SPIRITISM

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 81, 30 December 1920, Page 6

SPIRITISM

Sir,—The excellent letter appearing under the above heading in your issue of to-day, from your correspondent, C. J. M'Kinuon, contains much with which many people will agree, but on the other hand there is a good deal of contentious matter. Ho lays down two points in regard to which he calls for irrefutable proof: _ , X (1) The existence and identity of an Architect of the Universe.

(2) Th# existence and nature of the hereafter.

In respect, to the first, need vro ask for any more definite proof than is to be found in our surroundings? .Is it possible to consider, for instance,' tlio structure of the human body and its marvellously constructed parts, tho provision made for its support, and the regulation of its functions; to view tho beautics of Nature as revealed in plant lif« in its multifarious forms; to note tho astounding variety of design, and doubt tlie existence of a Master Architect? A 6 to the other point: the nature of the hereafter is not an all-important 0110 The question is: Is there a future existence? This is a matter that has agitated the mind of mail through all ages. "If a man die, shall ho live again?" was the refrain of the patriarch ,Tol) when discoursing on the brevity of life, and for answer we go again to Nature. The seed planted in tho ground in effect dies, but in dying it gives birth to a new growth. Why should there be any difference as regards man ? The attitudo of the Churches towards the propagandism of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is unfortunate. It' merely encourages tho.scoffer to insinuate that thojp is a foar of the citadel so stoutly defended by the clergy being taken by storm, and therefore the preacher of the now doctrine must be refuted at all costs. Would it not be more in keeping with the dignity of Christian ministers, and calculated to impress the public with a sense of their professed belief in the doctrines they have espousod, and wlucii they aro 60 eager to disseminate, if they stood by tho thesis laid .down by the Apostle Paul: "Refrain from these men and let tlieni alono; for if this counsel or this work bo of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God ye. cannot overthrow it; lest, haply, ye be found even to fight against Wellington, December 29.