page 69

The Seances.

On Wednesday evening, at the conclusion of business, the whole Convention arranged itself in a double circle round a large table, for the purpose of producing phenomena and receiving communications. To some, this was a movement of absorbing interest, as the audience was composed partly of individuals who had never witnessed a manifestation, and partly of experienced mediums and members of the best harmonised circles in the land. Dr M'Leod had present the young lady whom he uses for the purpose of making clairvoyant examinations of the sick.^* She is an excellent seeing medium in her normal state, which was amply demonstrated during the evening. But the Huddersfield mediums were on this occasion appointed by the spirits to receive their favours, the circle being under the management of Messrs Etchells and Green. Soon Miss Chapman was entranced by the spirit of the Hindoo girl referred to in Mr Etchells' paper. She spoke through the medium in broken English, the peculiar pronunciation and accent being entirely similar to that of Hindoos who have acquired the English language during adult life. She chatted familiarly and playfully with the circle, and her simple, unaffected, and kindly manner was specially noticed by all. She caused the medium to walk about the room, and through her spoke to Dr M'Leod, J. Burns, and others present, taking them by the hand and playing with their hair and hands like an affectionate child. The manifestations of this spirit were decidedly natural, beautiful, and impressive. A series of similar manifestations protracted the evening to a late hour, when the members of Convention retired for the night, overflowing with gratitude for the rich feast presented to them in the day's entire proceedings.

On Thursday evening the circle was formed with even greater zest than on the previous occasion, and the proceedings were of a much more remarkable nature. These notes are written from the recollection of a brain overwhelmed with protracted exercise, and hence are defective in the extreme, so much so that only a faint outline of what took place can be presented. After some of the usual class of manifestations a dark seance was held, at which most extraordinary phenomena occurred. The relations page 70 of some present were announced, and by certain signs recognised. Blows were struck on the table so loud and heavy that had they been inflicted by a hammer or mallet the table would have been destroyed. It was also upset, and moved much from its position entirely by the agency of the spirits, and a heavy table it was, capable of dining a dozen individuals. The most positive class of physical manifestations were produced. Spirit hands pressed several individuals; and, what was most remarkable and conclusive, Dr M'Leod's medium would perceive the spirit hands in the darkened room, and notify to the individuals that they were being touched at the same moment of time that they felt the pressure. These manifestations having been ended, a high and beautiful class presented themselves. Miss Chapman was entranced by several spirits, one being that of Malibran, who sang several songs in the most beautiful and finished manner. This singing was far from being a mere caricature. It was highly artistic and polished; and a gentleman in an adjoining room, no tyro in music, was impressed with the idea that a professional singer was residing in the hotel, and was trying her voice or exercising in some select pieces. This portion of the evening's performance gave the most complete satisfaction; and when the circle broke up, after midnight, every one who witnessed the manifestations were overflowing with enthusiasm. Those who had travelled hundreds of miles to attend the Convention declared that being present at the evening circle itself was ample reward for the journey.

And now the Second Convention was at an end. Hearty farewells were exchanged with those who had to leave with early trains, and all felt that they had enjoyed a season of satisfaction rarely falling to the lot of mortals; and the regret arose within the mind, what a pity it is that such reunions cannot be effected oftener! But the spiritual movement is yet young, and the bright future may bestow upon us the blessings of communion, often times repeated, with the good and true here on earth, and those of more ripe experience who have passed within the veil.

On Friday a large proportion of the visitors remained in Newcastle, and much time was spent in pleasant conversation and in the inspection of a selection from the Progressive Library of several hundred volumes, which J. Burns had provided for the use and entertainment of the friends assembled. Such an array of spiritual and progressive literature was quite a treat to many, who were not previously aware of the riches of Spiritualism in this department.

page 71

A duty remains in testifying to the kindness and untiring attention of Mrs Bell, of the Crown Temperance Hotel, where the Convention was held, and where many of the members boarded and lodged. The several large and elegant rooms placed at the service of the Convention rendered it a most appropriate place of meeting, while the house m all respects for the time being was a "home from home" to all. Mrs Bell was heard to express herself that there must be something good in Spiritualism, for she had never entertained a body of people who were more considerate and agreeable, or more unanimous amongst themselves.

"Let Your Light Shine."