In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. BILLIN & BROTHERS, Printers and Stereotypers, 20 North William street, New York. THE CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN, in order to increase "the interest and usefulness of associational meetings," are wont to assign topics, having either a general or a professional interest, to selected members of the body, upon each of which a paper is prepared, and read at the ensuing semi-annual meeting. These papers serve to introduce an informal and fraternal discussion, in which all may participate. The original "minute" provides that these exercises be: (1.) "An answer to some question in theology; (2.) A review of some published work, or some existing controversy; (3.) An exegesis of some passage of Scripture." In accordance with this usage, both the author and the subject of the following review were selected; and in its present form the review was read at the spring-meeting of the Association, April, 1853. The author desires it to be distinctly understood that the Association is in no sense responsible, either for the ersity Libra ля sentiments or the publication of this review. At the same time, it is proper to say that the members of the Association, as individuals, both those who agreed with, and those who dissented from the conclusions of the author, thought it altogether proper that the paper should be published, as a contribution towards the sober investigation of a subject which has gained such indisputable notoriety. No further explanations seem to be demanded by a work so unpretending as the following. It is so brief that its scope and character can be more easily ascertained by reading it, than by any outline description the author might affix to it in the shape of extended preface. NEW YORK, April, 1853. CONTENTS. But two hypotheses possible-pneumatic and apneumatic. Odyle; is there Hypothesis compared with the facts in question, viz.: Delirium, somnambu- lism, dreams, confused personal identity, rapping, tipping, pushing, drumming, effects at a distance from the agent, spiritual claims, knowledge of past and present, oracles, rhabdomancy, apparitions, nervous epidemics;-all accounted Rightfully reviews the apneumatic. Argument divided: (1) Philosophic and (2) Scriptural. Philosophic objections to the apneumatic argument:-It proves too much and drives the consistent reasoner into Materialism:-It involves a contradiction of terms:-It pushes the reasoner into scientific extravagance and Review of Apneumatism continued. Mental automacy no better than cerebral: -Involves the same contradiction:-Is not so thorough. The phenomena in question are wholly material or wholly spiritual-no half-way point. Why not accept the pneumatic theory? It accounts for all facts. Theory stated. Scep- CHAPTER VII. PNEUMATIC HYPOTHESIS.-TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE. 40-56 (1) Bible never seems incredulous. (2) Divine legislation examined (Deut. xviii. 10-11); import of the names used; found to be eight "aliases" of the (1) Does not accept Bible as authority, nor array itself against it. Eclectic in (5) Substantial unity amid great diversity. A small party professes orthodoxy. The doctrine of the Resurrection a test of the system. Remarkable coincidence between the Egyptian and the "spiritual" "theories of another life;"- and "spheres." Possible truth in these theories. Isaac Taylor's views highly scriptural. Three orders or grades of spirits recognised; description and power A verdict. Probabilities very strong as to the character of the spirits. Their claims are magnificent, but they deny truths of revelation. An immense power and fascination in such pursuits. Possible prophetic future. How to meet the movement;-by argument; no harm in hearing what the spirits have to say. Personal courtesy due to all. Charity and humility appropriate graces. The |