New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-05-03
MR.. RIDDLES NEW BELIEF.

FEND HIS BOOh-CURIOUS PASoAGho IN luz
VOLUME.
The book on "Spiritua Communications by
Superintendent Henry Riddle, which will be issued
to-day, was the subject of much comment yester-
day. In q conversation Mr.. Riddle said he was
prepared to defend his book by pen and speech; he
regards himself as an instrument in the
hands of spirit intelligences to effect the
regeneration of society. He has not determined as
set to resign his public Office. The members of the
Board of Education were amazed at the extracts from
the book published in The TRIBUNE. and expressed
noch regret that Mr. Riddle had been induced TO
,,aSe public bis peculiar views on Spirtuaism
Fufther extracts are given from MT. Riddles book
A TALK WITH THE SUPERINTENDENF.
THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED WITH THE HOSTILITY
WHICH HIS BOOK WILL ARoCSE-A BELIEF THAT
sPIRITUALIsM Is The RELIGION OF TUE FUTURE
Henry Riddle was visited at his residence,
No 7s9 LexingtOn-ave. Thursday evening. In long
conversation he talked In earnest and quiet manner
of his book He evidently believed that he had in hand
tie fluff meD Of important duty, hostile to the views
commonly entertained by society He said Had not
this objective evidence sptualsm and Christianity
come through members Of my own family, ! should
not Lave taken responsible step az
to indorse 1t publicly. Before this experience
TO family, nine months ago, Ead
read q few books the subiect. and had general
knowledge OF spriiualism Irealize that 1t is very
serious matter publish book Of this kind. don't
expect the word will easily receive readily accept
thu truths IL teaches. minds OF must first be
prepared for them. great many minds are already
prepared to accept Yes, my position VIII doubtless
lend weight to the book. This 10 he the idea
aimed at by the intoligences in gyi"g their communi
cations the world through felt bound TO com
ply because could not but that they contained
something the world Ought TO know.
"While preparing this book have been wonderfully
struck by the condition the public mind all Gues
lions relating to spirit communion All OF our pupits
are discussing the matter, inference from the Scrip
lures aud the subjective experience OF mems souls.
coming practically to the same conclusion myself,
but calling it by. different language. They haven't
however, "a strong vital belief With them 1t is more
sentiment than a faith All forms of superstition are
based belief in the OF the spirits OF the
departed and superstition underlies all religion Such
objective evidence as / bring is Of most i'm
portance at this period 1t will lead men 70
retire within themselves Tor subjective evidence This
is TO obtained through communion with the Creator
and through devotional exercises. Prayer, az set
forth in my book the great spiritual force have
made no new scoyery but only illustrate what Is older
The world will never be saved by intellectuaism. Mr.
rockingham has demonstrated that. Those who go TO
NY book to crcise it by intellectual light will never
get anything out OF II. Those who go to the Scriptures
in the same way get only infdety'
Imay have something more TO say hereafter when
the book has been criticised and passed upon The book
think can work nothing but good to mankind. Soc
how spiriualism has sprung mp in all countries during
the last twenty-five years. II certainly has purpose
TO fulfil The Christian churches are absolutely with
ont lie My book teaches love TO God aud love To man,
aud that all there is OF religion II offers common
basis OF belief for persons OF al elteds us preCepts
might be taught IN all schools without Onauce Thev
solve the question Of education ana reglon Men smut
their eyes against this thing and say there Is no
sup I'm the heavens. You know now hard 10 is
for persons 10 see things that opposed 10 then
prrudlces. No one has ever done anything that con
cird with the general sentiment OF society without
suffering Tor IT, Men WIN call me visionary but think
was the practical part Of nature that prompted
me 20 nublisb mis- hook with the purpose OF aiding 10
cure The evils society. know that the book would
have little importance without the authority or my
name. Persons VIII rightly ask, VINO indorses these
these communications than nave given III my book,
aud it will be given TO the world at the proper Tine
am as firmly convinced OF the truth Of the statements In
the book as am that am talking TO you at TINS mo-
nent.
teaching primitive Christianity when atheists ana ma
terasts are respected Those connected with ecclesl
astical organizations and those who are set IN d0gmls
formulated long ater the saviour lei the World WIZ
take ground against ne. Mr.. Beecher breaches the
doctrines Of sPritualsm every sunday IN HE pnl!hL
The speeches Of George william CHrs aud DINERS ~ tbe
reception to Mr.. FrOthlngham present TIE senImchia
basis OF Spiritualism The supernaurasn OF my book
Will be objected 20. out spirit writing Is az "d as human
nature The Chinese have had u Ior thousands OF years
Ny book viii be attacked. but l am prepared to
defend IL by pen and speech suppose tLlr Is tle DC
glBnIng very great discussion. Those who Know
me know that do not turn my back on anything SCI
out do. Let every man NdO fCabS thc DOCK Icntct
that its statements concern Inn much az me. Let
HIM say tls may be true then where Will 10 be II lie
renources itl NV religious convictions were never s.
powerful as now great deal be done. know to
svin0 bnndTsds Of tbonssnds Ne lave not deter
mined resign my position as superintendent ol
schools, and am not PREPARED 10 say Just now Wh"t
course Shall pursue with reference 10 H."