Modern Spiritualism by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1879

Modern Spiritualism.

By Editor

(Concluded.)

THE RELIGION OF REASON—THE CONSUMMATION.

It has long been the custom with those who deny the word of God to make their boast of Reason, and to condemn the Bible as cramping the powers of the mind. So common has this become with the advocates of Spiritualism, that we think it would be serving the cause of truth to briefly notice the fallacies and unreasonableness of such a profession.

First, we would correct a wrong impression which has obtained with many of the opponents of revelation, namely, that reason, as a guide, is accepted as a substitute for the Bible. We do not accept the Bible as a substitute for reason, nor do they accept reason as a substitute for the Bible, though they may suppose they do. But in so supposing, they forget the office of reason.

Reason is not evidence; but reason examines and accepts or rejects the testimony offered. But without evidence reason cannot be exercised; therefore, the real controversy is between the testimony of the Bible and some other testimony. Said Hume: "A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence;" which is true. But a man cannot proportion his belief to reason independent of evidence; for reason cannot induce belief without evidence, nor hinder it where evidence exists. If we have no evidence, we need no reason; for reason cannot act without it. A case may be in court, and twelve able jurists selected as jurors; would any sane man think of submitting the case to them for a decision without their hearing the testimony, because the jury were men of exalted and enlightened reason? Without any evidence being presented, we might as well depend on a jury of twelve idiots. There is, beyond a doubt, much presumption that is called trust, and much fanaticism that is called faith, among the professed believers in the Bible; but we think we may safely appeal to the readers of these pages to decide whether the believers in the Bible are guided less by reason than those who trust in the communications of the spirits. So far as our observation and research extend, we have found Spiritualists the most credulous and easily duped. Mr. Daniels, in his work on Spiritualism, says:—

"Mr. Partridge, of the Telegraph, informed the writer that the greatest obstacle to the progress of Spiritualism was the implicit confidence which many persons religiously inclined were wont to repose in all the spirits say."

Also we refer the reader to the evidences which have been presented on "mediumship," which show that a passive state of the mind is cultivated, especially by those who seek to be mediums. The entire tendency of Spiritualism is to stifle reason, and to lead to an unqualified and unquestioning reception of the testimony of spirits, which they well know they cannot identify.

We do not receive the Bible as a substitute for reason; but we receive the testimony of the Bible as the best, the very highest, ground on which to reason. We do no violence to reason, when we say that some things are beyond its powers; they are questions of authority. And so all must regard them. The spirits inform Dr. Hare that there are seven spheres; that they are concentric, and lying between the earth and the orbit of the moon. (Spir. Sci. Dem., page 114.) The spirits also inform Judge Edmonds and A. J. Davis that there are seven spheres, but at a distance from this earth too great for the mind to conceive. While Joel Tiffany says that "Spiritualism demonstrates that Heaven is not a place, built somewhere in the universe for a particular class of men; but that it is in the soul of the individual. (Dis. with Mahan, p. 41.) These extravagances were not imbibed by a process of reasoning, but from the testimony of the spirits. Yet we often hear those who rely upon the contradictory statements of the spirits for all their knowledge of the future and the spheres, deride the believer in the Bible as a rejecter of reason!

Spiritualism has been treated as a religion; this may be correct, considering the term religion in its most comprehensive form. But the most prominent Spiritualists consider it but a form of Christianity, and denominate themselves Christian Spiritualists. This is a misnomer. The religion of Spiritualism is not the Christian religion, but directly opposed to it. We are not astonished that it professes to be the Christian religion; indeed, it would not fulfill the prophecy if it did not. For there could not be false christs and false prophets without a counterfeit of Christianity.

And some have greatly misjudged concerning the future work of Spiritualism; knowing that it tends to irreligion and anarchy, they cannot believe that its advocates will be intolerant in practice, or endeavor to put it up as a substitute for all other religious beliefs. But we have no confidence in the professions of those who are so manifestly led captive by Satan. Indeed, their true feelings and designs frequently "crop out," as in the following instances. The first is an extract from a lecture by L. Judd Pardee, a Spiritualist lecturer, reported in the Banner of Light:—

"If we are to have a new Theology, we must have a new State, the new church (ere long to rise) to be the mother of it. Church and State ought to be, in an essential reality everywhere they always have been, one. This ostensible separateness never struck deep. Every thinker knows what mutual and interactive help and play there practically is between them. Give us a pure, a divine, a rationally justified and a continuously inspired Church—and it must help keep pure and Heaven-helped the State."

We shall not be disappointed if such proves to be the world's millennium—Spiritualism as "the church," regulating and controlling the State.

The following is an extract from a letter from Detroit, Mich., to the Banner of Light, published May 12, 1866:—

"Let Spiritualists make their power known, and demand simple justice and fairness. Let them write to those publishers who offend, and tell them that these attacks and slurs upon Spiritualism and Spiritualists must cease—that they cannot permit our holg religion to be so reviled, and our feelings so trifled with."

But Spiritualism, in their estimation, is the only "religion" too holy to be spoken against, as they unceasingly revile all religion outside of their fraternity; and especially Christianity, the author of which they continually blaspheme.

This form of the great deception has been anticipated by the student of prophecy. Edward Bickersteth (England), in the introduction to Charlotte Elizabeth's work entitled, "Principalities and Powers," makes the following striking remark:—

"Looking at the signs of the times, and the long-neglected and unnatural denial of angelic ministration or spiritual influence, and at the express predictions of false christs and false prophets, who shall show signs and wonders, insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect, and that when men receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved, for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie, I can but think there is a painful prospect of a sudden recoil and religious revulsion from the present unbelief and misbelief, to an unnatural and undistinguishing credulity, when Antichrist shall appear in the latest form, with signs and lying wonders."

This was written in 1842, about five years before Spiritualism began its work in the State of New York.

The New York Independent gives an extract from the "Hulsean Lectures of Dr. Trench," under the appropriate title of "Modern Spiritualism, a profane parody of the dispensation of the Spirit." The quotation is prefaced with the remark that the lecturer "anticipates a future development of wickedness and danger to the world in the following striking and prophetic words. The lectures were delivered in 1845; and it has been reserved for our later years, and pre-eminently for our country, to supply the reality which they prefigured. When this is borne in mind, the term, 'prophetic,' which we have applied to his remarks, will hardly seem to any, extravagant. We quote from the Cambridge edition of the lectures, pp. 135-6:—"

"The hints in God's prophetic word we have, and the course of the mystery of iniquity as it is already working, seem to point to this: that as there has been an aping of the monarchy of the Father, in the absolute despotisms of the world, and an aping of the economy of the Son, as though he already sat visible on his throne, in its spiritual despotisms, and eminently in that of Rome; so there remains yet for the world, as the crowning delusion, a lying imitation of the kingdom and dispensation of the Spirit—such as in the lawless Communist sects of the middle ages, in the Familists of a later day, in the St. Simonians of our own, has attempted to come to the birth, though in each case the world was not ripe for it yet, and the thing was withdrawn for a time. Yet doubtless only for a time; to re-appear in an after hour—full of false freedom, full of the promise of bringing all things into one; making war on the family, as something which separates between man and man; breaking down and obliterating all distinctions, the distinctions between nation and nation, between the man and the woman, between the the flesh and the spirit, between the church and the world, between good and evil. . . .

"This adversary is not simply the wicked one, but the lawless one; and the mystery is not merely a 'mystery of iniquity,' but of lawlessness. Law, in all its manifestations, is that which he shall rage against, making hideous misapplication of that great truth, that where the Spirit, is there is liberty."

This is as perfect a picture of Spiritualism as could be drawn by one well acquainted with its teachings. So well do the Scriptures of truth point out and warn us of these dangers; and yet its converts are daily increasing among professed Christians and Christian ministers, who affect to find in it the very essence of the gospel.

The consummation of this work of iniquity and deception is given in the book of Revelation in a manner most intensely interesting. The awful threatening of Rev. 14 : 9-11, is based upon the facts connected with the two-horned beast and its working miracles to deceive. This message of warning is given immediately preceding the coming of the Son of man to reap the harvest of the earth, and it warns of the seven last plagues, in which is filled up the wrath of God. Chap. 15 : 1. These are all poured out after the priesthood of Christ has closed and probation has ended; hence they are said to be "poured out without mixture." Under the pouring out of the sixth plague, the nations are gathered to the battle of the great day of God Almighty, called the battle of Armageddon; and they are gathered under the deceptive influence of "three unclean spirits like frogs," which go out of the mouth of the dragon, or Paganism, the beast, or Papacy, and the false prophet, or Protestant Republicanism. They are explained as being the spirits of devils working miracles, thus showing again that Satan's great work of deception is in the last days. "For they are spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Rev. 16 : 13, 14.

This is yet future, as the plagues are poured out after probation is ended. For this reason some have supposed that the present of evil spirits is not the fulfillment of prophecy, as they go forth under the sixth plague. But under the sixth plague, they are seen going "out of the mouth" of these three great controlling powers, and it is evident that they cannot come out of the mouth of any power until they get into the body, and into the heart; for it is out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. The second beast has two horns like a lamb, but he speaks as a dragon; that is, his profession is lamb-like, but his acts or laws are dragonic. It must be plain to every one that the speaking of any government is the enactment and execution of its laws, as they can only be said to be in the heart of a civil power by being in or among the body of its rulers. Therefore the fulfillment of Rev. 16 : 12-15, is when the work of Spiritualism is indorsed or maintained by legal enactments. And that this will take place we need not hesitate to believe when we consider the progress it has made in this country, and how many eminent men and statesmen have become believers. The Spiritualist papers some time since boasted of a large proportion of the members of Congress as believers. Thus the way is being prepared for the last great work in this country. The Emperor of France long regarded it with favor, and an American medium by the name of Hume became a favorite at the French court. The "Davenport boys" performed at the royal residence by request of the Emperor. The Banner of Light, May, 1866, said:—

"We have recently received a private letter from Ira Davenport, confirming their success as Spiritualists before the literati and titled of France and England."

They also made a tour of Scotland and Ireland, and visited Russia with equal success. But to particularize is not necessary. It is going to all parts of the world, and receiving favor with the multitude wherever it goes.

Concerning those engaged in this work of deception and witchcraft, the faithful and true Witness has testified, showing what their destiny shall be. Speaking by the prophet Malachi, he says: "And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers," etc.

Judge Edmonds and Mr. Woodman say that the fact that these things were forbidden in the past dispensation is no evidence that they are now wrong; thus carrying the idea that the Scriptures of the New Testament do not condemn such things. But we have quoted the words of Paul to the Galatians, wherein he classes witchcraft with the murder, adultery, etc., as works of the flesh, saying that they do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and also where he said Elymas the sorcerer was full of all subtlety and all mischief, a child of the devil. And we find in the book of Revelation, the fate of such is placed in contrast with the glorious future state of the blessed. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death." Rev. 21 : 7, 8. Again, the same contrast is presented in the following words: "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." Rev. 22 : 14, 15.

CONCLUSION.

We have followed the testimony of the Scriptures to the conclusion of this work, and the signs of the times indicate that soon, very soon, the growing popularity of this delusion will carry it into the very heart of both church and State. Then will Rev. 18 : 2, be fulfilled. Then will Babylon have "become the habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit." Then will the cup of her iniquity be full; and the honest-hearted ones who have sighed and cried for her abominations will hear a voice from Heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Then will the voice of God again be heard, not to convince sinners of their obligation to keep his law, but to vindicate the honor of his government, and to destroy them that loved not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

God has shown his love to them, but they have hated him; he has called, but they have refused; he has entreated, but they have mocked; he has threatened, but they have despised his word. Jesus died for them, but they have trampled on his blood. The Spirit of love and truth strove with them, but they grieved it away. The messengers of truth warned them, but they despitefully used and persecuted them. God's mercy has been abused, and his majesty insulted. Nothing then remains but for God to vindicate his justice, and give them the due reward of their works.

But a little space is now left for repentance, and who will receive the testimony? In view of these things is it not time for God's people to strive to overcome, to wrestle for the victory, to struggle for eternal life, to be zealous, and repent of their luke-warmness, and walk in the Spirit from day to day? If we would abide that day, we must be holy and pure in heart; we must hunger and thirst after righteousness; our whole souls must pant for the living God, that we may love him with all the heart. Oh! the horrors of that day, when God shall arise to shake terribly the earth! And it basteth greatly. Then in vain may the charmers use their enchantments; for the Lord "frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad."

"Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you." May the Lord in mercy spare his people, and bring them through the perils of these times, and finally bring them to Mount Zion with shouts of victory and songs of joy. Amen!