Spiritualism by S. S. Brewer

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 30, 1866

Spiritualism.

By S. S. Brewer

REV. T. L. CUYLER, of New York city, speaks of the low state of vital religion, and the almost utter absence of converting power, and adds:

“Perhaps it is not too much to say that during the last year more souls have gone into eternity, and fewer have gone into the Church of Christ, than in any year our country has seen.” This does not look well, coming from one of the ‘pillars of the church.’ What is the cause of the absence of ‘converting power?’ Is it because there is a lack of faith in the churches of the present day, that they fail to progress? We fear such is the fact. People who feel that they need vital religion, enter the ranks of Spiritualism.”

Please mark the above candid admission of this very popular and far-famed preacher, as we shall have somewhat to say on the subject of Spiritualism or animalism hereafter. “People who feel they need vital religion, enter the ranks of Spiritualism.”

Whatever may be the feelings of Christians upon this much deplored state of the churches in America, it is a fact that previous to 1843, Evangelists were holding protracted meetings of days, weeks, and in some instances months. Scores, hundreds and thousands were professing to receive forgiveness of their sins, and the pardoning love of God. I have been engaged in a great many efforts to save my fellow mortals from death, and seen some hundreds happily converted and reformed in life and conduct: but the unchristian opposition, and I am very sorry to say, in some instances, ridicule and scoffing at the Scriptural doctrine of Christ’s second coming, believed by hundreds of honest, sincere, and devoted followers of our Divine Lord and Master, has caused much backsliding of heart, I fear in a great many instances. And it is a strange co-incidence, that about that time, or soon after, the soul-destroying church fairs, festivals, and pic-nics were introduced, and the painful result, alas! is now too visibly manifest; and Satan, who is ever on the alert, stands ready, and taking the advantage of this sad state of things, transforms his ministers into angels of light, and fitting them for the way already prepared, sends them forth like the frogs of Egypt, croaking and depositing the spawn of infidelity and licentiousness throughout the length and breadth of the land; ignoring the Scriptures, and the institution of the marriage covenant, sowing the seeds of discord and strife, separating husbands and wives, and entailing infamy and disgrace upon multitudes of once happy and respected citizens.—S. S. Brewer.