Popular Spiritualism by M. E. Cornell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 24, 1885

Popular Spiritualism.

By M. E. Cornell

SPIRITUALISTS claim that their car is running upon the orthodox track. The track has been laid by popular funeral sermons. Their claim is continually being justified in high places. The following extract is from a sermon by W. E. Copeland, on the occasion of the funeral of the Joyce children, murdered in West Roxbury, Mass., June 12, 1865.

“The little ones are not dead; they have entered upon that life which has no end, where there is no storm and no sorrow. They are nearer their friends to-day than ever before; they have laid aside the garment of the flesh and are clothed upon with the body of the resurrection. They have not gone as upon an earthly journey, but they have gone to a better, brighter, and more beautiful home. * Mourn not, turn away from the sorrow of your hearts, and rejoice that your children have gone to their Father,” &c.

Rev. Mr. Hepworth remarked that “he went behind the crime, and in the name of the two dead children WHO ARE ALIVE with God Almighty, and in the presence of the bereaved relatives, he impeached the whole community for their lack of religious principle and religious faith.”

In the above we have an echo to the first lie, “Thou shalt not surely die.” Also a statement that “the body of the resurrection” is obtained at death, thus virtually saying that, “The resurrection is past already.” It is also affirmed that the dead “are nearer their friends” than before, which is rank Spiritualism. This is the wine of Babylon, from the golden cup in the hand of the Mother of harlots, and it is making the nations drunk. The churches love popular fables, and reject unpopular truth. But those who receive the love of THE TRUTH, and they only, will be saved. 2 Thess ii, 10–12.

M. E. CORNELL.