Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-29
of t9e gag.
NO. A..
For the Spirit of the Age.
SUPERSTITION.

SUPERSTITION.
Mr.. EDIToR The minds of many per-
sons are so constituted or influenced by
surrounding circumstances, that they will
believe many marvellous absurdities, that
exist only in their distempered imagina-
tions; and at the same time reject practi-
cal truths, that are founded upon reason
and demonstrated by scientific researches
1t is generally conceded by those who pro-
fess TO understand mental philosophy and
moral ethics, that early impressions upon
the mind are the most drahle, and that
parental discipline and edncation have
great influence In forming the character Of
youth. The history of many eminent and
good men go far to prove these assertions.
Parents naturally feel an anxious solcitude
for the welfare and happiness of their chill
dren; bat many of them instill into their
youthful minds noxious sentiments thatars.
sources of much trouble to- them, when
they have left the parental abode aud set
out in the world to try their own fortunes.
They who have been taught during their
probation in the parental nursery many
signs that portend evil, are constantly on
the lookout for some misfortune to befalp
them. And they cannot take a circum-
scribed view of the works of their Creator
but the fertility of their imaginations pre-
sents to them something ominous to canle
er the joys of life. Though the inferior
part of animated nature basks in the sun
shine of happiness, poor frail, man looks
upon the dark side of the picture of lifer
and creates to himself imaginary evils that
cause him more suffering, mentally, than
any real calamities that befall him. And
those who have adopted the prevailing sem
timents of superstition, arc naturally prone
to attribute every unfortunate occurrence.
that transpires to some mysterious agency.
When the domestic animals belonging to
the superstitious, man are attacked of ma
Hgnant diseases, he is very apt to conclude
that they are bewitched. Then he deems
it necessary to use means to counteract the
nefarieus design of the witch. or wizard, as
the case may be, and ascertain if possible,
what incarnate demon is the author of the.
mischief. And after having exhausted his
stock of knowledge in. countercharms and
entertainments to banish the enemy, and
failing to do so, he then calls to his aid
some conjurer, who processes to be skilled
i in the mysteries of nccrohancy. And
when that august parsonage makes his ap-
/ pearance in the presence of the sick ami
/ NAL, he assumes airs of importance ant
4 trfv. to vxhibit in his cOunten2nce signs OF
unusual penetration and astuteness. He
commences his incantations with signiff-
cant glances, gestures and inaudible whis-
pers, that indicate that there are particu-
!, lar mysteries in the case, hidden from comr
mon observers !; and after considerable
display of his prowess in. oeenIt mysteries,
he arrives at the conclusion that it is a
clear case of witchcraft Then his ener-
gies and professional skill arc concentrated
to render the power of the witch or wizard
to do harm, of non effect There does
not appear to be uniformity in the treat
ment of cases of witchcraft. | will detail
the particulars of a. case, al we'll as can
remember them as narrated to me, the
events having occurred very few years
ago:
, A man who resided within the borders
, of this county, having a sick horse, sent for
coniuring horse doctor, and when the
veterinary charrner arrived, he performed
some of his enchantments and pronounced
it case of witcheraft. The horse was
. then released, and picture drawn, to rep,
! resent the WITCH and nailedi to. some ob,
ject with directions TO tap the nail every
morning with hammer till the ninth day,
at which time it was to be driven up to the
head. The owner Of the horse and his
family had particular iniunctious not to
lend anything till the nine days had elapsed
y And it so happened; that poor woman
/, who was in destitute circumstances, cams
n to the owner Of the horse to borrow some
thiY<, nj h. IL, r. 4.
: borrowers, had not expired, .herrequest wa
q refused So she returned home and wa
i taken sick, continued to grow worse I'll
:, she died on the day the nail in the picsur
~ was driven up to the head. During th4
timeth woman was sick and getting worse
80 the horse was improving, and when sh
> died, he se1s restored Now, Mr.. Editor
70 do you not think, IN these days Of pregres
- in the varions kinds Of knowledge, tha
when any person shah become so sapientl,
of wicked, as to kill fellow being BY drivin
AL nail into picture to cure sick horst
y he should be amenable to the laws of h
t. country for murdera And the next Sc.
nor sion Of the Legislature Of the cid Mort
"a State should see 10 it, that no coniure
~ should be allowed to drive nails into piC
= lures; and should any death accrue fro,
such misdemeanor, there should be speci,
provision made and provided to apprehen
o, the eenjurer for felony. OLIO
"fyro" changes his signature, as som
IN, writer for the Age recently used the sam
so name. In your issue Of the 18th ult.. thel
N occurs Typographical error in @Tyroa
ey communication; in the 23d line from IL
ed Top resolution" should have been arestri
rot ton"
ey