483. “A calm and holy atmosphere pervades this little company, and
lovely forms are surrounding each earth friend. O thou great God of
goodness! to thee our hearts are raised in thanksgiving for this
privilege of communion with our friends on earth. Gratitude should
fill the hearts of all present. Little children are sporting in this
atmosphere of love like gentle moonbeams, kissing with a gentle touch
the brows of their loving parents.
484. “Oh! why should you weep for those who have gone before? Rather
mourn those who are debarred the joys of our celestial homes, where
the weary spirit finds rest from the toils of earth, where all is joy
evermore.
485. “Gentle mother, your little seraph-boy is not _dead_, but
_liveth_. In his uncontaminated love, find comfort for the ills of life.
486. “Dear father, it was my spirit hand which was placed on thy brow,
which you just felt.
487. “I left earth pure. In this purity I come to my dear parents.
Accept my love, and give me yours in return.
“LITTLE WALTER.”
_Mrs. Helmick._
OF THE SPIRITUAL BIRTH,[13] CALLED DEATH, OF HUMAN BEINGS, CALLED
MORTALS, ALTHOUGH IMMORTAL.
_Of Spiritual Birth._
488. Having obtained from several of my most valued spirit friends or
relatives, narratives of their translation from this sphere to the
world of spirits, it appears, from their concurrent testimony, that on
the death of the body, the soul finds itself soon afterward awaking
from a profound sleep,—but so much more like dreaming than being awake,
as for a short time to create a doubt whether it be not dreaming.
Meanwhile, bright shadowy forms become more and more distinguishable;
and the body which it has left being perceived apart on its bed, or in
whatever position its death occurred, the conviction is induced that
another state of existence has been attained. As the forms, at first
shadowy, become distinct, they are usually found to be those of the
nearest or dearest previously departed friends. These meet the nascent
spirit with every possible manifestation of affection, while the most
ecstatic emotions are awakened.
489. Forthwith the spirit is conducted to his celestial abode: of which
the elevation is greater as the morality of the individual concerned is
higher.
_Narrative given by Spirits of their translation to the Spirit World,
the abode of human souls in a future state_
490. The following narrative is from an excellent spirit
philanthropist, who, though a stranger to me in this world, introduced
himself to me at the session of a small circle, by the communication
alleged to be intended for me, which has already been quoted. (147.)
491. He has since reported himself as the author of those sentiments,
and has held many conversations with me.[14]
492. Subsequently to an address made by me at Franklin Hall, he
expressed himself as follows: “Do not keep your light under a bushel.
I was present and heard you speak last night. I wish you to say more
about your personal experience. That would weigh with the community at
large.” I excused my course by answering, that I wished my experience
to be riper before submitting it to the community.
_Narrative of his Spiritual Birth, by W. W-—-, a most benevolent Spirit
of the Fifth Sphere._
493. “Did you ever have a most delightful dream in which you saw your
near and dear friends about you, all seeming happy and contented with
their condition? If you have, then you can form an imperfect idea
of my state when I awoke to the reality of the change which opened
upon my entranced sight on being ushered into the spheres. I had been
long sick, and was subject to periods of unconsciousness. Therefore I
did not soon perceive the change to be real. I felt almost too much
happiness for my spirit to bear.
“On looking around, I perceived my mother, with outstretched arms,
ready to receive her welcome son to the mansion prepared for him.
494. “Did I still dream? I asked: no! it was a blessed reality;
all pain had fled, and my spirit rejoiced in new health. I could
hardly contain myself from expressing my gratitude to God in verbal
ejaculations. But I soon found that I had a much more delightful mode
of expression. Each countenance beamed with love and intelligence, and
the spirits could interpret my thoughts as readily as mortals can read
a well-printed book.
495. “One spirit, on whose countenance I could read volumes,
approached, and taking me by the hand said, ‘Welcome, dear brother, to
this sinless world, where your progression is sure; no obstacles shall
impede your footsteps; the conditions of time are removed; your feet
shall fail not in the race of progress. Onward and Upward is our motto.’
496. “With willing heart I followed my guide. Every step taken led
me up toward the great Source of light and truth. I never wearied
in my journey. Bright and sparkling waters flowed at my feet, and
living flowers sprang up before me. Each new object gave me courage to
proceed. Old familiar faces met my gaze at every footstep, and cherub
forms flitted past me. Golden clouds rested over the scene, and all
nature was refulgent with light and animation. Huge oaks tossed their
giant branches to the pure breezes of heaven, and lofty pines bowed
their heads in love and adoration. The little birds sent forth their
notes of praise, while the air was laden with the perfume of flowers.
Being fond of the beauties of nature while on earth, I enjoyed this
scene much.
497. “I was rejoiced to see so many of my friends present. Each vied
with the other to give me the most cordial welcome.
498. “I soon perceived that I was near my journey’s end, for I had
reached the fifth sphere of spiritual progression. My guide pointed out
to my view the mansion which I was to occupy.
499. “I was told that I could return to earth, when I was so inclined.
Inclination often draws me thither. So long as a spirit has friends
on earth, he will visit them; but when they join him, he loses his
attachment for the rudimental sphere, and seldom thereafter leaves his
celestial abode.
500. “My habitation consists of suites of rooms, most beautifully
ornamented with paintings and statues and the most elegant productions
of spirit art. _Each individual can have his dwelling to suit his own
particular taste or fancy. The more refined and elevated the spirit,
the more refined and beautiful is the house or home that he inhabits._
501. “The occupations of the higher spirits are of a more intellectual
character than the highest on earth.
502. “Our spheres are types of yours; but we do not have to provide
for the casket which contains the spiritual jewel.”