VARIOUS FORMS OF SPIRIT-WRITING. As to writing being done by spirits and in various handwritings, there are numberless instances. Sometimes it is done through the hand of a medium who is either entranced or in the normal state. The late Baron Guldenstubbe was a grand medium for obtaining writing by direct spirit-agency. He would send a messenger to the shop to obtain a packet of writing paper, and when the seals were broken and the packet opened the spirit-writing would be found on the sheets thus closely packed together and which had never been opened out since they were put up in packets by the manufacturer. Dr. Slade, Dr. Monck, and others obtained the writing on closed slates that were sealed or nailed together. Mrs. Everitt obtained writing done on paper with great velocity, from 50 to 100 words being written in a second of time. In all cases the result has been found to vary with the conditions. To obtain the writing of certain spirits Guldenstubbe would make the experiment at the tombs where their earth-bodies were deposited. Slade and Monck had very different success with different sitters, and Mrs. Everitt could not at all times depend on receiving these extraordinary writings. The presence of certain persons seemed to be auxiliary to the effect required. So also Madame Blavatsky does not appear to obtain these manifestations indiscriminately but only when conditions favour success. THE LEVITATION OF MEDIUMS Is of weekly occurrence in London and other parts of this country. The medium and various chairs are frequently lifted on to the table at the seances of Eglinton, Husk, Williams, Rita, etc. Oftentimes the arm of the person holding the medium's hand is linked through the back of the chair, presenting the manifestation of the passage of the solid substance of the chair through the arm of the medium or of the person who holds his hand. At 61, Lamb's Conduit Street hats or other articles belonging to sitters are frequently brought into the closed seance-room and placed on the persons who own them. OBJECTS MADE BY SPIRITS. If it be inferred that the power at work with Madame Blavatsky actually produces the objects, then we have had similar results in the case of the materialisation of flowers and plants at the circles af Mrs. Esperance held last summer at Newcastle, of the occurrence of which phenomena there was the strongest possible evidence. Some of the flowers were no doubt carried a distance by the spirits, while others actually came into appearance before the eyes of the spectator. The materialisation of spirit-forms is a creation, or, rather, transformation, for the material atoms used previously existed in another form, and so the water produced in the bottle held by Madame at Simla was already in the atmosphere, and more particularly in Madame's glandular temperament, in rich abundance, and only required the " camera of her sleeve to be transformed into the condition in which it was presented in the bottle. Respecting victuals and drink thus produced Madame might to some considerable extent be justified in saying, "My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." THE PASSING OF THE LIVING MEDIUM THROUGH SOLID WALLS. Perhaps the best authenticated instances of wonderful manifestations corroborative of the cases cited in the "Homeward Mail" occurred to Mr. C. E. Williams, the well-known medium. The one which we shall describe first took place at the Spiritual Institution, and we alluded to it a few months ago. It was likewise mentioned in the MEDIUM at the time. Some years ago Mr. Williams gave public seances at the Spiritual Institution, 15, Southampton Row; they were held weekly. Very powerful phenomena occurred, and the attendance was generally good. The seances were held in the rooms up one stair over the shop, behind which there is a small office. The room over the seance-room, up two stairs, is a sitting room. On the occasion in question a dark seance was being held, but the stairs outside the seance-room were lighted, and the sitters, who were rather numerous, sat facing every point, so that if the doors had been opened for an instant the light would have been seen to stream in. During the time of the seance the writer of this article was sitting in the little office behind the shop, engaged in writing. The seance would be about half over when the writer heard someone with heavy boots coming down stairs at a terriffc speed. A number of thoughts passed through the writer's brain as to what could be the cause of such excited movements -had someone been turned out of the seance? had imposture been discovered? or had someone been taken ill? Before these thoughts could flash through the mind Mr. Williams rushed into the office in a state of the greatest excitement. His face wore such a frenzied expression, his breathing was so interrupted, and his actions so uneasy, that the first conclusion which presented itself was that the poor fellow had lost his reason. He gasped out, "Where am I? what has happened?" He was calmly asked what had happened, and he gradually became more subdued as he discovered where he was and that he was himself again. He said he found himself upstairs in the room above the one in which the seance was held, but how he got there he could give no account. The more he tried to explain himself the more mysterious did his position become. The writer went up stairs with him to the door of the seanceroom, telling him not to speak a word and see what the sitters said inside. They were asked through the closed doors, in the midst of considerable conversation, where Mr. Williams was. The reply came back that he was in the room only a minute or so before. His boots had been felt by various sitters after he had been levitated from his proper place. They were then searching for him, but could not find him. We then said from the outside, "What would you say if told that Mr. Williams is not in the room at all?" This was regarded as an imposibility, as the door had not been opened. We then declared that Mr. Williams was indeed outside, and that if the door were opened he would be seen on the landing. The door was then opened, but the astonishment was so great that the sitters could scarcely realise the stupendous nature of the manifestation that had occurred in their midst. Further conversation elicited the fact that just after Mr. Williams had been felt in the seance for the last time a thud was heard in the room over head, as if a heavy weight had fallen on the floor, after which there was the sound of footsteps, but no one for a moment thought such sounds could have any connection with the seance. The whole affair did not take so much time to perform as is necessary to read this account of it, and the conditions were of such a character that it cannot be doubted that Mr. Williams was indeed taken into the room above that in which he sat by spirit-power. (To be continued.) WORK at the SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION. O.S.T., No. 1 SCHOOL. On Thursday evening the School discussed the conditions at Mr. Bastian's circle, as reported in last week's MEDIUM. The Teachers present had also attended the circle, and from their evidence it appeared that they did not enjoy the felicity of the sitters alluded to in our report. One sensitive sitter was beside another who is notorious for drawing vitality from others and throwing over them a mental atmosphere of suspicions and scepticism. It was pointed out that the sitters might have been arranged to better advantage, and that the absence of some would have been desirable. It was made to appear that in a large circle there might be several distinct conditions very different in quality. It was also demonstrated that the sitters on one side of a circle might be quite spiritually impressed and regard the manifestations as satisfactory and genuine, whereas the sitters on the other side might be suspicious, uncomfortable and dissatisfied. This dissatisfaction did not arise from the incomplete nature of the manifestations, but from the mental influences predominating in that part of the circle. One Teacher said he had observed that a large class of minds did not think for themselves at all, but were actuated in their conclusions by the more positive mental influences which prevailed around them. These impressible ones were generally rather of a melancholy disposition, and when they received an unfavourable influence they looked on the dark side of the affair without taking the trouble to analyse the circumstances sufficiently from an independent standpoint. It was therefore of great importance to place such sitters in a favourable position in order that they might be impressed to advantage. From a want of this arrangement mediums were often suspected and the phenomena discredited. MRS. PRICHARD'S CLAIRVOYANCE This medium then joined the meeting, and, arising out of a conversation which sprang up, she gave some account of one phase of her clairvoyance of which she had received no oxplanation. Some years ago she saw small globes sesembling a man's head floating before her, and these globes were peopled by very small human beings. More recently these heads had increased in size and the features in distinctness. There was no body attached to them, only the head, of which there might be a number, with tiny human figures swarming about the mouth and nostrils. Upon the brow appeared an open way along which these little figures appeared to travel. Why she should see these scenes and what they indicated she had not been able to discover. These sights appeared to her in daylight as she walked along, and they were in addition to that more practical form of seership, whereby recognised spirit friends were frequently described. She called them "planets," but could not undertand them at all. Her controlling influences were given to drawing her attention to the formation of the earth, and she had been impressd to obtain "Our Planet" by Professor Denton, with her book club money. Mr. T. M. Brown will be in Malton till the end of the week. Address, up to Saturday-Care of Dr. Douthwaite, Saville-street, Malton; and up to Tuesday following-Care of Mr. Geo. Parrott, Westfield, Selby, Yorkshire; Will visit York, Leeds, and Manchester shortly. Mom 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. A 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 taine places. This maintains the peculiar magnetic conditions necessary to the production of the phenomena. A developing circle exhausts power, or uses it up. PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.-The phenomena are produced by a vital force emanating from the saers, 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 inharmonious 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 mediumistic person should be placed on each side of the medium, and those most 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 efore 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. Reason with them kindly, firmly, and considerately. INTERCOURSE WITH SPIRITS is carried on by various means. The simplest in three tips of the table or raps for "Yes," and one for "No." By this means the pirits can answer in the affirmative or negative. By calling over the alphabet the spirits will rap at the proper letters to constitute a message. Sometimes 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 th 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 8piritualism. should correspond with Mr. Burns, Proprietor of the Spiritual Institution, 15, Southampton Row, London, W.O., who will gladly forward a packet of publi tions and useful information gratis. Stamps should in all cases be enclosed for return postage. Deputations of mediums or lecturers may be arranged for te disit any locality where public meetings or seances can be institutes THE Materialism and Scepticism which are ably advocated in some of the popular journals, and are supported by the names of men of eminence in science, have natnrally found admirers among the Unitarians. They have divided tne Unitarians into two classes, which we may describe as the spiritualist and the materialist, if we may use such words without being so uncharitable as to charge our neighbours with irreligion. So far as we have observed they both acknowledge a Great First Canse, a God the Maker of the World, but they do not both agree in thinking that the world is at every moment upheld by His power, and watched over by His care. The materislist says that He made it, or rather that it was made, with the possession of such faculties that it goes on of itself. The spiritualist, on the other hand, seeing no such powers in matter, believes that life exists in matter only by spirit planted in it by its Maker, and fostered by His never failing care. The spiritualist therefore looks with a devout feeling to the Being who has brought us into life one after another, and who has left marks of His creative power legibly written on the world around." The Christian Life," Dec. 25, 1880. DURING the past twenty years there have been no licenses issued for the sale of intoxicating drinks in Potter county, Pennsylvania. "At a recent term of the court, the district attorney informed the court that he had no indictments to present to the grand jury; the sheriff also stated that he had no criminals in the prison; the directors of the poor reported that they had no one to keep at the country's charge." [There are New Editions of these Works in Preparation.] MISS CHANDOS LEIGH HUNT Gives Full Instructions in Organic Magnetism, In Three Lessons of One Hour each, and a Presentation Copy of her "Written Instructions." N.B. "Organic Magnetism" embraces all forms of Magnetism, such as Mesmerism, Electro-Biology, Psychology, Fascination, Artificial Somnambulism, &c., &c. Terms-Posta?, One Guinea. Personal, Three Guineas. All further after-inquiries her Pupils desire to make are answered free of charge, but must be accompanied by a stamped, directed envelope. Pupils desiring to develope phenomena under the tuition of MISS LEIGH HUNT, after the three lessons, can do so at 10s. 6d. the sitting; Non-Pupils, One Guinea. Like virtue, the power to Magnetise is in all, and can be developed by all. CONTENTS OF "PRIVATE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS." (SECOND EDITION.) (These Instructions are on thin paper, for transmission abroad.) A short introductory article, in which is defined the difference be tween mental and manual organic magnetism, and reasons given why all persons should both be magnetised and able to magnetise-The use of discs-Magnetic conductors-How to develope the magnetic power in the human organism to its highest degree of perfection-To develope and cultivate the magnetic gaze to its greatest possible power-To cultivate the power of controlling by sympathy (those possessing large imitation are easily and unconsciously affected)-My own process for controlling, including a theatrical one-Captain Hudson's, and those of many others-Material attraction (highly interesting, because often producible upon those never previously magnetised)-Peculiar imposition of the hands-Magnetising with the voice-Auto-magnetism, hypnotism, and statuvolism-Fallacies carefully pointed out-Surrounding external conditions necessary for success-Drawing, repelling, direct, communicatory, head, lifting, magnetising, demagnetising, and other passes all thoroughly explained, and when to be used with successCautions upon cross-magnetism, accidental phrenological manipulations, and careless mental impressions; how to instantly meet and counteract any injurious effects produced by these means-How to magnetise patients during sleep, both for phenomenal and curative purposes-How to magnetise trees, plants, water, &c., and the various phenomenal effects to be produced upon persons and fishes by them, also its action upon the plants, &c., themselves-How to magnetise looking-glasses, chairs, handkerchiefs, tables, doors, thresholds, &c. &c., and various phenomena to be thereby produced-How to magnetise animals: horses, dogs, cats, goats, birds, fishes, &c., &c., curatively and phenomenally-How they magnetise in foreign countries for curing and producing phenomena, both upon men and animals-Hints to magnetisers about to give public and private entertainments-First symptoms evinced by subjects passing under control-The first experiment that should be made-A test for the inexperienced, as to whether a subject is really influenced or trying to deceive the magnetiser-How to act when persons are spontaneously affected-A short introd uctory speech for the magnetiser-A simple method of ascertaining whether a person will pass easily under your control or not; this test takes but a minute, and is unfailingly certain-Mental impressions: how to produce wonderful effects by them, both during and after control-to cure moral depravities-How to induce and cultivate thought-reading and clairvoyance-How to give a thought-reading and clairvoyant entertainment, with some very pretty and entirely original phases-Over one hundred amusing, interesting, theatrically effective, and convincing experiments, suitable to either large, small, public, or private entertainments How to fascinate, and its wonderful effects - How to move a pain from a patient, and give it to some person or persons present (a most convincing proof to a sceptic)-Another equally convincing and very amusing proof of magnetism having a curative power-How to draw subjects from, and control them at a distanceThe effects of incomplete magnetisation, and the philosophical reason why-The dangers of magnetism to both operator and subject pointed out, and how they are to be met and avoided-How to refuse the influence of magnetism, and some valuable information to subjects. -- HEALING.-Curative parses-To produce insensibility for surgical operations, for animals and human beings-Stroking-To produce a curative sleep for the sleepless-How to remove pains of organic diseases and cure functional ones-Special laws for healing chest, kidney, and heart diseases, also rheumatic affections-To cure epilepsy-To treat blindness, deafness, insanity, mania, and all mental affections-To remove pain from and heal burns, wounds, scalds, &c.-Treatment for infants, that will always be successful, if the food is even approximately correct -How and when to cure with the saliva, and what food the healer should masticate before*-Applying magnetism to act as an emetic, &c. Use of mental impressions in healing-A certain method for removing stiffness from limbs, and making them thoroughly lithesome (a magnetic Turkish bath without water)-To cure stammering and delirium tremens-No more people buried in a trance-Hydropathic hand-rubbing, slapping, homeopathic zoomagnetismus, and allopathic medical rubbing now so fashionable, are forms of curative magnetism, and instructions are here given enabling persons to qualify themselves as professors of these branches, as well as of every other branch of the science, by a little practice-How to remove any unpleasant effects arising from healing infectious diseases-How to magnetise for curative purposes flannel, paper, water, shoes, baths, food, and to make what was known to the ancients as the Magic Bandage-Laws for treating every form of disease. Every phenomenon mentioned in the Treatise is here taught how to be produced. The whole work is interspersed with numerous valuable notes. An extensive list of works upon this subject, for further study and advice given, which to peruse, and from where to obtain them. Additional copies, post free, 1d. each per week, or 6s. 6d. per year. THE "MEDIUM" FOR 1880 POST FREE ABROAD. One copy will be sent weekly to all parts of Europe, United States, and British North America, for 8s. 8d. To India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and nearly all other countries, for 10s. 10d. Money Orders may now be sent from nearly every country and colony to London through the Post Office. In other cases a draft on London, or paper currency, may be remitted. All orders for copies, and communications for the Editor, should by addressed to Mr. JAMES BURNS, Office of the MEDIUM, 15, Southampton row, Holborn, London, W.C. The MEDIUM is sold by all newsvendors, and supplied by the wholesale trade generally. Advertisements inserted in the MEDIUM at 6d. per line. A series by contract. Legacies on behalf of the Cause should be left in the name of "James Burns." SEANCES AND MEETINGS DURING THE WEEK AT THE SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION, 15, SOUTHAMPTON ROW. THURSDAY.-School of Spiritual Teachers at 8 o'clock. THE MEDIUM AND DAYBREAK. FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1881. NOTES AND COMMENTS. THE violent storm and heavy fall of snow have entirely paralysed effort in London. Business is almost suspended. The streets are as quiet as a grave-yard, where otherwise there would be noise and bustle. Many are ill, and it is hard to get work done or goods collected. Lastly our kind correspondents seem to have all gone to sleep or got smothered in the snow; as we receive no remittances. We hope therefore our friends to whom attention is due will kindly excuse us for a day or two longer. THE very cordial reception which Mrs. Richmond met with in Chicago certainly merits the congratulations which are bestowed in her speech on her work, her friends, and the Cause generally. We do not think the spiritual season is quite so forward in this country, so that we feel inclined to regard the Cause in the wintry aspect in which it was sketched last week. MRS. Richmond alludes to some platform efforts being made in this country to promote the Cause, but however meritorious these may be in any land they are insignificant when compared with that Power which is operating on millions of minds throughout civilisation. This true view of the matter she does not by any means overlook. MISS Samuel spoke at Goswell Hall on Sunday evening on the "Return of the spirit." There was a good audience notwithstanding the terrific weather. Miss Samuel will speak again at Goswell Hall, 290, Goswell Road on Sunday evening at 7 o'clock. MR. Epes Sargent, of Boston has passed on to the higher life. We will give an obituary of him next week. We have heard of the arrival of Mr. Spriggs and Mr. Smart at Melbourne. We hope to be able to furnish some definite news from them soon. MR. F. Everitt who assists the spiritualists so much in their Happy Evenings, is interested in the entertain ment of the Socratic Debating Society, a programme of which is given on another page. We hope our readers will promote the sale of tickets and support Mr. Everitt in return for his many valuable services. SPIRITUALISTIC FUNERAL AT HEYWOOD. The Spiritualists of Heywood have this week been following the beautiful example of our Durham friends. Rosa, the daughter of Mr. E. Ellis, passed to the higher life January 8, 1881, and was interred in the Heywood Cemetery January 12. The body was beautifully adorned in the coffin with pink paper and white muslin tastefully arranged. The coffin-plate bore the inscription "Passed away," instead of the usual word, "Died," significant of Spiritualistic faith! Before leaving the house of Mr. Ellis the guides of Mr. Tetlow delivered a very impressive invocation. The friends then proceeded to the cemetery, where they were met by friends from Rochdale, amongst whom was Mr. Parsons, president of the Rochdale Society, also Mr. and Mrs. Brearley. The coffin was taken into the dissenting place for interment by Mr. Brooks and Mr. Brearley; the beautiful service which followed consisted of singing the hymn, "We do not die-we cannot die," an invocation, address and invocation from Mr. Tetlow's guides. Then, proceeding to the grave, another hymn was sung, It is a faith sublime and sure." Again the guides of Mr. Tetlow poured forth their clear, solemn, and impressive eloquence, holding all spell-bound. The address in the room where the dissenters read their burial service was remarkable for its richness of thought and beauty of conception, but the one at the grave was still more grand, bringing the Roman Catholic mourners from their worship, leaving the dead to take care of itself while they listened to the stirring words of the entranced medium. Even the grave-digger forgot his labours to watch the unusual proceedings. We hope these spiritualistic funerals will be taken advantage of wherever convenient, to let the world see of what is our faith. The evening was spent agreeabiy in singing sweet hymns and listening to the controlling intelligence from the lips of various local mediums. A lady clairvoyantly saw the child whose body had been that day laid in the tomb amusing itself in the room where they all sat, apparently cheerful and contented. P. OFFICIALISM, THE BANE OF PERSONAL EFFORT. In his Annual Temperance address, Joseph Livesey, 50 years a teetotaller, says:― 6 "Our errors in teaching have not been greater than those of legislation. Beginning with the passing of the Beer Bill, the Government of the country have kept giving fresh scope for the sale of drink; and the temperance people, finding it much easier to rely upon law than labour-much easier to give their five pound notes and sign a petition, than to go into the highways and hedges' to convert the drinkers-have allowed 'moral suasion' to sink in the hope that 'legal suasion' would do their work. The time is approaching when the wisdom of this conduct will be fairly tested. I would advise those who at present are cherishing large hopes from legislation to be prepared for disappointment. Knowing that legislation must have a moral basis; that no law can pass without being backed by public opinion, our hope of success ought to have led us during the last 20 years, to make far greater efforts to teetotalize the country; and unless we can in the future make more head way than in the past among the masses, the hope of much prohibition' and a sober country, will be greatly dsappointed. The government and parliament have strong reasons for encouraging the drinking system, and hence the teetotalers never had a more trying time for their hopes of much legislative advantage. It all depends upon ourselves, upon our own activity; and in this belief I may still repeat what I said before. It is not more law but more labour that we want; not parliamentary parchments, but feeling, sympathising hearts; not prayers to government, but appeals to the masses; mixing with them, teaching them, and inducing them to leave the public-house and drinking companions; holding lively meetings and forming brotherly associations. It is quite time to cease lamenting and to begin working; to cease leaning for all our support on Government and Parliament, instead of going forth, as of old, in the strength of our principles, determined to let no moraĺ means be untried for their diffusion. Let us, like men, attack alcohol in all his retreats and all his strongholds. Let us war against drinking, and not merely against drunkenness (simply its natural effect), whether in the public or the private house. Let us lay the bare truth before all classes, commending it to their reception by reason, kindness, forbearance, and love. Oh! for the return of those delightful days of devoted labour in spreading abroad amongst the millions the cheering truths of abstinence; those days of self-denial, when regardless of pay or promotion, no labour seemed too much to rescue a fellowcreature from the thraldom of stronk dring; when shoulder to shoulder we battled with the foe, publicly and privately, and never ceased to gain conquests." The same divergency of tactics is apparent in the spiritual Movement. Some think if they subscribe to a society or Institution, attend seances, and patronise lecturers, that they are good Spiritualists, and that the people can be spiritualised by professional efforts. This is a grand mistake. One true Spiritualist, who acting spiritually endeavours to make others so, is of greater use to the Cause than a whole society of mere subscribers and lecture listeners. MRS. RICHMOND'S RECEPTION AT CHICAGO. Mrs. Richmond's recent visit to this country, and the very enthusiastic character of her farewell meeting, will be ample excuse for occupying some space with her reception at home. She seems to have taken a higher position than she occupied when she left Chicago to come to us. The following report is from the Chicago "Daily Times," Sunday Dec. 26, 1880. On Thursday evening a public reception was tendered Mr. and Mrs. William Richmond at Martine's Hall, by the First Society of Spiritualists and their friends. Mrs. Richmond, as many are aware, is the regular speaker of the First Society. She has been absent for the last seven months on a professional tour through England and Scotland, speaking in most of the principal cities. Her lectures attracted large and cultivated audiences, and her success is most gratifying to her many friends. Martine's Hall was crowded to greet Mrs. Richmond on her return. Many floral offerings were arranged upon the platform. Conspicuous among them was a large bed of exotics with the words "Welcome home" inwrought in tiny blue forget-me-nots. The exercises were opened by a brilliant "potpourri" of instrumental music, followed by a quartet, "Home Again " by Mr. and Mrs. Flammer, Miss Nettie Bushnell, and Mr. Ashton. An address of welcome was then delivered by Mr. Frederick F. Cook, to which Mrs. Richmond responded in her most impressive and eloquent manner. Mr. Jules Lumbard then sang "Neapolitan" in a rich bass voice, and when the last tones died upon the air the desire for an "encore was so unanimous that he rendered "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," the same song with which he said farewell when Mrs. Richmond took her departure. Mrs. Richmond improvised a poem, aluding to her visit abroad, the journey homeward, the pleasure of reunion, and the tributes of flowers, all in the most graceful and poetic style. A sociable was indulged in for a half hour, and then the younger members of the company devoted themselves to the dance till midnight. A part of the audience adjourned to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Hodge, No. 682, West Munroe Street, where supper was served to as large a number as could be accommodated. The affair was most pleasant, and those participating considered themselves fortunate in once again meeting Mrs. Richmond under such pleasant auspices. Mrs. Richmond's meetings are thus announced in the Chicago papers : The First Society of Spiritualists hold their meetings in Fairbank Hall, in Central Music Hall block, corner of State and Randolph Streets. Mrs. Cora L. V. Richmod, "trance speaker" will lecture. Service commences at 7.30 p.m. Subject : "Greetings from Over the Sea. The Spiritual Harvest for the Year." The Editor of the "Daily Times" gives the following notice of the condition of the work : "Mrs. Cora L. V. Richmond, the gifted trance speaker of the First Society of Spiritualists, of this city, will speak in Fairbank Hall, Central Music Hall building, this evening. This beautiful auditorium is now regularly engaged by this organization for Sunday evening services. This means a step forward. As Mrs. Richmond is an exceedingly attractive speaker, a novel orator, she will no doubt attract." QUEBEC HALL, 25, GREAT QUEBEC STREET. Sunday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. prompt, Mr. C. J. Hunt will discourse on "Materialists v. Spiritualists." Monday, at 8.30 p.m., Comprehensionists meet for analysis of teachings. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at 8.30, extraordinary meeting of members and friends interested in the work here and the Cause of Spiritualism generally. Friday evening, at 8.30, discussion. Jan. 28, subject, "Was Jesus of the Gospels an Historical Character ?" opened by Mr. Dunnage. J. M. DALE, Hon. Sec. Dear Mr. Editor,-Will you kiudly allow me to call attention to the meeting on Tuesday, the 25th, in the interests of the Cause generally. how we can increase its power for usefulness and extend its sphere.-J. M. D. NEW DELAVAL.-On New Year's Eve we had a Coffee Supper, and various members and friends of the Society kindly voluntered to sing and recite. We spent a happy evening. We have good physical meetings here now, on Sunday nights. The medium is one of our workmen, who has been developed in our circle. LIFE AND DEATH. (Written Expressly for the MEDIUM AND DAYBREAK.) Have blent so well, they've almost seemed the same. And, hopeful, conquered every adverse gale, As sinks the sun behind the gory wave, And rock to sleep upon the harbour's breast, HUDSON TUTTLE. MEETINGS ON BEHALF OF INSTITUTION WEEK FUND. Mr. J. C. Husk, the well known physical and voice medium, has kindly offered a seance for this series. It will take place on January 25, at 15, Southampton Row, at 8 o'clock. All who desire to attend will have to apply in advance and be accepted by purchasing a ticket, at a definite price, that the Funds may benefit by Mr. Husk's kindness. For further particulars, apply at the Spiritual Institution. It will be remembered that it was through Mr. Husk's mediumship that Mrs. Jackson of America communicated through the direct voice with relatives and friends in spirit life as described by her in these columns at the time. POSTPONEMENT.-On Tuesday evening, Feb. 1st, Mr. Towns will give a third seance for this Fund, at 15 Southampton Row, at 8 o'cloek. MAN'S PHYSICAL CONDITIONS. THE PARIS INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF OPPONENTS TO COMPULSORY VACCINATION. The first congress of delegates from the various anti-vaccination leagues and societies has just terminated its sittings at the Salle des Conferences, Boulevard des Capucines, Paris. The delegates present included some of the oldest leaders and ablest writers identified with the movement, amongst whom may be mentioned Dr. A. Oidtman, of Zinnich; Professor Adolf Vogt, of Bern; Mr. George S. Gibbs, of Darlington; Dr. Hubert Boens, of Charleroi; Professor Hoedmaker, D.D.; Mr. President Hong and Professor Fabius, of the University, Amsterdam; and Mr. H. Schoffe, of Bonn. The States represented were Belgium, England, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, France, and the United States. Letters expressing sympathy with the objects of the congress, and the most ardent desire of the writers for its success, and in aiding the wide-spread revolt against this interference of the state in enforcing medical theories upon an unwilling people, were received from Emeritus Professor Newman; Dr. Reichens, of the Reichstag, Berlin; Mr. P. A. Taylor, M.P.; Mr. C. H. Hopwood, Q.C., M.P.; Dr. J. Garth Wilkinson; Dr. Alexander Wilder, Professor of Physiology in the United States University, New York; Herr Born, and many others. Mr. Herbert Spencer showed his interest in getting rid of compulsory vaccination by sending a contribution towards the expenses of the congress. Amongst the English reporters present were those of the "Times," whose telegraphic notices of a most important kind appeared in that journal. The reading of Mr. Taylor's and Professor F. W. Newman's letters was received with loud demonstrations of applause. Dr. Hubert Boens, member of the Belgium Medical Society and corresponding member of the French Academy of Medicine, was elected president, and delivered an eloquent inaugural address, in which tho whole case against vaccination was presented with consummate ability. He showed the empirical origin of vaccine, the unscientific methods of investigation pursued, traced its growth to Oriental fear of personal disfigurement, and its maintenance to the crystallisation of the prac tice by the state, showed the calamitous results in the introduction of maladies with the vaccine virus, and the confirmation of all he had said by quoting from the municipal and Parliamentary mortality returns, concluding by asking that, if the position he had taken up were logically demonstrated, the delegates and friends would persevere in the work of the congress, and prophesied as a result the early downfall of this false system of so-called preventive medicine. Valuable papers were read and presented by and addresses delivered by Dr. Oidtman, Profesor Fabius, Dr. W. J. Collins, Dr. E. Haughton, Mr. P. O. Siljestrom (of Stockholm), Mr. H. D. Dudgeon, Dr. Schoffe, Professor Hoedmaker, Dr. T. L. Nichols, Professor A. Vogt, Mr. Thomas Baker (barrister-atlaw), M. E. Labbee, Herr Born, Mr. G. S. Gibbs, and others. The delegates were courteously received by M. Duhamel, principal secretary to the President of the Republic, and by the Minister of Commerce and Agriculture, and the Minister of the Interior, to whom addresses were delivered as to the objects of the deputations, one of these being to prevent the indirect compulsion of voccination in the schools and army of France being made universal, as threatened by M. Leuville and his medical co-agitators. I had the honour of presenting to the two last-named ministers an analysis of the recent English Parliamentary returns, and called their attention to some of the important facts which official documents revealed as demonstrating the malificent result of vaccination. M. Constans said in the course of a reply (the text of which will be published) that he should make known the interesting and important facts to which his attention had been directed, and added that he did not think the Chambers would sanction any further interference with the liberty of the citizen on this question. M. Girerd, the Minister of Commerce, introduced Mr. E. W. Gibbs to one of the secretaries for further conferences as to the results of the official reports of the French Academy of Medicine (which Mr. Gibbs had translated) on smallpox and vaccination, and which demonstrated the inutility of the practice. (1) Its evil consequences, so painfullyapparent to every unprejudiced mind in England, had been confirmed by official testimony of every one of those represented nationalities. (2) The result of that important gathering should not fail to animate each delegate, and through him the people he represented, with fresh zeal for the continuance of the righteous agitation against the tyrrany of compulsory vaccination. An international A.C.V. committee of anti-vaccinators representing France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Belgium, the United States, and England was elected by the congress to assist in carrying on the agitation, and for the purpose of arranging to hold another international congress next year. WILLIAM TEBB. The London Society for the Abolition of Compulsory Vaccination, Gray's Inn Chambers, W.C. THE CASE AGAINST COMPULSORY VACCINATION. BY F. W. NEWMAN, EMERITUS PROFESSOR. Dear Sir,-Thanks for your letter of information, the Medical Vaccinationist men, either ignorantly or basely, always neglect to notice (I) Our arguments from Moral Right. (2) Our arguments from Constitutional Right. (3) Our arguments of a decisive character from their own statistics. Under the last I specify (a) Years of prevalent small-pox, are not years of increased mortality. This one fact settles the controversy against them. (b) Illness and disease by small-pox have increased since they made vaccination compulsory. (c) Vaccination, so called, induces other diseases, and they are helpless to prevent it. (d) They, themselves, recommend vaccination to be repeated, and cannot tell how often it is needed; for their own statistics force them to admit, that its preventive force may not stand out against an epidemic next year. When to this we add (e) That they refuse even to experiment the methods of treating small-pox, which are alleged, by actual trial, to make the disease very tractable by certain herbs, by hot water, or by hot air; persisting themselves in the old methods, which leads them to believe small-pox to be an awful danger, instead of a salutary vent of evil. (f) They take no means to investigate the "vera causa" of small-pox, with a view to prevent it in the only common sense way. (g) That their predecessors who spread small-pox by inoculation, and Jenner, who believed that small-pox after vaccination was impossible, have alike been proved wrong by fact. My belief is that the present parliament will condemn compulsion, if the whole case be laid before it. We must refuse all compromise,-I enclose a cheque of £1 1s. as contribution of Paris International A. V. Convention. TO WILLIAM TEBB, Esq. (Signed) F. W. NEWMAN. CHRISTMAS HYMN. "This day the Prince of Peace is born." This day the Prince of Peace is born," But we believe the ancient rule, the good old plan: Away with Right this Christmas morn! Are slaughtered for the Christian feast, The birds of air, the fish of sea, The choirs may sing, A joyous song, He who should heal All ills and wrong, Two thousand years ago was born, Peal out! peal out! But after all the truth remains We see not yet the Age of Gold: Upon the mountain tops the day Lucerne. THE holiest of all holidays are those A, J. C. The sudden joys that out of darkness start |