SPIRITUALISM.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 2 May 1916, Page 2

SPIRITUALISM.

(To the Editor). Sir,—l do not kuoiv whether it is journalistic etiquette to insert a letter strictly intended lor insertion in a contemporary (the Chrisk'liurcii Star) but a. letter to tthat paper having been .e----printed in tilie Chronicle, it has pas.ed into local interest, and therefore liable to criticism or comment from yours truly j or from any others who at this time ol' stress on sea and la.id look aril trust to see i 10:11 the war's aftermath, or the present tiino and. hour, a rising upward ana foiward from the ashes "of our dead selves to higher things"—to a return to honesty of purpose both in «ur everyday procedure and things spiritual. This awakening, I hope, will be far beyond that "base fabric of a dream" termed Modern Spiritualism. .Sir, my experience regarding this ism or pretence is that it courts publicity not on the strength or paucity of : ts bona fides, but to assist its notoriety. By such means of advertisement it is helped to bolster up its impudent pretence and barefaced imposture. This is strong, but it is fair, pertinent comment. Eminent men are quoted in support of it, but this is simply further help or evidence of further bolstering. I don't believe that for a moment in the company of men >.f eminence, Mr N. or Bailey would bo seen, heard or tolerated. If an arcndeacon uttered the language implied to "him. 1 t:ike it that lie referred to the spiritual life which is or, an 3 born of, heaven; not the earthly, sensual travesty that a person of local status who ought to know better ie miserably failing to place on a high pedestal. From time to time, exposition of this ism is shawm, to be fraudulent, but the the toadstool it rears its diiniinishisd head amongst edible fungi. Sir, 70 millions are quoted as of this ism, "without shedding of blood,"—this latter is a gratuitous sneer at the foundation of Christian belief. Tak-i away from this total all Buddhists, Confucians and dev.'l-wonshippers, of the Orient, and this estimate becomes fictitious and misleading. STy nert letter on this subject will be a quotation from the writing of a Wellington friend: "Professor" Driver.—l am. eto., W.M.F.