"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [Private Circles,] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." 2 Pet. ii, 1.
"When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." 1 Thess. v, 3.
"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit," &c. Chap. xviii, 2.
"Whose [Christ's] coming is after [immediately following] the working of satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders." 2 Thess. ii, 9.
"And shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt xxiv, 24.
It has been said that the church [Rev. xviii, 2.] could not be the hold of every foul spirit &c. because the spirit manifestations were not especially connected with the church but were chiefly located among other classes; but if any one doubts that the church is becoming such, let them notice the daily increasing instances where not only professors, but ministers of the different churches have yielded their former prejudices and embraced the spiritual teachings. It is natural that it should be so. The popular theology consisting of some of the most artful fables which the enemy of all truth could devise, has completely paved the way for this last great work of deception. Artfully has he laid his plans and as artfully is he accomplishing them. For the church, with her present unscriptural theology in regard to the state of the dead, and the question of immortality, to stand firm against these manifestations of spirits, would be as unnatural as for water to refuse to flow through a channel already dug. For testimony to show the progress and development of this work, we quote from the Spiritual Telegraph as being the most reliable source of information. The following extracts show how this subject is beginning to take hold on the community. Especially important is Judge Edmonds' report, given at the New York Conference of Spiritualists.
REV. F. S. KING, of Boston, Mass., recently made honorable mention of Emanuel Swedenborg in his sermon; and it is known that not only he, but several Unitarian clergymen in this vicinity, and some of other denominations are strongly disposed to a more spiritual faith, and frequently make full mention of the reality of spiritual communications to their hearers.
NEW YORK CONFERENCE.—At the Conference of Spiritualists in Dodworth Academy, Tuesday evening, April 25th,
Judge Edmonds remarked that ever since his return from the West, he had been desirous of coming here and giving an account of his journey in connection with Dr. Dexter, but had been prevented from so doing until now; he did not come now to give a full account, but rather to apologize. During their journey he had addressed 20,000 persons; had a great many chances of learning the state of Spiritualism; saw many mediums, and from what they saw and heard, gathered vast encouragement for the cause. Mentioned some facts; found the churches depopulated, forsaken by priest and people; found many religious denominations from whom the members were deserting in great numbers. In one instance the Judge was called upon by a clergyman who wished some light on spiritual subjects. He was referred to the book called "Spiritualism." While they were conversing two persons came in. The clergyman seemed agitated, but shook hands with them and immediately left. The Judge learned that these were two members of a church of twenty-seven who had deserted in masse, and gone over to Spiritualism. The belief in Spiritualism had worked marvels. The jury-box, the legislative halls, and even the ballot-box had been controlled by Spiritualists. The farmers were affected by it in great numbers. They made no parade about it. The speaker would give more particulars on the next evening. One incident which frequently happened to them in connection with the presentation of the memorial, was to refer their communications to the committee on post-roads. This was not so much out of the way as some would think. The Judge himself had received information, through spiritual sources, of the sickness or health of his family and friends. We had every thing to encourage us, from what had been seen. The cause was spreading, in a manner which it was not in the power of man to stop. Minds were engaged in it who could make themselves felt. Some Spiritualists were uneasy on account of the persecution poured upon them; but they were too numerous for the stake, the gallows, or the lunatic asylums to dispose of.
Dr. Dexter related the case of the interposition of Spirits in the treatment of disease—a case where a man had lost two fingers by an accident. The doctor thought the fingers could not be restored, but the Spirits directed that they should be bandaged on. These directions were complied with, and time proved their efficacy. The fingers, which had been entirely severed, having become joined in such a manner that, after the elapse of several months, scarcely a scar or mark was visible to distinguish them from the others.
Judge Edmonds alluded to the memorial to Congress, and said he had not signed it because he thought Congress had nothing to do with it. Suppose Congress should report against it, would it make any difference with us? We can investigate for ourselves, without the aid of members of Congress. Spoke of the objection that had been made to Spiritualism on account of the fact that speaking mediums always spoke in their own language. A Spirit had spoken to him in Spanish through two mediums, young ladies, who knew nothing at all of Spanish. His own knowledge of the language was so imperfect that he was obliged frequently to have recourse to the dictionary to understand all that was said. Facts were referred to by the Spirit which were not in the minds of any present, and a name in Spanish was given which the mediums knew nothing of.