Year 1860

— I shall speak of the philosophical necessity in which Spirits find themselves of making frequent examinations of conscience, of giving, in short, to the state of their brains the same care that each one has for his own body. Here is a year ended. What progress did it bring to the intellectual world? Very great and very serious results, especially of a scientific order. Less fortunate, literature received only fragments and charming details; but, like a mutilated statue that we find buried and admire, lamenting the lost whole of its former beauty, literature offers no serious work. In France, ordinarily it marches ahead of the other arts; this year, it was surpassed by painting, which flourishes, glorious, above the rival schools. Why this pause among our young writers? The explanation is easy. They lack the generous breath that struggles inspire; indifference weighs upon them. People leaf through us, criticize us, but do not discuss us passionately as in my time, when the literary struggle dominated nearly all preoccupations. Moreover, one does not improvise a writer, and it is a little of this that each one does. To write, long and profound studies are necessary; these are absolutely lacking to your generation, impatient for enjoyment and preoccupied, above all, with easy success. I conclude by admiring the ascending march of the sciences and the arts, and lamenting the absence of generous impulses in spirits and in hearts. J. J. Rousseau. n Observation. – Obtained spontaneously, this communication proves that the Spirits who have left the Earth still occupy themselves with what happens here and what interests them, and follow the march of intellectual and moral progress. It would not be from the infinite depths of space that they would do so; for that it is necessary that they be among us, in our midst, as invisible witnesses of what happens here. This communication and the following one were given at the session of the Society, on December 28, where the year that was ending and the one about to begin had been discussed. Consequently, it came appropriately.

THE YEAR 1861.

The year that is ending saw belief in Spiritism progress appreciably. It is a great happiness for men, because it removes them a little from the edges of the abyss that threatens to swallow up the human Spirit. The new year will be even better, because it will see important material changes, a true revolution in ideas; and Spiritism will not be forgotten, believe it well. On the contrary, people will cling to it as to a plank of salvation. I shall pray to God to bless your work and make it progress. Saint Louis. n Observation. – In an intimate session, another medium received spontaneously, on the same subject, the following communication:

The year that is about to begin carries in its recesses the greatest things. The reaction is going to fall violently into the trap it prepared. Why do you think the Earth covers itself with railways and the sea opens itself to electricity, if not to spread the good news? The true, the good, the beautiful will, at last, be understood by all. Do not grow weary, then, true Spiritists, for your task is marked in the work of regeneration. Happy are those who shall know how to accomplish it! Léon J… (brother of the medium.)

ON THE SAME SUBJECT.

(By another medium.)

Change is absolutely necessary; progress is a divine law; it seems to have advanced in recent years more than in the others. In relation to 1860, 1861 will be magnificent, though pale, if we consider 1862, because you wish to depart, dear brothers, and once the divine breath sets the locomotive in motion, no derailment is possible.

Léon X. n [1]

[see Rousseau.]

[2] [see Saint Louis.]

[3] [see Léon X.]