Lights and shadows of spiritualism

CHAPTEE VII.ABSURDITIES.In dealing witli spiritualism it is the custom of a certain class ofminds to break loose from all restraint.*' Eeason being weak,"and enthusiasm strong, the very thought of communion with thedwellers in another world appears tointoxicate these unfortunatesalmost to madness. Their vagaries are often scarcely distinguishablefrom those beheld in madhouses, or at the mlder kind ofrevival meetings. The disease manifests itself in a variety ofways. Some of the men and women attacked by it pin themselvesto a particular delusion, with a fanatical tenacity whichnothing can affect. Others flit tirelessly from mania to mania.One or more of the class will invariably be found at every*'materialization " seance where the light is too poor to distinguishfeatures.Should two of this kind of Greek meet, the " tugof war" is never far off. When the first indistinct form appearsboth are ready to recognise a relative in it.do they" Swear from out the pressThey know hiin perfectly, and one can swearHe is his father, upon which anotherIs sure he is his mother's sister's brother."With equal vehemenceIf we are to believe the conjurors, Maskelyne and Cooke, suchvisitors are frequent at the Egyptian Hall. " The materialized'spirit' there," they tell us, "is often addressed in an imploringtone by some of the faithful amongst the audience, with John ' !John ! speak to your old friend, John ! 'It is always at dark seances that this form of folly blossoms in