New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-02

PREACHING UNDER CONSTRAINT.

The Rev. B. s. HoBBs, Univenast clergyman at
Webster, n. Y, has stopped preaching because he
has on several occasions while in the pulpit been
seized by the mania influence popularity termed
"Spiritualsm" and made to utter sentiments utterly
foreign to his own views and convictions la his let
ter to his brethren through The Embdssador Says
Unjust now give more in detail something OF my
past history for the last four months. On my fouth
attempt at preaching here lost the use OF my speech
while in the solemn act of public prayer. But 1t was
only this and after few moments was able to say a
few words in explanation Of tie past concerning me,
and then preaching discourse. AT the conclusion
gave a further explanation OF the strange trlais 10
which bad been subjected, and told the audience
that it. under such circumstances they wished me 70
make another appointment. l would DO so. By q
unanimous request made an appointment for the en-
suing Sabbath and succeeded in preaching and gong
through with all the OF the occasion without
difficulty.
By the request Of the friends here soon assumed
the pastoral duties of this Society, ana continued my
lAbOTs for period Of nearly SIX months. had uen
nearly come to the conclusion that the days OF tnai
were nearly past and better aud brighter future
would soon be mine. But the cherished hope was
vain. In moment when least expected It, the bolt
o. ain fell, and was crushed IN great sorrow humua-
ton aud anguish TO the dust
"Itis proper here 10 say that this exhibition wac
the most painful if not The sraogest, OF any have
experienced. Ny speech wa first controlled while IN
the solemn act OF prayer; and then again was com
peled 10 speak in manner that "a before led some
10 think it spiritual, and others to think me strangely
diseased, if not partially insane Before when these
ore than dreadful trials mire the strange nhu-
erce was Of short duration. Not So however, IN the
present instance | was obliged IN spite OF al my
1Gorfs 10 prevent it, 10 exhibit the character OF tho
80 skjbg medium in full, by addressing an aUiience
On two different occasions, and going through the
sualges. oIdeals common 10 the Splrituasm oi the
present age.
"Na did it end here; nor tits my dsty now TO cay,
is the end yet apparent Soon my hand a. Oxen De-
fore seized by the strange spirit power and was
obliged TO write its prOpheci es and sayings lnis mas
continued tor a few months past ard the same Work
/. vet going Oh; and from Sabbath to Sabbath am
acting. not as q Gospel minister, but as spirit me-
By this time the reader will inquire, does not the
writer believe in the fact Of spirit Intercourse Tho
question shall be answered. 1 am unable 10 UNDER
stand my strange experience III any otnsi mahDSI' ~
has from the frst been my opinion that no derange-
u,ept Of mind could DOss,biy do the Work with which
have long been acquainted. But The Ordeai Mas
been 10 terrible that have tried 10 account for u 10
some other way than IT has ever claimed ~ originate
And readers and brethren in the ministry II believe
in the fact Of -piTit intercourse, Il u only because
long.protrecea experience has made 1t necessity,
and because if b.lieve also believe That the seee-
ret and stTdHgest Tal that mortal ca" enaure, can
g, NE by purpoe and design from the spirit spheres.
Rnt II know NY own heart ! would prefer at pres
eut 10 keep this opinion for myself alone. II what
have long endured eau by any possibility come from
above, certain am mat lew Cah Dels'e u vi feeia
" And now brethreD-bre'hren in the ministry
what hall ssy more 10 relation to this matter Shall
say like some others that have found a purer
faith This / cannot do; for il mast be man OF
keen sight indeed that can discern IN modern
stituslEm purer faith than that contained IA .a9
Gospel Of Christ With the light have at present. ,
AK or better faith than bays I% Gns eteach
and, TO the best Of my feeble ability usd ~ 49,
II is tue 81 not at present engaged ~ me iiS.y.
The for this have given The ir SsSaT' sp .Ss
work is impossible with me. in' r,,' 10y 90
n Mn ter IL the denomination to which now belong Is
nearly, if not altogether Rushed
un.t I then. take my leave, and withdraw from
- This II would pain NE greatly 70 do, and
present ak You to bear with me- sI 10 !, ys .s
Pe,n I will for your sskes, take the parnng
hand. Bat allow me still to say that kno" ~h M y,
Nc greater happiness than TO be an achye nsefui
isborer In the ministry Of the Gospel OF the Great Sal
CON mend rnyself into the Fathers hands, and 70
| vour Christian charity and brotherly love. ..
| Web,iey, " T., APEl a. lSSL' o. O. hVDD''