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Additional copies, post free, 1d. 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 3PIRITUAL INSTITUTION, 15, SOUTHAMPTON ROW. THURSDAY.-School of Spiritual Teachers at 8 o'clock.

the worker himself. Thus, from the earthly point of view, we under-value some and over-value others, as the spirit in the discourse declares. From the higher life we no longer see through a glass darkly but face to face, and truly may we say that since Epes Sargent left the body he seems to have come nearer to us.

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The style of this Discourse is vastly different from those that Mrs. Richmond usually delivers, particularly the last one which appeared in this paper. The recurrence of such words as "splendour," " ineffable," &c., peculiar to the verbal habits of the medium does not in any way detract from the assumed genuineness of the Control, or the originality and character of the style in other and more important respects. similar remark may be made in respect to the Poem through Mr. Robson. There is a literary style about it observable also in those poems under the "Kenealy " influence, but the whole spirit, matter, and manner of the Poem is otherwise vastly different. All mediumistic effusions necessarily assume the mental tone of the medium, and come forth habilitated in their mental belongings. True criticism must be capable of looking deeper than that for the indications of identity in the emanating source.

There is so much uncertainty as to the proper pronunciation of Mr. Sargent's name, that some time

THE MEDIUM AND DAYBREAK. ago he published information on the subject. The

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1881.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Our columns this week speak grandly of the immortal Life. Life is all that man can ever call his own; prize it highly and be grateful to the Giver. Mrs. Richmond's Discourse leads off, Mr. Robson's Poem looks at the subject also from the spiritual side, and Mr. Holmes from the point of view of the Secularist sees a logical necessity for more of Life than this bodily form can express. This, then, is the central idea of Spiritualism! The grandeur of Life and the sacredness of all its modes of expression. He who violates any of these is in a degree a murderer. Whose hands are free from blood?

Why pronounce orations over the yawning grave, when the translated spirit can return and perform that service better than any mortal could? Of all "memorial discourses" truly the one we commence on our first page is the masterpiece. It shows pre-eminence in that it does not gush over sensuous scenes of hills, valleys, trees, brooks, and rainbow colours, such as would please the uncultured eye of a negro girl. Truly much that has been given as descriptive of the spirit-world is very superficial rubbish-the phenomenal husk merely; and that husk, not of the spirit-world in reality, but the husk of the crude mind through which it came, or from which it emanated.

"Epes Sargent's" narrative is superior because of ts subjective and personal characteristics. He does not see the spirit-world in gorgeous scenes, like a child's picture book, around him; but it is within his own soul that he finds it. Does this improvement in spiritual description come from the increasing development of Mrs. Richmond as a medium, or does the spiritual unfoldment of the Control account for it? It gives to our mind a better picture of what Epes Sargent really was and is than anything we met with coming from him in earth-life. The earth-work of a man is an outcome merely of himself, and may be by others grossly misconstrued, they painting it in the colours of their own mental surroundings rather than in those of

personal name-Epes-should be pronounced the same as Epps, in Epps's cocoa. The pronunciation of the family name is evident.

WILL those of our readers who have studied Mr. Sargent's works examine well this Discourse, and say whether they think it characteristic of that author's mind and style. It must be remembered that the deceased gentlemen, in addition to his work in Spiritualism, was a poet on the Woman question, and novelist and literary man, journalist and philanthropist in general: in short, a man of greatly varied ability and of the broadest sympathies, as his Discourse through Mrs. Richmond indicates.

It would appear that these "Camp-meetings" in America are gay and festive occasions. It has been found necessary to issue an Annual Report giving "honourable mention" to the assortment of couples that pack themselves into those tents. But it is significantly added: "Tents are terrible tell-tales!" Free-lovers instead of being held up as far advanced reformers, as was the custom with certain parties in America a few years ago, are now being scouted and pointed at as parties who had better be avoided. What is more to the point-the most notorious upholders of the theory are sturdily repudiating the soft impeachment and denying that they ever were of that persuasion; only innocent creatures tyrannised over by the wicked, and so meek amidst it all that for long they could not find voice to protest! This is an old trick of the sect; we have met with several members of it and did not find out their true character till long afterwards. They are, in short, all things to all men that they may succeed in winning some. The popularity accorded community enables them to pave their way into places them, on account of their virtue, by one section of the where their tactics vary with the circumstances.

FAREWELL WORDS FROM MR. ALLEN HALL.

Dear Mr. Burns, -Will you kindly allow me, through your paper, to thank our many friends for the sympathy and kind wishes which they expresse 1 on our behalf. I also wish to thank the friends in the surrounding towns for the uniform courtesy and kindness which they have on all occasions extended to Miss Hall. When we arrive at our new home these many acts of kindness towards us will bring back to our minds the most endearing recollections, and become fresh incentives to us to press on in the good work we all love so well.-Ever truly yours, ALLEN HALL.

MR. J. HOLMES, OF LEICESTER.

To meet the demand there is for more knowledge of Mr, Holmes and his work in Spiritualism, we give a longer report of his recent lecture, which has appeared in a Leicester paper, and which will be found on another page.

We have seen Mr. R. Cooper, of Eastbourne, who has recently returned from America, and he informs us that he met Mr. Holmes in Boston. At that time he was lecturing for the Secularists at Paine Memorial Hall, and was so well received that he had to deliver a much longer course of lectures than is the usual custom with those who appear in a similar capacity at that hall.

Mr. Cooper made his acquaintance, and introduced him to a seance. Mr. Holmes could not deny the facts, but he did not see his way to attributing a spiritual source for them. Afterwards he accompanied Mr. Cooper to one of Mr. Colville's Friday Afternoon meetings for answering questions. This interested Mr. Holmes so much that he attended a lecture by Mr. Colville in the evening, and the three-Mr. Cooper, Mr. Colville, and Mr. Holmes walked home later on conversing by the way.

We are not aware whether this was Mr. Holmes's first introduction to the subject, but no doubt he will tell us all about it when he makes his contemplated visit to London. At any rate, Mr. Cooper's old friends will be glad to know that he is back amongst us again in good health, and that while in America, as in the instance under notice, he was indefatigable, as was his wont, in the Cause of Spiritualism. Mention of Mr. Colville's name will also be received with pleasure.

In the Leicester report, given in another column, the effects of Mr. Holmes's lecture are alluded to. He is one of the vice-presidents of the National Secular Society, and as a consequence occupies a position in that body, and his abilities as a lecturer must be considerable to enable him to secure a continuous audience in the city of Boston. He has investigated Spiritualism in an independent manner, and How comes before the public to say what have been the results of his experiments. At present he is sitting with a number of Atheists and sceptics to allow them to test the nature of the phenomena in their own method.

It will soon be found that there is a limit to this freedom at the circle. Mr. Councillor Gimson demands greater scope for the action of the investigator. Let him form a circle of his own and then he can do as he pleases. Perhaps he will find that the policy of quietness and attention is the best. No sceptic can be well served at another's circle, but if he commences the inquiry from the beginning he finds out all about the matter as it goes forward, and does not require to lean on the good faith of others.

If Mr. Gimson follows this plan, soon another crop of saucy sceptics will rise up and apply to him the abuse which he flings at Spiritualists, much more to the exhibition of his own ignorance and want of taste than their dishonour or folly.

Mr. Holmes is prepared to lecture on the following and other subjects:—

"Spiritualism, being true, what good is it to the world?" "Are mediums tricksters? A reply to unscientific objectors."

"The doctrine of future reward and punishment annihilated by Spiritualism."

Spiritualism a foundation for a higher Secularism." Address Mr. J. Holmes, 6, Albert Cottages, 6, Watling Street, Leicester.

ARITHMETICAL PECULIARITIES OF THE
NUMBER 1881.

In "Le Devoir" of 16th January,-a journal published by the well-known and esteemed philanthropist, Mons. Godin, who has invested his immense fortune in the establishment of a Socialistic industrial association founded on the most advanced principles, called "La Familistere; and which for its admirable schools and educational establishments would well repay a visit to Guise in the department of l'Aisne-is the following curious paragraph about the year 1881. Mons. Godin is a Spiritualist, but is not himself the author of this arithmetical puzzle.

"The year 1881 presents the same peculiarities as the year 1863; that is, it is what is called a year of nine. The first two figures 1 added to 8-9; the two second 8 added to 19; by adding the four figures we have 18, that is,

twice nine; 18 added to 81-99; 81-18-63, which represents seven times nine, and also 6 added to 3=9.

"In whatever way you examine the figures 1881-from left to right, from right to left, or turned upside downyou get 1881. This will only occur again in 6237 years, that is in the year 8118."

If we had any neo-platonist, learned in the mysterious Pythagorean doctrine of numbers and their occult meanings, he would doubtless be able to tell us what the hidden or symbolical meaning of all this is, and what virtue there is in the number nine, if any, or whether the whole be not simple facts of numbers without any occult meaning_whatever, Pythagoras notwithstanding. A. J. C. Lucerne.

A SEANCE BY MRS. MARSHALL IN AID OF THE SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION.

Mrs. Marshall has kindly offered to give a seance for the benefit of the Spiritual Institution, at 15, Southampton Row, on Saturday evening, February 12. at 8 o'clock. Tickets must be obtained in advance, and though Mrs. Marshall does not sit as a professional medium, it will be necessary that sitters contribute, that the funds may benefit from Mrs. Marshall's kindness. Early application is recommended, as the number of sitters will be strictly limited.

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Sitters report that the manifestations in Mrs. Marshall's presence, are of a very satisfactory description. The sittings may be held in the light or in the dark. In the light powerful raps and direct writing are obtained, affording proofs of spirit presence and identity. In the dark seance the spirit voice of "Mimi" is heard giving personal information respecting spirit friends and other matters.

It was through Mrs. Marshall's mediumship, upwards of a dozen years ago, that we first heard the spirit voice. She then lived at Bristol Gardens. Hundreds of sitters were convinced of the truth of the phenomena, at the circles held in that place. Survivors who enjoyed those circles will be glad to have the opportunity of meeting Mrs. Marshall again.

MESMERISM AND PSYCHOLOGY.

DREAMS AND WARNINGS RESPECTING
ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES.

During the last year the cases of dreams and presentiments foreboding approaching calamities have been numerously reported in the newspapers. The wreckage of trains, the fall of bridges, colliery explosions and losses at sea have been anticipated again and again by parties interested, as the newspapers have borne testimony.

The following extracts, from a Torquay paper, furrish evidence that two distinct members of the family received warning of the loss of a vessel at sea, by two different methods of communication. The mother saw in a dream

the sad scene; the boy heard the sounds as of the feet of his father at the door, at the time it is presumed that the little vessel went down.

The unthinking public wonder at such facts, but they are frequently observed by those who study spiritual science. The lesson to be derived is, that if mankind cultivated these

spiritual gifts, and gave heed to their monitions, a very great deal of loss and suffering would be averted.

THE MISSING TRAWLER, SLY BOOTS.--There is not yet any news of the trawler Sly Boots, the absence of which it is feared is to be accounted for by the report (which we gave last week) of Captain Cowie, of the steamer, Compton, from New Orleans for Revel, which put into Dartmouth on the 6th inst. Captain Cowie, it will be remembered, then stated that he had been in collision with a fishing ketch, and knew he had carried away her bowsprit, and the general opinion at Brixham is that he also knew he had sunk her, for another fishing boat observed a vessel steaming over the place of the accident, as if searching for the hapless crew. The Brixham fishermen describe the night as a fine, starlight one, and at the time of the collision there were upwards of a hundred trawlers with their trawls down within an area of three miles. It is also stated that a flare-up was observed, which suddenly went out, leaving the mast-head light burning, which a minute afterwards disappeared, after which a steamer's whistle was heard, and the steamer then became visible to several of the trawlers, but spoke to none of them, which, it is asserted, might have easily been done. The names of the missing crew are Richard Barnes, master and owner, who leaves a widow, whose former

husband was drowned at Hull twelve years ago, and three young children; Daniel Ward, who leaves a widow and four little children totally unprovided for; an apprentice named Samuel Parnell, a native of Torquay; Harry Howes, son of the wife of the master by her first husband; and George Cole, an apprentice on trial, a native of Brixham. The sad occurrence has been painfully felt throughout the town, as many hundreds of families are connected with the fishing trade, and thus liable to the same bereavement. The Sly Boots was insured in the Brixham Fishing Smack insurance Society for £250.

A WIFE'S DREAM.-There are two extraordinary stories in relation to the above-named vessel. It is stated that on the night she is supposed to have been lost Mrs. Barnes, the wife of the owner, dreamed that she was standing on a rock, and saw a steamer run into the boat, and that she screamed, "Richard, save the boy!" meaning her son, Harry Howe. It is probable that the dream so powerfully affected her that she did scream out as she simultaneously awoke. Another mysterious incident is alse mentioned. At six o'clock in the morning, a few hours after the dream, Osman Barnes, a boy of seven years, came into his mother's bedroom, and asked for his father, for, as he told his mother, he knew he was at home, for he distinctly heard him come up the steps with his sea boots on, and kick at the door, as he did when he came home from Lowestoft, and after he came in the clock struck three. The singular coincidence of this incident with her own dream, which was so startling in its apparent reality that she could not rid herself of the thought that some disaster had befallen her husband and son, so alarmed the poor woman that immediately after she got up she told the circumstance to a neighbour, who tried to reassure her by treating the matter as mere fancy. As the narration of the incident took place in the morning and no intelligence of the disaster was brought until the night, and the boat was not overdue, as she was not expected home, these narratives seem the more curious. Yesterday it was reported that a jib and several baskets had been picked up belonging to the ill-fated fishing smack.

DOES A MORAL EVIL PRODUCE PHYSICAL EVIL? Dear Mr. Editor,-Can you answer the above question for me? The reason I ask is this::

Some time ago I had a severe sick head-ache, and having read some time before that a person badly disposed towards one, would cause uneasiness, etc., the impression came to me to return it if it were so.

I felt within myself who it was that sent it (supposing it to have come in that way), and I felt a sort of restless uneasiness to return it. I therefore said to the pain, "If- sent you to me, go back to him," and soon after I felt much better. The same day one of our household had an occasion to go to that very party. Strange to say, he was suffering from a severe sick head-ache that had come on just about the time mine left me. Previous to that he had been very well. We had proof of that, because the same person that went to see him had seen and spoken to him not long before I drove my pain away. I am yours truly, AN INQUIRER.

REMARKS IN REPLY.

Mesmeric healers can readily transplant a pain from one person to another. Two ladies, one of them suffering from tooth-ache, once visited the late Mr. Cogman, seeking relief for the sufferer. With one pass of his hand Mr. Cogman took away the pain, as it were, on the point of his outstretched middle finger. He with another movement playfully thrust his finger towards the face of the other young lady, who immediately suffered from tooth-ache, which was removed by a third movement, and the ladies left astonished as well as delighted.

Some healers, like "Scotch Gardener," draw the pain off into their hand and arm, and then have to shake it off with passes made by the other hand. When sensitives are in the presence of such healers while thus operating the pains go into them and cause them great suffering.

When Dr. Newton was in London ten years ago he treated patients frequently at the Spiritual Institution, and a sensitive who frequently met him there had to retire when the Doctor operated, as diseases of the patients affected her so soon as the original sufferers were relieved of them.

It is well known that evilly disposed persons, having established rapport, can, under favourable circumstances, affect others painfully, against whom they entertain feelings of enmity. These evil influences have been frequently traced to their sources, and the true character of those who thus operated has been indisputably proved. Such persons come to an evil end themselves sooner or later.

As to the immediate question of our correspondent, we would ask whether it would not be necessary for the person who sent the pain to suffer from such a pain in the first instance, and thus pass it on till it was returned by the one who got an impression as to its origin.

These influences causing pain may be transmitted or deposited unconsciously. Much of the suffering that exists in the world is caused by morbid psychological influences, in many cases manipulated by spirits of a dark and malignant character.

WILL POWER ON OBJECTS.

To the Editor.-Dear Sir,—Our friend H. Walter in his letter No. 565, about Bible turning, says, the Eastern jugglers place a copy of the Koran in two opposite corners of a cloth and then let card-board figures dance to the tune of a rough whistle cut out of a reed. He wishes to know the views of some of your correspondents. I beg to refer him to my letter in the MEDIUM for July 2, 1880, on "Will Power." There is no doubt in my mind about the modus operandi, for I believe that Faith is the root of more power than men dream of, for is it not written "according to thy faith be it unto thee." Peter walked upon the waters by faith, and when sinking, Jesus said, "Oh, thou of little faith." Moses when he cast down the rod which moved with force and vitality was probably gifted with will power to move objects without contact through faith in the divine Logos.

I should be obliged if Mr. Walter would say where the account of the dancing figures may be found. Yours respectfully, H. OLIVER.

7, Hicks Lane, Sheffield. February 8, 1881.

VOCAL MUSIC AT SPIRITUAL MEETINGS.

A full crop of musical instructors is springing up in the metropolis. Miss Clementina Ward advertises to give lessons in either vocal or instrumental music. She will be recognised by our London readers as the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ward, who has with her sister appeared at "Happy Evenings," and other occasions when music was required, ever since they were little girls. Miss Ward has passed the Course at the Royal Academy of Music, and having been trained since infancy under such an excellent musician as her father, she cannot be otherwise than capable of performing the duties she professes. We hope she will receive many pupils and thus add to the harmony of human existence.

Mr. J. G. Robson, of Peckham, through whose hand the poem was written which appears on another page, is also desirous of aiding in this musical work. He is a remarkable musical, artistic, and poetical medium, and for some time has been instructing pupils in music. We would be glad to see a good choir under his tuition at 8, Bournemouth Road, Rye Lane.

Our old friend, Mr. Tindall, is alive to the needs of the hour, and has spoken some of his thoughts on the subject in the following letter which we gladly publish :

FROM A TEACHER OF MUSIC.

DEAR MR. BURNS,-I was much interested in the remarks in last week's MEDIUM concerning the music at Spiritual Meetings. I have long felt that something ought to be done to improve the singing at our services. What is required is that the necessity of a Singing Class should be made widely known, and that Spiritualists should unite to make the same a

success.

As Spiritualists live at long distances from each other, there is no reason why the class should not have several sections, meeting at different places. I may say that I am at present training some boys for singing at Quebec Hall. A class might be formed at Southampton Row, and a branch at Quebec Hall, and as we advanced another branch in some other part of the town. With regard to part-singing, I believe the same to be very desirable; but I have long felt that the church tunes often used by us are not always applicable to the Spiritual words— "it is like putting new wine into old bottles."

What we require are some bold and original melodies, if possible composed inspirationally, which shall accord with the new truths whose praise we sing. When we see the great influence the national melodies of different peoples possess, we cannot but feel that Spiritualists also ought to have some melodies of their own. I have no doubt such could be obtained. I, myself, have one or two which I might submit to you, which I have introduced at Quebec Hall. But I believe that they should be bold and simple, so that all could join in them, and that some should be sung in unison. We must remember that the Catholic Church still uses the grand, yet simple, Gregorian tones for her congregational singing, and what we chiefly want is to harmonize and inspire every breast at our Meetings. Should the class be formed, I should recommend Hullah's system to be taught.

Trusting you will excuse the long letter,-I am, yours faithfully, A. F. TINDALL.

30, Wyndham Street, Feb. 7, 1881.

NEWS FROM CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA.

COMMUNICATED BY A. TEAGUE.

First Quarterly Report of the South African Spiritual Evidence Society, held at the rooms, 13, St. George's Street, Cape Town, January 10, 1881.

In the absence of the president, Mr. S. T. Marchant, Mr. B. T. Hutchison was voted to the chair. About twenty members were present.

Secretary reported that the society had a membership of forty-six persons on the roll-thirty-nine males, seven females.

Four circles were sitting-on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings.. The reports of these were not so favourable as could have been anticipated, but as each circle had to develope the medial powers of its members, it was hoped the coming quarter would give more favourable results, several of the sitters showing signs of development.

Library had been started through the kindness of a few of the members lending what works they had on the subject; also the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, who presented nineteen volumes which make up a total of eighty volumes. Many of these consist of several copies of a work but which are very useful in starting a library.

Sunday evening services had been held at the rooms for some time, but now, through the kindness of Mr. Hutchinson, who has placed his hall for a small charge at the disposal of our president, he has come forward and commenced a course of Sunday evening services, which are very much appreciated by the members who attend. At present these services are only for members and friends, but I hope the time is not far distant when we shall be able to invite "whosoever will" to come and listen to the teaching of the angel-world.

Reading-room was now open to the members containing some of the weekly papers on the subject, which we hoped to increase if the funds would permit.

Financial statement shows a deficiency of £11 5s. 10d. to place the society out of debt, which I hope we shall gradually work off.

On Friday evening last our circle was visited by Mrs. Hodgson, whose spirit guide "Visitor" gave the circle valuable information of how to proceed so as to obtain materialisation. We are sorry that we have to forego visits from her oftener, but her guides have instructed her to rest for a while, so as to recruit her strength. When this is fully restored, we hope to hear her again on the platform, by the aid of her guides, advancing the Cause of Truth.

MAN'S PHYSICAL CONDITIONS.

THE PROGRESS OF TEMPERANCE.

The "Echo" of Friday last contained the following paragraph:

"Yesterday the annual meeting of the Liverpool Temperance Society was attended by the Mayor of the City, the Bishops of Manchester and Liverpool, the Dean of Chester, Sir Richard Temple, and other influential personages. In the course of the proceedings it was stated that the apprehensions for drunkenness in Liverpool had decreased from 23,000 annually to 14,000."

Here is a triumph certainly not only in results to the victims of alcohol, but in the support which the movement is receiving from influential persons. Only a few years ago total abstinence was scouted as the whim of a few enthusiasts who were supposed to be so weak in resolution that they could not keep sober without the pledge. Now that despised total abstinence is found to be a power doing a work which no other means could accomplish, and gathering around it the best minds of the age. The newspapers now report temperance proceedings respectfully. Once they sneered or ignored them. Let spiritualists take courage.

THE DISEASE INDUCING RITE.

MR. P. A. TAYLOR, M.P.

I have seen dozens and scores of persons who tell me that they honestly believe that their children had died from vaccination, and who had told me all that had happend with every circumstance and detail. They have told me how they took perfectly healthy children to be vaccinated, how an incision was made in the arm, how in the course of a few days a sore appeared there, how it spread on the arm, and from thence all over the body, and how finally the child died in agony. It is no longer held that it is absolutely safe to vaccinate children, as was stated to us when the Committee sat in 1871. During the first part of the time that the Committee sat the doctors who were called before us declared it to be impossible that syphilis and other diseases could be communicated by inoculation, while it was actually proved to demonstration before we finished our sittings that thirteen cases of syphilis had arisen from one case of vaccination alone.-House of Commons, 1879. From "Our Legislators on the Vaccination Question."

BRIGHTON.-OPPOSITION TO VACCINATION. The opposition to the enforcement of the Vaccination Acts was the occasion yesterday of a singular demonstration: the defendants, three in number, being driven to and from the court in a waggonette, preceded by a brass band, whilst a large banner intimated that the proceedings were adopted as a protest against the "murderous tyranny and robbery of the Vaccination Laws." During the hearing of the cases, which resulted in fines of 20s. and 10s. being inflicted in five instances, whilst three others were adjourned, the Bench were reminded that they had a discretionary power as to the amount of fine to be inflicted, and it was also urged that it was "unconstitu

tional" to enforce the Act in the face of conscientious objections. To this the Bench replied that some people thought it" unconstitutional" that they should have to close their shops at eleven o'clock, or that they should not be allowed to drive diseased cattle along the roads. They, therefore, refused to mitigate the penalties. On the defendants leaving the court there was much cheering from their friends, and they drove away to the strains "See the Conquering Hero comes." It was intended to have made the demonstration additionally effective by organizing an anti-vaccination meeting outside the house of an antivaccinator whose goods were to be seized for the non-payment of a fine; but as the sale was postponed, this part of the programme had to be abandoned." Daily News," Feb. 8.

[What a stupid Bench! There is not the slightest parallel between having diseased cattle and healthy children about the streets. On the other hand it would appear that healthy chil-' dren must have a cattle disease inflicted on them before they are fit for streets or homes. Are our law-makers and "Benches lunatics?-EDITOR.]

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LITERARY NOTICES.

Astrology, judging from its annuals, seems to be in the ascendant; Raphael's Prophetic Almanac" (Catty) is full of matter which cannot be read without interest. The approaching conjunction of planets is dwelt upon and the consequences predicted. We have also received "Orion's Almanac" (Simpkin), which, upon the whole, is the most carefully edited and complete publication of the kind that has reached us. tains valuable tables which, apart from astrology, afford information which is difficult at all times to put the hand on. We can supply these and other almanacs on receipt of postage stamps. Post free, 7d. each. "Raphael," with epheremis, 1s.

It con

The "Phrenological Magazine" commences the year in a greatly improved form. The size has been enlarged and the contents improved. It presents the appearance of solidity and ripeness, the invariable indications of success. The number for February contains a Phrenological Delineation of Sir Wilfrid Lawson, illustrated with a portrait. There is a continuation of the article on "Noses," with illustrations indicating various forms in which character is expressed by the most prominent feature of the face. There is an excellent article by Dr. Davey on the claims of phrenologists in opposition to the "discoveries" of vivisectionists and others. We can recommend our readers to seek the aquaintance of the "Phrenological Magazine," monthly, and through it the science of phrenology. We can send on a specimen copy for 7d. post free.

HALL OF COMPREHENSION, 25, GREAT QUEBEC

STREET, W.

To the Editor.-Sir,-At the Monthly Meeting of the Comprehensionists, on Monday evening last, the following Resolution was proposed by Mr. F. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Hancock, and carried unanimously:

That as the Constitution of Comprehensionists has our full acceptance and agreement, we can now see the star of hope through all the difficulties and oppressions that beset the path of humanity, and look forward to the time when our Constitution will be universally accepted as the solvent of all obstruction that has hitherto impeded prosperity. To say this is to assume the inferences from the statements therein contained, and which it will be our endeavour to disseminate as the consciousness of the benefits we ourselves have derived from these convictions as our own acceptance have become the more apparent.

That as we are now an organization, each Radiationist representing a particular profession or occupation, embodies (presumedly) in his mind the ideal development as the outcome from the chaotic condition in which each particular occupation now labours, we therefore propose to assemble on successive Monday evenings to consider the propositions in succession, and consult on the procedure to be followed, the restrictions to be removed, and the advantages to be gained in placing before the workmen of the world a programme of extrication that will bring about the results we all have so deeply at heart. F. WILSON.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION,

GOSWELL HALL, 290, GOSWELL ROAD.

(Near the "Angel," Islington.)

On Sunday last the morning meeting was entertained with an account of the Cock-lane Ghost, from the "History of Clerkenwell," read by Mrs. Yeates- After remarks from various friends, Mr. King gave an account of the adventures of Tobit's son from the Apocrypha, which elicited further conversation:

In the evening Mr. W. Wallace, the pioneer medium, gave an excellent trance address.

On Sunday morning next the usual conference will be held at 11 o'clock: In the evening, at 7, Dr. T. L. Nichols will give a lecture on Ghosts of the 19th century.

W. Towns, Sec.

1, Albert Terrace, Cloudesley Road, Islington.

QUEBEC HALL, 25, GREAT QUEBEC STREET. On Sunday evening, Feb. 13, at 7 prompt, Mr. Whitley will deliver an address on 66 Swedenborg." Questions and remarks will be invited at close.

On Monday, Feb. 14, at 8-30, the Comprehensionists meet. On Tuesday evening, Feb. 15, at 8-30 prompt, Mr. E. W. Wallis wil! deliver a trance address, subject to be chosen by the audience.

On Wednesday evening, Feb. 16, at 8-30 prompt, Mr. F. O. Matthews will commence a series of services concluding with clairvoyant visions, with which Mr. Matthews is so wonderfully gifted. The admission to this service will be Gd., contributed on entering.

The seance on Saturday at 8 as usual. Mrs. Treadwell, medium. Mr. Hancock is present half an hour previous to speak with strangers.. J. M. DALE, Hon. Sec.

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LEICESTER.-SILVER STREET LECTURE HALL.

On Sunday next, Feb. 13, Miss S. C. Blinkhorn, of Walsall, will give two inspirational addresses under eontrol of her spirit-guides; subjects: morning-" Exhortation from the Fifth Chapter of Matthew;" evening-"Has man a Free Thought ?" Time of service-morning 11, evening 6-30. Collections to defray expenses.

On Thursday, Feb. 17, Mr. J. Holmes, of Leicester, late secularist lecturer, will give a lecture in the above hall; subject: "God or no God; or, Atheism tested by the Facts of Spiritualism.' Discussion at the close invited. Admission: front seats 6d., back seats 3d. Doors open at 7-30, commence at 8.

Since Mr. Holmes gave his lecture in the temperance hall, he has had several calls from different towns to go and give lectures for them: I understand that he will respond to them very shortly. He has startled the people of Leicester and set them thinking.

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For instance, last Sunday evening our hall was well filled to hear a local medium give a lecture under control of his spirit-guides. The What is Spiritualism?" It was listened to with great subject was attention, aud gave great satisfaction to the unexpectedly large audience. We had among the audience a Jew who goes about the country lecturing, and one of his subjects is to abuse spiritualism.

Mr. Wallis lectures for us this week; subject: "Did man ever fall, or does he need salvation ?"

56, Cranbourne Street, Leicester.

Feb. 7, 1881.

R. WIGHTMAN, Sec.

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OLDHAM.-On Saturday evening, Feb. 12, there will be an entertainment at the Spiritualists' Hall, Union-street, consisting of songs, glees, duets, readings, recitations, &c. To commence at 8 o'clock; admission 3d.

MR. A. DUGUID, Kirkcaldy, writes to say that he hopes to be in London in two or three weeks.

MISS SAMUEL intends visiting London again early in March. She will lecture and hold social evenings as before.

MR. DAVID POWELL, late of Cardiff, now living at 6, Frog Lane, Bristol, writes to say that he has suffered a sad reversal of fortune, and desires pecuniary assistance to enable him again to resume business. A small sum would be sufficient.

ANGLO-AMERICAN STORES.

F. FUSEDALE, Tailor and Draper.

A splendid assortment of Winter Goods not to be surpassed in London. All goods thoroughly shrunk and made on the premises at the shortest notice.-8, Southampton Row, Holborn.

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

PRICE SIXPENCE

Mr. N. W. Hollis

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These voluntary offerings and the kindly and loyal words which accompanied them have been particularly cheering these hard times. The Christmas box of our Darlington friends rather puzzled us. It was composed of side and end pinces which fitted into each other and held together without nail, lock, glue, or fastening of any kind, and we could not get at the contents till we cut the projection off the end of one of the side pieces.

We shall look anxiously for the annual aid of all old helpers, and hope, in addition, to be favoured with the adhesion of not a few new ones. Though we utter not a word of complaint, our burden is wellnigh unbearable; all can lighten it a little by imitating as they are able the good friends whose names appear above.

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