Modern Spiritualism

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Sep 11, 1879

Modern Spiritualism.

THEIR TENDENCY IS TO ATHEISM AND IMMORALITY.

(Continued.)

LATER still we have the evidence of Dr. Wm. B. Potter of N. Y. In an article under the head of "Astounding Facts," and also in a tract entitled, "Spiritualism as it Is," he has given us the result of his experience and observation. While he portrays Spiritualism with as horrible features as any of the preceding witnesses, his testimony is still more conclusive, if possible, than theirs, as he is yet a Spiritualist, and does not publish to renounce the system, for he still advocates it publicly, but with the vain hope of inducing Spiritualists to correct their errors and amend their lives. We have only room for brief extracts, sufficient, however, to give us a fair view of this most monstrous of all abominations. He says:—

"Fifteen years of critical study of Spiritual literature, an extensive acquaintance with the leading Spiritualists, and a patient, systematic, and thorough investigation of the manifestations, for many years, enable us to speak from actual knowledge, definitely and positively, of Spiritualism as it Is. Spiritual literature is full of the most insidious and seductive doctrines calculated to undermine the very foundations of morality and virtue, and lead to the most unbridled licentiousness."

"We are told that 'we must have charity,' that it is wrong to blame any one, that we must not expose iniquity as it will harden the guilty, that 'none should be punished,' that 'man is a machine and not to blame for his conduct,' that 'there is no high, no low, no good, no bad,' that 'sin is a lesser degree of righteousness,' that 'nothing we can do can injure the soul or retard its progress,' that 'those who act the worst will progress the fastest,' that 'lying is right, slavery is right, murder is right, adultery is right,' that whatever is, is right."

"Hardly can you find a Spiritualist book, paper, lecture, or communication, that does not contain some of these pernicious doctrines; in disguise, if not openly. Hundreds of families have been broken up, and many affectionate wives deserted by 'affinity-seeking' husbands. Many once devoted wives have been seduced, and left their husbands and tender, helpless children, to follow some 'higher attraction.' Many well-disposed but simple-minded girls have been deluded by 'affinity' notions, and led off by 'affinity-hunters,' to be deserted in a few months, with blasted reputations, or led to deeds still more dark and criminal to hide their shame."

Speaking of the prevalence and influence of licentious principles among Spiritualists, he mentions the following well-known fact:—

"At the National Spiritual Convention, at Chicago, called to consider the question of a National Organization, the only plan approved by the committee especially provided that no charge should ever be entertained against any member, and that any person, without any regard to his or her moral character, might become a member."

Such statements as these do not surprise us at all. We cannot be surprised that effect follows cause. We have shown that the teachings of Spiritualism lead to this result, a result we have looked for since the first introduction of this system of error.

The Cleveland Herald, speaking of Dr. Hatch's statements, says:—

"The Doctor gives other cases to illustrate this, but those of our readers who saw the experiments made in this city not long since by Spencer, need no further proof of the assertion, that there are cases in which the subject becomes perfectly under the control of the operator."

Spiritualists claim that "the spirits" can work wonders through the media that mesmeric and psychological operators cannot reach through their subjects. Of course they must have entire, complete control of the medium. In connection with this fact, take the admissions of Spiritualists that no spirit can be identified, and what a field of deception is opened before us! This point we propose to examine.