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Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 10.

GENERAL ARTICLES
Earlier text: SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

HAVE just closed a Sabbath and Sunday meeting at this place. The attendance was good, and we had some excellent meetings. Further instructions were given in the missionary work. All are supplied with Testimony No. 29, and seven copies of the Spirit of Prophecy were taken. They have a very fair Sabbath-school. Bro. Honeywell is canvassing the city for Good Health; has obtained nearly two hundred subscribers already, and has set his figures at one thousand. He will probably accomplish his object. He has also taken three hundred Annuals. One brother in another part of the State, who thought he could do nothing in this line, writes me that he has obtained forty-nine subscribers in three days. What a great work we might do if all would only try!
D. M. CANRIGHT.
February 19.

AROMA, ILL.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau

We are still holding meetings in two schoolhouses, and our first effort will continue over two more Sabbaths. We have had two Sabbath meetings. Several from St. Anne, Beaverville, etc., attended and took part. Last Sabbath five signified their determination to be Christians, and a Sabbath-school of fifteen members was organized. We have had another conflict with spiritualists, whose complete failure led them to call a school meeting to turn us out of the house; but when it came to a vote, we had a majority, and our opponents met with another defeat.
Feb. 20. D. T. BOURDEAU.

GREENTOP, MO.

By H. Wren

I AM holding meetings five miles east of Greentop. Meetings began a little more than four weeks ago, but have had to stop several times for a few days at a time. The interest has been good so far. There are now about fifteen new Sabbath-keepers, and will probably be a few more. They are mostly heads of families, and are people of good influence. The Sabbath-keepers here are all favorable to health reform, and some of them are beginning to reduce it to practice.
Feb. 20. H. WREN.

CLYDE, MICH.

By H. M. Kenyon

Our meetings at Clyde closed Feb. 22. Forty-five discourses were given. Eleven persons, all heads of families, have decided for the truth. There are others who are convinced, some of whom will obey. One man, a licensed preacher of the M. E. church, acknowledges the truth, and says he shall obey.
H. M. KENYON.

SOMERSET, WIS.

By A. E. and A. M. Johnson

FEBRUARY 14 and 15, we held meetings with the little company here. Each family was at work lending papers and books; as a consequence, six were keeping the Sabbath, five of whom were ready to sign the covenant. All were anxious to have a church built, and offered liberally toward it. A. E. AND A. M. JOHNSON.

STRENGTH.

The counsel of David to his son, "Be strong, and show thyself a man," is one that can with great propriety be repeated to the sons of this generation. Indeed, the need of strength and manliness is one of the most pressing demands of the time. It is not so much knowledge that is wanted, for that abounds, but strength, that tense and fibrous knitting of the soul which comes from faith in truth, faith in virtue, faith in God. Wisdom, however exalted, that is limited in its horizon by the narrow view that bounds our human vision, will not keep men from sin.

Religion’s Deeper Tones

Many of the chords of religion are untouched in times of prosperity, when they are fanned by balmy zephyrs and regaled by rare perfumes, but when God plays upon them with violent tempests, then the deeper tones sound forth, and they roll out majestic strains of music.

BOOKS.

By S. N. Haskell

THE prophet Hosea said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and it is certain that wise men never get beyond acquiring knowledge.
To cease seeking information is virtually ceasing to be useful. The wisest man that ever lived testifies, "Because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge," and then adds:—"The preacher sought to find out acceptable words." Thus Solomon with all his wisdom never got beyond studying. It has been a matter of much study to those connected with the publishing associations to select such works as are useful, and would throw light upon God's work upon the earth.
The works mentioned in the last week's issue of the SIGNS as helps to those interested in the study of the Scriptures, cannot be over-estimated. The History of the Reformation, by Martyn and D'Aubigne, shows the character of God's work in a marked degree. Gibbon's History of Rome, and Rollin's Ancient History, throw much light on the prophecy. Dowling's History of Romanism, containing 940 pages, gives a history of that apostate church and its connection with the people of God from the days of the apostles till the present time.
The value of this work to those who are in any way connected with God's work at the present time, is ten times the cost of it. It shows how men and women may be deceived in departing from the simplicity of the Christian religion, and become guilty of the most atrocious deeds under the cloak of religion. All the above works, and many more of like character, can be had for less than the regular price, at the office of the Pacific Press. We recommend them to the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. S. N. HASKELL.

READING ALOUD TO CHILDREN.

TEACHERS often complain of the inattention of their pupils; and so true is this, that in a class of forty boys or girls, twenty-five will not give their minds to what their instructor is trying to explain. I say will not, but in some school-children the habit is so firmly fixed of not giving their thoughts to their teacher's words, that they cannot listen when they really wish to. This carelessness on the part of the youthful occupants of a class-room, is visited and revisited upon themselves and their teacher; for the habit once established, it is almost impossible to eradicate. In the parent's hand lies the power to remedy this evil.
When a child is old enough to understand what the mother says, then should begin the training for giving attention. By saying short sentences when sure that the child is listening; by talking to it in simple language; and as it grows older and comprehends more, by reading aloud from a book, things which from their own brightness or illustrations claim its undivided attention—these are the things which exert the thinking powers, demand the attention, and lay the foundation for a habit of listening, which during school-life is indispensable to progress. The plan of reading aloud to children, is one which should be followed by every mother or father; fifteen or twenty minutes a day should be reserved for it until it becomes a fixed custom. If this was more generally followed, there would not be such a large number of scholars who, in their own words, "cannot understand the lessons;" of young girls who "cannot sit still in church;" of boys who "think it a bore to attend a lecture;" and of persons who cannot listen quietly to a fine oration or symphony without yawning, whispering, and giggling.—Teacher's Institute.

A JOKE THAT COST A LIFE.

Wm. Bailye, aged about thirty years, died recently in Bozrah, Conn. He was of strong, hearty physique, and his talents and character gave promise of a fine future. His illness was brief and of a singular nature. The young man's death was the result of a joke by one of his companions. One day he crossed his father's kitchen to sit down in a chair near which a friend was standing; and as he stooped down, without looking behind him, his friend jokingly pulled the chair from behind him, and he fell to the floor heavily. The jarring blow affected the spinal column fatally. Thoughtless persons, by silly acts of this kind, often do injuries that they regret all the rest of their lives.

VALUABLE TEXT BOOKS

FOR MINISTERS, S. S. OFFICERS, AND BIBLE STUDENTS.
D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation, 5 vols. $4.50.
Gibbon's Rome. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. 6 vols. $5.00.
Josephus, by William Whiston. $1.50.
Pilgrim's Progress. 12mo. edition, beautifully bound, and illustrated. This edition printed by Dodd, Mead, and Co., is firmly bound, printed on heavy tint paper, contains 36 engravings, and has marginal references to such texts of Scripture as are illustrated by the story. 336 pp. $1.50.
Dowling's History of Romanism. This large work of 940 pages traces the history of Romanism from the earliest corruptions of Christianity to the proclamation of Papal infallibility, and the deposition of Pius IX. as a temporal sovereign.
It not only refutes the errors and superstitions of Romanism, but tells the story of their origin, exhibits the workings of the iniquitous system, reviews historically its domination over kings and princes, its oppression of the consciences, and torture of the bodies, of men, and the efforts of different ones at different times to relieve Christendom of its terrible thralldom. The papacy occupies so prominent a position in the prophetic field, and is gaining such an influence upon the people of this country that any information pertaining to it is of special interest to the student of prophecy.
Price in Muslin, $4.00. Half Morocco, $4.75.
Law for the Clergy. A Compilation of the Statutes of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, relative to the duties of clergymen in the solemnization of marriage, the organization of churches and religious societies, and the protection of religious meetings and assemblies, with notes and practical forms embracing a collation of the common law of marriage. $1.00
The Church, School, and its Officers, by J. H. Vincent, D. D. 75 cts
The Art of Questioning, with an introductory address on Training Classes, by J. G. Fitch. 15 cts
The Use of Illustrations in S. S. Teaching, by J. M. Freeman. 15 cts
The Art of Securing Attention in a S. S. Class, by J. G. Fitch. 15 cts
S. S. Institutes and Normal Classes, by J. H. Vincent, with an introduction by Alfred Taylor. This book will be especially valuable to those who contemplate holding Institutes, and seek direction as to how the time of the sessions may be occupied to the best advantage. Many an Institute has failed because its promoters were short of just such information as is given here concerning arrangement and management. 186 pp. 75 cts
Sacred Geography and Antiquities, by Prof. E. P. Barrows. 685 pp. $2.25
Companion to the Bible, by Barrows. 668 pp. $1.75
Bible Geography. Hand-Book of. (New and Revised Edition.) Containing the Name, Pronunciation, and Meaning of every Place, Nation, and Tribe mentioned in both the Canonical and Apocryphal Scriptures. By Rev. Geo. H. Whitney, A. M. Illustrated by one hundred Engravings, and forty Maps and Plans. Four hundred closely printed pages. 12mo. $2.50
Bible Manners and Customs. Hand-Book of. Containing Descriptions of the Ancient Manners and Customs mentioned in the Bible, and explaining over three thousand Scripture Texts. By James M. Freeman, D. D. Illustrated by 168 Engravings, and accompanied by an Analytical Index, a Textual Index, and a Topical Index. 12mo. 515 pp. $2.50
The Bible Atlas and Gazetteer, Containing six large and accurate maps, and a list of all geographical names with references to their Scripture places and to the proper maps; also a variety of useful tables. Muslin Bound, $1.00
A Dictionary of the Holy Bible, for general use in the study of the Scriptures; with engravings, maps, and tables. Published by American Tract Society. Muslin Bound, $1.50 Sheep, 2.00

COLTON'S SABBATH-SCHOOL MAPS.

No. 1. Eight-sheet map of Palestine.—With topographical plan of the city of Jerusalem, and a plan of the vicinity of Jerusalem. Size, 116x81 inches. This beautiful wall map is printed in such a large, clear, distinct style, that everything upon it is clearly distinguishable from every part of a large school-room. Price, printed on cloth, $12.50.
No. 2. Map Illustrating the Travels of St. Paul.—Eight sheets. Size, 116x81 inches. This is the largest map of these countries ever publis hed. The routes of St. Paul are distinctly shown by strong lines of different colors; the names of places visited in his various missionary tours are lettered very boldly to distinguish them from other ancient names; and the few modern names that are introduced to make the identification with places of present interest more easy, are in a still lighter style of lettering. Price, on cloth, $12.50.
No. 3. New Testament Map of Palestine.—Size, 58x41 inches. Price, on cloth, $3.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THE WORK AT BATTLE CREEK.

By James White

At no period in the brief history of our work in this city, has there been as lively an interest as at the present time. The labor put forth about the time of the General Conference last November, proved salutary and its influence has been felt up to the present time, in our College, at the Sanitarium, the office of publication, and in the church generally.
The baser sort have tried to take advantage of the plain testimonies, and earnest warnings given to this people, and of the efforts to maintain proper discipline and order in the College. This is what might be expected in the usual course of things. When the work of the Lord revives, Satan and his dupes feel disturbed. If a respectable agent cannot be found, the services of one of the baser sort are accepted.
As a good illustration of this point, we notice a dream; whether the gentleman was asleep or awake, the reader may judge. The illustration, however, is a good one.
In his dream, he was passing by a church. Upon a gate-post, Satan was sitting sound asleep. Shaking him gently, he inquired, How is this? You have the reputation of being very active in your work, walking to and fro in the earth, seeking whom you may devour; but here you are sound asleep.
To this his satanic majesty replied: The people in the church back there are asleep, and the minister is asleep; and I thought it a good time for me to take a nap.
The work in the congregation last Sabbath was deep, and we have reason to hope that it will be lasting. The old hands in the church have been pressing their way to the light for months; and freedom is coming into their hearts, and into our meetings. Changes, happy changes, in the condition of things here, are working changes in our plans. God is giving us the ears of the people, great freedom before them, and sweet and heavenly power in prayer.
At present, we are very happy in the enjoyment of these precious seasons, with Elders Whitney, Stone, Decker, Corliss, Colcord, Tenney, Lane, and brothers, Covert, Sharp, Owen, Fulton, Burrill, and Smith, who are attending the Tract and Missionary Institute, and also the Professors of Battle Creek College.
We are looking forward with lively anticipations of good, to the General Conference, after which we shall probably visit some of the churches in Michigan, before going to Colorado. From that point we shall decide whether to go to the Pacific coast, or to attend some of the camp-meetings. If Mrs. White decides to remain in California, we may spend the summer on the Pacific coast. At present, however, our work at this important post is plain before us. The Tract and Missionary Institute, conducted by Elders Whitney and Stone, is proving a great success; and Eld. Whitney is arranging for classes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas, to follow immediately after the General Conference.
The work of the Tract and Missionary Societies, which is the absorbing subject at this time at head-quarters, is second to no other. But little has been done in the past without our publications, and proper missionary work. This is being systematized, and the workers are being educated for their great work. If it be true that our ministers can add nine-tenths to their success by their efforts in properly circulating our periodicals and books; and if it also be true that men and women of a good degree of intelligence can be educated and trained as colporters and missionaries so as to accomplish as much real good as our active ministers, what a force of laborers can be thrown into the field at once through the instrumentality of the Tract and Missionary Institutes which are being held, and which should be held in the future throughout the length and breadth of the land.
It is very generally known by our readers, that from the very beginning, the publishing department of the great work has claimed our first attention. To this branch of the work we have given life's best years and strength; and it is with no small satisfaction that we look upon our extensive list of publications, admirably adapted to the wants of our growing cause. We need not say that the systematic effort on the part of thousands of tract and missionary workers, who are preparing to send our publications in different languages to every part of the world, makes our joy nearly complete.
We are happy to report more students, and a better state of things at the College, than at any previous winter term. The Sanitarium has a larger patronage also than at any winter previous. And the empty condition of our book-shelves at the publishing house seems truly fearful. Not less than twenty tons of publications have been sent out from this office by mail, express, or as common freight, during the past three months. J. W.

CAMP-MEETING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

By Editor

AFTER consulting with some of our leading brethren, it has been thought advisable to recommend our friends in the vicinity of Fresno and Tulare counties, to hold a camp-meeting in April, commencing not later than the 22d. One week earlier would be better.
Some of our reasons for selecting this time are, 1. This season of the year would be most favorable to those who come to labor, and who are not accustomed to that climate. 2. Mrs. White is now upon the coast, and it is uncertain how long she will remain. She will probably go East in time to attend the Eastern camp-meetings, and, if so, unless the meeting be held this spring, she cannot attend it. 3. By appointing it thus early, it will give time for her to attend camp-meetings in Oregon, if they are held as early, or earlier, than last year. The importance of her attending this meeting will be appreciated by the friends on the coast.
We would appoint C. W. Porter, Wilson Smith, and G. W. Cody, as a committee to make definite arrangements. We suggest that the meeting be held at some point in Tulare county. Any information desired about tents, or making purchases in San Francisco for the meeting can be had by corresponding with Eld. M. C. Israel, 605 Ivy Avenue, San Francisco.
Could our brethren in the more northern part of the State hold a camp-meeting about this time, even if a second one was held in the fall, it would secure the labors of some who probably will be unable to attend in the autumn.
We hope to hear from our brethren in reference to this matter.
S. N. HASKELL, M. C. ISRAEL, JOHN MORRISON, California Conference Committee.

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

By Editor

SOME changes have recently been made at this Office, which it may be well that its patrons understand.
It was not generally known that the resignation of Bro. J. E. White as Vice-President of the Pacific S. D. A. Association had been some time in the hands of the Board of Directors. This resignation was offered in view of his contemplated speedy return to the East. But no action had been taken upon it, as the Board could not see any feasible plan of action under existing circumstances. Soon after the arrival of Brn. Haskell and W. C. White, a meeting of the Directors was called, and to the former resignation, Bro. J. E. White added that of his office as Director. It was accepted, and Bro. W. C. White was elected Director and Vice-President in his stead.
At the same meeting Bro. W. N. Glenn resigned his position as Director, and Eld. S. N. Haskell was elected to fill the vacancy. Thus the way was open for these newly-arrived brethren to take right hold of the work in connection with the Office, which we feel assured they will do with promptness and energy, and to the entire satisfaction of all.
But this election covers only a brief period. It is a short time to the annual meeting when a full Board of Directors will be elected. At that time we hope and expect to see a large number of the stockholders present. Every church in California should have its leading men here. It is desirable that they shall not only see what is done, but that they shall be here to take part in the transaction of the business of the meeting.
This will be a meeting of more importance than any which has been held here, because the work is enlarging before us, and the times demand that we shall advance with the work, and that with all possible diligence. Counsel is needed. The brethren need to make this work their own, and to become as intimately connected with it as possible. We shall be much disappointed if there is not a large attendance at the meeting on the sixth of April.

TEN-THOUSAND-DOLLAR FUND.

By James White

ONE HUNDRED $100 MEN AND WOMEN WANTED TO RAISE $10,000 TO CIRCULATE THE WRITINGS OF MRS. E. G. WHITE.

R. G. Lockwood and wife, $100 James White, $100
W. H. Hall, 100 Mrs. E. G. White, 100
J. Q. A. Haughey and wife, 100 Mrs. W. H. Hall, 100
U. Smith and wife, 100 James Harvey (deceased), 100
Edward Lobdell, 100 Right Hand, 100
D. J. Burroughs (deceased), 100 Newell Grant, 100
H. and N. E. Wren, 100
WE invite our liberal friends, who are blessed with means, to give attention to the growing list of one hundred dollar men and women, who are raising a fund to circulate the writings of Mrs. E. G. White.
We hope to see one hundred such names before the year shall close. The object is a good one, and all true friends of the cause, who are able to do so, will esteem it a pleasure to be represented in it, by the sum of one hundred dollars. J. W.

IMPORTANT MEETING AT OAKLAND.

By Editor

It has been thought advisable to appoint a general religious meeting to be held at Oakland, Sabbath, April 3, and continue over the following Tuesday.
A special invitation is given to all the directors, tract society officers, and leading brethren to be present. It will be a season of special interest to the friends of the cause in this State. Matters pertaining to the missionary work and the general interest of this Conference will be considered. Eld. S. N. Haskell and Mrs. E. G. White will be present, and others are expected from the East.
This time has been selected for a general meeting, because many of the friends of the cause will be assembled at that time to attend the annual meeting of the stockholders of the publishing association.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

By James White

THERE will be a special session of the General Conference at the Battle Creek Tabernacle, March 11-15. Special notice will be given to presidents of State Conferences. We hope that there will be a full attendance, and that the meeting will be greatly blessed of God.
JAMES WHITE, Pres. Gen. Conf.

GENERAL MEETINGS

By Stephen N. Haskell

If nothing in the providence of God prevents, there will be a general meeting held at Santa Rosa, March 13 and 14. We hope to see a general attendance from Petaluma, Healdsburg, and Bloomfield churches, and all the surrounding country. It will be a meeting of special interest to our brethren and sisters. Sr. White will attend.
A general meeting for district No. 3 will be held at St. Helena, March 20 and 21. Mrs. E. G. White will be present. Meetings to commence Friday evening. Sabbath-school to be held at 9:30, A. M.
S. N. HASKELL

Business Department.

By Editor

RECEIVED FOR THE SIGNS.
2.00 EACH. Mrs Susan Harmon 7-12, L N Whisby 7-12, Mr Terrell 7-13, Geo W Blair 7-1, John Caughey 7-1, Mrs L W King 7-9, John Ohring 7-9, Mrs R Y Wickwire 7-10, Mrs Wm E Hopkins 7-9, S W Carter 7-1, Amos Powell 7-9, R Low (2 copies) 7-9, D D Howard (2 copies) 7-10, M A Dimmick (2 copies) 7-10, John R Israel (2 copies) 6-9, John R Israel 7-9, W W Locke (2 copies) 7-9, Jacob Waldron (2 copies) 7-9, Mrs Eliza Vickery (2 copies) 7-9, Martin Petersen 7-9, Mrs John Walker 7-9, Mrs Amy A Call 7-9, Mrs Wm K Stevens 7-9, Wm R Smith 7-9, Geo Martin 7-9, Mrs M A Cooksey 7-11, Fred Kundurt 7-25.
1.00 EACH. C F Gray 6-25, Mrs S Cunnard 6-25, Mrs D E Merrett 7-9, Mrs Wm A Miller 7-9, John Hindson 7-9, Julia Thompson 6-25, Diantha Champney 7-10, Roscoe Dolson 7-1, Chas S Cowles 7-9, Robert Wallace 7-9, Eld T R Lewis 7-9, Sarah A Johnson 7-9, J W Smith 7-9, Mrs E E Froom 7-9, Mrs L M Jaffrey 7-9, Mrs C LaBarr 7-9, Mrs Ella Cleveland 7-9, Geo O States 7-9, Henry Snyder 7-9, James Gui 7-9, J A Ross 7-8, W W McMickel 7-8, Mrs Geo A Hubbard 7-9, N Hendricks 6-25, J Baker 7-8, Wm Moore 6-25, Hugh Barclay 6-25.
MISCELLANEOUS. Samuel Barclay 1.50, 7-8. M O Beck (10 copies) 10.00, 7-8, Mrs Nettie Hutchings (5 copies) 5.00, 7-9, Mrs Edward Shirtcliff 35c 6-21, Mrs L C Goodrich 35c 6-21, Mary Grassell (17 copies) 17.00, 7-9, Levica Metcalfe 50c 6-20, A E Gurnsey (14 copies) 14.00, 7-9, Ella Lucas (2 copies) 50c 6-20, D Carr (5 copies) 5.00, 7-9, A P Bump (5 copies) 5.00, 7-9, Geo Rockwell (4 copies) 4.00, 7-9, W L Boyer 65c 6-25, Wm J Reed (8 copies) 8.00, 7-9, Theodore Oneil 1.50, 7-9, Mrs J A Hardiman (2 copies) 3.00, 7-9, H S Shuster 2.29, 7-25, J H Perry 1.50, 7-9, M P Headley 1.50, 7-9, W H Dodson 75c 6-25, A Barringer 1.16, 7-9, F M Jones (20 copies) 5.00, 6-21, Johana Sturch 1.25, 6-48, James Lewis 1.25, 6-48, Mrs H M Kenyon 1.25, 7-1, W B White (39 copies) 39.00, 7-9, Sallie A Keyser 1.25, 6-22, Marian R Thornton 1.50, 7-9, Mary Allen 50c 6-21, J R Deering 50c 6-24, Anna B Patten (10 copies) 10.00, 7-9.

JOSEPH COOK ON SPIRITUALISM.

By J. H. Waggoner

QUESTIONS are frequently asked concerning the present standing of spiritualism; whether it is becoming obsolete, or still making progress. Spiritualism will not lose its hold upon the minds of the masses while they are so ready to "turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:4. Spiritualism is a flattering delusion; it exalts man in his own estimation, even denying that he is dependent, for existence or for salvation, on a Supreme Being. The Scriptures assert man's frailty, and his fallen condition, and his entire dependence on Christ for a future life and happiness. It also calls for humility and self-denial as essential to securing the blessings of the gospel. It is easy to tell which system will be most readily accepted by the carnal mind.
Joseph Cook, in a recent Boston lecture, presented some facts concerning the status of Spiritualism in Europe, among the learned and the noble. Mr. Cook speaks as follows:—
"Six renowned German names, to their own credit or discredit, can now be quoted in the list of believers in the reality of the alleged facts of the modern psychical, or spiritual manifestations. They are Professors Zollner, Fechner, and Scheibner, of Leipsic University, Professor Weber, of Gottingen University, Professor Fichte, of Stuttgart, and Professor Ulrici, of Halle University.
"Professors Wundt, Thiersch, and Ludwig, of the same University, saw only a portion of the experiments, and express themselves as not convinced of the objective reality of all the facts. Professor Wundt has published an article, which has been translated into English, in reply to Ulrici, and insists much upon the tricks of legerdemain.
"The court prestidigitator of Berlin, however, has given to the public an affidavit, in which he says that the explanation of Slade's experiments by legerdemain and the allied arts is wholly impossible.
"Henry Slade, having proceeded to St. Petersburg in order to fulfill his engagement with M. Aksakof and Professor Boutlerof, and to present the phenomenon of Psychography to the scrutiny of a committee of scientific experts, has had a series of successful sittings, in the course of which writing has been obtained in the Russian language. At one recent sitting, writing in six different languages was obtained on a single slate.
"On Wednesday, Feb. 20, accompanied by M. Aksakof, and Professor Boutlerof, Slade had a most successful sitting with the Grand Duke Constantine, who received them cordially, and himself obtained writing on a new slate held by himself alone."
Prof. Zollner gives the following result of an experiment with a closed "book-slate," within which he had placed paper blackened with smoke:—
"I closed this slate, and remarked to Slade that if my theory of the existence of intelligent four-dimensional beings in Nature were well founded, it would be easy for them to give the impression hitherto obtained on an open slate inside a closed one. Slade laughed, and was of opinion that this would be absolutely impossible; even his 'spirits,' whom he asked, seemed very much perplexed about this proposition, but at last answered on a slate with a cautious stereotyped reply, We will try it. To my great surprise Slade agreed that I should lay the book-slate (which, since I had blackened the paper, I had not once let go out of my hands) during the seance upon my knees, so that I could always see half of it. We had been sitting perhaps five minutes at the table in the brightly-lighted room, our hands linked with those of Slade upon the table in the usual manner, when I felt twice, at short intervals, that the slate on my knees was pressed down without the slightest visible cause. Three knocks on the table announced that all was finished, and when I opened the slate I found inside on one side the print of a right, and on the other of a left foot, the latter the same as we had obtained the two previous evenings. My readers may judge for themselves how fair it is for us, after such facts, to look upon Mr. Slade as a deceiver or trickster. Slade's own astonishment at the success of the experiment was almost greater than mine."
The most remarkable of the manifestations recorded by the Professor is that of having three knots tied in an endless cord. This, to us, seems utterly impossible. Of this Mr. Cook says: "Zollner insists that the tying of knots in an endless cord proves the existence of a fourth dimension of space. Explanation of the phenomena in our three dimensions there cannot be, and so he is forced to adopt Kant's idea that there is a fourth dimension of space."
If spiritualism thus baffles all science and philosophy, the world must soon accept the idea that it does truly work miracles, and we claim that in this it fulfills Rev. 13:11-14. Other scriptures show, with equal clearness, its origin and tendency.
Again he quotes from Prof. Zollner, as follows:—
"At about half-past eleven o'clock, in bright sunlight, I became, wholly without expectation or preparation, a witness of a very extraordinary phenomenon. I had, as usual, taken my place with Slade at a card-table. Opposite me, and near the card-table, stood a small round stand. Something like a minute may have passed after Slade and I had seated ourselves and placed our hands, one above the other, together, when the round stand began slowly to sway to and fro. We both saw it clearly. The motions were soon more extensive, and meanwhile, the whole stand drew near to the card-table, and placed itself under the latter, with its three feet turned toward me. I, and as it seemed also Mr. Slade, did not know in what way the phenomena were to be further developed. For perhaps a minute nothing at all happened. Slade was about to use the slate and pencil to ask the spirits whether we were to expect anything when I resolved to take a nearer view of the round stand which was lying, as I thought, under the card-table. To my greatest amazement, and Slade's also, we found the space under the card-table perfectly empty. No where in the rest of the chamber could they find the stand which a minute previously had been before our eyes. After five or six minutes spent in breathless waiting for the re-appearance of the stand, Slade claimed that he saw appearances of lights of which I, as usual, could see nothing. Looking with more and more anxiety and astonishment in different directions in the air above me, Slade asked me if I did not see the appearance of large lights, and while I answered the question with a decided negative, I turned my head in the direction of the ceiling of the chamber, and suddenly saw, at a hight of about five feet the lost table, with the legs directed upward into the air, float downward rapidly upon the top of the card-table."
The following quotation shows that Mr. Cook has some rays of light falling on his mental vision on the subject of these spirits:—
"I am no partisan for or against any yet unrisen star beneath the horizon of science. If the biblical view of spirits, good and bad, could by modern evidence be proved to be true, I should be only the firmer believer in the Bible, with its whole supernatural history. If spirits that 'peep and mutter,' to use the scriptural phraseology, are abroad in the world, and if there be need of warning modern generations as the ancient ones were warned not to have commerce with demoniacal powers, I wish to listen to that warning made of old a part of Divine Revelation. I am not in danger of supposing that these atrocious, poisonous whisperings which mislead men and women only too often into erratic opinions and conduct are from on high. Whenever good angels appear in the biblical history, they flame like the sun, or otherwise exhibit openly overawing powers. The angel that stood at the mouth of the sepulchre could not be looked at by the soldiers. They were as dead men in his presence. Always the appearance of good spirits puts into awe the human observer. I do not read of such appearances in our modern circles. I am ready to receive scientific evidence from any quarter. Prove to yourselves, if you can, that Archbishop Whately was right (see his treatise on Scriptural Revelations concerning Good and Evil Angels) when he asserted that the biblical truths concerning good and evil angels are truths for all time. I believe that already; but if you were to fortify this belief by modern instances, I should yet stand in Archbishop Whately's position, and make the teaching of modern spirits, of such as 'peep and mutter,' subject to the angelic spirits whose effulgence has made mortals as dead men, and to those communications which, by being absorbed into the veins of the ages, have been proved to give full health to human civilization. As the viper beneath the heel is subject to man, so would I have the witchcraft which peeps and mutters subject to Him who spake as never man spake."
But Mr. Cook cannot leave the subject without giving spiritualism a little "aid and comfort," as is his wont in the infolding of his favorite theory. Following the remarks above quoted are these words:—
"The more you prove the better. I think you have proved nothing of importance except that there is a psychic force and that the place for materialism is in fragments on the horns of Jupiter's moons." [Applause.]
No one who believes the Bible will deny that there is "psychic force" or spirit power and intelligence, outside of and beyond human control. But by "materialism" Mr. Cook means, and his hearers understand him to mean, a denial of the immortality of the human soul. But with this idea of materialism his conclusion has no just relation to his premises. No matter how clearly the existence of psychic force is proved, it is not, and cannot be, proved that that force is of human origin. Neither the Bible nor reason will justify the conclusion that these "spirits of devils working miracles," Rev. 16:13, are the spirits of dead men and women. It is easy to say a thing is proved when the essential part is taken for granted. But Mr. Cook makes his assertions with great confidence and complacency because he knows the popular feeling is with him in his assertion. It takes but little proof to confirm prejudice. We should very much like to see Mr. Cook try to prove that the doctrine of the immortality of the human soul has any necessary connection with the fact of the existence of psychic force. To do this he must prove that there are no other spirit existences but human spirits. Will he undertake this task? We think not. Yet this is exactly what is taken for granted in all his lectures against materialism. Without this grant, his arguments are without point and force.
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