While the society of spirits here mentioned have much to do in exerting a cheerful influence over mediums in order to keep them in condition for their work, this does not comprise the extent of their labors. To spread the truth, and to be able to enlighten humanity at large upon the great question of immortal life, new mediums must be developed and brought into the field of spiritual labor. The spirit world has need of more instruments; and the members of our society find a work in visiting earth’s people, and seeking mediumistic persons whose powers can be unfolded for the use of spirit helpers and the service of humanity. This task is pursued with zeal and earnestness, and many mortals are thus discovered and magnetically operated upon whose powers are developing for the work of the future. While certain individuals in middle and advanced life are becoming mediums, many young people are developing, in the privacy of home life, medial powers that are to be utilized by the spirits for the furtherance of their grand work. And the bands of young spirits from our co-operative society are determined that they will do all in their power to make this labor a mighty success.
“OUR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.”
Some three summers ago, a small company of Spiritualists visiting from the West, while assembled in an upper room of one of the largest hotels in Boston, was addressed by “Betsey,” the spirit-messenger of Mrs. J. C. Jackson, one of Cincinnati’s most popular and active mediums, upon the subject of co-operation. At that time, the sprightly and entertaining control of Mrs. Jackson proposed that those present should form themselves into a society for the purpose of uniting their efforts in seeking to benefit and bless humanity. It was suggested that this organization be called “Our Co-operative Society,” and known as an offshoot from, or a branch of, the Co-operative Societies of the Spirit World. Its members were not to be pledged to secrecy as to its forms and conditions, for their doings were to be such as would bear the inspection of the world; their labors might be extended in any direction, provided they pointed to the one result,—that of blessing some human being, mortal or spirit, and could be performed together or separately, as circumstances at the time demanded. It was further urged that no initiation fee, quarterly or other payment be collected from its members, for its doors were to be opened free to everyone who had a desire at heart to be of use in the world. The regulations of this society were to be such that all could conform to them in spirit as well as to the letter, for they only required earnest hearts and willing hands to do the work.
The duties of the members who should join this band would be such as all could perform. The brother who possessed material wealth would be expected to use a portion of his means in assisting the needy, or in other beneficent ways, as an opportunity for doing so arose before him. Those who could give but a mite for the furtherance of some good work, and who gave it with a cheerful spirit, would perform their share of the society’s labor just as truly as the man or woman of ample means who contributed largely. Those who had no money to bestow in charity, but who could speak a comforting word to the distressed, would be welcomed to the band; while those who, when the occasion arose, could perform some helpful hand-service in aid of others would be called associates and helpers. In short, the duty of members would be to become useful to others, and to exert their energies to benefit their fellow-beings. No matter in what direction or under what circumstances they found a human creature in need of any service they could render,—whether of a material or spiritual nature,—they must exercise their power, and perform that work.
The life that now is may be beautified and made to extend its influence into the higher existence, and in blessing mortals by our helpful assistance, we also benefit and uplift the weary spirits who return to earthly conditions seeking release from their sufferings, while a benison of light and peace reflects from our good works upon the lovely evangels who are returning to mortal life to associate and co-operate with those who choose to join such a society as the one under consideration.
“Betsey” further stated to her group of interested listeners that no special place or regular time of meeting would be chosen for “Our Co-operative Society,” but that its members could perform their work wherever they might be, and that all the world had the privilege of considering themselves associative workers of the Union if they chose to do so; while if true charity, kindly feeling and helpful service were cultivated and conscientiously exercised by each one, no report of their doings or progress would be needed. The angels would know, understand, and approve.
WHAT CONSTITUTES MEMBERSHIP.
We are all brothers and sisters, children of one Father and Mother, members of one great family, and it is time we endeavored to strengthen the bonds of fraternity between each other. Let us do this to make our fellows happier or their lot easier to bear. To call up a smile to a weary face, to make a heart sing with joy, to cause others to grow thankful for the amenities and blessings of life, is a noble work; and mortals who strive to do these things, wherever they are, or under whatsoever conditions they may labor, are members of “Our Co-operative Society,” originated and established in the spirit world and revealed to mortals for their approval.
Thus was the question of the formation of a co-operative society on earth, similar in its principles, objects and purposes, and to be as far-reaching in its results as the same organizations in the spiritual world, first mooted and approved by “Betsey,” the control of Mrs. Jackson, to a few friends in the city of Boston; but at the time nothing was accomplished in the way of forming a union, or of adopting the practical suggestions of that worthy and clear-sighted spirit. After the return of the party to their homes in Cincinnati, a spiritual seance was formed, which now convenes at the residence of Mrs. Dr. Jackson on the Saturday evenings of each week.
Upon these occasions it is the privilege of my father’s sister—a beautiful spirit who is truly a minister of peace, hope, and love to many weary souls—to regularly control Mrs. J., through whose organism she is enabled to give many instructive and important lessons that result in great good to her hearers.