Fine Arts and Books.

THE DAWNING LIGHT. *

HIS picture represents the early home of the Fox family, at Hydesville, New York, where, in 1848, the first intelligible communications were received through the sounds now known as the Spiritual Rappings. It is true that similar phenomena had attracted more or less attention in other places and at earlier periods. A well-authenticated instance occurred at the residence of REV. JOHN WESLEY more than one hundred and fifty years ago. The pious founder of Methodism appears to have regarded the whole matter as an infestation from the infernal regions, and hence the sounds and other phenomena were attributed to the chief of the fallen angels and to old Jeffrey-the last-named individual being a man who had died in the house. But although similar rappings and other mysterious sounds had, perhaps, occurred in all ages and countries, it yet remained for the Fox family and their visitors to interpret the telegraphic signals, and thus to establish a familiar and orderly intercourse through this phase of the Manifestations.

Mr. Joseph John visited Hydesville with a view of transferring to his canvas the quiet scene that surrounds the spot which imaginative persons regard as the Bethlehem of Modern Spiritualism. The artist faithfully sketched all the objects that were visible from his point of observation. Central in the picture is the dwelling, which is simple in construction, and only one story high. A mellow light is seen through the windows of the haunted room. The other principal objects are the little blacksmith's shop-in front of which a man is employed in shoeing a horse, while the light of the glowing forge is

* The Early Home of the Fox family, Hydesville, town of Arcadia, Wayne County, N. Y. Painted by Joseph John; engraved by J. W. Watts; R. H. CURRAN & Co., publishers, Boston.

seen through the open door; the rustic fence and the well with curb and wheel; the garden and orchard, ornamented with various trees and shrubbery, with a single specimen of the genus Populus pointing heavenward like a tall and graceful spire. In the immediate foreground are domestic fowls and animals. The watch-dog suggests the idea of faithful guardianship. The lambs on the lawn, and the doves, that hover in the air or fold their pinions on the roof, symbolize innocence and peace.

Not only are the more tangible objects in this picture well drawn and natural, but the atmosphere is admirably done. The clouds opening above the landscape-with many rifts and silver linings shining through-are flecked and fringed with mildly tempered rays. The floating vapors are massive, yet shadowy and imponderable. Dark lines and gray disappear in subdued lights. The angelic hosts are seen descending from cloudy canopies through illuminated vistas. Veiled in soft draperies, they stand at the door and hover above the roof of the humble dwelling, distinct in form, yet airy as the images of a Midsummer's dream. The Artist's vivid conception of the presence of "the powers of the air" finds adequate expression. The "great cloud of witnesses" that watched over the champions of ancient Spiritualism, and still keep their vigils above the world, assume the appearance of reality. This is a fine illustration of our divine philosophy. It is the artist's translation of

The Patriarch's ladder, reaching Heaven,
And bright with beckoning angels."

This is the chain that unites the mortal with immortality-the bond whereby the "Spirits of just men" restrain our wayward passions. and uphold the interests of the Race. In the light of this constant revelation, we perceive that our varying lines of life all center in a divine UNITY. Our path may be obscure, and difficult the way; dense shadows hide the stars, but the Night is far spent ; the remaining gloom is like the vapors that veil the Morning, and we know that the Spirits

"That fret the clouds are messengers of day."

JOSEPH JOHN-painter of the original picture-seems to be equally fortunate in the selection and treatment of his subjects. It is the prerogative of genius to command recognition. First to signalize

himself in the Spiritual Art of our time, Mr. John has only to continue in the new and beautiful field of his choice to win an enviable position. The artists who paint red dragons and winged monsters for angels will soon find their "occupation gone;" but the recent works of Mr. John prophesy of future success and lasting fame.

In the hand of J. W. Watts the graver is more potent than a magician's wand, since he actually brings out the most delicate and graceful figures on the inflexible surface of the cold steel; and, what is more, their continuance does not depend on the presence of one skilled in either natural or celestial magic.

Mr. R. H. Curran, the publisher, is teaching the living gospel of Spiritualism in a way that provokes no resistance. This ministry is silent but not less impressive; and in no way can the truth be more surely carried to many minds and hearts.

We understand that the original paintings, "The Dawning Light," and "The Orphan's Rescue," are on exhibition at the Office of the Publisher, and that they are for sale.

IN

THE SABBATH QUESTION.*

N this closely-printed pamphlet of some thirty-six pages we have the substance of the Author's recent contributions to the press, on the subject so fully expressed in his title. It is a singular fact that even in Massachusetts there are American citizens who presume that the ancient Jews and Pagans acquired a divine right to determine the character of our institutions. Against this absurd assumption-often and variiously expressed or implied-MR. GILES enters his emphatic protest. He approaches the subject with a conscious mastery, not only of its essential principles, but also of the details that belong alike to the legal, moral, and scriptural aspects of the question. He does not object to a day of rest, but would have it a season of rational enjoyment. He would leave every one to occupy the time as may best suit his inclination and promote his interest-without the unwarrantable intru

"The Sabbath Question, considered by a Layman, showing the origin of the Jewish Sabbath-how Jesus observed it-the origin of the Pagan Sunday-How it became Christianized--and the origin of the Puritan Sabbath; by Alfred E. Giles. Boston COLBY & RICH."

sion of legislation or municipal interference-so long as the exercise of his freedom does not infringe the equal rights of others. This is precisely what every intelligent person has the right to expect and should imperatively demand.

But when this freedom leads men-in their legislative capacity or otherwise to enact laws or to exercise authority in such a manner as to deprive a large class of our citizens of their natural rights, this freedom becomes aggressive and should be restrained. The law. making power may represent the average public sentiment-may reflect the will of the multitude-and yet be oppressive. Mr. Giles is not opposed to Cæsar, but would have him pursue his appropriate business within proper limits. We all know that the elements of a cruel despotism may exist in the will of the majority. Hence the necessity for this vigorous protest against the pious tyranny that would compel men either to go to church, or stay at home; to be active, or to be idle, on the first day of the week.

seven.

There are many gold-mounted saints and pious people with soft hands, who despise labor. All these violate the law six days out of The same authority that requires us to observe the Sabbath, by doing nothing, just as imperatively demands that we shall labor six days in a week. Now those who perform no labor violate the law six days out of seven, while the so-called Sabbath-breakers only violate the same law one day in seven. Would it not be well for friend Giles to look after these sevenfold sinners in Hyde Park and elsewhere the "gentlemen of elegant leisure"-if there are such, and see that they are brought to trial. It seems that those who do not respect the authority of Moses, and poor people who must work all the while to live-are unscrupulously damned; but judgment moves slow after the saints and people in silk stockings.

Mr. Giles treats the Sabbath Question in a scholarly manner, and at the same time with remarkable directness and force. His lucid statement of facts and ideas, and the logical reasons by which his views are supported, are clearly expressed in vigorous English. If the churches, including the clergy, will read what this Layman has written, they will see daylight through the thick fog that envelops their minds rather than the subject.

Foreign Spiritual Intelligence.

WE

THE SPIRITS IN THE FLUIDS.

E are indebted to our esteemed contributor, MRS. EMMA A. WOOD, of Washington, for the following translation of a letter written from Cordes, containing an account of certain curious experiments and observations conducted through the aid of a spiritmedium. There are those who profess to discern spirits in crystals. That such revelations really depend on the use of a piece of limpid and colorless quartz, may be doubted. That spirits may mirror themselves in water, is certainly possible. But in all similar cases there is ample opportunity for the imagination to shape the facts and color the statement. It is probable that in a majority of the cases reported the phenomena are subjective. The experimentum crucis is not reached by the method described. As we have no knowledge of either the writer or his medium, we can not determine how much of truth may be revealed by spirits and water. portions of the letter.-EDITOR.

We extract the material

MANIFESTATIONS BY MEANS OF A GLASS OF WATER.

I have at my disposal an excellent seeing medium; he sees the Spirits not only with, but without the aid of the glass of water; he tests the fluid they project on the incarnated, whether to communicate with them, or to instruct or to obsess them.

With his help we have been able to establish :

1. That these fluids are composed of an infinity of molecules excessively small and close, resembling a very thick fog; these molecules are material, more or less pure and luminous, more or less sombre, according to the degree of superiority or inferiority of the Spirits who project them. (Instruction of the guides of several circles.) I will add that many deceiving Spirits have communicated, projecting a fluid as pure but not luminous; should they belong to the category of Spirits elevated in science but not in morality? The future will tell us.

2. The Spirits give to the fluids they use whatever color suits them;