house. — How tables, chairs, &c., are moved by spirits. — Exhibitions of "chin music" in London. — Singular transactions in England, as related by Dr. Thomas Dick. — Tricks performed by Joe Collins of Oxford. — Spirits seen by the votaries of St. Vitus, and the Shakers of later times.

118 CHAPTER XVI. EVIL EFFECTS OF POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS. Great waste of time. — Ceremonies among the ancients. — Practices in Catholic countries. — Injurious practices in Protestant lands. — Dreams, visions, signs, tricks, omens, &c. — Great waste of human life. — Account of the trial by ordeal. — Murder of innocent persons. — Belief in dreams and forewarnings. — Modern miracles, appearances of the dead, &c. — Unfavorable influence of a belief in dreams. — The death watch, new moon, &c. — Predictions of Nanny Scott. — Of the good Mrs. Taylor. — Marriages on a stormy day. — Practice of wedded couples. — Moles on the wrong side of the body. — Opening books, tricks, fortune telling. — Practice of a lady in a clergyman's family. — Disadvantageous matrimonial alliances. — Anticipation of dreadful calamities. — Practice of Rev. John Wesley. — Temperaments of Melancthon and Luther. — Luck, chance, fatality, &c. — Saul and the witch of Endor. — Conjurers and impostors. — Injury done to the cause of medicine. — King's touch in scrofula. — The ninth son of a ninth son. — The seventh son of a seventh son. — Cure by the cold hands of a malefactor. — Plaster on a pitchfork; polishing rusty nails. — A female heart made into pills for consumption. — Heart taken out of a female in Maine, and in Waltham, Massachusetts, and made into pills. — Influence of the imagination. — Account of a Mr. Austin, in Vermont. — His singular mode of healing the sick. — Account of the celebrated rain-water doctor. — Sketch of an astrological physician in New York. — Of Valentine Greataks and Francisco Bagnone. — Momentary relief obtained, and why. — Injury done to the cause of religion. — Account of the Pharisees, compared to vipers and toads, and their numerous progeny. — How we may know a Pharisee. — A young man catechized by our Savior. — St. Paul once a Pharisee. — Proof. — Customs among the Catholics. — Practices of many Protestants. — Mistaken views upon religion. — Views concerning Satan. — Satan versus Cotton Mather. — Professor Stuart's views concerning the devil. — Periodical revivals of religion; the cause. — How to have a constant revival. 165 CHAPTER XVII. BANISHMENT OF POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS. How shall it be effected? — The proper use of our reasoning faculties. — The exercise of our understandings. — Persevering self-discipline. — Conduct towards believers in ghosts, signs, &c. — Misconduct in families; trying tricks, &c. — How we should employ our time. — Belief in an all-wise Providence, as Governor and Controller of all events. — Importance of a correct education of youth. — Nursery tales and marvellous stories. — Their baneful influence. — Correct examples before children. — Superstitious tales to be avoided. — Attention to the means of education. — Immense value and importance of knowledge. — No lack of means to educate the young. — Money foolishly wasted in various ways. — Perseverance in laudable exertions. — The blessing of Heaven to crown our labors. 185   PART SECOND. MIRACLE IN SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS. Miracle performed by spirits in Springfield, Massachusetts. — Case of biological deception. — Case of a "writing medium." — Effects produced by pathetism. — Incident related by Miss Martineau. — Travelling to other countries, and to other spheres. — Singular feat by a boy of Dr. Phelps. — Wonderful case of a lady in New Jersey. — Advice of Hon. Horace Greely. — Testimony of Rev. Dr. Phelps. 191 PERSONS TRAINED BY A LECTURER ON MAGNETISM. 199 SCENE AT EAST BOSTON. "Circle" at the house of Mr. Hoyt, at East Boston. — Effects of vital electricity. — Imitating handwritings, writing poetry, music, &c. 200 EXTRACT FROM THE PURITAN RECORDER. Facts related by a gentleman of Maine. — Renunciation of a spirit rapper. — Murder committed at the instigation of "spirits." — Conflicting testimony concerning John Thompson. — Experiments of Mr. Kellogg, the table lifter. — Discovery by Dr. Taylor, the writing medium. — Renunciation of Mr. Cooley, of Springfield, Massachusetts. — Attempt to murder a family in Barre, Massachusetts. — Sacrifice of the innocent in heathen countries. — Great danger in civilized communities. — Reports concerning the burning of the Lunatic Asylum in Maine. — Testimony of Professor Stowe. — Reply of Bingham to Professor Pond. — Singular confessions of the reviewer. — Intelligence said to be communicated by "spirits." — Vital electricity of embodied and disembodied spirits. 203 EXTRACT FROM THE HOME JOURNAL. Star singers, concerts, parties, and lectures in the other spheres. — Studies of French, Italian, geology, chemistry, drawing, &c. — Semi-clergymen, outsiders, or come-outers. 215 FORETELLING FUTURE EVENTS. Prediction concerning the ship Staffordshire. — General Pierce's election foretold by Professor Anderson's glass bell. — False predictions of the "spirits." — Error committed by Professor Lester. — Suggestion of a lady to a sick friend. — Sentiments of Alexander Pope.