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*2 M ay 21, 1864 WOMEN ORATORS. Few movements hftve awakened nnd enlisted Jhe public efforts of women. None so largely as tho Spiritual. Aud nothing affords a more pleasing or convincing proof oi the excel lence ot the Spiritual Philosophy, than the efficiency of women as representatives and exponents of its truths. Judged even by the same standards to which men are subject, we yield the preced ence, f.s a rule, to the women speakers enlisted in this movement. Those in at tendance upon this Convention, in most cases fully sustained the high standing awarded them, and their efforts were received with marked favor by thc audience. OPENING ADDRESSES. On taking the chair the President offered a few remarks upon the state of the country, the civil war, and the struggle in the moral and religious world. He was followed by DR. R. T. HALLCOK, who remarked that the meeting differed from the Anniversaries now in prop-'CBS. The as sembling of a body of Spiritualists was a vir tual protest against the existing religions or ganizations. Virtually we say to the Doctor ©f Divinity, you are a humbug; to his creed, It is a fallacy; and to tbe religion founded upon it, it is a failure. We assert that there is no monopoly of in spiration. It is not confined to the Jewish race and age, but is natural and universal. Our object iu meeting is to make these asser tions good. Mr. Wm. Fishbough thought the Doctor did not mean to array this Convention against everybody else. Domination does not belong to the first or nineteenth century. Our pur pose should be to acknowledge everything as true that is true, and everything as false that is false. (Convention adjourned to 21 P . 3 1 ) A f t e r n o o n S e s s io n . ATTENDANCE. The afternoon session was opened with a per ceptible increase in numbers. Among the speak ers present we observed Mrs. Townsend, of Ver mont, Mrs. E. A. Bliss, of Massachusetts, Miss “ This is not a thing of to-day or yesterday, but of all time.” His address exhibited a great degree of research and familiarity with history and tra- , dition on tho part of tho controlling intelli gence, and was valuable as affording histor ical evidences of spiritual intercourse in all ages and nations. U. Clark and P. B. Randolph followed briefly. Mrs. E. A. Bliss spoke with clearness aud force of the qualifying Influences of mediuin- istic conditions upon free will, aud of the de pendence of the masses upon the leadership of mediums. Miss Susan Johnson said she was present because she loved the cause and wished to learn whether a number of Spiritualists could not agree upon a common purpose and com mon method for the education of the children of tbe age. To thi 3 work she was prepared to devote herself. Dr. Hallock spoke of the spiritual move- ment as an individiual work. H. B. Storer and Mrs. Spence followed briefly, when the Convention adjourned. SECOND DAY. M o r n i n g S e s s io n . The President, Charles Partridge, called at tention to the fact that this was a Spiritualist Convention, and expressed the hope that in the future deliberations the distinctive claims of Spiritualism would be presented. Mrs. Townsend, the speaker appointed for the morning, opened her discourse by reading Gerald Massey’s poem, “ God’s w o rld is w o rthy Belter M e n .\ The mission of Spiritualism, said the speak er, is to make better men—to make men bet ter. Superstition is fading, the religious sen timent in man is receiving a new and better direction from the spiritual movement. The intuitive powers are being recognized. Spiritualism in its baptism of the human race has a harmonizing influence, warming the soul and infusing the spirit of charity, love, and peace. It quickens man’s intellectual faculties, ennobles his nature, and enriches his life. Spiritualists are charged with being free lovers. We want to love one another, we Susan Johnson, Mrs. Spence. Messrs. N. s . ; \ ced more lore, and it should be free. Greenleaf, of Lowell, C. A. Hayden, of Me , If our love .s free, like thc mother’s lore for C. H. Crowell, H. B. Storer, Dr. Gird- ber cb,ld’ “ 13 Protective, and will harm no aer, of Boston, Payton Spence, P. B. Ran dolph, Mr. Danforth, Dr. Webster, of New York, J. H. W. Toohey, Dr. Hamilton, of Maine. one. If our love is not protective, if we would injure-the object of our affl-ctions, our love is hate. True love will harm no one. C. Barnes' Rev. J . B. Ferguson, Mr.’ Frost, o f ! We D<jed this loTe abundantly. We need to Vermont, Paxton, of Pennsylvania, Tarbell, of I,ive lt da, 1 5’ and bourl? Yermont, and others. Dr. R. T. Hallock, from the Business Com- snittee, reported the following Let us live for the manhood and woman hood within us, and fear no scandal. “ As a woman and a sister,” said the speaker, “ I say to you men—my brothers, treat any woman as if she were your own mother’s child, and you will become true Reformers.” We must live the truths we teach or they will do us no ORDER OF BUSINESS. Three sessions per day, at 10£, 24, and 74. The morning session to be devoted to the narration of spiritual experiences and fa^ts. J good. g. Each speaker te be limited to ten minutes. j Mrs. Townsend then proceeded to speak of! Afternoon and evening sessions to be open-! the influence of Spiritualism upon the nation ed by an address not to exceed thirty minutes. | and government. She believed that slavery The remainder of the sessions to be devoted i in every form was breathing its last breath on j to the consideration of resolutions and ques- earth. She concluded by an appeal in behalf; tions submitted through the Business Com- of coming generations to. whom we owe ^ mittee, each speaker to occupy but ten min- healthy and true conditions for life and devel- utes, except by vote of the house. opment. This order wa 3 adopted by the Convention. [Mrs. Townsend’s earnest and eloquent ef- In accordance with a vole at the morning se3- fort, which our brief sketch but feebly repre- sion, the remainder of the session was devoted sents, was interrupted by frequent applause.] ence to legal oppressions in Batavia and Ger many. Ho moved the appointment of a Com mittee to gather statu e s with reference to legal and other wrongs and abuses, to enable us to rcacb some practical result therefrom. Adjourned. (A f tern o o n S e s s io n . Mr. Charles A. Hayden, of Maine, the appointed speaker for the afternoon session, took the platform on the opening of the meeting. He interpreted the teachings of the present as pointing to life*—life to-day, and a contin ued existence hereafter, no death. A real life beyond nnd real beings tenanting it, are plainly brought to light. Spiritualism amounts to but little as mere phenomena unless .we solve the problems underlying them—reach its primal, practical truths. He spoke of the universality of inspiration, and tho value of living principles as sources of inspiration, of the events of to-day and their significance, and followed by an elo quent and impassioned appeal for interior growth—personal development within. When laborers in the spiritual field thus embody in their own lives the truths they teach, they be- comejJpital power in the world. He paid a glowing tribute to Thomas Paine, Theodore Parker, and other pioneers in tlie path of free thought. Mr. Goodwin narrated a. case of professed audible vocal utterance by spirits, in Troy, N. Y., occuring some months since. Mrs. J. J . Clark said that five years ago she was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Three years ago she attended the Worcester Convention, and from that time to this she had been preparing to speak. She narrated some of her personal experiences, and proofs of spirit communion. Dr. Hallock, from the Business Committee, reported the Resolutions offered by Mr. Love land at the morning session, for discussion by the Convention, which were accepted. Mrs. Doubleday spoke in relation to the in fluence of suffering, and individual expe riences upon personal growth. Rev. J. B. Ferguson was invited to come forward to give his experiences with respect to the Davenport Brothers. On taking the stand he declined to relate such experiences, remarking that those demonstrations spoke for themselves and were open to the fair investi gation of all who sought to discover their import. 1 -Ie proceeded, however, to speak in behalf of Spiritualism. Alluding to the condition of the country, he said history furnished no parallel. A country unrivaled in influence and pros perity, wrecked in desolation. He claimed to know no North or South, East or West. He was for peace and opposed to war. He recognized no basis for organization or gov ernment but the seal of manhood. Tlie unity of a%fe\Yeople consists and exists in the just recognition of tbe rights of each. J. S. Loveland said he found from an exam ination of history, that all human progress has grown out of the strife and contention of the past. In view of this truth, he regarded tbe fears of the people. She felt that there for holding a National Convention. It would was little difference between this position of doubtless be at Cleveland or Chicago, and it tbe theologians and tbat of Spiritualists who feared what spirits might see them do. She believed in doing right for tho sake of right, of being good for the sake of goodness, of accepting truth for the truth’s own sake. We should act from our own inner conscious ness, regardless of what others may think. She cared not if tbe whole spirit-world ob served her actions, be they right or wrong. She plead for individuality. If angels loved her, she wished them to love her for herself, good or bad. She estimated the devil within herself equally with the God within. As long as we live on earth we are im perfect. God alone is perfect. If mankind was hoped the arrangements would be per fected with the railroad companies to secure tickets to and from at half fare. The Con vention would, doubtless, be one of the largest gatherings ever held in tbe country. Mr. J. H. W. Toohey spoke respecting the significance and mission of the Convention, and in criticism upon satire and ridicule as a substitute for argument. Mr. W. Fishbough offered a few words in relation to his past and present connection with Spiritualism. He felt constrained to ex press the conviction that there was need of a deeper religious feeling among Spiritualists than now prevailed. In his own case are perfect in any relation there is no need for Sunday he went with his family to the Epis- progression and change. Angels cannot copal church, not because ho liked the sermon, come to us unless there is something of the j but because he heard the name of God spoken i -l i , j i ....... i reverently, and his religious nature was fed. Uriah Clark presented a Resolution of thanks to the daily press for their gratuitous reports of the sessions of the committee. angel within us. But she would not exchange her own nature for that of the highest angel. She wished to preserve her own individ la ity— to be able to exercise her own faculties and pow ers. We should desire to secure the approval of the God within ourselves—consciousness— and care not to appeal to any other. She was thankful that there was a God for every na ture. Angels may sympathize with us, but th 6 y cannot lift us out of ourselves. The growth must be from within. Angels may aid us, but the work is our own. Mrs. Bliss then discoursed at some length and with great clearness upon the subject of magnetic influence and control. Her rapid and fluent utterance rendered it difficult for the reporter to follow her thought, or at least for his pencil to do so. Dr. Hamilton, of Maine, then repeated an original satirical poem. Dr. R. T. Hallock then spoke to the Resolu tion introduced by the Business Committee, and offered by Mr Loveland, as follows : “ This Resolution calls upon us in the name of consistency to be more p ractical. This nat urally raises the question—What is it to be practical ? The shortest and most compre hensive answer that I can give, is this. I de- In reply to Mr. Ferguson he declared that we were war men, declaring war against all that is opposed to life, liberty, and the pur suit of happiness. Adjourned. THIRD DAY. M o r n i n g Se s s i o n . Mr. Barnes handed up a Bible to lie upon the desk. It was accepted by the President. The session was opened by a song from A. B. Whiting. He sung Lena de L ’ Orme. [Words and music of his own composition, recently published by H. M. Higgins of Chicago—an exceedingly sweet and simple melody:] F. L. H. Willis was then introduced as speaker for the morning. This Convention, he felt, was not a'place for the narration of mere personal experience, the mention of simple incident, but rather to learn some lesson iu love and wisdom. If we have no word of wisdom for the hour to aid the world’s present progress, we better re solve the Convention into a private .Confer ence. Spiritualism is not new truth. It is —is to be in a h u r r y . The apostle of to-day sees the transcendent glory of the new-born idea, his prophetic soul with clairvoyant eye leaps to the glorious epoch—the “ peace on earth” —which it is to inaugurate; but he forgets that, as in the case of Moses who saw from the mount of vision the beautiful inherit ance of his people, it is a land which neither he nor the generation to which he belongs are to tread with mortal feet. “ We claim (by authority of the Resolution) that Spiritualism contains the essential ele ments of reform. How then shall we make the' be^fpractical application of it? To get at the answer we should consider the nature of the power so that our actions may be in accord with it. We get no help from Nature when we depart from her divine methods. , . . . And first we are to remember that the advent the present strife, ternb.e though it be, as in- | 0f t^e spiritual world was strictly individual. line the practical man as one, who, seeing an i time-honored. The oast is a testimony of our eternal truth, brlniis his thoughts, words, and falth E w page’ 0f history has its Kit- actions—every effort ot hi3 life—in harmony I „ 4 6 with it. T h is is to be thoroughly practical I ne®s,es , , . . „ . . , ' as it seems to me. The FajAisrhood of God and the Brotherhood “ The besetting temptation which presents of man was the chief corner-stone laid by Je- itself to^the advocate of truth—and the more sus, in the temple for which all past sys- imposing the truth the greater the temptfuJon terns have furnished each their appropriate to the narration of experiences. Messrs. Toohey, Brown, of Milwaukee, Dan forth, Randolph, Abbott, and Edwards, spoke in their order, giving personal thoughts and observations. Mrs E. C. Clark followed. She alluded to the charge made against Spiritualists, of Free Love, and referred to certain facts to prove that the charge held good against the popular thurches. L. K. Coonley proceeded to give his personal experience with regard to the charge of Free Love as alleged against Spiritualists. H. B. Storer said it might be remembered After prayer and remarks from Mr. Barnes, Mr. Thayer, of Boston, read the little poemj “ L e t it P a s s ,” and followed in thoughts upon the mission of suffering. Henry C. Wright offerred a maxim to be re membered. “ We shall find what we carry with us, in all the universe of God.” If we carry heaven we shall find it. Spiritualists, Christians, and nearly all the world, if not all, agree in believing and feel ing that we shall live hereafter. This is one fact. Another fact is, I shall live in connec tion with this planet, and another, that I shall always preserve my interest in this planet and «s recorded in ancient writ something like the ! its inhabitants, whether in the body or out following: “ And Jesus went about defending of it. himself and his disciples from the imputations cast upon them by the Scribes and Pharisees, and they found no time for other work.” (The exact chapter and verse he could not same—perhaps no one could.) The speaker recognized no necessity for ibis kind of work. A true character needed nodefense. He never felt himself disposed to Our happiness or misery depends upon our selves. Whatever habit or spirit of evil we carry with us, we have to meet, and we shall attract like spirits to ourselves. Mr. Paxton followed upon the laws of light and its relation to man. Mr. J . S. Loveland offered a Preamble and Resolution to the effect that as the Spiritual attribute any of his wanderings to spirits, i Philosophy i3 superior to all other systems i-Qiimi- I-,,™ .i ..... and nkilosoDhies. therefore Smritnnlict.Q Passions are rather fed from this side than irom the other. A purification of the blood would oftentimes relieve one from all influ ence of devils. After remarks by Messrs Barnes and Moore, Mr 3 . Townsend spoke of the especial need at this time of tbe comforting assurancea of a spiritual faith, of the heart truths of a Spirit ual Philosophy, and of the duty incumbent upon all ^ko sought to teach, to live the truths uttered, to be strong enough to minister to the erring and not to suffer from contact with them. Mrs. Spence followed in advocacy of a free discussion of all questions concerning the re lations of the’ sexes. She urged trampling upon the false restraints of society, in word and action. (A d jo u r n e d to 7 k P . 31.) liv e n i n g Se s s i o n . Moses Hull spoke briefly of the moral hearings of Spiritualism. Nothing was ne cessary to become a Spiritualist, but belief in a fact; accepting this, the truths received had their mission to each individual. A. B. Whiting, of Michigan, then delivered the opening address to an audience of some two or three hundred, upon tbe words, and philosophies, therefore Spiritualists ought to be equally far in advance in all prac tical efforts, and a failure to attain this prac tical eminence constitutes a flagrant example of inconsistency. He followed in a pertinent and forcible pre sentation of the points embodied in- ki3 reso lutions. The claim to superiority was vaunt- ingly put forth from press and rostrum, and we were subject to the constant charge of in consistency in not attaining a corresponding altitude in practical efforts for the improve ment ofthe world. Spiritualists were spending their strength in vain discussions, in wordy platitudes, instead of uniting in concentrated, earnest, practical effort, attuned to the key note of a true Harmonial Philosophy. Mrs. Leavenworth spoke of the need of practical effort in localities where as yet spir itual truths are untaught, detailing her per sonal experiences in such a place, in New Jersey. She submitted certain practical questions to the Convention, such as, whether to pay for preaching or suffer loss of employment and support by reason of refusal to sustain ortho dox teachings. Mr. J. H. W. Toohey followed in support of the same general idea of a practical move ment, introducing some statements witb refer- dispensable to the development of this nation. War is, in one sense, a desolator, in another, a fertilizer. Man’s extremity is God’s opportu nity. Our country is bound to attain an ele vation it could never have reached but for the fearful strife and bloodshed consequent upon the civil war. Ira B. Davis spoke on the Resolutions re ported by the Business Committee. Conver sions to Spiritualism were made not by eloquent addresses, but by communications through mediums. He urged the removal of social distinctions, giving woman the means to provide for her own support. Mrs. Mary F. Davis believed the mission of Spiritualism to be, first, to convince us of the existence of the human spirit; second, that thi 3 spirit is immortal; and third, that it It came to man and not to his church. In no age have religious organizations been the re ceptacles of inspiration, but in every age they have been the death of it. To build a new tomb, therefore, lor the living truth, is not to be practical. “ I seek the solution in another direction ; I ask what has been the benefit flowing from the facts and philosophy of Spiritualism to myself? I answer that question as every genuine Spir itualist must answer it—I say ‘ much every way.’ Hence I conclude that as much of use as Spiritualism is to me it will be to every man so soon as it is brought to his conscious ness and received into his soul as a truth. Thus, my personal realization of infinite bene fits received, points for me the path of practice. It is, that I commend the truth and good whereof I have been the recipient tu my neigh bor, by a life and conversation conformably thereto. This Is orderly practice. It is ‘ letting Jhe sublime' ideas'wiih which can return from its summer home and com- your light shine before men.’ Suppose it is — n .:tU m n - t o l o T h o i n f l n o n n h n f t.ViAaA aH Tchaf. iq IH a u q a n r ttia la o c n n t l . : . mune with mortals. The influence of these truths has been to awaken, disintegrate, cen trifugate, and individualize mankind. Then come3 unity of spirit and fertilization of all the faculties of the spirit. The soul becomes a child again and reaches out to the great parent heart. More and more do we feel the surges of the divine nature in our hearts, aud we go out in sympathy aud love for all mankind—a sym pathy and love which reaches the little chil dren of the world, to whom we are to look for the men and women of the future. Let us gather in these dear little ones and labor for them and the coming time. Dr. Edwards followed in a few remarks upon Spiritualism. Adjourned. E v e n i n g Se s s i o n . Moses Hull opened the evening session by reading the resolution (Mr. Loveland’s) re ported by the committee at the afternoon ses sion, to which ho spoke : In answer to the question whether the Spir itual Philosophy is in reality superior to every other philosophy or religion extant, he re marked first that it was more beautiful than any other form of faith, that it was more har monious and consistent. Accepting these truths it remains to be determined whether our lives are correspondingly superior. The ancient record says, “ lie not against the truth.” How can one lie against the truth except in failing to live it. He illustrated and exemplified the restrain ing and elevfttiqg influence of spirit commu nion. Mrs. E. A. Bliss on taking the floor re marked that Biblists were wont to appeal to asked, what is the use or the lesson of this Convention? The mere surface listener to the various speeches from this platform nat urally asks this question. I answer, the Con vention is its own moral—its own best lesson. The fact that, from different sections of the country there are gathered here hundreds of men and women, the animus of whose pres ence is a virtual protest against the shams which pass for religion, for statesmanship, and for social order, and an open proclamation of a belter w a y , is a new fact in the history of 1 anniversary week.’ Hitherto, there have been Conventions that could protest loudly enough—Conventions that could deny, by solemn Resolution, the truth of the popular faith ; but when it was asked—“granting that the creed is false—what is true?” they had no answer. They could deny, but there was not in them the power of affirmation. Now we are not only able to point out the fallacies in the popular belief, but to point to fads which furnish the foundation of a faith that cannot be shaken. We are ‘masters of the situation’ in a degree preeminent over that of any other Convention, save of Spiritu alists, ever assembled upon this continent in the interests of human progress. We can both deny the false and affirm the true— deny by authority of logic, affirm by authority of fact. Physically considered, it sits here beneath the pavement of the streets ; its advocates crude and unpolished; its spiritual signifi cance is that of a star newly set in the firma ment of thought, whose light can never crow less.” Dr. H. T. Gardner gave notice of a Conven tion of Spiritualists in Boston on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of the present month, and ex tended an invitation to speakers and others to be present. Dr. Gardner stated that he was now on his way west in behalf of the committee appoint* ed for the purpose, to determine upon a place block. Spiritualism embraces every progressive reform: it means charity, sympathy, and love to all mankind. ~W, q believe that every soul’, black or white, bond or free, is linked in the great bonds of brotherhood. No person can be truly and faithfully a Spiritualist who ne glects a single duty to a fellow man. The first requirement of Spiritualism, then, is a living recognition of the truth of universal brother hood. We must feel that another’s degrada*^ tion is our own humiliation—that we are linked indissolubly to the whole human race. This truth must not only be intellectually compre hended but be felt in the soul. Our facts and philosophy must be placed upon the broad basis of human progress, or 1 they are worthless. This is the true corner stone. The question for us ever to ask is, what can we do for God’s humanity ? Mr. Willis offered an earnest appeal to Spir itualists to live the glorious truths known to them. We can be angels indeed if we do the work of angels. He concluded by a reference to his experi- . ences and social martyrdom at Cambridge by reason of his faith in spirit communion. He now valued all these bitter experiences. He felt compensated for them in the truths which he valued more than his life’s blood. Mr. N. S. Greenleaf, of Lowell, followed. It has been truly said that the age of progress asks not words, but deeds. And when we as semble in Convention it should be for the pur pose of devising plans for realizing practically tized. It is grand and glorious to dream of the blessed hereafter, but we must remember there are physical necessities and human suffering to meet, systems of education to inaugurate. While we are ourselves reveling in the in spirations of the Angel-world, are not our children learning the Thirty-nine Articles in the orthodox Sunday-school ? Here was a practica.1 work : to educate the children of this generation. A movement should be inaugu rated that would not ignore or overlook a single department ofthe thild nature. Mr. Greenleaf alluded in terms of high ap proval to the Children’s Progressive Lyceums now conducted in different towns and cities. Mrs. E. 0. Clark thought the difficulty with us as Reformers was that we were yo u n g . Children observe, adults consider. We remem ber Hydesville, but we sometimes forget Jeru salem. We are not to forget tbe past, not to bury ourselves in the dust of the past, but to learn its spirit. Our full lives will be many- stranded. Many of our reformers belong to tbe hook and ladder companies. Their work is to tear down. The builder will come by-and-by. We need tlie hand of the healer again upon our eyes. We see men as trees walking. Let them be again touched and we shall see men and women as they are. We lack practicality because we lack depth. Every true thinker is of necessity a reformer. To be true-minded is to be both radical and conservative as occa sion requires. A large class of men lack aspiration. This is above sympathy. Women are to teach men that their love should have a&piration as well as sympathy. J. S. Loveland spoke of unity as the source of human aspiration and effort. The question
