“But have not all tribes and races believed in spiritualism since the beginning of the world,” said Mrs. Clyne. “In a kind of spiritualism, perhaps; so have they believed in many other _isms_, but that does not prove them true,” replied Mark. “The heathen searchers after God have found Him in the water, in the fire, in the sun, and in the creatures of His making, and have worshiped the spirit of the universe as manifested in material things; but these so-called spiritists put aside the Creator and make a religion of a belief in spirits of mortals, like themselves.” “But do you not think this should strengthen one’s faith in the soul’s immortality? Are we not spirits living in material bodies? And when the material body dies, if our spirits are immortal, why should not they seek to manifest themselves to their friends on earth? I am sure if you would read Davis’s works you would have less scepticism,” said Alice with some warmth. “Alice, have you been reading them?” Mark spoke quickly and almost harshly. The color deepened in Alice’s face. “Certainly I have, and many others. What harm can come of learning all one can? I am sure we should not condemn any creed until we investigate it.” Mark frowned. “Where did you get all these books?” “Professor Russell has brought them to us, and mother, Lissa and I have read them at his request, and I assure you we have been much interested in them.” “All of them, as well as Swedenborg, teach sound morality and oppose evil.” “Your Bible teaches you that, Alice; and as I understand it, it does _not_ teach you that the spirit of mortal man comes back on earth to perform the absurd feats of overturning tables, rapping and tapping upon furniture, making it dance around the room, and like antics. It seems to me, if I were a spirit, I would prefer to be engaged in some more dignified occupation.” “I hope, Mark,” said Mrs. Clyne, “you won’t let prejudice make you unjust. There is certainly much about this matter which we cannot understand, and is it not our duty to learn all we can?” “Mother, there _is_ much about this that I don’t understand, neither do I understand how the juggler or the East Indian magician performs his marvelous feats, nor can I see that it is necessary for us to know.” “But if the knowing would be valuable to us? If we should learn from it?”