enter an atmosphere of harmony, to
uplift their own souls to a plane of thought which will bring
spiritual inspiration to their minds. We make a distinction
between that Great Supreme Overruling Force which we may call the
Superior Spirit of Intelligence, Wisdom, and Love, and the
personal Deity, clothed in the image of man, gigantic in stature,
jealous and revengeful by nature, which has been set up and
worshiped as the Christian Jehovah. We know of no Spiritualist--let
us repeat it--who believes in such a personal God; but we can
believe and accept the idea, though it may pass beyond almost our
finite comprehension, that there is a grand universal Spirit
permeating all forms of existence; that this great source of
light, of activity and vitality vibrates with intelligence, and
that it is superior to all organic forms, however grand they may
prove to be."

The same views have been taught all along by the "spirits" of
Spiritualism, as could be shown by extracts dating as far back as 1858,
only ten years after the "Rochester Knockings." And though Spiritualism is
now assuming more of the sedate speech of organized Christianity, the
spirits do not modify their teaching in respect to God. In "Automatic, or
Spirit, Writing," p. 148 (1896), are given many messages from the spirits
through the mediumship of Mrs. S. A. Underwood, wife of the editor of the
_Philosophical Journal_, Chicago. The "spirits" set forth their teaching
in answer to questions by the medium, some of which have reference to God,
though his name is not used. Thus on page 148, this conversation is
given:--

"_Ques._--You often in these communications speak of the binding
laws of spiritual life--that because of them you cannot give us
such and such information, etc. Now who makes those laws, and
whence came they, and how are they taught?

"_Ans._--Thou say'st 'who'--therefore we cannot answer. Go back to
the first question and ask one at a time.

"_Q._--Well, who makes the laws?

"_A._--Spirits are not bondaged by _persons_.

"_Q._--Then how do you come to know those laws?

"_A._--Pharos will now answer. Spiritual laws are spiritually
perceived, as soon as the physical perceptions are got rid of.

"_Q._--Could you explain to us those laws?

"_A._--Courses of teaching from our side are as necessary for you
to understand