The first period of Spiritism, characterized by the turning or dancing tables, was that of curiosity. The second was the philosophical, marked by the appearance of The Spirits’ Book. Since that time Spiritism took a completely different character. Its objective and expansion were foreseen, faith and consolation were found and the speed of its progress was such that no doctrine philosophical or religious can offer such example. However, like with every new idea, it found the more ferocious adversaries the greater the idea was because any new great idea will hurt interests. It is necessary that this idea take its place and those affected by that cannot see it with good eyes. Besides the interested parties, there are those that systematically or without any precise reason are born against everything that is new.
Many doubted its vitality in the first years and for that reason they did not give Spiritism much attention. But when they saw it growing, despite everything; when they saw it reaching every layer of the social fabric and in all corners of the world; when they saw it taking its place among beliefs and becoming powerful for the number of followers, those interested in the maintenance of old ideas were then seriously alarmed. Then I real crusade was thrown against it giving rise to the period of struggle in which the Act of Faith of Barcelona on October 9th, 1861 was somehow a sign. Up until then it was the object of sarcasm and disbelief that laughs at everything and in particular to something that is unknown, even the most sacred things and there isn’t a new idea that can escape that. It is its test of fire. But the others don’t laugh. They see it with anger, an obvious and characteristic sign of the importance of Spiritism. From that moment the attacks started to show an unseen character of violence. The order was given: ferocious sermons, orders, anathemas, excommunications, persecution to individuals, books, brochures and articles in newspapers. Nothing was left untouched, not even slander.
We are then fully in the period of struggle that has not ended. After the uselessness of the open attacks they are going to try the underground war that begins to show and organize. An apparent calmness will be felt but it is just the calmness that anticipates the storm; but after the storm comes the rainbow.
Spiritists, have no fear because the end is not doubtful. The fight is necessary and the success will be bright. I have said and repeat: I see the end; I know when and how it is going to be achieved. If I say that with such a confidence it is because I have reasons for that but prudence requires that I remain quiet but one day you will know them. All I can tell you is that powerful supporters will come to shut the mouth of more than one detractor. Nonetheless it will be a lively fight and if there are victims of their faith in the conflict may they rejoice as the first Christian martyrs did from which there are many among you to encourage you and give you examples and may they remember these words from Jesus:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” “(Mathew 5: 10-12)
Don’t these words seem to have been said to today’s Spiritists as to the apostles of those days? This is because Jesus’ words have that character in particular: they are for all times because his mission was for the future as much as for the present.
The struggle will determine a new phase of Spiritism and will lead to the fourth period that will be the religious period. Then there will be the fifth, the intermediary period, a natural consequence of the preceding one, and that later on will receive its characteristic denomination. The six and last period will be that of social renovation that will open the era of the twentieth century. In that period all the obstacles to the new order of things wished by God for the transformation of Earth will be gone. The new generation embedded in the new ideas will use its power to pave the way to the one that must inaugurate the definitive victory of union, peace and fraternity among all, confounded in in common belief by the practice of the evangelical law.
That is how the words of Christ will be confirmed for all must be accomplished and many realize at this time because the predicted times have come. But it is useless to look for those signs from heaven taking appearance by reality. Those signs are around you and come from all places.
It is remarkable that the communications given by the Spirits had a special character in each period: in the first they were frivolous and lighthearted; in the second were serious and instructive; since the third they presented the struggles and their several nuances. The majority of the ones obtained today in the multiple centers have the intent of forewarning the followers against the maneuvers of their adversaries. Thus, instructions are given everywhere about it as everywhere an identical result is announced.
The coincidence about that point of view as for many others is not one of the less significant facts. The situations if fully summarized in the two following communications whose veracity the Spiritists have already acknowledged.
