Bibliographical note.

Spiritist publications are multiplying and, as we have said, we encourage the dissemination of those that can usefully serve the cause we defend. They are so many voices that rise up and serve to spread the idea under different forms. If we have not given our opinion on certain more or less important works, dealing with analogous matters, it is that, fearful lest they should see in this a sentiment of partiality, we preferred to let opinion form by itself. Now, we see that the opinion of the majority has confirmed ours. By reason of our position, we must be sparing in appraisals of this kind, above all when the approval cannot be absolute. By remaining neutral, we shall not be accused of having exerted an unfavorable pressure; and if the success does not correspond to expectation, we cannot be blamed for it. Among the recent publications that we have the satisfaction of recommending without reservation, we shall mention notably the two small brochures announced in our last number, under the title of Spiritism without the Spirits and The Truth about experimental Spiritism in groups, by a theoretical Spiritist, on which we maintain the opinion already expressed, saying that within a very restricted frame, the author had known how to summarize the true principles of Spiritism with remarkable precision and in an attractive style. In the one relating to groups, the curious and the incredulous will find an excellent lesson on the manner in which it is fitting to observe what takes place in serious groups. – Price: 50 centimes each; 60 centimes by post. – Dentu Bookshop, Palais-Royal. We also cannot omit the journal The Truth, published in Lyon, under the direction of Mr. Edoux, and which we likewise announced. For lack of space, we limit ourselves to saying that it is a matter of a new champion, who seems to be looked upon with an evil eye by the adverse camp. It marked its debut by several articles of elevated scope, signed Philoléthès, among which stand out those entitled: Foundation of Spiritism; The perispirit before the traditions; The perispirit before Philosophy and History, etc. They denote a practiced pen, supporting itself on a rigorous logic and which, by persevering in that path, may give trouble to our antagonists, without departing from the line of moderation which, like ours, seems to be the motto of that journal. It is by logic that one must combat, and not by persons, insults, and reprisals. Soon Bordeaux will have its special Review. It will be a pleasure to help with our counsels, since they have been asked of us. If, as we do not doubt, it follows the path of wisdom and prudence, it will not fail to have the support of all the true Spiritists, of those who see the interest of the cause above personal questions, of interest or of self-love. It is to these that our sympathies turn. The abnegation of personality, moral and material disinterestedness, the practice of the law of love and of charity will always be the distinctive signs of those for whom Spiritism is not merely a sterile belief in this life and in the other, but a fecund faith. The Courrier de la Moselle, journal of Metz, of April 11, 1863, prints an excellent and remarkable article, entitled A Spiritist of Metz refuting the cases of madness attributed to Spiritism. We like to see the Spiritists in the lists, opposing the cold and severe logic of facts to the diatribes of their adversaries. We shall cite some passages which, for lack of space, we are obliged to postpone to the next number.

Allan Kardec.

Paris. — Typ. of Cosson et Ce, rue du Four-St-Germain, 43.