TESTIMONY VERIFIED by Merritt E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 5, 1872

TESTIMONY VERIFIED

By Merritt E. Cornell

Spiritualism.

TESTIMONY VERIFIED.

In the supplement to Experience and Views, by Ellen G. White, p. 5, we find the following testimony:—

“I saw the rapping delusion—what progress it was making, and if it were possible it would deceive the very elect. Satan will have power to bring the appearance of forms before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that now sleep in Jesus. It will be made to appear as though they were present, the words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will be spoken, and the same tone of voice which they had while living will fall upon the ear.”

This view was given in 1850; and it is now our privilege, in watching the signs of the times, to note the fulfillment of this prophecy.

In the Banner of Light, of Jan. 6, 1872, under the general head of “Spiritual Phenomena,” and the sub-head, “Spirits Visible to All,” we find the following:—

“Dear Banner—Doubtless your readers will be pleased to learn of a new development, through one of our oldest mediums, Dr. H. C. Gordon, who is residing in New York, which occurs both day and night when conditions are harmonious. These manifestations to which I refer are the presentation of shadows and forms, life size, and are recognized as the departed loved of those who had been present. These forms require no cabinet, but are close beside the medium, sometimes reclining on his shoulder, at others holding his hand and moving about his parlors in the presence of the circle. They are seen to smile and nod when recognized, and on two occasions have spoken. The doctor has been extremely ill, during the time in which these developments have taken place, and, as I have been his constant attendant, I have witnessed the appearing of these beautiful forms. I feel that those interested in this subject would be greatly pleased to know of these wonderful developments. On one occasion the husband and daughter of a lady present were recognized, which afforded them unspeakable joy. The husband of another lady has manifested quite frequently, to her entire identification. Her sister, a young lady, has frequently appeared floating about the rooms some distance from the medium.”

“On Saturday, Dec. 9, a number of friends called on the doctor to make some inquiries concerning his beautiful gift, when he was influenced, and, in an entranced state, gave them a beautiful test by announcing their friends as present, who presented themselves as tangibly as if in the mortal form. All present beheld these manifestations alike.”

We learn from the papers that many new phases of spiritual phenomena have been manifested within a few months. And the spirits everywhere declare that in a short time greater wonders will be seen, and great changes will take place. And this is entitled to credit, because they have truly (and this is about all the truth they have given us) prophesied their own advancement. Each succeeding wonder has been heralded by them in advance. From the same paper quoted above, we learn that it is making rapid strides in England.

John Chapman, of Liverpool, writes:—

“Spiritualism is attracting attention in Liverpool. Mediums are being developed, and table-tipping is practiced in a great many families in the town. About fifty circles are held every Sunday night. Preachers are getting alarmed. The Rev. J. Jones has preached and published a sermon against spiritualism, calling it the ‘work of demons.’ The first sentence in his sermon says, ‘Spiritualism is coming to the front in the town of Liverpool, as in other places, and the ministers of religion had better deal with it in time; for they assuredly will have to deal with it ultimately.’”

“We see from the Banner that we are a long way behind the Americans in spiritualism, but some of us are looking forward to the time when (as a spirit said through a medium last Sunday night) ‘Spiritualism would so far advance that ministers would give place to mediums who would take their pulpits.’”

Fifty circles every Sunday night in Liverpool and the clergy wake up, and conclude it is best to deal with it in time! Too late, Mr. Jones; they have slept over this matter too long. The spirits have already taken the liberty to perform in the most popular pulpit in America. Babylon is fallen, and is fast becoming a hold of foul spirits. Satan has come down with great power, and the mighty tide of “strong delusion” is sweeping the world. By an earnest effort a few only can be saved from the awful deception.

Mrs. M. S. Townsend Hoadley, writes from Lynn, Mass.

“I am again in Lynn, speaking to crowded houses, many going away evenings for want of room; and while speaking to these people, under the inspirations that give me utterance, I seem to see the great tide of progressive force that is rolling over the world, carrying before it the rubbish of Old Theology, as manifested in government, the religious and social world. A glorious tribute was paid by the controlling spirit, yesterday, to Mrs. V. C. Woodhull, as an instrument in the hands of those whose determination is to raise humanity from their present degradation with truth and love. Also, thanking God that the spirits were recognized in Beecher’s church, as they would be in Chapin’s and all others, until the teachers of Christ’s love would acknowledge the truths of spiritualism as revealed in the Bible, as well as otherwise.”—Banner, Jan. 6, 1872.

It seems that the spirits propose to raise humanity from their present degradation, through the notorious Mrs. V. C. Woodhull, by “truth and love.”

It will be important to inquire what sort of love Mrs. Woodhull proposes to exercise in the exaltation of mankind.

The N. Y. Herald reports Mrs. Woodhull as follows:—

“Yes! I am a free lover! I believe I have an inalienable right to change my husband every day if I like. I trust I am understood, for I mean what I say and nothing else. I claim that freedom means to be free.”

When these sentiments were uttered in New York City, Mr. Theo. Tilton introduced the speaker to the audience, saying that he considered it the “noblest act of his life.”

Judge Tilden of Cleveland, Ohio, and the Reporter, inquired of Mrs. Woodhull if the Herald reported her correctly, and she replied, “Yes, I said those words, and I meant what I said.”

The following report of Mrs. Woodhull in Cleveland, is found in the Banner of Light of Dec. 16, 1871.

HENRY WARD BEECHER’S INDORSEMENT.

Mr. Parsons. “Rumor has it that you read your lecture on ‘Social Freedom’ to Mr. Beecher, prior to its delivery. Is that so?”

Mrs. Woodhull. “Yes it is true. For once, Madam Rumor is truthful. Mr. Beecher read it, and he said to me, ‘Mrs. Woodhull, that is a high-toned address, and would reflect credit on any pulpit in the land; deliver it; I will stand by you to the end.’”

Mr. Parsons. “Good!”

Judge Tilden. “Well—well; that is grand.”

Mr. Armstrong. (Who up to this time had been a silent listener, opened his eyes very wide.) “Mr. Beecher is a good man.”

Reporter. “I wish I could go to Plymouth Church once in a while.”

Mrs. Woodhull. (Looking at him smilingly.) “You would enjoy it, my young friend.”

The popular indorsement of the sentiments of this noted spiritualist and free lover, is a significant sign of the times. Truly, the harvest of the earth is ripening up fast, and wicked spirits in high places are now to be wrestled against.

Mr. Beecher seeks popularity, and he is sharp enough to see that spiritualism is destined to take the “kings of the earth and the whole world.” And so he indorses it in advance. Truly these are solemn times, and it behoves all now to shake off indifference, and come up to the “help of the Lord against the mighty.”

M. E. Cornell.

San Francisco, Jan. 28.