Proofs of Immortality: Spiritualism
By F. C. Andreu
[From the Springfield Daily Republican]
# Proofs of Immortality.—“Spiritualism.” To the Editors of the Republican: PERMIT me, through your paper, to make public the following account of some very extraordinary occurrences which happened to me personally during the week passed. Before commencing my narrative, let me say that I do not come before the public from love of notoriety, nor because I am ever fond of ridicule, but because, knowing what I state to be true, I am willing to take up my cross for the sake of truth, and avow the facts without fear or favor. On Monday last, Sept. 25, I called after tea at the house of my friend, Rufus Elmer, for the purpose of returning a book I had borrowed. Unexpectedly, I met there D. D. Hume, the “medium,” who had just arrived from Boston. After conversing an hour or two, Mr. Elmer having to leave on the morrow on business, proposed a “circle” that evening. We accordingly sat down—Mr. E.'s family, Mr. Hume and myself being the only ones present. The occurrences, though very extraordinary, were similar to those already published, consisting of rappings and all manner of tippings, &c. We were all touched by unseen hands, (the room being well lighted with gas,) a large bell was passed into our hands, &c. These things were not new to me, and are not to the public. I will therefore pass them by. Knowing that still more extraordinary “manifestations” at times occurred to Mr. Hume during the night, I incidentally mentioned that I would like to witness some of them. They urged me to stay and spend the night, and I did so. After leisurely undressing, putting the light out and retiring, Hume said to me, “Now let's wish for them.” Whether wishing helped the matter or not, we soon began to hear faint raps, which rapidly increased in power and number, till the walls, floor and bedstead seemed teeming with life. They came like a shower. Soon came other noises, and then the bed began to move across the floor. This seemed rather dangerous locomotion. It was the only thing that gave me any uneasiness. Having before witnessed so many wonders, I was not at all frightened. Hume seemed more scared than I, holding on to me with both hands, and begging with all his might that the bedstead should be stopped. They complied with his request, only to come in a more tangible form. Soon I began to feel some one stepping on my feet and ankles, over the bed-clothes, but with a pressure different from that produced by any hard substance. Directly after came a hand on my head and forehead, as much like flesh and blood as any I ever felt, only somewhat cold. I began to ask questions, the fingers patting me on my forehead in answer. Several hands, touching me at the same time, claimed to be those of relatives of mine. Of this I have nothing to say. I merely state the facts as they occurred. A strong hand claiming to be my grandfather, I asked, how am I to know that this is my grandfather? The hand moved from my forehead to my temple, over my eyebrow and eye, and then passed down over my face—the fingers patting me in the most gentle manner possible. At another time, at my request, they patted my forehead with such force that the sound could be heard, I am confident, in any part of the room. I would like to state more and fuller particulars of what occurred, but my space does not allow me. I wish, before I close, to add a few words, though I regret occupying so much room. To religious minds (strangely the most skeptical in this matter,) I have this to say: By what process of reasoning can you bring yourselves to disbelieve my testimony of what I know and have seen, and to believe the testimony of what John, Peter or Paul saw? I speak with all reverence—I doubt not their testimony; on the contrary I believe it more than ever. But I know of no reason (my veracity being unimpeached) why my testimony of what I know and see is not as good as that of any other man living or dead. And there are thousands who know these to be so, as well as I. To our wise men, whose hobby is scientific investigation, I would say: Of what use is it for those who have gone through what I have, to read Dr. Dodd's book, Dr. Rogers' theory, to marvel over Prof. Faraday's discoveries? (He proved that when he pushed, he pushed!) Or how often shall we listen to the humbugs who lecture to hundred dollar houses, and where may be seen delighted groups of gentlemen with less than half a dozen capital D's and L's attached to their names? Messrs. Editors—during the past week I have witnessed many “manifestations” (I do not like the word) as wonderful and more intelligible than those I have related. Others did the same. I may write you an account of them in a future article, if you68think best. To me it is immaterial. I know what I have written, and the public will have to “acknowledge the corn” sooner or later. It is but a question of time.