WCP6607

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Sept^er 12th. 1897

Rev. James Marchant

Dear Sir

I think that most Spiritualists consider that the appearances of Christ after his crucifixion were of the nature of what are termed materialisations. This is indicated by the statements in the gospels that (on two occasions) he "vanished" — and again that, the doors being shut he appeared in the midst of the disciples. This implies, not the real body, but a spiritual form. Again, if it was the body itself, a miracle is implied [2] in the sudden healing of the terrible wounds in the feet & hands, which would, certainly, without such miraculous healing, have rendered "walking" impossible, to say nothing of the spear thrust in the size [sic] which would alone, normally, have caused death.

The great difficulty is, of course, what became of the body itself. The answer appears to be, that, in order to convince the disciples that he had "risen from the dead" it was necessary that the ^dead body should not be found. The same spiritual power that rolled away the stone of the sepulchre also conveyed away [3] the body, and deposited it where it would never be found.

In Stainton Moses'¹ "Spirit Teachings" the view of the Spiritual Resurrection of Christ is taught very distinctly; (See "Easter Teachings" pp.256-268,) but no statement is made as to what became of the body. If you have not seen this work you will find in these pages some very beautiful ideas as to the nature of Christ & the work he came to do.

Thanking you for your kind appreciation of my book on Darwinism.

Believe me | Yours very sincerely | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]