By S. C. HALL.

(Reprinted from the MEDIUM AND DAYBREAK.)

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This Article is a valuable testimony to Spiritualism. The eminent Author of it declares the good which Spiritualism has been to him his knowledge of the continued existence of the One who has gone to the Spiritual State; how they became Spiritualists and studied the subject with William Howitt and other persons of eminence; his disregard for mourning at funerals, together with words of great comfort and consolation to the bereaved,

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THE ATONEMENT:

OLD TRUTHS as SEEN UNDER A NEW LIGHT.

INSPIRATIONALLY WRITTEN

By C. P. B. ALSOP

(LATE BAPTIST MINISTER)

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Christ the Corner-stone of Spiritualism.
A Treatise by J. M. PEEBLES, M.D.
Contents:

Jewish Evidence of Jesus' Existence. Who was Jesus? and what the New Testament says of Him. What the more candid of Freethinkers and men generally, think of Jesus of Nazareth. The estimate that some of the leading and more cultured American Spiritualists put upon Jesus. Was Jesus, of the Gospels, the Christ? The Commands, the Divine Gifts, and the Spiritual Teachings of Jesus Christ. The Belief of Spiritualists-The Baptised of Christ-The Church of the Future.

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WE, the Members of the above, having struggled hard for two years to establish a Society of Progressive Spiritualists, and having been rewarded with intelligent audiences and many having received the truths for themselves; and are now holding seances in various parts of the town-are, with this encouragement, stirred to make further effort to overcome our debts incurred, and also endeavour to establish a fund to provide more speakers for our platform: We now appeal to all persons to aid us with articles of any kind for sale, so that we can open a Bazaar towards the close of this year.

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ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS & SEANCES.

MARCH 31, AT THE SPIRITUAL
INSTITUTION.

On Thursday evening, March 31, a meeting of friends was held at the Spiritual Institution, 15, Southampton Row, London, to commemorate the Thirty-third Anniversary of Modern Spiritualism. There was a full attendance. Mr. A. Duguid, Kirkcaldy, occupied the central position, supported by Miss Samuel on the right and Miss Pawley on the left, each accompanied by a lady friend. Mrs. Waterman led the singing of some hymns.

As it was the school night of the Order of Spiritual Teachers, J. Burns, O.S.T., as Chief Monitor of that School opened the proceedings by briefly stating that the interest that had attracted the audience was recognised by all, and need not be repeated. What spirit-friends had to say he hoped would find adequate expression through the mediums present. Mr. Duguid had arrived from Scotland, happily in time for that occasion. Miss Samuel, Miss Pawley, and others were present, whose worth was well known. He concluded by speaking in words of warm appreciation of the genial spirituality of Mr. Duguid, and congratulated the meeting on his presence amongst them that evening.

MR. DUGUID SPOKE AS FOLLOWS.

We stand this evening on a very conspicuous platform, and an eventful period in the history of Spiritualism has arrived. We have the knowledge of past experience, the grasp of many important facts in the phenomenal region of spirit, and the question now is-How are we to make use of these agencies and means in the future that is approaching us? Will the policy of the past suffice for the working of the Movement in the future? This question supposes organisation and that likewise order. Have these means of operation been in exist ence? Well, there are some who appear to think we have had no organisation, no order: I have a more hopeful disposition than to assign those things to no consideration. Can it for a moment be imagined that all the existing state of matters in the Spiritual Movement is a fortuitous concourse of atoms, or the result of hazard? No, there is assuredly some mighty organisation at work, and producing these results on the moral and spiritual planes of thought. There is no doubt a disorderly state of matters existing; speakers and labourers in the Cause find it difficult to live. Book agents, and those who do business cannot sell or do trade. That is not the criterion to test these

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matters by, or else by so doing you will inevitably rise and fall with the ebb and flow of the money-market abroad and at home; and of a consequence at present, there being really an abject and miserable state of things existing, Spiritualism as a trade speculation is not exempt from the same influences. But we look to a higher source of information, and draw our analogy of success from a more abiding state of things.

This Anniversary is a name without a meaning if we recognise not the spiritual origin of the Movement, the silent and continued action of the spirit, and the clear and defined relationship of the spirit-world to all the phases in which the Movement presents itself to the investigator. We really have had organisation of the highest order, as the vast wealth of the literature, the varied and extensive forms of mediumship, and the attachment of so many cultured minds to the investigation of the phenomena, incontestibly prove. This is the true ring of organisation, and although it will not suit all classes of minds it will ultimately become the only plan of operations in the future.

We are hopeful and prophetic of the coming times, and although it is hard to gather up that inspiration from the present condition of things, they are all wrapped up in the blessing and baptism of the spirit for the future.

I have known, in the experience of some of the workers in the Cause, that it is not only hard to live, but their judgment and reason decide against the utility of the work, and were it to be a matter of personal comfort they would abandon the service; but by an inexorable presence they are compelled to work away, and in the darkness of external things do the behests of the invisibles.

There is no movement in so short a time has brought forth such great results, and were it possible to enter into more harmonious conditions, or a better receptivity for the influences of the unseen, there would not only be a larger field utilised but a marked change would be evident in the internal development of Spiritualism.

There is an eager desire for this healthy state of matters, and it is the wish which is father to the thought; in other important functions of life so in this case there is no exception, and certainly we could inaugurate the approaching period with no better aspirations than our own individual reform. We read of the walls of Jerusalem being rebuilt by every one building before their own door. If the Spiritualists, as a brotherhood, would place in position the keystone of their arch-which is love, the difficulties would be resolved, and a clear understanding would be gained of the true relationship of each unit to the great whole.

The facts which have been deposited in the literature of the Movement are the foundation-stones whereon will rest the structure of the future; these evidences may be to some aspiring souls dry as dust, but we know that dust, cons lidated and fused together through chemical action and affinity, forms rock, and that in turn is the base of organic existence. The well attested phenomena of the past thirty-three years will be utilized and more clearly defined through the forthcoming operations of Spiritualism. The existence of spirit will be even more objective by a nearer descent of its power, and a clearer

apprehension of the laws which govern the inner life of man. The facts and phenomena of spirit-existence can never decay in the hands of Spiritualists. As well think of the maintenance of trade in the extermination of honesty. The nature of man is an acknowledgment of the fact of spirit, and that revealed through the phenomena of Spiritualism proves its existence apart from external forms.

Peace is not altogether resting in the horizon of the future, the ominous clouds of war, unrest and dissatisfaction,-war with vested interest, either in the so-called spiritual institutions or secular domain, a discontented feeling is everywhere manifest now, and will intensely increase in the bosom of society in times to come. These conditions will be strangely perverted by the overseers and guardians of peace and order; many working from sincere motives, and strangely pushed by these unseen forces of spirit-action, will have to suffer at the hands of the external power representing law and order. All this physical, moral, and spiritual action will be interpreted as a revolutionary act, a punishable offence; and in a blind zeal to restore the old forms and meaning of justice, authority will seek to crush and destroy the verdure and growth of a New Dispensation-the New Era, which means, when properly understood, a progressive stage of being, a higher manifestation of the possibilities of human life.

There is a certain amount of cant in the literal rendering of many passages in obsolete Acts of Parliament as well as extracts from the Bible, and as Justice is modelled in statue blind, it is doubly so when it hoodwinks the inner decisions of conscience, and crushes the honest expressions of reforming minds.

Will Spiritualism, in the restless upheaval of human thought and on the crest wave of human opinion, be thrown aside? This would be so were the facts like the gathered curiosities of the antiquarian museum, but as they are experimental forces in the certain region of human life, organic forms of spiritaction, they cannot be lost-will not submit to annihilation, but will come into recognition as the essential element of progress. This may be a sanguine anticipation, morbidly expressing the truth-that, perhaps, is the conclusion of many-but yet it lives in the prophetic region of my own nature, which is to me the realisation of the existence of spirit. The future is not a monotonous plane of action and observation, but a beautiful gradient of ascending experiences. Would it were universally true that the soul and action of the present were animated by the prophetic indications of the future; it would ease the burden and cheer the life, steal away from the mind many bitter thoughts, and implant germs of generosity and kindness. The great burden of Spiritualism is the gospel it contains, or proclamation of good news; namely, in the announcement of future life, future peace, future bliss, future re-unions, when we will meet after life's battles are over, and see eye to eye disputed points of life's history, and cleave soul to soul which could not be in the unnatural formation of human society which is then left behind. Let us go to work earnestly and lovingly-scattering words and thoughts like flowers, which brighten and perfume the atmosphere of action, and give to life a brighter radiance as we pass along; there is a blessing in Spiritualism to everyone-let us try to reach it-a truth that will illume the mind-let us strive to gain it—and with this benevolent object in view we will be sure to chronicle success, and that success will have the approval of the angels of light.

We are conscious that Spiritualism as a system is subject to change, and that one of these changes is imminent. But according to the law of conscious existence, this will eventuate into a healthier state of action. We anticipate good not evil, a fraternity of feelings and interests, a combination of purposes purveyed by the forces of the unseen, and guided by the intelligences of that bright realm; not that human consciousness on the mundane sphere will be totally subordinated, but that earthly conditions will be more receptive and Spiritualists understand more fully the laws of inner life.

That is the ground of my hope, and the region from whence has come the inspiration of this hour; were the same chord struck in the bosom of all now here, in London, and throughout the country, harmonious music would be heard in place of discord. We hope the sentiments of all in this meeting will be clearly expressed, as we find others are desirous of saying something.

Miss Samuel passed under influence as Mr. Duguid concluded, and spoke in a very fluent manner:

ADDRESS BY MISS SAMUEL.

Miss Samuel under influence took up the theme that had been introduced by Mr. Duguid, and proceeded to regret that besides the hopeful and prophetic view of the Movement there is much to deplore, and which must be boldly faced and removed out of the way before the good things which had been so enthusiastically set forth can be realised. At present there did not seem to be any chance for an early realisation of all of which Spiritualism is capable. As a philosophy and a religion it has the power to reach and influence every mind and soul in the world, but are all minds in a condition to receive it? Is each soul ready to accord obedience to the requirements of Spiritual law?

The artistic soul may paint a most beautiful picture, which will call forth the admiration of other artist-souls, and perchance awaken real genius in some who might otherwise never have had stirred up within them the deep love of the beautiful latent there, and devotion to its service; and so that one grand picture may give rise to hundreds of other pictures, some of them even grander, and ultimately races of mankind in succeeding ages may be made more beautiful in thought and spirit from that one work of art; as the external stimulus setting into operation an endless series of beauteous circumstances. But all mankind have not within them the soul of the artist; there is not the condition which will permit the love of the beautiful to be awakened within them. The idler and the voluptuary pass by, and save to waste the fleeting moments and add to the sense of pleasure merely the grand painting is of no use to such minds whatever.

Spiritualism is an artist: it is the soul and source of all art, discovering the spirit as the centre of all that adds loveliness to life. Its mission is not alone to make beautiful works on canvas, but to plant the world with flowers-the blossoms of the spirit in human life-so that every place inhabited by man may be beautiful, and every human being a true artist continually adding to the catalogue of works of beauty placed on the gallery walls of history by him. But all do not endeavour to turn Spiritualism to this, its true and beneficent use. Some while away the idle moments with it, or try to turn it to account for some other selfish, and perhaps still more reprehensible purpose. In these cases Spiritualism has not only failed, but has resulted in deformities more appalling than could have otherwise occupied its place.

It belongs to the recipient of Spiritualism as to whether it will be a blessing or a curse, whether it will be to him a thing of the highest use and eternal beauty, or a gift perverted-an opportunity lost. It must be applied to spiritual purposes to fulfil its mission; it must lead to self reformation and exemplify its power and perfection in the life, and in so far as it does that in any one individual, or number of individuals, will it accomplish the glorious advantages which have been so beautifully described in the prophetic language of Mr. Duguid.

And what shall we pause to point out as perversions that call for immediate redress? To the public eye there is possibly none more glaring than the too manifest love of fame and name in many who prefer pushing themselves into the front rank, rather than work for the spirit in obscurity, and be contented to receive, as a blessing, the spirit's reward. There is not enough of private effort in the Movement, and too much of the good humoured tendency to fall in with the views of those who have a purpose of their own to serve by their public Spiritualism. Like Daniel of old there are those who make their spiritual work almost too loud and demonstrative; but if, like Daniel, they did so as an evidence of moral courage-at great danger to position and prospects, nay even to life itself-in place of to fill their pockets, then surely their obtrusiveness would cease to be reprehensible.

It takes a bold person truly to dare to adopt any course that is for his or her good. The courage is all the other way, and what dangers and sufferings will mankind not dare-only to be repaid with the fruits of evil! The lovely woman whose external appearance is so gorgeous as to captivate the untutored eye, but who is morally and spiritually a mass of worse than ruin; the grandly decorated temples that men toil to erect and endow only to doubt the very existence of that spiritual truth which these buildings are intended to represent:these are instances of the many forms of degradation which assail human life on the physical and spiritual planes, and delay the advent of that brighter day which has been seen in vision this night by the previous speaker. Why has he seen this dawning brightness, and why so few others? Because he has it within himself, whereas those who see it not are filled with ancient night.

The brightness of the spiritual sun-the image of the deityshines resplendant within us all. Let our faces be turned spiritually in that direction, and in all our attempts at spirit communion let us make sure that we are worshipping in spirit and in truth. Some, indeed, there be who worship spirits, or would appear to do so; but it is not to imitate these spirits by good works, but rather to make the spirits slaves to selfish desires whereby they may avail themselves of the acquisitions of others.

From this meeting will go forth a power which, if it be God's will must certainly aid to inaugurate the time when these evil ways will be reversed. The process is simple and practical; each mind is, indeed, a divine likeness, a representative of all that Spiritualism can give or contain; minds are cosmical atoms and send out a world wide influence like the leaven which ultimately assimulates to its nature the whole mass. Let your minds then be pervaded with that bright, fresh, virgin Spiritualism-unpolluted by the external world-which is welling up from within the recesses of every spirit. Thus your own moral wounds and spiritual bruises will be bound up and made whole, and your influence will be wholesome and pure to enable you to benefit others. The immoralities and insanities of the world will gradually pass away, peace and brotherhood will prevail, and the surface of human life will smile in gladness with choice fruits of the spirit.

Alluding to the apparent difference between his remarks and those of Miss Samuel Mr. Duguid said, that though Spiritualism had entailed on him severe suffering and many disappointments, yet he regarded these as more related to the personal plane than the spiritual, and his desire was to soar into a higher sphere of feeling, and endeavour to attain that to which Spiritualism pointed as an ultimate.

SPEECH BY MR. C. P. B. ALSOP.

Mr. Alsop spoke appreciatively of what he had heard, and then stated that he had long desired to be an instrument of the spirit-world. He traced Spiritualism back to the earliest ages. It was active in the formation of worlds millions of years ago; it was expressed through the patriarchs and the spiritual teachers of all times. The Angel-world has been man's leader and teacher from the beginning. Jacob, called it Shiloh; David, Lord; Isaiah, the Child; and more recently the same power was called Christ. In its nature, it was at all times the same-the peace of harmony, love to all mankind, purity and holiness blending men all together in one family.

He had also passed through much persecution for this truth. The church, with which he had been so long associated, and in which he had enjoyed so much love in the past, he was long since estranged from, and now because of his views on Christ, he was equally shunned by Spiritualists. Thus his privations were of a peculiar kind. To him the first gentle tapping indicating spirit presence, obtained in the bosom of his own family, was as a foretaste of heaven on earth. Then when he had the Bible placed on the table in the centre of the circle-brought from the sideboard-his religious feelings were gratified, but he had been pained to see so much of the iconoclast among Spiritualists.

Spiritualism had been for 33 years a persecuted work, even as Jesus was. All this time we had been doing navvy work-clearing away human prejudice and infidelity, but Soon the Child would be born, and we would be spiritually purified by his "blood," or spiritual fluid passing into us and redeeming us from the lower influences.

During the proceedings Miss Pawley's hand was controlled to write the following:

COMMUNICATION WRITTEN THROUGH MISS PAWLEY Dear Friends.-We do not wish our Medium to speak this evening, but we desire to say that no despair need be borne at the words of our dear young friend.

While listening with attention and respect, we would, at the same time, wish to open up a fresh field of thought. Knowing as we do the difficulties which surround you in your work, yet we feel that the obstacles are gradually falling away. The clouds are breaking-the sun is peeping through the mist, the light is coming-even is now at hand. The vision will not tarry; yea, though it seems to tarry, yet it will come-it will not tarry. God bless you all.

The meeting concluded with a trance-address by Mr. Duguid, the audience dispersing with expressions of much satisfaction at the proceedings.

THE SUNDAY EVENING MEETING AT THE SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION.

Happily the attendance was small, and the conditions on that account all the more perfect. It was a family meeting augmented by casual visitors: just the kind of spiritual meeting that should abound and be preferred to all others.

Mr. A. Duguid, as the Visiting Teacher, took control of the meeting. Mr. Warren, an experienced organist, led a hymn on the piano, and this portion of the service was sympathetic and harmonious. Mr. Duguid then read the third chapter of Habakkuk upon which he commented, unfolding the beautiful imagery of its language, and showing that a meaning had to be felt from it more than words could convey. He then mentioned the name of Mr. Burns, who rose and delivered the following address:

THE SPIRITUAL BENEFIT OF CHANGE AND
SUFFERING.

The ancient teachers by hieroglyphic language made an object represent the contents of a whole library: all that was known, or might be known of the object represented was contained or implied in the symbol. A few of these signs and figures, to the learned, embodied the whole universe; but to the unlearned they meant nothing. Now we have words which describe or stand in place of these ancient symbols, and by our

use of these words we fancy that we know much. Books are multiplied, but does knowledge proportionately increase? The chapter expounded is a series of these symbols expressed in modern language. It recognises the continual changes that take place in the world around us, praying-"O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years." A continuous destruction and renovation is the secret of life, and though the body of man is thus passing away and being built up again continuously yet in spirit he remains the same, and it is the active work of that indwelling spirit-the Lord--which causes the necessary change.

This ancient chapter is couched in the forms of nature and the passions of the human mind. As are the feelings and phenomena of man, so are the varied experiences through which the earth-the solar system-the universe passes, God the life and soul of all.

Winter follows summer: destruction and ruin treading down the fair fruits of abundance and beauty. As the earth wheels its course around the sun, producing the changes of the year, so the sun and its train of planets roll in tremendous courses round a greater sun, giving rise to spiritual seasons and physical changes separated in their recurrence by thousands of years!

Geological remains inform us that the climate of the northern portion of the earth was once of quite a different character. Where continents with teeming populations once existed, now there are almost fathomless oceans. Literally "Thou didst cleave the earth with waters," raising mountains from the channels of the deep which "uttered its voice," and marching "through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger."

In the mental universe these convulsions are also felt, when the soul sends forth a new flash of inspiration into the outer mind; when a wave of inspiration rolls over the peoples of the earth-Where then are the previously existing philosophies and fastnesses of the mind? "At the light of thine arrows the sun and the moon stood still in their habitation." Just as the sun would seem to stagger or move not in its regular course if the poles of the earth changed and the Arctic regions become equatorial, so the usual luminaries of man's intellect -as if appalled by the flashes of the soul's grandeur-stand still, stupid and awe-struck, when the veil is once again lifted and the true light of the spirit shines upon the thought-sphere of man.

Not ruin-but progress follows upon these acts of him whose "brightness was as the light; and whose ways are everlasting." The encrusted impediments to spiritual unfoldment alone pass away, but the truth remaineth more strongly placed than ever.

In our Spiritualism much had grown up that was not spiritual, and to ensure the well-being of Spiritualism in the future the obstacles had to be cleared away. These external methods upon which the minds of some may have been fastened may have fallen into decay. The stream of Spiritualism has sought out new channels for itself, but though the old watercourses be now dried up, and though the mighty mountains have trembled and fallen into the gulf, yet Spiritualism is not the less a mighty fact, nor as a true spiritual work is it less prosperous.

The general lesson to be learnt from this ancient chapter and from the vast book of human experience is that we fix not our attention upon the phenomenal things which we use, as if they were the end of life. They are only the means to the end, and when used as means in their proper manner the end is blessed. These means may be substituted by others, or they may be altogether swept away, but the end of existence still remains, because existence itself is an inextinguishable fact.

Some there be who tremble because of the failure of this or that little project, and foolishly think that the life and health of truth hangs upon the success of their little schemes. There are others who fear that the present order of earthly things is about to give way, and that they must soon quit earth's scenes by pestilence, famine, the sword, or conflict of the elements.

These are weak and simple-minded fears! All of us inherit the frail perishable body-all of us are responsible for whatever vicissitudes or suffering the possession of that body may bring upon us. Part from it we must at some time, and what matters it when or how? The spirit, when once freed from the body, recks not on the manner of its going. We centre our minds too much on the body-on external conditions in all things. It is the progress of the spirit, the going forth of the Lord-not the death of the body, that is involved in these transitions. All of us have faced death in the course of our painful and troublous earth-life. We have writhed in the painful agonies of disease; we have felt the hand of death upon us. Some of us have seen into Yonder Land and been comforted at the vision,-others have not been so favoured, and have looked into that Dark River without bank and without bottom, into which we have expected each moment to plunge and come out again we knew not where !

Yet in the midst of these agonies and distractions the soul has felt as confident in its being and its power to exist as when in the state of blooming health and physical strength. And if the course of the Soul had lain direct through that dark bottomless stream, it would have had strength to over

come the difficulty and find its way into a more congenial clime as countless millions have done before.

The soul-the divine humanity-is everlasting as God, and shall dwell with Him for ever. Spiritualism-the knowledge of the spirit in man-must exist while the spirit exists, which shall be for ever.

Let us welcome, then, all those direful experiences that may overtake us our Spiritualism, our bodies, or our globe: they are all needful to the healthful progress of the Cause, the establishment of real health in kumanity, and the suitability of the earth as a habitation for the children of God.

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the 'fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

After a trance address Mr. Duguid awoke in the clairvoyant state, and saw a series of significant visions.

First. He saw a rude altar of unhewn stones so loosely placed as to scarcely hold together. A few embers were smouldering thereon. By the altar stood a sage in white garments, and in the foreground a bright young child. A vast assemblage in bright array was seen at a great distance, as if awaiting the command to advance.

Second. A rainbow arch spanned the little group, so as to take in all. Its colours were described as most brilliant. It was full of promise.

Third. A lovely woman (a spirit well-known at this centre) was seen to advance, carrying a basket containing flowers. She was engaged in brushing away many dead leaves that obscured the beauty of the flowers. Having done so a most beautiful rose sprang up in the midst of the flowers. This vision and the next one was seen by another clairvoyant besides Mr. Duguid. They could not find words to express their admiration of this fresh flower which sprang up from the wasted conditions.

Fourth. A spirit clad in armour entered the room by the door. The helmet had a protection for the face so that the countenance could not be seen plainly, and Mr. Duguid could not recognise the spirit, but the other seer did so, being in frequent communion with this noble spirit-friend. He had a beautiful fair hand in which he carried a large key. He advanced right in front of Mr. Burns and held out the key to him, after which he departed as he came.

Fifth. A visitor was described as having healing influences around him, more particularly in reference to the circumstances of life.

Sixth. The organist had his mother described as looking over the pages of the Bible which she was in the habit of doing with her son in the long distant past.

These were the visible results to the eye of the seer, and the meaning may be understood by all. No pen can describe the influence which pervaded the little meeting. Its effects will not pass away. Mr. Duguid's controls concluded with this—

A SPIRITUAL ASPIRATION.

Our Father which art in Heaven, we acknowledge Thy care and goodness. In the past Thy loving presence has protected us in the midst of danger, and the light of Thy Being has been the only true guide to our path.

We still feel the burden of Life too heavy without Thy help, and the world too cold without Thy sweet and benign love. Give us of Thy illuminating Nature that we may understand more clearly the reason of those yearnings within us, and the tangled web of Life, behind and before us. We lisp the accents of children, when we confess our ignorance of existence to Thee, our Father, Protector and Benefactor. May we recognise every acquisition in knowledge as a nearer approach of Thy presence, and through whatever means we gain that knowledge may we look on it as a manifestation of Thy goodness. The School of Experience in which Thou hast placed us in Nature, outwardly and inwardly, with its storms and varied changes without as well as within our mind and inner region, with its sorrows and vicissitudes,-all are working for our good, and moulding a perfect representation of Thee, our Father God.

Bless us to night, and clothe us with Thy hallowed influences through Life's wanderings; and thus, whatever we do

A SKETCH OF MISSIONARY EFFORT.

Our missionary work has extended to many places in Scotland, and although we have the usual feeling of satisfaction in doing our duty to extend the glad tidings of salvation through Spiritualism, there is still the want of interest amongst Spiritualists and allowing too much to fall on the shoulders of the medium. But we lift not the pen to grumble or malign the efforts of any, but will stick to the simple report of our doings.

Our last visit to Glasgow was very characteristic, and indeed we left behind us an impress of the invisible. In one instance in which the President of the G. A. S. can testify, a young woman was convinced of the reality of spirit existence in having her own personal life opened up, the home of her youth described, all the minutiae of that home fully laid open, a clear description of some members of the family who have passed to spirit-life, and a startling revelation was made to her of one who drowned himself in a water not far from the door of that home. This one did not belong to her, but was only revealed as an event which would arrest her attention. This spirit was seen sitting beside a canal amongst rocks, just as if he had got out of the water, and no more. This is only one of the many ways in which the verities of spirit-life express themselves. We find a pleasure in being able to give authentic information of departed friends as well as those who receive such testimony.

While in the Glasgow district we made a visit to Alva, a little town at the foot of the Ochil Hills. There are a few enthusiastic friends in this locality, and who thirst eagerly for the truths of Spiritualism. A fine meeting was organised in one of the cottages, and a spiritual blessing was left amongst them. Our first visit to this town was very remarkable, and a striking incident took place. It was on a Sunday afternoon just as the churches were assembling for service, we sat down for a seance; there were more than a dozen present. Before the business of the seance began, a peculiar vision was seen. A templar's lodge was recognised with all the ritual connected with it. Afterwards what appeared to be a deathbed scene was seen a man appeared on the bed in sore distress, and friends were standing round as anticipating something serious to take place. While looking on that scene there was the appearance of the spirit passing from the body. It was a beautiful phenomenon, and impressed all present, but none could recognise the force of it at the time. In the course of the evening the truth transpired. The Worthy Chief of the lodge (the only one in town) actually died that afternoon while we were sitting, and, we think, at the very moment the vision was seen.

The news of this important event startled many, and introduced the serious work of Spiritualism, and as a result we hal a large semi-public meeting. Since that time we have maintained a connection with the Spiritualists of Alva, and, as occasion permits, visit them.

We returned back to Glasgow, and thence to Kirkcaldy. We made arrangements to have a public meeting in Dumfermline, a large and important town in the west of Fife; but as circumstances would have it, we could not reach the place,— every means of access was cut off, road and rail being blocked with snow. However, we carried forward our plan the week following.

In Dumfermline there is an ancient abbey which contains the tomb of King Robert the Bruce, and if anything was real in our experiences it was the presence of the spirit of this noble hero of ancient time. An independency of thought and feeling was manifested throughout the visit. We were treated kindly and honestly by the people; even the proprietor of the hall we were lecturing in manifested liberality, which is an uncommon experience in pioneering the work of Spiritualism.

This visit to Dumfermline was really a deputation from the Kirkcaldy Association, as eight members accompanied us and our president (Mr. Birnie) acted as chairman. In a neat and appropriate speech from the chairman and some singing accompanied with the harmonium, we were introduced to the audience, which, although not large, was orderly and intelligent. In our normal condition we said a few words, and alluded to the fact that Spiritualism had strong association with the town, as my brother David Duguid, the Glasgow trance painting medium, was born there, so that the town holds the natal honour of an important factor in the Spiritual Movement of to-day. After some more singing the controlling intelligence was introduced to the meeting, and gave a discourse on the