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SPIEITUAL SEANCES ON THE INDIAN OCEAN. 203
circle of three or more spirits, are subject to sucli deleterious
influences as low spirits may choose to throw around
them. And the control of this class of sj)irits is often
beyond the power of the guardian spirit, who may not have
the advantage of an established circle. The immediate
I)ower of control lies not in superior intelligence or spirituality,
but in magnetic force, or the great will-power of the
spirit. Entrancement is the result of the mesmeric influence
of spirits ; and it excels that of mortals only in this,
that it proceeds from spiritual beings, relieved from the
grossness of the flesh. The inference is, that persons hold
ing indiscriminate intercourse with spirits through mediums
unprotected by circles of pure, exalted spirits, are liable to
be flattered, and to receive false communications from spirits
under assumed names.
" III. Guardian spirits with fixed circles, and deep desires
to promulgate truth, seldom allow their mediums to be controlled
by others than members of their own circle. Each
mortal has a guardian spirit ; and the assistants of this guardian
are properly denominated guides. A guardian spirit,
giving communications from spirits outside the circle to
mortals, — his own circle acting as means of conveyance,
always states his non-responsibility relative to the message.
" The laws of mental science should be diligently studied,
and applied to mediumship. And all persons developing as
mediums should seek from their guardian the immediate
formation of a sympathizing circle in which they have faith,
and upon whom they can rely. When this is not done,
mediums, if not seriously injured, are often led into vice and
crime, — crimes instigated by low, undeveloped spirits. And,
further, they produce perversions, nervous diseases, obsessions,
and insanity. Entering upon the career of mediumship,
therefore, is treading a pathway of danger and responsibility.
Incipient development should be carefully guarded.
Much depends upon mediums themselves. They should not
only carefully remain away from improper society, but