PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS.

THE

WATSEKA WONDER;

A Startling and Instructive Psychological Study, and well

Authenticated Instance of Angelic

Visitation.

A NARRATIVE OK THE LEADING PHENOMENA OCCURRING IN THE CASE or

MARY LURANCY VENNUM,

BY E. W. STEVENS.

WITH COMMENTS RY JOSEPH RODES BUCHANAN, M.D., PROFESSOR OF PHYSIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INSTITUTES OF MEDICINES IN THE ECLECTIC MEDICAL COLLEGE, NEW YORK; D. P. KAYNER, M.

S. B. TUTTLE. D. ; BRITTAN, M. D., AND HUDSON

CHICAGO: REL1G10-PH1LOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE.

1878. ZFTJIBULISIHIIEIR/S IsTOTE.

' 1 nor she asks a hearing. Truth wears no mask, bows at no human elirine, seeks neither place applause: only

narrative. To members of the various learned professions we especially commend this be true. The account is We believe the history of the case as herein told to strictly with no to exaggerate or enlarge; it could given in a modest, unassuming way, attempt within the bounds of truth. have been made far more thrilling and yet have remained to been mistaken It will be observed there is no chance for the witnesses have honestly did not. Either the and to have thought they heard and saw that which in fact they and witnesses have willfully account is in exact accordance with the facts or the author herewith as to the credibility of the Eoff prevaricated. The evidence which we publish of E. W. Stevens is equally good; family, could not be stronger; and the reputation has confidence in his veracity. the publisher has known him for years and implicit and there are The case of Lurancy Vennum is not by any means an isolated one, account of its recent others which in some respects are even more remarkable. Yet on and de- occurrence and the facilities for investigation, we believe this case deserves of but of mands the careful, candid, unbiased consideration, not only professional men, or as disbelievers there- all who are interested, either as advocates of a future existence which may be in. The publisher will be glad to receive honest, intelligent criticisms, so blinded with utilized in a future edition. We are all in search of truth, let us not be and fail to find the fair treasure so prejudice as to be disgusted with its wrappings snugly ensconced within. CHICAGO, September, 1878.

THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL

all sectarian bias. While is a fearless and independent newspaper, entirely free from the the JOURNAL is always ready to take the affirmative side on all questions involving most accuracy phenomena and philosophy of Spiritualism, yet it demands the stringent bear the ordeal of observation and unhesitatingly rejects all phenomena which cannot of careful scrutiny. of will find All Spiritualists, and those who are investigating the subject Spiritualism, this paper invaluable as an assistant in their researches. and devel- The opponents of Spiritualism, who desire to be familiar with its progress of information. opment, will find the JOURNAL a fair, candid and trustworthy channel see last page We respectfully commend the paper to all classes. For further particulars of cover.

MARY LURANCY VENNUM. MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

THE WATSEKA WONDER. ties named herein and observations made by the writer, will warrant. Thomas J. Vennum was born May 7th, A Startling and Instructive Chapter in the 1832, in Washington Co., Penn.; Lurinda J. History of Spiritualism. Smith (his wife), was born October 14th, 1837, in St. Joseph Co., Ind. They were mar- BY E. W. STEVENS. ried in Fayette Co., Iowa, Dec. 2d, 1855. MARY LTJRANCY VENNUM, of the above named Thomas J. It was long ago and wisely said, that "God daughter and Lurinda J. was born on had chosen the weak things of the world to Vennum, the " 16th of inMilford confound the wise," and that out of the day April, 1864, township, seven miles south of Watseka. mouths of babes and sucklings, He hath per- The family moved to Iowa, 12th, and return- fected praise." July, 1864, ed to the miles The innocence of childhood is often the vicinity eight from Watseka, in 1865. In sublimest argument in the establishment of Oct., August, 1866, they removed sim- to Milford, twelve miles south of Watseka, a great truth ; and the unpresuming and remained there till March then plicity of youth sometimes may become the 1st, 1870, channel of phenomena calculated to shake moved out two and one-half miles from Mil- ford until when the skepticism and prejudice of bigotry, April 1st, 1871, they moved and to humble the conceit of the pompously into Watseka, locating about forty rods wise. from the residence of A. B. Roff, the spirit of to Such has been a fact of the last year, at daughter whom, according all the facts and is the the city of Watseka, a town of humble pre- representations every way tested, character in this tensions, on the Eastern Illinois, and Toledo, principal remarkable nar- Peoria and Warsaw Railroads, eighty-six rative. The family remained at this place miles South of Chicago.on the Iroquois river. during the summer. The only acquaintance ever had between the Watseka is noted for its orthodox senti- two families during the was one call ments and bitter animosity against all in- season, simply brief of Mrs. Roff, for a few minutes, on Mrs. gress of Spiritual 'ideas. Its ruling classes Vennum, which call was never returned and a form- are aristocratic and respectable, noted for ; al between the two their intelligence and literary attainments. speaking acquaintance Since the Its society organizations are earnest in re- gentlemen. 1871, Vennum family formatory measures, but the masses, like have lived entirely away from the vicinity of Mr. and never nearer than the population in all low and malarial dis- Roff's, now, on extreme limits of the tricts, are inert in the investigation of ideas opposite city. as she is had and principles, and slow in the discovery "Rancy," familiarly called, never been save a run of measles and application of truths hitherto unknown sick, light to them. in 1873. A few days before the following took she said This town has been swept by a tidal wave incidents place, to her family : "There ia last of excitement, on account of the presumed were persons my room night, ' and called I I and I felt insanity of one Lurancy Vennum, a young they 'Rancy Rancy their breath on face." The next girl belonging to an unpretentious family in my very she arose from her the suburbs of the city. Her insanity, as night bed, saying that she could not that time she tried it was thought to be, dates from July llth, sleep, every

to came and called I A. 1877, and the remarkable phenome- sleep, persons "Rancy D., " I to her. non continued until her perfect restoration Rancy Her mother went to bed with after which she rested and through the aid of friendly Spiritualists and her, slept the rest of the spirits, on the 21st of May, 1878. night. Thus, for ten months and ten days, did On the llth day of July, 1877, Lurancy had these phenomena continue to excite and ag- been sewing carpet a part of the afternoon, itate the people. The following is a true when, at about six o'clock she laid by her narrative, and as full as the facts collected work, as her mother said : "Lurancy, you from the parents and relatives of the par- had better commence getting supper." The THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

I 1 girl replied : "Ma, I feel bad; feel so queer,' and friends believed her insane. The Eev. and placirg her hand to her left breast, she B. M. Baker, the Methodist minister in immediately went into what seemed like a charge at Watseka, wrote to the insane

fit, falling heavily on the floor, lying appar- asylum to ascertain if the girl could be re- ently dead, every muscle becoming sudden- ceived there. It seemed to be the general lv rigid. Thus she lay five hours. On return- feeling among all the friends, save the par- ing to consciousness she said she felt "very ents and a few who were only sympathetic strange and queer." The remainder of the observers and thinkers, that the girl should night she rested well. The next day the fro to the asvlum. rigid state returned, and passing beyond the There were in the city of Watseka at this rigidity, her mind took cognizance of two time, persons who had more humanity than states of being at the same time. Lying as bigotry; persons who believe, in the lan- " if dead, she spoke freely, telling the family guage of Bishop A. Beals, that disease has what persons and spirits she could see, de- a dynamic or spiritual origin;" persons scribing them and calling some of them by claiming to understand something of the oc- name. Among those mentioned were her cult forces and phenomena of mind, and the sister and for she of brother, exclaimed, "Oh, diseases incident to a false conception , and mother! can't you see little Laura and Ber- opposition to, its potencies; persons who be- " " tie? They are so beautiful!" etc., etc. Ber- lieve, God being no respecter of persons tie died when Lurancy was but three years and "without variableness or shadow of old. turning," that power exists to-day, as in the She had many of these trances, describing days of the Nazarene, to cast out devils. Heaven and the spirits, or the angels as she Among this class were Asa B. Roff and his called them. Sometime in September she wife, who, with others, became thoroughly became free from them and seemed to the aroused to the importance of arresting the family to be quite well again. movement, to take a lovely child from the On the 27th day of November, 1877, she bosprn of an affectionate family, to impris- was attacked with a most violent pain in on her among maniacs, to be ruled and cared tier some five or six times a stomach, day ; for by ignorant and bigoted strangers, who for two weeks she had the most excruciating know less of catalepsy than a blind mater- pains. In these painful paroxysms, she would ialist does of immortality. These good peo- double herself back until her head and feet ple ventured in the most gentle and Chris- of actually touched. At the end two weeks, tian spirit, to counsel with the parents and or about the llth of December, in these advise other treatment, different from any distressed attacks, she became unconscious that had been administered. and passed into a quiet trance, and, as at These earnest, self-sacrificing souls, im- former times, would describe Heaven and bued with the conviction that uncultivated often .spirits, calling them angels. spirits had something to do with the case, From this time on until the 1st of Febru- plead with the many friends of the child, to ary, 1878, she would have these trances and withhold her from the asylum until it could sometimes a seemingly real obsession, from be better shown whether the girl was really three to eight and sometimes as many as insane, or her unfortunate condition might twelve times a day, lasting from one to be attributable to foreign minds. eight hours, occasionally passing into that Mr. Roff, after much persuasion, obtained tate of ecstasy, when, as Lurancy, she the consent of the girl's father, to visit her claimed to be in heaven. and bring with him Dr. E. W. Stevens, of During the time recorded, up to about the Janesville Wis., to investigate the case. Dr. middle of January, 1878, she had been un- Stevens, who, for several months, at fre- der the care of Dr. L. N. Pitwood in the quent intervals, had been in the city and a summer and Dr. Jewett during the winter. silent listener to the scoffs and scandals These M. D.'s are both eminent allopathic thrown out toward the Spiritualists on ac- practitioners, and residents of Watseka. count of their opinions regarding the case, Mrs. Allison, Mrs. Jolly and other relatives and the universal foment of mind in the city MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

over it, was formally invited by Mr. Ven- is your name ? Were do you live ? Are you num, through Mr. Roff, to visit the family. married? How many children? How many On the afternoon of January 31st, 1878, boys ? How many girls ? What is your oc- the two gentlemen repaired to Mr. Ven- cupation ? What kind of a doctor ? What did num's residence, a little out of the city. Dr. you come to Watseka for ? Have you ever S tevens, an entire stranger to the family, been at the South Pole ? North Pole ? Europe ? was introduced by Mr. Roff at four o'clock Australia? Egypt? Ceylon? Benares ? Sand- p. M. no other but the fam- " ; persons present wich Islands ? and by along series of ques- ily. The girl sat near the stove, in a com- tions evinced a knowledge of geography. She mon chair, her elbows on her knees, her next inquired after the doctor's habits and hands under her chin, feet curled up on the morals by questions like the folio wing: "Do chair, eyes staring, looking every way like you lie ? get drunk ? steal ? swear ? use tobac- an "old hag." She sat for a time in silence, co? tea? coffee? Do you go to church? " untij Dr. Stevens moved his chair, when pray ? etc., etc. She then asked to have she savagely warned him not to come ne r- the same questions put Mr. Roff. She de- er. She appeared sullen and crabbed, call- clined to ask them direct, herself, but ing her father "Old Black Dick, and her through the doctor. They must also be re- mother "Old Granny." She refused to be peated through him to Mr. Vennum, making: touched, even to shake hands, and was the while, some very unpleasant retorts. reticent and sullen with all save the doctor, When, at about half-past five o'clock,?. M.,. with whom she entered freely into conver- the visitors arose to depart, she also arose, for so 1 sation, giving her reasons doing ; she flung up her hands and fell upon the floor, said he was a Spiritual doctor and would straight, stiff and rigid, as I have often seen> " understand her. sensitives fall with the power" in Metho- When he asked her name she quickly re- dist revival meetings, and believing it to be plied: of the same nature, the doctor took occasion "Katrina Hogan." to prove it, as he has done on those smitten- "How old?" with the "power," by controlling body and "Sixty-three years." mind and restoring them to a normal and " "Where from?" rational state, despite the power." "Germany." The visitors being again seated, he took " "How long ago ? her hands as they were held straight up- "Three days." wards, like iron bars, and by magnetic ac- " "How did you come? tion soon had the body under perfect con- "Through the air." trol, and through the laws of Spiritual sci- " "How long will you stay f ence, was soon in full and free communica- "Three weeks." tion with the sane and happy mind of Lu- After this system of conversation had rancy Vennum herself, who conversed with, and sweetness of an declar- proceeded for some time, she modified her the grace angel, herself to be in heaven. manners very much, appearing to be a little ing penitent and confidential.and said she would In this condition she answered the doctor's with reference to be honest and tell the doctor her real name. questions herself, her seem- She was not a woman; and her real name ingly insane condition and the influences- was Willie. On being asked what was her that controlled her, with great rationality " father's name, replied, Peter Canning, and and understanding. She regretted to have her own name was Willie Canning, a young such evil controls about her. She said she man; ran away from home, got intodifficul knew the evil spirit calling itself Katrina ty, changed his name several times and fin- and Willie and others. The doctor contin- ally lost his life and was now here because ued to suggest to her mind, things to pre- he wanted to be," etc. She wearied with pare the way for a change of influences, by answering questions and giving details. enlightening and instructing her no w while Then she turned unpn the doctor with a her mind was clear and in this superior con- perfect shower of questions, such as, "What dition, and then asked her, if she must be THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

" controlled, if it would not be better, if it How long do you want to stay in this " were possible, to have a higher, purer, hap- heaven ? pier, and more intelligent or rational con- She answered. trol. She said she would rather, if it could "Always sir." be so. Then on being advised, she looked "But you will come DacK for the sake of " about and inquired of those she saw, and your friends ? described, and named, to find some one who "Yes, sir." " would prevent the cruel and insane ones "When will you come back ? from returning to annoy her and the fami- "At twelve o'clock." ly. She soon said: "There are a great many "But the family will want rest. Can't you " spirits here who would be glad to come," and come sooner ? she again proceeded to give names and de- "Yes, sir, I can." since " scriptions of persons long deceased ; "How soon can you come? some that she had never known, but were "At nine o'clock, sir." " known by older persons present. But, she "Will you come at nine V said, there is one the angels desire should "I will." come, and she wants to come. On being And so she did. asked if she knew who it was, she said: After nearly three hours of careful in- "Her name is Mary Roff.'' Mr. Kofi being vestigation, conversation, and the applica- is present, said: "That my daughter ; Mary tion of the laws of Spiritual science and har- Roff is my girl. Why, she has been in heaven mony, Mr. Roff and the doctor retired, leav- twelve years. Yes, let her come, we'll be ing the family satisfied that a new fountain glad to have her come." Mr. Kofi assured of light and source of help had been reached. Lurancy that Mary was good and intelligent A new beam of truth reached and touched and would help her all she could; stating the hearts of the sorrowing family, and further that Mary used to be subject to con- to use the language of Mary Roff, "Dr. Stev- ditions like herself. Lurancy, after due de- ens opened the gate for her," and for the liberation and counsel with spirits, said that inflowing of light where before was dark- Mary would take the place of the former ness. wild and unreasonable influence. Mr. Roff On the following morning,Friday, Feb. 1st, said to her: "Have your mother bring you Mr. Vennum called at the office of Mr. Roff to my house and Mary will be likely to come and informed him that the girl claimed to along, and a mutual benefit may be derived be Mary Roff and wanted to go home. To

from our former experience with Mary." use Mr. Vennum's words : "She seems like Thus reaching the sane mind of the girl and a child real home-sick, wanting to see her through her, the sane minds of a better pa and ma and her brothers." class of spirits, a contract or agreement was It now becomes necessary in the relation made, to be kept sacred by the angels in of this narrative to give a brief sketch of Heaven and Heaven's agents in the flesh, by the life of which a mortal body was to be restored to MARY ROFF.

health ; a unfortunate in earth spirit, life, The daughter of Asa B. and Ann Roff, with twelve in years' experience spirit life, was born on the 8th day of October, 1846, in to have an amended a earthly experience, Warren Co., Ind. The family moved in Nov. child to be and moulded into spiritualized of the same year to Williamsport, Ind., a fine an and medium, unbelieving scof- thence in September, 1847, to Middleport, fing city to be and the confounded, greatest 111., where they resided till June, 1857, when truth the world has ever sought, establish- they removed to Victoria, Texas, in search ed doubt or cavil. far beyond How the con- of relief for a sick child. In March, 1858, tract has been the kept by spirits and their they returned to Gilman and remained there faithful co-laborers here, the will sequel and at Onarga, 111., till the building of the show. Toledo, Peoria and Warsaw Railroad, when

The object of the visit now being attain- they returned to Middleport, Nov . Sth, 1859 ed. Dr. Stevens asked : and built the first house in the new town of MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

South Middleport, which is now a part of and liked them, treating them like little the city of Watseka, where they still re- pets, until she seemed sound and well. side. On Saturday morning, July 16th, 1864, in one of her desponding moods, she secretly In the spring of 1847,when about six months took a knife with her to the back yard, and old, Mary was taken sick and had a fit, in cut her arm until excess- which she remained several hours. After the terribly, bleeding ively, she fainted. This occurred about nine fit,she became conscious and lay several days o'clock A. M. She remained unconscious without the family having much hope of till two o'clock P. M., when she became a her recovery. In two or three weeks she raving maniac of the most violent kind, in seemed to have entirely recovered. A few which condition she remained five days and weeks later she acted, on one occasion, like nights, requiring almost constantly the ser- a child going into a fit. The pupils of her vices of five of the most able bodied men eyes dilated, the muscles slightly twitched to hold her on the bed, her but lasted but a few moments. From the although weight was only about one hundred pounds, and she age of about six months, she had these spells had lost nearly all her blood. When she ceas- as described, once in from three to five ed raving, she looked and acted quite nat- weeks apart, all the time increasing in ural and well, and could do everything she force and violence, until her tenth year, desired as readily and properly as at any when they proved to be real fits, having time in her life. Yet she seemed to know no from one to three and sometimes four or one, and could not recognize the presence five of them within a period of three or four of persons at all, although the' house was days, when they would cease, and she would nearly filled with people night and day. enjoy good health until the next period ap- She had no sense whatever of sight, feel- proached. At these times, she for few days ing or hearing in a natural way, as was would seem sad and despondent, in which proved by every test that could be applied. mood she would sing and play the most She could read blind-folded, and do every- solemn music, (for with all the rest of her thing as readily as when in health by her studies, in which she was considered well natural sight. She would dress, stand be- advanced, she had learned music,) and al- before the glass, open and search drawers, most always would sing that beautiful song, pick up loose pins, or do any and all things "We Are Coming Sister Mary," which was readily, and without annoyance under heavy a favorite song with her. blindfoldings. When she was fifteen years old, and the Near the time, in 1864, when she cut her violence of the fits had increased, the pa- arm while blindfolded, she took Dr. Trail's rents say they could see her mind was af- encyclopedia, turned to the index, traced fected the during melancholy periods prior the column till she came to the word to the fits. Dr. Jesse Bennett, now residing "blood," then turned to the page indicated at Wis., and Dr. Franklin Blades, Sparta, and read the subject through. On another DOW of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judge occasion she took a box of her letters re- of Illinois, and resident of Watseka, were ceived from her friends, and sat down, employed to attend her. Dr.N. S. Davis, of heavily blindfolded by critical, intelligent, Chicago, Illinois, and several other promi- investigating gentlemen, examined and read nent physicians, had examined her. They them without error or hesitancy. When kept her in the water cure at Peoria, Illi- Rev. J. H. Ehea, Editor A. J. Smith, Mr. nois, under the care of Dr. Nevins, for eight- Koff and others misplaced and promiscu- een months, but all to no purpose. ously arranged some of their own letters In the summer of 1864 she seemed to have with Mary s, she at once proceeded to cor- almost a mania for bleeding herself for the rectly draw out the intruded letters and ex- relief, as she said, "of the lump of pain in amine them. If wrong side up, she would the head." Drs. Fowler, Secrest and Pit- quickly turn them, and read aloud the ad- wood were called and applied leeches. She dress thereon, and throw violently away would apply them herself to her temples, every letter not her own; and re-arranged THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOLRNAL TRACTS.

twenty or thirty letters in the order she de- heard to scream, as was usual on taking a sired to have them. Rev.J. H. Rhea was the a fit. On approaching her bedside, they Methodist in in minister charge at that time ; found her a fit, and in a few moments she A. G. Smith was editor of the Iroquois expired. county Republican, now editor of the Dan- We now return and take up the original ville (111.) Times. She was also investigated narrative where we left it, dating Feb. 1st, by all the prominent citizens of Watseka at 1878, when it was first seen that Mary Roff that time. had control of Lurancy's body, and teasing With the physicians her peculiar state or to go home. Could it be possible the gulf of condition was called catalepsy. With the death had been bridged I the gates of heav- clergy it was one of the mysteries of God's en left open ? Had Mary, like Moses and providence, with which we should have lit- Elias, returned to a transfiguration ? Or, tle to do. With editors, who are obliged to like the spirit of "one of the prophets," had be wise or silent, it was fits or some unac- she come with revelation to the grotto of countable phenomenon. All, with untiring darkness in this benighted Patmos ? Were effort, tried to solve the mystery, and learn the unnumbered facts of scriptural ages re- what it was that produced such strange peating themselves now ? Can we say with and wonderful manifestations. The editor Job, "A spirit passed before my face?'' Eze- of the Danville Times, in a recent issue kiel and Isaiah talked with the departed, writes : Saul conversed with Samuel, Paul and the "Now as to Mary Roff, it was our fortune shepherds with spirits in the air, and can to know the sweet girl, who was herself a we talk with Mary ? And the friends of the cataleptic, and who died twelve years ago. family went up to see, aad answered, "Yes !" Disease dethroned her reason and maddened From the her brain until she sought her own and oth- wild, angry, ungovernable girl, ers' lives, and the modest young lady was to be kept only by lock and key, or the more transformed into a screaming maniac. She distressing watch care of almost frantic pa- had periods of exemption from and raving, rents; or the rigid, corpse-like cataleptic, as thus her aberrant mind conceived fancies the has now become of the queerest hue, creating the most im- believed, girl mild, possible beings for associates, and convers- docile, polite and timid, knowing none of ing with them, she maintained her own side the family, but constantly pleading to go of the conversation in a usual tone of voice, home. The best wisdom of the family was while imagination supplied her created asso- used to convince her that she was at ciates with language and intelligence. When home, in this condition, her father and mother as- and must remain. Weeping, she would not serted the discovery that Mary could read a be pacified, and only found contentment in book with its lids closed, and they desired i going back to heaven, as she said, for short us to test the correctness of what they claimed. We therefore took from our side visits. pocket a letter inclosed in an envelope, and About a week after she took control of it holding before her bandaged eyes, said to 1 the body, Mrs . A. B. Roff and her daugh- her, 'Mary, read the signature to that letter.' Mrs. Minerva Alter, sister, hear- Immediately the proper name was pro- ter, Mary's nounced." ing of the remarkable change, went to see After remaining in the clairvoyant state the girl. As they came in sight, far down above related for three or four days, she the street) Mary, looking out the window, came again to her normal condition and in exclaimed exultingly, "There comes my ma good health as she usually was, except the and sister Nervie!" the name by which Ma- fits. From this time she continued as she ry used to call Mrs. Alter in girlhood. As had been prior to cutting her arm. Her fits they came into the house, she caught them increased, and her parents were advised to around their necks, wept and cried for joy, place her in the insane asylum. and seemed so hagpy to meet them. From On July 5th, 1865, while her parents were this time dn she seemed more homesick at Peoria. 111., on a three days' visit, she ate than before. At times she seemed almost a hearty breakfast, and soon thereafter lay frantic to go hcwie. Finally some friends of down on her bed, and in her usual health the faffilly insisted on their sending her to went to sleep. In a few minutes she was Mr. Roffs, which they reluctantly consented MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

to do; reluctantly because the girl was so "What strange freaks!" Others, with an exalted much trouble and care as she had been al opinion of their wonderful percep- winter; so much so that Mrs. Vennum was tions, would say, "It is all put on," etc., etc. nearly prostrated, and could not have sur Yet none of the persons expressing such vived the care and anxiety many months opinions have ever called to see the girl, or longer, under the same state of affairs, anc derived any information from those in they felt that it would be an imposition to charge of her. send the girl to be cared for by strangers The girl now in her new home, seemed and especially so by Mrs. Roff, as she was perfectly happy and content, knowing every not able to take charge of and care for a person and everything that Mary knew in girl that made so much trouble as this one when her original body, twelve to twen- had for Mrs. Vennum. ty-five years ago, recognizing and calling by Mr. and Mrs. Roff, with their hearts ever name those who were friends and neighbors of the full of the milk of human kindness, more family from 1852 to 1865, when Mary ready to forgive than to censure, and brav- died, calling attention to scores, yes hun- ing the sneers and taunting innuendoes of dreds, of incidents that transpired during her an uneducated bigotry, with no other mo- natural life. During all the period of her tive but one of mercy and kindness, opened sojourn at Mr. Roff's she had no knowl- their doors and hearts to receive the unfor- edge of, and did not recognize any of Mr. Vennum's their tunate girl with her new control, having family, friends or neigh- no hope or desire for reward but in the bors, yet Mr. and Mrs. Vennum and their children sense of a just sympathy for right and truth. visited her and Mr. Roff's people, she They remembered the precept, "Forget not being introduced to them as to any to entertain strangers, for thereby some strangers. After frequent visits, and hear- have entertained angels." ing them often and favorably spoken of, she learned to love On the llth day of February, 1878, they them as acquaintances, and visited them sent the girl to Mr. Roff's, where she met with Mrs. Roff three times. her "pa and ma," and each member of the From day to day she appeared natural, easy, affable and family, with the most gratifying express- industrious, attending diligent- and to ions of love and affection, by words and em- ly faithfully her household duties, as- in the braces. On being asked how long she would sisting general work of the family as a stay, she said, "The angels will let me stay faithful, prudent daughter might be sup- to do, or till some time in May ;" and she made it her posed singing, reading conversing as home there till May 21st, three months and opportunity offered, upon all matters of or interest to ten days, a happy, contented daughter and private general the family. sister in a borrowed body. Three days after she came to Mr. Roff's, while at him and After the girl was at Mr. Roff's, the Rev. looking seeming to have Mr. Baker said to Mr. Vennum, "I think been in a sort of retrospective revery, she you will see the time when you will wish asked, "Pa, who was it that used to say 'con- found it?'" and you had sent her to the asylum." Mrs. Jolly laughing very heartily said if she ever came home she would be when she saw that he understood it to be that a more trouble than ever. Another relative, limself, being common expression of his in the time of her more religious than humane, said, "I would girlhood, twelve to sooner follow a girl of mine to the grave ,wenty years ago. than have her go to Roff's and be made a One day she met an old friend and neigh- Spiritualist." Dr. Jewett called it catalepsy >or of Mr. Roff's, who was a widow when No. 2, which is as definite and convenient Mary was a girl at home. Some years since in explanation of this case as is "humbug" ,he lady married a Mr. Wagoner with whom in explanation of any newly discovered sci- he yet lives. But when she met Mrs. Wag- entific truth unacceptable to popular ignor- >ner she clasped her around the neck, and ance. He said : "Humor her whims and she aid, "0 Mary Lord, you look so very natural, will get well." Some prudent, two-faced and have changed the least of any one I have people would say, with a noncommittal air, een since I came back." Mrs. Lord was in THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPH1CAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

some related to the way Vennum family, among the relics of the lamented child as and lived close by them, but could Mary one of the beautiful things her fingers had only call her by the name by which she before wrought Lurancy was born ; and so knew her fifteen years and could not ago, Mary continually recognized every little seem to realize that she was married. Mrs. thing and remembered every little incident Lord lived across the just street from Mr. of her girlhood. Eoffs for several and to years, prior up It will be remembered that the family within a few months of death both Mary's ; moved to Texas in 1857. Mr. Eoff asked members of the same being Methodist Mary if she remembered moving to Texas church, they were intimate. very or anything about it. "Yes, pa, and I re- Some days after was settled in her Mary member crossing Eed river and of seeing a new Mrs. home, Parker, who lived neigh- great many Indians, and I remember Mrs. bor to the Boff's in in and Middleport 1852, Eeeder's girls, who were in our company,' next door to them in Watseka in 1860, came and other incidents and facts. And thus in with her daughter-in-law, Nellie Parker. she from time to time made first mention of both of the Mary immediately recognized things that transpired thirteen to twenty- Mrs. Parker "Auntie Park- ladies, calling five years ago. and the other er," "Nellie," as in the ac- On the 19th of February Mr. Eoff address- of In con- quaintance eighteen years ago. ed the writer as follows : versation with Mrs. Parker, Mary asked, "You know how we took the poor, dear "Do you remember how Nervie and I used girl Lurancy (Mary). Some appreciate our to come to your house and sing?" Mrs. motives, but the many, without investiga- tion and without a of the Parker says that was the first allusion made knowledge facts, cry out against us and against that angel to that been said matter, nothing having by girl. Some say she pretends; others that any one on that subject, and says that Mary she is crazy; and we hear that some say it * * * and Minerva used to come to their house is the devil. Mary is perfectly she happy ; recognizes everybody and every- and sit and sing, "Mary had a little lamb," thing that she knew when in her body etc. Mrs. Dr. Alter (Minerva) says she re- twelve or more years ago. She knows no- members it welL This was when Mr Eoff body nor anything whatever that is known Lurancv. * * * Mr. has kept the postoflice, and could not have been by Vennum been to see her, and also her brother Henry, later than 1852, and twelve years before Lu- at different times, but she don't know any- born. rancy was thing about them. Mrs. Vennum is still un- able to come and see her She has One evening in the latter part of March, daughter. been nothing but Mary since she has been Mr. Eoff was sitting in the room waiting here, and knows nothing but what Mary for tea, and reading the paper, Mary being knew. She has entered the trance once ev- out in the yard. He asked Mrs. Eoff if she ery other day for some days. She is per- * * * could find a certain velvet head-dress that fectly happy. You don't know how much comfort we take with the dear Mary used to wear the last year before she angel." died. If to it on the stand and so, lay say The child has often said she likes Dr nothing about it, to see if Mary would recog- Stevens next to her pa, because he opened nize it. Mrs. Eoff readily found and laid it the gate for her to come in, and because he on the stand. The soon came and im- girl in, has done so much for her pa and ma, and mediately exclaimed as she approached the her brothers, and for Lurancy's body, and stand : "O, there is my head-dress I wore feeling that gratitude, she wrote him by when my hair was short !" She then asked, permission of the parents, on the 20th of "Ma, where is box of letters ? Have my you February, in which she said: got them yet?" Mrs. Eoff replied, "Yes, Ma- * * * 'I am yet here. Frank is better. ry, I have some of them." She at once Nervie is here for dinner ; Allie Alter is got the box with many letters in it. As Ma- going to stay all night; Mrs. Marsh was here and read a beautiful letter to ry began to examine them she said, O, "Ma, to-day us. I wish you could spend the evening with here is a collar I tatted! did Ma, why, you us. * * I would like to have your picture not * * show to me my letters and things be- to look at. Please write to pa when * * fore?" The collar had been get time. We all send our love preserved | you MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

* * to you. I like it here very much, and day. Oh, the lessons that are being taught to all the time. * * * I us are worth treasures of rare am going stay diamonds ; went to heaven and staid about an hour. they are stamped upon the mind so firmly * It seerns a long time since I saw you. that heaven and earth shall pass away be- * Forget me not. Good night. fore one jot or one tittle shall be forgotten. * * * MARY EOFF. . I have learned so much that is and I the doctor on grand beautiful, cannot express it ; I She wrote again February * am dumb. * A few days ago Mary was 31st, of which the following is an extract: caressing her father and mother, and they "I have just finished a letter to brother became a little tired of it, and asked why Frank. He went back to his store feeling she hugged and kissed them. She sorrow- well. The have to quite boys gone put play fully looked at them, and said, 'Oh, pa and for a dance. * * * In the I went evening ma! I want to kiss you while I have lips to and I saw some of the beautiful to heaven, kiss you with, and hug you while I have and talked with the * * * things, angels, arms to hug you with, for I am going back and be sure 1 don't when I to forget go to heaven before long, and then I can only heaven and come back. * * * Fear the be with you in spirit, and you will not al- Lord and depart from evil' Prov. 3d : 7th. ways know when I come, and I cannot love ROFF. MARY you as I can now. Oh, how much I love you It may here be said that it was fre- all I'" quently the case that when Mary went to Mary writes to Dr. Stevens, in an envel- heaven, as she called it, other spirits some- ope with Mr. Koff, under date of May 7th, times, by permission, would come and pre- as follows : sent themselves, and speak freely their own DEAR DOCTOR: I thought I would write I at Koff you. am Aunt Carrie's ; am to language and sentiments. Mr. writes * going take dinner with her. * I under date of March, as follows, of a com- Yesterday went and spent the day with Mrs. Vennum. munication through another young lady at She had a dreadful headache and I rubbed it his house. The medium's name I reserve away. Pa is quite busy in his office to-day. Ma is a deal better. * * because I have no license to use it : feeling good lam feeling quite well,except my breast hurts me "A lady came throtigh at our house, some to-day. It commenced hurting me last who claimed to have lived and died in Ten- * * night. I treat ma in the morning and nessee, and she was afflicted from says eight Nervie at night for hard colds and cold feet. of till when she died years age twenty-five, "VVe all went to the Reform Club last Satur- with a similar disease, and in a similar way day. Aunt Carrie's essay was splendid, and that Mary- died. She says that Mary has * * very affecting, We all read that let- or and will re- control Lurancy Vennum, ter in the RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOUR- tain control till she is restored to her nor- NAL from your daughter, and liked it very mal condition, when Mary will leave. Mary much. MARY ROFF. Is as a and almost happy lark, gives daily, In the same letter Mr. Roff writes: hourly, proofs of being Mary's intelligence. "I want to you a little scene She don't recognize Lurancy's family or give ; time, A. B. friends at all. She knows and recognizes Monday moraine:, May 6th; place, Roff 's A. B. Roff everything that our Mary used to know, office, Watseka; present, and whatever of what the Vennum at table writing; Frank Roff at the table nothing or at the right A. B. R. ; door behind A. girl knows. She now enters the trance with- and a little to the enters unheard out any rigidity of the muscles whatever, B., left; the of Vennum ; places her very gently, and at her own will, describes person Lurancy arm around the neck of A. B. Roff, heavenly scenes, etc., etc. \Ve think all kissing to her him and saying, 'Pa I am going with Mrs. will be well, and Lurancy restored ' * * Vennum to visit ; A. B. Roff looks orthodox friends yet. Some of the to-day around and discovers in the door relatives are by Mary's calling standing yielding Mrs. Lurancv on their attention to things of thirteen years Vennum, 'smother, looking the scene. The then bade an affectionate ago, that transpired between her and tnem. girl to Frank A. B. R. asks : It * * It is wonderful. good-by ; 'How long wakes them up. ' will ? She 'Till or * * It take a volume to give the you stay replies, two wpuld three or o'clock.' Mrs. Vennum then said to important items that have occurred." Mr. Roff : 'If she does not get back at that Mrs. Dr. Alter, under date of April 16th, time, don't get alarmed, we will take care of 1S78, writes of Mary as follows: her.' Exit Mrs. V. and the girl. You don't know how heart aches for that poor mo- sister she is away my "My angel says going ther, she is much happier than she was from us but she will be of- yet again soon, says last winter with Lurancy as she was." * * ten with us. She Lurancy is a beauti- says the of the last ful she sees her On May 7th, day writing girl ; says nearly every day, and we do know she is getting better every letter, Mary called Mrs. Roff to a private 10 THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

room, and there in tears told her that Lu- She thought a great deal of Dr. Alter, the rancy Yennum was coming back. She seem- tiusband of her sister, but could hardly seem ed very sad, and said she could not tell realize that Xervie was married and had whether she was coming to stay or not ; that a family for eleven years. She said when if she thought she was coming to stay, she she got into this body she felt much as she would want to see Nervie and Dr. Alter did when she was here twelve years ago and Allie, and bid them good-by. She sat This body seemed as natural to her as down, closed her eyes and in a few moments though she had been born with it, yet she the change took place, and Lurancy had iould not do with it as she would like to. control of her own body. Looking wildly She did not seem to realize at first, but this around the room she anxiously asked : was her own original, physical body, until "Where am I ? I was never here before." angels explained it to her. and she had Mrs. Roff replied. received information and instructions from "You are at Mr. Roff's, brought here by ler parents, sister,brother and friends about Mary to cure your body." it. So natural did it seem to her, after know- She cried and said : ing all the facts, that she could hardly feel "I want to go home." it was not her original body born nearly Mrs. Roff asked her if she could stay till thirty years ago. her folks were sent for. In conversation with the writer about her

She said : former life, she spoke of cutting her arm "No." as heretofore stated, and asked if he ever She was then asked if she felt any pain in saw where she did it. On receiving a neg- her breast. (This was during the period that ative answer, she proceeded to slip up in left breast if but sud- Mary was suffering pain the ; her sleeve as to exhibit the scar, continually holding her hand, pressing it.) denly arrested the movement, as if by a sud-

She replied : den thought, and quickly said, "0, this is is in and "No, but Mary did." not the arm ; that one the ground," In about five minutes the change was proceeded to tell where it was buried, and again made, and Mary came overjoyed to how she saw it done and who stood around, find herself permitted to return, and called, how they felt, etc., but she did not feel bad. as she often had, for the singing of her pre- 1 heard her tell Mr. Roff and the friends vious girlhood's favorite song, "We are Com. present, how she wrote to him a message ing Sister Mary." some years ago through the hand of a medi- time and Also of The child seemed possessed of all the nat- um, giving name, place. and of out a ural affection for the family that a daught- rapping spelling message 'by er and sister of fine feelings and cultivated another medium, giving time, name, place, which the admitted to be tastes might be supposed to possess, after etc., etc., parents true. I heard her relate a of her an absence of twelve years, and she often all story the some took occasion to demonstrate that affection going into the country with men, odd after a load of by endearing names and kindly words. twenty years ago, hay, that occurred on the When walking with Mrs. Alter, her sister naming incidents road, which two of the re- Nervie as she called her,she would say, "Ner- gentlemen distinctly membered. vie,my only sister.put your arm around me." Or, "Come Nervie, put your arm around me In one of those beautiful trances which and we will take a little walk in the garden rendered her entirely oblivious to all phys- or the grove, for I cannot be with you much ical surroundings, appearing in a state of longer and I want to be with you every min- happy ecstasy, and, so far as manners and ute I can." When Mrs. Alter would ask her movements are concerned, perfectly normal when or where she was going, she would and graceful, with visions and senses fully say "The angels tell me I am going to heav- open, she went to heaven as she called it, in en, but I don't know just when. O, how I company with another young lady in like wish you could live here at home with us condition, whose name must be reserved as you used to when I was here before.' until the wonderful history she is making, MARY LURANCY YENNUM. 11

shall be made public by the consent of all. was attacked with something like a spasm They saw and conversed about the beautiful and congestive chill, which almost destroy- scenes before them, pointing out individu- ed his consciousness. Mary at once saw the histories as als, giving names, relationship, situation predicted,and said, "Send to Mrs. facts, etc., describing places and things. Marsh's for Dr. Stevens. "No, Dr. Stevens Mary pointed out and described some with is at Old Town," said the family. "No," as said is titles of Royalty, such Mary Queen Mary, "he at Mr. Marsh's ; go quick of Scotts, Henry IV, King of France, and for him, pa." Mr. Roff called, and the doc- others of equal note, showing a rich bio- tor, as Mary said, was at Mr. Marsh's. On his graphical and historical reading or experi- arrival at the sick bed, Mary had entire ence and acquaintance in spirit-life. Then control of the case. She had made Mrs. with hands fold- Roff set hot bowing low, and kneeling down ; had provided water and ed, and heads together, as if in the most cloths and other necessaries, and was doing devout and solemn devotion remained in lis- all that could be done for Frank. The doc- tening silence for some time, then rising,the tor seconded her efforts and allowed her to unnamed girl said : continue. She saved her brother, but never "He came to bless, didn't he Mary? a made a move after the doctor's arrival,with bright, beautiful, angel." out his co-operation or advice. After talking of the different classes they Mary often spoke of seeing the children were observing, and the "lovely children" of Dr. Stevens in heaven, who were about attracting so much of their attention, Mary her age and of longer residence there than seemed to take in her arms a very little, herself. She said she was with them much, tender infant and said: "This is Sister and went to his home with him. She correct- beautiful it Nervie's baby ; how sweet and ly described his home, the rooms, furniture, is. Don't you think it is a sweet little an- gave names and ages of his children, and as gel?" The other, in softest accents said, evidence of her truthfulness, told of a re- "Yes, but it seems to me they are all too pure markable experience of Mrs. E. M. Wood, to be touched by such as we," and after some one of the doctor's married daughters, which, time the babe was carefully handed back to on account of its peculiar features, and the the care of the angels. Mrs. Alter, who was faith of some of the relatives was not in- present, had recently lost by death, a beau- tended for the public, yet was a beautiful tiful babe and had scarcely recovered from evidence of angel guardianship. She stated her confinement. The whole scene was one the story minutely, saying that was where of uncommon interest, very affecting and and when she got Mrs. "Woods' name, for impressive beyond description. she was present with others she named. For the discovery of facts unknown to The doctor's daughter Emma Angelia,who in since March others, Mary seemed remarkably developed. had been spirit-life 10th, One afternoon, she, with much concern and 1849, sought through Mary to take the body great anxiety, declared that her brother she was controlling and go home with her visit for Frank must be carefully watched the com- father to Wisconsin, to the family and to let her ing night, for he would be taken very sick, a week, Mary was disposed do it she asked Mr. and Mrs. Roff if she and would die if not properly cared for. At ; the time of this announcement he was in should let Emma Stevens have the body for a to with her father to see and be his usual health, and engaged with the Roff week go Bros.' band of music up town. The same with her mother, sisters and brother, so could realize it was ? no evening, Dr. Stevens had been in to see the they Emma But it advisable. family, and on leaving, was to go directly one thought to Mrs. Hawks, far off in the Old Town, To show the ease with which Mary con- and the family so understood it. But at trols, or goes in and out, as it is said, and about nine and a half o'clock the same even- the perfect medium the body of Lurancy ing, Dr. Stevens returned unannounced to is, a single instance will suffice. On the 21st Mr. Marsh's, Mr. Roff's next neighbor, for the day of April, in the parlors of Mrs. Roff, in night. At two o'clock in the morning Frank the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Roff, their THE KELIGIO-PHIL03OPHICAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

hired woman Charlotte, Doctor Steel and Charlotte how to knit without looking at it. wife, Mrs. Twing, of Oregon, Mrs. Alter, She next asked for mending and other things

Mr. and Mrs. M , and the writer, mani- to do.looked at the fabric of the ladies'dress- festations of a very peculiar and happy char- es, asking the prices, etc., etc. She looked acter occurred. Mary being the last one to out at the windows, remarked how pleasant join the company in the parlor, took the only a place it was, and so continued for a full vacant seat, next a gentleman friend. Dr. hour, never for a moment showing any sign Steel became influenced by a brother of one of deception, but a veritable, honest, exper- of the persons present, and made a very ienced domestic old lady. Numerous other striking address, with a good deal of energy personations might be related but this is and pathos. On his becoming disentranced sufficient. and entering into the general conversation, When inquired of as to form materializa- Mary voluntarily disembodied her controll- tion she said it was a truth, though she ing power, and leaving the girl's form like had never tried it because She did not know a corpse, with the head resting against the how, but should learn how when she found shoulder of her friend, immediately took an opportunity. control of Dr. Steel, and in every possible During her stay at Mr. EofFs her physi- way required proved it to be herself, she cal condition continually improved, being then through that manly form, turned in a under the care and treatment of her sup- jovial way and laughed at the position of posed parents and the advice and help of her the seemingly untenanted body and its limp physician. She was ever obedient to the condition, with a pleasant jest at the friend government and rules of thefamily, like a who supported it. She soon, however, re- careful and wise child, always keeping in turned to her own proper control and seem- the company of some of the family, unless ed to enjoy the trick she had played, in the to go into the nearest neighbors across the control of the gentleman. street. She was often invited and went with Mrs. Eoff to visit the first families of the In a few moments she appeared peculiar, who soon became satisfied that the and calling the hired woman to follow her, city, girl was not but a well-mannered they left the room. Soon she returned clad crazy, fine, child. in an old-fashioned way, with gown, cap, The manner in which she acted for a con- cape and spectacles, etc., leaning on the arm siderable time after into Mr. Eoff's of Charlotte as if bowed down with many coming was to years. Not one.trace of the girl could be seen family very strange many. Sitting to tea-table on save in the youthful skin of the face. Tak- down the one occasion, Mrs. a seat in the old arm she to Roff asked: ing chair, began " what shall I to ? talk as an old lady of olden times might be "Now, Mary, help you She answered: supposed to do, representing herself as the I thank ma, I'll to grandmother of Charlotte, giving her name, "O, nothing, you, go heaven for tea." inquiring after all the relatives, old and my the action to the off she young, asking by name for those belong- Suiting word, went into a trance or to heaven as she ing to families the girl could have known quiet till the nothing about. Said she died of cancer near termed it, and so remained family the had eaten, when she returned to her normal right eye and temple ; called for tepid she said she had water and soft cloth, which being furnished, state. Being again asked, proceeded in the most natural manner to been to tea, and the question was put: bathe and dress the cancer. She called for "Mary, what do you eat, and how do you eat it?" food and ate it, apparently without teeth, Her answer was : smoked after it, as she used to do, because her food always hurt her if she did not. She "O ma, if I could tell, you could not un- asked for knitting work. It being furnished, derstand it." she found fault because the knitter did not And thus for some time she only ate in know how to knit. Raveling, out and taking that way, except a very little occasionally, up again she knit, at the same time telling to pacify the anxious family. As her system MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

became in better condition, she ate more bles and cards, and cents Mis. Vennum twenty-five freely, and for many weeks toward the last had given her, to Rancy, and had us promiseto visit often. she ate. drank and slept as a healthy person Rancy She tells me to write to Dr. Stevens as follows: 'Tell should. him I am going to heaven, and Rancy is As the time drew near for the restoration coming home well. She says she will see dear of Lurancy to her parents and home, Mary your children in spirit life; says she saw on * * would sometimes seem to recede into the you Sunday last.' She said last night, weeping, 'O pa, I am going to memory and manner of Lurancy for a little heaven to-morrow at eleven o'clock, and to lose her or time, yet not enough identity Rancy is coming back cured, and going permit the manifestation of Lurancy's mind, home all right.' She talked most lovingly about the to take but enough to show she was impressing her separation place, and most beautiful was her talk about heaven presence upon her own body. and her home.'' On asked, "Where is she being Lurancy?" Mrs. Alter writes : would say, "Gone out somewhere,' or, "She "When the day came, and the angels told is in heaven taking lessons, and I am here Mary that Lurancy was coming to take full taking lessons too." possession of her own body, it seemed to make her feel sad. She went to the On Sunday, May 19th, about half past four very residences of Mr. L. C. Marsh and Mr. M. o'clock, P. M., Mr. Koff and were sit- Mary Hoober, to say good-by, telling them the an- ting in the parlor, Henry Vennum, Luran- gels had said the body was cured, and Lu- cy's brother, being in the sitting room, an- rancy was coming to go home and live with her all she 'I other room and hall between. Mary left con- parents again well, yet says, feel sad at parting with you all, for you trol, and Lurancy took full possession of her treated so have me kindly ; you have helped own body. Henry was called in and she by your sympathy to cure this body, and caught him around his neck, kissed and Rancy can come and inhabit it.'" wept over him, causing all present to weep. This shows that the angels can help the At this juncture, Mr. Eoff was called and children of earth. Mr. M. Hoober being a asked Lurancy if she could stay till Henry pious Christian gentleman, and loving Ma- could go and bring her mother (she had ex- ry for her sweet influence in his family, pressed a desire to go and see her father and came into the room and asked if she would mother) She said "No," but if Henry would like to sing with him and his good wife. go and bring her, she would come again and She said: talk with her. She immediately left and "Yes, I am so sad, but when I go to heav- Mary came again. When Mary was asked en all tears will be wiped away, and I will where she had been ? she replied, "I have be happy." seen Doctor Stevens and he looks as good After singing th'ey all knelt down, and as ever again." Mr. Hoober made a very affecting prayer, Mrs. Vennum was brought within an hour, saying, "If it can be that an angel is in our and on her arrival, Lurancy came into full midst, and about to leave us to go and join control,when one of the most affecting scenes her own in spirit-life, will God in his good- ever witnessed took place. Mother and ness allow her to bear a message of love to daughter embraced and kissed each other, my own angel father and loved ones, who and wept until all present shed tears of may, for all we can see, be hovering around our household at this sympathy ; it seemed the very gate of Heav- moment." He hoped en. we would all be better and wiser, and when On the morning of May 21st, Mr. Koff Lurancy should come back to her normal writes as follows : condition, would be better for the strange "Mary is to leave the body of Rancy to- and new lessons she has learned. day, about eleven o'clock, so she says. She had sent word to her sister is bidding neighbors and friends good-by, Mary Nervie Rancy to return home all right to-day. Ma- to come to her father's to stay an hour with stairs she ry came from her room up where her. to say good-by, and when Rancy should was sleeping with Lottie, at ten o'clock last come back at eleven o'clock, to take her to night, lay down by us, hugged and kissed Mr. Roff's and he us, and cried because she must bid us good office, would c?o to Mr. by, telling us to give all her pictures, mar- Vennum's with her. Mary said: "I will u THE RELIGIO-PHILO8OPH1CAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

come in spirit as close to you as I can, and seemed like a dream to her. She met her pa- comfort you in sorrow, and you will feel me reuts and brothers in a very affectionate manner, hugging and kissing each one in near you sometimes." tears of gladness. She clasped her arms eleven o'clock she seemed When came around her father's neck a long time, fairly loth to go or let Eancy come back. Mrs. Al- smothering him with kisses. I saw her fa- ter started to go home and Mary started ther just now (eleven o'clock). He says she has been perfectly natural, and seems en- with her. When in the yard, Mrs. A. said, tirely well. You see my faith in writing "Mary, you have always done as you said you yesterday morning instead of waiting you would, but as I don't understand these till she came." will things, you please let Lurancy come The Watseka Republican says: back just now, and then you can come "The meeting with her parents at the again if you want to." Mary said: "Yes, I home was very affecting, and now she seems to be a healthy, little will," and she kissed mother and sister happy girl, going about noting things she saw before she was good-by. stricken, and recognizes changes that have A voice said, "Why, Mrs. Alter, where are since taken place. This is a remarkable and the fact we going?" Then in a breath, "Oh, yes, 1 case, that we cannot under- stand such does not do with told me I" things, away know, Mary the existence of these unaccountable mani- On the way they met Mrs. Marsh and Mrs. festations. " Hoober, who were the nearest neighbors The Danville (111.) limes, in speaking of and Mary's favorite friends ; Luraney did this case, says : not seem to know them, but remarked, "Mr. and Mrs. Eoff are Spiritualists, and ' Mary thinks so much of these neighbors." stoutly maintain th?t their daughter's abil- Then turning to Mrs. Alter, with whom Lu- ity to penetrate closed books and letters in the manner indicated, was by the rancy had been but slightly acquainted two imparted inhabitants of an unseen world. We have she "Mrs. can years ago, said, Alter, Mary no fixed opinion as to whether Spiritualism come and talk to you nearly all the way is false or true. Certain it is, that occur- home, if you want her to, and then I will rences are upon record which are hard to natural but comeback." She spoke, and appeared like explain upon any hypothesis, attributable to spirits' aid. Let those say one Mrs. Alter said slightly acquainted. who know, for we do not. In spite of all "I trusted in have you the past, and of opposition, Spiritualists have increased in course I would love to talk with my sister." numbers, nor are they confined to the illit- erate but embrace scholars The change was again made, and Mary classes, poets, and statesmen. Let us hope the unharmful "I do love to be with so much." said, you truth will early assert a glorious reign, and She talked lovingly, and gave good advice illuminate the darkened understanding of about many things and fa*mily matters. The men." final change now took place at the time The Iroquois county (111.) Times, under predicted, and Lurancy stated she felt the head of "Mesmeric Mysteries," and in as something though she had been asleep, reference to Lurancy Vennum, says : yet she knew she had not. On reaching Mr. "Mr. and Mrs. Eoff kindly offered to take Eoff's office, she addressed him as Mr. Eoff, charge of her until her mind would change, would become well She and asked if he would take her home, which and she again. went there in and remained till he did. February, about three weeks ago. Since then she has May 22nd, Mr. Eoff writes me as follows: been Lurancy Vennum, and is healthy and * * for "Thank God and the good angels, che dead full of intelligence. It was hard is alive and the lost is found. I mailed you even the most skeptical not to believe there her. a letter yesterday at half past ten o'cock \. was something supernatural about M., stating that Mary had told us she would she was not prompted by the spirit of Mary go away, and Rancy return at eleven o'clock Eoff, how could she know so much about the 21st of May. Now I write you that at the family, people with whom she was not half past eleven o'clock A. M., Minerva call- acquainted, and whom she had never visit- * ed at my oflice with Eancy Yennum, and ed V * No stranger would have suspect- wanted me to takd her home, which I did. ed her of being the victim of disease, though * " She called me Mr. Eoff, and talked with me her eyes were unusually bright. There as a young girl would, not being acquaint- are yet numberless mysteries in this world, ed. I asked her how things appeared to though science has dissipated many won- her if they seemed natural. She said it ders, and philosophy has made plain many MARY LURANCY VENNUM. 15

* * marvels. There is much that is unaccount- Eoff to-morrow. I shall have my pic- able in the action of spiritualistic mediums, ture taken and send it to you in mv next and they do many things that puzzle the letter. I get up early and take the morning greatest philosophers. Skeptical and unbe- air. I should like to have you write a line lieving as we are, and slight as our experi- to me. Your friend, ence has been, we have seen enough to con- LURANOY VENNTJM. us that is not all hum- vince Spiritualism . This letter, written in pencil, is very dif- The case of Lurancy Vennum, a bright bug. ferent in its make-up and penmanship from young girl of fourteen has been the years, those written the subject of much discussion in Watseka dur- by same hand, signed by the year, and there is a good deal Mary Roff, and gives evidence of another ing past " in it beyond human comprehension. mind. The subject of this article had become Since penning the foregoing article, the familiar with the writer during the several writer has received the following letter from months she was under his advice and the the mother of Lurancy, through the polite- more kindly care and of Mr. sympathy ness of Mr. Roff: Rofi's family, speaking with him freely up- WATSEKA, ILL., 9th, 1878. on every subject necessary to her good and July DEAR FRIEND: Mary L. Vennura is per- the courtesies of how- association, always, fectly and entirely well, and perfectly nat- ever, in the presence of members of the ural. For two or three weeks after her re- turn she seemed a little to family. On Sunday, the second day of June, home, strange what she had been before she was taken he met her with her parents at the house of sick last summer, but only, perhaps, the miles from a friend, who lived nearly two natural change that had taken place with Mr. Yennum's. Lurancy was introduced to the girl, and except it seemed to her as had or him by Mr. Vennum. She seemed to be an though she been dreaming sleeping, etc. Lurancy has been smarter, more intel- entire stranger, and for two hours remained ligent, more industrious, more womanly and child. The next like a timid, unacquainted more polite than before. We give the cred- day, June 3rd, without notice to any one, the it of her complete cure and restoration to to E. and Mr. writer went to the house of a noted attorney, her family, Dr. W. Stevens and Mrs. Roff, their obtaining her re- as he entered the came out by and gate,Lurancy moval to Mr. Roff' where her cure was and s, the door, stopped on the steps said,"How perfected. We firmly believe that had she do you do, Doctor ? Mary Roff told me to remained at home, she would have died, or would have been to send her to come here and meet you. Somehow she we obliged the insane asylum, and if so, that she would makes me feel have been a kind you very have died there, and that further, that I friend to me ;" and she would not let him in- could not have lived but a short time with to the house till she had delivered a long the care and trouble devolving on me. Sev- eral of the relatives of in- message from Mary. Since the last inter- Mary Lurancy, cluding ourselves, now believe she was view he has seen her several times, and she cured by spirit power, and that Mary Roff seems easy, affable, and as a young lady controlled the girl. should. MRS. LURTNDA VENNUM. On the 25th of June she wrote a beautiful On the 10th of July Mr. Roff writes: letter, by the consent of her friends saying DEAR DOCTOR: Mr. Vennum is out of among other thines: town, but 1 have often talked with him, and I know his often "Dear I am well to- opinion, expressed, Doctor, feeling quite and her mother would both s she is that Lurancy day. I was up to Mrs. Alter to-day ; have died if we had not taken the girl ; he very well at present. This afternoon I all credit to yourself and us for it. He called at Mr. Roffs office, and had quite a gives it was that did the it was believes spirit agency long talk with him ; but of course work. is in and about the that and I love Lurancy perfect health, loving angels you "much more than before" her so well. Let them twine around your neck womanly (so mother says). She says she used to romp their arms and press upon your brow their * * and with her brothers, and with the kiss. Well, Doctor, you have many play horses, etc. Now she is steady; you can dear friends in this city who love you much. hardly imagine how the dear girl loves 1 saw Mrs. M . She said she would have those who saved her. She sends you a let- died if it had not been for you, and you ter to-day, but thinks it a little strange you know about Mrs. I . We know you saved * * have not answered her last letter. her life. Kiss your loving wife for etc., and tell her shall all meet in heaven Yours, me, we A. B. ROFF. if not on earth. * * I shall visit Mrs 16 THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

In the letter referred to above, the child MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

writes :

I am quite well, and much obliged that Views of Prominent Spiritualists in Refer- letter to dear wife. I you showed my your ence to the Manifestations through her am sure there is nothing for me to be * as Detailed in the ashamed of. * I was down to Mr. M's Organism, Foregoing store, and he told me how you saved his Narrative. wife's life, and they appreciate it. Will you want me to of .give you my description In reference to the case of nugelic incar- heaven ? I will sometime, when there are nation (Mary Roff and Lurancy Vennum) but few I can't write for I present. it, reported by Dr. Stevens, there is no reed of make so mistakes. I made a short many indorsement or comment by Scientists, on call at Mrs. Alter's. * * Please ask your such facts so well reported. When the sun to write to me. Can't daughter you bring your shines we need no professor of optics to wife when you come ? Poor Mr. Wicker- teach us the fact. sham still lives. should such mor- We pity One such example of angel visitations to tals. aunt I know all that has My says earth, would enlighten all the world, if it transpired, but none know but the angels were not for the stubborn to truth and Your hostility you. friend, of the materialistic press and fossilized MARY L. VENNUM. church, which causes the systematic sup- pression and concealment of such informa- On the evening of the 16th of July, 1878, tion from the people, and imposes upon all in the parlors of Asa B. Roff and his wife, who are really enlightened the duty of aid- ing in the diffusion of this narrative. I we, the undersigned, met and listened to the think that every Spiritualist should pur- careful reading and consideration of the chase as many copies of this remarkable narrative as he can afford, and distribute foregoing narrative, and declare it to be en- them among honest inquirers. true in I would add a word in reference to the tirely and correct every respect ; and marvelous fact of spirit exchange or trans- further, that now after weeks of home eight fer of souls between two bodies. All spirit- life, Lurancy Vennum remains well and ualists are familiar with the trance medi- umship in which one from the Spirit sound in and mind. body world occupies a human body while the ASA B. ROFF, spirit of that body is either resting quiet- ly, or, as has happened in some cases, gone ANN EOFF, out to obsess another body. Experience THOMAS J. VENNUM. shows that this is not a hazardous or un- natural thing, but it is very strange to those LTJRINDA VENNUM. who have not learned the rudiments of spiritual science. of explanation I WATSEKA, Iroquois Co., 111., By way would say that spirit is far more easily July 18th, 1878. transferred than matter, and that the ex- change of souls between Mary Roff and To THE READER: The writer has col- Lurancy Vennum is no more marvelous to lated the foregoing facts from a mass of those who understand it than the pouring of a quart of water from a full pitcher into interesting incidents, which be much might one just emptied. enlarged upon, but he is satisfied with the The spiritual potency of a dose of medi- cine of kind or few incidents that involve principles hith- any (morphine, quinine any other drug) held in the hands by any one erto discussed by the philosophic world, and who is not of a hard temperament, will pass the arm and the whole sends them out to make a chapter in the up pervade person. It may also be arrested in its progress at literature of Spiritualism. He has this day the arm and by a few dispersive passes thrown out of the entirely : or it may seen the family, including the subject of the body be transferred by contact into the person of narrative. Mrs. Vennum has gone to Indi- another individual, thus relieving the one who first felt it of the drug symptoms. ana for a two weeks' rest and visit, and left As the psycho-physiological effects are so in of the and Lurancy charge family house, easily transferred, and as pains are often from one who is them a healthy, happy, noble girl. transmitted suffering to a healing operator whose touch gives E. WINCHESTER STEVENS. relief psychic impressions are still more July 19th, 1878 easily transferred. The intense melancholy MARY LUKAXCY VEXXUM. 17

or joy felt by one individual is often sud- hundred years that clairvoyants in mes- denly transferred to another even without meric somnambulism visit distant places first of a and touch, at the approach sympathet- describe them minutely ; and the Spirit ic person. world has often been described by the som- But personal presence is not necessary. A nambulists who have visited it. letter held by a psychometer on the fore- There is nothing in this "Watseka wonder" head will give the entire force of the emo- which is not illustrated by parallel facts tions of the writer and a consciousness of and experiments, although they are but lit- , his whole character, which is vividly felt. tle known to the world. But in none other do Sometimes the impression is so complete we find so satisfactory an array of public that the psychometer becomes lost in the and private events, combined with the pe- character, and actually personates it; as culiar angelic beauty of sentiment which is in Boston thirty-four years ago, an intellec- displayed and which is so honorable to all tual lady, in describing Mr. Clay under the concerned. A deeply interesting volume influence of his autograph, at length lost might be made by compiling these authentic her identity and assuming the dignity of narratives. Mr. Clay, declined to be catechised any So easy is the interchange between the longer as to her impressions. Mr. Clay was two contiguous worlds, that spirits have then living. often eaten of earthly food in their mate- The extremely impressional or sensitive rialization, which has disappeared forever individual, may thus take on any character as their new bodies vanished, and, on the by merely coming into psychometric rap- other hand, living women, like Mollie Fan- port with it, and for a time personate the cher, of Brooklyn, have been spiritually fed individual, giving a very good embodiment while fasting for many months and been of his character. Indeed a considerable por- thus sustained in health like Mary Roff. "I tion of that which has been considered spir- have food which ye know not" is the lan- itual obsession is of this sympathetic or guage that may often be used by spiritual ex- psychometric character, and is sometimes a tatics. tolerable expression of the spirit's senti- This Watseka case is interesting as an il- ments, although the spirit may have noth- lustration of the elevated and beautiful na- ing to do with it. The same sympathetic ture of spirit communion, and the gradual sort of quasi-obsession may take place con- elevation of mankind by its increasing fre- cerning living individuals, and the psycho- quency and power. The "communion ot metric medium may personate and speak or saints' 1 which orthodoxy has failed to real- write for a living individual, as in the case ize is to become hereafter a grand factor in of a girl in Ohio, who at the same sitting human elevation, and, as the centuries roll wrote a prescription from Dr. Hahnemann, on, the still accumulating power of the the founder of Homoepathy and another Spirit-world, organized for earthly labors ot from Dr. Hill, a living physician. love and aided by the increasing spirituality Thus a spiritual transfer of thought may of mankind, will surround our lives with take place by receptivity, when the party sweet influences as if we were breathing supposed to speak, is entirely passive. But another atmosphere, and standing in the when that party is active his psysehic pow- presence of all that is holy. er and personality are transmitted far J. E.BUCHANAN. more effectively even when the recipient is No. 1 Livingston Place, New York. not endeavoring to receive them. Dr. Brit- ^ ; tan tells of his own success in projecting Views of D. P. Kayner, M. D. his spirit so as to be seen and recognized by persons at a distance, and Dr. Jno. F. Gray the case of this city, a distinguished physician, by There gathers around given to - making the effort to look into the condition the public through the RELIGIO PHILO- under of a patient whom he could not convenient- SOPHICAL JOURNAL, the above head- unusual of interest. ly visit, made so strong an impression on the ing, an amount Being man (who was not expecting him, that he personally well acquainted with Mr. A. B. his and ac- firmly insisted that Dr. Gray did visit him Roff and family, having some and stand by his bedside where he saw him) quaintance with Dr. Stevens, and knowing and remarked on the strangeness of the they are not persons who would in any man- fact that Dr. Gray would come to see him ner lend themselves to a deception in this and walk off without saying anything. matter, it assumes increased proportions in Hundreds of such cases are reported in its importance as a wonderful phenomenon are re- spiritual literature, as well as similar cases in which displayed many principles to the in which the party came out of himself lating spiritual philosophy ; notably which are the effects of spiritually, has like Swedenborg visited among first, bodily in the influence of uncon- the Spirit-world and seen his friends, or has disease favoring seen and described others to the satisfaction genial or undeveloped controls; secondly, of cultivated and di- of their surviving friends. the influence properly in those It is quite a familiar old story for the last rected mesmeric power changing 18 THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPH1CAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

controls for more congenial ones; and, third, are multitudinous, and vast in their pro- while thus healing the physical body through portions. Disease may be said to be any changing the controls, and apparently chang- derangement in the proper balancing of the ing the individuality of the person controlled, working forces of body or mind, and the ad- giving a spirit, who had through a similar justment of those forces, restoring the disease been deprived of a full earth experi- equilibrium, will bring a return of health. ence, an opportunity to enter again into Changing the polarity of the brain-magnets those earthly relations and increase her ex- deranges the individual psychic control over perience amid earthly surroundings. Tak- the bodily functions, and can only be re- en all together, it is one of the best authen- stored to a normal action through some ex- ticated illustrations of the phenomena and ternal impression or control which influ- philosophy of Spiritualism among the mill- ences the mental machinery to resume its ions of phenomena which have been pre- normal relations and assert its wonted ac- sented to the world, and the solution of the tivities. This may perhaps be accomplished of of complex problems of the philosophy life, through the influence drugs ; but aside embodied in the phases presented, will great- from their specific action upon special or- ly tend to elucidate life s many mysteries. gans, they are, undoubtedly, more efficient in That certain diseases, as epilepsy or cata- their operation upon the mind, in some lepsy, predispose to render the subject easy way arousing the psychic forces which of control by undeveloped spirits, seems to wheel the unbalanced organs into harmoni- have been settled by this case. The changed ous relations by which the vigor of health is polarity of the brain-magnets, deranges the regained, and the physician and his reme- harmonious control of the individual spirit dies are applauded. over its body by temporarily suspending the It will however be noticed in this con- connection, and blending of the action of nection that the same medicine will act the spirit body or soul with the physical differently in the hands of different physi- body, through which the manifestations of cians and will act best in his hands who mind are shown. In this condition another imparts the most genial and positive psychic spirit having sufficient knowledge of the influences. psychic laws may form a connection with But, perhaps, the most difficult problem the external organs of the mind, either by to solve, is involved in the question of acting directly upon the brain itself, or seiz- "obsession" of the spirit leaving its own ing upon the spirit body of the individual physical body and roaming at will while thus affected, and through that, by taking another spirit takes possession of the phy- possession of the brain and its organs, hold sical habitation of that spirit and re-enacts of its earth life and control of the mind ; and, acting upon any over again the scenes of the faculties at will, sway the thoughts, renews its earthly experiences. From 'an- words and actions of the individual, thus alogy, and from the accumulated know- said to be "obsessed" at their pleasure. ledge of clairvoyance, it seems clearly es- Another important lesson derived is. that tablished that a spirit cannot completely calm, cultivated and properly directed mes- sever its connections with the body and meric power is capable of changing the con- again re-habilitate itself therewith. Now, trol and, in a manner, of influencing and di- just how far all apparent obsession, is sub- recting the operations of minds in the mun- jective psychological spirit control acting dane and supramundane spheres. In this upon and directing the individual's own we can begin to see some of the philosophy spirit to produce the manifestation present- of In this "the gift of healing." ed , is difficult to determine. problem The spirit who has learned the law of lies the great mystery of the"Watseka won- self-control, whose cultivated reason holds der," and its proper solution will do more to the reins and guides the intellect, who unravel the tangled skein of the power of readily comprehends the necessities of the mind on mind, of mind over matter, and of hour and grasps them with the strong grip the peculiarities of mediumship, than all of an educated Will, has that within him the sophistical arguments of the scholastic which, when properly directed, is more ef- world. fective in restoring a healthy polarity to a The subject of obsession has engaged the diseased brain and correcting all mental de- attention of some of the ablest minds in rangement than all other means combined. the world. Andrew Jackson Davis from this if And applies with equal force to spirits the heights of clairv9yance, we rightly in the form or those who have departed this understand him, considers it an utter im- life. The mental influences with which an possibility for one's spirit to leave his body invalid is surrounded and the manner in or be displaced by another spirit. While on which his own mental machinery is set the contrary, a case so clearly verified as in will motion and made to operate thereby is, the one under consideration have when adapted to the necessities of the case, more weight in deciding this question than more potent than drugs in effecting a cure. all mere theories and assertions. The healing power which can be impart- Again what are we to do with the case, ed and aroused through the psychic forces where on a vessel wrecked at sea, one of the MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

famishing persons on the wreck became un- range of possibilities. A single illustration conscious and lay almost as one dead for two will serve to elucidate my idea. hours? On awakening he informed the Many years ago, while the writer was ed- captain a vessel was steering to their relief. iting the Spiritual Telegraph, a tricky fel- During the time he was lying in the uncon- low sent us a long account of remarkable scious state upon the wreck, he was seen by facts, said to have occurred at West Troy. the mate of the relieving vessel to enter the In his story of the wonders alleged to have Captain's state room and write upon his been performed by spiritual agency, he de- slate, "Steer due North-west," and after the clared that a table rose from the floor with- out to the as out hands it rescue, when pointed captain ; that floated out-of one open the mysterious person who had done the window, 'and after remaining suspended, writing, on being asked to write the above mid air, over the sidewalk for a little time, sentence on the opposite side of the slate, it slowly returned through another open the correspondence was perfect. window and resumed its former position. The case of a medium in Connecticut Had the narrator stopped at this point in hunting up a sea captain for the captain's his story, we could only have said, well, the wife, finding and conversing with him in alleged facts are remarkable, but they are London, giving him his wife's message, and altogether possible; and then our accept- being seen by the captain sufficiently to be ance or rejection of the statement would recognized by him on his return, while the have been determined by our judgment of medium's body, in an apparently dead state, the credibility of the witness. Instead of was lying in the shade of an apple tree, is pausing, however, in time to prevent an im- worthy of consideration. peachment of his veracity, he went on to To what sublime heights may not man say that he measured both the table and the soar, if he possesses the power to step out of window, and found that the former was fif- his mortal tenement at will, through a teen inches wider the narrowest way than knowledge and application of psychic law, the latter. In other words, this Munchau- and leaving the body in charge of some sen story-teller made an inflexible object other spirit, enters upon the experience of one utterly incapable of the slightest com- the life beyond to return and re-inhabit the pressibilitypass through a space between body again at the pleasure of the two spir- unyielding walls, fifteen inches less than it its thus exchanging experiences? Which, was known to occupy, and without break- of the two propositions involved in this ing either the frame or fiber of the table. It question is the true one, calls for our most required but little philosophy to decide that devoted endeavors to discover. Taken all such an assumed fact, if not altogether im- in all this "Watseka Wonder" being so well possible, in the nature of things, was at verified, forms one of the most interesting least highly improbable. and important chapters in the history of The same party sent us some half dozen Spiritualism. similar communications, every one in a new chirography, and mailed at a different post- office. But we spotted the author every Letter From Dr. S. B. Brittan. time; marked his papers "bogus," and thrust them all into the same pigeon-hole. Some- To THE EDITOR ov THE RELIOIO-PHILOSOPHIOAL JOURNAL: time after the writer received a brief note I have read the narrative of E. "W. Stev- from this pretended medium, dated and ens, published in late numbers of the JOUR- postmarked at Brooklyn. The material por- NAL. The alleged facts are certainly ex- tions of the note were as follows : traordinary, but they are compassed by SIR: I perceive that you are an old bird, and spiritual forces, and compatible with the not to be taken on chaff. I thought I could sell but d * * psycho-physiological laws. The internal you out, you are too d sharp for me." evidence that the statement accords with Subsequently this same miserable trick- the essential facts of the case, is such ster ventured on a further trial of his ex- as to secure a general acceptance of the periment by sending his villainous inven- Doctor's testimony among those who may tions to the late Hon. Horace Greeley, have been familiar with similar phenome- whose motto adopted with special and ex- na, and all who are able to comprehend the clusive reference to this subject was, "Give philosophy of their causation. In the at- us the facts; ve want no philosophy." The tempt to obtain credence for marvelous editor of the Tribune published the state- statements which have no foundation in ei- ments, with an implied editorial indorse- ther fact, law or reason, the narrator is al- ment, when a little philosophy would have most sure to blunder by the introduction of enabled him to detect the fraud and expose some alleged occurrence which involves an the impostor. impossibility. The man who knows little My own investigation of the facts and or nothing of the essential forces and fun- laws of mind and matter, as displayed in damental laws which govern spiritual phe- the relations of spirits to the phenomena of nomena, has no certain means of determin- psycho-physiology, assures me that there is ing what is, and what is not, within the nothing in the narrative of Dr. Stevens that THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHiCAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

in all is intrinsically incredible ; and such portion of the spinal column, or from the cases we have only to satisfy ourselves, and, region of the kidneys. This peculiar feel- if possible, the public, of the intelligence, ing is known to the faculty as the aura epi- discrimination and veracity of the witness- leptica. Other symptoms are diminished es. It is quite natural for the average phy- contractile power of the muscles, a feeling sician, who is usually a man of small faith of debility, flatulence, palpitation and stu- and a materialist in his philosophy, to refer por. As the cool, creeping sensation ap- all such spiritual phenomena to physical proaches the head, the subject becomes diz- causes. The familiar diagnosis resolves all zy ; sensation, consciousness and voluntary spasmodic attacks, such as the Doctor has motion are suspended; the paroxysm fol- described, into epilepsy, catalepsy and hys- lows, and may last from one minute to a teria. It is safe to assume that these con- quarter of an hour or longer, during which ditions and various forms of disease may, the muscles are powerfully convulsed, the and often do, result from the operation of respiration difficult, the patient froths at both physical and spiritual causes. They the mouth, the features are distorted and may be produced by any violent disturbance the face flushed or otherwise discolored. of the subtile forces on which the vital The attack is followed by a feeling of un- functions and voluntary motion are made usual lassitude and a disposition to sleep. to depend. The abnormal action of the in- This disease no doubt results from a dividual's own mind, and the violence of great variety of physical causes and inci- his dental in passions ; the presence and influence of conditions occurring the experi- powerful magnetic forces emanating from ence of the individual. Among these I may other persons, whose minds and lives are mention organic defects and hereditary pre- of bal- disorderly ; and the direct agency of spirits disposition ; want a proper cerebral of another world, whose unfinished or oth- ance and a uniform distribution of the vital erwise unsatisfactory lives prompt them to motive power ; sudden fright, heavy blows come back in the hope of recovering what and violent shocks to the nervous system ; was lost, and performing what was left un- the change that occurs at the age of puber- done, are chief among the causes and influ- ty and solitary vice. That it may also re- ences which derange the human body and sult from more subtile and psychological mind. The spirits of the class referred to causes, and the visitations of disorderly exist in great numbers along the border- spirits, I am equally well assured. The line between the two worlds, and it is not most enlightened of the ancient nations en- strange that they raid across the frontiers tertained this idea, and were disposed to as- of our visible existence, in some cases to cribe all similar diseases to the invisible our injury. sphere of spiritual causation. This is suffi- It may assist the reader to form an intel- ciently evident from the evangelical narra- ligent judgment of the facts comprehended tives of similar cases, in which all the more in the narrative of your correspondent, if I important phenomena of epilepsy are plain- briefly analyze the peculiar forms of dis- ly described. ease to which such phenomena are usually Before referring to several ancient exam- referred. Epilepsia, or epilepsy, is other- ples, I will briefly define the nature of cata- wise known in common parlance as "the lepsis, or catalepsy. In this disease sensa- falling sickness." The word is derived from tion and all the voluntary faculties and the Greek, and literally signifies to seize functions of mind and body, are suddenly upon. The application of the classical word arrested. The organs of involuntary mo- appears to have been determined by the tion usually continue their functions; the suddenness of the attack ; and the proprie- heart and lungs moving in ordinary cases, ty of the familiar terms employed to repre- the former with an accelerated action and sent the disease, must be evident to any one diminished power. It is also characterized who has ever witnessed the sudden manner by unusual rigidity of the muscles. The in which the patient falls to the ground in body and limbs, though stiff and statue- an epileptic fit. The ancients regarded this like, may be moved by the effort of another, as "the sacred disease," for the reason that and they retain the posture in which they it disordered the mind the noblest part of are left, however unnatural and uneasy the our human nature and also because they position. The particular expression on the attributed its existence to spiritual causes. face, at the moment of the attack, is liable The victim of this fearful malady some- to remain. The paroxysm varies in the de- times has little or no of in anrl warning the attack ; grees of intensity different patients ; but in other cases, and more frequently, the the time that may transpire before the res- paroxysm is preceded by certain symptoms, toration to the normal condition is alto- some of which are cognizable by the patient gether uncertain. In profound states of and the qualified observer. The symptom catalepsis all outward signs of life some- most frequent in the experience of the sub- times disappear; the processes of the ani- ject, is a feeling of coldness, as if occasion- mal chemistry cease, and the trance may ed by a light current of air proceeding from continue for weeks. In this state of sus- some part of the body, usually the lower pended animation many persons have been MARY LURANCY VENNUM.

or before the had sever- buried alive, spirit system of a sensitive girl, and so may an with the ed its connection body. ignorant spirit, who has not yet recovered the time nor at- I have neither space to from the similar imperfections of the life tempt an exhaustive treatment of the sub- on earth. ject, much as society needs a complete phi- The careful reader of the New Testament of its material facts and essential losophy will have observed, not only that cases of vi- of the causes and as- laws. My exposition tal and mental derangement corresponding of these forms of must be pects disease, gen- in all their essential features to the forego- I do not a critical classification eral. propose ing analyses of epilepsy and catalepsy were of the phenomena, whether of symptomatic frequent occurrence ; but also, that they nor is it physical or psychological ; my pur- were invariably ascribed to the agency of to consider the means and methods to pose demons or spirits. Among the Greeks a in the treatment of the same. be employed demon was not always regarded as an evil to call atten- It is rather my present design spirit. The word was not understood to tion to a but much sub- profound neglected either express or imply anything in respect concerns ject, which, however, most deeply to his moral qualities. The ancients be- the public welfare. Beyond this, I desire to lieved in both good and evil demons or that the abnormal conditions and show spirits of men. When, therefore, we trans- startling phenomena under consideration, late the word into English, and call the de- and do result from causes resident in may mon of the Greek Scriptures a devil, we the material and worlds. both spiritual neither change his nature nor acquire a Even when an attack of either epilepsy or right to defame his character. We can not is catalepsy precipitated by purely organic make a good spirit evil by giving him a bad conditions and physical causes, the subse- name. Those only who produced unhappy state and its are quent phenomenal aspects effects were characterized as "unclean spir- to be the very likely complicated by play its ;" by which we may understand spirits forces and the of psychological interposi- wanting intelligence and a high moral pur- tion of spiritual visitors. pose. It was an important part of the busi- It is natural that the whose lives spirits ness of the early Evangelical teachers, un- short either acts of on earth were cut by der the apostolic commission, to cast out or of violence the supervention disease, the spirits whose influence was found to be should have a desire to continue the career detrimental. that terminated In like man- prematurely. The fact can not be that the all who are conscious of disputed, ner, haying neg- different classes of demons referred to lected their in this by opportunities world, the Greeks embraced "the disembodied must desire to finish up the incomplete early spirits of the dead, without respect to their work of this rudimental life. Those who moral and to have have committed on earth qualities," they appear great wrongs may been "the favorite -sources of information." be forced back by a law of the moral con- The distinction between two general classes stitution or from an irresistible impulse is made in the to undo the mischief of their hands to the clearly following passage by a learned author: scenes of the ruin they have made. Such spirits reviewing the records of their lives, "There is also a second class of demons, namely: imperishable forever in the memory ear- the souls of those who having lived meritoriously from the Such a soul I find nestly seeking relief from ignorance and have departed body. called in the ancient Latin tongue Lemur. Of unhappiness, seize on any poor, help- may these Lemures, he, who having obtained by lot less mortal in the of some hope deriving the guardianship of his posterity, presides over of satisfaction from a temporary renewal the house with a quiet and placable superintend- the former relations. Filled with recollec- ence, is called the household Lar. But those, life account of a vicious obtained tions of time wasted ; a madly sacrificed, who, on life, having or at best disorderly and profitless, they are no happy seats, are a sort of vagabonds, or are a kind of exile and who inflicts idle liable to derange the body and mind of any punished by ; terrors upon good men, but more real evils upon delicate subject who may willingly or oth- the wicked. This kind is commonly called Larvae." erwise to their iniluence. In all this yield Apocatastasis, p. 89. we are not, as a rule, authorized to infer of contain that the spirits are maliciously disposed. It The narratives the Evangelists may suffice that they are ignorant and many references to the agency of spirits, in clumsy to account for the disorderly re- the transfiguration of mortals, and in modi- sults of their influence. Should a common fying human feeling, thought and conduct. tinker attempt to manipulate a fine chro- For the time being, and as long as the spir- nometer, he would be sure to derange its it maintained the ascendancy over the me- action. The man who has never handled dium, the former often governed the voli- anything more delicate than chain cables, tion and action of the latter. As I am could never tune my lady's harp. An ig- treating the subject in its relation to cer- norant magnetizer, with strong passions, tain forms of disease, I shall make my cita- an unsuitable temperament and unbalanced tions from the Christian Scriptures with a to the illustration of that rela- brain, might derange and upset the nervous special view THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

that this is not the in tion, and the power of Spirits to damage usually case epilep- the organic action of mind and body. I sy. The convulsion is followed by great will here introduce examples which will general prostration clearly enough indi- exhibit their demeanor and show the man- cated in the Evangelical description by the ner in which they handled their subjects. words, "and pineth away.'' In all ordinary It is related that while Jesus was teaching cases the respiratory movement continues in a synagogue in Capernaum, that there and the process of the aeration of the blood was a man present who had "an unclean goes on with only partial interruption. spirit." The medium while under this in- During the continuance of the paroxysm, fluence was inclined to be noisy. He dis- as a rule, the respiration is heavy and diffi- covered the name and character of the cult, while the heart's action is quick and Teacher, and in a declamatory style insisted strong, but never rhythmical; the systole on Deing let alone. and diastole occurring at irregular inter- vals. "And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Hold thy peace and come out of him.' And when the un- It seems that Mary Koff was subject to clean spirit had torn him, and cried out in a loud spasmodic attacks from early infancy, he came out of him." voice, (Mark, chap. I, 35-26.) .whether originally produced by physical \Vhen Jesus was coming out of a ship in causes or spiritual agency, is quite uncer- which he had just crossed the sea of Gali- tain. The general description given does lee: not warrant the expression of a decisive on this There how- "Immediately there met him out of the tombs opinion point. appear, to have been indications of a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwell- ever, spiritual ing among the tombs; and no man could bind interference in her later experience. Her not chains. . . . him, no, with He had been often melancholy periods ; the "mania for bleed- bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had ing herself; her inability to recognize her been asunder and the fetters plucked by him, friends, and indisposition to heed the pres- broken in neither could pieces: any man tame ence of other her lucid him. And and he was in the persons; intervals, always, night day, in which she became mountains, and in the tombs, crying and cutting highly clairvoyant; himself with stones." the preternatural strength developed in her delirium the aid of so This was rather boisterous in his requiring many spirit to restrain her and the manner of of the man who was about to persons recognition her death are facts which have de- exorcise him. While the man was under may pended largely on the presence and agency the influence of this spirit, Jesus asked for of Spirits. In such a case the ordinary pro- his name, whereupon the spirit "answered, fessional treatment for epileptic or catalep- saying, 'My name is Legion; for we are " tic fits, would have been powerless to afford many.' (Mark, Chap. v. 2-9.) relief; while the to drown out the It is recorded that as Jesus descended from attempt spirits, by flooding the house they had the mountain, after his transfiguration, a moved into, was if possible still more pre- man brought his only child to him, whose case is thus described: posterous. The case of Mary Lurancy Vennum is "And, lo a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly less obscure in its origin. It was clearly a crieth and it teareth him that he foameth out; in the and from case of spiritual entrancement begin- again; bruising him, hardly departeth Had the Rev. B. M. Baker under- . ning. him. . . And as he was yet coming the devil threw him down, and tore him. And Jesus re- stood the nature of his commission as a buked the unclean spirit, and healed the child." preacher of the Gospel, and possessed the (Luke, chap. IX, 38-41.) requisite qualifications for his office, he The following is a very accurate descrip- would never have thought of sending the tion of the general phenomena which ac- girl to a lunatic asylum. Some one has company an attack of the disease known as said, "Satan loves to fish in troubled waters." If this is of Epilepsy : true, the atmosphere madness, in and about an insane asylum, would fur- "And one of the multitude said, 'Master, I have nish the and the occasion for brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb just place spirit; and wheresoever he taketh him he teareth disorderly spirits to assemble, and in which him, and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, we might expect the patient to suffer most and pineth away'.... And when he saw him, from their influence. I should as soon the straightway spirit tore him; and he fell to the think of a file and saw as a sedative and ordering ground wallowed, foaming 'And oft-times for a nervous orof a it hath cast him into the and into the waters woman; prescribing fire, small and a brass-band as a to destroy him' Jesus rebuked the foul room large spirit, for babies. saying unto him, 'Dumb and deaf spirit, I charge soporific thee come out of him, and enter no more into him.' If we accept the testimony of Dr. Stevens And the spirit cried and rent him sore, and came and the other witnesses, the record of the out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that residence of " three months and ten days many said, 'He is dead! (Mark, chap. IX, 17-26.) L. Mary Eoff in the body of Mary Vennum : It would seem from this description that forms a curious and most significant chap- the paroxysm was followed by a state of ter in the history of Modern Spiritualism. suspended animation. It is to be observed The sweet spirit of the gentle and loving MARY LURANCY VENNUM. 23

Mary; the strong proofs of her identity; ence, for nearly eighteen centuries, are confi- how she occupied her time while a tenant dently presumed to have been sick at the at will in the mortal tabernacle of another, ;ime. But why not refer the remarkable and the possible supramundane experiences experiences of the Apostles themselves to of the released spirit of Lurancy; these ;he same source. They were men, subject are all matters of singular interest which ;o every form of physical disease, and had 1 invite comment; but the unexpected length *ime to analyze their cases it would appear of this letter admonishes me to leave the .hat they were very much like others in further consideration of the subject to your- all their essential features. Saul certainly self and your readers. aad the "falling sickness," while on his way You will, however, indulge me in a few to Damascus. He had been in a bad frame concluding observations, which are not in- of mind for some time, and doubtless was tended to be so general as in no case to ad- bilious. He declared that he saw a great mit of a special application. The poor vic- light and heard a voice. It might have tims of physical disease and spiritual infes- been subjective thunder and lightening, oc- tation have little chance to recover their casioned by a derangement of the electrical equilibrium when the professional classes, polarities of his brain. And suddenly "he to which the interests of soul and body are cell to the earth." The attack so deranged intrusted, know so little of the real evils his nervous forces that for three days he they attempt to combat. The doctors of saw nothing, and had no appetite. Ananias, medicine, as a rule, can not distinguish epi- a respectable citizen of Damascus, was im- lepsy, catalepsy, hysteria and nightmare pressed to come in and magnetize him, and from the shades of departed saints and sin- his vision was speedily restored. The fall- ners, who return whether for mischief or ing sickness proved to be a good thing in this case. It took the devil out of the "On errands of supernal grace" man, and the patient was improved in body, to confirm the common faith in immortali- mind and character. (Acts, chap. IX.) Cases have come under observation ty. my "When Peter was in Joppa, at the house of in which the of the diagnosis family physi- one "Simon a tanner," he improved the oc- cian converted a vision of the Spiritual casion by going "upon the house-top to pray," Heavens into a fit of The mental hysteria. and there he had a sudden spasmodic attack darkness of and the from lunacy light which doubtless presented many of the as- another world are made to differ in terms, of catalepsy. He thought he "s&w but are to be about the same pects presumed heaven and a great vessel resem- in fact. Our doctors of can opened," thing divinity bling an immeasurable "sheet let down to not the difference between aberra- perceive the earth," containing in its enormous folds, tion and In their a inspiration. judgment the major part of the animal kingdom, man has no business to be inspired in these (Acts x, 9-12.) When the Kevelator a man days ; and if he is, are sure degenerate they of poetic temperament and many woman- the devil is in him. The moral philosophy ly qualities was in Patmos, one of the of that the Spiritualism suggests through Grecian Islands, he one day fell into some- medium of his own faculties and passions thing like a cataleptic 1 ranee. To his great every man must look at whatever is exter- ' astonishment the New Jerusalem, in all the nal to himself. While members of many glory of a divine personality like "a bride devil in the the profession are playing the adorned for her husband" came after John, as learn from the sheep-fold we papers and his soul was entranced while the grand branch of their and the courts a legitimate visions of the Apocalypse moved before him business out devils" appropriate "casting in stately procession. is The did entirely suspended. clergy It is the favorite of many not succeed in this of the hypothesis part apostolic doctors, whose wisdom is chiefly conspicu- work. The concern was so run and down, ous in their that all spiritual phe- so destitute of assets that diplomas, the proprietors nomena, so-called, are the results of some without the consideration that slightest physical disorder. To what fathomless branch of the business was transferred to depths of apostacy to what gross and infi- the If a wolf finds Spiritualists. spiritual del issues is the unbelieving world tending, his into the fold, the shepherd permits way when its learned men ( ?) include the shades him to remain to frighten and worry the of the and the maladies the departed physical lambs ; or, he advises sending perhaps, of the living in the same category I little innocents to bedlam for safety ! and ministers of defend us" Nothing can more clearly illustrate the "Angels grace the materialistic ter.dencies of many people than from titled ignorance and licensed stu- their disposition to ascribe all spiritual pidity which can not distinguish a vision phenomena, manifested through the human of heaven from an attack of epilepsy, hys- organization, to a diseased condition and teria or the nightmare. Let the clergy action of the faculties. All persons who anoint their eyes with finer clay and wash have been visited by the angels, or other- in the spiritual Siloam, and they will see wise rendered susceptible of spiritual influ- something beyond the creed and the sal- THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPH1CAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

ormer earth-life. The disease which ary. This vulgar and profane idea, that all pro- uced its severance and the psychical experiences are but the offspring from the body, of of disease, presumes that the perfection of eculiarities its character, are revived, the individual, and his accord with Nature, n this case, Mary Eoff, as a mature spirit, are best realized when he is most insensi- vould not have been recognized by her Da- ble of all impressions from super-terrestrial en ts; but as a child-like daughter she filled sources. This monstrous assumption is heir hearts with joy. If she came at all it is fos- n a manner, she must come born of ignorance and sensuality ; satisfactory tered by popular science, and dry-nursed by n the form she presented herself, and this of di- was the easier for her to do, because of the the old theologies ; while the doctors vinity and medicine labor to obscure the in- endency of the returning spirit to take on ward senses by "the foolishness of preach- ts previous earthly character on contact the ing" and a species of medical exorcism. with earthly scenes through medium. Hoping that the time may come quickly, l?he cause of this need not here be explain- when the passion for new sensations among ed, for the fact is sufficient. is of our people, will give way to a growing de- Altogether the narrative exceeding sire for accurate knowledge, value, teaching us how readily our spirit I remain yours fraternally, friends can come to us when the way is S. B. BBITTAN, M. D. opened, and with what eagerness they avail > > ^ hemselves of an opportunity. It also shad- ows the of the over the The Views* of Hudson Tuttle. great power spirit body, and of the Spirit- world, when it comes n contact with us. HUDSON TUTTLE. Taking for granted the truthfulness of the of which there persons interested, ap- Supplementary Statement by Mr. Asa B. to be no the Watseka narra- pears doubt, Roff. tive is not only among the most wonderful but is replete with interest to the student of spiritual science. It pours a flood of To THE EDITOE OF THE BELieio-PHiLosoPiiiCAL JOURNAL: light on some of the rn^st obscure questions Being almost daily in receipt of letters relating to the sensibility of the spirit and :rom readers of the JOURNAL, inquiring as its relations to the body. "We do not under- x) the truthfulness of the narrative entitled, stand it as supporting the theory of the dis- The Watseka Wonder," and not having placement of the spirit of the patient by time to fully answer all their questions, I that of another, but the subjection of am impelled to collect from them the promi- the spirit to the will of another, as in a nent points of inquiry and objection, and trance produced by magnetism in this state briefly reply through the JOURNAL. Per- the spirit is passive and at rest, and the sons hereafter writing me, who do not re- physical body has opportunity to restore its ceive an answer to their letters, will seek wasted energies, and further, the intimate for the information desired in this article. contact of the pure spirit, would react on One writer inquires: "Is it a fact? or is the body and thus hasten its restoration to it a story made up to see how cunning a health. tale one can tell?" Another asks: "Can- This is illustrated in our daily lives by the truthfulness of the narrative be sub- sleep, which is a lower state of rest, in stantiated outside of yourself and those im- which the spirit reposes and leaves the phys mediately interested? Can it be shown that ical processes of restoration to go on with- there was no collusion between the parties, out waste of energy, and it is claimed by emi and no former acquaintance ?" A reader of nent authorities that this is so much more the JOURNAL suggests : "It is a pretty big rapid during sleep than in waking hours, thai yarn, and there might be some arrangement really the former is the only time that it oc between the parties, or they themselves curs. It is also illustrated by the magnetic deceived." Another after saying he has state of trance, which restores by resting read the narrative, remarks: "I confess the spirit, and reaction of another spirit on that I am not of your faith, and I am very the physical body of the subject. doubtful whether newspapers are always This opens the vast field of investigation embodiments of sacred truths, and I wish the relation of the Spirit-world to the phy that under your hand, as a gentlemen, you sical, wherein the true laws of health and might confirm to me and other doubting disease remain to be discovered. friends, the strange, mysterious, and to me, The return of Mary Roff to her earth life fanciful, statements in those two papers. at first presents some difficulties, for had I write wholly to overcome a doubting feel- she advanced in her new life, as we suppos ing that exists with myself and friends in she should, she would have been more ma regard to that remarkable and wonderful tured. The drift of facts recorded shov personation." A lady writes: "Is the ac- that when the spirit comes in close contac count true in every particular? I hope with earth through a medium, it takes on there is a life beyond this, but I have never more or less of the traits and stains of its had any proof." MAKY LUKANCY VENNUM. 25

EEPLT. angels, as she termed spirit-life, and spirits I furnished Dr. Stevens with all the ma- that have left the body. terial facts in the case, except such as were I have questioned Lurancy Vennum on within his own knowledge. The history of different occasions, as to whether she re- the Vennum family (and Lurancy's condi- membered anything that occurred during tion up to the time he and I went to see the time that Mary had control of her or- her J une 31st), I obtained from the mem- ganism, and she states that a very few bers thereof, and the neighbors intimately things occurring the last month that she acquainted with them. The narrative, as was controlled, she recollects, but that in written by Dr. Stevens, is substantially true all cases the information was imparted by in every part and particular, yet the half has Mary. and can it is im- not been told, never be ; In conclusion, let me say to those who possible for pen to describe or language doubt or disbelieve the "strange, mysterious portray the wonderful events that trans- and wonderful story," call to mind Luran- pired during that m emorable fourteen weeks cy's condition at her home last January, that the girl was at our house. The mater- surrounded with all the kind care of pa- ial facts of the case can be substantiated by rents, friends and physicians, every thing disinterested witnesses, whose veracity can- done to alleviate her suffering and perform not be questioned, and whose evidence a cure that human minds and hands could would settle any case in a court of law. I possibly do, yet growing continually worse refer you to Robert Doyle, Chas. Sherman, (if that were possible), given up by her phy- S. R. Hawks, Lile Marsh, J. M. Hoober, and sicians, her friends without a ray of hope, their wives, and to Mrs. Mary Wagner, for- the insane asylum ready to receive her, a merly Mary Lord, all residents of Watseka. condition terrible to behold! Then view As to "collusion," "arrangement," or "our- her condition from May 21st until to-day, selves being deceived," that is simply im- over three months, a bright, beautiful, hap- possible, as you will see if you carefully py, healthy girl, and then tell me what pro- read the whole narrative over again. I, too, duced the change. The narrative furnishes if doubt whether newspapers are always "em- the facts ; account for them you can, on bodiments of sacred truths," but in this any other hypothesis, than power exercised case I assure the writer, the JOURNAL does through or by the spirit of Mary Roff hav- embody a very sacred truth, that of man's ing control of Lurancy's body. immortality. I am now 60 years old ; have resided in Iroquois county and would not The lady writes me : "I hope there is a thirty years, now sacrifice what I have life beyond this, but I never have had the reputation may a to the of such proof. To her 1 would say "Carefully by being party publication a narrative, if it was not perfectly true. If read and study that narrative ; in that you should desire testimonials of stand- have the proof, for surely it is contained any my Col has some to use as he deems there. That there is a life beyond this, or ing, Bundy best. rather that there is no death, you may rest is a Watseka, III., Aug. 23rd, 1878. assured ; there only a change simply removal of the real man or woman from this temporary house of clay, to that house Asa B. Roff. not made with hands."

"There is no death. The stars go down The name of this gentleman has lately be- To rise upon some fairer shore, come of much interest to our readers in con- And in heaven's crown bright jeweled nection with the case of Vennum. They shine forevermore. Lurancy From a somewhat lengthy biographical "There is no death! The leaves may fall, sketch of Mr. Roff, published last January in The flowers may fade and pass away, the Iroquois County Times, a paper printed They only wait through wintry hours The coming of the May. at Watseka, we make the following extracts : * * * a gentleman now in his 60th year, "And ever near us though unseen, though with a heart as voung and happy as child full The dear immortal spirits tread, that of a ; agreeable, generous and For all the boundless Universe of sympathy, he is respected by all who know

Is life I there are no dead I" him, while his more intimate friends love and honor him for his personal worth. ' Talking with Mary, we sometimes spoke of His present enviable standing anwng his is his indomi- her death. She would quickly reply : "I nev- fellow-men entirely owing to er died," or "I did not die." She never tired table energy and integrity of purpose. His of talking of the life beyond this. She family is a most exemplary one; all who would at any time leave her play, her read- know them love them; no family in our ing or her jovial companions, to talk with community are more happy in their domes- her "pa" and "ma" about heaven and the tic relations. May it ever be so with them. THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPH1CAL JOURNAL TRACTS.

The above extracts in connection with the I have been personally acquainted with following letters, would seem to establish Asa B. Eoff since the year 1858, and take Mr. Rolf 's reputation for truth and veracity pleasure in stating that his character and beyond all question: reputation for truth and veracity is good. CHAS. H. WATSEKA, ILL., Aug. 22, 1878. WOOD, 20th Circuit Editor Religio-Philosophical Journal. Ex-Judge of Illinois. 122 LaSalle 1878. Dear Sir. Many inquiries are made of me st, Chicago, Aug. 22, as to the standing of Mr. Asa B. Roff . These the questions are .elicited through publica- We have also received letters speaking in tion in your journal of Dr. E. W. Stevens' account of the Mary Eoff and Lurancy the highest terms of Mr.Eoff and family,from 1 wish to to Vennum phenomena. say you the following gentlemen of Watseka: O. F. that no man in this community stands high- er in the estimation of the people than Mr. McNeill, Ex-County Judge; O. C. Munhall, Eoff. He is a high-minded, honorable gen- Postmaster ; Eobert Doyle, Attorney at Law ; tleman who would spurn to give currency to Circuit Clerk But- any thing not verified by facts. I don't be- John W. Eiggs, ; Henry lieve Mr. Roff capable of a mean act. It is for- zow, County Clerk ; Thomas Vennum, not in his nature. Very truly yours, mer Circuit Clerk; Franklin Blades, Judge MATTHEW H. PETERS, of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit; M. B. Mayor of Watseka and Editor Iroquois Times. Wright, County Judge. 27

He writes from the fulness of the spirit, and therefore he con- stantly rises above the clouds of materialism. He is no sophist, THE ETHICS no hair-splitting apologist for the loose practices of mankind, and so you may look for the highest and most philosophical

OF statement of the morality from his faithful pen ; and the com- fort is great when one reflects and knows to a certainty that Hudson Tuttle is no hypocrite, and hence is always person- SPIRITUALISM; ally as good as his written word." Andrew Jackson Davis. * * A SYSTEM OF "Ihe questions he proposes to answer are important and concern us all, and no writer is better qualified to enlight- en the world on these topics. I congratulate you in being able * * MORAL PHILOSOPHY, to secure the services of this Inspired philosopher." WABBEN SUMNEB BAKLOW, author of The Voices. Founded on Evolution and Continuity of The author has steadily aimed to bring his work within the Man's Existence beyond the Grave. smallest possible compass, and has most admirably succeeded. Though the subjects treated are of the highest importance, By HUDSON TFTTLE, Mr.Tuttle has restrained every disposition to dilate upon them AUTHOR OF and has thus condensed the book Into one hundred and sixty The book Is well on and " Arcana " pages. printed heavy paper altogether of Nature," Antiquity of is a work that every Spiritualist 'and Llberalist.should own. Man," "Career of the God-Idea in " History," Career of Religious " 12mo. Cloth, 160 Price, in cloth, 60 cents. Ideas," Arcana of Spirit- pp, 40 Cents. ualism," etc. Pamphlet, **For sale, wholesale and retail, by the Publishers. The RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, Chicago. THB FOLLOWING LIST COMPBI8B8 80MB OF/THS PBINCIPAL

SUBJECTS TBEATSD : THE INDIVIDUAL; THE GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF JUST PUBLISHED. SPIRIT; THE LAWS OF MORAL GOVERNMENT; AN- ALYSIS OF MIND IN REFERENCE TO ETHICS; THE The of APPETITE; THE PROPENSITIES; LOVE; WISDOM; Principles CONSIDERATION OF RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL,

OF SOCIETY ; CONSIDERATION OF DUTIES AND OBLI- LIGHT AND COLOR: GATIONS; DUTIESOF THE INDIVIDUAL; TO GOD: OF INCLUDING AMONG OTHER THINGS SELF-CULTURE; DUTIES OF SOCIETY; MARRIAGE, The Harmonic Laws of the Universe, the ITS FOUNDATION AND RESPONSIBILITY. Etherio - Atomic Philosophy of Force, Chromo Chemistry, Chromo Thera- peutics, and the General Philoso- The "Ethics of Spiritualism," while running In the columns phy of the Fine Forces, together of the RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHIOAL JOURNAL, was widely no- with Numerous Discoveries ticed and the the From the commended by public and press. and Practical Applications. various notices we a as follows: published quote few, Illustrated by 204 exquisite Photo-Engravings. besides four Colored Plates "Contains matter of much Interest to liberal minds." superb printed on seven plates each. Pequabuck Valley Gazette. BY D. BABBITT. "Hudson Turtle's Ethics of Spiritualism, now being pub EDWIN work which te a sensation In scien- lished In the RELIGIO-PHILOSOPSICAL JOUBNAL, is alone This already producing tific and cultured circles, contains probably a greater number worth the subscription price to that journal. When Hudson of remarkable discoveries than any one volume of modern Tuttle writes he says something." Spiritual Scientist. times. The demonstration of the form and working of atoms, of the basic of given for the first time, o * * " principles chemistry We congratulate our brother of Chicago on his secur- the marvelous Chemical and Healing power of Light and col- into a and the and ing there valuable contributions. No one Is better qualified or, crystallzed science, explanation proof * * * through spectrum analysis and clairvoyance of a new and to treat the subject intuitively and philosophically." higher world of Light, Color and Force, invisible to the ordi- Banner qf Light. nary eye by means or which the wonderful phenomena of Statuvolence, Mental Action the * Clairvoyance. Psychology, * SuQh a work has long been needed and never more so Interior Machinery of Life and many of the heretofore un- than at this * To me the of known Forces of Nature, stand forth in clear light, and show . time, crowning glory how human nature can be made over new by these and code of imperfect Spiritualism is its ethical system, ite pure perfect diviner processes of the Fine Forces. The wonders of vege- * morals. I am profoundly grateful t6 Mr. Tuttle, that he table growth as aided by colors are also given and the human and its diseases and methods are has undertaken the work. * * Wm. E. Coleman. eye explained. * * " OPINIONS. This subject should have been thoroughly treated be- fore now by some of our ablest minds, but it may be for the "A magnificent work. "New Tork World. most remarkable work. . . . Will eause a flutter best that it has been comparatively neglected, and the duty The among * * scientists. . , . Ingenious, able and interesting even to the his very left to him of presenting it in unequalled way." unscientific reader." American Jioolueller, M. author Primitive Christianity -Eugene Crowell, D., of "This superb volume opens up a great field for orltrtnal re and Modern Spiritualism. search. Theeramnlesofcure by means oflight and color and other fine natural forces which it gives are truly marvelous, "I have just read your announcement concerning the series and a new world generally unknown to our medical men is Truth. of articles you will soon begin to publish from the ever-active opened out" Seeker. and thoroughly honest oen of Brother Hudson Tuttle. He Is Clotb, 676 Royal Octavo pp. Price 84. Postage fre. a a farmer, and knows how to plow and Bqw and reap ; grape- *For sale, wholesale and retail, by the RHLIGIO-PHILO- PUBLISHING HOUSE, grower, and can discriminate between good and bad fruit. BOPHICAL Chicago. THE CLOCK STRUCK ONE Clock Struck Three. AND Embellished with a fine Steel Portrait of the Author. Christian Spiritualist. BY Being a Review of " CLOCK STRUCK ONE," THE REV. SAMUEL WATSON, and a Reply to it and Part Second, Show- ing the Harmony between Christianity, OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Science and Spiritualism.

Being a Synopsis of the Investigations of Spirit Inter- course by an Episcopal Bishop, Three Ministers, Five BY REV. SAMUEL WATSON, D. D. Doctors and others at Memphis, Tenn., In 1855: also, the Opinion of many Eminent Divines, Living and In the long list of distinguished divines connected with the Dead, on the Subject and Communications Received Methodist Episcopal Church, few have enjoyed so high a repu- from a Number of Persons Recently. tation, and none have been more beloved by their constituents " TRUTH IS MIGHTY AND WILL PREVAIL." than Dr. WATSON. In the early days of Modern Spiritualism it the vilest of and " he honestly believed to be one of humbugs CLOCK is rpHE STEUCK ONE," an intensely in- the work of the Devil. Nor did he ever Intend to give the sub- *- work in teresting Itself, and derives great additional in- ject any attention, but that about twenty years ago it forced terest from the high standing of its author in the Methodist itself unbidden into his own a interesting family circl^r deeply Episcopal Church, in which he has been a bright and shining history of which he gave to the world in CLOCK STRUCK ONK, light for a quarter of a century, a man who Is personally which has already passed through several editions, creating a known to nearly all the clergy of the South and to a wide cir- decided sensation in the church and causing the author to be cle in the North and wherever known Is held In the highest cited for trial. esteem. These circumstances cause the book to be eagerly The CLOCK STRUCK THREE contains a very able review of sought for. This anxiety is heightened by the action ofthe the first book by a master-mind and a reply to the same by Methodist Conference of which the author is a member In dis- Dr. WATSON. Then follows eleven intensely Interesting chap- ciplining him for publishing the book, thus attracting the at- ters, detailing the author's rich and varied experience and tention of thousands of all sects who are anxious to read and giving the result as showing that in the author's opinion, there " judge for themselves the CLOCK STRUCK ONE.* exists a harmony between true Christianity, as he interprets l%mo, Cloth, price 81.OO ; postage free. it. Science and Spiritualism. *For sale, wholesale and retail, by the RELIGIO-PHILO- tOFHlCAi PUBLI8HIN6 HOUSE, Chicago Extract troin the Introduction. * it not be that the semi-infidel utterances of May " " Spir- THE , , itualism hitherto, have been the foolish things chosen to confound the "mighty" Materialistic tendency of the nine- BHAOAVAI>-OITA; teenth century, both in Europe and America. Science, proud of her past achievements, has well nigh surrendered to the stubborn facts of Spiritualism, which will not down at OR, A DISCOURSE ON DIVINE MATTERS, their bidding, but submits cheerfully to the most exacting de- mands of scientific criticism. This will be seen fully when the BETWEEN reader reaches that part of the book devoted to this subject. * * I also give communications received through a medium KRISHNA and AUJTJNA. In whom I have all the confidence I can havetn a'iy one. in either world, to show that all of my teachings have been in A SANSKRIT PHILOSOPHICAL POEM, harmony with Christianity as I understand it. Believing, as I with an Introduction o do, that the time is not far distant when Christianity, properly Translated, Copious Notes, and disrobed of its excrescences, Sanskrit Philosophy, and other Matter, understood, Spiritualism, will be confirmed by science, and all sweetly harmonizing in By J. COCKBURN THOMSON, hastening the millennial glory which is dawning upon the MEMBER OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF FRANCE. AND OF THE frorld, when theTtfew Jerusalem shall descend to earth. ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY OF NORMANDY. The book is a 278 and the mechanical 12mo., pp., 12mo., 352 tinted paper. Price $1.50. is finished in a superior manner, being printed on cloth, pages, ?arteavy-tinted paper and bound in extra heavy cloth Postage Free. with richly illuminated back, borders and side title.

Price, 91.75. Gilt, W2.25 ; Postage Free. .For sale, wholesale and retail, by the RELIGIO-PHILO- wholesale and the RELIGIO-PHILO- .For sale, retail, by SOPHIOAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, Chicago. SOFHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, Clucago. NORA R A Y~ BEYONDTHE VEIL THE CHILD-MEDIUM. A very attractive work of this title has lately been issued- A Captivating Book. Though profoundly philosophical, this book is of a very popu. truths it lar character ; and notwithstanding the grave teaches, This is a story of remarkable Spiritualistic power and beau- its pages have been pronounced exciting as a romance be- iu ty, depicting glowing language the wonderful events in the witching as a fairytale. Friends of the chief inspirer. RAN- life of the child Nora, and the phases of mediumship which DOLPH, should, at least, seek to see and read it. she manifested. Cloth, with 'steel-plate engraving of Dr. Randolph, pricetl-50- Paper, 170 pages. Price 50 cents, postage free. Postage free. .For sale, wholesale and retail, by the RKLIGIO-PHILO- .For sale, wholesale and retail, by the RKLIGIO-PHILO SOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE Chicago. SOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, Chicago. JUST PUBLISHED. Prof. W. Denton's Works. Co3 RADICAL RHYMES. They are written in the samg bold and A tfEW BOOK. vigorous style that characterizes his prose writings. Price. $1.'5, postage ^ rrnN. lECTUKES ON GEOLOGY, Tho Past and Future of our BY Planet, A great scientific work. Price, $1.50; postage, 10 cents. THE IRRECONCILABLE RECORDS; or. Genesis and Geolo- 80 gy pp. ; price, paper 25 cents, postage 2 cents ; cloth 50c.. Andrew Jackson Davis. nostag 4 cents. WHAT\ UGHT. Shows how we can tell right from wrong, ENTITLED and that no man can do this by the Bible. Price 10 cents, postage 2 cents. COMMON SENSE THOUGHT ON THE BIBLE; for common tftf sense people. Proves that the Bible is very far from being what the clergy claim for it. Price, 10 cents ; postage 2 cents, CHRISTIAN IT i" NO FINALITY; or. Spiritualism superior to in Christianity. Christianity a religion to be outgrown the progress ot humanity. Price. 10 cents: postage 2 cents. OF OUR ORTHODOXY FALSE, SINCE SPIRITUALISM IS TRUE. Price lOc. ; postage 2 cents, THE DELUGE IN THE LIGHT OF MODERN SCIENCE. It shows the flood story to be as false as it is foolish. Price, 2 10 cents ; postage cents, HEAVENLY HOME." BETHTSELF. A discourse on self-hood. Price, 10 cents; postage 2 cents. THE GOD PROPOSED FOR OUR NATIONAL CONSTITU-

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