Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

OF THE EXISTENCE OF SPIRITS. 327n^ the civilized world is compelled to :icknowled;^(j their reality, howeverdiverse ia accounting for them— as these manifestations continue to increasein variety and power, so that all suspicion of trick or imposture becomessimply absurd and preposterous—and as every attempt to find a solutionfor them in some physical theory relating to electricity, the odicforce, clairvoyance, and the like, has thus far proved abortive—it becomesevery intelligent mind to enter into an investigation of them with candourand fliirness, as opportunity may offer, and to bear such testimony in regardto them as the facts may warrant, no matter what ridicule it may exciteon the part of the uninformed or skeptical.1G40. '^As for ourselves, most assuredly we have been in no haste tojump to a conclusion in regard to phenomena so universally diffused, andof so extraordinary a character. For the last three years, we have keptpace with nearly all that has been published on the subject; and we havewitnessed, at various times, many surprising ^manifestations/ and ourconviction is, that they cannot be accounted for on any other theory thanthat of spiritual agency. This theory, however, is not unattended withdiscrepancies, difficulties, and trials. It is certain that, if it be true, thereare many deceptive spirits, and that the apostolic injunction to 'believenot every spirit,' but to try them in every possible way, is specially to beregarded, or the consequences may prove very disastrous.1641. "We might write a pretty long essay on what we have seen andheard, touching this matter; but this we reserve for some other occasion.We shall now merely describe some of the phenomena which we witnessedin New York during our recent visit to that city.1642. ''The medium in this instance was Mrs, Brown, formerly Mrs.Fish, of Rochester. The circle was composed of six gentlemen and fourladies. The table was of ample dimensions, so as to accommodate theparty without inconvenience. We sat around it in the usual manner, (thehands of each individual resting upon the table,) and engaged in socialchit-chat. While waiting for some demonstrations from the invisibleworld, we had our right foot patted as by a human hand, and the right legof our pantaloons strongly pulled, by some unseen agency.This was donerepeatedly, though we said nothing at the time; but, thinking it might bepossible thatthe foot of some one of the company might undesignedly bein contact with our own, we cautiously felt around to ascertain if this werethe case, but there was nothing tangible; and the moment we put our footdown, the same familiar tappings and jerks followed. Still, we made nodisclosure. Eaps were then distinctly heard, and the alj^habet was calledfor.Letter by letter, it was rapped out that the medium must put her feetin the custody of one of the party, and then we were toldto wait for demonstrations.This was evidently done to convince every one present thatthe medium had nothing to do with the phenomena, by way of fraud orcollusion ; and, during the entire sitting, (a protracted one,) before any re-