THE DAILY EVENING TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA, MONDAY, JULY 1, 18G7.
THE RIGHTS OF MIRTH.
A Sermon for the Hot Weather, bjr B.
II. Nadal, D. P. Preached la (Trinity
U.K. Church Yesterday.
iHFICIiL BKPOBT FOB TH SVKNINO TKLKOBAFB.
"A time to langh." Eccleelastes 111, 4.
Theae words plainly declare that gravity Is
not to abide forever on the lace or in the heart.
jks man was made for toil, both of body and
mind, he was made to encounter the trials of
life, so also was he made for iu loy and mirth.
Xbe very tact that man Is a Uuphiaer animal Is
ta ample refutation of everything which would
jnnke amusement or recreation In itself sinful.
llow frequently does the New Testament refer
to little children, and call upon us to imitate
them I The traits of childhood which we ought
especially to cherish are innocence, guileless
Bess, ana simplicity, andtbeae are closely llnkod
with lamrhter. The smile of infancy is one of
the brightest glimpses which earth is afforded
of heaven, and Its crow and laugh, especially
when seen as well as heard, are sweeter than all
tunes, whether from voice or instrument.
how, is that which constitutes the chief charm
of childhood to be laid aside as childhood
departs? Must we not rather strive to carry
the innocent mirthlulness of childhood with us
to and through our riper life f Indeed, every
mile of Infancy, every laugh of happy boyhood
and girlhood, bids us watch against the corro
eion of care, against the stitfeoing and stupity
tng effect of unrelaxing labor, and against auy
theory that would rob us of our birthright of
smiles and laughter.
Kindred to the leseon of nature within ui is
that ot the same teacher without and around us.
Who can look on the world the infinitely
diversified world of flowers without a glow of
the heart threatening to break on the face in a
emlle? What colors, what odors, what variety
of both I We are lost in the thought of the in
genuity and luxury of divine bliss which thus
uttered itself of the infinite and eternal smile
which actualized itself to tue creaturely sense
1n a wilderness of flowers. The flowers, with
the birds, their Drethren iu beauty, and the
frorgeous landscapes, which repose sublimely
undur the glorious cope of heaven, proclaim
nan's right and duty to bo cheerful, exultant,
f;ay, and to express these feelings in smiles
and laughter. If the world la strong, if it is
nad, it is also beautiful an gay. If its brow is
damp with the sweat of work, and its cheek
lurrowed by tears, the smile vindicates Its right
ty drying up both with its ray.
Yes, there is a time to laugh, and as we give
time expressly to labor, and to learn how it is
to be best done, so we are to give time to mirth,
and to understanding how It may best be en
Joyed. Our theme for the morning is, "The Eights of
Mirth." These rights, as we have seen, are
founded in nature. As there is a time to laugh,
bo there is In our nature a laughing department.
Indeed, laughter is often a powerful weapon
against an antagonist. When the keenest argu
ments, enforced by the noblest eloquence, have
failed to convince or silence an opponent, not
vnfrequently has he been driven from the field
in utter confusion by turning the laugh upon
itim.
This, however, is not the aspect of the subject
at which we would look. This Is a serious form
of mirth, in which we may be pleased at the
expense of opposers. It is sport to some, but
often the keenest pain to others. We refer now
to that innocent sort of mirth which is harmless
to all. Wit and humor are pans of our nature,
and may be the sources of a purely inoffensive
pleasure. Wit is a keen perception of the cur ions
and striking aspects of a subject, and such an
expression of them as will produce a pleasant
enrprlse. Humor is more a matter of feeling
than a form of thought. It is a fresh, droll view
of things, accompanied by a rich glow of play
ful mirth. These traits of mind are just as
natural as the gravity of reason or the flow of
tears. The rights pf wit and humor may be
Becured without violating the sanctity of re
ligion. Nay, they may enter the service of re
ligion, and add to its attractiveness.
We nave innumerable illustrations and proofs
of this in the history of the Church and pulpit.
Borne of the ablest and most devout preachers
tiave been full of wit or humor, or of both.
Rowland Hill was a most distinguished saint,
and yet so overflowing with sacred humor were
"bis discourses, that his audiences most fre
quently have alternated between tears and
smiles. Bald he on one occasion, "I would give
nothing for a man's leliglon whose dog and cat
are not the better for it." There, too, is the in
spired, the Immortal Bunyan, whatever he may
bavebeen in the pulpit, in his Pilgrim he is full
of humor, droll, until his very gravity excites a
mile. The ingots of truth under his pen are
shaped into odd conceits. If we come down to
our own times, we find that some of the most
successful preachers are the wittiest. How do
the bold reproofs of Spurgeon feather themselves
with wit, and melt their way into the soul by
the electrical heat of humor! And
look at Beecher, full of beauty, fertile
as a tropical garden, mercilessly
lashing whatever he holds to be wrong, while
wet he docs many a thing which makes me doubt
tils wisdom, let it is not beauty alone, nor
beauty joined to boldness, good rnetoric, and
striking elocution that makes him popular. To
these are added the free play of his wit and
humor. He is moved by his own keen sense of
the ludicrous, and yields to the emotions and
thoughts it inspires. He smiles and acts and
speaks his feeling, and the people that wept a
moment before laugh aloud the moment after.
One ot the finest preachers I have known was
the Bev. James Bewell, now no more. His ex
positions were rich in the extreme. The free
.play ot his humor seemed to stir his imagina
tion to creative power. The scenes of Scripture
seemed, under his hand, to live again. True, he
sometimes carried matters too far, and excitable
auditors lost their t-elf-control; but still it was
Ms sacred humor which, so long as it was con
trolled, gave effect to his sermons. George G,
CJookman possessed the same power, but with
bim it never lnterrupted.the flow of feeling. It
,arS3-always elevated into the spiritual region by
the ltitensuy gi religious emotions.
Indeed, in the church, in authorship,
everywhere in public life, this element ol mirth
has contributed to success because it has min
istered to enjoyment, and opened the heart to
good I
Nor, Indeed, is mirth foreign to the nature of
THgion itself. It not only helps the pulpit by
alliances with wit and humor, in i's best and
bigbest sense, it joins itself also to the deepest
enjoyments of the religious life. The children
of Israel, returning trom their captivity in
liabylon, and catching a distant prospect of
Mount Zion, breakout in the song: "When the
lxrd turned the captivity of his people, we were
like them that dream. Then was our month
tilled with laughter and our singing." The
meaning of which seems to be that gratitude to
iod for His mercies sometimes becomes so
intense that it can only find adequate expression
In bursts of laughter.
We have the same idea where it is said:
"'Thou hast turned for me my mourning into
dancing; Thou hast taken off my sackcloth, and
v.irded me with gladness." When a soul has
l-en bowed down tor many days under con
f ious guilt, and a sense of divine favor comes
X i its relief, the natural expression of the
t : inge is a smile.
". f k as their thoughts their Joys come on,
1 ny col nan so a win away;
V
It WL
a Is are ever bright us uoon,
..uS calm as aumuier evenings be."
The natural expression ot all these qulck
Vxmiing joys is a series of smiles, sometimes
prnwinor audible. Now a smile of low. now of
triumph, now of beaming, yearning love.now of
eratitude, ana now ot wonaenug, transported
adoration, What is the appearauce ot the face
in a shout f The answer is that the soul, when
it shouts when it calls on all with n to bless the
l,ord, and lift high His Holy Name Is in a
state of transport: it is all radiant and glowing;
its power of bliss beoomes explosive, aud blazes
out In words of the greatest fullness of energy
and meaning; and while the shout resounds,
the face shines with a smile at which a hundred
Mildred souls might light their candles. Or,
thold a holy soul In the closet, in deep cora
- jilon with God. Recall your own best hours
i iIsivate devotion. Hemember how you felt.
!, iif-nt to think of vour unfaithfulness you
ieadfor pardon you sat In the sackcloth of
din of the Lord shone npon your hosd, chasing
way the clouds of doubt and the damps of sor
row, and when yon rested firmly and sweetly on
the promts!, your prostrate form erected itself
on its knees, and your upturned lace rayed btu-X
the light of Hod's countenance in a emlle. We
do not identify the sarrcd smiles of devotion
with ordinary mirth. The difference lb like that
between eating an ordinary meal and partaking
of the Lord's Supper. We use the same mouth
in rating and drinking In both cases, but the
meaning Is different. But the smile ot innocent
mirth ts still a smile, none the less natural and
general when it is transdgnrcd in sacred ran
tine. The work of God is as real in a lily as tn
the conversion of a soul; a smile is the blossom
ot joy in nature and in grace, natural In both.
But not only Is mirth rooted in our nature,
not only are wit and humor included in the
sphere of the Church and the pulpit, not ouly
is a smile the appropriate and natuial expres
sion ot religious cheerfulness and joy mirth
vindicates its rights still further. It Is abso
lutely demanded by labor. 'Recreation," says
one, "is a second creotion when weariness hath
almost annihilated one's spirit." Toil, whether
of body or mind, acts upon us like a burden.
We cannot bear it long wlthont sinking under it.
When the pack is lilted from the back of the
horse, he first rests and then romps. But the
burdens of men are not so easily gotten
rid of. The calculations of the counting
room, the cares ot the household,
the tolls of the study, the condition of the
crops, the state of the work in the factory and
the like, will not always be dismissed at a word.
Unlike the horse, man has tho burden on bis
mind; it becomes tangled with his feelings and
thoughts; and to get himself off, he must set
up some competitor to work. It may be a book,
conversation with his family or iriends, play
with his children, music, a walk or a ride iu
the country almost anything to get the burrs
ot business out of his hair to get tho pack
and harness froai his galled and weary back.
For the want of such relief, so that the soul
and face may.smile again, thousands of people
perish every year. It is business, business,
until tho long-bent bow no longer has power to
spring back. The soul and the face alike grow
cadaverous.
The same necessity exists of counterworking
sorrow. There is indeed a godly sorrow which
worketh repentance unto hie, but even that is
sure to be followed by a smile. It begins in
"Thou wast angry with me," and it ends iu
"Thine anger is turned away, and Thou com
fortest me." The afflictions that come upon us
In the course of life contain precious lessons.
They are discipline tor us. We are net to deal
lightly with them, but to "let patience have its
f erlect work." But even here there comes a
ime to laugh; a time when the upset vessel will
right herself; when beauty will be beauty again,
when humor and wit will reassert their power.
This Is a necessity lounded in nature and
equally in religion.
Borne people, when they haveniet with severe
misfortunes in the loss ol friends or estate, make
the mistake of secluding themselves, even stay
ing away from church. A severe blow may, in
deed, prostrate us to the earth, but surely we
ought to stay there no longer than we must.
Let us make no convent tor ourselves in the
open world. Let us welcome the hour of re
action, accept the first pure smile, and even go
where such are produced.
But let us not forget that if mirth is natural,
like every other attribute of nature, it is liable
to abuse. Love, which ought to be heavenly,
may be earthly and sensual: and so mirth,
which ought to be a bright rill from the foun
tain of pure humor, may be only a stream of
dirty water from the engines of prurience and
obscenity. The words "gentleman" and "lady"
are in the whole world's mouth, but with very
different meanings. Ouly give people these
titles, and in many cases you may mean by them
what you please. A gentleman, in the
lowest definition, is a well-dressed man,
with a genteel look, and a good bow. He
may be as wicked as Judas, and his con
versation may be obscene and profane.
To a pure mind mirth ceases to be mirth, laugh
ter turns into erief and anger, when it meets
with impurityor profanity. For a laughter
stained with an oath, or with an obscene jest
or allusion, there is no time. Wretches that
swear and utter impurity to amuse, ought to
be dressed in the skins of wild beasts, and go
on all fours, though this would be the grossest,,
injustice tp the brutes. Books, papers, places '
of amusements, that are disfigured with Im
purity or profanity, ought to be shunned as the
gateway to death and perdition.
Surely there are songs enough that are pure;
there are decent words enough in the Engliuh
language; there are stories enough untarnished
by lust and brutality. Why should we touch
pitch T. Why should we pollute ourselves in
speech or in heering?
Another thought needful here Is, that even
where mirth is spotless it must not be out of
proportion. There is, indeed, a time to laugh,
but there is also a time for other things. Laugh
ter must keep within its own limits. If it be
comes pervading, it turns the man or woman
into a mere clown. How many people, some of
fviu AJB. , U V VIlUlVUi Ud T u uccuciatcu III IAS UUTJl C
jokers! Mirth is light, and those who know
uiHuiug uai minu are empty, come men give
themselves up to the Invention of jokes for the
world. They are by trade manufacturers of
mirth. Such a man was the late so-called Alte
ra us Ward. These persons abuse their own facul
ties and fatten on the weaker portions of society.
In our view they are worse than useless. Wit
and humor sufficient tor all the purposes of
Hie are furnished in the ordinary course of
things. God made these poor creatures men;
they are dissatisfied until they make them
selves apes. The same holds ot the newspapers
exclusively devoted to jests. If such papers as
the Police Vazette are sources of direct corrup
tion, these would-be iunny papers are breeders
of dearth and Yanity, of street-corner and bar
room clowns. Pure, genuine, healthful mirth
is not promoted, but perverted, by such sorry
professional iokcrs, by such vapid, Bickly
papers, and all shows that correspond witn
such papers and with such men. Life, indeed,
as we have seen, has its mirthful side, but the
mirth must bo tributary to earnestness; It
must whet the scytne for work; it must be such
as not to invade purity; such as will not unfit,
but fit for labor; such as can dwell comfortably
by the side of religion. Indeed, all the amuse
ments, all the recreations, all the mirth, all
the luughter of Hie, ow?ut to be simply out
growths of Christian cheerfulness. There are
special times to laugh, particular manifesta
tions of mirth, hours when wit and humor
will make special demands upon our attention;
but mirth or laughter, in the sense of Chris
tian cheerfulness, should eo with us through
the current of life.
The Apostle means this when he says, "Re
joice evermore;" and again, when he Bays, "Be
careful for nothing;" and still again, when he
says, "That be has learned in whatsoever state
he is therewith to be content;" and yet once
more, when he says. "He is sorrowful, yet al
ways rejoicing." This 1s a state of perpetual
cheerfulness. When there is no wit gleaming,
no humor playing, no story telling, no pranks
going on, the smile still lingers and alternates
on the face, and in the actions with the serious
aspects of lite.
l)o you not know people, precisely tho most
pious of your acquaintances, who wear an
almost perpetual smile, and w hose Bmile is con
stantly breaking away into a sweet musical
laugh? The wicked world wears a veil of
emiles: these wear the smile rather as the mirror
oftbebrieht soul within. It is at once an ex
pression of purity and joy. It is not the same
in all who have it. It varies with the natural
temperament, the health, the circumstances.
With one it shoots its threads of light acres
a countenance nulurally Btern aud hard; with
others over an expression of gravity,
as when the sun shines on the face of a heavy
cloud; with others over features indicating
great mass of intellect, as when a brilliant light
falls suddenly on a casket of jewels just un
covered. In hours of labor this smile retires
within. The soul wants it there to warm and
illume the heart's altar. But when discourse
commences it darts to the windows, it rushes to
the points of Intercourse with the outer world,
it tingles in the voice, it (fleams in the eye, it
wreathes itself about the mouth, expressing a
cheerful spirit, and vindicating the natural, the
sacred, the Christian rigbts of mirth.
We call on you, brethren, not to have your
smllfl ready for the occasion; but to have a well
of smiles within you, ever ready to pour out
refreshment and beauty.
These thoughts are presented now as appro
priate to the season The smallness of the
attendance here wilt soon tell those who remain
that many of you are gone In pursuit ot rest
and recreation. Let us throw out a farther
thought or two that may be useful to you.
Wheie should you go for recreation f Of course,
you must determine for yourselves. But if I
were your doctor, I should bid you avoid the
crowd and find some quiet, rural nook some
spot amid hills or mountains, by some beauti
ful stream, among all the lovely forms ot na
ture. We have surely, during the long year,
heard enough of the confused voice of the
crowd, have seen enough of fashion end pomp
and Bhow. Will we now go to a so-called
fashionable resort, where we shall be compelled
to see the tiny wealth, the strutting poverty of
men, vicing with the grander of t he ocean, or
with the sublimity of the landscape f How does
the costliest equipage look by the sea-side, or
at the loot of a forest-clad mountain T Oh, how
sweet is the stillness of tho country 1 and the
evening song of the katydid and the morning
carol of the robin only present that stillness in
tenderer, sweeter relict I
But am I told that even the fashionable water
ing places are In the country. True, but the
visitors try to unmake it. They carry with thcTu.
all the pomp ot city millinery and of jeweller's
window; they move half the night in the hot
and dusty mazes of the dance, and test their
stomachs to tho utmost copacity with daintier
than city diet. Is this rest 1 Is it recreation f Is
it rational mirth f Is it enjoying country life f
We think it is carrying the spirit of Uie city into
the country, and piling on its excitements
thicker and heavier, and more expensively than
We say shun the crowd. First of all, before
you leave home, gather up your thoughts. Re
member the meaning of recreation, namely, to
create anew by pleasant relaxation. Make up
your minds to be patient and amiable, whatever
may be the vexations of your lot At the rail
way stations make due allowance for surly
ticket and baggage men. Be steeled asainst the
lordly pride of hotel clerks. Remember that
there is one country where travellers are the
helpless victims ol railroad and hotel Insolence.
Remember the hot weather, and, keeping cool,
pocket your injuries.
Wherever you are, keep clear of excitement.
If you wish to avoid having your modesty pain
fully shocked, keep out of the ball-rooms, or
else wear a very thick veil, and keep it down.
Have a mind upon your health while at the
table, and beware lest you lay the foundation
for djspepsia, or aggravate it where It already
exists. Do not forget courtesy to the stranger
that sits near you, lor rudeness is still rudeness,
though offered to a person not of your ac
quaintance. Be sure to enjoy the scenery. Let it be in
your thoughts that God made the country. Let
its quiet majesty, full of green and stately lite,
as it is, grow into your soul. And above all,
Tesolutely cleave to your habits as a Christian.
Find, on the Sabbath, a place of public worship;
set up your altar of prayer in your room, and
read your accustomed Scripture lessons. Re
creation thus guarded and seasoned, thus hedged
in from evil, will promote health of body and
mind, and you will return more cheerful, pre
pared to shed fresh light upon your family and
renewed energy upon the church.
After all, laughter is largely the vocal bloom
of health. Even virtue in a sickly, nervous
frame smiles languidly. The laughter of the
sick has in it but little music, though it may be
fragrant with celestial piety. If ye keep your
heart's diligently, and return with renewed
frames, then shall be the time to laugh. The
woods and Btreams and sky, and sweet air, will
smile in your renewed activity on all about you.
But, finally, I seem to hear some one inquire
what shall those do whose fortune it will be to
remain at home? We answer, they too must do
their best to lecrcate. And, perhaps, the first
thing for them will be to reconcile themselves
to their lot. Instead of envying those who are
away, let them diligently gtt up, and enjoy the
argumente In favor of being at home. Let them
remember that home, be it ever so homely and
hot, is still home, with comforts not to be found
anywhere else. It is the opinion of many of the
most sensible people, that lor comfort in hot
weather there is no such place as one's own
house. Let the stayers at home think ot the
dust and the beaming heat of the cars, ot the
cavalier treatment or conductors, ticket men,
and hotel clerks, and of the danger of being sick
away from borne, from all ot which they are
saved by remaining in the city. Let them
remember the difference between a little ten-by.
twelve room in a crowded hotel, and a roomy
house of their own, over every part of which
they may wander to avoid the sun, and find and
enjoy the coolest spot.
Let them recollect, too, that Falrmount and
the beautiful Schuylkill are only separated from
us by half an hour and the cost of a few pennies)
while the shades and glens of the Wissahiekon,
equal to the finest resorts of travel, are within
an hour ot our homes. Let tho stayers at home
also relax their labors, walk on the- sbady side
of the street, and at proper hours; let them be
patient, keep in a eood humor, secure their
nights against the mosquitoes, and the dog-star
will not only do them no harm, but afford them
a seaton ot comparative rest, which will show
favorably as to its effects on mind and body,
with the hard and hot labor of eummeriug
abroad.
Besides, those who stay at home are exposed
to none of the special temptations of fashion
able sin and folly; they will enjoy church ser
vice, prajer-meeting, and Sunday School at
home, will hove the satisfaction of watching the
remnant of the flock in the absence of the other
part, and of welcoming the wanderers upon
their return.
In a word, to stayers and goers, we say recreate
recreate wisely, purely. Rest yourselves into
strength, into quietness of nerves, into radiance
of countenance a fitting light to throw on a
pure Christian life.
SPIRITUALISM.
Address by Hon. Robert Dale Owen, De
livered In Washington Hall, Eighth
and Spring Garden Streets, Last
Evening.
SPECIAL RETORT FOB THE EVENING TELEGBAPH.
Mr. Owen, after being introduced by Isaac
Wren, Esq., President ot the Spiritualist Asso
ciation, spoke as follows:
Some earnest friends of religion and enemies
of intolerance held a meeting on Thursday of
Anniversary week at Boston. It was called for
the purpose of taking into consideration the
condition, the needs, and the prospects of libe
ral Christianity in America. Their Committee
or Arrangements, through its Chairman, the
Rev. Mr. Fiothingham, Invited m to address
them on Spiritualism, as a phase of the religious
sentiment of the day. I complied with their
request, hoping to say a few words on the sub
ject that has been so much misrepresented. I felt
that it was a great responsibility I was assuming
to declare the opinion of millions4 because the
Spiritualists of the Uoited States nowadays
are counted by millions; and feeling deeply that
responsibility, I decided to put what I had to
say on paper, so that I might be the more sure
ot stating the matter a accurately as I could.
It is that same address which I propose to read
to ou to-night.
The term "Spiritualism." in modern days, has
come to be taken in a partial, contracted sense.
In the minds of many it has been restricted to a
claea of phenomena very curious and very In
teresting. Spiritualism is as old as the oldest
records of banian history, and Important as
anything that can engage the attention of man.
Mun cannot live by bread atone. By nourish
ing the body he may, indeed, maintain animal
life. The spiritual nature is as necessary
as the physical to a worthy and happy human
existence. Among the cultivated and intelli
gent of this world there are two classes. In ono
of these the spiritual consciousness is dormant.
Some of these desire to believe, and sigh because
they cannot. Others assert their belief, espe
cially on the first day of the week. Yet the
spirit within them is dead. It is not a living,
moving element In their dally actiouM it is but
the fBith 1 that father moved by the angolnh
lor the fute of his child, when he cried out with
thou mino unbe-
and unbeliever. I
seek the positive and hold to the nractica).
Enlightened spiritualists if I may assume to
speak for them neither deny nor disparage the
teachings of a future life which ere derived from
analogy, nor many of those which come to us
Irom self-styled orthodox sources.
I met lnt summer at a watcripg place one of
the dignitaries of the Church. He introduced
the suiject of Spiritualism, and we dropped
into a quiet conversation. At the outset I
bogged htm, if he felt tree so to do, to tell me in
what light he had been led to regard Spiritual
ism and spiritual phenomena. He answered
frankly, "I see around me evidence of Infidelity
widely tpread and steadily increasing." As an
illustration, he added, "In a recent conversation
with a Professor of Harvard, that gentleman
expressed an opinion tbat ot all the principal
scientific men In our country, three-fourths or
more; are unbelievers not onlspoken infidels,
but men who see no sufficient evidence tor any
existence beyond the present. Even in our own
profession," proceeded my clerical friend,
"skepticism prevails. A few weeks ago I was
called to the death-bed of a brother minister,
who bad devoted a long liie, with rare faithful
ness, to the interests of religion. As we spoke
of the evidences of Christianity, he said, 'Ah,
Bishop, the proof! the proof 1 if we only had
the proof 1'
"The spirit of materialism Is even more
evident in Europe than among us. It prevails
throughout the civilized world. The evidences
of orthodoxy which sufficed to satisfy our an
cestors are deemed insufficient to-day by many
of the most honest of their descendants. Sad
dened by such a state of things, I have been
looking around for a remedy. I have concluded
to look to Spiritualism ana Its phenomena for
an answer." As I listened to this common-sense
view of the case, I regretted that some ol those
who are in the habit ot saying : "What possible
good can spiritualism do ?" were but there to
hear our conversation. It has been the popular
objection that the phenomena referred to by my
friend, which are called physical manifesta
tions, are devoid of dignity. But we must bear
iu mind that the noblest superstructures ever
erected by science have been based noon the
rudest facts and the simplest observations so
rude and simple that for ages the world has
passed them by, not knowing their Improve
ment. God's ways are not as our ways. He does
not sound a trumnet before His doings. For tbe
greatest work He sometimes selects the humblest
instruments. Unlettered fishermen first spread
the great truths of Christianity. The value of
these phenomena, if they be genuine, consists
in this that they furnish an absolute solution
of the great problem in regard to another world,
with proof stronger than any which historical
evidence can supply. Stronger than it (to nse
Tennyson's words), because "Things seen are
greater than things heard."
Spiritualists do not allege or believe that any
phenomena in which they find proof of Immor
tality are miraculous. They believe in the uni
versality of law. They do not regard the won
drous things that took place in Jesus' days as
exceptions to natural laws, but as phenomena
which occurred under laws then in force, and
with which we are bHt imperfectly acquainted.
They see reproduced under their eyes modern
types of some of these signs and wonders: and
they find in such reproduction one of the
strongest arguments to sustain the general
truth ot the New Testament narrative. Intelli
gent spiritualists reject the doctrine of infalli
bility. They have no belief In plenary inspiration.
They accept the advice of one of Oxford's essay
ists (Dr. Temple), who said, "H Scripture ap
pears before they, it behooves us to consider in
the first place whether we are not incorrectly in
terpreting the phenomena, and in the second,
whether the message may not have come to us
more or less perverted from the messenger."
This is what ortiiodoxy must come to if she
would save .the credentials of her creed. We
believe that there are some varieties of charac
ter in the nex.t world, as in this. We believe
tbat when we cast off the natural body there is
a new and potent change; yet not instantaneous.
Moral, social, and intellectual qualities which
may have distinguished us in this world will be
with us in another. So with the evil that is
in us.
While there is lile there is hope, and there is
life beyond the vale. We believe that the
Christian world has been and still is blighted
with false conceptions of death. Death ii, as
Pluto taught, the enemy of lite. He is life's
best friend a friend through whose agency life
is ennobled and perpetuated. Orthodoxy has
taught us to think tbe contrary of this.
Spiritualists find that tba enfranchised spirit
rejoices in the change, and would not, if it
could, on any condition, return to its earthly
bondage. Grief is caused by death; but a
mother grieves when she parts with a beloved
daughter who is about to visit a foreign land,
though she be satisfied that she will be happy
with the husbabd of her choice and return
again.
Haw many desolate friends and lovers, how
many bereaved parents, has Spiritualism, with
its living evidences, comforted I Spiritualism
opens up to us a heaven such as the best and
wisest may earnestly desire. Tbe heart of the
Christian is not reached by the prospect of
eternal life commonly presented to him. The
Spiritualists believe that when we pass into the
next world we shall not be restricted to ono
occupation, nor inspired exclusively with one
sentiment. They believe that our duties will be
as manifold, and our enjoyments as various, as
here upon earth. How numerous and distin
guishing are the virtues that now move the
heart of man, promoting acts of benevolence,
and deeds of good-will, courage, perseverance,
resignation, devotion, and the yearnings of com
passion! What a varied list is here! Are these
to perish with the body? or, at best, slumber
there, eternally inactive, unemployed ?
Spiritualists believe that he who strives for
eelt-culture, morally and intellectually, on tnts
earth, will be allowed to perfect his task
where there is no flesh. They believe that the
philanthropist, whose life has been oue long
series of benefactions to the "race, will not be
called upon to surrender at death the good that
he has done. They believe that be whose days
have been spent in exploring the secrets of na
ture will not be compelled to relinquish, with ;
his earthly body, the pursuit of that science to'
which his heart Is weddtd. They look forward
to a better world but to a world, still.
They believe that there is a spiritual as well
as a natural body. They believe that friends
recognize each other as they arrive, and that
the day of death, with its sad parting on tbis
side, is also a day of happy reunion on the
other. There Is another belief universally
accepted in the spiritual creed. . We believe
that human afflictions and sympathy, stronger
than death, sometimes attract back to earth
the disembodied spirit the mother yearning
alter her helplexs child; the lover separated
from his betrothed; the husband still longing
to cherish his widowed partner. We believe
that, under certain conditions, Bplrltual guar
dianship can be exerted, and that it Is often
exercised by spirits. They visit this world to
warn and protect those, perhaps, with whom
they are unattached or unknown.
The speaker continued at some length, and
concluded by thanking his hearers for their close
attention. j
Government
MPROPERTYAT PRIVATE SAIE
WPlTKINs.CO.
AWNINGS, WAUON COVERS, BAGS, ETC.
I'yonwaDtan eitra Awnlug- very cheiip. let our
a lot of INK) hospital lenu, lately purchased by us,
uiaoy of which are entirely new, and ol the bet U
ouuoe duck. Alto. Government ttoddlMiarid Harness
Of all klua. etc. WTKl . N A IX..
1 3m Nos. 887 and S3S Nortb FRONT Street.
JOHN CRUMP,
OAKPENTKR AN I) BUILDEIV
tuorii mo. ais lodcie vtbeet, add n(
1?S IIIEMKUT W1JIKKT,
( 21 rHJLADKLPHIA
tears. "Lord, I believe; help
lief." Like these doubters s
LEGAL NOTICES.
IN THE ORPHAN!' COURT FOB THE CITY
AN1 COUNTY tP PHIL.ADKLPH1A.
K"talof 1.EW18 JlHKMF.lt, deceased.
Trie Auditor appointed by Uie Court u audit, settle,
and Bfljimt the account ot OKOKOK W, JSKKM Kit and
CATltaltlMIil BRK.MKB, K.xecutore of Uie 1H will
and leetamentof LKWlS BHKM KK. deceaned. and to
report dlHinbutlou or tbe balance In the hands ot the
accountant, will meet the partlci Interested tor the
pnrpone or hie appointment, on FHIDAY. July 11,
JH67, at 4 o'clock KM,, :at his olllce, No, 1424 bouin
yoUKTH hueet, In he;ltr of Philadelphia.
2 fmwat JOKHUA UPKItlNU. Auditor.
XN THE ORPHANS' COURT FOR THE CITY
AMI COUM'Y OK PHILADELPHIA.
KetBte ol LKW1S H. DUNUAN, deceased.
Trie Auditor appointed by rhe Court to audit, nettle,
and adjust the ttn account ot 11KNJAMIN M.
JJUNUAN. Administrator ot 1KW1S 11. DUN.
UAN, deceased, and to report distribution of the
balance In the hands of the accountant, will meet
tbe parties Interested lor tne purpose of hie appoint,
ment, on TUKHday, July 2, A. I. 1A7, at 11 o'clock
A. M at his oHIce, No. 4U2 WAJLNUT Htreet.ln tbe
Clly ot Philadelphia. W. D, liA K KH,
6 21 to wot a udltorj
ICE COMPANIES.
CE ! ICE ! ICE ! ICE !
INCORPORATED 1864.
COLD SPRING
ICE AND COAL COMPANY,
DEALERS IN AND .
Shippers of Eastern Ice and Coal
THOMAS E. CAIUIX, PRESIDENT.
JOI1IV OOODTEAR, SECRET ART.
HENRY THOMAS, SUPERINTENDENT,
Having now completed oar arrangements for a full
snpply of Ice, we are prepared to enter Into contracts
with large or small customers tor a pure article, with
guarantee of being supplied promptly tor tbe season
Wagons run dally in all paved limits of the consoli
dated city. West Philadelphia, Mantua, Tioga, Frank
lord. Brldesbnrg, Klchmoud, and Germantown. A
trial is asked. Bend your orders to the Office,
No. 435 WALNUT Street.
.DEPOTS:
S. W. CORNER TWELFTH AND WILLOW
STREETS), 611stnw2in
NORTH PENNSTLTANIA RAILROAD
AND MASTER STREET,
LO 91 BARD AND TWENTY-FIFTH STS.,
PIN E STREET WHARF, StilCT L K I LL.
HOOP SKIRTS.
QQ HOOP SKIRTS,
HOPKINS' "OWN MAKE,"
628
i'ltltO MiiUVVtLU III
It affords us much pleasure to announce to our
numerous patrons ana tue pnbllo, that in conse
quence of a slight decline In Hoop Skirt material,
together with our Increased facilities for manufao
turlDg, and a strict adherence to BUYIN14 and
bKLLINU for CASH, we are enabled to oUTer all our
JUbTliY CKLEBBATED HOOP BKIRTS at RE
DUCED PKICKH. And our Bklrts will always, aa
heretofore, be found In every respect more desirable,
and really cheaper than any single or double Bprlug
Hoopbkfrtln the market, while our assortment is
unequalled.
Also, constantly receiving from New York and the
Eastern States full Hues ot low priced Hklrts, at very
low prices; among which Is a lot of Plain Uklru at
the following rates: IS springs, 55c.; 20 springs, 6ftc; 2-
springs, 75c.; no springs, 86c.j ss springs, 86a; and
springs, fl'OO.
(skirts made to order, altered, and repaired. Who!
sale and retail, at tbe Philadelphia Hoop bklrt Ka
porlum,No. 28 A-KCH Street, below Seventh.
6J0 amrp WILLIAM T. HOPKINS,
No. 1101 CHKSNUT Street.
E. M. NEEDLES & CO..
K, W. Cor. Eleveatth and Cheamnt,
OFFER AT A
GREAT SACRIFICE
WHITE FRENCH BRILLIANTES.
Ladles who have used THESE GOODS will
1 not fall to appreciate them at the prices,
SC, 30, 3d Cents.
"leeais XQKBKH3 10TI "OH
Q A S STOVES FOR
COOKI N C AND HEATING.
BT CIAS AND AIR COMBINED.
T H EJ A HI
The Best, tbe Cheapest, the Surest, the most Reliable,
the most easily cleaned, the self-sealing, aelf-leUng,
Flexible Cap CARLISLE JAJO.
THE REPEATING LICHT,
PHICE, 75 CENTS.
PATENT ICE CREAM FREEZERS
CHARLES BCBHUAH A CO.,
NO. 110 SOITU TENTH STREET
6141m Corner ot Sansoro.
Jm 8. ROBIN GO N,
No. QIO OHESNUT STREET,
la In receipt to-day of an invoice of
PINE CHEOMOS, : ENGRAVINGS,
ETC. ETC.,
Which are now open for examination.
"Peace and War,' by G. Doree," 'Last Rose o
Bummer," "Cromwell and Jfamlly," "Romeo and
Juliet," "Star ol Bethlehem," are well worthy the
attention of the admirers of art 815
QEOI
RCE PLOWMAN.
CARPENTER AND BUILDER
Ha. I8S CARTER STREET,
And No, 141 DOCK Street
Machine Work and MlUwrlghtlng promptly at
endxd to. HI
T. STEWART BROWN,
B.G. Corner of
1 FOTTETH and CHESTNUT STJ
HANUrACTCBtB Of
TaiP"Xfl. VALISES, BAGS, HBTICUXE8, and evel
TOCaaS aa HaOo Repaint,
PHILADELPHIA BDEGBCN'3
-ii BAND AUK INHT1TUTK, No, 14 N.
m- xtxiiixa. lotrveb, auuve ill Riim 1. xj.
KV .KKETT, after thirty years' practical experience,
guarantees the skilful adjustment of hla Premium
Patent Graduating Pressure Trusa, and a variety of
others. btipportera, Klastlo block lima, bhouldtr
Brace, Crutches, fctuspendera, aio, Latllaa' apart
tueula conducted by a Lady, ftttl!
A
LEXANDKK O. CATTELL A CO
PRODUCE COMMISSION Al ICKUUAJ V
No. a NOliTH WHABVJbU
NO
NO. tt NORTH WATER STREET,
PHILADELPHIA.
umMDn a. t!ATTkj ! muHKHtral
COITOja AM1 FLAX,
HAUL DUCK AND OAWVAS,
Ol all numbers and brand
Tent Awning, Trunk, and WaifouCuver Duck. Aim
Paper Ju.iiuhk tureru' l)iler Fella, from one toaev
feet wldu: Pauling. Helling, HrII Twine, etc
' JOHN W. JtVEIiMAN A CO.,
i No.iv3 JON.b3 AiWy.
i
MILLINERY, T KIM MINI. . ,
f10 U R N I NC MILLINCr,
ALWA YB ON HAND A LAItQE ASSORT" 1
MOTJlimiNG BONNi j
AT KO. tO TOALKVT STREl
8276m MAD'LLE KE
MltS. It. DILLOiY
'( MOM. SS AUD SSI MOUTH MX 1
1
handsome Mttortmnt of BPBXNQ V 1
tlnnnnU anil Uai r,r ih. i.i.f mui i ,
a i ua-n vr. araij intmt HVy It A .
Also, Bilks, Velvets, Klbhona, Crapes, Vnt 4 l.
Flowers, Frames, etc 7 ?
; " 4
rUKruSHINu GOODS, SHIRTS, 1'
105 H. A FLEISKER & CO., 1;.V
Bucceasora to Bamberger Brothers,
uusici v nil u a i -si imp i r mmiflffe
""b,M'
OLOYEM. IDIBBOIDEBim, 1
LADIES', ENTS AND 1IILDB Eft's
UHDEMKIllUTM, ETC..
Jio. 105 Worth EICIIT1I Street,
olBwfmWt THREE D00B3 ABOVE ARCH, r'
105 PHItADKT.PITIA. 105
F, HOFF MAN N, JR..
KO. SSS ARCH STREET,
FURNISHING GOODS,
(Late G. A. Hoflman. formerly W. W. Knight,)
FINE SIIIRTS AND WRAPPERS.
IIOMIERY AND LOTES
SILK, LAUDS' WOOL AND MERINO
8 8 fan warn PNDERCLOTIIINC
j w. soott & oo;;
SHIRT MANUFACTURERS.
AMD bSaUCBS IM
MEN'S FURNISHING GOODS;
N. 814 CHESS CT STREET,
S"OUR DOOB8 BELOW THE "CONTINENTAL,!
PATENT SHOULDER-SEAM
8HIRT MANUFACTORY,
AND CIENTLEMEN'S FtTRNxSHINttSTORa
PERFECT FITT1NO BHIKT8 AND DRAW EJUS
made from measurement at very short notice.
All other artlclee of GENtLEUEN'H DKXSS
GOODS in full variety.
WINCHESTER A CO.,
1111 Ke. 708 CHEBKPT Btreet.
BILLIARD ROOMS.
uU BIRD. BIRD.
After aeveral months' preparation, Mr.O.BIKD
haa opened hla new and spacious establlHhment for
the entertainment of his friends, and the public la
general, at ISos. W6 end 607 ARCH Btreet.
The first and second Hours are fitted up aa Billiard
Rooms. and furnished with twelve tirst-clasa tables,
while the appurtenances and adornments comprise
everything which can conduce to the comfort and
convenience of tbe players. In the basement are
four new and splendid Rowling Alleys, for tboee who
wish to develope their muscle in anticipation of tbe
base-ball season, A Restaurant Is attached, where
everything In tbe edible line can be haaot the best
quality, and at the shortest notice. The following
well-known gentlemen have been secured as Assist?
ants, and will preside over the various departments:
PREfSS. O. WOODNUTT.
SAMUKL DOUGLASS, ,
JOHN HOOD, . ..
WILLIAM E. GILLMORE,
HEN RY W. DUNCAN,
PHILIP GRTJMBRECUT. Restaurateur.
While Air. B1KD will hold a careful supervision
over alU He ventures to aay that, taken all In all,
there baa nothing ever beeu Btarled In Philadelphia
approaching tbls establishment In completeness of
arrangement and attention to the comfort of the
public
6l8lm O. BIRD. Proprietor.
FIRE AND BURGLAR PROOFSAFES
C. L. MAISER.
MANCFACTUBKB OF
FIRE AND DCRCLAR PROOF
SAFES.
LOCKSMITH, BELL-HANGER, AND "
DEALER IN BVILDINO HARDWARE,
aaf NO. 44 RACE STREET.
A LARGE ASSORTMENT OP ' FIRE
and Bnrelar-proof SAFES on hand, with inside
uoora, jjweuing-nuuse caiei, iree iroin ciampne
Prices low. C. 1IAKSENFORDEK.
8 8 No. 2 VINE Street
REMOVAL.
E M O V
A- Sc ILLEJAMB
Late Ko. 1012 Chcannt street, have ret?
rUKHIIUrit ANU UrNUL) I CHI StC "
Wo Mo. 1103 CIIK8NTJV gTAKF.?,
UPBTAIRS. tg;a
HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTJET
P A I
N
mm m ,
I I IV Va. ii)
Mel ;
THOMAS A. FART
BOUSE AND SIGN PAINT T.
.xct s . -a, a
D trsatl
(Late I ahy & Bra)
No. SI North THIRD
Above Market.
OLD BRICK FRONTS done up, and
tii uni vu uurni jrvn. unuK, diujiijiw UwIJMl
City and country trade solicited. All o:
uiiy ana country trade solicited. Alto: nf,i
promptly attended to. '
MfcW PUBLICATIO
LECTURES. A NEW, COURSt
turn Is being delivered at the -AHJSKUM
OF AN ATOM V, embracing
"How to Live and whm to lav
Maturity, aud Old Age. Manhood
viewed, Tbe Causes U ilndigestiou, 1
Nervous Illnesses accounted lor. i
pblcally coiuildured," etc.
Pocket volumes containing these "
forwarded to parties, unable to ait -tour
stamps, by add renting "bKi
York Muhkum or Anatumtana .
Bboadwat, tsEW YOHK." !
WANTS.
WANTED, FIVE HDNDT
lor the U. B. Marine Corns,
able-bodied, young, unmarried
employed In the Government
fclbips of War on loielgn stations,
luatlon apply to
J
Captain and I
41fmwtf No. If
i;
FERTILIZE
A
MMOISIATED
AN ITNSCBPAKNrgt
For Wheat, Corn, Oata, Poiai,
Garden, Frnit Trees, (In,,
Thla Fertilizer cenlalna C i
Fertilizing bulla.
Price (no per ton of KiOO )
jpaiuiacturere, -
"fcsj
WILLIAM I :
tic CO.
1 Iflmwf
COACH I
NO. all SOVT
Vc w enj Fecond-r
titular attv&Uoo pt'
7
4
fpes vsttuaest humiliation. nut wneatuocau-
I
?
V