utmost to elicit phenomena such conditions of semi-darkness as suffice only 'to render under conditions which precluded fraud on the part either of the darkness visible,' are valueless for evidential purposes unless medium or of confederates. It is true that most mediums have strict test conditions are instituted or the phenomena are of such been charged with fraud-just as Count Solovovo has unjustly a character as to carry conviction. charged Stainton Moses with fraud-but it is not equally true Considerable stress is laid by our critic on the v11rious in­ that the guilt of the accused persons has been established. That genious, and by no means alw11ys ingenuous, theories that have physical phenomena have been imitated by conjurers is true, lint been propounded of the alleged 'laws' which govern the phe­ that the conjurers have 'reproduced' the phenomena, as the nomena. These theories, he remarks, 'are generally formulated Count says that they have, has not been proved. The Rev. John ad hoc to explain this, that, or the other particular case, previ­ Page Hopps, an extremely cautious observer, a man who weighed ously not questioned,' and in his opinion these 'new excuses for his words, and was careful not to overstate his facts, assisted at fraud,' or what looked like fraud, are calculated to open up new a great many experiments, observed and reflected for over thirty facilities for trickery. It is noteworthy, he thinks, that years, and then said :- these theories, so useful for themselves, do not seem to have been put forward first of all by the spirits-whom one I have seen and heard .things far more astounding than I would have thought to have been the best informed-but spirits ever saw at 'exposures,' and the odd thing is that I was often and mediums prefer to leave the initiative to certain simple sharp enough to see the rnodus opernndi of the tricks of the pro­ Spiritists, or psychists-glad, doubtless, to intervene and to give fessional conjurers, surrounded by their careful preparations, their sanction, once the ground has been sufficiently well pre­ though I could not see the slightest crevice in the armour of the pared. Further, the extraordinary variety of the conditions simple and homely ' medium' standing by my side at home. said to be exigent upon the phenomena is 11lso of such a nature The truth is that the 'exposures' did as much as anything to as to give rise_to scepticism. make me a believer in the thing exposed. In illustration, our critic points out that whereas it is said We are told by Count Solovovo that 'when the prestidigitator that darkness is necessary, some mediums always opemte in can do nothing, the medium, ninety-nine times out of a htmdred, the light. Again, the chain of joined hands is considered succeeds no better.' This may or may not be tme-it certainly essential, as 'nothing will be produced once it is broken,' yet is not proved-but if one ease remains-if one genuine material­ many phenomena are reported to have occurred where hands isation, or direct writing, or apport, or passage of matter through were not joined. Mediums are said to require to he isolated matter remains-then we have sifted from the chaff one grain from the sitters, yet some willingly, others unwillingly, allow of solid wheat-and where there is one there will surely be their hands to Le held. For materialisation, a so-called essen­ more. tial condition is the entrancement of the medium, isolated from As regards witnesses, the case of the man who acted as the 428 LIGHT. [September 9, 1911

confederate of the medium was surely exceptional. Dr. A. R. Mr. E. Dawson Rogers testified that Mr. Farmer's record was Wallace has well said :- strictly accurate. It must be remembered that we have to consider, not absurd As regards materialisations, the Count seems inclined to beliefs or false inferences, but plain matters of fact ; and it admit that 'hands' have appeared, but not that full forms have never has been proved, and cannot be proved, that any large materialised. Probably he is not acquainted with the abundant amount of cumulative evidence of disinterested and sensible and emphatic evidence for these latter phenomena. If he will men was ever obtained for an absolute and entire delusion. . . turn to Epes Sargent's 'Scientific Basis ' he will find that Sir I maintain that human testimony increases in value in such an William Crookes's testimony to the reality of the full-form enormous ratio with each additional independent and honest witness, that no fact ought to be rejected when attested by such manifestations of ' Katie King' through Miss Cook's medium­ a body of evidence as exists for many of the events termed ship is supported by Dr. J. M. Gully, the father of the miraculous or supematuml, and which occur now daily late Speaker of the House of Commons. In a letter to Mr. among us. Sargent, dated July 20th, 1874, Dr. Gully said :- Since Count Solovovo admits that table movements and raps T,> the special question which you put regarding my experi­ are well-established facts, by virtue of the abundant and con­ ences of the materialisation of the spirit form with Miss Cook's sentaneous testimony of competent witnesses, it is evident that mediumship I must reply, that after two years' examination of he is open to conviction if sufficient evidence of a trustworthy the fact and numerous seances, I have not the smallest doubt, and have the strongest conviction, that such materialisation character can be adduced to prove that he is mistaken in his· takes place, and that not the slightest attempt at trickery or estimate regarding direct writing and materialisation. If he deception is fairly attributable to anyone who assisted at Miss will read 'Psychography,' compiled by Mr. Stainton Moses, giving Cook's seances. due weight to the valuable and cumulative evidence that it con­ What can be stronger or more definite than the following tains, it seems to us that he ?nu.st recognise that the testimony is statement by Mr. T. P. Barkas, for years a town councillor at of such a character as to warrant a more favourable conclusion Newcastle-on-Tyne :- than he now entertains. On pages 78 and 79 Mr. Moses gives a letter that appeared I have experimented and investigated under every kind of reasonable test I could devise ; in my own private ro01mi, in the in the 'Spectator' of October 6th, 1877, in which Dr. A. R. primte rooms of personal friends. I have examined the Wallace relates a 'direct' slate-writing experience that he had rooms with utmost care ; have personally fitted up the recesses with Dr. F. W. Monck at a private house at Richmond, Surrey. for the reception of mediums ; have personally provided every­ The light in the room was sufficient to see every object on the thing connected with the seances, and am certain that no arrange­ table, and Dr. Wallace says :- ment for trickery was in the room. I have tied, sealed, nailed and held the mediums in every possible manner ; I mve un­ The essential features of this experiment are : that I myself dressed the medium and re-dressed him in clothes of my own cleaned and tied up the slates ; that I kept my hand on them providing. And notwithstanding all tests and all preciiutions, all the time ; that they never went out of my sight for a moment ; phenomena have taken place that are utterly inexplicable by that I named the word to be written, and the manner of writing reference to any known physical or psychological law. All this. it, ctfter they were thits sec1trecl cmcl helcl by me. I ask, How are I have done with the cold eye and steady pulse of a scientist. I these facts to be explained, and what interpretation is to be put am prepared to give £100 to any man or woman who, by upon them? trickery, can produce similar phenomena under similar Mr. Edward T. Bennett endorses Dr. Wallace's statement, conditions. and says : ' I was present on this occasion, and certify that The above concise and precise statement had reference mainly Dr. Wallace's account of what happened is correct.' to seances with a boy named William Petty. This boy stripped In his 'Death a Delusion,' the Rev. J. Page Hopps, after himself absolutely naked, he was then re-dressed in dark clothes, mentioning that writing was produced on a slate plaJ;ed on top provided by Mr. Barkas, not a white or light coloured article of a large table, and covered with four hands, his own and those among them. Mr. Barkas provided the cabinet, excluding of the medium, says :- everything that had the appearance of whiteness. Yet, under To guard against tricl;.ery, I purchased a slate a few days after, these conditions, a figure draped in wbite, about four feet high, made the tiniest possible lead-pencil mark in a minute corner of came out of the cabinet and moved about the room, in the it, took it at once to the same room without warning, tin wrapped presence of two ladies and seven gentlemen. it at the table, dropped paper and string by my chair, put the _ Mr. E. Dawson Rogers was one of a large number of sitters slate on the table with a morsel of pencil underneath, and at a seance at which, with the entranced medium standing close awaited results. After a short experiment or two, the test experiment was ti·ied, and, in the end, my slate was covered with beside him, in a good light, he and all the sitters saw a cloudy, writing from top to bottom. It had not left the table for a filmy white substance appear at the medium's side. From within second., and my eyes were never taken from it. I, of course, that drapery a fully-formed materialised individual emerged, know that trick slate-writing is practised, and have read careful moved round the circle in full view, shook hands with some of descriptions of how it is done, but I have never seen or heard the sitters, and then returned to the medium, who, in the mean­ any explanation which seemed to at all cover my experiences. time, had been swaying on his feet, and in all probability would At another sitting, with a different medium, slate-writing came freely. Morsels of crayon of various colours were put between have fallen had not Mr. Rogers put out his hand and supported two slates, and when in position for writing, and in full view, I him. The form drew near, put his arm round the medium's was asked to say in what order of colours the words should be neck, and then led him slowly to a small room which had been written. I chose, for instance, first word blue, the next two set apart as a cabinet. Two persons were seen to go into that words red, the fourth grey, and the rest yellow. This, or what­ room, and at the close of the seance only one, the medium, came ever it was that I selected, was ~one. out of it. Every precaution had been taken against confederacy. In 'LIGHT' of September 27th, 1884, Mr. J. S. Farmer re­ To the end of his long and honourable life, Mr. Rogers, who ported some writing experiments with Mr. W. Eglinton as was not only a clever amateur conjurer, but one of the shrewdest, medium, the last of which was of a crucial character. There most cautious, and exact of men, set the greatest value on that were three sitters present-vi;;., Mr. 'H.', Mr. E. Dawson experience as being absolutely convincing to him of the reality of Rogers, and Mr. Farmer, and the sunshine streamed into the materialisation. He al ways admitted that personal experience room. Mr. Farmer says :- is necessary for belief, but he was equally emphatic that personal A single slate was taken and a piece of pencil put under a investigation should alone warrant denial. tumbler placed upon it. Both were then put under the table We have barely begun to cite the evidence for the phenomena close to the corner, the top of the tumbler being pressed against that are doubted by Count Solovovo, yet we must stop. Let us the under surface of the table top, held there by the slate in Mr. emphasise the fact, however, that the point to be remembered, Eglinton's right hand, his left being joined to that of Mr. 'H.,' and it is the most important, is this-those persons who have who also clearly observed both feet of the medium, Writing was soon heard, and Mr. 'H.,' having received permission to do investigated most thoroughly, patiently, persistently and sin· so, looked under the table, and, as he himself certified, 'distinctly cerely, and who therefore can speak with the authority of saw the last word being written with the crumb of pencil, which knowledge, are the very persons who are most emphatic in their moved without any visible cause.' affirmations. The words of Mr. Hopps, a thoroughly compe- September 9, 1911.] LIGHT. 429 tent and honourable inqu.irer, may be taken as typical of the sufferings being most intense, her appearance towards the la.st position of most convinced Spiritualists, who have become such just such as she had assumed in my dream, and her emaciation as the result of their own researches :- so great that she was almost reduced to a shadow. I nursed her The facts that have come home to me are facts so singular during a great part of her illness, and she at one time appealed and yet, apparently, so simple, and certainly so far removed from to me to protect her from the trained nurse who had been in all contact with impostors or fools, that I have no choice but charge of her, the latter having been harsh to her on some to yield. If evidence can prove anything, this is proved-that, occasions, and not over-sympathetic, to say the lea.st of it. I in certain circumstances, unseen somethings, exhibiting intelli­ think .it was on the morning of the day she passed away-it gence and a command of forces, are able to indicate their presence and prove their independence of material conditions. may have been a morning or two previously-that I was startled out of my sleep by the sensation of a heavy weight on my chest-something that felt alive and human and oppres­ PREMONITIONS AND TELEPATHY IN DREAMS. sive, and heard a voice close to my ear, in my neck, calling me by name as if at a great distance. I was terrified, and gasped A paper read by Miss GERALDINE DE ROBECK, on February 9th, out, ' Yes, mamma ! ' but on opening my eyes I found the 1911, at a Meeting of the Dublin Society for Psychical room dark, and, shaking myself, found the weight gone. Research, PROFESSOR W. F. BARRETT in the chair. Nothing remained of this hallucination but an impression of a very faint 'skull and cross-bones' outlined before me on the Siuce I was quite a small child I have been given to having darkness. The only comment I will make on this weird experi­ 'presentiments '-shadows of the things to come in my life seem­ ence is that my mother was quite unable to leave her bed at this ing' ever to be thrown "in advance on the path I t.rod-and I am time, and could not-unless in a somnambulistic smte-have glad to say that in almost all cases I paid heed to the warnings visited my room ; she was never known during my lifetime to of my unseen helpers (if you will allow me so to call the have walked in her sleep. entities who presumably watched over my comings and goings) I had in my possession, as a girl, some very beautiful and and retraced my steps if I found myself getting into danger. I valuable jewels. These I treasured, not because I was a lover cannot say that any actual voice, audible to the objective sense of ornaments, but because I had a taste for geological studies, of hearing, has ever been the means of conveying the warning 11.nd fine stones appealed to me as being ' specimens.' One night message to me, but I should call the subjectively sensed monition I dreamt that the jewels were taken from me, or rather, that I a 'voice' all the same, and am much tempted to think that was told I should have to part with them. I awoke in tears, and some surviving human personality-known to me in earth­ made up my mind never to let them see the light of day. I put life-is actually occupied with my future concerns, and present, them away accordingly, suspecting everyone of having designs somehow, when I am menaced with misfortune ; though in on them. Some months later circumstances made it necessary what way I am not in a position at present to suggest. Also for me to part with them, my own illness being the chief I have been given, throughout my life, to vivid dreaming and reason. In this dream I 'saw' no jewels; it was a foreknown occasionally to what is commonly called 'nightmare,' which I event, no douliit, that I was going to have a bad illness, and that usually account for by supposing that some relation or friend i~ the expenses connected therewith would necessitate my convert­ suffering mentally at the time-and I have much reason for ing these valuables into ready money. thinking that this is a fact. Whenever my sister is worried A lady in whom I am much interested has been married I dream horrible dreams and invariably hear from her that she thirteen or fourteen years, and this year a dream that I has been in distress of mind. .No really important event has had before her marriage-when she announced her engagement occurred in my life without warning either of the kind obtained to me-has come true. The dream was a horrible one, and it through dreams, or by so-called 'presentiment,' which I have made a lasting impression on me. Someone told me in this concluded means that I, subconsciously, am all the while aware dream that she was dying (not that she had died) of rapid con­ of what certain moves of my own on the chess-board of existence sumption, that one lung was badly affected, and that she would will result in. I do not pose as a 'prophet,' but I maintain appeal to me for money and to protect her from her husband, that every individual already possessing this gift should accept who, through drink, had become very violent. This was a presage of the kind as coming from the 'subconscious self' thirteen or more years ago,. and this year my friend has been at and act upon it as he would upon the advice of an enlightened death's door-' active t~1berculosis' of the lung, and not con­ human being. sidered likely to live. She has appealed to me for pecuniary Without further preamble I will pass on to experiences in assistance, which I have been able to procure for her, and her connection with premonitory dreams that have left an endlll'ing husband has been discovered to be an habitual drunkard, who impression on my mind. The first of these is in connection was at one time shut up in a home for violent acts consequent with the death of my mother. I was pa.s3ionately devoted to on this sad habit. It would take me too long to give all the her, and, until quite shortly before her fatal illness, had never, incideqts in connection with this sad story relative to 'previ­ since I can remember, been away from her for so much as a day. sion,' 'telepathy,' and ' dreams,' but I will refer to it in another She was remarkably strong and possessed of such extraordinary part of my discourse. vita~ty that the thought of illness for her never suggested itself Some ten years ago-that is, at the time of the South African to our minds. When for the first time in my life I left home to war-I made up my mind to go and live with my only sister, pay a round of visits at the houses of various relations and then married, and living at Bloemfontein. No one exactly friends, I went with regret-I seemed to be doing something understood why I did so. I was then' doing 'as another than fateful. While away I had a horrible dream. I had left my my ordinary self desired ' ; I was pushed into doing so ; I could m~her in robust health, looldng the very pict\ue of it, a splendid not help myself. I dreamt one night-and this was a vivid specimen of capable woi:nap,hood in the prime of life. In this dream of the ' vision ' order-that I was walking along a lonely dream I saw her cb.o,nged, reduced almost to a shadow, and road in a wood, similar to the wood described by Dante in the apparently ravaged by some cruel disease. She appeared to be . opening lines of the 'Inferno' :- • suffering greatly, and stretched out her arms to me as if appeal­ Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita ing for help. I awoke in a state of absolute misery, weeping Mi ritrovai per una selva osclll'a, and hysterical, and cried out to the cousin whose room I shared, Che la diritta via era smarrita. 'I am going back to mamma, she is ill I ' Of course I was told it I came to cross-roads and paused, wondering which was the was nonsense, only a dream I So I stayed some time longer, I right road for me. A man came up to me, a traveller, like cannot now recall how long, as I am speaking of some twenty myself. He was very young and clean shaven, not unlike some­ years or more ago, but it may have been a few weeks. When I one I had been attracted by before-it was a type I liked. He joined my mother there was already a change, and within a year took my hand and said, ' I am ll. lonely boy, alone in this strange -I do not like to make the time too short for fear of exagger­ country ; will you walk with me as far as our roads lie to­ ating, but in reality her illness only lasted some months--she gether 1 ' The clasp of his hand was so realistic tl1at I sensed died of one of the most cruel maladies known to science, her it still when I awoke. We walked a bit of·the way together, 430 LIGHT. [September 9, 1911.

and presently came to a wide and open space where were many AN ANTl-TELEPATHIS'{'S '.CONFESSION.' vehicles and many people. He said, 'Here we part,' and entered a large omnibus which stood close at hand. I looked On Friday, September 1st., the ' Daily News' printed an into this stage coach, or omnibus, and saw that it was full of article by Mr. Douglas :Blackburn to the effect that about thirty those friends and acquaintances of mine who had passed on to years ago, as the result of an enthusiastic account in 'LIGHT' of another life previously-those who had lately done so sat nearest some experiments in thought-transference that he had made with the door. Arrived in Bloemfontein I made the acquaintance Mr. G. A. Smith, Messrs. Myers, Gurney, and Podmore, of the of a young man to whom I suLsequently became engaged and S.P.R., visited Brighton to investigate, and that their experi­ whom I recognised as the subject of that dream. When he ments with himself and Mr. Smith ' have been accepted and asked me to write to him from Johannesburg-to which town I cited as the basic evidence of the truth of thought-transference' was going next-he said, 'I am a lonely boy, alone in this ever since that time. H~ went Oil to say that, in the cause strange country; will you write to me 1' and as I gave him my of truth, as he was the 'sole survivor,' he would make the facts hand I recognised the handclasp. Not a year later he was shot of the case known to the public. These alleged facts were that in action. At the time of his death, but three weeks before the he and Mr. Smith b:i.mboozled the gentlemen from the S.P.R. news of it reached me, I said to my friends, ' It is no use my by employing codes and devising tricks which those gentlemen finishing this waistcoat for C., he is dead.' I sometimes 'sense' not only failed to detect, but were only too ready to accept as death in a peculiar and not quite explicable way, and had done evidence. so on this occasion--! call it 'smelling death' : the idea is On reading this extraordinary communication, we looked revolting, of course, but I am now telling you facts, not select­ for the alleged 'enthnsiastic description' in 'LIGHT,' and dis­ ing merely romantic episodes. The peculiar atmosphere of the covered that it was written and_ signed by Mr. Blackburn him­ death chamber (flowers, disinfectants, &c.) is detected by me on self(' LIGHT,' August 26th, 1882), and that in it he said :- these occasions, and I 'know' that the person in my thoughts I have had the satisfaction of experiencing some demonstra­ is no more. On this particular occasion I sprang out of bed tions of mind-sympathy which are, I believe, almost without and ran round my room, wildly repeating, ' He is dead ! he is precedent. dead ! ' On the night that I parted from my fiance I felt that Describing Mr. Smith's experiment, Mr. Blackburn pro­ we were not going to meet again 'on this side,' and I said, ceeded':- pointing to a spot above his heart, 'They will hurt you' ; and He places himself en rapport with myself by taking my it is strange he was shot through the lungs, just aLove the hands ; and a strong concentration of will and mental vision on heart. my part has enabled him to read my thoughts with an accuracy My sister, Mrs. M. C., and I have always been more or less that approaches the miraculous. The sympathy between us has been developed to such a degree that he rarely fails to in telepathic communication with one another, and I have on experience the taste of any liquid or solid I choose to imagine. most occasions, when danger or change of any kind has threatened her, or hers, been warned. beforehand of the impend­ Not content with this Mr. Blackburn wrote to the S.P.R. to ing event. It would take me too long to give you instance3 of the same effect, claiming to have ' obtained remarkable results all the weird premonitions I have had in connection with her, in thought-reading or will impression.' Some correspondence but one or two should by now be known to the Society, and I followed, in the course of which Mr. Blackburn gave details of select them because they appear to me to be especially interest­ his experiments with Mr. Smith, and Messrs. Myers and Gurney, ing as proving not only that events may Le foreseen in dreams being favourably impressed, went to Brighton to experiment. Lut that thoughts may be tapped before they are consciously It will thus be seen that M,:r. Blackburn in 1911, denies the present in the mind of the distant individual. The only preface truth of what he said in 'LIGHT ' in 1882. He now declares I will make to the story I am about to relate to you is this, that he and Mr. Smith were animated by an 'honest desire to that, although very devoted to my sister, I have not often, show how easily men of scientific mind and training could be during the last fifteen or more years, met her, nor have I got to deceived,' and to gratify the 'vanity of the schoolLoy who know her children, she living for "the most part in the Trans_ catches his master tripping.' However, on Monday last the vaal or the Orange River Colony-the Free State, as it used to be 'Daily News' stated that a member of its staff had spent several called-while I remained in Ireland or England. At one time hours on Saturday, the 2nd inst., in the company of Mr. too, she was put against me by friends of hers, who for some G. A. Smith, who said :- reason or other had a grudge against me, and we did not even Let me say at once that Mr. Blackburn's story is a tissue of corriispond much, but we were always subconsciously en rapport, errors from Leginning to end. I most emphatically deny that I ever in any degree, in any way, when working thirty years ago as I know by my dreams and states of mental distress, which with Mr. Blackburn, attempted to bamboozle Messrs. Myers, always corresponded with the like states in her. Not quite two Gurney, and Podmore. Had such a thing been possible, I had years ago she and her husband, accompanied by their large too much admiration and respect for them, and too much respect family (they l1ave five children, three girls and two boys), went for myself, to try. These gentlemen, long before they met us, Canada to start a new life out there, having been among the had spent years in investigating psychic phenomena, and unfortunate people who, about three years ago, were 'retrenched' were aware of every device and dodge for making sham phenomena ; they were on the watch, not only for pre­ and with great unfairness dismissed by the South Africa Railway meditated trickery, but for unconscious trickery as well. Company in favour of Dutch individuals. They were the best trained and best qualified observers in (To be continued). London, and it makes my blood boil to see them held up to ridicule. Were it not for the teaching of Myers and Gurney on the unreliability of human evidence, Mr. Blackburn could not say what he has said. He is merely repeating what they THE 'Stead Publishing House,' Bank Buildings, Kingsway, taught him. . He says we formed a compact to 'show up' have just issued a work Ly Mr. Vincent N. Turvey, entitled the professors ; we did no such thing. Blackburn at that time 'The Beginnings of Seership ; or, Supernormal Mental was a serious investigator, and assuredly I was. He wrote a Activity.' Its two hundred and thirty pages are full of inte­ shilling book on thought-reading which sought to establish its resting details of really striking experiences-a few of which existence ; this proves he was serious. He says I was the most have already appeared in 'LIGHT.' Now that the question, 'Is ingenious conjurer he ever met outside the profession, whereas Telepathy True 1' is agitating so many minds, the accounts I am the worst conjurer in the world, and cannot even conjure given by :lllr. Turvey, who is a non-professional psychic, of his away a serviette ring at the dinner table to amuse my children, uncommon supernormal clairvoyant and other experiences are or palm a penny, without detection. He says we had a code timely, and should Le of great service to those ':Vho are inclined of signals ; we had not a single one ; we never contemplated the to investigate in this realm. As many of the incidents have possibility of coding until we learnt it from Mr. Myers and Mr. been verified, and the verifications are attested by the witnesses, Gurney themselves. He says we practised together and brought doubters and sceptics will here find evidence that should 'give off startling hits ; we never did anything of the kind. them fmiously to think.' This is a hook which should be of more than ordinary interest to psychical researchers, Spirit­ - In conclusion, Mr. Smith said :- ualists, autl students of the occult generally. There is a valu­ In 'Phantasms of the Living' there is a record of seven able 'preface' written by Mr. W. T. Stead. hundred and two cases of spontaneous tl1ought-transference September 9, 1911.] LIGHT. 431 verified up to the hilt. I wholly agree with Mr. Wallis, the th~s connection that he was instrumental in first opening the editor of 'LIGHT,' whose letter appeared in your colum:QS to­ classes in the College to women, and took an active part in the day, that Mr. Blackburn, by his own showing, has surrendered early battle for the medical training and the recognition of the every claim to attention. rights of women to enter for medical degrees. Several well-known ladies who have risen to positions of note were, we are told, On Tuesday last Mr. Blackburn, replying to Mr. Smith, among the women students who received tlrnir theoretical and supports his 'pet theory that most human evidence is unreliable.' practical training from him. The meeting which led to the He repeats his assertion that the joint performances of himself foundation of the Association for the Technical Instruction and and Mr. Smith were tricks, and gives an ingenious description Employment of Women also owed its initiation to his efforts. of what he calls their 'great feat,' which, he says, 'if genuine The writer further informs us that Professor Barrett has always would establish telepathy beyond cavil.' He asserts that after been keenly interested in the welfare of the working classes and in all philanthropic and social efforts, and that the promotion receiving a drawing from Mr. Myers he secretly copied it on a of peace and temperance has occupied much of his time. cigarette paper, which paper he concealed in a pencil case that Indeed, his activity would appear to be many-sided, for· in was afterwards picl}ed up by Mr. Smith, who, while swathed in addition to scientific pursuits and social work he is an enthusi­ blankets, reproduced the drawing by the aid of a luminous slate astic and successful gardener. and thus deceived the observers. Apparently the S.P.R. investigators were not so incompetent and complaisant as Mr. Blackburn intimated in his former communication, since he now LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. admits their skill and caution, for he says : ' I confess that their The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by correspon­ irregular drawings completely snuffed out the psychic power dents, and sometimes publishes what he does not agree with for which, according to Mr. Smith, I possessed without knowing it' the purpose of presenting views which may elicit discussion. -or, in other words, they foiled his little tricks if tricks they were. However, the case stands thus : Mr. Blackburn charges 'The Lesson of the Strikes.' Mr. Smith with having deliberately deceived Messrs. Myers, Sm,--' We see in the present wave of disturbance a Gurney, and Podmore ; Mr. Smith emphatically denies having symptom of departure from the ways of Nature.' Thus you tricked them. Mr. Blackburn, at the outset, claimed that he write in your leaner of August 26th. I most cordially agree. and Mr. Smith were obtaining genuine thought-transference Wherein then is the departure ? Speaking from .the purely material aspect, I say, in the murder of our agricL1lture. God results that were ' little short c,f marvellous,' he now denies it (or 'Nature,' if you prefer it) gave us the land for our main­ and says that most human evidence is unreliable-therefore the tenR.nce, and we, in our wisdom ( ! ), employ five millions of question for the readers to solve is, were Mr. Blackburn's state­ people on it instead of sixteen millions, importing seventy-fl ve ments in 'LIGHT' in 1882 reliable, or are his present assertions, per cent. of our food stuffs to feed our forty-three millions, contradicted as they are by Mr. Smith, to be accepted as true 1 whereas we could feed eighty millions. This is not fiction, but Mr. Blackburn, unfortunately for himself, forgets that Pro­ fact, and the result is thirteen millions always on the verge of starvation, while £30,000,000 per annum goes in poor rates and fessor W. F. Barrett was present at the 'great feat' experiment, £100,000,000 per annum in private charity; all thrown into and in the 'Daily News' for Wednesday, the professor gives 'an a bottomless pit. The solution of the problem of poverty is no emphatic verdict for Mr. Smith.' He also says that subse- nearer ; we are only pauperising the people and ruining their . quently he carried out a series of extremely drastic tests with self-reliance. Clearly there is some great propelling force Mr. Smith at Dublin, and that he regards thought-transference behind all this unrest, and, in my humble opinion, that force is as 'established beyond the possibility of challenge to those who to be found in the neglect, of a fundamental law of Nature, vie'!, the tilling of the soil for the support of the people. There is a really examine the evidence.' Mr. Blackburn's circumstantial higher aspect too-you cannot ' instil high thoughts into description of how the great feat was effected is categorically hungry bellies.'-Yours, &c., denied by Mr. Smith, who characterises it as 'the most amazing R. H. FORMAN. piece of invention ever brought to my notice. All the essential [We heartily agree, but the problem is a huge one. How to points are untrue, and I deny the whole story from beginning to get people back on to the land is the question of the hour, end.' Mr. Smith then quotes the published report in the S.P.R. an

]Jodie$ have perished, for the average man or woman to gain that dreamt every night of him, and that he always begged 11er to bright angelic world or summerland ; yet 'Laes,' it seems, would cook his favourite dish. Every day, wlien she served the have us believe that Jack passed on to it straightaway (and' Jill dinner, and at the momentsl1e placed the plate on the table, a loud · came tumbling after ! ') and has entirely omitted the long years knock was heard on the sideboard. This went on for al>out a in the preparatory spheres. Such spheres; nevertheless, must fortnight, hut I ne\'er mentioned it before cook, as I never talked exist for all who are not of the highest development (gold un­ with her about spiritualistic matters-she even did not know refined is only clay). It is in these preparatory, or intermediate that when, once a week, ten or twelve friends came to me, they spheres, surely, that Jack would go through the long suffering came for a seance, she thought it was only an 'at home' day. and humiliation, which it seems to me, he would not deserve. Then, one day, cook said to me, 'Madam, have you not noticed And so I ask again, 'How can the teaching of Spiritualism be that since my husband died, every day when I bring in the true and God be just ~' dinner there is a loud knock on the sideboard 1' 1 Yes,' said I, In conclusion, I wish it to be remembered that my questions 'I have noticed it,' and half-jokingly ladded, 'maybe we have were for Spiritualists, and as 'Laes' seems to have had to for­ an unseen guest for dinner.' 'Oh,' said she, 'I am sure we have sake the teachings of Spiritualism to answer (or attempt to and that it is my poor hungry husband.' 'Do you believe such answer) them. I should like replies from others of more things?' said I to her. 'Eve1·y good Christian must believe that spiritualistic lJeliefs.-Yours, &c .. only the body dies, the soul is everlasting,' said she, ' and I am E. R. B. a good Christian.' That's right,' I replied, and the conversation ended. . The knocks continued daily as before, but one day there Do Spirits Eat, Drink, and Sleep 7 . was no knock. 'Oh,' exclaimed cook, 'he did not come to-day,' Srn,-The following extracts from communications received but she scarcely finished speaking, when the knock again came, this by automatic writing, which bear on the question by 'E. R. B.,' time so loud that the tumblers and glasses tinkled. Three may be of interest to your readers. My mother writes :-:- months later my cook left me and the knocks ceased immediately 'We eat fruit grown in our .own gardens, and have some she was gone, my unseen guest never coming to dinner any more. sort of fluid to drink that is like water, but clearer and more -Yours, &c., sparkling. We go out into our gardens to eat, and never bring Budapest. (MRs.) VILMA Krns. food into the house except for those who are newly passed over. They have a special diet, to eliminate all the drugs and unwhole­ Srn,-At one of our little sittings, my daughter asked 'Dr. somenesses from their systems. It is specially prepared by Jock ' if he ever ate or drank anything. His reply was, ' An' spirits, whJ undertake that work as their contribution to the wheer 'd I pit it, lassie? '-Yours, &c., world-I mean to help the world.' ' A third sphere spirit, writing, said : ' Our ether is re­ plenished by what is beyond it, and which is inhaled by spirits SOCIETY WORK ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 3rd, &c. beyond the fourth sphere (until the fourth sphere we inhale ether), and what is beyond ether is inhaled both for air purposes MARYLEBONE SPIRITUALIST ASSOCIATION, 51, MoRTIMER­ and for nourishment, and no other nourishment is taken after STREET, W.-Cavendish Rooms.-Mrs. Mary Davies addressed a the third sphere. Here, we still have some nourishment, which large and deeply interested audience on ' Thought and Vibra­ we acquire by magnetic processes of assimilation. It is collected tion.' Her clairvoyant descriptions were mostly fully recognised. and assimilated and distributed through our systems by a mental Mr. Leigh Hunt presided. Sunday next, see advt.-D. N. action only, and it is all composed of ether ; although the ether SPIRITUAL M1ss10N : 67, George-street, W.-Morning, Mrs. is caused to take three different forms, which portions are com­ M. H. Wallis gave an address on' Faith in, and Knowledge of, bined. They are the necessary concomitants of our three mental Spiritual Truth.'-22, Prince's-street, Oxford-street.-E\•ening, processes: our spiritual sensitiveness, our soul purification, and Mrs. Wallis spoke on ' Spiritualism : A Motive Power for Good.' our translucent but necessary vehicle for functioning in this Sunday next, see advt. sphere.' The same communicant in giving the tidings of a friend BRIXTON.-8, MAYALL-ROAD.-Mrs. Maunder gave an ad­ passed over the year before said, 'And she helps her husband dress on 'Harvest.' Sunday next, at 7 p.m., Miss Fogwell ; from earth with his work, but here they are only dear friends. 3 p.m., Lyceum. Circles : Monday, at 7.30, ladies' ; Tuesday, at They were not affinities, so are not here united one to the other. 8.15, member's ; Thursday, 8.15, public.-G. T. W. Her soul's completement is not here, but still on earth, and some FuLHAM.-CoLVEY HALL, 25, FERNHURST-ROAD.-·Mr. D. J. day they will meet-should they both develop on the right Davis spoke earnestly on 'Spiritual Growth.' Sunday next, lines, and realise and understand the pure psychic life.' Mr. G. T. Gwynn ; at ::>. p.m., Lyceum. October 1st and 2nd, Again he said, 'And every woman who has met her male Anniversary Services.-H. C. affinity sees and receives impl'essions for him and also bears his BRIXTON.-84, STOCKWELL PARK-ROAD.-Miss Violet Bur­ childre11. Yes, of course, people have children over here-why ton gave a good address on 'The Next Step.' Sunday next, at not? They are not conceived, not horn as on earth ; but if the 11 a.m., Mr. E. A. Keeling, of Liverpool; at 3 p.m., Lyceum; souls of the two truly unite they can produce thought-children at 7 p.m., Mrs. Reaurepaire. Sunday, 17th, at 7, Mr. Symons. -children formed from their best spiritual thoughts and their CROYDON.-ELMWOOD HALL, ELMWOOD-ROAD, BROAD-GREEN. nervous force. Thus thought-child life is succoured by the -Mr. W. E. Long gaYe an eloquent spiritual address on woman and through the woman, and is taken by both to see and 'Woman, the Church, and the State.' Sunday next, at 11.15 a.m., receive impressions from the most beautiful things, and is and 7 p.m., Mr. G. R. Symons.-J. E. put en rapport (the woman can do this by the same methods as KINGSTON-ON-THAMES.-AsSEMBLY ROOMS, HAMPTON WICK. you make it possible for me to write) with the waves of celestial -Mrs. Jamrach gave an address followed by clairvoyant descrip­ thought l1est adapted to mentally develop his or her character tions. Sunday next, at 7, Mr. Beresford on 'The Power of and faculties. Authority.' Important members' meeting to be held afterwards. ' And, finally, when its body-of a marvellous translucent BRIGHTON.-MANCHESTER-STREET (OPPOSITE AQUARIUM).­ appearance and radiating a wonderful gleaming light-is devel­ Mr. F. G. Clarke (having changed dates with Mrs. Boddington) oped for it to act in, and its mind has become capable of self­ gave interesting addresses and answered questions. Sunday control, they both teach it to think and to act for itself, but next, Mrs. H. M. Wallis, addresses and answers to questions. never to blindly obey. They always help it to progre3s, and are Tuesday, at 8, and Wednesday, 3, open circle for clairvoyance. filled with joy for it to far exceed themselves. Only the pure Thursdays, at 8, members' circle.-A. M. S. and far-advanced in helpfulness can produce child life over here, BRIGHTON.-0Ln ToWN HALL, HoVE, 1, BRUNSWICK-STREET and the beings so produced are what are called angels.'­ WEsT.-Good addresses and clairvoyant descriptions by Mr. Yours, &c., Sarfas. Sunday next, at 11.15 and 7, Mrs. Gordon. Monday, EDITH BAKER. at 3 and 8, also Wednesdays at 3, clairvoyant descriptions by Mrs. Curry. Thursday at 8.15, public circle.-A. C. Srn,-On the question whether spirit people eat or drink I STRATFORD.-WoRKMEN's HALL, 27, RoMFORD-ROAD, E.­ have had a very striking experience. Two years ago I had a cook. In the absence of Mr. J. A. Wilkins, an interesting paper on She was a better class woman, but her husband being unable to 'Social States in Spirit Life' was read by Mr. W. H. Such, and work, having already been two years in a hospital suffering from supplemented by convincing illustrations of psychometry by a cancer in the stomach, she was obliged to earn her living as Madam Beaumont. Mrs. E. P. N oall presided. Sunday next, best she could. Every week she went to see him. On her address by Mrs. Annie Boddington.-W. H. S. return I ah,•ays asked how her husband was getting on, and she PECKHAM.-LAUSANNE HALL, LAUSANNE-ROAD.-Morning, invariably replied that he was unhappy, that he complained of and evening, Mrs. A. Webb gave short addresses and good clair­ not being given enough to eat and being dreadfully hungry. voyant descriptions. It is hoped that friends will support the A few weeks later the husband died. Of course the poor society's first conversazione'·on Thursday, September 21st., 6d. woman was very much upset, and despite all my attempts to Sunday next, morning, circle ; evening, Mrs. M. Davies. Sep­ comfort her she cried all day long. After a week, however, she tember 17th, Mr. H. Boddington. Healing circle on Tuesday1 wa,s ci1lmer imd t0lq me tha,t sin<;e h()r lrn~b[\nq's dea,th sh~ 8.15. Prarer meetin~? 7.301 Tqursdars.-.t\, Q. S, . · ight: A Journal of Psgahiaa/, Oaault, and Mgstiaal Research.

• LIGHT! MORE LIGHT !'-Goethe, 'WHATSOEVER DOTH MAKlll MANIFEST IS LIGHT.'-Paui •

No. 1,601.-VoL. XXXI. (Registered as] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1911. [a N ewspa.per. J PRICE TWOPENOE.

CONTENTfl, ·we are certainly progressing. Of old it was the custom Notes by the Way ····-········433 Why Does Spiritualism Disap. Test Seances with Mr. C. Bailey 435 point So J\Iany? _...... • •. 442 to deny medinmship altogether, and to attribute all physical Premonitions and Telepathy in Apparition of a Dog ••.•.•••..•. 442 Dreams...... ••...... •.. 436 Items of Interest • • ...... 442 phenomena to conscious and wilful trickery. We have our­ Spiritual Experiences of an Mrs. Besant's A.J;titude Towards Amateur Healer . . • ...... 437 Spiritualism •.•• _ ..••••..•.. 448 selves witnessed many genuine physical manifestations which In Search of the Soul . • . . . . 488 Counterparts...... • . . • . • • . •. 444 Medlumship of Mrs. Etta Wriedt489 Should Inquirers be Warned? . 444 conlil have been produced by mundane methods, only we Symbol of the Cross ..••..••.. 440 Farewell Reception to Mrs. Comforting Spiritual Communion 441 F°'ter-Turoer ...... 444 know that they were not so produced. But we would never attempt to convince any sceptical friend (who was NOTES BY THE WAY. not a witness of the occurrences) that such phenomena were of psychical origin. And that is the great difficulty The newspapers recently gave an account of the public in connection with these matters. If the manifestations examination of a solicitor who, as they put it, was 'Ruined by could not have been produced by normal methods, then­ Ghosts l' He declared that his bankruptcy was largely due they did not happen ! If they could have been. produced to his having lost money through investments made on the by such means, then-that is the explanation. While we faith of mediumistic communications. So runs the story, quite agree with Dr. von Schrenck-Notzing's claim that all so far as it can be understood from the published report. psychic phenomena should be subjected to the severest test We are reminded of Mark Twain's conclusions after study­ and criticism, we feel with M. Marzorati that the publi­ ing some statistics relating to the death rate. He found cation of the article was premature-further investigation that a certain number of people died from street or rail way might have negatived Dr. von Schrenck-Notzing's conclu­ accidents, and so many by drowning, but that the great sions. And then there is always the danger-we have seen it majority died in their beds. And the moral was that we too frequently-of the effect of the attack on the medium. should shun ' those deadly beds f' Similarly for every Genuine mediums are not so numerous that their services person 'ruined by ghosts,' there must be many hundreds to psychic research can be lightly lost. who are reduced to poverty by fellow creatures. Are we to shun those deadly fellow creatures 1 Readers of ' LIGHT ' will doubtless remember a re­ markable little book entitled, ' An Adventure,' issued In the course of some remarks on the late Florence some months ago. The authors, Elizabeth Morison and Marryat, a writer in' T.P.'s Weekly,' of the 1st inst., makes, Frances Lamont (the names are admittedly pseudonyms) incidentally, the following allusion to Spiritualists :- relate that while visiting Versailles, they explored the . . . contrary, perhaps, to general opinion, the Spirit­ Petit Trianon and there saw various scenes, objects and ualists are, as a rule, highly critical and strongly biassed in people of the past-the period, in fact, being that of the favour of exactitude and care in the investigation of their French Revolution. Not until long afterwards did they phenomena. ascertain this by inspecting pictures and records of the That is because earnest students and adherents of the time. In the July number oi 'The Journal of the American movement have learned by experience the harm which is Society for Psychical Research,' Dr. Hyslop reviews the wrought by emotional zeal and laxity of method, whether story, which he describes as being as 'romantic and in­ in the observation of phenomena or the recording of them. credible as any ever told in the annals of psychic research.' As a faith, Spiritualism welcomes warm hearts, but as a He is puzzled by one aspect of it. What were the figures science it calls for cool heads and precise minds. -Marie Antoinette, the Comte de Vaudreuil and the rest -seen by the two ladies ~ ' Is the after-life but a dream We trust that th.e experiments with the Italian of the past~ ' asks Dr. Hyslop, dealing with the matter medium, Signora Lucia Sordi, will be continued until from the standpoint of 'the average layman and Philistine.' sufficient evidence is accumulated to invalidate the theory put forward by Dr. von Schrenck-Notzing, who suggests For our own part, we are disposed to accept the inter­ the possibility of the medium escaping from the cage in pretation frequently given from spiritual sources regarding which she is confined by the prosaic method of pushing these visions of people long dead, who are ·seen to be apart the wooden bars of the structure. He asserts that pursuing the avocations they followed in earth-life, viz., by experiment he proved the possibility of forcing the bars that for the most part they are thought-forms projected on apart sufficiently to admit the passage of a wooden object the consciousness of the seer. After all, we have many as large as the medium's head. By a somewhat laboured illustrations of the matter in clairvoyant descriptions. The argument he endeavours to show that this would imply the carpenter appears in his working clothes, brings his saw possibility of the medium squeezing her body through also. and plane and sets to work on a plank; the artist comes Anticipating the retort that this would prove her to be a with his easel and palette and appears to be engaged on a remarkably clever gymnast, he alludes to the supernormal painting. The thing is just a mental picture, designed to powers frequently found in conjunction with the somnam­ establish the identity of the spirit by reproducing the bulistic state. Even an admission of the fact of her conditions of his life on earth. Special cases may, of course, mediumship (says Dr. von Schrenck-N otzing, in effect), would require special explanations, but the interpretation we not invalidate his theory regarding the method in which have recorded above is, we think, the 111ost usu/\l anq the escape from the ca~e mi~ht be accomplished, natural, I I \ 434 LIGHT. [September 16, 1911.

We are struck with the number of movements which expresses surprise (sometimes, it may be, disappointment) are projected nowadays to cope with what are described as at finding the life beyond so different from what he had 'national evils,' or 'gigantic vices,' while in the majority of imagined it before passing over ~ cases the mischief lies not in the things denounced but merely in their excess or perversion. Even the murderer Our own view of the matter is that while the theory is exercising a faculty-destructiveness_:_which if turned in referred to may account, in part, for the defects of com­ the right direction, viz., the breaking down of barriers to munication, they are due quite as much to the mental con­ progress or the conquering of difficulties, would be of ditions of the medium and sitters. Ho~ often it has been immense advantage to the race. Here we have, for observed that a communicator from beyond echoes example, Mr. J. Godfrey Raupert, in a religious paper, obediently the prepossessions and opinions of the persons denouncing Spiritualism as a 'gigantic evil,' which he present, or endorses some pet notion of the medium ! Yet, describes as 'ruining countless souls.' His letter, with its as we know by long experience, given favourable conditions, lurid language and reckless mis-statements, is an example a highly trained medium and a powerful control, the com­ of the violent exaggeration which defeats its own ends, so munications take an independent form, often running that we are not greatly concerned to controvert it. There counter to the views of both mediums and sitters. Never­ are evils of misdirection and excess in all phases of human theless, even in these cases we have the limitations imposed life, and it is a wise and useful work to correct these faults. by a physical environment. However graphic the language Wholesale and indiscriminate abuse is the mark of the employed by the spirit operator, he must perforce describe feeble and immature critic. Besides, there is a pithy the spirit world in terms of matter. At the best it is a proverb about 'glass houses' which Mr. Raupert would do case of seeing 'through a glass darkly.' well to remember.

In ' Science and the Key of Life' (Vol. IL) we read :­ We take the following suggestive passage from an Physiological science reveals that for weakness or defect m article, 'A Study in Karma ' by Mrs. Besant, in the one organ, Nature provides abnormal development of others August number of 'The Theosophist ' :- which fortifies against loss of vitality. Also that some of the Even in the lower worlds where the measures of time are so most powerful human frames are not symmetrical in form. different from each other, we catch a glimpse of the increasing This is a principle that applies also to the mental region limitations of denser matter. · Mozart tells us of a state of con­ sciousness in which he received a musical composition as a single where a deficiency of resolution may be counterbalanced by impression, although in his waking consciousness he could only a full development of 'continuity,' or a lack of self-esteem produce that single impression in a succession of notes. by strong 'approbativeness.' But even more remarkable, to Or again, we may look at a picture, and receive a single mental our thinking, is the way in which Nature sometimes impression-a landscape, a battle ; but an ant crawling over that picture would see no whole, only successive impressions from the imparts to a delicate, sensitive frame a degree of vitality parts travelled over. and endurance for which many an athlete would barter half his strength. The quotation reminds us indirectly of the many instances of 'direct writing' in which whole pages of closely-written script were produced in a few seconds (Mrs. SPIRITUAL PRAYERS. Everitt's mediumship afforded notable examples of this). (From many Shrines.) Such things suggest somethin~ akin to the reception of a Our Father, we thank Thee for all the simple happinesses musical composition as a single impression, although . and everyday blessings of life, and for all the riches we occurring as a physical instead of a mental phenomenon. enjoy day by day-the things which no money can buy. We thank Thee for all the true friendship that has come into our life, for the sweet communion of human heart We cull the following from a leading article in ' The with hunian heart. We thank Thee, those of us who have Times.' It is a sharp rebuke to those who, for example, them for the blessing of home and all the spiritual uplift value a ·beautiful work of art either because it is antique and 'fellowship there. We thank Thee for such in­ or because it is worth so much money. But it has an all­ fluences in our life as help to make us better men and round application. After saying that 'a man whose main better women, and for the example and influence of good object is worldly success has all his experience coloured lives which are an inspiration and an incenti.Ye to high and perverted by that object,' the writer utters the follow­ endeavour. And though we have not always been faithful to the heavenly vision we rejoice that it has never been ing momentous piece of wisdom :- entirely removed. Forgive, we beseech Thee, all our world­ It is one of the chief symptoms of feebleness and bewilder­ liness hardness of heart, our running after the things of ment and a faint experience of life to value everything in terms the fl~sh forgetfulness of higher revelations, disloyalty to of something else. To great artists, as to all great men, there the best'we have seen. Forgive the selfishness of our joys are absolute values, and their art itself has absolute value be­ as well as the selfishness of our sorrows, and forbid that cause it expresses and communicates these. we should utter these words lightly and carelessly. Take from our hearts all that hinders the coming of Thy spirit In a recent issue of 'The Progressive Thinker' an within us revealing Thy love. Grant that everyone of us observant writer offers a theory to explain the conflicting may now put himself in to Thy hands and rise as Thou and inconclusive statements so frequently received from wouldst have us rise into higher service, and enter into nobler regions of thought and feeling and achievement. spirits communicating through a medium. In his view a Amen. communicating spirit controlling a medium is ' in the same state that it was before it left its physical body in the earth life.' As a result, the spirit is subject to all the LONDON SPIRITUALIST ALLIANCE, LTD. limitations of the earth condition, and, when describing 1Ve have pleasure in announcing that arrangements have been scenes in the spirit world, describes them just as his fancy made with Mr. Percy R. Street to attend the rooms at llO, St. had pictured them while yet in the physical body. There Martin's-lane, W.C., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, is certainly a great deal that lends support to the idea, but from 11 a. m. to 2 p. m., for diagnosis by a spirit control, magnetic unfortunately (or fortunately) it does not cover the whole healing, and delineations from the personal aura. For fqll ~round. What of those case~ iri whiqh the returnin~ spirit particular~ see ~he ~dv~rtis~ment supplemen~. September 16, '1911,] LIGHT. 435

TEST SEANCES WITH MR. CHARLES BAILEY, members of the Society for Psychical Research, and I resolved OF AUSTRALIA. to further investigate Mr. Bailey, without submitting him to any severe or objectionable examination. It wa.s arranged to hold BY A. wALLACE, 1\f.D. another meeting, at which the medium would be completely enveloped in a bag of mosquito-net material fixed over his head, In 'LIGHT' of June 3rd last (p. 263), I made a short and not at his neck, which is quite inefficient as a test condition. statement regarding the first seance given by Mr. Charles If any apport appeared outside of this and inside the locked Bailey after his arrival in England. On that occasion there was cage, properly guarded, without any rupture of the net, then an entire absence of test conditions, and therefore the result was we would be satisfied. I am glad to say that Mr. Bailey wil­ quite inconclusive so far as forming an opinion in regard to his lingly agreed to this arrangement. alleged powers as an 'apport' medium. On July 27th we sat under these conditions, my friend Mr. A test ·meeting was arranged, and Mrs. Foster-Turner, under 'Wortley' guarding the door of the cage. Nothing happened whose a.us{lices Mr. Bailey came to London, kindly instructed of a physical description, the complaint being made by the me to form a committee of responsible individuals to investigate control, 'Dr. Whitcombe,' that there was too much material under conditions to be mutually arranged. On the evening of close to the inedium's head. We resolved to remedy this, and July 6th I invited a selected circle, the majority being medical at a meeting which took place the next evening (July 28th) we men wl10 were in sympathy with spiritual science. There were fixed up the inner net at the four corners of the cabinet, so that also present two well-known members of the Society for Psy­ the medium could stand erect. During a period of complete chical Research, a friend of mine who is a distinguished conjurer, darkness two small birds appeared between the net and the another friend who is a professor of Oriental languages,· the cabinet. At a previous sitting the Hindu 'control' had Bilked editor of a psychical magazine and my son. There was also for a pot of earth and a basin of water in the hope of producing present, by invitation of Mrs. Foster-Turner, a well-known a growing plant or a live fish. On this occasion we had pro• occult student, with whom I have formerly had psychic experi­ vided these articles. The ' control,' seeing them within the ments. I was thoroughly satisfied with the bona-fides of the cabinet, asked what they were, and when J,'enrlnded of the re· entire circle. Mrs. Foster-Turner and Mr. Abbott were also quest previously made a great altercation arose, as if the control members of the circle ; as, however, the meeting took place in was quarrelli11g with someone. We unfortunately had not with their rooms, to avoid any question of confederacy, they were so us the Orient1.1l professor, so we could not understand the :Piaeed as to be under complete control A cage cabinet, some­ Hindustani supposed to be spoken. The medium was at thi.l! what resembling the one in the office of 'LIGHT,' was used, time standing, and suddenly toppled over, and in falling tore after it had been critically examined by members of the com­ the inner netwOI"k, although I had carefully warned ' Dr. Whit· mittee. Three members of the circle, including myself, and also combe '. that if the inner net was not intact the result would be Mr. Abbott, took Mr. Bailey to another room, and there he vitiated. divested himself of all his clothing. Outwardly there was not any We observed a large rent forming in the anterior surface as indication of any article-certainly no living creature-being he fell, but at the upper anterior right-hand corner there was a secreted in his clothes or on his person in skin-coloured plastrons double imperfection, whether produced during the fall or not we . or sheaths. He replaced his clothing, including his boots, and could not say. The question whether the .birds were true was led back to the seance ~oom and securely locked in the ' apports ' or not is left unsolved. My verdict is the truly cabinet. Scotch one of 'not proven' ; others might give a more definite After several 'controls ' had spoken, sometimes with a slight one. slip in grammar, one, purporting to be a Hindu, 'took possession,' To avoid being called upon to answer the question-' How who made a salaam, bnt when addressed in Hindustani by the were the birds produced if not by supernormal means i ' let me professor, he immediately subsided into broken English, and say that I have seen a much larger bird concealed on the person seemed not to understand his native language, which was rather of an imitator of supemormal phenomena who had been strange. The room was dimly lighted by an electric lamp examined by several persons without detecting it. It depends covered with red material. When the light was extinguished, · on how the bird is treated and how it is held in its hiding-place and after an interval of complete darkness, during which singing with extended legs. took place, what was stated to be a bird's nest was seen in the medium's hand. He was said to be under control of ' Dr. Whitcombe,' who, unfortunately, tore the nest asunder, so that THE letters on telepathy in the 'Daily News,' prior to the Black· it had little resemblance to a perfectly formed nest when after­ burn-Smith episode, were more than usually interesting. While wards examined outside of the cabinet. It consists of a strand some narrated personal experiences, spontaneous· or experimental, of palm fibres measuring about twelve inches long, apparently others gave explanations of the rrwclus operand·i for experimental doubled on itself with a few small pieces of what appear to be investigation, while one at lea.st propounded a theory purporting to account for the phenomena. A ' Manchester correspondent' fine cotton fibres. Two small eggs were also produced, one re­ related some successful experiments which were conducted at sembling a blackbird's, and a much smaller one somewhat like a his own home by the late Mr. Edward Ward, one of the sparrow's, hut these were broken by the control when placing founders of ~he Manchester Microscopical Society, with Miss them in the palm of the hand of one of the committee. These Lillian Bibby, then eleven years of age. Although her eyes two eggs, when placed together, would occupy a cubic space of were covered with small linen bags, containing damp tea leaves, about an inch and an eighth. Thereafter the medium was said which were held in position by a band round her forehead, over which a folded cloth or handkerchief was tied round her head, to be much exhausted. While the members of the circle were she was able to play whist, and at the end of the game it was discussing the results obtained, with the possible explanation,­ found that the whole of her thirteen cards had been played and wishing to put one or two questions to the medium, as well without error. When one of the players won a trick by trump­ a.s to examine his bootS more thoroughly, we found that he had ing it, she at once laughingly said, ' He has trumped it.' The quickly left the house, thus seeming not to enter into the scien­ child having been taken out of the room, Professor Balfour tific spirit of our investigations-to 'prove all things.' As a con­ Stuart selected letters and arranged them so as to spell 'rose' on a board with two ledges. On being placed before sequence, the general opinion of the committee was unfavour­ the easel Lillian quickly picked out the required letters able. Of course, in such investigations the conclusion arrived and placed them in fairly good order on the second ledge, at must always bear a relation to the completeness of the and then arranged them until they were an exact copy, and examination of the medium and the precautions taken ; and before immediately under the word above. Professor Stuart silently believing that .such productions are true' apports,' conveyed by substituted a ' y ' for the 'e,' and as soon as it was pointed out to her that a change had been made, Lillian took dmvn the ' e,' supernormal means, all normal methods must be excluded. searched for and found a 'y,' and completed her word. From After such an examination as we made, had a small bird or live the description given, it is difficult to tell whether this was a fish been produced, as related in' Rigid Tests of the Occult,' case of clairvoyance, or, if telepathy, who transmitted the thoughts. Melbourne,1904, the verdict might have been different. Other experiments, as described, seem to indicate clairvoyant · In spite. of our disappointment .Mr, ' Wortley,' one of the power rather than thought-transference. 436 LIGHT. (September 16, 1911.

PREMONITIONS AND TELEPATHY IN DREAMS. eventually told, but only towards the end of her stay at Port Daniel, long after my dreams and the experiences of the A paper read by MISS GERALDINE DE ROBECK, on February 9th, children and herself. 1911, at a Meeting of the Dublin Society for Psychical The house at Port Daniel was built on the sand where some Research, PROFESSOR w. F. BARRETT in the chair. sixty or seventy bodies of men and women were buried after having been washed up by the tide. These people were drowned (Continued from page 430.) in the wreck of the steamer 'Coleburn,' which ill-fated ship was lured to destruction by wreckers on a misty night. Only one Neither my sister nor her husband had ever been to man was saved. It is supposed that the rest were either washed America, nor had I ever been interested in that continent, up as corpses or killed by the wreckers; all were robbed. Look­ except as being the home of Emerson, Thoreau, and Whit­ ing over some old letters of my si3ter's, I find that she had man. Of legends in connection with it I knew nothing, more to say about this haunted coast than I could at first recol­ neither did my sister's family. They lived first in Montreal for lect. I will quote from these letters fragments that may be of a while, and then I heard of their having moved to a little place interest:- called Port Daniel, near Gaspe, on the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, a very rough spot, I was given to understand-a few houses of Many thanks for the cuttings from the 'Sea Legends.' They refer to what I read in 'The Chronicles of the St. Lawrence,' by wood, newly built, nothing like ruins or old buildings suggest­ Lemoine. Did I ever tell you abot1t the phantom sleigh-bells 1 ing ghosts, nothing at all to put bogey ideas into the heads of One night I heard sleigh-bells passing the house, so fast that either grown-up people or children. At first my sister wrote in the horses must have been going at foll gallop. There was a raptures about, the wildness of the coasj;, the splendid sea, the sound of voices, just the sound of these bells, as if a long strimr Northern lights, the gorgeous effects of sunrise and sunset, of sleighs were following each other as fast as the wind. It was moonlight nights and terrors of the storm. She was enchanted bright moonlight, and winter. If Jackie (the baby) had not been cuddling in my arms, I should have jumped up and tried with the place, and said all were happy. Somewhere about to see out of the window, but the windows were frozen so hard December of last year-I write in 1910-I uegan to have most that it would have been impossible to see out of them. When disturbed nights. l repeatedly dreamt about my sister's chil­ I mentioned this afterwards to our servant-girl, she got very dren-that they were having nightmares and were terrified, red, and said that these sleigh-bells have been heard by several that the little boy (Hastings) had taken to walking in his people ; but no one has ever been able to see anything, with the sleep, and that they founri their quiet little house was haunted. exception of one man, living in a house not far from ours, who declares that when he looked out he saw men in sleighs and on I suffered very much from these alarming dreams, and was also horseback, dressed in strange clothes, such as are not worn these much bored ; they seemed so stupid and meaningless. If I days. Most of the men also had beards, whereas the average remember rightly, it was in January that I heard from my Canadian is clean-shaven. Most of them carried spears and sister that they had discovered that the house was haunted, that M. [my sister's husband] told me that when he used to walk the little boy-asleep, but with his eyes wide with terror-had up to, and back from, the railway shed [the New Canadian Company were then constructing a branch railway to Gaspe frightened them all by flying downstairs at night, screaming from Port Daniel] at night, along that lonely road, with the sea out that he saw people. The little girl (Olivia) had seen faces on one side and trees on either side, and, also, when he took of hungry starving people, my sister had seen lights and heard the short cut through the railway cutting a little further from sOlmds, and her lmsband had also heard unaccountable sounds. the sea between high banks, he could swear that he had been There were old tales, folk-tales, my sister said, about the coast­ followed by someone. Sometimes merely by a light, at others tales. of shipwrecked crews, of lights seen at sea, of phantom by a figure ; he did not at all like it. [My brother-in-law main­ tains a sceptical attitude witl1 regard to all abnormal phenomena, ships and wreckers. All the coast was haunted with horror. I must tell you.] He also admitted to' Olivia [the eldest On getting my sister's letter I was much interested, and sent girl] that at the end he was not sleeping at all at Port Daniel, to the London library for a book-now out of print-called but used to sit up at night with a light watching, as he could 'Legends of the Sea,' by Basset, and looked up ' Legends of not at all understand the sounds he heard. If ever you do the St. Lawrence.' Here I found weird allusions to the lights carry out your intention of writing on the subject of the super­ seen on the rocks near Gaspe-strange tales of the sea, indeed, . natural, why do you not suggest that it would be well worth while for the S.P. R. to investigate the subject of hauntings on which I passed on to my sister. She then made further in­ this coast 1 It is a common report that, as soon as a house is quiries, and by good fortune happened upon a book called built there, something comes into it. Also there is at a place 'Legends of the St. Lawrence,' which contained many inte­ further along the coast, called Perce, a tale of white spirits seen resting notes in connection with old wrecks and stories of floating 'over the waters at night. The mountains of St. Anne, pirates and starving crews. I must tell yon that Port Daniel close to Gaspe, are also full of stories. M. told me that oddly is a mere village ; it probably did not exist at all some years there is one place, just where they are constructing the line now, where something always happens when they try to bring the back-certainly did not do so in the days of the wreckers who trains over the line for trial tiips, to see if it is safe. Two robbed the bodies of the early settlers thrown up on that coast. accidents happened while we were at Port Daniel, and always This is what my sister, in answer to my questions, tells me about at the same spot. Some of the old inhabitants declare that no the hauntings at their house :- line will ever get through, as it is not intended to. To give the Hauntings at Mr. Nadean's house, Port Daniel East, Gaspe coast a fair trial, the searchers after experiences should go in the Peninsula, Canada. ' autumn and stay until the end of February. Port Daniel, or Beneath the house was a sandy cellar, reached by a trap­ Perce, would make the best headquarters, and some of the door in kitchen floor. · party should be proficient in French, so as to be able to chatter The sounds-footsteps in kitchen and shed, in dining-room, t,o the French Canadians. I think if I had not been so tied by &c., tappings at windows of bedrooms, attempts to open the family I should have had some more experiences. kitchen door (when shed-door had been closed), sound of men's I should here relate a strange experience which I once had in and women's voices heard wailing, groaning and calling for help connection with thought-transference. I was staying in London from the sea-heard most distinctly from little boy's rnom-have at the time and my sister was also in town, but we were not living been heard by my sister, her two elder children in particular, and other member~ of the family repeatedly, and, as a rule, from in the same house. I was in Trebovir-road and she was in Eardley­ 9 p.m. till 2 or 3 a.m. crescent, a few streets separating us. All our letters used to be The figure of a man in sea-boots and coat was seen by my forwarded to me, and I passed them on to her. She was par· sister from the window of the little girl's (Olivia) room on ticularly anxious to get a certain letter containing a draft for several occasions, and she went downstairs to look for him ; he some moneys due to her, and we had been watching the posts was lurking near the shed apparently. The green, swollen eagerly. One night a large sealed envelope was handed to me faces of men and women were seen at the window of the little boy's room both by Hastings himself and his sister Olivia. It just as she and I had parted for the night-we used to spend was because of the faces seen at the window that Hastings so the evenings together, as a rule-and I WllS in despair because it often rushed downstairs to liis mother, crying. These figures was too late for me to run round to her with the precious docn• and faces were always seen at the same hour-9.30 p.m.-ancl ment. I took it up to my room, and when I got into bed I did principally on dark, misty nigl1ts. my best, mentally, to convey to her that the expected document These are the stories about the house that my sister was had arrived. I imagined myself walking downstairs, along part September 16, 1911.] LIGHT. 437

of Warwick-road, and up Eardley-crescent, until I found myself friend, in a minute, she was 'non est,'. limp, useless. Shortly in her room, and there I fell asleep, my message on my phantom she retumed and said she had been to Seacoll!-be, passed many lips. The following morning I tore round as fast as I could to people going over the bridges (at the docks), but had failed to her lodgings, and bounced into her room, shouting out, ' It has locate her friend. I again commanded her to go and D.nd the come ! ' She cried out almost at the same moment, ' I knew it missing one. After a few minutes she returned, as though she had come last night. Give me the letter, quick ! ' I cannot had been hurrying, and said that Mrs. P. was sitting talking to now quite recall whether it was in a dream or when still awake some relations and past earth friends, but would take no notice that the information was conveyed to her, but. the fact remains of her. She reiterated the caution, 'If you do not fetch her back that on that morning I brought her no news, having telepathi­ soon, you will never get her back.' cally set her mind at rest the night before. Another scene with the husband followed. However, I kept (To be continued.) as cool as possible, and commanded Mrs. P. to return 11t once, but there was no response. I made several urgent demands, SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES OF AN AMATEUR but without avail. Things were getting serious, so I took both HEALER. her hands in mine, gripped my nails into her palms strongly, ·gave them a good shaking, and at the same time cominanded, in BY G. yr. MAKIN. a loud voice, ' Come back at once ! ' At this she did come back, The following account of some of my experiences as an but complained that I was most unkind to disturb her whilst amateur healer may be of interest to the readers of 'LIGHT 1 she was so happy and comfortable. As she had not obeyed me and be of service as a sequel to the incidents already related nor kept her promise, I told her I was seriously thinking about on pages 387 and 400. not letting her go away again. She begged of me not to take Two ladies, Mrs. P., who suffered from goitre, and Mrs. K., that course, and declared that she would never disobey again. who complained of difficulty in breathing, were repeatedly put The husband rejoiced as though she had been raised from the into the mesmeric sleep by me and treated alternately while dead. I was thankful on my own account, as I had had no ex· they were in that state. Mr. P., who was always present, had a perience to guide me. Mrs. K., when she returned, was indig­ lame ankle, the result of an accident. I could not put him to nant with Mrs. P. at the slight offered by her not speaking. On sleep in the ordinary way and had to act suddenly and unex­ waking out of the mesmeric sleep, both ladies were unconscious pectedly before I succeeded. Both ladies were clairvoyant and of the difficulty experienced, except that Mrs. K. remonstrated clairaudient while in the magnetic sleep. about the slight. Mrs. P., however, was not aware of it. Both On many occasions Mrs. P. would enjoy the company of her mentioned the same names of the persons to whom Mrs. P. was arisen child. She would embrace and kiss him and ask her talking. The latter gave a delightful description of where she husband to do so also, saying that the little one had his had been, and she expressed her pleasure at having seen her arms round his father's neck, &c. Unfortunately, the father arisen relations and friends. When I told her that she had was not clairvoyant : nevertheless he would go down on his experienced 'dying,' she replied, 'What l Is dying like that 11 knees beside his wife and together they were happy with the I said 'Yes.' She remarked, 'Then I am ready any minute.' boy. To the mother, the child seemed as real as though he was Whilst making full-length 'passes' over Mrs. K, she in a physical body, but, from her description, far more beautiful. said, 'My aunt Bridget is het:e.' I asked, 'Is she bright Sometimes there would be lescribed as with him a little dark­ (or good) 7' She replied, ' Yes. ' ' Then,' I said, 'give complexioned girl, named 'Violet,' who was said to be in the her my welcome, and ask if I ; am doing right. ' She same group, or school, as the boy, whose teacher, 'Starlight waited a short time and then said, ' My aunt says you Ii.re ·:fi.ot (the ethereal name of my arisen son, who was a minister in earth doing the work correctly.' 'Oh ! ' I replied, 'ask her for life) had sent them. Sometimes ' Starlight' waa described as instructions.' After a little delay I was. told to make passes with them here. ' Violet ' was fond of bringing flowers. One without contact, and in specified directions.. I asked, ' Is there day I told M.rs. P. to ask ·for some to take home. She spread · a reason for that 7' and was told that there was a reason, but no out her knees and had to say 'Stop ! ' as it seemed to her that further explanation was given.· The course suggested was the flowers were overflowing her lap on to the floor, even when followed, and Mrs. K. got rapidly well. My wife ascertained, she tried to prevent them by her bent arms. She dilated upon privately, from Mrs. K., the nature of her ailment ; the passes their fragrance. When she returned to her normal state, she suggested were quite adapted to the ailment. Mrs. K. had not was greatly disappointed at not finding an immense quantity of cared to mention to me anything but her breathing. Both Mrs. violets, but said, 'Never mind, I have seen "Sid,"' her boy. P. and Mrs. K. said they could not sing (normally), but to Both patients being mesmerically asleep, one laid on a break the monotony while they were in their sleep, I got them couch, the other seated in a chair, I often tested them, asking to sing 'The Holy City,' which they did very creditably. When if both could see and hear alike. Sometimes they could not they· had finished they both asked if I could hear some beautiful unless I took a hand of each; then they could. Mrs. P. often music and singing from an arisen choir 7 I had to confess that; said, ' My grandmother is here ' (she had passed on many years I had eyes and saw not ; ears, and heard not. Sometimes, other ago), and that she wanted to take Mrs. P. to see her spirit home. members of my family, besides friends, would come into the I often allowed her to go on condition that she would promise to room, but the sleepers failed to see them, unless at my come back immediately when I called her. I impressed on her to request each one in .turn approached within a foot of me and rememlier where she had been, what she had seen, and to whom placed a hand upon my shoulder. As they did so they were she had spoken, and tell me all about it when she awoke. After observed by the sleepers until the contact was broken. When the lapse of a minute or so I would speak to her, but obtained this took place they were no longer seen, although still. in the no answer. Her breathing was very meagre, her pulse slow, and room. On anothe1· occasion when I had given Mrs. P. permission her limbs apparently useless ; her hands would remain hanging to travel, she returned, in a very short time, panting, as though if taken off the lap, the head remaining wherever placed. Her she had been racing, and exclaimed, 'I have found it out.' In husband was very nervous and fearful lest she should not return. reply to my inquirywhat it was that she had found out, she said, On one occasion, to verify her absence, I a,iked Mrs. K. where ' I have often wondered how f could lea.ve my body and return her friend . was. She replied, ' I don't know.' This seemed to it.' She explained that, after leaving her hotly, she looked strange, because she saw me put her to sleep ; furthermore, she back to see where it was, and observed 'a white :filmy cord was lying alongside the chair on which her friend was sitting. attached to her.' The moment she saw it, she was back again in I took Mrs. K.'s hand and placed it on her friend's knee, and her body. Is this the meaning of the phrase in Ecclesiastes xii., again asked. She again said, 'I don't know.' I asked, 'Whose ' Or ever the silver cord be loosed ' 7 knee are yon toµching 7' She replied, 'Mrs. P.'s dead body ! (To be continued.) She is not there.' Mr. P., in a moment, was on his knees by his wife's side, begging her to speak one word to him. I made NEXT WEEK we shall give Count Solovovo's reply to the him resume his seat, and commanded Mrs. K. to go and fiml her article which appeared on page 415 with reference to Mr. friend, and come back the moment I required her. Like her Stainton Moses. 438 LIGHT. [September 16, 1911.

OFFICE OF 'LIGHT,' 110, ST. MARTIN'S LANF., such a result can always be confidently predicated. And he LONDON, W.O. MATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH, 1911. is right, so long as he confines bis argument to the lower forces. Two parts of hydrogen and one. of oxygen will always result in the production of water. It is when be ~ight: gets into the human world that bis reasoning will be con­ stantly set at naught, for here he is dealing with a world A Journal of Psychical, Occult, and .Mystical Research. of higher laws and forces, many of them not yet under­ PBIOlil TWOPlllNOlil WlillilKLY. stood even by advanced psychologists. So that the OOMMUNICATIONS intended to be printed should be addressed to the Editor, Office of 'LIGHT,' 110, St. Martin's Lane, London, W.O. position of a materialist anxious to be convinced, who Business communications should in all oases be addressed to Mr. wanders amongst bis fellow men demanding evidences F. W. South, Office of 'LIGHT,' to whom Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable. of a spiritual world is really a droll one. Possibly he can­ not appreciate the evidences because they are aUaround him IN SEARCH OF THE SOUL .. in such multitudes. 'One cannot see the wood for trees,' is a pithy piece of proverbial wisdom that applies shrewdly We remember reading many years ago a thrilling story to srich cases. of a sailing ship that on a voyage to America was becalmed The true philosopher knows that the mere raising of for so long that the supply 0£ drinking water ran out, and the band is a spiritual phenomenon, while the exercise of by the time the wind enabled the vessel to resume its the mental powers entails the use of spiritual laws and voyage all on board were suffering agonies 0£ thirst. They forces so exalted and cqmplex that the levitation of were in the last extremities when another vessel was material objects at a seance by psychic power is utterly sighted. Seeing their signals 0£ distress, the second ship dwarfed as a marvel by comparison. He knows, too, that approached and inquired how it could assist them. the reason the materialist is so constantly bafH.ed and per­ ' We are dying 0£ thirst. Send us some water,' was the plexed when he applies his physical-law system io human frantic appeal in reply. 'Dip it up,' came the answer from the life is that in the human realm higher spiritual laws are other vessel, which then resumed its course in an apparently transcending the lower ones to an ever-increasing degree. heartless fashion, leaving the distressed mariners bewildered Those spiritual laws se\)m to some of us strangely capricious and indignant. Finally a quick-witted sailor let down a and unstable in their action, but on deeper observation bucket over the side and drew it up full 0£ fresh water ! they are seen to be, if it were possible, more unalterable They were near the mouth of one of the gre1Lt American and unchanging than even the. physical laws to which the rivers which displace the salt water for many miles-and materialist pins his faith. had drinking water all round them ! But why is it that the materialist cannot see all this­ This pleasant and suggestive little anecdote recurred to or at least some of it 1 How is it that his demand to see a us recently while listening to the argument of a materialistic spiritual phenomenon implies the expectation of something thinker who expressed a willingness to receive evidence of abnormal, as though nothing normal and natural could by !I. spiritual world-:--if it ~could be furnished. .. He djd not any possibility be spiritual 1 Well, it has been the custom want to be a materialist, he explained pathetically. He to blame Science in this matter, but we think the real was so by necessity rather than choice. He was really otfender is that false system of theological thinking that anxious for more light on the mystery _of existence. Let utterly divorced the two worlds and made the human someone show him a phenomenon which he could not being and the human spirit two entirely distinct entities. explain on a physical hypothesis, and he would be grateful. And really it is almost comical to think that materialistic He had h~ard much from people who had seen marvels, science, with its boast of having thrown off the shackles of but none ever came his way. So he had to be content theology, should still be so much under its influence. with the normal world, which, after all, was governed by But the awakening is coming slowly but surely. One law and reason, and was an intelligible world where things of these days the few survivors of the materialistic school proceeded on an orderly basis. That, be feared, was more will realise with a start that they were using spiritual than could be said of the fantastic regions into which powers. to deny the very existence of tho.se powers, and Spiritualists and Theosophists had penetrated. Still, he looking curiously for some hint or evidence of spiritual was open to conviction. 'Dip it up ! ' we said laconically, phenomena in a world simply full of them. and when he looked perplexed we narrated the little Still we have no quarrel with the scientific materialist. 'yarn ' with which we commenced this article. We are quite content to wait for him, and we remember, It is, indeed, wonderful how many otherwise acute in­ too, that he is a thinker, however short-sighted and mis­ tellects go through life without seeing how essentially directed may be his perceptions. spiritual this so-called material world really is. They talk of the reliability and invariableness of material laws, as No, the materialists for whom we feel most concern are something on which they can rest securely, and yet all the not those of the intellectual variety, but those who are time their ideas on these questions are being rudely submerged mind and soul in the material side of things. shocked. Even the most materialistic medieal man, for They belong to no .school of thought, not being thinkers. instance, can tell of patients who do not die, when by all They have no vision and go through the world 'hugging he knows of physical laws they ought to do so, and of their bodies round them,' for the life of the body is the people who persist in thinking and reasoning when their only life they know or care for. In bis fine sonnet, 'The brains have been so injured or diseased as to render think­ Street,' Lowell spoke of them in burning words.:- ing impossible, if the 'laws of Nature' would only behave Lo I how they wander round the world, their grave, Whose ever gaping maw by such is fed, themselves ! Many thoughtful Spiritualists could show our Gibbering at living men, and idly rave, materialist friend hosts of spiritual marvels without once 'We only truly lfre, but ye are dead.' taking him to a spirit circle. They could prove to him Alas I poor fools, the anointed eye may trace that in many instances what be fondly calls the laws of A dead soul's epitaph in every face. Nature do not obey the rules of the game (as be under­ But even for these there is hope, although the awalcen~ stands it). Given certain factors, he tells you such and ing will be a tragic and painful one • • September 16, 1911.] LIGHT. 439

THE MEDIUMSHIP OF MRS. ETTA WRIEDT. glided rather than walked, and often waved or bowed a greeting. to members of the circle, by whom they were recognised or BY EDITH K. HARPER. for whom they came. Of these forms the faces were seldom clearly visible to everyone. Clairvoyants were quite able to Mrs. Ett.a Wriedt, of Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., arrived on describe minutely the features, hair, and general appearance, her first visit to England last May, as the guest of Mr. W. T. even to the design like 'embroidery' on the beautiful trans­ Stead at 'Julia's ' Bureau. Her reputation as a marvellous parent white draperies ; but generally the face was half-concealed· medium for ' the materialisation of voices,' as she herself de­ in a misty white aura, and the whole form with its flowing robes scribes her gift, had already preceded her through a series of resembled a column of bright, yet soft and silvery, light, whiter articles by Vice-Admiral W. U shorne Moore, entitled, 'The Voices' than moonlight, but no less ethereal. These forms were, of (to which the reader is referred), which appeared in successive course, not solid to our physical touch, but after their appearance numbers of 'LIGHT,' from April 22nd to May 20th of the and disappearance the voice of 'Dr. Sharp,' Mrs. Wriedt's guide, present year, and the psychic world of London awaited with or of 'John King,' presiding genius of all forms of material­ deep inte-rest be-r a-rrival. Would the psychic power-that force isation, would often be heard giving the spirit friend's name, or so delicate, subtle and mysterious, by which the Silence s,peaks­ mentioning the name of the particular sitter for whoni the survive the long journey, the change of climate, the strange visitant had come. It is impossible to describe the effect of the environment, the absence from home and kindred 1 ' Julia ' appearance of those radiant beings, who seemed to bring with had already predicted with confidence that such would be the them' something· of the' diviner air' in which they dwell. case. The real point at issue, said Mr. Stead, was not the test­ Often the form was that of a little child, who ran forward ing of Mrs. Wriedt by us, hut the testing of us by Mrs. Wriedt! into the circle and gazed wonderingly around as though as much Were we psychically as capable to receive as she was to give? amazed as we were, and then ran hurriedly back again intc It was immediately found that Mrs. Wriedt was able, with the safety of the spirit land. perfect ease, to exercise her gift in the harmonious atmosphere Another interesting manifestation was the frequent sound of her new surroundings, a quiet country house surrounded by of singing through the trumpet, sometimes alone, sometimes trees and flowers, where sunshine and fresh air abounded. Not joining when the circle sang in unison, and sometimes singing only so, but she is adaptability itself and has in every respect a with some particular sitter. Once, for instance, a lady recog­ well-balanced personality, entirely natural and normal in her nised her father's voice singing his favourite song, and, she then daily life, without ' fads' either in diet or habits, and absolutely joining, the two voices finished the melody together. This independent of the rigid 'conditions' by which sittings are happened also in the case of another lady, an operatic singer, usually restricted, and which one harl come to regard as quite who was present one evening, and whose husband, recently passed inviolable, as much so, indeed, as the laws of the Medea and over, had possessed a fine tenor voice. This lady, feeling im- . Persians. The arrangement and number of the sitters, their pressed to sing, began, in Italian, the opening bars of the duet, places in .the circle, the breaking of the circle to admit a late 'Home to our Mountains,' from ' Il Trovatore,' and was instantly arrival, even the time of the commencement of the sitting­ joined by an unmistakable tenor voice from the trumpet, which, none of these details seemed to matter in the least to this amaz­ she assured us, rendered the male part absolutely note for note ingly passive and flexible human instrument for the intercom­ as her husband had sung it with her, even to certain ch~raeter~ munication .of the two worlds. A dark room, an aluminium istic phrasings and modtdations peculiarly his own. trumpet, and, if possible, a few fre~h flowers, are all she asks. Another frequent manifestatio.n was a luminous round disc She is never entranced, but converses freely with the other like the full moon, and .. nearly a1.1 bright, which. \\'.oqld hover sitters, and observes the phenomena with as much interest as round the circle and pause sotnetimes for a few seconds. in the any other member of the circle. We have heard her talking, centre. Often the sitters were lightly sprinkled with. drops of even arguing, with some spirit-voice with whose utterances she water, and very frequently a current of cold air wouid play did not agree. perceptibly over us. · We had in all forty-four circle sittings. The private sittings Many ' physical phenomena ' occurred at different times, numbered considerably more, and Mrs. Wriedt's total number of such as the moving of heavy articles from place to place, books, sitters amounted to several hundred. The circles took place, chairs, &c. Twice a chair ·was lifted over the heads of the with very iew exceptions, every evening except Sunday, Wed­ ·sitters and dropped with a bang into the middle of the circle. nesday being always reserved for the weekly n~eeting of ' Julia's ' Mrs. Wriedt said that these happenings were ncit a characteristic private circle, in which Mrs. Wriedt, of course, took part. A of her own seances at home. ' John King ' claimed the responsi · careful record has been kept of the evening meetings, at which bility for them here. These physical phenomena did not occur ·at a shorthand stenographer was al ways present. Looking backward every seance, nor did the etherealisations, nor the singing. over those memorable weeks the most noteworthy features of Indeed, every sitting differed markedly from the rest, and as the seances are found to have been: (1) Two, three, anrl even everybody declared with truth, 'You never knew what would four spirit-voices talking simultanecmsly to different sitters. happen next.' It was a common occurrence to . hear two spirit (2) Messages given in foreign languages and dialects-French, voices in conversation together, the urbane and sonorous utterance German, Italian, Spanish, Norwegian, and others-with which of 'Dr. Sharp' and the familiar deep-toned voice of 'John the medium was quite unacquainted. On one occasion a Norwegian King' being more than once distinctly audible discussing the lady present (well known in the world of politics and literature) pros and cons of some suggested form of manifestation. was addressed in Norwegian by a man's voice, claiming to be It has often been asked, 'Why must the room be in dark­ that of her brother and giving the name P. She conversed with ness 1' Darkness is necessary in order to see the etherealised him, and was overcome with joy at the correct proofs he gave forms, which would be invisible in the light, as the stars in her of his identity and of his conscious life and continued work the sky are invisible in the daytime. That darkness is not in the world of 'many marisions.' Another time a voice spoke necessary in order to hear the voices has, however, been proved in voluble Spanish, addressing itself to a lady in the circle, a here many a time and oft. The trumpet has frequently been stranger, whom none of the other sitters knew to be acquainted . brought down from the sacred precincts of the seance-room into with that language, but who thereupon entered into a fluent the ordinary mundane conditions of the drawing-room at tea· conversation in Spanish with the spirit, to the latter's evident time, and Mrs. Wriedt being engaged in needlework or con versa· satisfaction. (3) Flowers taken from the vases and placed in the tion, the familiar voice known to us as ' John King's' has talked hands of sitters at different parts of the room, once or twice. a clearly and audibly, as also have the voices of others, 'loved long vase containing flowers being placed in someone's hands. ( 4) since and lost awhile,' but unmistakable to the two who listened. The sitters touched by invisible fingers, hair stroked, hands or When the emotions are touched and the inner voice of face patted, and very frequently rapped by the trumpet as instinctive certainty confirms the careful observation of less though to recall wandering attention or to urge a hesitating anxiously interested but more strictly scientific inquirers, it is person to answer when spoken to. (5) The .appearance in our difficult not to overstrain the boimds of enthusiasm: in writing midst of luminous etherealised forms, visible to everyone, which of this wonderftd .manifestation of a power new to the ordinary . ' 440 LIGHT [September 16, 1911.

run of humankind. Equally one might fill many pages in giving But how suggestive is the story of evolution when considered detail after detail of the results obtained in private, when in the light which Spiritualism gives, instead of as the interplay the attention was entirely focussed on one or two persons of unintelligent forces, whose results, although in harmony with whose friends could communicate with them at greater ease the concept of law, were yet thought to be the outcome of a than in the presence of a gathering of strangers, however fortuitous combination of circumstances. Well may the Spirit­ sympathetic. ualist linger over the wonderful story. Each kingdom, be it the A word concerning the wonderful 'instrument' herself. Al­ mineral, the fish, the- vegetable, or the animal, represents a vast though this is her first visit to ' the old country,' Mrs. Wriedt has laboratory wherein the grade of consciousness peculiar to that been for thirty years a medium and is well known and highly kingdom patiently elaborates and refines the material with respected in her native land. Her family and home surroundings which it works, fitting it for Lhe nlighty crescendo of Being. were in no way psychic, and she had to endure a good deal of Step by step through the varied kingdoms has spirit ascended, scolding from her practical and uncomprehending mother, when each form of life expression serving in turn as a laboratory first as a child of eight her dawning powers of clairaudience and to work out the invisible will of the Cosmic Mind, until at clairvoyance began to assert themselves. Though born in last the di vine man, self-conscious and progressive, grows out of America Mrs. Wriedt is proud of her Welsh descent from a the last step. So is man linked to the kingdoms beneath him. family that has lived for generations upon its native soil of In his form he carries the marks of his relationships. Without Cardiganshire. On returning home at the close of her visit she the labour of the humbler organisms he could not have been. carries with her, in addition to many tangible expressions of Every minute cell is a builder in the mighty scheme of life, and goodwill, the gratitude and affectionate wishes of the many from everywhere in Nature we behold these cells busily engaged, whom she has lifted the burden of grief and despair, and for working towards the kingdom of the divine. whom through her mediumship it has 'been granted once more None can view with more joy than the Spiritualist the great to feel ' the touch of a vanished hand ' and to hear 'the sound promise contained in this story of evolution. The varied adap­ of a voice that is still.' tations of means to ends, the glorious beauty and symmetry of form, call forth the admiration of the materialist, but how THE SYMBOL OF THE CROSS. dimmed must grow his vision when he reflects that all this is but the outcome of blind forces, which will as blindly level all BY w. H. EVANS. in the dust, and that man, whose mighty intellect perceives and traces the marvellous process, shall likewise sink beyond the The beauty of symbols lies in the fact that many lessons can horizon of the known to the great oblivion. be combined in one form. In early days the natural mode of The symbol of the cross is representative of man placed on written expression was by picture writing, which gradually gave the apex of the pyramid of life. All forces of being converge place to signs expressive of the advancing thought and evolving in him, and his arms outstretched are linked to the mighty consciousness of man. In the r1::alm of religion there are certain chain of the vast invisible, peopled with beings like unto him­ symbols common to nearly all systems, from which it would seem self, who, having accomplished the journey of earth life, are that they all have a common origin. It matters not, for our now in that advanced state of existence called by us the spirit purpose, whether the origin be assigned to the solar myths or to world. But truly all worlds are spirit worlds. All worlds the needs and soul-yearnings of humanity; certain it is that the are the workshops of the' Divine. In all worlds the mighty forces sun and the stars which shine)n the purple dome of iught could go to express the Divine idea. Through patient suffering and have no message to any but beings who were capable of exer­ fiery trial, so well expressed in the symbol of the cross, is the cising thought and imagination. The mythopceic faculty of man Divine man perfected. He has descended into the nether king­ is, after all, but an expression of consciousness, and man's con­ doms and has worked through them by herculean labours ; but sciousness may well be but a finite manifestation of a vaster other tasks await him. Bestial passions and fierce brute desires consciousness, which is also expressed in sun and star. This have to be transmuted into refined spiritual forces that he may being so, the story of the passage of the sun through the signs be fitted for angelic companioll!lhip. of the Zodiac may well be an eternal prophecy of man himself, The cross, far from being a symbol of shame, is a symbol of who, in a spiritual sense, is truly a sun of righteousness when spiritual glory, since no soul can gain perfection without the the divine within him is kindled into a glow of living flame. purgatorial trial of Gethsemane and the crucifixion. The events The sign of the cross has for the Christian a particular narrated in the Gospels have more than a mere historic interest. sacredness. It is the symbol at once of sorrow and joy, of death In their mystic sense we gather the inner truth relating and victory, and the thought is well worth following out even to ourselves. The birth of the Divine One, symbolised in on the usual orthodox lines. For those gifted with the open the birth of Jesus, must take place in the soul before one vision many of the crudities of Christian dogma possess a glory can enter into the realisation and power of the Christ con­ and beauty which even the most zealous believer does not see. sciousness. The infant Christ must be born in the cave of a But I wish to put down a few thoughts of my own-not very man's heart. new, perhaps, yet conveying, it may be, a suggestion which will Beautiful, indeed, is that spiritual experience which has be helpful to some. come to some wherein they behold in the midst of their being a The cross is generally presented standing upright on three sun of transcendent loveliness. In their moments of calm steps, but I feel strongly impressed that there should be a fourth, meditation they have seen, with the spiritual vision, a dove come because the four-sided figure is expressive of the four states of out of the heavens and nestle in their breast, bringing with it Being. In the evolutionary sense the four steps would be re­ that divine peace which passeth the understanding of the outer presentative of the four kingdoms-mineral, fish, vegetable, and world. Having reached this stage, they look within, and lo, animal-also of four states of consciousness. If we consider they find that all is one. Although in the outward world all is evolution from the subjective side we see the outflow of divine diversity and confusion, they recognise the purity and divine energy expressed in an ascending scale. In the mineral, life is image of God in their fellJw men. With a song in their hearts embodied in such_ a low state that it has been termed the inor­ and led by the light of the spirit they take up the cross gladly, ganic kingdom. Certainly, a few years ago no one would have willing to suffer the world's contumely and neglect so that the thought that there was life in the mineral, yet since life is omni­ ' Christ within be lifted up.' Then, in this spirit, they turn the present it must be there ! The holding together of matter, in other cheek to the smiter, throw arms of love about those who whatever form, may, for aught we know, be due to some form or would despitefully use them, gaze beyond the face distorted with degree of consciousness, without which the varied expressions in passion and behold the divine image beneath, the brother Christ. the mineral kingdom may be impossible. What is the differen­ Through fiery temptation, through a world of misunderstanding tiating power that out of one primeval substance has produced they advance until the crucifixion looms before them, the in­ such different minerals as gold, iron, tin, &c. ? Who can tell ? evitable trial of all souls, where the last enemy, Death, shall be That power may well be a directed power, and that, of course, swallowed up in victory. Fierce desires will. assail them, the implies a mind to direct. seductions of the world will lure, but their eyes have seen the September 16, 19U.] LIGHT. 441 glory of the Lord, and they know that within the soul is the there was a comfortable easy chair for the medium, a small drum divine pearl of great price. or tambomine and a diminutive musical box. A nightlight Taking up the cross they walk the valley of shadow, endur­ was lighted and the electric light extinguished. We three sitters sat in a row in front of a fold in the curtain which could be ing the ordeal of Golgotha, and ascending at last in clouds of parted when required. Mrs. Jonson sat on our right and her glory, having attained to the perfection of the Christ and become daughter, a girl of eighteen, was on our left; her function was to lords in their own dominions. The four states of consciousness, manipulate and renew the records in a small gramophone and symbolised in the four steps and the four points of the cross, assist in hymn singing fron1 time to time. The light, sufficient are now harmonised within them. Each spirit is truly one with to read watch time, was veiled at times by a shutter under the the whole, having attained the perfect life wherein the octaves control of the guides within the cabinet. We recited aloud the Lord's Prayer and began ' Lead, Kindly Light,' but had hardly of being smmd in sublime harmony. The transforming power finished a verse when a small white form parted the curtains, of the spirit takes them far beyond the mere intellectualism of peeped out a few moments and retired like a shy child would. the world. They have looked within and there found the cross, However, on Mrs. Jonson greeting her as 'Kitty,' the visitor the crown, the divine light and glory of the Christ. reappeared, walked in front of the sitters and welcomed them heartily. To me she said: 'Good evening, Mr. Paul, I am real COMFORTING SPIRITUAL COMMUNION. glad to see yon ; your friends are all here too, and they're awful glad you've come.' STRIKING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN SPIRITUALISM. Before going further, I must tell my readers something of 'Kitty,' 'Viola,' 'Grey Feather' and 'Tim O'Toole,' in the order of As the writer of the following interesting account of 'per­ their activities and prominence as cabinet controls, or mediums sonal experiences in Spiritualism' occupies a high official position on the spirit side of life, who produce the most interesting on the other side of the Atlantic he stipulates that his name manifestations with the physical forces supplied by Mr. and Mrs. and address shall not be published. He vouches for the entire accuracy of his statements, and our readers may rest assured that Jonson and the sitters at their seances. 'Kitty' has assisted Mr. we are satisfied that his narrative is a bond fide setting forth of Jonson for about fifteen or eighteen years. She just presented facts as they appealed to him. Uur contributor is well known to herself one day as a rather undeveloped, unenlightened spirit, us and is one of the oldest subscribers to 'LIGHT.' and remained attached to him ever since. Her short earthly (Oontinued from page 418.) career as well as her work in the cabinet are equally remarkable. Born of dissolute, worthless-perhaps criminal-parents, a In· the early autumn of 1906 Paul's attention was called to waif of the slums and streets of New York, clad in shreds of an article by the Re\·. B. F. Austin, of Rochester, New York clothing from the dust and refuse heaps, she eked out a miserable State, describing a seance in Toledo, Ohio, the medium being existence by dancing for pennies when grinding organs gathered Joseph Jonson, of that city. This article appeared in 'Reason' a few children together, by selling papers, and by other more or for the preceding August. The simple narrative of the mani­ less reputable means ; her home was any backyard doorstep or festations of that evening, the deep impression produced shed she could crawl into. One stormy winter's night she was on the writer by tbe character of the medium, the received in a nameless home for such as slie, bnt her carousing genuineness of the whole proceedings, the identification and associates pushed her out into the street. She wandered into a perfect materialisation of the spirits manifesting-greatly inter­ back yard, where she found an empty goods box. In this she ested Paul. He consequently resolved to visit Mr. Jonson at an huddled herself, covered with her scanty rags. Benumbed with early date. In November he visited Toledo, and his first seance cold, half-starved, she fell asleep-her last sleep. T.ji.e following with the Jonsons took place on the evening of the 14th. Their day a little frozen corpse, covered with drifted snow and ice, seance room, on the second floor of their residence, has been was found in the goods box, and was removed to the morgue. fully described in 'LIGHT' (page 254, 1909) by Vice-Admiral A coroner's inquest, a quick verdict-found dead, name W. Usborne Moore, and it will be seen that it affords no facility unknown, unclaimed, the morgue undertaker's scanty dressing whatever for fraud or the introduction of spurious spirit forms. of the little body, a plain box, potter's field, these are ' Kitty's ' AB an account of the proceedings of an ordina.ry seance at recollections of her earth-life. How different her career as a the Jonsons' has also been given in extenso by the Admiral I will spirit! What treasures of happiness, of joy, of hope, of spiritual confine myself to a few observations and incidents special to insight this poor waif has been instrumental in bringing to Paul's own expe1iences. The Jonsons proved themselves to be many in the past, and will continue to bring for years to come, genial, well-informed people of the middle class. Joseph I hope ! On one occasion she said to Paul: 'You do not see me Jonson's occupation is that of a house-painter and decorator. as I am, for I am now grown up and educated ; but it is He has never counted on his mediumship as a source of income easier for me to come to you as I was in earth-life-my ·clothes (this is much to his praise}, although all those attending his were miserable rags-those the undertaker put on my body for seance contribute the sum of one dollar (four shillings}. During burial were the finest I ever had, therefore I wear them now.' his seances Jonson as frequently sits in front of the cabinet as And iri these same clothes she has appeared for years. · A snap­ inside. Or later in the evening, if it is found by his controls that shot photograph of 'Kitty' taken during a seance a few his powers are waning, they, materialised or invisible, conduct years ago ~1905) was enlarged to life-size and exhibited in the him within the cabinet without awakening him from his trance, 'Exposition Universelle' at Brussels last year with other and there he remains until the controls declare the seance so-called spirit photographs supplied by the Belgian Spiritist ended. Mrs. Jonson is always present to assist her husband if Society. In this picture and at all seances she appears as a necessary and to introduce new and inexperienced spirit-forms child of nine or ten. Under a thick shock of black matted hair to their friends in the circle. She is herself, independently is a remarkably intelligent and pretty face, thin and pale ; eyes of her husband, a powerful trumpet medium, but when he is dark and very expressive. Her garment consists of a white present, and to a certain extent assisting her, the phenomena .' nighty,' falling barely to the knees. Her legs and feet are are stronger. Frequently highly luminous etherealised forms covered with coarse white cotton stockings, loose~fitting and appear. Paul's account in his journal is as follows :- wrinkled, for her limbs are very thin. A lady once gave her a November 14th, 1906.-My first seance with the Jonsons. cheap lace tippet and blue glass necklet ; these she wears occa­ They impressed me most favourably by their simple, frank and sionally, dematerialising and rematerialising them every time. genial manners. We were bnt three male sitterE, my two She is fond of and accepts flowers, and sometimes a box of colleagues appeared to be old habitttes and personal friends of sweets, which disappear with her, though what use she can make the J onsons. At eight sharp we entered the seance room, Jonson in his shirt sleeves, and no shirt collar on, so that his breathing of the latter it is hard to surmise. She is a particularly might be as free as possible during trance. As a new comer I vivacious little creature, very fond of jokes and puns. She is was invited to examine the cabinet minutely. I found it to be naturally a great favourite at these seances. She is usually the a triangular space in the corner of the room about 6 by 8 by 9 first to appear, but during the last couple of years she has not feet, cnt off from the body of a room, fully 20 by 20 feet, by a been so frequently seen, although her voice, engaged in laughable curtain of dark cloth, rising to between six and seven feet above altercations with ' Viola ' or ' Tim,' oftelil enough makes itself the floor-a blind corner offering no access to the interior except heard-probably purposely, in order to vary the rate of vibrations. through the curtain directly in front of the sitters. Within (To be continued.) 4:42 LIGHT. [September 161 1911.

WHY DOES SPIRITUALISM DISAPPOINT SO subsequently changed the whole complexion of my life. I am MANY? one of those (to use a common expression) who put a\l t'h~iY eggs in one basket. It is a common saying that grief never kills, but Which of us has not felt disappointed in our expedmeuts in I sometimes think that without this wonderful truth of Spirit­ Spiritualism 1 Where do we place the cause of disappointment ? ualism it would have killed me. .As it is, I have never had to Most of us in the mediums. Where should we place it ? In bear the grief of loss, because I have never been separated from ourselves. Here is the whole crux of the matter. Human those I love--spirit companionship is such a living, ever-present nature is the same as when the world began. .And as .Adam reality to me. was pleased to blame the woman-and indirectly the God who I could have written all this ten years ago, but I preferred gave her-(I always notice that little mean touch-' the woman to wait. Would the wonderful glOry and freshness of it wear whom Thou gavest me') so do we, disappointed in our pursuits away with time 1 Time has answered me. Hence this article. to-day, take pleasure in blaming anything and everything but Let me try to help others to hold what is so beautiful to me. onrsel ~-es. . S. B. J. The beauty, or the reverse, of Spiritualism lies in ourselves (To be continued). We plunge into its mysteries withaperfervid zeal, expecting it to make a new heaven and a new earth for us. So it will; but we APPARITION OF A DOG. must put ourselves into it. What we put into it, that we get out of it. If we rush into Spiritualism and expect it to give ' The Animals' Guardian ' recently reprinted several stories us a great deal while we give it nothing we shall be disappointed. of apparitions of animals contributed to ' The National Review ' If we give idle curiosity we get back idle curiosity ; if by Captain E. T. Humphries, who had collected them in the we go to it for mere mundane matters, we get mere course of his travels in many lands. Their general character mundane matters ; or if our spirit friends want to lead us to a may be judged from the following, which the captain states higher plane, we probably get nothing at all, and go away and was narrated to him by a friend and his wife, whose statements blame the medium. The medium gets the onus of everything. he has no reason to d-0ubt :- • Nobody considers that the spirit people ruay be purposely with­ When resident in South .Africa, their bungalow was situated holding things from her (or ltim). People go away, saying, ·close to the railway, from which the garden was only fenced off 'He (or she, as the case may be) is no good.' This lays mediums by a dwarf wall. .At this time they owned a fine mastiff dog open to an unfair temptation-the temptation to give something which, owing to its perfect manners, was allowed to roam about. Unfortunately one evening, having strayed on to the line, and whether they get it or not. Then they are called charlatans. I stepping out of the way of one engine it was run over and killed do not say for a moment there are not charlatans among them­ by anl)ther. Some months afterwards the engine-drivers of two people who have so little of the gift of medinmship that they evening trains always gave prolonged whistles with their engines. have no business to practise-but my own experience has been This was very annoying to the dog's late owner ; the wife, too, that the majority are gifted men and women, anxious to give the was in delicate health and often lying down about that time. The best they can. I think I have been singularly fortunate in thie husband waylaid one of the drivers after duty one evening and asked if the whistling was really necessary, as there were not any way. I do not recall a single case of a medium trying to impose signals in view. The man at first resented being questioned upon on me. Human nature is human nature, of course, and if you the subject, but upon the plea of the wife's illness the request are gullible you will al ways find people to gull yon. It is not to was further pressed. The man then suggested that the writer's this class of disappointed person that I wish to speak. I wish to friend had the remedy in his own hands, as the whistling was speak to those who are genuinely anxious to prove to themselves only done to prevent his dog ~eing run over, for he was often whether Spiritualism is a great ti-uth or a great fraud-it must trespassing on the line, and never moved unless so warned, when he usually passed off over· the low wall already spoken of. The be one or the other-and whether, presuming it to be truth, description given of the offending dog agreed in every detail with it is of any practical use to them. Will it make life less sorrow­ the one that was run over. This apparition continued for some ful 1 I could add to this one question a dozen others, but in months at frequent intervals. this one question everything is comprised. Will it make life less sorrowful ? Yes, because it will teach us to obey impressions · ITEMS OF INTEREST. that will save us from disasters-spiritual, physical, and financial-and, more than all, because it takes the sting from . Probably there are many metropolitan readers of 'LIGHT 'who death. have little idea of the extent to which Spiritualism has permeated and become an integral part of the life of the people in our It is the latter hope that most people are longing to have Northern towns, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire. This corroborated. The longing to prove that there is no death drags fact is well illustrated in 'The Messenger and Monthly Plan,' most people into the controversy, and it is just along this very the organ of the Yorkshire County Union of Spiritualists and line that proof is most difficult. Spiritualist Societies, of which Mr. J. W. Hayward is president. To those who, like myself, are neither clairvoyant nor clair­ This 'Messenger' gives the speakers' plan for September of andient the only means of communication is through a medium some fifty societies (ten of which own the buildings in which they meet), the name and address of each society, and of its secre­ until they are satisfied. .Afterwards, when the gate has been tary, the appointments of the speakers for the different services, opened for the spirit friends and for ourselves, it is possible for and also a list of names and addresses of upwards of sixty each one to get manifestations--nothing compared to those of speakers in membership with the Union. The Union holds the mediums, perhaps, but something of which he can say '.A monthly conferences and carries on its work in a thoroughly poor thing, but mine own.' It is impossible to exaggerate the business-like way. Truly, in these Northern centres Spiritualism infinite joy of this to each individual soul. It does more is the religion of everyday life. towards persuading one of the actual truth than anything else There seems to be a difficulty in some minds respecting what can do. .All the wonderful proofs of spirit return that mediums it is that Spiritualism stands for. Certain persons who are have been able to give become from that moment our own, quite prepared to admit that the survival of man after bodily linked to us by the personal touch that the soul has so longed death has been demonstrated are not prepared to affirm human for. When we reach this stage, disappointment is no longer immortality-in the sense of never-ending life. Now, as we possible. But so many may turn away long before they reach understand it, Spiritualism stands for continued conscious existence after the incident of death. We recognise the futility it. Their dis3.ppointment is intense, but that of their spirit of affirming Immortality, in the ·sense of everlasting conscious friends is far intenser. It is as if the one yon love gazed into personal existence, because such affirmation pre-supposes all­ your eyes and turned away, saying, 'I know not the man.' The knowledge. But surely, survival of death being admitted, it is c1·uelty of the verdict to both sides is heartbreaking. hut a natural inference that self-consciousness will continue to When I began my investigations I was fortunate in finding persist-to deepen, intensify, and become more inclusive and a medium of great power, who was able to give me marvellous comprehending rather than less so. Surely, a spiritual con­ ception of the realities of existence lifts us to a plane beyond proofs of the identity of the friends who spoke through her. what we think of as time and eternity, to that realisation, known It did not mean very much to me then, never having lost anyone as Cosmic Consciousness, which is at once the assurance and who was dear to me, but I have 110 hesitation in saying that it guarantee of eternal life. September 16, 1911.] LIGHT. 443

For some years past the iron ore industry in the Furness LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. mining district has been in a state of decadence, but it is said that owing to the success which has attended some divining The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by correspon­ operations recently carried out by Mr. Lincoln Toothill and Mr. dents, and sometimes publishes what he does not agree with for H. Chappel, there is now great hope of its revival. Reports the purpose of presenting views which may elicit discussion, from Barrow state that many sceptics have been converted by the proved existence of large bodies of the metal in places indi­ Mrs. Besant's Attitude towards Spiritualism. cated by the divining rod, and that the diviners expect to be able to show before long that there are even larger deposits than Srn,-Since the discussion was started in your columns as to have hitherto been worked in the district. Mrs. Besant's exact attitude towards Spiritualism, and treated somewhat as a mattt:r of paramount importance, I have won­ Mr. T. Todd is untiring. We understand that he has dered frequently that no one should have taken up the common­ 0. sense point of view, shown by' C. N. R.' and also by Mr. W. Cooper never had a holiday for twenty years, but that he has resolved this year to take one of ten days, and has gone down to Exeter Lissenden, in 'LIGHT' of the 2nd inst. After all, it is not to enjoy it. This is Mr. Todd's notion of ' enjoying' a holiday : primarily a question of what Mrs. Besant thinks of spiritual He will give a series of five lectures on 'Nature's Divine Revela­ phenomena but a question as to whether these spiritual pheno­ tion of the Pathway to Immortality' at the Exeter Spirit­ mena do or do not take place. We do not ask C\'en our most cherished teacher if it be inherently impossible fur us to see a ualists' Church, Marlborough Hall, Bullmeadow-road, Holloway­ street, on Sunday next, at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. ; Friday, the man or a motor in the street. 'Ne use our eyes and are forced 22nd, at 8 ; and Sunday, the 24th, at 11 and 6.30. On Mon­ to accept their evidence. Such evidence may not be perfect but day, the 25th, at 8 p.m., he will lecture at Teignmouth in the it is certainly more reasonably credible than any evidence that Assembly Rooms, London Hotel, on 'Hand-in-Hand with the may come to lU! at second-hand. Angel World.' I am sure we all ham an extreme and ungrndging respect for Mrs. Besant's earnestness and sincerity, and a great admira­ tion for her powers of oratory and strong personal magnetism, In the September number of 'The Literary Guide' the fact both of which are such valuable assets in her propaganda. But is mentioned that Messrs. Watts and Co., the publishers of some of us are old enough to remember the days when her strong Rationalistic literature, are about to publish Vice-Admiral W convictions were equally strong in a diametrically opposite direc­ Usborne Moore's book, 'Glimpses of the N eict State.' It is tion, and when her eloqtlence was enlisted with great success in accompanied by the following amusing 'caution ' : ' We need problems of a very different nature. Some of us also have hardly caution our readers not to assume that Messrs. Watts traced her theosophical evolution since those days with ever in­ have been coquetGing with the "spirits.'' They have consented creasing sympathy, as she has turned her face towards the light. to be responsible as publishers for Vice-Admiral Moore's forth­ A widening thought and increasingly sympathetic attitude coming work because of the great respect they entertain for that towards those who do not see eye to eye with her, have gentleman. His literary qualifications are unquestionerl, and been the re:mlt of her individual and gradual reception of the the public must decide as to the validity or otherwise of the Love principle of the universe. Bttt Mrs. Besant cannot reason­ extraordinary communications which he claims to have had with ably be supposed to have an immunity from ordinary p3ycho~ "the spirits of the other world.'' ' Why should they be so logical laws and their consequences, any more than other people. afraid ? · When the Theo3ophists of twcmty-tive years ago insisted so strongly upon the 'shell' theory and the deceptive appearances The Psycho-Therapeutic Society has just published its report of everything seen on the a9tral planes (dwelling very justifiably and financial statement for the year ending June 30th, 1911, on the creative power of thought) they omitted to leave loop­ being the tenth since the society's foundation in 1901-2. In the holes for their own psychical evolution, which ha.s since taken first year of its existence the society attended to fifteen patients, place ; as has also been the case as reg;irds the Society for to whom it gave a hundred free treatments. Last year, we learn, Psychical Research. The S'.tme thing has ha.ppened in the two the number of patients was five hundred and fifty-seven and the societies. E!l.ch has been carried forward by the scientific trend nnmber of treatments given was three thousand eight hundred of the last ten years or more. Each in turn, through its most and two. The receipts during the year amounted to £505 12s. prominent members, has personally investigated the claims for 7d. and the expenditure to £478 12s., leaving a balance at the materialisation, spirit-photography, spirit communications, &c. bankers of £27 Os. 7d. Against this, however, has to be set Mr. Sinnett, Mrs. Annie Besant, Mr. Everard Feilding, Mis.9 lia.bilities for rent, printing, stationery, &c., amounting to £83 8s. A.lice Johnson, and many other prominent inquirers in both Indeed, the report remarks that the only disappointing features societies, ha,-e thrown away previous prejudices and have inves­ about the past year are the lack of increase of membership and tigated at the fountain head now that science has at last woke the insufficiency of the income to meet the expenditure. If up and bestirred herself. the executive can rely upon the sympathetic co-operation of the The verdict now is reversed, or at least profoundly modified. members, it is proposed to organise public meetings during the Not ' Shells' pm· et simple-not ' astral plane delusions' alone coming winter with a view to bringing the societ.y and its work -nor mediumistic frauds alone. The modern verdict is 'These before the notice of the public generally. things are possible ; they may even be useful in cases of obsti­ nate and confirmed materialism ; but they are generally unde­ Many good people are harrified at Spiritualism. They sirable.' The theosophical rider may be put into six words. think that they believe that 'the thing God doe th He doeth for 'Often °genuine-occasionally useful-hut dangerous.' So is ever ' ; that He is unchanging ; ' no respecter of persons' ; fire dangerous if we use it to bnrn "our house down iIL9tead of to that 'your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young warm it. men shall see visions, and your· old men shall dream dreams' ; Each society expects genial and whole-hearted recognition that 'these signs shall follow them that believe' ; that the of its present attitude, and this is just what it cannot always promise holds good-' seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall command ; for in either case the critical pronouncements of the be opened uuto you'; that it is necessary to cultivate spiritual past have been two-edged and cut both ways. The S.P.R. pre­ gifts, and 'covet earnestly the best gifts' ; that ministering sents us with a series of interesting but sometimes obscure and spirits-' a cloud of witnesses '-encompass us round about ; involved cross-correspondences, and is met by the suggestion that God is more ready to give than we are to desire; that 'the that its own experiments may be co\'ered by the thought-trans­ providence of God is over all His works,' and 'that which hath ference whose extended and apparently unlimited possibilities been shall be,' yet they refuse to be persuaded that God still were formerly so eagerly suggested as a full and satisfactory ex­ permits spirit guidance, ministry, and companionship, inspira­ planation of similar experiments ; made by other people. Mrs. tion and blessing, even when testimony of truthful, reputable, Besant (and others of her way of thinking) are probably equally . and scientific witnesses is presented to them. Is it not true surprised when 'hoist with their own petard.' that having Moses and the prophets and the New Testament, When Mrs. Besant gave her most interesting lecture on 'The they should be the first to be persuaded to seek the evidence, to Three Worlds in which we Live' to the London Spiritualist welcome. the glad tidings of life after death 1 Alliance, she told us of a very interesting and suggesthe con­ versation which she had held with Mr. Bradlaugh on the other side of life. He could not deny having got so f

The proof of the pudding must always remain in the eating, The music was under the direction of Madame la Comtesse and we shall be sensible people if we eat our pudding and oiay de Tomasevic, formerly and better known as Madame Mabel grace after it. If we wait to ask Theosophist:;-Hindus or Munro, the Scotch singer of ballads and folk songs, accompanied Mohammedans-whether the pudding really exists or is merely a on the harp, which she plays under iuspimtiou. thought creation of the brain-well, we shall certainly lose the Uon. pudding, and, if logical, we may even end by persuading our­ Relves that 1ve also are but thought creations-Joi· ctnything we can absolutely prove to the contl'nry.-Yours, &c., SOCIETY WORK ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 10th, &c. E. KATHARINE BATES. Southbourne-on-Sea. Pro.gpective Notices, not eroceeding twenty-four words, 'fMl/I be added to reports if accomf)anied by stamps to the value of sixpence.

Counterparts? MARYLEBONE SPIRITUALIST AssocIATION, 51, MoRTIMER­ Srn,-A correspondent, on page 419, asks for the truth STREET, W.-OW1Jendish Rooms.-In the absence of Mrs. Imison, about 'Counterparts,' to which I should like to add 'if there is Mr. Leigh Hunt kindly gave clairvoyant descriptions, which in any.' Another question arises-vi;;., 'What does it matter ? ' a large number of cases were fully recognised. Mr. D. Neal Suppose it be true that the primal soul is a unit, and that it presided.-15, Mortimer-street, W.-On the 4th inst. Mr. Horace somehow, somewheu, and somewhere splits int.o' halves, which Leaf deeply interested members and friends with clairvoyant halves become respectively male and female when expressed in descriptions, many conl'incing details being given. Mr. W. T. material bodies, by what right does anyone assume that those Cooper presided. Sunday next, see advt.-D. N. two alone, among the countless hosts of human beings, are SPIRITUAL MISSION : 67, George-sfreet, 1¥:-Morning, Mrs. 'affinities,' and must come together again, and that any other Miles Ord delivered an address on 'Did Christ Die for a Sacri­ union is imperfect and destined to be broken 1 I trust Spirit­ fice to Appease God 1' Evening, in lieu of Mrs. Effie de Bathe, ualists are not going to advocate this pernicious nonsense. In who was indisposed, Mr. E. W. Beard gave an address on 'Life her 'Twenty Years of Modern American Spiritualism,' Mrs. More Abundant.'-E. C. W. Emma Hardinge Britten tells the painful story of the 'Free BRIXTON.-84, STOCKWELL PARK-ROAD.-Mr. E. A. Keeling, Lo\•e' epidemic, and how 'affinity hunters' and other foolish, or of Liverpool, gave an excellent address. September 24th, Mrs. wicked, individuals, by their wild and extravagant claims and Han·ey,ofSouthampton, at 7 p. m., clairvoyant and auric readings. conduct, both outside and inside our movement, brought disaster BRIXTON.-8, MAYALL-ROAD.-Miss Fogwell gave an ad­ on theinselves. and disgrace on Spiritualism generally. Is there dress on 'Spiritual Gifts.' Sunday next, at 7 p.m., Mrs. Miles any reason why, because they investigate phenomena which Ord, address and clairvoyance. Circles: Monday, at 7.30, ladies'; prove continued conscious existence, Spiritualists should be sup­ Tuesday, at 8.15, members'; Thursday, at 8.15, public.-G. W. posed to be ready to embrace all kinds of baseless speculations STRATFORD.-IDMISTON-ROAD, FOREST-LANE.-Sunday next, and unproved and unprornble assertions 1 Surely there are Harvest Festival. At 7 p.rn., Mrs. Mary Davies will give an enough difficulties, temptations, and 'burning questions' asso­ address, followed by clairvoyant descriptions. 21st, address ciated with our common every-day life, requiring to be dealt and clairvoyant descriptions by Mr. and Mrs. Hayward. with rationally and righteously, to engage our time, thought, KINGSTON-ON-THAMES.-ASSEMBLY ROOMS, HAMPTON WICK. and energy without manufacturing other and unnecessary -Mr. A. V. Beresford gave a helpful address on 'The Power of problems.-Yours, &c., · F. Authority.' Sunday next, at 7 p.m., Mr. D. J. Davis, of West Ham, on 'Spiritual Growth.: Miss W el belove will sing. 0ROYDON.-ELMWOOD HALL, ELMWOOD-ROAD, BROAD-GREEN. Should Inquirers be Warned? -Mr. G. R. Symons gave thoughtful addresses. Sunday next, Srn,-' J. W.' asks, in 'LIGHT' of September 2nd, that at 11.15 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mrs. Cannock, addressand clairvoyant inquirers may he warned against giving too much time to the descriptions. study of Spiritualism and neglecting ordinary business and home STRATFORD.-"\VoRKMAN's HALL, 27, ROMFORD-ROAD,E.-An affairs, but surely, :sir, such warnings are constantly being given. uplifting address on 'Spiritualism' was given by Mrs. Annie If inquirers, and some Spiritualists, would read and act upon Boddington to a laTge audience. Mr. E. P. N oall presided. thecalmcommon-senseadvicegiven by' M.A. (Oxon),' especially Sunday next, address by Miss M. M. Brown, and clairvoyance in the last paragraph of his 'Advice to Inquirers' on 'the con­ by Miss Davis.-W. H. S. duct of circles,' there would be much less justification for the BRIGHTON.-MANCHESTER-STREET (OPPOSITE AQUARIUM).­ talk about the 'dangers' of Spiritualism. The trouble is, how­ Mrs. M. H. Wallis gave inspiring addresses, good clairvoy­ ever, that enthusiastic, foolishly credulous persons will not be ance, and answers to questions. Sunday next, Mrs. Clarke advised, or cannot understand the advice when it is given to them, will give addresses at 11.15 a.m. and 7 p.m. On Tuesday at 8, and they rush into all manner of stupid excesses and fanatical and Wednesday at 3, Mrs. Clarke's circle for clairvoyance. extremes, thus bringing trouble upon themselves and reproach Thursday, 8, members' circle.-A. M. S. upon the movement. Thoughtless persons, who are unbalanced, PEOKHAM.-LAUSANNE HALL, LAUSANNE· ROAD.-Helpful egotistic and vain, do more harm than good. We have it on moming circle. Evening, Mrs. M. Davies spoke on 'Christ,' good authority that 'Evil is wrought by want of thougl1t as well and gave clairvoyant descriptions. Sunday next, morning, as want of heart,' and if advice to the unthinking will cause circle ; evening, Mr. H. Boddington. Thursday, 21st, Conver­ them to think, to be rational, to keep in touch with this world sazione ; tickets 6d. Sunday, September 24th, Mrs. M. Gordon. and its practical (spiritual) duties and responsibilities, to regard October 1st, Harvest Festival, Mrs. F. Roberts.-A. C. S. spirit people as Jmman beings-not angels, authorities, or HACKNEY.-240A, AMHURST-ROAD, N.-Mrs. Imison, 'Nurse masters-then let them ])e given such advice-line on line and Graham,' gave an address on' Does Spiritualism Help Us?' and precept on precept. But, will they take it and act upcn it ? excellent clairvoyant descriptions. Miss Bolton kindly sang a Judging from observation I very much doubt it.-Yours, &c., solo. Sunday next, at 7 p.rn., Mr. F. A. Hawes will give a A. M. trance address and answer questions. Monday, at 8, Miss Gib­ son, psychometry. Friday, at 8.30, healing circle.-N. R. FAREWELL RECEPTION TO MRS. FOSTER-TURNER, BRIGHTON.-HOVE OLD TOWN HALL, 1, BRUNSWICK-STREET WEsT.-Good addresses and clairvoyant descriptions by Mrs. On the evening of August 31st a soiree mitsicale and farewell Gordon. Sunday next, at 11.15 a.m., public circle ; 7 p.m., Mrs. reception was given at Caxton Hall, Westminster, in honour of Curry. Monday, 3 and 8, also Wednesday, at 3, clairvoyance Mrs. Foster-Turner, the well-known Australian psychic. There by Mrs. Curry. Thursday, 8.15, public circle and healing. was a large attendance of friends to express their appreciation HIGHGATE.-GROVEDALE HALL, GROVEDALE-ROAD.-l\forn­ of her work during her short sojourn in this country. ing, Mr. A. Graham spoke on 'Come, let us Reason Together.' The chairman, Dr. Abraham Wallace, presented to Mrs. Evening, Mrs. A. Jamrach dealt with 'Science and the Soul.' Foster-Turner a beautifully illuminated address, which was At both meetings well-recognised clain'oyant descriptions were signed on behalf of her admirers by seYeral of those present, given. 6th, Mrs. Webste1· gave psychometrical readings. Sun­ including the chairman, Mr. W. T. Stead, and other representa­ day next, at 11.15 a.m., Mr. J. Abrahall; at 7 p.m., Miss Violet tives of our movement. Needless to say that Dr. Wallace Burton. Wednesday, Madam Maria Scott ; Lyceum at 3. 27th, genially performed the duties of the chair, and expressed the Mrs. Neville.-J. F. hope that the guest of the evening would return to this country to help in spreading the light of spiritual science. Dr. Wallace also handed to Mrs. Foster-Turner a beautiful diamond and WINCHESTER.-0DDFELLOWS' HALL.-Evening, a beautiful pink pearl ring, which had been forwarded to him from an address was given by Miss Violet Burton.-R. E. F. anonymous client of hers as a token of esteem and gratitude. BATTERBEA PARK - ROAD.-HENLEY - STREET.-Miss Morris Thereafter, Mrs. Foater-Ti1rner gave a short demonstration of gave an address on 'Thought.' Good after-circle. her clairvoyant and :psychometric :pow(lrs1 l.\ll the tests being per­ CLAPHAM. - HowARD-STREET, NEW-ROAD. -Mr. Cotisi:qs fectly SUCC(lssf\11, g1we an address on 'Mediumsbip.'-C. Q, ight: A Journal of Psyahioa/, 00011/t, _and Mystioa/ Research.

'LIGHT! MORE LIGHT !'-Goethe, 'WHATSOEVER DOTH 111'.AKl!l MANIFEST IS LIGHT.'-Paul.

No. 1,602.-VoL. XXXI. [Regtstered as] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1911. [a Newspaper. J PRICE TwOPENCE.

CONTENTS. an examination of the curtain immediately afterwa11d did Notes bJ the Way .... - ...... 44:> The Coming of the Ntw .... _. 450 L.S.A.Notices •• .• .• .• •• •• •• •• 446 Count Solovovo's Dilemma ...... 451 not show any change in it whatever.' Of course it is open Sl¥nlflcance of the Evidence for Why Does Spiritualism Disap- Bilocation' . . • • • • .. . • . • . 447 point So lllany? •• _ •••••• ~. . 452 to Count Solovovo to declare that all human testimony is Luther Burbank on Child-Train· Farewell Reception to Mr•. Praecl 453 Ing...... •• ...... 417 A Remarkable Dancing Epidemic453 untrustworthy, that the observations made by the wit.. Premonitions and Telepathy in Why? ...... 454 Dreams ...... 448 Potency 1 f Kind Thoughts ...... 454 nesses were faulty, the conditions imperfect, and the Spiritual Experiences of an Items of Interest ...... 454 Amateur Healer ...... , ... 449 'Order of the Star of the East' .. 455 phenomena not 'strictly proved'-but argument on those lines, carried to such an extreme, simply leads us into a NOTES BY THE WAY. C'lil-de-sac. Absolutely nothing can be 'strictly proved'; all human beings are fallible ; all testimony is suspect ; entire The question of what constitutes 'proof' is always an elimination of possibilities of fraud is impossible ; and only interesting one. Count Solovovo raises the point in his one thing is certain, viz., nothing can be proved. The letter on page 451, when he says that 'apports have never only alternative apparently is this : Let everyone investi­ been strictly proved-not one of them.' Of course the gate and discover truth for himself, and ' be fully persuaded difficulty here turns OQ his use of the word 'strictly.' We in his own mind.' have never read of more stringent test conditions than those that were employed at Sydney with Charles Bailey when, at In the course of an article on ' Psychic Research and the last minute, a sceptic produced a pair of boxing gloves Religion,' in the August number of 'The tournal of the and, after putting them on to Bailey's hands, securely tied American Society for Psychical Research,' Dr. Hyslop them round the wrists and carefully sealed the knots. Yet offers the following incisive remarks:- while Bailey was thus tested and was seated alone inside a To me the great mistake which religion or Christianity has securely fastened cage, apports were produced. We may made for many centuries was in identifying it.self with art instead of science. Its first stage was an attack on idolatry which be reminded that Bailey has been charged with cheating. was based upon sensible or materialistic conceptions of the divine, Our reply is, every seance must be taken on its own borrowed from polytheism and Gre£o-J.Wman. art. c It insisted merits. The object of strict test conditions is to eliminate that the divine and spiritual was supersensible . • But ·the the medium as a possible factor in the production of the moment that the Church introduced images and painting into its order it surrendered its relation to science. It began to phenomena. The question then arises what constitutes a return to materialism, and resthetics or art will always favour fraud-proof test condition ~ Apparently no one knows. that view until a spiritual interpretation of the world has been When once a medium has been severely tested and established by science. Modern science, with its ions, electrons ether, and various occult physical forces, is far more reconcil: triumphs over the difficulties, a host of would-be ' experts ' able with religion than is art with its sensuous ideas and ideals, arise to improve upon the tests employed and to impeach the skill and competency of the observers in that special case, and again the demand is made that the medium shall We are certainly disposed to agree with Dr. Hyslop submit to the new tribunal and the new tests, and all in this matter, although we must do the Church the former successes are discounted. Very frequently, too, justice to say that it set up and held by the idea of a the new conditions are found to be unsatisfactory, or some spiritual world (of a sort), and to that degree offered ingenious individual invents some fresh trap, or difficulty­ a challenge to Science. And it is conceivable that modern very oiten calculated to render the manifestations im­ scientific discoveries in the direction of psychical facts. possible rather than to eliminate possible fraud on the have been to some extent the outcome of the ambition of part of the medium-and so the merry game goes on. scientists to demolish the spiritual idea. In the meantime Surely it is time that· some agreement was arrived at Spiritualism has stood between the combatants as a pea'ce­ as to what would constitute 'strict ·proof'; some plan maker, its message being that the conflict which they formulated by which the truth-seeker-not the would-be insisted upon was entirely needless, the spiritual idea discoverer of fraud-may be convinced of the genuineness being quite compatible w.ith the clll(ims of both Religion of the phenomena and justice be done !to the ·medium. and Science.

Count Solovovo includes the passage of matter through Our desk is frequently covered with a mass o{ pamph­ matter among the phenomena which he regards as suspect lets and papers dealing with mental science in all its and unproven. But Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace, wheu phases. Much of it is sane, wholesome and inspiring · lecturing at San Francisco in 1887, cited Professor Zollner's work, to be read with pleasure and profit, but here and remarkable experiences with Slade, when, in broad day­ there we are confronted with a farrago of flippant and light, in his presence and that of two colleagues, under flatulent nonsense dealing with 'treatments for business what, as described, were fraud-proof conditions, knots were success' at so many dollars, and the like. It leaves a tied in endless cords, coins were taken out of se:iled boxes, nasty taste on the mental palate, but our disgust is rarely and solid rings were passed over a body far too large for mixed with surprise. Some of ·the finest poetry has to be them to pass over by any natural means. Continuing, Dr. disinterred from masses of woeful doggerel, and we have Wallace said : ' I have frequently myself seen, in good to 'beware of spurious imitations ' in every department of Jife, To th~ f1:1ilse from the t)'.'ue ~ves ~s Bi Httl~ e~ li~ht1 stiQ~S anq ha11qkercbiefs pass throu~h a QUrt1:1iin1 ret 11m 446 LIGHT. [September 23, 1911.

trouble, but the task is educative.· •The 'hawk which LONDON SPIRITUALIST ALLIANCE, LTD. preys on the pigeon, the knave who battens on the fool, are part of the natural order-at present. · ·' ON THURSDAY. OCTOBER 12TH, AT 7 P.M., A CONVERSAZIONE 'The Spiritual Journal' (Boston) for August contains Of the Members, Associates and Friends of the London a note on ' Transcendental Consciousness,' by Vivekananda, Spiritualist_ Alliance will be held from which we take the following as bearing on an aspect IN, THE SALON OF THE of mysticism :- ROYAL SOCIE.TY OF BRITISH ARTISTS, The mind itself has a higher state of existence beyond reason, SUFFOLK STREET, PALL MALL EAST, S.W., a superconscious state. This transcendental knowledge some­ At which CLAIRVOYANT DESCRIPTIONS of spirit people present times comes by chance-a man stumbles into it, as lt were, with­ will be given by Mr. Alfred Vout Peters. out previous knowledge of it. Then he interprets it as from the outside. The disadvantage of stumbling into this higher Music, Social Intercourse, and Refreshments during the Evening. consciousness, through sheer effort of will, or emotion, is that those who do so generally have, along with their inspiration, . Miss Lilian Whiting (author of 'The World Beautiful,' some absurd, or even harmful, superstit.ion or idea belonging. 'After Her Death,' &c.), if still in London, will give a short to the lower consciousness. address upon 'The Value of Spiritualism.'

The process of 'stumbling into' the state of trans­ MEMBERS and AssocIATES may have tickets for thmnselves cendental consciousness by an ' effort of will ' is a trifle and their friends on payment of the nominal charge of one obscure. Otherwise the description appeals to us as shilling each : OTHER visitors two shillings each. suggestively illustrating the condition of some reputed ' To facilitate the arrangements it is respectfully requested that Members and Associates will make early application f01· mystics. Further on, the same writer remarks :~ ticket,q, accompanied by" remittances, to Mr. E. w: Wallis, Secre­ Whenever you hear a man say 'I am inspired' and then tary, l lO, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. talk the most irrational nonsense, reject it. Wedo! . Meetings will also be held in the SALON OF THE ROYAL SocIETY. OF BRITISH ARTISTS, Suffolk-street, Pall Mall East, S.W. (near the National Gallery),. on the following Thursday 'The International Theosophical Chronicle ' is the evenings:- organ of that section of the Theosophical movement which Oct. 26.-Abraham . Wallace, M.D., on 'The Churches and acknowledges Mrs. Katherine Tingley as its ' Leader and Modern Spiritual Science.' Teacher '-in fact, it proclaims her as the 'official head of .Nov. 9.-A Symposium on Some Unorthodox Systems. of the Theosophical movement throughout the world.' We Healing. have no . particular concern with the historic dispute Mrs. Hoine will speak on ' The Principles of the Science of Being.' _ between the rival schools, and therefore content ourselves, Mr. G. Spriggs. on 'The Work of the Psycho-Therapeutic as detached observers, with recording the fact. It is a Society.' neatly printed publication, containing a number of articles Mr. W. S. Hendry on 'Vital Magnetic Healing.' of interest and value. · We are chiefly struck with a Mr. Percy R. Street on ' Direct Spirit Healing.' Mr. J. L. Macbeth Bain (if in LOndon) on 'The Immanent 11triking reproduction of 'The Path,' a mystical and sym­ Christ the Healer of Soul and Body.' bolical painting by Mr. R. Machell, the artist, who some Nov. 23.-Rev. Edgar Daplyn on 'A Modern Aspect of years ago joined the Theosophical colony at Point Loma Immortality.' (California). Mr. Machell gained considerable repute in Dec. 7.-' Cheiro' on 'Personal Experiences of Psychic Phe- this country by his symbolical paintings, and· that branch nomena in India, America and Other Countries.' · of the Theosophical movement to which he has attached himself is to be congratulated on having gained the MEETINGS AT llO, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, W.C .. services of a fine artist. FOR THE STUDY OF PSYCHICAL PHENOMENA. CLAIRVOYANOE.-On Tuesday, October 3rd, Mr. J. Ishe1·­ wood will give clairvoyant descriptions, at 3 p.m., and no one In a lecture, quoted in 'The Sunflower' (Hamburg, will be admitted after that hour. Fee ls. each to Associates ; - N.Y.) of the 5th ult., Mr. Bruce Calvert, editor of 'The Members f1·ee; for friends introduced by them, 2s. each. Open Road,' administered a severe castigation to modern PSYCHICAL SELF-CULTURE.-On Thursday, October- 5th, the systems of education :- first meeting of t110 Psychic Class, for Members and Associates . only, will be held at 4 p.m. Tea will be provided, after which Man himself is lost sight of, submerged in the educational Mr. Horace Leaf will gh'e an address on 'The Development system. As administered in our schools and colleges, education of- Psychic Gifts' and clairvoyant descriptions. · has lost its soul. It is a lifeless shell having the letter but not FRIENDLY INTERCOURSE.-Members and Associates are the substance. Teaching is everywhere now but a mechanical invited to attend the rooms at 110, St. Martin's-lane, on Friday maintenance of discipline. afternoons, from 3 to 4, commencing on October 6th, and to This is decidedly drastic, and we hope it is not alto­ introduce friends interested in Spiritualisni, for informal con­ versation, the exchange of experiences, and mutual helpfulness. gether true. ·Certainly there are in many quarters. signs. of TALKS .WITH A SPIRIT CONTROL.-On Fridays,. commenc­ a strong reaction against hide-bound systems of all kinds. ing October 6th, at 4 p.m., Mrs. M. H. Wallis, under spirit 1\.nd we know there are many attempts to substitute free control, will reply to questions relating to life here and on ' the . and natural methods of education for the narrow mechani­ other side,' mediumship, and the phenomena and philosophy of Spiritualism generally. Admission ls. ; Members and Associates - cal systems that have so long cramped and fettered the free. MEMBERS have the privilege of intr.oducing one friend to minds of children. It would be strange if it were- not so in this meeting without payment. Visitors should be prepared an age when spiritual forces are so intensely active. with written inquiries of general 1-nterest to submit to the control. - Students and inquirers alike will find these meetings especially useful in helping them to solve perplexing problems .and to 'COMFORTING SPIRITUAL CoMMUNION.'-Owing to unforeseen realise the actuality of apirit personalitv. . circtllllstances our kindly correspondent who furnishes u_s with SPIRIT HEALING.-On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Frid~ys~ - his interesting experiences, under the heading, 'Comforting Mr. Percy R. Street, the healing medium, will attend between Spiritual Communion,' finds himself unable for two or three 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.O., for diagnosis weeks to continue his narrative and eraves the indulgence of our by a spirit control, magnetic healing, and delineations from the readers. He will resume it. as soon as possible and assures us personal aura. For full particulars 1:1ee the· advertisement that ' th~ b~st is ret to come._' supplement. . . September 231 1911.] .LIGHT. 447

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EVIDENCE FOR tion to this line of investigation, .which cannot but profoundly 'BILOCATION.' influence the philosophy of both Spiritualism and psychology, and it remains for other investigators to continue the work arid The articles on ' Bilocation,' translated from the work of to accumulate and classify facts which will lead to an extension ·Mr. Ernesto Bozzano, which have appeared in our columns, and of our knowledge of this second realm of personal existence. which were concluded on p. 424, ~erit reconsideration on Records of similar facts and experiences should be sent to~ account both of the method of treatment and of the subject matter ' LIGHT ' for publication. . itself. Mr. Bozzano has followed the true scientific method in It will be interesting to know if any readers of ' LIGHT ' first accumulating his facts and then arranging them in have had experiences of the following kind : A sensitive, a clair­ different categories, and the care and cautious reserve shown by voyant, frequently felt during the early periods of sleep as if him in grouping his facts fntci the three categories-(1) when she· were out of the body, floating in the air above the bQdy, the subi~ iu\lj ~~ious, sees his own double ; (2) when the which she perceived inert below her upon the bed : and always consciousness of the s'u.bject is transferred to the double, which at this time there wa~ perceived the feeling of connection with perceives its own body; (3) when the double is seen by a second the brain, a feeling that the retttrn to the body depended upon this party, the subject of duplication being ignorant of the duplica­ connection, and that that return must not be too long delayed. tion-naturally impress the reader with the value· and weight of Further, how many brain workers have had feelings of the the accumulated evidence for the fact that human personality is following kind 1 At times of strain the skull contains moving at least threefold ; that, in addition to consciousness, i.e. spirit, activities: fibrillary movement within the skull appears .as the and in addition to the physical body, there is a third something necessary accompaniment of thought, and this movement can be which is more closely knit with the spirit than the corporeal felt when the brain is specially sensitive from great strain.. At body. This something may appear as an object of perception, ·other times there is a feeling that the whole consciousness is it may b~ the seat of consciousness, i.e., with the spirit it may imprisoned within the brain, that gradually from the feet pass away from the corporeal body which has an objective axis• upwards the power of sensation leaves the lower parts of the tence apart from it yet linked to it, or it may even appear as an body, and that but a little barrier prevents the launching forth objective reality to another consciousness. of consciousness outside the physical body altogether. Typical cases of these three types of activity will repay exami­ How many readerti habitually regard the physical body as nation. Boru No. 1 sees Boru No. 2 (' LIGHT,'p. 256); A. German really something objective, something which is a part of the lieutenant investigates the work being done in the tunnel while ' not-me,' something to which they are bound solely in order to his body lies in a state of asphyxiation (p. 315); a Parisian remain in rapport with the other persons (' not-me' units) who engraver investigates the contents of the neighbo.;ring room surr.)lmd them 1 (p. 327) ; later, in a state of ordinary consciousness, both the Experiences similar to these may or may not be common to lieutenant and the engraver verify the accuracy of the things many persons, and it would be well to have them placed on they noted in a state of duplication. ~ lady in Paris perceives record, as, from the consideration of a wealth of phenomena; the double of her relative (p. 363). 'fhese cases typify three O\lr hypotheses will multiply and our knowledge grow. kinds of phenomena, and with the accumulated facts of the same B. C. W. kind· quoted· by Mr. Bozzano, show conclusively.that human personality is capable of double objectivity. In addition to the LUTHER BURBANK ON CHILD-TRAINING. objectivity in the realm o~ matter, which is the ordinary occur· Two articles in the August number of ' The Harbinger of rence of our daily lives, there are possibilities of objectivity in Light,' accompanied by an excellent portrait, are devoted to relation to a realm which is assuredly not material. Luther Burbank, the great horticulturist, who has solved the Stated in this way, apart from any consideration of spirit 'food for stock' problem for the immense arid area of Western control or existence after bodily death, the result of Mr. America by evolving from the barbed cactus, a pl.8.nt avoided Bozzano's researches is a striking confir1nation of the funda­ alike by man and beast, a spineless and wholesome edible variety, mental postulate of the philosophy of Spiritualism-that human much relished by cattle, and capable of growing almost anywhere. personality is not limited to the material realm as the sole Professor Lat kin's description of Mr. Btlrbank's beautiful garden. domain of objective reality of which it can attain consciousness. in Santi Rosa, California, introduces the reader to a veritable floral paradise, while the quotations which Mrs. .Annie Bright The material realm, though we do not know it completely, is gives us from Mr. Burbank's book on 'The Training of th.e the one we know best ; but Mr. Bozzauo shows us another realm; Human Plaut' make it clear that he would have the same of which we form a part no less definitely than we form a part loving care bestowed on the training of the human race that of the material world of our life, wherein 'our physical body is he devotes to his flowers and trees. In one chapter he says :- the: outward symbol. Not only would I have the child reared for the ftrst ten. This, however, is not the sole result of Mr. Bozzano's work. years of its life in the open, in close toach .with. natare, a bare­ It is clear from his investigations that these two realms of foot boy with all that implies for physical stamina, but I would. activity are not independent ; in fact, there are indication~, have him reared in love. . • · Love must be at the basis of all oar work for the race ; Mt especially in relation to the fact that conscious doubles may per­ gush, not mere sentimentality, but abidiltg love, th.at whieh 011t-· · ceive the complete and intimate workings of the internal organ­ lasts death. A man who hates plants, or is lll.egleetfal of. ' isms of the corporeal body, and that consciousness in the double them, 01· who has other interests beyond th.em, colllld lll.O is more acute and more powerful in relation to the realm of more be a successful plant-cultivator than. he cciitld tlilrn back matter than is consciousness under ordinary circumstances. The the tides of the ocean with his finger-tips. Tim thing is 11tterly repeated evidence of the existence of a filament of connection impossible. · You can never bring up a chi.Id to Ii.ts best esta.te· without love. between the conscious double and the :corporeal body ~ but. Keep out all fear of the brutal things men have ;f;auigh£ ccm.fi.rmation of · the evidence of the clairvoyant that in some children about the future. I believe emphaticall.y in religion. cases of mediumistic trance the control of the medium is effected God made religion and man made theology. . . I have .the by means of a fi.J.ameutary connection between the medium and largest sympathy for rel'igion and the largest contempt I am the control who remains at a distance. As to this we capable of for a misleading theology. Do not feed children on may refer also to the evidence of mediums who are entranced maudlin sentimentalism or dogmatic religion ; give them nature. . . The injury wrought by keeping too young who state that during the trance condition they are put, as it children indoors at school is beyond the power of anyone to were, outside their physical body. In this way l\fr. Bozzano estimate. . . Preserve beyond all else as the priceless portion provides confirmation of the second fundamental postulate of of a child the integrity of the uervous system. Upon this Spiritualism : that there is a realm of existence .other than the depends its success in life. By surrounding the child material world in which the human personality may be con­ with sunshine from the sky and your own heart, by giving it scious of the material world as we ordinarily know it-in fact, the closest communion with nature, by feeding it with well­ balanced, nutritious food, by giving it all that is implied in in which this consciousness may be keener and more penetrating healthful environmental influences, and by doing all in love, you than under ordinary material conditions. can cultivate in the child and fix there for all its life all We are indebted to Mr. Bozzano for an important contribu- lovable and beautiful traits; · 448 LIGHT. [September 23, 1911.

-PREMONITIONS AND TELEPATHY IN DREAMS. some time ii.go; I was :fighting for your-life, holding you as I thought, in my arms (I was not asleep) and trying to shield you from your enemy, but he prevailed, and yon were ,-;hot-through A paper read by Miss GERALDINE DE RoBEOK, on February 9th me, as it seemed-in my arms I And I heard the bullet thud­ 1911, at a Meeting of the Dublin Society for Psychical ding again8t your hea.rt . . the hallucination of your pre­ Research, PROFESSOR w. F. BARRETT in the chair. sence was upon me. . • I feel that weird, inhuman, indescrib­ ·able neal'neas-or, rather, that dual sensation which makes me feel as if I were not myself alone, but you too • • my (Oontinued from page 437.) individuality seems merged entirely in yours dl,lring these moments. • • I never thought,. nearly six months agO, when Among premonitory dreams that I have had, the following I heard of your death, that it would be possible, months after, to suffer a.~ I did yesterday. . .' ' Some night I shall pass stand out in my memory with remarkable clearness. out of my body in one of these states. . . (April 18th). . • A friend of mine has for some years been trying to get into I think I very nearly passed through on to your side last night Parliament. We used at one time to correspond with one [I generally wrote then as if to my lover himself.] I was aware, another, but of late years, he having got married, I have not in a kind of agony almost insupportable, of a crushing weight followed his movements so closely, and it never seemed pro­ pressing the life (breath of human life, not the true life) out of bable that there should be any telepathic communication betwe~n me .• :: I think death must be like t~ wrench and spasm of the earthly' frame, ari escape of the soul as if from the .us, nor do I consciously think often about him unless he is re­ hands of torturers.' .called to me by other friends. Long ago I had dreams and pre­ monitions in connection with him, for candour obliges me to These short extracts give you an idea of the more than ordi­ admit that in those days I was much interested in him, but for nary nature of the sorrow I experienced at this time, and I want the last eight or nine years other interests have engaged my at­ you particularly to note two things in connection with my state tention. Last year I was told that he was likely to contest a certain then. I somehow felt as if dying with my lover, and yet went constituency, and I expressed interest, but was not ' dans mon through all the horro1·s of trying to protect him in vain. Both fond' preoccupied at all-I am not concerned at any time about in my dreams and in the waking state I was haunted by the politics, and never read the Parliamentary news. At the time thought of death and battle. I became a soldier in my visions. of ~he general election in 1910, I woke up one morning very Mark this well. I did not inhabit this room for more than a early, and, finding it too early to rise, fell into a sort of slgmber , few months; and later on was given a larger one next door, in . which I generally have what I call my 'Vision' dreams. where, though still unhappy for some time, I had no more dis· They are always niost realistic. In this di·eam I saw my old tressing experiences of the kind. About a year or so later I left friend enter a room in which I was sitting and was shocked to my friends altogether~! mean that their house was no longer see how worn, dejected and miserable he looked. He flung · my home-and went to .live in London. About this time my himself into a chair and exclaimed 'Oh 1-[a pet name] friends engaged a new governess for their children-a lady I had -I have failed again I' and I understood that he had been never seen, but with whom I found myself, when we had met beaten by his opponent, and had not 'got in ' after all I was a few times, in great sympathy. We became great friends, much upset in my dream, and tried to cheer him up, but when in fact, and she was of opinion that I was the most I went down tv breakfast I said to my cousin-who is a keen· cheerful person she had ever met. She used to say she politician in her way and always reads the results of the polling could never imagine me as anything but a joyous person. I aloud to me without my paying the slightest attention-' Do went sometimes to the house of my friends in the country wl!ere l~ok and see what has happened about

Ol!'FICE ~OF .'LIGHT,' ·110,. ST. MAR'.CiN'S LANlil, . down and 'went under.'. Greybe~rd Custom and Qld, blind . · · . LONDON, W.C. 'Use and Wont 'W:ept in the market-place over the destruc-; _8A'I1URDAY; SEPT-EMBER 23RIJ, l91L tion of their idols, and the dhurches shrieked 'Modernism!'. 'Materialism !' 'Heresy! ' pleaded, threatened, and launched 'Jigltt: excommunications. The apostles of the New only smiled contemptuously at their thunders. Meantime the grey :. A .Journal ofl>sychical, Octult, arid Mystical Research ..• working world-toiled harder, for the· stress of- competitio~ P1udE ·TwoPRNOE WlllEKLt. grew ever more and more severe-, and ,a ne;v doctrine was dOMMUNICATIONS ,intended to: he printed should. be addressed ;,o preached, the favorite text of which was, Get on or get the'Edltor· O:lli.ce of 'LIGHT,' 110, St. Martin's Lane, Lonc1on, W.v. -Busin~ crimmttnicationubould in all ca.sea be addressed to Mr. out I' - Ji\ W. . .South, Office. of. 'LIGHT/ to whom Cheques and Posta;l ' · Orders 'should be made payable: . Then came some ominous, rending cracks in the new structure that. was being. so rapidly built up. The enter· .Subscription Rate~.~· LIGHT ' may be had free by post on the following · terms :-Twelve months, 10s. lOd ; six months, 5s. 5d. . Pt1.yments prising builders bad been going ahead a little too quickly, - · to be niade in advance. To United States, 2dol;'70c To France, and .hadJnidverteritly lefo Nature and l!umanity out of . ·Italy, -&c., 13 francs S6 ce~time~. To ·Germany, 1.1 mark~ 25 pffil". Whole$!ile Agents: Messril. Sunpki~, Manihall, !lamp.ton, K,ent and their calculations.· There 'were intellectual and spiritual , Co;,.Ltd., 31,:l'aternoater.row, London, E.C:, and LIGHT can be _ ord,ered throul)'h rut Newsagents and Booksellers. revolts-there were. strikes~ The fabric began to totter and the architects, after looking at each other blankly, API>LIC..A.- TIONS by MemLer~~ssociates of t.he London Spirit­ -ualist Alliance Ltd .. for the loan of books from the Alliance have now set to work to examine the foundations. Let us : Library should be ail.dressed to the Librarian, Mr. B. D. Godfrey, Office of the Alliance, 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. hope they will find the true causes of the threatened catastrophe. · ' We ·have said that they left out of account Nature and THE COMING OF THE NEW. Hu~anity. But there was still another important item, also (most regrettably) overlooked-the Soul. Newly-born forms are often strange,. ungainly, sometimes Now it was a good work to remove the old husks on actually repulsive, in a'ppearance. · Even the new-born which the human spirit had been so long compelled to feed; baby is an uncouth object (to masculine eyes at any tate !) and to pull down the mouldy old structures in which it :New truths, new forms of thought, new social orders at had been doomed to dwell. But the spirit cannot be their' inception are 'apt to seem equally unattractive. properly nourished on bank balances, economic doctrines; Not until they have become established and have adjusted enterprise and commercial efficiency, alternated with bursts themselves to the normal scheme of things do they find of feverish pleasure. Nor can it dwell with any satisfac­ 'general a.ooeptance, and leave: us wondering why they at tion in ugly habitations filled with noisy machinery and :-srst appe~.red so objectionable. · · Clamorous with the shouts of struggling crowds all pt>ssesse4 .. During the last generation· we· have seen the birth of with the idea, 'Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we inany new things in all departments of life. die.' It demands leisure and beauty and ideals, and 'the reoali the time w~en, ;in journalism, for example, , We ·glory of going on.' · A~d the leaders and organisers of. th~ the course of events was along old and well"beaten paths. :world who construct social fabrics that leave the soul out topics of ·the hour ,were dealt with in an orderly, Th~ of account do so at their peril. dignified fashion, and the men who mould public opinion Fortunately, in the providence of things these errors produced day by day long and sedate articles on conven­ are corrected by greater architects, none the less potent tional lines. Then, almost violently, swept in the spirit of because they are invisible. · These have not made the mis­ change. Speed, sensation, and brevity became the order of take of the human builders of supposing that they are the 'time. New ideas and new fashions were demanded. working with soul-less materials subject to mechanical laws 'One after the other the old-established journals were -they know that it is a living social organism that is :crowded out of existence or forced to revolutionise their being built up. Indeed, it is rather a birth than a building methods, and writers trained in the ancient school had to -the birth of a crude, misshapen form that some among us ~dapt themselves swiftly to the new -order or find their ,regard with fear and dismay. But we doubt not that it IJCJmpations g!)ne. Novelty, variety and originality were will come ' slowly to its stature and its form,' helped to imperatively called for, and the old Jog-trot was- speedily maturity by other newly-born embodiments at present changed to a gallop. · also somewhat strange and unshapely to the uninitiated ·One after the other all department.ii of the working eye-new systems of thought, new spiritual philosophies; world were invaded by the new spirit. Old machinery was new theologies. The votaries of the past cry out upon f scrapped ' and new engines installed. Old workers were them as weird and terrifying things. But in the fulness of sent adrift and ;wo.t.iinger ones lllppointed' in their places. time each will become 'Hustle and hustle_' were-features of the new regime, and . transfigured into angel guise, on a :6.erce Light. w-aS. turned .all the dim corners of every Welcomed by all that .cu~sed its hour ofbirth ~:mmercial establishment. :Nobody and no thing was safe And cast it lilte a serpent from their hold ! &hat could. not justify existence on the grounds of economy, Amongst them we have an abiding confidence that we expedition, or efficiency. _ shall find Spiritualism-the science of the soul.,--.passing Nor did the mental world escape. ·Dusty old theologies, from a sprawling and ungainiy youth ·to a lusty and cobwebbed creeds; antique politfoal and scholastic doctrines beautiful maturity. And when the '-ugly duckling' . has were dragged out from their abiding places and cast on to grown into a swan how many will regret that, like the 'the dust-heap. '.:Nothing 'was sacred to the in vadiiig hordes fa.rmer's wife in the old Norse tale,· they drove it from of revolutionariee and iconoclasts. They went everywhere their doors ! and challenged everything. 'Under which king, Bezonian 1 Speak or die ! ' was ·the motto.· Old philosophies wore 'THE PROGRESSIVE THINKlllR' says:-' That Spiritualism has· ;i.rraigned and required _to ~ive a reason for their existence. be~ome a new World Power in the realm of religions thought is If they prosed or maundered, out they went ! growing more manifest day by- day,' and it finds evidence of this in the fact that the Popa is said to be alarmed and, as announced . And then the wheels began to go round very fast, and from Rome, will shortly 'publish an encyclical against the: thoae who could not keep up with the new moyement went practice of Spiritism.' . . ·L lG··HT. 451

·COUNT SOLOVOV0'$ · DILEMMA. honesty ; such· a. suspension of judgment is only wise and right. We have already explicitly stated, on page 427, that unle.ss the It will be remembered tha:t in' LIGHT' of tl;ie 2nd inst. (p. 415) phenomena are of such a character as to afford proof of their we criticised Count Solovovo's assertion that supernormal origin, they are valueless for evidential purposes as regards Staint0n Moses there can be no doubt that the great unless they occ1tr 11nder strict test conditions. But we are J!,OW majority of his phenomena (apports included) can be explained dealing with' .quite a . different matter-Viz.; the charge that by fraud on his part-necessarily conscious fraud in some cases, Mr. Moses was guilty of conscious fraud. This is a personal perhaps unconscious iii others. · · matter ; a man's character and. honour are at stake-a man who In a letter just received, headed 'About my Dilemma,' the has passed on and is now· unable to defend -himself against this Count writes :.- aspersion ;, hence our protest. . I must confess it makes one feel very uncomfortable if found Unquestionably it is ' easier ' to assume and assert fraud: on guilty of 'the cra:ssest prejudice' ('LIGHT,' p. 416). Such is, the part of mediums than it is to believe that th!lY really po1JSe.ss at least, my position in the face of so damaging a verdict. (But, genuine mediuml.stic and it is far 'easier' to repudiate after till, may I not be too thin-skinned }) And Mr. C. C. po~ers, ~rs phi;aae .has; it would appear, been applied to rue because all tlie testimony of reputable witnesses. on the grottnd that they l think it easier to believe in deception on Mr. Stainton Moses'! are inco1~petent, or are,. 1'mtrustworthy because . they were :part th~n to believe that he was really en.dowed with genuine 'friends ' of the medium, or. were too cred~lous to make apport1c ' powers. accurate observations, or were too careless to correctly - Let the position be rever!!ed. Let us suppose that a wonder­ report· the results. That is the easy way of disposing pf the ful physical medium has at last appeared ; that his phenomena have been repeatedly obtained under test conditions, and that whole business. The man-in-the-street sums it up. more tersely he has not been so far convicted of fraud. Whereupon a Mr. when he declares that the whole thillg is 'impossible,' and only X. appears, who flatly declares that the medium in question is ' rogues and fools ' have aught to do with "it. If it is scientific nothing but a cheat. And on being asked to prove the fact he and permissible to adopt the ' easiest ' explanation, so-called, and merely maintains he knows this to be true, but declines to to believe only what accords with one's- preconceived ideas of bring forward any evidence in support of his statement. what is possible and probabie, then Count Solovovo's i;>osition is 'I am an honest man,' he will say, ' and all my friends JJelievc me incapable of deceit. You must take me on my unassailable; but we have always thought that the scientific word.' spirit prompted men to search for trnth and to follow its lead 'Yes, he is hon~st,' the chorus of his friends will add. ' The without bias, fear, pr~conception, or prejudice-to study ·un· crassest 1>-rejudice will and must recoil from even suggesting a usual and seemingly improbable phenomena with especial care, doiil?t of X.'s."truth and honesty.' · recognising that it has been in ·this realm that the mo;it import­ Well, even supposing this X.'s public reputation to be really ant discoveries have been and are still being made. ' Apports,' we unimpeachable, and at least on the same level as Stainton Moses', what would be the Spiritualists' line of action in such a case ? are told; 'have never been strictly proved to exist-not one of I am afraid they would simply tear X.'s reputation to shreds them.' A sweeping assertion, truly, and one which turns on without paying the smallest attention to his distinguished the meaning of the phrase ' strictly proved.' As employed, friends' testimony. it means that they have not been proved to Count Now let us turn to Stainton Moses' real case. It will, I Solovovo's satisfaction. Those iiivestigators who have had the think, be admitted on all- hands:--'- good fortune tO witness tbese phenoni~ under what they regard 1. That it is easier to believe a given medium to have as satisfactory conditions consider that they have had convincing been gµilW 6qraud t~n to po~ an aut):ientic faculty of pro­ evidence. Who then iB ·tO 'deciide ~ Surely those who, as the ducing apports-this leaving all question of reputation aside. 2. That these apports are in themselves improbable. result of their investigation al).d experience, .testify to the 3. That they have never been strictly proved to exist-not occurrenc!l of genuine apports occupy stronger grom1d than one of them. (And of this I find evidence in the very number those who have not witnessed the phenomena-or have not oi 'LIGHT; where" my dilemma is discussed. For Sir w. Crookes's observed them under satisfactory conditions. experiment' with a small bell is probably the best apport w.e Count Solovovo, as we anticipated, catche.~ at the word have, evidentially speaking. Yet 'LIGHT' says it occurred under almost perfect conditions (p. 415). If 'almost,' therefore not 'almost,'- which, in our description of. the ' bell' incident reported quite. 'Almost does not count,' says a Russian saying. And by Sir William Crookes, we intentionally employed as a con­ this, I repeat, is the best case). cession to his hypercritical attitude. We recognised that objection 4. That, on the contrary, apports have been repeatedly might be raised on the score that the incid,ent was un~:i;iected, proved to be of fraudulent origin. · that no preparatory tests had been instituted by Sir Wllliam1 And it will probably be further conceded that a seance given and that the corroboration rested solely on the testimony of two under no test conditions (as all Stainton Moses' sittings were) is equivalent to X.'s supposed unsupported assertion mentioned boys. But that objectio11, in our opinion, does not inv,alidate a.hove. For in both cases we must rely 01i people's honesty~ the value of the testimony of Sir William because, as a matter and nothing else. . . of fact, as he _distinctly shows, test conditions actually existed, But, as I hav!l shown, it is lµghly probable, nity absolutely better tests probably than he would have instituted himself, certain,.that Spiritualists will not believe X. on his word.alone and this was· the case in some at least of the Stainton Moses a~d will insist on having positive· e'Vi.dence..:.:...in which, I think, they will be justified. And yet· the fact in which X. asks us to phenoinena. But let us give Sir William's record of the occur­ believe is infinitely more plausible and credible than the issues rence in full :- rnvolved in admitting Stainton Moses' gootl faith. Miss Kate Fox had promised to give me a seance at my But if so we sceptics shall be equally justified in refusing to house orie evening ill the spring of last year. ,Whilst ... w~itjng admit the genuineness of Stainton Moses' apports so far as that for her, a lady rela'tive, with my two eld~st sons, aged fot1.rteen admission is based on mere belief in his honesty. and eleven, were sitting iri the dining roolll where the seances One more word about a pl'iori improbability. I did not lay were always held, and I was sitting by. myself, writing pi the pa,rtfoular stress on this Objection in my paper· in the S.P.R. library. Hearing a cab drive up and the bell ring, I opened ' Proceedings.' I merely called. attention to the fact that the the door to Miss Fox, and took her directly into the dining­ more a phenomenon is improbable, the more we are entitled to be room. She said she· woqld not go ·upstairs, as she could. not particu1arly exacting so far as evidence of it. is concerned ; but stay very long, but laid. her bonnet and shawl on a chair in the that with the physieal phenomena of Spiritualism the case room. I then went ·to the dining-room door, and telling the seems tcrbe exactly the ;reverse. And this T still maintain. But two boys to go into the library and proceed with their lessons, I apparently my critics ·prefer to. ignore this J,'iart of my argument closed the door behind them, locked it, and (according to my -as well, it is tme, as many others. Their ·task "is thus con­ usual custoin at seances) put the key in my pocket. .. . . ~derably simplified. · We sat down, Miss Fox being 011 my right hand and the­ For our comments on the other· poiii.ts raised by our corre~ other lady onniy left.. An alphabetic message was soon given spondent in his' article in the S.P.R. 'Proceedings' ·for August, to turn the gas out, and we theretipon -sat in total darkness, I holding Miss Fox's two hands in one of mine the whole time. we refer the reader to 'LIGHT' of the 9th inst. · Very Soon, a message wa2 given in the following words,' Weare We do not for a moment dispute the right of the sceptic to going to bring something to show our power ' : and almost im­ decline to admit the genuineness of any phenomena, so far as n1ediately afterwards we all heard the tinkling of a bell, not that admission ·is based solely on mere belief in the medium's stationary, but moving about in a.II parts of· the room : at one 452 LIGHT. [September 23, 1911. time. by the wall, .at another ll;t a furth~r corner of the room, now WHY DOES SPIRITUALISM DISAPPOINT SO touching me on the head, and now tapping against the floor. MANY? After ringing about the roorri in this manne1; for fully five minutes, it fell upon the table close to my hands. During the time this was going on, no one moved and Miss (Continued from page 442.) Fox's hands were perfectly quiet. I remarked that it could not be my little hand-bell which was ringing, for I left that in the The more eager the nature, the more prone to disappointment library. (Shortly before Miss Fox came, I had occasion to refer and the more cruel the blow. The eager expect too much and to a book-which was lying on a corner of a book-shelf. The bell at once. We expect in a fallible world· infallibility. We cau was on the book, and I put it on one side to get the book. That never reach infallibility through earthly agents. We may re­ little incident had impressed on my mind the fact of the bell being in the library.) The gas was burning brightly in the hall ceive advice that may possibly-probably-exceed the value of outside the dining-room door, so that this could not be opened mere human advice, but it will not be infallible. If we re­ without letting light into the room, even had there been an ceived and depended upon infallible advice in everything our accomplice in the house with -a duplicate key, which there brains would atrophy. All through life people expect impossi­ certainly was not. bilities and are disappointed. We have to remember that we I struck a light. There, sure enough, was my own bell lying are but ' children of a larger growth,' and the spiritual food we on the table before me. I went straight into the library. A glance showed that the bell was not where it ought to have are able to digest is very light. In our conversation with been. I said to my eldest boy, 'Do you know where my little bell children we withhold much that we know they would be in· is 1' ' Yes, papa, ' he replied, 'there it is,' pointing to where I had capable of understanding : even things which their intellects left it. He looked up as he said this, and then continued, ' No­ can grasp, we know the understanding of the heart is as yet too it's not there, but it was there a little time ago. ' 'How do you feeble to bear, and we have to restrain ourselves, to withhold mean 1- has anyone come in and taken it 1' 'No,' said he, information, ·even to permit, at times, an imperfect conception 'no one has been in ; but I am sure it was there, because when you sent us in here out of the dining-room, J. [the youngest boy] that shall suffice for the present, but shall later lead to important began ringing it so that I could not go on with my lessons, and truths. We.use our judgment and our spirit friends use theirs. I told him to stop. ' J. corroborated this, and said that, after Shall we blame them 1 Yet this is one of the causes of our ringing it, he put the bell down where he had found it. disappointment. Now, if in considering this incident we were to employ Another is the enormous difficult.y that the spirit people pount Solovovo's methc.d of ' explaining' away the facts in the find in getting mediums suited to convey the exact class of Stainton Moses phenomena we should be driven, logically, to thought they may wish to convey. Just as we require to use declare something like this : ' As this alleged apport is a different vessels for different purposes, so do they. We do not "physical impossibility" (or, as now amended, "improbable"), hand water in a colander, and cannon balls on flimsiest porcelain. 11nd as the boys both declared that they had seen the bell after In like manner the vessels for the other side have to be chosen their father had locked them into the library, and that one of for their fitness. A flood of impressions cannot pass through a them had actually rung the bell until asked to desist by his brain incapable of holding those impressions long enough to brother, "there can be no doubt" that this alleged apport "can be turn them into language ; nor can the heavy commonplaces of explained by necessarily conscious fraud" on their part ; they existence find expression through a brain too finely framed to must have consciously cheated, and lied, and conspired with the support their weight. The spirit people have an added difficulty; medium to deceive their father.' We should be compelled to we can carry water to anyone in a suitable vessel, but they, this c:;9nclusion because 'it is easier to believe ' given persons perhaps, having found a suitable vessel1 ~n only convey water 'to have been guilty of fraud than to possess an authentic through it to a small percentage who come thirsting. The faculty of producing apports-this leaving all question of re· organism of the medium does not suit every inquirer, or, more putation aside.' We trust Sir William and his sons will excuse truly, does not suit the spirit friends of all inquirers. Those us for even seeming to suggest such conduct-but it forcibly who investigate soon find that certain friends will come to them illustrates the actual significance of Count Solovovo's so-called more easily through certain mediums than through others. In explanation, as applied to Stainton Moses. short, the difficulties of communication are still enormous. We hold that no one is entitled to charge his neighbour Again, there is the further difficulty of proving the identity of with fraudulent practices-not even if that neighbour is 'only the spirits who communicate, since their messages must receive a medium '-unless he is in a position to fully substantiate his some colouring from, or be limited by, the medium they come charge. The burden of proof falls on the accuser, and not only through. does Count Solovovo not adduce even a shadow of evidence to What can we do to save ourselves disappointment 1 The support his allegation, but so far as we are aware no such charge safe thing and the right thing is to cultivate our 'inner was ever made against Mr. Moses in his life-time, nor has there sense.' We are all conscious of that inner sense. Some ever been any evidence forthcoming to prove that he cheated. people call it conscience. Let them call it what they will. · The hypothetical reversal of the position as regards Mr. 'What's in a name 1' To acknowledge it and cultivate it Moses which Count Solovovo makes does not help him, for he is the main thihg. Let us encourage it, let us obey admits that Spiritualists would be justified in refusing to believe it. It will soon move out of its little, restricted corner to his ' Mr. X.,' 'on his word alone,' when he declared the medium wider fields l We must prove it every inch of the way-first in to be a cheat-and that is our justification for not only declin­ little things, and gradually, as faith increases and self-confidence ing to accept his own assertion that Stainton Moses was guilty grows, we shall learn to rely upon it more and more, so long as of conscious fraud, but for our protest against what we cannot liilt regard as an outrageous attack upon an honourable man. its dictates are honourable and right. It will move on from what is merely right and wrong to what is expedient. Your MR. AND MRs. 'Huao AMEs are laying claim to the ..£1,000 welfare will be safegu~rded in evecy direction. To each one offered by an advertiser for evidence of telepathy. They state, in I would say : ' Trust your inner self.' Say to it, ' I trust you. a letter to 'The Daily News,' that telepathy is of almost daily You come from the All Good, and cannot therefore fail me.' occurrence between them. Mrs. Ames says that one day, her Little by little its voice will grow stronger ; little by little husband being in Staffordshire and she in London writing, her someone you loved and lost will seem to speak · through it ; pen suddenly wrote ' consciousness ' three times, then stopped. She realised that she was in telepathic communion with Mr. loneliness will vanish ; confidence in the All Good will permeate Ames and that he was 'stuck' on a point respecting consciousness your being. You will presently say, 'If this is Spiritualism, in his writing for his new book. She says : ' I went to my thank God for it l' This is your own-that which no man can bookshelves and. took down a book containing an article by Annie take from yciu. As long as you preserve your attitude of loving Besant on Bose's description of consciousness in the vegetable faith towards it, it will never fail you, and you will say, and animal kingdom. I then put my own papers aside and 'God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world.' The world began to write on my own experiences of consciousness, .supple· mented by Bose's theory. I caught the post; and sent Mr. Ames will become to you a bit of blue heaven dropped straight at this paper, with a letter telling him why. The next morning your feet. I cannot lay too great stress on the value of this August 22, I received a telegram : " Wonderful I Letters crossed'. self-culture. If, like myself, you are no medium, you will Discovered Bose's theory yesterday. "' find details lacking, and these, a good reliable medium, one in . September 23, 1911.] LIGHT. 453

. . sympathy with your spirit friends, will be able to supply. But In a few words .of acknowledgment Mrs. Praed .said tha.t, do not blindly obey, taking everything for gospel truth. Here ·while sorry to leave, she felt she would be able to be of greater let your own gift speak. Accustom your soul to weigh the service where she was going than she had been ·here. The advice, or, rather, to take the swift impression that comes to resolution handed to her would always bring to her nlind the your own soul. Prove this, test it. You will be amazed at its great kindness she had received from the Alliance. unswerving fidelity. Let it prove to you its correctness in Mrs. Praed proceeded to give a number of clairvoyant de­ little daily happenings, and as your confidence in its power scriptions, many of which were recognised. Mr. Withall then grows, the power itself will grow. Hold steadily to it and welcomed a new friend present, Mr. Joseph Isherwood, from though your logic may not always be able to follow its behests, Australia, who would also give a few illustrations of clairvoy­ if you have proved it right in its more easy guidings, trust it ance. Mr. Isherwood, before giving his interesting descriptions, with prayer in the larger issues whose immediate consequences expressed his great pleasure in meeting the London friends, and have been hidden from your finite view. It behoves you to be said that he had worked in the North of England, before he cautious. Remember the character of your guidance rests went to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. He would entirely with yourself. Shirk responsibility as you may, re­ only be in London for a few weeks before he returned to sponsibility is yours, in the smallest detail of your life. The Australia. Mr. J. A. Wilkins announced that the Psychic Class spirit friends you have will be your own choice, and the voice would reopen on October 5th, with a social meeting, tea at that you obey will be your own responsibility. 4 o'clock. A happy fraternal spirit prevailed in the meeting, s. B. J. which augured well for the success of the work of the Alliance during the coming season. FAREWELL RECEPTION TO MRS. PRAED. A REMARKABLE DANCING EPIDEMIC, A well-attended social gathering of Members and Associates A special corespondent of the ' Times ' sends from Troad an of the London Spiritualist Alliance was held on the afternoon of interesting account of the dance known as the ' Taranta. ' Thursday, September 14th, at 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.C., to 'Come, tchelebi, come and see the girls dancing in the bean­ bid farewell to Mrs. Praed, of Melbourne, Australia, on her field,' said a Greek ploughman, running up to him one hot departure for South Africa. After tea, Mr. H. Withall, vice­ afternoon in June last ; and, when asked why they were dancing president, took the chair. He said they were met together with 'when they should be pulling beans at this .time of day,' went very mixed feelings-feelings of sadness and gladness. Of sad­ on to say : 'They are dancing because they can't help themselves, ness because they were so soon to lose the presence of their good poor things. St. George has got them. in his power and keeps friend, Mrs. Praed, who, in the short time she had been with them hopping. ' The writer continues :- them, had endeared herself to many; and of gladness that they had I was too busy at the moment to go. But the same evening made the acquaintance of so excellent a medium. They had had a shrill outcry arose from the women's quarters. Cries of 'The the privilege of having her in that room on many occasions. girls are dancing again ' were heard on all sides. Making our way The officers of the Alliance were constantly asked whether they to the room whence proceeded the loudest hubbub, my wife and could recommend mediums, and among others they had recom­ I found it filled with a crowd of shrieking, weeping, gesticulatiJ?.g women, in the midst of whom were the four afflicted girls, their mended Mrs. Praed, and though no medium ~ould succeed with lega, arms, and bodies in twitching motion like those of marion­ everybody, .owing to the necessity for rapport and other condi­ ettes. Two of them were executing a sort of slow dance, closely tions, she had given much satisfaction. He did not mean to say resembling the dance which they· who are bitten by the taran­ that she was the best medium-only that she had been the best tula are under compulsion to perform. A third was taking a for those with whom she had been successful. She was what series of terrifying 'headers' on to the cement floor that might might be called a born medium, belonging to a family in which have been expected to break her skull ; though, strange to say, when the fit was over she appeared without a scratch or a bruise. the grandmother had psychic power well developed. Mrs. The fourth was working her arms backwards and forwards with Praed's chief control had told him that his attention was drawn a kind of sawing, Swedish drill-like movement. That all were to her when she was nineteen months old. He had hoped to suffering great distress was evident from their staring, anxious make her a materialisation medium, but circumstances arose eyes and laboured breathing. which made him alter his plans, and he developed her instead 1'he correspondent discovered that these manifestations have in the direction of clairvoyance. Mr. Withall proceeded to refer been epidemic for three years past in the townlet of Yenishehr, to two fully-verified descriptions given through Mr11. Praed to which supplies most of the female labour. They begin about a ladies whom she met at his own house, and with whom she was week before the feast of St. George (May 7th). Persons of all unacquainted. He had had a private sitting with her to consult age.3 and both sexes are affected. The epidemic reaches its height Mr. Rogers, Mr. Hopps, and Mr. Stainton Moseil about the work on that day, but continues with diminishing intensity till the of the Alliance, and he got what he wanted. It should be borne end of J tme. As the people do not deem it. a disease,· they do in mind that messages coming through mediums might be dis­ not call iri medical aid. The ·spirit-;f Si George being the cause torted. ' What was needed was to keep a level head in all these of the marvel, it is believed that many of the 'possessed' becom~ inveatigations, and then all would be well. In this case he 'seers' and mediums for the working of miracles. Accompanied exercised his reason on the counsel he received through the by a friend, the writer drove to Yenishehr and visited the famous medium, saw that it was good, and acted on it. He attributed Church of St. George:- Mrs. Praed's success largely to her sympathetic nature. She Although it was a week-day, there were about a score of people really felt people's sorrows and troubles, and all through her in the church, of whom some were plainly afflicted with the now work- she was animated by a desire to pe of service to the world familiar spasmodic symptoms. In front of . the image· a young and help forward the cause of Spiritualism. Mr. Withall then woman with dishevelled hair stood writhing and groaning. ~oved the following resolution :~ While we looked her agitatiOn increased ; she worked herself into a paroxysm, flung herself at the image, pressing her face That the Members and Associates of the London Spiritualist and breast against it in an ecstasy, then tried to encircle it with Alliance, assembled in this meeting for the purpose of bidding her arms (which, of course, was impossible, as the picture is em­ farewell to Mrs. Praed on her departure for South Africa, de­ bedded in the panel of the altar screen). Giving up this attempt, sire to testify to the satisfactory nature of her mediumship and she next carefully and deliberately set ab.out climbing the altar to express their sincere appreciation of her services to the cause screen-a feat that would have done credit to a professional of Spiritualism during her stay in London. They wish her acrobat, for the screen is fifteen feet high, and there was appa­ God-speed in her spiritual work and assure her of a hearty wel­ rently nothing projecting from its smooth surface that could come should she at any future time decide to return to this support hands and feet. We watched her nervously as she made country. her way up, and felt relieved when she got to the top. I do not ·The resolution was carried unanimously-Mrs. Lucking, who know how wide the foothold may be up there. It cannot be more than a few inches. Bttt she now gave free vent to her paroxysm. seconded it, and Mrs. Bell and another lady, who spoke in Uttering a succession of piercing shrieks, she ran along the its support, all giving instances of excellent evidences of spirit narrow ledge, twi~ted herself into fantastic attitudes, suspended i:ower they had received through Mr~. Praed's mediumship. he1·self by her hands, then by her hands and knees, with head LIGHT. [3eptembel' 23, 1911 .

down and hair wildly :floating. And· .alhhe while others of the . THE POTENCY OF KIND THOUGHTS; 'po8sessed '-three girls, a man, and a small boy-were displaying a variety ~f contortions in the nave. Mr. W. H. Terry, writing in 'The Harbinger of Light,' Ultimately the writer believes there can be no doubt that says:- 'we are here in presence of a revival of the weird epidemic . While experimenting with a sensitive in whoin I had devel· .that raged in Europe from 137 4 to the beginning· of the oped by magnetism lucid clairvoyance whenever what is culled sixteenth century.' The present epidemic seems urgently to the' sleepwaking state' was induced, I gave (without comment) claim the of modern medical science, and also, perhaps, a letter I hatl received from a widow lady, who I had reason to atte~tion think was suffering from some mental troubles which I might of the societies for psychical research. be able to remove ; telling her to find and describe the writer. In a few minutes she found and identified her, and I then put WHY'? my first question on whfoh I wished enlightenment ; but although ruy sensitive was in her usual condition of lucidity, she com­ An observant correspondent, who thinks that attention shonld plained of inability to see what was required of her on account be given to the present method, or lack of method, of conducting of a cloud that surrounded the lady. I told her to try ·again, as public Spiritualist Sunday services, in order to effect improve­ I felt a deep sympathy for the lady and would like to help her. ments, has sent us the following questions for the serious con­ After waiting With patienlie the result of the sensitive's further sideration of all those who are concerned, together with his own efforts I was plea.Bed to be told that she could see better ; in a short time she gave me all the necessary information I 59ught answers and suggested remedies. He asks :- for, clearly and concisely, and then relapsed into a quiescent 1. Why is it that the various Spiritualist societies do not state, as though absorbed with something she- was witnessing. start their meetings punctually? If the members come late, In a little while she turned to me and said : .'I have learned a this is no excuse for delaying the opening for twenty minutes or lesson,' .and on my asking her what it was, she replied that no half an, hour. It is not fair to the speaker, and it is trifling kind tlwught is ever lost, and that when I had expressed my heart­ with the unseen powers who come to assist. felt sympathy for the.lady she was observing, she S!tW a liµe of . 2. Why is there so much trifling and irreverence prior to the light extend from me to the subject and disperse the cloud that commencement, more particularly on the Sunday evenings 1 was around her, and so enable her· to fulfil the mission I had Speakers should. find the atmosphere prepared for them, and not given her. This, she was impressed, was not an exceptional case, be. compelled to exercise their energy and deplete their forces in but in accordance with the sincerity of the thought and the order to raise the tone of the meeting before giving off their receptivity of the recipient was the effect, though the latter best for the benefit.of the audience. might be quite unconscious of the cause. If this.great trnt_h 3. Why is there so much coughing in the audience 1 Every were known and acted upon, what a· beneficent mfluence 1t loud cough is like a painful stab to the sensitive. would have on humanity, and what an incentive it would be for 4. Why is the singing at the public and private services so the cultivation and expression of benevolence ! discordant 1 5. Why is it that· the halls are not opened till just before the beginning of the services 1 · ITEMS OF INTEREST. 6. Why are the services held 1 Our.correspondent's answers and remedies are as follows:­ Once more the time of the year has come round when most people begin Lo resume the intellectual and spiritual activities . 1. Start plliictually, and get the audience into good habits ; which they temporarily suspended during the hot days and t~e you will thus obtain the best results from the speakers. Re­ long light evenings of summer. Rested and refreshed phyBl­ if member that you start half an hour late, you rob the audience, cally, they naturally seek mental and spiritual food a~d exerc~, perhaps, of half an hour's clairvoyant descriptions. The clair­ and welcome the return of autumn days because they brmg .voyant has sometimes to' travel for two hours across London renewal in these directlo:ri& The announcements made by the before home and rest ·are secured. London Spiritualist Alliance on. page 446 indicatt; ·that .the 2. Create a devotional atmosphere by singing and harmony Council of that society are determined to do all that IS pOSSible in every form, and forget not that it is to your own interest to to meet the wishes and supply the wants of the Members and get the very best manifestations. Think also of the effect on Associates. The Conversazione on October 12th will be a wel­ strangers, who may be with yon for the first time. come opportunity f.or renewal oi friendly social intercou!se .3. By practi<;e, you may dispense altogether with this objec­ and a prelude to the more active intellectual exercises which tionable habit. In other words, refuse to cough, and if com­ will follow. At a recent meeting the Council decided that, in pelled to · do so against your will, keep your month closed. future, Members may attend the Tuesday afternoon seances for People who are afflicted with this habit have to draw in a long illustrations of Clairvoyance free of charge, and that ·those 'cold stream of air which makes the liability to cough greater. members who reside outside .the London postal area can have At least you can use a handkerchief to deaden the sound· and books from the Library sent to them post free, but must pay thus prevent it interfering with the speake1·'s deli very and the retitrn carriage or postage. Both Members and Associates being a nuisance to .your neighbours. are welcome to attend freely the Friday afternoon Social Gather~ 4. Appoint a musical director, who shall . be responsible for ings, and 'Talks with a Spirit Control' Those of. otu reade~s the hyJ}ins and solos, and secure the services of some leading who contemplate joining the Alliance sb.ould do so now, as the~r singers. Yon will then be able to present a creditable per­ subscription will cover the whole period from October 1st until formance, instead of, as at present, . one that is anything but the end of next year. It is now possible for inquirers to sub, attractive or admirable. scribe to the Library only, witl:iout joining the Alliance, .at the 5. This is a serious matter. Some halls are opened only usual fees : for three books at a t~me, £1 ls. ; for one book five minutes before the time advertised for the beginning of the 10s. 6d. · · services ; and in those few minutes the place has to be lighted and warmed. This is really scandalcms ; it means that the It is admitted on all sides that we are passing through a speaker, whether male 01· female, may have to \valk up and transitional period and are making history rapidly, and we think down in the wet and cold, sometimes in poor and dangerous that one of the most aigliificant and hopeful signs of the times districts, until shelter is offered. What is likely to be the is the growing earnestness and confidence 0£ women, . ~anr of condition, both physical and psychical, of such a speaker 1 the foremost mediums ·and exponents of Modern Spir1tnahsm, 6. Why are the services held 1 Is it not in the first place from its inception, have been women, and they have rendered to worship the Infinite Being and to learn somewhat how to live invaluable service to humanity. The affirmative attitude of the here and prepare for the hereafter 1 Think this out for your­ ever increasing host of progressive and thoughtful women, the selves. Do not blame the audience if the management is at fault. vigorous and buoyant spirit of the young and hopeful workers .All faults and failures can be remedied by prayer. for human betterment may well g~ve pause to those who dread change and fear every forward step, but it is certain that,. as 'THEY talk of Woman's Sphere, women grow increasingly conscious of their needs and realise As though it had a limit ; their power, remarkable changes will speedily take _place. There's not a place in earth cir heaven, How those changes will be brought about and what the imme­ There's not a task to mankind given, diate effects will be we do not pretend to know, but we rejoice There's not a blessing, or a woe, to witness the awakening that is going on, and we have faith There'e not a whisper, yes or no, that good will be the outcome. We welcome ev~rything that There's not a life, or death, or birth, will broaden, sweeten, dignify, and uplift humamty and_ make That has a featherweight of worth, life on earth more livable and beautiful, and we feel confident ·without a woman in it.' that the influence. of elilightened, thoughtful, aspirational, and . . . "-.' Banp.er 1Jf Light/ l!i9(). _ . wise w:onw:n,. C!LilllOt fail to _b(l beµ.eficlaL September 23, 1911.] L~IGHTi.

.Sever81 Ye&r.s ag~ Mr. Wake Cook, in one of his admirable me, tell you that· such a :thing is out. of all ~1atural law, and lectures to the London Spiritualist Alliance, told the Members therefore can never be. • • By this divinelawandsystem we a,nd Associates the remarkable story of the Bahaist movement have to learn that the so-called "dead" are not dead-they have that bad spmng up in Persia and was spreading rapidly in the merely been removed to fresh life and new sph·eres -0f action,' East. The present. leader, Abdul Baba, who is on a brief visit under which circumstances they cannot possibly hold communi- · to London, has been explaining that Bahaism does not ask any cation with ttsin any way unless they again assume the hum$D. man to abandon his faith, but to live it· to the utmost, and to form and human existence. In· this 88.!18 (which very frequently· show that behind all systems and creeds there is hut one religion, happens), it takes not only time for us to know them, butitalso that of love and truth and goodness, and one GocL Bahaists, demands a certain instinctive receptiveness on our parts, or. he said, believe'il). equality in the treatment of men, and in the willingness to recognise them. ' Apparently evidence counts for equality of men and women. nothing-assertion is everything. In saying that spirit com­ munion 'can never be,' Miss Corelli implies that she possesses Abdul Baba is an old man of medium height. His fa~e is absolute knowledge of 'all natural law.' strong and venerable. He has kindly lcioking eyes, and beneath his white beard a smiling mouth. He denies being a· prophet, and makes no claim to supernormal powers. J;le is 'a servant LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, of God,' and believes that the foundation of divine religion is one and cannot be changed ; but that there. are seasons in the religious life of the peoples of the earth, and that"it has been The Editor is not 'l'B81Jrmin."bls for the opinions e:1:1W6886d "by CO'l"l'e8f.1Dn.. winter, there have been strife and coldness, but there are signs dents, and sometW, publialJ,es •uihat he does not agree with for everywhere of an awakening ; a spiritual spi'ingtime has come the lJU'fPOBe of presenting 'IMwB which, may elicit diBCUBBitm~ again. We agree. Bahaism and Spiritualism are at one so far as we can judge. Every personality and every· movement that makes appeal to what is beat, purest, and noblest in mankind has 'The Order of the Star in the East.'· . ) ou1· fraternal sympathy and good-will. S1R1-It is safe to take for granted that read~rs of .' L.mkT '.· are sympathetic to any movement· affecting the sphitual interests' Mr. J. P. Brawn, of the Leicester Fruit Farm, Great Glen, of humanity, and are interested in current- occult activities, writing to the 'Daily News,' mentions the fact that water in·· therefore I feel I need make no apology for bringing to their the early part of this year being urgently needed on the farm, ~ notice 'The Ordel' of the Star· in 'the· East,' 1ntrbduced into well was suiik, but no water could be obtained. A local water­ England in May of this year by Mrs. Annie Besant, President diviner was called in, and within a quarter of an hour he bad of the Theosophical Society. · specified. eight spots where \vater could be obtained. At one · During the last few years Mrs. Besant has been proclaiminft place, he said that at about eighteen to twenty feet down there · her belief in the near coming of a great World Teacher, W:ho is to ' was a plentiful supply that would yield about two thousand found a new world religion, and to strike the keynotes of ~ new gallons a day. On digging at the. spot marked, to a little · beyond eighteen feet, 'a strong sttpply wa.ii struck in four feet of civilisation now germinating amongst us. This teacher, she gravel,' yielding a steady flow of about two thousand gallons .a affil'ms, is to be no less a person than the ..Cbrist of Christianity, day,' even after all the recent dry weather.· The 'Daily News' expected under. different names by the Eastern religioris. In presenting· a ·religious message to the world the history~ says : ' Only a considerable series of experiments, carried out by and qualifications of the .messenger must neC81lS!lrily ))e ta],cen ·· a committee of men of science, could be of any scientific value.' into account. Dr. R. F. Horton, in a sermon preaehed · at A,ppar~ntly Professor Barrett's experiments, and those. of many Lyndhurst Congregational Church on ·Sunday evening, August others, count for nothing. When it was first rumoured, many 6th, dealing with Mrs. Besant's prophecy, says of. Mrs. Besant· years that gol!i b4d been foimd jn 4.ustralia, scientific ago, that ' in making this forecast of a great World Te.ach~ shq has· ~xperts ' were sent to iµvestigate. After ex11omining the ground in the diStrict they sent home an unfavourable report, but the seemed almost unconsciously to.. plaf' the. rOle of John .)~e · oommonplace miners went with their picks and. shovels, and Baptist.' It is certainly a significant sign of the times that the . they dag up the gold which, according to the ·experts, was Baptist's part is now played by a woman, but as I recall the : facts of Mrs. Besant's past life, it seems a.ii .if all its experiences not there. were planned to fit her for her Baptist riJle. l\!rs. Besant has, wherever she goes, an audience, and. also a following of personal. - Miss Marie Corelii has given us another novel OJ). psychic friends and pupils who will at least accord to any of her teaching · lilies in her new work, ' The Life Everlasting.' It is a com­ careful and deliberate attention. · pound, or blend, of hypnotism, theosophy, new thought, Spirit­ It is characteristic of Mrs. Besant, practical mystic a8; s_he ualism, reincarnation,. OQcultism, and. mysticism, with a dash of is pre-eminently, that her belief in the Second Advent should rationalism thrown in. There is much "in .it that is true and. so soon material.ise in 'The Ord.er of the Star in the E.ii3t;,' '. beautiful, some fine thoughts finely expressed, and a high tone which Order, she writes, 'has been founded to draw. tog~tlier is- maintained almost all through. This book will do much to those who, whether inside or outside the Theosophical Society• . familiarise the public mind with psychical subjectS, but we are believe in the near coming of a greQ.t spiritual teacher for t]).6 .: doubtful whether its. influence on some points ·will tend to the helping of t.he world. It is thought that its .me~bers may, ,· best results. There are the usual touches with which one is on the physical plane, do something to prepare public opinion familiar in Miss Corelli's works. Although she advocates for his coming, and to create an atmosphere of wiilcoine and ·of spiritual science, she does not cC\nsider Spiritualism, as we ~verence ; and, on the higher planes, may unite in forming an · uru\ets\1\-ad. it, wort.b.y of consideration, as she makes her heroine . instrument of service i·eady"for his ttse.' There are no rules and siieak of it as 'sheer nonsense and self-deception.' That is no subscription. · · her limitation, apparently. The hero and heroine, 'pre-ordained · The Order, which haa already obta,ined a large membership · mates,' seen1 to have gone through ' battle, murder, and sudden in ·England, has a message to the public, to herald the Lord's - death;' and other extreme experiences during their everlasting coming, ' to prepare his ways and to make straigh.t his ·pa.tbs,' ' career, vainly trying to satisfy the love-longing to be· together: and a mission to its members ; and lastly, to belong to it. iS 0. . After all these preliminary trials, temptations, tortures, tribu- . privilege. the members treasure. They must endeavour by their lations, and tantalising separations, loving with the lo\'e. that own exertions to fashion in themselves the Christlike l!,8ture, so lasts, they at length reach the gc..al of their desire and destiny, that when he comes they mn.y recognise him by their simila,rity· and the heroine rapturously-or should we say hysterically 1- of .character. Like ·is ever drawn 'to like, arid t4e ·Olii·.iSt~ike - exclaims : ' I knew that I had foun.d my love-that it was Rafel · alone will- -know and love the Christ when his feet· tread our Santoris · who thus -held me · in his· close ·embrace . . that .L earth again. And the proud privilege of some then will be to had won all I wanted in this world and the next, and that 'present themselves, their souls and bodies to be a· reasonable, nothing would ever separate our s0uls, one from the other, holy and lively sacrifice' to him for .his serv1ce. That "will .be again f' After all this ecstasy and rapture, the prosaic duties their 'bounden duty and service,' and deep persisting joy,'-, of.daily life, with its altruistic services for the benefit of others, Yours, &c., ELISABErH SEVERS. and patient and cheerful performance of everyday work, must come as an anti-climax. These two, apparently, and as is usual, were prominent personages in their former -lives, their main . ' Light' jn Public Libraries. object being the satisfaction of their own all-absorbing Love, · SIR,-It may intereEit your readers to know that the officials·· with a capital L. · of the Public Library, Romford-road, Ma11or ·Park, have accepterance of. them.: have no such weight of worldly authority and ·learning behind Yours, &c:, "(MRS.) ALICE JAIOtACR. 456 .LIGHT. [September 23, 1911,, ' Some Interesting Questions. · SOCIETY WORK ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 17th, &o. Srn,-Will you permit me to suggest to 'E. R. B.' that he will find a satisfactory answer to his questions if he will read Prospective Notices, not exceeding twenty-four words, '11U1J/I be added 'The Perfect Way,' by Dr. .Anna Kingsford and Edward Mait­ to reports if accompanied by stamps to the value of sixpence. land, especially the chapters entitled I The Nature and Consti­ tution of the Ego,' ' The Soul a1td Substance of Existence,' and 'The Discerning of Spirits.' .Also an article written by Sir MARYLEBONE SPmITUALIST ASSOCIATION, 51, MORTIMER­ Oliver Lodge on 'The Immortality of the Soul,' in the 'Hibbert STREET, W.-0011Jendisk Rooms.-Mr. E. H. Peckham gave a Journal,' January, 1908. These great writers handle the very deeply interesting address on 'Some Invisible Realities.' Mr. subjects under discussion. They are certainly treated in W. T. Cooper presided.-15, Mortimer-street, w. ...:...on September abstract, not in detail ; but they deal with the constitution of 11th Mrs. lmison gave many well-recognised clairvoyant descrip­ the soul and the body, and they lead to a right placing of them tions. Mr. W. T. Cooper presided. Sunday next, see advt .. both in this world and the next. SPIRITUAL M1ssION : 67, George-sti·eet, W.-Morning, Mr. ' E. R. B.' will realise after reading them that God is per­ E.W. Wallis delivered an address on' The Cry of the Unseen.' fect Justice, and that it is only limitation of spiritual knowledge -22, Prince's-street, Oxford-circus, W.-Mr. Wallis spoke on which prevents one understanding the balance of things. 'The Triumph of the Spirit.'-E. C. W. Will he permit me to explain that when in my former letter KINGSTo:N~d~~Ta.urns:..'.....,AssmmLY Roo:Ms, H.Am>ToN W10K. I spoke of the future.meeting of Jack and Jill in the angelic -Mr. D. J; David gave a helpful address. Sunday next, at world, and of their growing into a fuller knowledge and percep­ 7 p.m., Mr. Horace Leaf, address and clairvoyant descriptions. tion of love, and of the divine, I spoke of this development FULHill.-COLVEY HALL, 25, FERNHURST-ROAD.-'-·Sunday as something ultimately attained, not as being immediately next, September 24th, Mr. Pattison. Sunday, October 1st, arriYed at, at the moment of the soul's passing. .Anniversary, Mr. John Lobb. Monday, October 2nd, Mrs. In the short space available in so valuable a paper as Imison and Mr. D. J. Davis ; tea on Sunday, adults 6d. ' LIGHT,' my attempted reply to the questions of 'E. R. B.' was of necessity written very briefly, and perhaps I faileo to make BRI:X:TON.-8, MAYALL-ROAD.-Mrs. Miles Ord gave an ad­ my meaning clear.-Yours, &c., dress. Sunday next, at 7, Mrs. Imison (Nurse Graham). Thurs<].ay, 28th, at 7.30, social evening. Other meetings as LAEs. usual.-G. T. W. STRATFORD. - 1D:M1sTON-ROAD, FoREsT-LANE. - Harvest A Recognised Spirit Photograph. Festival. Mrs. Mary Davies gave an appropriate address, Srn,-Recent reference in your paper to the passing of Mr. followed by clairvoyant descriptions. The hall was nicely Edward Wyllie called to mind an experience of which it seems decorated. Sunday next, Madam Hope, address and clair­ to me a record ought to be made. voyance.-H. Some seven or eight years ago Mr. Wyllie was in this city. CillBERWELL NEW-ROAD.-SuRREY MASONIO HALL.-Morn­ I called upon him and sat for a photograph. I had not the ing and evening, Mr. W. E. Long delivered addresses on 'The slightest confidence and was not at all surprised to get a fair Mystic and the Medium' and 'Prophecy.' Sunday next, Mr. photo of myself with a dim outline of a patriarchal face close W. E. Long; at 11 a.m. on 'Symbol Sermons,' and at 6.30 to mine. The face was unknown to me and it is needless to p.m. on 'Christian Evidences.'-E. S. say I did not repeat my call. BRIGHTON.-MANOHEBTER-sTREET (OPPOSITE .A.QUARIUM).­ However, shortly afterwards a Unitarian minister, at that Mrs. Clarke gave excellent addresses. Sunday next, at 11. 15 time living in Berkeley, called on me wit.h the statement that a.m. and 7 p.m., Mr. D. J. Davis. Tuesday, at 8 p.m., and he had heard that I was investigating psychic phenomena, and Wednesday, at 3 p.m., Mrs. Clarke's circle for clairvoyance. that he had bad an experience which he thought ought to be Thursday, at 8 p.m., members' circle,-.A.. M. S. recorded. In his boyhood he was a resident of a lumber district in HAOKNEY.--:24()A, AMHunsT-ROAD, N.-Mr. F .. .A. Hawes Wisc-onsin. As he grew into manhood he· forsook· the saw and gave an addres8 on 'Mediumship' and answered questions. Sun­ ax.e for the ministry, and on getting his degree returned 'to the day next, at 7 p.m., Mrs. Podmore, clairvoyant descriptions. scenes of his boyhood for work among his fellows. Later lrn Monday, at 8 p.m., Miss Fogwill will give a trance address and found his way to California, and while temporarily located in answer questions. Friday, at 8.30 p.m., healing circle.-N. R . .A.Imada County received a letter from former Wisconsin friends BRIGHTON.-HovE OLD TowN HA.LL, 1, BRUNSWICK-STREET who, having prospered, had retired, and were living in comfort WEBT.-.A. good address and excellent' clairvoyant descrip; in Los .Angeles. One of the sons had died very suddenly, and tions were given by Mrs. C. C. Curry. Sunday next, at 11.15 the bereaved family had sent over four hundred miles to their a.m. and 7 p.m., Mr. Karl Reynolds. Monday, at 3 and 8, also old-time friend and pastor for his services and consolation. He Wednesday, at 3, clairvoyance by Mrs. C. C. Curry. Thursday, took the first train south, and on his arrival was at once im­ at 8.15, circle.-.A.. C. pressed with the cheerful mien of the members of the family. He could not at first account for it, but during the day learned HIGHGATE.-GROVEDALE HALL, GROVEDALE-ROAD.-Morn­ that they were Spiritualists. In fact, they asked him to attend ing, Mr. J. .A.brahall spoke ·on 'The Mystic Life' and 'The a meeting that same evening. He was not greatly impressed, Nearness of Spirit' and gave clairvoyant descriptions. Even­ but a few days later agreed to sit for a photograph with the late ing, Miss Violet Burton gave an address on 'The Storehouse of Mr. Wyllie, at that time living in the Southern city. He was Plenty.' 13th, Mrs. Mary Davies gave convincing clairvoyant profoundly moved to find, in addition to his own portrait, a descriptions, Sunday next, see advt..-J. F. striking likeness of his own mother. He stated that, as his CROYDON.-ELMWOOD HALL, ELMWOOD-ROAD, BROAD-GREEN. mother .had died before photography had made much progress, -Mrs. Cannock delivered instructive addresses and gave well­ no picture of her had ever been taken. It left no open ques­ recognised clairvoyant descriptions. Sunday next, Mr. E. W. tions in his mind, and he suggested that I should make a record Wallis, at 11.15 a.m., 'Inspiration in the Light of Spiritualism'; of it and pass it to the knowledge of those interested. and at 7 p. m., ' Lord, What is Man that' Thou art Mindful of I regret to say that the minister's name and some other im­ Him 1' Members' quarterly meeting, at 8.30 p.m. portant details were burned with other memoranda in the fire PEOKHAM.-LAUSANNE HALL, LAUSANNE - ROAD.-Morning, that followed the great earthquake of 1906, but the main facts, helpful circle ; evening, Mr. H. Boddington spoke on 'The Ills as above, are clearly in my mind. lam ready to substantiate the of Society Work and their Cure.' The usual after-circle. Sun­ above under oath if it will be of interest to any body.-Yours, &c., day next-morning, circle ; evening; Mrs. M. Gordon. Tuesday, . San Francisco. EWING, healing; Thursday, public circle at 8.15. Harvest Festival, Sunday, October 1st, Mrs, F. Roberts will give ad

'LmJiT I MORE LIGHT !'-Goethe•. • WHATSOEVER DOTH MAKJll MAN·IFEST IS. LIGHT.'-Paui.

No. 1,603.-'-VOL. XX.XI. (Registered.a.a]· S;\'.fURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1911. (a. Newspe.per.j .· fmc:m TwOPENCE.

OONTEN'fS; .. ' ' . Gospel of ·Simple Life,' from which we, take the"following · Notesbythe W.j ····-······· 457 'Where Is my Soul Mate?'.;~ ... 464 L.S.A.,Notiees .; .. ·: ...... ; •• ; •• 458 A Comfortmg Asrnmnce" .•. :;-. , . 464 -excerpt:...:... Visit~ to Dreamland· • . • • • • . . . • . 459. Tire Spiritual Origin of l\Ian •••. 465 Happiness, I;ove, and Joy ..: .. .. 460 A Spiritual Ma.3 or ... , ... ·...... 465 Young 111.en were asked to practise siinplicity iU:: th.ought. •GJlfupses of the Next Stite-' •••• 461 Items of Interest ..... , . , ·. , •• , , • ~66 Ma,µy of then1 loved to indulge in subtle questionings· which Investigations into the Au•a .... 461 Tt st Seances with Mr. c. Ballt y 4Q6 Love's For11lveness ...... 462 An Appeal for Phenomena...... 467 ended in \·eiled scepticism or avowed atheism. The.:Probl~tn of ' The Beginnings of Seership ' ••.• 463 Countupa.rts a:nd Soul-Lov_e •••. 468 life must be solved by life, not by categories of abstract"t}icitight. . . Trust thE!" Universe, remembering that true thoµght will interpxet, not deny, the ineradicable ins~incts of lifej: :;;. •··· ·.I. NOTES BY THE WAY. . . - '' ' It is a true word. How well: we. k110\v that' 'subtle questioning '-the·. outcome ·of . intellectual· ·vanity.:::._and There is force in the illustration used by a writer in a ·.those vain efforts to solve the problems -existence by recent issue of the 'Progressive Thinker'· (Chicago). oi. 'categories of abstract thought~ ! ' I convince · by :ihy :Ptlaling_ .. with the phenomenon of . materialisation, he ·presence,' said Walt Whitman. , And that is what Truth :__._;_ ! • • ~l!>Y~ does, when, with. its divine simplicity, it approaches "the ·,_ .. ThE{ relationship between spirit and spirit materialisation enlightell.ed mind. . . · .. may be seen by its analogy to the evolution or transformation of

an idea into a word:--c.its materialisation. · The idea rests beneath \ . . . the ideal world ; the will brings it · in relation to· the coarser · We· ·have receiverl a p!J.mphlet with the homely title forces of mind that control the organs of speech, and through 'Good for Everybody,' by the Rev. Evaristo Hurtado,.-Of these the vocai'organs dress up the idea with an investiture.that places it in the phenomenal world. · Boston '(Mass.). ·it consists of letters ·and ·essays (some­ _what nai:vely· expressed) on r:eligious. subjec~s, and is described as a ' wo11derful book' by the author_ hi.ms~lj. ! Referring to the review of his work, 'SpllC~ and. Spirit,' There .is in it m1,1ch in the way Qf, l,'easonable interpreta­ which appetl.red in our issue of the 2nd i~1.st., Mr. R. A. _tions of Bible.Teachings, and .some very friendly references . Kehnedywrites :__,_ · . _._ , "-'·'", to •Spiritualtsrri,; · Th'.i:tsi· in on~, of his letters,. the: a11thor , The definition of (three-di~1ensional) Space, which yo_µ ~note, remarks:- · ·. ... . · has been amplified in the present edition, and should reaq, That . These ideas, you wili say, ai'.El somewhat like. th.ose of Spirit· which hll!! :ji":xtension, Penetrability, Fixity and Indivisibility' as ualists, and they certainJ,y are; bi1t Spirit.ualism .teaches:the truth, contrasted with that of spatial Matter, 'That which has Extension, _as many wise tnlln now testify.· : Yott k:n!lw ther~ is a. -soci13ty qf Impenetrability, Non-fixity and Divisibility.' Moreover, as this learned men who. have peen stqdyin_g_;Spiritualism for. iµIJ,ny definition refers only to Space of three dimensions, it is quite years, and they w:i:w say that the pos,sibility of having commurr!· subordinate to the wider definition which has been expounded . cation with spirits under ce:rf!ain:·~ionditio!l.S ~I\ tru11,_ and, they in.the appendix (viz,, 'Space-capacity of Spirit')._.which in­ ·have reached st1ch a ponj!lnsiQ~ )ly Jacts: .: . . .. den10.nstrated ~ volves three-dimensional Space but as an incident. · ·them in a scientific. mann\lr· ·. . . . · ; . ' Aiid ·in regard to the question we raised at· the end Rf That is certainly tP,e case, although ·(ungrateful as it .our notice, Mr; Kennedy proceeds :- ·. ! r. · , may seem) we:·d6;not·~egatd the little'book1as- a 'Prodigy, . Perh~ps the. reference. to the self-restraininipower of Spirit even by reason of its acbeptatfoe -Of."Spir.lttialism as itli:rtf\v­ will be rendered more intelligible if the two states .in which -ing light on Biblioai"mattet'Sr;, · · · ' .,,:•! '''· ·• 1 ; •. : • ., •·1: Spirit ·ca11 exist (the pote1iti11J and active) are contrasted. It is in ----~~-;-'-~~-~---- l - ·_·,;'. " - the pot~ntial state (11$ I s~_ek to hold) Spirit exercises, or may . From an, .a.r.ticle 'The' Ghristia.nJ;Life::',: J'lfe, the exercise; ·."'~elf-rest.'rafot.' · in: c!alL • ! : • :! "'.·,· :following as 8;11. :exampllr o( a. ~Qtinientr::veryJ1opufahi~w· adays and yet 1 1 'The Sanct~ary' (edited by Miss H. A. Dalla~) refer. perhaps.p6~.w~dHf~rc~~~<'1 _,::·,~,~;;c~ :j;;~';'~ ~;t 1 Thin~ of the haste a_l}cl SlJe~d aJid .w;l;1i;J/l: ()f.,:µtQg!ltit~iJl"!,i~f ring to a pr()po~ed.Memorial to the late Mr. J. '.&'Shipley, . the way in \vhich :men a.rid "wqnien: are.Jmr:rjeQ;;l}lQµg>,,iJ:\!,·!i\e .!zlakes phe following aiihouncement :-· . '·.,, :, ·turmoil of daily wprk anq b~µEl8$,al,i~orb.ed: in,the.~a,s~11!\8 ..tm$ of securing s1nuel).ow the means ofl:i"f!iµg; and.neve\':ge~ting the ·The date on· which our Annual Service whl be· held is tlie opp_Ortunity to ii ve. TJ:ie grind. of_ i;t fron1 mom .till -eY!l ,e:v~r:Y eve of· -that on which Mr. Shipley passed into the other life. ·day' . · . i.s gradm1lly ]{illing .~h,e S\)~lls (f1n

we frequently. hear an~-~re:id-, aO?U.€ "the 1·si?s. 9.f the 'The World. and New Dispensation' (C.tlc:itta) gives fathers being visited on. the childT~n.· ~ng· .~f ·trr~: terr~b}f ~-repor~· of a.n ~gqr~~~ 'bt"Profoss<;>r-yaswanf oii""'~·T49 injustice c1~dqreq by ~h<:>~e ·w49. ;~ref; :vi~~rijs· · ?t ~tJ!~ir ··- - . . . - ' - ';"' . - -~·------

458 L l G HT. [September 30, 1911.

heredity, &c., but the other side of the story is too seldom LONDON SPIRITUALIST ALLIANCE, LTD. recognised-the faot being that in the main the benefits ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH, AT 7 P.l\I., derived from the past far outweigh the burdens. This fact was ably emphasised recently by a popular writer, who A CONVERSAZIONE said:- Of the Members, Associates and Friends of the London A boy born in 1911 is the inheritor of all the ages. For Spiritualist Alliance will be held him lived Homer, Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Shakespeare, IN THE SALON OF THE Darwin, Faraday. For him Nature has been compelled to yield ROY AL SOCIETY OF BRITISH ARTISTS, her secrets. For him the elemental powers have been yoked. He, the ordinary average boy, may, in the first twenty years of SUFFOLK STREET, PALL MALL EAST, S.W., his life, take up t11e grand inheritance of knowledge, and live . At which CLAIRVOYANT DESCRIPTI()NS of spirit people present in his world an intelligent spectator of its activities, and a gifted will be given by Mr. Alfred Vout Peters. participator in its labours. His life may be full of interest. He may find sermons in stones or in workshops, books in brooks Music, ~o~ai Intercourse, and Refreshments during the Evening, or in the wonderful processes which produce the printed page. All life will speak to him of evolution and of the . infinite Miss Lilian Whiting (~uthor of ' The World Beautiful,' possibilities of human progress. He, the ordinary average 'After Her Death,' &c.), if still in London, will give a short human, may live a life of nobility, and rejoicing in his great address upon 'The Value of Spiritualism.' · inheritance, count himself a rich and a powerful man. MEMBERS and AssocIATES may have tickets for themselves and thefr friends'. on payment of the nominal charge of one shilling ear,h : OTHER visitors two shillings each. Some recent remarks in 'LIGHT' on the subject of the To facilitate the arrangements it is i·espectfully requested intellect and the emotions are recalled to our mind by the that Members and Associates will make early application for following significant passage, which we take from an ticket.~, accompanied by remittances, to Mr. E. W. Wallis, Secre­ article on 'Vedanta anCl the West,' in the August number tary, 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. of our Indian contemporary, 'Prabuddha Bharata ' :- We must always learn to distinguish between thought and Meetings will also be held in the SALON OF THE RoYAL emotion. We must always remember that ideas of themselves SOCIETY OF BRITISH ARTISTS, Suffolk-street, Pall Mall East, can have only relative values. Philosophy of itself is S.W. (near the National Gallery), on the following Thursday barren. It is of character and account only as it relates itself to evenings :- the emotional consciousness. Otherwise put, V e9anta and every Oct. 26.-.A.braham Wallace, M.D., on 'The Churches and other system of human speculation can have significance and Modern Spiritual Science.' power only as the terms of thought can be tran.~lated into terms Nov. 9.-The following speakers will take pal't in a Symposium of feeling, only as the abstract in thought can be made the actual on Some Unorthodox Systems of Healing:- in feeling. Mrs. Horne on 'The Principles of the Science of Being.' This too, by E. Temple Thurston, will bear consider­ Lady Coomaraswamy on ' The Work of the Psycho-Thera- ation:- peutic Society.' Mr. W. S. Hendry on 'Vital Magnetic Healing.' . It is just as well that men should be sentimentalists ! They Mr. Percy R. Street on 'Direct Spirit Healing.' would be drones indeed fit simply for the massacre, without. For Mr. J. L. Macbeth Bain (if in London) on' The Immanent sentiment it is' only that has justified their existence. Women · 'ChriBt' tlre Healey ·of Sottl and· Body.' · werejuStifted horn the beginning. They gave birth to life. Now all that a man gives birth to, dies--'for it is conceived in the Nov. 23.-Rev. Edgar Daplyn on 'A Modern Aspect of womb of sentiment. The greatest thing he brings into the world Immortality.' is a religion. It lives for a few thousand of years or so. That Dec. 7.-' Cheiro' on 'Personal Experiences of Psychic Phe­ is all In the long run it dies; for it is only a child of senti­ nomena in India, America and Ot\ter Countries.' ment. It dies, and some other man weaves some other senti­ ment into its place. . . There is an inviolable law which demands the quality of sentiment in all men-that sentiment by MEETINGS A.T 110, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, W.C. which they move the ·faith of th~ world, or touch the heart of FOR THE STUDY OF PSYCHICAL PHENOMENA. one woman to the great and wonaerful duty which is hers. CLAIRVOYANCE.-On Tuesday next, October 3rd,· Mr. J. Isher­ wood will give clairvoyant descriptions, at 3 p.m., and no one The influence of consciously directed, purposive will be admitted after that hour. Fee ls. ea.ch to Associates ; thought, especially good, cheerful, affirmative thought is Members fr~ ; for friends introduced br them, 2s. eii.ch. 10th, now being generally recognised. The .Boston, U.S.A., Mr. A. V. Peters : who will also be in attendance at 6 o'clock for 1 private sittings, not exceeding fifteen minutes, foe 5s. Appoint­ Banner of Life ' well says :- ments advisable. Colonel Ingersoll once said that if he had creat.ed the world he PSYCHICAL SELF-CULTURE.-On Thursday neit, October 5th, would have made good health catching instead of disease. But the first Ill,l!eting of the Psychic Class, for Members and Associates we have lived to find out that both are contagious. only, will be held at 4 p.m. Tea will be provided, after which Good health depends far more upon the thought of the patient Mr. Horace Leaf will gh'e an address on ' The Development than it does upon the drugs of the physician. Science has proven of Psychic Gifts' and clairvoyant descriptions. •. that even our moods react upon our bodies and leave their FRIENDLY INTERCOURSE.-Members and Associates are effects for good or ill, ;either in health or @ickness. invited to attend the rooms at 110, St. Martin's-lane, on Friday An intense rage poisons the blood and depletes the nervous afternoons, from 3 to 4, commencing on O~tober 6th, and to . system 118 SUl'ely as a cheery, happy, joyful disposition ton8$ and introduce friends interested in Spiritualism, for informal con­ invigorates the whole physical organism. Confidence in· one's versation, the exchange of experiences, and mutual helpfulness. doctor means immediate improvement, but confidence in one's TALKS WITH A SPIRIT CoNTROL.-On Fridays, commenc­ self means perfect health. Hence the splendid results attained ing October 6th, p.t 4 p.m., Mrs. M. H. Wallis, under spirit among the Christian Scientists and New Thoughtists, 'As a man control, will reply· to questions relating to life here and on ' the thinketh in his heart, so is he.' We are continually remaking other side;' mediumship, and the phenomena and philosophy of these bodies of ours. The feattires of the face, the form of the Spiritualisl11 generally. Admission ls. ; Members and Associates head, the shape of the hands, are the outward expressions of the free. MEMBERS have the privilege of introducing one friend to soul within, and thought is the creating utensil of the soul, for· this meeting without payment. Visitors should be prepared thoughts become things, If our mind is diseased our bodies will with written inqniries of general interest to submit to the control be likewise, and all the drugs in the world will not effect a cure. Students and inqnirers alike will find these meetings especially We are children of infinite possibilities. Let tho!?e possibilities useful in helping them to solve perplexing problems and to be upward, forwai:d, and good in every way, mentally, morally, realise the actuality of spirit personality. physically. Yes, good health is catching ; keep in touch with the thought. SPIRIT HEALING.-On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Mr. Percy R. Street, the healing medium, will attend between 11 a.rn. and 2 p.m., at 110, St. Martin's-lane; W.C., f01• diagnosis WE shall be thankful to all those friends of 'LIGHT' who will by a spirit control, magnetic healing, and delineations from the bring this paper to the notice of their friends, and suggest to them personal aura. For full partic-q~rs ~ee the l\d ver~iseIP.ell~ the.t they should order their new~ent to supply it re~ularly. supplem.en~, Se:Ptetnber' 30, 1911.] LIGHT. 459

VISITS TO DREAMLAND. journeying through an hitherto unseen country the traveller's interest .and curiosity are awakenea at every turn ; everything BY SALOME ISABEL LAKEMAN. that passes before his eyes is noted ; nothing escapes observation. Sleep and dreams are necessarily vel'y intimately connected, The physical features of the country, the cities, the people, the and yet they are vastly different, inasmuch as the one has to do climate, and a hundred other things claim his attention. So is with the physical, the other wit'b. man's higher bodies: Sleep, it with regard to our visits to dreamla.nd:..._that strange and, in the 'twin sister of death,' is, as we know, the time of rest and some ways, still undiscovered country ; that enchanted land, refreshment for the physical body, and while it lies all hushed whose impressions and intluence abide with us, not only at the and still in slumber, the soul (and I use this word in its widest waking moment but for ·months, for years, perhaps for ever. possible ·sense) often finds an easier opportunity of gaining its It is just because the physical body is hushed in sleep that. the own rest and refreshment in work on higher planes. But it is soul can go forth \vith greater ease and freedom into the land of not of sleep that we would now think, but of the soul's flight dreams.· , , i~to the m,yste1ions land of clream~ in whose praise poets have Among many others, there are four things which generally written and minstrels sung ; of whose beauty seers and sages strike the visitor with wonder. The first.' is the light. Hetet have spoken in raptnre, while from the herniit's cave and the on the physical plane, ·the light, and consequently the atmo• monk's cell come.conntless legends of the wonders and strange spheric effects are conthi.ually changing ; but in dreamland it is significance of the visions of the night. Therefore, since many of often different, though almost indefinably , so. It is mellow, earth's wisest and best have bestowed so much'attention on, and soft and golden, yet intensely penetrating ; the su~ine is clear have attached so much importance to dreams, surely we cannot but not burning ; bright but not blinding, for its brillian~~ is afford to turn from the subject with indifference, or waive it veiled, yet undimmed; by an almost imperceptibly gauzy haze from our thoughts with contempt ; but will, at least, let it com­ of blue. , This beaiitiful light is evef'Ywhere1 the scenery is mand some amount of serious consideration. bathed in its peaceful glory, while the mountains iise in their Long ii.gee ago, itl. the glorious East, long before the Western calm grandeur from the caressing mist at their feet. Thia · world had awakened to the realities of the unseen, dreams wel'e golden light illuminea not only everything around, both far· and honoured and studied ; they were regarded as direct messages near, but seems to penetrate even to the very soul, filling it with from the spirit world, as warnings, as mediums of guidance and an exquisite sense of joy and bJ,"ightness; help, or as conveying some special revelation of truth; and Secondly, the scenecy. This is in many ways like our owµ. much ca.re, therefore, was taken that, as far as possible, clear and There are gently sloping hills and towering mountains, rearing holy dreams. might be obtained. Among the ancient Egyptians peak after peak away in the distance ; wide rivers and rushing it was taught that in order to prei)are the way for snch dreams, torrents between dark and overhanging rocks, level plains and great care was to be observed as to conversation and conduct for rolling se~. and ov,er all the same golden light softly hovers some, time before lying down at night to sleep, and even the and plays. There are many paths, across the sunlit pastures thoughts were to be strictly guarded from pollution. Wise, which climb the mountain sides, even to their lofty summits , though' ancient people l With all our boasted civilisation and where they are lost, to view. There are cities, too, with their learning, we are only, in some directions, beginning to grope for hoUiles and busy streets, with their ceaseless throng of people the light in which they lived and rejoiced. going to and fro on thei:r different el'rands. . What ar,e dre11-ms ¥ , Often has this question been asked and Thirdly, the inhabitants. Th~ are taller, larpr1 of more jnst as often answered-in V1lrions ways,.and yet· there stilllinget'S st.a.tellness of .µi~~ ~~!l-!J. ~tU?A. ~t~~ p~11,e., ,,t'hey m!>:Ve a1x>'Q.t in our minds a vague sense of uncertainty and mysteriousness with an innate grace and gentleness i' w:hile'. their eyes 'beam as to the real cause of the visions that come to us. with love and pity and seem to look into the _very soul. They Althqugh dreaming is such an ordinary occurrence, and speak, and their voices sound like pleasant music a little ·way off; experienced more or less by all, yet this fact does not of itself they lay their hands upon us and we feel the lingering touch. make it easier to give a definite and scientific reason for the They lead us along the sunlit paths or through the crowded streets. phenomenon. Dreams have been the object of iquch study, and Sometimes. they rebuke, sometimes advise, sometimes w~. much earne13t consideration has been directed upon them by the sometimes encourage, but always ,with tlie ·same gentle and psychologists of various schools. Dreams may be ronghly divided intense earnestness, which; like everything else in dreaml~d, into two classes-those in the physical body and those in the has a strangely persistent power of fixing itself _upon the astr11l. To the first class belong those disorganised, confused, memory. and broken dreams, which are by far the most common, and Foul'thly, the colottring. This is so wonderful that it is are caused by the partially unconscious brain recejving confused impossible to give an adequate idea of it in words;· in fact, and hetel'ogeneous impressions from the astral and physical there seem to be no words capable of conveying If true picture planes while the Ego iS absent during sleep. The master, con­ of the tones and shades of colour. Perhaps t4e brush of some trolling force is away, and the grotesque, chaotic dreatns so often artist may catch that which eludes both voice and pen ; per· experience\\. ate tne best that can be produced under these cii:cum­ chance he may capture some of the beauty and, in some remolie stances. A very homely illustratio~ may make this clearer. A measure, reveal upon his canvas colours which are so much sohoolmaster, as long as, he remains in the schoolroom, maintains brighter and deeper than those 'of the physical plane ; ·~lours control and discipline ; but as soon as he is absent, we all which give the impression of being beneath the surface. The know how ciuickly this state .of things is reversed. The physical people, too, are clad in, bri11ht clt>thing and the same pP~ple brain during sleep, when 11;ift to itself, is exactly like the generally appear in the . same colon~s. The trees are softly immly boys. tinted and ~he shadows they cast are less dark than on -thie But it . is of the second class of dreams ,I wish to apeak, lower plane. The sea, too, is vivid with colour, ever changiilg, namely, tli9se whicli are seen entirely on the higher planes under ever catching every passing hue of elou:d and sky. The sunset,· the contr()l of the Ego, and therefore connected, reasonable, which here is indeed Nature's masterpiece of colouring, is radiant· vivid, and often of iiignificant and symbolical meaning. In those in crimson, purple and gold. old tbnes to which I have referred dreamers took great care to ·But to speak of the cha1·acteristics ·of .dreamland, otherwise describe their dreams correctly. Where the meaning was the astral plane, will be of little use unless some practical good, obscure an interpretation was sought, whose trnth time alone some definite help be gained. Although the degree of psychic could prove. PoBsibly, were we to devote some care to the study development has undoubtedly much to do with the character of our dreams, we also might perchance learn what could be and vividness of dreams, they are, as far as we know, beyond acquired in no other way. our command or control ; they are neither under the dominance We know that during 'sleep the soul leaves the physical of the will nor moved by the entreaty of desire. Were this body fo1· higher planes, and that, therefore, very different otherwise we might possibly think less of them, for in a great conditions are met with from those which obtain on measure the fasCination of their mysteriousness would have the lower, and it is these conditions which convince us vanished. of the character and purpose of these astral dreams. In (T.o be continued.) 4(:)0 LIGHT. [September 30, 1911;

HAPPINESS, LOVE, · AND- JOY. personality. It is said that 'we :do not form our affections, it is they that form us, and that in~despite of our poor protests.' BY M. DE VERE. Yes, it is true-only too pathetically true sometimes ; for a great love can never come into our lives without its correlative Maeterlinck's exquisite allegory on happiness, 1 The Bfoe­ great pain. The need of the loved one forever remains-and bird,' has been seen by a large number of persons, but I wonder· must remain if the love has been deep and true-yet we shall how many of those who appreciated it most realise in what find as time, the great healer, helped by love extended to others, happiness really consists! In 'The Bluebird' the poet-dramatist fills up the void of bitterness and grief, peace and happiness. depicts it as an ideal, and as, therefore, elusive. He is right; once more steal over us and the eternal joy which is ever in nil. happiness is both, because perfect happiness can be obtained flood our hearts with its living rapture again. only by the pure spirit which has put on immortality, and there-. To love is the greatest need of our natures, infinitely more fore attained completion. The knowledge of our incompleteness so than to be loved. The latter need belongs to the human. gives us pain, and the greater our growth the more our limita­ side of our nature, which ever seeks to retain ; but to give love tions and ·imperfections gall us. · As human beings we can is the yearriirig of our whole being-body, soul and spirit. That is only grasp happiness in broken fragments, as it were, for •the why-motherhood meanB so much to a woman, and why it_ is sq. physical limits both our vision and our capacity for realising it in_ deep and perfect a joy ; because the demand on love is so great, its entirety. But even in this more or less limited existence we and the pent-up devotion and self-sacrifice can at. last find an_ can attain to happiness-not, indeed, to that perfection of joy outlet, and, therefore, happiness. which is ecstasy and which is the heritage of the immortal There is no need to be either a mother or a lover to give out spirit, but at least to a happiness which is abiding, strong, and love in its fulness, for all with whom we come in contact need permanent. The elixir of life, which so many have wearily it, and the more we pour out, the greater our joy, and the sought for, the secret of happiness, is in ourselves; it is the un­ broader, more tender, more selfless our. love becomes. folding of the spirit within; the realisation and awakening of Perhaps you who read these lines may be thinking, 'People lov.e 1. For the spirit is love, happiness, beauty, truth, and in don't want my love.' But they do ; the whole world is starving each one of us is this radian"t self imprisoned I for want of lo~e. Pour it out ; let it radiate from you into the Speak, appeal to, touch the spirit of man, and what appears great spiritual universe around, that sad hearts may be gladdened in his eyes, on his face 1 Is it not love 1 A chance w01·d, a look, and heavy burdens may be lightened. Analyse your life. When a book, music, anything may cause love thus to reveal itself in have you been happiest in the deepest meaning of the word 1 another, and to awaken an answering response within ourselves; Has it not been when you were. giving love, either to God, to for in each of us is it permanently abiding, only asking our mankind, or to some individHal man or woman or child 1 Love acquiescence to let it permeate and control our lives. If only has many aspects, and I cannot possibly treat of them all. Its more people_· realised this. wonderful fact in its fulness, how limitations are necessary to us, for only through struggling and different the world. would i be ! The ethical 'teaching of e,·ery resisting and conquering can we attain. And here we touch the religioIJ. can be reduced into one wo.rd, love. That is why fringe of that other great mystery-pain, love's correlative I Christianity and the personality and teaching of Jesus contain Everything has its opposite ; and pain, which is the opposite such a direct appeal to all hearts, because they emb9dy the of happiness, must in consequence go hand in hand with lQve, gospel of love. Jesus was, indeed, the son of God, for he was which is merely another name for joy. Only so can love become the em,hodiment of love ; and we, .too1 • are _'sons of God and victorious and paramount and. immortal, . fqr lqye ·is .spiritual, . inh~riwrs of. the ltliigdorii' <:if hea\ie'ii.' 'b'ecab.se \ve;- too; ·-h~ve and is our heritage as sons· of God. .As SOUB ()f men ()Ul' heritage the royal birthright within ns, the epirit and power of love, with is pain. Therefore as we are both mortal and immortal, spiritual its attendant tenderness and ioy. . and physical, soUB of men and sons of God, so· we claim both 'The kingdom of heaven is within,' said Jesus, and that heritages, both love and pain l kingdom is the realisation of love. The darkness of self, of I daresay many will say here, ' How can love be happiness, fear, of doubt of l\Ilhappiness,. of dismay, these fade away in when with love comes also pain 7' To me that proves, almost the light of truth ; they are illusory, and born of man's limita­ beyond eve1-ything else, that the realisation of love is happiness ; tions and imperfectness. The eternal verities, the seemingly because pain is its correlative, and there is never, and never will elusive id.eals,. are truth, beauty, and joy-that joy which is the be, in this life, great individual love without its accompaniment consummation of love. And if we give out love, no matter who of great pain ; the one begets the other. It is a spiritual fact, ~hey be with whom .we come in ©ntact, life will become f~aught and only follows the great law of opposites and their attraction, with new. and happier meaning ; all truth, all happiness, will as revealed throughout all Nature. It is a part of that Divine come to us, for love is synonymous with happiness ; it is the way, purpose that is shaping and guiding our lives into ultimate the truth, the life eternii.l, the knowledge of God who is Love. perfection and joy. EnJoyment undo.ubtedly there is, and pleasure, but neither I am not st~ting anything that cannot be proved indi ridually. of these is happiness ; they are the lesiler joys that gratify the All who are willing can test its truth by themselves living lives lesser self, and pain c'an sweep away their power at one touch. of loving-kindness and charity. I am only repeating what Happiness can cmly ~ome throngh the power and growth and Jesus taught, and what the early Christians understood and knowledge of love. · revealed in their lives, but the spiritual significance of which Man is. compos~(l !!·Ji body, soul and spirit ; the spirit being has been lost sight of by many Christialli! to-day. 'See how the _infinite esse:nce, ~he divine ego in each of us, the Christos, these Christiana love one anotheF,' ·even their persecutors ex­ love em.bodied. There-fo~-e the more spiritual a man is, the greater claimed, ill:· 'ii.stonishment,- recognis~g what was the all-con­ will be h~ power aii.d depth of love towards all, th~ deeper and straining force and motive of their religion. We have the more pe~fect his. sympathy and tenderness. ' perfect' pattern, the perfect example of sonship ever before . us, .Are we not happiest when we are with those we love, or are we who have been so ·blessed as to have been born and reared as doing service for them 1 Even selfish love brings more happiness followers of Jesus. But all peoples, no matter what their creed than when our hearts are cramped from want of tenderness. or or religion, if they, too, as children . of God, fulfil themselves love. When, through ·estrangement, force of circumstances, or in love, .attain the promises and the r~alisaticm of the kingdom any other cause, we have lost someone whom we love, is not within. It is the heritage of all, irrespective of creed, race, the sense of blankness, of emptiness, the most poignant note of or sex; it is in each one of us, and love ·alone is the revealer. all in our sotrow .1 We are conscious of a void which nothing There is only one thing in this world that gives happiness, · else seems to :fill; it is because we miss.and feel the need of the and by that I do'not mean mere enjoyment or pleasure. Love, outpouring of our love. I do not mean to convey the impres­ whatever form it takes-whether of. child, parent, brother,. sion that i think the void left by a great individual love can be sister, teacher, friend, or humanity as a whQle-love, and love filled up entirely by the outpouring of' our love. on others ; the alone, is the source of happiness. Happiness · only appears· mystery and attraction of individual and great loves are entirely illusory because in this life we cannot in any one of these forms be-yond man's control, and are as inexplicable as the mystery of realise love in its completeness ; and the spirit f9els and yearns .Seilfiemoer ao, um.] .LIGHT . 461

for the perfection and completion of joy, which ~it imtinctively The Admiral shrewdly observ~ : 'Long since 1 came to recognises t<> be its ultimate destiny and heritage. the conclusion that genuine and fraudulent phenomena. were When we .pour out ourselves .to God in grateful love and frequently mixed at a seance, especially promiscuous seances. joy. and worship, such perfection of love, which is at-one-men:t We may be sure of this : It is easier not t.o cheat, and false with tlie living, vital, omnipresent spirit of love, is ecstasy. methods are not resorted to until power fails.' That will bear a It :floods us, overwhelms -iis, and is . almost intoxicating in its lot of thinking about. 1 perfection, It. becomes a bliss unspeakable. That is the spirit's His six hundred odd pages are packed full of. extremely read· heritage, !lnd when once it has been experienced, life is revolu­ able and instructive matter, and ' Glimpses of the Next State' is a tionised. Its ipeaning is clear, and the 11eauty and truth of book which should have. a laJ,"ge ~le. and be of help to inquirers the whole is made plain by the understanding and revealing of and Spiritualists. , · . love within us. The exquisite tenderness for all men with which we a1-e bathed, the.intensifying of ou1· deepest affections, and the INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE AURA; perfect peace . which suc:h harmony with divinity gives,, are bcyed all telling, and no matter how severely we are tested, we Since the publicatioh. of Dr. W. J. Jiihter1s ex~riments ~th enj.oy a perfect faith and trust in God, His guidance, !lDd ,!His regal?d to the ·human aura, it has transpireti.!that other investi­ workmgs. gatora have been, and are.·at work on the same li~es of research. Speaking to a represenj;a.tive of the 'Daily Chronicle,' recently, 'GLIMPSES OF THE NEXT STATE.'* Mr. G. P. Lewis, a civil engineer in the City, said :- I went to Lelant, near St. Ives, in Corn:Wall, Where it wll.ll Readers of 1 LIGHT ' will be familiar with the experiences of believed there were considerable deposits of radio-active sub• Vice-Admiral W. Usborne Moore, which have been recorded in stances. I collected about a hundredweight of material and our columns from time to time during the past few years, and placed it in a ds.rk room for testing purposes. l conductetl the may be glad to have them, together with many others tests with a special form of microscop!l and a, chemical screen, and had not tested more than half a dozen- pieces before my now published for the first time, in more permanent and port­ microscope became self-luminous. I happened, also, to glance able . form. This they are now able to do, as, in his book at the screen, and I sa:w my hand behind it showing on ·each entitled 'Glimpses of the Next State,' he gives a full and finger faint luminous ·rays of yellow and crimson. As the ex­ extremely interesting recital of his experiences with mediums periments went on, I found a growing tendency on my part to both in Englan,d and America. There is .also a fine photo­ become drowsy and go to sleep. At a later stage I disoovered graphic reproduction of the 'precipitated ' portrait of his spirit that the material was acting upon i;ny system, and that I had a. more or less abnormal yision. relative, 'Iola' and a capital portrait of Adm.4'al Moore himself. The author, in his breezy and forcible style, gives graphic In support of his statement, Mr. Lewis showed a series of accounts of his sittings with many well-known medittms and tells water-colour sketches made by him8elf in illustcation of. hiS how he became convinced of a future· life as the result of the experiments. One was a ·drawing of his · four fingers seeti. deluge of evidence of spirit presence, power, and'identity that through the screen, with luminous rays proje~ting from th8 poured upon him. He was no credulous believer, ready to sides and tips. Mr. Lewts deaci:ibed this as - a. 'golden i;tlow1' accept whatever was presented . to him, but fair, open­ and asserted that, while his s1stein was, as it were, charged with the radio·activity from. this: strange. material, he oould si!e min~ and. patient. He frankly tells of ·his unsatisfactory and•disaPJJOinting :experienc.ea:as.well.as of.his 'tea,t '.phenomeDA-. emanations from his body·:-· : Admiral Moore divides investigators into two classes, those I could see 'the gplden. glow fr.nn my hand, ii.nil, ff I moved who think of and treat psychics as jugglers endeavonring to it slowly, the glow: followed i bu~ if I moved it rli.pidly and w'ith . a jerk, the glow was left behind for an appreciable time and perpetrate fraud, until they find them,. after repeated trial, to then it followed the hand. That shows, in my opinion, that it be genuine, and those who believe every psychic they sit with is a material substance, separable frotn the h11mah body, yet not to be genuine until they find him out in intentional deceit. He measurable by any unit kiiown to scientists. · says:- Mr. Lewis said that, carrying his experiments further, aad ' Supposing two persons, one of each of these classes, to be covering his eyes with his right arm, he. saw, through the fiesht doing their best to find ~ut the truth, and both are equally part of it, his Jeft hand sttrrounded by the 'golden ·g~ow.' It~ acute, there is no doubt as to which will be the more successful,' added:- and this because the mental attitude of the inquirer is 'an im­ portant factor in the situation ; it is he who belongs to the It- is alleged, and I believe correctly, that the absalu~lt. latter class who will derive the most benefit. Manifestations blind have something, ·not touch, or heating, or smell, whieh through a good psychic who is surrounded by hostile minds enables them to see,· although ever so sligntly. In the con• are impossible. Unbiassed, open-minded expectancy, founded dition I wa~ in, after the tests in the dark room, I could see in a on the previous reports of investigators, affords the best chance way through the side or back of the head. · · to psychics and their spirit controls.' Mr. W. Harris Shaddick, in a °letter to the 'Ch1·onlclei' On the question of fraud, Admil'al Moore admits that it has states that for· some time he has been conducting experiment.8, been painfully common among professional mediums ; but he the results of which, attested . by many photographs, go to show looks the matter squarely in the face, ·and pointedly says :- that the aura is not confined to the substance8 that are classified as 'radio-active.' He says:- . . Every minister of religion who repeats the Apostles' Creed., and yet does not firmly believe in the birth of Christ from a pure Ordinary dark room conditions are of no use at all. Anent .vi~gin, His resurrection in His natural body, and His ascension this part of the subject, the question may be asked : 'Did Major Darget obtain a photograph of· a bottle, &c., . thi:ough t~ought mto heaven in the same1 is a fraud. Every physician who pays an unnecessary visit to a patient and charges for it iii! a fr_aud ; aura 1' Employfug ideal photographic arrangements, from a every barrister who accepts feelil for going into court on behalf of dark room point of.Yie~, I have ~btai.u,ed s~milar photograplui. a client and does not attend is a fraud. Fraud is rampant in merely because such obJects were m the sd•ealled dark roo;! trade, in the shipping intl'.rest, in municipalities, and, indeed, in So in all my experiments absolute darkness. has been indis• some Governments of. so-called Christian countries. It is always pensable. Added ta the darknesa of the room, the rigid use of outrageously apparent during war, when strict supervision has light-tight envelopea and similar contrivances is absolutely to be .relaxed ; and in peace it is only limited by the amount of necessary. In this way I am gradually building up a strong supervision exercised. It is idle, therefore, to talk about fraud case that the aura is a something belonging as much to objects as if it were peculiar to mediums. _ about us as to the human species. We are irresistibly reminded of the saying of Jesus, ' Let him that is without sin cast the firat stone '-and of the result THE UNION OF LONDON SPIRITUALISTS' Annual Conference with the Manor Park Spiritual Church, Sh1·ewsbury-road, Rom• that followed. ford-road, will be held on: Sunday, October let. ·At 3 p.m., Mr. Brown (t.reasurer of the Union) will read·a paper, to be followed * 'Glimpses of the Next State : The ·Education of a.n Agnostic,' by by discussion. Tea at 5 o'clock. At 7 p.m.-speakeril, Messrs. Vxcm·ADMIBAL W. UsBoBn: MooBll:. Watts & Co., 17, Johnson's Court, Fleet-street, E.C. Cloth, 642 .pages; price 7s. Gd. From the G.. T. Gwinn, T. Bl'ooks, G. T. Brown, and Geo. F. Tilby ; office of '·LIGHT,' post free 7s. lOd. soloists, Mr. and Mrs; Alcock Rnsh. A~62 LIGH·T-. "[September BO, 1911.

,.QFFIOE OF 'LIGHT,' 110, ST.-MARTIN'S LANF., not ironi without but within. It is a spiritual con-_ _ . - LONDON, W,C. is from l::IATURDAY,_ SEPTEMBER 30TH,-l911. dition, not a gtanted-boon. You are forgiven in the inner ·seli in.· s-o fnr as you love, for love releases: 'it is hatred that binds. Love cleanses : it is hatred that defiles. Love ~ight: wings its way t.o God who is Love: it is hatred that create~ and sinks to hell. · A Journal of Psychical, ·occult, and Mystical Research. It will well repay anyone to see how natural this is. PBICB TWOPBNOB WBBKLY. Love conquers -all antagonisms and revolts. -Rulers get · OO"MMUNioATIONS intended to be printed should be addressed to what they deserve, loyalty for kindness, sullenness for the Editor, Office of 'LIGHT,' 110, St. Martin's Lane, London, W.C. Business communications should in all cases be· addressed to Mr. .neglect, hatred for injustice, bombs for callous cruelty. F. W. South, Office of 'LIGHT,' to whom Cheques and Postal Orders should be Illa.de payable.· - Contrast Russia and SWitzerland. In the one, both rulers and people are suffering from autocracy tempered by super­ Subscription Rate~.-' LIGHT ,-may- be had free by post on the following tenns :-Twelve months,- 10s. lOd ; six months, 5s. 5d. Payments stit.ioll, and crueity made possible by the concentration of to be made in·adva.noe. To United States, 2dol. 70c. To F.ra.nce, In Italy, &c., 13 francs 86 centimes. To Germany, 11 marks 25 pfg. brute force. the other; a contented arid happy people Wholes!l.le Agen~ : Messra. 'Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and rejoices in its free national housekeeping, with boundless - Co., Ltd., 31, Paternoster~row, London, E.C_., and 'L1GHT' oan be ordered through all Newsagents and Booksellers. patriotic love for its laws, its .liberties and its home. It is love that makes all the difference. No one wants to rebel . APPLICATIONS by Members and Associates of the London Spirit­ ualist Alliance, Ltd., for the 16an of books from the Alba.nee and offend where everyone is a member of an affectionate · Library should be addressed to the Librarian, Mr: B. D. Godfrey, Office of the Alliance, 110, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. household. Besides, love gives wisdom or a kind of inspired guidance that_ tends to keep from. sin or to escape the LOVE'S FORGIVENESS. perils of it. - It is somewhat delicate and difficult ground, but this saying of Christ's comes very. near to the occupa­ For centuries, the one great eager cry of preachers and tion of it, with the doctrine that love atones. Is it a :priests has beeri : 'You need forgiveness. Come and find it reasonable thing to say that any kind of love is better here ! ' As a rule, this cry has been accompanied by than none 1 Lord Lytton, in one of his plays, makes one threats of perdition to follow the failure to secure the of his characters daring and deep enough to say ·:- _boon : and_ the _coi;iditions for obtaining it have been so The same love that tempts us int() sin contracli<~tory and confusing that the world, at last, seems ~f it_ be true ~ove, works out its. own redemption. ,makiI1g up its mind to ignore the priests and preachers a~d take its chancP.. But, short of sin, life, on its frivolous or butterfly side, In. one .respect, however, the conditions set forth have may be fuli of semi-silly affections, and what we call agreed .. They have all assumed that forgiveness is what ' attachments'' that seem, to · experienced and prudent ,old _Dr. W ;l.tts called 'Acts of pardon passed' by God, in people, quite undesirable : and yet, with possibly only a consideration of something being done or believed· by the few exception!!, the love works out _its own wisdom, its .own atonement, e·ven ·-whatriiyiton·eal~s-its _owd- redemp­ eiQn~r .: the forgiveness _then "being·, gra.nted as- -arr :a~· of grii.ce,· alth9ugh the price has been paid; But, in any tioli; and thousands of sunny holnes come of these _butter­ case, forgiv:eness has been always described as from with­ fly affections, in spite of the grave prudent people : and out, like a royal pardon or reprieve. so they work put thek justificati-0n or ' forgivemiss,' to Of course, this notion is part of the old-world thought use Christ's word. of God as intensely personal, self-contained and self-willed, Still further, love opens the eyes to or actually creates jrist as a judge or Czar is. But that thought is waning, the beautiful. Ten thousand times every day it is said, 'I and we are inevitably passing on to a vision of God which cannot imagine what she sees in him/ Precisely, 'I can­ presents Him as an inner life and power, ever creating, not imagine ' =I cannot image. And you never will renewing, destroying or saving from within. Like Charles until love gives you the same. eyes. Even the artist's eyes Kingsley's grand; silent Mother, in 'The Water Babies,' are very much the artist's love. _ Wordsworth, with deep He makes things make themselves : ay_ 1 and He makes penetration, said :- things forgive themselves. Therefore am I still A lover of the meadows and the woods In that most exquisite story of the woman who was 'a And mountains ; and of all that we behold sinner;' told by Luke, there are two lines of' amazing sig­ From this green earth ; of all the mighty world nificance : 'I say unto thee, that her sins, which are Of eye and ear-both what they half create many, are forgiven; for she loved much.' The meaning And what perceive. tnay partly turn upon the thought that her sin was blended So love brings an accel!sion of life to the deep inner with.affection, that she had loved up.wisely and perversely, self. It has, indeed, been held that love has proved the ~d was .noii- penitent : and, in t.hat case, '_for. she loved keenest and most· effective instrument in the creative hatid · much' bad in it an element of saving grace. But the of G9d, and ~ot only .in the rough ~ork of ·creation. h~t ' saying also appears _fo ·have reference to what was then for aM the finer effects o~ _life. It is the chief provoker of happening. Art and Poetry, Eloquence and Music, and all the sunny · She is turning her face to- the light. · She is listening effects on the sunny side of life. In this sense it has for­ and she understands. She· has foilowed this gatherer in of given everything, even God in His seeming harshnesses. So sorry souls, and is showing her love for the shepherd who that when the soul has once risen up to love God, and is leading her into the fold. She is working out her own found that great wonder, that treasure hid in the earthly salvation, and_ winn_ing _forgiveness _from her love. The field, it is simply thrilled with infiowings of life from Pharisee neglected the customary oil, but this woman above. They say that love is blind. Not so : ·it is almost brought costly ointment; and, for common water, she gave the only thing that sees. precious team: and she is forgiven, said the grent brotherly By this path we may best find our way to God and His heart of the shepherd, for she loves. forgiveness which is the fruit of love: for God's forgiveness The pearl of great price in all this is the deep and is not a decision ; it is a fragrance : it is not an act of His beautiful truth that love works itS own forgiveness whicli will ; - it is · the response to _our love~ It . is_ love September 30; 1911.] LIGHT. 463 answer_ing love. It is · not necessary in order that tions with precise details of time, place and other circum­ the soul may be saved from Hell: it is a result of stances. He has singularly lucid vi_sions of things past, the soul's being already within the enfolding arms of present and to come. In the chapter entitled 'Prophecies' heaven : and that begins at the moment when the prodigal he writes:- says, 'I will arise and go to my father.' In the end, it is At certain times I see a sort of film or ribbon continually the loving much that is much forgiven. moving, as does ari endless belt or a cinematograph film. This But what is it to love God 1 ' I can never understand film in colour is of a very, very pale heliotrope, and it seems to vibrate with great velocity. Upon it are numerous little pic­ it,' said a thoughtful woman; 'How can I love a being I tures ; some appear to be engraved on the film itself, others are have never seen 1' We ought to be able to sympathise like pale blue photographs stuck on the film. The former I with that, and to feel the necessity for bringing the have found to refer to past events, the latter to those aibout to thought of God within the compass of life's. daily ex­ happen. The locality of the event is judged hy scenery and climatic heat. I have to estimate dates by the clearness of the perience. Surely it might well content us to ·lilee God in picture. all the blessed and faithful laws of life which, although This (liairvoyant perception of eveftts in the form. of a they press hardly upon us at times, are always really our series of pictures is a phenomenon not uncommon, we guardian angels. believe, amongst seers. It was a feature of the clairvoyance Find Him in the creative love of the world and in the of Miss ' X.,' for example, who stated, in an address before wonderful order which keeps everything in its place, from the London Spiritualist Alliance, that at times she saw the fibrous rootlet of a blade of grass to the tremendous energy of a sun. }'ind Him in the throb and thrill of scenes from the lives of the persons she met, delineated iii human sympathy which is, in the social world, what pictures around their heads. Now this is so distinct from the more usual psychic 'i!llpressions,' which, cloudy and gravitation is among the stars. Find Him in all the formless, have to be resolved into their true significance by subtile and most sacredly binding relationships of life a mental process on the part of the seer, that it raises a which are the secret springs of all life's interests and of all question in our minds. How are these pictures· formed 1 life's deepest joy. Find Him where you find yourself, and Are they actually existent in the spiritual atmosphere, or everywhere find this-that the cleansing stream is within, are they received as impressions and transmuted into that forgiveness is under your own control. Love much pictures by strong visualising power on the part of the seer; and you will be free of the world. No one will bear a or, again, are they projected on the mind of the clairvoyant grudge against you; no one will want to harm you ; no by some friend or guardian in the unseen 1 devil could touch you ; no hell could hold you : no . God Mr. Turvey predicted· the alliance of England with need do anything but help you ; for Love is Life, and For­ Japan, the war between Japan and Russia, the victory of giveness Heaven. Japan, a collision in the English Channel, and numbers of other national and public events, in many eases with 'THE BEGINNINGS OF SEERSHIP.' minute details. · When he has foreseen a murder or an accident. he has .actuallr recei:y:e:

tion by putting 'spirit ' between quotation points 1) they A COMFORTING ASSURANCE. afford ample evidence of their independent individual BY E. KATHARINE BATES. existence. We find matter for speculation in the chapter entitled A few days ago a friend of mine, who was married last year, 'Functioning in "Mental Body,"' in the course of which was confined with her first child, which was stillborn. The Mr. Turvey refers to an experience wherein 'my body, soul circumstances were peculiarly sad. She is .no lonlier vecy: and spirit (or my bodies physical, astral, and mental-call young. ; her husband's profession forces him to be away from England for months at a time ; she has also suffered intensely them what yo.u will)-all functioned at once.' In other this year from shattered nerves, brought on through unfor­ words, the physical body (A) was smoking and talking tunate circumstances coµnected with her previol]S bo~e life. In while the 'astral' body (B) and the mental body (0) were the beginning of this year she was, in fact,· forced to spend each apparently engaged on separate psychical tasks at three months in bed, with a trained nurse· in· attendance, and a distance. To all appearance three entities were at went through mueh physical suffering in addition to nervous work. It is a curious problem ; but, from our .stand'-· troubles. point,. it does not affect the .idea of the consciousness as For months past, however, all had been going well, and a unity; A., B a.ild 0 engaged on different occupations when husband and wife separated once more in July last, it was simultaneously have their correspondences on lower plaries with the happiest anticipations of their next 'meeting, which of life. We have the homely instance of the butterman, would be about a month after the birth of the little child, s9 ardently hoped for by both husband and wife. who cuts off an exact pound of butter what time he ciarries All went well up to the ve17 last. and then came the tragedy. on a political discussion with a customer, and withal keeps A beautiful little boy-stillborn! Neither the doctor nor any~ an al(lrt· eye on the shopboy ; or the more august example one else can suggest any reason for this. of Julius Cresar, who 'could dictate seven letters at once, at When the news came to me, I could see no rift in the the same time writing his memoirs.' . One could multiply clouds for a time. Then the kind friends in the unseen put it · examples. All the same, Mr. Turvey's achievement is both into my head to write to the friend who is with her, and say, marvellous and si~ificant. In conclusion, we have only to 'Please tell E. that the most beautiful .and helpful messages say that we cordially welcome his book as a valuable contri­ received from the other side have often been from stillboJ."D. bution to evidences which are of the highest importance to children-those young spirits who never actually drew breath humanity. on this physical plane, but who miist, nevertheless, have had a sepa1·ate existence, since they are capable of communicating with 'WHERE IS MY SOUL-MATE'?' their parente and friends on this side.' I think there is a case in point ill Florence Marryat's book, 'There is no Death. The idea of co\mterparts, twill-sou}s or soul-mates, seems to I remember distinctly that Miss F. J. Theobald (so well known be rather prevalent just now, and to be worrying a good many years ago as a scrupulously truthful and conscientious Spirit· people, for we find Mrs. Longley, in 'The Progressive Thinker,' ualist) told me of her personal experiences with reference to answering 'A Discouraged Wife' who writes: 'I am unhappy; a little sister born under these conditions. married but not mated. Where is my soul-mate 1 What shall I have known various other cases at first hand, and therefore I do:. to .make happ~~'· in .mY, J;iome .7 ' ,~s.. .:.4Qngley, ;~f'll'Y felt.justified .. in sending. this messap;to:m-, ..poor.Jriend;. tp be sensibly ea.ye :- · . given to her as soon as it was considered advisable. I may add Be faithful to duty and to the family trust impoaed upon you that the lady is not herself a Spiritualist and knows very little Do the .best you can, and think of the good things more than of , on the subject, but has an open mind. the unpleasant. Follow the counsel of the poet, and 'Count.your · Her friend wrote to me yesterday, ' Accept my very gratef\tl blessin1r3, one by one,' each day. Surely you willfind that your life holds much of good cheer that you would miss were it taken thanks for your mrist helpful letter. It was a great spiritual away. Be harmonious yourself and harmony will How from you comfort and consolation to E., and I gave it to her ; as she liked throughout the home. ·Don't mope or brood over ills-real or. to be able to touch it and have it under her pillow.' fancied-but look. life cheerfully i11 the face and use good com­ Imagine the contrast between feeling that all the pain and mon sense in dealing with it. Don't worry over the question of weariness and discomfort, all the hopes and fears and happy a 'saul-mate.' Perhaps your misunderstood or wilful husband anticipations for the future, all the endless little preparations so is, after all, your spirit counterpart1 and it may only be that the conditions and circumstances of earth life have blinded you joyfully made, had been worse than wasted-simply a cruel and both to the fact. Perhaps both of you are a little warped by"over­ tantalising illusion-and the joy of realising that her little son sensitiveness, and by the acquired habit of expecting or exacting had truly been welcomed into the world of reality, compared too much in every way from each other. If both will try to be with which this outer material plane is but as the shadow on a harmonious and considerate,· heaven or happiness will reach your wall, betokening an antecedent faet. hearts and home, and the question of genuine mating will settle To be allowed to suggest this comfort and to realise the con­ itself. A good deal of nonsense has been circulated on the theme of soul-mates, and, if sensible people would be willing to bear solation that it can bring to a. desolate mother-is . not this and forbear, there would be more of true unity in each home surely the best answer to the cui bono arguments used by the and less of mental gloom on the .subject of affinities. anti-psychics 1 Mrs. Longley's prescription seems to us to be worth more than I did not theorise with my poor friend-I only spoke of the traditional 'guinea.' But will the ' discouraged wife' take well-attested facts-facts far more evidential. than many of those it and benefit by it 1 We wonder. upon which alone judges mu8t often sum up, in addressing tlie jury and asking for a· verdict-as several judges have themselves MR. WERNER LAURIE will publish shortly a new work by admitted to ·me. Mr. Henry Frank on ' Psychic Phenomena : Science and Im­ mortality,' in which the author gives a varied array of carefttlly THE Rev. B. F. Austin, of Rochester, New York, is one of authenticated psychic experiences. It will sell at 10s. 6d. net. . the ablest and most earnest workers for Spiritualism in America MR. GEORGE CoLE, writing in 'The Christian Common­ at the present time. We are informed that he recently took a wealth' for the 20th i{lSt., gives an appreciative notice of the four months" trip to British Columbia (Vancouver and Victoria), able work by the Rev. Chas. L. Tweedale, F.R.A.S., on 'Man's and to Seattle, Washington Territory, and that in the course of Surviva;l After Death.' In closing he says : 'Mr. Tweedale· one month's lecturing engagement he sold over eight hundred makes it difficult for a believer in the miraculous or supernormal dollars' worth of Dr. A. J. Davis's books. While in Vancouver events recorded in the Bible to avoid ~lieving in the continua­ he secured a donation of a thouee.nd pounds from a wealthy tion of similar phenomena, attested as they have been by so Spiritualist there, to found a Spiritualist Temple, and another many capable and credible witnesses in our own time. His con­ friend pledged himself to build a Spiritualist Temple in Mobile, tention is ·that the Christian Church has nothing to lose but Alaska. Evidently iSpiritua.lism is moving the hearts· of some much to gain by admitting the results of re1iable psychic in­ of the people on the other side of the water and prompting them vestigators, and that its position ~inst materialism would be to generous deedS. It is also evident that the Rev. Austin is an enormously strengthened thereby.' · effective preacher and a good missionary worker. · &p~mber 30, 1911.] LIGHT. 465

THE SPIRITUAL ORIGIN OF M:AN. ' Out of nothing nothing comei!,' and we fail to find traces of the anima divina, in fact mind 11-t all, in anthropoid apes. BY STANLEY CHURTON. Man has distinct capacities, progressive powers .and spiritual intuition, which he could n.em hav-e got from what are called Eternal source ! perennial fount of grace Of every flower that. wakes or bird that sings ! his humhler relations-the tiger and the ape. I contend, tlier~­ Of every budding star evol.ved in space, fore, that there must have been a descent of Spirit into matter Or spheral. bloom alive with angels' wings I to account for the .attributes, capabilities, and perfection of the Of every bright ascent from every sod ; human mind. The subject is one of great importance, heeause Love-Beauty-Wisdom-Truth~Eternal God! so many people think that tliey are tbe products of what they Not as we once had deemed, nor face to face, call • modern civilisation·' and that death ·ends : all. These are: Thou dazzling Sun of contemplation's sky ! most deadly doctrines, and ·the worst of heresies, because such That through the Saviours of a sorrowed race teachings throw mankind back; .and are detrimental· to human Art still incarned with pure· compaBsion's eye I­ progress and spiritual development, creatirig aB they do the . But though we neither know, nor see, nor hear, most dangerous thoughts,,denying the immanence of God in man, We :feel Thee like the radiant atmosphere ! . and making! man a prey to his own vices, selfishness and E. M. HOLDEN. degradation. · · ·At the present epoch in the world's history the spiritual Belief in the common Fatherhood and Immanence of God in origin of man is a subject of paramount interest to the ht1man man is absolutely essential to the moral and spiritual progress race. .. it is interesting to the student whether of science -or of humanity. It is most pa~ to read many modern authors psychology,. but ·still more to the man who believes in himself, and writers of fiction, who, thinking themselves smart, clever and who believes that man is more than the result of evolution and­ well-informed, wave away and sneer at all idea of religion as that he is the flower and fruit of creation under Divine guidance completely exploded and outgrown, without even substituting and plan. It is impossible to treat the subject scientifically, be~ for the cast-off myths clearer and deeper doctrines, more ac­ cailse it is above· science. The man who puts his trust in cold ceptable to inodern knowledge and reason. One can only rec materialistic knowledge is out of pl.ace here ; he would treat all mark of such scribes-' The fool hath said in his heart, there is spiritual specul.ation as ~ere vapour and cobwebs unworthy of no God.'.. · attention. We are at a loss to understand our own selves. Our The minds of our great poets and divines could neveJ,' gifts, development and progress are a wonder and surprise, but have evolved out of nothing, or out of the brains of apes. we are gradually learning whence we came and whither we are Tennyson, Wordsworth, Keble, the sainted Francis of Assisi, going. Fenelon, Lacordaire, and a thousand lesser lights, were indeed It is becoming increasingly cert9.in that there was an olJject living and visible proofs of inspira~ion in the soul of man-' And in the creation of man. All through the progress of the earth's the Lord God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life ; and formation, the development of the vegetable and animal kingdom man became a living s01il.' and the slow growth of rudimentary or prehistoric man, the We must recognise our spiritual parentage and not talk object'in view was the gradual development of a being who so much of our animal ancestors. We should emphaBise the should possess the godlike gift of reason, be capable of evolving fact that the Divine 'breath of life' ever actuates man, leading love, and produce those higher mysteries of art, music, literature, him upwards and onwards, purifying his thoughts and exalting' · and spiritual :Intuition; :whicbi.,Mad. on:.:to . .moral a:'lld ..spivitual. .. his iiatu,re-; then, with 'a -C1eaTer imderstandiirg' and 1·a wider · emancipation, and to a better understanding of what had hitherto ·grasp of its meaning, we can say, 'Our Father who art in been obscure. heaven.' To get at the heart of the subject is somewhat difficult, as we In teaching children I would venture to suggest, after the were originally taught that the whole" human race were derived manner of Charles Kingsley, that on every possible occasion fram one pair. At the present time this is very much doubted. attention should be drawn to the beauties of Nature in flowers, We observe several distinct familiee, tribes and breeds of men animals, birds, and insects, and to the Universal Immanence occupying parts of the earth far distant from each other. Each and Fatherhood of God. The minds and intellects of children race has distinct characteristics of colour, odour, and cranial would then be lifted up unto .the Lord. 'Through His own formation. Moreover, each race, in the course of Nature, con-·, works they would learn to see God in Nature, and finally, as sorts with those of its own kind. This is according to natural they grew up, recognise God-given gifts in their own beautiful law and is observable also in various classes of birds and beasts. It minds. Man, in his spiritual esseE.ce, odginally came forth is, therefore, quite in order to believe that the Adam or physical from God, and to God he returns. His body, or the Adam, from body, formed or built up of the dust or lowest creatures of the the dust of the earth, haB ·been of use, as the primary envelope earth, might also mean or imply a period, or epoch of time. of his soul ; but having finished with it, he casts it aside and When the earth was 'in a fit condition to support human life exclaims : ' Lord now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, man ap-peared in variona parts of the earth. for mine eyes have seen Thf salvation.' .The greatest cataclysm we have any record of was the sinking of Atl.antis during wha't we historically know as 'the Flood'­ when the earth shook like a jelly and immense tidal waves re­ A SPIRITUALIST MAYOR-ELECT. sulted in destroying millions of lives. But we cannot' accept the statement of the Old Testament, SC> piously believed by our fore­ We are- pleased to see by the 'Walsall Observer' that our fathers, that the earth was repeopled by eight perso,ns. The good friend, Mr. J·ohn Venables, has been chesen by the Walsall Hindus, Brahmins, Medea and Persians and other aneient' ra~es Coimcil to be the next Mayor. Mr. Venables has our hea1·ty claim to have lived on earth·tliol!Bltnds of years before the Flood. congratulations. He has rendered faithful and efficient servic~ Modern travel and research, the inter-cromniunication between dis­ on the Council, especially on the Education and (111.9 OommitteeSJ tant .nations of ancient origin,' have enabled us to compare notes during the past nine years. The 'Observer' says·: 'The tradi­ and find oi.1t truths which were hidden from our forefathers. The tions of the office of Chief Citizen should be 8afe in the hands Hindtis, f6r instance, are a race much superior to ourselves in of Councill~r Venables, f~r; we 1im~gine, he iS something of a spiritual gifts and moral power. To look at the heads of these stickler for dignity. Apart from his services to the public life people, if phrenology teaches us anything, is t.o see how much of the borough, the Mayor-Elect is well-known, of course, for his superior. they are to the Anglo-Saxon race. Every student of generosity to the Hospital, which owes to him the possession of · history knows that the European nations have only very an up-to-date X-Ray apparatus.' Walsall's choice in this matter recently emerged from barbarism and horrid cruelty. is a noteworthy sign of the 0 times, because Mr. Venables ha$ The Darwinian theory explains a great deal, but leaves a been a leading and an outspoken Spiritualist for nearly forty great deal unexplained. There are gaps· in it, and these gaps, years. Evidently t.he old prejudices against Spiritualism and these riddles, can only l;>e answered by the theory of Involution Spiritualists are dying out, and honesty and worth are winning ..,..that is, of the descent of Spirit into mat~er. rightful recognition. 466 L I G H T . [September ao, 1e11.

ITEMS OF~INTEREST. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

We understand that a new 'volume f1·om the pen of Mr. Tk6 EditSpirit Photography, the purpose of presef'WVng vie'Ws wkiclr, 'fTWN·6Uli,t ~ Spirit Po11.raiture, and other Rare but Allied Phenomena, with Ninety Photographs.' According to 'The Buteman,' 'the book' 'Test Seances with Mr. Charles Bailey, of Australia.' is not written for experts or pedants, but for the man in the Sm,-As the special seance with Mr. Bailey, reported by street. The style is racy and popular, and the volume is well Dr. A. W pJlace on pa.ge 435, took place on July 6th, the worthy of the attention of all who are prepared to approach Doctoi"s report has not been rushed, and demands attention the subject with an open mind, and to foilow truth wherever it from the fact that it has been written by one of high standing will lead them.' · _ . and repute in psychical research. The exceptionally beautiful summer that we have just passed There is much more in that report than appears on the sur­ through has been such a delightful change ·that most people have face. The verdict is 'not proven,' but the implication is that spent their spare time out of doors, and we imagine that there Bailey th~ medium is an impostor, and guilty of fraud of the has been less reading done, even of novels, than for many years most contemptible character. This, apparently, is the. opinion past. This has been. bad for publishers and booksellers alike, of the select few. They were able to arrive at this conclusion but now that the cooler weather and the longer evenings are with the expert assistance of a distinguished conjurer. come we all of us experience, more or less strongly, the desire The procedure, as reported, does not furnish evid~ce for to i-ead, to think, to study, and to investigate. The time is the conclusion which, although not definitely expressed,· has opportune, therefore, for the commencement of home circles, for been arrived at. I find a medium-a friendless &nd inuch the formation of study groups and psychic classes, and for atten­ 11liiligned stranger-having to submit to the .needless· indignity dance at meetings-as well as for subscribing to the London of exposing his naked body to four persons ; haring his ears,· Spiritualist Alliance, and making full use of the library. mouth, armpitS, fingers, toes, hair, &c., critically examined, and his clothes searched minutely, with the result that neither living Under the heading 'A Voice from the Dead,' the creatures nor articles are found on his body or in his clothes. 'Southend Standard,' on the 14th inst., i·eported an address de­ Reclothed and carefully guarded, he is placed in a cage-most livered by Mr. W. Rundle, under what was claimed to be the useless in any case.. In due time a bird's nest and two small. control of the late Charles Bradlaugh. The report was followed eggs-:--ane speckled and the other blue-are obtained. The report by a protest by an '.unbeliever,' who declared that .' the voice, does not state whether the eggs were native or forei,gn, stale or the style of address and the language were not Bradlaugh's.' freili. Strange omissions l As the nest was seen whe1e, before In the issue of the 21st there appeared a useful letter, from the it was torn by the medium, to show its character and compact Spiritualist point of view, and Mr. Rundle himself replied to make, and the eggs were seen whole, before being broken by the his critic. Under the heading, 'A Look Round,' the writer of control, to prove-most conclusively-they were fresh, as there the local jottings says : ' If the late Mr. C. Bradlaugh did speak were so many present, mostly specialists in their way, possessmg through Mr. Rundle he is indeed a" back.number." . . It is more than usual acuteness of sight and smell, why is not the beyond question that the world of spirits has either produced in condition of the eggs stated 1 him or witnessed in him marked retrogression of caipacity and As some time has elapsed since the seance tol!lk place, I should individuality.' Such comments as these might have been fore­ like to ask the following questions :- seen by those who arranged for the report to be taken. It was Have any steps been. taken to find similar nests on ·sale in a foregone eonclusion that outsiders, especially admirers of Brad­ London or elsewhere 1 Are they a marketable commodity any­ ·laugh, woqld protest that 'it was nothing like him.' where 1 Have the sheaf leaves of the talipot palm-from which these nests are principally composed-a marketable value in Spiritualism. has been· acc'used of disturbing the mental London 1 , ,, , balance of. its investigators. No dQubt· this is true. of certain Can native and foreign wild birds' eggs-the CQntents being incautious and over-credulous persons, prone to accept un~ fresh-be purchased in London 1 hesitatingly as gospel everything that comes from the other side, Were any steps taken to ascertain whether the birds, which and to become so absorbed in 'other-world' interests a8 to came at these e6ances, were foreign, wild or cage birds 1 · neglect mere mundane affairs. Their mental balance iS a.lready What examinaliion of plumage, feet and habits, was made of so delicately adjusted that it takes very little to upset it, and them one or two days after caging 1 almost any other investigation in which they become interested As to the nest, inferentially assumed to be concealed 'Within would have the same effect. But on the other hand, it cannot the body of the medium, what examination was made of its be doubted that a wide familiarity with the ·facts of Spirit­ COJ!,dition 1 · . ualism would not only bring healing to many a broken spirit, What is the evidence for this outra.geous and unsavoury and calm to many a mind that is troubled and perplexed, but charge 1 1 know it has been made. that it would obviate those grave dangers. to S!lnity, for which None is forthcoming.· Evidence .is required showing that the nameless terror inspired by current superstitious ideas about the nest, placed in a packet and carefully sealed, was opened ghost and .bogies is responsible. ·Only recently, at a farm at and examined by an analyst, who had no informatfon as to how Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, a yotmg servant girl who had previously the nest was supposed to be obtained. If this was done, what shown no symptom of mental derangement, was frightened out was his report 1 · of her reason and had to be removed to an asylum merely As to the loop-hole, the medium's hoots, why. were these through suddenly meeting, late at night, a farmer, dressed in not thoroughly examined by this special committee of four, so as light clothing, whom she mistook .for a ghost. One cannot not to require to be more' thoroughly examined' 1 ima.gine such a calamity befalling a Spiritualist.. The medium left the room. No wonder ! This has been called a test seance. The title is correct, but it was not a test of TO CORR.ESPONOENTS· the 'medium, but a test of those enga.ged in the. stultification of the phenomena. It represents what curious ideas obtain as to 0EDOEN NERl!JI.-:--No pne, so far as we are aware, claims the way in which metapsychical phenomena should be examined. that the result to ,which you refer Yi supernormal. . Even though the scratch circle be made up of men of science, W: MA.RRIOTT ....:...Youseem to have been one of the few excep- with a conjurer to direct the proceedings, it does not possess the tions that prove the.rule. · ' qualifications for obtaining the best results. · W. D. STOKEs.-Your letter is interesting, as is a fossil, as a I am not disposed to accept ~~her the ostensible verdict 'Not survival from bygone days. You seem to know all about the proven' .or the implied one of fraudulent procedure on the part devil and evil spil'lts. Willingly would we try to do them good, of Bailey. The evidence will not stand examination. but we do not include them in our list of friends. · Poor Bailey l Although he has been. denounced as a fraud READER.-You should read ' Spirit Teachings ' and ' The by investigators, he has given abundant evidence of the reality Higher Aspects of Spiritualism,' by ' M.A., Oxon.,' also of the phenomena of apports in the past, and will again when 'Immortality' and 'The Seers of the Ages,' by Dr. J. M. Peebles, seances are conducted in a manner worthy of scientific research. and ' The Scieatific Basis of Spiritualism,' by Epes Sargent. You -Yours, &c., would find in them what you desire. · JAMES CoATEB.. A. V. E. P. AND OTBERS.:-We regret that we are unable to Rothesay, September 20th, 19il. continue the discussion. as to whether spirits eat, drink ~nd sleep. .Apparently there are very varied conditions on the other Sm,-In ·' LIGHT' of June 3rd last, Dr. A. Wallace tells us side, and the experiences of spirits near the earth differ largely that. he attended the first seance given by Mr. Bailey, and that from those of spirits on more advanced planes, so that each one ' although the results were somewhat startling they were not at testifies from his own vie.w-point; and. no one statement can be all of an evidential value.' He then goes on to describe what taken as applying to the whole spirit worlq. · / took place, and I would ask ·those readers of· ' LIGHT' .who are September 30, 1911.] LIGHT. 467 interested in this matter to note carefully the following para­ Mr. Coates somewhat maliciously states that the seance 'was graph, which. I take from his letter :- not a test of the medium, but a test or those engaged in the How much more satisfactory it would have been if such stultification of the phenomena.' He is perfectly wron.g ; there a result had been obtained by a carefully selected and had been ' phenomena,' and what we tried to do was to eliminate sympathetic committee, with the medium in a cabinet like first what may have been merely physical phenomena, before that at the office of ' LiGJiT.' I hope the London Spirit­ assuming them to have been of a metapsychical character. . ualist Alliance will invite Mr. Bailey to sit under fair test Mr. Galloway will be glad to know that my conjurer friend conditions, especially in their .cabinet, and give him oppor- . was not the writer in 'Pearson's Magazine.' His third question tunities of demonstrating his mediumistic powers, which is significant, as it shows also his inaccurate reading of my report. I understand he ha.~ frequently done in Australia. The last sitting with Mr. Bailey was on July 28th, and on Mr. Bailey's return from Scotland I tried to have another sitting, Now, I want your readers to look up Dr. Wallace's article in but I found .conditions disturbed between him and Mrs. Foster­ 1 LIGHT' of the 16th inst., page 4351 describing a seance he had Turner, so it could not be arranged. Note, therefore, the with Mr. Bailey on July 6th. The conditions he then got were absurdity of that question. . · exactly what he had asked for. There were pres!mt two well­ Mr. Coates predicts wonderful results 'when seances are con­ known members of the Society for Psychical Research and (note) ducted in a 1nannel' worthy of sqientifie research.' I should like a friend of his 'who is a distinguished conjurer,' &c., and the Mr. Coates honestly to . state where my seances-because I was Doctor tells us that· they had a cabinet ' somewhat resembling the individual chiefly responsible-failed in following the the one in the office of "LIGHT,"' which was 'critically examined canons of scientific research. Had he been in my place as con­ by members of the committee.' troller ~f the seances, what would he have done otherwise in Three members of the circle, including himeelf and, I pre­ order to obtain satisfactory results 1 For it should be remem­ sume, his friend the conjurer, then took Mr. Bailey to another bered that the conditio;ns were mutually arranged beforehand, room and there the medium divested himself of all his clothing, and there wa.S no idea of a 'needless-indignity' involved in even to his boots. Outwardly there was not any indication of completely stripping the,,medium. any article, and nothing was secreted in his clothes. Now look I am critical, dear Mr. Coates, but not sceptical, nor am I at the result, passing over the unfortunate slips in grammar by unbelieving if evidence be produced. I distinctly maintain that the control. The light was extinguished, and, after an interval I have conducted these investigations according to scientific of complete darkness during which singing tOok place, what was methods as I understand them, and as I always do, not for said to be a bird's nest was seen in the hands of the medium. myself alone, but also for the benefit of my absent fellow­ The Doctor has his doubts about it being a nest, as the trnth-seekers who are less highly privileged than I. control tore it up, but he admits, however, that it consisted of I am always willing to be subjected to honest criticism, but strands of palm fibres, twelve inches long. Two small eggs I protest against mere vituperation. were also produced. I shall be glad to read as careful a report of your Rothesay Does he want us to believe, as he seems to do, that Mr. seance3 as I have given of our sittings in London, and I may Bailey had these fragile eggs in his boots 1 Really, Doctor, it be allowed to offer some critical remarks as one scientific will not. do. student ought to do regarding the work of another without I would like the Doctor to answer the following questions : imputing sinister methoqs or insincere motives.-Yours, &c., 1. Is his friend the same conjurer who 'exposed Spiritualism' in A. WALLACE, M.D. 1 Pearson's Magazine ' ? 2. If so, does he consider him sympa­ thetic to our cause ? 3. Why did he let Mr. Bailey go back to London, September 25th, 191 l. Australia before he gave us the results 1 Surely he had time enough since July 6th. · God help our mediurus ! . An Appeal for PhehomeM. I would adVi.se the Doctor to tak.e a holiday trip to Scotland Srn,-My hopes and. aspirations regarding a future exist­ the next time Mr. Bailey is here, and Rothesay is as good· a ence have all l:ieen btiilt"on the''philosbphy o·f Spiritualism. place as he could light on. I will try and arrange that he gets Reading your splendid organ 'LIGHT' (to which I am greatly into the circle there, and am sure he will get all the proof he indebted for my reform~tion,- and for raising me to a higher needs; only, please Doctor, leave your conjurer friend behind. plane of thought than I occupied six years ago), I was much -Yours, &c., PETER GALLOWAY, struck with the phenomena reported as occurring in the pres­ (One of the Rothesay circle). ence of Mrs. Etta Wriedt. Probably I voice the experience of Ferndean, Kirkintilloch. hundreds besides myself when I say that I have a feeling of September 20th, 1911. isolation because no such glorious manifestations ever come my way. I arn a blacksmith, and week in, week out, have to labour hard to gain the necessaries of life. What spare time I SIR,-Thanks for your courtesy in sending me copies of the have on week-days I devote to studying the spiritual philo~ophy, letters of Messrs. Coates and Galloway, as I am thuii enabled to reply at once to their criticisms. · and on Sundays I propagate it at overy favourable opportunity, Allow me to say that my oliject in investigating Mr. Bailey but the phenomena, which are the real basis of the philosophy, never occur in my presence. Their abdence seems to leave a was to establish, if possible, by incontestable evidence, that matter void. If I could only once wituess such phenomena it would can be conveyed from a distance by supernormal means-a fact spur me on to greater efforts, but hel'e we have no visitors like not yet accepted by orthodox science. I did not need to be con­ Mrs. Etta Wriedt to inspire us. This is not a wail from the vinced myself, as I have had personal evidence of this under desert but an appeal for 'the touch of a vanished hand, and the test conditions through a private medium some years ago. sound of a voice that is still' In the cause of truth and light,....:... I most emphatically deny Mr. Coates' insinuation that my report contains more than appears, and that it implies that . Mr. Yours, &c., JOHN RILEY, Bailey is guilty of fraud. I alone am re8ponsible for the report , New· Shildon Lyceum.

and for my personal opinion and verdict of ' Not proven,' as to 51 Charles-street, New Shildon, Mr. Bailey's alleged powers as an 'apport '. med~um, which is Co. Durham. quite different from Mr. Coates' inference of 'making him out to be an impostor. Had the.evidence been quite convincing a report [The only remedy in this and similar cases is to form home circles signed by all the members would have been published. Mr. and develop mediums ther,e. It has been in this way that Coates seems not to appreaiate scientific methods of eliininat­ almost all mediums have been discovered.-ED. 'LIGHT.'] ing sources of error. If Mr. Bailer had not left the house so precipitately (please note, Mr.· .·Coates, not only the room-one of several examples of want of··precision in noting Phantom Limbs: A Suggestion. my statements) his ~lathing could again have been examined, because what was stated to be a nest might have been in the Srn,-The writer of the recent articles in 'LIGHT' on ·padding of his coat, for when I got possession of it uutside 'Bilocation' mentions the fact that clairvoyants have perceived the··cabinet it had little resemblance to any properly con­ phantom limbs attached to the bodies of people who have suffered structed bird's nest that I have ever seen. Mr. Coates can amputation. Before reading the above-named articles, I had examine the fibres so described when he comes to London. expressed my.•belief that it ruight· be possible to discover such a. The eggs might have been in small cavities in the heels of phenomenon by means of a photographic camera. Permit me, the medium's lmots, a place used, let me tell .Mr. Galloway, therefore, to suggest that some attempts should be made to by imitators of supemormal phenomeu!l.. I noticed that Mr. photograph these phantom limbs, in order to prove the reality Bailey had not on the same boots at the subsequent seance ; of the spiritual body, and to convince those who are sceptical and be it reruembered, Mr. Bailey is by trade a bootmaker, with regard to its existence.-Yours, &c., and therefore our special desire was to re-e~a,mine th\!Sf;l a,nq L . .A, Axl'J. tl~clude J;hem 11s a specia,l hiding-place,

" 468 ·LI G H-T~. [September 36, 191_];

Counterparts and Soul-Love. near the top of J.Tnion-street. The secretary may be seen at Srn,,--J1'1y object in -asking for information respecting 55, St. Nicholas-street. Mr. Elder gives promise· of being ·an 'Counterparts ' was not to stir rip controversy, but to elucidate able president...... :... Yours, &c., N. C. the.truth. I thought that possibly some of your readers might be able to enlighten me from their own personal experience, for l!-11 ounce of knowledge is worth a ton 'of theory. - But 'F.,' in Psychical Research at Newcastle-on-Tyne. 'LIGHT_, of -September 16th, asks 'if there is any' truth in Srn,-The resttscitation of the Psychical Research Society at the idea of 'countetj>a.rts,' speaks of it as 'pernicious non­ Newcastle-on-Tyne took place on Friday, the 22nd inst.; at the sense,' and lightly dismisses it with the .remark, 'What does it Roma Caf~,- when a goodly company of earnest ladies and gentle­ matter 1 ' His atbitude reminds me of that of certain friends of men met to consider the matter. Mr. Young was chairman pro mine who, whenever'! mention Spiritualism, politely inform me tein. -Among -the· officers ~lected were : Hon. president, Rev. that if it is true it is from the devil. I would ask those -who Alfred Hall, M.A. (Unitarian minister) ; general secretary, Mr; have met and loved their soul's mate with a pure, unselfishsoul­ .Alfred Rowe ; minute secretary, Mr. H. Clarke, M.A., B.Sc. ; love-not merely animal passion-:--if it is no matter whether treasurer, Mr. _Nicholson ; .and _a strong com-mittee, including they are to be united in the brightedand or not 1 Would 'F.' ttseful w,orkers iike Messrs. W. H. Robinson, Jos. Stevenson, have us eliminate love as of no account 1 Has he never known _B~othroyd, Jas. Lawrence, Thompson, and_ Young,...,.:...Yours, &c., what it is to love with a love stronger than death itself-? · Is not the problem whether we shall meet the loved one aga,in a TYNESIDJ!JR. 'burning question' 1 Would heaven be heaven otherwise 1 Is the Supreme utterly callous to our _deepest and purest affec­ . - . . . tions 1 All sovereigns are not counterfeit coirui, and if some . SOCIETY WORK ON SUNDAY; ·SEPT. 24th, &o. 'affinity-hlinters.' have degraded the truth, is that any reason why tnbse who believe in the doctrine of co~mterparts should be Prospective NoticlJlJ, not eueeding twenf;y:fowr words; 'fll,en though one should have deeply;.-jn.terested audience.-15, Morti1ner"-Bflreet, 'w.-:...... :on; the attained the higlier heaven and the other sunk to the lowest 18th inst. Mrs. Cannock gave interesting clairvoyant desc'r·iP" '4ell. - Until they a're united as one, they are incomplete and tions arid ·helpful messages 'to members and frie!1ds. · M1'/Iieigh Hqnt presided at both me!!tings. f?.u~day next; see advt.-D. N:. jmperfect.-Yours, &c., QM~IA VINCIT AMOR. LONDON SPIRITUAL MISSION: 67, GeorgMt1·eet, ·w;...;__Morli.ing, Mr. Frederic Fletcher gave answers to qtiestfons.~22, Prinee's­ street, Oxford-qircus, W,-Evening, Mr. Fletcher, dell vered. an Srn,-1 would state that e~ery soul; niale and feJllal'~,' ~as address on 'The School of 1.Qfo.'_..:.E:C:·W. ·: ·------1 } its twin-soul or counterpart of the opposite sex; The meeting -BRIXTON.-84; S>roo:KWELL . Harvey gaYe and jofnihg of' t\vin..Souls results in perfect and eternal love­ PARK~ROAD ...:..;ifrl!, such love as but comparatively few- human- beings know of. good ar!dresse,s. _ Sunday, October 8th~_ at 11 a:m./a:p.ni., and,7 The union of twin-souls in marriage on this earth is of infre­ p:m., harve!!t festival- and_ service of :aorig. Speak~r, Mr: Ka~l Reynolds.;______U. · quent occurrence, but sooner or fater tliey are bound _to meet W. and be joined together as-one sottl, if mot ,on -this planet, then in ,. KINGSTON-ON-TH.urns.-ASSEMBLY ROOMS, 'HAitPTON 'WroK. .,-Mr. Horace Leaf's address was much enjoyed. ' Ol'ah·voyant ?p.eof~he.spiritualspheres.. , ""'" ; __ ,, •• __ . :; .... 1 descriptio:nd~llowed;- .'Suhdayriext, at 7; l\h~. Ne-ville1•address 1 __,,, .,~ •. ~&mJi,,y;ears,,~g9,,X, .put,•· t.h~ll· :«;1;\J-e!l~.m~ , ~~ont;. ~w1iJ.oaonls or and psychoui'ltri'e-'delineatfonsF'- · ' ! ' · ,, r_.rr;,- ! ~·•1-'' •·:-·1\1: .: . ..to.a spfri.t whb at:a se!inlle, a;nd ~~\ui,t~rparts ~uat!')i'ia'Ii~etl! ~ho · ·ST'RATFO'RD• .....:... I~MISTb-N-ROAD, Fo1i:':lliST·LANiil. ....:..:.:Matla.riie spt:ll&~to'mem the .d1rectvorne;' 'In repl'j.·I was assllrcd:that Hope ~ave -an address; followed· by Clairvoyant·: descriptia1is •and av~l'l's~~l' has its ·~oun~e;part; 'and. that;u~~: ~~edcy,o~ ,'t,~,in-souls messages; Sunday· next, Mr. ·and Mrs. Roberts, address;;anrl ihimte:true. This spmt spoke with anti\ol:'rtY. a11.d ·J have no clairvoyant descriptie~. ·Thursday, October 5th, Mri!. WeLster, reas(m' ta doubt his veracity or gool't fai~h ...,: .. '.)'.,6hr~, &c.,' - ' l• ,. ' __,_ ! -· ',__ - ' '- psyehotnetry:-H.· '-··· · ...... l· !Be~hilfon-Sea. _1 i. - - R. B. SPAN. CROYDON.-ELMWOOD HALL, ELMWOOD-ROAD, BROAD~GlirEEN. .'.': -Mr. E.W. Wallis delivered eloquent addresses. - StindayRext,~, at 11.15 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mr. Isherwood (of Australia), trance agree, with .' F/ the ', : S·rn;-:'-i h~lu_tily {page 444}re'spec~ing· a(j.dresses, 'Across the Threshold,' and' Life in the Spirit World' ; wfokedness ·pf- the nonsense writte,n ~hd propagatl!d ·regarding Clll:irvotan6e and spirit poems.- · · ' · · -_ _ · . . · , ~ affitiities/1 U nlegg _the books a:re out Of pr-int· ~t wo'uld .be worth · 1HA.OKN11iY. .:;_240A, AMHURBT-ItOAD, N;:.;_,_;Afrs. Podmore ~a\'e the inquh;er's. to, A book, ti'aeriii-scientifiµ !ij. ~hile·· -~ead sto_ry, an address and well-recognised clairvoyant descriPti-Ons: 'Sti.fiday the'' ':Bi;itiSh ·- cal:led Counterparts,' foilo'w'cd up by Mu~euhl ~ nex,t, at 7 p;n-i., Mf. Robert King (silver collect:fon); · Monday, J' Cliii.~l~ .A;nchester;'' published in_ the sixties, 1 'l:>elieve . ...:..... Yqurs, &c; ., ... ' . . " ' FLORA AMES. '26th, at 8 p~m., MFs. Sutton. ,Friday, October 6tb,' !l.t 8. so· X>:-m., 1 • -~.I) ('.! 1.' --~-·-·'~~-----~ Mr. Hawe~' heating circie.-N. R: · • • : • · • .. ' : .. : J.,' • ·, ; . • .' • . . ' : r. J.. ' ', ' ; . ! . ./ \ • '~ . : · BRIX'l;ON •...:....8, MaYAJiL-ROAI>.-:'-M.rs. Imiscin gave an ad1lre.ss -.,_ S1n,-:c:--With reference to , E. R. B.'s' qu~;ition in LIGHT' of­ and clairvoyant descriptions. fltlrlday· next; .at 7 p.m., ne-W A\tgltst !>th i.:egai:d,ing. Jack ap.d Jil~;__it app~rs. to me that.he officers' will preside ;. 3 p.m., Lyceum. -Oircles : Monday;,J"-at answers himself when he says that the love between .Jack and 7:ao;·111d1es' ;'Ti1esday, at 8.15 p.m., members'; Tllursdaf, at Jill was· the great soul love, and that the other wa.S a love of ~.'15, piublic . .:.....:.G. T. W. ·· . ' _ · .. ' «: con venietice. · Again; he goes on to· ask, ' How will Jack regain .. BRIGHTON. ...:.:.,.)bNOHESTER-BTREET. (ciPPQBITlll '- AQUARit:JM) ...:..;,_ his rightful place?' Now will IE. R:-B} elliplain h6w reaFsoul :Mr: D. J. Dads gave two helpful addresses.. S~daynext; Mr~· love can ever be in .such a position as· to lili..ve · to regain its A. ·Boddington, addresses and clairvoyanc~.. TU:e§day; a~ 8, ·and ri~htful place 1 If it is once .sou~ lpve, ~o.thing ltere or 11µywh!!re Wednesday;· at a, Mrs. Clarke's opeJ cjrcle f6r.'cliiir\>'oyoo00:. eli\e: ca.h"a1tef it'. · - · · · 1 • , ·:._ ' ••• , ,_ .. - Thurs;ening,'' he gave an address on 'Chriatian ·_'EvidenireS:' Snuday next, at 11 a.m.; Mr. W. E. _Long ; 6.30 p.m./'MT8. . • -:; , 1Spi~ltµali·s~ iri Al;>erdeen. · _ }Jeaurepaire. : October 8th, 15th, 22nd ii.pd 29th, at 11 a;nClijJ.d : ' 'Si:Ii,~Aft~~ miich '_piitfoiit .~ee~-sowfng- by-~ f~w interested 6.30 p:m.; Mr.'W; E. Ldng.-E. S. . ' ·-- friends, a so<_:foty haS, l:>eeil, forriied iµ ,Aberde!!n._ :ov~n~pg,ser: «: . Firr.HA,M.-CoLvEi' HALL,_ 25, FERNHURBT"ROAD ...:.,·M'r. ~ices were held qn li!uiid~y, 'tlie) 7tp. inst.,. ~hflil Mr._P.\Ulciill. Patth1on delivered an -address. Sunday and Monday, October ·gave an able trance ·addre~. Several pro_minent p_eoplE\ hate 'lst,arid 2nd, 'tiiiniversary services condncted by Mrs. Imison ,and expressed a wiah to joiri. - Mr. Joseph Stevenson, of' Gateshead, 1\fesshi. Lobb aria· Davis. - October 4th, Mrs. Gilbert of Derby, and Mr~ James Lawrence, of Newcastle"on-Tyne, have voiced b!~irvoyance~:·.''flth, Mrs. ~()Qe~ts 1 of I.eice~ter'1 clairvorarice·i pur phj.19sophy in the Granite City; - The meetings zj:e ·held (silver <:.:9H\lctwn).~H. C, · · ·