IS SPIRITUALISM DECLINING?
We frequently hear the opinion expressed, that Spiritualism cannot be doing much now; we seldom hear anything said about its progress, and it appears to be on the decline. We live in a sensational age. The most wonderful things receive but a brief notice, and seem quickly to lose their interest. “Some new thing,” is the prevailing passion. But Spiritualism is not waning. The Banner of Light, Boston, gives the address of over two hundred lecturers, which is far from embracing all who are laboring to advance that cause. But the following extract from a letter of Mr. W. F. Jamieson, from Belvidere, Ill., reveals why we do not hear of all of the advances of Spiritualism; and it is interesting also, as showing the favor it is fast finding where we have expected, from the words of the prophets, to see it make its greatest conquests—in the churches. This is a noteworthy sign of the times. “Six months ago, a few friends of Spiritualism sent for me to debate with Rev. Dr. Eddy, Baptist clergyman. As he was not at that time prepared to deliver his lecture against Spiritualism, the friends engaged me to locate. I have been informed that the Doctor, upon further investigation of Spiritualism, concluded that there is not enough difference between the Spiritualists and himself to discuss! He certainly is very liberal in his views. Where is all this liberalism of the age to end? Can the churches retain it? Spiritualism with a Unitarian, Universalist, or even Baptist name, is not repulsive to church-goers. There is a great deal in a name. The history of Spiritualism proves it. There are people in Belvidere, moving in fashionable, Orthodox society, who have mediums for astounding physical manifestations in their own families. They enjoy the privilege of spirit-communion, without incurring the odium of ‘associating with Spiritualists.’ Orthodoxy in Belvidere, or anywhere else, without invitingly cushioned pews, soul-enrapturing music, gorgeous architecture, would not be as popular as Spiritualism.”