Spiritualism: Its Modern Phase.
By Mary W. Howard
I THUS head this article, that I may plant myself upon the platform occupied by the earnest abbettor of Spiritualism; that it is not a modern manifestation. I do not propose to go back into the fruitful fields presented by the Egyptian magicians and astrologers, tracing it downward to our own time, by the waymarks of the witch of Endor and the like; but simply to set in motion a train of thought, which may be followed out with profit, by each, as occasion may present the opportunity in our coming conflict, with "wicked spirits in high places" (marginal reading of Eph. vi, 12,) or perchance in low, which sooner or later we are destined to meet. It has been said truly, that "extremes often meet;" and thus may a zealous defender, and a strong opposer meet on the common ground, that it is in deed, a wonder-working power of the spirits. So too, that it is no new development—only, an advance movement of those powers. And here we part fellowship; for I would include them in the same category, as when in Christ's day one came to him, seeking help for one dear to him, and in illustrating his condition says, "For the spirit taketh him, and oftentimes he is cast into the water, and oftentimes into the fire." Also, when the seventy disciples returned, reporting in gladness to their master, their language is, "The devils even, are subject unto us." Jesus bade them "Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you, but rather rejoice, that your names are written in Heaven." Luke x, 17–20. Nor is it merely a chance inference, that the grand antidote is, having our names "written in Heaven." The disciples, as well as Jesus, spoke of the matter, as a well-understood and recognized fact, or existing condition of things. True they spoke of it as an evil, nor did they dignify it with the appellation of "mediums" or the like; for the use of language to mystify or conceal, was not then sought as now; hence we read, "possessed of a devil," or as now-a-days we prefer to express it, demoniacal possession. Their has been for years a growing aversion,—contempt perhaps would be the better word, on the part of the learned world, and the church has partaken of the spirit, for anything having the appearance of pushing inquiries into the unseen world; otherwise, no doubt a connected chain of these demonstrations, now called spiritual manifestations, could be brought to light. An account of many, even stronger developments, in France, a little more than a century ago, and well authenticated at the time in M. de Montegeron's Memoire Theologique, stronger than any yet produced by the mediums of our own time, has recently fallen under my notice. The one side claimed as now, that the manifestations were of divine origin, while the other as vehemently condemned them as "a wicked tempting of providence, or worse, accepting assistance from the Prince of darkness, himself." While others, half believing, half shuddering, said, "Who knows if the arch enemy has no part in this?" And as with propriety they argued, as may we now, namely, "It is a sentiment universally established, that it is in the power of the Devil, when God permits, to communicate to man forces above nature." Allusion has already been made to the prevalence of spirit manifestations at the time of our Saviour's first advent. Reasoning from analogy, need we have been surprised, even if it had not been foretold in scripture, that as the time drew on for his second appearing, Satan would come down with great wrath, because he knew that his time was short? But with this antecedent, and with such definite prophecies as this, "And I saw three unclean spirits, come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, for they are the spirits of devils working miracles," Rev. xvi, 13, 14, may we not expect that all that has preceded has been but the skirmishing of pickets, preparatory to a bold, onward, defiant rush, to final conflict? And this is why I have said that all are erelong destined to meet it either in high places or in low! "To be forewarned, is to be forearmed;" therefore let us be fortified by a scriptural knowledge that these very phenomena have been foretold, and not attempt to set it aside, in that half-defined, half-unconscious fear, which is so often manifested by a contemptuous sneer—that kind of derision that is begotten of conscious weakness. The thing itself is a fact, and as a fact it must be met. Then let information be gained concerning it; not, however, by trusting ourselves within its atmosphere; for it matters little whether we enter the precincts of the charmed circle as a believer, or as a "fooled inquirer" seeking to investigate. They may resolve they will go thus far and no farther. Too often the current to which they have opened a passage, sweeps them away. Having by this act thrown off the protection of the Almighty, if heretofore the arguments could be met, they find, as is the testimony of one already fallen in the fatal snare, that "There is an influence not to be withstood." Then in hours of tranquil judgment, when no passions blind, or impulses of the moment urge us before reason, let us evince wisdom by adopting a prerequisite of action for guidance and safety. Let us learn to possess balance of mind sufficient to rise above the thralldom of mere traditional authority; for truth has nothing to fear in an open, outspoken, face to face encounter, with falsehood. Let us then learn to "be so shod with a preparation of the gospel," that when we meet with passages, labeled with a patent orthodoxy like the following, "Pleasant voices that once mingled with ours, are now silent in the grave, and active hands ever ready to labor and aid us, are now motionless and hidden from our sight; but these voices though silent to mortal ears, are yet in sweeter tones than ever here on earth, tuning a Saviour's praise, and those hands are still busy in the service of the Master they so loved to serve while in this world," we may recognize in them, the teaching that has paved the way for the rapid strides of Spiritualism!! If the Bible does furnish something to meet all the exigencies of human life, as well as something to meet peculiar doctrines and innovations, let it be borne in mind, that to be shod thoroughly, enables one to walk in thorny paths fearlessly, and to "be shod with a preparation of the gospel," will enable us to meet the subject under consideration understandingly; yet this preparation can never be acquired by that indolent reception of knowledge from others, which so prevails at this time; but by putting forth that effort of mind, which we find needful, whenever we would grasp any important truth and make it fully our own. Whether we will or not, all must share actively or passively in the present vast procession of events. Do we choose to act an intelligent part, or to be mere tools instead of instruments of Providence? With another I join in the lament: "Alas! even at this advanced hour, how many are unable to sound the mighty problem as now solving, and only look on the mighty evolutions with stupid wonder! How many not merely unable to explore a little way, the labyrinth of the past, fail even to catch a glimpse of the startling significance of the pregnant now; far less to cast a glance into the weighty future! Alas! they cannot read even with tolerable appreciation aught that steps aside from their long cherished and preconceived views." MARY W. HOWARD. Malone N. Y., Aug. 1864.