The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-04-23
For The Cecil Wig.
SPIRITUAL RAPFING.


bought and speech in our blessed re-
cubic, many strange ideasand vague no.
ions and unsupportahle theories should
have started into existence, will not
appear marvellous. Hence our age has
produced a class of daring supe'natu-
raIi&ts, respectable IN number, who
recklessly advocate and urge their reck
less theories concerning some alleged
mystic princY}e, understanding to
their irrational hypothesis = has been
wont to manifest in very singular and
surprising manner, a marvellous power
in the production of certain anamolous
turntngS and rapplngs Of stands, tables,
etc.
1t need scarcely be observed that the
course of these morcmcatS-s seeming to
vary so widely from the ordinary course
or laws of naturp-haS afforded a fruit
full source of speculation. Hence the
diversity OF sentiment, and the warm
contests and the violent controversies
occasioned by the conflicting opinions
OF the several parties who have attended
an anal ysis of these iancied anomalies.
Somr, having been struck aghast and
filled with awe and wonder at the mar
veIous conduct Of the imaginary bug
bear had with profound reverence i'm
mediate recourse to the opinion which
considered the existence of supernatu
raj power. .NirabNe dictu! TO what
extent will not the illusions of witch
craft lead a man.
Tertuihan, a celebrated writor of the
second century, mentions a woman,
who "would occasionally pass into an
extHtic swoon," Cor the passive mag
netc stats,) and thea .'prrdict future
events, discover the most hidden myS-
terirs, prophe>y, read the secrets of the
heart" sc, But history has failed TO
transmit an account of stand which
possessed this miraculous and extraor-
dIn9ry power. Others again, more
weightv by character and possessing
tolrrable acumen-restrict their inqui
ri-s within more reasonable bounds; and
they, by the way, being aware of the
propelIing and magic properties of cleo
trlcity have, with mistaken confidence,
ascribed all the mystery TO the influence
of that invaluable agent.
Another class. (and by all means the
mo>tratlonaD not being so susceptible
to the receptions due t. humbuggery
and kindred nuisan ces-have happily
coutent"d themselves in the belief which
Cons ders III" spirit, PER Sc, totally devoid
oI actual power and energy, and can
effect nothing without the cooperation Of
good share OF physical power.
! The idea Of table being sci in mo-
ton BY spirit is so totally absurd and
inconsistent with human reason, that it
defeats itself al once.
Though the explanation advanced by
the electrician is more plausible than
the former, it is obviously altogether
hypothetical. and contradictory to facts.
But, that the various motions OF the
stand is ownG pure y to the instrument
tally Of a physical force extri~d By the
infatuated enthusiast (vpt m being alb
Ho' "'N III ti't nedt Oi llllhS 'hdIlbii ~ leu
! drred unconscious otit,) no sound and
ture mind can hesitate to admit.
Having treated manly Of the causes,
We Will III the next place turn our atten-
tion to the effects OF the humhug.
For an illustration of the magnitude
and the enornlity of evil which has been
occasloned by this destructive species of
humhnggery-we need on y refer 10 the
siati lical accounts Of the various lun ,tlc
asvIums in the Union and consider the
rrodigIous number Of lunatlcs, who owe
their insanity to the influence of this
destructive allusion. The deplorahle
and lamentable fate of these unfortunate
beings would characterize as alIording
beautiful theme for the "Otator's pa
thelic dec lAmation and the Poets tragical
song" TYRo.
Rising Sun, March, 1853.
A FEARFUL THoUGHT.-''lt is terri.
BILE thought" says Cooper, in his "Two
AdmiralS," "at an hour like this to re-
member that nothing can be forgotten
! ! have somewhere read that not an oath
is uttered that does not continue to vi
brate through all time, i'll the wide
spreading current OF sounds; not prayer
lisped, that its record is not v be found
stamped on the laws of nature by the
indelible seal ofthe Almighty's will"
0yHe who betrays another's secrets,
because he guarreIled with him, was
never worthy TIE sacred name of friend
"a breach OF kindness on one side will
not justify breach oftruth on the other.
nrPure and undeflrd religion is the
sheet anchor of happlne ss-the perfec.
ton and glory of human happiness; its
essence is a conscience void of offence