to an invisible background, while in its outward aspect it
now poses in the attitude of piety and the garb of religion. It even
professes to adopt some of the more prominent and popular doctrines of
Christianity. In this phase the average churchgoer cannot see why he may
not accept all that Spiritualism has to give, and still retain his
denominational relationship. Besides this, the coming to light, every now
and then, of the fact that some person of national or world-wide fame is a
Spiritualist, adds popularity and gives a new impetus to the movement.
Such instances may be named as the founder of the Leland Stanford
University, of California; the widow of ex-Vice-President Hendricks, of
Indiana, who, it is said, is carrying on some very successful financial
transactions by direction from the spirit world; and Mr. W. T. Stead,
London editor of the _Review of Reviews_, who, in 1893 started a new
quarterly, called _The Border Land_, to be devoted to the advocacy of the
philosophy of Spiritualism, which he had then but recently espoused. In
other countries it has invaded the ranks of the nobility, and even seated
itself on the thrones of monarchs. The late royal houses of France, Spain,
and Russia are said, by current rumor, to have sought the spirits for
knowledge. No cause could covet more rapid and wide-spread success than
this has enjoyed.

Chapter Two.

WHAT IS THE AGENCY IN QUESTION?

Having now shown that there are connected with Spiritualism supermundane
phenomena that cannot be denied, and equally evident superhuman
intelligence, sufficient to give to the movement unprecedented recognition
in all the world, the way is open for the most important question that can
be raised concerning it, and one which now demands an answer; and that is,
What is the agency by which these phenomena are produced, and by which
this intelligence is manifested? This question must be examined with the
utmost care, and, if possible, a decision be reached of the most assuring
certainty; for, as Mr. M. J. Savage says, "Spiritualism is either a grand
truth or a most lamentable delusion."

It is proper that the claim which Spiritualism puts forth for itself, in
this regard, should first be heard. This is so well known that it scarcely
need be stated. It is that there is in every human being a soul, or
spirit, which constitutes the real person; that this soul, or spirit, is
immortal; that it manife