503. IF the reader will turn to my narrative, 192 to 200, he will learn
under what circumstances I became acquainted with Maria, the being of
whose spiritual birth it will, in the next place, be my object to give
her own account.
504. My acquaintance with this truly angelic creature has awakened in
me lively friendship and esteem. These sentiments have been induced
by her devotion to her parents, her affectionate recollection of her
children, and gracious demeanour to others.
_The Spirit Maria’s Narrative, as given through the Mediumship of Mrs.
M. B. Gourlay._
505. _Dear Father_: I promised to give you an account of my entrance
into, and life in the spheres. As I said to you on a former occasion,
I felt like one just awaking from a deep sleep induced by the
deadening influence of an opiate. It was some time before I could
collect my scattered senses. On partially regaining my consciousness,
I recollected having been sick, and the anxiety of my friends for
my restoration to health; and I wondered at the sudden change in my
feelings. Those racking pains I experienced had all fled, and I felt
a newness of life which was truly delightful. Indistinct and shadowy
forms flitted before me. On closely inspecting them, I perceived that
they were my departed friends. It was then that I fully realized the
change in my condition. My first and greatest concern was for those who
seemed so inconsolable at my loss, and for whom I still entertained the
most devoted love and affection. My vision becoming gradually clearer,
I perceived, among the group, my brother William ready to receive me.
He was clothed in a garment of living light, and closely resembles you,
dear father, in form and features. He addressed me in the following
language:—“Welcome, thrice welcome, my beloved sister, to the regions
of immortality! I have been your guardian angel through life, and
have looked forward with pleasure to this happy reunion.” I was now
informed by him that I must leave my treasures on earth. This gave me
some uneasiness, but being assured that I should visit them again, I
cheerfully accompanied him in his upward flight.
506. Surprise and delight pervaded my existence when I beheld those
friends bound to me by the ties of consanguinity ready to receive me
and fold me to their hearts.
507. Gliding swiftly upward, on gaining an elevation of some sixty
miles from the earth’s surface, we passed into the second sphere;[15]
on entering which a tremor seized me. A moral darkness pervades the
atmosphere, which renders it gloomy and uncomfortable in the extreme.
The inhabitants are dark and dismal in their appearance, and are
continually tortured with the pangs of a guilty conscience. Here
disorder and confusion reign supreme, each spirit vieing with the other
in rendering discord more discordant. We passed on rapidly, leaving the
second sphere and its undeveloped inhabitants behind.
508. On approaching the third sphere, we were met by a company of
angels from the seventh sphere, among whom I recognised my brothers
who died in infancy. They had attained the stature of men. I now felt
that law of affinity which binds us so closely together, drawing me
toward them, and I was enabled at once to single them out from the
multitude which accompanied them. With smiles they greeted me, saying,
“Welcome, dear sister; another link is added to the chain of love
which binds us together. One by one they shall be removed from earth
till the chain is completed here.”
509. We next entered the third sphere, where comparative order reigns.
There I perceived many spirits intently listening to a teacher, whose
theme was the subject of progression.
510. Anxiously desiring to reach my destiny, we quickly passed to the
fourth sphere. How different the scene! every thing looked bright and
beautiful to my enraptured sight. It seemed like an enchanted land.
Thousands of flowers scented the air with their odoriferous perfume,
and rapturous strains of music thrilled me with delight! We now
approached a beautiful temple devoted to the science of the harmony
of sounds. In it music in all its departments is taught. O, father,
could you hear the master spirits of song, who lived ages ago on
earth, attuning their instruments to harmony, your senses would become
entranced. Music, being conceived in heaven, is sent forth to earth
to elevate man, and attract him to our great and beneficent Father. I
perceived that the fourth sphere was to be my abiding-place for the
present.
511. On my return to the second sphere, it looked somewhat different to
me, for, having lost my fear, I could more closely inspect the place
and its inhabitants. The country, as far as my vision could penetrate,
seemed like a vast desert, without a green spot to relieve the eye.
Its denizens are seen straggling here and there, with no fixed object
in view. All are seeking to minister to their perverted tastes. Some
are holding forth in loud tones, and painting in false and gaudy
colours the joy of their home; others, who occupied high stations on
earth, hang their heads in confusion, and would fain hide themselves
from view; but they are taunted with rude jests, and told that their
“pride of position will avail them nothing here.” One heart-sickening
feature of this place is the absence of children. No purity can exist
where such evils abound. “The loud laugh, which bespeaks the vacant
mind,” is heard pealing forth in derision, as the teachers from the
higher spheres approach the motley group. Some, in whom the work of
regeneration has commenced, are seen ascending the spiral stairway of
progress which leads to the third sphere.
512. The beauty of the third sphere far transcends that of earth. The
scenery is endlessly diversified with spiritual objects, corresponding
to things of your planet. Mountains and valleys, hills and dales,
rivers and lakes, and trees and plants, lend their enchantment to the
scene. The inhabitants of this sphere are anxious for instruction. The
teachers from the higher degrees are listened to with profound respect
and attention.
513. I saw many persons whom I knew in the rudimental state. I met a
spirit yesterday whom I have seen in your company before he left the
form.[16] I felt attracted to him. On approaching him, he smilingly
said, “Why do you take such an interest in me, fair being? I know you
not.” “True,” I replied, “but I saw you in my father’s company before
you left the earth, and was present once when my brother gave you a
communication, which, by the way, you received with much incredulity;
therefore, I feel constrained to speak to you.” He thanked me, saying,
“I never believed in the immortality of the soul; consequently, it was
not strange that I should doubt the spirits.” “Your skepticism,” I
replied, “was honest; therefore you will rise much sooner in the scale
of progression. A sincere unbelief is better than false professions.”
Here I left him, and followed a multitude who were just entering a
magnificent temple, where a teacher was to address them. This structure
is immensely large and exquisitely symmetrical in its proportions.
Many stately columns support its roof, each surmounted by a cap of
chaste design. The material of this temple is similar in appearance
to alabaster, but transparent. The seats are semicircular, forming an
amphitheatre, in the centre of which stood the speaker, Channing. With
uplifted hands he invoked God’s blessing on all mankind. With what
breathless attention all listened to the glowing words of eloquence
which fell from his lips! This is the true worship of the soul. His
text was: “The light that is within you.” He dwelt at some length on
the importance of self-elevation, as a means of progressing others.
He spoke of the moral bond of union which binds the race together.
“When one individual,” said he, “is degraded, all must suffer.” His
discourse abounded with clear and energetic thought.
514. As we passed from this temple, I met my friend of yesterday.
He remarked that he had learned much from the speaker who had just
addressed us. He said that his mind, before entering the spheres,
had been much troubled about the future, although light had begun to
dawn on his mental horizon. “Hope,” said he, “with her cheering
countenance, had almost deserted me, and the world appeared like a
dreary wilderness. Sick and disheartened, I laid me down to recruit my
exhausted energies. An unconscious period intervened, and then burst on
my enraptured vision the glorious morning of the resurrection in all
its loveliness; and with it came a bright messenger of light to bear me
onward and upward to the boundless regions of progressive wisdom, where
my untrammelled spirit can soar aloft to study the wondrous works of
Almighty God.”
515. In the fourth sphere the scenery is characterized by still more
beautiful landscapes: the grass appears of a greener green, and the
flowers are more gorgeous in their hue, and the birds sing still more
sweetly. Shall I lead you to this parterre? Here you perceive the lily
with its almond-shaped leaves, and stamens delicately tinted with the
faintest crimson; by its side is the blushing rose. Here you observe
the myrtle, the emblem of love, and the passion-flower, which speaks
of a deathless passion. All have an interior language which spirits
alone can fully comprehend. The trees here are somewhat different
from those on earth. This is a strange-looking one. Its trunk is very
straight, and runs up to an immense height without branches; its top is
surmounted by tufts of beautiful spiral-shaped silvery leaves; by its
side stands one of very different appearance, whose depending branches,
like the graceful willow, bend beneath their wealth of leaves, courting
one to repose beneath their grateful shade. Here, too, are sparkling
streams, murmuring cascades, and gushing fountains, and trees bending
beneath their load of golden fruit; and here are temples devoted to the
arts and sciences.
516. Now, dear father, let not a school on earth rise up before
your imagination. Our schools and systems of instruction differ
widely from those in the rudimental sphere, inasmuch as they are far
more beautiful. We use neither books nor charts, but the spirit or
substance of each subject is presented to the student, whose mind at
once perceives its internal meaning. In this way are solved the most
difficult problems.
517. Let us enter this building devoted to the teachers from the
seventh sphere. See the multitude thronging its portals. Before we
enter, let us glance at its exterior. It is circular in form, and
beautiful in its architectural design. Its spiral columns are entwined
with the richest flowers, which yield a delicious fragrance. As you
enter this temple, its fretted vaults resound with the soft harmonious
symphonies of spirit voices. In the midst of the group stands the
teacher, Melancthon, who suffered in the cause of religious freedom.
His countenance is mild and angelic, but he still retains that fearless
spirit which characterized him on earth.
518. Here comes a band of beautiful children carrying wreaths of
flowers in their hands. They are singing, and they lead by the hand a
lovely child just escaped from earth. How happy it seems! It is quite
unconscious of the change in its condition.
519. Let us now wend our way to the fifth sphere. This state is in
a still greater degree heavenly. As far as the eye can reach are
seen lovely villas, magnificent temples, forest-crowned hills, and
gently undulating plains. Let us go up this avenue, shaded with lofty
sycamores: this is the residence of H. K. White. How enchanting the
spot! It is a low cottage embosomed in the midst of trees and flowers,
which, by interlacing, form beautiful arbours with arched entrances.
The grounds about this dwelling are skilfully and tastefully laid
out. The clematis and honeysuckle entwine their tendrils around the
trellis-work of the door. Let us enter. Statues of the most exquisite
finish fill the niches; couches and divans of various forms and
singular devices grace the rooms, and carpets of the softest texture
and most brilliant dyes cover the floors. It is, indeed, the beau
ideal of a poet’s home. In this sphere dwell Channing, Ballou, Murray,
the Wesleys, Byron, Burns, Moore, Shelley, Scott, and Hahnemann, the
founder of your school, who is still engaged in the investigation of
scientific truths. I speak of those persons in particular, because
I am personally acquainted with them, being attracted to them by a
congeniality of feeling.
520. The sixth state or sphere far transcends the most gorgeous
picture of oriental splendour. So lovely are the scenes presented to
the view there, that I cannot impress your mind with any thing like
a just conception of them. _I receive my ideas of the fifth, sixth,
and seventh spheres from the spirits who dwell therein, having never
visited them in person._ What a magnificent panorama is there presented
to the spirit’s gaze! There are colossal temples, and “houses not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens.” As far as the vision can extend
may be seen cities and palaces, whose lofty domes sparkle like diamonds
in the sunbeams of heaven; oceans and seas with which yours are mere
lakes in comparison; placid lakes and noble rivers winding their
interminable way through valleys clothed with perpetual verdure.
521. There are gardens there of inconceivable beauty, filled with the
choicest and most aromatic herbs and flowers, and birds with every
conceivable variety of plumage. The parks are of great magnitude,
and abound with the most beautiful animals. The swift antelope,
the wild gazelle, and the graceful deer are seen ranging over the
flowery plains. There the lion and the lamb lie down together in
peaceful innocence. There are congregated millions of spirits, who are
associated together like a harmonious and happy family. The vales are
vocal with celestial melody, and the air is redolent with the perfume
of flowers.
522. How shall I describe to you the transcendent glory of the seventh
sphere? Let us contemplate it. In it all the beauties and joys of
the lower degrees are combined, but in a much more refined and
sublimated form. There dwell the spirits of the just made more perfect.
Innumerable companies of children, which constitute the infant army of
heaven, are singing in gladsome strains the love of Him who called them
into being, causing the atmosphere to resound with harmonious shouts
of joy. There dwells Jesus of Nazareth, the great moral reformer, and
“John the beloved.” There reside the apostles, prophets, and martyrs
of olden time. There live Confucius, Seneca, Plato, Socrates, and
Solon, with all the philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome.
523. That sphere is illumined by the refulgent beams of heaven’s great
central sun, in whose genial warmth and golden flood of living light
spirits find life eternal.
_My Sister’s account of her Spiritual Birth, or Translation to the
Spirit World._
524. _Dear brother_: The language of mortals is inadequate to convey
to your mind a tenth part of the joy that I experienced when liberated
from the physical body. You remember well the hour when the summons
came. You did not expect me to depart so soon. The mutual relationship
which had existed between my body and spirit being dissolved, I found
myself still a living, thinking, and intelligent being, and in a world
of tangible and eternal realities.
525. When the last act in the drama of life was finished, and as soon
as I had emerged from the pleasing reverie which succeeded the moment
of dissolution, I found my room filled with bright visitants from
the world of spirits, and my ears were delighted with the sweetest
melodies. I now felt that the great secret was about to be disclosed,
and I began to realize that I had indeed passed from death unto life.
526. Dazzled by the exceeding brilliancy of the light which emanated
from the pure beings who surrounded me, I began to distrust my senses,
and looked about to assure myself that I was not in a dream or trance.
I was soon startled from my musing by a gentle pull at my garment,
and on turning round to discover the cause, I instantly recognised my
beloved father. Oh! imagine my feelings at that joyful moment; no words
can describe them. I now felt a strong desire to leave earth. Father
perceiving this, placed his hand in mine, and said, “My daughter, the
battle is fought, the victory is won; follow me.” He now led me forth
into open space. We were immediately encircled by a magnificent halo
of light, and strains of heavenly music floated on the circumambient
air. Here a scene of glory was revealed to me which human imagination
is unable to conceive. As we penetrated the clear blue depths of ether,
myriads of angelic beings crossed our path, and many greeted me with
words of welcome.
527. Having passed beyond earth’s sphere, new and more glorious scenes
burst upon my enraptured vision, and they increased in beauty at each
successive stage of our journey. I felt that a great change had taken
place in my condition, for the most intense sensations of pleasure
pervaded my soul. Father watched my emotions with deep interest, and
was delighted with the startling and happy effect produced on my mind.
We passed quickly through the different stages of our progress, till we
arrived at the fifth spiritual sphere, which is my present home. I am
often with my friends on earth, and would gladly influence them, and
prove my identity to them, if they would render themselves receptive to
my power.
528. My present home, in point of beauty, far excels any scene ever
witnessed by mortal eye. The interior of nature is laid open to the
spirit’s perception, and the hidden treasures of earth are exposed
to its view. When we desire to be with our friends on earth, we have
only to will it, and our desire is instantly gratified. We can visit
the spheres below, but not those above us until we are prepared for
admission into them by a gradual process of development.
529. The first spiritual sphere is the abode of those spirits whose
desires are low and sensuous; they pursue those pleasures which are
most congenial to their unrefined and grovelling natures; but as their
moral faculties become strengthened, they lose their taste for debasing
pursuits, and rise in the scale of being. The brightness of the halo
which envelopes the spirit is increased in proportion to its increase
of moral and intellectual greatness.
530. Dear Robert, I have looked forward with great pleasure to the time
when I might be enabled to commune with you.
531. All knowledge gained by mortals will be of advantage to them in
the spheres.
532. Each individual in the spirit world is judged and suffers
according to the deeds done in the body. There is no possible escape
from the legitimate consequences of evil actions. The book of God’s
judgment is the record made on the tablets of the mind, and it may be
read by all. The hypocrite can remain hypocrite no longer, as he will
inevitably appear in his true colours; and in this fact, in part, shall
his punishment consist.
533. I would say a few words to you concerning the condition of
infants. The infant spirit ascends directly to the seventh sphere, and
is given in charge of a guardian spirit, by whom it is cared for and
instructed in those things which most serve to develop its intellectual
powers. It is permitted occasionally to visit its parents who may be in
lower spheres, and to descend even to earth with its guardian angel,
who often communicates for it.
534. Every individual, at death, is waited on by a congenial spirit,
who escorts him to his home in that sphere to which his merit entitles
him.
535. The object of our present mission to the inhabitants of the earth
is to convince millions of _doubting_ mortals of the fact of their
_immortality_, and of the glorious destiny which awaits them beyond the
limits of the tomb.
536. It is thought by many of our brothers in the flesh that we will
impart to them _all_ the knowledge that we possess respecting the
mysteries of the spheres; but on this point let them be undeceived, for
it is utterly impossible for them to comprehend all in their present
rudimental state. Our chief object is to assure them, by unmistakable
signs, of the soul’s immortality, and the conditions necessary to be
observed by them in order to obtain a happy future existence.
537. Notwithstanding the truth of spirit manifestations and spirit
teachings, there are many persons who will not readily perceive it;
their minds are so much cramped and distorted by false teachings, that
many years shall have elapsed before there can be much improvement in
them; of such it hath been said, “They would not believe though one
should arise from the dead.”
538. My brother, I would say a word to you touching your duty in regard
to the present dispensation. You occupy a prominent and important place
in the dissemination of this most glorious gospel; your mind has ever
been desirous of the truth; a uniform consistency of conduct has marked
your course through life: pursue, then, the even tenor of your way,
and let love be the controlling principle of your motives and actions,
and if reviled, revile not again, but bear all things nobly for the
truth’s sake, and great will be your reward. I would say, moreover, let
your reason determine the value of our teachings. You are engrossed to
some extent by the cares and perplexities of earth life; therefore you
cannot so fully realize the wondrous joys which await you in yonder
peaceful heaven!
539. My brother, when the lamp of your earthly existence shall begin to
burn dimly, and the objects of earth recede from your view, your spirit
father and sister will be at hand to conduct you into the presence of
those loved friends who are bound to you by the ties of consanguinity
and sympathy. MARTHA.
_My Brother’s account of his Spiritual Birth._
540. _Dear brother Robert_: How long I remained in a state of
unconsciousness, previous to my spiritual birth, is unknown to me;
suffice it to say, when the vital cord which bound me to the physical
body was parted, I experienced a full consciousness of my personality.
I enjoyed perfect freedom from pain and sickness, and an unwonted
degree of strength and buoyancy of spirit; sensations of the most
exalted character took possession of me, and a holy calm pervaded the
sanctuary of my soul. It was not, however, until I saw my body lying
upon the bed, that the true nature of my situation flashed across my
mind. I shall never forget that moment of ecstatic bliss. I felt a
sudden and indescribable consciousness of increased mental and physical
power, and my body was most beautifully and symmetrically formed; in
fact, I beheld myself a perfect and immortal man! I perceived, too,
that my step was lighter, freer, and more elastic than usual, and my
whole system was singularly rejuvenated. I knew that I was in eternity,
yet I saw that I was upon the earth. As my mind became clear, and
my vision less obstructed, a radiant spirit, whom I had not before
noticed, addressed me in these words: “Brother! welcome, welcome, to
the bright and joyous spirit land, to this blest habitation for the
children of men, to this land of ceaseless progression.” The spirit
having spoken thus, beckoned me away.
541. Having passed beyond the sphere of earth, we entered the regions
of perpetual day, where the foot of mortal never trod; where the
brilliant flowers were never culled by mortal hands; where beautiful
spirits, angelic beings, float in mid air, and sport beside the
sparkling fountains; where harmonious voices mingle with the rich tones
of golden harps, and silver flute-notes ascend to the arching heavens.
On our way thither we saw many companies of ministering angels passing
to and fro on their respective missions. Some, who were assembled in
groups, talked earnestly together upon congenial subjects; while others
blended their voices in anthems of praise, whose echoes were prolonged
far up through the realms of space to blend with still more glorious
harmonies in spheres above. Those celestial beings, though beautiful
beyond the conception of finite man, were not of the highest order
of angels. They belong to that class whose mission is to visit the
dwellings of men, and to minister unto the bereaved and afflicted of
earth; to tend the beds of the dying, and to whisper rest to the weary
and hope to the desponding.
542. My brother, I might speak to you of the past, but I prefer to
open the door of the bright and glorious future. Solon said that no
one should call himself happy before death; now, although I do not
sanction this advice of the distinguished sage, I know that there is,
comparatively speaking, no happiness in the rudimentary state; no
pleasure equal to that which awaits the resurrected spirit in those
beautiful mansions where it shall forever bathe in the eternal sunlight
of its Father’s love. I cannot find words to describe to you the
magnificent creations of Him from whom all order, beauty, and harmony
proceed.
543. I am surrounded by every thing that can delight the eye, please
the ear, and gratify the taste. I have every facility for studying all
the principles in the vast universe of matter.
544. In the higher spiritual states perfect peace and tranquillity
reign: no strife mars the harmony of the celestial abodes.
545. My mission is to instruct spirits in the lower circles, and to
raise them from their degraded condition.