in 1881 a paper that is still in existence today. This period also saw the successful development of many local societies, which lead to the formation of the present day 'Spiritualist Association of Great Britain'. These societies were essentially neighbourhood associations whose status was usually in keeping with the locale. In 1874 the British National Association of Spiritualists, (BNAS) was formed which represented a wealthy and influenced elicit of London believers. The development of an association of spirituality in British society perhaps led to the notion of the public self and the private self being intertwined with people in society coming together in public acts of spirituality which contained their private and inner beliefs as well.
             Spiritualists believed, according to the BNAS prospectus, 'that the best preparation for our future state is a life of energy and activity lived up to the highest physical, moral and intellectual standard in the world.'
             Spiritualists were active in encouraging others in print and from the platform in areas of improvement progress and humanity. However because of its individualism and anti-authoritarianism it failed to have a significant political effect. Spiritualists maintained that the inevitable spread of their beliefs would guarantee the instigation of a new order. Although Spiritualism lacked political clout, as it is inherently individualistic, the BNAS allowed public Spiritualism to exist in a society where previously it had not.
             1875 saw the first organised missionary activity for the promotion of Spiritualism in the provinces, which soon began to produce results. By the end of that year in Lancashire alone activities had begun in eight new places and 'The Spiritualist' reported that "there is scarcely a town or village in the district which the Lancashire committee has not already visited and sown the first seed". The success of this...