Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-12-22
Misttuanp.
SPIRITUALIsM FIZZLING OUT.

1t would seem that scarcely any ism or de.
luslon. however preposternus, can be advanced
in these days, says the journal of Commerce.
without securing the belief Of considerable
numbers, including persons Of acknowledged
ability, prudence and sagacity But they
cannot long endure the severe scrutiny of
religion and intelligence. Like icphprgs in
the blazing sun, they must ere long waste
away before the all pprvading light of truth.
"Spiritualsm." which is one of the most mon
strous of these modern dogmas, already gives
signs Of approaching arorhy and decay. The
editor Of the New York Pathfinder. who rep
resents himself as having for months past
been Eat the head Of the most extensive ps-
tablishment in existence for the investigation
of the phenomena. publishing one Of the lead
ing journals, devoted entirely to the cause
aud employing about the premises no less
than eight mediums. for public sittings. for
investigation and instructions. and this -s,ab
lishment being carried on at an expense Of
over hundred dollars week" comes out in
bold rennnciation of the whole craft. Still
enteria aiming belief in the ''undeniable evden-
ces of the existence Of disemhod:ed spirits"
these manifestations are regarded MS inflict.
ing incalcnlable evil wherever their influence
is felt. The editor, Mr.. John +. Whitney,
says: -
Now. after a long and constant watchrul-
ness. seeing for months and years IFS progress
and its practical workings npon its devotees.
its believers, and its mediums we are com.
PEELED to speak our Honest conviction. which
is that the manifestations coming through
the acknowledged mediums. who are drsigna-
ted as Rappng. Tripping, Writing and En-
tranced Mediums. has had q hanefnl influence
upon its believers, and create discord and
confusion; that the generality of these
teachings incucate false idels. approve ol
selfish individual acts. and indorse theories
and principles which, when carried ont, de.
base aod make man hut little better than the
brute creation. These are among the fruits
Of modern Spiritualsm. and we do not hes
tate to say, that we believe if these manifes
tations are continued TO be received. and &c
he as little understood as they are, and have
been. since they first made their appearance
ut Rochester. and mortnls are to be deceived
by their false, fascinating. and snake lik,
charming powers which 60 with them, th,
day will come when the world will require tn,
appearance of another Saviour to redeem til,
world by its departing from Christ's warnin:
to his followers to beware of wolves in sheep.
clothing. and to try what manner of spirits y,
were Of"
anu a1ulH lie says:
Seeing. as we have, the gradual progress
it makes with its believers, particularly il
mediums, from lives of morality to that o
sensnality and immortality, gradually and can
tiously undermining the foundation of goot
principles, we Look back with amazement t.
the radical changes which few months will
bring about in individuals, for its tendencic
are TO approve and endorse each individua
act and character however good or bad thos
acts may be."
The article from which these extracts ar
made. concludes as follows -
I'VE desire to send our warning voice. an
u our humble position. as the head Of nul,
lie journal, our known advocacy of Spir tuaI
ism, our experience. and the conspicuous par
+ we have played among its believers. the hor
esty. and iearlessncss with which We have de
Tended the subject. will weigh Anything in on
FAVOR. we desire that our opinions NAV he r.
ceived, and those who are moving passivrl
down the rushing rapids to destruction. shnnl
pause, ere it be too late. and save themsrlve
|, from the blasting influence which those man
! iestations are causing"
F, Such developments and confessions from
source so high in spiritual humhnggpry. mus
tell d sastronsly npon the establishments
'clrcles," and other machinery employed
carrying forward this destructive delusion.