Sixth Session

concluded the proceedings by a continuation of the business under discussion. The President called on the members individually to give their best thoughts, as there was a break in the proceedings by the withdrawal of the resolutions.

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Dr M'Leod proposed three practical resolutions, which were passed with some unimportant amendments.

Resolution 1. That it is the opinion of this the Second Convention of the British Association of Progressive Spiritualists, that Spiritualism is a harmoniser of all past mental, moral, social, and political conflicts, and therefore worthy of all acceptation, and of our decided individual and united support from this day.

Resolution 2. That the members of this the Second Convention of the British Association of Progressive Spiritualists present here this day hereby declare our desire and determination to do all that severally lies within the compass of our power and within our several means, in order to support the executive of this association in its efforts to diffuse the philosophy of Spiritualism.

Resolution 3. That the members of this Convention deem it not only advisable but their duty to give their names and addresses, in confidence, to the Secretary, in order that he may hereafter communicate with them, and keep them posted up in all matters of importance connected with the business and progress of tins association.

The following ladies and gentlemen allow their names to be published as willing to correspond with inquirers into the facts, principles, and phenomena of Spiritualism. All letters must contain a stamp for reply.

James Colthurst, 55 King Street, Cork. Thomas Etchells, Dungeon House, Huddersfield. Sarah Chapman, Whitestone Lane, Huddersfield. Mary A. Alstone, care of Miss Chapman, Huddersfield. Mrs Jones, Post Office, Bradford-on-Avon. J. Burns, Progressive Library, Camberwell, London, S.

J. Burns thought some business ought to be brought forward respecting the future objects and workings of the association, so that if any associative effort should be practicable during the ensuing year, the present opportunity might not be lost for its preliminary arrangement and consideration.

Several voices here suggested that J. Burns should be requested to allow his propositions to appear in the Report; though they might not be appreciated nor understood by the Convention, they would be as valuable to the public as if they had been accepted by that body.

Thomas Etchells was anxious that a periodical for the diffusion of Progressive Spiritualism should be established. There was none in this country worthy of the name. He was sorry none of the editors were present. What could be done to have an organ?

E. H. Green felt deeply the need of such an organ. He would not on any account be without the Banner of Light. He would contribute £5 towards the establishment of a paper.

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J. M. Spear said we could at the present stage make more use of the press than the platform. We want a thorough-going weekly progressive spiritual paper. He though J. Burns was the man to publish such a paper, if assisted by means and cooperation. It might be made self-supporting in a year, but at first cash was indispensable. He thought it might be set afoot this year. Mr Spear then gave some account of a three months' tour he was about to undertake. He had just been in Birmingham and neighbourhood for three weeks, and had held many quiet meetings, and introduced the question to many minds. He would be glad to visit any town where there was a friend of the cause to receive him and open the way for his services. He had devoted himself to the work, and by the cooperation of friends his labours could be made doubly useful. He detailed the process whereby he made psychometric examinations. By taking hold of the hand of a person whom he never saw before, he was enabled by spiritual influence to delineate their state of health and mental characteristics in a most surprising manner. This was a power which was exceedingly useful in calling attention to the subject, and he placed it at the disposal of the cause under such circumstances.^*

Thomas Etchells thought a company might be organised and a paper started on a small scale. He briefly explained the multitudinous uses to which Mr Spear had been put by the Huddersfield friends during his recent visit, and recommended the friends elsewhere to secure Mr Spear's services.

J. Burns did not think a company could be got up to publish a paper. As yet there was not definiteness of thought and unanimity amongst British Spiritualists to subscribe to a self-evident truth, and how could they agree about the conducting of a paper? His name had been mentioned in connection with such an undertaking, but under such circumstances he would decline the position. His connection with the cause of Spiritualism was far wider than the influence of the Association, and he contemplated at some future time to establish a periodical which should be broad and independent, and thoroughly at the service of the cause of human progress. He urged upon the meeting the importance of the missionary work they had just heard detailed. He suggested that each spiritualist present should page 68 successively invite Mr and Mrs Spear to visit their locality and spend a few days or weeks more or less. In this way much good could be done without much popular display, expense, or waste of time in official arrangements; besides, it would be a positive pleasure for a family of spiritualists to entertain Mr and Mrs Spear for a few days.

The President did not think that much could be done as yet in the publication of a paper, or in mission work on a large scale. He recommended individuals, however, to avail themselves of the cooperation of Mr and Mrs Spear. They did not labour for ease or gain, but were devoted heart and soul to the cause. He had been brought in contact with many reformers, but never met with one so disinterested as Mr Spear. Spiritualism was not mere table-rapping and the asking of silly questions. It was more, as their extensive literature showed, and Mr Spear brought out the subject in this higher light. He deprecated the impression prevailing in some minds that mediums worked for gain. True they required the means of existence; but if there was anything objectionable in the mode in which they obtained these means, it was due to the parsimonious and unfraternal manner in which some spiritualists regarded mediums and their peculiar position.

It was resolved that the Report of proceedings should be edited and published by J. Burns of the Progressive Library, London. Many hundreds of the Report were subscribed for on the spot.

Thomas Etchells proposed and E. Dennis seconded a vote of thanks to the officers for the past year, which was accorded with acclamation. The secretary made an appropriate acknowledgment.

The services of the reporters were also acknowledged. With the name of J. Burns one of the speakers coupled that of Mrs Burns, who laboured in the cause as hard as any one in the land.

The original officers of the Association were unanimously reelected.

It was resolved that the third Convention be held in London sometime during the summer of 1867.

The proceedings terminated about 9 o'clock P.M.