Nebraska advertiser., 1869-08-12

"N . -" 49,
The Discourse delivered upon the
above mentioned subyeek at Che Pres
byterian Church, on last Sunday
morning, blythe Rev. Mr.. Baird, was
not only remarkable because Of the
ability which characterized IL, bat
also remarkable because Of its adapta-
bility to the times.
1t is not the present plan to report
the above mentioned discourse, but
briefly to alIude thereto with the addi-
ltion Of few thoughts concerning the
beIiefin Modern SpirituaIism, and the
result that such q belief must neeessa-
rily have upon the mind
The discussion was, in the first
place, a resume Of the extensive Hter-
atuFe-b0sh sacred and proper-eOn-
corning the question, from the earliest
down. The manifestations and phe-
nomena of ancient spirftualism were
most clearly shown 10 be identical
with the spiritUalism of tO-dsy.
The effects and consequences result
ting from a belief therein were clearly
and Enthusiastically set forth, and the
dangerous tendencies Of such a belief
were very fOrcibIy illustrated.
If facts and reasons sufficient
tOconvict a mans Of error, and convince
him OF truth, there could be but little,
if anything, added 10 the discourse
alluded to. But men are not convin-
ced of the faIlacy of their theories by
the lights and truths Of reason, unless,
indeed, they are ready and willing to
renOunee them, should they fail to
stand the test; because, as DIR. John
son remarked, "AIen willingly believe
what they wish to be true"
It does not suit the purpose Of the
believer in spirituaIism to renOunce
his faith therein. He imagines he
sees in this direction the method by
which he eaHs altogether avoid human
accountability to 3 Supreme Ruler.
His reasons for escaping such an ac-
eOuntability being Of the utmost con-
sequeneestO himself, he eagerly grasps
whatever comes within his reach,
though it be nothing more than the
straw Of spiritualism. 30
Then, the most trivial statements
are maguiied into the most remark
able eoineidents and revelations.
When the spirit Of a certain deceas-
ed person snnOances, through the me-
dunn, that in the worldly estate 81
said deceased person, there had been
appointed two administrators the
circle is electrified with the astOund-
ing relation and remarkable cOinci-
dent; for, that two administrator had
been appointed is a notorious fact, and
d. moreover, a matter Of public re-
cord. When a medium, By the aid of
darkness can execute these tricks Of
~Iegerdemain, which q more accom-.
pIished trickster can perform in the
light without dissection, it Is altOgeth-
er astonishing and convincing.
It is, no doubt, true enough that
there are manifestations and phenOm-
euaeOnneeted ithspIritualism which
may not be explained or accounted
for, but such inexplicable manifesto
tons are not, necessarily, proofs of
the truth Of the doctrine; no more
than the fact, that because we cannot
comprehend space, there is no such
thing.
I cannot comprehend the thought
that matter always existed, therefore
it was created. 1 cannot comprehend
the ths8ght that matter was created
out Of nothing, therefore it always ex-
listed. Here one proposition seems as
impossible to human understanding
as the other, yet one must be true,
otherwise the universe is a myth, and
man has no physical existence; and
such a doctrine as this is not worthy
Of a moments serious consideration.
Therefore how absurd to give ere
denee to a doctrine because of the in
comprehensibility of some phenome-
na-especiaIly absurd, when we re-
member with what profanity the
manifestations are characterized, and
when we take into account the ques-
tiOnable motives by which some are
said to be governed who patronize the
circle.
What, indeed, could be mOre.repul-
sive to the purest and nOblest sympa-
thies and sentiments Of the heart,
than the thought that the spirits of de-
parted friends were subject to the calls
of mediwrIs, and at whose command
they d~iseOursed &c most absurd and
Iudicrous tWaddIe.
Were I to believe that the spirits of
the beloved dead, being free 10 COM
munieate with us in this life, instead
Of watching over our welfare, and
causing their gentle and healing pres
eRee % be fele within my " strlck-
en- heart, should be subject. alone, to
the class Of spiritual mediums, then
the most bitter hour Of existence
would be the hour of such a belief.
The terrible anguish with which
the heart Is convulsed at the final par
ting upon eaFth--the last embrace;
the whispered farewell; the fading
vision; the death Sunderland what
we priced beyond all other earthly
gifts is gone, forever gone, would be
indispensable had We not the cheer
ing and sustaining consolation that
the spirit has gone to q brighter aud
happier world beyond, where sorrow
IL unknown and joy and gIadness ever
reign.
On Hind Snxrokasf IN avoid one ~