Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1851-06-12
Iufo IT Ut
CHARLES FOSTER.
4or lie Tribune.
popnlar SHpeEsti;i9n.


Ma. BLIss-It is 4 common remark that
this is an enlightened age, and, that as one of
the consequences of Being M re enlightened
than former ages, we have discarded the be-
lief in ghosts, Witches. and all that array of
awe and mystery, which the superstition Of
former times threw around the minds Of the
common people. and if we credit history,
around the minds Of some others also. Now
in some measure this is :rue, and as far as il
is 50 is a matter of sincere graduation. But
! propo-r to show The difference between the
superstition If a former age, and tina, which
pervades great part of society now, In
degree, and not in kind. For inatance, there
are hundreds who would scofT at the idea Of
seeing ghost. being annoyed by witch,
hut who. when you intimate 10 them that you
are also scepfca about warnings Of death,
dreams, signs. lunar agency, and many other
things Of the like grade of consistency, will
rsSume Il solemn countenance. and tone OF
awe. and assure you that they positively FnOtn
one OF all as the case may be, of these things
II be true; and then follows detail of oc-
currences which have come under their own
observation. or that of some Of their acquain-
;ances; hacked by testimony positive, and
30 conclusive. that you must be verging to-
wards nflelitv to reject It, One will tell
YOU Of lights seen ana sounds heard, inst be-
'ore the death of some friend; many many
SiIl tell you Of some remarkable dream f.;
,ihers, with eqIal sincerity, will tell you OF
warts cured by rubbing them with stolen
neat while looking at the moon, and repeat
iug Il set form Of words TO her Lady-Ship
.ihers sga'n, have had such singing in their
.ars, or have heard such singing among he
lass ware on the shelf that they know they
shali hear some bad news while another is
$4Fe she shall never visit again at a certain
friends. because the last time she there
she finished all her work; and finally, some
ear friend will not even give you pin tho
you ask for one because II viii break friend
ship between you!
confess to a sense Of humiliation when
reflect, that the Sc are not oHc-kaJ the absurd
itds Of the same character OF still more pu-
Grille. which may be listened to in many por-
tions of the community amongst the resPec-
table, and had almost said the Intelligent
No, have traced back some of the absurd
tiles 70 their fountain head. viz heather idol
airy such as Friday being unlucky day,
4 look ing at the moon over the right shoulder,
to obtain success from her during the lunar
month Just commenced, and as to all the rest,
there Is not the least doubt that if the truth
could he asceriained. they would be found
to have descended fsom the same parenisge.
and probably much more directly than many
good christians imagine who practice, and be-
lieve them.
Why, the old Idol Baal. with his big horn:
who was worshiped in Old Testament times
BY the heather ages and by the chosen peo
pie OF God many times; has his worshpers
still in Scotland ard Ireland; where the peo-
pie 20 ont on a ceEt4in morning in May cal
led Bsltane or Baaltane morning, and perform
ceremonies = propiiiste rim :, be favorsbl,