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Whatever differences of opinion may exist as to the views of the author of this work, all will concede that it is interesting in a high degree. With the exception of certain details of ceremonial magic, extracted from Peter d’Albano, the language is fluent and the ideas picturesquely set forth. It is a book calculated to disappoint that large number of its sub scribers who fancied it would give them the key to the secrets of the Universe—that their five-dollar bills would serve as passports to the innermost crypts of the temple of esoteric wisdom. To Spiritualists, as a class, it must be exasperating; for while it shakes one’s faith in the purity and infallibility of mediumistic controls, it prescribes conditions for the acquisition of magical power so severe as to oar all but the very few from attempting to comply with them. To these few. “Art Magic’’ will be moat welcome, and by such appreciated long after the first enjoyment of the rhythmic law of its periods and the nobleness of its sentiments has passed.

Whatever differences of opinion may exist as to the views of the author of this work, all will concede that it is interesting in a high degree. With the exception of certain details of ceremonial magic, extracted from Peter d’Albano, the language is fluent and the ideas picturesquely set forth. It is a book calculated to disappoint that large number of its sub scribers who fancied it would give them the key to the secrets of the Universe—that their five-dollar bills would serve as passports to the innermost crypts of the temple of esoteric wisdom. To Spiritualists, as a class, it must be exasperating; for while it shakes one’s faith in the purity and infallibility of mediumistic controls, it prescribes conditions for the acquisition of magical power so severe as to oar all but the very few from attempting to comply with them. To these few. “Art Magic’’ will be moat welcome, and by such appreciated long after the first enjoyment of the rhythmic law of its periods and the nobleness of its sentiments has passed.

The student of Occultism must be well satisfied that Mrs. Britten’s labor was pursued to the end, despite so many obstacles. He cannot fail to so admire this exhibition of moral courage by one of her sex, in bringing out a volume upon a subject long since ''taboo ''in the circles of science and society, as to overlook its little partialities towards mediumship, and see only its very conspicuous merits. The latter are beyond cavil. Few writers have handled the subject of primitive religion with more ardor or perspicuity. In the sketch of the rise and progress of solar, sex and serpent worship, a great subject is brought within the easy comprehension of even the general reader. Portions of the work present in a striking manner the style of Bulwer, and one often finds himself recalling the language in which that most poetical of modern prose writers weaves mystical fact into the web of romance.

The student of Occultism must be well satisfied that Mrs. Britten’s labor was pursued to the end, despite so many obstacles. He cannot fail to so admire this exhibition of moral courage by one of her sex, in bringing out a volume upon a subject long since ''taboo ''in the circles of science and society, as to overlook its little partialities towards mediumship, and see only its very conspicuous merits. The latter are beyond cavil. Few writers have handled the subject of primitive re-{{Style S-HPB SB. Restored|ligion with more ardor or perspicuity. In the sketch of the rise and progress of solar, sex and serpent worship, a great subject is brought within the easy comprehension of even the general reader. Portions of the work present in a striking manner the style of Bulwer, and one often finds himself recalling the language in which that most poetical of modern prose writers weaves mystical fact into the web of romance.}}

Mrs. Britten tells us in the ‘’Editor's Preface’’ that the volume was produced under the double disadvantage of a severe pressure of other duties upon her own time, and “haste enjoined by the author,” It is a pity that this could not have been avoided, for in such case, a still greater credit would doubtless have been reflected upon both author and editor, in the replacing of all matter not original, for instance, the quotations from Peter d'Albano with their own discussions and charming elucidations of the subject, such as are contained in the early chapters.

Mrs. Britten tells us in the ‘’Editor's Preface’’ that the volume was produced under the double disadvantage of a severe pressure of other duties upon her own time, and “haste enjoined by the author,” It is a pity that this could not have been avoided, for in such case, a still greater credit would doubtless have been reflected upon both author and editor, in the replacing of all matter not original, for instance, the quotations from Peter d'Albano with their own discussions and charming elucidations of the subject, such as are contained in the early chapters.

The author's views of the “Fall,” the origin of man, sex, generation, and other matters of a kindred nature, are told in some striking passages claimed to have been given by a planetary spirit through the mediumship of a little Hindoo child of six years, which I would be glad to quote did space permit. I know of nothing in the way of spirit communication to excel them in sublimity of language, purity of sentiment or clearness of statement. Would to Heaven we had such gifted mediums in this country to charm and instruct. A few more volumes like “Art Magic,” and Spiritualistic literature would cease to be the sport of the critic, and the despair of the student who would economize time.

The author's views of the “Fall,” the origin of man, sex, generation, and other matters of a kindred nature, are told in some striking passages claimed to have been given by a planetary spirit through the mediumship of a little Hindoo child of six years, which I would be glad to quote did space permit. I know of nothing in the way of spirit communication to excel them in sublimity of language, purity of sentiment or clearness of statement. Would to Heaven we had such gifted mediums in this country to charm and instruct. A few more volumes like “Art Magic,” and Spiritualistic literature would cease to be the sport of the critic, and the despair of the student who would economize time.

 

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