The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-08-01
A DEFEN.Ck'
BOND1N, Murray Co., July 10, IS

BOSD1N, Murray Co., July 10, IS.
EDITOR ADVANCE. That inyesti.
gator of Spiritualism, writing through,
the ADVANCE Of the. 18th inst, has
evidently not looked into the philoso-
ply Of Spiritualism very deeply or is
unacquaintel with the character of
many of its adherents, or he would
present different view of the matter.
am no more Of a Spiritualist thai,
anything else, as I do, not believe in
names Or creeds of any kind, but l am
always willing to give the full amount
of credit TO any system it deserves.
Now l am acquainted with 4 great
many men who are believers in Spirit
ualism, and find that some of the
best families and most honest and in
telligent business men and others
are strong advocates of its doctrines.
Iadpit that there are many fanatics
among them us there are among all
other systems, and the Banner of Light
which he alluded to is no authority.
1t is like all other denominational pub
iications. 1t imWlrts no knowledge to
the people for never found anything
+ in, lit to interest me. He compares
modern Spiritual:sm with ancient Pa
ganism. Why not INCLUDE also Chris
tianity ut the s;llle time. up to the
time Of 1853, wllef John Calvin burned
his last man at the stake, in Geneva?
Then figure up and see who committed
the greatest crimes and atrocities, the
Pagan or the Christian Priests.
AS to worshipine the devil, there
WAS branch OF Messallians who APP
peared about the year 800. 1t is said
that they believed the devil to be ex-
tremely powerful and it was much
wiser to respect and adore him than TO
curse him. Now why do people wor-
ship the God of Israel? Is it not for
the same reason? lie was known to Oe
powerful God in war and showed 10
mercy to his enemies, but exterminat-
ed them all, men, women and children.
lie would not even listen to the cry of
innocent babes. Why did I'LL the Eu-
ropean nations tremble before Ma
p"leon and kings and popes obey his
mandates? Simply because they knew
him to be il powerful man in war and
feared HIM.
lie says it IS as old as sin, and there
is no doubt of that, for know it is us
old as history, for it is alluded to many
times in tile Old Testament. King
Saul, ut one time, bani>hed the medi-
ums from the land, and after his God
refused to hear him and give him coun-
sci, he disguised himself and had one
of his servants SEEK him /; medium,
who called M Samuel for him to get
information in regard to his future
prospects. True Spiritualists do not
recognize any such being as Il devil.
Neither do they recognize I. personal
God. 70; authority l will refer YOU
to the works OF Andrew Jackson Dav-
is who is tile best authority l know of.
SpiritualisM recogniz IS that sublime
truth which the great Humboldt pro-
claimed TO the world, that the universe
is governed Ivy law. Davis says: 1.-The
essential principles of mans body and
mind are the same rs tho essential prin-
ciples of Nature and Natures God.
Men SEEK in vain and strive inetfect.
nally with their ambitious logic to sep
ar;lte the deity from the principles of
Nature, but we are more and more
persuaded that the higher and greater
the intellect the less and less does it
attempt to draw Il line of distinction
between tie laws of Nature and Ma
lures God. In the language of inspi-
ration, God is everywhere, is all in all.
IN the bush Of roses, in tree, in bird,
III sky, III star, and in everything. Be
hold the love and will and wisdom of
Deity.
Such is true Spiritualism and such
is true Philosophy.
H. KNAPPENRERGr