The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-11-14
POWER OF IMAGINATJON


DIR. Vancleve of Princeton, was lately
applied to as a physician on behalf of a man
who had reduced himself by intemperance,
to state of very distressing nervous irreg-
ularlty. lie was continually disturbed by
visions, sometimes of the most fantastic
kind. He often heard strange voices, and
would ask and answer questions, ms if en-
gagged in conversation with some of his Wis
ionary personag's. His disorder; the doc
tor said, was evidently not of that species
which is USUALLY denominated mania, but
appeared 10 be wholly the effect of ner-
vous irregularitY, delirium tremens, induced
10y previous intemperance. But the Baron
Won Swedenborg, in his most visionary mo-
ments, was never surrounded by more ex-
traordinary assembages of strange sights.
very striking example of the power OF
nervous impression, occurred few years
ago in the Rev. james Wilson, formerly as
sstant minister with Dr. Rodgers, in the
first Presbyterian Church in New York.
He was native of Scotland, and was d man
highly esteemed for his good sense, and the
soundness of his judgment although not
distinguished for warm and popular elo-
quence. Being obliged for time 10 relin-
quish the exercise Of his ministry from a
hemorrhage in his breast, he employed HIM
self for several years in different occupa-
tons in Scotland and America, but chiefly
in presiding over an Acahemy in Alexan-
driaa, in the State of Virginia. The expec-
toration of blood having ceased for con-
siderable time, his conscience hogan to re-
proach him for Incidence and lf-ndul-
gence, in not renewing his ministerial fnnc-
tons. In this uneasy state of mind, Wis
ion, IS he thought, of man of very dign-
fed aspect, stood at the foot of his he'd one
| morning, after he was perfectly awake, and
surveying him steadily for some moments,
commanded him TO resume his duties in the
pulpit: hut added, that as considerable er-
ror had crept into the church, he should I'M
( dertake TO reform it according to the model
Of the primitive age. Mr.. Wilson, conscious
of his want Of eloquent talents, and reform
ing zeal, reasoned with the supposed appa-
rition, alleging his utter incompeiency 10
the task imposed upon him. The dialogue
ended in repetition of the command, and
assurance Of ability and success. The good
man, wholly unable TO explain this clear
aud palpable vision, ON any principles oil
nature or philosophy with which he was &C.
quainted, was deeply distressed, yet per-
Ieclly SenSiDIe Vi nlS liSuulClenCy LOT SUCH
an undertaking, he neglected attempting &c
fulfi! it. After an interval of 2 or years
the vision was repeated, with nearly the
Same circumstances, except that the aspect
of the person who appeared to present him
SELF was more severe, ard expressive of dis
pleasure at his past delinquency. MIR. vii
son repeated his former reasonings on hls
want ofheuth and want oftalenls, with othei
topics. But the answer was still the same
IA repetition Of the Injunction and assurance
OF the necessary ability and ultimate sue
cess. His distress was raised TO the high
est degree in the conflict of his mind lie
tween what he though, sensible demon
stration OF supernatural iequisillon, AM
an invncihle consciousness of his own in
competency and his fear to do an njuf
to true religion by his failure. Alter con
sulting several OF his friends upon the sub
ject, he at length addressed a letter 10 tn
author, stating ull the circumstances whic
have Just been detailed. He was answere
with the general reasonings contained i
this lecture. to convinre him that his yisio
, was merely consequence of nervous a
lection, resulting from bodily Disorder