WHAT IS IT TO BE A SPIRITUALIST?
THIS question admits of a definite answer. A Spiritualist is one who cherishes the principles of Spiritualism, and who acts in accordance with those principles. The leading tenet of Spiritualism is the doctrine that the dead may be called up to converse with the living. That practice which distinguishes the Spiritualists from all others, is the invocation of the dead. Other things indeed hardly second to these as distinctive features of Spiritualism, should be named. Thus they deny the inspiration of the Scriptures, the existence of sin, the need of salvation through Christ, the forgiveness of sin, the future Judgment, the personal advent of Christ, and the resurrection of mankind. Even the God of the Bible, according to their teaching, is only a deified dead man. These are the distinguishing features of the system of Spiritualism, if we understand its advocates aright. Of course, at the foundation of the system lies the doctrine that man has an immortal nature, and that no being is lord over him. A spirit medium is one who not only cherishes these ideas, but converses with familiar spirits that profess to be the spirits of the dead. Such being the truth in respect to the people called Spiritualists, and the doctrines which they cherish, what shall we say of those persons who charge Sr. White with being a spirit medium? Her writings have been before the public for many years. She has spoken in the most explicit manner on all these points. No person has borne a more pointed testimony touching all the doctrines and practices of Spiritualism than herself. Indeed, every feature of the system, from foundation to top-stone, and every principle of conduct peculiar to that people has many times received her most sweeping condemnation. What then is there to justify the charge that Sr. White is a spirit medium? Simply this: that she believes what Joel has said relative to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, and that it is possible for visions to be given, by the Spirit of God. And thus sometimes when God is sought in deep abasement of soul his hand suddenly rests upon her. Are those Spiritualists who receive the blessings promised in Joel ii, 28, 29? Were the daughters of Philip Spiritualists? Acts xxi, 9. Do not spiritual gifts belong in the church till the end? 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, 8-13. Does not the spirit of prophecy pertain to the church205in the last days as they vindicate the commandments of God, long trodden down by the papal power? Rev. ii, 17; xiv, 12; xix, 10. Because the spirits of devils are to work miracles and to teach doctrines of devils, is there no room left for the Holy Spirit to exercise its own prerogative in speaking to men?