to "love our neighbor as ourselves," but we cannot love ourselves unless we respect ourselves. If our physical conditions, our habits and our education lead us to do that which is wrong, we sin against the spirit which ever seeks to do right, to be true and good. Spiritualism becomes more and more a practical work, its prayers are good deeds, its preaching true and noble works, its benedictions kindness and love to all humanity.

O

For the Spiritual Magazine.

CHRIST.

BY H. HIGHT.

Part I.

UR understanding of the second Adam depends largely upon our conception of the first. In other words, the thought of Christ in its germ is introduced to the world with the history of Adam. This is the thread of thought which constitutes the Bible one book; it is this which marks the difference between the Bible and many other books which contain spiritual truth. It is this thought of the coming Christ that we find at the root of the patriarchal worship, it grows into and gives life to the national worship of the Jews, and fructifies in the golden fruit of the church of Christ, as set forth in the New Testament.

It has ever been true that the foundations of our theology are laid in our interpretation of the story of Adam. If now the light of Science and Spiritualism can help us any in regard to that ancient story, the fruit of this assistance will appear in all of the ramifications of the entire succeeding portions of the Bible. Many are disposed to deny the story altogether, on account of the difficulties which beset it. This we would not do, yet the ordinary interpretation placed upon it we think will not bear criticism. The view that Adam was the first human inhabitant of earth is almost universally adopted, and the setting aside of this view is supposed by some to be a setting aside not only the story of Adam, but the entire Bible. This conclusion we think very superficial, but even if true, it will not do for us to close our eyes against facts and refuse to investigate, because we may be compelled upon investigation to change our theories or opinions. The objections to our receiving the opinion that Adam was literally the first man, seem to us to be insuperable.

While it does not come within the scope of our present article to specify these objections and fully develop them, yet we would refer the reader to the different classes of argument bearing upon this point. The physiological reasons for calling in question that Adam was the first man, are considered in the theory of Darwin. In addition to this there may be presented what is termed the geo

logical argument in reference to the pre-historic man. There is also historical evidence of at least an indirect character, both inside and outside of the Bible, which would tend in the same direction. We might also present an argument based upon the etymology of language which would hold in the same line of thought. We have not time nor disposition at present to elaborate these thoughts, but simply remark in passing that these arguments, instead of weakening with time, are all cumulative in their character.

Presuming the development theory as substantially correct, there is a sense in which Adam is first. Spiritualism has indicated this primority. The universe being one grand process, is made up of a series of developments; and while our minds fail to comprehend the beginning of the original process, or approximate its ultimate termination, yet we apprehend many beginnings and many endings. In the different developments of this grand whole we recognize in Adam the first man who came within hearing and understanding distance of the unseen world. The communications which began with him were intended to culminate with the introduction of Christ. If we do not find in Adam the first spiritual communication, we at least find here the first shadow of the coming Messiah cast before him.

Now this Messiah becomes a matter of importance to us on account of some sort of connection with the fact of sin. This leads us to the consideration of the sin of Adam, which is supposed to have been the first. This unfortunate introduction of sin is farther supposed to be the origin of all of our misfortunes. We regard these conceptions as false. The sin of Adam was simply the occasion of the first touch of light from above in reference to the nature of sin.

Sin is caused by ignorance; it is a phenomenon attending the undeveloped condition of man, and continues to exist because we fail to recognize the results of sin. In our ignorance we suppose we can escape the consequences of wrong-doing. Adam, after what is commonly termed the fall, was the same in nature that he was before, but he had additional light upon his surroundings and upon the nature of the consequences of transgression. Instead of this being the fall of man, it was the first step necessary to his moral rise. We see here the first introduction of that system which save us from our sins." In order to secure the accomplishment of this work, it was necessary, among other things, to introduce a medium for spiritual communication of more than ordinary character. Now, we find in Adam the appearance of mediumistic power, but he seems to have been subject to evil as well as good influences. The development of mediumistic power in a high degree, and at the same time free from evil control, was the great problem of the ages to come, which culminated in the introduction of Christ.

was to

66

For the Spiritual Magazine.

EVIDENCES OF IMMORTALITY.

BY W. P. FOWLER.

I is

T is regarded as a general rule or a fixed law of our common

or importance to elicit investigation, that it is the desire of the investigator to ascertain the truth. If there is any exception to this general rule, it does not now occur to us. Man, his mission into the world, and his final destiny after the closing scenes of life, has ever been the subject of the deepest interest and most profound thought and inquiry. The idea of the immortality of the soul and a future state of conscious existence, is so universally prevalent that it may be regarded as having entered into the thoughts of all, in every class and condition of the great family of man. The materialistic philosophy denies both, and asserts that the most reliable means to arrive at the truth of the proposition have wholly failed to furnish the inquiring mind the evidence of a satisfying belief that our mental faculties survive the dissolution of the body. The advocates of that system say that the idea that God has ever made a revelation to man, such as is relied upon in any of the sacred books or systems believed in or adhered to in ancient or modern times, will have to give way and will finally disappear as science and philosophy and the increasing knowledge of the learned shed their light over the present domain of error, prejudice and superstition.

It is admitted that this philosophy has made, during the present century, deep inroads upon the Christian system of theology. To such of its adherents as may chance to read this MAGAZINE, we make the respectful request, if in their power to do so, to form in their minds what fact or facts would be to them satisfactory evidence that the mind, spirit, or soul, or whatever else they may term it, with all its faculties unimpaired, will and does survive the tomb. The same request is extended to all others who may have doubts and fears upon the subject. This latter class we know to be numerous, both in and out of the church.

We propose to furnish such proof as will satisfy the inquirer, if he will rely upon the only means that Nature or Nature's God has furnished him whereby he can know anything. But before proceeding further to supply this evidence, we deem it proper to make a few suggestions and state a few propositions viewed as containing the truth, as guides, to conduct us to the knowledge sought.

1st. All beliefs upon all and every subject, however long they may have been entertained, however fondly cherished, and whatever pleasure or consolation they may have afforded, if they are not susceptible of truthful demonstration, they are liable to be erroneous, in whole or in part.

Vol. I.-17.

2d. To make such beliefs a standard by which to judge of the truth or falsity of any new or opposing theory, is to make the rule as fallible as the belief of which it is composed.

3d. It is the natural desire of all to be wise. In order to be wise, thought must be free. The freedom of thought and the unrestricted right to express it, is one of heaven's exalted gifts to man. He who would restrict this right is a tyrant, and he who will submit to such a restriction is a slave.

4th. In order to be truly wise, we should fully and freely investigate everything coming within the range of our perceptions. He who cannot investigate is minus the brains; he who will not investigate is a bigot; and he who is afraid to investigate is a coward. Full, free and fair investigation is the parent source of true knowledge.

From what we have heard stated and ofttimes repeated, it is believed that the most satisfactory, undoubted and conclusive evidence of the soul's immortality and the future state, is the return of the spirits of friends, relatives and acquaintances (whose bodies we have laid in the tomb), and investing themselves with materialized forms, with all the distinguishing characteristics they bore in life-form, feature, smile and voice-recognizing and speaking to their former friends, and telling them of the realities of their spirit home in the spirit land. Further, often promenading the room, giving the cordial shake of the hand, and bestowing the parental or fraternal kiss, and at times give such evidence as is known only to the fraternity of "the mystic tie." All this and much more is constantly occurring throughout our land and country, England, Europe, and other parts of the world. The skeptic has often said, If I could witness these manifestations I should doubt no longer. This is probably true, provided he has more confidence in the evidence of his own senses than he has in the statements of men that want to think for him and all others upon this subject. Listening to them he might think all this is humbug, trickery, slight of hand, legerdemain, delusion, necromancy or unconscious cerebral action. If none of these would satisfy the skeptic that his senses had deceived him, he would likely be presented with the all potent argument that it is the work of the devil, and therefore he should have nothing to do with it, as he might get scorched. The skeptic might say to him, This ancient and distinguished personage with his car of fire has been so often presented along the pathway of progress, the arts and sciences, useful inventions and discoveries, that sensible people have come to the conclusion that the danger from investigation and the exercise of right reason is more in the imagination of this class of lecturers than is to be apprehended from satanic influence; that "Othello's occupation" is on the decline.

It seems strange, passing strange, that the subject of a future state, of all others the most important, when presented upon the

claims of modern phenomena, with the evidence so satisfying to the most erudite and scientific, should meet with the sternest opposition from those who have never investigated the evidence; some refusing upon the ground that it would be compromising their dignity, and others, that all is known and stereotyped that pertains to the Christian system. We think it safe to say, that he who denounces or denies existing facts before knowing anything about them, may make a display of his ignorance and bloated self-sufficiency, but without convincing any that he is a philosopher, or has any pretense to good sense or sound judgment.

JOHN KING.

His Appearance in Australia-The Wonderful Spirit Light. HE spirit of John King is at present manifesting itself at Sandhurst, Australia, making itself visible by the wonderful spirit light.

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[This lamp is a self-luminous cake or cylinder about four inches long by two in diameter; it is carried by materialized hands and surrounded by drapery. It was about two years ago, we think, that this light was first spoken of in England, and at that time was brought by Katie King. It had not then attained the perfect form above described, but resembled a lemon in shape; it emitted a pale, bluish light, which rapidly faded. It did not flicker, but faded gradually, though it renewed its brilliancy when Katie made passes over it. Prof. Crookes has had the advantage of seeing this spirit light by the side of a lamp of phosphorized oil, and the color was perceptibly different and stronger.]

The appearance of John King, as described by the chairman of the circle at Sandhurst, corresponds to that given of him by those who witnessed his manifestations in England. He has, however, since appeared in different shaped turbans, one being round, and twisted in a very artistic manner in front. All the circle have been permitted to feel King's head, face and beard near the floor, a well-formed spirit hand coming up from the floor and passing the beard through their hands. The hair on the head and beard feels just like human hair. Lately he is trying to illuminate his entire form in the center of the room, so that all may see him at once. To a certain extent he has succeeded, as they are now able to see his face and form dimly. When he passes round the circle, carrying his light in his hand, each member is afforded the opportunity of having a good look at him, and sometimes when he perceives that any have not seen him well, he passes their hands down his face and beard.-Spiritual Scientist.

We saw this remarkable spiritual man in London. He floated about in the air, talking to us as familiarly and as natural as any