Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1854-03-14
Fo: the Times.
. SPIRIT UALIS Nj No. 2.
.MEssRs. EDlToRs

Noticing in the last
Mo- of!your paper, "reply to spiritual
ism Wo.'l," again trespass upon your
Indulgence, by offering few more sug.
gestions. Aud here let me say that in
this discussion my sole object is TO ar.
Give at,rRUTn. have no darling theo.
ryrto' build up at the expense Of that
lprinciplo-neilher have | an establish.
ed creed, or line Of condnct marked ou,
that am not willing-yea, anxious TO
.snbmit to the severest test in the all
powerful sunshine of TRUTH. Consti.
rous, from al! past ><oerience, as well
;as from its inherent virtue and excel.
ilence that it will triumph, despite all
combinations that may be formed agains,
lit, or whatever prejudices or bigolries Of
education may repuse it, | seek solely
ITO ascertain in regard 10 this new theo.
ry, wherein that everlasting principle
exists, and desire to be guided by its un
erring light. Hence, am pleased to
see that my communication has been
deemed worthy Of reply.
only fegret that fricnL "Rrhchlin," F."
for " hose admoniiions am truly thank
ful, has not seen cause to answer my
important queries by sincere spirit o!
inquiry in regard 10 the powers and
workings OF The mind, rather than by an
appeal to our grosser attributes in a
spirit of irony and ridicule; yet, pre-.
sumo that his opportunities for witness
ing this remarkable phenomena have
not been such as to give him the prerosa'
tive Of judging imparially; that he EN-
,irely misapprehends the teaching and
influence Of spiritual manifestations,
needs no evidence only to those unac.
.quain,ed with them. That his motives
are commendable, anil his best wishes
like my own for the triumph Of truth, |
have no doubt.
Again, il the theory is irreconcilable
with the revelations Of Deity the great
standard Of tru:h-ifit is not in harmony
with His laws, and in its promulgation
likely to rebound to His glory, and to
the benefit OF his creatures, we say in
the language Of Gamaliel-"if this
counsel, or this work be Of men, it will
come to nough,; but if it be Of God ye
canno. overthrow it," Then "reffain
from these men, and let them alone;le lest
haply ye be found to fight against God."
So much by way Of explanation, and
mo nrocss1 IN ronsider some of "Reuch.
Inns" arguments.
The" Rappings" we have never hcari.
The manifestations we have witnessed,
I,ave many Of them been scientific lee.
tures upon tho "connecton Of matter
and mind'-"the powers and workings
.of.he mind''-"the reception Of truth at
~ present day compared with the rece2.
Ohm Ain the days Of the apostles," and
many other kindred subjects that have
been discussed in comprehensive and
forcibIc manner, characterized by form
of composition and style Of elocution
surprising anything that we have ever
read or heard, elsewhere, excepting a.
lone The inspirations Of Deity; and these
have been interspersed with scrmons,ex'
pounding passages Of scripture-dslina..
satins the character and mission ol
.Christ-illustrating hi, promises and
teaching with spirit and power far ex'
ceiling the aggregate Of pulpit oratoE;
imperatively enforcing the doctrine Of
the great brotherhood Of the iamlly oil
man, and tho consequent obligations
they are undet to each other, as exhibit'
ed IN the conduct Of Christ and his A.
pos.les, stunning all appearances ol
bride Of arrogancy, seeking solely to
enlarge the "spiritual kingdom, whose
maker and builder is God"
Whether medium may, OF may not,
have stamped upon the Bible, we need
not pause 10 inquire; yet we DO know
that many Of the most bloody and DO,
vastating wars that have ever cursed
the earth, have been psrPetrated IN the
name of''religion -,nevsttheless we oe'
iisye thers Is a true religion that us a,
bie TO make % wise unto salvalion'
Many indiyiduals, and some sects, have
discarded The Bible altogether, and no.
unfrsqusntly burned it, yet our conf