THE SPIRITUAL CONVENTION AT SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 776, 21 September 1853, Page 4

THE SPIRITUAL CONVENTION AT SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

(From tfie Springfield Republican.) A convention of the believers in the spiritual philosophy assembled at I lampion Hall, in this city on WedDav afternoon. The hall was not far from half full, and we should judge that they were about three hundred persons present who were believers. f u The convention was organized by the choice of Dr. H. F. Gardner, of Springfield, as President; of twelve Vice Presidents, among whom were belli U. Bliss, of Springfield, Adin Ballou, Job.i M. Spear. R. P. Arab Jer Ur. Barron, of Palmer, Mrs. Mettler the sprit ual clairvoyant, and Mrs. Cadwell, of Springfield ; and of three Secretaries —Messrs. C. H. White, J. R. Mettler sod S. C. Hewitt. . . . Previous to the organization of the convention, and while the nominating committee were out, a lady arose, and facing the audience, with her eyes closed and hands uplifted, said in a somewhat impressive manner : , ... , You will see angels, You will see angels. You will see angels, Coming from the spirit world. ’’ This was followed by the repetition, in a rythmical reiteration, of the word-, “ We are all a band of brothert* 99 •i We are united spirits.” &c., &c., “ from the spirit world.” This concluded with the query “ Will you be united spirits'? Will you be united spirits? Will you be united spirits? In tliis lower world.” Before taking her seat, she exhorted the assembly to unity »» its deliberations. Hymns, by very good voces, were also sung, in which we very ” harmonously” joined. . . The exercises of the convention were opened with prayer, by n gentleman we did not catch, and then the President declared the convention ready to receive communications and transact business, Mr. John M. Spear rose and said that be had received a communication from Benjamin Rush, in behalf of the Association of Beneficence, a society recently organized in the spirit world, containing directions in regard to the conduct of tie convention, which be proceeded to read. The principal directions were to the effect that all anxieties must be laid aside, that there must be patient waiting for developemente, that there be no no outward looking-for eminent persons toaddress the convention, that an arrangement be made for a general National Convention, at a convenient season, in some hospitable place, and that a committee of correspondence be chosen by the convention, to communicate with spiritualists in other States in regard to the national gathering. M. Finney, of Cleveland, Ohio, a noted “speaking medium,” then rose and stated that in the city of his residence there where seven hundred mediums, in various stages of developement, and five thousand disciples. He stated that as the churches there had opposed the movement, the spirits had taken hold and made mediums in the churches. Even the school children had spiritual circles. In Cincinnati there were one thousand two hundred mediums. He Chen gave an instance of the spirits splitting a table all in pieces, in order to convince a company of sci plies. He said that in Cleveland, while the churches were pining for spiritual life, there was growing up around them the church of universal brotherhood, endowed with spiritual life. Thus much he said and more of similar purport. A long discussion then sprang up on a motion offered by Mr. Elmer, of Springfield, that permission be given to people entertaining views opposed to those of spiritualists, to make a statement of them. There was an evident shrinking from controversy, on the part of the convention, from the belief that it would do no good, and the matter was compromised by Mr. Elmer, accepting, instead, a resolution which, without stating •the question in hand, admitted of a wide private construction, that it was satisfactory. Dr. Gridley, of Southampton, rose to discuss the subject, and wandered off into a fanciful flight (taking Balaam’s ass for his Pegasus) which, though it failed of a single allusion to the question before the convention, as an amusing episode in proceedings that were otherwise respectable and in order.

And then the commuuications proceeded. Air. Whittaker, of Troy, said that there was an unpoetical writing medium in that city, who had, under the spiritual influence, written one hundred and forty pages (foolscap) of very fine poetry. But decidedly the most interesting communication of the afternoon was that made by a gentlemen who gave bis name as “ Gibson Smith, of Vermont.” He remarked that it was the first time be had ever had the privilege of attending a convention of spiritualists, though he had met angels in convention frequently. He had been in the ministry twenty years, and bad probably been an advocate of the spiritual philosophy longer than any person present. He came from the town of Shaftsfaury, where, he thought, some things had been witnessed of a more wonderful character than in most other places. Some ten years ago, he had a promise that ha should see the angels. The promise was fulfilled that about six months since. He had been endowed with the faculty of seeing the internal organs of the body—of seeing disease, and, simultaneausly, its remedy. He did it all in his normal state. His brother Denio, who sat next to him had received a similar power. Mr. Smith was then called upon to give an account of some of the wonderful things he had seen. He proceeded to state that he had had a view of the planets, and of their inhabitants. The people who inhabit the planet Alercury have few or no ideas. They are exiremly low in the scale of developement. In Venus, ■there is confusion worse confounded. [This accounts for her malign influence over the sons of men]. In Alars, the condition of the people was vastly different. Though not at the acme of developement, they are more developed than the inhabitants of the earth. In Jupiter and Saturn, they are still more developed and spiritual. If the audience could be transported to, and set down in Saturn, they would suppose they were in heaven. Herschcll is thinly settled, and all the planets beyond that are depopulated. This is in consequence of the cold weather there, end their distance from the solar centre. All this was delivered in a plain and sober style, as if the gentleman were talking of a familar and every day matter. Various cases of manifestations and visions were subsequently narrated, which we hare not space to notice. Air. Elmer, in contravention of the statement in the Republican that no manifestations had occurred out of the atmosphere of the human brain, brought forward the alleged fact that writing had been done by the spirits when no medium was in the room, or even in the Louse.

Dr. Gridley made himself miserable over the fact that a communioation of his to the Republican, some time since, was not inserted. We have no distinct recollection of what the communication was; but if it had the degree of coherence that characterizes the gentleman’s oral performances, there was a decided reason for not publishing it, independently of any that he saw fit gratuitously to prefer. The evening session was occupied, throughout a very long length, by an address by Mr. Finney, of Ohio, a smart man, wiV natural powers of ora'ory, excellent wind, and a very high developement of infidelity. His theme was the emancipation of tbe human race from the slavery of error, and, in its discussion, he endeavoured to illustrate and enforce the great law of human progress, and to kick over the Bible, the priests, and the church. We cannot undertake to give an outline of his address, which, in some points, was sufficiently ingenious, and in some points sufficiently sound, but which in its general tendency, was subversive those of all principles which have formed the basis of human progress, thus far, at least and which ore broader and deeper than have yet, save in one instance found exemplification in human life. When mankind Lave become as good as Christianity can make them, we will call on Mr. Finney for more enlightenment. The proceedings of tbe day were characterized by much decorum and sobriety. The convention will hold three sessions to-day, commencing at nine o’clock this morning, at half past one in tbenfternoon and at seven in tbe evening. [From the Springfield Republican, April 9.] On Thursday, the convention reassembled at an early morning hour, and at tbe three several sessions of the day tbe attendance was very largely increased. In tbe afternoon and evening, particularly, the ball was full. I he exercises of tbe day did not vary materially in tbeir character from those of the day preceding, save in an instance of “spiritual manifestations” which occurred at the close of the afternoon session. These manifestations were of a dramatic character, and were intended to illustrate as we were given to understand the fact that there are spirits in the world of spirits, who are not aware that they are there, so low are they in tbe scale of being, and that the more developed spirits have a work to do in educating and elevating them. Jt was a queer medley of nonsense, speculation, and religion, and altogether, not calculated to advance the cause of spiritualism among the unbelievers. 1 bo principal speakers of tbe day were Henry C. W right and Andrew Jackson Davis. Tbe former was the luo.-i eneciive, though, perhaps, not the most brilliant speaki r of the occasion. Air. Finney of Ohio, spoke; again in the evening, following Air, Davis. Our opinion of the human intellect engaged in the convention is that there was much there above mediocrity; of tie spirit Vi isdom as manifested in the dramatic Jperfor*

mac cos, that it was small—very small potatoes —very low in the hill, and scattered very widely o or the ground. Upon entering the hall in the morning we fou-id Dr. Gridley reading a manuscript of learned length and giving a sort of running commentary thereon, iho great doctrine expounded by the Doctor was that souls are drown out in fibres of “endless tenuity,” and taat tiv these fibres, soul is connected with soul and wit i material objects. So, when, upon going item home a person fee's that he had left something, a tibre of the soul has fastened upon the object forgotten, and it is difficult to tear it away. Upon finding this object, the person feels that his soul is all abroad, and that there are no fibres bolding them back. Dr. Gridley gave some account of bis first interview with the spirit of his decease 1 son. He advised his son at that time to 4 ‘ keep bis fellowship in an ascending direction” —that is, to avoid low company. He recommended his son to consult him in all his difficulties. The nest morning alter breakfast, the son called to consult upon a little matter, which they together soon settled. . A commifee reported it expedient to hold a National Convention at Rochester, N. Y., on the 2d, 3d, ami -111 days of September next. Rochester was selected, cine; v from the fact that there the manifestations originate; A committee of correspondence was appointed, with one or two members from each Stale, including Mexico. Ruftis Elmer was a member from Massachusetts. Severn gentleman from Illinois were added to the committee. An old gentleman remarked that be was glad to have a delegation from Illinois,but hoped they did not belong to the Legislature, as he was certain no spirits would have anything to do with the Illinois Legislature. A telegraphic dispatch was received from Bro. Britain, saying that he could not attend, being “ submerged in buisness, Adin Ballou offered a series of resolutions which were afterwards adopted and were in aubstance, as follows . —That the existence of spirits separate from the body that occasional manifestations of spirits have always been admitted; that modern manifestations are as legitimate as those of former times; that unbelief in modern spiritualism is to be traced to the same cause as ancient unbi,lief; that spiritual manifestations take place according to laws; that many manifestations are imperfectanu not re iable; that every manifestation should be judged by its intrinsic merit, and not by its assumptions; that when spirits direct or recommend bad conduct they shall be disobeyed ; that these revelations lead to improvements life; that there is comings new order of society; that contempt, sneers, and anathemas are indications of Sadduceeisw, Sensualism, Pbariseeism,Sectarianism and infidelity; an.i that they, i. e. spiritualists, would live down all opposition, and celebrate the conjunction of earth anU heaven. With the help of an old gentleman, who supplied the “ amens,” Liter miss, Mr. B, commented at some length upon these doctrines. He believed there were genu communications from spirits, but not that everyth purporting to be, really is from spirits. He seemed to think that those who refuse to believe anything and those who swallow everything were in about equal error. Mr. B.’s speech was au effective one characterized by general fairness and candour, and containing many manly sent ments

Rufus Elmer added a sort of endorsement. lie said that he had, upon an average, as many as two or t!i e interviews a week with spirits—that he Lad detnc t them in many mistakes and errors, and even falsehm Is but that he had never heard from them any principle- ' doctrines at variance with those contained in Mr Ball m address. Whether this was intended as a complime r t' Mi. Ballou or the spirits we did not understand. In the afternoon Henry C. Wright, the very easy ml pleasant speaker whom we have mentioned, occupied some time in defining his position. He was followe Iby a gentleman who explained why the revelations of spirits are so uncertain and often erroneous. The separation of the truth from the error is necessary to furnish employ meat for our faculties, and prevent them from rust - g out in indolence.

Afte r some ■• emarks from Rev. J. S. Loveland, as to tie modus op r nuii in (Ilmrlestown, Air. S. Ilewet, editor of the New Era , took the stand. After remarking t though table tippings were very well in there place, » < were yet to look for something h'gher. He announced that the spiri s had turned their attention to practic l matters, and that Roger Si.orman bad given a course "1 twelve lectures upon architecture, through John M. Spear, medium, who was a remarkably good medium, and by whom no serious errors bud ever been communicate 1. According to these lectures, houses are to be built of a material formed by mixing with sea water, in e )ua! proportions, iron ore, pulverized granite, fine clay a d sand from the sea shore. The house is to be modelled af er the human body when in a sitting posture, and the Lmily are to reside in the apparlment which corresponds to the cavity occupied by the brain. We are not quite certain whether by this is meant the upper story, for it was not very apparent where the brains of the speaker, and some of his companions were. The house is to be warmed in a way revealed in a course of twelve lectures f T om Howard, upon Beneficienc Machinery. No fuel is to be used, and the system is according to the arter al system of the circulation of the blood. A framework is to be built in the basement, of the same materials as the house. A large boiler is to be placed in the framework, and in the boiler, a j,ar made of zinc and tin, with two wires, like arms, and five fingers, tipt with brimstone. Linseed oil is to be poured into the jar, and the wires are to be rubbed, and somehow—the speaker did not exactly, understand how—perpetual beat is to be produced. Villages are to be built under the new dispensation, as follows: —First, a circular park is to be laid out;and in it a circular church, and a circular school house, with a triangular roof over all, are to be built. These aio to he surrounded by a ciicular street and then the houses are to be built in circles about them. We are at first angular, being in the first stage of developement, but the second form is circular, and when we come to take the second stop in the advancement of art, we shall have nearly all arrangements circular. These discoveries are not patented, and those to whom they have been revealed do not wish to monopolize them, so any one who wishes, is at liberty to build a house and warm it, (if he can,) or lay out a village according to these plans. Air. Hewet said that if he got a good number of new subscribers, he would give a plan of the house in his paper, and if he received a larger number, would publish a perspective view. If ho had only sail he would build such a house, or live in it, he would hardly fail of obtaining enough subscribers.

John M. Spear, gave an account ofhis success in the healing art. At first, his hand would be moved towards the deceased person, who would be thereby relieved. Then he would be impressed to prescribe remedies, but he never recommended medicines. In difficult onsets, the spirits would seem undecided, and would appoint a day for consultation. lie would accordingly prepare a large room, and at the time appointed, the spirits would attend in large numbers and deliberate upon the case. He stated that several cures bad been effected. In one case, a small woman had gained ten pounds of flesh in a week. The spiritud dramatic performance, which closed the exercise of ihe afternoon, was a curiosity. A request was made for all to leave the room who would not be able to sit it through, as the door would be locked, and neither ingress or egress allowed. The mediums were called to the front seats, and to the stage; all sat down, and then followed a long and solemn silence. The Rev. J. M. Spear began to go to sleep, bis right hand raised and held tremulously upwards. Then he arose, advanced slowly towards the centre of the stage, and suddenly put both hands to his face and burst out into a most lugubrious bellowing and as nearly we can recall it, we will give some of the first performance, as a specimen. Mr. Spear-—(Hands to bis face—face red as a cabbage.) 800, boo ! Ah-b, boo boo-00-oo ! My father is dead, my mother is dead, and my little boy is dead ! I saw them all buried in the grave! ( Wringing his hands.) 800 boo ! Ob, where is ray mother, where is my father, and where is my little boy? (More blubbering). Lndy—(Arising and advancing,) Your father and mother are here, and little Johnny is here. Don’t you see them! Here (hey are, and here is little Jobnney little curly-beaded fellow, want to see little Johnny. Ob ! I wish I was dead too. Lady—(Kindly.) Here they are—they aro not dead; they are living. Mr. Spear—little Johnny is dead, I saw him die. Lndv—No, Johnny is not dead. Mr. Spear—lt’s a lie. Lady—Why, here he is. Can’t you see him ? He lives, and is here by your side. Mr. Spear-—lt's a lie I It’s an infernal lie!! Oh! where is Johnny ? Mr. Finney, (advancing, and partly addressing the audience) —Here is materialism in its grossest form. (Addressing the lady)—He comprehends you not. His eyes aro closed. With the material vision he sees not spiritual realities. He must bo educated. He must be taught the very A-B-C’s of spiritual being. Mr. Spear—l want to see Johnny. Lady, (impatiently sputtering)— Patience! Ob! can’t you see him. But enough. In this stylo the drama progressed, Mr. Spear persisting in his infidelity, and in his desire to plant bis peepers on Johnny, the lady determined that he shall see him, Mr. Finney moralizing generally and particularly on material and spiritual things, another gentleman throwing up bis bands, uttering all sorts of oracular sayings, and sometimes walking back and forth on the stage, like Bill C'hrisiy before commencing a Virginia break down, and a young girl 44 mixing in, ”occasionly, with something about the church, which the 'alkative lady thought was very silly and foolish. Soon the play took another turn and branched off into slavery,

the chuich, the devil, &c.,&c., and, at last, “ brought up” in no particular place. We regretted to see that Air. Spear did not get a squint at Johnny, except in dreams, to which dreams the good lady conjured him o hold on. Well, what was it all about? Our vision being still material, we, of course, cannot be expected to be entirely correct in our interpretations, but as near as we tin Iceland it, it was thus : Mr. Spear was possessed by tlnspirit of a superlatively ignorant negro slave. His • ther and mother were slaves, and so was Johnny. II was in the spirit world, but was so gross and undeveloped that he did not know that he was dead, and had not yet obtained spiritual vision, 'iho spirits around bin, in the other forms, were trying to leach him and comfort him. The lesson was (as explained) that undeveloped spirits had to be trained and developed gradu illy by the ministrations of those more advanced, 'ihe expositor also stated that the education of undeveloped spirits was a portion of the new movement in the spirit world, and was participated in more largely there than here. To us outside barbarians ani infidels the exhibition looked like a most unmitigated humbug. If the spirits are no smarter than their exhibition would indicate we don’t want them around us. It was a poor, pitiful, nonsensical, incoherent, hodgepodge, inane, insane, frothy mess of tom-foolery. -And there hundreds sat and swallowed it. If any man in his sober senses, could have witnessed it without a solemn conviction that it was anything more or less than a compound of delusion, deception, and knavery, he must he made of materials different from those which enter into our composition. The address of Andrew Jackson Davis, in the evening, was read from manuscript, and was rather hum* dr..mirth. He was followed by hlr. Finney, who exhausted the vocabulary of sarcasm, contempt, and abuse, in a continuation of bis attacks on the Bible and the Church. Had he been inspired by a fiend of hell he could not Lave been more bitter in his denunciations. There is one thing we have to thank him for, Heims shown us the terrible gulf to which he and the m >vement with which he is dentified are tending. If the foul fiend has anything to do w.th the movement, he has overreached bin self, and of the general subject we shall have more to say hereafter.