Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

184 MRS. aOURLAY's NARRATIVE.jcct, but thought thc^licnomcna in question might be accounted for by areference to the princi[)les of mental science. I requested him to solvethe mystery. lie attempted it, but failed. His explanation, like allothers adverse to the spiritual theory, was an explanation in which nothinrjisexplained.950. About three mouths after these occurrences, a lady informed myhusband that one of her daughters, about fifteenyears of age, was a mediumfor the rappings.The young lady being present, declined the appellationas a term of reproach.know what she thought of these manifestations.Perceiving her discomfort, he requested toHer reply was, that theyor something of that sort."951. Hearing the raps on the young lady's chair, and,on various otherarticles of furniture in the room, he requested her to put her hands on thetable. This being done, the sounds were made on the table so loud anddistinct, that they might have been heard in an adjoining apartment.Inquiringof the spirits if they would communicate with him by the alphabet,he was answered in the affirmative by three raps.952. Having taken a seat at some distance from the table, and placedhimself in such a position that no one could sec the letters but himself,he proceeded to take down those indicated by the sounds as he passed apencil slowly over the alphabet.953. The sounds having at length ceased to respond, he tried to readthe communication, but found it impossible to do so until he had firstarranged what was written into words and sentences. This having beenaccomplished, he read, to his utter amazement, as follows :claimed a spiritual origin, but, in her opinion, they were due to '^ electriciti/j" My dear son,your parent rejoices in this opportunity to communicate with you. Letme advise you to investigate this most important subject; it will benefityou in time and eternity. Your spirit father, W. G."954. On reading this communication, my husband said he felt ''rivetedto the spot;" that ho had realized the presence of a long-lost parent, andthat language fliiled to convey his feelings. It is perhaps needless to saythat he was from that moment a believer in the truth of Spiritualism.955. Months rolled on, and we continued to receive and enjoy the delightfulintercourse of our spirit friends. One day, while engaged in sewing,the needle dropped suddenly from my fingers. At the same instantI experienced a sensation in my righthand and arm analogous to a slightelectric shock. My husband, seeing me start, inquired the cause. Per-'Cciving the temperature of my hand diminished, he became somewhat:alarmed, and commenced rubbing it.In a few moments we heard sounds•on the workstand at which I was seated. I inquired if the spirits wishedto communicate, which was responded to by three raps..tind passing a pencil over it, the following words were given :Taking the card95G. *' ]My child, be not afraid ! we are trying to develope you as a