Spirit Pictures by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 21, 1874

Spirit Pictures.

By Uriah Smith

In number 2, present volume, we spoke of a number of spirit photographs which had been presented to this Office. The artist we learn has abandoned that method of taking pictures, and now under “spirit control” draws them with a pencil. We have just been shown some specimens of the latter kind. They consist of large sheets on which are grouped a number of principal portraits, around which are smaller ones, while into every available space, the drapery, the hair, and even the iris of the eyes are worked innumerable faces, of all forms and features. Some of these are recognized by certain ones, as fair likenesses of their friends who have departed this life. From two to five hours are employed in working up a large picture as above described. And considering the time, and the means employed, they are well executed. We have no hesitation in saying that they are such as we think no one could produce in that time in his normal condition.

With many, the proof that there is some invisible, or preternatural, intelligence at work in the phenomena of spiritualism is sufficient to satisfy them that all that spiritualism claims for itself is true. This might be a consistent conclusion, did not God’s word reveal to us the fact that there is in the invisible world a class of wicked intelligences whose work and object is by fraud to deceive, and by deception to ruin, us, and that in the last days they were to work with unwonted power. Every new development but confirms our views in this matter. We still believe, as we have for years believed, that we are to see more wonderful manifestations in this direction than anything which has yet appeared.

The present is a testing time with the world. Old forms and systems and theologies are to be tried, broken up, and sifted, and new assimilations and combinations are to be formed. There is a truth abroad in the world that is able to sanctify and save; and following hard after it comes a huge system of deceivableness and unrighteousness that is destined to draw under its influence every one in whose heart the truth for this time is not received and obeyed from an appreciation of its value, and love for its principles.

U. S.