OUR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.
I have told my friends something of the work of the spirits who labor
for the good of humanity, and have described some of the conditions that
surround human beings—embodied and disembodied—which make or mar their
happiness, elevate or depress their spirits.
As on earth, so in the spirit world, various organizations and societies
exist for the suppression of vice and evil, the propagation of virtue
and truth, the diffusion of knowledge and the banishment of ignorance,
the protection of society, and the general elevation of mankind. Many of
your most philanthropic schemes, your greatest benevolent institutions,
your grandest methods of benefiting humanity, your purest organizations,
and your noblest societies for the good of man, are outgrowths from
similar labors and establishments that have long flourished in the
spirit world. Wise and exalted spirits unite in working for the blessing
of their fellow-beings; they devise ways and means, and work
continuously to enlighten human minds upon the laws of life.
It has always been the desire of these spirits to bring a comprehension
of their work to mortals, and to enlist kindred souls on earth in like
labors. Whenever they have found mortals sufficiently susceptible to
holy influences, and possessed with souls beating in sympathy for
suffering humanity, they have worked upon their sensibilities until they
have become quickened under the angelic power operating upon them, and
have responded to the thought of the attending spirits. What is the
result? Philanthropic schemes are started, agitated, and discussed;
earnest men and noble women associate together to evolve plans for the
benefit of the lowly, weak, and suffering; a new influx of spiritual
power is brought to them, which they imbibe into their lives, all
unconsciously to themselves, and very soon some useful, benevolent work
is in progress, corresponding to a similar beneficent labor in the
higher life.
EARTHLY REFORMS ORIGINATE IN SPIRIT LIFE.
In this way good works are conceived and elaborated on earth. I do not
mean to say that mortals are unable to project and perform any
philanthropic enterprise for themselves, and that your self-sacrificing,
earnest men and women are made so entirely by the influence of others
who are unseen; but I do affirm that all good spirits are working in the
direction of human reform, and to benefit humanity; that many of these
intelligences have thus labored for many centuries; that their
sympathies and tender pity for the unfortunate condition of a large
portion of mankind bring them into close contact with the earth, and
that, when they perceive a mortal who is alike sympathetic, pitiful, and
desirous of doing good with themselves, they are attracted to such a
being, and by the magnetic influence and quickening energy they shed
upon him, they stimulate his powers, multiply his resources, and inspire
him to express his holy desires and good wishes in outward, practical
form. Thus, noble institutions are established on earth for the
enlightenment, education, and elevation of our race; grand labors for
the suppression of vice and the promotion of virtue are pursued, and
these are types, counterparts, and representations of like institutions
and good works in the spirit world.
Whatever is good, reformatory, or beneficent in its nature, whatever is
progressive and an aid to human unfoldment, is abiding, for it is of the
spirit. Whatever is debasing, selfish in character, and downward in
tendency, is transient; it belongs to the material, and cannot survive
the encroachments of the higher law. Therefore, all good works have
their inception in the spirit, and gain their first growth in the land
of souls. After a time, when conditions are made favorable for their
appearance, they become expressed through physical life, and are
productive of lasting results for the welfare of humanity.
The spirit kingdoms that are inhabited by intelligences who have
advanced to a state of happiness commensurate to the lesson of truth,
wisdom, and self-abnegation they have learned; who know that life is
only truly employed by those who labor for the benefit of others; who
are pure-minded, and work in love for those more unfortunate than
themselves, may be said to consist of one grand co-operative society,
the various members of which are so united in sympathy and purpose that
all work together as one person for the amelioration of human sorrow and
suffering. This society has, however, its various duties to perform, and
these duties may be assigned to different bodies of intelligences, so
that a number of smaller organizations or bands are formed, all having
their particular labors to perform, and all working to the one grand end
of educating mankind.
That you may more fully understand the work of these spiritual
societies, and the results, vast and important in their nature,
continually flowing from them, I will endeavor to unfold before you a
description of the labors, uses, and intentions of a few of them. I know
that the earthly language I am obliged to employ is very inadequate to
express things belonging to the spirit, where life is rich in signs and
symbols, and where ideas are multiplied beyond the power of mortals to
express; yet, if I but give you a faint conception of these things, you
will gain some knowledge of life in the spheres, and be the better
prepared to experience it yourselves when you pass up higher.
DIVISIONS OF SPIRIT MISSION OF LABOR.
A large number of spirits have banded together for the purpose of
disseminating the light of truth and a practical knowledge of real life
among the ignorant and unenlightened of both worlds. In order to utilize
their powers and to employ their energies more effectively, the large
band of workers is subdivided into a number of smaller societies, or
unions, each of which has a special duty to perform. Thus, one of these
organizations finds its particular mission among the lowly and
undeveloped individuals of earthly life; and it is the duty of its
members to use their influence to its utmost extent for the elevation of
those misguided, untutored individuals with whom they come in contact.
While much may be accomplished by the good spirits from time to time by
operating directly upon the hearts and minds of the unfortunate ones,
and implanting within them a desire to advance in the attainment of
knowledge and goodness, yet their greatest means of labor is to exert an
influence upon the denizens of earth who are educated, cultured, and
refined, and awaken within _them_ a determination to agitate the subject
of human needs and requirements, until, through the power and
persistency they bring to bear upon such questions, a widespread public
sentiment is created in favor of them that will force society to
recognize their claims, and to seek some method for their proper
adjustment.
Thus has every reform that has resulted in benefit to the human race
received its impetus on earth from bands of spirits whose special work
has been in that direction. In this way the question of a universal and
free education has been aroused, agitated, and started upon the road to
a practical and successful solution in this country. Thus the abolition
of human slavery in the American nation received its first great power
to accomplish its vast results from the spirit world. Thus the subject
of temperance was brought home to the attention and thought of thinking,
humanitarian minds by a band of invisible intelligences from the higher
life, who have pledged themselves to relax not their efforts until they
behold every mortal regarding intemperance as an evil habit to be
devoutly shunned and resisted.
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
Thus, the question of universal liberty has been aroused in the minds of
the thinkers of every nation,—a subject that will not down at any
bidding, but one that will continue to arise until all countries are
thrown open in a hospitable welcome to all people, and until all rights
and privileges become free and equal to each one. As an outgrowth of
this idea comes the question of Woman Suffrage, which makes its demands
with the laws of justice and reason on its side, and which will continue
to appear before mankind until its claims and requests are recognized
and granted; for this matter—so vital to all classes of society, and so
essential to the true advancement of the race—is under the supervision
of a co-operative society in the heavens, whose members are enlisted in
the labor of guiding it on to a grand and successful result.
THE INDIANS.
Growing out of the question of human freedom also appears the problem of
how are the native Americans of this country—the Indians—to be protected
and cared for? And the bands of spirits who are looking after this
matter declare that nothing short of exact justice towards the red man
can answer their demands in this quarter. And sooner or later this great
question must be settled by the government of the United States granting
the privileges of education, industrial and intellectual, of
establishing homes, of holding property, and the rights of citizenship
to all honest and respectable Indians; for they (the spirits) will
continue to exert their influence and power upon the inhabitants of this
country until the people arouse in their might, and demand justice for
the too-long outraged red man.
PEACE ARBITRATION.
The subject of national and sectional warfare is also under the
attention of a large organization of spirits, who are working to
establish a system of Peace Arbitration on earth, under the quiet and
harmonious regulation of which all national or other difficulties
relating to the interests of the people may be wisely adjusted; and
there is no doubt in my mind but that their efforts will be crowned with
success.
HEREDITY.
There are many other branches of reform relating to human interests that
are looked after by wise spirits who are laboring for the advancement of
mankind, and one especially, and an important theme, is that which comes
under the title of Heredity, and which concerns more vitally, perhaps,
than does anything else the health, happiness, and prosperity of the
coming races. Much thought and observation long since taught a large
class of thinking spirits what a few mortals are but just beginning to
learn, viz., that unless man attends to the offspring he rears by
providing them with the very best pre-natal conditions for growth and
development, it will be almost useless for him to attempt to reform them
of gross habits and impure tendencies _after_ they have entered upon the
arena of mortal existence and strife. Not until humanity is educated
concerning the laws of its being, and understands that whatever trait or
characteristic is unduly developed in the individual, whatever taint of
bodily or moral disease is allowed to fester in his system, will surely
transmit its evil results to his children, and that it is his duty to so
study his constitution and habits, and to so regulate his daily life,
that he will be able to entail upon his offspring only those traits of
character, or those elements of physical health, that will produce the
most beautiful and satisfactory results; not until then will the coming
generations show a proper development of physical and moral power that
will regenerate and redeem the world from misery.
The laws of Heredity, or Transmission, work in two directions, and while
they declare “the sins of the fathers shall be visited upon the
children,” they also maintain that the virtues and lovely attributes of
the parents shall descend to their offspring with added power.
Therefore, wise spirits are working for the dissemination of this great
truth among mortals, and they are constantly bringing in a new influx of
thought and the desire to agitate the subject to those few minds on
earth who are ready to receive this knowledge, and who have the courage
to express their convictions for the enlightenment of the many.
AN ORGANIZATION OF SPIRITS FOR THE ELEVATION OF EARTH’S INHABITANTS.
We have a society in the spirit world whose members are all pledged to
the work assigned them. The tasks set before them by the wise and
exalted spirits whose abilities, intelligence, beneficent purposes and
practices, as well as spiritual experiences, qualify them for their
positions as guides, directors, and councilors are not always pleasant
and agreeable to the members, and yet, knowing that these tasks are
designed to work out some lasting blessing for others, they falter not,
but attend faithfully to the accomplishment of what proves to be a
divinely-appointed mission.
The labors of this society are varied, but all tend in the one
direction,—that of purifying and educating humanity. One or more of its
members may be directed to visit some den of iniquity on earth, and by a
holy and uplifting influence seek to draw away and benefit some unhappy,
miserable spirit who lingers there, and also to exert a magnetic power
upon some degraded mortal until he or she becomes disgusted with an
unholy life, and feels a desire to abandon it for a better. This is not
as pleasing and beautiful a task to the spirits who engage in it as is
the mission of others of the same band who are delegated to watch over
and care for little children whose lives are innocent, and whose
conditions are refining; but they know that in their field of labor is
the promise of good results, and they apply themselves faithfully to the
performance of their duty.
Great good is accomplished in this way. In every crowd of undeveloped
and immoral beings who cling close to the lowest haunts of human life on
earth the wise beneficent spirits are sure to find at least one mortal
and one spirit who have become satiated with the indulgence of their
animal natures, disgusted with their lives of wrong-doing and sin, and
anxious to begin a holier life. Thus, these angel missionaries find
fruitful soil in which to plant their good seed, and, after many trials,
and the exercise of great patience, they have the satisfaction of
finding their efforts rewarded with success, and of knowing that they
have been the means of guiding more than one immortal soul toward the
life of peace and happiness that belongs to all, but which can only be
attained by manly efforts to reach it,—a life of endeavor and of
self-renunciation so far as the gratification of personal pride,
passion, or ambition is concerned.
The society of spirits of which I write is large and extensive, and
embraces a great number of intelligences who work in connection not only
with this country but also with those of the entire world. Wherever
there is a human being to be uplifted, instructed, and blest; wherever
there is an immortal soul to be redeemed from error, they are to be
found. The mission of these spirit people is to do good; their labors
are confined to no race, color, or nation, but are extended to all
humanity. It would be impossible for me to enumerate the various methods
they adopt for the accomplishment of their work, or the divers duties
and labors that engage their attention; but they are earnest, zealous,
and faithful to duty, and under their benign influence the lowly are
exalted and the weak receive strength.
Co-operation is a grand incentive to labor; it also bringeth strength
and courage to those who are united by its shining bands. It is the
creator of harmony, sympathy, and fraternity of feeling in the hearts of
all whom it reaches. Under its beautiful and effective ministrations,
humanity is destined to grow and unfold its highest powers and
attributes until universal love and tenderness bloom in all hearts, and
every soul, of every race and clime, becomes united in a heavenly band
of brotherhood and sisterhood.
CARE AND PROTECTION OF MEDIUMS.
One of our extensive co-operative societies is composed of young ladies
whose duties are to study the laws governing mediumship, as well as to
gain an understanding of those electric forces operating between spirit
and matter, of which certain spirits take advantage in manifesting their
presence to mortals. Realizing the grievous error concerning immortal
life in which the larger portion of mankind is plunged, and wishing to
do all in their power to demonstrate the truth to humanity, so that
doubt may give way to certainty, fear to confidence, ignorance to
knowledge, and all hearts made glad with the soul-cheering conviction
that there is no death, but that life is eternal, these spirits have
joined together for the purpose of working in harmony for the promotion
of spiritual truth upon the earth.
Singly, in pairs, or in groups, the young people of this society visit
the various mediums of earth to supply them with magnetic power and
spiritual strength. They draw around each of those sensitive instruments
an ethereal garment woven from the elements of their (the spirits’) own
lives, which, like a mantle of light, protects the mediums from the
poisonous arrows of persecution, scorn, and envy hurled against them by
malicious or distrustful minds, and guards them in their labor of love
for the angels. Spirits are well aware that thoughts are tangible things
that can be both seen and felt, and can wound or heal the sensitive
souls to whom they are directed, according to their blighting or
beneficent character. Thus, when one is envious or in any manner hostile
in feeling to another, the thoughts which he directs toward that person,
charged as they are with the virile magnetism the exercise of hatred or
any other passion engenders, strike upon the spirit of him to whom they
are directed with stinging effect. If the individual of whom this person
happens to think unkindly or severely is one susceptible to spiritual
and other influences,—kept in a negative condition because of the
frequent control of his organism by spirits,—he will keenly sense the
silent shafts of thought hurled against him, and suffer in consequence.
Many mediums experience mental and physical pain, as well as debility of
power, frequently when they are unaware of the cause; while at the very
time some person, who is antagonistic to them and their work, is
thinking unkindly of them, thus producing a disastrous effect upon the
life of the sensitive subject of their thoughts.
Therefore, the work of the band of spirits here alluded to is a highly
important one, for the magnetic sympathy and love of these pure-minded,
earnest, and tender young beings produce a tranquilizing, soothing
effect upon the lives of the mediums whom they approach, which is very
beneficial to them. And though each medium has a band of attending
spirits, composed of males and females, many of whom are powerful to
guard and care for the susceptible instrument under their charge, yet
they are ever glad to be assisted in the performance of their arduous
duties of demonstrating immortal truth to mortals, and at the same time
warding off unpleasant and dangerous conditions from their mediums, by
the spirits of whom I write.
Just here allow me to remark that as unkind and malicious thoughts of
another will wound and annoy that person, so gentle, loving, and kindly
thoughts concerning a friend will reach the individual to whom they are
directed with an influence refreshing and sweet, and carry blessing upon
their way. How important, then, that we should all endeavor to cultivate
kindly feelings in our hearts for our fellows, that our influence may
result in good for humanity.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MEDIUMS.
While the society of spirits here mentioned have much to do in exerting
a cheerful influence over mediums in order to keep them in condition for
their work, this does not comprise the extent of their labors. To spread
the truth, and to be able to enlighten humanity at large upon the great
question of immortal life, new mediums must be developed and brought
into the field of spiritual labor. The spirit world has need of more
instruments; and the members of our society find a work in visiting
earth’s people, and seeking mediumistic persons whose powers can be
unfolded for the use of spirit helpers and the service of humanity. This
task is pursued with zeal and earnestness, and many mortals are thus
discovered and magnetically operated upon whose powers are developing
for the work of the future. While certain individuals in middle and
advanced life are becoming mediums, many young people are developing, in
the privacy of home life, medial powers that are to be utilized by the
spirits for the furtherance of their grand work. And the bands of young
spirits from our co-operative society are determined that they will do
all in their power to make this labor a mighty success.
“OUR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.”
Some three summers ago, a small company of Spiritualists visiting from
the West, while assembled in an upper room of one of the largest hotels
in Boston, was addressed by “Betsey,” the spirit-messenger of Mrs. J. C.
Jackson, one of Cincinnati’s most popular and active mediums, upon the
subject of co-operation. At that time, the sprightly and entertaining
control of Mrs. Jackson proposed that those present should form
themselves into a society for the purpose of uniting their efforts in
seeking to benefit and bless humanity. It was suggested that this
organization be called “Our Co-operative Society,” and known as an
offshoot from, or a branch of, the Co-operative Societies of the Spirit
World. Its members were not to be pledged to secrecy as to its forms and
conditions, for their doings were to be such as would bear the
inspection of the world; their labors might be extended in any
direction, provided they pointed to the one result,—that of blessing
some human being, mortal or spirit, and could be performed together or
separately, as circumstances at the time demanded. It was further urged
that no initiation fee, quarterly or other payment be collected from its
members, for its doors were to be opened free to everyone who had a
desire at heart to be of use in the world. The regulations of this
society were to be such that all could conform to them in spirit as well
as to the letter, for they only required earnest hearts and willing
hands to do the work.
The duties of the members who should join this band would be such as all
could perform. The brother who possessed material wealth would be
expected to use a portion of his means in assisting the needy, or in
other beneficent ways, as an opportunity for doing so arose before him.
Those who could give but a mite for the furtherance of some good work,
and who gave it with a cheerful spirit, would perform their share of the
society’s labor just as truly as the man or woman of ample means who
contributed largely. Those who had no money to bestow in charity, but
who could speak a comforting word to the distressed, would be welcomed
to the band; while those who, when the occasion arose, could perform
some helpful hand-service in aid of others would be called associates
and helpers. In short, the duty of members would be to become useful to
others, and to exert their energies to benefit their fellow-beings. No
matter in what direction or under what circumstances they found a human
creature in need of any service they could render,—whether of a material
or spiritual nature,—they must exercise their power, and perform that
work.
The life that now is may be beautified and made to extend its influence
into the higher existence, and in blessing mortals by our helpful
assistance, we also benefit and uplift the weary spirits who return to
earthly conditions seeking release from their sufferings, while a
benison of light and peace reflects from our good works upon the lovely
evangels who are returning to mortal life to associate and co-operate
with those who choose to join such a society as the one under
consideration.
“Betsey” further stated to her group of interested listeners that no
special place or regular time of meeting would be chosen for “Our
Co-operative Society,” but that its members could perform their work
wherever they might be, and that all the world had the privilege of
considering themselves associative workers of the Union if they chose to
do so; while if true charity, kindly feeling and helpful service were
cultivated and conscientiously exercised by each one, no report of their
doings or progress would be needed. The angels would know, understand,
and approve.
WHAT CONSTITUTES MEMBERSHIP.
We are all brothers and sisters, children of one Father and Mother,
members of one great family, and it is time we endeavored to strengthen
the bonds of fraternity between each other. Let us do this to make our
fellows happier or their lot easier to bear. To call up a smile to a
weary face, to make a heart sing with joy, to cause others to grow
thankful for the amenities and blessings of life, is a noble work; and
mortals who strive to do these things, wherever they are, or under
whatsoever conditions they may labor, are members of “Our Co-operative
Society,” originated and established in the spirit world and revealed to
mortals for their approval.
Thus was the question of the formation of a co-operative society on
earth, similar in its principles, objects and purposes, and to be as
far-reaching in its results as the same organizations in the spiritual
world, first mooted and approved by “Betsey,” the control of Mrs.
Jackson, to a few friends in the city of Boston; but at the time nothing
was accomplished in the way of forming a union, or of adopting the
practical suggestions of that worthy and clear-sighted spirit. After the
return of the party to their homes in Cincinnati, a spiritual seance was
formed, which now convenes at the residence of Mrs. Dr. Jackson on the
Saturday evenings of each week.
Upon these occasions it is the privilege of my father’s sister—a
beautiful spirit who is truly a minister of peace, hope, and love to
many weary souls—to regularly control Mrs. J., through whose organism
she is enabled to give many instructive and important lessons that
result in great good to her hearers.
In frequenting the circles of her loved and ever faithful medium, my
aunt Sarah has become familiar with its regular attendants, and so
understands in a measure their spiritual capacities, powers, and
aspirations; and at one time, taking up the idea of “Our Co-operative
Society,” as out-lined by “Betsey” upon an earlier occasion, she so
clearly elaborated it to the understanding of the mortal friends that
they expressed themselves in utter harmony with its design, and
intimated they were ready to unite with the spiritual world in its
labors of love for humanity.
ITS PLANS, PURPOSES, AND INFLUENCE.
Thus “Our Co-operative Society” has been inaugurated, and its members
are in earnest. They desire and intend to do good whenever and wherever
they can, and to try and make the world better for having lived. Not
only the Cincinnati friends belong to this Union, but individuals in
Boston and elsewhere are aware of its existence, and join in its labors,
declaring themselves members, and signifying their intention to perform
their share of its good works; while hundreds of spirits are in sympathy
with the movement, and are the unseen associates who are guiding it on
to a glorious result.
Already has the power and influence of “Our Co-operative Society” spread
in many directions, and the magnitude of its future usefulness and
prosperity no man can predict. The grand, moral, spiritual teachings
enunciated by celestial visitants through the instrumentality of Mrs.
Jackson at her Saturday seances are productive of the best results, and
are an important element in the work and growth of the society. All such
meetings, where the truths taught are wisely and lovingly given, and are
thankfully received by earnest minds who endeavor to incorporate them
into their daily lives, are places where the true principles of union
are to be found, and where harmony of action reveal the existence of
“Our Co-operative Society.”
Allow me here to invite all my readers to join our association, and to
become helpers in the work of blessing mankind. They have no need to
send in their names; all they have to do is to resolve to do good
wherever they can, and to set about it at once, and they will be
recognized by the angels as co-workers and friends.
PART SECOND.