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diff --git a/439-h/439-h.htm b/439-h/439-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c6b10c --- /dev/null +++ b/439-h/439-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3358 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + The Vital Message, by Arthur Conan Doyle + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Vital Message, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Vital Message + +Author: Arthur Conan Doyle + +Posting Date: July 21, 2008 [EBook #439] +Release Date: February, 1996 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VITAL MESSAGE *** + + +Etext produced by and anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE VITAL MESSAGE + </h1> + <h2> + By Arthur Conan Doyle + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE VITAL MESSAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — THE TWO NEEDFUL READJUSTMENTS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — THE DAWNING OF THE LIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — THE GREAT ARGUMENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — THE COMING WORLD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — IS IT THE SECOND DAWN? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDICES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> A. — DOCTOR GELEY'S EXPERIMENTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> B. — A PARTICULAR INSTANCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> C. — SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> D. — THE CLAIRVOYANCE OF MRS. B. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_NOTE"> NOTES: </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + In "The New Revelation" the first dawn of the coming change has been + described. In "The Vital Message" the sun has risen higher, and one sees + more clearly and broadly what our new relations with the Unseen may be. As + I look into the future of the human race I am reminded of how once, from + amid the bleak chaos of rock and snow at the head of an Alpine pass, I + looked down upon the far stretching view of Lombardy, shimmering in the + sunshine and extending in one splendid panorama of blue lakes and green + rolling hills until it melted into the golden haze which draped the far + horizon. Such a promised land is at our very feet which, when we attain + it, will make our present civilisation seem barren and uncouth. Already + our vanguard is well over the pass. Nothing can now prevent us from + reaching that wonderful land which stretches so clearly before those eyes + which are opened to see it. + </p> + <p> + That stimulating writer, V. C. Desertis, has remarked that the Second + Coming, which has always been timed to follow Armageddon, may be fulfilled + not by a descent of the spiritual to us, but by the ascent of our material + plane to the spiritual, and the blending of the two phases of existence. + It is, at least, a fascinating speculation. But without so complete an + overthrow of the partition walls as this would imply we know enough + already to assure ourselves of such a close approximation as will surely + deeply modify all our views of science, of religion and of life. What form + these changes may take and what the evidence is upon which they will be + founded are briefly set forth in this volume. + </p> + <h3> + ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE. + </h3> + <h3> + CROWBOROUGH, + </h3> + <p> + July, 1919. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE VITAL MESSAGE + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — THE TWO NEEDFUL READJUSTMENTS + </h2> + <p> + It has been our fate, among all the innumerable generations of mankind, to + face the most frightful calamity that has ever befallen the world. There + is a basic fact which cannot be denied, and should not be overlooked. For + a most important deduction must immediately follow from it. That deduction + is that we, who have borne the pains, shall also learn the lesson which + they were intended to convey. If we do not learn it and proclaim it, then + when can it ever be learned and proclaimed, since there can never again be + such a spiritual ploughing and harrowing and preparation for the seed? If + our souls, wearied and tortured during these dreadful five years of + self-sacrifice and suspense, can show no radical changes, then what souls + will ever respond to a fresh influx of heavenly inspiration? In that case + the state of the human race would indeed be hopeless, and never in all the + coming centuries would there be any prospect of improvement. + </p> + <p> + Why was this tremendous experience forced upon mankind? Surely it is a + superficial thinker who imagines that the great Designer of all things has + set the whole planet in a ferment, and strained every nation to + exhaustion, in order that this or that frontier be moved, or some fresh + combination be formed in the kaleidoscope of nations. No, the causes of + the convulsion, and its objects, are more profound than that. They are + essentially religious, not political. They lie far deeper than the + national squabbles of the day. A thousand years hence those national + results may matter little, but the religious result will rule the world. + That religious result is the reform of the decadent Christianity of + to-day, its simplification, its purification, and its reinforcement by the + facts of spirit communion and the clear knowledge of what lies beyond the + exit-door of death. The shock of the war was meant to rouse us to mental + and moral earnestness, to give us the courage to tear away venerable + shams, and to force the human race to realise and use the vast new + revelation which has been so clearly stated and so abundantly proved, for + all who will examine the statements and proofs with an open mind. + </p> + <p> + Consider the awful condition of the world before this thunder-bolt struck + it. Could anyone, tracing back down the centuries and examining the record + of the wickedness of man, find anything which could compare with the story + of the nations during the last twenty years! Think of the condition of + Russia during that time, with her brutal aristocracy and her drunken + democracy, her murders on either side, her Siberian horrors, her Jew + baitings and her corruption. Think of the figure of Leopold of Belgium, an + incarnate devil who from motives of greed carried murder and torture + through a large section of Africa, and yet was received in every court, + and was eventually buried after a panegyric from a Cardinal of the Roman + Church—a church which had never once raised her voice against his + diabolical career. Consider the similar crimes in the Putumayo, where + British capitalists, if not guilty of outrage, can at least not be + acquitted of having condoned it by their lethargy and trust in local + agents. Think of Turkey and the recurrent massacres of her subject races. + Think of the heartless grind of the factories everywhere, where work + assumed a very different and more unnatural shape than the ancient labour + of the fields. Think of the sensuality of many rich, the brutality of many + poor, the shallowness of many fashionable, the coldness and deadness of + religion, the absence anywhere of any deep, true spiritual impulse. Think, + above all, of the organised materialism of Germany, the arrogance, the + heartlessness, the negation of everything which one could possibly + associate with the living spirit of Christ as evident in the utterances of + Catholic Bishops, like Hartmann of Cologne, as in those of Lutheran + Pastors. Put all this together and say if the human race has ever + presented a more unlovely aspect. When we try to find the brighter spots + they are chiefly where civilisation, as apart from religion, has built up + necessities for the community, such as hospitals, universities, and + organised charities, as conspicuous in Buddhist Japan as in Christian + Europe. We cannot deny that there has been much virtue, much gentleness, + much spirituality in individuals. But the churches were empty husks, which + contained no spiritual food for the human race, and had in the main ceased + to influence its actions, save in the direction of soulless forms. + </p> + <p> + This is not an over-coloured picture. Can we not see, then, what was the + inner reason for the war? Can we not understand that it was needful to + shake mankind loose from gossip and pink teas, and sword-worship, and + Saturday night drunks, and self-seeking politics and theological quibbles—to + wake them up and make them realise that they stand upon a narrow + knife-edge between two awful eternities, and that, here and now, they have + to finish with make-beliefs, and with real earnestness and courage face + those truths which have always been palpable where indolence, or + cowardice, or vested interests have not obscured the vision. Let us try to + appreciate what those truths are and the direction which reform must take. + It is the new spiritual developments which predominate in my own thoughts, + but there are two other great readjustments which are necessary before + they can take their full effect. On the spiritual side I can speak with + the force of knowledge from the beyond. On the other two points of reform, + I make no such claim. + </p> + <p> + The first is that in the Bible, which is the foundation of our present + religious thought, we have bound together the living and the dead, and the + dead has tainted the living. A mummy and an angel are in most unnatural + partnership. There can be no clear thinking, and no logical teaching until + the old dispensation has been placed on the shelf of the scholar, and + removed from the desk of the teacher. It is indeed a wonderful book, in + parts the oldest which has come down to us, a book filled with rare + knowledge, with history, with poetry, with occultism, with folklore. But + it has no connection with modern conceptions of religion. In the main it + is actually antagonistic to them. Two contradictory codes have been + circulated under one cover, and the result is dire confusion. The one is a + scheme depending upon a special tribal God, intensely anthropomorphic and + filled with rage, jealousy and revenge. The conception pervades every book + of the Old Testament. Even in the psalms, which are perhaps the most + spiritual and beautiful section, the psalmist, amid much that is noble, + sings of the fearsome things which his God will do to his enemies. "They + shall go down alive into hell." There is the keynote of this ancient + document—a document which advocates massacre, condones polygamy, + accepts slavery, and orders the burning of so-called witches. Its Mosaic + provisions have long been laid aside. We do not consider ourselves + accursed if we fail to mutilate our bodies, if we eat forbidden dishes, + fail to trim our beards, or wear clothes of two materials. But we cannot + lay aside the provisions and yet regard the document as divine. No learned + quibbles can ever persuade an honest earnest mind that that is right. One + may say: "Everyone knows that that is the old dispensation, and is not to + be acted upon." It is not true. It is continually acted upon, and always + will be so long as it is made part of one sacred book. William the Second + acted upon it. His German God which wrought such mischief in the world was + the reflection of the dreadful being who ordered that captives be put + under the harrow. The cities of Belgium were the reflection of the cities + of Moab. Every hard-hearted brute in history, more especially in the + religious wars, has found his inspiration in the Old Testament. "Smite and + spare not!" "An eye for an eye!", how readily the texts spring to the grim + lips of the murderous fanatic. Francis on St. Bartholomew's night, Alva in + the Lowlands, Tilly at Magdeburg, Cromwell at Drogheda, the Covenainters + at Philliphaugh, the Anabaptists of Munster, and the early Mormons of + Utah, all found their murderous impulses fortified from this unholy + source. Its red trail runs through history. Even where the New Testament + prevails, its teaching must still be dulled and clouded by its sterner + neighbour. Let us retain this honoured work of literature. Let us remove + the taint which poisons the very spring of our religious thought. + </p> + <p> + This is, in my opinion, the first clearing which should be made for the + more beautiful building to come. The second is less important, as it is a + shifting of the point of view, rather than an actual change. It is to be + remembered that Christ's life in this world occupied, so far as we can + estimate, 33 years, whilst from His arrest to His resurrection was less + than a week. Yet the whole Christian system has come to revolve round His + death, to the partial exclusion of the beautiful lesson of His life. Far + too much weight has been placed upon the one, and far too little upon the + other, for the death, beautiful, and indeed perfect, as it was, could be + matched by that of many scores of thousands who have died for an idea, + while the life, with its consistent record of charity, breadth of mind, + unselfishness, courage, reason, and progressiveness, is absolutely unique + and superhuman. Even in these abbreviated, translated, and second-hand + records we receive an impression such as no other life can give—an + impression which fills us with utter reverence. Napoleon, no mean judge of + human nature, said of it: "It is different with Christ. Everything about + Him astonishes me. His spirit surprises me, and His will confounds me. + Between Him and anything of this world there is no possible comparison. He + is really a being apart. The nearer I approach Him and the closer I + examine Him, the more everything seems above me." + </p> + <p> + It is this wonderful life, its example and inspiration, which was the real + object of the descent of this high spirit on to our planet. If the human + race had earnestly centred upon that instead of losing itself in vain + dreams of vicarious sacrifices and imaginary falls, with all the mystical + and contentious philosophy which has centred round the subject, how very + different the level of human culture and happiness would be to-day! Such + theories, with their absolute want of reason or morality, have been the + main cause why the best minds have been so often alienated from the + Christian system and proclaimed themselves materialists. In contemplating + what shocked their instincts for truth they have lost that which was both + true and beautiful. Christ's death was worthy of His life, and rounded off + a perfect career, but it is the life which He has left as the foundation + for the permanent religion of mankind. All the religious wars, the private + feuds, and the countless miseries of sectarian contention, would have been + at least minimised, if not avoided, had the bare example of Christ's life + been adopted as the standard of conduct and of religion. + </p> + <p> + But there are certain other considerations which should have weight when + we contemplate this life and its efficacy as an example. One of these is + that the very essence of it was that He critically examined religion as He + found it, and brought His robust common sense and courage to bear in + exposing the shams and in pointing out the better path. THAT is the + hall-mark of the true follower of Christ, and not the mute acceptance of + doctrines which are, upon the face of them, false and pernicious, because + they come to us with some show of authority. What authority have we now, + save this very life, which could compare with those Jewish books which + were so binding in their force, and so immutably sacred that even the + misspellings or pen-slips of the scribe, were most carefully preserved? It + is a simple obvious fact that if Christ had been orthodox, and had + possessed what is so often praised as a "child-like faith," there could + have been no such thing as Christianity. Let reformers who love Him take + heart as they consider that they are indeed following in the footsteps of + the Master, who has at no time said that the revelation which He brought, + and which has been so imperfectly used, is the last which will come to + mankind. In our own times an equally great one has been released from the + centre of all truth, which will make as deep an impression upon the human + race as Christianity, though no predominant figure has yet appeared to + enforce its lessons. Such a figure has appeared once when the days were + ripe, and I do not doubt that this may occur once more. + </p> + <p> + One other consideration must be urged. Christ has not given His message in + the first person. If He had done so our position would be stronger. It has + been repeated by the hearsay and report of earnest but ill-educated men. + It speaks much for education in the Roman province of Judea that these + fishermen, publicans and others could even read or write. Luke and Paul + were, of course, of a higher class, but their information came from their + lowly predecessors. Their account is splendidly satisfying in the unity of + the general impression which it produces, and the clear drawing of the + Master's teaching and character. At the same time it is full of + inconsistencies and contradictions upon immaterial matters. For example, + the four accounts of the resurrection differ in detail, and there is no + orthodox learned lawyer who dutifully accepts all four versions who could + not shatter the evidence if he dealt with it in the course of his + profession. These details are immaterial to the spirit of the message. It + is not common sense to suppose that every item is inspired, or that we + have to make no allowance for imperfect reporting, individual convictions, + oriental phraseology, or faults of translation. These have, indeed, been + admitted by revised versions. In His utterance about the letter and the + spirit we could almost believe that Christ had foreseen the plague of + texts from which we have suffered, even as He Himself suffered at the + hands of the theologians of His day, who then, as now, have been a curse + to the world. We were meant to use our reasons and brains in adapting His + teaching to the conditions of our altered lives and times. Much depended + upon the society and mode of expression which belonged to His era. To + suppose in these days that one has literally to give all to the poor, or + that a starved English prisoner should literally love his enemy the + Kaiser, or that because Christ protested against the lax marriages of His + day therefore two spouses who loathe each other should be for ever chained + in a life servitude and martyrdom—all these assertions are to + travesty His teaching and to take from it that robust quality of common + sense which was its main characteristic. To ask what is impossible from + human nature is to weaken your appeal when you ask for what is reasonable. + </p> + <p> + It has already been stated that of the three headings under which reforms + are grouped, the exclusion of the old dispensation, the greater attention + to Christ's life as compared to His death, and the new spiritual influx + which is giving us psychic religion, it is only on the latter that one can + quote the authority of the beyond. Here, however, the case is really + understated. In regard to the Old Testament I have never seen the matter + treated in a spiritual communication. The nature of Christ, however, and + His teaching, have been expounded a score of times with some variation of + detail, but in the main as reproduced here. Spirits have their + individuality of view, and some carry over strong earthly prepossessions + which they do not easily shed; but reading many authentic spirit + communications one finds that the idea of redemption is hardly ever spoken + of, while that of example and influence is for ever insisted upon. In them + Christ is the highest spirit known, the son of God, as we all are, but + nearer to God, and therefore in a more particular sense His son. He does + not, save in most rare and special cases, meet us when we die. Since souls + pass over, night and day, at the rate of about 100 a minute, this would + seem self-evident. After a time we may be admitted to His presence, to + find a most tender, sympathetic and helpful comrade and guide, whose + spirit influences all things even when His bodily presence is not visible. + This is the general teaching of the other world communications concerning + Christ, the gentle, loving and powerful spirit which broods ever over that + world which, in all its many spheres, is His special care. + </p> + <p> + Before passing to the new revelation, its certain proofs and its definite + teaching, let us hark back for a moment upon the two points which have + already been treated. They are not absolutely vital points. The fresh + developments can go on and conquer the world without them. There can be no + sudden change in the ancient routine of our religious habits, nor is it + possible to conceive that a congress of theologians could take so heroic a + step as to tear the Bible in twain, laying one half upon the shelf and one + upon the table. Neither is it to be expected that any formal + pronouncements could ever be made that the churches have all laid the + wrong emphasis upon the story of Christ. Moral courage will not rise to + such a height. But with the spiritual quickening and the greater + earnestness which will have their roots in this bloody passion of mankind, + many will perceive what is reasonable and true, so that even if the Old + Testament should remain, like some obsolete appendix in the animal frame, + to mark a lower stage through which development has passed, it will more + and more be recognised as a document which has lost all validity and which + should no longer be allowed to influence human conduct, save by way of + pointing out much which we may avoid. So also with the teaching of Christ, + the mystical portions may fade gently away, as the grosser views of + eternal punishment have faded within our own lifetime, so that while + mankind is hardly aware of the change the heresy of today will become the + commonplace of tomorrow. These things will adjust themselves in God's own + time. What is, however, both new and vital are those fresh developments + which will now be discussed. In them may be found the signs of how the dry + bones may be stirred, and how the mummy may be quickened with the breath + of life. With the actual certainty of a definite life after death, and a + sure sense of responsibility for our own spiritual development, a + responsibility which cannot be put upon any other shoulders, however + exalted, but must be borne by each individual for himself, there will come + the greatest reinforcement of morality which the human race has ever + known. We are on the verge of it now, but our descendants will look upon + the past century as the culmination of the dark ages when man lost his + trust in God, and was so engrossed in his temporary earth life that he + lost all sense of spiritual reality. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — THE DAWNING OF THE LIGHT + </h2> + <p> + Some sixty years ago that acute thinker Lord Brougham remarked that in the + clear sky of scepticism he saw only one small cloud drifting up and that + was Modern Spiritualism. It was a curiously inverted simile, for one would + surely have expected him to say that in the drifting clouds of scepticism + he saw one patch of clear sky, but at least it showed how conscious he was + of the coming importance of the movement. Ruskin, too, an equally agile + mind, said that his assurance of immortality depended upon the observed + facts of Spiritualism. Scores, and indeed hundreds, of famous names could + be quoted who have subscribed the same statement, and whose support would + dignify any cause upon earth. They are the higher peaks who have been the + first to catch the light, but the dawn will spread until none are too + lowly to share it. Let us turn, therefore, and inspect this movement which + is most certainly destined to revolutionise human thought and action as + none other has done within the Christian era. We shall look at it both in + its strength and in its weakness, for where one is dealing with what one + knows to be true one can fearlessly insist upon the whole of the truth. + </p> + <p> + The movement which is destined to bring vitality to the dead and cold + religions has been called "Modern Spiritualism." The "modern" is good, + since the thing itself, in one form or another, is as old as history, and + has always, however obscured by forms, been the red central glow in the + depths of all religious ideas, permeating the Bible from end to end. But + the word "Spiritualism" has been so befouled by wicked charlatans, and so + cheapened by many a sad incident, that one could almost wish that some + such term as "psychic religion" would clear the subject of old prejudices, + just as mesmerism, after many years of obloquy, was rapidly accepted when + its name was changed to hypnotism. On the other hand, one remembers the + sturdy pioneers who have fought under this banner, and who were prepared + to risk their careers, their professional success, and even their + reputation for sanity, by publicly asserting what they knew to be the + truth. + </p> + <p> + Their brave, unselfish devotion must do something to cleanse the name for + which they fought and suffered. It was they who nursed the system which + promises to be, not a new religion—it is far too big for that—but + part of the common heritage of knowledge shared by the whole human race. + Perfected Spiritualism, however, will probably bear about the same + relation to the Spiritualism of 1850 as a modern locomotive to the + bubbling little kettle which heralded the era of steam. It will end by + being rather the proof and basis of all religions than a religion in + itself. We have already too many religions—but too few proofs. + </p> + <p> + Those first manifestations at Hydesville varied in no way from many of + which we have record in the past, but the result arising from them + differed very much, because, for the first time, it occurred to a human + being not merely to listen to inexplicable sounds, and to fear them or + marvel at them, but to establish communication with them. John Wesley's + father might have done the same more than a century before had the thought + occurred to him when he was a witness of the manifestations at Epworth in + 1726. It was only when the young Fox girl struck her hands together and + cried "Do as I do" that there was instant compliance, and consequent proof + of the presence of an INTELLIGENT invisible force, thus differing from all + other forces of which we know. The circumstances were humble, and even + rather sordid, upon both sides of the veil, human and spirit, yet it was, + as time will more and more clearly show, one of the turning points of the + world's history, greater far than the fall of thrones or the rout of + armies. Some artist of the future will draw the scene—the + sitting-room of the wooden, shack-like house, the circle of half-awed and + half-critical neighbours, the child clapping her hands with upturned + laughing face, the dark corner shadows where these strange new forces seem + to lurk—forces often apparent, and now come to stay and to effect + the complete revolution of human thought. We may well ask why should such + great results arise from such petty sources? So argued the highbrowed + philosophers of Greece and Rome when the outspoken Paul, with the + fisherman Peter and his half-educated disciples, traversed all their + learned theories, and with the help of women, slaves, and schismatic Jews, + subverted their ancient creeds. One can but answer that Providence has its + own way of attaining its results, and that it seldom conforms to our + opinion of what is most appropriate. + </p> + <p> + We have a larger experience of such phenomena now, and we can define with + some accuracy what it was that happened at Hydesville in the year 1848. We + know that these matters are governed by law and by conditions as much as + any other phenomena of the universe, though at the moment it seemed to the + public to be an isolated and irregular outburst. On the one hand, you had + a material, earth-bound spirit of a low order of development which needed + a physical medium in order to be able to indicate its presence. On the + other, you had that rare thing, a good physical medium. The result + followed as surely as the flash follows when the electric battery and wire + are both properly adjusted. Corresponding experiments, where effect, and + cause duly follow, are being worked out at the present moment by Professor + Crawford, of Belfast, as detailed in his two recent books, where he shows + that there is an actual loss of weight of the medium in exact proportion + to the physical phenomenon produced.<a href="#linknote-1" + name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1"><small>1</small></a> The whole + secret of mediumship on this material side appears to lie in the power, + quite independent of oneself, of passively giving up some portion of one's + bodily substance for the use of outside influences. Why should some have + this power and some not? We do not know—nor do we know why one + should have the ear for music and another not. Each is born in us, and + each has little connection with our moral natures. At first it was only + physical mediumship which was known, and public attention centred upon + moving tables, automatic musical instruments, and other crude but obvious + examples of outside influence, which were unhappily very easily imitated + by rogues. Since then we have learned that there are many forms of + mediumship, so different from each other that an expert at one may have no + powers at all at the other. The automatic writer, the clairvoyant, the + crystal-seer, the trance speaker, the photographic medium, the direct + voice medium, and others, are all, when genuine, the manifestations of one + force, which runs through varied channels as it did in the gifts ascribed + to the disciples. The unhappy outburst of roguery was helped, no doubt, by + the need for darkness claimed by the early experimenters—a claim + which is by no means essential, since the greatest of all mediums, D. D. + Home, was able by the exceptional strength of his powers to dispense with + it. At the same time the fact that darkness rather than light, and dryness + rather than moisture, are helpful to good results has been abundantly + manifested, and points to the physical laws which underlie the phenomena. + The observation made long afterwards that wireless telegraphy, another + etheric force, acts twice as well by night as by day, may, corroborate the + general conclusions of the early Spiritualists, while their assertion that + the least harmful light is red light has a suggestive analogy in the + experience of the photographer. + </p> + <p> + There is no space here for the history of the rise and development of the + movement. It provoked warm adhesion and fierce opposition from the start. + Professor Hare and Horace Greeley were among the educated minority who + tested and endorsed its truth. It was disfigured by many grievous + incidents, which may explain but does not excuse the perverse opposition + which it encountered in so many quarters. This opposition was really + largely based upon the absolute materialism of the age, which would not + admit that there could exist at the present moment such conditions as + might be accepted in the far past. When actually brought in contact with + that life beyond the grave which they professed to believe in, these + people winced, recoiled, and declared it impossible. The science of the + day was also rooted in materialism, and discarded all its own very + excellent axioms when it was faced by an entirely new and unexpected + proposition. Faraday declared that in approaching a new subject one should + make up one's mind a priori as to what is possible and what is not! Huxley + said that the messages, EVEN IF TRUE, "interested him no more than the + gossip of curates in a cathedral city." Darwin said: "God help us if we + are to believe such things." Herbert Spencer declared against it, but had + no time to go into it. At the same time all science did not come so badly + out of the ordeal. As already mentioned, Professor Hare, of Philadelphia, + inventor, among other things, of the oxy-hydrogen blow-pipe, was the first + man of note who had the moral courage, after considerable personal + investigation, to declare that these new and strange developments were + true. He was followed by many medical men, both in America and in Britain, + including Dr. Elliotson, one of the leaders of free thought in this + country. Professor Crookes, the most rising chemist in Europe, Dr. Russel + Wallace the great naturalist, Varley the electrician, Flammarion the + French astronomer, and many others, risked their scientific reputations in + their brave assertions of the truth. These men were not credulous fools. + They saw and deplored the existence of frauds. Crookes' letters upon the + subject are still extant. In very many cases it was the Spiritualists + themselves who exposed the frauds. They laughed, as the public laughed, at + the sham Shakespeares and vulgar Caesars who figured in certain seance + rooms. They deprecated also the low moral tone which would turn such + powers to prophecies about the issue of a race or the success of a + speculation. But they had that broader vision and sense of proportion + which assured them that behind all these follies and frauds there lay a + mass of solid evidence which could not be shaken, though like all + evidence, it had to be examined before it could be appreciated. They were + not such simpletons as to be driven away from a great truth because there + are some dishonest camp followers who hang upon its skirts. + </p> + <p> + A great centre of proof and of inspiration lay during those early days in + Mr. D. D. Home, a Scottish-American, who possessed powers which make him + one of the most remarkable personalities of whom we have any record. + Home's life, written by his second wife, is a book which deserves very + careful reading. This man, who in some aspects was more than a man, was + before the public for nearly thirty years. During that time he never + received payment for his services, and was always ready, to put himself at + the disposal of any bona-fide and reasonable enquirer. His phenomena were + produced in full light, and it was immaterial to him whether the sittings + were in his own rooms or in those of his friends. So high were his + principles that upon one occasion, though he was a man of moderate means + and less than moderate health, he refused the princely fee of two thousand + pounds offered for a single sitting by the Union Circle in Paris. + </p> + <p> + As to his powers, they seem to have included every form of mediumship in + the highest degree—self-levitation, as witnessed by hundreds of + credible witnesses; the handling of fire, with the power of conferring + like immunity upon others; the movement without human touch of heavy + objects; the visible materialisation of spirits; miracles of healing; and + messages from the dead, such as that which converted the hard-headed Scot, + Robert Chambers, when Home repeated to him the actual dying words of his + young daughter. All this came from a man of so sweet a nature and of so + charitable a disposition, that the union of all qualities would seem + almost to justify those who, to Home's great embarrassment, were prepared + to place him upon a pedestal above humanity. + </p> + <p> + The genuineness of his psychic powers has never been seriously questioned, + and was as well recognised in Rome and Paris as in London. One incident + only darkened his career, and it, was one in which he was blameless, as + anyone who carefully weighs the evidence must admit. I allude to the + action taken against him by Mrs. Lyon, who, after adopting him as her son + and settling a large sum of money upon him, endeavoured to regain, and did + regain, this money by her unsupported assertion that he had persuaded her + illicitly to make him the allowance. The facts of his life are, in my + judgment, ample proof of the truth of the Spiritualist position, if no + other proof at all had been available. It is to be remarked in the career + of this entirely honest and unvenal medium that he had periods in his life + when his powers deserted him completely, that he could foresee these + lapses, and that, being honest and unvenal, he simply abstained from all + attempts until the power returned. It is this intermittent character of + the gift which is, in my opinion, responsible for cases when a medium who + has passed the most rigid tests upon certain occasions is afterwards + detected in simulating, very clumsily, the results which he had once + successfully accomplished. The real power having failed, he has not the + moral courage to admit it, nor the self-denial to forego his fee which he + endeavours to earn by a travesty of what was once genuine. Such an + explanation would cover some facts which otherwise are hard to reconcile. + We must also admit that some mediums are extremely irresponsible and + feather-headed people. A friend of mine, who sat with Eusapia Palladino, + assured me that he saw her cheat in the most childish and bare-faced + fashion, and yet immediately afterwards incidents occurred which were + absolutely beyond any, normal powers to produce. + </p> + <p> + Apart from Home, another episode which marks a stage in the advance of + this movement was the investigation and report by the Dialectical Society + in the year 1869. This body was composed of men of various learned + professions who gathered together to investigate the alleged facts, and + ended by reporting that they really WERE facts. They were unbiased, and + their conclusions were founded upon results which were very soberly set + forth in their report, a most convincing document which, even now in 1919, + after the lapse of fifty years, is far more intelligent than the greater + part of current opinion upon this subject. None the less, it was greeted + by a chorus of ridicule by the ignorant Press of that day, who, if the + same men had come to the opposite conclusion in spite of the evidence, + would have been ready to hail their verdict as the undoubted end of a + pernicious movement. + </p> + <p> + In the early days, about 1863, a book was written by Mrs. de Morgan, the + wife of the well-known mathematician Professor de Morgan, entitled "From + Matter to Spirit." There is a sympathetic preface by the husband. The book + is still well worth reading, for it is a question whether anyone has shown + greater brain power in treating the subject. In it the prophecy is made + that as the movement develops the more material phenomena will decrease + and their place be taken by the more spiritual, such as automatic writing. + This forecast has been fulfilled, for though physical mediums still exist + the other more subtle forms greatly predominate, and call for far more + discriminating criticism in judging their value and their truth. Two very + convincing forms of mediumship, the direct voice and spirit photography, + have also become prominent. Each of these presents such proof that it is + impossible for the sceptic to face them, and he can only avoid them by + ignoring them. + </p> + <p> + In the case of the direct voice one of the leading exponents is Mrs. + French, an amateur medium in America, whose work is described both by Mr. + Funk and Mr. Randall. She is a frail elderly lady, yet in her presence the + most masculine and robust voices make communications, even when her own + mouth is covered. I have myself investigated the direct voice in the case + of four different mediums, two of them amateurs, and can have no doubt of + the reality of the voices, and that they are not the effect of + ventriloquism. I was more struck by the failures than by the successes, + and cannot easily forget the passionate pantings with which some entity + strove hard to reveal his identity to me, but without success. One of + these mediums was tested afterwards by having the mouth filled with + coloured water, but the voice continued as before. + </p> + <p> + As to spirit photography, the most successful results are obtained by the + Crewe circle in England, under the mediumship of Mr. Hope and Mrs. Buxton.<a + href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" id="linknoteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + I have seen scores of these photographs, which in several cases reproduce + exact images of the dead which do not correspond with any pictures of them + taken during life. I have seen father, mother, and dead soldier son, all + taken together with the dead son looking far the happier and not the least + substantial of the three. It is in these varied forms of proof that the + impregnable strength of the evidence lies, for how absurd do explanations + of telepathy, unconscious cerebration or cosmic memory become when faced + by such phenomena as spirit photography, materialisation, or the direct + voice. Only one hypothesis can cover every branch of these manifestations, + and that is the system of extraneous life and action which has always, for + seventy years, held the field for any reasonable mind which had + impartially considered the facts. + </p> + <p> + I have spoken of the need for careful and cool-headed analysis in judging + the evidence where automatic writing is concerned. One is bound to exclude + spirit explanations until all natural ones have been exhausted, though I + do not include among natural ones the extreme claims of far-fetched + telepathy such as that another person can read in your thoughts things of + which you were never yourself aware. Such explanations are not + explanations, but mystifications and absurdities, though they seem to have + a special attraction for a certain sort of psychical researcher, who is + obviously destined to go on researching to the end of time, without ever + reaching any conclusion save that of the patience of those who try to + follow his reasoning. To give a good example of valid automatic script, + chosen out of many which I could quote, I would draw the reader's + attention to the facts as to the excavations at Glastonbury, as detailed + in "The Gate of Remembrance" by Mr. Bligh Bond. Mr. Bligh Bond, by the + way, is not a Spiritualist, but the same cannot be said of the writer of + the automatic script, an amateur medium, who was able to indicate the + secrets of the buried abbey, which were proved to be correct when the + ruins were uncovered. I can truly say that, though I have read much of the + old monastic life, it has never been brought home to me so closely as by + the messages and descriptions of dear old Brother Johannes, the + earth-bound spirit—earthbound by his great love for the old abbey in + which he had spent his human life. This book, with its practical sequel, + may be quoted as an excellent example of automatic writing at its highest, + for what telepathic explanation can cover the detailed description of + objects which lie unseen by any human eye? It must be admitted, however, + that in automatic writing you are at one end of the telephone, if one may + use such a simile, and you have, no assurance as to who is at the other + end. You may have wildly false messages suddenly interpolated among + truthful ones—messages so detailed in their mendacity that it is + impossible to think that they are not deliberately false. When once we + have accepted the central fact that spirits change little in essentials + when leaving the body, and that in consequence the world is infested by + many low and mischievous types, one can understand that these untoward + incidents are rather a confirmation of Spiritualism than an argument + against it. Personally I have received and have been deceived by several + such messages. At the same time I can say that after an experience of + thirty years of such communications I have never known a blasphemous, an + obscene or an unkind sentence come through. I admit, however, that I have + heard of such cases. Like attracts like, and one should know one's human + company before one joins in such intimate and reverent rites. In + clairvoyance the same sudden inexplicable deceptions appear. I have + closely followed the work of one female medium, a professional, whose + results are so extraordinarily good that in a favourable case she will + give the full names of the deceased as well as the most definite and + convincing test messages. Yet among this splendid series of results I have + notes of several in which she was a complete failure and absolutely wrong + upon essentials. How can this be explained? We can only answer that + conditions were obviously not propitious, but why or how are among the + many problems of the future. It is a profound and most complicated + subject, however easily it may be settled by the "ridiculous nonsense" + school of critics. I look at the row of books upon the left of my desk as + I write—ninety-six solid volumes, many of them annotated and well + thumbed, and yet I know that I am like a child wading ankle deep in the + margin of an illimitable ocean. But this, at least, I have very clearly + realised, that the ocean is there and that the margin is part of it, and + that down that shelving shore the human race is destined to move slowly to + deeper waters. In the next chapter, I will endeavour to show what is the + purpose of the Creator in this strange revelation of new intelligent + forces impinging upon our planet. It is this view of the question which + must justify the claim that this movement, so long the subject of sneers + and ridicule, is absolutely the most important development in the whole + history of the human race, so important that, if we could conceive one + single man discovering and publishing it, he would rank before Christopher + Columbus as a discoverer of new worlds, before Paul as a teacher of new + religious truths, and before Isaac Newton as a student of the laws of the + Universe. + </p> + <p> + Before opening up this subject there is one consideration which should + have due weight, and yet seems continually to be overlooked. The + differences between various sects are a very small thing as compared to + the great eternal duel between materialism and the spiritual view of the + Universe. That is the real fight. It is a fight in which the Churches + championed the anti-material view, but they have done it so + unintelligently, and have been continually placed in such false positions, + that they have always been losing. Since the days of Hume and Voltaire and + Gibbon the fight has slowly but steadily rolled in favour of the attack. + Then came Darwin, showing with apparent truth, that man has never fallen + but always risen. This cut deep into the philosophy of orthodoxy, and it + is folly to deny it. Then again came the so-called "Higher Criticism," + showing alleged flaws and cracks in the very foundations. All this time + the churches were yielding ground, and every retreat gave a fresh + jumping-off place for a new assault. It has gone so far that at the + present moment a very large section of the people of this country, rich + and poor, are out of all sympathy not only with the churches but with the + whole Spiritual view. Now, we intervene with our positive knowledge and + actual proof—an ally so powerful that we are capable of turning the + whole tide of battle and rolling it back for ever against materialism. We + can say: "We will meet you on your own ground and show you by material and + scientific tests that the soul and personality survive." That is the aim + of Psychic Science, and it has been fully attained. It means an end to + materialism for ever. And yet this movement, this Spiritual movement, is + hooted at and reviled by Rome, by Canterbury and even by Little Bethel, + each of them for once acting in concert, and including in their battle + line such strange allies as the Scientific Agnostics and the militant + Free-thinkers. Father Vaughan and the Bishop of London, the Rev. F. B. + Meyer and Mr. Clodd, "The Church Times" and "The Freethinker," are united + in battle, though they fight with very different battle cries, the one + declaring that the thing is of the devil, while the other is equally clear + that it does not exist at all. The opposition of the materialists is + absolutely intelligent since it is clear that any man who has spent his + life in saying "No" to all extramundane forces is, indeed, in a pitiable + position when, after many years, he has to recognise that his whole + philosophy is built upon sand and that "Yes" was the answer from the + beginning. But as to the religious bodies, what words can express their + stupidity and want of all proportion in not running halfway and more to + meet the greatest ally who has ever intervened to change their defeat into + victory? What gifts this all-powerful ally brings with him, and what are + the terms of his alliance, will now be considered. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — THE GREAT ARGUMENT + </h2> + <p> + The physical basis of all psychic belief is that the soul is a complete + duplicate of the body, resembling it in the smallest particular, although + constructed in some far more tenuous material. In ordinary conditions + these two bodies are intermingled so that the identity of the finer one is + entirely obscured. At death, however, and under certain conditions in the + course of life, the two divide and can be seen separately. Death differs + from the conditions of separation before death in that there is a complete + break between the two bodies, and life is carried on entirely by the + lighter of the two, while the heavier, like a cocoon from which the living + occupant has escaped, degenerates and disappears, the world burying the + cocoon with much solemnity by taking little pains to ascertain what has + become of its nobler contents. It is a vain thing to urge that science has + not admitted this contention, and that the statement is pure dogmatism. + The science which has not examined the facts has, it is true, not admitted + the contention, but its opinion is manifestly worthless, or at the best of + less weight than that of the humblest student of psychic phenomena. The + real science which has examined the facts is the only valid authority, and + it is practically unanimous. I have made personal appeals to at least one + great leader of science to examine the facts, however superficially, + without any success, while Sir William Crookes appealed to Sir George + Stokes, the Secretary of the Royal Society, one of the most bitter + opponents of the movement, to come down to his laboratory and see the + psychic force at work, but he took no notice. What weight has science of + that sort? It can only be compared to that theological prejudice which + caused the Ecclesiastics in the days of Galileo to refuse to look through + the telescope which he held out to them. + </p> + <p> + It is possible to write down the names of fifty professors in great seats + of learning who have examined and endorsed these facts, and the list would + include many of the greatest intellects which the world has produced in + our time—Flammarion and Lombroso, Charles Richet and Russel Wallace, + Willie Reichel, Myers, Zollner, James, Lodge, and Crookes. Therefore the + facts HAVE been endorsed by the only science that has the right to express + an opinion. I have never, in my thirty years of experience, known one + single scientific man who went thoroughly into this matter and did not end + by accepting the Spiritual solution. Such may exist, but I repeat that I + have never heard of him. Let us, then, with confidence examine this matter + of the "spiritual body," to use the term made classical by Saint Paul. + There are many signs in his writings that Paul was deeply versed in + psychic matters, and one of these is his exact definition of the natural + and spiritual bodies in the service which is the final farewell to life of + every Christian. Paul picked his words, and if he had meant that man + consisted of a natural body and a spirit he would have said so. When he + said "a spiritual body" he meant a body which contained the spirit and yet + was distinct from the ordinary natural body. That is exactly what psychic + science has now shown to be true. + </p> + <p> + When a man has taken hashish or certain other drugs, he not infrequently + has the experience that he is standing or floating beside his own body, + which he can see stretched senseless upon the couch. So also under + anaesthetics, particularly under laughing gas, many people are conscious + of a detachment from their bodies, and of experiences at a distance. I + have myself seen very clearly my wife and children inside a cab while I + was senseless in the dentist's chair. Again, when a man is fainting or + dying, and his system in an unstable condition, it is asserted in very + many definite instances that he can, and does, manifest himself to others + at a distance. These phantasms of the living, which have been so carefully + explored and docketed by Messrs. Myers and Gurney, ran into hundreds of + cases. Some people claim that by an effort of will they can, after going + to sleep, propel their own doubles in the direction which they desire, and + visit those whom they wish to see. Thus there is a great volume of + evidence—how great no man can say who has not spent diligent years + in exploring it—which vouches for the existence of this finer body + containing the precious jewels of the mind and spirit, and leaving only + gross confused animal functions in its heavier companion. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Funk, who is a critical student of psychic phenomena, and also the + joint compiler of the standard American dictionary, narrates a story in + point which could be matched from other sources. He tells of an American + doctor of his acquaintance, and he vouches personally for the truth of the + incident. This doctor, in the course of a cataleptic seizure in Florida, + was aware that he had left his body, which he saw lying beside him. He had + none the less preserved his figure and his identity. The thought of some + friend at a distance came into his mind, and after an appreciable interval + he found himself in that friend's room, half way across the continent. He + saw his friend, and was conscious that his friend saw him. He afterwards + returned to his own room, stood beside his own senseless body, argued + within himself whether he should re-occupy it or not, and finally, duty + overcoming inclination, he merged his two frames together and continued + his life. A letter from him to his friend explaining matters crossed a + letter from the friend, in which he told how he also had been aware of his + presence. The incident is narrated in detail in Mr. Funk's "Psychic + Riddle." + </p> + <p> + I do not understand how any man can examine the many instances coming from + various angles of approach without recognising that there really is a + second body of this sort, which incidentally goes far to account for all + stories, sacred or profane, of ghosts, apparitions and visions. Now, what + is this second body, and how does it fit into modern religious revelation? + </p> + <p> + What it is, is a difficult question, and yet when science and imagination + unite, as Tyndall said they should unite, to throw a searchlight into the + unknown, they may produce a beam sufficient to outline vaguely what will + become clearer with the future advance of our race. Science has + demonstrated that while ether pervades everything the ether which is + actually in a body is different from the ether outside it. "Bound" ether + is the name given to this, which Fresnel and others have shown to be + denser. Now, if this fact be applied to the human body, the result would + be that, if all that is visible of that body were removed, there would + still remain a complete and absolute mould of the body, formed in bound + ether which would be different from the ether around it. This argument is + more solid than mere speculation, and it shows that even the soul may come + to be defined in terms of matter and is not altogether "such stuff as + dreams are made of." + </p> + <p> + It has been shown that there is some good evidence for the existence of + this second body apart from psychic religion, but to those who have + examined that religion it is the centre of the whole system, sufficiently + real to be recognised by clairvoyants, to be heard by clairaudients, and + even to make an exact impression upon a photographic plate. Of the latter + phenomenon, of which I have had some very particular opportunities of + judging, I have no more doubt than I have of the ordinary photography of + commerce. It had already been shown by the astronomers that the sensitized + plate is a more delicate recording instrument than the human retina, and + that it can show stars upon a long exposure which the eye has never seen. + It would appear that the spirit world is really so near to us that a very + little extra help under correct conditions of mediumship will make all the + difference. Thus the plate, instead of the eye, may bring the loved face + within the range of vision, while the trumpet, acting as a megaphone, may + bring back the familiar voice where the spirit whisper with no mechanical + aid was still inaudible. So loud may the latter phenomenon be that in one + case, of which I have the record, the dead man's dog was so excited at + hearing once more his master's voice that he broke his chain, and deeply + scarred the outside of the seance room door in his efforts to force an + entrance. + </p> + <p> + Now, having said so much of the spirit body, and having indicated that its + presence is not vouched for by only one line of evidence or school of + thought, let us turn to what happens at the time of death, according to + the observation of clairvoyants on this side and the posthumous accounts + of the dead upon the other. It is exactly what we should expect to happen, + granted the double identity. In a painless and natural process the lighter + disengages itself from the heavier, and slowly draws itself off until it + stands with the same mind, the same emotions, and an exactly similar body, + beside the couch of death, aware of those around and yet unable to make + them aware of it, save where that finer spiritual eyesight called + clairvoyance exists. How, we may well ask, can it see without the natural + organs? How did the hashish victim see his own unconscious body? How did + the Florida doctor see his friend? There is a power of perception in the + spiritual body which does give the power. We can say no more. To the + clairvoyant the new spirit seems like a filmy outline. To the ordinary man + it is invisible. To another spirit it would, no doubt, seem as normal and + substantial as we appear to each other. There is some evidence that it + refines with time, and is therefore nearer to the material at the moment + of death or closely after it, than after a lapse of months or years. + Hence, it is that apparitions of the dead are most clear and most common + about the time of death, and hence also, no doubt, the fact that the + cataleptic physician already quoted was seen and recognised by his friend. + The meshes of his ether, if the phrase be permitted, were still heavy with + the matter from which they had only just been disentangled. + </p> + <p> + Having disengaged itself from grosser matter, what happens to this spirit + body, the precious bark which bears our all in all upon this voyage into + unknown seas? Very many accounts have come back to us, verbal and written, + detailing the experiences of those who have passed on. The verbal are by + trance mediums, whose utterances appear to be controlled by outside + intelligences. The written from automatic writers whose script is produced + in the same way. At these words the critic naturally and reasonably shies, + with a "What nonsense! How can you control the statement of this medium + who is consciously or unconsciously pretending to inspiration?" This is a + healthy scepticism, and should animate every experimenter who tests a new + medium. The proofs must lie in the communication itself. If they are not + present, then, as always, we must accept natural rather than unknown + explanations. But they are continually present, and in such obvious forms + that no one can deny them. There is a certain professional medium to whom + I have sent many, mothers who were in need of consolation. I always ask + the applicants to report the result to me, and I have their letters of + surprise and gratitude before me as I write. "Thank you for this beautiful + and interesting experience. She did not make a single mistake about their + names, and everything she said was correct." In this case there was a rift + between husband and wife before death, but the medium was able, unaided, + to explain and clear up the whole matter, mentioning the correct + circumstances, and names of everyone concerned, and showing the reasons + for the non-arrival of certain letters, which had been the cause of the + misunderstanding. The next case was also one of husband and wife, but it + is the husband who is the survivor. He says: "It was a most successful + sitting. Among other things, I addressed a remark in Danish to my wife + (who is a Danish girl), and the answer came back in English without the + least hesitation." The next case was again of a man who had lost a very + dear male friend. "I have had the most wonderful results with Mrs. —— + to-day. I cannot tell you the joy it has been to me. Many grateful thanks + for your help." The next one says: "Mrs. —— was simply + wonderful. If only more people knew, what agony they would be spared." In + this case the wife got in touch with the husband, and the medium mentioned + correctly five dead relatives who were in his company. The next is a case + of mother and son. "I saw Mrs. —— to-day, and obtained very + wonderful results. She told me nearly everything quite correctly—a + very few mistakes." The next is similar. "We were quite successful. My boy + even reminded me of something that only he and I knew." Says another: "My + boy reminded me of the day when he sowed turnip seed upon the lawn. Only + he could have known of this." These are fair samples of the letters, of + which I hold a large number. They are from people who present themselves + from among the millions living in London, or the provinces, and about + whose affairs the medium had no possible normal way of knowing. Of all the + very numerous cases which I have sent to this medium I have only had a few + which have been complete failures. On quoting my results to Sir Oliver + Lodge, he remarked that his own experience with another medium had been + almost identical. It is no exaggeration to say that our British telephone + systems would probably give a larger proportion of useless calls. How is + any critic to get beyond these facts save by ignoring or misrepresenting + them? Healthy, scepticism is the basis of all accurate observation, but + there comes a time when incredulity means either culpable ignorance or + else imbecility, and this time has been long past in the matter of spirit + intercourse. + </p> + <p> + In my own case, this medium mentioned correctly the first name of a lady + who had died in our house, gave several very characteristic messages from + her, described the only two dogs which we have ever kept, and ended by + saying that a young officer was holding up a gold coin by which I would + recognise him. I had lost my brother-in-law, an army doctor, in the war, + and I had given him a spade guinea for his first fee, which he always wore + on his chain. There were not more than two or three close relatives who + knew about this incident, so that the test was a particularly good one. + She made no incorrect statements, though some were vague. After I had + revealed the identity of this medium several pressmen attempted to have + test seances with her—a test seance being, in most cases, a seance + which begins by breaking every psychic condition and making success most + improbable. One of these gentlemen, Mr. Ulyss Rogers, had very fair + results. Another sent from "Truth" had complete failure. It must be + understood that these powers do not work from the medium, but through the + medium, and that the forces in the beyond have not the least sympathy with + a smart young pressman in search of clever copy, while they have a very + different feeling to a bereaved mother who prays with all her broken heart + that some assurance may be given her that the child of her love is not + gone from her for ever. When this fact is mastered, and it is understood + that "Stand and deliver" methods only excite gentle derision on the other + side, we shall find some more intelligent manner of putting things of the + spirit to the proof.<a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" + id="linknoteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + </p> + <p> + I have dwelt upon these results, which could be matched by other mediums, + to show that we have solid and certain reasons to say that the verbal + reports are not from the mediums themselves. Readers of Arthur Hill's + "Psychical Investigations" will find many even more convincing cases. So + in the written communications, I have in a previous paper pointed to the + "Gate of Remembrance" case, but there is a great mass of material which + proves that, in spite of mistakes and failures, there really is a channel + of communication, fitful and evasive sometimes, but entirely beyond + coincidence or fraud. These, then, are the usual means by which we receive + psychic messages, though table tilting, ouija boards, glasses upon a + smooth surface, or anything which can be moved by the vital + animal-magnetic force already discussed will equally serve the purpose. + Often information is conveyed orally or by writing which could not have + been known to anyone concerned. Mr. Wilkinson has given details of the + case where his dead son drew attention to the fact that a curio (a coin + bent by a bullet) had been overlooked among his effects. Sir William + Barrett has narrated how a young officer sent a message leaving a pearl + tie-pin to a friend. No one knew that such a pin existed, but it was found + among his things. The death of Sir Hugh Lane was given at a private seance + in Dublin before the details of the Lusitania disaster had been published.<a + href="#linknote-4" name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + On that morning we ourselves, in a small seance, got the message "It is + terrible, terrible, and will greatly affect the war," at a time when we + were convinced that no great loss of life could have occurred. Such + examples are very numerous, and are only quoted here to show how + impossible it is to invoke telepathy as the origin of such messages. There + is only one explanation which covers the facts. They are what they say + they are, messages from those who have passed on, from the spiritual body + which was seen to rise from the deathbed, which has been so often + photographed, which pervades all religion in every age, and which has been + able, under proper circumstances, to materialise back into a temporary + solidity so that it could walk and talk like a mortal, whether in + Jerusalem two thousand years ago, or in the laboratory of Mr. Crookes, in + Mornington Road, London. + </p> + <p> + Let us for a moment examine the facts in this Crookes' episode. A small + book exists which describes them, though it is not as accessible as it + should be. In these wonderful experiments, which extended over several + years, Miss Florrie Cook, who was a young lady of from 16 to 18 years of + age, was repeatedly confined in Prof. Crookes' study, the door being + locked on the inside. Here she lay unconscious upon a couch. The + spectators assembled in the laboratory, which was separated by a curtained + opening from the study. After a short interval, through this opening there + emerged a lady who was in all ways different from Miss Cook. She gave her + earth name as Katie King, and she proclaimed herself to be a materialised + spirit, whose mission it was to carry the knowledge of immortality to + mortals. + </p> + <p> + She was of great beauty of face, figure, and manner. She was four and a + half inches taller than Miss Cook, fair, whereas the latter was dark, and + as different from her as one woman could be from another. Her pulse rate + was markedly slower. She became for the time entirely one of the company, + walking about, addressing each person present, and taking delight in the + children. She made no objection to photography or any other test. + Forty-eight photographs of different degrees of excellence were made of + her. She was seen at the same time as the medium on several occasions. + Finally she departed, saying that her mission was over and that she had + other work to do. When she vanished materialism should have vanished also, + if mankind had taken adequate notice of the facts. + </p> + <p> + Now, what can the fair-minded inquirer say to such a story as that—one + of many, but for the moment we are concentrating upon it? Was Mr. Crookes + a blasphemous liar? But there were very many witnesses, as many sometimes + as eight at a single sitting. And there are the photographs which include + Miss Cook and show that the two women were quite different. Was he + honestly mistaken? But that is inconceivable. Read the original narrative + and see if you can find any solution save that it is true. If a man can + read that sober, cautious statement and not be convinced, then assuredly + his brain, is out of gear. Finally, ask yourself whether any religious + manifestation in the world has had anything like the absolute proof which + lies in this one. Cannot the orthodox see that instead of combating such a + story, or talking nonsense about devils, they should hail that which is + indeed the final answer to that materialism which is their really + dangerous enemy. Even as I write, my eye falls upon a letter on my desk + from an officer who had lost all faith in immortality and become an + absolute materialist. "I came to dread my return home, for I cannot stand + hypocrisy, and I knew well my attitude would cause some members of my + family deep grief. Your book has now brought me untold comfort, and I can + face the future cheerfully." Are these fruits from the Devil's tree, you + timid orthodox critic? + </p> + <p> + Having then got in touch with our dead, we proceed, naturally, to ask them + how it is with them, and under what conditions they exist. It is a very + vital question, since what has befallen them yesterday will surely befall + us to-morrow. But the answer is tidings of great joy. Of the new vital + message to humanity nothing is more important than that. It rolls away all + those horrible man-bred fears and fancies, founded upon morbid + imaginations and the wild phrases of the oriental. We come upon what is + sane, what is moderate, what is reasonable, what is consistent with + gradual evolution and with the benevolence of God. Were there ever any + conscious blasphemers upon earth who have insulted the Deity so deeply as + those extremists, be they Calvinist, Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Jew, who + pictured with their distorted minds an implacable torturer as the Ruler of + the Universe! + </p> + <p> + The truth of what is told us as to the life beyond can in its very nature + never be absolutely established. It is far nearer to complete proof, + however, than any religious revelation which has ever preceded it. We have + the fact that these accounts are mixed up with others concerning our + present life which are often absolutely true. If a spirit can tell the + truth about our sphere, it is difficult to suppose that he is entirely + false about his own. Then, again, there is a very great similarity about + such accounts, though their origin may be from people very far apart. Thus + though "non-veridical," to use the modern jargon, they do conform to all + our canons of evidence. A series of books which have attracted far less + attention than they deserve have drawn the coming life in very close + detail. These books are not found on railway bookstalls or in popular + libraries, but the successive editions through which they pass show that + there is a deeper public which gets what it wants in spite of artificial + obstacles. + </p> + <p> + Looking over the list of my reading I find, besides nearly a dozen very + interesting and detailed manuscript accounts, such published narratives as + "Claude's Book," purporting to come from a young British aviator; "Thy Son + Liveth," from an American soldier, "Private Dowding"; "Raymond," from a + British soldier; "Do Thoughts Perish?" which contains accounts from + several British soldiers and others; "I Heard a Voice," where a well-known + K.C., through the mediumship of his two young daughters, has a very full + revelation of the life beyond; "After Death," with the alleged experiences + of the famous Miss Julia Ames; "The Seven Purposes," from an American + pressman, and many others. They differ much in literary skill and are not + all equally impressive, but the point which must strike any impartial mind + is the general agreement of these various accounts as to the conditions of + spirit life. An examination would show that some of them must have been in + the press at the same time, so that they could not have each inspired the + other. "Claude's Book" and "Thy Son Liveth" appeared at nearly the same + time on different sides of the Atlantic, but they agree very closely. + "Raymond" and "Do Thoughts Perish?" must also have been in the press + together, but the scheme of things is exactly the same. Surely the + agreement of witnesses must here, as in all cases, be accounted as a test + of truth. They differ mainly, as it seems to me, when they deal with their + own future including speculations as to reincarnation, etc., which may + well be as foggy to them as it is to us, or systems of philosophy where + again individual opinion is apparent. + </p> + <p> + Of all these accounts the one which is most deserving of study is + "Raymond." This is so because it has been compiled from several famous + mediums working independently of each other, and has been checked and + chronicled by a man who is not only one of the foremost scientists of the + world, and probably the leading intellectual force in Europe, but one who + has also had a unique experience of the precautions necessary for the + observation of psychic phenomena. The bright and sweet nature of the young + soldier upon the other side, and his eagerness to tell of his experience + is also a factor which will appeal to those who are already satisfied as + to the truth of the communications. For all these reasons it is a most + important document—indeed it would be no exaggeration to say that it + is one of the most important in recent literature. It is, as I believe, an + authentic account of the life in the beyond, and it is often more + interesting from its sidelights and reservations than for its actual + assertions, though the latter bear the stamp of absolute frankness and + sincerity. The compilation is in some ways faulty. Sir Oliver has not + always the art of writing so as to be understanded of the people, and his + deeper and more weighty thoughts get in the way of the clear utterances of + his son. Then again, in his anxiety to be absolutely accurate, Sir Oliver + has reproduced the fact that sometimes Raymond is speaking direct, and + sometimes the control is reporting what Raymond is saying, so that the + same paragraph may turn several times from the first person to the third + in a manner which must be utterly unintelligible to those who are not + versed in the subject. Sir Oliver will, I am sure, not be offended if I + say that, having satisfied his conscience by the present edition, he + should now leave it for reference, and put forth a new one which should + contain nothing but the words of Raymond and his spirit friends. Such a + book, published at a low price, would, I think, have an amazing effect, + and get all this new teaching to the spot that God has marked for it—the + minds and hearts of the people. + </p> + <p> + So much has been said here about mediumship that perhaps it would be well + to consider this curious condition a little more closely. The question of + mediumship, what it is and how it acts, is one of the most mysterious in + the whole range of science. It is a common objection to say if our dead + are there why should we only hear of them through people by no means + remarkable for moral or mental gifts, who are often paid for their + ministration. It is a plausible argument, and yet when we receive a + telegram from a brother in Australia we do not say: "It is strange that + Tom should not communicate with me direct, but that the presence of that + half-educated fellow in the telegraph office should be necessary." The + medium is in truth a mere passive machine, clerk and telegraph in one. + Nothing comes FROM him. Every message is THROUGH him. Why he or she should + have the power more than anyone else is a very interesting problem. This + power may best be defined as the capacity for allowing the bodily powers, + physical or mental, to be used by an outside influence. In its higher + forms there is temporary extinction of personality and the substitution of + some other controlling spirit. At such times the medium may entirely lose + consciousness, or he may retain it and be aware of some external + experience which has been enjoyed by his own entity while his bodily house + has been filled by the temporary tenant. Or the medium may retain + consciousness, and with eyes and ears attuned to a higher key than the + normal man can attain, he may see and hear what is beyond our senses. Or + in writing mediumship, a motor centre of the brain regulating the nerves + and muscles of the arm may be controlled while all else seems to be + normal. Or it may take the more material form of the exudation of a + strange white evanescent dough-like substance called the ectoplasm, which + has been frequently photographed by scientific enquirers in different + stages of its evolution, and which seems to possess an inherent quality of + shaping itself into parts or the whole of a body, beginning in a + putty-like mould and ending in a resemblance to perfect human members. Or + the ectoplasm, which seems to be an emanation of the medium to the extent + that whatever it may weigh is so much subtracted from his substance, may + be used as projections or rods which can convey objects or lift weights. A + friend, in whose judgment and veracity I have absolute confidence, was + present at one of Dr. Crawford's experiments with Kathleen Goligher, who + is, it may be remarked, an unpaid medium. My friend touched the column of + force, and found it could be felt by the hand though invisible to the eye. + It is clear that we are in touch with some entirely new form both of + matter and of energy. We know little of the properties of this + extraordinary substance save that in its materialising form it seems + extremely sensitive to the action of light. A figure built up in it and + detached from the medium dissolves in light quicker than a snow image + under a tropical sun, so that two successive flash-light photographs would + show the one a perfect figure, and the next an amorphous mass. When still + attached to the medium the ectoplasm flies back with great force on + exposure to light, and, in spite of the laughter of the scoffers, there is + none the less good evidence that several mediums have been badly injured + by the recoil after a light has suddenly been struck by some amateur + detective. Professor Geley has, in his recent experiments, described the + ectoplasm as appearing outside the black dress of his medium as if a hoar + frost had descended upon her, then coalescing into a continuous sheet of + white substance, and oozing down until it formed a sort of apron in front + of her.<a href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" id="linknoteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + This process he has illustrated by a very complete series of photographs. + </p> + <p> + These are a few of the properties of mediumship. There are also the + beautiful phenomena of the production of lights, and the rarer, but for + evidential purposes even more valuable, manifestations of spirit + photography. The fact that the photograph does not correspond in many + cases with any which existed in life, must surely silence the scoffer, + though there is a class of bigoted sceptic who would still be sneering if + an Archangel alighted in Trafalgar Square. Mr. Hope and Mrs. Buxton, of + Crewe, have brought this phase of mediumship to great perfection, though + others have powers in that direction. Indeed, in some cases it is + difficult to say who the medium may have been, for in one collective + family group which was taken in the ordinary way, and was sent me by a + master in a well known public school, the young son who died has appeared + in the plate seated between his two little brothers. + </p> + <p> + As to the personality of mediums, they have seemed to me to be very + average specimens of the community, neither markedly better nor markedly + worse. I know many, and I have never met anything in the least like + "Sludge," a poem which Browning might be excused for writing in some + crisis of domestic disagreement, but which it was inexcusable to republish + since it is admitted to be a concoction, and the exposure described to + have been imaginary. The critic often uses the term medium as if it + necessarily meant a professional, whereas every investigator has found + some of his best results among amateurs. In the two finest seances I ever + attended, the psychic, in each case a man of moderate means, was + resolutely determined never directly or indirectly to profit by his gift, + though it entailed very exhausting physical conditions. I have not heard + of a clergyman of any denomination who has attained such a pitch of + altruism—nor is it reasonable to expect it. As to professional + mediums, Mr. Vout Peters, one of the most famous, is a diligent collector + of old books and an authority upon the Elizabethan drama; while Mr. + Dickinson, another very remarkable discerner of spirits, who named + twenty-four correctly during two meetings held on the same day, is + employed in loading canal barges. This man is one gifted clairvoyants in + England, though Tom Tyrrell the weaver, Aaron Wilkinson, and others are + very marvellous. Tyrrell, who is a man of the Anthony of Padua type, a + walking saint, beloved of animals and children, is a figure who might have + stepped out of some legend of the church. Thomas, the powerful physical + medium, is a working coal miner. Most mediums take their responsibilities + very seriously and view their work in a religious light. There is no + denying that they are exposed to very particular temptations, for the gift + is, as I have explained elsewhere, an intermittent one, and to admit its + temporary absence, and so discourage one's clients, needs greater moral + principle than all men possess. Another temptation to which several great + mediums have succumbed is that of drink. This comes about in a very + natural way, for overworking the power leaves them in a state of physical + prostration, and the stimulus of alcohol affords a welcome relief, and may + tend at last to become a custom and finally a curse. Alcoholism always + weakens the moral sense, so that these degenerate mediums yield themselves + more readily to fraud, with the result that several who had deservedly won + honoured names and met all hostile criticism have, in their later years, + been detected in the most contemptible tricks. It is a thousand pities + that it should be so, but if the Court of Arches were to give up its + secrets, it would be found that tippling and moral degeneration were by no + means confined to psychics. At the same time, a psychic is so peculiarly + sensitive that I think he or she would always be well advised to be a life + long abstainer—as many actually are. + </p> + <p> + As to the method by which they attain their results they have, when in the + trance state, no recollection. In the case of normal clairvoyants and + clairaudients, the information comes in different ways. Sometimes it is no + more than a strong mental impression which gives a name or an address. + Sometimes they say that they see it written up before them. Sometimes the + spirit figures seem to call it to them. "They yell it at me," said one. + </p> + <p> + We need more first-hand accounts of these matters before we can formulate + laws. + </p> + <p> + It has been stated in a previous book by the author, but it will bear + repetition, that the use of the seance should, in his opinion, be + carefully regulated as well as reverently conducted. Having once satisfied + himself of the absolute existence of the unseen world, and of its + proximity to our own, the inquirer has got the great gift which psychical + investigation can give him, and thenceforth he can regulate his life upon + the lines which the teaching from beyond has shown to be the best. There + is much force in the criticism that too constant intercourse with the + affairs of another world may distract our attention and weaken our powers + in dealing with our obvious duties in this one. A seance, with the object + of satisfying curiosity or of rousing interest, cannot be an elevating + influence, and the mere sensation-monger can make this holy and wonderful + thing as base as the over-indulgence in a stimulant. On the other hand, + where the seance is used for the purpose of satisfying ourselves as to the + condition of those whom we have lost, or of giving comfort to others who + crave for a word from beyond, then it is, indeed, a blessed gift from God + to be used with moderation and with thankfulness. Our loved ones have + their own pleasant tasks in their new surroundings, and though they assure + us that they love to clasp the hands which we stretch out to them, we + should still have some hesitation in intruding to an unreasonable extent + upon the routine of their lives. + </p> + <p> + A word should be said as to that fear of fiends and evil spirits which + appears to have so much weight with some of the critics of this subject. + When one looks more closely at this emotion it seems somewhat selfish and + cowardly. These creatures are in truth our own backward brothers, bound + for the same ultimate destination as ourselves, but retarded by causes for + which our earth conditions may have been partly responsible. Our pity and + sympathy should go out to them, and if they do indeed manifest at a + seance, the proper Christian attitude is, as it seems to me, that we + should reason with them and pray for them in order to help them upon their + difficult way. Those who have treated them in this way have found a very + marked difference in the subsequent communications. In Admiral Usborne + Moore's "Glimpses of the Next State" there will be found some records of + an American circle which devoted itself entirely to missionary work of + this sort. There is some reason to believe that there are forms of + imperfect development which can be helped more by earthly than by purely + spiritual influences, for the reason, perhaps, that they are closer to the + material. + </p> + <p> + In a recent case I was called in to endeavour to check a very noisy entity + which frequented an old house in which there were strong reasons to + believe that crime had been committed, and also that the criminal was + earth-bound. Names were given by the unhappy spirit which proved to be + correct, and a cupboard was described, which was duly found, though it had + never before been suspected. On getting into touch with the spirit I + endeavoured to reason with it and to explain how selfish it was to cause + misery to others in order to satisfy any feelings of revenge which it + might have carried over from earth life. We then prayed for its welfare, + exhorted it to rise higher, and received a very solemn assurance, tilted + out at the table, that it would mend its ways. I have very gratifying + reports that it has done so, and that all is now quiet in the old house. + </p> + <p> + Let us now consider the life in the Beyond as it is shown to us by the new + revelation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — THE COMING WORLD + </h2> + <p> + We come first to the messages which tell us of the life beyond the grave, + sent by those who are actually living it. I have already insisted upon the + fact that they have three weighty claims to our belief. The one is, that + they are accompanied by "signs," in the Biblical sense, in the shape of + "miracles" or phenomena. The second is, that in many cases they are + accompanied by assertions about this life of ours which prove to be + correct, and which are beyond the possible knowledge of the medium after + every deduction has been made for telepathy or for unconscious memory. The + third is, that they have a remarkable, though not a complete, similarity + from whatever source they come. + </p> + <p> + It may be noted that the differences of opinion become most marked when + they deal with their own future, which may well be a matter of speculation + to them as to us. Thus, upon the question of reincarnation there is a + distinct cleavage, and though I am myself of opinion that the general + evidence is against this oriental doctrine, it is none the less an + undeniable fact that it has been maintained by some messages which appear + in other ways to be authentic, and, therefore, it is necessary to keep + one's mind open on the subject. + </p> + <p> + Before entering upon the substance of the messages I should wish to + emphasize the second of these two points, so as to reinforce the reader's + confidence in the authenticity of these assertions. To this end I will + give a detailed example, with names almost exact. The medium was Mr. + Phoenix, of Glasgow, with whom I have myself had some remarkable + experiences. The sitter was Mr. Ernest Oaten, the President of the + Northern Spiritual Union, a man of the utmost veracity and precision of + statement. The dialogue, which came by the direct voice, a trumpet acting + as megaphone, ran like this:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Voice: Good evening, Mr. Oaten. + Mr. O.: Good evening. Who are you? + The Voice: My name is Mill. You know my father. + Mr. O.: No, I don't remember anyone of the name. + The Voice: Yes, you were speaking to him the other day. + Mr. O.: To be sure. I remember now. I only met him casually. + The Voice: I want you to give him a message from me. + Mr. O.: What is it? + The Voice: Tell him that he was not mistaken at midnight on + Tuesday last. + Mr. O.: Very good. I will say so. Have you passed long? + The Voice: Some time. But our time is different from yours. + Mr. O.: What were you? + The Voice: A Surgeon. + Mr. O.: How did you pass? + The Voice: Blown up in a battleship during the war. + Mr. O.: Anything more? +</pre> + <p> + The answer was the Gipsy song from "Il Trovatore," very accurately + whistled, and then a quick-step. After the latter, the voice said: "That + is a test for father." + </p> + <p> + This reproduction of conversation is not quite verbatim, but gives the + condensed essence. Mr. Oaten at once visited Mr. Mill, who was not a + Spiritualist, and found that every detail was correct. Young Mill had lost + his life as narrated. Mr. Mill, senior, explained that while sitting in + his study at midnight on the date named he had heard the Gipsy song from + "Il Trovatore," which had been a favourite of his boy's, and being unable + to trace the origin of the music, had finally thought that it was a freak + of his imagination. The test connected with the quick-step had reference + to a tune which the young man used to play upon the piccolo, but which was + so rapid that he never could get it right, for which he was chaffed by the + family. + </p> + <p> + I tell this story at length to make the reader realise that when young + Mill, and others like him, give such proofs of accuracy, which we can test + for ourselves, we are bound to take their assertions very seriously when + they deal with the life they are actually leading, though in their very + nature we can only check their accounts by comparison with others. + </p> + <p> + Now let me epitomise what these assertions are. They say that they are + exceedingly happy, and that they do not wish to return. They are among the + friends whom they had loved and lost, who meet them when they die and + continue their careers together. They are very busy on all forms of + congenial work. The world in which they find themselves is very much like + that which they have quitted, but everything keyed to a higher octave. As + in a higher octave the rhythm is the same, and the relation of notes to + each other the same, but the total effect different, so it is here. Every + earthly thing has its equivalent. Scoffers have guffawed over alcohol and + tobacco, but if all things are reproduced it would be a flaw if these were + not reproduced also. That they should be abused, as they are here, would, + indeed, be evil tidings, but nothing of the sort has been said, and in the + much discussed passage in "Raymond," their production was alluded to as + though it were an unusual, and in a way a humorous, instance of the + resources of the beyond. I wonder how many of the preachers, who have + taken advantage of this passage in order to attack the whole new + revelation, have remembered that the only other message which ever + associated alcohol with the life beyond is that of Christ Himself, when He + said: "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that + day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." + </p> + <p> + This matter is a detail, however, and it is always dangerous to discuss + details in a subject which is so enormous, so dimly seen. As the wisest + woman I have known remarked to me: "Things may well be surprising over + there, for if we had been told the facts of this life before we entered + it, we should never have believed it." In its larger issues this happy + life to come consists in the development of those gifts which we possess. + There is action for the man of action, intellectual work for the thinker, + artistic, literary, dramatic and religious for those whose God-given + powers lie that way. What we have both in brain and character we carry + over with us. No man is too old to learn, for what he learns he keeps. + There is no physical side to love and no child-birth, though there is + close union between those married people who really love each other, and, + generally, there is deep sympathetic friendship and comradeship between + the sexes. Every man or woman finds a soul mate sooner or later. The child + grows up to the normal, so that the mother who lost a babe of two years + old, and dies herself twenty years later finds a grown-up daughter of + twenty-two awaiting her coming. Age, which is produced chiefly by the + mechanical presence of lime in our arteries, disappears, and the + individual reverts to the full normal growth and appearance of completed + man—or womanhood. Let no woman mourn her lost beauty, and no man his + lost strength or weakening brain. It all awaits them once more upon the + other side. Nor is any deformity or bodily weakness there, for all is + normal and at its best. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving this section of the subject, I should say a few more words + upon the evidence as it affects the etheric body. This body is a perfect + thing. This is a matter of consequence in these days when so many of our + heroes have been mutilated in the wars. One cannot mutilate the etheric + body, and it remains always intact. The first words uttered by a returning + spirit in the recent experience of Dr. Abraham Wallace were "I have got my + left arm again." The same applies to all birth marks, deformities, + blindness, and other imperfections. None of them are permanent, and all + will vanish in that happier life that awaits us. Such is the teaching from + the beyond—that a perfect body waits for each. + </p> + <p> + "But," says the critic, "what then of the clairvoyant descriptions, or the + visions where the aged father is seen, clad in the old-fashioned garments + of another age, or the grandmother with crinoline and chignon? Are these + the habiliments of heaven?" Such visions are not spirits, but they are + pictures which are built up before us or shot by spirits into our brains + or those of the seer for the purposes of recognition. Hence the grey hair + and hence the ancient garb. When a real spirit is indeed seen it comes in + another form to this, where the flowing robe, such as has always been + traditionally ascribed to the angels, is a vital thing which, by its very + colour and texture, proclaims the spiritual condition of the wearer, and + is probably a condensation of that aura which surrounds us upon earth. + </p> + <p> + It is a world of sympathy. Only those who have this tie foregather. The + sullen husband, the flighty wife, is no longer there to plague the + innocent spouse. All is sweet and peaceful. It is the long rest cure after + the nerve strain of life, and before new experiences in the future. The + circumstances are homely and familiar. Happy circles live in pleasant + homesteads with every amenity of beauty and of music. Beautiful gardens, + lovely flowers, green woods, pleasant lakes, domestic pets—all of + these things are fully described in the messages of the pioneer travellers + who have at last got news back to those who loiter in the old dingy home. + There are no poor and no rich. The craftsman may still pursue his craft, + but he does it for the joy of his work. Each serves the community as best + he can, while from above come higher ministers of grace, the "Angels" of + holy writ, to direct and help. Above all, shedding down His atmosphere + upon all, broods that great Christ spirit, the very soul of reason, of + justice, and of sympathetic understanding, who has the earth sphere, with + all its circles, under His very special care. It is a place of joy and + laughter. There are games and sports of all sorts, though none which cause + pain to lower life. Food and drink in the grosser sense do not exist, but + there seem to be pleasures of taste, and this distinction causes some + confusion in the messages upon the point. + </p> + <p> + But above all, brain, energy, character, driving power, if exerted for + good, makes a man a leader there as here, while unselfishness, patience + and spirituality there, as here, qualify the soul for the higher places, + which have often been won by those very tribulations down here which seem + so purposeless and so cruel, and are in truth our chances of spiritual + quickening and promotion, without which life would have been barren and + without profit. + </p> + <p> + The revelation abolishes the idea of a grotesque hell and of a fantastic + heaven, while it substitutes the conception of a gradual rise in the scale + of existence without any monstrous change which would turn us in an + instant from man to angel or devil. The system, though different from + previous ideas, does not, as it seems to me, run counter in any radical + fashion to the old beliefs. In ancient maps it was usual for the + cartographer to mark blank spaces for the unexplored regions, with some + such legend as "here are anthropophagi," or "here are mandrakes," scrawled + across them. So in our theology there have been ill-defined areas which + have admittedly been left unfilled, for what sane man has ever believed in + such a heaven as is depicted in our hymn books, a land of musical idleness + and barren monotonous adoration! Thus in furnishing a clearer conception + this new system has nothing to supplant. It paints upon a blank sheet. + </p> + <p> + One may well ask, however, granting that there is evidence for such a life + and such a world as has been described, what about those who have not + merited such a destination? What do the messages from beyond say about + these? And here one cannot be too definite, for there is no use exchanging + one dogma for another. One can but give the general purport of such + information as has been vouchsafed to us. It is natural that those with + whom we come in contact are those whom we may truly call the blessed, for + if the thing be approached in a reverent and religious spirit it is those + whom we should naturally attract. That there are many less fortunate than + themselves is evident from their own constant allusions to that + regenerating and elevating missionary work which is among their own + functions. They descend apparently and help others to gain that degree of + spirituality which fits them for this upper sphere, as a higher student + might descend to a lower class in order to bring forward a backward pupil. + Such a conception gives point to Christ's remark that there was more joy + in heaven over saving one sinner than over ninety-nine just, for if He had + spoken of an earthly sinner he would surely have had to become just in + this life and so ceased to be a sinner before he had reached Paradise. It + would apply very exactly, however, to a sinner rescued from a lower sphere + and brought to a higher one. + </p> + <p> + When we view sin in the light of modern science, with the tenderness of + the modern conscience and with a sense of justice and proportion, it + ceases to be that monstrous cloud which darkened the whole vision of the + mediaeval theologian. Man has been more harsh with himself than an + all-merciful God will ever be. It is true that with all deductions there + remains a great residuum which means want of individual effort, conscious + weakness of will, and culpable failure of character when the sinner, like + Horace, sees and applauds the higher while he follows the lower. But when, + on the other hand, one has made allowances—and can our human + allowance be as generous as God's?—for the sins which are the + inevitable product of early environment, for the sins which are due to + hereditary and inborn taint, and to the sins which are due to clear + physical causes, then the total of active sin is greatly reduced. Could + one, for example, imagine that Providence, all-wise and all-merciful, as + every creed proclaims, could punish the unfortunate wretch who hatches + criminal thoughts behind the slanting brows of a criminal head? A doctor + has but to glance at the cranium to predicate the crime. In its worst + forms all crime, from Nero to Jack the Ripper, is the product of absolute + lunacy, and those gross national sins to which allusion has been made seem + to point to collective national insanity. Surely, then, there is hope that + no very terrible inferno is needed to further punish those who have been + so afflicted upon earth. Some of our dead have remarked that nothing has + surprised them so much as to find who have been chosen for honour, and + certainly, without in any way condoning sin, one could well imagine that + the man whose organic makeup predisposed him with irresistible force in + that direction should, in justice, receive condolence and sympathy. + Possibly such a sinner, if he had not sinned so deeply as he might have + done, stands higher than the man who was born good, and remained so, but + was no better at the end of his life. The one has made some progress and + the other has not. But the commonest failing, the one which fills the + spiritual hospitals of the other world, and is a temporary bar to the + normal happiness of the after-life, is the sin of Tomlinson in Kipling's + poem, the commonest of all sins in respectable British circles, the sin of + conventionality, of want of conscious effort and development, of a + sluggish spirituality, fatted over by a complacent mind and by the + comforts of life. It is the man who is satisfied, the man who refers his + salvation to some church or higher power without steady travail of his own + soul, who is in deadly danger. All churches are good, Christian or + non-Christian, so long as they promote the actual spirit life of the + individual, but all are noxious the instant that they allow him to think + that by any form of ceremony, or by any fashion of creed, he obtains the + least advantage over his neighbour, or can in any way dispense with that + personal effort which is the only road to the higher places. + </p> + <p> + This is, of course, as applicable to believers in Spiritualism as to any + other belief. If it does not show in practice then it is vain. One can get + through this life very comfortably following without question in some + procession with a venerable leader. But one does not die in a procession. + One dies alone. And it is then that one has alone to accept the level + gained by the work of life. + </p> + <p> + And what is the punishment of the undeveloped soul? It is that it should + be placed where it WILL develop, and sorrow would seem always to be the + forcing ground of souls. That surely is our own experience in life where + the insufferably complacent and unsympathetic person softens and mellows + into beauty of character and charity of thought, when tried long enough + and high enough in the fires of life. The Bible has talked about the + "Outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth." The + influence of the Bible has sometimes been an evil one through our own + habit of reading a book of Oriental poetry and treating it as literally as + if it were Occidental prose. When an Eastern describes a herd of a + thousand camels he talks of camels which are more numerous than the hairs + of your head or the stars in the sky. In this spirit of allowance for + Eastern expression, one must approach those lurid and terrible + descriptions which have darkened the lives of so many imaginative children + and sent so many earnest adults into asylums. From all that we learn there + are indeed places of outer darkness, but dim as these uncomfortable + waiting-rooms may be, they all admit to heaven in the end. That is the + final destination of the human race, and it would indeed be a reproach to + the Almighty if it were not so. We cannot dogmatise upon this subject of + the penal spheres, and yet we have very clear teaching that they are there + and that the no-man's-land which separates us from the normal heaven, that + third heaven to which St. Paul seems to have been wafted in one short + strange experience of his lifetime, is a place which corresponds with the + Astral plane of the mystics and with the "outer darkness" of the Bible. + Here linger those earth-bound spirits whose worldly interests have clogged + them and weighed them down, until every spiritual impulse had vanished; + the man whose life has been centred on money, on worldly ambition, or on + sensual indulgence. The one-idea'd man will surely be there, if his one + idea was not a spiritual one. Nor is it necessary that he should be an + evil man, if dear old brother John of Glastonbury, who loved the great + Abbey so that he could never detach himself from it, is to be classed + among earth-bound spirits. In the most material and pronounced classes of + these are the ghosts who impinge very closely upon matter and have been + seen so often by those who have no strong psychic sense. It is probable, + from what we know of the material laws which govern such matters, that a + ghost could never manifest itself if it were alone, that the substance for + the manifestation is drawn from the spectator, and that the coldness, + raising of hair, and other symptoms of which he complains are caused + largely by the sudden drain upon his own vitality. This, however, is to + wander into speculation, and far from that correlation of psychic + knowledge with religion, which has been the aim of these chapters. + </p> + <p> + By one of those strange coincidences, which seem to me sometimes to be + more than coincidences, I had reached this point in my explanation of the + difficult question of the intermediate state, and was myself desiring + further enlightenment, when an old book reached me through the post, sent + by someone whom I have never met, and in it is the following passage, + written by an automatic writer, and in existence since 1880. It makes the + matter plain, endorsing what has been said and adding new points. + </p> + <p> + "Some cannot advance further than the borderland—such as never + thought of spirit life and have lived entirely for the earth, its cares + and pleasures—even clever men and women, who have lived simply + intellectual lives without spirituality. There are many who have misused + their opportunities, and are now longing for the time misspent and wishing + to recall the earth-life. They will learn that on this side the time can + be redeemed, though at much cost. The borderland has many among the + restless money-getters of earth, who still haunt the places where they had + their hopes and joys. These are often the longest to remain . . . many are + not unhappy. They feel the relief to be sufficient to be without their + earth bodies. All pass through the borderland, but some hardly perceive + it. It is so immediate, and there is no resting there for them. They pass + on at once to the refreshment place of which we tell you." The anonymous + author, after recording this spirit message, mentions the interesting fact + that there is a Christian inscription in the Catacombs which runs: + NICEFORUS ANIMA DULCIS IN REFRIGERIO, "Nicephorus, a sweet soul in the + refreshment place." One more scrap of evidence that the early Christian + scheme of things was very like that of the modern psychic. + </p> + <p> + So much for the borderland, the intermediate condition. The present + Christian dogma has no name for it, unless it be that nebulous limbo which + is occasionally mentioned, and is usually defined as the place where the + souls of the just who died before Christ were detained. The idea of + crossing a space before reaching a permanent state on the other side is + common to many religions, and took the allegorical form of a river with a + ferry-boat among the Romans and Greeks. Continually, one comes on points + which make one realise that far back in the world's history there has been + a true revelation, which has been blurred and twisted in time. Thus in Dr. + Muir's summary of the RIG. VEDA, he says, epitomising the beliefs of the + first Aryan conquerors of India: "Before, however, the unborn part" (that + is, the etheric body) "can complete its course to the third heaven it has + to traverse a vast gulf of darkness, leaving behind on earth all that is + evil, and proceeding by the paths the fathers trod, the spirit soars to + the realms of eternal light, recovers there his body in a glorified form, + and obtains from God a delectable abode and enters upon a more perfect + life, which is crowned with the fulfilment of all desires, is passed in + the presence of the Gods and employed in the fulfilment of their + pleasure." If we substitute "angels" for "Gods" we must admit that the new + revelation from modern spirit sources has much in common with the belief + of our Aryan fathers. + </p> + <p> + Such, in very condensed form, is the world which is revealed to us by + these wonderful messages from the beyond. Is it an unreasonable vision? Is + it in any way opposed to just principles? Is it not rather so reasonable + that having got the clue we could now see that, given any life at all, + this is exactly the line upon which we should expect to move? Nature and + evolution are averse from sudden disconnected developments. If a human + being has technical, literary, musical, or other tendencies, they are an + essential part of his character, and to survive without them would be to + lose his identity and to become an entirely different man. They must + therefore survive death if personality is to be maintained. But it is no + use their surviving unless they can find means of expression, and means of + expression seem to require certain material agents, and also a + discriminating audience. So also the sense of modesty among civilised + races has become part of our very selves, and implies some covering of our + forms if personality is to continue. Our desires and sympathies would + prompt us to live with those we love, which implies something in the + nature of a house, while the human need for mental rest and privacy would + predicate the existence of separate rooms. Thus, merely starting from the + basis of the continuity of personality one might, even without the + revelation from the beyond, have built up some such system by the use of + pure reason and deduction. + </p> + <p> + So far as the existence of this land of happiness goes, it would seem to + have been more fully proved than any other religious conception within our + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + It may very reasonably be asked, how far this precise description of life + beyond the grave is my own conception, and how far it has been accepted by + the greater minds who have studied this subject? I would answer, that it + is my own conclusion as gathered from a very large amount of existing + testimony, and that in its main lines it has for many years been accepted + by those great numbers of silent active workers all over the world, who + look upon this matter from a strictly religious point of view. I think + that the evidence amply justifies us in this belief. On the other hand, + those who have approached this subject with cold and cautious scientific + brains, endowed, in many cases, with the strongest prejudices against + dogmatic creeds and with very natural fears about the possible re-growth + of theological quarrels, have in most cases stopped short of a complete + acceptance, declaring that there can be no positive proof upon such + matters, and that we may deceive ourselves either by a reflection of our + own thoughts or by receiving the impressions of the medium. Professor + Zollner, for example, says: + </p> + <p> + "Science can make no use of the substance of intellectual revelations, but + must be guided by observed facts and by the conclusions logically and + mathematically uniting them"—a passage which is quoted with approval + by Professor Reichel, and would seem to be endorsed by the silence + concerning the religious side of the question which is observed by most of + our great scientific supporters. It is a point of view which can well be + understood, and yet, closely examined, it would appear to be a species of + enlarged materialism. To admit, as these observers do, that spirits do + return, that they give every proof of being the actual friends whom we + have lost, and yet to turn a deaf ear to the messages which they send + would seem to be pushing caution to the verge of unreason. To get so far, + and yet not to go further, is impossible as a permanent position. If, for + example, in Raymond's case we find so many allusions to the small details + of his home upon earth, which prove to be surprisingly correct, is it + reasonable to put a blue pencil through all he says of the home which he + actually inhabits? Long before I had convinced my mind of the truth of + things which appeared so grotesque and incredible, I had a long account + sent by table tilting about the conditions of life beyond. The details + seemed to me impossible and I set them aside, and yet they harmonise, as I + now discover, with other revelations. So, too, with the automatic script + of Mr. Hubert Wales, which has been described in my previous book. He had + tossed it aside into a drawer as being unworthy of serious consideration, + and yet it also proved to be in harmony. In neither of these cases was + telepathy or the prepossession of the medium a possible explanation. On + the whole, I am inclined to think that these doubtful or dissentient + scientific men, having their own weighty studies to attend to, have + confined their reading and thought to the more objective side of the + question, and are not aware of the vast amount of concurrent evidence + which appears to give us an exact picture of the life beyond. They despise + documents which cannot be proved, and they do not, in my opinion, + sufficiently realise that a general agreement of testimony, and the + already established character of a witness, are themselves arguments for + truth. Some complicate the question by predicating the existence of a + fourth dimension in that world, but the term is an absurdity, as are all + terms which find no corresponding impression in the human brain. We have + mysteries enough to solve without gratuitously introducing fresh ones. + When solid passes through solid, it is, surely, simpler to assume that it + is done by a dematerialisation, and subsequent reassembly—a process + which can, at least, be imagined by the human mind—than to invoke an + explanation which itself needs to be explained. + </p> + <p> + In the next and final chapter I will ask the reader to accompany me in an + examination of the New Testament by the light of this psychic knowledge, + and to judge how far it makes clear and reasonable much which was obscure + and confused. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — IS IT THE SECOND DAWN? + </h2> + <p> + There are many incidents in the New Testament which might be taken as + starting points in tracing a close analogy between the phenomenal events + which are associated with the early days of Christianity, and those which + have perplexed the world in connection with modern Spiritualism. Most of + us are prepared to admit that the lasting claims of Christianity upon the + human race are due to its own intrinsic teachings, which are quite + independent of those wonders which can only have had a use in startling + the solid complacence of an unspiritual race, and so directing their + attention violently to this new system of thought. Exactly the same may be + said of the new revelation. The exhibitions of a force which is beyond + human experience and human guidance is but a method of calling attention. + To repeat a simile which has been used elsewhere, it is the humble + telephone bell which heralds the all-important message. In the case of + Christ, the Sermon on the Mount was more than many miracles. In the case + of this new development, the messages from beyond are more than any + phenomena. A vulgar mind might make Christ's story seem vulgar, if it + insisted upon loaves of bread and the bodies of fish. So, also, a vulgar + mind may make psychic religion vulgar by insisting upon moving furniture + or tambourines in the air. In each case they are crude signs of power, and + the essence of the matter lies upon higher planes. + </p> + <p> + It is stated in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, that they, + the Christian leaders, were all "with one accord" in one place. "With one + accord" expresses admirably those sympathetic conditions which have always + been found, in psychic circles, to be conducive of the best results, and + which are so persistently ignored by a certain class of investigators. + Then there came "a mighty rushing wind," and afterwards "there appeared + cloven tongues like unto fire and it sat upon each of them." Here is a + very definite and clear account of a remarkable sequence of phenomena. + Now, let us compare with this the results which were obtained by Professor + Crookes in his investigation in 1873, after he had taken every possible + precaution against fraud which his experience, as an accurate observer and + experimenter, could suggest. He says in his published notes: "I have seen + luminous points of light darting about, sitting on the heads of different + persons" and then again: + </p> + <p> + "These movements, and, indeed, I may say the same of every class of + phenomena, are generally preceded by a peculiar cold air, sometimes + amounting to a decided wind. I have had sheets of paper blown about by it. + . . ." Now, is it not singular, not merely that the phenomena should be of + the same order, but that they should come in exactly the same sequence, + the wind first and the lights afterwards? In our ignorance of etheric + physics, an ignorance which is now slowly clearing, one can only say that + there is some indication here of a general law which links those two + episodes together in spite of the nineteen centuries which divide them. A + little later, it is stated that "the place was shaken where they were + assembled together." Many modern observers of psychic phenomena have + testified to vibration of the walls of an apartment, as if a heavy lorry + were passing. It is, evidently, to such experiences that Paul alludes when + he says: "Our gospel came unto you not in word only, but also in power." + The preacher of the New Revelation can most truly say the same words. In + connection with the signs of the pentecost, I can most truly say that I + have myself experienced them all, the cold sudden wind, the lambent misty + flames, all under the mediumship of Mr. Phoenix, an amateur psychic of + Glasgow. The fifteen sitters were of one accord upon that occasion, and, + by a coincidence, it was in an upper room, at the very top of the house. + </p> + <p> + In a previous section of this essay, I have remarked that no philosophical + explanation of these phenomena, known as spiritual, could be conceived + which did not show that all, however different in their working, came from + the same central source. St. Paul seems to state this in so many words + when he says: "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit, + dividing to every man severally as he will." Could our modern speculation, + forced upon us by the facts, be more tersely stated? He has just + enumerated the various gifts, and we find them very close to those of + which we have experience. There is first "the word of wisdom," "the word + of knowledge" and "faith." All these taken in connection with the Spirit + would seem to mean the higher communications from the other side. Then + comes healing, which is still practised in certain conditions by a highly + virile medium, who has the power of discharging strength, losing just as + much as the weakling gains, as instanced by Christ when He said: "Who has + touched me? Much virtue" (or power) "has gone out of me." Then we come + upon the working of miracles, which we should call the production of + phenomena, and which would cover many different types, such as apports, + where objects are brought from a distance, levitation of objects or of the + human frame into the air, the production of lights and other wonders. Then + comes prophecy, which is a real and yet a fitful and often delusive form + of mediumship—never so delusive as among the early Christians, who + seem all to have mistaken the approaching fall of Jerusalem and the + destruction of the Temple, which they could dimly see, as being the end of + the world. This mistake is repeated so often and so clearly that it is + really not honest to ignore or deny it. Then we come to the power of + "discerning the spirits," which corresponds to our clairvoyance, and + finally that curious and usually useless gift of tongues, which is also a + modern phenomenon. I can remember that some time ago I read the book, "I + Heard a Voice," by an eminent barrister, in which he describes how his + young daughter began to write Greek fluently with all the complex accents + in their correct places. Just after I read it I received a letter from a + no less famous physician, who asked my opinion about one of his children + who had written a considerable amount of script in mediaeval French. These + two recent cases are beyond all doubt, but I have not had convincing + evidence of the case where some unintelligible signs drawn by an + unlettered man were pronounced by an expert to be in the Ogham or early + Celtic character. As the Ogham script is really a combination of straight + lines, the latter case may be taken with considerable reserve. + </p> + <p> + Thus the phenomena associated with the rise of Christianity and those + which have appeared during the present spiritual ferment are very + analogous. In examining the gifts of the disciples, as mentioned by + Matthew and Mark, the only additional point is the raising of the dead. If + any of them besides their great leader did in truth rise to this height of + power, where life was actually extinct, then he, undoubtedly, far + transcended anything which is recorded of modern mediumship. It is clear, + however, that such a power must have been very rare, since it would + otherwise have been used to revive the bodies of their own martyrs, which + does not seem to have been attempted. For Christ the power is clearly + admitted, and there are little touches in the description of how it was + exercised by Him which are extremely convincing to a psychic student. In + the account of how He raised Lazarus from the grave after he had been four + days dead—far the most wonderful of all Christ's miracles—it + is recorded that as He went down to the graveside He was "groaning." Why + was He groaning? No Biblical student seems to have given a satisfactory + reason. But anyone who has heard a medium groaning before any great + manifestation of power will read into this passage just that touch of + practical knowledge, which will convince him of its truth. The miracle, I + may add, is none the less wonderful or beyond our human powers, because it + was wrought by an extension of natural law, differing only in degree with + that which we can ourselves test and even do. + </p> + <p> + Although our modern manifestations have never attained the power mentioned + in the Biblical records, they present some features which are not related + in the New Testament. Clairaudience, that is the hearing of a spirit + voice, is common to both, but the direct voice, that is the hearing of a + voice which all can discern with their material ears, is a + well-authenticated phenomenon now which is more rarely mentioned of old. + So, too, Spirit-photography, where the camera records what the human eye + cannot see, is necessarily a new testimony. Nothing is evidence to those + who do not examine evidence, but I can attest most solemnly that I + personally know of several cases where the image upon the plate after + death has not only been unmistakable, but also has differed entirely from + any pre-existing photograph. + </p> + <p> + As to the methods by which the early Christians communicated with the + spirits, or with the "Saints" as they called their dead brethren, we have, + so far as I know, no record, though the words of John: "Brothers, believe + not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God," show very + clearly that spirit communion was a familiar idea, and also that they were + plagued, as we are, by the intrusion of unwelcome spiritual elements in + their intercourse. Some have conjectured that the "Angel of the Church," + who is alluded to in terms which suggest that he was a human being, was + really a medium sanctified to the use of that particular congregation. As + we have early indications of bishops, deacons and other officials, it is + difficult to say what else the "angel" could have been. This, however, + must remain a pure speculation. + </p> + <p> + Another speculation which is, perhaps, rather more fruitful is upon what + principle did Christ select his twelve chief followers. Out of all the + multitudes he chose twelve men. Why these particular ones? It was not for + their intelligence or learning, for Peter and John, who were among the + most prominent, are expressly described as "unlearned and ignorant men." + It was not for their virtue, for one of them proved to be a great villain, + and all of them deserted their Master in His need. It was not for their + belief, for there were great numbers of believers. And yet it is clear + that they were chosen on some principle of selection since they were + called in ones and in twos. In at least two cases they were pairs of + brothers, as though some family gift or peculiarity, might underlie the + choice. + </p> + <p> + Is it not at least possible that this gift was psychic power, and that + Christ, as the greatest exponent who has ever appeared upon earth of that + power, desired to surround Himself with others who possessed it to a + lesser degree? This He would do for two reasons. The first is that a + psychic circle is a great source of strength to one who is himself + psychic, as is shown continually in our own experience, where, with a + sympathetic and helpful surrounding, an atmosphere is created where all + the powers are drawn out. How sensitive Christ was to such an atmosphere + is shown by the remark of the Evangelist, that when He visited His own + native town, where the townspeople could not take Him seriously, He was + unable to do any wonders. The second reason may have been that He desired + them to act as His deputies, either during his lifetime or after His + death, and that for this reason some natural psychic powers were + necessary. + </p> + <p> + The close connection which appears to exist between the Apostles and the + miracles, has been worked out in an interesting fashion by Dr. Abraham + Wallace, in his little pamphlet "Jesus of Nazareth."<a href="#linknote-6" + name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6"><small>6</small></a> Certainly, no + miracle or wonder working, save that of exorcism, is recorded in any of + the Evangelists until after the time when Christ began to assemble His + circle. Of this circle the three who would appear to have been the most + psychic were Peter and the two fellow-fishermen, sons of Zebedee, John and + James. These were the three who were summoned when an ideal atmosphere was + needed. It will be remembered that when the daughter of Jairus was raised + from the dead it was in the presence, and possibly, with the co-operation, + of these three assistants. Again, in the case of the Transfiguration, it + is impossible to read the account of that wonderful manifestation without + being reminded at every turn of one's own spiritual experiences. Here, + again, the points are admirably made in "Jesus of Nazareth," and it would + be well if that little book, with its scholarly tone, its breadth of + treatment and its psychic knowledge, was in the hands of every Biblical + student. Dr. Wallace points out that the place, the summit of a hill, was + the ideal one for such a manifestation, in its pure air and freedom from + interruption; that the drowsy state of the Apostles is paralleled by the + members of any circle who are contributing psychic power; that the + transfiguring of the face and the shining raiment are known phenomena; + above all, that the erection of three altars is meaningless, but that the + alternate reading, the erection of three booths or cabinets, one for the + medium and one for each materialised form, would absolutely fulfil the + most perfect conditions for getting results. This explanation of Wallace's + is a remarkable example of a modern brain, with modern knowledge, throwing + a clear searchlight across all the centuries and illuminating an incident + which has always been obscure. + </p> + <p> + When we translate Bible language into the terms of modern psychic religion + the correspondence becomes evident. It does not take much alteration. Thus + for "Lo, a miracle!" we say "This is a manifestation." "The angel of the + Lord" becomes "a high spirit." Where we talked of "a voice from heaven," + we say "the direct voice." "His eyes were opened and he saw a vision" + means "he became clairvoyant." It is only the occultist who can possibly + understand the Scriptures as being a real exact record of events. + </p> + <p> + There are many other small points which seem to bring the story of Christ + and of the Apostles into very close touch with modern psychic research, + and greatly support the close accuracy of some of the New Testament + narrative. One which appeals to me greatly is the action of Christ when He + was asked a question which called for a sudden decision, namely the fate + of the woman who had been taken in sin. What did He do? The very last + thing that one would have expected or invented. He stooped down before + answering and wrote with his finger in the sand. This he did a second time + upon a second catch-question being addressed to Him. Can any theologian + give a reason for such an action? I hazard the opinion that among the many + forms of mediumship which were possessed in the highest form by Christ, + was the power of automatic writing, by which He summoned those great + forces which were under His control to supply Him with the answer. + Granting, as I freely do, that Christ was preternatural, in the sense that + He was above and beyond ordinary humanity in His attributes, one may still + inquire how far these powers were contained always within His human body, + or how far He referred back to spiritual reserves beyond it. When He spoke + merely from His human body He was certainly open to error, like the rest + of us, for it is recorded how He questioned the woman of Samaria about her + husband, to which she replied that she had no husband. In the case of the + woman taken in sin, one can only explain His action by the supposition + that He opened a channel instantly for the knowledge and wisdom which was + preter-human, and which at once gave a decision in favor of large-minded + charity. + </p> + <p> + It is interesting to observe the effect which these phenomena, or the + report of them, produced upon the orthodox Jews of those days. The greater + part obviously discredited them, otherwise they could not have failed to + become followers, or at the least to have regarded such a wonder-worker + with respect and admiration. One can well imagine how they shook their + bearded heads, declared that such occurrences were outside their own + experience, and possibly pointed to the local conjuror who earned a few + not over-clean denarii by imitating the phenomena. There were others, + however, who could not possibly deny, because they either saw or met with + witnesses who had seen. These declared roundly that the whole thing was of + the devil, drawing from Christ one of those pithy, common-sense arguments + in which He excelled. The same two classes of opponents, the scoffers and + the diabolists, face us to-day. Verily the old world goes round and so do + the events upon its surface. + </p> + <p> + There is one line of thought which may be indicated in the hope that it + will find development from the minds and pens of those who have studied + most deeply the possibilities of psychic power. It is at least possible, + though I admit that under modern conditions it has not been clearly + proved, that a medium of great power can charge another with his own + force, just as a magnet when rubbed upon a piece of inert steel can turn + it also into a magnet. One of the best attested powers of D. D. Home was + that he could take burning coals from the fire with impunity and carry + them in his hand. He could then—and this comes nearer to the point + at issue—place them on the head of anyone who was fearless without + their being burned. Spectators have described how the silver filigree of + the hair of Mr. Carter Hall used to be gathered over the glowing ember, + and Mrs. Hall has mentioned how she combed out the ashes afterwards. Now, + in this case, Home was clearly, able to convey, a power to another person, + just as Christ, when He was levitated over the lake, was able to convey + the same power to Peter, so long as Peter's faith held firm. The question + then arises if Home concentrated all his force upon transferring such a + power how long would that power last? The experiment was never tried, but + it would have borne very, directly upon this argument. For, granting that + the power can be transferred, then it is very clear how the Christ circle + was able to send forth seventy disciples who were endowed with miraculous + functions. It is clear also why, new disciples had to return to Jerusalem + to be "baptised of the spirit," to use their phrase, before setting forth + upon their wanderings. And when in turn they, desired to send forth + representatives would not they lay hands upon them, make passes over them + and endeavour to magnetise them in the same way—if that word may + express the process? Have we here the meaning of the laying on of hands by + the bishop at ordination, a ceremony to which vast importance is still + attached, but which may well be the survival of something really vital, + the bestowal of the thaumaturgic power? When, at last, through lapse of + time or neglect of fresh cultivation, the power ran out, the empty formula + may have been carried on, without either the blesser or the blessed + understanding what it was that the hands of the bishop, and the force + which streamed from them, were meant to bestow. The very words "laying on + of hands" would seem to suggest something different from a mere + benediction. + </p> + <p> + Enough has been said, perhaps, to show the reader that it is possible to + put forward a view of Christ's life which would be in strict accord with + the most modern psychic knowledge, and which, far from supplanting + Christianity, would show the surprising accuracy of some of the details + handed down to us, and would support the novel conclusion that those very + miracles, which have been the stumbling block to so many truthful, earnest + minds, may finally offer some very cogent arguments for the truth of the + whole narrative. Is this then a line of thought which merits the wholesale + condemnations and anathemas hurled at it by those who profess to speak in + the name of religion? At the same time, though we bring support to the New + Testament, it would, indeed, be a misconception if these, or any such + remarks, were quoted as sustaining its literal accuracy—an idea from + which so much harm has come in the past. It would, indeed, be a good, + though an unattainable thing, that a really honest and open-minded attempt + should be made to weed out from that record the obvious forgeries and + interpolations which disfigure it, and lessen the value of those parts + which are really above suspicion. + </p> + <p> + Is it necessary, for example, to be told, as an inspired fact from + Christ's own lips, that Zacharias, the son of Barachias,<a + href="#linknote-7" name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + was struck dead within the precincts of the Temple in the time of Christ, + when, by a curious chance, Josephus has independently narrated the + incident as having occurred during the siege of Jerusalem, thirty-seven + years later? This makes it very clear that this particular Gospel, in its + present form, was written after that event, and that the writer fitted + into it at least one other incident which had struck his imagination. + Unfortunately, a revision by general agreement would be the greatest of + all miracles, for two of the very first texts to go would be those which + refer to the "Church," an institution and an idea utterly unfamiliar in + the days of Christ. Since the object of the insertion of these texts is + perfectly clear, there can be no doubt that they are forgeries, but as the + whole system of the Papacy rests upon one of them, they are likely to + survive for a long time to come. The text alluded to is made further + impossible because it is based upon the supposition that Christ and His + fishermen conversed together in Latin or Greek, even to the extent of + making puns in that language. Surely the want of moral courage and + intellectual honesty among Christians will seem as strange to our + descendants as it appears marvellous to us that the great thinkers of old + could have believed, or at least have pretended to believe, in the + fighting sexual deities of Mount Olympus. + </p> + <p> + Revision is, indeed, needed, and as I have already pleaded, a change of + emphasis is also needed, in order to get the grand Christian conception + back into the current of reason and progress. The orthodox who, whether + from humble faith or some other cause, do not look deeply into such + matters, can hardly conceive the stumbling-blocks which are littered about + before the feet of their more critical brethren. What is easy, for faith + is impossible for reflection. Such expressions as "Saved by the blood of + the Lamb" or "Baptised by His precious blood" fill their souls with a + gentle and sweet emotion, while upon a more thoughtful mind they have a + very different effect. + </p> + <p> + Apart from the apparent injustice of vicarious atonement, the student is + well aware that the whole of this sanguinary metaphor is drawn really from + the Pagan rites of Mithra, where the neophyte was actually placed under a + bull at the ceremony of the TAUROBOLIUM, and was drenched, through a + grating, with the blood of the slaughtered animal. Such reminiscences of + the more brutal side of Paganism are not helpful to the thoughtful and + sensitive modern mind. But what is always fresh and always useful and + always beautiful, is the memory of the sweet Spirit who wandered on the + hillsides of Galilee; who gathered the children around him; who met his + friends in innocent good-fellowship; who shrank from forms and ceremonies, + craving always for the inner meaning; who forgave the sinner; who + championed the poor, and who in every decision threw his weight upon the + side of charity and breadth of view. When to this character you add those + wondrous psychic powers already analysed, you do, indeed, find a supreme + character in the world's history who obviously stands nearer to the + Highest than any other. When one compares the general effect of His + teaching with that of the more rigid churches, one marvels how in their + dogmatism, their insistence upon forms, their exclusiveness, their pomp + and their intolerance, they could have got so far away from the example of + their Master, so that as one looks upon Him and them, one feels that there + is absolute deep antagonism and that one cannot speak of the Church and + Christ, but only of the Church or Christ. + </p> + <p> + And yet every Church produces beautiful souls, though it may be debated + whether "produces" or "contains" is the truthful word. We have but to fall + back upon our own personal experience if we have lived long and mixed much + with our fellow-men. I have myself lived during the seven most + impressionable years of my life among Jesuits, the most maligned of all + ecclesiastical orders, and I have found them honourable and good men, in + all ways estimable outside the narrowness which limits the world to Mother + Church. They were athletes, scholars, and gentlemen, nor can I ever + remember any examples of that casuistry with which they are reproached. + Some of my best friends have been among the parochial clergy of the Church + of England, men of sweet and saintly character, whose pecuniary straits + were often a scandal and a reproach to the half-hearted folk who accepted + their spiritual guidance. I have known, also, splendid men among the + Nonconformist clergy, who have often been the champions of liberty, though + their views upon that subject have sometimes seemed to contract when one + ventured upon their own domain of thought. Each creed has brought out men + who were an honour to the human race, and Manning or Shrewsbury, Gordon or + Dolling, Booth or Stopford Brooke, are all equally admirable, however + diverse the roots from which they grow. Among the great mass of the + people, too, there are very many thousands of beautiful souls who have + been brought up on the old-fashioned lines, and who never heard of + spiritual communion or any other of those matters which have been + discussed in these essays, and yet have reached a condition of pure + spirituality such as all of us may envy. Who does not know the maiden + aunt, the widowed mother, the mellowed elderly man, who live upon the + hilltops of unselfishness, shedding kindly thoughts and deeds around them, + but with their simple faith deeply, rooted in anything or everything which + has come to them in a hereditary fashion with the sanction of some + particular authority? I had an aunt who was such an one, and can see her + now, worn with austerity and charity, a small, humble figure, creeping to + church at all hours from a house which was to her but a waiting-room + between services, while she looked at me with sad, wondering, grey eyes. + Such people have often reached by instinct, and in spite of dogma, + heights, to which no system of philosophy can ever raise us. + </p> + <p> + But making full allowance for the high products of every creed, which may + be only, a proof of the innate goodness of civilised humanity, it is still + beyond all doubt that Christianity has broken down, and that this + breakdown has been brought home to everyone by the terrible catastrophe + which has befallen the world. Can the most optimistic apologist contend + that this is a satisfactory, outcome from a religion which has had the + unopposed run of Europe for so many centuries? Which has come out of it + worst, the Lutheran Prussian, the Catholic Bavarian, or the peoples who + have been nurtured by the Greek Church? If we, of the West, have done + better, is it not rather an older and higher civilisation and freer + political institutions that have held us back from all the cruelties, + excesses and immoralities which have taken the world back to the dark + ages? It will not do to say that they have occurred in spite of + Christianity, and that Christianity is, therefore, not to blame. It is + true that Christ's teaching is not to blame, for it is often spoiled in + the transmission. But Christianity has taken over control of the morals of + Europe, and should have the compelling force which would ensure that those + morals would not go to pieces upon the first strain. It is on this point + that Christianity must be judged, and the judgment can only be that it has + failed. It has not been an active controlling force upon the minds of men. + And why? It can only be because there is something essential which is + wanting. Men do not take it seriously. Men do not believe in it. Lip + service is the only service in innumerable cases, and even lip service + grows fainter. + </p> + <p> + Men, as distinct from women, have, both in the higher and lower classes of + life, ceased, in the greater number of cases, to show a living interest in + religion. The churches lose their grip upon the people—and lose it + rapidly. Small inner circles, convocations, committees, assemblies, meet + and debate and pass resolutions of an ever narrower character. But the + people go their way and religion is dead, save in so far as intellectual + culture and good taste can take its place. But when religion is dead, + materialism becomes active, and what active materialism may produce has + been seen in Germany. + </p> + <p> + Is it not time, then, for the religious bodies to discourage their own + bigots and sectarians, and to seriously consider, if only for + self-preservation, how they can get into line once more with that general + level of human thought which is now so far in front of them? I say that + they can do more than get level—they can lead. But to do so they + must, on the one hand, have the firm courage to cut away from their own + bodies all that dead tissue which is but a disfigurement and an + encumbrance. They must face difficulties of reason, and adapt themselves + to the demands of the human intelligence which rejects, and is right in + rejecting, much which they offer. Finally, they must gather fresh strength + by drawing in all the new truth and all the new power which are afforded + by this new wave of inspiration which has been sent into the world by God, + and which the human race, deluded and bemused by the would-be clever, has + received with such perverse and obstinate incredulity. When they have done + all this, they will find not only that they are leading the world with an + obvious right to the leadership, but, in addition, that they have come + round once more to the very teaching of that Master whom they have so long + misrepresented. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDICES + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A. — DOCTOR GELEY'S EXPERIMENTS + </h2> + <p> + Nothing could be imagined more fantastic and grotesque than the results of + the recent experiments of Professor Geley, in France. Before such results + the brain, even of the trained psychical student, is dazed, while that of + the orthodox man of science, who has given no heed to these developments, + is absolutely helpless. In the account of the proceedings which he read + lately before the Institut General Psychologique in Paris, on January of + last year, Dr. Geley says: "I do not merely say that there has been no + fraud; I say, 'there has been no possibility of fraud.' In nearly every + case the materialisations were done under my eyes, and I have observed + their whole genesis and development." He adds that, in the course of the + experiments, more than a hundred experts, mostly doctors, checked the + results. + </p> + <p> + These results may be briefly stated thus. A peculiar whitish matter exuded + from the subject, a girl named Eva, coming partly through her skin, partly + from her hands, partly from the orifices of her face, especially her + mouth. This was photographed repeatedly at every stage of its production, + these photographs being appended to the printed treatise. This stuff, + solid enough to enable one to touch and to photograph, has been called the + ectoplasm. It is a new order of matter, and it is clearly derived from the + subject herself, absorbing into her system once more at the end of the + experiment. It exudes in such quantities as to entirely, cover her + sometimes as with an apron. It is soft and glutinous to the touch, but + varies in form and even in colour. Its production causes pain and groans + from the subject, and any violence towards it would appear also to affect + her. A sudden flash of light, as in a flash-photograph, may or may not + cause a retraction of the ectoplasm, but always causes a spasm of the + subject. When re-absorbed, it leaves no trace upon the garments through + which it has passed. + </p> + <p> + This is wonderful enough, but far more fantastic is what has still to be + told. The most marked property of this ectoplasm, very fully illustrated + in the photographs, is that it sets or curdles into the shapes of human + members—of fingers, of hands, of faces, which are at first quite + sketchy and rudimentary, but rapidly coalesce and develop until they are + undistinguishable from those of living beings. Is not this the very + strangest and most inexplicable thing that has ever yet been observed by + human eyes? These faces or limbs are usually the size of life, but they + frequently are quite miniatures. Occasionally they begin by being + miniatures, and grow into full size. On their first appearance in the + ectoplasm the limb is only on one plane of matter, a mere flat appearance, + which rapidly rounds itself off, until it has assumed all three planes and + is complete. It may be a mere simulacrum, like a wax hand, or it may be + endowed with full power of grasping another hand, with every articulation + in perfect working order. + </p> + <p> + The faces which are produced in this amazing way are worthy of study. They + do not appear to have represented anyone who has ever been known in life + by Doctor Geley.<a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" + id="linknoteref-8"><small>8</small></a> My impression after examining them + is that they are much more likely to be within the knowledge of the + subject, being girls of the French lower middle class type, such as Eva + was, I should imagine, in the habit of meeting. It should be added that + Eva herself appears in the photograph as well as the simulacra of + humanity. The faces are, on the whole, both pretty and piquant, though of + a rather worldly and unrefined type. The latter adjective would not apply + to the larger and most elaborate photograph, which represents a very + beautiful young woman of a truly spiritual cast of face. Some of the faces + are but partially formed, which gives them a grotesque or repellant + appearance. What are we to make of such phenomena? There is no use + deluding ourselves by the idea that there may be some mistake or some + deception. There is neither one nor the other. Apart from the elaborate + checks upon these particular results, they correspond closely with those + got by Lombroso in Italy, by Schrenk-Notzing in Germany, and by other + careful observers. One thing we must bear in mind constantly in + considering them, and that is their abnormality. At a liberal estimate, it + is not one person in a million who possesses such powers—if a thing + which is outside our volition can be described as a power. It is the + mechanism of the materialisation medium which has been explored by the + acute brain and untiring industry of Doctor Geley, and even presuming, as + one may fairly presume, that every materialising medium goes through the + same process in order to produce results, still such mediums are + exceedingly, rare. Dr. Geley mentions, as an analogous phenomenon on the + material side, the presence of dermoid cysts, those mysterious formations, + which rise as small tumors in any part of the body, particularly above the + eyebrow, and which when opened by the surgeon are found to contain hair, + teeth or embryonic bones. There is no doubt, as he claims, some rough + analogy, but the dermoid cyst is, at least, in the same flesh and blood + plane of nature as the foetus inside it, while in the ectoplasm we are + dealing with an entirely new and strange development. + </p> + <p> + It is not possible to define exactly what occurs in the case of the + ectoplasm, nor, on account of its vital connection with the medium and its + evanescent nature, has it been separated and subjected to even the + roughest chemical analysis which might show whether it is composed of + those earthly elements with which we are familiar. Is it rather some + coagulation of ether which introduces an absolutely new substance into our + world? Such a supposition seems most probable, for a comparison with the + analogous substance examined at Dr. Crawford's seances at Belfast, which + is at the same time hardly visible to the eye and yet capable of handling + a weight of 150 pounds, suggests something entirely new in the way of + matter. + </p> + <p> + But setting aside, as beyond the present speculation, what the exact + origin and nature of the ectoplasm may be, it seems to me that there is + room for a very suggestive line of thought if we make Geley's experiments + the starting point, and lead it in the direction of other manifestations + of psychomaterial activity. First of all, let us take Crookes' classic + experiments with Katie King, a result which for a long time stood alone + and isolated but now can be approached by intermittent but definite + stages. Thus we can well suppose that during those long periods when + Florrie Cook lay in the laboratory in the dark, periods which lasted an + hour or more upon some occasions, the ectoplasm was flowing from her as + from Eva. Then it was gathering itself into a viscous cloud or pillar + close to her frame; then the form of Katie King was evolved from this + cloud, in the manner already described, and finally the nexus was broken + and the completed body advanced to present itself at the door of + communication, showing a person different in every possible attribute save + that of sex from the medium, and yet composed wholly or in part from + elements extracted from her senseless body. So far, Geley's experiments + throw a strong explanatory light upon those of Crookes. And here the + Spiritualist must, as it seems to me, be prepared to meet an objection + more formidable than the absurd ones of fraud or optical delusion. It is + this. If the body of Katie King the spirit is derived from the body of + Florrie Cook the psychic, then what assurance have we that the life + therein is not really one of the personalities out of which the complex + being named Florrie Cook is constructed? It is a thesis which requires + careful handling. It is not enough to say that the nature is manifestly + superior, for supposing that Florrie Cook represented the average of a + number of conflicting personalities, then a single one of these + personalities might be far higher than the total effect. Without going + deeply into this problem, one can but say that the spirit's own account of + its own personality must count for something, and also that an isolated + phenomenon must be taken in conjunction with all other psychic phenomena + when we are seeking for a correct explanation. + </p> + <p> + But now let us take this idea of a human being who has the power of + emitting a visible substance in which are formed faces which appear to + represent distinct individualities, and in extreme cases develop into + complete independent human forms. Take this extraordinary fact, and let us + see whether, by an extension or modification of this demonstrated process, + we may not get some sort of clue as to the modus operandi in other psychic + phenomena. It seems to me that we may, at least, obtain indications which + amount to a probability, though not to a certainty, as to how some + results, hitherto inexplicable, are attained. It is at any rate a + provisional speculation, which may suggest a hypothesis for future + observers to destroy, modify, or confirm. + </p> + <p> + The argument which I would advance is this. If a strong materialisation + medium can throw out a cloud of stuff which is actually visible, may not a + medium of a less pronounced type throw out a similar cloud with analogous + properties which is not opaque enough to be seen by the average eye, but + can make an impression both on the dry plate in the camera and on the + clairvoyant faculty? If that be so—and it would not seem to be a + very far-fetched proposition—we have at once an explanation both of + psychic photographs and of the visions of the clairvoyant seer. When I say + an explanation, I mean of its superficial method of formation, and not of + the forces at work behind, which remain no less a mystery even when we + accept Dr. Geley's statement that they are "ideoplastic." + </p> + <p> + Here we have, I think, some attempt at a generalisation, which might, + perhaps, be useful in evolving some first signs of order out of this + chaos. It is conceivable that the thinner emanation of the clairvoyant + would extend far further than the thick material ectoplasm, but have the + same property of moulding itself into life, though the life forms would + only be visible to the clairvoyant eye. Thus, when Mr. Tom Tyrrell, or any + other competent exponent, stands upon the platform his emanation fills the + hall. Into this emanation, as into the visible ectoplasm in Geley's + experiments, break the faces and forms of those from the other side who + are attracted to the scene by their sympathy with various members of the + audience. They are seen and described by Mr. Tyrrell, who with his finely + attuned senses, carefully conserved (he hardly eats or drinks upon a day + when he demonstrates), can hear that thinner higher voice that calls their + names, their old addresses and their messages. So, too, when Mr. Hope and + Mrs. Buxton stand with their hands joined over the cap of the camera, they + are really throwing out a misty ectoplasm from which the forms loom up + which appear upon the photographic plate. It may be that I mistake an + analogy for an explanation, but I put the theory on record for what it is + worth. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + B. — A PARTICULAR INSTANCE + </h2> + <p> + I have been in touch with a series of events in America lately, and can + vouch for the facts as much as any man can vouch for facts which did not + occur to himself. I have not the least doubt in my own mind that they are + true, and a more remarkable double proof of the continuity of life has, I + should think, seldom been published. A book has recently been issued by + Harpers, of New York, called "The Seven Purposes." In this book the + authoress, Miss Margaret Cameron, describes how she suddenly developed the + power of automatic writing. She was not a Spiritualist at the time. Her + hand was controlled and she wrote a quantity of matter which was entirely + outside her own knowledge or character. Upon her doubting whether her + sub-conscious self might in some way be producing the writing, which was + partly done by planchette, the script was written upside down and from + right to left, as though the writer was seated opposite. Such script could + not possibly be written by the lady herself. Upon making enquiry as to who + was using her hand, the answer came in writing that it was a certain Fred + Gaylord, and that his object was to get a message to his mother. The youth + was unknown to Miss Cameron, but she knew the family and forwarded the + message, with the result that the mother came to see her, examined the + evidence, communicated with the son, and finally, returning home, buried + all her evidences of mourning, feeling that the boy was no more dead in + the old sense than if he were alive in a foreign country. + </p> + <p> + There is the first proof of preternatural agency, since Miss Cameron + developed so much knowledge which she could not have normally acquired, + using many phrases and ideas which were characteristic of the deceased. + But mark the sequel. Gaylord was merely a pseudonym, as the matter was so + private that the real name, which we will put as Bridger, was not + disclosed. A few months after the book was published Miss Cameron received + a letter from a stranger living a thousand miles away. This letter and the + whole correspondence I have seen. The stranger, Mrs. Nicol, says that as a + test she would like to ask whether the real name given as Fred Gaylord in + the book is not Fred Bridger, as she had psychic reasons for believing so. + Miss Cameron replied that it was so, and expressed her great surprise that + so secret and private a matter should have been correctly stated. Mrs. + Nicol then explained that she and her husband, both connected with + journalism and both absolutely agnostic, had discovered that she had the + power of automatic writing. That while, using this power she had received + communications purporting to come from Fred Bridger whom they had known in + life, and that upon reading Miss Cameron's book they had received from + Fred Bridger the assurance that he was the same person as the Fred Gaylord + of Miss Cameron. + </p> + <p> + Now, arguing upon these facts, and they would appear most undoubtedly to + be facts, what possible answer can the materialist or the sceptic give to + the assertion that they are a double proof of the continuity of + personality and the possibility of communication? Can any reasonable + system of telepathy explain how Miss Cameron discovered the intimate + points characteristic of young Gaylord? And then, how are we afterwards, + by any possible telepathy, to explain the revelation to Mrs. Nicol of the + identity of her communicant, Fred Bridger, with the Fred Gaylord who had + been written of by Miss Cameron. The case for return seems to me a very + convincing one, though I contend now, as ever, that it is not the return + of the lost ones which is of such cogent interest as the message from the + beyond which they bear with them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + C. — SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY + </h2> + <p> + On this subject I should recommend the reader to consult Coates' + "Photographing the Invisible," which states, in a thoughtful and moderate + way, the evidence for this most remarkable phase, and illustrates it with + many examples. It is pointed out that here, as always, fraud must be + carefully guarded against, having been admitted in the case of the French + spirit photographer, Buguet. + </p> + <p> + There are, however, a large number of cases where the photograph, under + rigid test conditions in which fraud has been absolutely barred, has + reproduced the features of the dead. Here there are limitations and + restrictions which call for careful study and observation. These faces of + the dead are in some cases as contoured and as recognisable as they were + in life, and correspond with no pre-existing picture or photograph. One + such case absolutely critic-proof is enough, one would think, to establish + survival, and these valid cases are to be counted not in ones, but in + hundreds. On the other hand, many of the likenesses, obtained under the + same test conditions, are obviously simulacra or pictures built up by some + psychic force, not necessarily by the individual spirits themselves, to + represent the dead. In some undoubtedly genuine cases it is an exact, or + almost exact, reproduction of an existing picture, as if the conscious + intelligent force, whatever it might be, had consulted it as to the former + appearance of the deceased, and had then built it up in exact accordance + with the original. In such cases the spirit face may show as a flat + surface instead of a contour. Rigid examination has shown that the + existing model was usually outside the ken of the photographer. + </p> + <p> + Two of the bravest champions whom Spiritualism has ever produced, the late + W. T. Stead and the late Archdeacon Colley—names which will bulk + large in days to come—attached great importance to spirit + photography as a final and incontestable proof of survival. In his recent + work, "Proofs of the Truth of Spiritualism" (Kegan Paul), the eminent + botanist, Professor Henslow, has given one case which would really appear + to be above criticism. He narrates how the inquirer subjected a sealed + packet of plates to the Crewe circle without exposure, endeavoring to get + a psychograph. Upon being asked on which plate he desired it, he said "the + fifth." Upon this plate being developed, there was found on it a copy of a + passage from the Codex Alexandrinus of the New Testament in the British + Museum. Reproductions, both of the original and of the copy, will be found + in Professor Henslow's book. + </p> + <p> + I have myself been to Crewe and have had results which would be amazing + were it not that familiarity blunts the mind to miracles. Three marked + plates brought by myself, and handled, developed and fixed by no hand but + mine, gave psychic extras. In each case I saw the extra in the negative + when it was still wet in the dark room. I reproduce in Plate I a specimen + of the results, which is enough in itself to prove the whole case of + survival to any reasonable mind. The three sitters are Mr. Oaten, Mr. + Walker, and myself, I being obscured by the psychic cloud. In this cloud + appears a message of welcome to me from the late Archdeacon Colley. A + specimen of the Archdeacon's own handwriting is reproduced in Plate II for + the purpose of comparison. Behind, there is an attempt at materialisation + obscured by the cloud. The mark on the side of the plate is my + identification mark. I trust that I make it clear that no hand but mine + ever touched this plate, nor did I ever lose sight of it for a second save + when it was in the carrier, which was conveyed straight back to the dark + room and there opened. What has any critic to say to that? + </p> + <p> + By the kindness of those fearless pioneers of the movement, Mr. and Mrs. + Hewat Mackenzie, I am allowed to publish another example of spirit + photography. The circumstances were very remarkable. The visit of the + parents to Crewe was unproductive and their plate a blank save for their + own presentment. Returning disappointed, to London they managed, through + the mediumship of Mrs. Leonard, to get into touch with their boy, and + asked him why they had failed. He replied that the conditions had been + bad, but that he had actually succeeded some days later in getting on to + the plate of Lady Glenconnor, who had been to Crewe upon a similar errand. + The parents communicated with this lady, who replied saying that she had + found the image of a stranger upon her plate. On receiving a print they at + once recognised their son, and could even see that, as a proof of + identity, he had reproduced the bullet wound on his left temple. No. 3 is + their gallant son as he appeared in the flesh, No. 4 is his reappearance + after death. The opinion of a miniature painter who had done a picture of + the young soldier is worth recording as evidence of identity. The artist + says: "After painting the miniature of your son Will, I feel I know every + turn of his face, and am quite convinced of the likeness of the psychic + photograph. All the modelling of the brow, nose and eyes is marked by + illness—especially is the mouth slightly contracted—but this + does not interfere with the real form. The way the hair grows on the brow + and temple is noticeably like the photograph taken before he was wounded." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + D. — THE CLAIRVOYANCE OF MRS. B. + </h2> + <p> + At the time of this volume going to press the results obtained by clients + of this medium have been forty-two successes out of fifty attempts, + checked and docketted by the author. This series forms a most conclusive + proof of spirit clairvoyance. An attempt has been made by Mr. E. F. + Benson, who examined some of the letters, to explain the results upon the + grounds of telepathy. He admits that "The tastes, appearance and character + of the deceased are often given, and many names are introduced by the + medium, some not traceable, but most of them identical with relations or + friends." Such an admission would alone banish thought-reading as an + explanation, for there is no evidence in existence to show that this power + ever reaches such perfection that one who possesses it could draw the + image of a dead man from your brain, fit a correct name to him, and then + associate him with all sorts of definite and detailed actions in which he + was engaged. Such an explanation is not an explanation but a pretence. But + even if one were to allow such a theory to pass, there are numerous + incidents in these accounts which could not be explained in such a + fashion, where unknown details have been given which were afterwards + verified, and even where mistakes in thought upon the part of the sitter + were corrected by the medium under spirit guidance. Personally I believe + that the medium's own account of how she gets her remarkable results is + the absolute truth, and I can imagine no other fashion in which they can + be explained. She has, of course, her bad days, and the conditions are + always worst when there is an inquisitorial rather than a religious + atmosphere in the interview. This intermittent character of the results + is, according to my experience, characteristic of spirit clairvoyance as + compared with thought-reading, which can, in its more perfect form, become + almost automatic within certain marked limits. I may add that the constant + practice of some psychical researchers to take no notice at all of the + medium's own account of how he or she attains results, but to substitute + some complicated and unproved explanation of their own, is as insulting as + it is unreasonable. It has been alleged as a slur upon Mrs. B's results + and character that she has been twice prosecuted by the police. This is, + in fact, not a slur upon the medium but rather upon the law, which is in + so barbarous a condition that the true seer fares no better than the + impostor, and that no definite psychic principles are recognised. A medium + may under such circumstances be a martyr rather than a criminal, and a + conviction ceases to be a stain upon the character. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTES: + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ "The Reality of Psychic + Phenomena." "Experiences in Psychical Science." (Watkins.)] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ See Appendix.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ See Appendix D.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ The details of both these + latter cases are to be found in "Voices from the Void" by Mrs. Travers + Smith, a book containing some well weighed evidence.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ For Geley's Experiments, + Appendix A.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ Published at sixpence by + the Light Publishing Co., 6, Queen Square, London, W.C. The same firm + supplies Dr. Ellis Powell's convincing little book on the same subject.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ The References are to + Matthew, xxiii 35, and to Josephus, Wars of the Jews, Book IV, Chapter 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Geley writes to me that + they are unknown either to him or to the medium.] + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Vital Message, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VITAL MESSAGE *** + +***** This file should be named 439-h.htm or 439-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/439/ + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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