View Related
The Mediums Book, Allan Kardec, Chap XIX
The societies which devote themselves to intelligent communications, and those which devote themselves to obtaining physical manifestations, are equally useful, equally indispensable to each other. Whichever should regard the other disparagingly, would prove itself to be devoid of the true sentiment of Spiritism, and would only injure the cause it professed to serve.
These remarks are equally applicable to differences of opinion, on the part of certain groups, in regard to points of doctrine. As is remarked in our chapter on Contradictions, these differences are often more apparent than real; it would be childish to allow such differences to produce separation and disunion, and still worse to allow them to become pretexts for opposition and rivalry.
If; as has been announced, Spiritism is destined to effect the transformation of humanity, that result can only be effected by the amelioration of the masses; and this amelioration can only be accomplished gradually, through the amelioration of individuals. Of what use is it to believe in the existence of spirits, if our belief does not make us better, kinder, more indulgent towards our fellow-creatures, more humble, more hopeful, more patient under adversity? Of what use is it for the miser to be a Spiritist, if he remains miserly? What is the proud man the better for his Spiritist belief, if he is proud and full of himself? or the envious man, if his envy still remains with him? All men might believe in spirit-manifestations, and yet the human race remain stationary; but such, we are assured, is not God's design. It is towards the realisation of the aim of Providence that Spiritist Societies should tend, by grouping together those who are imbued with the same sentiments; union, sympathy, and fraternity will then succeed to the vain and puerile antagonism of self-conceit, and good deeds will take the place of words. Let all Spiritist Societies adopt as their basis a principle that cannot be overthrown, viz., the good of all; and they will compel respect, because their actions will be the practical carrying out of the morality of Christ.
This is the direction which we have constantly endeavoured to give to the Spiritist movement. On our banner is inscribed Christian and Humanitarian Spiritism; and we rejoice to see so many already rallying round it from every part of the globe, because they comprehend that this motto is the anchor of individual safety, the safeguard of public order, the signal of a new era for the human race. We invite all Spiritist Societies to concur in this great work; by holding out helping hands to one another all the world over, they will constitute-with the aid of the good spirits whom they will attract to them-a barrier which evil spirits will be unable to pass; and they will thus usher in the reign of goodness and happiness predicted by Christ in His sublime prayer that the "will" of God might "be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Post Article:
Submit Your Own Article