The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-03-03

Superstition has not only prevented
mankind from attaining superior emf
nence of happiness, but, what is more de-
plorable, it has added in great degree to
an already extensive catalogue of earthly
miseries. It is not by the ignorant alone
that superstitious beliefs are entertained,
but by my eminent men of the past and
present DR.. Samuel johnson was
firm believer in ghosts and second sight.
Josephus, the great Jewish historian, re-
lates that he witnessed the extraordinary
sight of an evil spirit being induced to
leave the body of an afflicted patients
nostril. James VI, who was noted for
his intellectual attainments and theologi-
cal learning, was firm believer in witch
craft. So deep hold did this absurd
notion have on him that he published
work upholding this doctrine, and act
ually prosecuted all who opposed the
belief. Even Martin Luther, the sturdy
old reformer, informs us that the devil
appeared to him and SO enraged him that
he threw heavy inkstand at him where
upon the father of all evil vanished.
Socrates, the sublimest character in pro-
fame history, firmly believed that he was
actuated and directed by demon!
Blackstone, the author of the incom-
parable commentaries on the laws of
England, was an undoubted believer in
witchcraft. This list of superstitious
votaries could be indefinitely extended,
but enough has been said upon the sub
ject.
Some of the ancient superstitions are
very pleasing, and in the highest degree
poetic. There is superstitious belief
prevalent in the East that eclipses of the
moon are caused by o demon who, out of
the malice of his nature, aff1icts the
Queen of the stars. And on these oc-
c;,sions the inhabitants leave their dwell
ings, and, by pounding upon pans and
pots, and shouting and discharging fire
arms, endeavoring to frighten the mon
ster away from his work of destruction.
A popular belief is that the sound pro-
duced by q little insect known as a
"death watch" protends the death of
some relative or friend That the noise
| made by this little creature resembles
the ticking of watch is rndisputed, but
| that it in any wise foretells the dissolu-
| ton of human being is absurd OBJ
servation has established the fact that
| these little insects infest decaying timber
| and posts, and that the peculiar noise is
caused by them in gnawing and boring
through the rotten wood fibers in quest
| of food.
The bowling of homeless cur in the
stiffness of the night has caused more
dread than would the roaring of wild
beast And many who have braved the
| cannon mouth will tremble at the break
ing of looking-glass.
The number thirteen is supposed by
many to be unlucky, and if they find
themselves one of party of that num-
ber they will depart with haste. Our
Saviour and his disciples were thirteen;
the original States of the American
| Union were thirteen. Other instances
could be cited to establish this principle,
were it necessary.
| Superstitious doctrines, countless in
number, are founded on and magnlfied
by all ignorance of the plainest truths Of
natural sience. If we remove the cause
| the effect will cease. Let more attention
be given in the instruction of youth tc
the inculcation of the fundamental prin'
ciples of the sciences, and less to mere
ornamental studies, and the result will
be advantageous to mankind.