66

being Short Essays on some important Questions in Religious Philosophy" by W. W. Clark, concludes with an essay on "Christianity: its Divine and Human Elements," which is well worthy perusal. At page 182 the author says, The sacred books of the Hebrews were undoubtedly well known to Jesus at the time he commenced his ministry." To this sentence is appended the following foot note:

"The Lord's Prayer was derived from the older Jewish prayer, which was as follows: Our Father which art in heaven; hallowed be thy name, and let the remembrance of Thee be glorified in heaven above, and upon earth here below. Let thy kingdom reign over us, now and for ever. Thy holy men of old said, remit and forgive unto all men whatsoever they have done against me. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil thing. For thine is the kingdom, and thou shalt reign in glory for ever and for evermore.'"" The Works of Rev. John Gregorie, p. 160. London, 1685.”

What is now wanted to complete the evidence is the authority for the citation of Gregorie, who wrote 200 years ago, and who was, as it would appear, a Christian minister. But these proofs of ancient authorities are of no importance whatever, and the anxiety respecting them shows that men are at fault as to the true origin and value of prayer.

What is meant by the Lord's Prayer? The previous question must first be settled: What is meant by Lord? That the Judean missionary, Jesus, is the "Lord," is not the teachings of the gospels as they appear to us. The Lord is a spiritual principle the divine image in man which was personified in him, and is supposed to be developed in all who seek after righteousness. The Lord is, therefore-and this is New Testament teaching—a universal principle, and not any particular individual, though one or more individuals may be typically representative of this interior state or power.

If this conclusion be correct: why, then, the Lord's Prayer? The external man, the short-sighted intellect, the passionate animal might pray, but that would be a very different kind of prayer from that which would emanate from the soul. Hence the Lord's Prayer is distinctively a soul prayer desiring only spiritual good-all temporal needs being asked for only in so far as they are the necessities of the soul in its present earthstate.

All men on the soul-plane will, therefore, intinctively pray the Lord's Prayer. It is the soul's view of its relations, surroundings and needs, and these will be perceived by the soul whenever its eyes are opened to see.

This prayer in substance, if not in exact language, must heve been uttered from the first time that Soul-teachers endeavoured to impress mankind with the true aspirations of the divine nature in man. It is undoubtedly much more than 2,000 years years old. That is, however, no evidence that Jesus, being soul developed, did not intuitively give it original utterance as far as he was concerned. Prayer is not a formula to be repeated from memory, but spiritual truths perceived and aspired for. The repetition of the mere words, without the action and lively perception of the truths, and desire for their realisation, is not prayer; and if that perception of truth and eager aspiration for its realisation prevail in the man, then he has no need of any formula for he has the real substance in his possession. The Lord is the mediatorial light of the Divine Father within the soul of man. Externally there have been "Gods many and Lords many," but they are no use unless a man has one of his own, which the world cannot take from him, or ecclesiastical historians argue out of existence.

Men have hitherto relied on Historical Lords and Saviours; in the "Second Coming" era these spiritual necessities will be supplied from within.

MAN'S PHYSICAL CONDITIONS.

THE VACCINATION VAMPIRE.

Compulsory vaccination is the bloodhound of the child-bearing woman and of the nursing mother, and adds a fresh and an unnatural woe to the pangs of labour. It is the most unmanly invention of the abyss where tyranny is at home. In Norway, at lambing time, the ravens sit on the parturient sheep, waiting in its wool till the lamb is born, when they dig its eyes out with their beaks. Compulsory vaccination is such a raven, sitting comfortably upon the profitable wool of the parturient mother, that is to say, upon those mothers who are anti-vaccinators from religion, from conscience, from perception, and from conviction. Over such in the months of pregnancy vaccination hovers. Anxiety and indignation are in the shadow of its wings. In the labour pains the doctor, who is also the vaccination informer, and will be the compulsory vaccinatorthe "baby-sticker"-assists. And the time for suckling the pure babe is chosen for its pollution, and the mother's milk, susceptible to every emotion, and more susceptible the more she knows of impending ill, is blighted by the view of the poisoned lancet to which every day brings her child nearer. If this is not true, then there are no emotions which play especially upon pregnancy, which alter natural labour, and which affect the milk in the mother's breast. Only in lieu of these feelings the mother may choose the contemplation of the ruin and imprisonment of the husband and father. Such are the

goods which a false medicine through Parliament purveys to religious anti-vaccinators.

A wider, and deeper, and subtler Social Evil than universal Compulsory Vaccination is scarcely conceivable: on the physical side, universal pollution; on the side of manhood, womanhood, and childhood, with their several dignities, it is to the extent of its reach, degradation and extinction. The cradle is born to an immediate medical hell.

Politically, Compulsory Vaccination is an innermost stab of Liberty which will find its courage and heaven-born principles and convictions in other directions an easy prey. State medicine can do what it likes with us, if we once let it do this.

Scientifically, Science murders itself here. It befouls the whole world to make it sweet and clean. It demonizes Medicine, and prepares it in the next stages to be the Supreme Quack and grand Apollyon or Destroyer of the Human Race. These are now proved facts from incontestable data. February, 1881. J. J. GARTH WILKINSON.

[The author of the above article will be recognised as the scholarly Dr. Garth Wilkinson, the author of numerous philosophical and medical works and treatises.-ED. M.]

THE EFFECTS OF SITTING WITH A TIPSY MEDIUM. Dear Mr. Burns,-I am glad to see by this week's MEDIUM that you have spoken so plainly of that horrid vice-intemperance. Being unfortunately one of the sitters with the medium who was, to say the least of it, certainly not in a fit condition to sit, I can speak to the ill effects of it, not only in a bodily sense, but spiritually also. For several days after the seance, I feft too ill to keep about, and what made matters worse, instead of Spiritualism being a comfort to me I felt a certain amount of disgust for it, and it was not until I read that deeply touching and most beautiful letter of Mr. S. C. Hall's that I really felt myself again. That was the Spiritualism I could understand: the Spiritualism that would lead one nearer to the great Father God, and would make you truly feel “hand in hand with angels." I have sold my copy of the MEDIUM, have an order for three more, and wish to send some to my friends; so if you will kindly let me have twelve copies for which I beg to enclose cash I shall feel obliged.-I remain yours respectfully, (Mrs.) M. SKILTON.

21, London Road, Brentford.

THE EXCITEMENT IN LEICESTER. The out-spoken manner of Mr. Holmes, and the bitter persecution to which he has been subjected from "Christian" sources has brought Spiritualism to the front in Leicester. "The Midland Free Press" has become quite an organ of the agitation, and a most excellent progressive paper it is in other respects. Last Saturday's issue contains three columns on Spiritualism, leading off with the "Spiritualistic Church," which is limned as one of the "Lights and Shades of Leicester Life," by "Jacques." This scribe must surely be a relative of the "Melancholy Jacques" who figures in a London weekly, or possibly he has taken a mild dose of the "Christian" charity which is being dispensed so liberally to Mr. Holmes.

If it be salubrious for us Spiritualists "to see oorsel's as ithers see us," we have the wholesome corrective administered by the officious "Jacques." He says:

"On many faces I noticed the inevitable expression of confirmed Spiritualists, which I have so often observed elsewhere. I have boasted frequently that by a certain undefined but unmistakeable sign in the face I could pick out a Spiritualist anywhere. There is a restless, eager play of expression, a vagueness of glance, a dreaminess in the eyes, often a pallor in the cheeks, a lack of interest in the outlook, and an introspective, uneasy, half-contemplative and half-feverish expression of the whole outward man. I saw several present who answered minutely to this description, though many were of a far less intense and carnest stamp, being simply ordinary working men or women, useful people in there sphere, but quite nondescript as regards any special characteristic worthy of mention."

66

What shocking people these Spiritualists to be sure. They are working," they are "useful," and they have a "sphere." These are noble and independent characteristics. Some of them are pale and contemplative, and do not stare round them when in meeting like the arrogant "Jacques." This is too bad of them. They should set "Jacko" (this will stand for "Jacques this time) up before them when they assemble themselves together, that a scoffer by his antics may teach worshippers proper deportment when they meet to pray. Let our censorious friend "Jacques" imagine himself, applying his criticism in a similar manner to a Leicester Christian congregation, and he will see how ridiculous he will appear. Men and women at their spiritual duties are not necessarily so wide awake and red-faced as when they are in the market place or factory.

We think the Spiritualists of Leicester, or their professional teachers, are somewhat to blame for leaving "Jacques" in such complete ignorance of the methods of spirit control. "Jacques" is scandalised that a spirit should be supposed to control a medium, when the controlling spirit allows the me dium, while under control, to use his arms, speech, or other org an or function as he would in his normal state. The psycho

logical habit, and physical peculiarities-function of digestion, complexion, &c., are not necessarily changed by a genuine control. The point remains thus-What is the nature of the Control? Is it control of the muscular system, of the facial expression, of the intellect, and not particularly of the literary faculties; is it control of the affections, aspirations, or an unfoldment of the inner spiritual qualities of the medium? Various of these forms of control might exist and yet not be recognised as a control by the sapient "Jacques." It is, perhaps, true that most so called inspirational speakers are more controlled by the audience, or certain minds in it, than by aught else, and yet the spirit guides may be using their best endeavour. No spirit can control a medium to better purpose than the psychological conditions will permit; for these neither medium nor spirit is responsible.

Taking these things into account, and remembering that conditions are frequently unpropitious-for "Jacques" to write discreetly, as well as for mediums to speak to please him-the following complaint of his may be well grounded. He says: "To avoid confusion I will suppose that the address which now followed was really delivered by a spirit. It was so advertised, and so announced by the leader of the service. The unbeliever had nothing but the twitching and the closed eyes to convince him of this fact; we must, however, be charitable, and in view of the unmistakeable earnestness of the Spiritualists present give them the benefit of the doubt. The subject of the discourse was intended to be the one announced, viz :— "What will be the influence of Spiritualism upon the Religions of the World.' I say this subject was intended, because I observed occasional indications of an intention to say something relative to the matter propounded. I can give no further evidence, for the reason that the discourse as a whole was such a rambling, disconnected jumble of half-digested thoughts that it was impossible for my unspiritual mind to follow any distinct thread. It was fair to suppose that an awful personage giving himself out to be a 'spirit-guide' would have something better to say than the briefest possible allusion to Buddhism, Mahometanism and Christianity. But this is a way the spirit-guides' have got into. They invariably run you a breathless scamper over the world, through history, taking in Mahomet and Buddha, on the way, without fail, landing you ultimately with a kind of mental bump in the land of Weissnichtwo, or nobody-knowswhere. This is what the spirit-guide' of Mr. Wallis did, he went off in a canter, and got at the other side of the history of China in two minutes. This is a strong point with spiritguides, they are so bracingly cosmopolitan. If they don't tell you much about Confucius, Buddha, and Mahomet, they give you to understand that they know all about them, and could let you into all sorts of secrets-if they wanted to,-but as a rule they don't want to."

We must admit that there is some room in the public exhibitions of Spiritualists for this kind of criticism. There is too much love of sensation, and that audience-drawing element which is peculiar to the showman. The method of advertisement alluded to by "Jacques" is altogether wrong, and was the cause of the row with the Edinburgh students on the occasion of Mr. Morse's visit to that city some time ago. The less we profess about the performances of spirits in our public ministrations the better. It is not in these speculative discourses that the proof of spiritual agency is rendered most apparent; and if proofs of spirit-aid, derived from original and striking thought were to be adduced, we should not look for them in the utterances of trance mediums, but in the experiences of men and women of genuine mental ability, who are, indeed, "normal mediums," and enrich the world with most of the thought which it possesses.

It is very wrong to suppose that because a man is entranced, or semi-cntranced, that he is, therefore, more deeply inspired than those who are in their normal state. All that the more or less trance does is to make the man forget himself, and then the intelligent principle can use the rest of the brain to talk in a more or less respectable manner, according as the psychological and literary furnishings of that mind will permit. The normal speaker, though apparently wide awake, quite loses himself in his subject, his mind is bathed in a flood of intellectual light, and his personality is for the time a mere cypher. He shows that he is inspired by the fervour of his eloquence, the burning truths he breathes, and the spirituality of his influence. The clairvoyants that look on perceive the spirits that operate in his sphere, and can tell when a new flood of thought is about to be uttered. Such a speaker many times gives off matter quite new to him, and works effects in the minds of his hearers which he did not anticipate.

The simple truth is that if any one class of men be inspired then all men are inspired, in various degrees and qualities of inspiration. Inspiration scientifically means, (a) the relation of man's mind to the source of thought; (b) the relation of various minds to one another. We wish our orators, and their employés, would try to instruct the public on these matters, and not advertise pretensions which they are not in a position to satisfactorily substantiate.

Of another class from the "inspirational speaker" is that kind of medium through whom spirits can actually manifest and give an intelligent account of themselves, and even this

marvel, as it is supposed to be, is produced by the communicating spirits strictly in accordance with the laws of mind.

We have been greatly pleased with the oration of Mr. Howell, published in last week's MEDIUM. It was calculated to enlighten the public mind. It was not merely opinion-speculation, which was utterly beside the question of spirit-agency. Mr. Wallis is also quite able to do excellent work of this kind. His oration on the "Resurrection," published in these columns some time ago, was replete with information and sound argument. In the number of the "Midland Free Press" from which we quote, there is a letter from Mr. Wallis in reply to another correspondent, and in defence of Spiritualism, which as a dignified polemic, an able argument, and a literary production is vastly superior to any line that appears from the pen of "Jacques" in the same issue.

Then, query-Was Mr. Wallis not equally "inspired" when he wrote that cogent and common sense letter as when "under influence" he spoke on the Leicester platform? Is not Mr. Wallis-all of us-"under influence" when we attempt to do spiritual or intellectual work? The question is a general one, not a particular one, and we think Spiritualists misrepresent it when they narrow it down in the manner discussed above, and at the same time they place public speakers of the class alluded to in a false position.

All sorts of shows and pretensions are only calculated to bring the Cause to discredit and ridicule, and fill our Movement with impostors and adventurers.

AN INCIDENT.

Once two little lads in a crowded town,
On the steps of a house half broken down,
Beseechingly looked on the passers by,
If any would drop them a halfpenny;
But, without a stoppage the long files passed,
And no kindly glance on the lads was cast,
So they clung more closely on each to rest,
With the tears fast falling from eyeslids pressed :--
HARRY.

After all our trying and toiling so,
Only harsh grim looks bid us quickly go,
And we cannot win to get under weigh,
To do as every one says we may :
'Twere better, I think, to give up and die
Than to ask and suffer thus hopelessly,
For, look Totty, were it not better far,
For us not to have known we ever were?
TOTTY.

Hush, hush, cried Totty, we'll still try on,
We have got each other to lean upon,
And we've got a hope that must never die--
That mother's love guards us tenderly.
HARRY

But we cannot see her, so what's the use,
And we feel in this wide, wide world let loose,
And we have no home, where we might have rest,
And I'm very hungry. To die is best.

TOTTY.

Oh to me it seems that your words are wrong,
There's something within me which keeps me strong,
And makes me think in the end we will see
The good that's now hidden from you and me :
But it seems so long till this time pass by,
Yet we must not falter, we must still try.

Then wee Totty folded his brother close
From the chill night blasts, as the moon arose,
But before the night half its round had made,
While the star-fires over the dark dome played,
The brave strong heart which so stoutly strove,
And guarded his brother with such vast love,
Was stilled, while Harry unconsciously lay
Wrapped in the fair dreams of a golden day.

WORKS ON MESMERISM. Library of Mesmerism and P'sychology, one large vol., 148.; Practical Instruction in Animal Magnetism, by Deleuze, 8s; How to Magnetise, by Jas. Victor Wilson, 1s; Vital Magnetism, by Parson, 78; Fascination, or the Philosophy of Charming, by J. B. Newman, 48; Mesmerism and Electrical Psychology, 18 Lectures, by Dr. J. Bovee Dods, 3s 6d; Six Lectures on Mesmerism, by Dr. Dods, 6d; Mesmerism: with Hints for Beginners, by Captain James, 2s 6d. London: J. Burns, 15, Southampton Row, W.C.

THE OPIUM-SMOKER.

TWELVE COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Chinese people have expressed their detestation and dread of the opium-vice in ballads, tracts, wall-placards, etc., which are frequently printed and circulated at the expense of benevolent individuals or societies. The aid of the artist and the engraver is invoked for the same purpose. Series of large coloured pictures of the opium-smoker's career, from the ruddy youth inhaling his first pipe, to the living skeleton clothed in rags and the ghastly corpse, are painted and sold to be hung up in their houses, and warn the young against the deadly poison. Sometimes a sheet of wood-engravings is printed for distribution, or the pictures are paged in a tract. About four years ago the Chinese Anti-Opium Society of Canton republished a set of these pictures with descriptive text. An English gentleman, who has resided for some years in Hankow, was struck by the thought that people in England can be reached by pictures who will not read ordinary anti-opium literature. Accordingly he sent home this series, coloured by a Chinese artist, and it is published with explanatory text by Messrs. S. W. Partridge and Co., of Paternoster Row, and may be had for sixpence. The pictures are beautifully executed, and as specimens of Chinese art are worth many times the money. We hope that this pamphlet will have an extensive sale, and be the means of opening the eyes of thousands to the evils which our nation by its support of the opium trade is fostering. The pamphlets will be obtainable at W. H. Smith and Sons' Railway book-stalls.

MR. J. HOLMES OF LEICESTER IN LONDON. Mr. Holmes expects to be in London early in April. During his visit he will possibly speak at Goswell Hall, Ladbroke Hall, Quebec Hall, the Spiritual Institution, and any other available centre. Steps should be taken to make his visit useful by ensuring him crowded meetings of the class of mind most likely to be benefited by his testimony and arguments. These special speakers should be made a means of introducing new blood into the Movement, or they are of comparatively little use.

Now Mr. Holmes has been a Secularist teacher, and an effort should be made to induce Secularists to listen to his London lectures. To that end we suggest that a fund be raised, to advertise Mr. Holmes's meetings in the Secularist journals. Possibly a guinea or upwards would suffice, but the larger the sum, the more effective would be the result. Handbills could also be printed for circulation in special quarters. This fund would advertise the meetings at all the halls attended by Mr. Holmes in London, and be administered by a neutral party. Perhaps next week a Treasurer can be appointed, and then subscriptions may be solicited.

THE ANNIVERSARY OF SPIRITUALISM AT

GOSWELL HALL.

A Soirée will take place in aid of the funds on Thursday, March 31, 1881, being the Thirty-third Anniversary of Modern Spiritualism. Tickets 1s. each, which can be had at the

hall.

Friends who will give their services, and thus enable the Committee to produce a good and varied programme, are kindly requested to communicate with Mr. Swindin personally at the hall or by letter at 34, Pancras Road, King's Cross, N.W.; or to Mr. Towns, 126, Liverpool Buildings, New Station Road, Highbury, N.

LADBROKE HALL, NOTTING HILL. Sunday, March 6th, at 11 a.m., general meeting for enquiry and development of mediumistic powers. Evening meeting at 7 p.m., trance address, followed by clairvoyance; F. O. Matthews, medium. Mr. Knight Smith will sing a piece from Handel, "Thou shalt break them down."

We had an excellent meeting last Sunday morning, some 40 persons being present, among whom were several very earnest enquirers, and of no mean order. In the evening Dr. T. L. Nichols gave his experience of 25 years to a very large and appreciative audience. The Doctor simply related facts which had come under his own immediate notice, but gave them in such a manner that the weight of truth was felt to come with each experience. In conclusion the Doctor said: these things I have witnessed, and I come simply forward to bear testimony to them. I have no other object in view for relating my experience but to bear testimony to the great power that is in our midst, which is the strongest proof of immortality of the soul of man, and that those we call dead still live.

A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Knight Smith in the most pleasing and affectionate manner, seconded by Mr. Chadwick, mesmerist, who earnestly called upon the people to accept the liberty which was now extended to them through the teachings of true Spiritualism, and rally round those workers who came out to front the enemy of the times-Public Opinion.

The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation and res

QUEBEC HALL, 25, GREAT QUEBEC STREET. Sunday, March 6, at 7 prompt, Mr. Iver Macdonnell discoursed on "War." Mr. Macdonnell was repeatedly and loudly applauded on Sunday last by a highly respectable audience, ladies evincing much interest in the subject.

Every Wednesday, at 8-30 punctually Mr. F. O. Matthews gives an address and afterwards clairvoyant tests. There was a very large gathering last Wednesday, notwithstanding the snowstorm that raged.

Mr. Matthews has consented for a time to be present at the Saturday seance at 8, Mrs. Treadwell having resigned her position as medium, for a time at least. Mr. Hancock is present half an hour previous to speak with strangers. Admission, 6d.

On Tuesday, March 15, Mr. Burns will give a phrenological entertain. ment consisting of the examination of heads. These visits of Mr. Burus have been so interesting and successful in the past that no comment is necessary. Many are awaiting the pleasure of that lecture. J. M. DALE, Hon. Sec.

RULES AND CONDITIONS FOR THE SPIRIT-CIRCLE. ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS.-The phenomena cannot be successfully elicited In very warm, sultry weather, in extreme cold, when thunder and lightning and magnetic disturbances prevail, when the atmosphere is very moist, or when there is much rain, or storms of wind. A warm, dry atmosphere is best, as it presents the mean between all extremes, and agrees with the harmonious state of man's organism which is proper for the manifestation of spiritual phenomena. ▲ subdued light or darkness increases the power and facilitates control.

LOCAL CONDITIONS.-The room in which a circle is held for development or Investigation should be set apart for that purpose. It should be comfortably warmed and ventilated, but draughts or currents of air should be avoided. Those persons composing the circle should meet in the room about an hour before the experiments commence; the same sitters should attend each time, and occupy the tame places. This maintains the peculiar magnetic conditions necessary to the production of the phenomena. A developing circle exhausts power, or uses it up. PE YSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.-The phenomena are produced by a vital force emanating from the s'ere, which the spirits use as a connecting link between themselves and objects. Certain temperaments give off this power; others emit an opposite influence. If the circle is composed of persons with suitable temperaments, manifestations will take place readily; if the contrary be the case, much perseverance will be necessary to produce results. If both kinds of temperament are present, they require to be arranged so as to produce harmony in the psychical atmosphere evolved from them. The physical manifestations especially depend upon temperament. If a circle does not succeed, changes should be made in the sitters till the proper conditions are supplied.

MENTAL CONDITIONS.—All forms of mental excitement are detrimental to success. Those with strong and opposite opinions should not sit together: opinionated, dogmatic, and positive people are better out of the circle and room. Parties between whom there are feelings of envy, hate, contempt, or other inbarmonious sentiment should not sit at the same circle. The vicious and crude should be excluded from all such experiments. The minds of the sitters should be in a passive rather than an active state, possessed by the love of truth and of mankind. One harmonious and fully-developed individual is invaluable in the formation of a circle.

THE CIRCLE should consist of from three to ten persons of both sexes, and sit round an oval, oblong, or square table. Cane-bottomed chairs or those with wooden seats are preferable to stuffed chairs. Mediums and sensatives should never sit on stuffed chairs, cushions, or sofas used by other persons, as the influences which accumulate in the cushions often affect the mediums unpleasantly. The active and quiet, the fair and dark, the ruddy and pale, male and female, should be seated alternately If there is a medium present, he or she should Dccupy the end of the table with the back to the north. A mellow mediumistio person should be placed on each side of the medium, and those nest positive should be at the opposite corners. No person should be placed behind the medium. A circle may represent a horseshoe magnet, with the medium placed between the poles.

CONDUCT AT THE CIRCLE.-The sitters should place their hands on the table, and endeavour to make each other feel easy and comfortable. Agreeable conversation, singing, reading, or invocation may be engaged in-anything that will tend to harmonise the minds of those present, and unite them in one purpose, is in order. By engaging in such exercises the circle may be made very profitable apart from the manifestations. Bitters should not desire anything in particular, but unite in being pleased to receive that which is best for all. The director of the circle should sit opposite the medium, and put all questions to the spirit, and keep order. A recorder should take notes of the conditions and proceedings. Manifestations may take place in a few minutes, or the circle may sit many times before any result occurs. Under these circumstances it is well to change the positions of the sitters, or introduce new elements, till success is achieved. When the table begins to tilt, or when raps occur, do not be too impatient to get answers to questions. When the table can answer questions by giving three tips or raps for "Yes," and one for "No," it may assist in placing the sitters properly. The spirits or intelligences which produce the phenomena should be treated with the same courtesy and consideration as you would desire for yourselves if you were introduced into the company of strangers for their personal benefit. At the same time, the sitters should not on any account allow their judgment to be warped or their good sense imposed upon by spirits, whatever their professions may be. Beason with them kindly, firmly, and considerately.

INTERCOURSE WITH SPIRITS is carried on by various means. The simplest is three tips of the table or raps for "Yes," and one for "No." By this means the spirits can answer in the affirmative or negative. By calling over the alphabet tie spirits will rap at the proper letters to constitute a message. Bometimes the hand of a sitter is shaken, then a pencil should be placed in the hand, when the spits may write by it automatically. Other sitters may become entranced, and the spirits use the vocal organs of such mediums to speak. The spirits som times impress mediums, while others are clairvoyant, and see the spirits, and messages from them written in luminous letters in the atmosphere. Some times the table and other objects are lifted, moved from place to place, and even through closed doors. Patiently and kindly seek for tests of identity from loved ones in the spirit-world, and exercise caution respecting spirits who make extravagant pretensions of any kind.

BEFORE proceeding with their investigations, inquirers into Spiritualisa should correspond with Mr. Burns, Proprietor of the Spiritual Institution, 15, Bouthampton Row, London, W.O., who will gladly forward a packet of publi tions and useful information gratis. Stamps should in all cases be enclosed to? return postage. Deputations of mediums or lecturers may be arranged for t dait any locality where public meetings or seances can be institutes

FOWLER'S WORKS ON PHRENOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, &C.
AMATIVENESS; or, Evils and Remedies of Excessive and Perverted
Sensuality. Including warning and advice to the Married and
Single. By O. S. Fowler. Price 3d.
LOVE AND PARENTAGE, applied to the Improvement of Offspring.
Including important directions and suggestions to Lovers and
the Married. By O. S. Fowler. Price 3d.
MATRIMONY; or, Phrenology and Physiology applied to the Se-
lection of Congenial Companions for Life. Including directions
to the Married for living together affectionately and happily.
By O. S. Fowler. Price 3d.
PHYSIOLOGY-ANIMAL AND MENTAL, applied to the Preser-
vation and Restoration of Health of Body and Power of Mind.
By O. S. Fowler. Price 1s.
MEMORY AND INTELLECTUAL IMPROVEMENT, applied to
Self-Education and Juvenile Instruction. By O. S. Fowler. 6d.
HEREDITARY DESCENT: Its Laws and Facts applied to
Human Improvement. By O. S. Fowler. Price Is.
FAMILIAR LESSONS ON PHYSIOLOGY.

Designed to aid
Parents, Guardians, and Teachers in the Education of the
Young. By Mrs. L. N. Fowler. Price 3d.
FAMILIAR LÉSSONS ON PHRENOLOGY.

Designed for the use of Schools and Families. By Mrs. L. N. Fowler. Price 6d. INTEMPERANCE AND TIGHT LACING; Considered in relation to the Laws of Life. By O. S. Fowler. Price 3d. TOBACCO Its History, Nature, and Effects on the Body and Mind. By Joel Shew, M.D. Price 3d.

Vol. I., containing the above, neatly bound in Cloth, Five Shillings. THE NATURAL LAWS OF MAN: A Philosophical Catechism. By J. G. Spurzheim, M. D. Price 6d. MARRIAGE: Its History and Ceremonies; With a Phrenological and Physiological Exposition of the Functions and Qualifications for Happy Marriages. By L. N. Fowler. Price 6d. FAMILIAR LESSONS ON ÁSTRONOMY. Designed for the use of Children and Youth in Schools and Families. By Mrs. L. N. Fowler. Price 6d.

SELF-CULTURE AND PERFECTION OF CHARACTER.

In

cluding the Management of Youth. By O. S. Fowler. Price Is. MARRIAGE AND PARENTAGE; or, The Reproductive Element in Man, as a means to his Elevation and Happiness. By H. C. Wright. Price Is.

TEA AND COFFEE: Their Physical, Intellectual, and Moral
Effects on the Human System. By Dr. W. A. Alcott. Price 3d.
EDUCATION: Its Elementary Principles; Founded on the Nature
of Man. By J. G. Spurzheim, M.D.
Price Is.
MATERNITY; or, The Bearing and Nursing of Children. Includ-
ing Female Education and Beauty. By O. S. Fowler. Price Is.
Vol. II., containing the last 8 Works, Cloth neat, Six Shillings.
Vols. I. and II., bound together, Cloth, Ten Shillings.
London: J. BURNS, 15, Southampton Row, Holborn, W.C.

THIS Work is being produced in serial parts, in a handsome illustrated wrapper, containing Mediumistic Drawings, beautifully reproduced by the autotype process.

The literary department is sustained with great interest, and is replete with sound instruction. A band of eminent spirits, under the leadership of "Milton," purport to produce the work; the writing through a lady, and the drawing through a gentleman, who have not been trained to literary and artistic studies. The work is itself the best evidence of its being indeed the product of spirit-influence.

PART I.-Containing two autotypes of Mediumistic Drawings. Proem. Chapter i.-Exile. Chapter ii.-Lost Power. Chapter iii.Mary's Mission Begun.

PART II.-Containing one autotype of Mediumistic Drawing. Retrospective appendix to Chapters i, ii, and ii. Chapter iv.-Back to the Children's Home. Chapter v.-The Children's Garden.

PART III-Containing one autotype of Mediumistic Drawing. Retrospective appendix to Chapters iv and v. Chapter vi.-The Children's Friend. Chapter vii.-The King's Arrival.

PART IV.-Containing one autotype of Mediumistic Drawing. Retrospective appendix to Chapters vi and vii. Chapter viii.-Mary's Communion Feast.

PART V.- Containing one autotype of Mediumistic Drawing. Retrospective appendix to Chapter viii. Chapter ix.-Mary's Family Mansion. Chapter x.-Mary's Discoveries.

Other Parts in preparation.

A SEANCE will take place at Mrs. Knight's, 6, Kenilworth Road Old Ford, on Monday evening, March 7, for the benefit of a distressed Spiritualist. Mr. Webster and Miss Emily Dean have kindly consented to assist on that occasion. To commence at 8 o'clock prompt. A collection will be made at the close on behalf of the above object.

NOTTINGHAM ASSOCIATION OF SPIRITUALISTS.

On Sunday last, February 27, our highly esteemed and old friend Mr. J. Lamont occupied our platform, morning and evening-much to the edification and enjoyment of very appreciative audiences.

On Shrove Tuesday, March 1st, we heid our annual Tea meeting. The hall had been beautifully decorated by the ladies. After tea a public meeting was held, when trance and other addresses were delivered by Mr. Howell, of Manchester, Mrs. Dutton, of Hyson Green, and by Mr. Lamont. The secre

tary (Mr. W. Yates) read a short but very interesting report, in which he stated that the Committee are making arrangements for a fresh speaker to occupy the platform every Sunday evening. The Committee sincerely hope their friends, by their attendance, will show they approve of and appreciate the labours of the Committee.

Several songs were sung by ladies and gentlemen. A more agreeable and social meeting has not been held in connection with the Spiritualists in the town of Nottingham. Everybody present was gratified with the proceedings.

Dancing followed, for an hour and a half, much to the delight of many of the friends. Mr Howell, who is highly esteemed at Nottingham will occupy our platform next Sunday. 39, Lower Talbot Street. W. Yates.

LEICESTER.- SILVER STREET LECTURE HALL. VINDICATION OF CHARACTER FROM "CHRISTIAN" ABUSE. Last Thursday evening, Feb. 24, a large meeting was held in the above hall to hear Mr. Holmes's statement of facts as to the false statements circulated by a Bible woman and other Christians so-called. Having shown the malice and determination to get Mr. Holmes out of his house through his meetings for the investigation of Spiritualism, he then proved the impossibility of the charge being founded in truth of assaulting and beating an infant, and pointed out the contradictions and perjuries of the witnesses with the breaking-down of the charge and the unfairness of the magistrates.

He concluded with an appeal to public opinion, referring to the neighbours coming forward and witnessing to the lies told. He took his seat amidst loud applause. As Mr. Holmes pleaded for an independent magistrate, Mr. Bent in the warmth of earnestness moved the following resolution:

"That this public meeting of the inhabitants of Leicester having heard the statement of Mr. Holmes of facts and falsehoods respecting the late charge preferred against him in the police-court, is of opinion that there is not the least shadow of proof to substantiate said charges."

Seconded by Mr. Clarke and carried with acclamation. Sunday, Feb. 27, Mr. Holmes occupied the platform morning and evening. The morning's gathering was very good, and the subject was, "A Challenge to Critics: Are the Phenomena of Spiritualism Genuine or are They Tricks?" In the evening the audience was very large; the subject was, "The Atheist's Reply to Spiritualism: Being a Review of the Debate between Mr. Bradlaugh and Mr. Burns."

56, Cranbourne Street, Leicester. Feb. 28, 1881.

R. WIGHTMAN, Sec.

BLACK HILL, Co. Durham.-The Free Methodists of this place have lately burned their fingers over Spiritualism. To raise the wind they hired the "Rev." Ashcroft to give expression to his abuse of Spiritualism and Spiritualists. The speculation was a failure: only comparatively few "Christians" gloated over the "torrent of abuse"! The traffic in this sort of thing, with which the gospel has attempted to feather its nest in Co. Durham, is quite played out. What will be the next piece of imposition our "Christian friends" will palm upon the public to maintain their waning interests?

HYMNS AND

AND TUNES

AND MEETINGS.

2 The light from God above us
Is beaming in our eyes,
And angel-friends who love us
Are whispering from the skies ;
They speak in accents tender,
And bid us weep no more:
For, clad in robes of splendour,
They tread the heavenly shore.

3 They tell us of the beauty

That shines in that bright sphere: They teach us of our duty

To love each other here. Oh, Father! guard and guide us: When death shall close our eyes, Thy angels standing near us, Shall lead us to the skies.

REMARKS ON THE TUNES.

This week we introduce "Rockingham," a good tune, well known but oftentimes inaccurately sung by those who have not studied its peculiarities.

It is a devotional tune, with a grateful, joyful expression. It should not be sung too quickly, yet it is not a melody of the solemn order, and requires to be expressed with a feeling of lively consciousness of spiritual benefits received.

The time is three beats to the bar, one for each minim, two for each semibreve. [The form of these notes is explained in past numbers of the MEDIUM in this department.]

The last bar in each line of music contains only two beats so that the third beat is at the beginning of the lines. There is therefore no pause at the end of the lines, but the first part of the tunc glides continuously into the second part.

There is one beat for "O," two beats to the two minims over "Thou," one beat to "to," two beats to "whom," etc. Thus long and short sounds follow alternately, except in cases where the long note is divided into two, connected with a slur as at "Thou," "bards," "strung," and "songs," each of these words is sung to two notes occupying two beats. In the last line of each verse the greatest difficulty is experienced with "glow-" which occupies two beats; but instead of one minim there are two crotchets to the first beat, so that "glow-" has two rapid notes and one of the usual length of the shorter of the two notes of which the tune is composed.

We observe in promiscuous audiences that the time is usually lost in the second syllable "Thou,” and in this last line with "glow-." The notes sometimes are lengthened out without any regard to the beats which they occupy, and the fine features of the beautiful tune are ruthlestly obliterated.

The words of the hymn are well adapted to this tune there are others in the "Lyre" also suitable.

It repays us for our trouble and expense in keeping up this department to know that the weekly contents of this page are greatly appreciated in many quarters. In hundreds of homes these contributions are turned up more than once a week, and the knowledge of spiritual hymns becomes more gradually diffused. The public meetings in connection with Spiritualism are only a fraction of the work done in which music forms a part, and to that larger section this department is particularly welcome.

HYMN No. 39 (continued).

2 For when the soul lay bound below
A heavy yoke of forms and creeds,
And none thy word of truth could know,
O'ergrown with tares and choked with weeds

3 The monarch's sword, the prelate's pride,
The church's curse, the empires ban,
By one poor monk were all defied,
Who never feared the face of man.

4 Half-battles were the words he said,
Each born of prayer, baptised in tears;
And routed by them, backward fled
The errors of a thousand years.

5 With lifted song and bended knee,
For all thy gifts we praise Thee, Lord,
But chief for those who made us free,
The champions of thy holy word.

HYMN No. 48 (continued).

2 Not now on Zion's height alone
Thy favoured worshipper may dwell;
Nor where, at sultry noon, thy Son
Sat weary by the patriarch's well.

3 From every place beneath the skies,
The grateful song, the fervent prayer-
The incense of the heart-may rise
To heaven and find acceptance there.

4 To Thee shall age with snowy hair,
And strength and beauty bend the knee,
And childhood lisp with reverent air,
Its praises and its prayers to Thee.