Spiritualism—Inquiries.
By Editor
THE following letter comes to us, dated at a public office in Springfield, Ill.:— "DEAR SIR: I inclose 20 cents, for which please send me a copy of 'Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism.' I wish the book for friends who have embraced the so-called philosophy. As for me, I have not yet thrown the Bible overboard; I cannot, therefore, say that I am a Spiritualist. I cannot, however, ignore the fact of some wonderful manifestations I have seen through mediums. During this time three questions have repeatedly presented themselves to my mind, namely: Cannot Spiritualism be consistent with the teachings of the Bible? If not, will not all this phenomena sooner or later be explained, with the aid of science, by the laws of nature? Or, if neither, whether there is not a veritable devil, and that it is he who is exercising this (deceiving) power on earth? "Yours most truly, ————." 1. Spiritualism cannot be harmonized with the teachings of the Bible. It is not without reason that Spiritualists have tried to destroy the force of the truths of the Bible. They well know that there is an "irrepressible conflict" between it and their teachings. 2. The phenomena cannot be explained by science or on natural principles. Dr. Hare undertook to expose or to explain it, and it defeated him. Dr. Crooke, of England, was compelled to acknowledge his defeat. That there is a great deal of fraud practiced by professed mediums we have not a doubt; and this aids the deception by putting people off their guard. Many, like yourself, have witnessed "wonderful manifestations;" and we know there is a power in it which is not according to natural law, and which is beyond the ken of science. 3. The only possible explanation which will cover it in all its phases, is that given in the Bible: "They are the spirits of devils working miracles;" or properly, demons, for the term devil is only in the singular in the Scriptures. Satan, or the devil, is the leader of the fallen angels or demons. It is written that in the last days Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders." They who read the evidences presented in the pamphlet, "Modern Spiritualism," must deny the teachings and the practices of Spiritualists themselves, as well as the Bible, or confess that what we say is correct.