W E copy from Hull's Crucible what the editor says respecting "The following was, as near as we can remember, the process: A wooden pail was filled two-thirds full of hot water, then two or three pounds of periphene was thrown into it. After the hot water had dissolved or melted the periphene, the temperature of the water was brought as low as the periphene would bear. We thrust our own hand into the liquid and found on bringing it out that we had on a nice periphene glove; the trouble was that we could not get it off only as we tore it off. This liquid was put under the table and we all sat around it with all the hands at the top; the light was turned down but not so low but that all could distinctly see all that was going on around the table. Manifestations such as we have before described soon commenced. After a little while we heard what purported to be materialized hands in the water. After a few moments the spirits rapped for some one to reach under the table and get the periphine hands, when two as nice molds as ever were seen, were handed us. One was a hand partly closed, so that if a hand could be drawn out of such molds at all, it could not have been drawn out of that; in fact there was no way for the hand to get out of that mold but by dissolution, as Jesus got out of the room where the doors were shut for fear of the Jews.' "The other was the hand of the eccentric P. B. Randolph. It was an exact representation of the hand he carried on his right arm in earth life, the missing finger and all. "These manifestations are the most convincing, if not the most astounding that Spiritualism has yet produced. No false faces,' 'rubber hands,' or trickery can explain them. "There were several representatives of the press present on this occasion, all of whom expressed themselves as convinced that this was indeed the work of spirits. An effort has been made with partial success to get the cast of a foot; they promise yet to accomplish that. In such a case the spirits will put their foot in it.' Every one should avail themselves of the opportunity to witness these new phases of the phenomenal part of our religion." We We think similar results can be obtained through Mrs. Miller's mediumship whenever it is tried, which we hope will be soon. expect to be able to weigh and measure them, as well as to talk to and handle them. We again ask scientific men to investigate this subject with this medium, and give the public the result of their investigations, THE GENERAL OUTLOOK OF SPIRITUALISM. BY J. M. PEEBLES. S a fact a science-a philosophy-it was never better. Not as an organization-not as one grand army; but as an enlightening power, a diffusive leavening principle, is it marching on unto victory. The truth is always safe. The deliberate thinker has no anxiety as to its final triumph. It has an absolute existence unharmed by traitors, untouched by impostors, unaffected by the belief or disbelief of men. It cannot, as Byron sings, " be crushed to earth." The faith of a few of its votaries may be temporarily shaken; they may be beguiled from their steadfastness, or entangled in the meshes of the phsychological, peopling this or the other side the river of death; but, prodigal-like, they return again to their Father's house. Theological husks do not satisfy. Forms are but flitting shadows. Genteel society is too often a sham, while the most respectable churches are but warehouses for exhibiting the latest fashions. The times call for men and women all aflame with truth. Speak, then, the divinest thought of the soul. No matter what the people say. Jesus, says the apostle, "made himself of no reputation." It is not reputation, but character, that endureth forever. Spiritualists need organization, order, harmony-more charity, toleration, devotion-more consecration, enthusiam, religion! Call me enthusiastic, fanatic, dreamer, if you will; still the dream, the hope, the knowledge of a present angel ministry, I carry in my soul as a seed of heavenly planting. Already is it rooting, budding in a million hearts, to ere long blossom and bear immortal fruitage. Discipline awaits all. Swift feet press toward the goal. "Everywhere I see a cross, Where'er the sons of God have breath; There is no gain except by loss, There is no life except by death." The future is not only fair and golden, but rainbow-crowned. May 13th and 18th, 424 |