BF Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2011 witii funding from Tine Library of Congress littp://www.arcliive.org/details/liowwliyibecamespiOOdans ^ u7o HOW AND WHY I BECAME J^ SPIRITUA.i:.IST, WASH. A. DANSKIN, B ALTIMOEE. xt |J8^6^^ BOSTON-: BELA MARSH, 14 BROM FIELD STREET, NEW YORK: S. T. MUNSON, 5 GREAT JONES STREET, 1858. .<<<" t>'^ Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1858, By Wash. A . D a n s k i n , In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland. INTKODUCTION. Three and a half jears have passed away since I commenced the investigation of that which is now called Spiritualism. The phenomena presented for my observation were clearly supra-mundane ; were evidently produced by invisible, intelli- gent agents ; and, not fearing to express my convictions, because they were unpopular, I, after careful scrutiny, an- nounced my belief, that the spirits of men and women WHO ONCE DWELT ON EARTH COULD, AND DID, COMMUNE WITH MORTALS. This fact appeared to me to be the most important one which had ever been given to man. If immor- tality is man's destiny, surely, the knowledge of that life which is eternal far transcends in value any mere earthly and, con- sequently, transitory acquirement, The theological ideas presented in the following pages are not the elaborations of my own brain. I have been but little more than the amanuensis. Two friends, who have long been dwellers in the land of light and love, passed the thoughts to my mind ; I clothed them with the drapery of language, and transcribed them upon the paper. Such is the extent of my participation in the production of this volume. This explanation is offered, not from a desire to lessen any responsibility which may attach to the promulgation of those ideas, but simply, because I deem it improper to claim that which is not my own. WASH. A. DANSKIN. Baltimoee, June 1st, 1858. lafo Mir SE^g I ktmt a SptritualiBt. CHAPTEK I. ' ' Elaborate are the workings of the Divine." Effects unanticipated are constantly springing forth from causes unseen. Man, finite in his nature, comprehends not the operations of the G-reat Infinite Mind, hut in his efforts to penetrate the future, finds the limit of his capacity so small, that he falls back in despair upon the present and the past. He cannot even trace with precision the lines which mark his own checkered ca- reer. Starting in youth with the fires of ambition glowing within the inner temple of his soul, illuminat- ing his path to deeds of greatness, which shall cover his manhood with renown, how soon the dense atmo- sphere of worldly strife deadens the brilliancy of the flame, and he finds himself groping through the wind- ing avenues of selfish cupidity, instead of standing erect upon the lofty eminence which was the aim of his unsullied spirit. 6 Thus was I led, from boyhood's early days, through many pleasant paths, looking forward with eager eyes to the hour when, in the strength of manhood, my mental and physical energies should be devoted to the elevation of my fellows. How often, in the visions of childhood have the achievements of maturity been so vividly presented to my mind, that the heart swelled with emotions of gratitude to Him Who had opened so broad a field of mental labor, where such rich harvests could be gathered? But, alas! how changed the dream. As the passions of youth lit up their fires in the soul, and the desire for wealth crept stealthily into the channels of the mind, which had been dedi- cated to deeds of high emprise, the purer light was dimmed in the vapors of selfish desire, and the spirit wandered amid the tangled mazes of the sensuous existence. No bright and glowing thoughts descending now from the realms of purity and love : no sweet flowers of affection giving forth delicious perfumes to fill the soul with delight ; no bright visions of future glory to cheer the the dull hours of toil; but all a dreary void, a dull waste, without a tree or flower, a murmuring stream or warbling bird, to enliven its barren soil, life seemed purposeless, worthless. The most unbounded success in any mere worldly pursuit, but proved the inability of such attainment to satisfy the interior longings of the immortal spirit. The attempt to gratify the earthly desires but led to the ajDpearance of enjoyment — the reality had lied. The mind once concentrated upon the duties of the domestic or social relations, now became listless and inactive : or strayed into forbidden paths seeking that excitement which it seemed to need. The mind that had heretofore ex- hibited so much of steadiness and calm composure in its pursuits, now became restless, uneasy, and dissatisfied. The accomplishment of its purpose produced not the anticipated enjoyment ; the reverse was the fact. The more ardently an object was desired, the more unsat- isfactory it appeared when obtained. There was an intense longing for knowledge of the superior, or after-life, which found no satisfactory re- sponse in the teachings of the sectarian church. The crude ideas which were advanced with so much dogmatic confidence from the pulpit, were deficient in their power to illustrate the character of the Wise and Loving Father. The thought that G-od had created a Being or principle of Evil which was forever to dispute with Him the dominion of His own most glorious work ; which was forever to mingle his poisonous breath with the atmosphere that surrounds the children of earth ; which was to draw within his influence and consign to 8 endless and infernal torture the most exalted creation of tlie G-reat Father's hand, was to my mind repug- nant. Enshrined, as it was, in all the sacred mystery of the past, enforced by all the fiery eloquence of the most fervid apostles of this diabolical theory, still, my reason revolted at the reception of so foul a represen- tation of the action of Deity, and thus I felt a want, a pressing need of some purer light, by which to inves- tigate the arcana of the celestial world. The disappointed spirit then cast its longing eyes beyond the boundaries of this circumscribed sphere for visions of another life. Man, as the mere denizen of earth, was too imper- fect a work to emanate from the Grreat Source of wis- dom and love, therefore, it seemed to me that in the vast domain which is the dwelling-place of the Father, the immortal spirit, freed from the trammels of the sensuous life, must unfold nobler powers and more comprehensive capacities, than are displayed in this rudimental condition. Man, in the earth-form, struggling and striving to secure that which he cannot consume ; grasping with the sinewy fingers of avarice that which would give comfort to the hungry, rest to the weary, and relief to the oppressed ; gathering with avidity the fruits of others' toil ; drawing within his control and thereby depriving his brother, of the bounteous harvests vrhiuh the Father bestows upon all His children. Man, in this phase of his existence, was not, in mj view, the, perfect work, the crowning glory of a master-mind ; but, rather a tantalizing burlesque, an abortive effort to produce a noble structure which had resulted in hopeless failure on the part of the Grreat Designer of the Universe. But when I looked upon man as the eternally progressive child of G-od, I could then per- ceive a creation worthy of the dreat Author of life. The germ of the flower when only partially unfolded does not display the artistic power of Him Whose breath adds perfume to its beauty ; but when the growth is complete, and the beauteous but fragile structure appears in all its glory, then the wisdom of the Creator is seen. So with man. While in the rudimental state he displays not the wondrous powers and faculties with which the Father has endowed him ; but when, in his progressive unfoldment through the eternal ages, he throws off. the dull habiliments of the lower life and appears clothed in robes of light and love, then is seen the harmonious workings of the Divine Spirit ; then the master-piece of His wisdom is comprehended, and the doubts of the past disappear in the perceptions of the present and the glowing visions of the future. The spirit of man is the germ of the 10 angel, the affections of the heart, the powers of the mind in their earth-bondage are like the leaves of the bud when enclosed in the outer covering which sur- rounds them ; but when the heavenly dew of love and the bright sunshine of wisdom descend from on high then they burst from their confinement and bloom forth in beauty, shedding sweet fragrance on the sur- rounding atmosphere. Thus, when the first announcement that the spirits of the departed, the dwellers in the home of purity and peace, had opened channels of communication with the mortals of earth, met my sight, I was not, as some were, struck dumb with amazement, or betrayed into denunciation or ridicule of those who received the statement as truth ; for, to my mind, it seemed the much needed link in the chain of the Divine economy. When invited, in a spirit of levity, by one who was to some extent familiar with the physical manifestations, to unite in ' ' Circle " for the purpose of observing those phenomena I declined, alleging, as my rea- son for so doing, that Spii'it-intercoujse, whether true or false, was not, could not be, to any rightly constituted miad, a suitable subject for jest. If true, and the spirits of our dear friends who had been separated from us by death, were permitted to join us again in this lower sphere, jesting or 11 levity would surely be inappropriate at such a meet- ing. If untrue, and the claim that spirits could min- gle their thoughts with ours was a fraud or a delusion, it was then too serious an evil to approach in a merry mood. I therefore declined the invitation that had been tendered in kindness, though in manner not suited to my feelings. Subsequent conversations led apparently to a better or more appropriate condition of mind on the part of my friend, and eventually, a " Circle" was formed. We were but four in number, the lady, who first proposed our sitting, her husband, Mrs. Danskin and myself. Soon we discovered that one of our number was sus- ceptible to impressions from the spirit world, or, in other words, that he possessed the suitable mental and physical organism to constitute him a "Medium." Through the magnetism emanating from this person, vibrations or tippings of the table were produced, and while one of us would repeat the alphabet slowly, the communicating spirit would move the table at the appropriate letters, which, being recorded would be found to form words and sentences, perfect in their construction, and conveying to us the thoughts or wishes of the inhabitants of another sphere. This was the mode in which I received my first messages of love from the unseen world. In a short time there- 12 after we procured an instrument, intended to facilitate tlie reception of thought, or rather, the expression of it, through the medium. This was the "Dial," a simple yet ingenious piece of mechanism, constructed in accordance with directions from the spirit land, with dish, on which were printed the letters of the alphabet, and index, which, revolving in obedience to the movement of the table, pointed out such letters as would form the sentence which the communicating spirit designed to impart. This acquisition dispelled much of the tedium and monotony of our previous sit- tings, and with increasing interest, our little party pursued its investigation of the spiritual phenomena. Ere long, sufficient control was obtained by our spirit friends over the medium to enable them to give correct replies to mental questions and speak of things heretofore unknown either to him or our- selves. The pioneer in our movement, she who had led us all into the investigation, was an earnest and devout adherent of the Roman Catholic Church. Believing in the Divine origin of her faith, and the infallibility of its expounders, she was not prepared to cast aside the impressions of her childhood, and the convictions of her maturer years, and receive in their stead the teachings which were given in this novel and startling 13 manner, tliougli they did purport to come from tlie spirits of her own dear friends. To her mind it appeared, that a communication really emanating from the world of spirits would not be given to man, by an instrumentality apparently so simple as the mere movement of a table. The means seemed inadequate to the end. To her, the thought was just as absurd and impossible of belief, as in the days of old, it was for the High Priests and people of the Hebrew nation, to acknowledge as their King and Saviour, the son of an humble carpenter; or to receive as truth the inspired words which fell from the lips of illiterate fishermen. Consulting with her spiritual adviser, he instructed her to abiindon at once all connection with the " Cir- cle," and especially enjoined upon her to prevent her children from being drawn within an influence, which was only and altogether evil, and which emanated directly from his sable majesty, the terrific monarch of the infernal regions. Her husband, our "medium," was not so closely bound by the authority of the church, but in compliance with the wishes of his domestic partner, he withdrew from the fui'ther inves- tigation of the subject, and thus, at the expiration of some three or fom^ weeks, our spiritual communings- wefe abruptly brought to a close. 2 14 No one, unless subjected to a similar disappoint- ment, can conceive of the unhappiness which then filled my soul. It seemed as though the dark curtain which had so long closed from my vision the glowing beauties of the home beyond the skies, had been raised for an instant, and the previous gloom been rendered more profound, by the momentary radiance which had met my longing sight. Dwelling with painful tenacity upon this unpleasant view of the matter, and feeling as though all hope of renewing our intercourse with the denizens of higher spheres was lost, I became sad, gloomy, irascible. I felt, that he who could thus cast aside the heavenly boon of mediumship, was unworthy of the gift ; I wondered why one, so vacillating and unsteady of purpose, should have been so richly endowed. Thus feeling and thinking, as I sat alone one after- noon at the table, with paper and pencil before me, I earnestly prayed that some avenue might be opened through which I could satisfy the deeply cherished wish of my heart. Suddenly, I felt an irresistible impulse to, and did write the following words: "-Rest' satisfied ; — you witt soon meet loith one who is reliable and. true " Strange as this appeared to me, emanating, as I 15 supposed it must, from my own mental organism, yet, it calmed the tumult of my soul. Had an Angel of Light appeared and assured me of the realization of my wish, I could not have felt more entirely satisfied, that the promise would be fulfilled. The clouds had suddenly disappeared, the sun once more cast his efiulgence round about me, and all nature, so lately shrouded in gloom, now wore the bright mantle of the genial spring time. A day had passed, another nearly waned, and still no prospect of the promised blessing. My confidence was nevertheless undiminished. T felt assured that my ardent desire was about to be gratified. The sequel proved that I had not been deceived. Late in the afternoon of the second day, we received the welcome information, that a youthful "medium," the daughter of a member of the Society of Friends, had learned of our interest in the subject, and had proffered her aid to re-establish our interrupted com- munion with our spirit friends. 16 CHAPTEK II. On tlie following eve we made our first visit to tte kind family, with whom we afterward passed many pleasant hours, and who, by their cheerful manner and genial welcome on this occasion, soon made us feel at home within their domestic circle. The young lady who was usually controlled by the spirits as an impressional loriting medium, was still pursuing her studies at one of our Female Collegiate Institutions, and had been deterred from the prosecu- tion of her investigations, by the ridicule of her com- panions and the denunciations of her preceptors. Being young and sensitive, this estimable girl had been diverted from the beautiful path which leads to truth and wisdom^ by the jeers and scoffs of those loho knew not loliat tliey did. Consequently, for some months previous to the date of which I now write, she had, in a great degree^ abstained from intercourse with the denizens of the spirit home. But hearing 17 how deeply I was interested in the subject, she had kindly proffered, through our mutual friend, to afford us an opportunity to resume our investigations. During the first evening that we passed with our newly found friend, the manifestations were princi- pally of a physical or mechanical character. The medium, my wife and myself were seated around a small table made of hard wood, weighing, I judge, some twelve or fifteen pounds. Assembled within, and seated around the room, were the father, mother and sister of the medium, my mother and the mother and sister of my wife, making nine of us. After sitting a few moments in quiet, there came gentle sounds, such as would be produced by the leather covered hammer of a piano striking against a solid substance. Rap after rap was heard on different portions of the table; sometimes in the centre, then directly under our hands, then running as it were across. After this had continued some time, the table rose a short distance and turned completely over, the top of it resting upon the floor : presently, it rose again some two feet in the air, and passing across the room approached a larger table upon which vases, musical instruments, books, and nick-nacks of various sorts were lying. This movement seemed to indicate a desire on the part of the spirit, that we 2* 18 should remove some article among the many upon the table. I, therefore, selected one and another until nearly all had been named, without having found the right one, when, finally, I took up the card-receiver, and the movement of the table seemed to indicate great pleasure on the part of the Spirit, at my having discovered the desired object. Wondering what could be meant by this singularly expressed wish, I laid the basket upon the table, and immediately it moved to the other side of the parlor, and striking against the door with considerable force, plainly showed the desire to pass into the hall beyond. The door was opened, and approaching a secretary which stood within the hall, the table again rose several Feet and struck gently against one of the smaller drawers. As yet, we had no idea of what could be intended by this very curious manifestation, but it was soon explained by the sister of the medium, who exclaimed, "I know what is wanted; I removed to- day from the card-receiver a note of invitation to the funeral of William Eidgaway, fearing that the sight of it might cause pain to his mother and sisters, who were to spend the evening with us." The mysteri- ous movement was now understood. The note was taken from the drawer, placed again in the basket, and^ by swinging and rocking the table in the air. 19 the Spirit seemed to express satisfaction at having been able to convey to ns its thought. Ketui'ning to the parlor, the table approached the mother of the deceased and gave signs of joy, such as can scarcely be conceived of by those who have not witnessed such manifestations. The legs of the table were laid upon the shoulders as if with the desire to embrace her ; the under side of the table top was pressed against her lips, and other movements indicative of great pleasure, were made while the table remained in proximity to one so much beloved by the communicating Spirit. Passing from the mother the sisters were approached, and a lesser degree of affection was manifested ; then^ others who were present received, as it were, a hearty shake of the hand. Some half hour or more had been passed in this manner, when the table approached one of the young ladies and with the extremity of one of the legs touched her gently upon the lip. I supposed it to be the expression of a wish that she should sing, and so remarked, urging compliance on the part of our friend with the request so delicately made, but she begged to be excused, saying, that although she sometimes sang when alone, she did not feel equal to the effort before others. The intelligence controlling the movements of the table seemed unsatisfied with 20 this apology, and repeated some five or six times, with mucli rapidity, the gentle touch upon the lip; insisting, as it were, upon the gratification of his desire. Refusing no longer^ the young lady sang very sweetly, some simple melody, while the table waved hack and forth through the air, keeping time with the music. After this a desire for a tune on the accordeon was indicated in like manner, and given with similar accompaniment; the table was then elevated until it reached nearly to the ceiling, — the end of one leg was used to write the names of deceased persons upon the wall, and various other manifestations were given, alike in character, but varying in detail. I desire it to be understood, that during all these manifestations through the table, the hands of the medium, my wife, and myself were in contact with it, but, at no time, in such position as would have enabled either one or all of us to control its movement. After the physical manifestations had ceased we seated ourselves again at the table, the hand of the young medium was controlled and a communication written, purporting to come from the Spirit of Mr. Ridgaway, the same who had been with us all the evening. If the previous manifestations had been surprising, this was not less so, for the chirography 21 corresponded witli his, and tlie signature was almost a fac-simile of that whicli I had so often seen him write. To me, this manifestation was the more satisfac- tory, from the fact that Mr. Eidgaway's writing when he dwelt upon the earth was almost illegible. Few could read it with facility ; indeed^ I knew of no one but myself who could readily decipher his hastily penned paragraphs. The idea, that this young lady was capable even had she been willing to practise an impostui'e, of imitating such writing, was preposter- ous, and not to be for a moment entertained. In what manner then, could T account, under any other than the spiritual hypothesis, for this written commu- nication pui-porting to be the veritable thoughts of my departed friend, conveyed throngh the instrumen- tality of another hand? This interview with our spirit friends was exceed- ingly gratifying, and led to many subsequent meetings at the home of the pleasant family, where our first reliable communications from the world of light had been received. A "Circle" was now formed comprising usually the' medium, my wife and myself; occasionally we would be joined by one or other of the family. A shower of raps or sounds would greet us upon gathering 22 around the table, thereby, indicating the presence of our unseen friends. Sometimes, we would question them and receive negative or affirmative replies to our queries by means of the raps ; one rap or sound being understood to be negative, while for the affirmative three were given. The hand of the medium would then be controlled by the spirit of my wife's sister, who had passed from earth some ten years before, and messages of love and admonition would be written for us. These com- munications contained advice and directions concern- ing our own development as mediums, which was foretold by this kind spirit-sister, who, in union with 'others that were bound to us by the ties of kindred and affection, would descend from her bright abode and cast around us the gentle and soothing influences, which emanate from the realms of purity and bliss. No one, who has not undergone this process of spiritual unfolding, can have the slightest conception of the delightful, calm and deep felt serenity, that gradually o'erspread the soul as the influences of the spirit-home gathered strength within. The trials, the disappointments, the petty annoy- ances of the earth-life seemed to lose their power to ruffle or disturb the mind. Dwelling in a region above, we felt not the agitation of the waves beneath. 23 but grew strong in reliance upon Him, Whose iove and wisdom were thus brought so clearly before our mental vision . The world, which before had seemed so confused and unfinished a production, now stood forth in symmetry and beauty, wearing in every feature the im- press of the master-hand that had moulded it into form. The gloomy doubts of the past now disappeared, the consistency, the beauty and the harmony of what had before seemed so antagonistic, was made apparent to my mind, and with more expanded views of the Creator's work, my feelings rose in love and adoration to the G-reat Source from which it sprang. Dwelling, as I had heretofore, in the world of externals, I now passed gradually into the interior life ; examining minutely and with growing interes't and pleasure, the principles which underlie the various formations of nature. Rejecting, as I had, the Mosaic account of the Creation as impossible and absurd, or rather, refusing credence to the literal -interpretation of that account as received by the sectarian church previous to the discoveries of G-eologists, my mind was somewhat prepared for the reception of a more rational, and philosophical history of the formation of oui- globe, and the unfolding of the mineral, vegetable and animal substances that appear thereon. Having 24 formed no theory upon this subject, nor adopted the speculations of others, I was, mentally in a position to consider impartially any views which might be pre- sented in relation thereto. I had not received from our spirit friends any inti- mation of their intention to impart thought upon this subject, through myself. Nor had I ever desired or anticipated that an effort to that effect would be made by them, until one morning in the month of January, 1856, awaking suddenly, I found myself in the midst, as it were, of a prolonged contemplation of the prin- ciples and forces, which evolved from chaos the beau- tiful form^ that every where meet our gaze. It was not like a dream. It seemed as though there had been a continuous action of the mind during the hours of slumber, which ceased not upon my waking. There appeared to be a sudden illumination of the chambers of the brain. That which had before seemed so dark and mysterious as to be entirely un- approachable by me, was now clear and free from difficulty, easy to be comprehended and wondrous in its perfection. Pleased, yet almost bewildered by this strange awakening, I could scarcely understand its purport. There was surely an influence beyond myself — an un- seen intelligent agent who had produced this effect. 25 for, as I have before said, a subject to me involved in deepest mystery had suddenly been made clear. The mists of superstition and ignorance seemed all at once to have melted away, and a pure and brilliant light shone upon the works of the Divine hand. The avocations of the day removed these impressions of the early morn, and finally the scene which had caused me so much surprise and pleasure, gave way for other thoughts and passed from my memory. A few days after, while at the table with my wife and some friends, I was requested by the circle of spirits controlling the medium to sit every evening at twilight, in company with a gentleman who, like my- self, felt much interest in the subject of Spu^it-inter- oouTse ; and if conditions were favorable, an efibrt would be made, they said, to write through my hand a work upon the subject, which had been so strangely presented to my mind. " The Creation of the world." Obedient to this request my friend and self seated ourselves at the table in a quiet room at the appointed hour. I must confess that I had many misgivings as to the power of the ' ' Communicating Spirit " to express thought upon a subject so profound, through so uncul- tivated an organism. I did not consider myself suit- ably prepared by my previous studies or contempla- 3 26 tions, for such a purpose. Being unread in Greology, Chemistry or Natural Philosophy, I felt that I was deficient in the mental culture, necessary for the de- sired purpose. It was, however, not very difficult to perform the task that has been assigned me — to sit an hour with a frietid. Therefore, I yielded a ready compliance. After sitting in silence some fifteen minutes, I sud- denly felt a thrill, or, as it were, an electrical current pass into and down my arm, while at the same moment, thoughts were given to my mind, which I, with an agitated hand, transmitted to the paper before me. Thought followed thought in quick succession, and was written with wonderful rapidity. Two or three pages of foolscap were thus written over, when the impressions ceased as suddenly as they had been given, and the electric sensations left the hand and arm. Upon examining what had been given, my friend pronounced it satisfactory, and to me, it conveyed the assurance of power to accomplish in time, that which my spirit fi'iends desired. Reflecting upon this strange occurrence the next day^, I came to the conclusion that it would be well for me to acquaint myself with, at least, the technical terms, used by Gleologists, and consequently I purchased a work upon that science, which I proposed studying at m.y leisure. Using the 27 first favorable opportunity, I retired with my Geologi- cal work to a quiet apartment, and began my labor. Patiently, and attentively, I scanned the page before me, deliberately examining each sentence, so as to draw within my mind the idea, and fasten in my memory the phraseology of the writer ; but what was my as- tonishment to find, after reading nearly a page, that my mind was a complete blank. Not one thought had been retained, not a single impression had been re- ceived. I was quiet and composed before I commenced reading, not having anything to disturb the mental action, or prevent the exercise of a naturally retentive memory, I could not comprehend this matter. After another attempt with similar result, I abandoned the effort, concluding, that something must be wrong with myself; and, that I was not then in condition to prosecute my researches. At a more advanced period of the day I resumed my book, and after repeated failures to accomplish my purpose, abandoned it in despair, reluctantly coming to the humiliating conclu- sion, that my mental powers were not equal to the comprehension of the rudimental lessons in the science of G-eology. I must confess, I was somewhat annoyed. Hereto- fore, I had found myself equal, in some degree at 28 least, to the reception of knowledge as profound as that which now seemed to baffle me. I was at a loss to comprehend that which had occurred. The mystery was soon unraveled. Just before the twilight hour when the writing was to be resumed, I received the following elucidation of the matter from my spirit friends. Controlling the medium, they said: "We desire that you should not fill the mind with the teachings of others; we will, in time, impart to you that which we wish to give to the world, therefore, we erased from your brain the thoughts which you attempted to draw from the book." Thus, was satisfactorily explained, the perplexing difficulty which I had encountered. Since that even- ing I have not looked through a book, unless for pas- time, being convinced that knowledge more accurate, and thoughts more profound, may be received by direct influx from the higher spheres. The aspirations of the mind for light and truth, the earnest desire for knowledge, will attract to the individual possessing such aspirations and desires, spirits, elevated in wis- dom, who have learned in the etherial home, the truth of His words, Who said : " It is more blessed to give than to receive." The hour arrived for the continuance of the work, 29 and I found that increased power had been gained, by the controlling spirit, thought being more freely given, and more perfectly expressed than at my former sitting. Occasionally while writing, the influ- ence would suddenly leave my arm, the impression pass at the same moment from my mind, aiid a sentence he left unfinished. Sometimes when this occurred, I would suppose the Spirit-communication ended for the hour, but would remain at the table in conversation with my friend; and after the lapse of twenty minutes or half an hour, the electric influence would suddenly again be felt in my arm, the impressions be distinctly given to the brain, and the unfinished sentence be properly completed. On one occasion, while illustrating the power of the law of attraction, there was written — "Essences the inost refined a/re withdrawn from gross ," here the inspiration ceased, and, having no idea of what was intended, I found it impossible to extract a suitable continuation of the sentence from my own mental laboratory. After making many efforts I had given it up in de- spair, and was about to retire from the table, when my hand was again seized, the letters e r, added to Ihe word gross, and followed up by — "contact, and TMmlded in forms of heanty hy its power f^ — the sen- 3* 30 tence when completed reading thus : * ' Essences the most refined, are withdrawn from grosser contact, and moulded in forms of beauty hy its power." In this strange manner the writing of thoughts which did not originate in my own brain continued day after day, for a short time; I was then informed that it would be discontinued for a season, to be resumed at some suitable hour in the future. 31 CHAPTER III. Friends desirous to inyestigate the mysteries of spirit-intercourse, now began to drop in frequently to see us. The development of my wife's mediumistie powers was daily progressing, and communications of a satisfactory and convincing character were freely given through the "Dial." Our "Circle" began to increase in number, and those who sat regularly with us found a gentle influence being gradually thrown around them, and felt the presence of their loved ones, who had preceded them to the spirit home. Many communications were spelled out through the "Dial" which seemed almost meaningless while coming letter by letter, but, which, when connected and punctuated, were found to be replete with beauty of thought and diction; conveying messages of love from those who had been supposed to be shrouded in the darkness of the tomb, dwelling amid the torturing 32 flames of the regions of despair, or closed in from the approach of all sorrow or sadness by the emerald gates of the golden paved Paradise. Sitting around the table one afternoon, with four or five friends, my hand was suddenly moved with vio- lence, and upon making the pencil there was written with great rapidity, — ** J3e ccdm DansMn, and 1 wiU give you an acrostic. ^^ POE. Upon reading it I laughingly remarked : that if Poe supposed he could pass rhyme through my brain, he must prepare himself for a disappointment, for, surely, he would find it impossible. All were amused at the idea of poetry being given through my organism, and as no poetry followed immediately, we soon became interested in the communications from the spirit friends of other persons present, which were being received through the mediumship of Mrs. Danskin, and Poe, the poet, with his rash promise, was for- gotten. We had been sitting an hour or more, the party was about to break up, and my hand was again suddenly seized and with increased velocity was written : — 33 Earth had no joys for me, Dark was my fate below, Grief, like the boundless sea, And limitless as woe, Rolled o'er the poet Poe. These lines were written with a rapidity that would seem incredible to any but those who witnessed the movement of the pencil. After this time, short pieces would be written in metre whenever I sat at the table, not remarkable for any merit, or similarity of style to that of him from whom they purported to come, but only curious and interesting when viewed as coming through one whose life had been passed in the dull sphere of busi- ness facts, and not in the brighter realms of poetic fancy. It would as soon have entered my brain to write a dissertation on Astronomy, or one of the abstruse sciences with which I was totally unacquainted, as to attempt to express thought in rhyme, yet, it had now become an almost daily occurrence. I remember one occasion when we were about re- tiring to slumber I was directed, through Mrs. Dan- skin, to take the pencil; a spirit being present who wished to give a thought through me. Without knowing upon what subject I was to write, or having 34 an idea what form the communication would assume, I submitted passively to the influence. It proved to be that of my eldest sister, whom I had never seen, she having passed from earth when an infant, and having been for many years an angel of brightness in the land of beauty and bliss. The sensation in the arm and hand now was not violent, as when Poe wrote, but gentle and pleasant; the impressions came not in complete sentences, but word by word, or sometimes two or three words would be given together. When finished, it read thus : — The Spirit who, with earth-bound eyes, Looks on the changing scenes of life, Sees not the one grand purpose rise From out the never-ceasing strife; But He, Whose simple thought outspun The gorgeous realms of endless day, Will blend all shadows into one Effulgent light, — a heaven-born ray; Whose radiant glory shall outshine The brightest Orb that rolls in space^ Diffusing light, and love Divine O'er all of Earth's benighted race. The thought here expressed was not within my mind when I sat down to write. When my hand 35 began its work I knew not whether poetry or prose was to "be tke result, nor did I know, until it was before me on the paper, what was the idea contained in the lines which I had written. Here, then, was evidence, positive and unquestion- able, that some foreign intelligence was using my or- ganism to give expression to that which did not, and could not have originated within myself; that it was not evil in its nature is evinced in its works. Clear streams flow not from unclean fountains; — ^pure thoughts spring not from impure minds. The teach- ings which were now, almost daily, imparted from this source, breathed only the purest morality, the most unselfish devotion to the good of others, and the most profound adoration of the Deific Mind. The objection which has been urged against Spirit- ualism by many of the earnest adherents of the church, that it was demoralizing and vicious in its tendencies, and led by easy steps down to the dark ■pool of infidelity, would not be sustained by aught that has ever been given in speech or manuscript through the mediumship of either Mrs. Danskin or myself, A calm reliance upon the Love and Wisdom of the Grreat Father^ an^elevation of thought to His Divine attributes^ a perception of His handiwork in all the beautiful creations of the natural world j* was 36 the result of oar daily communion with our much- loved, though unseen, friends. Our minds, previous- ly occupied by the cares, the pleasures, and the desires of earth, seemed gradually withdrawn from accustomed contemplations, — and purer thoughts, higher aims, c«,nd nobler impulses filled the vacated chambers of the soul. Many losses, trials and disappointments crossed our path during the period of which I now write, but seemed not to leave their accustomed impress. The idea had now become imprinted upon the mind, that the Father, in His Wisdom, had so ordered the affairs of life, that evil as a positive principle could not exist ; that adversity had its uses, which when under- stood, gave brilliancy and beauty to that which other- wise seemed only dark and gloomy. The lessons learned in the ordeal through which we passed were, perhaps, not unneeded. We were taught, that the vanities, the pomps, and the plea- sures of the external existence were fleeting and transitory; that there was within us an immortal, or spiritual essence that would not be content with the shadows of earth, but which strove, with eager eyes, to penetrate the realms of the real life. To acquire true knowledge of the spiritual exist- ence was now our earnest desire. We were not 37 actuated by mere curiosity, nor did we desire to secure the aid of the immortal ones in our earthly pursuits; hut, with simple, unalloyed aspirations for Truth, we meekly and reverently asked knowledge of Him Who has said, "Seek, and ye shall find, — knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Our petitions were not unheeded. As time passed on the susceptibility of Mrs. Danskin to spirit-influ- ence increased^ and the development of her medium- istic powers steadily progressed. The "Dial," at length, became unnecessary. The thought, which the Spirit might desire to convey, would be impressed upon her mind, and written through her hand ; the style of expression and chirography varying in ac- cordance with the character of the ' ' Communicating Spirit." At times, the communications would be written in the bold, masculine manner of the rough man, and again they would be traced in the delicate lines of the graceful and accomplished woman. Her sister, of whom I have before spoken, was the attendant, or guardian spirit, who seemed to super- intend and direct the progress of her development;, accompanied, usually, by one who announced himself, as delegated by higher powers, to aid in advancing the benign and elevating truths of Spirit-intercourse to the world. Through the hand of the young lady^ 4 38 the medium heretofore referred to, communications would be written, giving us kind advice and counsel in regard to the manner in which our investigations should be pursued. Predictions, foretelling the course of the development, and the character of mediumship which would be displayed by both Mrs. Danskin and myself, were also written through her during the earlier portion of our intimacy, and have since been realized, or are at present in course of fulfilment. The development of others was clearly indicated as a part of the duty which would devolve upon us. It was said, that magnetic influences would be passed from the spirit world through our organisms, and cast around those who came within our "Circle." The power of healing the sick was also promised as one of the gifts that would be bestowed upon us; and other phases of the receptive, or mediumistic, condition were indicated which have since then ap- peared. During the past six months, almost every one who has been introduced to our little social, spiritual gatherings, has felt the spirit-influence manifesting its powers in greater or less degree. The first mani- festation of this kind occurred during the autumn of 1855. We, at that time, established regular tri- weekly sittings, with the members of a family that 39 had been previously engaged in the investigation of the spiritual phenomena. At almost every sitting some one, or all, of the persons present, except Mrs. Danskin and myself, would be thi'own into a gentle slumber. Sometimes, without any apparent effort on the part of my wife, and at other times, she would be controlled by the Spirit or Spii'its who desii-ed to develop the mediumistic powers of oui' fiiends, and manipulations, similar to those used in producing mesmeric conditions, would be made. In the month of September, 1855, while sitting one evening with the "Dial" before us, a communi- cation was spelled out, which, when properly ar- ranged, was found to come .from my wife's sister, and plainly foret-old the early removal from the trials and sorrows of eai^th, of one whom they both held dear — their much-loved mother. It seems proper for me to say, that at the time this communication was received there were no indications ■ of disease more prominent than had been exhibited for several previous years. Our newly awakened interest in the Spii'itual manifestations had so much engrossed our thoughts^ and time, that Mrs. Danskin had not been as regular in her visits to the home of her parents as was her previous custom. The spirit, when giving this intelligence, stated that it was not 40 given to cause sorrow to the heart of her sister, but to impress her with the thought, that it would be well to let nothing interfere with her duty to their mother. Nothing, of course, was said to other members of the family about the communication which had been received, nor was there any indication until the com- mencement of the following year, that the prediction would be fulfilled. In January it became apparent that the most insid- ious foe of the physical welfare of humanity, Con- sumption, was about to strike a fatal blow. This cherished parent was suddenly prostrated, and, al- though naturally delicate and feeble, she lingered until near the close of April before she passed into that realm where sorrow has no dwelling-place. During her illness Mrs. Danskin was her constant attendant; day and night, with short intervals of repose, she watched at the bedside, cheering the patient sufi'erer as the weary hours slowly passed. It was not until after the final event that I per- ceived symptoms of the same disease being exhibited in the system of my wife. The hollow cough, the hectic flush, and other indications of confirmed dis- ease, became painfully apparent. During her attend- ance at the bedside of her mother the thought had not 41 occurred to me, that my wife was in danger, but a moment's reflection should have shown me, that one so frail could not inhale the same atmosphere that was being breathed by the decaying system of an aged consumptive, without having the impurities with which that atmosphere was impregnated lodged within her own lungs. This knowledge had come too late to prevent the results ; my care now was to procure the best medical advice, and use every effort to stay the progress of the disease, if we could not entirely expel it. An eminent physician informed us that one of the lungs was seriously affected ; and he left what he believed to be a suitable prescription. This, however, was never used because, shortly after he took his leave Mrs. Danskin became entranced, and the Spirit of one who, when in the earth-form, was known as the philanthropic and learned Doctor Rush, of Philadel- phia, controlled her organs of speech, and advised, that her system should not be subjected to the action of any strong medicine. The open air daily and a generous diet, he said, were better suited to her condition. Had this kind advice been followed I have no doubt but that much subsequent suffering would have been avoided. Mrs. Danskin's tastes and habits 4* 42 being domestic, I found it difficult to draw her from home ; no inducement could lead lier to take the much needed out-door exercise. A few weeks after this we received a visit from some friends who passed the month preceding Christmas with us, and_, conse- quently, Mrs. Danskin was more confined within doors than ever. The result was what I feared it would be. Early in January, 1857, she was com- pletely prostrated, — losing strength and animation, and being apparently on the brink of the eternal shores. A physician and friend, whom I had highly es- teemed for many years, was at the time in attendance upon my aged and infirm mother. Contrary to my wish, this gentleman was consulted in relation to my wife's condition, and immediately commenced a course of active treatment, according to the best formulas of the Allopathic School. My position was now painful in the extreme. Having implicit confi- dence in the judgment and skill of our medical advi- ser, loJio had passed the portals of the inner life; and knowing, by previous experience, that he could penetrate with the spirit vision more deeply into the interior, and perceive more clearly than could any mortal eye, the real condition of the sufi'erer, I de- sired to be guided solely by him ; and, I have not 43 the slightest doubt that, if I had acted according to the dictates of my own feelings in this matter, much suffering would have been avoided, and an early restoration to health have followed. But I was over- ruled, and some six months confinement to her room was the unpleasant consequence. During the period of her illness she would sometimes pass into the interior or entranced state, and certain views of her case would be given me, through her own organs of speech, that manifested knowledge of anatomy and physiology entirely beyond her normal acquire- ments. In order to test the accuracy of the informa- tion thus received^ I would sometimes suggest certain views of the case and modes of treatment to our earthly physician, and in every instance they met his approval. So much was he impressed with the cor- rectness of what I suggested, that he several times remarked to his patient, "If I am not present at any time, and you should be in doubt as to the propriety of any particular course, consult Mr. Dan- skin, he understands your case, and will direct you aright.^'' At last I made the impression upon the mind of my wife, that our spirit-guide was more thoroughly acquainted with her condition than any mortal, no matter how skillful, could be; and she then aban- 44 doned the drugs and plasters which had been pro- fusely exhibited, and relied upon pure air, cold water, and the other simple remedies which had been prescribed by our unseen friend. A carbuncle, which caused sometimes intense pain, appeared upon the ancle, and drew the inflammation from the lungs downward, affording an outlet to the impurities which had so thickly settled within the chest. The pain from this ulcer was very great, amounting at times to agony. Many applications had been made but produced no good effect, seeming only to irritate and inflame, instead of soothing. On one occasion, during a quiet interval, I asked, if our spirit-friends could not suggest a remedy,— Mrs, Dan- skin was immediately entranced, and the direction given — '' Send for a Healing Medium" I knew of no person in Baltimore to whom that appellation could be properly applied except Mr, Benjamin S. Benson, the proprietor of an extensive Iron Foundry; who had been made the instrument of several won- derful cures by the simple "laying on of hands," These cures were well authenticated; some of them having occurred in the presence of large family cir- cles, and all of them having been performed without fee or reward, other than that which arises from the consciousness of having done a generous or benevo- 45 lent action. I immediately addressed this gentleman a note, desiring him at his earliest convenience to call upon us, and in about two hours thereafter was glad- dened by his presence. It may be proper here to remark, that Mrs. Dan- skin is one of the least imaginative persons that I have ever known ; she has^ all her life been noted for plain, matter of fact, common sense ; not addicted to the marvelous or wonderful, not caring for the fancifal or extravagant, but sedulously devoting her- self to her household duties, and seeming to take but little interest in what was passing beyond her own immediate circle. The relief which was experienced, when Mr. Benson placed his hand upon the diseased spot, could not properly, therefore, be attributed to the force of imagination, as might have been in the case of a person differently constituted. It is a fact, account for it as we may, that this dreadful ulcer, which was so inflamed that it was most sensitive to the touch of her own hand, however gentle she might be when dressing it, yielded almost immediately to the magnetic influence which seemed to emanate from the hand of the ^'Healing Medium." He placed his hand directly over and upon the sore, and yet Ms touch produced no pain; the fiery and inflamed appearance soon was changed, and, gradu- 46 ally, the color of the flesh became more natural and healthy. The visits of Mr. Benson were continued during four or five weeks, averaging perhaps twice a week. A great improvement was visible from the commence- ment. Sometimes other friends were present and we would be directed, through Mrs Danskin, while en- tranced, to join hands; thereby increasing the force of the magnetic influence, and manifestly imparting much strength to the invalid. She now grew better rapidly, and our spirit-friend, Dr. Rush, who had directed the course of the ' ' Healing Medium " at nearly, if not quite, every visit, again recommended the open air as absolutely essential to her resto- ration. The immediate danger which threatened the lungs had been withdrawn by the issue which had been formed at the ancle ; the pain of the ulcer had been removed by the magnetic influence which spirits had imparted through the mediumship of Mr. Benson, and now, pure air was needed to restore the lungs. In accordance with this advice, I made arrange- ments for her to ride each day, an hour or two. The wisdom of our spirit-guides was manifested in the marked improvement which followed. Soon I was cheered by appearances of returning health, and 47 renewed usefulness. As she gained strength, the character of the spirit manifestations became more distinctly marked, being more varied than before, and embracing a wider range of thought. Spirits would now control her organs of speech, and talk with us as they did when on earth; exhibiting the peculiarities by which they were then distinguished, and, by their conversation and the emotions which they manifested, giving to us more clear and correct ideas of the conditions and circumstances of the Spirit- life. 48 CHAPTER IV. One, who had lived to an extended period on earth, accumulating and hoarding with avaricious mind, until her fortune had grown to nearly half a mil- lion, came to us one evening, and by her tone and manner made herself known before giving us her name. The mind which, on earth, had sought happiness in the acquisition of wealth ; which had concentrated all its powers upon the one object, did not undergo an immediate transformation when freed from the physical body. The train of thought was the same. Money; wealth: the adulation which its possession secured to the holder; the power it gave to control the destinies of others; the consideration which it gained from all, — these were the thoughts which filled the mind when clothed with the earth-form, and those thoughts were still the companions of that mind in the spirit world. 49 Relating, at my request, the circumstances attend- ing her entrance into the spirit home, she said: — "All was barren; a wide extended plain, without a tree or shrub, dreary and cheerless was the aspect of all that met my eye; but," said she, "I had my trea- sure, my wealth was still mine ; I seemed to clasp it even more closely than I did when on earth; I thought, that with wealth I would have power; that with it I could command the services of others, as I had done heretofore. After wandering, lonely but self-reliant, for a time, I became weary, and with my treasure-casket for a pillow, composed myself for slumber. At length I was aroused by the sound of a voice, whose clear sweet tones seemed to fill the air with melody. Casting my glance upward, I discovered, in the distance, a radiant form, glowing with beauty, and looking kindly upon me, as I lay, reposing upon my highly treasured pillow. Soon the angel, (for she was one of the bright messengers of God) spake, saying: 'Come sister, come with me; I will lead thee where flowers bloom, where birds sing, where murmuring waters flow; come, let me bear thee to the garden where knowledge will be given to thee.' "This pleased me not. Knowledge be given to me 1 1, to whom so many on earth had looked up with reverence, because of the superior knowledge I had 50 displayed in the accumnlation of wealth ; I, to whom even the ministers of the Gospel, the chosen ones of the Lord, had bowed down ; hoping thereby to secure contributions from my well filled coffers to their sectarian enterprizes; knowledge be given to me, as though I was one of the ignorant or lowly ; I felt indignant at the thought, my anger rose^ and in reply I said : Away, away, you know not to whom you speak. I am no common person, seeking favors from others; I am Miss E, C , the wealthy Miss K C- , I ask no aid — I seek no help ; I have treasures ; I have wealth ; away, away, you know not to whom you speak ! With a look of sorrow, the bright spirit departed, and again I was alone, amid the dreary expanse. Alone did I say, nay, not alone. I yet had my much loved treasures, and, surely, I could need no more." This communication and the peculiarities of manner exhibited during its recital, were so natural and life- like, that any acquaintance of this most eccentric lady would at once have recognized her presence. Desiring to awaken her mind to a sense of the present worthlessness of her much valued treasuref I said: "Do you not perceive how useless are your accumulations of the past, when a single flower, which in its simple beauty would be so pleasant to 51 your eye, cannot be purchased, even in exchange for all your wealth. It cannot procui'e for you a single gratification ; in your present state of existence it is hut a useless burden, and the sooner you free your mind from the bondage in which it has dwelt, the sooner will you be fitted to enjoy the rare beauties^ and never fading pleasures of that home which the Grreat Father has prepared for all his childi-en." My counsel was rejected with scorn, and telling me that I was ignorant of the value and power of wealth, she withdrew her influence from the medium, and passed again to her barren home, in the world of spirits. Subsequently she came many times to us, and through the instruction, which was offered to her in kindness, and with an earnest desire to dispel the hallucination which seemed to possess her, she was, at length, led to look upon her condition in its true light and seek from "the angel" that aid and guidance, which had, at first, been so rudely rejected. The conversations with this spirit, of which the above is a very meagre and imperfect sketch, were most interesting and instructive. They taught us, that when the faculties of the mind become engrossed in any one pursuit ; when the heart and the soul are neglected, and the intellect is kept actively employed during the earth-life in the acquisition of gold, that 52 the perceptions of the spirit are weakened, and, when transferred to the eternal home, it has no power to recognize the beauties by which it is surrounded ; no capacity to enjoy the pleasures which flow from the exercise of the affections. They proved to us, clearly, that man, when entering upon the spiritual life does not cast aside +he impressions which have been re- ceived by contact with the world, but that the mind still retains the habits of thought which have been cherished on earth. It does not follow, however, that because the mind has been misled on earth, and enters upon the spirit life in ignorance and consequent suffering, it should forever thus remain. Oh no ! The kind and benefi- cent Father, the Almighty and All- Wise G-od, has not thus left incomplete this beauteous fabric, the out-growth of His own great mind. The child, once breathing the breath of life, once bearing the image of the Father, can never wander beyond the reach of His all-seeing eye ; can never pass beyond the boun- daries of His infinite love. Influences, kind and gentle, are ever being cast around the darkened ones by the bright spirits which dwell in peace and glory, and when those influences once reach the heart, and penetrate the soul, arousing the unhappy to a sense of their errors, then comes a desire for knowledge, 53 and earnest aspirations for a higher and purer life ; and, in accordance with the promise givdn in the past, the seeker ever finds — to the one who knocks, the door is ever opened. The child of Grod, whether dwelling on the material earth, or breathing the atmosphere of the world beyond, never seeks in vain; never asks, and is refused. No. The good Father never turns a deaf ear to the supplications of His offspring. The mere span of life in this rudimental sphere is not the arbiter of man's eternal destiny. The term of the earth-life, to the immortal spirit, is but as the infant-school to the man of science. The knowledge here obtained, or neglected, may influence his future career, but cannot check forever his onward progress. He is not compelled to remain uneducated through life, because, in childhood's hours, he has not given heed to the admonitions which were intended for his good. If, when the day of youthful folly and caprice has passed, the mind feeling its wants, applies its energies to the acquisition of knowledge, no impas- sable barrier impedes its progress ; the doors of the Temple are thrown wide open to receive the tardy guest, late though he come to the banquet. Thus it is with the spirit which has passed the hours of the rudimental existence in the pursuit of frivolous plea- sure, or useless hoards of wealth. When, on entering 5* 54 into the interior life, he discovers how much has been lost, how many precious hours have been squandered, and how little of real value has been obtained, he bows meekly, in penitence and sorrow before the throne of love and wisdom, and asks that strength may be given him to follow steadily the path that leads to higher and holier conditions. Is his prayer rejected? No. The Father, Whose love is co-extensive with His power, casts around the repentant child that light which will illumine the darkened chambers of his soul. The love of the Divine Father, for the offspring of His own omnipotent will, is not variable, nor fleet- ing, like the affection of man. Circumstances, times, and seasons change not the purpose of God. The love, which descends in copious streams upon the favored children of earth is free to all the many peopled spheres ; it permeates with its effulgence the boundless expanse of the universe. No creature can be so low, so degraded, so debased, as to sink beneath the reach of God's infinite love; no arch- angel can shine in golden hues but as he reflects the radiance which flows from the Supreme. God's love is ever present ; knowing no diminution, needing no expansion; it is sufficient for all the innumerable intelligences which fill His boundless empire. 55 Following, the spirit of this avaricious female, came others, almost daily. Some, whom T had known personally, and others, with whom I was acquainted only by their public life, or private reputa- tion. One who had been a leading member of the Baltimore Bar for years', came, and with a mournful eloquence portrayed the sorrows of his spirit life ; be- wailing the hardness of his fate, and imploring annihi- lation. He could not bear the sting of an awakened con- science. On one occasion, while conversing with us, he said: "Often, often say I now to myself the words which once I used to others— Guilty, guilty thou art." He at times, would endeavor to cast the faults of his life upon his Creator, saying, that God, in Mis power, had created and ordained all things, therefore, it was destiny that made men what they were. Desir- ing, as it seemed^ to throw off the responsibility of his own actions, and attributing to the circumstances which had surrounded him, the follies and vices that had marked his career, and which were the choice of his own free-will. By kind advice and gentle admonition he was, at length, led to a more rational conception of his rela- tions to the Great Father ; and possessing originally a brilliant mind he soon progressed in knowledge of the spirit life, and by the aid of pure and holy angels, he 56 was advanced from a condition of darkness and almost despair into one of comparative light and joy- Since this change in his condition he has several times controlled the medium, speaking with the force and rapidity by which he was distinguished when on earth, and exhibiting both mental and physical power far beyond the capacity of the medium when in her normal state. Another spirit, a friend of the one of whom I have just been writing, formerly a representative in Congress, and also Judge of one of the Courts of Maryland, came to us one evening when Mrs. Dan- skin and myself were sitting alone together. She was quite unwell, and so weak as to be scarcely able to sit up in her chair. He controlled her, in defiance of the eiforts of our spirit friends to prevent him. They, fearing that in his then excited condi- tion, he might exercise too great an amount of force for the medium to bear in her weak state, inter- fered, and cut short his communication when but a few sentences had been spoken; telling us, they feared his influence would prove detrimental, and had therefore intercepted his thoughts as they were being concentrated upon her mind. He was, when on earth, a man of indomitable self-will, and on this 57 occasion his conduct afforded another exemplineation of the fact, that a change of condition does not necessarily result in a change of character; for, after our friends had ceased to communicate and had withdrawn their influence from the medium^ he again took possession of her vocal organs, and with some violence exclaimed, that he icould give utterance to the thoughts which were in his mind. He then spoke of the unutterable agony which filled his soul when contemplating his wasted life, and the prostitution of the talents with which Grod had so richly endowed him. When in the earth-form, he was universally ad- mitted to be a highly gifted man, possessing a bril- liancy and scope of intellect rarely found combined ; he was profound as a jurist, and almost unequaled as an orator, winning by his eloquence the hearts of all who listened to his fervid appeals; but alas! like many of the gifted ones of our land, he had sipped from the wine cup the fatal poison that sent madness thrilling through his veins, and a career that might have been honorable to himself and use- ful to his fellows was brought to a close when, in the prime of his manhood, with all his faculties matured, he should have been the pride, and the ornament of the society in which he moved. 58 This man had believed that there was no life after the grave had closed upon the mortal frame, and oh, how horror-stricken was he to find, that he was an immortal spirit — knowing no death; feeling a life more vivid, more intense than his imagination had ever previously conceived. Was his present condi- tion unchangeable, how dark and gloomy would be his fate ; but it is not so ! Communion with the spirit-world has taught us, that the gentle influences of angel-friends will dispel the shadows which now enshroud him, and, in time, unfold to his vision the radiant beauties of that home which has been prepared for all the children of our Father. Soon after this, another spirit came to us ; one whom T had known during many years. Proud of his distinguished ancestry, having the appliances of wealth and station to cherish his self-esteem, he had grown pompous and arrogant. His earth-life had been a continuous scene of sensuous indulgence ; the affectional nature had been polluted, and the intellec- tual neglected, but he entertained the idea that he possessed superior mental capacities. He came to us sneeringly, telling us that our "Circle" was not composed of the class of intellects suited to a man of his ability. He desired to com- mune with minds more cultivated — with men of 59 science, literature and philosophy. If we would draw su