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 THE 
 
 ARREST, TRIE MD ACQUITTAL 
 
 1 
 
 OF 
 
 3 
 
 ABBY WARNER 
 
 SPIRIT RAPPING, 
 
 I N 
 
 
 I 
 
 ST. TIMOTHY'S CHURCH, MASSILLON, 0. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH DIRECTIONS FOR CIRCLES THE CAUSES OF UN- 
 TRUTHFUL ANSWERS WHAT SPIRITS TEACH WHAT'S THE 
 
 USE OF MEDIUMS — THE OBJECT OF SPIRITUAL INTER- 
 COURSE PROGRESS OF SPIRITUALISM, AC, &C. 
 
 B T 
 
 DR, A. UNDERBILL 
 
 CLEVELAND: 
 
 GRAY & WOOD PLAIN DEALER STEAM PRESS. 
 
 18 52. 
 
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 i^^^^^^^^^^^^^z 
 
 
LIFE AND HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 ABBY WARNER, 
 
 AS A MEDIUM. 
 
 Abby, the object of so much holy vengeance, pious indignation and 
 Christian persecution, at Massillon, is about seventeen or eighteen 
 years of age. Left without parents when quite young, and having 
 one side of her face eaten out by calomel, she became an object of 
 public charity, and was sent to this city by the trustees of some town- 
 ship in Williams county, for the purpose of having (by surgical opera- 
 tion) her face or cheek repaired. This operation was successfully 
 performed by Dr. Aekley. 
 
 Owing to the newness of the country and her situation, she has no 
 education, and is therefore unable to read and write, (though the last 
 year she has learned to spell a little, and can now make out short sen- 
 tences, ) but is unable to read writing or to write, unless spirits control 
 her hand. She first came to the city in the fall or winter of 1849-50. 
 She returned again in the following fall, when Dr. Aekley performed a 
 second operation upon her face. After this, owing to the want of 
 means and friends, and being sick and unable to work, she was per- 
 mitted to go to the county house. Here she remained several weeks, 
 and until her health was restored. 
 
 It was while at the county house she first heard the sounds, but did 
 not dream what they meant, or from whence they proceeded. Mi's. 
 Kellogg resided near by. With her, Abby became acquainted, and 
 found she possessed a sympathizing soul, which felt for the unfortu- 
 nate. Towards her, Abby was strongly attracted, as towards a mother 
 — why, or by what influence, she was unable to tell. Abby asked 
 the privilege of coming and staying with Mrs. Kellogg, and working 
 for her board, rather than remain where she was. To this request, 
 the generous and humane heart of Mrs. Kellogg consented. While 
 the wealthy and haughty professor would drive her to the alms-house, 
 the poor widow, striving with all her energies to secure bread for her- 
 self and children honestly, opens her door and gives shelter to the poor 
 and friendless orphan. 
 
 And such is the history of the world, the professed Christian world 
 — yea, the professed Christian's practice. The sympathies of the hu- 
 man heart flow most freely from those whose circumstances and wealth 
 do not make them feel as if they were better or 'more holy than thou.' 
 
 ■Z-vg&C 
 
2 
 
 During the winter, Mrs. Kellogg had visited a medium in Ohio Cityy 
 and had heard the raps. It was thought she was a partial medium. 
 Having, sat down by the table one evening with some friends to see if 
 they could get the raps, the sounds were heard in the vicinity of Abby 
 on the table — at which she started as if frightened, and sat down near 
 the wall on the opposite side of the room. Here again the raps came 
 upon the wall; again she started and sat down by the stove, on the 
 zinc which was under the stove ; here upon the zinc the raps came 
 the third time. Abby was frightened, and conceiving spirits to be 
 ghosts, declared she would not have them about her. Although she 
 had heard the noises previously, now was the first idea of spirits or 
 ghosts associated with the noises presented to her mind or imagina- 
 tion, and she declared she would not have them about her, and it re- 
 quired much persuasion before she could be induced to sit quietly 
 and permit the sounds to be produced. For a number of weeks 
 the sounds were only heard upon her chair, or very near to her person. 
 The sounds at first were light and not unlike drops of rain upon the 
 chair or floor. These gradually increased in volume, and finally they 
 commenced rapping upon the table, until now they can male it jar 
 so as to be sensibly felt by all in the circle. 
 
 It might not be uninteresting to many, to follow Abby through the 
 past year, and speak of the gradual and steady development of her 
 spiritual powers as a medium, but the limit of the work will not per- 
 mit. Suffice it to say it was slow and gradual, day by day. During 
 the summer, many visited Abby and heard the raps. 
 
 I wish here to refer to a fact. In April, C. C. Burr had written 
 here to know if he should come and expose the rappings. The letter 
 was not immediately answered, but was shown to me. I asked the 
 spirits if they desired him to come, and they responded affirmatively, 
 but said they would not manifest in his presence; and when question- 
 ed, gave as a reason, that Burr was not honest upon the snbject; that 
 he did believe they were not the result of trick and deception. I my- 
 self then wrote to Burr, inviting him to come. 
 
 In May, the Burrs came, and, ever true to their promise, the spirits 
 refused to rap in their presence. 
 
 I will here also relate a phenomena. About the time of Burr's 
 arrival, we often witnessed noises very different from the first or 
 usual sounds. At first they were distinct as drops of water would 
 be; but now they would be like that of an unoiled cider mill, or that 
 of a swing gate— -grating, harsh, screeching sounds, even painful to 
 listen to by some. At first, and for a few days, all were at a loss to 
 imagine a reason for these very peculiar sounds. At last, one day I 
 asked — Is there an object in producing those peculiar sounds? Yes. 
 Will the spirits impress some mind what it is ? Yes. The thought 
 then flashed upon my own mind. Is it because the Burrs are here 
 snapping their toes? Yes, yes, yes, was the response. And the spir- 
 its wish to produce sounds the Burrs cannot imitate? Yes, yes, yes. 
 Thus the object was made manifest. From that time until the present, 
 
3 
 
 like sounds will be produced at request, if there are persons who have 
 not heard the variety of sounds which spirits are able to produce — 
 sounds which no knee joints of the Buffalo professors' expose can 
 make, neither the toes of Burrs, heels or ribs of Ackley. 
 
 During the summer, Abby's health was poor; but after an attack of 
 chills and fever in the fall, her health became better, and her develop- 
 ment as a medium has been more rapid. 
 
 During the year Abby has been a medium, hundreds and thousands 
 have heard the sounds in her presence, and none save Dr. Ackley have 
 been able to detect and explain how they were produced. I shall give 
 his solution and explanation, as published in the Cleveland Herald. 
 
 [For the Plain Dealer.] 
 
 Mr. Gray: As the junior editor of the Herald took the liberty to 
 cut out a portion of my communication, because, as he said, it contain- 
 ed a "personal attack," I desire you to publish the whole, that the 
 public may know what the attack was. At the same time this mini- 
 mum editor says, "there was nothing personal in Dr. Ackley' s com- 
 munication." That the public may be able to judge between us cor- 
 rectly, I desire you to publish Dr. Ackley' s communication also. For 
 if charging a person with such low, immoral conduct as teaching a 
 young girl to practice trickery and fraud for the purpose of deceiving 
 and defrauding the public, etc., is not personal, I should like to know 
 in what personality consists. 
 
 I should like to have Dr. Ackley bring forward those /'respectable 
 witnesses" of whom he boasts. 
 
 As the only two gentlemen present at the " sittings " at my house 
 (of which he speaks) are too respectable to permit those kinds of spir- 
 its (that sometimes cause men to see things that never were) to "pkan- 
 tasize " their brains, I 'should be glad if their testimony could come 
 before the public. 
 
 DR. ACKLEY'S STATEMENT. 
 [From the Herald.] 
 
 "About five weeks ago I had an opportunity to examine the spirit- 
 ual medium of Cleveland. The girl is perhaps eighteen years old, 
 and has been for some time past justly an object of charity and pity. 
 
 Two years ago she was sent to me by the trustees of a township of 
 Hardin Co., Ohio, for a surgical operation, and a portion of the time 
 since she has been in the poor house of Cleveland. She went to live 
 with Mrs. Gillett, or as she is known here, Mrs. Kellogg, about four 
 weeks previous to the time when I first saw her as a spiritual medium. 
 This Mrs. Gillett pretends that she has for the last two years had com- 
 munion with spirits, and I am willing to say that I have no doubt that 
 the girl Abigai l has b een trained by Mrs. G. in the various tricks of 
 mediumship 'jffor she not only aided her in answering the questions, 
 and in correcting the mistakes which were frequently made, but I dis- 
 tinctly caught her making, the raps herself upon the pummel of her 
 
own chair. I had two " sittings " with the spirits at Mrs. Giliett's 
 house, one at the Medical College, and two at my own house. I de- 
 tected the medium in producing three different raps. Sometimes she 
 made them by pressing her toe against the leather on the inside of her 
 shoe, and at other times she produced them by the friction of the shoe 
 against the chair-post, after the fashion which I caught Mrs. Gillett ma- 
 king them, and sometimes she produced detonations by a peculiar action 
 of the respiratory muscles of the chest. These last were the only raps 
 that were at all difficult of detection, and they are always attended, 
 when long continued, by a perceptible physical exhaustion. The detec- 
 tion which I made was & positive matter, and not an inference. The me- 
 dium was encouraged, under the delusion that we were believers, to 
 continue the raps long after myself and three other persons had detect- 
 ed the manner in which they were made ; so that we all had an oppor- 
 tunity for observation, until there could be no longer any doubt about 
 the cause of the sounds. 
 
 I have since trained several persons to rap in the same way, and I 
 have seen them conduct the whole spiritual manifestations in a much 
 more " mysterious" way than the original; and the answers especially, 
 were far more intelligent and satisfactory, because made by shrewd and 
 educated people. 
 
 When I told the medium that I had detected her, and that it was of 
 no use for her to deny it to me, she owned that she made the raps in the 
 manner I alleged, but said, "the spirits told me to doit so." 
 
 This medium twice told me that the spirits had promised Mr. Tiffany, 
 through her, to rap at the church and confirm his lectures. She said 
 that she expected the manifestation would come off on the following 
 Sunday — that she was to be one of a circle of mediums in the church, 
 &c. 
 
 At the interview which I had with this medium at Mrs. Giliett's 
 house, and at the College, there were present persons who had been with 
 •the medium, Margaret, in Ohio City, and they called on the same spir- 
 its whom they had conversed with there, and declared that in both 
 places they got satisfactory answers. This correspondence satisfies me 
 that the other medium, whom I have not seen, has really just as little 
 to do with spirits as this one which I have detected. 
 
 So far is the intelligence manifested by these pretended spirits 
 from being remarkable, that it can hardly be called shrewd guessing, 
 unless the medium has some one with her to help her along in the busi- 
 ness. Especially when she was at my house, and without a confederate, 
 were all her answers extremely poor guessing. 
 
 Several of my students, and other persons of my acquaintance, can 
 produce ' mysterious raps ' with their toes, knee-joints, ankle-joints, and 
 the tendons, all of which are as mysterious as those I detected in the 
 medium of this city. H. A. ACKLEY. 
 
 Cleveland, May 14th, 1851." 
 
MRS. KELLOGG S LETTER. 
 [For the Herald.] 
 
 Messrs. Editors: As Doctor Ackley lias brought my name before 
 the public as a teacher of various tricks and impious frauds with which 
 to impose upon the credulity of the people, and as you have permitted 
 him through your paper to assail the character of a defenceless and un- 
 protected woman, who has neither husband, father nor brother to pro- 
 tect her, I feel assured that you will not deny me the poor privilege of 
 replying through the same channel. 
 
 The young girl of whom Dr. Ackley spoke, has lived with me more 
 or less since last fall, and truly she is one who should call forth the deep- 
 est sympathy of every heart — a harmless, friendless orphan, thrown 
 upon the tender mercies of the cold world by being deprived of both 
 her parents in early childhood, enduring for years the most intense phy- 
 sical and mental suffering from the effects of calomel. And " is there 
 a human form, that bears a heart," so cruel as to be willing to add an- 
 other pang to her sufferings, or increase her sorrows, by depriving her 
 of her little all of human comfort left — her character? Had Dr. Ack- 
 ley found her guilty of all he has alleged, instead of publishing her 
 name to the world, ought he not in kindness to have endeavored to lead 
 her back to the ways of truth, even as he would have had another do to 
 his own unprotected child in like circumstances? But he never found 
 her thus guilty, and his statement in regard to his detections at my 
 house is utterly and wholly false, without even a shadow of truth; and 
 far from this girl's habits of truthfulness and moral sense of right. I 
 know her to be incapable of such falsehood. 
 
 And as to myself, before I could be guilty of depriving her of that 
 enjoyment which springs from a "conscience void of offence towards 
 God and man," by teaching her to deceive and lie, and practice such 
 black falsehoods, or condescend to practice them myself, my conscience 
 must be seared, not by communicating with pure spirits of the better 
 world, but by that kind of spirit which has the power to destroy all 
 the moral and finer feelings of the soul, and even lead one to traduce 
 the character of an innocent, dependent, and unprotected female. 
 
 And I would advise the Doctor to associate with spirits of a more el- 
 evated and elevating character, such as will lead him on to truth, equi- 
 ty and righteousness, instead of such as will lead him clown "to shame 
 and everlasting contempt." 
 
 In reply to the falsehood of my being known in Cleveland by other 
 than my true name, I would say that the name I now bear was legally 
 granted or restored to me by the same court that granted me a divorce. 
 
 LUCY KELLOGG. 
 
 Abby has her faults and her short comings, like others, and could it 
 be expected otherwise. Friendless and unfortunate, an orphan and an 
 object of public charity, without the advantages of education and soci- 
 ety — is it not more wonderful amid all these adverse circumstances to 
 find her what she is, than to expect to find her without faults ? Those 
 
who have had the best opportunity to know Abby will testify to her 
 truthfulness, and her abhorrence of fraud and deception or trick, as does 
 Mrs. Kellogg. And while her absence of education and ability to trace 
 causes from effects, causes her almost daily to say she does not believe 
 they are spirits that produce the sounds, yet she will be indignant if 
 charged with any agency in their production more than a state of pass- 
 iveness on her part. 
 
 Through the benevolence of Mr. Hezekiah Champ and wife, Abby 
 has found a home since last summer, without any charge for board. 
 What money has been received from those who have visited Abby to 
 hear the sounds and communicate with their friends in the spirit world, 
 all has been given to her. By this means she has been enabled to ob- 
 tain clothing and render herself in dress decent, and comfortable. 
 
 Every person seeking spirit communications should first visit a rap- 
 ping medium and hear the sounds; they are the primary lessons which 
 all should first take. Abby is now undoubtedly the best medium of 
 this kind in Cleveland. The physical manifestations, such as the mov- 
 ing of tables, the ringing of bells, &c. &c, are all good, and generally 
 very satisfactory, when produced in her presence, as the report of the 
 committee of investigation at Massillon will show. 
 
 The spirits also control her hand when in the waking state, and an- 
 swer questions in this way. Not only this, but they sometimes mag- 
 netize her to a state of unconsciousness, and while in this condition 
 they not only control her hands, but also rap at the same time. In this 
 state, a different spirit can control each hand, separately, while a third 
 will rap on the table, thus enabling three persons to ask mental ques- 
 tions at the same time, and get their answers. Thus, while one hand 
 is saying yes, the other may be saying no, and the raps doubtful. This 
 I have never witnessed in any other medium. While in this magnetic 
 condition, (and the circumstances are favorable,) she has been enabled 
 to see the spirits and describe them satisfactorily to friends; and occa- 
 sionally the spirit has spoken through Abby by using her organs of 
 speech (unconsciously to her.) 
 
 They have also controled her hand so as to write words, though she 
 cannot read a word of writing, nor does she know the written letters 
 used in writing. 
 
 With all these powers, she has so much skepticism as to doubt the 
 influence being from spirits, which the spirits tell us prevents them 
 from using her hand and writing whatever they please. Her mental 
 organization is not spiritual or largely marvelous, but very skeptical. 
 
 Such is a brief and imperfect sketch of the history of Abby up to 
 this time. Still dependent upon the friendship and charities of the 
 world, and as must be the case, susceptible and highly impressible, 
 without a knowledge of books, and but little experience, her future life 
 and history no one can predict. That the spirits will endeavor to im- 
 press her mind to follow the right, I do not doubt, and hope they will suc- 
 ceed. They will not leave nor forsake her if she will but yield to their 
 dictation and the advice which they will give. Spirits are unlike those 
 
of St. Timothy's Church, who would consign the innocent orphan to 
 .the scorn and contempt of the world — no, no, never. 
 
 EAPPINGS IN ST. TIMOTHY'S CHURCH, AT MASSILLON, 
 Dec. 24th, 1851. 
 
 The circumstances which led to the following events, it may not be 
 improper to relate, briefly. About the 6th of December, Abby War- 
 ner, in company with Mrs. Dr. S. Underhill and myself, visited Mas- 
 sillon, 0., for the purpose in part of seeing relatives and friends, and 
 partly to give them an opportunity to hear spirit rapping, and through 
 spirit sounds to enable them to hold communication with their friends 
 and relatives in the spirit land. The opportunity had been em- 
 braced by a few ; as usual, some believed, while others still disbeliev- 
 ed. However, the fact of our being in Massillon excited much talk and 
 free expression of opinion. Of all this no complaint was made. It 
 was what might be expected in any community, and from any persons 
 who arrogate to judge of any subject with which they are unacquaint- 
 ed. It was realized that they were what education and surrounding 
 influences had made them. And it is also conceded that if they are 
 -ever changed, facts, circumstances, and other influences must work it. 
 Hence little attention was paid to the jeers and insinuations of " beside 
 yourself," "insane on that subject," "delusion," "I don't believe it," 
 " it is not possible," " it's all a hoax," " all humbug," &c. &c, which 
 were learnedly, wisely, and freely meted out by the self-sufficient and 
 wise, bigoted and superstitious of the "Wheat City." Pious con- 
 demnation and denunciation was also overlooked, on the ground that 
 " they knew not what they were doing;" conscious that religion oft- 
 .•en supplanted reason and judgment, particularly where a church re- 
 ceives its chief support from persons who profess much but really prac- 
 tice few of the precepts of Jesus. Such constitute the fighting men of 
 the church, and hence what they lack in inward purity they try to 
 make up in outward pretensions and persecuting zeal — manifested zeal 
 and extreme sensitiveness to little things, form the spider-web gar- 
 ments of the hypocrite. Whether the chief supporters of St. Timo- 
 thy's Church are of this class, I leave the world to judge by their 
 acts, works, and fruits. One fact is certain, I think. The world will 
 not praise their discretion, nor be very ambitious to emulate their ex- 
 ample. But to return. 
 
 On the evening of the >24th. of December, Mrs. L , a member 
 
 of the Episcopal church, called at J. W. Underbill's, where we were 
 stopping, and invited my brother's wife and Abby to go with her to 
 St. Timothy's church that evening, not for the purpose of having rap- 
 ping in the church, but to see the newly fitted up church, and as was 
 supposed, decorated with evergreens, as is customary on Christmas 
 eve. To this invitation they assented. Being present, I remarked to 
 Abby that she had better not promise, as there might be some who 
 would like to have a circle that evening. To this it was replied, Let's 
 
8 
 
 ask the spirits. Abby stepped near a stand, and to the question by 
 Mrs. L., Shall they go to church ? there were three raps, Yes. I 
 made no farther objection. Soon after, I left, and did not see Abby 
 again until 4 o'clock, at Mrs. Yesler's. After this, in a conversation 
 with S. Pease, Esq., I stated what had occurred, and added, if they 
 go, there will doubtless be rapping. I said this not because the spir- 
 its had promised to rap in the church, for the question had not then 
 been asked; but from my knowledge of the fact that when a medium 
 is present, and matters relating to the spirit world are the topic of dis- 
 cussion, they usually rap. But I did not say or expect any louder 
 sounds would be heard, than is usual in private circles, which would 
 disturb no one. ISTor had any one any reason to believe from what 
 they had heard of rappings, (where Abby was the medium, ) to ex- 
 pect sounds that would disturb or annoy the congregation. When I 
 came to Mrs. Yesler's, I learned that James Miller and J. H. Brown had 
 called and desired an interview with the spirits that evening. In my 
 absence the subject was referred to the spirits, and they decided not to 
 rap for a circle that night. But when asked if they should go to church, 
 the raps said go to church. These facts were related to me, and I may 
 or may not have said, you had better obey the spirits. While at the 
 supper table, the spirits commenced rapping, and the question was ask- 
 ed whether the company should not spend the evening there, and have 
 a social dance, the raps said no. Some one then asked, shall we go to 
 church? The raps said yes. It might be proper to state that most of 
 those assembled at Mrs. Yesler's were not church going persons, and 
 most if not all would have preferred a social dance. 
 
 When supper was over, I left with Mrs. J. W. Underhill, but remark- 
 ed, if you conclude to go to church, (for it was not yet fully decided,) 
 call at Mr. Williams's, and you will be sure to get a seat. At this time 
 I did not intend to go to church that evening, but to visit a friend some 
 mile and a half from Massillon, where I had been spending the day. 
 It was after I left Mrs. Y.'s that the talk with the spirits about rapping 
 in the church was held, all of which was unbeknown to me. After ar- 
 riving at J. W. Underhill' s, he proposed going to church if I would 
 accompany him, to which I finally consented. 
 
 No one had ever heard spirit sounds of the loudness and volume of 
 those in church, and of course had no reason to expect them. After 
 all that was promised by the raps at Mrs. Yesler's, the spirits wrote 
 by the hand of a spirit-writing medium, not to expect too much at 
 church, lest you be disappointed. This determined some of the compa- 
 ny not to go, whose curiosity from the promise the raps had made would 
 otherwise have taken them to church. 
 
 Another fact might be here stated, that all acquainted with spirit rap- 
 pings know that the loudest rapping is generally in small circles. That 
 in large companies the sounds, if made at all, are usually less distinct. 
 This fact led them to expect, if there should be any rapping, the sounds 
 would only be heard by those in the immediate vicinity of the medium , 
 
Otherwise, not one of the company, no, not even Abby herself, could 
 have been induced to have been at St. Timothy's that evening. 
 
 As to the sounds in church, it is true they were as described — dull,, 
 heavy sounds — which, owing to the unusual quietness of the congre- 
 gation, were, I believe, distinctly heard in every part of the house. I 
 have never believed that the minister or congregation would have felt 
 themselves disturbed, had not the idea of spirit rapping been associa- 
 ted with the sounds, from our being in church. In this belief I may 
 be mistaken, though the spirits say I am not. Owing to the loudness 
 and difference in the character of the sounds, and their unusual volume. 
 I was for a short time at a loss to know whether they were spirit 
 sounds or not. But my doubts were all removed when the responses 
 came to the notes of the organ. The tune rapped was excellent. When 
 this occurred, Mrs. K., sitting in the slip behind Abby, left, her pious feel- 
 ings, as she manifested afterwards, being very much disturbed. About 
 this time, I remarked to J. W. Underhill, we shall know what spirits 
 approve and what they do not approve, of what transpires here this eve- 
 ning; for I had now become satisfied the spirits had had an object in 
 Abby's being at church, ignorant as I was what that, object might be. 
 They had, as they afterwards informed me, determined to make such a 
 demonstration as would arouse public attention to the subject, (or pub- 
 lic curiosity at least.) Spirits saw what materials composed St. Timo- 
 thy's congregation. They saw what would follow the rapping in church . 
 This was just what they desired. That object could now be effected. 
 The dozing world could be aroused. The church would give a listen- 
 ing ear. The bigoted priest and the most unbelieving skeptic would 
 catch the echo as it came back from the multitude, and give it notice, 
 either of scorn or contempt, or of ridicule and denunciation. Spirits 
 foresaw that the whole congregation, minister and all, Avould bear tes- 
 timony to the existence of the sounds, and the difficulty of locating 
 them. They knew that this testimony would be given to the world ; 
 that the attention of the self-sufficient and unbelieving alike would be 
 arrested. A desire to witness the phenomena would be awakened. In- 
 vestigations would follow, and conviction and conversion would be the 
 result. That the spirits foresaw all this, I now fully believe. That 
 those unspiritual individuals who published that Christian (!) like arti- 
 cle in the Massillon News, signed by nine persons, and those who got 
 up and carried on the prosecution of Abby, did what the spirits wished 
 them to do, I have just as little doubt. 
 
 From the impulse which the publication of that trial gave to spirit- 
 ualism, its spread has been unparalleled. Almost every town in the 
 State has its mediums at this time; circles are meeting daily and night- 
 ly, and inquiring for themselves if these things are so. If it is true 
 that a time had arrived in the development of mind when the disembo- 
 died can approach and hold communion with their friends in the body. 
 The great truth is revealing itself to their minds through mediums — 
 mediums in many instances who had never heard a rap or witnessed a 
 manifestation, until the invisible influence acted upon their own persons. 
 
10 
 
 That the spirits have not always or generally at first selected the self- 
 righteous or self- wise for mediums, shows that they follow the example 
 of their Great Prototype, Jesus, in his selections of mediums. The 
 harmony of the teachings of spirits with those of Jesus, is one of the 
 strongest evidences of its truthfulness, together with the opposition it 
 meets with from the priesthood and self-righteous of the churches, (as 
 well as from the learned professions generally.) The amount of learn- 
 ed ignorance existing in the professions is most visible to those who 
 have escaped from under its benighting influence, and are enjoying the 
 sunlight of unclouded reason and unadulterated truth, such as Nature 
 in her great Book of Revelation is teaching to all who seek unprejudi- 
 cedly. If much learning has not made some men mad, it has in nine- 
 teen out of twenty cases made them bigots, or superstitious idolators, 
 worshipers of mythological traditions and metaphysical absurdities. A 
 notable demonstration of the truth of the above is manifest in the ex- 
 tremely ridiculous scientific exposition of spirit rappings by the Buffalo 
 learned professors, (Drs. Lee, Coventry, and Flint,) as well as that of 
 Professor Ackley of our own city. They have most truly represented 
 the learned professions in their general hostility to new truths. They 
 ever have been the last to embrace new and important discoveries; they 
 have always been their most vindictive and belligerent opposers — 
 strange, but true as strange. 
 
 But the medical profession is not alone in its opposition to new and 
 important discoveries. The clergy are not a whit behind them. They 
 have gone into the pulpit and preached against vaccination, because 
 they said it was thwarting the ways of God, to prevent persons having 
 the small pox in the natural way. They preached against the world's 
 turning round and the sun's standing still. They have denounced the 
 scientific teachings of geology, astronomy, &c; the science of phreno- 
 logy, of mesmerism, &c. The three last within my recollection have 
 been piously denounced from the pulpit as humbugs. And can spirit- 
 ual communications expect less? No. The clergy are truly the break- 
 men upon the cars of progress; in fact, as a body, they are hunkers. 
 
 The legal profession have less at stake, and hence care less about op- 
 posing new discoveries. 
 
 The next most prominent class of opponents of new and important 
 discoveries, are the professing men connected with church organizations, 
 and who manifest very little of those mild and amiable characteristics 
 which are found associated with the humble and sincere followers of Je- 
 sus. St. Timothy's, I think, is not quite free from that class, as the 
 card referred to shows. If the Jews ever manifested a more unchristian 
 and persecuting spirit than did the individuals who signed that card, I 
 have read the account not understandingly. It gives evidence of the 
 same spirit which burned Michael Servetus, persecuted Roger Will- 
 iams and the Baptists, and whipped Quakers at the tail of a cart through 
 some of the highways of New England. Our safety from like infliction 
 was doubtless owing to their lack, (not of will,) but of power, and sanc- 
 tion of public opinion. Their ignorance and vindictive spirit, after all, 
 
11 
 
 is rather to be commiserated than condemned; they may not be to 
 blame for weakness or delusion, for they are what their teachers have 
 made them — proud, selfish, and perhaps hypocritical, viewing them- 
 selves as the chosen protectors and defenders of the apostolic success- 
 ion and faith. 
 
 Modern Christianity sustains national wars, and prays for the suc- 
 cess of armies; hence it is but legitimate and natural that churches 
 must have their generals, colonels, captains, and fighting men. All 
 these are found in St. Timothy's, at Massillon. And to prove them- 
 selves bold, and patriotic, and valiant, they embraced the opportunity 
 of making war upon the character of the innocent orphan, Abby, a 
 stranger invited to their church by one of their own members. Such 
 heroes were seldom found in the days of knight errantry. Don him- 
 self would have yielded the palm to the writer of that article. 
 
 That such men need the light of spirit teaching, there can be no 
 doubt. Nothing else can ever free them from the bondage of supersti- 
 tion and bigotry, which now controls them. No other hope is left them; 
 and even this they have rejected with scorn and indignation, though 
 offered them without money and without price, in their own church. 
 Not only so, but they persecuted the spirits' medium, as did the self- 
 wise and self-righteous persecute Jesus, and no doubt believed also 
 they were doing God's service, as did the Jews of old. 
 
 THE TRIAL. 
 
 [Reported for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.] 
 
 A large congregation had met at the Episcopal church in Massillon 
 on Christmas eve. Soon after the services commenced, a knocking 
 was heard, which continued at intervals during the evening services, 
 notwithstanding the minister, Rev. Mr. Cummings, publicly from the 
 pulpit desired that it might cease. The raps commenced again after 
 a brief suspension, so loud that they were distinctly heard in all parts 
 of the church, during the whole sermon. In order to ascertain the lo- 
 cality of the strange sounds, some gentlemen went into the basement 
 room of the church. On examination, the raps appeared to proceed 
 from that part of the room above where Abby Warner, whom all the 
 *' Spiritualists" of our town know to be a "rapping medium," was 
 seated. This, and the fact that Dr. A. Underbill, the indefatigable 
 propagandist for and expounder of Spiritualism, under whose charge 
 Abby has visited our town, as well as the other avowed believers in 
 spiritual manifestations among us were all in the church, also the ru- 
 mor that the ''spirits" had directed Abby to go to the Episcopal church 
 that evening, where manifestations would be witnessed — all this in- 
 duced those opposed to the modern science of pneumatology, to ascribe 
 the production of the raps to Abby. The "believers," of course, 
 not only claimed that they were produced by spirits, but even, that 
 through the different numbers of raps — sometimes only one was heard, 
 
12 
 
 sometimes two or three followed each other in rapid succession — the 
 spirits had manifested their dissenting from or consenting to the doc- 
 trine preached by the minister. If this were true, the spirits seemed 
 not to be pleased very much with the sermon. 
 
 The matter caused great excitement in our community. In the last 
 number of our town paper, several prominent members of the Episco- 
 pal congregation came out with a declaration, from which I have taken 
 the outline of the facts of the case, and wherein they aver, that "Dr. 
 A. Underhill and his associates deliberately concocted a scheme, by 
 which a religious society were disturbed in their devotion," wherein 
 they also finally call on all " good citizens, to beware of these contam- 
 inators of the public morals, who seek thus to disturb the freedom to 
 worship God, and treat them with that contempt which they justly mer- 
 it." Moreover, on the ground of the statute regarding disturbances 
 of religious meetings, Dr. Reed, a practicing physician of our town, 
 and member of the Presbyterian church, made his affidavit, "that he 
 had reason to believe, and did verily believe, that one Abby Warner 
 had interrupted and disturbed the religious service at St. Timothy 
 church," on Christmas eve. Hereupon a warrant was issued, Abby 
 arrested and brought before R. H. Folger, Esq. Whether Dr. Reed, 
 the prosecuting witness, acted under the influence of some members of 
 the Episcopal church — as is generally supposed to be the case — or by 
 his own impulse, I am unable to tell. 
 
 As this is the first instance that the "spirits" have been tried, and 
 their "manifestations" placed on the records of a court, a particular 
 report will undoubtedly be welcome to the public at large. I congratu- 
 late the "Wheat City" to show its go-ahead character, now also in an- 
 ti-spiritualism. It is a pity that the provisions of the law are so ex- 
 ceedingly mild. How glorious would it be, in order to get rid of the 
 "medium" and the " rappings," to imitate the good old middle-aged 
 fashion, and to drown or burn such a dangerous person as this young 
 girl must be— for if not dangerous, why then make such a noise about 
 the matter? How glorious would it be to have a regular auto dafe on 
 our public square, for the glory of God and his holy church! At all 
 events, our little town should have the honor to be delivered of more 
 modernized martyrdom. Everybody anticipates lots of miracles and 
 lots of — fun. Why, everybody is right. New York has its Kossuth 
 excitement — Massillon must have also its excitement, raised not by the 
 embodied spirit of a great man ; no, by something more sublime, by 
 the disembodied spirits of the departed. Where is a precedent to our 
 great Spirit Trial ? Echo answers, Where ? 
 
 The trial commenced on Saturday, December 27th, at 3 o'clock P. 
 M., before R. H. Folger, Justice of the Peace. The office being 
 crammed with people, the constables had hard work sometimes to pre- 
 serve the dignity of the court. A. C. Wales, Esq., appeared for the 
 State, and Messrs. F. M. Keith, Underhill, and A. Pease, for the de- 
 fendant. 
 
 The counsel for the State opened the case with a short address, in 
 
13 
 
 which he, after having read the statute and the affidavit of the prose- 
 cuting witness, briefly stated the different items which he intended to 
 prove, in order to verify the charge brought against Abby Warner. 
 
 Defendant pleaded "not guilty." Her counsel admitted the fact, 
 that strange sounds had been heard in St. Timothy church on Christ- 
 mas eve., but averred most emphatically, that they had not been pro- 
 duced by the defendant, but by some other persons, if at all they were 
 the result of a human agency, or, if not, by beings that were beyond 
 the reach of Themis. 
 
 The witnesses for the State were then called and examined, as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 F. Karthaus sworn. — Attended divine service in St. Timothy church 
 on Christmas eve. Was in the gallery; heard a noise during service 
 — it was audible all over the church ; sounded to me as if some per- 
 son struck the floor or seat ; cannot answer whether it sounded as if 
 produced with a hard or soft instrument; it was a deadened sound. 
 The sounds had a tendency to distract the attention of the congrega- 
 tion; the rector desired the noise to cease; it did cease for a moment, 
 but commenced again softly and seemed gradually to increase, as I 
 thought, in degree as the party producing the raps regained confidence. 
 I thought the noise came from the part of the building in the neigh- 
 borhood where Dr. Underbill sat. My recollection of the spot is, that 
 the place was in the south tier of slips on the south side of the church. 
 After the sermon was half out, I, with Mr. Henry W. Smith and Mr. 
 Drew, went down into the basement room. I noticed that the sounds 
 down stairs were not so clear as up stairs ; they appeared to proceed 
 from the part of the church corresponding to the first iron pillar on 
 the south side of the basement, a little north of that pillar; the sounds 
 seemed to be confined to an area of five feet diameter. 
 
 Cross-examined. — I cannot state how far or how near this area was 
 to the place in the church where Dr. Underhill sat, or whether he sat 
 right over it or not. The basement is plastered over head. I cannot 
 say whether there was any variation as to the locality of the sounds ; 
 to me they appeared to proceed from one and the same point. J. W. 
 Underhill sat by Dr. Underhill, I think at his left hand. I never saw 
 the defendant before. 
 
 Henry W. Smith, sworn. — Was in the gallery ; heard the raps ; 
 they seemed to proceed from the south part of the church ; cannot tell 
 exactly the distance from the gallery. They disturbed me, and seem- 
 ed to disturb both congregation and minister. It was a kind of muf- 
 fled sound, as if produced with some hard instrument, or by kicking 
 with the heel against a board on a carpet. I went down, with two 
 other gentlemen, into the basement room; we found no one there; the 
 noise continued; we fixed the locality of the sounds; I decided that it 
 was midway between the two pillars, next the entry on the south side 
 of the basement; these pillars, I think, are ten or fifteen feet apart 
 from each other. The sounds continued until the church was out ; 
 
14 
 
 they grew louder and louder; the two or three last ones were " pretty 
 good." 
 
 Cross-examined. — The difference in the locality of the raps, as fixed 
 by Mr. Karthaus and myself, did not amount to more than two or three 
 feet; we agreed as to the area to which the same appeared to be con- 
 fined. At one time I heard similar sounds proceeding from Mr. Par- 
 tridge's pew; I thought some one there tried to imitate the raps. Mr. 
 Partridge's pew is in the north-east corner of the church; cannot tell 
 precisely the distance between the two localities, it may be thirty or 
 forty feet; who made the sounds I do not know, nor with what sub- 
 stance or material they were made. Although I heard a great many 
 sounds above us in the upper hall of the church, still I could easily 
 distinguish the raps, which had thus attracted our attention, from any 
 other sound. 
 
 Dr. Hurxthal, sworn. — Went to St. Timothy's church on Christ- 
 mas eve., was there during the whole service. After services had 
 commenced, my attention was attracted by loud raps. Being deaf in 
 one ear, I had some trouble to fix the locality of the sounds. At first 
 thought they came from the gallery, afterwards concluded that they 
 proceeded from the south part of the church. They disturbed me and 
 those sitting near me; the minister desired that the noise might cease. 
 I could detect very little difference in the volume of the raps, only the 
 last one was a "plumper." The raps were of that character as if 
 produced by a soft substance striking against the boards leading from 
 the seats to the floor ; and judging from the sound, I think the last 
 rap must have been produced by a harder substance than the previous 
 ones. 
 
 He-examined. — I think the raps could have been made by a lady 
 striking with her foot on the floor, or against the boards in front of 
 the seats, without necessarily producing a perceptible motion of the 
 customary drapery of a lady's dress. 
 
 SECOND DAY. 
 
 On account of the great throng of spectators, the trial was held on 
 its second and third days at Welker's Hall. 
 
 Robert Higgenbotham, sworn. — I am sexton of the Episcopal 
 church; was in the church on the 24th inst., from morning till night; 
 saw no animal or machinery, nor any other agency that could have 
 produced the raps. 
 
 Mrs. Romelta Folsom, sworn. — Sat about the middle of the church 
 in the body slips south of the broad aisle. Defendant sat in the slip 
 directly back of me. Heard the raps directly back of me upon the 
 back of the slip I sat in, and also on the back of the slip de- 
 fendant sat in. I turned my head and watched the defendant a 
 good part of the time; could see both her hands and feet; there was 
 no possibility of defendant's making the sounds; heard the raps, when 
 defendant was sitting and standing during service. I have heard. 
 
15 
 
 sounds of this kind, both before and since I heard those at the church, 
 under circumstances when no person present could make them. I have 
 at frequent times held conversations by means of these raps; have re- 
 ceived answers evidencing intelligence; have received correct answers 
 to inquiries about facts unknown to any other person present at the 
 conversation; have frequently been present when there were spiritual 
 manifestations through this defendant; she has no manner of control 
 over these raps; I asked the spirits at the church mentally to rap five 
 times on the back of my seat; instantly five raps were given. 
 
 Dr. Charles Reed, prosecuting witness, sworn. — Sat in the slip im- 
 mediately behind defendant, two or three feet to her left. From the 
 direction of the sounds I thought they came from the board beneath 
 the slip in front of me; put my foot against that board immediately in 
 front of me; from there I slipped it to the right; felt a jar or vibration 
 of the board, which was the stronger the nearer I came with my foot 
 to the place where defendant sat; it was such as I should expect to be 
 produced by a thump on the opposite side of the board. 
 
 Mrs. Deborah Underhill, sworn. — Sat in the same slip with the 
 defendant and two other ladies. I thought the raps were behind me, 
 at the point where the back and bottom of the seat came together. 
 The defendant sat at my right. I did not make the raps; would have 
 stopped them if I could. I and all those with whom I went to church 
 were at Mrs. Yesler's before we went there; defendant was there, too. 
 We tried to get rappings to get up a circle that evening at Mrs. Yes- 
 ler's, or at some other place; the spirits rapped "No! we should go 
 to the Episcopal church." To further questions they answered by 
 raps; "they would go with us to church, and rap when we got there. " 
 The defendant was present during this time; she was not in a magnet- 
 ic state. I believe the raps are produced by spirits; defendant has told 
 me she was as much puzzled to tell what they were, as any one else 
 was. I have always heard her say it was best for us to obey the spir- 
 its. Most of us should have liked best to remain at Mrs. Yesler's, but 
 we concluded to be directed by the spirits, and went to church. I 
 have heard similar sounds in the presence of defendant, not quite as 
 loud as I heard at the church. The promise of the spirits to rap has 
 always been complied with, so far as I know. 
 
 Mrs. Eliza Bayliss, sworn. — Sat in the same slip with defendant, 
 one person only between me and her; the raps continued during the 
 whole service; I did not make them. 
 
 Mrs. Helen Richards, sworn. — Sat in the same slip with defend- 
 ant, next to her. Did not make the raps, nor do I know who made 
 them. Asked defendant whether she made them; she answered no. 
 While defendant was standing up with the congregation, I did not no- 
 tice any cessation of the sounds, nor do I think there was any. I 
 think defendant could not have produced the raps without my noticing 
 it. They seemed to come from the neighborhood. 
 
 Mr. James Bayliss, sworn. — Thought the raps proceeded from the 
 front or back part of the pew, where defendant was sitting, they sound- 
 
16 
 
 <ed very much like spirit rappings; the loudest I ever heard was at 
 Mrs. Yesler's before I went to church; intended to spend my evening 
 there; several gentlemen and ladies were there; mostly for the purpose 
 to gratify the curiosity of Mr. John McClain, defendant asked wheth- 
 er the spirits were present? Raps; whether they would have us go to 
 church, rather than form a circle? Raps in the affirmative. Some by- 
 stander, I think Mr. Camp, then asked whether the spirits would rap 
 in the church? Raps in the affirmative. "Will you annoy the ras- 
 cal?" (meaning the minister.) Raps in the affirmative. The spirits 
 directed all of us, not particularly defendant, to go to church; we had 
 not the least idea that the raps were to be so loud as to disturb the 
 congregation, and did not expect they would be louder in church than 
 we have usually heard them. I located the raps at church near to 
 where defendant was sitting; I consider her a medium through which 
 the spirits can produce the sounds called raps; my impression was, 
 that several mediums were present, whose presence added to the vol- 
 ume of the raps; I think, if defendant had not been there, no raps 
 would have been heard; I once have heard sentences spelt out by raps 
 in presence of the defendant; the answers I received to audible or 
 mental questions, did not only evince intelligence, but astonished me 
 by their correctness, as I knew that defendant had no means to be fa- 
 miliar with the facts I was inquiring about; I frequently have heard 
 spirit rappings; from this, my experience, I judge that the noises at 
 the church were spirit rappings, and beyond the control of any person 
 present. 
 
 The Court here objected to the competency of evidence regarding 
 matters not at all connected with the case. 
 
 Counsel for Defendant. — It is competent for us to bring in, and 
 this is a material point for the defence, evidence of this character, 
 whereby to establish the presumptive fact, that there are such things 
 as spiritual manifestations, and show that a strange irresistible influ- 
 ence has been thrown around the defendant, compelling and regula- 
 ting her actions. The fact, that such a defence is entirely new, with- 
 out precedents, is no reason to refuse it. 
 
 Court. — Go on, gentlemen, but J request you to confine your tes- 
 timony more to the point in issue. 
 
 Mrs. Julia Marsh, sworn. — Sat on the opposite side of the aisle; 
 the sounds seemed to proceed from the neighborhood of the defend- 
 ant; I did not make them. 
 
 James W. Underhill, sworn. — Sat in the same slip with the de- 
 fendant, near the partition between the two pews in that slip. The 
 sounds could not be located to any particular place; they might have 
 been produced in the pew, where defendant sat, as well as in the two 
 pews in front and back. I had a fair opportunity to watch defendant, 
 and did watch her closely; if she had produced the sounds, I think I 
 should have easily detected it. Defendant has been living in my fam- 
 ily the last three weeks; so far as I know, she is truthful, open, can- 
 did in her conversation. I think she is rather plain-spoken. 
 
17 
 
 Mrs. Nancy McClanahan, sworn. — Sat right in front of the defen- 
 dant; sometimes I thought the raps were made in the south end of the 
 pew, sometimes near defendant. 
 
 Mr. T. P. Reed, sworn. — Defendant satin the pew behind me. At 
 first I thought the noises proceeded from the slip back of defendant; 
 then they seemed to come near to where I sat. I felt the board under 
 my seat vibrate; touched it with my heels. Cannot tell what it sound- 
 ed like, but I know I cannot make such sounds. It was a kind of 
 muffled sound, as if produced on a carpet, but there was no carpet in 
 either pew. The most of the time the noises seemed to proceed from 
 the slip back of the defendant. Do not think that she pro- 
 duced them by kicking against the board in front of her seat ; I 
 watched her closely, and soon convinced myself that she did not make 
 the sounds. 
 
 Mrs. L. A. Kelley, sworn. — Defendant sat in the pew in front[of 
 me. Annoyed by the raps, I removed to another pew. As long as 
 I was in my own pew, the raps seemed to proceed from right under 
 the defendant; it did not appear to me, as if they proceeded from my 
 pew. I noticed nothing supernatural or spiritual in the sounds. I 
 have not the least doubt that the sounds proceeded from the place where 
 defendant sat. I do not know who made the raps, nor what they 
 were made with ; but it is my opinion that the defendant made 
 them. 
 
 The counsel for the State here rested the case. Counsels for de- 
 fendant brought in their motion to discharge defendant from custody, 
 for the reason, that the State had rested without showing any suffi- 
 cient cause for detention. 
 
 A. Pease, Esq., for defendant, opened the arguments in support of 
 the motion. 
 
 The case was argued by the counsels on either side, Monday eve- 
 ning, and the whole morning and afternoon of Tuesday, December 30. 
 As is justly remarked in the decision of the Justice, the arguments did 
 in their force and conclusiveness, ample credit to the ability, scholar- 
 ship, eloquence, and legal skill of all the attorneys employed in the 
 case. 
 
 After the close of the arguments for the defence, Esq. Folger gave 
 the following elaborate decision : — 
 
 Motion to Discharge.— This is a motion by the defendant to be 
 discharged from custody after hearing the proof made by the State, 
 for insufficiency of that proof. 
 
 In considering this motion, it will be proper not only to go back to 
 the affidavit originally filed, but to refer to the section of the statute 
 upon which the complaint is based. Swan's statutes, p. 256, sec. 127. 
 That statute provides, " that if any person or persons shall at any 
 time interrupt or molest any religious society or any member 
 thereof, or any persons when meeting or met together for the pur- 
 pose of worship, or performing any of the duties enjoined on or ap- 
 pertaining to them as members of such society, the person or per- 
 
 B 
 
18 
 
 sons so offending shall be fined in any sum not exceeding twenty dol- 
 lars." 
 
 The affidavit charges that the defendant, on the 24th day of De- 
 cember, A. D. 1851, at the county of Stark, and State of Ohio, mo- 
 lested and interrupted the congregation at St. Timothy's church, while 
 in religious worship and in discharge of the duties enjoined on them 
 and appertaining to them as members of said church. 
 
 That that highly respectable church and congregation were at the 
 time and place set forth in the complaint, disturbed and interrupted, 
 is a point too well established in the proof to admit of doubt. That 
 the noises and "rappings," or "knockings," as they are termed by 
 the learned counsel and the witnesses, proceeded directly from and in 
 the immediate vicinity of the pew in the church occupied by the de- 
 fendant, is equally certain. The ability with which the counsel on 
 both sides have investigated this complaint, has relieved the court from 
 an amount of labor for which it affords pleasure to make acknowledg- 
 ment; and although a mass of testimony has been permitted to be in- 
 troduced apparently irrelevant to the issue, the case disencumbered of 
 what seems to be improper or irrelevant, presents nothing beyond an 
 ordinary prosecution for disturbing a religious meeting, and must be 
 determined upon by such proof as is recognized as legal by the judi- 
 cial tribunals of the land, however strongly it has been urged by the 
 learned counsel in support of this motion, that new paths must be trod- 
 den, new principles in "spiritual science" established, upon which 
 the guilt or innocence of this defendant must be determined. 
 
 While it is important to the cause of truth and public security as 
 well as to the private citizen, that all the protection adequate to the 
 public safety and the rights of the defendant should be thrown around 
 the case, it is not perceived that any departure from the "gladsome 
 lights of jurisprudence" should be permitted ; on the contrary, the 
 safe and time-honored rules of evidence, which from time immemorial 
 have been regarded as the palladium of civil liberty, should be preserved 
 unimpaired. 
 
 What then is the nature and force of the proof adduced on the part 
 of the prosecution ? It appears that on Wednesday, the 24th day of 
 December, 1851, a party of eight or ten persons of both sexes met 
 in the afternoon at the house of Mrs. H. L. Yesler, in Massillon, among 
 whom was this defendant ; that after consultation and conference with 
 spirits through the defendant, she being what is called a " medium," 
 it was determined by a portion of the company to visit St. Timothy's 
 church and be present at the religious services appointed for that 
 evening, being Christmas eve, an occasion hallowed by intrinsic im- 
 portance, and sanctioned and sanctified by time-honored precedents, 
 in a church, which for usefulness and moral influence will at least 
 compare favorably with any religious denomination with which the 
 land is blessed. 
 
 That pursuant to this determination, a portion of the company did 
 proceed to the church ; arrived there a short time before service com- 
 
19 
 
 menced; the defendant and three other persons, who are witnesses in 
 this trial, taking the same slip on the south side of the main aisle. — 
 That a short time before service commenced, the congregation were 
 molested and interrupted by a series of distinct raps, or knocks, pro- 
 ceeding from the slip occupied by the defendant. That on hearing 
 the raps or knocks, three persons, Messrs. Drew, Karthaus, and Smith, 
 and who are also witnesses for the State, went immediately into the 
 basement of the building for the purpose of ascertaining the source, 
 from whence the sound proceeded, but the result of the investigations 
 failed to fasten with certainty the location from whence the disturbance 
 arose, beyond the conclusion of the witness, Karthaus; that the dis- 
 turbance proceeded from the neighborhood of the slip occupied by 
 Dr. Abel XJnderhill. The testimony elicited from the witnesses in the 
 body of the church, shows that the noises or rappings continued at 
 intervals from the commencement to the close of the services, and at 
 one period so annoyed the rector, that he was compelled to call on 
 whoever was making the noise, to desist, remarking at the same time, 
 that the noises were like the thumping of the heel of a child on the 
 front board of the seat, in which description of the sounds all the 
 witnesses concurred. It is from the witnesses, who were present in 
 the church, that the certain proof of the location of the disturbance is 
 ascertained. 
 
 The fact being conceded, or if not conceded, clearly proved, that 
 the sounds proceeded from the seat occupied by defendant, it only 
 remains as a legitimate subject of inquiry, did the defendant make the 
 sounds, and if so, how did she make them ? It is claimed by the 
 learned counsel for the State, in an argument in opposition to the 
 granting of this motion, which, for its force and power did ample 
 credit to his ability and legal skill, that, having traced the disturbance 
 to the seat of the defendant, and being proved by persons in the same 
 slips that they did not make the sounds or raps, which caused the dis- 
 turbance, she should be held to answer this charge from that fact, in 
 connection with the agreement, at Mr. Yesler's, to attend the church, 
 after laarning that spiritual demonstrations would be made at the 
 church if defendant and her friends went there, coupled with the stiil 
 further fact, that, in a spiritual communication received at, Mrs. Yes- 
 ler's, in answer to a question, by one of the persons present, and in 
 presence of the defendant, "Will you annoy the rascal?" (referring 
 to the Rector) they, the spirits, said, emphatically, '-We will." 
 
 One other point, in this commection, on which the State relies. It 
 is in proof, that had the defendant been removed from the church, 
 the rappings would have ceased, snch being the opinion of the wit- 
 nesses who were present. The foregoing, so far as it relates to the 
 testimony, is believed to be all the evidence submitted by the State 
 to sustain the prosecution, culled as it has been from twenty-five 
 pages of written matter, as it fell from the lips of sixteen witnesses. 
 
 On the part of the defence, and in support of this motion, it is 
 claimed that, although true, it is, that the going to church by the 
 
20 
 
 defendant, and her friends, was a concerted movement; they knew 
 there would be raps that would disturb the order of the meeting; 
 that the " rascal" would be annoyed, and that the raps were made 
 apparently as the result of preconcerted arrangement; it is all not 
 sufficient to work a conviction in the absence of proof that the de- 
 fendant, by a physical act or demonstration, which physical act or 
 demonstration should be specifically proved, caused the sounds to be 
 made. 
 
 And further, that having proved, that in the opinion of witnesses 
 the raps or noises were the result of spiritual agency or influences, 
 over which the defendant could exercise no control, she is in no de- 
 gree responsible. From the highly reputable character of the wit- 
 nesses called to the various points in the case, the court cannot enter- 
 tain a doubt of their sincerity or veracity, and the court fully agrees 
 with the learned counsel for the State, in the high character awarded 
 to them ; but in view of that fact, the court cannot recognize the 
 force of any such defence. It is regarded as sapping the foundation 
 of the purity inseparable from a correct administration of justice, 
 and transforming judicial tribunals into arenas less reputable than that 
 of the Koman Gladiator. The only question to be considered is, 
 " Has the State made sufficient proof to warrant the court in putting 
 her upon her defence, bj T requiring her further to answer the charge 
 as laid in the affidavit?" and the solution of that question depends 
 6olely upon the legal proof, offered in the case under the issue of not 
 guilty. The defence has offered no proof, relying wholly, as it does, 
 on the well taken position, that "the State must make out a case." 
 When it is remembered that Mrs. Folsom, Mrs. Deborah Underbill, 
 Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. Richards, and Mrs. Bayliss, witnesses sitting in or 
 near the same slip with the defendant, all testify clearly, that neither 
 with elbows, hands, feet or knees could this defendant have caused the 
 raps without their knowing it; it would seem that proof sufficient to 
 convict, is wanting to enable the State to make out a case, which re- 
 quires further answer from the accused. Not a single witness has 
 testified to a single rap or knock made by the defendant or to the com- 
 mission of an act, which resulted in a demonstration of that kind, 
 while on cross-examination one witness at least testified, that she sat 
 remarkably still. -Although Mrs. Kelley had no doubt of the manner 
 in which the raps were made, and who made them; even she failed to 
 say positively that it was the defendant who caused the disturbance. 
 This is a criminal statute, and must not only be construed strictly, 
 but the proof to convict under it must be so clear and specific, as to 
 leave no reasonable doubt on the mind of the court trying an issue 
 under it. It is regarded a dangerous precedent, upon which a court 
 should act, to convict a defendant in the absence of any proof of 
 physical action on the part of the accused. 
 
 We are not to enquire, who or what made the sounds, if there be 
 no \ roof, that the defendant did make them. In the absence of that 
 
21 
 
 proof, t' e duty of the court ceases, so far as inquiry goes, when it is 
 admitted that no further proof can be furnished. 
 
 It is to be regretted, that the true source of this disturbance can- 
 not be ascertained and the offender punished. A church has been 
 disturbed in its devotions to an extent, which arrested not only the 
 attention of the rector, but of every member of the congregation. 
 After three days patient investigation the guilty party is undiscovered, 
 and thus far that investigation seems fruitless, for which the court can 
 only express its sincere regret. Heing unable, in the light of the proof 
 to nnd the defendant guilty, she is discharged. 
 
 [From the Plain Dealer.] 
 
 SPIRITUAL INVESTIGATIONS. 
 
 Report of Committee at Massillon, Ohio. — Rappers Triumphant. 
 
 After the persecution and prosecution of Abby Warner for dis- 
 turbing St. Timothy's Church (by the citizens of Massillon) and the 
 terrible charge made by nine persons (connected with that Church, 
 directly and indirectly,) against said Abby, and those with her from 
 Cleveland, and published in the Massillon News of Dec. 27th, 1851; 
 and after a lecture by one Doctor Marshall ! ! against Spirit Rap- 
 pings, it was deemed proper by the Spirits to give a commit- 
 tee an opportunity to witness such phenomena as they (the Spirits) 
 might be pleased to give. In pursuance of the above conclusion, the 
 following letter was written: 
 
 Massillon, January 5, 1852. 
 
 F. M. Keith, Esq — Dear Sir: — I propose to meet the persons 
 herein named, as a committee to investigate what are termed Spirit 
 Phenomena, on the following conditions: 
 
 First — That it shall be done this week. 
 
 Second — That there shall be, if necessary, four meetings with the 
 medium; two of which shad be in the day time. 
 
 Third — That the committee keep a record of what they witness, and 
 report in writing to a public meeting ; at which time there may be a 
 lecture by the undersigned. Also, that in order to defray expenses, 
 an admission of 124- cents shall be charged. 
 
 Fourth — That the committee shall not introduce any person or 
 persons, other than themselves, except by consent of spirits. At the 
 same time the undersigned may introduce any person or persons 
 claimed to be mediums or partial mediums, the circle not to exceed 
 twelve in number. 
 
 Fifth — That the report shall.be kept secret until made to the meet- 
 
 Sixth — It shall be understood that the undersigned does not 
 promise that anything shall positively be done; neither tables moved, 
 bells rung, nor sounds made upon musical instruments; neither that 
 sentences shall be spelled out, or that all questions shall be correctly 
 
22 
 
 answered; but will endeavor to present a fair exhibition of manifesta- 
 tions and phenomena. 
 
 Seventh — The committee may have the medium's clothing examined 
 by a committee of ladies. They may remove her shoes and put 
 moccasins upon her feet, and mittens upon her hands. 
 
 Eighth — They may furnish their own room, table, chairs, bell, and 
 musical instruments, &c, <fcc. 
 
 The committee named are: F. M. Keith, C. K. Skinner, R. Par- 
 tridge, C. D. Smith, A. Pease. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Yours, &c, A. UNDERBILL. 
 
 At a public meeting, held on Monday evening, January 12, the 
 committee made the following Report: 
 
 At the request of Dr. A. Underhill the following persons, to wit: 
 Charles K. Skinner, Reuben Partridge, Anson Pease, and F. M. Keith, 
 met himself and the medium in company with him, Miss Abby War- 
 ner, at the office of Keith and Underhill, on the evening of the 5th of 
 January, A. D., 1852. 
 
 About 7 o'clock in the evening we took our places at the table. 
 Raps commenced in and about a chair sitting near the stove, and 
 about six feet from any person. This chair was one occupied by the 
 medium before taking her seat at the table. The raps continued at 
 this point some minutes, and though not loud, were distinct. 
 
 A. Pease came in and brought up to the table the chair in and 
 about which the raps were first made. Before taking his seat at the 
 table he was called out. The raps commenced upon the table. Mr. 
 Pease returned and took his seat at the table. Raps continue on the 
 table and on the floor. 
 
 The medium was then requested to take off her shoes and sit with 
 them off during the evening, which request was complied with. Raps 
 continue and also increase in volume. All hands were then raised 
 above the table. Raps continue on the table and floor. 
 
 Medium then went to two different corners of the room, and also in 
 the middle of the floor. The raps continue in and about the place 
 where she stood. 
 
 She, by request, stood on a newspaper, and raps ceased. She 
 again stepped upon the floor; the rapping did not commence again 
 until she took her place in the circle. They then commenced on the 
 table. 
 
 The following questions were then answered, as follows. 
 
 1 . Question. Are the raps in answer to this question spirit raps ? 
 Answer. Yes. 
 
 2. Question. Does the medium make these raps ? 
 Answer. No. 
 
 3. Question. Is there such a thing as a spirit state of existence ? 
 Answer. Yes. 
 
23 
 
 ■4. Question. Does any person at the table, not a disembodied spirit, 
 make these raps on this occasion ? 
 Answer. No. 
 
 5. Question. Do spirits communicate with their friends on earth 
 by raps ? 
 
 Answer. Yes. 
 
 6. Question. Do spirits know their friends left on earth, and are 
 they cognizant of our acts. 
 
 Answer. No. 
 
 Raps then commence and continue for some little time on the chair 
 occupied by Mr. Partridge. 
 
 Mental questions were then asked, one by each person at the table, 
 except Dr. Underhill and medium, which questions and answers were 
 as follows: 
 
 By R. Partridge. Rap five times? 
 
 Answer. Five raps. 
 
 By O. Dresel. Rap four times on the back of my chair. 
 
 Answer. Four raps on the table. 
 
 By C. K. Skinner. Will the spirit rap six times ? 
 
 Answer. Six raps. 
 
 By A. Pease. Shall I remain with the committee during their sub- 
 sequent sittings; if so give me four distinct raps? 
 
 Answer. Four raps. 
 
 By F. M. Keith. Shall we continue our examination three sittings 
 more; if so rap seven times, slow and distinct ? 
 
 Answer. Seven raps. 
 
 The medium, at the request of the committee, then stood out in the 
 middle of the floor, still in her stocking feet, and the raps are heard 
 on the floor in her vicinity. 
 
 She then, at the request of the committee, takes her stand on a chair 
 and the raps continue. 
 
 Our attention was then called again to the raps, and the question 
 was asked if they, the spirits, would hold down the table, which was 
 answered in the affirmative. 
 
 An effort was then made to lift the table. The committee agree 
 that the weight of the table was much increased. But one of the 
 committee expressad an opinion as to the extent of the increase in 
 weight. Mr. Skinner thought the increase equal to about 30 pounds 
 in the corner where he lifted. 
 
 It is proper for the committee to state that the first series of questions 
 were presented by one of the committtee, and the contents unknown 
 to any one but the writer, until they had been answered and the 
 answer written upon the back of each paper containing a question 
 answered. 
 
 C. D. Smith, who was one of the cemmittee, was not present at this 
 meeting. F. M. KEITH, 
 
 R. PARTRIDGE, 
 
 A. PEASE, 
 
 C. K. SKINNER. 
 
24 
 
 Tfesday Evening, January 6, 1852. 
 
 Met at the same place all the committee present. Also Otto Dresel r 
 James W. Underhil, and Charles Widgeon. Dr. Underhill and the 
 medium, Miss Abby Warner, also present. 
 
 Raps heard on the floor, on the chair occupied by medium; also 
 on the door, some five or six feet from any person; this door being the 
 one leading from the front to back office. 
 
 Commenced conversation with the raps about forming the circle. 
 Raps directed that Dr, Underhill and J. W. Underhill should leave 
 the circle. They left, as requested. 
 
 Raps continued for some time. The medium then went into a 
 magnetic state, by direction of the raps, a bell was procured and 
 placed under the table. Also, by their direction, the lights were put 
 out. 
 
 Mr. R. Partridge was then directed to leave the circle, which he 
 did. The reason assigned for directing him to leave the circle was, 
 that a report was current that he was making an effort to deceive. 
 
 Soon after his leaving the circle, the table moved in different ways. 
 Sometimes it seemed to be rocked on the floor. At other times it 
 seemed to be raised from the floor and then suffered to drop down 
 again; and at other times it would be moved along upon the floor. 
 This continued at short intervals for nearly an hour. 
 
 During these demonstrations Dr. Underhill came into the room. 
 The raps immediately directed him to leave, which he did. We also 
 heard raps produced by some one in the office of J. R. Cecil & Co., 
 which could, without any kind of difficulty, be distinguished from those 
 claiming to be spirit raps. Mr. CD. Smith produced raps upon his 
 chair so nearly resembling those claimed to be spirit raps as to deceive- 
 most of those at the table. The medium, however, by her hand 
 promptly said they were not spirit raps, although they were produced 
 opposite the table where she sat, and in a dark room. This effort to 
 deceive her was tried two or three times without success; the raps at 
 each time alleging them to be spurious. 
 
 During all these demonstrations we were so seated as to render it 
 impossible for any one at the tableto have produced the phenomena 
 we there witnessed. During the moving of the table we sat with our 
 feet upon the round of the chair, our knees placed each against his 
 neighbor's, so as to render it impossible for any one to move his limb 
 without a knowledge of that fact by his neighbor. Each one at the 
 table had in his hand the hand of his neighbor, so as to render it im- 
 possible for any one to have used their hands for any such purpose. 
 
 The medium sat with both feet upon the round of her chair and 
 her hands held by Mr. Pease. 
 
 The committee are constrained to say, from the facts they have 
 witnessed, that the table was caused to move by some power as yet 
 unknown to them. That they are satisfied that neither the medium, 
 nor any other person in the room moved it. 
 
 The raps on this evening say that the answer to question seven, 
 
25 
 
 on the preceding evening, was not properly recorded; that the answer 
 should have been yes. With this the committee do not agree with 
 the raps. So far as they were present they are unanimous in the 
 opinion that the answer was as it is recorded, in the negative. The 
 bell was not rung. F. M. KEITH, 
 
 C. D. SMITH, 
 R. PARTRIDGE, 
 A. PEASE, 
 C. K. SKINNER. 
 
 Wednesday, January 7. 
 Met at 3 o'clock, at the house of G. W. Williams. Present, the 
 medium, Miss Eliza Widgeon, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Chas. Widgeon, and 
 all the committee except C. K. Skinner. 
 
 Raps refuse to produce physical manifestatisn, but want singing. 
 Singing commenced and continued. Raps continue during the singing. 
 Raps then asked so have the guitar played. Miss Widgeon at the re- 
 quest of the committee played the guitar, and the raps keep time to* 
 the music 
 
 The table is then moved backward and forward upon the floor 
 a number of times. This constitutes what was seen at this session. 
 The raps appoint another meeting this evening at ihe same place, at 6 
 o'clock. A. PEASE, 
 
 F. M. KEITH, 
 C. D. SMITH, 
 R. PARTRIDGE. 
 
 -At 6 o'clock met at the same place; same persons present as in the 
 afternoon, except that Mr. Pease was absent, and Mr. Skinner was- 
 present. Raps of various kinds commenced immediately upon sitting 
 down to the table. After some conversation with the raps, medium 
 went into magnetic state. It was then requested that the guitar and 
 bell should be placed under the table. This being done, it was re- 
 quested that Mr. Williams should play his violin. Soon af.er he com- 
 menced playing, the music from the guitar was heard, which continued 
 so long as he played. The bell was then rung. We were then re- 
 quested to place the bell upon the guitar, which was done, and im- 
 mediately after, the bell was taken up, as we knew by its sound; and 
 the guitar strings were touched. The light was called for, and we 
 found the bell had been taken up and placed upon the strings of the 
 guitar. Under direction it was placed back upon the instrument 
 where it first stood. It was then taken up, drawn across the strings, and 
 dropped on the floor. By request, the violin was also placed under 
 the table. That and the guitar were then played, and the bell rung at 
 the same time. This continued for some minutes. The violin was 
 then taken from under the table, and played by Mr. Williams, during 
 which time the guitar was moved around under the table, brought 
 
26 
 
 against a number of us, and, partially set up against one of the com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Mr. Williams then played a very lively piece of music, and the 
 guitar commenced rapid movements, apparently jumping up and 
 down, which continued through the playing. The light was then 
 called for and we found the instrument set upon its edge, and upon the 
 side of the table nearly opposite thot occupied by the medium. 
 
 Such demonstrations as are above described continued from soon 
 after we took our seats at the table until half past 9 o'clock. There 
 were no lights in the room, yet the room was not so dark as to pre- 
 vent our seeing every person in the room, as also every perceptible 
 motion made by any one at the table. 
 
 On one side of the medium sat C. K. Skinner and on the other C. D. 
 Smith. Your committee relying upon the statements of the two per- 
 sons above named, together with the observation they gave the medium, 
 are satisfied that these things were not done by said medium, or any 
 other person in human form in the room; our feet were so placed, and our 
 hands so held as to render it impossible for any one to have even made 
 the attempt without detection. Another meeting appointed at same 
 place for Friday evening. F. M. KEITH, 
 
 C. D. SMITH, 
 R. PARTRIDGE, 
 C. K. SKINNER. 
 
 Friday Evening. 
 
 Same present as heretofore, except C. K. Skinner. Commenced by 
 raps, moving the table, and various singular sounds produced on and 
 about the table. Room lighted. 
 
 Medium went into magnetic state. Room darkened. Bell was placed 
 under the table, and while there, was rung several times. Some time, 
 perhaps two or three minutes, then elapsed, without any demonstra- 
 tions. The light was then called for ; on its being brought in, to our 
 surprise we found the bell on the army, and at about its centre ; it 
 had been taken from under the table and placed upon it, without pro- 
 ducing the slightest sound. 
 
 The guitar was then placed upon the table and moved around, ap- 
 parently one end taken up and dropped, and finally set up on its edge. 
 
 The medium then left the table and took a position behind the wri- 
 ter of this report. While she was in this place, various efforts were 
 made to deceive her, none of which however were successful. At this 
 stage of the proceedings, the writer of this report stated his suspicions 
 that the raps were produced by the medium. It was then suggested 
 that she be held, which was assented to by the raps. The writer then 
 held her feet, Mr. Pease her left hand, and Mr. Smith her right hand. 
 It was then requested that the raps might be produced. Raps com- 
 
27 
 
 mence and continue while she is thus held, upon the table and upon 
 the floor. F. M. KEITH, 
 
 C. D. SMITH, 
 R. PARTRIDGE, 
 A. PEASE. 
 
 The foregoing constitutes substantially what we have seen and heard 
 in our investigations. We have not embodied in this report every 
 thing that transpired ; we have only presented those things which 
 struck us as being of the most importance. Many, very many con- 
 versations have been had, which are not here related. And it is not 
 to be denied that answers are frequently wrong, but being satisfied as 
 we are that these raps are not the result of human agency, we ask if 
 an incorrect answer is not just as surprising as a correct one, why should 
 any question be answered ? Why are the raps produced when an an- 
 swer is to be given ? What produces them ? These are questions 
 we cannot answer, nor do we intend to be understood as saying that 
 we believe that these things were done by disembodied spirits; we do 
 not know what does them ; we only know that they are done, — how, 
 or by whom done, yet remains a mystery. F. M. KEITH, 
 
 C. D. SMITH, 
 R. PARTRIDGE, 
 A. PEASE. 
 
 I, the undersigned, was present at all the meetings of the Commit- 
 tee above described ; and I do hereby certify that the things which 
 transpired before said Committee, are substantially and correctly set 
 forth in the above report. OTTO DRESEL. 
 
 I, the undersigned, was present at the meetings held at my house 
 on Wednesday and Friday evenings ; and I do hereby certify that the 
 things which transpired before said Committee at those two meetings, 
 are correctly set forth in the above report. Further, that I sat in a 
 position where I could see the guitar move ; that I did see it move, at 
 the same time it is described as having jumped up and down ; and I 
 am satisfied it was not done by any human agency. 
 
 G. W. WILLIAMS. 
 
28 
 
 CIRCLES. 
 
 Let eight or ten persons (of from ten years of age upwards, and 
 about equal numbers of each sex,) form themselves into a circle and 
 meet twice in each week, on the same evenings, at the same house, 
 and if possible, in the same room. Let them set around a table, all 
 resting their arms to the elbow upon the table. Let each fix their 
 mind upon some intelligent spirit friend — desiring them to move their 
 hand. Let the circle remain for an hour at least at each sitting. It 
 is well to have singing, and also instrumental music, in order to har- 
 monize all minds, if possible. Admit no spectators, nor any addition 
 to the circle, until some one or more becomes a medium, and have 
 been a medium until the spirits control them readily. For some time, 
 ask very few questions, and let them relate to the circle. It is well 
 to have paper and pencil upon the table, so that if the spirit desires 
 to write, they will have an opportunity. Their first attempt will be 
 only marks and scratchings. Hut spirits must exercise as they can, 
 until they get perfect control. Many imperfect and incorrect sentences 
 will be at first written, perhaps what is not true; this should not 
 distract, or disturb, or discourage the writer. Let such person set 
 each day alone for one hour, and permit the spirits to control and do 
 what they please. The more pure and harmonious the medium keeps 
 his or her mind, the higher will be the class of spirits attracted. If 
 they permic their minds to become dissatisfied and disturbed, they will 
 attract unreliable and untruthful spirits about them. 
 
 Every thing is to be done and learned step by step. The more 
 passive and harmonious the mind and the circle, the more reliable 
 will be the communications. If friends are anxious to witness what 
 your circle has developed, advise them to do as you have done, form 
 a circle, and they will obtain for themselves. After a number of cir- 
 cles are formed, and a number of mediums and believers exist in a 
 town or village, when the spirits direct, they (without spectators) 
 should meet together in one grand circle (on Sunday) and let the spir- 
 its direct and control the meeting. Thus you will develop speaking 
 mediums, whom the spirits can control and speak through, ^uch now 
 exist in Cleveland and other places. There should be music and sing- 
 ing to harmonize nil minds. 
 
 CAUSES OF UNTRUTHFUL AND CONTRADICTORY AN- 
 SWERS. 
 
 God is infinite ; God is perfect. Man is finite ; man is imperfect. 
 Spirits are finite ; spirits are only perfect in degree. Imperfect con- 
 ditions are liable to produce imperfect results. This law applies equal- 
 
29 
 
 ly to spiritual communications as to the production of other phenome- 
 na in nature. Therefore, to have communications reliable in all cases, 
 the conditions should be perfect. There should be perfect compre- 
 hension of the subject on the part of the spirit ; perfect development 
 and submissiveness on the part of the medium ; perfect honesty and 
 independence on the part of the questioner, and perfect harmony in 
 the circle. When all these conditions exist, truthful answers may be 
 expected ; when they do not, errors will occur. 
 
 At this time, few mediums are fully developed, or perfectly con- 
 troled by spirit influence. While most persons approach the spirits 
 with their minds full of suspicions, or inclined to some sectarian dog- 
 ma, or they have some creed to sustain, or some bigoted or supersti- 
 tious idol, which has been venerated by their ancestors or themselves, 
 to support. These are all opposing causes, and disturbers of harmo- 
 
 n ?- . . . • 
 
 Secondly — Spirits and minds associate by affinity. If the mind of 
 
 the medium, or of the questioner, or of the circle, is inharmonious or 
 agitated, that agitation becomes a disturbing cause, and thus renders 
 it impossible for spirits to read the mind of the interrogator correctly, 
 or control the medium (or electricity) so as to respond truthfully. 
 This may appear strange doctrine to those who have believed spirits 
 omniscient, knowing every thing, all-powerful, and able to do at all 
 times, any thing and every thing desired. It is for a want 
 of a correct knowledge of spirits and their powers, which have 
 produced these erroneous impressions or opinions with regard to spir- 
 its and the spirit world. Spiritualism is yet in its infancy, in its lirst 
 lessons of teaching. And as in other schools, (owing to the imperfect 
 condition or undeveloped state of the mind.) now and then misspell- 
 ing a word may happen, which does not condemn the teacher or the 
 pupil, or the other members of the class (or circle,) should it not in 
 spiritual misspelling, or in answers not correctly rendered or given. 
 
 As we progress in all the conditions, the truthfulness and reliability 
 will be greater and greater. There are ignorant and undeveloped spir- 
 its in knowledge and wisdom, and yet such spirits can and do rap and 
 communicate, and can it be expected that they can communicate what 
 they do not possess, or what they do not comprehend. Ignorant, big- 
 oted, superstitious, idolatrous minds attract ignorant and undeveloped 
 spirits, arid such may expect incorrect responses from such sources. 
 These are the principal causes of untruthful communications. The 
 remedy must be apparent. Remove the disturbing causes ; harmo- 
 nize all these conditions, and then the truth, the whole truth and no- 
 thing but the truth may be expected. 
 
30 
 
 WHAT SPIRITS TEACH. 
 
 They teacli that there is one only true and living God, or Great 
 Positive Mind. 
 
 They teach that his works (the works of nature) are the great vol- 
 ume of his Revelation. That in them and their teachings there is or- 
 der, uniformity and harmony. 
 
 They teach that where there is harmony there is truth, and where 
 there is discord there is error. 
 
 These are the standards by which truth and error hereafter are to 
 be known and judged. (From this fact, we infer that there is much 
 error in the Christian church, for there is much discord in it. ) 
 
 They teach that every thing in nature, animate and inanimate, is 
 progressing from a lower to a higher, or from a grosser to a more re- 
 fined state or condition. 
 
 They teach that mind or spirit is as»subjectto this law as gross mat- 
 ter. 
 
 They teach that though an unfortunate organization and surround- 
 ing circumstances — misdirection and education — may lead to vice, 
 crime and misery in this life, these influences cease in part, if not in 
 whole, when what we call death separates mind or spirit from the body; 
 and that again the mind, soul or spirit becomes subject to this law of 
 progressive unfolding or development. 
 
 " Progress means upward or onward, never downward or backward." 
 Hence spirits never grow darker or more miserable, as some think, or 
 have contended. 
 
 They teach that all are not equally happy in the spirit world ; that 
 the degree of happiness the spirit enters upon depends upon the life it 
 has lived here, and its moral and intellectual improvement or develop- 
 ment, while in the body. 
 
 They teach that in the spirit world there are dark and bright spheres; 
 that vice, crime, dishonesty, dissipation, debauchery, bigotry, idolatry 
 and ignorance, all tend to the dark spheres ; while honesty, upright- 
 ness, virtue, knowledge — visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and 
 clothing the naked, all lead to an inheritance in the brighter spheres, 
 and real happiness. 
 
 They teach that "Faith without works is dead." 
 
 They teach that Jesus was the most highly developed mind or spir- 
 it in human form, while in the body. That the miracles which he 
 wrought were by spirits through him as a medium, (hence the term me- 
 diator, ) and hence spirits operating through the mediums which he 
 selected could do (as he said) the same and even greater things than 
 he did. 
 
 They teach that a day is dawning when mighty wonders will be 
 wrought by spirits through mediums, to the confounding of the self- 
 wise, the learned and the ignorant. 
 
31 
 
 They teach that pain, sickness, and suffering are the legitimate 
 penalties of violated universal and unchangeable law; and not dispen- 
 sations or special providences. Hence, they teach rewards for 
 obedience, and penalties for disobedience. Thus all the great practi- 
 cal truths which Jesus taught, spirits teach also. Spirits do not teach 
 creeds, or sectarianism, or dogmas, or ordinances. They do not teach 
 that any one sect or church is just right and all others wrong. 
 
 They do not teach that one day is any better than another, but that 
 we should do right every day. 
 
 They do not teach that any one person can answer for the sins of 
 another, but that each must mark out their own way to either the 
 bright or dark spheres for themselves. They do not teach a place of 
 positive punishment, a "never ending hell "in the next world, for 
 such teaching would be at war with the great law of progress. 
 
 But they do teach that as we live here on earth, so shall we enter 
 the spirit land. 
 
 They do teach that a religion, to be beneficial, must be of works, 
 practical. 
 
 They do teach that outward show is opposed to inward purity. 
 
 They do teach that spirits can communicate with mortals, and that 
 all who will seek honestly will receive truthfully such communications. 
 
 They do teach that the time is near when spirits will be permitted 
 to reveal crimes committed here on earth. Let all take warning; for 
 the teachings and promises of spirits will be fulfilled. 
 
 They do teach that the (spirit) light shineth in darkness (the un- 
 believing mind), and the darkness comprehendeth it not. 
 
 They do teach, because they (the unbelieving) have not the light; 
 they cannot see that you (the believing) have it, 
 
 They do teach that if ye seek ye shall find, and if you knock (at 
 truth's door) it shall be opened unto you. 
 
 These are a few of the many important truths which spirits teach, 
 
 WHAT IS THE USE OF MEDIUMS? 
 
 This question is frequently asked. I reply, what light, knowledge, 
 truth, falsehood or error has any one received except through some 
 medium. 
 
 Did not Jesus claim to be a medium? Were not the apostles 
 mediums, through which, it is believed, the spirit of God operated? 
 Do not our priests and ministers claim to be mediums? What is a 
 book or newspaper, but a medium between the mind of the writer 
 and the reader? Are not our nerves, our eyes, our ears; yes, all our 
 senses, mediums? And can any mind receive any impression in any 
 way, except through a medium? Everything, then, comes to us 
 through mediums. Hence, spiritual revealments are not at war with 
 universal law or arrangement; they also come to us through mediums. 
 And, as one star differeth from another in light, so may one medium 
 or spirit differ from another in intelligence or perfection, or in what 
 they communicate. 
 
32 
 
 Mediums then are no new invention or discovery, and I trust the 
 time is nigh at hand when every familv will have its spiritual medium 
 through whom they can receive the truth, "without money and without 
 price." 
 
 WHAT IS THE OBJECT OF SPIRITUAL INTERCOURSE ? 
 
 The object of the present spiritual revealments is to show to man 
 more clearly his relation to his Creator ; to the universe of matter, 
 mind and spirit ; to his fellow man, and to the higher spheres of ex- 
 istence. This knowledge has been strongly desired. This knowledge 
 all have not been able to obtain satisfactorily. The time has arrived 
 in the progress of mental development, when spirits can (through 
 medium*) communicate the desired intelligence to all who will honest- 
 ly seek it. This spiritual light is dawning upon the world (upon the 
 United Spates at least). Before another generation shall have passed 
 away, it shall shine as the noon-day sun. The strong holds of super- 
 stition and idolatry will be weakened, if not destroyed. Spirits warn 
 them to be prepared to see written upon their walls in living charac- 
 ters, "MEN T E, TEKEL, UPHARSIN." You have been weighed 
 in the scale, and found wanting. 
 
 A VOICE FROM THE SPIRIT WORLD. 
 
 M The Spirit "World is a happy home, 
 
 Oh, how we all are blest, 
 'Tishere our sorrows have an end, 
 
 'Tis here we find oar rest. 
 
 We know the Truth, and we are free, 
 
 And happy in onr love, 
 We know that God, our father, reigns, 
 
 High in the Courts above ! 
 
 Love is our motto, truth our guide, 
 
 On harmony we dwell; 
 And, oh, our joy and happiness. 
 
 No human tongue can t^dl ■! 
 
 Justice and Wisdom is combined, 
 
 In this our happy home, 
 And in the blissful paths of truth. 
 
 We spirits love to roam. 
 
 We seek each other's happiness, 
 
 In all we say or do ; 
 We banish error from our minds, 
 
 But keep the truth in view. 
 
 care, 
 
 Love, like a Guardian Angel's 
 
 Is always round us thrown, 
 And oil, what peace pervades our world, 
 
 To you can ne'er be known. 
 
 We are in a progressive state, 
 
 The truth we love to tell, 
 There is no place of punishment, 
 
 No never-ending hell. 
 
 God is our Father and our King, 
 
 We shall forever dwell, 
 Within the Spirit World, and sing, 
 
 That he does all things well 1 
 
i 
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ih,!,«, RY 0F CONGRESS 
 
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 DEVOTED TO SPIRITUALISM. 
 
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 I THE SHEKINAH— A Quarterly, published at Bridgeport, Conn., at 
 $2,00. S. B. Brittan, Editor. 
 THE SPIRIT MESSENGER— Published bi-monthly, in New York, 
 at $2,00. R. P. Ambler, Editor. 
 
 THE SPIRITUAL TELEGRAPH— Published weekly, in ISL York. 
 A by C. Partridge, at $1,50. 
 
 LECTURES ON THE SPIRITUAL PHILOSOPHY— By Joel. 
 Tiffany. Published at Cincinnati, but for sale in this city. Price 
 $1,00. This is an invaluable work. 
 
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