aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

A SERIES OP SEANCES UPON THE OCEAN. 123
thermometers, A harsh word, a disagreeable odor, the sudden
opening of a door, the introduction of a certain individual
into
the stance, — these^ and other disturbing causes,
may destroy all the conditions necessary for the influx of
thoughts and ideas from that ethereal world of spirits.
TEACHINGS OF 6PIKITS.
The following communications, and many others through
the unconscious mediumship of Dr. E. C. Dunn, were
received during four-o'clock sittings in our stateroom when
the conditions of the treacherous ocean would permit.
They were generally given in answer to questions ; though,
for want of space, the inqumes are usually omitted.
The spirit Aaron Knight, controlling one afternoon, coolly
remarked, " I see that my years of labor with you have not
produced a very luxuriant harvest."
" How so, Mr. Knight ? "
" AYell, approaching your sphere a whUe since, I heard
you remark that 3'ou had only a slight, or, rather, no positive
knowledge, of spirit-life and its pecuHar conditions."
" True ; but I referred to daily objective knowledge."
" Metaphysical terms are of little avail. You have heard
my voice frequently for years. You have felt our magnetism
upon your brain. You have inhaled the fragrance of
spirit-flowers. You have had things borne to you through
the atmosphere. You have been made spasmodic when
alone, by our electric touch. You have seen spirit-forms
improvised, and then vanish from sight. These, with such
confirmatory witnesses as consciousness, intuition, and
reason, ought to have given yon positive knowledge."
" Well, let that pass. Do you hear all I say ? "
" No, not necessarily ; but then I could, if desirable,
know all you said ; and, further, could know your very
thoughts, inasmuch as they produce a reflex action readable
by your attending circle. And, what is still more recondite,
the effects of your thoughts, aims, and plans are spiritually