1916
New York, April 11. — The New York Presbytery is today on record 64 to 3 that the biblical story of the virgin birth of Christ and other Bible miracles are not to be accepted too literally.
The action was taken in accepting as ministers three graduates of the Union Theological Seminary, who both orally and in writing refused to affirm the virgin birth story and singly and jointly refused to acknowledge the raising of Lazarus from the dead or the narrative of Jonah and the whale.
—Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, April 11, 1916, p. 7.
Showing posts with label miracles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miracles. Show all posts
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
For God's Eternal Glory
1905
The sphere of miracle is but an extension and transfiguration of natural force. The title of Dr. Drummond's suggestive work, "Natural Law in the Spiritual World," expresses a truth, which carries us even further than his remarkable exposition of it. God did not make a mistake in the sublime constitution and appointment of universal law." It was intended to be, and shall for ever be, made the vehicle for the manifestation of His eternal glory.
God's Face Hidden
It is a dictum of science that, if light were capable of being seen, we should be blind to aught else, and life would be impossible in its present form. How wonderfully this modern idea chimes in with the old words of the Almighty to Moses: "In the day that thou seest My face thou shalt surely die." If we could see but a small portion of the all-pervading greatness, power and glory of the Creator, would interest be any longer possible in human concerns?
The sphere of miracle is but an extension and transfiguration of natural force. The title of Dr. Drummond's suggestive work, "Natural Law in the Spiritual World," expresses a truth, which carries us even further than his remarkable exposition of it. God did not make a mistake in the sublime constitution and appointment of universal law." It was intended to be, and shall for ever be, made the vehicle for the manifestation of His eternal glory.
God's Face Hidden
It is a dictum of science that, if light were capable of being seen, we should be blind to aught else, and life would be impossible in its present form. How wonderfully this modern idea chimes in with the old words of the Almighty to Moses: "In the day that thou seest My face thou shalt surely die." If we could see but a small portion of the all-pervading greatness, power and glory of the Creator, would interest be any longer possible in human concerns?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Today is St. Patrick's Day
1910
Dedicated to Saint Who Instituted Christianity in Ireland
There are several different legends concerning St. Patrick, the most popular of which is the one that tells of his driving the vermin from Ireland. These are only legends, however, and a summary of the facts of the life and works of St. Patrick is as follows:
St. Patrick, the tutelary saint of Ireland, was born about the year 372 at Kirk Patrick, and came to be a distinguished missionary of the fifth century. When a boy he was taken by pirates and sold to an Irish chief. He escaped after six years and went to France, where he became a monk. In the year 432 he was sent to Ireland by Pope Celestine as a missionary. He sailed north with the hope of converting his old master, but the latter killed himself when he heard of St. Patrick's approach. Diehu, a chief converted by St. Patrick, gave him his first church, called Sabhall, and it is still a church bearing the same name. St. Patrick is said to have founded 365 churches, baptized 12,000 people, and consecrated 450 bishops. The date of his death is disputed, the latest date given being 490, which would make him about 120 years old.
Certainly the most marvelous of all the miracles ascribed to the saints is that recorded of St. Patrick: "He swam across the Shannon with his head in his mouth!"
There is one legend relating to the time when St. Patrick cleared Ireland of its vermin. It tells how one old serpent resisted, and how St. Patrick overcame him by cunning. He made a box and invited the serpent to enter. The serpent insisted that the box was too small, and so fierce did the contention grow that the serpent got into the box to prove that he was right, whereupon St. Patrick slammed down the lid and cast the box into the sea. This tale sounds suspiciously like that one entitled "The Fisherman" in the "Arabian Nights."
"St. Patrick's Breastplate," the earliest Christian ode of Ireland, is said to have been composed by St. Patrick. It is sometimes called the guardsman's cry, and is recited as a protection against evil. The assured chronology of Ireland dates from the institution of Christianity by St. Patrick.
Dedicated to Saint Who Instituted Christianity in Ireland
There are several different legends concerning St. Patrick, the most popular of which is the one that tells of his driving the vermin from Ireland. These are only legends, however, and a summary of the facts of the life and works of St. Patrick is as follows:
St. Patrick, the tutelary saint of Ireland, was born about the year 372 at Kirk Patrick, and came to be a distinguished missionary of the fifth century. When a boy he was taken by pirates and sold to an Irish chief. He escaped after six years and went to France, where he became a monk. In the year 432 he was sent to Ireland by Pope Celestine as a missionary. He sailed north with the hope of converting his old master, but the latter killed himself when he heard of St. Patrick's approach. Diehu, a chief converted by St. Patrick, gave him his first church, called Sabhall, and it is still a church bearing the same name. St. Patrick is said to have founded 365 churches, baptized 12,000 people, and consecrated 450 bishops. The date of his death is disputed, the latest date given being 490, which would make him about 120 years old.
Certainly the most marvelous of all the miracles ascribed to the saints is that recorded of St. Patrick: "He swam across the Shannon with his head in his mouth!"
There is one legend relating to the time when St. Patrick cleared Ireland of its vermin. It tells how one old serpent resisted, and how St. Patrick overcame him by cunning. He made a box and invited the serpent to enter. The serpent insisted that the box was too small, and so fierce did the contention grow that the serpent got into the box to prove that he was right, whereupon St. Patrick slammed down the lid and cast the box into the sea. This tale sounds suspiciously like that one entitled "The Fisherman" in the "Arabian Nights."
"St. Patrick's Breastplate," the earliest Christian ode of Ireland, is said to have been composed by St. Patrick. It is sometimes called the guardsman's cry, and is recited as a protection against evil. The assured chronology of Ireland dates from the institution of Christianity by St. Patrick.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Miraculous Cures Explained
1896
M. Littre, of Paris, who recently investigated a number of alleged miraculous cures, says that they can be accounted for without supposing a miracle. He explains that in many of such cures there is a muscular action of the affected part. The muscle contracts energetically; it breaks down the pathological adhesions, if they exist, and restores the bones violently to their place.
In commenting on this, the New York Medical Record says: "What the surgeon has to do with his hand is here done by an influence exerted on the muscles themselves, and in a far more beneficent manner than surgery can effect. The exciting cause of these energetic contractions is that which we find in all miracles of this sort — a strong persuasion, a complete confidence. It is the brain and feeling generated by the mind which give strength to the person who thinks strongly. A gouty man, who has long hobbled about on his crutch, finds his legs and power to run with them if pursued by a wild bull. The feeblest invalid, under the influence of delirium or other strong excitement, will astonish her nurse by the sudden accession of strength she may exhibit."
Deaf and Dumb Couple Converted
It seems to be a striking compliment to fervent eloquence, or some other peculiar power of persuasion, that among the converts made by a revivalist at Tekonsah, Michigan, recently, were two deaf and dumb persons, a man and his wife. — New York Sun.
M. Littre, of Paris, who recently investigated a number of alleged miraculous cures, says that they can be accounted for without supposing a miracle. He explains that in many of such cures there is a muscular action of the affected part. The muscle contracts energetically; it breaks down the pathological adhesions, if they exist, and restores the bones violently to their place.
In commenting on this, the New York Medical Record says: "What the surgeon has to do with his hand is here done by an influence exerted on the muscles themselves, and in a far more beneficent manner than surgery can effect. The exciting cause of these energetic contractions is that which we find in all miracles of this sort — a strong persuasion, a complete confidence. It is the brain and feeling generated by the mind which give strength to the person who thinks strongly. A gouty man, who has long hobbled about on his crutch, finds his legs and power to run with them if pursued by a wild bull. The feeblest invalid, under the influence of delirium or other strong excitement, will astonish her nurse by the sudden accession of strength she may exhibit."
Deaf and Dumb Couple Converted
It seems to be a striking compliment to fervent eloquence, or some other peculiar power of persuasion, that among the converts made by a revivalist at Tekonsah, Michigan, recently, were two deaf and dumb persons, a man and his wife. — New York Sun.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Child's "Higher Criticism"
1904
Reflecting alike the spirit of the times towards the so-called "higher criticism" of the Bible and incidentally judging by her own experience, which was her only source of comparison, the following incident is one of those delicious stories of children's sayings that is worth printing.
There is a mother in this town who gives her youngsters instruction on Sunday mornings in the Bible. Last Sunday the miracles of Jesus were under discussion and particularly the marvelous experience of the sick under the healing power of Jesus. The mother read to her little ones about the son of the centurion, who was sick nigh unto death, and how he was healed by the Master. She impressed upon her little brood that only He could have done such a thing and how wonderful it was and all that.
The children showed varying degrees of appreciation, and the eldest of the group, giving voice to the two influences referred to above, said in a tone of no little scorn and skepticism, "Humph! That's nothing, I could have done that myself. I could have made him well."
The mother expostulated and impressed again the wondrous experience and what its significance was. The child held her position and finally when her mother asked how she would have done it, triumphantly brought out the astounding answer: "I'd have given him castor oil!"
Reflecting alike the spirit of the times towards the so-called "higher criticism" of the Bible and incidentally judging by her own experience, which was her only source of comparison, the following incident is one of those delicious stories of children's sayings that is worth printing.
There is a mother in this town who gives her youngsters instruction on Sunday mornings in the Bible. Last Sunday the miracles of Jesus were under discussion and particularly the marvelous experience of the sick under the healing power of Jesus. The mother read to her little ones about the son of the centurion, who was sick nigh unto death, and how he was healed by the Master. She impressed upon her little brood that only He could have done such a thing and how wonderful it was and all that.
The children showed varying degrees of appreciation, and the eldest of the group, giving voice to the two influences referred to above, said in a tone of no little scorn and skepticism, "Humph! That's nothing, I could have done that myself. I could have made him well."
The mother expostulated and impressed again the wondrous experience and what its significance was. The child held her position and finally when her mother asked how she would have done it, triumphantly brought out the astounding answer: "I'd have given him castor oil!"
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Value of Science on Modern Faith
California, 1922
Miracles are not in keeping with the scientific interpretation of life and the universe. Human ignorance, carelessness, vice and greed are the causes of most disease. The rules of sanitation are not observed and scores of innocent persons die. Supernatural belief, which may bar the use of simple medicine, is responsible for the death of many more. Physicians and surgeons are among the greatest benefactors of mankind.
These statements were made by Rev. Clarence Reed, pastor of the First Unitarian church, in a sermon on "Prayer Cures vs. Medical Cures," delivered yesterday morning.
"It was perfectly natural for primitive man to believe that the different diseases from which he suffered were imparted to him by evil spirits," Rev. Reed said. "He beheld from day to day what seemed to him to be miracles of cure, because he did not understand the laws of the universe.
"If a person accepts the literal interpretation of the Bible, it is natural for him to believe in the possibility of prayer and faith cures. But the person who accepts the scientific interpretation of life and the universe does not believe in miracles. If Christ and His apostles performed miracles there is no reason devout Christians cannot perform them today.
"Auto-suggestion has great value in the treatment of certain diseases. No matter what a person's belief or theory may be in regard to prayer or faith healing, most people have sense enough to send for a physician in case of serious sickness.
"Prayer has been valued in the past as a means to obtain material prosperity and health. The aim of prayer should be to help man develop himself by treasuring the highest ideals in his mind, and seeking the uplift of mankind."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Aug. 21, 1922, p. 8.
Miracles are not in keeping with the scientific interpretation of life and the universe. Human ignorance, carelessness, vice and greed are the causes of most disease. The rules of sanitation are not observed and scores of innocent persons die. Supernatural belief, which may bar the use of simple medicine, is responsible for the death of many more. Physicians and surgeons are among the greatest benefactors of mankind.
These statements were made by Rev. Clarence Reed, pastor of the First Unitarian church, in a sermon on "Prayer Cures vs. Medical Cures," delivered yesterday morning.
"It was perfectly natural for primitive man to believe that the different diseases from which he suffered were imparted to him by evil spirits," Rev. Reed said. "He beheld from day to day what seemed to him to be miracles of cure, because he did not understand the laws of the universe.
"If a person accepts the literal interpretation of the Bible, it is natural for him to believe in the possibility of prayer and faith cures. But the person who accepts the scientific interpretation of life and the universe does not believe in miracles. If Christ and His apostles performed miracles there is no reason devout Christians cannot perform them today.
"Auto-suggestion has great value in the treatment of certain diseases. No matter what a person's belief or theory may be in regard to prayer or faith healing, most people have sense enough to send for a physician in case of serious sickness.
"Prayer has been valued in the past as a means to obtain material prosperity and health. The aim of prayer should be to help man develop himself by treasuring the highest ideals in his mind, and seeking the uplift of mankind."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Aug. 21, 1922, p. 8.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Moses A Germ Killer
1914
Stayed Plague Through the Use of Incense
Oils Used Were Powerful Antiseptics and This Explains What Has Often Been Considered a Miracle
Moses knew the secret of killing the germs in the air. This is made clear by the account of the staying of the plague as recorded in the Book of Numbers. In the sixteenth chapter of that book is the story of the awful plague that attacked the Israelites in the wilderness, then the story, too, of the method by which its ravages were stopped. In verses 46 to 49 of that chapter is the following:
46 And Moses said unto Aaron, "Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun."
47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
In this plain account of the text it appears that Aaron separated the men and women suffering from the plague from those not yet attacked, and then he plied the censer with incense and swung it between the hosts, so that not a germ in the air could pass over from the plague stricken to those not yet attacked by the disease.
It is probable from the character of the attack as recorded in the Bible that this plague was something like the plagues which have appeared in late years in Europe, and later in China, that hasty cholera which seized upon its victims and slays them within a day.
It is well known among the modern chemists that the essential oils were freely used in the making of incense with which the censers were filled. One of the most modern and approved methods of disinfecting a room is to burn a sulphur candle in it, the fumes of the sulphur destroying the germs in the walls and crevices. The ancient Egyptians had taught the method of disinfecting to Moses, and he hastened to instruct Aaron, probably suggesting to him precisely what drugs to put in the censers, so as to make the fumes absolute germicides.
This explains what has often been considered a miracle, but need be nothing more than the employment of scientific means for stopping the plague.
It is now believed that the burning of incense in many of the extremely ancient temples and other places of worship, like those of India, while made a part of the ceremony, was really instituted by the very wise priests of those ancient days, who understood the dangers of infection.
Especially before such shrines and in such temples as it was customary for the ancients to make annual pilgrimages, so did the priests realize that the thousands and thousands of pilgrims had come from various provinces and from all sorts of conditions of living, and the burning of the incense was in reality a precaution quite necessary for the prescription of the health of the crowds.
Stayed Plague Through the Use of Incense
Oils Used Were Powerful Antiseptics and This Explains What Has Often Been Considered a Miracle
Moses knew the secret of killing the germs in the air. This is made clear by the account of the staying of the plague as recorded in the Book of Numbers. In the sixteenth chapter of that book is the story of the awful plague that attacked the Israelites in the wilderness, then the story, too, of the method by which its ravages were stopped. In verses 46 to 49 of that chapter is the following:
46 And Moses said unto Aaron, "Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun."
47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
In this plain account of the text it appears that Aaron separated the men and women suffering from the plague from those not yet attacked, and then he plied the censer with incense and swung it between the hosts, so that not a germ in the air could pass over from the plague stricken to those not yet attacked by the disease.
It is probable from the character of the attack as recorded in the Bible that this plague was something like the plagues which have appeared in late years in Europe, and later in China, that hasty cholera which seized upon its victims and slays them within a day.
It is well known among the modern chemists that the essential oils were freely used in the making of incense with which the censers were filled. One of the most modern and approved methods of disinfecting a room is to burn a sulphur candle in it, the fumes of the sulphur destroying the germs in the walls and crevices. The ancient Egyptians had taught the method of disinfecting to Moses, and he hastened to instruct Aaron, probably suggesting to him precisely what drugs to put in the censers, so as to make the fumes absolute germicides.
This explains what has often been considered a miracle, but need be nothing more than the employment of scientific means for stopping the plague.
It is now believed that the burning of incense in many of the extremely ancient temples and other places of worship, like those of India, while made a part of the ceremony, was really instituted by the very wise priests of those ancient days, who understood the dangers of infection.
Especially before such shrines and in such temples as it was customary for the ancients to make annual pilgrimages, so did the priests realize that the thousands and thousands of pilgrims had come from various provinces and from all sorts of conditions of living, and the burning of the incense was in reality a precaution quite necessary for the prescription of the health of the crowds.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Dr. Aked Resigning Under Fire, Bible Snatched and Torn
1914
Dr. Aked to Resign Under Church Fire
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5. — As the result of criticism directed by the Presbyterian Ministers' Association of the San Francisco Bay cities against the declaration made Sunday by the Rev. Dr. Charles F. Aked, a clergyman of international repute, he probably will resign as president of the San Francisco Church Federation, according to announcement just made by Doctor Aked himself.
A communication has been prepared by the Ministers' Association asking for Doctor Aked's resignation because of utterances from the pulpit of the First Congregational Church last Sunday.
Doctor Aked said he would not support the doctrine of the miraculous conception and birth of Christ. "My conclusion upon this question," he announced, "is that the faith of Mark and John and James and Paul is good enough for me. It is good enough for any Christian. These men say nothing about Jesus having come into the world in a miraculous way. I prefer to stand with them."
1914
Minister's Bible is Snatched and Torn
Unknown Man Shows His Hatred for Dr. Aked's Doctrines
SAN FRANCISCO, March 1. — To show his disapproval of an unorthodox minister, an unknown man interrupted the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone of the Congregational church in this city today, and tearing the Bible from the hands of the Rev. Charles Frederick Aked, who was speaking, tore the book to pieces and denounced the minister.
The occurrence caused much excitement, but the man turned quietly away, after he had torn the Bible, and walking into the crowd disappeared. His identity is still unknown.
Dr. Aked was formerly pastor of the church of John D. Rockefeller, and resigned from it some, years ago, issuing a rather caustic charge against the rich and their religion at the time of his resignation. He has been in San Francisco for the last ten years and has written quite extensively for the press on moral and social problems.
Dr. Aked to Resign Under Church Fire
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5. — As the result of criticism directed by the Presbyterian Ministers' Association of the San Francisco Bay cities against the declaration made Sunday by the Rev. Dr. Charles F. Aked, a clergyman of international repute, he probably will resign as president of the San Francisco Church Federation, according to announcement just made by Doctor Aked himself.
A communication has been prepared by the Ministers' Association asking for Doctor Aked's resignation because of utterances from the pulpit of the First Congregational Church last Sunday.
Doctor Aked said he would not support the doctrine of the miraculous conception and birth of Christ. "My conclusion upon this question," he announced, "is that the faith of Mark and John and James and Paul is good enough for me. It is good enough for any Christian. These men say nothing about Jesus having come into the world in a miraculous way. I prefer to stand with them."
1914
Minister's Bible is Snatched and Torn
Unknown Man Shows His Hatred for Dr. Aked's Doctrines
SAN FRANCISCO, March 1. — To show his disapproval of an unorthodox minister, an unknown man interrupted the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone of the Congregational church in this city today, and tearing the Bible from the hands of the Rev. Charles Frederick Aked, who was speaking, tore the book to pieces and denounced the minister.
The occurrence caused much excitement, but the man turned quietly away, after he had torn the Bible, and walking into the crowd disappeared. His identity is still unknown.
Dr. Aked was formerly pastor of the church of John D. Rockefeller, and resigned from it some, years ago, issuing a rather caustic charge against the rich and their religion at the time of his resignation. He has been in San Francisco for the last ten years and has written quite extensively for the press on moral and social problems.
Dr. Eliot Offers a New Religion
1914
Future Church Will Rob Death of Terror
Spurns Biblical Stories and Rejects Miracles as Impossible
Boston, Mass., Jan. 5. — A new interpretation of the Divine Being has been advanced by President Emeritus Charles W. Eliot of Harvard in a continuation of his predictions on the religion of the future.
Dr Eliot would bar the word "God" and substitute "Our Father." Nothing so radical as his ideas on the appellation of the Divine Being has been advanced for many years. This statement has been published by the American Unitarian association. This twentieth century Christianity of Dr. Eliot does not believe in the Garden of Eden. The serpent tempting Eve and then tempting Adam he turns over to the rubbish heap. He says God did not make man out of the dust of the ground; God did not turn stonemason and give into the hands of Moses the ten commandments; neither did the sun stand still for Joshua; neither did Jonah go through his thrilling experience in the closed quarters of the whale.
These and other stories Dr. Eliot would designate pleasant reading, but not for belief. There will be nothing like dogmas or creed in this twentieth century religion. No miracle will be found in it.
"Men of science," Dr. Eliot says, "have no faith in magic or miracle."
Dr. Eliot's religion will stop speculation in theology. It puts a damper on future schools of theology, like that which has been the outgrowth of the nineteenth century in Germany. The church of the future will have more reverence for the personality of Jesus, will prefer liberty to authority, will rob death of its terror.
"No thinking person now accepts as anything but primitive myths of fanciful poetry the story of the Garden of Eden," Dr. Eliot says, "or the portrait of God in the second chapter of Genesis as a being who worked man out of the dust of the ground, as a child fashions an image of snow or clay.
"The creator is for modern men a sleepless, active energy, and will, which yesterday, today and forever actuates all things as the human spirit actuates its own body, so small, and yet so inconceivably complex.
"By savage man the gods were recognized chiefly in the irresistible catastrophes of nature — in the lightning, the earthquake, the flood, and the drought, the volcano, and the mighty wind.
"Twentieth century people recognize God chiefly in the wonderful energies of sound, light and electricity; in the vital processes or plants and animals, in human loves and aspirations, and in the evolution of human society."
Future Church Will Rob Death of Terror
Spurns Biblical Stories and Rejects Miracles as Impossible
Boston, Mass., Jan. 5. — A new interpretation of the Divine Being has been advanced by President Emeritus Charles W. Eliot of Harvard in a continuation of his predictions on the religion of the future.
Dr Eliot would bar the word "God" and substitute "Our Father." Nothing so radical as his ideas on the appellation of the Divine Being has been advanced for many years. This statement has been published by the American Unitarian association. This twentieth century Christianity of Dr. Eliot does not believe in the Garden of Eden. The serpent tempting Eve and then tempting Adam he turns over to the rubbish heap. He says God did not make man out of the dust of the ground; God did not turn stonemason and give into the hands of Moses the ten commandments; neither did the sun stand still for Joshua; neither did Jonah go through his thrilling experience in the closed quarters of the whale.
These and other stories Dr. Eliot would designate pleasant reading, but not for belief. There will be nothing like dogmas or creed in this twentieth century religion. No miracle will be found in it.
"Men of science," Dr. Eliot says, "have no faith in magic or miracle."
Dr. Eliot's religion will stop speculation in theology. It puts a damper on future schools of theology, like that which has been the outgrowth of the nineteenth century in Germany. The church of the future will have more reverence for the personality of Jesus, will prefer liberty to authority, will rob death of its terror.
"No thinking person now accepts as anything but primitive myths of fanciful poetry the story of the Garden of Eden," Dr. Eliot says, "or the portrait of God in the second chapter of Genesis as a being who worked man out of the dust of the ground, as a child fashions an image of snow or clay.
"The creator is for modern men a sleepless, active energy, and will, which yesterday, today and forever actuates all things as the human spirit actuates its own body, so small, and yet so inconceivably complex.
"By savage man the gods were recognized chiefly in the irresistible catastrophes of nature — in the lightning, the earthquake, the flood, and the drought, the volcano, and the mighty wind.
"Twentieth century people recognize God chiefly in the wonderful energies of sound, light and electricity; in the vital processes or plants and animals, in human loves and aspirations, and in the evolution of human society."
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Claim Gift of Tongues
1906
Members of New Sect Suddenly Endowed With Ability to Speak Chinese and Greek
Power to heal the sick, to prophesy, and the gift of tongues like that which enabled the first apostles to preach the gospel in strange lands, are all claimed by the members of the Church of the Full Gospel, a new religious sect which in the past three years has sprung up in Colorado and grown with remarkable rapidity.
In an old church on the corner of Nineteenth and Welton street, the congregation in Denver, which now numbers 800, holds its meetings on Sunday for regular service. Every Wednesday afternoon a meeting is held at which it is claimed the power of Divine healing has been again and again manifested. The Rev. G. F. Fink is founder of the new sect. The pastor of the Denver congregation is the Rev. S. A. Brelesford. Fifteen young men are now preparing themselves to become missionaries in foreign fields. Most of them understand no foreign language, but they will leave in the faith that this difficulty will be overcome through divine aid.
The claim is made that in the presence of many people members of the church have already been gifted with tongues they never heard before. Ethel Brelesford, the 12-year-old daughter of Pastor Brelesford, is said to have recently spoken in Chinese. James Diltz, assistant roadmaster of the Rock Island, recently resigned to become a missionary. He, too, they say, can speak Chinese. Others have spoken in German and Spanish, and two were gifted with the Greek language.
Members of New Sect Suddenly Endowed With Ability to Speak Chinese and Greek
Power to heal the sick, to prophesy, and the gift of tongues like that which enabled the first apostles to preach the gospel in strange lands, are all claimed by the members of the Church of the Full Gospel, a new religious sect which in the past three years has sprung up in Colorado and grown with remarkable rapidity.
In an old church on the corner of Nineteenth and Welton street, the congregation in Denver, which now numbers 800, holds its meetings on Sunday for regular service. Every Wednesday afternoon a meeting is held at which it is claimed the power of Divine healing has been again and again manifested. The Rev. G. F. Fink is founder of the new sect. The pastor of the Denver congregation is the Rev. S. A. Brelesford. Fifteen young men are now preparing themselves to become missionaries in foreign fields. Most of them understand no foreign language, but they will leave in the faith that this difficulty will be overcome through divine aid.
The claim is made that in the presence of many people members of the church have already been gifted with tongues they never heard before. Ethel Brelesford, the 12-year-old daughter of Pastor Brelesford, is said to have recently spoken in Chinese. James Diltz, assistant roadmaster of the Rock Island, recently resigned to become a missionary. He, too, they say, can speak Chinese. Others have spoken in German and Spanish, and two were gifted with the Greek language.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Dr. Spalding Finds Lesson in Life of Lew Wallace
1905
Says the Author's Christianity is a Miracle of Miracles.
"The Author of 'Ben Hur' Ready Meet Death" was the subject of a sermon preached by Rev. Dr. George Spalding at the First Presbyterian Church yesterday morning. Dr. Spalding took his text from the second epistle to Timothy, chapter 1 and verse 12, as follows: "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
In part Dr. Spalding said of General Lew Wallace: "He was a strange, wayward boy at home and in college, erratic in faith and conduct, but down under the foaming surface there were great profundities of conviction which had been placed there by a mother's ceaseless prayers. How the deeps of his soul heaved when, having enlisted his regiment, he received from the patriotic women of Indianapolis a stand of colors. Wallace before an immense crowd drew his soldiers upon the public square. Taking the flag in hand he shouted to his regiment, 'Boys, remember Buena Vista, where many of us fought. Down on your knees. Now let us swear before God to defend this flag with the last drop of blood.'
His Trip to Palestine
"This was the man who afterward fell under the influence of Ingersoll, who repeated to him the mistakes of Moses. 'Can you believe in miracles?' asked the skeptic. The answer was 'Ingersoll and I have been traveling in Palestine and I have taken the Bible as my best guide book from place to place. I am putting my believe into a story. I shall call it Ben Hur. I believe that the Christ of Palestine was the Son of God.'
"The Christianity which he lived out and left behind him is itself the miracle of miracles. And more and more through all the years after this great man knew in whom he believed. More and more this Christ was the interpreter of God and his own conscience. More and more he found God's reconciliation of righteousness and mercy in the forgiveness of his own great sin and guilt. And so when he lay there peering into death and the judgment of eternity, amid the laughter of his grandchildren, he received the announcement of his physician and with Christ before his eyes and Christ in all his convictions of unworthiness and with Christ in every love of his great heart he said with Paul of old, 'I am ready to meet my God.'
"Dear people, will not every one of you join with me in the prayer, 'Let me live the life of the Christian and let my last end be like his'?"
—The Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, Feb. 20, 1905, p. 7.
Says the Author's Christianity is a Miracle of Miracles.
"The Author of 'Ben Hur' Ready Meet Death" was the subject of a sermon preached by Rev. Dr. George Spalding at the First Presbyterian Church yesterday morning. Dr. Spalding took his text from the second epistle to Timothy, chapter 1 and verse 12, as follows: "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
In part Dr. Spalding said of General Lew Wallace: "He was a strange, wayward boy at home and in college, erratic in faith and conduct, but down under the foaming surface there were great profundities of conviction which had been placed there by a mother's ceaseless prayers. How the deeps of his soul heaved when, having enlisted his regiment, he received from the patriotic women of Indianapolis a stand of colors. Wallace before an immense crowd drew his soldiers upon the public square. Taking the flag in hand he shouted to his regiment, 'Boys, remember Buena Vista, where many of us fought. Down on your knees. Now let us swear before God to defend this flag with the last drop of blood.'
His Trip to Palestine
"This was the man who afterward fell under the influence of Ingersoll, who repeated to him the mistakes of Moses. 'Can you believe in miracles?' asked the skeptic. The answer was 'Ingersoll and I have been traveling in Palestine and I have taken the Bible as my best guide book from place to place. I am putting my believe into a story. I shall call it Ben Hur. I believe that the Christ of Palestine was the Son of God.'
"The Christianity which he lived out and left behind him is itself the miracle of miracles. And more and more through all the years after this great man knew in whom he believed. More and more this Christ was the interpreter of God and his own conscience. More and more he found God's reconciliation of righteousness and mercy in the forgiveness of his own great sin and guilt. And so when he lay there peering into death and the judgment of eternity, amid the laughter of his grandchildren, he received the announcement of his physician and with Christ before his eyes and Christ in all his convictions of unworthiness and with Christ in every love of his great heart he said with Paul of old, 'I am ready to meet my God.'
"Dear people, will not every one of you join with me in the prayer, 'Let me live the life of the Christian and let my last end be like his'?"
—The Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, Feb. 20, 1905, p. 7.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Self-Styled Elijah III is Weak From Illness
1905
Chicago, Dec. 4. — That Dr. John Alexander Dowie has not recovered entirely from the effects of the stroke of paralysis which he suffered last September, was evidenced yesterday during his sermon in the Shiloh tabernacle in Zion City. He scarcely had begun his remarks, standing in the center of the platform, when he grew weak and for a moment was unable to continue. Assuring his followers that he was not ill, he drew a chair to the front of the platform and continued his address while sitting.
His voice did not show its old time power and he spoke in low tones. He referred to the persecution of Jews and said that he would dismiss any Zionite whom he heard speak slightingly of Jews. Dowie concluded his address, which lasted twenty-five minutes, stating that, while he felt weak and unwell, he believed he would live many years. His final remark produced a feeling or sorrow among his followers. He said:
"I shall be your leader here, or, if not here, I will be in the hereafter."
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1905
Talk on Modern Miracles
The gospel meetings at the West Jefferson street Church of Christ have met with such success that they are to be continued every night during this week. Mr. Allen's subject tonight will be "Modern Miracle-Working Exposed." Miss Helen Gill will sing.
—Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, Dec. 4, 1905
Chicago, Dec. 4. — That Dr. John Alexander Dowie has not recovered entirely from the effects of the stroke of paralysis which he suffered last September, was evidenced yesterday during his sermon in the Shiloh tabernacle in Zion City. He scarcely had begun his remarks, standing in the center of the platform, when he grew weak and for a moment was unable to continue. Assuring his followers that he was not ill, he drew a chair to the front of the platform and continued his address while sitting.
His voice did not show its old time power and he spoke in low tones. He referred to the persecution of Jews and said that he would dismiss any Zionite whom he heard speak slightingly of Jews. Dowie concluded his address, which lasted twenty-five minutes, stating that, while he felt weak and unwell, he believed he would live many years. His final remark produced a feeling or sorrow among his followers. He said:
"I shall be your leader here, or, if not here, I will be in the hereafter."
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1905
Talk on Modern Miracles
The gospel meetings at the West Jefferson street Church of Christ have met with such success that they are to be continued every night during this week. Mr. Allen's subject tonight will be "Modern Miracle-Working Exposed." Miss Helen Gill will sing.
—Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, Dec. 4, 1905
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Healing Art — A Discussion of Faith, Divine Healing
1903
The Occult in the Healing Art:
A Discussion of Faith, or Divine Healing, and Cognate Questions.
The following is a synopsis of a paper read before the Medical Society, convened at Shelby, Ohio, December 22, 1899, by Rev. John V. Potts:
The most complicated of all the sciences is that of The Healing Art. It comprehends all the forces of physical nature, enters the domain of the mind and concerns itself with the spiritual forces of the universe. It has been known in all historic ages and among all peoples, but has made the most marvelous advances among civilized nations in the last century. The deepest research and the most comprehensive, cultured and practical minds have been given to the development of the science of medicine. It has impelled the most earnest study of physical nature in its normal and in its abnormal states. Diseases are being traced to their sources as never before. The laboratory of nature is being assiduously opened and compelled to yield its curative elements for the help of man and beast. The hidden recesses of forest, field, rock, ocean and air are searched with the most scrutinizing care, in order that they may pay tribute to the life, longevity and happiness of man.
But in no historic age has charlatanism, quackery, deceit, fraud and imposition been so rampant as in this century. Empiricism is found in every school of medicine. The pretenders to medical skill are flooding the country with patent nostrums of the most infamous character. Conscienceless greed with the most acute use of chemistry is adulterating food, drink and medicines by wholesale and retail. If any one doubts this let him read the report of the dairy and food commissioner of Ohio. The same conditions prevail all over the United States. But the most dangerous of all these frauds now sweeping over the country is the occult delusion of "Faith Healing," "Divine Healing," healing by prayer, faith and the laying on of the hands, clairvoyance, magnetism, etc. It is the more dangerous because it appeals to the cupidity of man and to the religious element in his nature as well as the overmastering desire in every one to enjoy the blessing of good health. This artful deception has entered the pulpit and men in the garb of the sacred calling boldly and defiantly assert that the practice of medicine is a fraud, a denial of Divine power, that medicines should be thrown to the dogs and that drugs, doctors and devils are not only an alliteration in expression, but that they are equally from the same Satanic source.
The time was when the medical profession and the ministry looked on this movement with indifference, or viewed it with a quizzical eye. But with Mrs. Eddy, Dr. Dowie, Schlatter and a host of minor lights with their literature in the field, it has become too serious a question to be disposed of in that nonchalant manner.
The more serious inquiry is, how to successfully meet the issue? We have in this paper, a review or abstract of a recent work in manuscript, read with approval before the Medical Association of Crawford County, O., over one year ago, and by them thought worthy of publication. It seeks to thoroughly dispose of a whole brood of errors in a new medico-theological way, upon a scientific basis. The central point of attack and amplification are original and the monograph is full of statements, logically argued to a convincing conclusion. The author is a scientific theocrat and seems to have made a wide study of the subject from all points of view.
He states, for illustration, that all healing in its ultimatum is divine in its nature and character, but that the means to the end intervene. He makes concessions, but they only open the way for him to sweep away the foundations of the sophist on the so-called Divine Healing. Take the following paragraph: "There are five things necessary to Faith Healing. These are: 1. Knowledge. 2 Faith. 3. Obedience. 4. Humane remedial agents and agencies. 5. Occult contact, in order to the influx of life." Then he essays to amplify, illustrate and establish these points beyond successful controversy.
Two views of faith exist. One is that faith is the assent of the mind to a dogmatic statement. The other is that faith is the conviction of the mind arising from the presentation of the truth in such manner and in such measure as to gain the rational and willing assent of the human understanding. Our author asserts and demonstrates the latter view.
He disposes of the miracles of Christ after this fashion: "No Christian is disposed to deny the miracles of the Master. But it is manifest that He used remedial agents in every instance. In ignorance He taught the truth; in despair He imparted hope; in hunger He gave food; in paralysis He restored the wasted physical power; in blindness He removed the physical obstruction, and restored the optic nerve, and made the eye physically whole. For the deaf ear He removed the physical defect. The palsied limb was restored whole like as the other. He brought back the physical life to those He raised from the dead. He did not practice a pretense. To some He said, Go wash." This was hydropathy. For another, He made clay of earth and spittle. With this salve He anointed the eyes of the blind man. This was terrapathy. The woman touched the hem of His garment. Virtue or medicine went out of Him. This was magnetism. He had divine powers. All curative elements were at His command. He used them as they were needed. To mental diseases He applied mental remedies, to spiritual ailments He applied spiritual remedies, and to physical disorders He applied physical remedies.
God is consistent with Himself. He made nothing to ignore it. Everything in its own order and after its kind. James says, "Anoint with oil and pray." Both are enjoined. "Oil" is a synonym for "the proper remedy" in any given case. "Oil" here means medicine. Timothy was to take "a little wine for the stomach's sake." Luke was a physician and his calling was never interdicted.
Beyond the Pentecost and Paul, no evidence exists that miraculous powers were even perpetuated. He who would speak with tongues must study the languages. Those gifted in this direction become proficient in the mastery of language. Those who would understand theology must "study to show themselves approved of God," must "give attendance to reading," must "search the scriptures." Those who would have abundance of food must sow and cultivate and reap and garner, and not depend upon miraculous dispensations for food. Those who would have water must smite the earth with the spade, mattock and drill, or put the vessels in the rain to catch the falling showers, or find the rivers or the springs.
Those who would avoid disease must obey the mental, moral and physical laws; and the sick who would recover must use the means, the medicines, the appliances, the elements, be they mental, physical or spiritual, lying in the line of true faith healing.
The miracles simply foretoken the wonderful developments of scientific discovery and the unobstructed contact and intercommunion with the occult sphere. What Christ did by His mandate we must do by mastering and conforming to the forces of nature. What He did by His fiat in calling the curative elements from earth, air, water, animal, chemical and vegetable nature we must do in the laboratory and in true medical practice.
The object of the brochure is to carry conviction to the masses and save them from all these delusions; and to show that agriculture, commerce, law, medicine, pedagogics and theology are alike divine callings. These all have their commercial side, which should be subordinated, not to selfishness and greed of gain, but to the promotion of the best interests of the human races. The work is in short chapters, forcible and epigrammatic in style.
[The author is soliciting funds in this county to assist in the publication of this work. Prices: $1.50 and $1.00.]
—Bedford Gazette, Bedford, Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1903, p. 2.
The Occult in the Healing Art:
A Discussion of Faith, or Divine Healing, and Cognate Questions.
The following is a synopsis of a paper read before the Medical Society, convened at Shelby, Ohio, December 22, 1899, by Rev. John V. Potts:
The most complicated of all the sciences is that of The Healing Art. It comprehends all the forces of physical nature, enters the domain of the mind and concerns itself with the spiritual forces of the universe. It has been known in all historic ages and among all peoples, but has made the most marvelous advances among civilized nations in the last century. The deepest research and the most comprehensive, cultured and practical minds have been given to the development of the science of medicine. It has impelled the most earnest study of physical nature in its normal and in its abnormal states. Diseases are being traced to their sources as never before. The laboratory of nature is being assiduously opened and compelled to yield its curative elements for the help of man and beast. The hidden recesses of forest, field, rock, ocean and air are searched with the most scrutinizing care, in order that they may pay tribute to the life, longevity and happiness of man.
But in no historic age has charlatanism, quackery, deceit, fraud and imposition been so rampant as in this century. Empiricism is found in every school of medicine. The pretenders to medical skill are flooding the country with patent nostrums of the most infamous character. Conscienceless greed with the most acute use of chemistry is adulterating food, drink and medicines by wholesale and retail. If any one doubts this let him read the report of the dairy and food commissioner of Ohio. The same conditions prevail all over the United States. But the most dangerous of all these frauds now sweeping over the country is the occult delusion of "Faith Healing," "Divine Healing," healing by prayer, faith and the laying on of the hands, clairvoyance, magnetism, etc. It is the more dangerous because it appeals to the cupidity of man and to the religious element in his nature as well as the overmastering desire in every one to enjoy the blessing of good health. This artful deception has entered the pulpit and men in the garb of the sacred calling boldly and defiantly assert that the practice of medicine is a fraud, a denial of Divine power, that medicines should be thrown to the dogs and that drugs, doctors and devils are not only an alliteration in expression, but that they are equally from the same Satanic source.
The time was when the medical profession and the ministry looked on this movement with indifference, or viewed it with a quizzical eye. But with Mrs. Eddy, Dr. Dowie, Schlatter and a host of minor lights with their literature in the field, it has become too serious a question to be disposed of in that nonchalant manner.
The more serious inquiry is, how to successfully meet the issue? We have in this paper, a review or abstract of a recent work in manuscript, read with approval before the Medical Association of Crawford County, O., over one year ago, and by them thought worthy of publication. It seeks to thoroughly dispose of a whole brood of errors in a new medico-theological way, upon a scientific basis. The central point of attack and amplification are original and the monograph is full of statements, logically argued to a convincing conclusion. The author is a scientific theocrat and seems to have made a wide study of the subject from all points of view.
He states, for illustration, that all healing in its ultimatum is divine in its nature and character, but that the means to the end intervene. He makes concessions, but they only open the way for him to sweep away the foundations of the sophist on the so-called Divine Healing. Take the following paragraph: "There are five things necessary to Faith Healing. These are: 1. Knowledge. 2 Faith. 3. Obedience. 4. Humane remedial agents and agencies. 5. Occult contact, in order to the influx of life." Then he essays to amplify, illustrate and establish these points beyond successful controversy.
Two views of faith exist. One is that faith is the assent of the mind to a dogmatic statement. The other is that faith is the conviction of the mind arising from the presentation of the truth in such manner and in such measure as to gain the rational and willing assent of the human understanding. Our author asserts and demonstrates the latter view.
He disposes of the miracles of Christ after this fashion: "No Christian is disposed to deny the miracles of the Master. But it is manifest that He used remedial agents in every instance. In ignorance He taught the truth; in despair He imparted hope; in hunger He gave food; in paralysis He restored the wasted physical power; in blindness He removed the physical obstruction, and restored the optic nerve, and made the eye physically whole. For the deaf ear He removed the physical defect. The palsied limb was restored whole like as the other. He brought back the physical life to those He raised from the dead. He did not practice a pretense. To some He said, Go wash." This was hydropathy. For another, He made clay of earth and spittle. With this salve He anointed the eyes of the blind man. This was terrapathy. The woman touched the hem of His garment. Virtue or medicine went out of Him. This was magnetism. He had divine powers. All curative elements were at His command. He used them as they were needed. To mental diseases He applied mental remedies, to spiritual ailments He applied spiritual remedies, and to physical disorders He applied physical remedies.
God is consistent with Himself. He made nothing to ignore it. Everything in its own order and after its kind. James says, "Anoint with oil and pray." Both are enjoined. "Oil" is a synonym for "the proper remedy" in any given case. "Oil" here means medicine. Timothy was to take "a little wine for the stomach's sake." Luke was a physician and his calling was never interdicted.
Beyond the Pentecost and Paul, no evidence exists that miraculous powers were even perpetuated. He who would speak with tongues must study the languages. Those gifted in this direction become proficient in the mastery of language. Those who would understand theology must "study to show themselves approved of God," must "give attendance to reading," must "search the scriptures." Those who would have abundance of food must sow and cultivate and reap and garner, and not depend upon miraculous dispensations for food. Those who would have water must smite the earth with the spade, mattock and drill, or put the vessels in the rain to catch the falling showers, or find the rivers or the springs.
Those who would avoid disease must obey the mental, moral and physical laws; and the sick who would recover must use the means, the medicines, the appliances, the elements, be they mental, physical or spiritual, lying in the line of true faith healing.
The miracles simply foretoken the wonderful developments of scientific discovery and the unobstructed contact and intercommunion with the occult sphere. What Christ did by His mandate we must do by mastering and conforming to the forces of nature. What He did by His fiat in calling the curative elements from earth, air, water, animal, chemical and vegetable nature we must do in the laboratory and in true medical practice.
The object of the brochure is to carry conviction to the masses and save them from all these delusions; and to show that agriculture, commerce, law, medicine, pedagogics and theology are alike divine callings. These all have their commercial side, which should be subordinated, not to selfishness and greed of gain, but to the promotion of the best interests of the human races. The work is in short chapters, forcible and epigrammatic in style.
[The author is soliciting funds in this county to assist in the publication of this work. Prices: $1.50 and $1.00.]
—Bedford Gazette, Bedford, Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1903, p. 2.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Theosophy in Butte
Montana, 1902Theosophy and its revival of occultism is establishing a firm footing in the philosophy and religion of the western world. Its teachings have been the recent occasion of extended newspaper discussion and very serious attention from the pulpit. The church is almost a unit against it, while writers are divided in opinion as to whether its influence is good or baneful. Even in Butte, where the society has one of its most active branches, theosophy has been the subject of sermons and public discussions. The advocates of the cult claim that those who attack it are actuated by a misconception of its doctrine and purpose, and by a mistaken idea that it is a new religion and antagonistic to Christianity, when in fact it is neither. Wide public attention has been called to the growth of the society by the extended reviews and notice given the new book, "Esoteric Christianity," by Annie Besant, the society's most prolific writer, in which she antagonizes the church by the declaration that there is a hidden side to religion, and that religion in its fullness is not free to all, but that it is handed out in measures as it can be received, or as man is prepared for its understanding and comprehension.
The Theosophical society now girdles the earth, and branches have been established in every country. Its headquarters are at Adyar, India, while the head of the American section is in New York, Alexander Fullerton, formerly an Episcopal clergyman, being its secretary.
Some Eminent Theosophists.
The society counts its membership among all races and in all countries, some very noted men and women being among its leaders. Camille Flammarion, the great French astronomer, is one of them. Thomas A. Edison and Professor Crookes, the eminent chemist of London, are ardent theosophists, and so was Max Mueller during his lifetime. J. C. Chattopadhyaya, a high caste Brahmin of India, is one of the converts to theosophy, and spent some time in the United States, where he delivered lectures on the subject. Annie Besant, the authoress, is a sister-in-law of the late Walter Besant, and her husband was a dean of the English church; A. P. Sinnett was for years on the editorial staff of the London Times until he received a commission in the army in India, where he met Madame Blavatsky, one of the founders of the modern society. C. W. Leadbeater, another prominent teacher and writer, was formerly a clergyman in the English church, and G. R. S. Mead, who has written some fine books on many subjects, is regarded as one of the most learned men in the world.
Origin of the Word.
The word "theosophy" is from the Greek and means "divine wisdom." The latter term is many thousand years old. The name theosophy dates from the third century of the Christian era and was applied by Ammonius Saccas, who started the electric theosophical system. Prof. Alexander Wilder, in his new Platonism, says the followers of that school were so called because of their practice of interpreting all sacred legends and narratives, myths and mysteries, by rule or principle of analogy and correspondence, so that events which were related as having occurred in the external world were regarded as expressing operations and experiences of the human soul. The object of this system was, first of all, to inculcate certain great moral truths upon its disciples, hence also the motto adopted by the theosophical society, "There Is No Religion Higher Than Truth." The chief aim of the founders of the ancient electric theosophical school was one of the three objects of its modern successor, the theosophical society of to-day, namely, to reconcile all religious sects and nations under a common system of ethics, based on eternal verities. The theosophists of olden times were large bodies and, like the modern, belonged to various religious philosophies. The mistake is often made that theosophy is a separate religion and antagonistic to other religions. This is not so, according to the claims made by the society. It is antagonistic to no religion. It teaches that all religions are streamlets of the one universal fountain of truth. Theosophy is a religious philosophy, universal in its scope and teaching and all inclusive. Its fundamental objects are: "To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color; to encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science; to investigate unexplained laws of nature and the power latent in man."
Basis of Theosophy.
The doctrine of the brotherhood of man is based on the belief that all men spring from the one spiritual source, and all bodies are from the one mother earth, but theosophy differs from other beliefs as to all men being born equal. Theosophy holds that the true evolution is the unfolding, the growth of intelligence or consciousness through physical forms. Consequently all men are not at the same grade of mental development or evolution, hence all are not equal. For instance, to compare the low intellect of an Australian bushman with the mind of an Emerson illustrates that idea of the difference of unfoldment and development. Spiritually all men are brothers and are from the same spiritual parent. In its study of comparative religions theosophy teaches that each religion has its own mission in the world, is suited to the nation to which it is given, and the type of civilization which it is to permeate. The failure to see these leads to unjust criticism, for an ideally perfect religion would not be suitable to imperfect and partially evolved men. Every religion in the course of time suffers from accretions due to ignorance. It is found in comparative religions that at base they are all one. In all ages of the world there have been great spiritual teachers — Christs or Buddhas — who gave out the truth essential to the demand of the stage of evolution and environment of the people of different nations. Christ was the latest teacher and Christianity the youngest religion. He came to the western world and gave out in a form suitable to the western mind the religion of Christianity. All religions are found to be clothed in parable, allegory, symbol and figure, and when once the key to those symbols and allegories is understood it will be found that there is no disagreement at all in the teachings of the religions of the world. The study of comparative religions naturally leads to a study of comparative mythology, in which it is found that the gods of the ancients are not the mere figures of weird and extravagant tales, but are the personification of forces of nature and intelligences, and that the stories themselves clothe great truths.
Miracles Not Supernatural.
The latent forces in man open a wide and deep subject for study. It is claimed that when once the latent forces are understood the so-called miracles of Christ will be seen not to be supernatural, but the result of the development of powers within the man that enabled him to overcome material forces external to himself. Man is an epitome of the universe, and all forces, powers and laws of the universe are centered in him. It is claimed that lying within the physical senses are senses still finer, more subtle, and that if man is made in the image of God he must possess spiritual faculties that are the root and base of all other faculties. Theosophy holds that the seeming miracles performed by the disciples of Jesus, who were only ordinary men, prior to the awakening of their spiritual faculties, were possible by reason of the development of these faculties by knowledge imparted to them by their master, Jesus. Intuition, it is claimed, is the sixth sense, now being developed to a greater or less extent by men of to-day. The surprises in store for the races are not so much in discoveries of the finer forces of nature, marvelous as they will be, but rather what man is going to find within himself, for there lies in man possibilities undreamed of by the western world. By a method of mental and spiritual training called yoga the Hindoos have developed powers that enable them to control physical forces, and which has caused them to be looked upon as miracle workers. The orientals have always studied these latent powers, while the westerners have studied everything else but themselves. If Bible statements are true men in olden times exhibited powers far beyond the comprehension of undeveloped spiritual man. Witness the statements of St. Paul and St. John, and the story of Daniel in the lion's den, and of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace.
What It Teaches.
Theosophy teaches the doctrine of reincarnation and karma. Karma is the law of retribution, the law of cause and effect, the power that controls all things, the resultant of moral action. It is the sowing and reaping, for as a man sows so shall he also reap. All thoughts and acts committed while here on earth are seeds which will produce a harvest for which the sower must return and reap. Reincarnation is the return of the soul time and time again into physical bodies until it has learned the lesson that earth can teach. It learns from experience. Hence the teaching of karma and reincarnation establishes justice in the world and exonerates God of partiality, and shows why one man is born in a palace and another in the slum, why one is born a genius and another a fool, why one is a saint and the other a sinner. It is held that man is the creator of his own destiny. To quote Sir Edwin Arnold, a believer in reincarnation:
"He cometh, reaper of the things he sow'd,
Sesamum, corn, so much cast in past birth;
And so much weed and poison-stuff, which mar
Him and the aching earth.
"If he shall labor rightly, rooting these,
And planting wholesome seedlings
where they grew,
Fruitful and fair and clean the ground shall be,
And rich the harvest due."
—The Anaconda Standard, Anaconda, Montana, Feb. 16, 1902, p. 19.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
