DESCRIPTION
Published in 1859 | 106 pages | PDF reader required
INTRODUCTION
The causes which lead me to compose and publish this work are these: When nearly eighteen years old, my friend, Cyrus S. Greenleaf, of Cross Anchor, S. C, presented me a copy of the American Phrenological Journal, with a request to become a subscriber. On perusing its colums, I found many truths plainly demonstrated, which I had often thought to be rational, but I had been debarred from a thorough investigation by sectarian prejudice. I immediately subscribed, and in a few months a new world of thought shone in upon me. I procured the works of George Combe, and others published by Fowler & Wells, and soon determined to attend a course of lectures on Phrenology, to be delivered in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., by the Messrs. Fowler. But on arriving in New York City, I learned that the course of lectures would not be delivered. I then entered the New York Hydropathic College, and remained more than a year in attendance on a course of instruction in that institution. About this time Spiritualism was frequently discussed in the parlors, which led me to some thoughts on that subject.
My first Sunday morning in the great metropolis was spent in roving up and down Broadway to gratify my curiosity; and my readers can easily imagine the appearance I made. When nearly exhausted from fatigue, I espied a sign with this inscription: "Egyptian Museum," and several persons passing in and out of the room indicated by the sign. I entered, and beheld what I never did before. It was a man entranced, and uttering, in eloquent strains, the most sublime ideas I ever heard. I learned that this was the Spiritualists' meeting room, and from that time I became a constant attendant. In this room, Tiffany, Davis, Miss Emma Hardinge, and others, expounded the most sublime, truthful, and profound Philosophy that has ever been offered to the world.
It recalled to my mind the pleasant idea which I had formed of Aristotle's Lyceum—where ideas were entertained and exchanged as free as the gentle zephyrs moving among the garlands and evergreens, and as pleasingly as the silvery rivulet dashes its sparkling spray, in gentle accents, against the sandy beach.
I visited mediums, and witnessed tests; procured Spiritual literature, and found it consistent and philosophical. On my return home I related my experience and expounded my philosophy to many of my friends; but the preachers were suddenly convulsed, and shook their congregations from centre to circumference with vehement creaks of warning,—telling them not to listen to such devilisms.
About this time there was considerable talk and some excitement relative to the works of Elder Graves and Parson Brownlow, which led me to think of the practicability of a work to be entitled "Review of Ideas Afloat."
I wrote several chapters of this work; but owing to the pressure of my professional engagements, and to my having made arrangements to visit Cincinnati for the purpose of further pursuing my medical studies, I was forced to abandon its completion and publication.
While in Cincinnati, I found that Spiritualism was on the increase, and witnessed more tests of its facts. In my tour homewards I made a short stay in New York, and found that Spiritualism had rapidly advanced. The abuses which I received from the pulpit on arriving at home, induced me to publish an Essay on Sectarianism, by which I hoped to effect a quietus. But what was my surprise to find the secular papers shutting their advertising columns against me! I was denied the liberty of advertising in their columns. On soliciting the editors of the "Spartansburg Express" to advertise it, they replied " We cannot, consistent with our notions of duty and the responsibility of our position, agree to advertise your work."
Thus perceiving the bigotry and depravity which mentally reigned through our country, I thought it my duty to compose and publish this work. It is a lamentable fact, but it is true, that there is but one liberal press in South Carolina, and that one is the "Walhalla Banner;" and its worthy editor, Joel H. Clayton, deserves the respect and patronage of those who are, and those who would be mentally free. I think the argument presented in this work cannot be successfully refuted; if it can, I hope it will be, for none hate error more than I do. I appeal to the liberal public to sustain me in my endeavors,— for I know I shall receive the anathemas and denunciations of the bigoted and popular.
D. L. D.