Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1856-03-22
For tho Buslc.
RELATION OF SPIRITUALIsM TO ANTI
SLAVERY.
fNHFNOefufJj
STEPHEN D. WOLFE.

In our day and generation there are variety of
new ideas and projects current among the mem
5ers of the body polite. Such are the different
reforms, such creeds, aud spiritualism. I'm
der the last named head, cheering and rational
view is taken of the future and its probable reali
ties for the the human SOU; and when the tenor OF
the whole subject is rightly compreheBded, it be-
comes aid in every reformatory movement. Its
legitimate effect is excite to holy diligence
in all good works, to lift US above the mires of
worldliness, selfshness, covetousness. and to
make most unselfsh aborers for a common hu-
manity. When this is not the case with believ-
er in the truth Of the new revelation concerning
spirit and its destiny; we must suppose that either
the bias of education, and preconccived prejudices
fcttor the mind or else the heart is not pervaded
and balanced by justice, philanthropy and reli-
gion. Where these sentiments rule, the reception
of no truths or facts can misdirect or blind the
moral perceptions.
In receiving statements purporting to be given
from another world, nothing but an intellectual
and moral apathy will permit them to be taken as
infallible. They ought to be tested by exactly the
same standard which we would apply in determin-
ing the credibility and truthfulness Of assertions
coming from other sources. Such a criterion some
spiritualists have failed to apply, and in conse-
quence their friends have been concerned to see
them losing zeal in good cause, which needs their
help, and Of which they as much need the benefit.
WHO, in u right mind can sit down in quietness
saying "The spirits will do the work, they will
send forth preachers of righteousness. They will
bring it to pass that all SHALL in every respect be
made free" That is the old doctrine Of the
Church. which as body, has become almost pow
erless for good. They have waited for the Lord
and His Holy Spirit, to accomplish all things, and
what will become of them?
Each person in human form, is rs much spirit,
and may be as much or more influential for good
as any one disembodied, our work is at our hand,
why leave it for others to do.
The reason why that which purports to come
from another world may not be always relied upon
is probably owing to several causes. 1t may be
that truth has been refracted and discolored by
passing through medium of communication, not
free from ignorance and prejudice, or an undeve-
oped spirit which is rot in the love of good may
give false words: We must use our own faculties
and Judge for ourselves between the Chat and
Wheat
If one afirms thus, ~ have said too much
against negro slavery, and not enough against
white slavery" we know the first clause is not
truthful, because too much cannot be said to open
the eyes of the people to see the injustice and
tyranny of their relations. If it said-"The dark
cloud of intestine discord is rising in the West,
and the storm of civil war shall ere long burst
with fearful vengeance over this country, because
the iuiquity of the people is waxed great and
their sins are as stencil in the nostrils Of the
Almighty, Therefore shall they suffer ihe penal
ty of their transgressions." We are not to re-
csiye il as an unfalipg prophecy, but tc consider