The educational and reformatory movement called Modern Spiritualism, has, in its inherent many-sidedness, developed variant phases of expression and action. Coming in contact with individuals of almost every conceivable character, it has been variously interpreted and directed; and candour compels the assertion, that not at all times has the interpretation and direction given it been of the wisest and best. In some instances its facts and truths—fraught with such momentous consequence to humanity for good or ill, according to the manner of their use by those to whom they come—have been perverted to unwise or harmful ends and uses, sometimes in ignorance, and at other times through misapplication for selfish or evil purposes. 

One of the more conspicuous of these perversions—especially during the last decade—has been the growing tendency, on the part of a portion of the adherents of the Spiritual Philosophy, to introduce into that philosophy sundry elements pertaining to the mysticisms of ancient and modern times. Certain of the inspirational speakers, and others among the public workers for Spiritualism, together with many of its followers in the private walks of life, have been misled, to a greater or less degree, by the current idealisms, transcendentalisms, and fanciful conceits, born of crude speculations and nurtured by spurious philosophies and pseudoscience. Sound philosophy and genuine science, while in accord with the demonstrated truths of Modern Spiritualism, have neither lot nor part in any of the mutually-antagonistic and ever conflicting forms of mysticism with which the world has been and still is cursed. 

A rational, natural, healthy, progressive, scientific Spiritualism, at one with the spirit of the age, and with the trend of the most advanced modern thought, must be wholly free from the degrading and soul-stultifying theses and dogmas of the mysticisms of the day; and until everything of the latter character be eliminated from the spiritual movement, it can never hope to obtain the respect and confidence of the intelligent, thoughtful men and women of our planet to which it will be justly entitled when its complete dissociation from such encumbrances becomes an accomplished fact. 

Under the general head of speculative occultism may be classed all the mysticisms of the present age; and, in contradistinction thereto, the term “Practical Occultism” has been aptly chosen for a volume of inspirational lectures delivered by Mr. J. J. Morse, dealing with subjects of “great pith and moment” in a sound, clear, and eminently sensible manner. For nearly twenty years, Mr. Morse has been a leading trance exponent of a common-sense, scientific, non-mystical Spiritualism-free at all times from the extravagances and perversions, the metaphysical idealisms, and the rhapsodical moonshine with which in some quarters the Spiritual Philosophy has been heavily burdened. 

Having had the pleasure of being present at the original delivery of the discourses composing this volume, I am enabled to understandingly and conscientiously commend them to the attention and study of all those interested in the topics treated. And who should not be? As the title of the work indicates, it will be found truly practical; being rich in instruction upon matters of deep import to all humanity. Its teachings concerning the trance and mediumship are pregnant with valuable instruction and judicious counsel. The true character of magic, sorcery and witchcraft in the light of an enlightened Spiritual Philosophy, devoid of present-day mysticisms, whether theosophic, occult or what not, is succinctly and graphically presented. The last three lessons will probably be found among the most interesting of the series, furnishing as they do a variety of information upon the states and conditions of the spirit-world—information much of it, I think, not generally known to the Spiritual public in my judgment, the lessons in this book, as a whole, are sound in doctrine; they are edifying and profitable in instruction; they are elevating and spiritualizing in tendency; and they are worthy of the careful, thoughtful study of all. 

William Emmette Coleman.