Modern spiritism; its science and religion - SpiritArchive.org

CHAPTER X
DANGERS OF SPIRITISM
Peril
not Exaggerated
I HAVE already throughout this book at times
spoken of the dangers attaching to modern Spiritism ;
and some may think that enough has already been
said upon the subject.
Lately, moreover, there has been a determined
effort on the part of Spiritists to pour ridicule on
such warnings, and the new leaders are very forward
in declaring these perils are grossly exaggerated, and
that people need not be alarmed; the good far
outweighing the evil, and so on.
Older and more experienced members of the cult
do not write like this. On the contrary, I have been
astonished at the candour and earnestness with
which these men of high integrity write about the
great dangers that beset the very study they are
advocating. Professor Flournoy says that his opposition
to Spiritism is due "to its harmful effects
moral, mental, and physical."
To me, alas, the subject has become a very painful
one, since it has touched my own friends.
Personal Experience
It is when one sees one of the finest cavalry officers
in the British Army, one of one's own circle, a clever