Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-28
Communications.
CnnrsrS.s.w sPIRIrU.sEss.u.


One of the most needed reforms of the
evangelicai- church doctrine. Upon the adj
vent Of miscellaneous spirituaism the
churches very generally began TO abandon,
step by step, an old and well beloved relig--
ious principle. I do not wish to discuss
the possibilities of modern spiritualisn;
whatever they may be, men have general
ly chosen their position upon them now;
and 1t is OF not much good 10 further con-
slider the chances which cannot receive pal
pable proof The great mistake of the sci
entists of our day is, that they endeavor to-
carry science beyond its legitimate sphere.
lengthy article in a late number of Scrb-
ner's Monthly has the caption, 1.-THE Mira
cles of Christ Scientifically Considered !"
as though there was standpoint from
which science could get better view OF
that which is confessedly beyond it, than
that which is given TO the eye of simple
faith. do not deny that the article in
question was ably written but It is this
very ability, so made manifest, which L
would like TO see take other direction.
There is one of these two points true, and
one OF them only: there is a God who
moulds and rules the world, or there Is not.
there Is true revelation of his will, or
there is not. Now, all the stores OF scien-
tific knowledge contained in the archives
of the world, do not afford one item OF sat
isfaction to a hungry soul. The faith which
comes without knowledge is a more prec-
ious boon to man than all the high born
fancies from the handicapped hills of sell
ence; for 1t is, in him, living witness
from his God. Therefore, I ask all men TO
get above science, and seek God, which is
true spiritualism. It's easy for you If you
will only try. The mists which hang above
science are not moved but by faith, which
is born of love, or desire. Sometimes this
comes through effort, and sometimes with
out it. The scientific man is an unfortu-
nate man in view of his accessibility TO
spiritual life for he must swim on the
very surface OF his atmosphere of science
to get as clear a view of heaven as he en-
joys "who never had a dozen thoughts in
all his life" With this preamble ask the
attention of candid men TO this considera-
ton, namely: whether it is not better TO
teach according to the natural affections,
than to trampe down those beautiful flow
ers, the possession of which leads our
hearts in thankfulness up to the Giver. If
my Father has in store for me life which
separates me altogether from this beautiful
earth, shall say: Father, if it is consist
ent with Thy will, would rather remain
for at least portion of the time with my
friends here on earth; and then, after
have formed new friendships in heaven,
will not be lonesome for personal compan-
ionship." This idea has reference to my
self-hood for, my personality being made
of the experiences and recollections of this
life, it becomes impossible to sever its re-
lations and affections in the contemplation
of possible joys in another state of life.
Now if we would make religion beauti-
full, let us not tear off its natural orna-
ments, but rather bring every contribution
in our power to aid in making il attractive
to men. Let us present front which is
not marred by bigotry or made repulsive
by its gloom. If my eyes may not again
look down into those which are shut In
death, and see there the reflection of the
love my own soul bore TO them, let me still
believe that they are near; let me still
think shall see them yet again. The spir-
it of man cannot be driven into any belief
but by conviction of the judgment. on
which L~iiur 10 founded. BELIEF Is an ac-
tive principle, belonging strictly TO the in
telligence of men; hence, the difficulty
with all thinkers, in accepting that which
is not proved by science. The Intelligence
being TO so great extent the product of sci
eniific development, it is bard to estrangt
it from its parentage. But, nevertheless
not one man can be found who is satisfied
with merely scientific knowledge. The be-
lief, however, although primarily matter
of intelligence, acts on the spirit, to give i
vibrations of joyous life, or 10 enthrall will
the feeling of terror and gloom. The spir
il is another self or rather the spirit is tn,
one self, and the versatile principle minis
tering to sensation, and generally supposed
to be the body-hood of the mental self, 1.
another. The one is the God, the other tn,
man; and that is the reason why the out
ward should be conformed to the inne
principle, for God will not conform to man
God is spirit, encompassing all the Jesse
spirits that we can comprehend. Love Il
the essence of spirit, and a portion of God
Love is objective and divisible, but no
free. 1t is bound by the most potent law
1t can no more leave its mate than the oceal
its bounds. Its mating principle may leav
the object which contained 1t, but it cal
never die. The natural loves of men ar
the nearest avenues through which you ap
proach them to gain their attention to re
ligion. Now, with all the teachings within
the covers of the Bible before us, can W
afford to disown the doctrine that individ
ual spirits may and do commune wit
oursf We may not on this account
called on to let the spirits OF evil enter on
hearts; but, on the contrary, we are ad
monished on this account to swatch an
pray" knowing how liable we are to tempt
alton. I call the attention of the Christia
world to this subject, with the convictio
that it will result in good 10 all who impair
, TALLY consider it.
NJ. o. NICHOLS, Clyde, Ohio.
FROM BOSTO.v.