The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-01-22
For The Cecil Wig.
Spiritual Rappings VS.. the Bible.

v shall use the term "splritual rap
pings in Q generic sense, to designate
! the various methods of, SO called, sp7rt
uaI communications or correspondence
with spirits now in vogue. Without
stopping to discuss the phenomena said
to be connected with them, we at once
pronounce all such communications un-
! tue because they are unscripural. This
is certain y fair method of procedure.
The truth Of the Bible cannot be dis
pu'ed; that is established by incontro-
v4rtable evidence. The efforts of inf
deIs from the DAYS of CELSIUS to Paine
have failed to effect its impregnable ba-
sis. Besides this, the pretended spirits
have conceded the truth of the Bible, so
that we are furnished with fair critic
rion to test all questions coming within
the scope Of its teachings.
We proceed to show then, til at the
sfn'fu"/ r"ppin&S IRE nnScripturai liz
! proof of this we appeal to Luke XVI,
/ l9, 81 ver>rs.--the narrative Of the rich
man and Lazarus. We presume that
this passage is so familiar to our reader
that we need not transcrIbp il; if not the,
can easily make the reference.
We have here a clear exhibition Of
The condition of the inhabitants Of the
spirit world, which is in direct collision
with the teachings of the rappers, in the
following particulars:
|. The rarpers and other media, tell
! US there are SKI seven different spheres
of spirits, whereas, ibis passage teaches
there are but two. And this is conso-
nant with the general teaching If the
Bible: from Genesis 10 Revelations but
two conditions of splrits--but two
spheres are mentioned. This fact is ia
tai to our modern spiritrevelatIons
their innovation OF seren spheres is both
groundless and senseless.
.. In contradiction to the rappers,
the passage teaches us there is no COM
municaton between the different spheres
1t is true, Dives and Abraham are repre-
srnted talking to each other, but this is
evidently an exception and not the gen.
eral rule. It is positively declared that
there is no passing from one sphere to
another, as taught by the rappists; there
is no commlngling Of the separated
spirits. Here then is question of We
racity between the rappers and the BIZ
Die.
3. The passage teaches that spirits
p |, l,,
habl;ants of this world 1t will be re-
membcred, that the rich man begged
that spirit might be sent back to warn
his brethren, and though he plead earn
estlv for this, it was positively refused
and the teaching of the Bible declared
to be sufficient Here are two facts
worthy or notice; first, spirits are not
allowed to communicate with mortals;
second, If they were allowed, their
teachings would be altogether super
huous. This is fair and full re!uta-
ton Of spiritual nappism--it contradicts
the Bible.
Perhaps it will be objected, that this
passage is not narrative but parable.
But this, if admitted, would not affect
its general truth. Whatever its lessons
as parable, the story itself must be an
actual or possible truth. 1t would be
impious TO say that Christ associated re-
ligious truth with a tale pal pablv and
grossly untrue, or that he formed para
bic Of false and silly allegory. His
other parallels without exception, are
either true or possible; instance the par
able of the tares-the lost coln-the
wise and foolish virgins, &c. They are
all something rea! Or apparent in ma
ture or history, used for the purpose of
conveying religious instructions. Now
we ask. is the above passage neither
true nor possible ! In other words, did
Christ tell lie for the purpose OF teach
ing the truth 1t would be shocking
blasphemy to say so. Then, whether
a parable or narrative the passage an
swers our purpose. We might appeal
to other scripture testimony on this sub
Iject, but enough has been said to war
rant US in denonncing all spiritual rap
pings as unscrplural ana untrue. ms
is but another illustration of our position
in former article, that our on y safe
guard from religious and inhdel delu-
sions is firm and faithful adherence to
the Bible as a sufficient rule Of faith and
practice. W. Il. B.
T. No evil is wholly evil. This Is
one OF the bright CLEANS OF light that
stream in upon all nights, even the
darkest.-No evil is wholly evil. Be-
hind the blacklist cloud the sun shines
or the stars. Ill our TRIALS and SORROWS
have elements of good in them, hopeful
features which smile upon us in gentle
reproof of our unbelef and discourage
mpnt.
VIRTUE.-She asks no servile prayers,
| l. = E,n