SPIRITUALISM.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19158, 15 November 1927, Page 11

SPIRITUALISM.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE TEESS. Sir,—With your i kind permission I would like to comment on the sermon of the Rot. W. Bower Black as reported. He bays: "I believe it is because so many Christians have lost the truth of the community of the redeemed that there is so much of the needless groping after ghosts, which is called Spiritualism." . The main part of that statement is without doubt perfectly true, but tne phrase "needless groping after ghosts spoils its consistency, and mars its truth. Had it read as follows: I believe it is because so many Christians have lost the truth of the communion of saints that there is so much groping after this lost truth, .Inch is called Spiritualism, it would have been true in fact and would havo shown that the preacher had a real knowledge of his subject. " . His uso of the word "ghosts" is significant. I>uring a fairly long acquaintance with Spiritualists and the literature of Spiritualism, I have rarely heard the word "ghosts" used. Its use is generally resorted to for its hairraising possibilities and its scarecrow effects, by the opponents of Spiritualism to warn off intending enquirers. Further, ho says: "There seemed to be at present a desire amongst many people to dwell longer on thoughts of that obscure subject," and yet he states that "Spiritualism has not advanced," and in spite of the fact that there are now over 600 Spiritualists' Churches in the. Old Country. It is certainly an obscure subject to those who will not investigate nor examine its evidences.

Again, he says: "The New Testament led all to believe that their loved ones were not dead but had passed through the portals of death to vivid life, retaining their own individuality and recollection, but with Christ." Might I ask the reverend gentleman whether their being "with Christ" there, will not depend on their soul capacity and growth, the same as ft does here? This is the teaching of Spiritualism. The statement "that only at the risk of grave peril could the average person practise Spiritualism" is very obscure. Religious mania is without doubt an example of the "grave peril" attending emotional evangelical services, and the morbid dwelling of the mind on the Church's teaching of an awful judgment day and the imaginative activities of a personal I>evil. Such crude ideas are entirely absent among Spiritualists, who are quite prepared to face with equanimity the supposed "grave perils" of the inspiring and comforting truths of Spiritualism.

With the knowledge of life given by Spiritualism, on the other side its attractiveness has been enhanced immeasurably, and the reverend gentleman fails to recognise the truth of his previous affirmation that our so-called dead "retain their individuality and recollection," so that their communications could not be other than an expression of such individuality, good, bad, or indifferent, and it is in that very fact that evidtence of their identity is established. If they were commonplace and frivolous here, they would probably remain so for a time. The statement about "tailored costumes and suits" is no more- absurd than, say, flowing robes or the dress of Biblical times, for I suppose the reverend gentleman imagines the dwellers on the other side as dressed in something or other. Where would their apparel come from ? Where would it be made? etc. Our loved ones are not at the call of any medium, and the statement shows conclusively that the preacher knows very little about the subject, has read only opposing literature, and has not personally investigated. Spiritualism is also referred to as "uncertain faith." The following incident may be of interest. At a funeral a few days ago a clergyman at tho graveside said that the dear departed one was now with Christ. This was very beautiful and comforting, but lie at once proceeded to contradict tin's affirmation by saying that our departed were "asleep within the tomb" awaiting the last trump when the dead would be raised. This sounds not only "uncertain," but contradictory as well. The Church has no proof of survival except the statements of 2000 years ago. Had the reverend gentleman had personal experience he would have discovered that in Spiritualism the uncertainty in the Church's dreary belief in the after life was changed to a certain and beautiful knowledge of its truth.

I would like to sum up briefly. The reverend gentleman's whole conception of Spiritualism seems to be as follows: Ghosts, dark rooms, shifting furniture, and flippancies. The Church has only a belief in survival. Spiritualism says that it is a fact and capable o.f proof. The Church talks about the Communion of Saints, but does not know how to "practise" it. Spiritualism says that it is true and can be proven by experience. These two truths are its main affirmation, and they can be tested by all who are sincere and are honestly seeking for truth. The fact that Jesus Christ was born in a stable should be a sufficient lesson to us not to disregard tho manner or method through which revelation comes. In

conclusion I would say in contradiction to the reverend gentleman that Spiritualism is satisfying, certain, and' safe. —Yours, etc., CLIFTON. XoTember 14th. 1927.