Seven Reasons for Renouncing Spiritualism.
By Uriah Smith
IN The Spiritualist, of Feb. 12, 1875, published in London, Eng., we find the following interesting statements from one who has recovered herself from this fascinating delusion, and who is therefore prepared to speak in reference to it:— A lady who has been a spiritualist for some years and who has made considerable sacrifices in consequence, has sent us the following letter, entitled, "Seven Reasons for renouncing Modern Spiritualism :"— 1. It is the most subtle form of Antichrist in all the world. To be told that some spiritualists believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour does not satisfy, when at the same time they are identified with a class of persons who, for the most part, deny him to be the true object of worship, and his rule as "King of kings and Lord of lords." 2. Spiritualists, by profession and practice, are more occupied with the return of spirits to our earth than they are with the return of Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, into their hearts. 3. The communications of spirits, whether true or false as to fact, are not direct messages from the Lord; therefore valueless to any one seeking only, and intelligently, to know and do his will. Well is it when "take heed how ye hear" (and to whom ye listen) is heard in the "still small voice." 4. The miserable consequences of abandoning faith in Christ for the false teachings and prophesyings of mediums are now proved by a restored believer in him. There is an infinite difference between orderly and disorderly mediumship. When the Christian consecrates all his wonderful gifts and faculties to the Lord's service, he is a medium for him, and guarded against evil. Lying spirits, who obviously infest the circle room, making havoc among the souls of men, women, and children, have no power to deceive those who keep out of it "for conscience' sake." 5. By sitting for spirit influence, in public or private, it can never be proved what class of spirits or demons is at work; and though thousands, it may be millions, have been convinced of immortality on such occasions, the Christian, who knows his life is "hid with Christ in God," can spend time better. 6. A full retraction of views held tenaciously for six years is necessary, because the one who writes was so earnest an investigator, having been given rare opportunities of studying the effects resulting from manifestations of all kinds. "What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch," is a warning given by Him who is "the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." 7. The creed and "manner of life" of so-called spiritualists, as a rule, have no correspondence with a life of self-sacrifice, the only truly happy one. It may be for good that one whose interior sight is in a degree opened, should recall the fact that the apostle Paul "preached the faith he once destroyed," and that Peter's denial of his Lord was followed by similar results. In searching the Scriptures, then, the soul is met in every state, and "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life," is in harmony with the aspirations of an In response to these overwhelming facts and telling statements the editor of the Spiritualist writes a long reply. He drives on like one drearily grasping after something that will meet the difficulty he has on hand, but does not find it. A few flings against God, as a bloody tyrant, &c., are as near as he comes to answering the damaging revelations set forth in the communication.