Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 4

My father's standing with the clergy was not improved by his belief in the reality of the so-called spiritual manifestations—i. e., in proofs of the future existence not resting solely on human aspiration or on the Bible. Some hints have already been given of his attitude towards¹ these phenomena, and little need be added here. A letter written in 1871 well portrays it:

In reply to your letter, inquiring what are my views of² Spiritualism, I will state for your private information that, after long and close investigation of the subject, I have had sufficient evidence, again and again, to convince me that it is more or less practicable for those who have left the body to hold communion with relatives and friends still in the flesh, and to make known their presence by signs and tokens in the shape of what are called “manifestations.” I believe that this has been true in all ages and in all countries of the world, but only to a limited extent; whereas, in our own times, mediumship is multiplied indefinitely, and the number of believers in direct communication with the departed may be safely reckoned as legion, embracing persons of all ranks and conditions, from the most cultivated and refined to the most rude and ignorant. The Old and New Testaments abound with analogous manifestations; and these we are taught from childhood to regard as unquestionable, simply because they are recorded in that particular volume—for there are no living witnesses to authenticate any of them. And it is a noticeable fact, that those who are the most credulous in regard to ancient spirit intercourse, are the most sceptical in regard to similar intercourse in their own day, though the latter is vouched for by multitudes of living and reliable witnesses.

Personally, I give very little time or attention to this matter, needing no further evidence, and having had my curiosity fully gratified. There is no reason why you should not investigate it, exercising all possible caution, and receiving nothing as true that does not commend itself to your reason and judgment. There are many weak-minded and deluded Spiritualists, who are easily imposed upon by unprincipled “mediums,” and who foolishly waste a great deal of time in gratifying a morbid love for the marvellous; and the greater proportion of spiritliterature is utterly worthless. But this is no more to the³ disparagement of Spiritualism itself than the follies and extravagances