Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1869-01-06
Pennington,
WEST FARMINGToN, Dec. %, 1s6s

EDITOR CHRONICLE Even away
up here, so far away from railroads,
telegraphs and all those centers OF
trade and business that make up the
/ cities. we have u events and excite
ments that may not be altogether I'M
interesting to others. Our little town
has been awake for some time past
over the efforts of the S~pirituaIists to
| convert this "hOt bed" of Orthodoxy
to the glorious new light.
Some months ago a society was
formed TO build a Union Hall, which
was dedicated to Free Discussion.
The S~piritualists were the original
movers in the matter, but on account
of Receiving considerable outside help,
they bound themselves by written
articles to use the building not more
than one-half the time, the remain
ing half to be devoted to general uses.
The building is seventy feet long by
twenty-seven broad, is finely finished,
and makes quite an addition TO the
town. The questions pertaining to
S~piritualism have been discussed for
sometime; challenges have been
thrown out, and hints given that no
Orthodox minister dared to attack the
theory.
Rev. A. n, Craft, Principal of the
Western Reserve Seminary, was the
first to accept the challenges, and on
Sunday evening, Dec. 10Th, he deliv-
cred a lecture on the immoral tenden-
cies of modern Spiritualism, said
lecture consisting of extracts read
from standard Spiritual works. The
Professor is a young man, II of a
high order of talents, and being rather
bashful, it was surprising to some that
he should attack this doctrine that
holds so strong a hold upon the minds
of so many men and women in this
town. The house was filled with rep
TeSentatives from all the churches,
and there were none there who were
fighting for the right but felt that i'll
this young MAI there had indeed
arisen a champion whose blows were
strong against error, and one who was
to be a leader in the army of Christ.
The extracts read were from the
writings of such lei as A. J. Davis,
3. p. Randolph, Warren Chase, and
Otherleading Spiritualists, a~nd referred
to the tendencies of their doctrines
towards Freeloveism and all kinds of
immortality. The Professor was at
considerable expensein getting Spirit
ual books, pamphlets and papers, and
as themembers of the different church.
es were determined that he shOuldnot
go up to the strife alone, they made up
a purse of se~venty-fiye (75) dollars,
which was presented to him as an as
sistance in this work.
Now the believers of this modern
lTphf in fhf- fnr~r, Infnpr N.,nraI nannln
and not relishing that they should be
considered to hold such doctrines, pro-
cured a man named KELLOGG, from
East Trumbull, to reply to the Profess
sOr. On last Saturday night the reply
was made, and consisted simply in
statements that Randolph was acrGzy
Methodist! The absurdity of this
statement, both as regards his mental
and religious condition, was plainly
seen by all who have read the endorse
ments given him by their leading pa
pers and speakers. Nj. Kellog's
speech was Il very eloquent one, and
one that made Spiritualism to be a
grand thing; but as he failed to prove
any of his statements it rather lesSened
the effect it might otherwise have had.
When this speech was concluded it
vas announced that on the next night
Professor Craft would give another
reading OIL the same subject as before.
The appointed time came, and with it
a full house, as the people hereabour
are awake over the subject. The
lecture vas opened by reference to the
sentence of ''craZy man" that had
been passed on Randolph. II have
other crazy men here, " said the speak
and he proceeded to read extracts
from the writings of men that no
denies, lest he deny his
faith. Between the readings Mr.. Craft
~eloquently and cOnvinc-
onthe tendencies of the doctrines
expressed, and, unlike Mr.. kellogg,
when he made a statement he proved
it. After finishing, a chance was
given for remarks, and Mr.. White, Of
Bundysburgh, took the floor. Mr..
White is not a very tall man, but
what he lacks in height he makes up
in carncstness- There may be great
souls IN sinai bodies His speech was
not what a man would call logical, /
do not know as a critic would call it
even grammatical, but his soul was
burning to get a blow ut the PRIESTS
and rs there were sever of them there,
it is to be supposed that he made an
impression on them. He charged ali
kinds of villainy on the churches,
even because they opposed not the use
Of tea, coffee, or pork! He claimed
that all kinds of evil was hidden under
priestly robes. Like Mr.. kellogg, his
statements were rather vague, as he
also failed to prove anything. L hope
there will be an invitation given to
this man to lecture on this subject, as
he seems to have learned the style.
Allow me one remark. This is al
lell-bOrn doctrine, and one that like
shall bring curses on its
supporters. 1t has a stronghold in
he land, and it becomes all christians
20 grid themselves round about with
he armOr of Truth, and be prepared
o combat such doctrines. Show to
men that their evil weapons are
lOwerless T.; that the Christ they de-
ipise shall some day reign triumphant
both Lord of earth and Heaven.
Ong after their doctrines shall have
allen into ruins. ORTHODOXY.