In this way good works are conceived and elaborated on earth. I do not mean to say that mortals are unable to project and perform any philanthropic enterprise for themselves, and that your self-sacrificing, earnest men and women are made so entirely by the influence of others who are unseen; but I do affirm that all good spirits are working in the direction of human reform, and to benefit humanity; that many of these intelligences have thus labored for many centuries; that their sympathies and tender pity for the unfortunate condition of a large portion of mankind bring them into close contact with the earth, and that, when they perceive a mortal who is alike sympathetic, pitiful, and desirous of doing good with themselves, they are attracted to such a being, and by the magnetic influence and quickening energy they shed upon him, they stimulate his powers, multiply his resources, and inspire him to express his holy desires and good wishes in outward, practical form. Thus, noble institutions are established on earth for the enlightenment, education, and elevation of our race; grand labors for the suppression of vice and the promotion of virtue are pursued, and these are types, counterparts, and representations of like institutions and good works in the spirit world. Whatever is good, reformatory, or beneficent in its nature, whatever is progressive and an aid to human unfoldment, is abiding, for it is of the spirit. Whatever is debasing, selfish in character, and downward in tendency, is transient; it belongs to the material, and cannot survive the encroachments of the higher law. Therefore, all good works have their inception in the spirit, and gain their first growth in the land of souls. After a time, when conditions are made favorable for their appearance, they become expressed through physical life, and are productive of lasting results for the welfare of humanity. The spirit kingdoms that are inhabited by intelligences who have advanced to a state of happiness commensurate to the lesson of truth, wisdom, and self-abnegation they have learned; who know that life is only truly employed by those who labor for the benefit of others; who are pure-minded, and work in love for those more unfortunate than themselves, may be said to consist of one grand co-operative society, the various members of which are so united in sympathy and purpose that all work together as one person for the amelioration of human sorrow and suffering. This society has, however, its various duties to perform, and these duties may be assigned to different bodies of intelligences, so that a number of smaller organizations or bands are formed, all having their particular labors to perform, and all working to the one grand end of educating mankind.