The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 13
Proposal for a New College and Educational Scheme
Proposal for a New College and Educational Scheme.
Progressive Spiritualism is an educational movement: its victories can only be achieved by enlightening the popular mind. The pioneers of the new dispensation require to be men of ability and culture, well versed in the profound truths upon which the superstructure rests. This instruction and desirable culture cannot be obtained in any educational institution of the present day, in all of which, Spiritualism and progressive principles are not only ignored, but the veriest absurdities taught instead, unfitting the mind of the student for fighting the battle of Truth, and stultifying that inborn desire for progress and investigation which characterises the human soul. As a consequence, the so-called learned and scholastic are profoundly ignorant of the great truths that lie outside their school-books, and prejudiced against innovations and improvement; so that to be of use in the cause of progress, they have to disabuse their minds of early impressions, and undergo a process of independent research.
Philosophy, religion, morals, theology, and physic, have been based upon unscientific dogmas instead of the truths of nature; hence their professors have opposed scientific discoveries in all ages, and have taught that progress in knowledge is opposed to man's highest interests. Progressive Spiritualism inaugurates a new era, in which intelligence and reason will be the basis of all action. A new order of teachers, lecturers, missionaries, and instructors are needed to feed the hungry mind of society with the bread of life, and a central educational establishment is required to prepare their minds and fit them for the work. As all their operations will have to bear upon human duty and happiness, it is desirable that they should have a thorough knowledge of human nature, physical, mental, and spiritual, and the numerous relations and harmonies that exist between it and the external universe.
As themes suitable for study, the following may be suggested:—
A Harmonial System of Philosophy, based upon a unity of the sciences, and their harmony with the "science of human life" and destiny; or in other words, the connection of each branch of science with the others, and the relation of each and all to spiritual laws and principles, and to the Divine Source of all life and formation.
As a central topic and general field of scientific investigation, the minds of students will be directed to the study of
Anthropology
,Or the Science of Man
, as a basis for philosophy, theology, religion, morals, social economics, and hygiene. This great field may be divided into departments as follows:—The foregoing is a sketch of what may be considered desirable in the New College. Old systems, methods and promulgations will be entirely discarded, except in so far as they exhibit scientific truth; nature will be the textbook, and man the highest topic treated therein. The student will be constantly referred to reason, scientific fact and experiment, and all positions will be subjected to rigid demonstration and proof. The student will thus assume the position of an independent investigator and practical applier of the knowledge he attains, and finish his course with a mind powerfully developed by normal and unrestricted exercise.
In the New College, Woman will be invited to partake of all its honours and advantages to the full extent of her desires and ability. As spiritual teacher and family healer woman is in her normal position, and thousands of devoted souls are ready to enter this congenial field of labour.
In connection with the New College it will be desirable to have
An Hospital and Health Institute for the relief of the diseased and afflicted, open to all free of charge. This will afford students a valuable opportunity for practising the remedial art, and applying the principles taught in section 1.
A Series of Schools and Initiatory Classes for applying the principles in section 2, for the education of the young and training of teachers.
A Reformatory, workshop, and industrial farm for the practical application of the principles taught in section 3, for the amelioration of crime and pauperism.
Other appurtenances for the cure of various forms of insanity, the development of mediums, and a museum of objects and products may be added as opportunity affords, or necessity demands.
No time need be lost in commencing this undertaking. Classes are ready to be formed in London for thorough and systematic instruction in several of the fundamental branches indicated above, and as pupils present themselves the whole course will be developed and taught. Inquiries respecting the College and classes may be addressed to J. Burns, Progressive Library, Camberwell, London, S., who has consented to be a medium of communication between persons interested in this important undertaking.