Bulletin

Meeting of the commission.

Reading of the minutes and of the proceedings of the session of July 20.

Various communications: 1st Report of Miss P… on the poem that Mr. de Pory, of Marseilles, sent to the Society, entitled Linda, a Gallic legend. Miss P… analyzes the subject of the work and recognizes thoughts of great elevation, very well expressed; but, except for the Christian ideas, she sees in general nothing, or sees little, that has a direct relation to Spiritism. The author seems to her more spiritualist than Spiritist. Nonetheless, she says, his work is no less remarkable, and will be read with interest by lovers of good poetry. 2nd Letter from Mr. X… with a succinct analysis of the doctrine of Mr. Rigolot, of Saint-Étienne. According to that doctrine, the spirit world does not exist; after the death of the body the Spirits are immediately reunited with God. Only three Spirits can communicate by mediumistic means: Jesus, director and protector of our globe; Mary, his mother; and Socrates. All communications, whatever their nature, emanate from them. They are the only ones, he says, who manifest to him, and when they dictate to him coarse things, he thinks it is to test him. A discussion arises on this subject, summarized as follows:

The Society is unanimous in declaring that reason refuses to admit that the Spirit of good par excellence, the model of the most sublime virtues, could dictate evil things, there being a kind of profanation in supposing that communications of revolting baseness, and even obscenities, as is sometimes seen, could emanate from a source so pure. On the other hand, to admit that all souls are immediately reunited with God after death is to deny the punishment of the guilty, since one could not think that the bosom of God, which we are taught to regard as the supreme reward, is, at the same time, a focus of pain for one who lived badly. If in that divine fusion the Spirit loses its individuality, it is a variety of pantheism. In one case and the other, according to that doctrine, the guilty one has no motive to stop on the path of evil, efforts to practice good being superfluous. This, at least, is what stands out from the general principles that seem to form its basis. The Society does not know Mr. Rigolot's system well enough to judge it in its details; it is unaware of how he explains a portion of patent facts: that of apparitions, for example; those in which the Spirit of an evoked relative materially proves its identity. Would it be Jesus, then, who would simulate such personages; would it again be he who, in the phenomenon of rapping Spirits, would come to beat the drum or the rhythmic tunes; after having played the odious role of tempter, would come to serve as amusement? There is moral incompatibility between the trivial and the sublime, between absolute good and absolute evil. Mr. Rigolot has always kept himself isolated from the other Spiritists, which is an error. To know a thing well it is necessary to see everything, to delve into everything, to compare all opinions, to hear the pros and cons, to listen to all objections and, finally, to accept only what the most severe logic can admit. This is what the Spirits who direct us incessantly recommend, and it is for this reason that the Society took the name of Society of Studies, a name that implies the idea of examination and of research. It is permissible to think that Mr. Rigolot, had he followed this course, would have recognized in his theory points in notorious contradiction with the facts. His withdrawal from the other Spiritists allows him to see only communications of a single nature and naturally prevents him from perceiving what could enlighten him about its insufficiency to resolve all questions. This is what is observed in most mediums who isolate themselves, who find themselves in the condition of those who, hearing only one bell, hear only one sound. Such is the impression the Society experiences regarding this doctrine, which seems to it powerless to explain the reason for all the facts.

3rd Mention of a letter from Dr. Morhéry, with new details about Miss Godu and the continuation of his observations on the cures obtained; and of another from Dr. de Grand-Boulogne, on the role of rapping Spirits. In view of their length, the reading was postponed to the next session.

4th Mr. Allan Kardec relates an interesting fact that occurred at his house, in a private session. Present at that session was Mr. Rabache, an excellent medium, through whom Adam Smith had spontaneously communicated in a café in London. Having been evoked through another medium – Mrs. Costel – Adam Smith answered simultaneously, in French through that lady, and in English through Mr. Rabache; several answers were of a perfect identity and even the literal translation of one another. Report of several physical manifestations that occurred with Mr. B…, present at the session. Among other facts, that of the transport of a cork thrown into a room, and that of a flask of fluidified water, which had so strong an odor of musk that it impregnated the whole apartment.

Studies. 1st Evocation of the Muslim Seid-ben-Moloka, deceased in Tunis at 110 years of age, whose life was marked by acts of beneficence and generosity. His answers reveal an elevated Spirit, although, during life, he was not exempt from the prejudices of his sect.

Two spontaneous dictations are obtained, the first by Mr. Didier Junior, on conscience, signed by Lamennais; the second by Mrs. Lub…, on various counsels, signed by Paul.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1860.

(Private Session.)

Meeting of the commission.

Reading of the minutes and of the proceedings of the session of July 27.

Reading of a letter from Mr. Darcol, through which he proposes to the Society to take up a subscription for the Christians of Syria. He bases the proposal on the principles of humanity, of charity, and of tolerance, which are the very essence of Spiritism and must guide the Society.

Examining the proposal and doing justice to the good intentions of Mr. D…, the commission thinks that the Society must abstain from any manifestation foreign to the object of its studies and that it must leave each member free to act individually.

The Society sees in this attitude nothing that could be looked upon with disfavor; quite the contrary. But, considering the absence of most of the members, on account of the season, it postpones examination of the proposal until their return.

At the committee's suggestion, the Society resolves to take a vacation in the month of September.

Various communications: 1st Letter from Dr. Morhéry.

2nd Letter from Mr. Indermuhle, member of the Society, speaking of the good reception of Spiritist ideas found among people of the rural class. In this connection, he cites a German pamphlet, entitled Die Ewigkeit kein geheimniss mehr (There are no more secrets about eternity) and which he proposes to send to the Society.

3rd Letter from Dr. de Grand-Boulogne on physical manifestations as a means of conviction. He thinks it would be an error to consider all rapping Spirits as belonging to an inferior order, since he himself obtained, through rappings, communications of a rather elevated order.

Mr. Allan Kardec replies that typtology is a means of communication like any other, of which the most elevated Spirits may avail themselves, when they have no other more rapid one at their disposal. Not all Spirits who communicate by rappings are rapping Spirits, and most of them repudiate such a qualification, which suits only those whom we call professional rappers. It is repugnant to good sense to believe that superior Spirits would come to pass the time amusing a gathering with demonstrations of skill. As for physical manifestations properly speaking, he has never contested their usefulness, but persists in the opinion that, by themselves, they are powerless to bring about conviction. Moreover, he says, the more extraordinary the facts, the more they excite incredulity. What is necessary, above all, is to understand the principle of the phenomena. For one who knows it, they have nothing supernatural about them and come to support the theory. Mr. de Grand-Boulogne says that the letter just read is somewhat old and that, since then, his ideas have changed appreciably. He shares entirely the opinion of Mr. Allan Kardec, experience having demonstrated to him how useful it is to understand the principle before seeing. Thus, he admits into his house only persons who have already taken account of the theory, thereby avoiding a portion of idle questions and objections. He acknowledges having made more proselytes by this system than by the exhibition of facts that are not understood. Studies: 1st Evocation of James Coyle, a madman, dead at 106 years of age, in Saint-Patrick's hospital, in Dublin, where he had been since the year 1802. The evocation offers an interesting subject for study on the state of the Spirit in mental alienation.

2nd Appeal, without special evocation, to the Spirits who claimed assistance. Two manifest spontaneously: the Great Françoise and the Spirit of Castelnaudary, thanking those who prayed for them.

3rd A spontaneous dictation is obtained by Mr. D …, signed by Sister Jeanne, one of the victims of the massacres of Syria.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1860.

(General Session.)

Meeting of the committee.

Reading of the minutes and of the proceedings of the last session.

Mr. Allan Kardec announces that a lady, member of the Society, entrusted him with 10 francs for his subscription for the benefit of the Christians of Syria, or any other work of charity to which he might see fit to apply them.

Various communications: 1st Letter from Mr. Jobard, of Brussels, on Thilorier, of whom he was a friend, and who was evoked on June 15, 1860. He gives interesting details about his discovery, his life, and his habits, rectifying several assertions contained in the note published about him in the newspaper Patrie. Among other particulars he tells how hearing was restored to him by magnetism. (Published further on). 2nd Mr. B…, a foreign listener, narrates various cases of spontaneous physical manifestations that occurred with one of his friends. As the latter could not be present at the session, Mr. B… himself will relate the facts in more detail, later on.

Studies: 1st Various questions and moral problems addressed to Saint Louis, concerning the death of Jean Luizerolle, condemned in place of his son, in 1793, devoting himself to him to save his life.

2nd Evocation of Alfred de Marignac, who gave Mr. Darcol a communication on penury, signed by Bossuet.

3rd Evocation of Bossuet on this subject and several other questions. It ends with a spontaneous dissertation on the danger of religious quarrels.

4th Evocation of Sister Jeanne, victim of the massacres of Syria, who had appeared spontaneously in the last session and had asked to be called again.

5th Appeal to one of the suffering Spirits who claim assistance. A new Spirit presents himself under the name of Fortuné Privat, and gives details about his situation and the penalties he suffers. This communication gives rise to numerous interesting explanations about the state of unhappy Spirits.

6th Spontaneous dictation on the nothingness of life, signed by Sophie Smetchine, received by Miss Huet.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 1860.

(Private Session.)

Meeting of the commission.

Reading of the minutes and of the proceedings of the session of August 10.

At the commission's suggestion, and after the reading of the minutes, the Society admits as a free member Mr. Jules R…, of Brussels, domiciled in Paris.

Various communications: 1st In a letter from the Countess D…, of Milan, addressed to Mr. Allan Kardec, the following passage is found: “Recently, leafing through old reviews from Paris, I came across a little tale by a marvelous writer, Charles Nodier, bearing the title: Lydia, or the resurrection. I found myself in the full Spiritist Review; it is an intuition of The Spirits' Book, although written in 1839. Was Nodier a believer? At that time was Spiritism already spoken of? If I could, I would very much like to evoke him; he was a pure heart and a passionate soul. Evoke him, please, you who can do so much! If, incarnate, his morality was so gentle and so attractive, what will it not be now, when his Spirit finds itself completely detached from matter?” For a long time the Society has wished to evoke Charles Nodier. It will do so in the present session.

2nd Reading of two dissertations obtained by Dr. de Grand-Boulogne, signed by Zeno; the first, on the doubt raised as to the identity of Bossuet, in the previous session; the second on reincarnation, whose necessity the Spirit demonstrates, from the moral point of view, and its concordance with religious ideas.

3rd Reading of two communications received by Mrs. Costel, signed by Georges; the first, on the progress of Spirits; the second, on the awakening of the Spirit.

4th Reading of the evocation of Louis XIV made by Miss Huet, and of a spontaneous dictation, obtained by the same, on the profit to be drawn from the counsels of the Spirits, signed by Marie, a familiar Spirit.

Studies: 1st Mr. Ledoyen recalls that some time ago Saint Louis had begun a series of dissertations on the capital sins.

He asks whether he would like to continue this work.

Saint Louis answers that he will do so willingly and that next time he will speak about Envy, since the hour is too far advanced to do so that same evening.

2nd Saint Louis is asked whether, in the next session, they may again call the Queen of Oude, already evoked in January 1858, in order to judge the progress she might have made. He answers: “You would be inspired by charity if you evoked her and if you spoke to her amicably, while at the same time instructing her a little, for she is still very backward.”

3rd Evocation of Charles Nodier. After having answered, with extreme benevolence, the questions put to him, he promises to begin a continuous work in the next session.

4th Spontaneous dictation, obtained by Mr. Didier, on hypocrisy, signed by Lamennais. Then, the Spirit answers several questions about his situation and the character that is reflected in his communications.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1860.

(General Session.)

Meeting of the committee.

Reading of the minutes and of the proceedings of the last session.

The president proceeds to the reading of the following instruction, concerning persons foreign to the Society, in order to forewarn them against the false ideas they might form regarding the objects of its labors.

“We deem it our duty to remind persons foreign to the Society, and who are not abreast of our labors, that we conduct no experiment, and that they would be mistaken if they thought to find here subjects for distraction. We occupy ourselves seriously with very serious things, but ones that are of little interest and little intelligible to anyone foreign to the Spiritist science. As the presence of such persons would be useless for themselves and, for us, a cause of disturbance, we refuse to admit those who do not possess, at least, its first elements and, above all, those who are not sympathetic to it. Before all else we are a scientific Society of studies, and not a Society of teaching; we never summon the public because we know, from experience, that conviction is formed only by a long series of observations and not by having attended a few sessions, which present no methodical sequence. This is why we do not make demonstrations which, having to begin anew each time, would paralyze our labors. If, in spite of this, there should be present here persons attracted only by curiosity, or who do not share our way of seeing, we would ask them to remember that we did not invite them and that we expect from their dignity respect for our convictions, as we respect theirs. We ask on their part only silence and recollection. Recollection being one of the most express recommendations of the Spirits who wish to communicate with us, we insistently exhort the persons present to abstain from any private conversation.” The commission decided that, although there is a 5th Friday on the 31st of this month, today's, the 24th, will be the last session before the vacation, and that the next will be on the first Friday of October.

The commission took cognizance of a letter with a request for admission as a free member, from Mr. B…, of Paris; but, in view of the fact that the day's session is general, the examination is postponed until after the vacation.

Various communications: 1st Reading of the private evocation, made by Mr. Jules Rob…, of Father Leroy, deceased recently in Beirut. The evocation is remarkable for the elevation of the Spirit's thoughts, which in no way belies the fine character of which he gave proof in life, which is that of a true Christian. He expresses the desire to be evoked in the Society. 2nd Reading of a spontaneous dictation, received by Mr. Darcol, on mediums, signed by Salles. Obtained in the last session, this communication could not be read, because no prior cognizance had been taken of it, a formality that the regulation imperiously prescribes.

3rd Another spontaneous dictation, received by Mrs. de B… on moral Charity, signed by Sister Rosalie.

4th Two other spontaneous dictations, obtained by Mrs. Costel, one on the various categories of wandering Spirits, and the other on punishments, signed by Georges. These two communications may be classed among the most remarkable, for the sublimity of the thoughts, the truth of the pictures, and the eloquence of the style. (They will be published, as will the other more important communications). The president remarks that the Society is necessarily limited by time, but that everything the members receive in private, provided they wish to bring it, must be regarded as a complement to its labors. It must regard as forming part of itself not only what it obtains in its sessions, but, equally, everything that comes to it from outside and can serve for its instruction. It is the center toward which private studies converge for the good of all; it examines them, comments on them, and makes use of them, if appropriate. For mediums, it is a means of control which, enlightening them as to the nature of the communications they receive, can preserve them from more than one mistake. Moreover, Spirits often prefer to communicate in intimacy, where there is necessarily more recollection than in numerous gatherings, through the instruments of their choice, at the moments that suit them and in circumstances that it is not always given to us to appreciate. By concentrating these communications, each one profits from all the advantages they can offer. Studies: 1st Questions addressed to Saint Louis about the Spirit Georges.

When alive he was a painter and drawing teacher of the person who serves him as medium. His life offers no relevant particularity, except that he was always good and benevolent. His communications, as a Spirit, bear a seal of such superiority that it was desired to know the position occupied by him in the world of Spirits. Saint Louis answers:

“He was a just Spirit on Earth; all his greatness consists in the goodness, the charity, and the faith in God that he professed. Thus, today, he finds himself placed among the superior Spirits.”

2nd Evocation of Charles Nodier, by Miss Huet. He begins the work promised in the last session.

3rd Evocation of Father Leroy. As he had left the choice of medium free, it was preferred not to use the one used the first time, in order to remove any influence and to be able better to judge of the identity by his answers. They are in all points in accord with the thoughts previously expressed and worthy of an elevated Spirit. He ends with counsels of the highest wisdom, in which are revealed, simultaneously, the humility of the Christian, the tolerance of evangelical charity, and the superiority of intelligence. 4th Evocation of the Queen of Oude, already evoked in January 1858 (see the Review of March 1858). Medium: Mr. Jules Rob… One notices in her a slight disposition to progress, but the depth of her character has undergone little change.

Observation. – Among those present was a lady who for a long time resided in India and knew her personally.

She says that all the answers are perfectly in accord with her character and that it is impossible not to recognize in them a proof of identity.

5th Three spontaneous dictations are obtained: the first by Miss Huet, on Envy, signed by Saint Louis; the second by Mr. Didier, on original sin, signed by Ronsard; and the third by Miss Stéphanie, signed by Gustave Lenormand.

During the last communications, Miss L. J…, a drawing medium, received two groups, signed by Jules Romain.

Following some beautiful thoughts written by a Spirit who does not sign them, another Spirit, who has already manifested through Miss L. J…, interferes in the communication, breaking the pencils and scratching strokes that denote feelings of anger. At the same time he communicates with Mr. Jules Rob…, answering laconically and with haughtiness the questions addressed to him. It is the Spirit of a foreign sovereign, known for the violence of his character. Invited to sign his name, he does so in two ways. One of those present, connected with the government of his country, whose functions gave him occasion to see his signature much, recognizes in one that of official documents, and in the other that of private letters.

The general session having closed, the Gentlemen members of the Society are invited to remain for a few more moments for a communication.

In a very warm address, Mr. Sanson expresses the gratitude he owes to the Spirit of Saint Louis, for his intervention in the cure of an ailment in his leg that had resisted all treatments and was to lead to amputation. It is, he says, to the knowledge of Spiritism that he owes his cure, truly miraculous, through the confidence he had in the goodness and in the power of God, with which before he was little concerned. And as he owes to the Society his having been initiated into the truths it teaches, he includes it in his thanks. Since then, every year, he offers to the Spirit of Saint Louis, on the day consecrated to him, a bouquet of flowers, in memory of the favor of which he was the object; and it is this homage that he renews today, August 24, the eve of Saint Louis's day. The Society associates itself with Mr. Sanson's testimony of gratitude. It thanks Saint Louis for the benevolence it has merited on his part and asks him to continue making it deserving of his protection. Saint Louis answers:

“I feel happy, triply happy, my beloved brothers, for what I see and hear this night. Your emotion and gratitude are still the best homage you can address to me. May the God of goodness preserve in you these good and pious sentiments! I will continue to watch over a Society united by sentiments of charity and of true fraternity.”

Louis.