921. The following is a narrative of the circumstances which led to
the conversion to a belief in Spiritualism, of my esteemed friend,
Mrs. M. B. Gourlay, through _whose_ high attributes as an intellectual
medium, I am in a great measure indebted for _my_ conversion. I do most
devoutly believe that the information received from my spirit father,
through her mediumship, would, if duly credited, be of more value to
true religion and morality, than the forty millions of dollars annually
expended upon the Church of England.
PHILADELPHIA, May 20, 1855.
_To Professor Robert Hare_:
922. _My Dear Sir_: Pursuant to your request, I have the pleasure to
present you the following particulars of my experience and observation
in relation to the phenomena of spiritual intercourse,—phenomena
which engage, at the present time, the serious and profound attention
of thousands of intelligent minds; manifestations that are rapidly
and steadily spreading their influence over the entire continent,
and carrying with them the evidence of their spiritual origin, while
impressing receptive minds with the truth of their sacred importance to
an extent unexampled in the history of any other movement.
923. My attention was attracted to the phenomena in question, about
five years since, by reading sundry reports in the New York Tribune, of
certain mysterious sounds which had occurred in the city of Rochester,
and purported to have been made by the spirits of the departed.
924. I regarded the subject at first with great distrust, supposing it
a mere imposition on the credulity of the public, and considered it
entirely unworthy of serious thought.
925. Finding, however, that it was eliciting considerable notice, and
knowing that _facts are sometimes stranger than fiction_, I deemed it
consonant with reason to suspend my judgment till more conversant with
the facts.
926. Having been admonished by a much-loved, intelligent, and, I would
add, _practical_ Christian mother to worship at the altar of truth,
while exercising my reason on all subjects presented to my mind, I was,
as might be presumed, nearly, if not entirely, free from the shackles
of bigotry, superstition, and dogmatism, and was thus prepared, so
far at least as these barriers to mental and moral progression are
concerned, to investigate any subject within the range of my capacity.
927. Hearing of the spread of the manifestations, and their actual
occurrence in the city of Bangor, Maine, where I then resided, I
resolved, with the first favourable opportunity, to investigate the
matter for myself.
928. Not many days had elapsed after forming this resolution, before
I met an intimate friend, an exemplary and respected member of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, who informed me that she was
interested in spiritual manifestations, and desired to investigate
them. But alas! she was bound by the galling fetters of sectarian and
priestly bondage, and dared not move in such an investigation. Her
pastor had said that the “_arch deceiver_,” the veritable _Satan_,
was the prime instigator in this _scheme_, and, moreover, that to
participate in a movement so diabolical in its character would render
her liable not only to loss of membership in the church, but expose her
to divine wrath in this world, as well as endless torment in the world
to come.
929. I believed such an intolerant and persecuting spirit, to be
diametrically opposed to every principle of true Christianity, and
repugnant to the claims of reason; and deprecating any doctrine,
orthodox though called, that would thus stifle free thought and
inquiry, and consign to eternal misery the children of our heavenly
Father, even however depraved, I advised my friend to exercise her
reason, with which she was by nature endowed, and regardless of the
sneers of a time-serving multitude, or the anathemas of the church, to
obey the injunction of the apostle—“Prove all things—_hold fast that
which is good_.”
930. She consented; and a few days subsequent to this interview,
she extended to me an invitation to attend a spiritual circle to be
convened at the house of a highly respectable family, members of the
Unitarian Church, and much esteemed by a large circle of friends for
their many virtues.
931. The invitation was gladly accepted, and the ensuing evening found
us seated at a table in the domicile of our worthy friends, Mr. and
Mrs. T-—-, with some six or eight intelligent persons of both sexes.
932. Having, agreeably to request, placed our hands on the table, we
silently raised our thoughts in solemn and sincere aspirations to the
great Father of spirits, and desired to be brought into more harmonious
relation with the spirits of our dear departed friends, and hoping that
these might thereby be better able to manifest themselves to their
friends still in the earthly habiliments of humanity.
933. We had not remained long in this position, before we heard
distinct sounds like the falling of drops of water on the table.
Imagine our surprise and inexpressible delight, when first aroused to
a vital consciousness of the presence of celestial visitants in our
midst! I shall never forget the glorious expression of pleasure which
illumined the countenances of that little band of seekers for truth,
nor the electric thrill of joy which I experienced on this happy
occasion.
934. The sounds continued to respond to our inquiries; three expressing
the affirmative, and one the negative. It was suggested by a member of
the circle to use the alphabet as a means of communication; and that
on passing a pencil slowly over the card, the spirits would indicate,
by the sounds, the letters required to convey their thoughts. In this
manner we received many convincing evidences of spirit intercourse;
such as getting the names of our spirit friends, the particular
localities of their birth and death, and the precise time of their
departure from this world, with many other proofs of their presence and
identity.
935. We were soon informed by the communicating intelligence that a
much more rapid mode of communication would now be established between
us. On inquiring its nature, it was spelt out—Let Welthea (referring
to my friend) take the pen, and we will write through her hand.[17] To
all of us this was a new and unexpected revelation. My friend, being
very timid and retiring in her nature, was evidently confused by this
announcement. At our very earnest solicitation, however, she lifted
the pen from the table. Her hand was now seized by an invisible and
intelligent power, and being in a normal state, several beautiful
stanzas,[18] touching her mission in this glorious cause, resulted
from this first and, to all of us, astounding performance.
936. This, to us, was a new phase of the manifestations, and to myself
and friend was very wonderful, since, I am certain, she had never
thought of becoming a medium for spiritual intercommunion.
937. Soon after writing the stanzas alluded to, her hand was again
influenced to write a communication to a gentleman present. He was a
stranger to my friend, now regarded as a medium, and the communication
was from the spirit of a sister who had passed from earth about thirty
years before, the name, in full, of the spirit being appended.
938. After receiving instructions from the spirits, in regard to the
manner of conducting our circle, we adjourned to the time appointed for
our next meeting.
939. On the succeeding day I visited my friend at her residence, and
received many additional evidences of the presence and identity of
spirits. My father, mother, and sister, and many other loved spirit
friends with whom the medium had no acquaintance, and whose names even
were not known to her, communicated, and reminded me of many incidents
of their life on earth of which my friend was wholly ignorant, and some
of them I had myself almost forgotten.
940. At subsequent and frequent interviews with this lady, I received
many indubitable proofs of the presence and guardianship of angels; of
which the following is an example:
941. Some weeks after our first interview, and while discussing the
ordinary topics of the day, her hand was influenced to write these
sentences:
942. “_My dear M_: You will be surprised and pleased to learn that
an old schoolmate is present; one that you never, while on earth,
anticipated hearing from again. Many years have fled since our last
meeting. I have come from the realms of the unseen, to renew the
acquaintance with you begun in childhood, and to advise you in relation
to your spiritual development. You are destined to become a good
_impressional_ medium for spiritual truth. Follow the directions which
we from time to time shall give you, and you will progress rapidly,
and be greatly profited thereby. Elevate your mind to the source of
light and truth, and seek to be saved from every thing that might
hinder your spiritual advancement. Devote a portion of each day to the
development of your spirit, and investigate the principles which govern
the physical and spiritual departments of the universe. You are living
in the light of an advanced age, and are surrounded by many advantages.
Improve the privileges that you enjoy, for the benefit of yourself and
others. LYDIA MANLY.”
943. The communication being finished, my friend handed it to me,
saying, “I am not acquainted with this name.” I said, on glancing
at the signature, that I never knew any one of the name of Hanly. It
was immediately written, “Let Margaret look again, and she will find
that she is mistaken in the name; it is _Manly_, not _Hanly_.” Imagine
my astonishment on recognising the name of a schoolmate whom I had
not seen, heard, nor thought of, for many years. This was to me, and
might be to any one, a full and satisfactory confirmation of spiritual
communion.
944. On a subsequent occasion, it was written, through my friend, by
my spirit sister, “Do you want instruction? I will talk to you of
friendship this time. Let the basis of your friendship be esteem,
and by all means seek to have this sure foundation. Friendship is a
source of the greatest pleasure, and when begun in a right manner,
ends not on earth, but continues to increase with unabated interest
throughout eternity. Yours has thus far been characterized by firmness
and sincerity. Oh! if you knew with what interest I look upon you, my
dear sisters, watching the progress of your affections, and seeking a
close intimacy with your spirits, it would awaken in both of your minds
a lively interest for heavenly objects, and incite you to the pursuit
of solid happiness. Friendship should begin in time to continue in
eternity. Oh! could I convey to you the worth of time when viewed in
this light!
945. “I am watching your silent communings. The lofty aspirations
of your souls are not of an earthly nature. Your minds are being
enlightened and seeking communion with God. Be encouraged, my dear
sisters; we shall all be united in love. Be well grounded in the
spiritual faith, and let your motto be—_Onward in the divine life._
MARY.”
946. Again, it was written, “Sing with the spirit! Sister, let thy
heart make tuneful melody with an angel choir who now surround you!
Sing a song to immortality; how the dear departed, clothed in robes of
victory, now stand on heavenly hills, enwrapt in glorious visions of
the Great Eternal, bowing before the throne! Sing, ‘Death, where is thy
sting? oh! grave, where is thy victory?’
947. “While here you meet, guardian angels are in attendance. Here is
a gray-haired sire, a mother, and a sweet-lipped babe. All have come,
with noiseless wing, to listen to thee. Precious moments! Improve them
in converse sweet of heaven, and blessings, richer far than earthly
treasures, we will pour upon you.”
948. The reminiscences of the hours devoted with my friend to the
investigation of this sublime subject are among the happiest of my
life. They serve to awaken the purest, holiest, and most affectionate
sentiments and sympathies of my nature, and thereby lead me into closer
communion with the loved ones who have gone before me.
949. But in reference to my family, I was for a season destined to be
alone in my happy belief. It is true, my husband did not reject the
subject, but thought the phenomena in question might be accounted for
by a reference to the principles of mental science. I requested him to
solve the mystery. He attempted it, but failed. His explanation, like
all others adverse to the spiritual theory, was an explanation in which
_nothing is explained_.
950. About three months after these occurrences, a lady informed my
husband that one of her daughters, about fifteen years of age, was
a medium for the rappings. The young lady being present, declined
the appellation as a term of reproach. Perceiving her discomfort, he
requested to know what she thought of these manifestations. Her reply
was, that they claimed a spiritual origin, but, in her opinion, they
were due to “_electricity, or something of that sort_.”
951. Hearing the raps on the young lady’s chair, and on various other
articles of furniture in the room, he requested her to put her hands
on the table. This being done, the sounds were made on the table so
loud and distinct, that they might have been heard in an adjoining
apartment. Inquiring of the spirits if they would communicate with him
by the alphabet, he was answered in the affirmative by three raps.
952. Having taken a seat at some distance from the table, and placed
himself in such a position that no one could see the letters but
himself, he proceeded to take down those indicated by the sounds as he
passed a pencil slowly over the alphabet.
953. The sounds having at length ceased to respond, he tried to read
the communication, but found it impossible to do so until he had first
arranged what was written into words and sentences. This having been
accomplished, he read, to his utter amazement, as follows: “My dear
son, your parent rejoices in this opportunity to communicate with you.
Let me advise you to investigate this most important subject; it will
benefit you in time and eternity. Your spirit father, W. G.”
954. On reading this communication, my husband said he felt “riveted
to the spot;” that he had realized the presence of a long-lost parent,
and that language failed to convey his feelings. It is perhaps needless
to say that he was from that moment a believer in the truth of
Spiritualism.
955. Months rolled on, and we continued to receive and enjoy the
delightful intercourse of our spirit friends. One day, while engaged
in sewing, the needle dropped suddenly from my fingers. At the same
instant I experienced a sensation in my right hand and arm analogous
to a slight electric shock. My husband, seeing me start, inquired the
cause. Perceiving the temperature of my hand diminished, he became
somewhat alarmed, and commenced rubbing it. In a few moments we heard
sounds on the workstand at which I was seated. I inquired if the
spirits wished to communicate, which was responded to by three raps.
Taking the card and passing a pencil over it, the following words were
given:
956. “My child, be not afraid! we are trying to develope you as a
writing medium.” I experienced the next day a similar feeling in the
same arm, and was influenced to write the following impressive words:
957. “_My dear Child_: Your mother would impart to you a few thoughts
relative to an event which is generally regarded with unspeakable
horror. I mean the dissolution of the material body. Death should
present no terror to the mind, since it is but a transition of the
spirit to a more exalted and perfected state of being; a disunion
of the imperishable and eternal principles of the soul and spirit
from their temporary home in the physical form. It is but the door
at whose threshhold the spirit lays aside its worn-out garment, to
appear clothed in its much more beautiful habiliments in the spiritual
realm—the entrance to “a house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.”
958. “To the mind that views this change in the condition of the
spirit in its true light, it will appear a necessary preliminary step
in the development of the immortal germ to a higher and much more
glorious existence. With the gross earthly body, the spirit could not
inhabit the celestial spheres, nor rove the elysian fields of eternal
progression. You have a rosebud in your keeping, which must expand
to an immortal flower in heaven. Earth has given it birth, but its
vitality is feeble. It needs transplanting into a more genial soil in
the garden of our Father and our God, where it will ultimately unfold
its fair and beautiful proportions. In other words, your little infant,
Emily, will soon join me; for I perceive that disease is deep seated in
her system—a disease that no remedy can reach. Be prepared, then, my
dear child, for the change which is soon to take place. Prepare for the
messenger Death! Be calm, be firm! Your mother, LYDIA.”
959. This was a manifestation to me of a spirit mother’s love and
watchful care. She foresaw that the inevitable event was at hand. She
perceived that our darling child was incurably diseased. Although I
trembled at the thought of parting with my treasure, still I was much
calmer and more resigned in consequence of this parental warning, when
the dread summons came.
960. Three weeks passed, and still there was no apparent change in our
little one from her usual seemingly healthy condition. My husband had
business which called him to Philadelphia. At his urgent request I
accompanied him. We left our little ones in charge of a female friend
and a faithful nurse, intending to be absent about two weeks. Ten
days subsequent to the time of our departure from home, I received
a strong impression to return, and that my presence would soon be
required there. My husband objected, on the ground that his business
was unfinished. I proposed returning alone, but he was unwilling, and
we started for home the next morning. We found our children all well.
I was joked about my _spiritual_ impression, and was told it was the
result of imagination. On the day succeeding our return, however, our
dear child was taken sick, and after an illness of three days her
enfranchised spirit passed from earth to heaven.
961. Notwithstanding the ridicule heaped, at that time, by its opposers
upon the believers in Spiritualism, and the affected contempt in which
the votaries of this much-abused doctrine were then held, we pursued
the investigation of the subject, and became daily more imbued with
a sense of the truth and harmony of its divine teachings. We had the
pleasure of seeing many persons, who had once denounced it as an idle
dream, as a humbug, and a delusion, now converted to a full faith in
its glorious realities. A change came over the spirit of their dream,
and they are now blessed in the enjoyment of the richest feast for mind
and soul ever bestowed by a munificent God upon his grateful children.
And many do not hesitate to proclaim the fact to the world; for, thank
heaven, the days of the Inquisition are numbered, and a brighter and
more glorious day is dawning on benighted humanity.
962. The following extracts from a letter of my brother, Dr. North,
of Waterville, Maine, in reply to my husband, may serve to show the
mind of one of the skeptics referred to, in regard to the subject of
Spiritualism, both before and after investigation. As they may not be
uninteresting to your readers, I give them to you, as follows:
963. “_Dear Doctor_:—Your letter of the 17th instant is before me,
and its _remarkable_ contents noticed. Had a great man or men, for
instance, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, or Millard Fillmore, advised a
friend to a certain course, if I thought that course improper, I should
have felt at liberty to dissent from him or them; but when the adviser
is the _spirit of my departed mother, or the soul of your departed
brother_, I cannot dissent, or give an opinion that would conflict with
them. It seems to me, dear doctor, that you cannot have better advisers
unless you call the spirit of Gabriel to your assistance, and you can
do no less than consult the dictates of the rappers.
964. “To be serious, I am surprised at your easy conversion to
Spiritualism. I had supposed you spirit-proof, the greatest skeptic
in the land; but I find you are completely _taken in and done for_!
I do not place the least reliance on your superhuman communications,
and would advise you to look upon them as phenomena of Mesmerism or
mind-reading. The medium is in a mesmeric state, and consequently
is capable of reading the thoughts of the inquirer, and answering
questions correctly. The sounds are easily accounted for. The subject
is _alarmed_ and _superstitious_, and therefore easily imposed upon.
The creaking of a boot is often taken by such persons in this state of
mind as a spiritual rap. Do not be imposed upon by such superstition,
but choose rather to be guided by good sound sense.
965. “You might consult the spirit of Lorenzo Dow. He was a good old
soul, and one that always safely advised his friends.
966. “Give my love to Martin Luther, and William Penn, and the
Wandering Jew. If you should hear any thing of M. B-—-, you may let me
know. He died three or four years since in my debt.”
967. The subjoined was received some time after the foregoing from the
same hand, but was dictated, it seems, by a _more elevated spirit_:
968. “In relation to Spiritualism, I am deeply convinced of its
truthfulness. God grant that the grand and glorious realities which it
reveals may so influence me that my progress in goodness and holiness
will never end! Do I believe in it? Yes! yes! It is my daily hope and
happiness; the bread of life; and it will be my consolation in death. I
have read much, but have seen little of the manifestations. I should be
very happy to spend a fortnight with you and meet your circle.
969. “My wife is reading and approximating toward belief. We have read
the following works:—Davis’s Harmonia; Davis’s Present Age and Inner
Life; Edmonds’s and Dexter’s work on Spiritualism; Beecher’s Report,
and Brittan’s Reply to the same; Stilling’s Pneumatology; Riechenbach’s
Dynamics; Cahagnet’s Celestial Telegraph, and the Spiritual Telegraph,
weekly. I am so deeply interested in spiritual literature that other
reading is insipid to me. I am rejoiced that people in the higher walks
of life are engaged in the subject. It will give popularity to it,
and the weak and fearful souls will be encouraged and strengthened in
well-doing.” The following was addressed to me last February:
970. “_My Dear Sister_: You say it is _too late_ to wish us a happy
New Year. It is never too late to wish our friends happiness, and
strive to make them happy. This is a new year indeed; a new era to be
made memorable through time and eternity; one in which the spirits
of our friends are striving for our happiness. Then let us not only
make each other happy, but by purifying our thoughts and conversation,
strive to progress in this rudimental world, so that when we find
ourselves disrobed of these bodies, and in the sphere of eternal
progression, we may be with and make the spirits of our friends
happy. This is a glorious happy new year. The old ark of theology and
superstition is passing away. The life-blood of the popular theology is
drying up. The lens of the spiritual philosophy is concentrating upon
it the powerful and burning rays of truth. Already a dense and fetid
smoke is issuing from its decaying portals. Its priests and votaries
already are crying, Fire! fire! God grant, that from its ashes no
phœnix may arise to propagate anew its senseless dogmas. Then will this
be a happy year for all mankind.” On a subsequent occasion he writes—
971. “The spiritual doctrine is gaining ground here. Many of our
influential citizens are believers. Some that were _infidels_ have
become hopeful Christians. Public opinion is softening, and it is not
now esteemed a disgrace, as it was some time since, to believe. The
acquisition of such men as Professor Hare, Edmonds, Talmadge, Chase,
Simmons, Dexter, and Brittan to our ranks, has given respectability to
it, and wrought a revolution in opinion.”
972. Thus much I have said respecting my spiritual experience
anterior to leaving Maine. Concerning my experience since then, much
more might be said, but as you are already familiar with the most
of it, it remains for me to present you with a few of the best and
most unequivocal demonstrations of spiritual communion that I have
witnessed, but which have not come under your personal observation.
Among which the following touching incidents cannot fail to interest
those whose hearts and minds are not closed by the iron bars of
prejudice and superstition:
973. While spending the evening of January the 21st, 1854, at the house
of a friend, it was proposed by the lady and her husband that we should
form a circle. We had not been long seated at the table when three
ladies, two of whom I had never seen, favoured us with their company,
and took their seats at some distance from the circle. They had been in
the room but two or three minutes, when the following was given through
the table:
974. “My dear mother! In love I meet you this evening. Oh, mother, why
do you mourn my death? I have just begun to live. Grieve not for me!
975. “I wish my husband to investigate Spiritualism. I will communicate
to him.
976. “Why should you erect a monumental slab to my memory? Let me live
in the hearts of friends. SARAH NORTH.”
977. When the gentleman who took down the communication read it, I was
surprised at hearing the name of North, that being my maiden name. As
there was no Sarah in our family, I asked the spirits, Who is Sarah
North? Before they had time to reply, one of the ladies referred to
(Mrs. Wightman) approached the table in tears. She said, “That is from
my daughter Sarah. I have been engaged to-day in the solemn duty of
selecting a tombstone to her memory.”
978. On Nov. 25th, 1854, I sat by appointment with Mrs. Wightman for
spirit intercourse. Mrs. W. put the question, “Is Elizabeth Adams
present?” “Yes.” “Will she communicate?” “Yes.” “My dear aunt,” was
immediately spelt out. Interrupting the communication at that point,
I asked Mrs. W. if Elizabeth Adams was her niece. No, she replied; it
must be a mistake. Thinking it probable that there was something wrong
in the conditions, I removed my hand for a few moments. On replacing
it, to our surprise, the words, “My dear aunt,” were repeated.
“Well!” we exclaimed, simultaneously, “that is strange. Let us see
what may come;” and we received the following:
979. “_My dear Aunt_: This is the first time that I have communicated.
When I left the rudimental sphere, I was so young I did not know what
it meant to die; I now know. It was the beginning of life! I will come
again soon and talk with you. Your niece,
ALMIRA BARNES.”
980. It was some moments before Mrs. W. could recall to mind the
fact that her sister had lost a child, of the above name, about
twenty-three years since, aged three months. Here is intelligence so
clearly independent of our minds, that it is, in my opinion, entirely
fatal to the theory of “_mental reflection_” so often adduced by the
unbelievers in Spiritualism. At the close of this communication the
following was received:
981. “_Dear Mother_: I am happy to have this opportunity to send you
a kind message. Although I am often with you, I cannot speak to you
through your own mediumship. Oh mother! what delight it would give me
could I make myself visible to you. What would you say if you should
see me sitting in the chair I so long occupied when an invalid? I often
sit in that chair, but you cannot yet see me. Have you not heard me rap
to you? I have tried in various ways to make myself manifest. I think
you had better go South this winter. I think father’s health would be
better there. I will visit you, if you go. The climate where you now
live is too bracing for father’s lungs. When the warm weather returns,
you can bid farewell to the sunny South and seek your Northern home. I
wish I could speak to you through your own dear hand, but that I cannot
yet do.
982. “_Dear mother_, you will become a medium; then we shall have good
times. Good-by, blessed mother! I look forward to a happy reunion with
all your loved ones here. ELIZABETH ADAMS.”
983. The above, as may be seen, was from the spirit that Mrs. W. called
for, and the communication was designed for the spirit’s mother, who
lived in the State of New York. The message was subsequently forwarded
to her address. E. A., Mrs. Wightman, informed me, died after a
lingering illness of consumption. She occupied the arm-chair alluded to
during the greater part of her sickness, and she promised her mother
she would come back and sit in it after her death, if she could. Her
step-father, whose indisposition she refers to, is affected with a
chronic disease of the lungs. The loved ones are Elizabeth’s brothers
and sisters, all of whom, five or six, are in the spirit world. These
facts were unknown to me at the time.
984. Last January, my friend Mrs. Wightman brought two ladies to
witness, for the first time, some of the phenomena of our beautiful
philosophy. Their names were suppressed, to be disclosed by the
communications that might come from their spirit friends, in order
to strengthen the evidences of spiritual intercourse. My hand being
applied to the disk, the index spelled out the following:
985. “_Dear Mother_: I am not dead, but living in the love sphere of my
Father in heaven. When you laid my little body in the ground, it caused
you many tears. Kind friends wept. I see one here who was a faithful
friend to you in that hour of anguish. Cherish her, for she was a
friend in need. Oh! mother, I wish you to believe that your little
child is indeed with you. I can come to earth when I wish to see you
and father. It only causes me to feel a little sad that you and father
cannot see me. F. H. W.”
986. One of the ladies rose from her seat and accepted the
communication as from her darling boy, who had been put in his grave
two years before. The name was all right: “Franklin Henry Wilcox.” The
friend referred to was Mrs. Wightman, who had been a true friend in the
trying hour of a mother’s sorrow, and had performed the solemn duty of
preparing her dear child for the depository of his earthly remains, and
to pour balm on the heart of a bereaved and stricken mother.
987. About two months since, two of the professors of the Female
Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of whom, Dr. Harvey, is favourably
known to you, called to see me in relation to the subject of
Spiritualism. I had never seen either of these gentlemen. After a few
minutes’ conversation on the topic in question, Dr. H. observed—“We
should like, madam, if you will be kind enough to favour us with a
sitting, to communicate with our spirit friends.” Complying with the
doctor’s request, I placed my hand on the disk, and the subjoined was
rapidly communicated:
988. “My brothers in the glorious profession of medicine! I greet you
this afternoon with unabated affection and respect. It seems like a
dream that I have passed from your midst; but passing away is written
on all things of a perishable nature. Not so with the spirit, which is
an emanation from God.
989. “My earthly career is closed, and a brighter one is now in view.
Oh, the inexpressible delight which fills my soul when I behold the
wondrous works of Omnipotence! Here I can pursue, untrammelled, those
subjects which were so delightful to me when an inhabitant of the
mundane sphere. Oh! that I had prepared my mind in some measure, by
proper investigation, for this transcendent world of living beauties!
but the love of my profession filled my mind, to the exclusion of the
more important one of spiritual progression. I would that I could
converse with my beloved wife, that I might console her for her early
loss! Tell her that I am happy; this will speak volumes. JOHNSON.”
990. The foregoing was accepted by the doctors, as coming from their
colleague, the late Dr. Johnson; and they said that he was the spirit
they had wished to hear from.
991. The same spirit has since communicated with Dr. H. and has given
him abundant evidence of his identity.
992. Many more incidents in my experience, giving proof of the truth of
spirit intercourse, might be adduced; but as time and space admonish me
to bring my narrative to a close, I reserve them for a future period.
993. I have thus, my dear friend, given you a very hasty and imperfect
sketch of my experience in Spiritualism, and my development as a
medium. Little need here be said to prove, to reflecting minds, the
value of this heaven-descended philosophy. It is a theme that all may
study with pleasure and profit, when so disposed.
994. Whatever may be thought of modern Spiritualism, and however
opposed it may be to many of the preconceived notions and opinions
of mankind, it is certain that there is nothing in its fundamental
doctrines and teachings, which may not be reconciled with the laws of
God, so far as these are known to man.
995. It matters not, I should think, whether this movement is
sanctioned or not by a former revelation, as that would neither add
to nor detract from its intrinsic merit. Spiritualism is endeared to
the heart of thousands by its fond associations, and mementoes of
love and affection from those dear friends who have passed from their
sight, though still united to them by kindred ties. It has gone on
in triumph, overspreading every State in our glorious republic, and,
passing over the broad sea, has reached the shores of other lands,
binding together the brotherhood of man in the sacred bonds of love,
and dispelling the discordant elements of strife and sectism which have
hung over the world, and like a dark pall, imparted their sombre hue
to the minds of men. Progress is its name, and love its mission. It
has no affinity with vice. It makes no war with right, but inculcates
the highest standard of morality. It is noiselessly accomplishing its
divine mission. Many a widow’s heart is made to leap with joy by its
benign influence, and many an orphan feels its silent ministration.
Many a prodigal son has been reclaimed at the brink of ruin by the
voice of a spirit mother! It is not only a few individuals who are to
receive the blessings which flow from this new dispensation—the masses
are to be benefited. It inculcates principles which will strengthen
the foundations of society, promote harmony in the social system, and
ultimately unite all mankind under its broad standard of peace. That
Spiritualism is rapidly extending its bounds, and gaining hundreds
of thousands of converts, admits not of a doubt; and that it has the
elements within it to elevate, reform, and redeem the race, it were
folly, nay, madness, to deny.
996. Eighteen months have scarcely elapsed, my dear friend, since
our first acquaintance, and you are aware of the circumstances which
afforded me this highly-esteemed pleasure. The event, I am happy to
say, has proved an era in my own life that I shall always revert to
with pleasurable and heartfelt emotion; for its results have not only
proved a blessing and solace to you, but a source of much joy and
happiness to myself. Though you have encountered much opposition,
and even abuse, from the ignorant and illiterate as well as from the
professed votaries of science, in defending the cause of spiritual
philosophy, you have fearlessly and faithfully battled against error,
and planted your standard on the high pinnacle of truth. And as David
of old, with the smooth stones of Kedron, slew the Gathean giant, and
was met with songs of triumph and dances of joy by the daughters of
Israel; so you, armed with the panoply of truth, have gone forth with
the weapons of philosophy and reason to prostrate the hydra-headed
monster; and will, I trust, receive in your turn the acknowledgments
and love of your grateful friends.
997. “There is a nobler strife than clashing spears,
A nobler peril than the battle-field;
‘Tis when, with trust in God, worn as a shield,
‘Midst universal hisses, scoffs, and sneers,
The man of truth with brow serene appears
And stands forth singly, for the right appealed
To the Eternal Umpire; nor will yield
One backward step, from policy or fears.
The savage, bandit, nay, the brute, is steeled
‘Gainst bristling danger—e’en the worm uprears
Beneath the foot his tiny sting, to crave
A venomed vengeance; but immortal years
Are full of glory for the Christ-like brave,
Who dare to suffer wrong, that they from wrong may save.”
Very truly yours,
MARGARET B. GOURLAY.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE PRACTICAL BENEFIT OF SPIRITUALISM, IN THE
HAPPINESS IMPARTED BY THE CONVERSION OF AN UNBELIEVER TO A BELIEF IN
IMMORTALITY.
998. Certainly, in one conclusion all zealous religious sectarians
will coincide. I allude to that which makes belief in a future state
of existence of the highest importance to the happiness of reasoning
mortals.
999. Those who, for faith in immortality, have been satisfied to rely
on the creed which they may have chanced to derive from their ancestors
through education, and have consequently felt the comfort of a belief
in immortality thence arising, may readily conceive of the benefit
which must ensue to those of their fellow-creatures upon whom such a
creed has not been impressed, but who are quite sensible of the immense
value of any facts tending to create such a belief in life to come.
It is to be lamented, however, that persons who have this impression
contingently from a peculiar education, are irritated at having
analogous impressions created in a different way.
1000. But in obedience to any dissatisfaction thus arising, to assail
those who may acquire a knowledge of futurity by a new route, is
manifestly inconsistent with the golden rule. As an exemplification
of the benefit which the new evidences of another and a better world
may produce in the minds of those who are not satisfied with that of
revelation, I will subjoin the account of his conversion indited by one
of my esteemed friends, Doctor W. Geib, who preceded me in spiritual
investigation, and has longer enjoyed the influence which Spiritualism
exercises over its votaries.
1001. The author was a member of the circle under whose auspices my
experimental tests were for the most part applied, and was present on
the very occasion when _my own apparatus, which had been contrived to
disprove spiritual agency_, demonstrated its existence.
1002. “The verdure and warblings of fifty springs had elevated the
souls of the writer of the present sketch in wonder, admiration, and
gratitude, to the great Omnipotent Father of the Universe, without
opening to his longing view a world beyond the grave.
1003. “There was pain in the thought, that scenes so enchanting,
feelings so susceptible to their charms, a mind constituted to
appreciate their miraculous wonders and pervading fascinations, and to
do homage to the great Intelligence which gave them existence, should
in a few short years be destined, like the foliage of the forest, to
death and decay.
1004. “Still, to his mind there was arrogance in the thought that man
could ever be the recipient of joys beyond those provided for him in
common with all animal creation; and he chased from his mind the sombre
thought of death, as a dreaded incubus upon life and the enemy of his
few remaining joys.
1005. “But how changed the scene! Death, once so disturbing to
his peace, so discordant with the moral attributes of his nature,
which ‘puzzles the will,’ and leads the mind to seek in wonder and
discouragement the motive for human life, is now but a ‘consummation
devoutly to be wished,’ when this race of earthly life shall have
been duly run; when we may have filled the measure of our destined
usefulness, and secured by our moral affinities a joyful reception in
the spheres above.
1006. “And why this change in thought and feeling? How are the horrors
of the grave, the dread of dissolution into the primordial elements of
creation, exchanged for the blissful assurance of immortal life for
the soul of man, in all its associate identity, after it shall have
departed from its earthly tenement of flesh?
1007. “The answer to this all-absorbing question, which sheds light
into the gloomy recesses of the skeptic’s mind, and gives joy to his
despairing heart—which supplied evidence where none had been sought,
conviction where it had been sought in vain, and imparts to the
accepted hope and faith of the professional believer, the confirmation
of a demonstrated fact—is to be found in the irrefutable evidence of
_Spiritual Philosophy_.
1008. “How invaluable is this dispensation of an Almighty Providence,
which has made his despairing creature, a believer in the immortality
of the soul of man; has cleared from his mental vision the clouds
of doubt and disbelief, and has opened to his rejoicing mind the
irrefragable evidence of a future life beyond the grave!
1009 ‘Hail now on earth the glorious day,
When infidels have learnt to pray;
When heaven’s laws by reason blessed,
Are all with fondest love confessed!
When man in bliss can look above,
And see a God in all his love;
Can own with joy the mighty King,
And loud his hallelujahs sing.
Throw back the gates, ye heavenly band,
To loved ones show the spirit land;
Hang out the beacon lights to see
A home _for all_, the bond and free.
And now the dreams of former days
Behold in those celestial ways;
Where sorrow’s eye is never seen,
Where love and hope are ever green.’—W. G.
1010. “The exhibition of so-called spiritual agency in New York City by
the Misses Fox and their mother, was the first incident that claimed
my notice, and excited my laughter and ridicule, in this apparent new
phase in the science of legerdemain.
1011. Blitz and his wonders crossed my mental vision, and seemed
outdone by the results of this feminine exhibition, in which the
spirits of another world were invoked, and aided in the performance.
1012. This happened when psychology had been developed to a wondering
world, as the climax of magnetic phenomena in the wonderful attributes
of man, and was regarded by myself among many as the culmination of
human research in the science of animal life.
1013. Meeting an intelligent friend who had bestowed much pains in the
investigation of this department of science, and inquiring of him as
to the progress of magnetism, I was answered, that something much more
wonderful than magnetism engaged his attention and occupied his mind at
that time.
1014. Asking what the subject might be, and being asked in return, if I
had not heard of the wonders of Spiritualism, a painful impression was
made on my mind and feelings that, where all had been regarded as sound
and straight, there must be some latent obliquity of thought; that my
friend, as the Spaniards say, was a little _tonto_, or that he was
likely soon to become so, was quite apparent.
1015. However, my strictest scrutiny could detect no decline of his
intelligent and ingenuous mind, and his well-digested remarks addressed
to my incredulous ears, gave proof enough that this might be another
demand for the investigation of science, and a step forward in the
progressive development of nature’s laws.
1016. Being the leading member of a circle that held its meetings at
his house, and kindly acquiescing in my request to be present and
witness the phenomena, I found myself shortly afterward seated at a
table, on a Sabbath evening, with about twenty ladies and gentlemen,
whose every appearance was fatal to my preconceived prejudices against
the understanding of those with whom I expected to be associated.
1017. It was evidently a meeting for religious devotion. Sacred
songs took the lead, and my own voice, as if impelled by a foreign
influence, was raised for the first time by the impulse of feeling to
participation in this vocal prayer of gratitude and praise, sung to the
great, almighty Founder of the universe.
1018. Indeed it would be well for the cause of spiritual philosophy if
all exhibitions of its wonderful and sacred phenomena were made under
circumstances calculated to impress the mind with the greatness and
dignity of its source. To feel protected from the nefarious cupidity of
the world is an important first step for the successful investigation
of a subject so sacred in its character, and so absorbing, in
contemplating the prospective existence of man.
1019. Seeing my associates place their hands flat on the table, I
followed their example, and was soon made sensible of the reason, by
feeling what was recognised as electric concussion, made by spirits to
denote their presence.
1020. And ever will my mind recur with delight and gratitude to the
influence on my moral nature of this mission of love and salvation to
an invulnerable heart! It flashed like electricity across the mind; the
clouds of skepticism were ruptured, and shed a grateful and refreshing
shower of hopeful joy on the feverish doubts of an unbelieving soul.
This beginning led to progressive investigation, and that, as is
uniformly the case, to a confirmed conviction of _the communion of
spirits with their friends on earth_.
1021. Hearing much of physical demonstrations, but having witnessed
only the concussions, vulgarly called the raps, the question was put to
my friend, the gentleman already referred to, if a demonstration could
be had to gratify my curiosity, and strengthen my assurance, when the
following dialogue occurred:
1022. ‘Will the spirits be so obliging as to make a physical
demonstration?’ Answered by three raps on the table, which were
responded to by an affirmative expression from the whole circle. My
seat was at the side of the medium, a married lady of considerably more
than ordinary weight. _Question._ Will the spirits move Mrs. D. in her
chair? _Ans._ Yes.
1023. As this demonstration was intended for my special benefit, and
our invisible friends were fully committed for its performance, my
attention was riveted on the lady who was to be the subject of it.
‘Madam, will you please put your feet on the spar of the chair?’ This
being fully accomplished—‘and your hands in your lap,’ was added.
As her hands dropped, _the lady left my side_, passed about two feet
backward, and immediately returned to her former position at the table.
1024. My astonishment was naturally raised to the highest pitch,
demanding of Dr. P., who sat on her opposite side, if I could believe
my own eyes, and that Mrs. D. had really been moved from my side.
‘Oh, certainly,’ he replied; ‘that is nothing. I have seen far more
wonderful manifestations than that.’
1025. The idea of collusion was too ridiculous to be entertained for a
moment; every consideration condemned it. The carpet on which the chair
stood on its slender legs, with at least one hundred and fifty pounds
added to its gravity, must have been extensively injured had the chair
remained in contact with it. But not even a sound was audible, and my
mind was left to contemplate _an invisible power that had effected the
movement of a ponderous body in mid air_.
1026. Showing the interest of my own dear invisible guardian friends,
it was spelt out by the card, the primitive mode of communication at
that time, that I should change my seat to the side of the medium; and
it was only after this change had been made that my mind was impressed
to ask for a demonstration.
1027. By this demonstration of supernal agency I was delighted,
humbled, and convinced. As the octogenarian Robert Owen, of London,
proclaimed to the world in a published letter, in relating his own
case, I became a convert to _spiritual life_ and _intercourse_ by the
force of this evidence, because I should have considered any man a
fool, who, with a mind free from the curse of a bigoted education, and
whose thoughts and feelings were not mortgaged to the world, could
reject such palpable and convincing proof, and entertain a different
conclusion.
1028. Being subsequently in the city of New York, I visited the public
circles of Mrs. C., a medium for automatic writing and the sounds.
Being requested, as the rest had been, but without response, to ask if
any of my spirit friends were present, my interrogation was answered by
three distinct raps on the table. ‘Now ask who it is; a father, mother,
and so on;’ and I was informed it was a son. ‘Is your sister with you?’
‘Yes.’ ‘Will you spell her name?’ ‘Yes;’ and it was correctly given.
‘Is her little son with her?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Will you spell his name?’ ‘Yes;’
and a name of seventeen letters was correctly spelt out by the card,
the letters being indicated, when pointed to, by three raps.
1029. My spirit son also informed me when he had died and of what
disease. I asked if they were happy. It will be observed that my
son’s name had not been mentioned, reserving it for a test. Three
raps had replied in the affirmative to my question, when the medium
spasmodically seized a pencil, extended a sheet of paper toward me,
and wrote upside down, so that I might read it as written: ‘We are
looking forward for you to join us, when we shall be more so;’ and
to my perfect delight and astonishment, signed my son’s name to the
communication, asking whether the name was correct.
1030. On a subsequent occasion, when a large and respectable company
was present, I remarked to Mrs. C. that she had reported the fact that
foreign languages had been written by her hand. ‘All kinds of language;
but I don’t know any thing about them,’ was the reply. ‘If you have
no objection, I should like to get a communication from my son, in a
foreign language.’ ‘Oh, not the least; if he knew it in this world, he
will know it in the next.’ ‘My son, will you give me a communication in
a foreign language?’ Answer, three raps. The company were all intent on
this striking and convincing test of spiritual intercourse. In French?
no; one rap. In Spanish? three raps. The medium’s hand, as before,
seized the pencil, and wrote upside down a communication to me _in
correct Spanish_, though we all accepted her declaration, that she was
not acquainted with one word of the Spanish language.
1031. As it is said of our beneficent almighty Father, that when two
or three are gathered together in his name, he is with them, so it is
with the spirits of our dear departed relatives and friends. When a
few congenial, harmonious spirits of earth are associated in virtuous
love, and their affinity for their supermundane spirit friends is
strong enough to draw them here, they come on missions of friendship,
and pour happiness into our hearts, provided the presence of a medium,
possessing the required conditions, affords them an opportunity.
1032. It has been my good fortune to be a member of such an
association, called a spirit circle; and the communications which have
come to me from my dear departed children, and others who are dear to
me, filled with love and interest for my welfare in the world, have
given a value to life which it never had before, supplying a stimulus
to the heart and mind which has guarded them from the influence of
surrounding excitements, and strewed that path with many sweets which
was too apt, with less humility and resignation, to be regarded with
doubt and pursued with remorse.
1033. Let it not be said that spiritual philosophy imparts no benefit
to man. It need not be asked if opening heaven to the mind of the
skeptic is not a boon: it is too manifest an axiom to be made a
question. Is it no advantage to mankind to know that this life is a
prelude to one in the skies? no incentive to virtue to be taught that
the beginning of our spirit life will correspond with the termination
of our mundane existence, and that our position there will be governed
by our affinities here? Operating on spiritual, as gravity does on
physical, matter, and giving to crime a weight which holds the criminal
back in the career of immortal happiness; and that this must be first
disposed of by the redeeming laws of nature before the soul can begin
its progressive flight to spheres of celestial bliss.
1034. At one of those family harmonious associations at which spirits
are wont to come, I received a first communication from a much-loved
daughter, whose devoted affection in this world caused her untimely
death to leave a large blank in my happiness, till spiritual philosophy
gave to my mind the assurance of her exalted bliss and unaltered love.
1035. To hear, as it were, the voice of one who had been resolved,
agreeably to my belief, into the primitive elements of her physical
nature, proclaiming her existence and transcendent happiness in scenes
of surpassing beauty and fascination, was well calculated to soften the
heart, however hard before, and make it for the future a more ready
recipient of happy impressions; to open the floodgates of feeling,
waken up the latent sympathies of our nature, and make us participants
of those fountains of joy, which flow from the blessings of pure
religion.
_Letter from a Spirit Daughter._
1036. “‘_Father Dear_: I will give you some idea of my beautiful home.
Think of all the flowers ever seen on earth blended in one, all the
heavenly strains of music blended in one strain, all beauty combined,
and you will have a slight conception of the heavenly kingdom.
1037. Poets have sung of heavenly joys, but fancy cannot paint, nor
artist sketch, the wondrous beauties of the spirit home. Darling
father, how glad I am to see you have begun to live for heaven! I shall
be one to welcome you when life’s journey is over. Oh, mother dear,
will you, for the love you bear to us, listen to the voice of your
children? We will give you all the proof you ask. MARIA.”
1038. This was all got by pointing to the letters on a card, and
taken down by a third person. All in such a manner as to preclude the
possibility of the least participation of any one in its production.
1039. A beautiful and much-loved son, who left this world at three
years of age, came to me, at the end of twenty-seven years, from
the seventh supernal sphere, with words of love, consolation, and
advice. Such events, to a believer in the spiritual doctrine, are well
calculated to arouse the strongest energies of the soul and inspire the
best feelings of the heart!
1040. The regular progress of maturity of the spirit, uninterrupted by
the grave, is made evident to our astonished minds by an event like
this. We are also admonished by the same source that decline is not an
attribute of spirit life; that old age recedes, and infancy advances,
to the same point of maturity, with entire immunity from all physical
infirmity.
1041. On last Christmas-day, being convalescent from a rather doubtful
illness, and musing alone on the wonders and blessings of spiritual
intercourse, I was induced to write the following letter to my
much-loved spirit daughter, from whom had come the preceding and many
other communications:
1042. ‘_Dear angel Child_: The untiring affinity of your cherished
love, which, unobstructed by time and space, makes you so often the
companion of my mind and heart, and the dear partner of my thoughts
and feelings, would seem to render the present object of addressing a
letter to you and your dear brothers in heaven a superfluous task.
1043. But, my dear Maria, my ever dear and cherished child, with
my growing faith in the blessed reality of spiritual existence, I
am becoming daily more anxious to preserve the history of my happy
experience, and also my correspondence with my beloved relations of
this world, who have preceded me in the progressive destiny of the
human race. Beside which, my beloved daughter, it will assimilate,
revive, and perpetuate that mundane correspondence, the dear mementoes
of which had their beginning seventeen summers since in your sick
chamber on the banks of the Hudson, while an ambitious and youthful
votary of Minerva, and ended on the Alabama, ever sacred to my memory,
with the termination of your worldly career, a wife and a mother.
1044. The considerations which engage my mind and elicit my solicitude,
in this contemplated correspondence with my spirit relatives and
friends, are the mode of conducting it, that may make them acquainted
with its contents, the fear of transcending the limits of propriety
in the subject-matter of my letters, and my solicitude to make all my
thoughts, feelings, and acts as conformable to the high behests of
spirit life as may be within the reach of my weak and earthly nature.
1045. The communications I have received from you and your dear
brothers, and from your Uncle John and Aunt Rebecca, are a perpetual
source of happiness to my mind, and nothing, while I am in this world,
can reflect so much joy on my heart as the continued correspondence of
all the loved ones who have gone before me.
1046. Your angel visits, and those of my dear William, during my recent
bodily affliction, have exercised that joyful influence on my heart and
mind so essential in diseases of a dangerous nature and of doubtful
termination.
1047. The assurance which you and your dear brother have given me, that
my sickness has had the happy effect to spiritualize my mental and
physical nature, has been already made manifest to my grateful mind by
strengthened resolution for the future, and a more exalted sense of the
demands of that true spiritual philosophy which felicitates our life in
this, and secures for us a desirable position in the spheres above.
1048. Flowing from my warm aspirations for the increased happiness of
my fellow-creatures in this mundane sphere, by the dissemination and
growth of the spiritual doctrine, I cherish a wish that this letter may
be made to subserve that divine object, by exhibiting to the world an
irrefutable test of spiritual intercourse.
1049. For this purpose, my dear angel child, in your next interview
through our much-respected medium, allow me to request the favour of
you to make my letter so far the subject of your communication, as may
exhibit the reality of your spiritual existence, intelligence, and
clairvoyance, and your continued correspondence of heart and mind with
your happy father.
“_Christmas_, 1854.
1050. Shortly after writing this letter, at the circle of which I am a
member, the following communication was spelled out on the spiritoscope
or disc.
1051. ‘_Darling Father_: I wish to say something to you about William’s
communication. He has impressed you since you were sick more than
myself. You are rapidly developing as an impressional medium.
1052. ‘We have been constantly with you. Having wished to give a
communication the evening our friend (a lady who is a very superior
medium) was with you and mother, but the mode was too tedious. It
was an era in mother’s life. Her opposition tends in some measure to
repulse us; not that we love her less, but our loving natures must meet
reciprocal tenderness.
1053. ‘Love begets love in the heavenly spheres, as well as on earth.
I cannot say more at present, but I think William will speak more at
length about the letter. MARIA.’
1054. ‘What letter?’ ‘Father knows,’ was the reply. The next
communication for me on the same evening was the following:
1055. ‘Father, I wish you to read the letter which you have in your
pocket-book before you go home; it will dispel all doubts in your mind
relative to its spiritual origin. W. G.’
1056. On the next evening, finding myself incidentally one of a happy
meeting of spiritual friends, the following came for me through the
spiritoscope from my brother, referring to my letter:
1057. ‘_Brother William_: We are still with and around you. During your
sickness it was the province of Maria to watch you daily. Other friends
were near; among these were father and mother, with your sons Jacob,
William, and Henry, Rebecca, and many others bound to you by the ties
of consanguinity. On Christmas-day we held a levee in your room. If you
could have seen us, I think it might have disturbed your placidity, but
you sat as composed as if you were entirely alone. I think if you will
recall the circumstances, you will confess that a power foreign to your
own was exerting an influence to give forth spiritual monitions.
1058. ‘I am anxious that Maria should make a communication _in regard
to the letter_, and she will do so when an opportunity offers.’
1059. On the next meeting of our circle, the following beautiful letter
was put in my hand by our intelligent and highly-developed medium, Mrs.
Gourlay, written by her under spiritual impression:
1060. ‘_Dear Father_: I mentioned to you briefly at the circle that
brother William impressed you to write the letter which you addressed
to me on Christmas-day. I perceive with pleasure that my friend Mrs.
G. is now sufficiently under my control to answer your affectionate
epistle. The proposed correspondence between us affords me much
pleasure, and causes me to feel as if I were really to live over
again the days of my earthly existence, when I was blessed with the
oft-repeated manifestations of your parental love and affection. I
flatter myself, my dear father, that this revival of loving association
will tend much to your happiness as well as mine. I will be a friendly
star to guide you in your course over the troubled sea of life, that
you may not become submerged in its surging billows, but arrive safely
at the haven of eternal joy and felicity. I will lift your soul by
degrees to the source of love and wisdom, and cause you to feel
sensations of pleasure such as you have never before experienced. You
have a mind which delights in the beauties of nature and art. Let me
tell you, then, that no scene of earthly grandeur which you have ever
witnessed, nor the sublimest flight of fancy of the wildest enthusiast
in the cause of Spiritualism, can compare with the beauties and joys of
the spirit home.
1061. ‘I regret that the members of my loved family are so much blinded
by prejudice, as to debar themselves the holy privilege of spiritual
intercourse—a communion which would serve to connect them indissolubly
with us, and teach them of a world beyond death and the grave. Oh!
father, how my heart rejoices that I can come to you with cheering
words, and pour into your willing ear the tidings of the gospel of
peace, which will prove a balm of consolation to your drooping spirit!
The ordinary trials of life are but as dew on the eagle’s wing, when
the proud bird soars aloft to court the rays of the rising sun. Father,
I have already presented you with a view of the beautiful realities of
my spirit home. The picture I have drawn is no ideal one, but a real
and substantial scene of enduring pleasures. Now let me ask, How will
your joys compare with ours? Oh! that the minds of my darling children
might become imbued with an understanding of this most holy religion,
for I am conscious that it would add largely to their present and
future bliss!
1062. Dear father, I perceive the emotions of your inmost heart, and if
the love of a devoted child can in any wise conduce to your happiness,
it is most freely thine. Oh! that dear mother could feel as you do, how
happy her declining years on earth might become! When she is disposed
to listen to the voices of her spirit children, it will be our pleasure
to come to her “with glad tidings of great joy.” Wishing you both, my
dear parents, all the happiness which earth can afford, I subscribe
myself your ever loving daughter. MARIA.’”
1063. The following letter was placed in a sealed envelope, addressed
and handed to Mrs. Gourlay for an impressional reply. A few days
afterward the answer to it, here annexed, was handed to me by my
esteemed friend, the lady named, with the original letter still in the
sealed envelope as it had been handed to her. This has to be regarded
as a beautiful specimen of psychometric mediumship.
PHILADELPHIA, March 23, 1855.
1064. _My dear Brother John_: Your communication last evening at
our circle of “progress” afforded me much gratification, as you
are doubtless aware from your pervading perception. I regret that
circumstances do not allow of a more frequent intercourse with my
beloved friends of the spirit land. It is also my ardent desire to hold
communion with all my spirit relatives, and would wish with you, my
dear brother, to bring about this delightful consummation.
1065. Your injunction of cheerfulness, as an efficient means of
securing a healthful equilibrium of the vital organism, I can fully
appreciate, and shall endeavour to profit by your welcome brotherly
and excellent advice, as far as circumstances will permit. It is true,
my dear John, that a longer sojourn here harmonizes with my desire to
effect some objects, the accomplishment of which would probably add to
my happiness here, and my claim for congenial association. The object
to which I allude is the amelioration of the condition of the poor and
wretched of my fellow-creatures, making them through my agency the
recipients of some active benevolence.
1066. I have imbibed the opinion that the only acceptable offering
at the throne of the great God, is the actual performance of those
duties which are incumbent on us as individuals and social beings;
beginning with the establishment of our own personal physical and moral
character, and those of our own household and immediate social circle
of relatives and friends; and then, to the accomplishment of this,
to cultivate the sentiment of benevolence in aiding to promote the
individual welfare of mankind in the use of what talent and other means
may have fallen to our lot. I am prone, in my relations with the great
Omnipotent Ruler of the universe, to apply the time-honoured maxim,
“Actions speak louder than words.”
1067. Your invitation, my dear brother, to increase my intercourse with
my spirit friends, finds in my heart and mind a very ready compliance.
You propose a daily appropriation of time to this object. If you will
do me the favour to appoint the time most agreeable to them and most
desirable for myself, it shall be, to the fullest extent of my power,
sacredly devoted to a duty and pleasure that are nearest to my heart.
1068. I feel the assurance that the good earth-character and
intelligence of my spirit family, and the extent of our mutual love
and affinity, afford me a more than ordinary opportunity for receiving
information of that bright world which has become a delightful
prospective inheritance to me and to thousands of doubting, fearful,
and despairing minds.
1069. Your inspiring cheerfulness, my dear John, has already verified
your sensible prognostic of the great influence on disease of a
cheerful mind. I have learnt to entertain a high opinion of the bright
intelligence and clairvoyance of the more elevated denizens of the
spirit world; and shall always, therefore, regard any advice that
may be offered me for the better government of my body and soul as a
welcome and precious offering from those I love. I will close for the
present with the assurance of my unaltered affection. WILLIAM.
1070. _My dear Brother_: With heartfelt love and affection I respond
to your letter in reply to a message which I delivered through the
instrumentality of our devoted friend, Mrs. Gourlay. During our happy
interchange of thought, it will be my endeavour to suggest such ideas
to your mind as may serve to elevate it and develope its capabilities.
To the mind that is ignorant and prejudiced, this mode of communion
with the invisible world may seem to be a direct violation and
infringement of nature’s laws; but it is, on the contrary, not only
natural, but perfectly legitimate to the age in which you now live.
It is not a new revelation, but simply the discovery of hidden truths
peculiarly adapted to the present advanced state of the race. It is
old material in a new form. The material and spiritual elements are
contributing, as _never before_, to the elevation and happiness of
mankind, and already is established a spiritual telegraph on which I am
at this moment successfully operating—sending a message of love to you,
my brother.
1071. You say my words of cheer have wrought a change for the better
in your system. This is a result which naturally follows a strict
adherence to my prescription—cheerfulness.
1072. You desire to know what time would be most advisable for you to
sit for spiritual communion. I would say, early in the morning, before
the mind becomes taxed with the cares of the day, make a record of your
impressions.
1073. You observe that it gives you great pleasure to receive messages
from those in the spirit world who are bound to you by the ties of
relationship. Let me assure you, my dear brother, that the feeling is
mutual; and while time lasts with you, it will be our endeavour to
gladden your heart with tokens of our increasing and untiring love.
Your cup of happiness shall be filled to the brim, if it depends on us.
1074. Brother, may you meet with friends true and kind; may the labours
of the cheerful morn render each day a happier one to you; and when
night steals upon a slumbering world, may you close your outward eyes
in peace with all mankind! Keep the mind’s sunshine bright! You have a
soul to feel for others’ woes, and this is the true stamp of divinity.
JOHN.