We take pleasure in presenting many new friends, as well as old ones, with this the first number of The Independent Pulpit. This lecture contains a brief account of former religious experiences, and narrates the facts that enabled me to pass from the company of the Don't Know's to that of the I Know's.

Former Subscribers.

I send a copy of this number to each of the subscribers to This World. I cannot, of course, expect you all to follow my example. What I have said to Col. Ingersoll, I repeat in my heart to each one of you. I shall take it as a great kindness if you will read this, and, whether you subscribe or not, let me know just how it impresses you. If you are not sufficiently interested to subscribe, will you be kind enough to hand it to some good Spiritualist of your acquaintance,

Present Subscribers.

I send an extra copy to each subscriber, hoping that they will be able thereby to procure me at least one new subscriber. If you will send me names and addresses of sincere and earnest Spiritualists, I shall be glad to send them sample copies free.

Chickering Hall.

The title page contains a cut of the building in which the lectures are delivered every Sunday afternoon at 2.45 P. M. This hall is probably the finest one of its size in the country. It is fitted up with all modern improvements, and lighted by the Edison electric light. The ventilation and acoustic properties are perfect. Its seating capacity is four hundred and sixty-two, all numbered, leather folding scats. We hope our friends at a distance will be present with us in spirit while we try to find the Perfect Way. Material contributions to the support of the lectures and work of the Society of the Perfect Way are needed, and will be gratefully received and acknowledged.

The following are some of the subjects that will be published during the year:—"The Ministry, Old and New." "Is Spiritualism a Religion?" "The Sphinx, or the Problem of Life." "Medusa and Perseus." "The Perfect Way, or the Finding of Christ." "Spiritualism in Shakespeare." "Walt Whitman." "Rosicrucianism." The Four-fold Nature of Man." "Lights and Shades of Spiritualism." "Ingersollism." "The Philosophy of Delsarte." "The Church of the Future." "Spiritual Gifts." "Immortality." "The Prodigal Son." "Black and White Magic." "The Occident and Orient." "The Light of Asia." "Soul Culture." "Theosophy." "Excelsior."

Theosophy.

Boston Hermetic Lodge of Theosophy, George Chainey, President. Anna Kimball, Corresponding Secretary. Regular meeting Thursday, 2.30 P. M., at Theosophical Parlors, 310 Shawmut Avenue.

Psychometry.

We take great pleasure in recommending all who wish, through this wonderful gift of soul sight, to know themselves, to send to Mrs. Kimball for a reading. Her terms are as follows; Character Readings, $2.00; Medial Faculties and their Culture, $2.00; Prophetic Readings, $3.00; Messages of Counsel from Guardian Teachers, $2.00; Examination of Minerals, $3.00. Personal Readings from 12 until 4 every day, except Sunday, $2.00. Enclose stamp for all letters, please. For all delineations, the requirements are some earnest thoughts, in own handwriting.

As I purpose for a time to send out many sample copies to strangers, I venture to publish the following Testimonials, as giving me some right to hope that my lectures may be interesting and instructive to those who read them:—

Testimonials.

Col. Robert G. Ingersoll says:—

"Mr. Chainey is one of the best thinkers in this country. He has a wonderful command of language, is full of imagery, comparison, anthithesis, logic and beauty. He feels what he says with his whole heart, and perceives it with his entire brain. He is perfectly honest, and for that very reason is intellectually keen. Downright honesty in such a man is genius. He gives a true transcript of his mind, and gives it with great power. His lectures stir me like trumpets. They are filled with the loftiest spirit. Eloquent, logical, and poetic, they are as welcome and refreshing as the breeze of morning on the cheek of fever."

"Mr. Chainey is a large, well-formed though round-shouldered man, wears no beard, and in these days of crops would be called a long-haired man. He has a big head and a broad face. He is an orator. His eloquence is his chief fascination. His periods are models of oratorical beauty, and though ordinarily unimpassioned, he occasionally becomes intensely strong in his dramatic effects. He is singularly graceful of gesture. His methods inspire one with a conviction of his honesty. His elocution is masterly. His voice is magnetic, powerful, flexible, very pleasing. He would make a famous actor."—Scranton Daily Republican.

"Mr. Chainey has great ability, a most vivid imagination, a vast poetical capacity, a marvelous power for word painting, a command of the choicest flowers of rhetoric that language can furnish, together with high moral culture, a generous disposition, and a loving heart."—Charles Watts.