[Editorial Note: The following is a representative example of Cora Hatch's early success. There were, however, considerable risks in her profession. On at least one occasion, anti-Spiritualists "packed" the committee that chose her topic. The result was a fiasco. It occured in Lynn, just weeks after her triumph in Cambridgeport recounted below.
P. 5: Mrs. Cora L. V. Hatch, the noted Trance Medium, lectured in Cambridgeport, at Washington Hall, Sunday afternoon and evening, Nov. 1st. The afternoon discourse was on the subject -- Autumn and its Suggestions. In the evening the subject was selected by a Committee chosen by the audience -- as follows: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest. Eccles. 9, 10.1
The subject was finely and ably treated, the text taken literally, the point turned that truly there was no knowledge, device, nor wisdom in the grave -- but beyond, whither the spirit of man goeth, and not his body. After the lecture, Professor Felton [Corneilius Conway Felton, Elliott Professor of Greek Literature, Harvard University, one of those to speak out publicly against Spiritualism] arose and made some remarks nearly as follows:
"It is well known I have no confidence in the spiritual idea; I have written against it and talked against it. The discourse which I have listened this evening is most truly a Christian one, and sets forth in the most beautiful and sublime manner the teachings of our holy religion. I cannot recognize it as a fact that Webster will come through a medium and utter language such as I have heard reputed [sic] to him. I cannot believe that Isaac Newton would come through a medium and be unable to spell his name properly. If I were Isaac Newton I would communicate through that medium, (here pointing directly to Mrs. Hatch.) I would be happy to see you go about the world disseminating the beautiful doctrine advanced tonight."
He seemed much affected, and evidently the lecture made some forcible impression upon his mind.