The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-04-20

For The OHIO Star.
Mr.. EDITOR The articles in your paper of
March 23i, on The spread of Spirtuaism," and
''Sphiuality in CINCINNATI contain some startling
suggestions. Truly, in view of the rapid spread Of
this alarming evil, which seems to threaten our
civil and social organization, and aims blow at
the very foundation of our rc.i 59us fli it is high
time for the pltiiof, the philanthropist and the
Christian TO arouse from their apathy, and with
the aid of such weapons are furnished by rea-
sen and revelation, unite TO resist its progress 1t
is no less surprising than true, tlla for the most
part, the press has been silent except in ridcue;"
but the time is past, if indeed it existed, for
such weapons 10 be effective. The rapid march
Of this new theory, aud the numbers and influence
of its advocates, bid defiance to all opposition of
that character Man is still prone. as in past ages
to incur the guilt of g intruding into things which
he hath not seen," and lie who claims to bring a
message from the unseen world, that mysterious
realm to which all are hasenng, and whose pre-
cincts no mortal foot may enter, will be sure oil
eager listeners, however absurd his p-etensions, OF
untenabIe the ground on which they are based.
But there ia one important roiut which seems
to be- almost universally taken for granted in the
a
ly, that these manifestations, if in reality com
municatons from the spirit world, are necessarily
the work of good spirits, and entitled to credit
But is such the fact? Do they not, on the con-
trary, show indications of far different origin
Do they not conhlct with the teachings of Scrip
ture, which lead US TO expect fulther revelation
of Heavens will and denounce a curse on him
who shall "add to these things or "preach any
so:her gospel" soemnly warning all against Civ
ing heed to seducng spirits, and doctrines of dew
ills /" = We might reasonably suppose That benig-
7nant spirits, if holding intercourse with mortals
would communicate some new truth TO be believed,
some new incentive to virtue, warning of
danger to be avoiCed-in short. something that
would add to the happiness or welfare of those
thus highly favored. But nothing Of this kind ap-
pears in these ..inaufestation.r Nothing worthy
the name ola new truth,or in any Way calculated
TO benefit man, or eniglfen him in respect to his
relations or his duties, has yet been brought to
light The "revel,tions'' consist mostly of series
of absurd OF trfng statements, with Just enough
argument with fact to give an appearance of plau-
slbillfy to the Whole. There is degree Of scep-
tlcism too if not actual inidel.ty, running through
the whole scheme, which is not The smallest proof
of its origin.
In ancient times, the heaviest punishment was
denounced, by the decree Of Heaven, ugainst all
who dealt with familiar spirits and there is no evil
dence that the practice is any more COM
patible with mans duty, OF regard to his highest
interests, than in those days when death was the
penalty of such trutisgresson.
Hoping these brief hints may convince some
that these ''maLhestations,'' whether .spiritual"
or the result of imposture, alike evil in their
nature and origin, | take leave of the subject for
the present. A LOVER OF TRUTH.