p. 4 | His Basis of Faith

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 12, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 36.

His Basis of Faith

But the point they take for granted, that since some intelligence does return it must be that of human beings, is the one point above all others that those who are attracted to Spiritualism should demand clear, absolute proof of. Evidence of the senses is by many considered sufficient. And yet every thinker knows that nothing is often more deceiving than appearances. To take a familiar instance, the sun appears to circle the earth, and only by an understanding of the science of astronomy can we be convinced of the contrary.

To make the case clearer, let us illustrate with an imaginary instance, which, however, has had its counterpart in the experiences of many. You and your mother, let us suppose, have been the closest of companions for a lifetime. You have had numberless confidences in which no third party has ever been admitted, and about which no one else knows a syllable. You are naturally curious concerning the next life; and when you talk over its mysteries with your mother, you and she enter into secret compact of sixfold nature, the climax and testing point of which shall be her manifestation in flesh as in life, and a conversation concerning certain secret specified subjects. Upon her deathbed she calls you to her side and promises you that if she can she will fulfil the agreement in every detail.