SPIRITUALISM

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1829, 9 August 1906, Page 3

SPIRITUALISM

(To the Editor Gisborne Times,

Sir,—For Mr Mackrell to sax' t

General Booth is a Spiritualist on the data supplied him. in his letter of Tucs day's issue is absurd in the extreme. The words of the General in no way justify Mr Mackrcll's spiritualistic thesis, t would ask Mr Mackrell what constitutes a Spiritualist'.’ Has General Booth, during his life's work, ever given any encouragement to human modiumship(Spiritualism must have a medium : it cannot exist

without one) or countenanced Spiritualism in any shape of form On the contrary the words spoken by the General involve a positive disclaimer in regard lo visions

and dreams—which are in no wav siinihi

to Spiritualistic seances. As for the General's reference to his wife, lie him self avers that the alleged appearance of Mrs Booth is based on nothing more than liis tender memories of her—and memory in all such eases of intense affection would be deeply sympathetic and vivid in its power. The General expresses himself

as anybody else would do. when lie says she was present with him—that is as his memory recalled her—and would love

to recall her. Going to the English •• War Cry." ol October 2, 1807, from which Mr Mackrell quotes part of a statement, in speaking of his experience the General says: " When my whole being quivers and

hesitates,and seems like to halt a moment between the easier and ruggeder road, then her ‘ fancied form ’ appears, and pointing to the front she says ‘ there is no other path for you! Your place is there"’ (Mr Mackrell thought it wise not to quote this part of the statement in his letter) but that there would bo any actual presence of Mrs Booth's spirit materialised or otherwise cannot for a moment be identified with the sentiments that the General expresses, since such sentiments are based entirely upon the memories of the departed.

I can assure Mr Mackrell that the General and members of the Salvation Army seek no other medium than the blessed Lord himself. And if there is one thing against which the Lord has so declared liimself, it is tho ghost of Spiritualism. Thanking you for your valuable space—"Youvc etc. E. Slattkby.