case were opened, that the prophet saw the spirit-army, while his servant could see nothing until at Elisha's prayer his eyes-spiritual eyes-were also opened it was Elisha and the sons of the prophets that saw Elijah go from earth. Probably had we been there we should have seen nothing; but I believe that in death each ones eyes will be opened, and that from the land of the grave we shall look back and wonder, as we think how blind we were once when on earth, how blind all of earth's children still are, for there we shall form one of a great cloud of witnesses, yet unknown, unfelt, unrealized by our mortal friends; there we shall look around upon the flowery walks through which we pass, and think how marvellous it is that all these beauties, these living imperishable realities are to earth's blinded children mere mythical shadowy fancies; there we may see the great earth spread out before us, but dim, and shadowy, and ghostlike look the old mountains we knew so well. Yes! a world, a real, tangible, immortal world with all the beauties of nature, only all spiritual, and all this vast world may be close to us and we be quite unaware of the fact, except through spiritual discernment; this is what I have tried to argue, this is what I believe. Do not St. Paul's words point the same way, when he tells us that we are come to the spirits of just men made perfect, to the general assembly and Church of the First-born; that they all look down upon us from there, a great cloud of witnesses. Now, regarding the future life thus, are we not better able to realise our great and glorious destiny? Do we not feel with greater force, and with greater peace and pleasure, too, that "Here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Is it not the only way to realise spirit-life at all? and is it not a bright and joyous picture and is it not scriptural, too? And if it be all these, then should we not think much more of these glimpses of spirit-life that the Scriptures afford us than we commonly do, and try to picture to our hearts and minds a less one-sided view of Heaven? GLIMPSES OF SOUL-LIFE. When the following communication was given the Control explained that it is the reverie of a newly-awakened spirit to things spiritual. The mind, it was remarked, always gives forth expression more or less connected and harmonious according to the music of its unfoldment. Send this to your little paper (was added). Do not sign name of either spirit or medium, but only "Glimpses of Soullife." These will consist of a series of poetical soliloquies, each of which will be given when the medium is thrown into the peculiarly delicate state of sensitiveness in which the following was received. These "Glimpses" will illustrate in a feeble degree the ecstatic state of the spirit when made to live in the atmosphere and true life of the soul. Many sensitives are at the present time being prepared by the spirit-world to pass through like experiences, so that by a faint realisation of spirit-delights they may become more fervent lovers of Truth, more earnest instruments of Light, and more aspiring men and women. MUSINGS OF THE SPIRIT.-EXPERIENCE No. 2. Plenty and peace, truth and light abound in the Palace of Treasures; crowned with the smiling sun of love, making all brightness and heartsease; graced with vineyards and gardens, all blooming and blushing with floral radiance, rich with perfumes, and bathed in a celestial balm that breathes of soft, caressing odours, lulling the sense to slumber, and sending the spirit soaring on wing of light to Wonderland, where reigns supreme the God of love. Expands the visioned eye with raptured sight to gaze on loveliness so perfect and so vast-the soul of Nature's model. How resplendent, yet how clear, all things appear to the soul's eye, deeply searching for the Master-Cause. Hark! how each blossom speaks in whispering voice, intelligent and sweet. See! how it wafts in fragrant smile the token of an inborn soul. Oh! let us, then, awake, and know what brightness round us lies, and see the glory of the skies that span our spiritcourse, and make our earth a treasure-house of light. Sleep not on Fortune's downy couch. Let not Pleasure with fond caress steal thy weak heart, plucking it forth to seed and bud in idleness, but rather let the sun's fond kiss wake thy sleeping soul to thought more pure, and warm thee with a deep desire to rise on Joy's elastic wing, and soar to where Love and Peace make lasting spring. Where summer's noon-tide glowing glare is shaded from the brow serene and where antumn's golden fruitage rare is given to each deserving one. Where winter's frosty breath is molten into dewdrops bright, to sparkle pearl-like on the lilies lips, fanned by the zephyr's wooing sighs. All tremulous the air vibrates with sounds celestial, sweet and soft, as if Love and Peace, united now at last, their angel lives commingling were, and all Heaven rejoiced in their wedded bliss. How sweet to live in time so truly blessed, when naught gives pain but dead memory's fractured casket! How good the day that dawns with promise sweet, prophetic of the angels' home on earth! Ah! let us sing the praise of God, who gave us treasures in our souls-so bright, so pure, so infinite; with love for smiles, and sympathy for tears, that with sunshine and with showers alike cause to blossom forth a spirit-world-not in the far-off stars alone, but in the homes and earths of men, of women, and of children too, making the universe a paradise. One atmosphere for all to breathe-the atmosphere of harmony. One sun to vivify all earth-the sun of knowledge, bright and high. One God, to will, to guide, to watch the outgrowth of the master-plans-the God of love that never dies, that never sins, revengeful, blind, but in kindness clothes him; while, with pitying eye, he gazes, father-like, on his struggling, sad, and selfish children. With gentlest hand he helpers sends them, and throws over all their imperfections his shining lovehalo divine. January 11, 1881, Evening. MISS SAMUEL'S CONCLUDING LECTURE AT GOSWELL HALL. On Sunday evening Miss Samuel gave the last of four lecturrs at Goswell Hall, 290, Goswell Road. The weather was so inclement on the previous Sunday that many got chilled, and the wintry phenomena not having abated, there was accordingly rather a thin attendance. A row of selected sitters was ranged in front of the platform, which greatly added to the psychological comfort of the speaker's position. Mr. Knight Smith and Miss Knight Smith sang a beautiful duet to introduce the lecture. Miss Samuel, under control, alluded to the sufferings which the previous week had entailed on mankind, particularly in London, and said her subject would be the relations between the state of the weather and man's spiritual condition. She gave a vivid description of the wintry season now being endured, and regarded it as one of a series of trials which had to be undergone. In the realm of mind and inspiration there was the same barrenness and desolation as were visible all around on the plane of the senses. The spiritual outlook was graphically depicted as a desolate sea-beach, from which the waters had receded, bearing with them the dead which had fallen in 1880, but some stiffened corpses yet remained without a friendly wave to float them into oblivion. This meant that the present was, as it were, an era between two flood-tides of inspiration. We had only the grim relics of past inspirations, -mere lifeless thought forms, and the new ideas had not yet begun to descend on the mind of man. The spiritual products of the time were therefore poor and unspiritual. Recognised spiritual workers, instead of trying to spiritualise and enlighten society, were engaged in undermining the better work of those who were more faithful servants of spiritual truths. The subject was altogether handled in a very able and in structive manner, to which we profess to do no manner of justic in this report. It was shown that man lived a soul life as well as a physical life, and that his soul forces were influenced by conditions equally as much as his body was subject to the external circumstances which surrounded it. The lecture closed with some practical remarks, and all through it was a very complete effort, and delivered in a faultless style as regards manner and language. Mr. Swindin at the close announced that Miss Samuel would not again speak in that hall till the first Sunday in March, as she would return home to Brighton for a season of recuperation. Mr. Burns, who occupied a seat on the platform, expressed his high commendation of the lecture. He regarded it as an example of spiritual aid, for it was impossible to conceive that a young lady in Miss Samuel's position could from her own intellect give such a sound and practical discourse on such a subject. He was himself a bit of a spiritual worker, and could, perhaps, appreciate the deep truths uttered better than the general audience could. It was, indeed, as he found, a season of spiritual dearth-no inspiration, no richness and ripeness of thought,-only the products of a past season at disposal. It had, therefore, been a season of great trial for Miss Samuel-a most unpropitious time for her to commence the campaign as a public speaker. The able manner in which she had acquitted herself was all the more creditable to her, and he hoped to see her again on that platform in due course, and under better spiritual auspices, operating more in accordance with her own high ideal. Mr. Swindin remarked that Mr. Knight Smith would be with them for the last time that evening He had attended for 13 weeks entirely gratuitously, travelling all the way from Shepherd's Bush at his own cost to do so. They deeply regretted parting with such an able and kind coadjutor, but thought he well merited a hearty vote of thanks for what he had done. Mr. Towns seconded the proposition introduced by the previous speaker. The influence of the duet they had heard that evening was itself something to be thankful for. Mr. Knight Smith had in a very kindly and efficient manner bestowed on them his services, and was well entitled to their thanks. Mr. Burns said he would be glad to speak a few words on the matter before the meeting. It was now eleven years since he first commenced to carry on public meetings in London in connection with Spiritualism, and as the result of his experience the chief thing that struck him was the utter disregard which Spiritualists had for self culture and improvement. In the matter of singing they had not made the slightest progress in eleven years, though many attempts had been made to lead them on. Give them a succession of novelties in the form of singing, speaking, and manifestations, for nothing, or at a very small figure, and they would be satisfied. And what was the good of it all? There they sat as stolid, cranky, and uncultured as before all the work that had been done for them was begun. Their manifest duty was to cultivate their natural powers-learn to sing for themselves, think for themselves, and speak for themselves, and not be all the time paying others to do these things for them or getting amused on the cheap. He was certain that there would be no basis to the Movement till Spiritualists individually felt it to be their duty to do something for their own improvement, and then they would be of some use to the Cause. He cited the example of the Children's Lyceum at Sowerby Bridge, and he was glad to say that the Yorkshire Spiritualists did not lag so far behind as those in London. The Sowerby Bridge friends, he thought, had the oldest and most prosperous movement in this country, and he regarded their wise attention to music as the basis of it. Many years ago they formed themselves into a singing class, and engaged a competent teacher to instruct them, paying a weekly subscription to meet the expense. They not only did so, but supplied themselves with copies of the "Spiritual Harp," price 8s., to sing from. They thoroughly mastered the principles of singing in harmony from the music, and their meetings were always attractive and a success whether they had a speaker or not. If all Spiritualists acted in a similar manner, and made the development of their individual gifts their chief aim, we would soon have a grand and prosperous Movement. The discords which he had heard in the meeting that evening were enough to frighten all the spirits away. He was not altogether a spirit, yet it was to him sufficiently excruciating. He thought it a great mistake for them to pay away all their money for persons to talk to them. They should spend their funds to teachers to teach them, especially singing. Listening to other people talk, sing, and perform for them would never do them much good. He was not wealthy, but if such a man as Mr. Knight Smith were retained to teach music he would pay 6d. towards the cost of that department every time he visited the hall. The thanks of the meeting having been tendered to Mr. Knight Smith, that gentleman ascended the platform and made a very excellent speech. He said his pleasure in working with others was great, but he regretted to have to part from them. He had been a long time a Spiritualist, more particularly a disciple of Swedenborg. He saw in Spiritualism a system of beautiful symbols setting forth spiritual truths to the external comprehension, and giving a new reading to that ancient repository of spiritual teaching and revelation, a copy of which was lying on the table. He had deplored the wretched state of the singing in those meetings. To one like himself who had been associated for many years with the first talent, the state of things was very harrowing: but he was sorry that his efforts had not met with greater response. Out of all the congregation only two ladies and three gentlemen had come forward to the practice which he had instituted in advance of the service. Mr. Matthews had persuaded him to devote his Sunday evenings to Ladbroke Hall meetings. It was quite near his house, and he would there find a field for the expression of his sympathies in this Cause. He hoped, however, that it would not be the last time he would have the pleasure of working with the friends at Goswell Hall. Mr. Knight Smith then attempted to lead the closing hymn, but at the third line of every verse the congregational voices fell a crotchet behind time, so that the infliction caused each succeeding verse was increasingly terrible. The meeting as a result separated in the usual state of inharmonious disjointedness. Mr. Knight Smith acts wisely in retiring from a field incapable of profiting by his services: and so the so-called "Car of Progress" stands just where it was. WORTHY AIMS-HOW TO REALISE THEM. To be meek-spirited is enviable; to be mean-spirited is to be contemptible. "A wise man will hear, and will increase knowledge." This is the attribute of the meek-spirited one, to listen patiently to views which may be novel to him, or may even clash with his own preconceived notions. He will readily give his assent to them, if conviction of their truth be present to his mind. Not so the mean-spirited man. Fear of the "reproach of man" will keep him back from acknowledging to the truth. "There is that withholdeth his hand, but it tendeth to poverty." And truly the soul-destitution of the mean-spirited man is sad to contemplate, and who shall say that his material prosperity will profit him even for the life that now is? Beyond a certain point we can none of us afford to be meekspirited-I mean, when abuses are detected by our enlarged and clearer vision. We must oppose by all just means in our power all unjust enactments (as by petitioning Parliament, etc.), all practices which debase mankind (as by getting up meetings, distributing literature, etc., on subjects of vital importance, whether to man's social, intellectual, moral, or spiritual welfare), and endeavour as far as in us lies by our own example to hasten the era, when the spiritual shall triumph over the carnal, and the realities of Spiritualism shall be everywhere recognised and valued. As long as man's better nature slumbers, so long will the divine truths of Spiritualism for him remain in abeyance. In his book, "Other World Order," the writer classifies men into (a) those who choose the path of error, (b) those who choose the path of morality (for fear of the doom awaiting those who offend against morality's laws), (c) those who desire good apart from consideration of prospective or present gain. Of course class A includes the majority, class B an increasing minority, and class C a still smaller number of those whose disinterested aims are wilfully misunderstood by class A, ignorantly misunderstood by class B. To strive to be better than one need be (need be-that is, according to the world's criterion of morality, enough "to carry a man through "), is, indeed, an idle, foolish quest in the eyes alike of the interested good and bad. And yet what a beacon have these self-devoting few proved to successive ages of humanity! Their ideals, regarded as visionary by their contemporaries, become the nominal goal of the pious of succeeding ages. The summit from which class C look down, a summit from whence the light of a clearer, fairer morning dawns on the eastern horizon, is a platform which the vulgar stamp of mind, lost in self-seeking and intellectual bigotry or sloth, cannot mount; nor can they listen to the descriptions given of it by the receptive (and therefore gifted) few without affecting disdain to cover their own confusion. "He that hath ears to hear, let him ear?" It is useless to urge the acceptance of these exalted ideals upon an unwilling soul. Nevertheless, there are those who "shall be willing in the day of His power," when the spiritual rays of truth shall beam with greater directness and force upon the hitherto repellent crust of a creed-bound heart. Even as in this wintry season the sun's rays, however bright, are wellnigh powerless to thaw the ice-fettered earth, so, although the sun of Spiritualism is diffusing around its genial beams, as yet its rays are but fitful, and the cold materialism of the age still enthralls too many souls whom genial love and spiritual sympathy should melt. Yet, as spring advances, the sunbeams tell upon the hardened soil and it liquifies, the rivulets trickle down the hill sides, gather force in the ravines, and thunder along the valleys; so shall it be with the souls whom as yet the effulgent beams of the spiritual Sun have not penetrated; the time is at hand when they shall be "renewed in the spirit of their minds," and when the great wave of spiritual progress shall roll onward, sweeping down all barriers and cover the earth." Be it ours to assist in so glorious a work at which generations yet unborn will rejoice! To benefit a world by reforming it, first having set our own house in order, and to diffuse far and wide the knowledge of life here, of Immortality, of the facts of spirit-communion-this is our task. May God and his Angels help us to accomplish this grand ideal! "CAMBOR." OBITUARY. EPES SARGENT. MEDIUM AND DAYBREAK.Our friend and distinguished brother, Epes Sargent, passed on, as you probably have heard before this, on Friday night, the last sands of his mortal life passing out, just as the last moments of the old year were going out also. He saw, then, as a spirit, the new year of 1881 begin, but I do not take my pen to tell you that, but I have just returned from his funeral services, and thought a notice of the fact would interest you. I am glad to say that on this solemn occasion (as the world goes) Spiritualism, of which he was such an ornament and defender, was not ignored, as is so often the case when distinguished adherents die. Over the casket of Wm. Lloyd Garrison, the philanthropist, not a word was said of Spiritualism, though he was a firm believer, with his friend, George Thompson. So of that early light, the Rev. John Pierpont; the reverend contemporaries of that great man, in their intellectual wake over his body in the Medford Church, never referred to Spiritualism. They recorded his poetry, his Temperance advocacy, his pastoral services, and one would have thought his "Airs from Palestine," by their name, would have jogged their memory, for the last decade of his life was devoted to Spiritualism, and he was an able and conspicuous advocate of it. On this occasion that has inspired this note, the Rev. Mr. Brooks, of the Unitarian Church, officiated nominally, and read 64 Several of his neighbours and mine, who had come to the services, who were not Spiritualists, asked me very approvingly who the man was that made the Address, and I was proud to tell them, and to say that he was a Spiritualist, though common-sense told them that without my aid. Do you know, I think on such occasions the gathering friends who take an interest, are glad to get a sip of our thought. It seems to be the only rational consolation for the mourner there is, and I hardly blame the dispensers of funeral expressions of "A rose lean thought, for stealing our thunder when they can. by any other name will smell as sweet," but on this occasion the dispenser was one to the manner born, and called it by its proper name, and I guess the thoughtful all said—Amen. Mr. Sargent's disease was cancer in his throat and tongue. He was able to sit up, and was dressed every day until the Sunday after Christmas. His brother told me he saw him that day as he lay in bed, and could talk only with difficulty. The brother felt very sad seeing what was to follow. Epes Sargent evidently noticed it, for he took a paper and wrote, and gave to the brother: "I am not sad, I am very joyous, and I want you to know it; I am happy in my belief, and the light which I have followed seems now clearer to me than ever." I write this from memory, as substantially what his brother told me. Mr. Mountford also referred to the fact. I am glad and happy to say that Epes Sargent died in the faith, and for the last day or two was in a gentle sleep, passing away without pain. Boston, Jan. 2, 1881. JOHN WETHERBEE, DOMESTIC DUTIES DURING COLD WEATHER It has been said that charity begins at home, and that he who provides not for those of his own house has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Let us think of our duties to one another in the household during this inclement season. It is not enough that the cupboard be supplied with eatables, the cellar with coals and the wardrobes and beds with clothing. Men, women and children may have all of these things and yet be most miserable, diseased and in danger of death. We owe to one another, watchful attention, loving care. Let our continual concern be whether, wife, husband, children, and other inmates of the dwelling are well and comfortableif they lack for aught which we could supply them. The most poignant mental suffering, physical ailments and mortal diseases may be warded off by mutual considerations in the family. THE CARE OF LITTLE CHILDREN. See that your children are equally clothed, and then take them out of doors for exercise in the cold bracing air. To keep them close in doors and in heated rooms, with low necked dresses and bare arms is the most certain means of bringing on bronchitis, diphtheria, croup, etc. Have the sleeves down to the wrists, dress high in the neck, and observe that the lower part of the body from the waist to the knees is not almost entirely unclothed. If the strongest man were placed in children's attire, with only the trunk of the body sufficiently clothed, he would soon secumb to the cold. So do thousands of children, especially when there is a change to thaw, which untones These Keep the head and the nerve centres well protected. Tam O'Shanter bonnets are well adapted for cold weather. Allow the hair to grow freely in the nape of the neck, and if headgear had a flap for the neck like a sailor's sou' wester and broad bands to come down over the ears and pass under the chin like the strings of a lady's bonnet, it would be of great benefit to sensitive nervous temperaments with a deficiency of vitality. All the nerves proceeding to every part of the body have their origin in the base of the brain, just where the fashionable barber crops the lower bair to a bristle, and cold striking into that part may not only induce sore-throat, bronchitis, face-ache, and gum-boils, but impair the circulation down the spine; interrupting the action of the digestive apparatus, liver, and pelvic organs, and even inducing paralysis of the lower limbs. Look at woman's lovely hair flowing in a stream down her spine! The wise provision of nature to ensure an uninterrupted flow of nerve fluid from the "seat of the soul" to the important offices in the lower part of the tenement. HINTS ON FOOD AND BEVERAGES. Do not stimulate too much with hot tea and coffee, and altogether avoid alcoholics. The action of alcohol lowers the natural heat of the body, and makes it more susceptible to suffer from cold. Tea and coffee induce a nervous shivering condition, which increases the more these palliatives are indulged in. Did you ever try wheat tea, oat coffee? Procure genuine wheat meal made from the best white wheat "ground down," or coarse Scotch oatmeal. When the water in the pot is at the boiling point allow the meal to run slowly into the pot with the left hand, while with the right the mixture is being stirred with a pot-stick or "spurtle." Boil half an hour, adding sugar or salt to taste while it boils. The two kinds of meal may be mixed with advantage, and very little will be required to make a large quantity of very powerful "tea," a basin of which will warm and nourish, soothing the lining of the Put in a little more meal, stomach and quieting the nerves. and it will become an excellent pudding-sweet and rich as custard. BIBLE TURNING. Some months back one of our neighbours (so she alleged) had 4s. stolen out of her house. Mrs. E., another neighbour, came to my house and spoke to my wife about it, and mentioned "Bible Turning" as a good experiment to find out the thief. We all had some idea that Mrs. H. had taken the money; I The women took a had never seen any bible-turning before. door-key, inserted one end of it in the bible, and then bound the bible with string. Two women then put a finger each under the ring of the key, and kept the bible suspended in that way. Some other person then read the 16th and 17th verses of "Is it the first chapter of Ruth; then a name was mentioned. Mrs. So-and-so?" No sign of turning. The two verses were read again, another name was mentioned; no signs of turning. The two verses were read again, this time the name of Mrs. H. was mentioned, when the bible began turning and fell down. I mentioned this fact in the workshop. A day or two after Christ the Corner-stone of Spiritualism. 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. PRICE SIXPENCE Additional copies, post free, ld. each per week, or 63. 61. 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 28, 1881. NOTES AND COMMENTS. This present issue of the MEDIUM is greatly indebted to South Africa for matter it contains. These mental products are the best indications of progress in the countries from which they emanate. The conduct of Archdeacon Colley, in sinking the ecclesiastic in the man, is admirable. În doing so he is a pattern to all spiritual teachers. He allows the force of spiritual truth to dominate the minds of his hearers-not the speaker's personal claims to consideration. This sermon is indicative of a very distinct section of the Church, characterised by free-thought and spirituality. In one section of the Church we have free-thought, but it is agnostic; in another piety without thought; and, in a third division, a sensuous symbolism without thought or spirituality. There is manifestly room for a fourth Church party : that represented by such utterances as Mr. Colley's sermon. In the Church there are already not a few rising men embued with these spiritual and liberal ideas. When they gain position and exercise an extended influence, then we may expect the advent of a regenerated Church truly representing and supplying the spiritual wants of the people. There is no more eligible career of spiritual usefulness before young men, stimulated by a high moral purpose, than to enter the Church and throw their influence in with the spiritual party. These men, though obscure and derided now, will be the men of the future. Spiritual Truth, as expressed in a true church, ought to be a power, not only in men's lives, but in the State. What a glorious pathway to the highest field of usefulness there is to the truly spiritual minded and honest young man, who desires to serve his race in the most practical and perfect manner! Young men, then, enter the Church, and in doing so resolve on being true outspoken spiritual teachers. The Bible, properly interpreted, will carry you through it all, and the only true interpretation of any spiritual Truth comes to man through spiritual inspiration. The Articles of faith being assumed to rest on scripture will, in like manner, sustain the intrepid proclaimer of the true Gospel, and the religious institutions of the land may be transformed by a living power operating within themselves. The Essay, by Mr. Hodgson of Cape Town, takes up the spiritual position assumed in the sermon which precedes it and very clearly argues it out. The spirit-message-the Glimpse-which follows it further illustrates the subject. Beauty is seen by the spirit to surround it, just as the principle of beauty is awakened in its interior by spiritual unfoldment. There can be no heaven, no beauty, to the impure, darkened, undeveloped soul; but having light within there is heaven and true felicity everywhere. All phenomenal descriptions of the spirit-world are therefore misleading, unless the relations between the phenomena seen and the state which perceives it be taken into consideration. The sensuous delight expressed by the newly awakened spirit indicates a low state of development. Soon higher joys than these pleasures will be awakened, and interior satisfaction will take the place of external surroundings as a source of delight. MISS E. A. Hodgson sends us, from Cape Town, her portrait in her wedding dress, also a photographic likeness of her husband. That the many friends in this country of Miss E. A. Brown may have the satisfaction of knowing that she has met with a congenial spirit for a husband, we have pleasure in calling their attention to the essay from his pen which we print on another page. Mr. Hodgson is also a young gentleman of fine personal appearance. ་་ In her letter Mrs. Hodgson says:-' 'You will have spent your Christmas ere this reaches you, probably with the snow thick on the ground; while we are half boiled and half roasted in the sun here. I don't like the heat a bit, it does not agree with me; Cape Town is like an oven on a hot day. We live in the country so don't feel it so much, but Mr. H.'s business is in Town. Many in Cape Town will spend a lonely Christmas, their husbands being at the war. I had two ladies visiting me this week whose husbands were killed in the 24th Regiment, which you will remember were literally slaughtered." What are merely war's alarms to us in England are stern realities to many at the Cape. Mr. Richmond writing, on December 27, from Chicago, gives altogether the other extreme of temperature. He says:-"We had a very stormy passage over, but we both enjoyed it very much. We had a merry Christmas at home, and to-day we are enjoying 14 degrees below zero." Though we have had only about 14 degrees above zero yet we think we have had quite enough. We have not heard of the "Spiritual Record" being resumed. If Mrs. Richmond's discourses appear occasionally in the Daily Times" of Chicago, the "Spiritual Record" will be superseded. Readers this side will miss it much. Mr. W. Britten and Mrs. Emma Hardinge-Britten are expected to arrive at Liverpool this week. It was their intention to sail from America in the "Germania." Many friends of the Cause will be glad to see Mrs. Britten back amongst us again. We hope she will make her voice heard on behalf of Spiritual Truth as in former times. Our A distinguished gentleman who recently had sittings with Mr. D. Duguid, at Glasgow, is greatly delighted with the direct paintings received. In one instance the scene actually represented an important incident in the sitter's life, though he was a complete stranger to all in the circle. thanks are due to Mr. Duguid and the kind friends who co-operate with him for the gentlemanly attentions which they have bestowed on visitors from time to time introduced by us. After all is said and done Mr. Duguid is a medium who occupies altogether a unique position in spiritual work. May his spiritual flame never flicker nor wax dim! Our reporter gives somewhat of a graphic picture of the musical condition of Goswell Hall audiences. Fact is, those who attend are mostly matured people who are more given to thought than to singing. The singing element must not by any means be overlooked, and that report has caused us to ask whether we can do ought to mend matters musically. We remember that most of the tunes popular in spiritual meetings were introduced by us in the MEDIUM some years ago. Rather than blame others for the unmusical state of things that exist, we shoulder the censure and accordingly take immediate steps to make things better. We give one tune in the MEDIUM this week, and will continue to give one weekly in the future. 'Moscow" is a simple and beautiful melody, and can be mastered easily. We hope every Spiritualist will try it over at home; leading with a piano or other instrument where available, then when the meeting commences they will be able to take part. Children are the best singers, they will eagerly join in this exercise if it be placed in their way, and their sweet elastic voices at our meetings will supply a condition for inspiration which speakers sadly lack at present. The Institution Week seances this year have been of a The attendance very successful character in every respect. has been large and more than usually harmonious, the collections good and the phenomenal results have been very striking. All spiritualists and mediums would do well for themselves and the Cause if they took part in the Institution Week movement when it comes round annually. The conclusion of the Blavatsky article, the obituary of John Tyerman and other matters unavoidably postponed. GOSWELL HALL-SPECIAL LECTURE IN AID OF THE FUNDS. Mr. J. Burns having been invited to give a lecture at this hall, complies with the request and earnestly desires the attendance of London spiritualists, on Sunday evening January 30th. at 7 o'clock, that the collection may result in substantial benefit to the funds, which are at present all expended. The lecturer gives his services free and hopes to add his mite with the brethren. The Lecture will be of a novel and instructive character: "The Influence of Alcohol on Man's Immortal Being," such as was delivered to the Ipswich Temperance Society by Mr. Burns on January 17th. Bring with you temperance friends and they will see how Spiritualism and their work stand together as mutual supports. Goswell Hall, 290 Goswell Road, Sunday evening, at 7 o'clock Wearies us never, But lays to sleep all misery, We live and love beside the sound Of waters breaking o'er the sands, With memories of far lovelier lands; And make us slaves to doubt and fear. 0! Let us "laus perennis" sing, Sing the glad song of ocean's waves At evening, when the moonlight laves The silver sands, and the tall pines Keep whispering amid the stars Of sacred love, in starry climesWhere those long lost are found again, And love perennial, as thy praise, Shall lead us to the flowery ways That wind within the sunbright spheres. Of Heavenly homes and endless years. Lucerne. A. J. C. NOTE. In the middle ages in many convents it was a rule to keep up perpetual, never-ending praise," laus perennis"; one choir of monks commencing whenever another choir had ended, and that during night as well as day. WORK at the SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION. MISS SAMUEL'S FRIDAY EVENING MEETINGS. The second of the Series was held on January 14. The weather was severe, and the attendance was moderate. In the first place there was a cheerful conversation round the fire, and a recapitulation of the proceedings at the previous meeting. Several of those present suffered from colds and other difficulties, some of them very painfully; so that when the circle was formed round the table, it was no wonder that expressions of dissatisfaction escaped some lips at the backwardness of Spiritualists in taking part in the work, and the suggestion was made that some plan should be adopted to bind a few to attend regularly. Another speaker said Spiritualists certainly exceeded their duty when they censured others for not doing as they desired. Spiritualism consisted in every man performing aright the immediate duties of his position, and not in attending any particular meetings. Who knows but those absent are doing more good where they are than if they came to that meeting. To censure others for not doing certain things, or to exact obedience from them, was in effect to endeavour to control them, which if carried to its ultimate, would result in sectarian or priestly tyranny on the one hand, and slavery on the other. The duty of the meeting was evidently to take no heed as to those who were absent, but to ask themselves what they had come there for. Had the Spirit World no work for them to perform-no privileges to confer? He was of opinion if they turned their thoughts into the proper channel that they would have great reason to be thankful, not only that they attended themselves, but that they were uninterrupted by the presence of others, who possibly might prove an impediment rather than a help. Every true spiritual worker should depend on his own efforts alone, and not on the conditions and attendance supplied by others; a number of persons coming together on that principle, be they many or few, would be sure to do good and get good. Other sitters offered remarks, and ultimately Miss Samuel was controlled by one of her spirit friends and proceeded to give personal advice, descriptions of spirits and psychological conditions, and other fruits of mediumship in a very satisfactory manner. This interesting exercise proceeded for a considerable length, when a healing influence manifested itself. Mr. Martin, in accordance with directions given through Miss Samuel, allowed himself to be used by the healing spirits, and he manipulated sufferers with decided benefit, which has been further confirmed by subsequent improvement in health. Clairvoyance and other forms of mediumship were presented through other sitters, and the meeting terminated to the satisfaction of all present. It is often observed that no two spiritual meetings are alike. We do wrong when we grumble and think that all that takes place should be entirely in accordance with our own fancies. Many kinds of purposes have to be subserved of which we are quite ignorant, and if all meetings were a "success" in the sense of being crowded, certain forms of spiritual work could not take place at all. It is at the apparently insignificant meeting that oftentimes the best spiritual work is done. It is also well to bear in mind that the spiritual enemy is abroad. There are many Spiritualists, it may be, who do not wish your meetings to succeed. The fluctuating attendance, and the dissatisfaction experienced by those who do attend, may be due to the deterrent psychology of your enemies, and their spirit allies. Never give way to these untoward influences. Stand true to your colours; have faith in your spirit friends, and the enemy will be baffled. But get disheartened, and break up without making the attempt to do anything, and you allow yourselves to be overcome. On Friday evening last, there was a very pleasant little circle, and the results were highly satisfactory to those who were present. MR. J. C. HUSK'S SEANCE, A very CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT BURNS. On Tuesday evening Mr. Husk gave his seance in aid of the Institution Week Fund at the Spiritual Institution, select and harmonious circle of fourteen sat down. said he was anxious to give the fullest satisfaction to all, and desired that his hands should be held all the time, and that the sitters should also hold hands. Mr. Husk This After the circle was thus formed, and the light extinguished, the table began to move freely, and by the tipping of the table some changes were made in the positions of the sitters. was ultimately effected through instructions given in the direct voice of the spirit "Irresistable." A gentleman who seemed to be desirous of proving the truth of the matter was placed on the right of the medium, and held him tightly by the hand. In recognition of this fact, "Irresistable" banged their hands upon the table, and said he would commence the seance by passing a chair over the arm of the lady that held the medium's left hand. The lady accordingly held the medium firmly, and having moved the back of her chair slightly round as the |