The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-11-09
VI hole Number l245.
From the Mtto York Tribune
Judge Edm0MdS and SpIrituaIisIm.

Judge Edrn0MdS and SpiriaIaIism.
SpIR1ruALIsM. By John w. Edmonds and Geo.
II. Dexter, M. D. With an appendix, by Ma
thanel P. Talmadge. Vel. l. eSo. PIP. 5O5.-
Partridge q Britain
The disclosures in this volume will be received
with interest by those with whom the so-called
spiritual manifestations are objects Of study, on
account of the character of its principal author
Occupying an important official position, with an
undsputed reputation for probity and intelligence.
and heretofore devoted adherent to the prevail
ing religious ideas, he is witness in the case,
whose testimony cannot fail to challenge degree
ofattention and respect, which has not always
been won by the loudest advocate of the spiritual
theory.
The Origin of the work before may be stated
in few words The acquaintance of Judge Ed
monds with DR.. Dexter, commenced about year
and half ago. but it not until last spring, that
they engaged in series of ofinvestigauns together,
for the purpose of gaining more light on the sub
ject in which they were both deeply interested.
A circle was formed consisting of several expert
enced mediums, in which remarkable eommunica-
tions soon began to be received. They purported
to come principally FROM Lord Bacon aud Sweden
impaired either through DR. Dexter, writing
medium, lady belonging to the circle, who
was speaking medium, and afterward reduced
to form and written out in full by Judge Edmonds
himself. The most interesting of these commu-
nications contained in the present volume.
1t is preceded by an elaborate Introduction by
Judge Edmonds giving full account of his con-
neetion with the subject, aud the reasons which
have convinced him that the phenomena in ques-
ton are commun icatons from the spirit world
This introduction is written calmly. clearly, and
forcbly, showing that if the Judge is aboring un-
der halluciDatiou in regard to Intercourse with
spirits, his intellect, in other respects, has lost none
of its characteristic vgor and discrimination.
His statements of the motives which first led
him to investigate the subject is highly pertinent
and impressive. Looking with concern at the
facts, which he substauliates by reference to the
figures of Statistics that vast majority ofthe pop
uiation of olr country were not professed believ-
ers in the religion of the day-considering that
even the world of protesting Christians was div-
ded into numerous sects, and most of the sects
again divided into factions among themselves-and
convinced that true Christian philosophy would
not prompt to shrink from the investigation of
nature, through fear OF finding contradiction be-
tween the works and the Word of God-he enter
ed upon his Investigations with the desire to sats-
fy his mi nd in regard to three points; first, wheth
er the effects which she witnessed were reality
or deluson, second, whence came the directing
intelligence and will, and third, what was the end
they aimed at? ties
For the first four or five months, his principal
enquiries were directed to the first point. Here
he struck by the fnot, that under the circum-
stances the sounds not produced by the in
strumeniality of any person present. Add tothis,
bis mental questions were answered, when none
of the circle could know what they were, and mis-
takes were corrected in written memorandum,
when no one present was aware that any mistake
had been made. At that time the Judge was a
dsveliever-he had all his wits about him-and
was the lookout for deception.
In his second interview. none of his questions
were asked orally, some were written, and some
merely framed in his mind-yet all were answer
ed correctly. Once he began by writing ques-
ton of which he had thought, and it was answered
Before he had written two words of it. Soon after
he received personal manifestations of character
which 10 his opinion, bore the strongest marks ofa
spiritual origin. On occasion while on his
way to meet certain medium, he determined to
in bis own mind to ask particular question, but
finding chance to propose it, he still received an
. answer by direct communication made dis
tinctly if the question had been uttered aloud,
although no human being knew his purpose.
These and similar facts were nexplcable to the
Judge. He enieavored to account for them by
Mesmersm. This did not satisfy him. The
manifestations were repeated for over year. He
was at length directed through medium to pub
lish a statement of what he had witnessed. He
declined to do this without further evidence. On
being asked, what evidence could satisfy him? he
replied such as would show that the phenomena
were not the result of mortal agency-evidence oi
the identity of those who professed 10 be be deal
ing with him--and evidence that they aimed at q
good and not evil purpose. Such evidence Fl,
nally came, and in such form rs 10 leave doubt
on his mind to two of the points of his inquiries
1t consisted of physical manifestations which de-
monsirated to him beyond all doubt that they
were not produced by mortal hands, and were
governed by an intelligence independent ofthe per-
e sons present s'It is vain,'' said the judge ste
s say we were deceived. l knew that was not
: and SO did every of that large party. Sol il
vain to say the mediums did it, for they were actu
ally more frightened at what occurred than we
were, who were spectators and essayed in vain te
stop it. Then it was the chair that run back ant
forth on the floor, the bell was rung our heads
and one of the party was forcibly torn by invsi
81 BILE power from my grasp, in spite alike of hi
y strength and mine Through one of the medium
). we were told, go to the front door and let then
i in,' and when the door was opened unexpected
!, addition to the party, not one ofwhom wRs known
5 to the medium, was found ascending the steps bu
:. had not reached the bell. AS stood in corner
;, where no one could reach my pocket felt a hano
thrust into it, and found afterward that SIX knots
y had been tied in my handkerchief. "A pass VIC
was put into my hand and rested on my fooe, ahe
NJ ,, ,,.,. ,,l,ved upop. A violin was placed in my