p. 1 | Spiritualism by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 14, 1864

Spiritualism.

By M. E. Cornell

THE BIBLE clearly points out the wonders of spirit-workers as a sign of the last days. False christs and prophets were to work "great signs and wonders," (Matt. xxiv, 24,) and Christ should come "after the working of Satan with all power and signs, and lying wonders." 2 Thess. ii, 9. And just before the great battle, spirits were to work miracles, and go to the kings of the earth and the whole world. Rev. xvi, 14.

Their deception was to be so great that, if possible, the whole elect would be deceived. "Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." We now see a complete fulfillment of these predictions, in the various workings of modern Spiritualism. There never was, and never can be, a more perfect fulfillment of prophecy.

It is no wonder that the spirits oppose the Bible; for they know it advertises their deceptions, and warns faithfully against them. The Bible contains truths for this generation, which will shield them from the deception. The mass will not receive these truths, and, therefore, will be lost. "Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth." There is nothing to prevent both Catholics and Protestants from getting into the awful snare. Their faith in regard to the conscious state of the dead, spirits of the dead hovering over mourning circles, &c., has just prepared the way for Satan's master-piece of deception. Those who hold the popular view cannot oppose Spiritualism with any strength or consistency. Their mouths are closed beforehand, and the deceiver of the whole world triumphs over them.

The following cutting rebuke upon a Catholic, who wrote against spiritualists, would apply to many Protestants who have tried to oppose them:

Delrico, a Catholic author, in his 'Disquisitions,' says: "It is a truth recognized not only by the Catholic faith, but by true philosophy, that the souls of the departed can return and are in the habit of returning in the divine power and virtue. I am, therefore, astonished that a Catholic of much learning and judgment, should treat such spirits, not as those of the dead, but as demons. To dare to treat as a lie, or as a chimera, a faith accredited by the most orthodox and holy doctors of the church of Asia, Africa and Europe—a faith based upon all the monuments of ecclesiastical history—upon the traditions of the fathers—upon the acts of councils—upon the pages of Holy Writ, preserved from age to age, and delivered through the hands of the whole succession of pastors, is, in truth, an audacity hitherto unheard of."—Tom. II.*, Quæst. 26, Sect. 1.

Of late, the spirits are constantly revealing that a new party or government is soon to be organized under the direction of spirits. In describing the new power, they make frequent use of the following: "Religio-Political association or party," "Grand Unitizing Church," "Union of Church and State," &c. In the Banner of Light for May 7, 1864, they declare that "A system will be unfolded, sooner or later, that will embrace in its folds Church and State, for the object of the two should be one and the same." "It is possible that when the child, Organization, is born, it will have to be cradled in a manger."

When they have accomplished this, the image to the beast will be made. See Rev. xiii, 14. The crisis is fast approaching. Let the warning be given, and all be ready.

M. E. CORNELL.