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A RELIGION NOT OF GOD

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Feb 1, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 5.

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A RELIGION NOT OF GOD.

By E. L. Neff

BY E. L. NEFF.

What Spiritualists Teach.

RECENTLY the Spiritualists held a state convention in San Antonio, Texas. Among other resolutions passed we note one especially, which reads as follows:
Resolved, That the spiritual world is a natural world surrounding this earth, and is more beautiful than can be described, and is the inheritance of freed human souls. The lower realms are the homes of those who have not formed their lives for good; in the higher realms human souls evolve to a greater magnificence of wisdom, love, and power than can be conceived of here, ministering hosts return to earth to watch over and teach mortals a better mode of life.
As we read this resolution we could not help thinking how directly this was opposed to the teaching of God's Word. We read in God's Word that "In death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks." Ps. 6:5. And again we find that "The dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun."
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10.
It would seem from the resolution that the "departed souls" know more than those who are living, yet it is plainly declared by the Lord that their memory is forgotten. It is only a choice between the teaching of God and man.
The statement was also made in one of their lectures that "Spiritualism has always been in existence." I do not know as it has always been in existence, but we do know that it is quite old; for we know that it was working in the days of Saul, a record of which is found in 1 Samuel 28, when he went to the witch who lived at Endor to have her bring up Samuel. We also know that it was not from God, for God had forsaken Saul, and he turned to this woman because God refused to answer him.
It is always safe for us to follow the teachings of God's Word, whether the teachings of men agree with it or not. We can see that the work which is to be done from this source is rapidly being accomplished. Our only safety is in staying close to God.
San Antonio, Texas.