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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 | 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.}} | ||
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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. | ||
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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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| continues = 199, 200 | | continues = 199, 200 | ||
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| source title = Spiritual Scientist | | source title = Spiritual Scientist | ||
| source details = | | source details = v. 5, No. 14, December 7, 1876, pp. 145, 147 | ||
| publication date = | | publication date = 1876-12-07 | ||
| original date = | | original date = | ||
| notes = | | notes = | ||
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... | The unknown author of “Art Magic" has given to the world, through the hand of his friend. Emma Hardinge Britten, as editor, another work known as “Ghost Land or researches into the Mysteries of Occultism.” It consists of a series of Autobiographical sketches in two parts—the Neophyte and Adept. | ||
The author commences with an allusion to his parents. It is a singular coincidence that the circumstances therein narrated should correspond so closely to the historical facts concerning the Prince Salm-Salm, a person who has visited this country, is well known in England, and a profound occultist. If he is numbered among Mrs. Britten's friends we name him as the author of “Ghost Land” and “Art Magic.” | |||
Louis, as the biographer calls himself in these sketches, is sent to college at the age of twelve where he joins the class of Professor Felix Von Marx, who was a member of a society of mystics, but pursued the occupation of a teacher at these secret organizations had been forbidden by the government. The professor discovers that Louis is a “dreamer” and causes him to be initated in the society in that capacity. This gives him an opportunity to acquaint his readers with he philosophy of the “Berlin Brotherhood." Much of it would be familiar to Spiritualists, portions of it might be considered visionary, and a few of its principles will awaken anew the controversy regarding elementaries. For instance: — | |||
Thus, as men was composed of earthly substances, vegetable tissues, mineral, atmospheric, and watery elements, so all these had realms of spiritual existences, perfectly in harmony with their peculiar quality and functions. Hence, they alleged there were earthly spirits; spirits of the flood, the fire, the air; spirits of various animals; spirits of plant life, in all its varieties; spirits of the atmosphere; and planetary spirits, without limit or number. The spirits of the planets amt high er worlds than earth took rank far above and of those that dwelt upon or in its interior. | |||
Louis soon found that his new associates denied the continued existence of the soul after death, but believed that its essence progressed by entering into organic forms. He was mbued with this teaching, by their forms and ceremonies, | |||
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<gallery widths=300px heights=300px> | <gallery widths=300px heights=300px> | ||
spiritual_scientist_v.05_n.14_1876-12-07.pdf|page=11|Spiritual Scientist, v. 5, No. 14, December 7, 1876, pp. 153-4 | spiritual_scientist_v.05_n.14_1876-12-07.pdf|page=11|Spiritual Scientist, v. 5, No. 14, December 7, 1876, pp. 153-4 | ||
spiritual_scientist_v.05_n.14_1876-12-07.pdf|page=1|Spiritual Scientist, v. 5, No. 14, December 7, 1876, pp. 145, 147 | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||