Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations .. - New Age ...

PREFACE.
As prefatory to this volume, it may be expedient here to introduce
the credentials which I have lately received from the spirit world.
With the medium of their communication, Mr. Lanning, of this
city, No. 124 Arch St.,
I have had but little intercourse, knowing
him, however, by report, as a good man and a zealous spiritualist.
The communication which I owe to his mediumship, was utterly unexpected
by me, never having, in any way, hinted to him, directly
or indirectly, that it would be desirable to receive such an indication
of confidence and approbation.
The first and only knowledge which I had of this, to me, stirring
appeal, is comprised in the following letter from Lanning.
The difference between the style of his own language, though very
good for its purpose, and that which he ascribes to the spirits, must
corroborate his allegation that this address did not originate in
his brain.
On submitting the address to my spirit father, he sanctioned the
idea of its proceeding from spirits.
Philadelphia, June 7, 1855.
Dear Sir: I send you the following communication, and think it to be an emanation
from the spirit life. I feel not a little reluctance in so doing, for it is seldom 1
can get any thing for others.
How it may suit your mind, I do not know, nor do I
wish to impose it upon you for any thing worthy your consideration.
I would hesitate
much to instruct one so much my senior, and whose name I esteem, were it not
that I love a cause so near your heart; and I feel that my mind is only the channel
through which I have every evidence, the unseen in the spirit life, at times give
their thoughts to mortals.
not originate in my own brain.
To Dr. Robert Hare, Philadelphia :
I have no idea from what spirit it came, but know it did
Very truly, yours,
J. F. Lanning.
Prof. Robert Hare—Venerable and much-esteemed friend, it is an unwonted pleasure
with us to number you as a leading mind in the ranks of this new and better
gospel which is being given to the dwellers of earth. We see the many an d perplexing
difficulties which, to you, apparently hinder your progress in this path to
light and love, and we sympathize with you in all your efforts to unfold your mind
and to render it useful and happy.
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