Jonnob/the-spiritualist-enriched huggingface dataset:
THE LITERATURE OF SPIRITUALISM. The literature of Spiritualism now consists of several hundreds of volumes, good, bad, and indif ferent, and almost entirely of American origin. Among the best volumes on the subject are Mrs De Morgan’s From Matter to Spirit (Longmans) with a preface by Professor De Morgan, President of the Mathematical Society of London; The Planchette, by Epes Sargent; Spiritualism (2 vols.) by Judge Edmonds and G. T. Dexter, of New York; a History of Spiritualism, by Emma Hard iuge; and The Autobiography of Andrew Jackson Davis. An interesting book, consisting simply of narrations of facts witnessed at remarkable seances, is Incidents of My Life (Longmans), by D. D. Home. The Soul of Things, by Denton, is a curious book indirectly connected with Spiritualism, and worth reading. Those unacquainted with Spiri tualism are recommended to read these books in the order in which they have just been mentioned. The only large lending library of Spiritual books in Great Britain is that belonging to Mr. J. Burns, 15, Southampton-row, High Holborn, London, W.C. The English periodicals on the subject are, The Spiritual Magazine, Human Nature, Day break, and The Spiritualist.
ADVICE TO INQUIRERS. Those who know no intelligent Spiritualists, and nothing about Spiritualism, yet who want to investigate, are recommended to begin by reading the first two books mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Then they should call upon the chief publisher of Spiritual books in London, Mr. J. Burns, 15, Southampton-row, Holborn (where the are sure to be treated with atteution and courtesy), and ask for the names and addresses of say four good professional or non-professional mediuins accessible to the public, and “recognised by Spiri tualists as reliable for powerful physical manifes tations." There are plenty of mediums or of people who fancy themselves mediums, who can rarely show anything satisfactory, and with whom an inquire might waste much time. He should then get say two sittings by daylight in his own house with each of the four mediums, because the power varies in strength at times with every medium at the end of the eight sittings he is sure to be thoroughly interested in Spiritualism, and to have thrown overboard the imposture theory, which is the clumsiest aud most superficial one of all. Many of the public have vague ideas that electri city can do all kinds of unaccountable things, but A GENUINE MEDIUM NEVER HAS ANY HESITATION IN SITTING WITH A CIRCLE IN A HOUSE AND AMONG FURNITURE WHICH HE OR SHE HAS NEVER SEEN IN HIS OR HER LIFE BEFORE. Even with a good medium it is best, if time be valuable, not to investigate at crowded public circles, because, assuming imposture to be at work, there is no telling who may not be aidimg, among the numerous spectators. Besides, where so man people want to ask questions of the spirits, the investigator has not time to put many himself. Investigators are recommended to be thus careful in the selection of mediums, because as public attention is gradually more rivetted upon Spiri tualism, impostors are sure to spring up, and even to advertise in Spiritual periodicals, for the editors manifestly cannot investigate the claims of ever professing medium. At present (November, 1869) there is very little imposture mixed up with the Spiritual movement in Great Britain, and there are only four or five paid mediums in all London. Good paid medinms deserve high praise rather than that censure which is thrown upon them even by Spiritualists; they find house-room; tliey are rcady to receive strangers at stated times when private circles could not sit for the convenience of
inquirers; the sittings exhaust their vitality like a hard days' work, and they have to put up with much abuse when uneducated roughs unaccus tomed to investigation persecute them by attenc ing. The inquirer should mention to the medium civilly and kindly, liis doubts respecting the phenomena he may witness; the invisible beings around will at once, on the spot, do their best to remove those doubts, or an explanation will be obtained from the medium. When there is real foundation for suspicion, the best plan is to go often to the medium, accompanied by witnesses detect the imposture, and prosecute the medium for obtaining money under false pretences. Genuine manifestations are not under the control of the medium, so that a paid medium who does not get manifestations, is under a great temptation to try to make them. This fact makes it difficult for Spiritualists to speak absolutely as to the relia bility of any paid mediums, however genuine the majority of the manifestations may be which occur in their presence. After getting thoroughly inte rested in Spiritual phenomena, the inquirer should take his friends to see them, and afterwards get up a private circle in his own house. Manifestatious will most likely not be obtained at the first sitting, but after very few or very many sittings they will come; gradually the great barrier of the grave which now separates frieuds will be broken down and after the experience of a year or two the dread of the beautiful natural process, called “death,” will be destroyed, as it is destroyed in the minds of all experienced Spiritualists, except those who during life have done harm to their fellow-creatures. Very high spirits and their homes are perfectly invisible to very low spirits this, coupled with the fact that there is no more uniformity in the next world than there is here accounts for the endless contradictions about spirit life given in Spiritual communications. An investigator of a logical and scientific turn of mind may possibly have to closely follow up the subject for some weeks before gaining the absolute knowledge that the manifestations come fron spirits. Unlike Mr. Home and a few other excep tional individnals, most mediums are developed for one or two special purposes only. Thus, vio lent physical manifestations, inexplicable by an of the recognised laws of matter, may be seen in the presence of one medium, but mental tests aud questions may briug forth a majority of inaccurate and unreliable answers. Where good mental tests are obtainable through a medium, the physical manifestations may be altogether absent. There are so few public or semi-public spirit circles at work in London, and the pressure for admission is so great where the manifestations are good, that the best plan for novices is usually to try to get manifestations at home among their own friends.
HUMAN NATURE, a Monthly Record of Zoistic Science, Intelligence, and Popular Anthropology. Recent numbers give full details of the extraordinary Manifestations through the celebrated Medium, D. D. Home, Esq., with philosophical reason ings as to the nature and cause of the phenomena : a new series of lessons on Phrenology and the Tempera ments is being given, containing some new instructions of great value to the student; first-class Portraits of eminent men and women, with Biographies and Phreno logical delineations are frequently introduced; a serial Tale of great power and beauty; articles on Physiology Diet, Temperance, and Health; translations from Con tinental Works and Periodicals; treatises on Mesmerism Clairvoyance, Spiritualism; reviews of Books; reports of Lectures, Meetings, and Societies, renders this the cheapest, most varied, and instructive Periodical of the kind in the world. The fact that this Periodical is en tirely unbiased and devoted to the truth respecting all the topies on which it treats, is a point not to be over looked by all earnest investigators, whatever their opinions may be. Post free, 7s. per annum, or 6d. per month from the Booksellers. JAMES BURNS Progres sive Library, 15, Southampton-row, Bloomsbury-square Holborn, London, W.C.
THE PROGRESSIVE LIBRARY and SPIRITUALIST DEPOSITORY has been re moved from Camberwell to No. 15, Southampton-row, Bloomsbury-square, Holborn, W.C. There is a Publishing Office and Shop for the sale of Books; a Circulating Library of all Works on Spiritualism. &c.; a Reading-Room supplied with the Spiritual and Progressive Publications of the World; a Drawing Room for the special use of Ladies and Subscribers; Private Rooms for Séances, Committees, Meetings, &c. and where all information respecting the Cause and the Progress of events may be obtained. The Subscription, entitling to all the privileges of the Establishment, including the use of two Books at a time from the Library for home perusal, is 21s. per annum A well-assorted Stock of Stationery, Periodicals, cur rent Progressive Literature, Standard Works, Cheap Books and Tracts, Planchettes, Materials for Writing and Drawing Mediums; also Works and Appliances or Phrenology, Physiology, Health, and Dieletic Reform Temperance, Hydropathy, Gymnastics, Mesmerism. Clairvoyance, Anthropology, &c., will be kept on sale. As the responsibilities incurred in establishing this "Home for Spiritualism" and the Science of Man are very heavy, the Proprietor earnestly solicits the kind co-operation and support of all who sympathise with the enterprise. Strangers in London should at one call at the Progressive Library, where they may hear of Lodgings and get other useful information. J. BURNS, Progressive Library, 15, Southampton-row. Bloomsbury-square, Holborn, London, W.C.
MR. J. L. OLIVE, Professor of Modern Spiritual Science, 1, Gibson-place, Warrington crescent, Maida Vale, W. Mr. Olive is prepared to afford information relative to Spiritualism, the Development of Mediumistic power, &c., with facilities for investigation of Phenomena. Reliable advice based on large medica experience, and aided by beneficent Spirit Intelligences may also be obtained for the relief of ailments of Body or Mind. Consultation Fee, One Shilling.
To LIFE POLICY-HOLDERS. The recent disclosures in the Chancery Court indis putably prove that neither the antiquity of a life office nor the magnitude of its income, affords to the public any security that the premiums they have paid for the purpose of securing a sum of money to their families may not be frittered away in costly amalgamations, or jeopardised by fire, marine, or accidental risks. In order to remove this insecurity the BRITISH IM PERIAL INSURANCE CORPORATION was esta blished on the principle substantially adopted by Her Majesty's Government for small policies, and carried out through the medium of the Post-office. The Life Funds of the British Imperial Corporation are placed beyond the control of the Directors, being in vested in the Government Funds (for the sole purpose of meeting poliey claims) in the names of trustees, who act independent of the Directors, and solely on behalf of the policy-holders. The system of investing Insurers’ net peomiums in Consolidated three per cent. Annuities in Trustees names for the sole purpose of meeting Policy Claims, combined with the ereation of a number of Separate Trusts, presents entirely new elements of security to Insurers. Any section of the community who are dissatisfied with the ordinary plan of entrusting their premiums to the care of the Directors of a life office may, without cost or risk, constitute themselves into a separate sec tion of the British Imperial Corporation, and appoint their own trustees to control the life insurance funds contributed by them. Chief Offices for London 20, COCKSPUR-STREET, PALL-MALL.
The Female Medical Society is established for the following objects 1.—To promote tho employment of properly educated women in the practice of Midwifery, and the treatment of the Diseases of Women and Children. 2.—To provide educated women with proper facilitios for learning the theory and practice of Midwifery, and the accessory branches of Medical Science. Midwifery and the accessory branches of medicine offer a wide fleld of honourable and lucrative employ ment for educated women; also a means of intellectual culture and social usefulness to ladies who may not be dependent upon their own exertions. For want of properly qualifled ladies the best portion of the practice of midwifery has drifted into tho hands of gentlemen though female practitioners still attend the bulk of the population. But any person may undertake the duties of a midwife. Proper means of study have never been provided for women, and there has never been an public examination, by which women when well qualifled might be distinguished from those who are illiterate and unqualifled. The Society has carried on for five years the Ladies' Medical College, which has taught the theory and prac tice of Midwifery and the accessory branches of medi cine. Eighty-two ladies have already availed themselves of its advantages, and many of these ladies are settled in practice, and succeeding admirably. A life subscription of ten guineas, or an annual sub scription of one guinea, constitutes a member of the Society, but stamps or other small contributions will be gladly received. Lady subscribers of not less than one guinea are invited to visit any Lectures in which they are likely to be interested. The addresses of skilled Lady Midwives, Prospectuses of the College, and all particulars as to the operations of the Society, may be obtained of the Lady Secretary. Temporary Offices—4 Fitzroy-square, W. Cheques to be crossed London and County Bank.
NO. 1 of THE SPIRITUALIST is from be ginning to end a compact mass of good evidence that the facts of Spiritualism are true. It contains a summary of the evidence given before the Dialectical Society by twenty witnesses of eminence and ability; it also gives the testimony of respectable non-Spiritualists therefore it is a valuable publication to place in the hands of non-Spiritualists, and should be selected for that purpose rather than later numbers of the same journal, as the later numbers will run out of print first. and should be ordered while they are still obtainable by those who wish to preserve them for binding. A few copies of No. 1 should be kept on hand for the benefit of non-Spiritualists, but later numbers should be retained in the possession of tho early friends of the movement, before they become scarce and unobtainable. Cover with stringed backs, to keep copies clean till required for binding, 3s. each. London: E. W. ALLEN, Ave Maria-lane, E.C.; or J BURNS, 15, Southampton-row, Holborn, W.C
Contents. The Testimony of a Spirit 25 Testimony of a Non-Spiritualist ... 25 Evidences of Spiritualism ... 26 REPORTS OF MEETINGS:—Séances at the Spiritual Library.—Seeing Mediumship—Mr. Clegg of York -Somnambulism—Disturbing Influences at Cir cles Purgatory—Body, Soul, and Spirit—Progres sion in the Animal World—Spiritual Communica tions—An Earth-bound Spirit—Earthly Impedi ments to Development—The Formation of the Spirit Worlds - Grindstones - Audible Spirit Voices —Departed Friends ... 26 Private Séances.—Clairvoyance—Spirit Magnetism The Deity—Jesus of Nazareth—The Double—Me diumship-Martyrdom- The Future of the Physi cal Body— Bodily Deformities — Undeveloped Spirits—Capital Punishment—Responsibilities of Judges—Spirit Poetry—Spirit Voices—Seeing Me diumship—Table Motions without Contact with ... 27 Human Beings GENERAL NEWS:—A Newspaper Burlesque—The Dialectical Society—Tien Sien Tie—Spiritualism in East London—The Philosophy of Spiritualism LEADERS:—The Nomenclature of Spiritualism - 28 Spiritualism in South Wales 29 Scenery in the Spirit World.. POETRY:—Spirit Verses—Extract from the “Mourn 30 ing Bride "—Night CORRESPONDENCE:—The best way to spread Spiri ... 30 tualism... Society ... 30 BOOK NOTICES:—Purpose and Passion ... 30 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENT. ... 30 PARAGRAPHS:—Agassizon Education, 26—The Royal Institution, 26—Pauperism and Emigration, 29 The Two Ghosts, 30—The Welsh Fasting Girl, 30
far off, they were much too far away for little Jessie to reach them and pluck them for herself. These sister are all now living, and can corroborate the facts “Some five years ago I was lecturing in Dickson, Illinois, and one evening had some visitors to see me In the middle of our conversation I felt so weary that I asked permission to leave my friends for a short time It was twenty minutes to one o’clock. I went into my chamber and looked out upon the broad prairie, and there I saw a spirit, which did not surprise me, as I have been in the habit of seeing them from infancy He was a sullen, strange-looking spirit, with a very woful face, sitting in a chair, appearing to look out of a window something like my own, and looked as if mimicking, in an unpleasant manner, my own actions. Then I saw him draw a knife across his throat, and nearly sever his head from his body. I gazed for nearly five minutes on the horrid spectacle, and I could see all the details, even to the complete anatomy of the visible portions of the severed head. I returned to the parlour and told my visitors what I had seen (here Mrs. Har dinge gave the names of some of those who were pre sent at the time), and shortly afterwards I had a letter from one of them, who is a Government official, stating that the postmaster of Dickson had committed suicide four days later, but in exactly the same way in all the minute particulars as I had witnessed the act. Several other persons also wrote to me, stating that the details of my vision were perfect. There are many in this country who have proved to me most conclusively, again and again, that they have beheld me at a time when I have been distant from them, while I have been un eonscious of thus manifesting myself."
SPIRIT-RAPPING IN JOHN WESLEY'S FAMILY IN TEN PARTS.—PART FOUR LETTER  I.—To MR. SAMUEL WESLEY, from his MOTHER “January 12, 1716-17 “ DEAR SAM,—This evening we were agreeably su prised with your packet, which brought the welcom news of your being alive, after we had been in the greatest panic imaginable, almost a month, thinking either you were dead, or one of your brothers had by some misfortune been killed. “ The reason of our fears is as follows :—On the first of December our maid heard at the door of the dining room several dismal groans, like a person in extremes at the point of death. We gave little heed to her rela tion, and endeavoured to laugh her out of her fears. Some nights (two or three) after, several of the family heard a strange knocking in divers places, usually three or four knocks at a time, and then staid a little. This continued every night for a fortnight; sometimes it was tin the garret, but most commonly in the nursery, or green chamber. We all heard it but your father, and I was not willing he should be informed of it, lest he should fancy it was against his own death, which, in deed, we all apprehended. But when it began to be so troublesome, both day and night, that few or none of the family durst be alone, I resolved to tell him of it being minded he should speak to it. At first he would not believe but somebody did it to alarm us; but the night after, as soon as he was in bed, it knocked loudly nine times, just by his bedside. He rose, and went to see if he could find out what it was, but could see nothing. Afterwards he heard it as the rest. “ One night it made such a noise in the room over our heads as if several people were walking, then run up and down stairs, and was so outrageous that we thought the children would be frighted; so your father and I rose, and went down in the dark to light a candle. Just as we came to the bottom of the broad stairs, having hold of each other, on my side there seemed as if somebody had emptied a bag of money at my feet ; and on his, as if all the bottles under the stairs (which were many) had been dashed in a thousand pieces. We passed through the hall into the kitchen, and got a candle, and went to see the children, whom we found asleep. “ The next night your father would get Mr. Hoole to lie at our house, and we all sat together till one or two o’clock in the morning, and heard the knocking as Sometimes it would make a noise like the usual. winding up of a jack; at other times, as that night Mr.
Hoole was with us, like a carpenter planing deals; but most commonly it knocked thrice and stopped, and then thrice again, and so many hours together. We per suaded your father to speak, and try if any voice would be heard. One night, about six o’clock, he went into the nursery in the dark, and at first heard several deep groans, then knocking. He adjured it to speak, if it had power, and tell him why it troubled his house ; but no voice was heard, but it knocked thrice aloud. Then he questioned it if it were Sammy; and bid it, if it were, and could not speak, knock again; but it knocked no more that night, which made us hope it was no against your death. “ Thus it continued till the 28th of December, when it loudly knocked (as your father used to do at the gate) in the nursery, and departed. We have various con jectures what this may mean. For my own part, I fear nothing, now you are safe at London hitherto; and hope God will still preserve you. Though sometimes I am inclined to think my brother is dead. Let me know your thoughts on it. S. W."
LETTER II.—From MR. S. WESLEY to his FATHER “HONOURED SIR,—My mother tells me a very strange “January 30, Saturday sort of disturbances in your house. I wish I could have some more particulars from you. I would thank Mr Hoole if he would favour me with a letter concerning it. Not that I want to be confirmed myself in the belief on it, but for any other person’s satisfaction. My mother sends to me to know my thoughts of it, and I cannot think at all of any interpretation. Wit, I fancy, might find many, but wisdom none. Your dutiful and loving “ S. WESLEY.” son,
LETTER III.—From MR. S. WESLEY to his MOTHER “ DEAR MO THER, —Those who are so wise as not to believe any supernatural occurrences, though ever so well attested, could find a hundred questions to ask about those strange noises you wrote me an account of but for my part, I know not what question to put which, if answered, would confirm me more in the belief of what you tell me. Two or three I have heard from others. Was there never a new maid or man in the house that might play tricks? Was there nobody above in the garrets when the walking was there? Did all the family hear it together when they were in one room, or at one time? Did it seem to all to be in the same place, at the same time? Could not cats, or rats, or dogs be the sprites? Was the whole family asleep when my father and you went down stairs? Such doubts as these being replied to, though they could not as God Himself assures us, convince them who believe not Moses and the Prophets, yet would strengthen such as do believe. As to my particular opinion concerning the events foreboded by these noises, I cannot, I must confess, form any. I think, since it was not permitted to speak, all guesses must be vain. The end of spirits actions is yet more hidden than that of men, and ever this latter puzzles the most subtle politicians. That we may be struck so as to prepare seriously for any ill may, it is possible, be one design of Providence. It is surely our duty and wisdom to do. Dear mother, I beg your blessing on your dutiful and affectionate son. “S. WESLEY." Jan. 19, 1716-7, Saturday Dean’s-yard, Westminster “I expect a particular account from every one."
LETTER IV.—From MRS. WESLEY to her son SAMUEL. "Jan. 25 or 27, 1716-7 “ DEAR SAM,—Though I am not one of those that will believe nothing supernatural, but am rather inclined to think there would be frequent intercourse between good spirits and us, did not our deep lapse into sen suality prevent it ; yet I was a great while ere I could credit anything of what the children and servants re ported concerning the noises they heard in several part of our house. Nay, after I heard them myself, I was willing to persuade myself and them that it was only rats or weasels that disturbed us; and having been formerly troubled with rats, which were frighted away by sounding a horn, I caused a horn to be procured, and made them blow it all over the house. But from that night they began to blow, the noises were more louc and distinct, both day and night, than before; and that night we rose and went down I was entirely convinced.