* * * * *
In the foregoing essay, taken from the first number of _The Two
Worlds_, edited by Mrs. E. H. Britten, we have the best exposition of
Occultism that has been published. It shows that Occultism, theoretic
and practical, is a matter of intellectual ambition--ambition to
understand the mysteries of nature, and to wield the power which such
understanding gives. It exhibits no ulterior purpose of using its
knowledge for the benefit of mankind, or even of diffusing it. Its aim
is selfish, and the secrecy which it has maintained is not justifiable
in the present condition of our civilization.
ANTHROPOLOGY, which I am endeavoring to introduce for the benefit of
mankind, comprehends the whole of the theory and practice of
Occultism, and there is no need for seeking mysterious societies for a
species of knowledge which is no longer a secret, and which will be
fully illustrated in my future publications.
"Practical Occultism," as defined by Sirius, is perfectly intelligible
to one who understands the science of the brain. It is an effort to
cultivate into _abnormal_ predominance the heroic, firm, hardy, and
spiritual regions of the brain, to the neglect if not suppression of
its nobler powers. In suppressing sympathy and sensibility, it impairs
the foundation of our most amiable virtues, isolates man from the
companionship and love of his fellow-beings and comes dangerously near
to misanthropy and black magic, or the attempt to use spiritual powers
and the spiritual realm for purely selfish purposes.
Bulwer, it is stated, was one of the occult society. In his case the
pursuit was one of pure selfishness; his motives in his literary
career were selfish and avaricious; his domestic life was detestable,
and the use that he made of his knowledge in his literary labors was
meretricious and fantastic. That noble-minded woman and gifted medium,
the late Mrs. M. B. Hayden, M. D., was received by him at Knebworth,
and gave him ample evidence of truths which he never publicly
sustained.
Whatever withdraws us from society and from the duties to
fellow-beings which are incumbent upon all, is unworthy of
encouragement. The noblest cultivation is symmetrical, and in its
symmetry maintains the supremacy of the ethical sentiments, which
recognize human fraternity.
Nevertheless, this "practical occultism," abnormal and egotistic
though it be, may develop marvellous powers, at which we may wonder as
we do at the skill of an acrobat or the pugilism of Sullivan. It
cultivates a will power and a spirituality by which miraculous
phenomena may be shown, but they are of little real value compared to
the nobler miracle of healing those whom physicians have surrendered
to death, and bringing to the knowledge of mankind the entire truth
concerning the future life, and the ennobling lessons derived
therefrom, which bring earth life nearer to heaven.