The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-06-22

the ancient world, from the Delphic Oracle,
are explained by these modern investiga-
tions: and all popular delusions, however
exaggerated, are now shown to have
truth for their basis. have read many
of the abest writers on these subjects: but
to my mind not one Of them has been able
to account for these spiritual Manifesto
TONS Hence the greater Importance Of
continuing these Investigations. To de-
nounce, therefore, those engaged in them,
is as unwise as it is unphilosophical; and
more especially if such denunciations
come from those who never witnessed any
of the facts and manifestations which have
convinced the judgment Of men equally
honest, and as little likely to be dcludcd
as themselves.
But what is the objection investi-
eating this mattcr9 Is it feared that there
may be some discrepancies between the
religious sentiments communicated and the
tenents Of the different religious denomin-
'ations amongst us? Such discrepancies
are heard every Sunday from our different
pulpits throughout the land. And still
all denominations of Christians, though
differing about particular tenents, maintain
the great and leading doctrines of Chris
tianity. And from the investigation I
have given the subject, agree with the
Rev. Adm Ballou, who has written the
most candid and satisfactory explanation
| have seen, that ",Ohat of dirine fun
ddmentat principle, absolute truth, and
essential Righteousness there as in the
Bible, an the popular religion, and in the
established Churches piH stand. 1t can
not be done aacdy. On the contrary, ii
1ciU be co,roJoratedL Land fulfilled by spirit
manifestations
1t has been objected that there have
been cases of arrangement arising from
these manifestations. If there be such
cases, apprehcnd they are less numerous
than they have been represented, and
may have arisen from other causes than
the one to which they have been attributed.
But, be that as it may, and be the num-
Der great or small, it has no possible bear.
ing on this question. Dcrangement has
often followed from religious excitement,
and the over-excted passions of the human
heart. Still, this is no objection TO the
investigation ofthe truths of religion, or Of
the emotions and passions of our nature.
Neither is it all objection to investigating
the subject under consideration. Denun-
Citations cannot stop it, but on the con-
trary tend to encourage it. But for the
denunciation of Judge Edmonds, an old
acquaintance and friend, l doubt whether
my attention would have been called to it.
II it be true it should be known; for great
and mighty results must follow. Already
we hear of many who have been converted
from infidellity, and now proclaim the
immortality of the soul, and that death
is" not "an eternal sleep" fit be not
true, that can only be ascertained by in
vestigation; and the sooner it be done the
better. In either case as good citizens,
all intelligent minds should unite in ascer.
taining TIC truth or tals:ty this the greatest
phenomenon of the present or any preced-
ing age.
1t is understood to be general belief,
at this day, amongst all Christian denom-
nations, that spirits visit this earth; that
they impress us, and thereby protect us
fso,I danger. Every ones own experince
will colSrm the truth of this observation.
A commune cation to me, purporting to
come from Mr.. Calhoun, conveys the same
idea; wherein he says, ave, by our united
will acting upon spirits clothed in flesh,
influence them to perform duties which
benefit mankind" Ifthen, such the general
belief, is it any great stretch Of that belief
after the ASTOUNDING facts we have seen
and heard, 10 suppose hat there l2ay have
been discovered mode by Which spirits
can now communicate with us, in ad-
dition to attending and impressing us, and
that they are permitted so to do2 To my
mind the conclusion is perfectly rational
and philosophical. With all the evidence
Of progress which surround us here, how
can we discard such evidences from the
spirit world, which is believed to be one
Of Everlasting progression"
Many persons, unable to resist the evil
dence of the spiritual source of these COM
are finally compelled to ad-
NIT them, and as a last resort, charge
them as emanating from evil spirits. l
this as giving up the controversy.
There may be communications from evil
spirits. But that does not conflict with
the communications which bear internal
evidence of coming from the Spirits of
just men made more perfect" There is
an abundance of communications purpor-
ting to come from such source, and Of
the purest, most elevated, and most reli-
gious character. If the "evil one" has
prompted these, confess | have hereto
fore formed very wrong estimate Of his
character.
On the whole, the result Of my investi-
cations thus far is, that the weight Of evil
dence is in favor OF the truth Of these spir-
itual manifestations" But I shall con-
tinue IN investigate as opportunity offers.
And if, hereafter, the preponderance Of
evidence shall incline to the other side,
shall as readily announce that result as I
have above communicated the other.
In the mean time, let us exercise all
possible charity for those who do not be-
lieve; and especially those who denounce
without investigation, and condemn with
out knowledge, for they are those that
most need it.
Eyou.1 tb;s JaenIkoru on,,o ,oo.;o,.