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 COLLECTED BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 
 1854-1919 
 
 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
The original of tliis bool< is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924031429735 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUEICATIOIS. 
 
 PRESENTING A REVELATION OF THE 
 
 FUTURE LIFE, 
 
 AND rLLUSTBATING AND CONFIKMINQ THE PCNDAMEHTAL DOCTBINES OF THE 
 
 OHEISTIAI^ FAITH. 
 
 EDITED BI 
 
 HENRY KIDDLE, A. M. 
 
 "Let no one take offense at the opening of this mysterj^, as though it 
 brought anything new into religion ; for it has nothing new in it ; it alters 
 no point of Gospel doctrine, but only sets each article of the old Chrii^tian 
 faitn upon Its true ground." 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 THE AUTHOES' PUBLISHING COMPANY. 
 
 1879. 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in th.e year 1879, by 
 
 HENRY KIBBLE, 
 
 In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at "Washington, D. C. 
 
MY BELOVED DAUGHTER, 
 
 GIFTED BY HEAVEN TO BEINQ TO THE LOST OP EABTH 
 
 A MESSAQE OP HOPE BEYOND THE TOMB, 
 
 AND TO TraVEIL TO THE EYES OF FAITH 
 
 THOSE MANSIONS OF BI.IBS WHICH HATE BEEN PEEPAEED FOE Ali 
 
 ■WHO PEEECTIiY LOVE AND TKULY SEEVE 
 
 THEIE HBAVENXT FiTHEB, 
 
 THIS TOLXnlE IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 
 
 (3) 
 
" If some would represent sucli a view as dangerous, I reply 
 that my only question is, ' Is it true ? ' It is falsehood which 
 is always dangerous ; hut truth never. It is not for us to con- 
 struct after our own fashion the unseen world. You think that 
 men will not love God without the terror of an endless hell ? 
 So thought not David. He said : ' There is mercy with Thee : 
 tJterefore shalt Thou be feared.' And in any case it is useless 
 to dogmatize about things which God has not revealed. ' Things 
 are as they are, and will be as they will be ; ' and for us to mis- 
 represent them by the fallibility of human system, or at the 
 bidding of human expedience, is a blasphemy against truth and 
 against God. What is dangerous is to drive some into indig- 
 nant atheism, and to entangle others with an evil superstition, 
 and to crush others under a deep despair, by representing Him 
 whose name is Love as a remorseless Avenger, instead of as a 
 Father, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great 
 kindness, neither keepeth He His anger forever. Evil souls 
 and foolish souls can mate any doctrine dangerous. St. Peter 
 tells us that they wrested the writings of St. Paul, as they did 
 also the other Scriptures, to their own destruction ; would you, 
 therefore, have had the Scriptures unwritten? or ought St. 
 Paul never to have taken up his pen ? Some of the Fathers, I 
 am afraid, held what I believe to be the truth on this matter, — ■ 
 just as hundreds of our ablest clergy do, — but feared to preach 
 it ; but the best and greatest of the Fathers did preach it, and 
 many saints at whose feet I gladly sit have preached it in this 
 age. And, if we see a truth, are we to be 'liars for God ' by 
 suppressing it, because tliose think it dangerous who believe in 
 no more potent motive for virtue and the love of God than a 
 ghastly terror ? Are we to go before the very God of truth 
 with a lie in our right hands?" — Canon FaiTar. 
 
 (4) 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This book contains the record of one of the most extraor- 
 dinary experiences ever vouchsafed to man. Marvelous as it will 
 appear, the whole has been the work of about nine months, 
 during which time the editor has been placed in direct com- 
 munication with so large a number of spirit intelligences — with 
 so wide a range of gradation — that he can present this record, 
 of which he is only the humble editor, with great confidence as 
 a Eevelation of the future destiny of mankind, of transcendent 
 importance to them, both here and hereafter. Certainly, no 
 book was ever published with a more sincere love of Truth, a 
 more earnest desire to benefit mankind, or a firmer conviction of 
 the obligation imposed upon the editor by Divine Providence, 
 than this one. 
 
 The editor, therefore, asks that, before the book is condemned, 
 it be patiently and candidly read ; for all must admit that, if it 
 is what in the title it claims to be, it deserves an attention as 
 serious as has ever been given to any published writings. Tho 
 materials have been supplied not only unexpectedly, but in i 
 manner which most persons will regard as marvelous in the 
 highest degree. Most of them were given in the presence of 
 the editor, — very many, at his request. The most valuable are 
 the result of a development — in the first place, of the powgrs of 
 the intermediary, and in the second place, in the views and in- 
 tentions of the editor. All connected with the matter have been 
 led along, step by step, to the accomplishment of a wbrk which 
 seems to have been planned by the spiritual intelligences for a 
 beneficent purpose, to be carried into efl^ect through these earthly 
 instruments. Certainly, when the first communications were 
 written, the editor had no idea of preparing a book on this sub- 
 ject ; and when this was proposed in the messages themselves, 
 he shrank from it, as not having the means or the capability of 
 doing it ; and it was not until four months after the first sug- 
 gestion was made that the book was commenced. Even then 
 the plan was only in part developed ; for the most important of 
 the materi?ls have been furnished since the preparation of the 
 book was begun. 
 
 The editor, like the medium, has been to some extent, a pas- 
 sive instrument in this matter. Not that he has yielded blindly 
 to any suggestions emanating from the spirits through the 
 medium ; for to do this would have been superstitious and dan- 
 gerous in the highest degree. There is a mightier spirit than 
 
 . (5) 
 
6 PREFACE. 
 
 any of these communicants ; and to Him tlie editor and his co- 
 workers have earnestly appealed for guidance and illumination, 
 in the exercise of their own judgment and conscience, — never to 
 be superseded. 
 
 Not a single communication has been inserted which was not 
 written through the mediumship of the editor's daughter or 
 son. Most of them were written in his presence ; and he, there- 
 fore, knows they are not the offspring of imposture or delusion. 
 They come from the " world of spirits." This is solemnly at- 
 tested as a fact, undeniable and irrefutable. If any one. after 
 reading them, can believe that they are given to deceive, his 
 mind must be far, far astray in the " pilgrim's progress from this 
 world to that which is to come." 
 
 It is true, many other books — some of them of the deepest 
 interest to mankind — have been published presenting various 
 phases of this great subject ; but the time is now ripe for th-e 
 higher aspects of spirit intercourse to be exhibited ; and hence 
 this book has been dictated. Twenty-three years ago it was 
 predicted : ' ' Spiritualism will make a new edition of the great 
 volume of Christianity, with additional notes and explanations 
 that shall make the soul's immortality a tangible reality, and will 
 unfold anew the teachings of Jesus, to those who seek for it in 
 true Godliness, in the spirit of truth, and in purity of heart." 
 
 This prediction is, in part at least, realized by the publication 
 of this volume. 
 
 In obtaining the messages, much aid has been given by Mr. 
 Ijouis F. AVeismann, whose constancy, spiritual insight, deep 
 devotion to the cause, and unwavering faith in the genuineness, 
 spiritual origin, and beneficent purpose of the messages, have 
 Ix'en mosi; important factors in the work accomplished. 
 
 The editor may, by the publication of this book, forfeit the 
 good opinion of seme of those whose esteem he has hitherto 
 possessed and prized. He may, by some, be charged with folly 
 in entering upon a path as yet generally shunned by the respect- 
 able or fashionable, and thus imperiling his earthly interests. 
 He is not moved by these considerations, feeling confident that 
 " Truth is mighty, and will prevail " ; and that the unpopular 
 doctrine of to-day is often hailed with plaudits on the morrow. 
 
 As for those who believe in the truth of spirit communion, 
 ahd fear to avow their belief, he hopes this publication may 
 inspire them with more intellectual and moral courage, com- 
 mending to their consideration, but with no assumption on his 
 part of the gift implied, the words of Michelet : — 
 
 " Tou^ pensent, personne n'ose dire. Ponrqiini ? Le courage matiquo 
 done ? Oiii ; mais pourqnoi manque-t-il ? Parceque la verite tronvee n' es„ 
 pas assez nette encore ; il faut qu'elle "brille en sa lumiere pour qu'on se 
 dovoiie pour ellc. KUc delate, himineuoe, dans un g:enie, ct elle le rend 
 h^roique, ellc Tembrasso dc d^vouement d'amour et de sacrifice. Elle le 
 place 8ur son cceur, ct va a travcrs les lions." 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Introductory 9_33 
 
 I. 
 A Narrative of Facts 23-36 
 
 n. 
 
 Narrative of Facts Continued, with Various 
 Spboimbns of Spirit Communications. 
 Saiah. R. ; M. K. ; Milly McN. ; Judge Edmonds ; 
 William Beldeu, Jr. ; William Belden, Sr. ; Joliu 
 Hecker ; S. W. Seton ; James Kelly ; J. W. Gerard 36-50 
 
 III. 
 Communications from Various Spirits. 
 
 William Belden ; Judge Edmonds (several commu- 
 nications) ; Sarali B. ; Mary K. ; Charles W. ; 
 James W. Farr ; James W. Booth ; Eli French .... 50-63 
 
 IV. 
 
 Communications from the Illustrious of Earth, 
 William Shakespeare (several communications) ; 
 Lord Bacon ; William of Orange ; George Wash- 
 ington ; Christopher Columbus ; Mozart ; Abraham 
 Lincoln ; Judge Edmonds ; Queen Elizabeth ; Sir 
 Isaac Newton ; Lafayette ; Lord Byron ; Shelly ; 
 Wm. Cullen Bryant ; Felicia Hemans ; Benjamin 
 Franklin ; Joseph Lancaster ; William Penn ; 
 Napoleon Bonaparte ; Aaron Burr ; Alexander 
 Hamilton ; Washington Irving ; Prince Albert .... 64^11o 
 
 V. 
 Spirits of the Lower Spheres. 
 
 A Repentant Spirit ; A Spirit in Trouble ; A Con- 
 trite Spirit, — H. J. Raymond (several communica- 
 tions) ; A Prodigal Son, — C. W. (several communi- 
 cations) ; Unprogressed Spirits ; Repentant Spirits 
 of Various Grades ; The Dark World, described by 
 Judge Edmonds ; by Edgar A. Poe (two communi- 
 cations) ; The Seeress of Prevorst ; Miscellaneous 
 Communications from Converted Spirits — A Happy 
 Spirit ; E. B. ; H. C. Watsou ; Suffering Spirits, — 
 
 James Fisk, Jr. ; Coroner S. ; Wm. M. Tweed 114^179 
 
 (7) 
 
8 C0NTENT8. 
 
 VI. 
 The Short-Livbd ok Earth, PAGE, 
 
 Communications from those who died in infancy or 
 childhood , 170-304 
 
 vir. 
 
 "VARIOtrS COMMtTNICATIONS. 
 
 Presenting nu7nerous illustrations of the Nature of 
 the Future Life, and its relations to the Life on 
 earth. 
 
 William Belden Sr, (several communications) ; 
 James Kelly ; A. J. May ; Jolin Hecker (several 
 communications) ; William Belden, Jr. (several 
 communications) ; Robert Watts, M. D. ; James 
 W. Gerard (several communications) ; E. A. ; 
 Ricliard Valiant ; Mrs. M. ; A Jewess ; A, T. iStew» 
 art ; F. W. Hunt, M. D. ; James Cusliing ; Richard 
 M'arren ; Rebecca AV. ; Judge Edmonds (several 
 
 communications) ; James K -s ; Jolm H. A. j 
 
 Elizabefi Lindon ; William L. Stone ; Jaines N, 
 McElligott ; Joseph McKeen ; Caroline H — e ; 
 Leonard H— e ; Milly McN. ; (}. K. ; R. Heller; 
 ('has. A. AVeismann — to the Seventh Regiment ; 
 
 Mrs. Edmonds 204-3.58 
 
 VlII. 
 
 COMMUNIC.VTIONS CLERICAL, SaCRED, AND BlBLICAT.. 
 Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg ; Prof. Richard Smythe, 
 D.D. ; Rev. S. D. Ferguson; Rev. J. W. Cum- 
 mings, D.D. ; Archbishop Hughes ; Rev. John 
 Dowlmg, D.D. ; Bishop Janes ; Martin Luther ; 
 John Calvin; Rev. Wm. E. Chauning, D.D.; Sweden- 
 borg ; Rev. Theodore Parker ; Bishop Ives ; Pio 
 Nono ; St, Augustine ; Moses ; Pontius Pilate ; 
 St. Peter ; St. John ; John the Baptist ; St. Paul.. 259-304 
 IX, 
 
 Importance of the Spirit Whitings 805-323 
 
 Appendix 323 
 
 Index : 34.5 
 
SPIEITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 ' ' There is no death I What seems so is transition ; 
 
 This life of mortal breath 
 Is but the suburb of the life elysian, 
 
 Whose portal we call Death." 
 
 Of the thousands who have read this verse of one 
 of the most spiritual of living poets, how few there 
 are who seem to realize fully the fact which it so beau- 
 tifully expresses I To some it is sweet only as a poetical 
 sentiment ; but to others it is precious as an expression 
 of their fondest religious hopes. Although the fact of 
 the existence of the human soul, or spirit, and its des- 
 tined immortality lies at the foundation of all religious 
 faith, yet it would appear, from an observation of the 
 lives of men — even some of those who are held in the 
 highest esteem for their piety and virtue — that this 
 great truth finds but little practical acceptance. Few, 
 probably, would indeed be willing to assent to the sad 
 conclusion of the French infidel philosophers, " Death is 
 an eternal sleep, " but yet how many really live as if, 
 practically at least, that were their belief! They seem 
 to be wholly absorbed in the aifairs of this world. 
 Greedy of gain, eager to enjoy all the pleasures of this 
 life, worldly in all their hopes and aspirations, they seem 
 to be exclusively intent upon laying up for themselves 
 " treasures upon earth," wholly thoughtless as to what 
 
 (9) 
 
10 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 their condition is to be when all material things shall 
 have vanished from their sight, and entirely unconcerned 
 as to how they may best prepare for that immortal exist- 
 ence that stretches out interminably beyond the grave. 
 
 It is true, doubtless, that tens of thousands of believ- 
 ing Christians have a perfectly strong faith in the future 
 world and its retributions ; but is it not equally true 
 that most Christians, of all denominations, often ex- 
 perience a sad weakening of that faith, or, at best, find 
 it so vague and unsubstantial that their minds can 
 scarcely grasp it at all ; while their souls, even during 
 the most precious moments of spiritual exaltation, real- 
 ize it very imperfectly ? 
 
 Immortality is indeed found in the Holy Scriptures* — 
 more especially in the New Testament. Christ's divine 
 words, and those of His apostles, emphatically conveyed 
 to the minds of men the knowledge of a life beyond this 
 mortal scene. But how greatly have these blessed 
 words been misunderstood or perverted ! Isolated 
 passages torn from the context, have been so combined 
 and so interpreted as to give rise to the most incon- 
 sistent notions — such, for example, as that the immortal 
 life of the soul is only intended for a certain class of 
 persons, those who die in their sins being annihilated;! 
 
 * Christ said to tlie Jews, "Ye searcli the Scriptures, because ye think that 
 in them ye have eternal life." — John y. 39. 
 
 t " The advocates of Conditional Immortality or Annihilation maintain, 
 from the letter of Scripture, destruction and not endless suiiering to be the 
 destiny of the lost. They take advantage of the doubt existing as to St. 
 Paul's doctrine of the termination of the world in unity — whether by unbe- 
 lievers' being completely annihilated, or by their being all finally converted. 
 The view that immortality is not inherent in fallen human nature, but is the 
 gift of God in Christ, has had many supporters; and in this part of their sys- 
 tems, the advocates of anniliilation justly claim the authority of many great 
 names. But the details of their eschatology arc somewhat confused and con- 
 flicting "—Macyclopadla BHtannica, art. EscJiatology. 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONS. H 
 
 or the still more absurd doctrine of the resurrection of 
 the mortal, material body — after the slumbering of the 
 spirit in the grave for unknown ages, till the sounding 
 of the " last trump."* Such a literal interpretation of a 
 highly figurative passage from the "Apostle of the 
 Gentiles " can only spring from the most inconceivable 
 spiritual blindness. {Theologica lyaraholica non est de- 
 monstrativa.) In regard to the Old Testament, the 
 words of Dr. Smith {Dictionary of the Bible) are sig- 
 nificant : " The rewards and punishments of the Mosaic 
 law were temporal; and it was only gradually and 
 slowly that God revealed to His chosen people a knowl- 
 edge of future rewards and punishments."! 
 
 Indeed, the Sadducees denied the existence of the 
 spirit world. I Again, Dr. Smith, in regard to the entire 
 Scriptures, says: ''Respecting the condition of the 
 dead, whether before or after the resurrection, we know 
 very little indeed ; nor shall we know anything certain 
 until the awful curtains of mortality are drawn aside. 
 Dogmatism on this topic appears to be peculiarly mis- 
 placed. ' (See Dictionary of the Bible, art. Hell.) The 
 ultimate fate of the lost has created, says Sir J. Stephen, 
 " a whirlpool of interminable controversy, roaring in 
 endless circles over a dark and bottomless abyss." In 
 contrast with this, I use the grand words of a Spiritual- 
 
 * •' The doctrine of an intermediate state produced an Arabian heresy, com- 
 bated by Origin, that both soul and body fell into a death sleep, from which 
 they will not awake till the last day. Revived at a later time, under the name 
 of Psychopannychy, it was made the subject of a treatise by Calvin. But the 
 existence of an intermediate state remains a dogma of the Eastern Church 
 to this day. To the Western, the doctrine of Purgatory gradually absorbed, 
 jt/'_I{j;v. A. S. AsLBN, in Encyelopcedia Britannica. 
 
 t ' The first clear note of immortality in Hebrew literature is struck in th^ 
 ' Book of Wisdom,' the work of an Alexandrian Jew." — Ibid. 
 
 i Acts xxiii. 8. 
 
12 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 
 
 ist of great experience : " It is ours then to know that 
 the soul exists beyond the tomb ; it is ours to render 
 gratitude and thanksgiving to God ; to pray to angels 
 and ministering spirits, to pray for the dead,* and to do 
 the work of evangelists, making the whole earth one 
 grand cathedral, overarching it with spiritual ideals, 
 transfiguring its roughest, darkest features, that it may 
 bloom into a garden of transcendent beauty and glory. ''t 
 
 It can scarcely be denied that, however widely the 
 theoretical belief or dogma of a future life of rewards 
 and punishments — of supreme happiness or endless 
 misery — -pervades the minds of men, in this age of the 
 world, as a practical or operative element in human so- 
 ciety, it has but little potency. The social relations of 
 mankind seem to be scarcely effected by this belief; 
 and the political system — as a system — as well as those 
 who administer it, manifestly pays no regard to it ; every- 
 thing proceeding pretty much as if this life were all 
 that man can aspire to; and when he ''surrenders up 
 his individual being," he indeed goes " to mix forever 
 with the elements '' — only that and "nothing more ! '' 
 
 Much has been said against what has been called 
 "Modern Spiritualism;" uniformly, among those not 
 conversant with it, any allusion to the subject being 
 greeted with scoffing and sneers. The basis, however, 
 
 * ' The liturgies of tlie Latin cliarch, and of all the Eastern chnrches, 
 without exception, contain prayers for the repose of departed souls," — Afiier- 
 iam Cyc'opadia, art. Purgatory. See The Christian Doctrine of Prayer for 
 the Departed, hy the Eer. Frederick George Lee (London, 1878) This work, 
 by a Trotestant clcrgjonan (Vicar of All Saints, Lambeth), treats of this sub- 
 ject very thoroughly, and contains specimens of the ancient Christian lit- 
 urgies, which prove conclusively that it was the practice of the early Chris- 
 tians, like the .Tews, to " pray for the dead "—See also Eternal Hope, hy 
 Frederic W. Farrar, D D., F E.S., Canon of Westminster. (N. T., 1878.) 
 
 t J. M. Peebles. 
 
SPIRITUAL C0MMUNIGATI0N8. 13 
 
 of this so-called " spiritualism ", or Spiritism, as the 
 French style it) is a belief in spirit communion — in the 
 desire and the ability of the spirits of the departed, 
 under certain, conditions, to communicate with the 
 living. It is said that millions of persons have, within 
 the past thirty years, in every part of the civilized 
 world, become convinced of the truth of this doctrine — 
 by experimental or objective evidence. Certainly, the 
 ranks of its believers contain many gifted men in every 
 walk of life, and represent every grade of society, from 
 royalty down to the lowest condition of human life. 
 Its converts have been gathered from every profession 
 and every class of thinkers — scientists, clergymen, phy- 
 sicians, lawyers, artists, poets — men who have attained 
 a high distinction in scientific research, such as Hare 
 and Mapes in this country, and Crooks, Wallace, Gold- 
 schmidt, and Zoelner, in Europe. Indeed, it has been 
 claimed, and apparently with truth, that scarcely an 
 individual can be found, who, after a fair investiga- 
 tion of the subject, has not become a convert to its 
 truth. 
 
 The literature of this subject — the product as it is, of 
 a little over a quarter of a century— is one of the most 
 wonderful phenomena connected with it.* The growth 
 of this belief appears to rival in rapidity that of primi- 
 
 * In this connection, the editor cites a passage from a very able and ex- 
 haustive address delivered several months after this part ot the work wis 
 written: "Spiritualism is thirty years old; it counts its adherents by 
 millions ; its literature is published in nearly a score of languages. It has 
 entered the pulpit, the laboratory, the busy marts of trade— no place is so re- 
 mote that it doos not make a stir in it — and it differs from all other move- 
 ments that have heretofore left their impress on the raco in this, that it is not 
 transplanted, but is spontaneous and self-propagativo. It often comes an 
 unbidden and a most unwelcome guest." — Tlie Rationale of Modern Sjiirit- 
 ualism: An address before the Chicago Philosophical Society, Dec. 14, liiM, 
 by Frederick F. Cook, of the Chicago Times. 
 
14 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONa. 
 
 tive Christianity itself. Its journals are numerous an I 
 well sustained ; and its converts and followers are, to a 
 considerable exicnt, composed of men so reputable and 
 trustwortby, that the reality of the phoiome/ia, at least, 
 must be admitted, unless we are prepared to place no 
 reliance at all upon human testimony. It is true that 
 many of the phenomena called spiritual — such as rap- 
 ping, table-tipping, the ringing of bells, and other me- 
 chanical performances, must appear trivial and undig- 
 nified, as attributed to the spirits of the dead, toward 
 whom all feel a certain degree of solemnity and rever- 
 ence. At any rate, this is the first view every one is 
 apt to take of it; for we are prone to judge of all things 
 according to our own pre-conoeived notions. But, if 
 we reflect upon the theory [let it be so designated for 
 the present] that the spirits of the departed are the 
 cause of these phenomena, and that perhaps this is " the 
 only way they have to make their presence known to 
 certain persons, we shall see that there is no antecedent 
 improbability in it even as a theory. 
 
 Passing by, however, all this (and, indeed, the editor of 
 this work has scarcely had any experience in this direc- 
 tion, nor does he value greatly such phenomena, however 
 real they may be, in comparison with those which it is his 
 object to explain in this work), there is much of quite a 
 differeno nature, showing an intelligence — of a very pure 
 and exalted character — which cannot be accounted for 
 except in the manner explained by the intelligence it- 
 self : namely, that it comes from those who, having fin- 
 ished their earthly career, are enjoying or living a life 
 of immortality beyond the grave, and are anxious to 
 bring the fact of this existence, and their experience 
 therein, to the knowledge of those here below, in order 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUJ^IGATIONS. 13 
 
 to benefit them, and to advance the interests of Christ's 
 spiritual kingdom in both worlds. 
 
 If such be the case, there can be no question that 
 this spirit eommwiion brings, or announces, to mankind 
 a New Dispensation of religious light, coming as it does 
 with the same message as of old : " Repent ye : for the 
 kingdom of heaven is at hand."* 
 
 Is such a dispensation necessary at this time ? Who 
 can doubt it, when he looks abroad over the present 
 condition of the so-called Christian nations, and beholds 
 the inefficaoy of the present religious systems, in the 
 death or stagnation of their spiritual power, as far as the 
 masses are concerned, to enlighten or control the minds 
 of mankind ?t Christianity indeed pours its divine 
 effulgence upon millions of minds, and glorious is the 
 work achieved by every Christian denomination in 
 awakening mankind to a sense of their duties here be- 
 low, and their glorious destiny hereafter, if they accept 
 it through faith in Christ and his teachings, and in ad- 
 monishing them likewise of the dreadful consequences 
 of rejecting the holy truths which Christ gave to the 
 
 * The Greek word fiETavoEiTS, which means more than repent, implying 
 an entire change of mind as well as of heart, in the overthrow of existing 
 opinions and creeds, and the hringing in of new doctrines. Such indeed 
 was Christ's mission, as it is described to us in the Gospels. 
 
 t Since writing this, the editor has read an excellent editorial article in 
 Scrihner's Monthly (Jan., 1879), entitled " lieliyion in These Days," which 
 more strongly expresses the sentiment of the text. The following brief ex- 
 tract is inserted here tor the sake of illustration :— 
 
 " That the attitude of prominent men of science towards the great ques- 
 tions that relate to God, immortality, the nature of the human soul, and the 
 Christian religion, has sadly shaken the faith of a great multitude, there is 
 no doubt. Society is honey-combed with infidelity. Men stagger in their 
 pulpits, with their burden of difficulties and doubts. The theological semi- 
 naries have become shaky places, and faith has taken its flight from an un- 
 counted number of souls, leaving them in a darkness and sadness that no words 
 can describe. All this is true. It is so true that tears may well mingle in 
 one's ink as he writes it." 
 
16 SPmiTUAL GOMMUmaATIONS. 
 
 world, and sealed with his precious martyrdom ; but 
 alas ! how little is the hold which Christ's divine mission 
 has at present upon the world at large I As far as this 
 world's atrairs are concerned, the great majority of man- 
 kind — including many professing Christians, and even 
 some so-called Christian ministers — live as if there were 
 no God, no Christ, no heaven, and no hell, all these being 
 the myths of past tradition, and this enlightened age of 
 the world — this "age of reason," and science, and intel- 
 lectual freedom, were far above the belief in any such 
 foolish superstitions. When distinguished scientists 
 sneeringly ask. Who has ever seen the soul with the very 
 best microscope that can be made ? What physiologist 
 has ever found any human spirit in his most minute dis- 
 sections? — when the proud scientist, filled with vain- 
 glory by the discovery of some of the laws of light and 
 beat, or puffed up with vanity because he has caught a 
 vision of something which he daringly calls the " physi- 
 cal basis of life ; " and, ready to fall down in adora- 
 tion before his new-found deity, Jr'rotoplasm, announces 
 that he finds in matter the " promise and potency of 
 every form of life ; " or when he cries Amen ! to his 
 brother scientist who has traced, by the law of evolu- 
 tlon and the " survival of the fittest," to a common 
 origin himself and all the rest of the animal creation, 
 and glories in his quadrumanous ancestry — when such is 
 the age in which we live, an age characterized by the 
 worst forms of irreligion, is it improbable that the All- 
 Merciful Father should come again to the rescue of his 
 benighted creatures, and for this purpose should in part 
 unveil the glories of the supersensuous world to which 
 all are tending ?* 
 
 * Not scientists alone, but numerous others, of all classes and all tempera- 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUmOATIONS. Y! 
 
 The materialistic scientist of these days seems to have 
 become so much absorbed in the study of the physical 
 laws by which the material universe is governed, that 
 he IS not only blind to tbe need or existence of any 
 moral government of the world, but fails to perceive 
 the Great Legislator and Governor of the Universe 
 altogether. Spirit, the spiritual world, the future life; — 
 all that makes man anything but a groveling worm of 
 the dust — the creature of an hour — is ignored, or often 
 contemptuously denied. 
 
 "O star-eyed Science, liast thou Wandered there 
 To Waft us back the message of despair ? " 
 
 Lot the treatment accorded by their fellow scientists 
 to the ingenious and learned Crookes, and the candid and 
 enlightened Wallace, in England, who, ,by means of 
 patient research and careful experiment, after elimin- 
 ating from the spiritualistic phenomena every possibility 
 of fraud, illusion, or error, have announced their accep- 
 tance of the facts, bear witness to the prejudice and dis- 
 ingenuousness of the scientific men of our time. 
 
 The acute and ingenious English philosopher wishes to 
 experiment upon the efficacy of prayer. How, forsooth ? 
 
 menta, drift into the dark gulf of skepticism or total disbelief. The words 
 of the gifted bat misguided Shelly may well portray their sad condition : 
 
 " O stream 1 
 
 Whose source is inaccessiblj' profound, 
 
 Whither do thy mysterious \vaters tend ? 
 
 ihou imagest my life. Thy darksome stillness, 
 
 Thy dazzling waves, thy Iqnd and hollow gulfs, 
 
 Thy searchless fountain and invisible course, 
 
 Have each their type in me. And the wild sky 
 
 And measureless ocean may declare as soon 
 
 What oozy cavern or what wandering clond 
 
 Contains thy waters, as the universe 
 
 Tell where these living thoughts reside, when stretched 
 
 Upon thy flowers, my bloodless limbs shall waste 
 
 1' the passing wind ! "^Alaitar. 
 
18 SPIRITUAL G0MMUNICATI0N8. 
 
 By his own subjective experience ? O, no ! but by the 
 same method that he would employ in testing a scien- 
 tific fact or theory.* Those who have ever truly felt 
 the blessed influence of fervent prayer, must shudder 
 at the thought of such impiety — such an absolute nega- 
 tion of spiritual or religious insight. 
 
 These things are referred to in no spirit of unkind 
 criticism or invective, but as indicating the characteris- 
 tics of the age in which we live, and illustrative of the 
 necessity of more ohjectiva proof oi spiritual things, — 
 that is, of a new spiritual revelation ; and such truly, the 
 editor believes has, in part at least, come through the 
 efforts of the blessed spirits in the spheres above 
 us. 
 
 Undoubtedly, there is much in so-called Spiritualism, 
 calculated to repel. It has its shadows, as well as its 
 lights. And has not everything ? Has not what is de- 
 nominated Christianity ? Are all practices called Chris- 
 tian, are &\\ professors of the Christian doctrine, worthy 
 of approval ? Alas ! everything here below has a cer- 
 tain admixture of dross ; but does this affect the value 
 of the pure gold ? Corruption seems to be the insep- 
 arable concomitant of the human mind in this sublunary 
 sphere ; and if we reject everything that has abuses, 
 counterfeits, perversions, vicious upholders, or indiscreet 
 advocates, we shall have nothing left. Even God him- 
 self (if the illustration may be permitted) must be re- 
 
 * " Oh, let U9 get near to God by faith and pra3'Gr. and wc shall break with 
 one of oar fingers through the brain-span meshes of these impotent nega- 
 tions. Prove to us that by the word " God " we ought to mean only " vor- 
 tices of atoms," or " streams of tendency," and at the end of such triumphant 
 demonstrations, we shall but kneel down before Him who made us, and not 
 we ourselves, and with bowed head, and sad yet kindling heart, shall pray, 
 if possible, with yet deeper conviction, •' Our Father which art in Heaven." 
 — Farrar. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMM.UmGATIONS. IQ 
 
 jected ; for, alas ! how many there are apparently who 
 tail to -worship him " in spirit and in truth ! " 
 
 The editor does not, however, profess to \>e& spiritual- 
 ist ; perhaps, he does not understand what the designa- 
 tion means.* Remarkable facta have come to his knowl- 
 edge (he did not seek them) ; and, although naturally 
 incredulous and skeptical, he has not been able to doubt 
 the reality of what he has seen and experienced. In- 
 deed, the experience has been a great boon. It has 
 intensified his faith in religious truth — in the religion 
 which Christ taught. It has brought to his mind, as an 
 objective reality , the existence of the future world, show- 
 ing him (in a general way, of course,) the nature of its 
 retributions — the sorrows of the unrepentant sinner, and 
 the joys of him who has made his peace with God; it 
 has demonstrated, the infinite mercy and forgiveness of 
 Him, who the apostle says is Love ; and thus has 
 thrown a flood of light upon those points of inquiry 
 which have puzzled the minds of thinkers of all ages, 
 vindicating the " ways of God to man " beyond all other 
 revelations which, it appears to him, mankind have ever 
 received, being thus a glorious Theodic'ea. 
 
 He has shrunk from this publication, which he would 
 very gladly have avoided ; but a voice— the voice of 
 (Jvity — has sounded for months in his ears, commanding 
 him to make these things known to his fellow men. 
 He, therefore, takes this step regardless of the con- 
 sequences, feeling (to compare small things with great) 
 somewhat as the apostle of the Gentiles felt, when he 
 said to the Corinthians : "Though I preach the Gospel,! 
 
 ♦Except as the antithesis of ■malr.Halisi, or ii disbeliever in the spirit of 
 man and its destined immortality. 
 
 tin t'.ie original, the word is Euayy tXiZ,a>^iai— 1,0 mangaizi-~siK-;Li.\\\e 
 good tidings,— of course, eciuivalent to in-each th>. Gosjyd. (1 Cor., ix., 10.) 
 
20 SPIRITUAL C0MMUNIGATI0N8. 
 
 I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid npon 
 me ; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel ! " 
 He is not so ignorant of the ways of the world, as to 
 believe that this book will be received in the spirit in 
 which it is written; that is, that it will be candidly read 
 and considered. No; he is prepared to meet with the 
 derision and scoffing of those whose minds are closed 
 against spiritual truth by their worldliness and prejudice, 
 and with bitter and acrimonious denunciation from the 
 supporters of theologic creeds and ecclesiastical systems. 
 The worldling loill not receive this evangel ; the bigot 
 cannot. Seeing., they see, but will not 2^erceive ; and 
 hearing, they hear, hut will not understand. Indeed, 
 were Christ to come again upon the earth, but not (as 
 many believe that He will) in the clouds, with spiritual 
 pomp and glory, to dazzle the eyes of the j)roud and 
 haughty ones of this world, but as he came before, in 
 the person of a humble teacher, associating with the 
 lowliest of men, yet doing all the miracles that char- 
 acterized his first mission, is it at all likely he would be 
 received by the conceited theologians, the proud eccle- 
 siastics, the arrogant scientists, the scoffing worldlings, 
 of the present day ? Alas, no 1 Crucifixion, it is 
 true, he would not have to endure ; for that is not the 
 present mode of disposing of the blessed messengers of 
 unpopular truths ; but that he would still have to van- 
 quish the world by his inimortal example of suffering, no 
 one can doubt. 
 
 This book is written for all who will receive it. May 
 God's blessing attend it, as a means of good to man- 
 kind ! No emolument to the editor will ever be per- 
 mitted from its sale ; but whatever income may accrue 
 from it, will be employed in the cause ibr which the 
 
SPIRITUAL G0MMUNI0ATI0N8. 21 
 
 book is written, and particularly to defray the expense 
 of an additional number of copies of the work in a cheap 
 form, to be distributed gratuitously among the poor 
 outcasts of humanity, who, in these days of gorgeous 
 churches, too often have not the " Gospel preached to 
 them;" May they thus learn that, let their sufferings 
 be what they may, they may be made a blessing by 
 patient endurance and an unfailing trust in God, with 
 the fervent love of their Saviour, Christ, who will never 
 desert them ; and, moreover, that there is prepared for 
 the " poor in spirit " a glorious life of endless bliss— of 
 progressive development — ^beyond the grave, where 
 there are no stations in life, but all are the acknowledged 
 children of one omnipotent spiritual Father, of infinite 
 mercy and loving kindness. 
 
 The editor does not wish to be understood as affirm- 
 ing positively that every statement made in these com- 
 munications is infallibly true. He is not a believer in 
 the infallihUity of any books,* scriptures, or doctrines, 
 or dogmas proclaimed by the authority of ecumenical 
 councils, or of ecclesiastical potentates. He " who 
 spake as never man spake," gave us without doubt the 
 infallible truth, which the conscience and judgment of 
 every one, when spiritually enlightened, immediately 
 apprehends and approves. Being spiritual truth, how- 
 ever, it must be received into the heart as well as 
 grasped by the understanding; for, as said by St. Paul, 
 
 * " The doctrine of the infalUbility of the Bible, in the rigid sense in which 
 it is widely held and taught now, was unknown to the early Christian church. 
 Indeed, it did not come into existence until the sixteenth century, not 
 having been held even by the earliest and greatest of the Reformers. The 
 Catholic Church has never adopted it. The Bible testifies of itself that it is 
 not infallible, in the fact that it contains many, things which it is impossible 
 to reconcile with the theory of infallibility."— J. T. Shndeklanb, vnml is 
 the Bible f (N. T., 18T8.) 
 
22 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 " the natural man receivetli not the things of the Spirit 
 of God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither can 
 he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 
 If the words of our Saviour had not been able to meet 
 that test, they could not have been believed;* for God 
 has erected in every man's mind, when made clear by 
 spiritual illumination, and consequently divested of all 
 pride and conceit, a truly divine judgment, the guidance 
 of which is ever sufficient to lead him to the knowledge 
 of God, and to teach him to discriminate between the 
 true and false in spiritual things. t It is true that Jesus 
 spoke " by authority ■' ; nevertheless he addressed the 
 conscience and understanding of his hearers ; and did 
 not ask for faith without giving the evidence on which 
 it might rest. He addressed the Inner Light, " the 
 true Light, which lighteth every nian that cometh into 
 the world " — which makes us, as little children, fit to 
 inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.J Well did Milton 
 represent the talk of devils to be 
 
 "Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate, 
 Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute. 
 Vain wisdom all, and false pliilosopliy . " 
 
 All these questions have sprung not from man's spir- 
 
 * '* Tea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right ?" Luke 
 xii, 57. 
 
 t " Eeason is the only faculty whereby we have to judge of anything, even 
 revelation itself." — Bp. Botlee. " They who believe that reason, and con- 
 science, and experience, as well as Scripture, are books of God, which must 
 liave a direct voice in these great decisions."— Canon Farbar. 
 
 X "Nations and peoples have ever claimed to have monopolies in religion ; 
 ever have they denied that it had any fountains beyond their own prophets 
 and their own Sacred Books. But in the light of the scholarship of to-day, 
 we see that all such ideas are narrow and poor. Religion is as universal as 
 sunshine, or love, or God. Its fountains are in every land ; Its prophets 
 dwell under all skies. It has given mankind not one Sacred Book, but 
 many."— Sunderland. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 23 
 
 itual nature, which is as simple as that of the guileless 
 child, but from pride of intellect — the special attribute 
 of rebellious Satan. Christ's words are so clear and 
 intelligible that he who runs may read and fully under- 
 stand ; and they embody all the religious truth man 
 ever needs, if he will only open his heart to receive it. 
 
 Man's judgment is never to be set aside. Let him 
 get all the illumination he can, by going, in the deepest 
 spirit of love and humility, to the only true source of 
 light — the loving Father of us all ; and he shall receive 
 a blessed response to every petition. If, like Solomon, 
 he asks for Wisdom, his mind shall be penetrated with 
 divine effulgence ; and he shall see, although " dimly " 
 perhaps, " through the mists and vapors, amid these 
 earthly damps," visions of the Beyond, that shall never 
 cease to cheer him on this pilgrimage of material life 
 and give him a foretaste of immortality. 
 
 May the heavenly messages here presented to the 
 world restore hope to the despairing, bring faith to the 
 unbelieving, and thus help to teach them how to live, 
 and also how to die. Then shall they truly be able to 
 exclaim with the Apostle : " O, death, where is thy 
 sting ? O, grave, where is thy victory ? " 
 
 I. 
 
 A NAEKATITE OF FACTS. 
 
 About the middle of May last, the editor's eldest 
 daughter suddenly became an intermediary for the 
 writing of communications from departed spirits. From 
 motives of curiosity, she was induced to visit a person 
 professing to be a clairvoyant medium, in this city, who, 
 
24 aPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 a short time after she entered the parlor, said : " I see 
 over your head, in clear letters, ' We are glad you have 
 come ! ' " remarking also, soon afterward, '• I see that you 
 will be an inspirational teacher of a high order ' — or 
 words to that effect. Of course, this young lady, with 
 her almost absolute ignorance of the whole subject, hav- 
 ing never witnessed previously any of the so-called spir- 
 itualistic phenomena, could not receive such statements 
 but with surprise and incredulity. In a few minutes, 
 however, she began to experience a peculiar sensation in 
 her right arm ; and her hand, into which a pencil had been 
 placed, began to be moved by an external force ; and de- 
 scribed a series of circles, one within the other, but noth- 
 ing intelligible was written at the time. 
 
 During the next few days, however, she experienced 
 the same sensation in her hand and arm; and, on assume 
 ing the pencil, she was moved to write, in a large and 
 somewhat illegible hand, various messages, of which the 
 following are examples (the communications ostensibly 
 coming from a daughter of the editor's, deceased about 
 twenty years ago, and from other spirit friends) : 
 
 "Joy ! joy ! This will be your joy — sucli joy as you long to 
 have ill heavenly homes. 
 
 " You must not be afraid. 
 
 ' ' Have courage ; you are much stronger for this than 
 formerly. 
 
 ' ' We long to have our cause go on, for the good of every 
 soul ; and we hope you will not give your fondest pleasure up. 
 
 ' ' We need more to help us. 
 
 ' ' Please pray for your many friends who are suffering— gone 
 away as your — [mentioning a relative]. 
 
 ' ' The best wishes to your husband from the friends long de- 
 parted. 
 
 [In answer to a. question.] "Yes ; he is with your sister, who 
 passed to Heaven. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 25 
 
 "Tell your fatlier we wisli to see him here. [At the house of 
 the medium, iu order that he might witness the communica- 
 tions.] 
 
 " Please be careful, and go to your father, and say we wish 
 he would come here. 
 
 "We are trying to have all things arranged p. e., for the 
 purpose of convincing us of the truth of the communications]. 
 
 " We are all as happy as you can imagine — forever." 
 
 On the Saturday evening following, by previous ap- 
 pointment, the editor, accompanied by his wife, went 
 to the residence of his daughter, where were also two 
 other visitors — friends of the fiimily. During this even- 
 ing, the editor saw, for the first time, wha.t has been so 
 frequently described, and is known as table-tipping. All 
 he can say is, that when the medium jilaced her hands 
 — or sometimes merely the tips of her fingers — upon a 
 small but rather heavy mahogany table, it performed 
 the most extraordinary movements, evidently not pro- 
 duced by the muscular power of the medium, and indi- 
 cating a most remarkable intelligence. 
 
 The medium also wrote a striking communication 
 from the editor's deceased brother; and, the following 
 day, only the editor and the intermediary being present, 
 a series of communications from the same and other 
 deceased relatives were written, and perfectly pertinent 
 responses were made to mental questions, as well as in 
 reference to matters unknown to the medium. These, 
 as they referred to circumstances of a private character, 
 are not here given. Suffice it to say, that although the 
 phenomenon- was quite startling — from its novelty and 
 singularity — the editor, seeing how it was written, 
 knowing, of course, that imposition was out of the ques- 
 tion, and perceiving not the slightest possibility of illu- 
 sion, or what has been scientifically called " unconscious 
 
26 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 cerebration," could not but recognize it as a veritable 
 Voice from the beyond — a voice indicating the continued 
 existence, and indeed actual presence, of the immortal 
 spirit of those whose mortal remains he had seen, years 
 before, laid away in the dark and silent grave. 
 
 He would here say, however, that his previous belief 
 formed no barrier against the reception of this as a fact, 
 because he believed in the immortality of the soul as re- 
 vealed by Christ and taught by his apostles, particularly 
 in the doctrine so emphatically enunciated by St. Paul 
 — "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual 
 tody" — and, "As we have borne the image of the 
 earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly " 
 — and other passages contained in that sublime chapter 
 of the great apostle (1 Cor. xv.) ;* and also in his glori- 
 ous epistle to the Hebrews : — " These [the descendants 
 of Abraham] all died in faith, not having received the 
 promises, but having seen them afar off, and greeted 
 them, and confessed that they were strangers and so- 
 journers on the earth. For they that say such things 
 declare plainly that tJiey seek after a home. And truly, 
 if they were mindful of that from whence they came 
 out, they might have had opportunity to return. But 
 now they desire a better home, that is, a heavenly : 
 wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God ; 
 for he prepared for them a city." (Hebrews xi. 13-16.) 
 
 And the following, in the next chapter : — 
 
 * " What the Christian Scriptures, and St. Paul, especially, affirm, is not 
 any abstruse metaphysical doctrine, concerning mind and. matter ; but the 
 simple physiological fact of two species of corporeity destined for man ; — the 
 first, that of our present animsil and dissoluble organization, which we share, 
 in all its conditions, with the irrational sentient tribes around ns ; and the 
 second — a future spiritual structure, imperishable, and endowed with higher 
 powers, and many desirable prerogatives." — Isaac Tayi.oh, JVtysical Theory 
 of Another Life. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 27 
 
 " Wherefore let us also, having so great a cloud of 
 witnessen encompassing tis, laying aside every weight, 
 and sin, which doth naturally enwrap us, run with pa- 
 tience the race that is set before us, looking unto the 
 author and perfector of the faith, even Jesus." (Ibid. 
 xii. 1, 2.)* Certainly, the sublime poet Longfellow 
 must have caught his inspiration from these texts, or 
 from a veritable spiritoal origin, when hn wrote, years 
 ago:— 
 
 "All houses wherein men have lived and died, 
 
 Are haunted houses. Through the open doors 
 The harmless phantoms on their errands glide, 
 With feet that make no sound upon the floors, "f 
 
 With such passages ringing iu his ears, and long treas- 
 ured in liis heart, as embodying a most blessed hope, it 
 is not singular that the editor's mind was not, through 
 any antecedent prejudice or preconception, closed 
 against the theory of spirit communion or intercourse, 
 could it be established by objective facta. That it has 
 been so established, let the whole body of experience 
 recorded in this volume bear witness. 
 
 Subsequently, but as an experiment for some time, 
 he sat by the medium while she wrote communications 
 from his most intimate friends deceased, giving always 
 pertinent and characteristic replies to all questions he 
 asked. These communications have been of a very 
 various character — descriptive, didactic, hortatory or 
 
 * In these citations, Dean Alford's revised text has been followed, 
 t See the whole poem " Haunted Houses,^^ with many others — " Resignation,^' 
 " Footslepe of Angels," &c., Which teach with touching pathos the truth of 
 spirit presence, and other truths illustrated by the phenomena of Spiritual- 
 ism— each b,b spirit growth and progression. To these further allusion will 
 be made in this work. 
 
 " Millions of spiritual heings walk the earth. 
 Both when we wake and when we sleep.^' — Milom. 
 
28 SPIRITUAL OOMMUNIOATIONa. 
 
 admonitory, solemn, or, occasionally, familiar — involving 
 a revelation of the condition of different grades of 
 spirits and their progressive improvement, but all ex- 
 ceedingly pure and elevated in tone, and confirming in 
 every particular the fundamental truths of primitive 
 Christianity. It is true that almost the first communi- 
 cation purported to come from a repentant suffering 
 spirit (one well knovi^n in this life), and the message 
 was, " Pray for me ! " but it cannot be unknown to 
 most intelligent and well-informed Christians — Protes- 
 antas well as Catholic — that praying for the dead was 
 a common practice in the early churches, as their litur- 
 gies show; and it is a remarkable fact that some 
 thoughtful Protestant divines, by a careful study of the 
 Scriptures in the original, have recently been led to the 
 emphatic enunciation of this doctrine,* The truths 
 most earnestly presented are those that Christ and his 
 apostles taught, — our duty to love God with all our 
 heart, to love each other, and to follow the divine ex- 
 ample of our Saviour in all things ; and faith in the 
 eternal world — a world of future {ceonian)^ rewards 
 
 * I would refer the reader particularly to the volume of sermons, etc. 
 recently published by Canon Farrar, of Westminster, entitled Eternal H(tpe, 
 as a proof of what is here asserted. The following passages are cited ; but 
 the whole book is an emphatic and eloquent denunciation of the popular 
 notions in regard to the future life and its retributions. "We will declare 
 our Jiope and tritst—if It be not permitted us to go so far in this matter as be- 
 lief and confidence— that, even after death, through the infinite mercy of the 
 loving Father, many of the dead shall be alive again, and the lost be found." 
 (Sermon on " IMt " — What it is not.) — '* The K'iddis\ or prayer for the dead 
 in the Jewish liturgies is probably as old as the time of our Lord, and if so 
 was by him unreproved, though it was believed to be efficacious for the relief 
 of souls in Gehenna." (Excursus V.) 
 
 See also note to page 1"J, and farther on in this work. 
 
 t This word has been the great bone of contention among theologians. 
 See Fternal H.^pr, hy Farrar (Excursus III.). I cite this sublime passage : 
 "When, with your futile billions, you foiet into this word dioovio^ tbe 
 
SPIRITUAL aOMMUNIOATIONS. 29 
 
 and punishments. All this will be made obvious by- 
 copious citations in subsequent chapters. 
 
 The obvious fact in regard to all the communications 
 is that there is an intelligence manifesting itself, differ- 
 ent and apart from the mind of the person writing. 
 This is shown by various circumstances: — (1) The mode 
 of holding and using the pencil [a pen is never used] is 
 very different from that employed by the medium her- 
 self in her ordinary writings. (2) The style of writing 
 is very different from her own, the letters being gener- 
 ally much larger and more irregular, and, besides, the 
 writing is often executed with great force and rapidity ; 
 sometimes the pencil seems to be held in the hand by a 
 peculiar magnetic force, which, in part at least, controls 
 the movement. (3) The style of thought is very differ- 
 ent from that of the medium, often rising to great force 
 and sublimity, very far beyond what the medium her- 
 self is capable of conceiving or composing. (4) The 
 diction is peculiar — while showing as many variations 
 in style as the spirits communicating, yet abounding in 
 peculiar words and phraseology, at times obscure, yet 
 perfectly significant and expressive. (5) The facts ex- 
 pressed or referred to are often beyond the knowledge or 
 experience of the medium. (Questions have been asked 
 of the controlling intelligence in the absence of the medi- 
 um, and have been pertinently answered through the 
 medium when present. For instance, the medium 
 having left the room, a question has been asked, which 
 has been fully answered on the medium's return).* (6) 
 
 fiction of emUeas time, you do but give the lie to the mighty oath of that great 
 angel, who set one foot upon the sea, and one upon the land, and with hand 
 uplifted to heaven, sware by Him who liveth for ever and ever that ' Time 
 should be no more.' "—Sermon on " Hell " — Wliat U is not. 
 * It is proper to say here that a young son of the editor was suddenly de- 
 
30 SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 The medium sometimes appears to be scarcely conscious 
 of the thoughts which she writes; and on the papers 
 being shown to her after a short interval, she scarcely 
 remembers (sometimes has quite forgotten) that she 
 wrote them. To one who has not seen the writing ex- 
 ecuted, it is scarcely possible to impart a correct con- 
 ception of the manner in which it is done. The theory 
 that the ideas expressed are only those of the medium 
 herself, is excluded by the fact that what is written is 
 often beyond her knowledge or experience (as has 
 already been stated) ; nor are they in the mind of any 
 person present. Moreover, this hypothesis is pre- 
 cluded by the fact that the medium's mind is in an en- 
 tirely normal condition, as far as can outwardly be 
 ascertained. She is in no trance or somnambulic state, 
 but simply takes the pencil, and feels, at first, her hand 
 controlled, and then, very soon, both mind and hand, 
 the movement being apparently effected by a mechani- 
 cal moving of the hand, and an impression of thought 
 (and language to some extent) upon the mind. [The 
 medium sometimes says she hears the loords before they 
 are written.] The operation seems to be quite complex ; 
 but the rationale of it is altogether inexplicable. In- 
 deed, the spirits seem not to be able to explain it in any 
 terms comprehensible by us. 
 
 A very marked feature of these writings is their nat- 
 uralness as the communications or utterances of the per- 
 sons from whom they purport to come. A spirit is 
 
 veloped as an extraordinary writing medium a few days after the development 
 of his daujjhter. The experiment referred to has been frequently made 
 throiij^h liim. The communications written through him are not here espe- 
 cially referred to, although very valuable for illustration ; because, coming 
 through the mind of a child (about twelve years old), they are necessarily 
 of a simple character. They will, however, be used to exemplify and illus- 
 trate many points further on in the work. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 31 
 
 called, a question is asked, or a remark made 5 and the 
 response comes just as naturally as if the person ad- 
 dressed were actually present, and spoke with fleshly 
 lips and tongue. Of this many examples will be given. 
 No supposition other than that it is veritably the 
 spirits of the departed who are communicating appears 
 to be at all tenable. If intelligences using such lan- 
 guage, giving such instruction, inspiring such thoughts, 
 and urging on to such conduct, can be only the devices 
 or instruments of the principle of evil, or the dread 
 being who personifies it, then indeed is the all-power- 
 ful, the all-wise, and the all-pure God dethroned from 
 the moral government of the universe which he created, 
 and it has become a wilderness of lies — a moral chaos — 
 a spiritual usurpation of the evil one, under which every 
 sacred name, every holy precept, and every divine truth 
 may be sacrilegiously employed for the deception and 
 destruction of God's creatures — those creatures whose 
 souls he gave his only Son to redeem. Oh, no ! God — 
 the Infinite in mercy, wisdom, and purity, i-eigns su- 
 preme ; and they who are evil can do us no hurt except 
 with our own permission. The holy names of God and 
 Christ cannot be used to tempt us away from the path 
 that leads to His everlasting kingdom. Imagine (if it 
 is not blasphemy to do so) Satan allying himself with 
 Christ to save the world — to convert the people to a 
 belief in Christ's doctrine, bidding them to love the 
 Lord their God with all their heart, and their neighbors 
 as themselves ! That indeed would be a millennium. 
 But blind theology can see no other than a Satanic 
 source for anything that controverts its dogmas. When 
 the Saviour preached his divine doctrine in Jerusalem, 
 the arrogant ecclesiastics of that time said, " He hath a 
 
32 SPIRITUAL OOMMUmCATIONB. 
 
 devil ; " because they saw their power over the poor 
 and ignorant would be destroyed by his words. His 
 response is weU known.* 
 
 And what antecedent improbability of the hypothesis 
 of spirits comniunicating can exist in the minds of 
 Christians ? Have their departed friends, in their be- 
 lief, been annihilated as intelligences, or are they slum- 
 bering unconsciously in their graves, to be awakened 
 only by the sound of the " last trump," at the day in- 
 definitely understood as the Day of Judgment ? I am 
 aware that there are some who believe — and think they 
 find in the Sacred Scriptures — the doctrine that the soul 
 after death is kept in a condition of unconscious nothing- 
 ness for an indefinite number of ages, while the mortal 
 body is dissolving into its parent dust, its fluids dissi- 
 pated, its gases passed off into air, and entering into 
 new combinations of matter, to form other organisms, 
 vegetable and animal ; but that, at the Last Day — the 
 day of " general resurrection," aU these elements will 
 be reunited in their pristine bodies, and the souls will 
 then be resuscitated to inhabit them. But, if the soul is 
 
 * *' If the doctrine confirmed by a non-nalural effect is not opposed to any 
 truth, if all its attendent circumstances are in accordance with God's divine 
 attributes, we are bound to acknowledge that the doctrine so proclaimed 
 bears the sanction of God himself." — Jottin, Evidences of Jieltgion (N. T., 
 IST?., with the Cardinal's Imprimafur.) 
 
 This able writer, a Jesuit, says, after laying down the above excellent test : 
 '* All the facts of Spiritism cannot be denied ; for oftentimes they are at- 
 tested by many unimpeachable witnesses, who, being incredulous, took every 
 possible precaution against deception."— "An intelligent cause with free 
 will ia clearly at work, since not unfrequently the desired effect is not ob- 
 tained, though all the means considered necessary for its production have 
 been employed." Then, on false promises, he asserts ; " God cannot be 
 looked upon as the author of these phenomena, nor as sanctionmg them. It 
 is the evil spirit who is the author of the phenomena indicating intelligent 
 agency, and he makes use of all this to deceive mankind." The writer 
 evidently knows but little of the phenomena which he thus smnmarily con- 
 demns 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUNIOATIONS. 33 
 
 immortal, where is its place of repose during this inter- 
 mediate period of torpidity? And if such is the case at 
 present, why was it not so when Christ said, " God is 
 not the God of the dead but of the living "? Certainly, 
 at the Transfiguration, Moses and Elias were not slum- 
 bering in their graves. The custom of the Jews to pray 
 for the dead (see 2d Maccabees, xii, 43-46), and the same 
 practice of the early Christians, as seen by the inscrip- 
 tions on the catacombs, indicate a very different belief 
 on their part. This and many other absurd notions 
 have their origin in the practice, too common, of basing 
 theological dogmas upon one or more isolated texts of 
 Scripture, instead of looking along the whole line of 
 Scriptural teaching.* 
 
 If then it is most consonant with reason and Scripture 
 to believe that the spirits of the dead pass at once, after 
 death, into a state of conscious existence, is it not natu- 
 ral to suppose that they would wish to communicate 
 with the dear ones on earth ? 
 
 " When tlie hours of day are numbered. 
 
 And the voices of the night 
 Wake the better soul, that slumbered, 
 
 To a holy, calm delight ; 
 
 "Then the forms of the departed 
 
 Enter at the open door ; 
 The beloved, the true-hearted. 
 
 Come to visit me once more."f 
 
 * Here the grand words of Canon Farrar may well be quoted : — *' Once 
 more, in the name of Christian light and liberty ;— once more in the name of 
 Christ's promised spirit ;— once more in the name pf the broadened dawn 
 and the daystar which has arisen in our hearts ;— I protest, at once and flnallj', 
 against this ignorant tyranny of isolated texts, which has ever been the curse 
 of Christian truth, the glory of narrow intellects, and the cause of the worst 
 days of the corrupted Church."— Kernai Hope. 
 
 t LoNQFELLOW, Voices of tite Nigld. 
 
34 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONB. 
 
 The mission of the good — in the land of spirits — is 
 still to do good. They are imitating the Master ; and, 
 all selfishness having been eliminated from their nature, 
 tVieir desire is to bring all whom they can reach nearer 
 and nearer to their own pure and happy state of being.* 
 
 The communications received by the editor and his 
 family appear to illustrate several grades or conditions 
 of spirit life. Those of the higher character are eleva- 
 ting, both morally and spiritually. They breathe the 
 purest spirit of religious truth. They correspond ex- 
 actly with the teachings of the blessed Saviour — those 
 divine Beatitudes, which ought to be written upon the 
 tablet of every person's heart, as his guide to virtue 
 here and a glorious immortality hereafter. They incul- 
 cate Christ's great law of love to God and man. They 
 teach the infinite mercy of God — presenting him to us 
 as truly our Heavenly Father — as Christ taught us to 
 address him, and the Holy Scriptures so often present 
 him to our minds and hearts. They do not teach ever- 
 lasting punishment, but neither do they say that there 
 is no soul who may nat incur such a penalty.! They do 
 teach that repentance, always and everywhere, brings the 
 forgiveness of God.J 
 
 * The following words of the learned Dr. Clarke are cogent in this connec- 
 tion : — " (1) I believe there is a supernatural and spiritual world in which 
 human spirits, both good and bad, live in a state of consciousness ; (2) I be- 
 lieve that an3' of these spirits rnay, according to the order of God, in the laws 
 of their places of residence, have intercourse with this world, and become 
 visible to mortals." (Commentary on Samuel.) The editor of this work thinks 
 he may say that he not only believes this, but that he l-nows it. 
 
 t " And if you ask me whether I must believe in endless torments, for these 
 reprobates of earth, my answer is, Ay, for these and for thee, and for me too, 
 unless we learn witli all our hearts to love good and not evil.''— Farrar. 
 
 t See that remarkable passage in Ezekiel, xxxiii, 7-20. Who on reading 
 these glorious promises can limit tbem to the short span of our earthly lives I 
 
 The following words of a Christian minister are also cogent in this con- 
 nection : — " Man is apt to turn away from sin when he receives more light ; 
 
SPmiTUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 35 
 
 But, perhaps, some will say : Are you going to super- 
 sede the Bible as the standard of religious truth by 
 these uncertain teachings ? Supersede the Bible ! Oh, 
 no ! We come, say the spirits, with new light to prove 
 the glorious truths of the Bible. We come to banish dis- 
 cord, by giving all men truly " the substance of things 
 hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." We 
 come to help men — all mankind — to that perfection of 
 Christian Faith which is effectual "to the saving of 
 of the soul ; " so that they may not need to say, We Jcnmo 
 not indeed ; — ^but we believe ; but may be able to say. 
 We Kifow, and therefore must believe. We come to 
 lift " the curtain of impenetrable darkness " which has 
 hitherto hung " between mankind and the unseen 
 world."* We come to do away with the corrupt accre- 
 tions of ages, which have so encumbered the rich soil 
 of Gospel truth, that it is with difficulty any pure doc- 
 trine can take root in it.f We come to dispel the in- 
 
 and it would seem consistent that, with the light which he will receive after 
 death, he will turn from sin."— Eev. James M. Pullman, N. T. 
 
 * The whole passage is suggestive. (See Canon Farbab, Ultmal Hope, pp. 
 11, 12). *' Not to one," he says, " of all the unnumbered generations, whose 
 dust is blown upon the desert winds has it been permitted to breathe one 
 syllable or letter of the dim and awful secret beyond the grave." Beautiful, 
 rhetorically ; but O, how nntruc ! Is this the language of a Christian 
 divine f Is there nothing of that " awful secret " in Christ's divine word?, 
 " la my Father's house are many mansions " ? Nothing in the Apocalypse » 
 Not " onfi. syllable'^ ? And where, O men of piety and culture, have yon lived 
 during the last quarter of a century f Do you know nothing of what that 
 derided class of people called Spiritualists have been doing ? " Can there 
 any good thing come out of Nazareth ? " *' Come and scr." 
 
 t People reject spiritualistic truth because they say the Bible is sufficient ; 
 but a large part of the Christian world say it 'is not sufBcient — that it is so 
 obscure that religious light cannot be safely looked for in it, but that this 
 must come from the teachings of the Church, which retains the traditions of 
 Christ, and the head of which is supematurally inspired to supplement these 
 traditions, from time to time, by encyclical letters, bulls and papal edicts, etc., 
 etc. Besides, the Protestant sects differ widely as to the real meaning of 
 many parts of the Bible. In their Bibliolatry, they dispute violently over 
 
36 8PIMITUAL COMMUmCATIONS. 
 
 tellectual and spiritual darkness with which, by means 
 of complicated creeds and unintelligible dogmas — those 
 things of man's device — Christ's glorious spiritual light 
 has been so long shrouded, and veiled from the minds 
 of mankind. In short, we come to usher in a new 
 illumination from the spirit world, "which, in the provi- 
 dence of an all-merciful Creator, shall dispel the dark 
 mists of atheism, materialism, and infidelity in all its 
 forms, and lead mankind back to the knowledge of God 
 and immortality, and help to bring Christ's glorious 
 kingdom upon earth; so that all shall say, with the 
 shepherds of Bethlehem, when they welcomed the first 
 coming of the blessed Jesus • " Glory to God in the 
 highest, and on earth Peace, God Will toward Men ! " 
 
 its interpretation, and ntter anathemas upon eacli other for a misconstruc- 
 tion of certain texts and dogmas. They appear to have lost the key by 
 which they may unlock the mysteries of the sacred book, and find what is 
 really saving truth. In farther illustration of this fact, the following passage 
 is cited from a recent work by a Christian divine (Professor To\vnseud, of 
 the Boston University) : " Human research, unaided, seems to do little more 
 for us than to formulate and place upon our lips a creed like that of a dis- 
 tinguished New England Kadical : ' We are tenants at will, liable at any 
 moment to be served with a notice to quit. But what proof of immortality ? 
 JS'nne, we must confess, bi^l hope.'' Being in such a plight, personally knowing 
 nothing of the future, near or remote, especially after the death warrant is 
 issued and executed, no friend really having returned to speak with us, and the 
 reports of those whom medium spiritualists assert have returned being go 
 extremely contradictory, what better course can one propose than the pres- 
 ent study of the sayings of our Lord and his apostles ? " But we may say to 
 this Christian minister, "Are not these Scriptures to which you refer contra- 
 dictory in some respects, as well the reports of the Spiritualists ? " See iVJiat 
 is tha Biblr, by J. '1'. Sunderland, for an answer. This, indeed, does not in- 
 validate the Scriptures ; nor does the same circumstance invalidate the facts 
 of Spiritualism, which are all we have to prove the sours immortality, as 
 confessed above. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 37 
 
 II. 
 
 NARRATIVE CONTINUED, WITH VARIOUS SPECIMEITa 
 OF SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 In the first period of these communications, the inter- 
 course was confined to what purported to be the spirits 
 of a deceased brother and daughter of the editor, and 
 the spirits of other very intimate relatives and friends 
 of the family. The messages were exceedingly striking 
 and natural — simple and familiar, but very good in their 
 tendency. A few specimens of this grade are here pre- 
 sented : — 
 
 [From Sarah R. — a deceased relative, of great sweetness and 
 purity of character while on eartli.] 
 
 "Lizzie, I love you well. Love God, and all will be well. 
 Seek your soul's liappy future. Be faithful unto your heart's 
 own glory." • 
 
 "Jane, be a. good woman. You are my heart's true fellow. 
 Love your children, for your heart's own happiness will be your 
 heavenly reward. Love God ; he is your happiness here." 
 
 Do you see Mollie ? [Daughter of the editor, who died nearly 
 twenty years ago, at the age of five.] 
 
 " Yes, often. She is a lovely spirit." 
 
 Has she grown up ? 
 
 " She is a heavenly woman."* 
 
 * How wonderfully this correspondB with the doctriue of Longfellow's beau- 
 tifal poem, Resignaiion 1 
 
 " Not as a child shall we again heboid her ; 
 
 For when, with raptures wild, 
 In our embraces we again enfold her, 
 
 She will not be a chUd ; 
 Bat a fair inaidtn, in her Father's mansion. 
 
 Clothed with celestial grac& ; 
 And beautiful with all the soul's expansion. 
 Shall we behold her face." 
 " A heavenly tooman," — that phrase expresses it all. 
 
38 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 "My dear H. — happy forever. Love God, and all will be 
 
 well. From God we are a happy band of spirits." 
 
 [To lier daughter.] "My dear Fannie, please hear your 
 mother's fond message to your heart. I am happy, and am with 
 you in your joys and troubles. You are a good woman, but be 
 better. Have great care for your soul's future happiness. 
 Never mind the cares of life. Tour home I admire." 
 
 Do you ever see ? 
 
 " No ; I think he is in darkness, but I am not sure." 
 
 On another occasion, the following was written by 
 
 what purported to be the spirit of Milly McN , a 
 
 young lady friend of the medium, on earth gifted with 
 lovely traits of character : 
 
 [No call or question.] "My dear Mr. K., I have much to say 
 to you to-night. Seek your heart's welfare. Heaven is here. 
 We are fearfully made in God's likeness. Clear your path from 
 all wickedness. MoUie [editor's daughter] is your heavenly 
 protector. Heaven is her home. Heaven is more than I can 
 describe. " 
 
 Then came a change in the hand-writing ; and it was 
 written : — 
 
 "Mollie is here now, my dear papa. I love you dearly, my 
 dear papa. I love to be near, and to protect you from evil. 
 Heavenly things are yours forever, my dear papa." — " I wish I 
 could tell you all I know ; but Mollie cannot. Wait patiently. 
 God will show his wonders for himself. I do not know what 
 to say. Forever you are blest, my dear papa."* — "My dear 
 sister [the medium], I am glad you are improving in courage. 
 Do not fear. Mollie will ever be your guide, if God is your de- 
 sire." — " My dear Louis, I am glad to see your heart is with 
 God. Never fear. All is for your happiness, good, and com- 
 
 * The publication of these details of an affectionate intercourse, to be 
 scanned by many cold and sneering readers, is quite repulsive to the editor ; 
 but he is impelled by an irresistible sense of duty to present each phase of 
 this spirit communion ; since, by that means, many minds of diverse char- 
 acter may be reached. Some mil, perhaps, appreciate this charming sim- 
 plicity of a pure and loving nature, far more than the sublime and eloquent 
 communications presented in subsequent chapters. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 39 
 
 fort. Be a faithful man, and Mollie will be your guide to 
 Heaven. — Mollie. " 
 
 [Oliange of control.'] MillyMcN. [again written]. — "Mydear 
 friends, fear not. Heaven is a liappy home, with flowers strewn 
 with love profound, with goodness yet unknown. I know not 
 how to describe it, for such is not known except on passing the 
 verge of Jordan," 
 
 All the details of questions and answers, of which 
 accurate notes were taken, are not here presented, as 
 involving matters of family privacy, and unnecessary 
 for the establishment of the case to be made out. Some 
 of these may be used in subsequent chapters, as illus- 
 trative of particular phases of the phenomena. The 
 following, however, affords a good illustration of the 
 affectionate intercourse so suddenly and so wonderfully 
 established between a sister in heaven and one on earth ; 
 as well as of the truth of angel guardianship ; — 
 
 [From Mollie.] " Emma, will you ask your Father in Heaven 
 to come to your heart, and give you his grace and love, to help 
 you in his heavenly ways of mercy and great kinduess ? He is 
 ever ready to listen to those who call for his heavenly protec- 
 tion. Heaven is your home, if you will love God better than 
 you do now. He is a high monarch of great heavenly glory. 
 
 Mollie wishes you to help to be a better man. He is in a 
 
 good way to a better life than some time before. I hope God will 
 keep him in it forever, to his heart's great happiness, which is 
 awaiting him in his heavenly home." 
 
 It will Strike the candid reader as having a great deal 
 of significance — ^as a test of authenticity at least — that 
 the medium should write, as she has, many admonitory 
 communications, addressed to herself as well as to 
 others. Nothing can indicate more clearly the separate 
 intelligence expressing itself through her; and the 
 purity and excellent tendency of the writings them- 
 selves forbid the supposition that, whatever theory may 
 
40 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONa. 
 
 be held in regard to the intelligence, it should be a 
 " lying spirit ; " since it certainly is not the function of 
 a "lying spirit" to enjoin the love of God, and the lead- 
 ing of a "vii'tuous and pious life as the true means of 
 preparing for the joys of heaven. Christian conversion, 
 which, in some cases, has resulted from the influence of 
 these blessed messages, would be a singular offspring 
 of the demon of deception. " By their fruits ye shall 
 know them." 
 
 Another message is appended as indicating the same 
 feeling of love and spiritual purity: — 
 
 "My dear Emma, please liear the words of God, given for liis 
 creatures, of love and kindness. You are doing good in God's 
 higli ligtt of Ixeaven,' altliougli you may not feel it, nor under- 
 stand it ; but patience will be your entrance into God's heavenly 
 glory. Do not be uneasy in well-doing. Mollie sends great 
 love, and blesses you. Good night ! " 
 
 On a subsequent occasion, only the medium and her 
 husband, L. F. Weismann, being present, the latter in- 
 quired of the same spirit in regard to the book pub- 
 lished by Judge Edmonds* on Spiritualism, Mr. Weis- 
 mann having recently perused it, and received the fol- 
 lowing responses : — 
 
 "God is the author of it, through his love to all his people. 
 Judge Edmonds was God's instrument through whom it was 
 written for the instruction of all God's creatures. Those who 
 do not believe will be sorry, when it is, too late, that they were 
 so blind, "f 
 
 * John W. Edmonds, bom in 1799, died In 1874 : one of the ablest ex- 
 ponents and advocates of Spiritualism. His two volames on this subject, 
 published in 1854-5, are deserving of the deepest attention. 
 
 + It is proper to say here that the medium had not read the writings of 
 Judge Edmonds ; nor, indeed, has she perused, but to a very limited extent, 
 the spiritualisticliterature. Previous to the commencement of these com- 
 munications, she took no interest at all in the subject — indeed, had no faith 
 in it ; and, even at the present time, she probably takes less interest in the 
 matter than any of her relatives and friends. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIONS. 41 
 
 Can Judge Edmonds communicate with us f 
 
 "Judge Edmonds is liere if you wish it. 
 
 " Edmonds, Judge." 
 
 The following was then written :— 
 
 " Have you heard that life is not all in vain ? Heaven is 
 reached through its great vale of sorrow." 
 
 Some one happened to speak to the medium, and it 
 was written : — 
 
 " Do not speaJi to the medium while under control. She will 
 become entranced for the benefit of future life." 
 
 This brief communication from Judge Edmonds ap- 
 pears to have been the commencement of a long series of 
 messages of a higher character than had hitherto been 
 received, coming from the spirits of persons — chiefly 
 deceased friends and acquaintances of the editor — out- 
 side of the family circle. Thus, on the 29th of June, 
 the editor being present with the medium, he was 
 startled by seeing the name Wiltiam Belden, Jr., writ- 
 ten — an almost life-long acquaintance of the editor's — 
 and one with whom he had been associated in various 
 relations. Although by profession a clergyman, Mr. B. 
 had been principal, successively, of three of the public 
 schools in this city, and was for some years associated 
 with the editor as a teacher in the Normal School in 
 this city. He was, while living, a man of a highly re- 
 ligious character. The name having been written, the 
 following message immediately followed : — 
 
 " Mr. Kiddle, I am happy to have you hear the words of God 
 through the medium, your daughter. Will you please note 
 well my doings in the happy life beyond your own ? We ever 
 love to see your heartfelt wishes for all goodness. Be always 
 the man you would wish to be, if God is your happiness." 
 
 Then came a change, and the medium wrote : — 
 
 " Emma, the Judge is here to see your father. 
 
 " MOLLIE" [the medium's sister.] 
 
42 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 Then the following was written : — 
 
 "My dear friends, may God send liis holy blessings upon 
 your heads to help your onward work of God's high love to all 
 good souls of righteousness. Be good heavenly people — soul 
 and body. Never fear what you know is for good, and hope 
 ever ; for all heavenly benediction will help your cause. For- 
 ever we bless you in God's name. Amen 1 JuDGB Edmonds." 
 
 The editor then said, " Can you give any advice, in 
 order that these communications may be made to serve 
 God's purposes ? " And it was immediately written : — 
 
 " Yes, 0, yes 1 Help, help, help, always help your people 
 to see the light of Heaven's world of glory. Hope ever to feel 
 the best to favor your praiseworthy mission. Much will be 
 your reward. Never fear to tell because of derision. You have 
 all the means requisite for your purpose. Better prepare a 
 book, through the medium, as a heavenly proof to show that 
 your light is not forever lost to God's creative powers, with 
 many blessings from all above to show their love and heavenly 
 protection. What possible fear can you have of failure ? Do 
 hasten to help your life to come. Here we are watching, hoping, 
 and praying that we may people our world of happiness by 
 your mighty help through us your designers of good. This 
 will show that your mind's altitude is above this earthly world, 
 and heaven is your home. J0DGB." 
 
 It was then asked by the editor, " Will my friend 
 W. Belden tell me whether or not he is in a happy 
 state of being?" To this the following response 
 came : — 
 
 ' ' Yes, indeed : you need scarcely ask me that, when I feel 
 God's love is so strong, that I could move a mountain by his 
 permission to do so. Be faithful ; your God is everywhere, to 
 help his creatures to their high life. Will you not strive to do 
 what he almost commands, by ever praying for his aid ? Better 
 write a book as the j udge would wish ; and I am sure you will 
 save many from DA^rNATiON, " 
 
 Then came a change, and it was written : — 
 
 "My dear friend, I, the Judge, am here again. Don't fear 
 
SPmiTUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 43 
 
 tiat I will intnide often. I wisli only to offer my heartiest sym- 
 pathy, to prepare your mind, and hasten your work for all." 
 
 After a few more communications, of a private char- 
 acter, from the spirit of a relative, the following was 
 unexpectedly written : — 
 
 " William Belden, Sen. ;* Better pray for God's assistance 
 with regard to the book you are contemplating ; and you will he 
 astonished with what success you will meet, if your heart is for 
 the benefit of God's souls in darkness. Teach them their black- 
 ness of heart, by opening their eyes to their future bright home, 
 with God and heavenly companions. We do not think you 
 need be very particular in your first chapters. Merely a state- 
 ment of facts coming from you, Henry Kiddle, will be consider- 
 able satisfaction for many unbelievers, who need awakening 
 sadly. Their Holy Bible is not sufficient proof of God's life 
 hereafter, ■)• with which it is full. Better not speak of that at 
 first, it will only be throwing goodness to the dogs." 
 
 Of the last sentence, an explanation having been 
 asked, the response was; — 
 
 " I mean many will not have faith, unless you give them the 
 proof first," 
 
 This was followed hy some very remarkable commu- 
 nications from the spirit, addressed to several of his 
 surviving relatives. These it is not deemed proper to 
 insert here ; although many of them are very striking. 
 
 A few days subsequently, the following, purporting to 
 
 * Father of the William Belden before referred to. He was also an inti- 
 mate friend and associate of the editor of this worlc, for many years. He 
 died about 1867. 
 
 t Tliat is, the life hereafter which God has provided. There is, sometimes, 
 an apparent want of logical as well as grammatical precision in the phrase- 
 ology ; but a little scrutiny will almost always show that the meaning is per- 
 fectly explicit. The ideas, given through the mediam, are often affected or 
 impaired in expression by the peculiarities of her own mind, especially 
 In regard to the selection of words and phrases. Quite often the wrong 
 preposition is nsed : and it is a marked characteristic that the possessive 
 case is used when in ordinary parlance a preposition would be employed. It 
 must also be borne in mind that these writings are executed with great, 
 Bometimcs startling, rapidity. 
 
44 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 come from W. B., Jr., was written, being addressed to 
 the medium and her husband, they alone being pres- 
 ent : — 
 
 "My dear friends, — I am glad to see you are progressing in 
 God's heavenly knowledge. Believe me, you axe doing God's 
 most gracious worlc of love to all mankind. Goodness will 
 lead you to all tappiuess. Goodness will be God's reward 
 to all liis children of mercy and loving kindness. Joy to 
 you both. Tour hearts are with Him who gave them 
 birth ; you are doing the work of God's high love, for your 
 soul's happiness in heaven. Will you' please ask your Father 
 to give you all strength forever, to increase this world's great 
 hope of future life in God's high home of love, for all his 
 chosen. Tou will have done your duty, if God but give you his 
 help to proceed. Tou are selected for it by heavenly messen- 
 gers of God. That you may ever feel all heavenly comfort to 
 your heart's glory on high, is the wish of your heavenly friend, 
 
 " William Bblden, Jb." 
 
 In the further development of this phase of the sub- 
 ject, other communications, somewhat similar in char- 
 acter, are presented. The decidedly religious, and it 
 may be said Christian, tone of these messages is a striking 
 feature of them. 
 
 It is proper to say, however, that about this time, 
 but to some extent at an earlier date, there were occa- 
 sionally unmistakable indications that wicked or mock- 
 ing spirits were communicating. Some of these wrote 
 plausible and deceptive messages ; but their true char- 
 acter was, however, soon discovered ; and it was also 
 soon ascertained that fervent prayer to the Almighty 
 was a necessary preliminary to all intercourse with the 
 spirits, so as to protect ourselves, and, as they informed 
 us, for their protection also. The power of prayer, as 
 a great spiritual and moral force, was never so strikingly 
 shown ; and even the scientist who demanded a practi- 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 45 
 
 cal or experimental test of its efficacy, must have beer 
 satisfied, could lie have witnessed the phenomena ir 
 their entirety. As a special chapter of this volume if 
 devoted to the subject of the Spirits of the Low&i 
 Spheres, no further reference will be made to it here 
 What has been said, however, is necessary to the un 
 derstanding of that which follows. 
 
 On the 5th of July, after offering prayer, the edito 
 called for his friend, John Hecker, a wealthy flour mer 
 chant of this city, but connected as an active works: 
 in many philanthropic and religious enterprises, and, a 
 a school officer and collaborator in other respects, inti 
 mately associated with the editor during about ten years 
 Mr. Hecker was the author of the " Scientific Basis oi 
 Education," in the preparation of which he was assistec 
 by the editor. (He died in 1874.) The following wa 
 ■written : — 
 
 John Hecker [ name written to announce the presence o: 
 the spirit]. — " My dear Mr. Kiddle, thank God I am here. I wil 
 give you all aid in my power for good to you. What will yoi 
 have, my dear friend ? It shall he granted, if God is willing, t 
 you, and to all friends of goodness and high life to come. W 
 are here to protect our cause. You do well to send for hless 
 ings to heaven's Father. [Alluding to our prayers.] We hop 
 you will helieve my soul's happiness is for you who love God 
 and reverence his name. Do you not feel this is a work o 
 mighty importance to God's creatures ? Fear not, then, hut pus] 
 on in the right path of God's infinite and houndless love, if h 
 is your desire to help your heart's home above. Many friend 
 are here to see you now. Wish them in your heart, and the; 
 are here to bless and protect you for all eternity. Heaven is ou 
 home of worship, after a long and partly wearisome journey 
 But. keep on in God's will. He will always reward your hones 
 purposes, if your heart is sincere, not merely curious." 
 
 Save you changed any of your views since leaving thi 
 world ? 
 
46 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 "Yes, almost all. Some few only were correct." 
 
 It was then written in a somewhat different hand :— 
 
 ' ' Many friends are here, such, as John Hecker, William Bel- 
 den, Mr. Seton, &c.'' 
 
 Then came an admonitory communication, ostensibly 
 from the medium's sister : — 
 
 " MoUie wishes you to speak to . She is not doing all 
 
 she should to help her to God's heavenly home. Be earnest in 
 
 this your high mission. Do not fail in any point. is 
 
 only a foolish woman, but in her heart good to many. For all 
 this, we respect her forever. M01.LTE." 
 
 The following communications were then written, 
 one after the other, with great rapidity : — 
 
 ' ' Henry Kiddle, we bless you in God's name. Do not hesi- 
 tate to assume your part in creation, which, alas ! many fail to 
 see in its true light, much to their regret and sorrow hereafter, 
 I am your old friend, Wm, Beldkn"." 
 
 Is it Mr. Belden, Sen., who writes f 
 
 "Yes, senior." 
 
 Then immediately followed : — 
 
 " Mr. Kiddle, I am your sincere friend always. 3. W. Ge- 
 rard* — all well forever in God's gloiy." 
 
 " Henry Kiddle, heaven is Almighty God's home of bliss to 
 
 * An emincuL lawyer of this city, particularly distinguished for the inter- 
 est he took in the public schools. The writer knew him well ; and it was 
 his privilege to attend the meeting called by his associate school officers (Feb. 
 14, 1874), after his decease, to pay a tribute to his memorj', on which occasion 
 the writer said : "Though we deeply feel his loss, and cannot forbear mourn- 
 ing at the thought that we shall see his face no more on earth, yet lamenta- 
 tion for him were idle and selfish. Pie has lived beyond the bounds of man's 
 appointed time on this mortal sphere — he has been gathered like a * shock of 
 wheat fully ripe ; ' but though gone from us ha still exisfs in a sphere where 
 his virtues and faculties will find wider scope for their exercise." The editor 
 little thought then that it would be given to liim to converse again with his 
 departed friend, as if face to face, listening to words as natural and character- 
 istic as over fell from his lips hare on earth. Other communications from 
 Mr. Gerard, to be offered iu the subsequent part of this book will, perhaps, 
 make this more apijarent. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 47 
 
 all creatures wlio bless his holy name in this vale of sorrow. I 
 am your holy friend, Mr. Seton."* 
 
 "Mr. Kelly" (some-what obscurely written.) 
 
 la it my old friend Kelly? 
 
 "Yes ; I am your friend Kelly, who used to have good times 
 with you in God's earth. He often remembers them in homes 
 above your life, which should be always pure. With many 
 blessings, always I am yours, James KELLY."f 
 
 This was followed by : — 
 
 " I am your faithful friend, William Beldek, Jr." 
 
 The editor remarked, " Yes ; Mr. Balden was the 
 teacher of my youth, as well as my friend ; " and the 
 following response came : — 
 
 ' ' Yes, certainly ; I was your poor teacher, of little importance 
 except to have you hear my voice of learning, which, although 
 weak in power, was mighty at heart. We send you greetings 
 from all blest homes of peace." 
 
 Two quite remarkable communications from relatives, 
 nnnecessary to insert here, followed ; after which was 
 written the concluding one for the evening : — 
 
 " Judge Sdmonds. — Always happy to send you my deepest 
 blessings for your hopeful cause of light, for heavenly good- 
 ness. Never fear ; we are in strength to-night through your 
 PRATERS. If your motive is pure, all will be satisfactory. 
 Bless you forever. The medium is tired. Good night ! 
 
 "Judge." 
 
 Up to this period, this had been the most satisfactory 
 series of messages that had been received. The ad- 
 monition on the part of the spirit who wrote last, that 
 
 * Samuel W. Setou, for many years one of the superintendents of sciiools 
 In this city— a man of singular benevolence, religious fervor, and purity of 
 character— one acknowledged by all who knew him to be a genuine Chris- 
 tian. 
 
 + A gentleman well known in the community ; a man of ine social quali- 
 ties, public-spirited, and earnest, particularly in his devotion to the public 
 schools. Who "used to have good times with you," exactly expresses the 
 fact ■ for he was an ever-present and welcome guest on all occasions of social 
 enjoyment and festivity. 
 
48 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 the medium was tired, was quite striking, emphasizing 
 — as with a flash of light — the independence of the in- 
 telligence from. hers. In fact, everything written was 
 marvelously natural and characteristic of the persons 
 who purported to be communicating ; and the sensation 
 occasioned thereby in the mind of the editor he can 
 never describe. It is proper to say there was no seance, 
 nor ever has been, as popularly understood, no joining 
 hands in a circle, or any other paraphernalia; but, only 
 one other person (and that a child) besides the writer 
 and the medium being present, the latter sat down at 
 the table, took a pencil and paper, and wrote, — not in 
 her own hand- writing, not her own thoughts, but such 
 as seemed to be flashed immediately on her brain, and 
 her hand was moved to write, by the unseen intelli- 
 gence. This is invariably the method. 
 
 Shown thus demonstratively that the conscious intelli- 
 gence of our departed friends has survived the death 
 of this mortal sphere, we listen with a mingled feeling 
 of rapture, love, and delight; for all that is said is such 
 as those friends might naturally say to us, could their 
 familar voices reach us where we are.* 
 
 We, indeed, did not think it proper to question these 
 intelligences too minutely, or rather curiously, upon the 
 mysteries of their life beyond the grave, being better 
 satisfied to listen, and judge of the sincerity and purity 
 
 * It must bc'borne in mind, lioWever, tliat witli most of these persons tlie 
 mediam had no acquaintance ; and that the hypothesis that she is uncon- 
 sciously cerebratinff, and writing the results of this cerehration, is the wildest 
 absurdity. Some, doubtless, will scoflingly dismiss the whole matter with 
 some such foolish idea ; but the editor, after having seen hundreds of these 
 communications written before his eyes, and watched every phase of the phe- 
 nomenon, is prepared to stake every thing dear to him, here or hereafter, 
 upon the fact that they art the veritable messages of those from whom they 
 purport to come. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 49 
 
 of their intentions by what was so mysteriously pre- 
 sented. We thus apply, in the judgment of their char- 
 acter the same criterion as is employed in judging of the 
 character of those we meet with here below. But we 
 have done, also, as the Scriptures enjoin: "Beloved, 
 believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether 
 they are of God." " Herein know ye the Spirit of 
 God. Every spirit that confesseth Jesus Christ come 
 in the flesh is of God. (1 John iv. 1, 2.) The ac- 
 knowledgment of Christ as the Saviour of men is a test 
 which these communications will successfully bear. 
 For example, on the 10th of July, the following was 
 written ; — 
 
 " Judge Edmonds sends his greeting with great rapture. 
 My dear friends, do all in your power to create a new heart ; for 
 God is the only one to whom you ought to go for consolation 
 and hope. We are ever ready to bless your works. With the help 
 of God's good angels, how can you ever fail to do your Maker's 
 will? Ever bless his holy name through all eternity. Be a 
 faitM ul band of soldiers, and God's grace will be added to your 
 many virtues. We are only your antecedents in glory. All 
 praise be to God on high. Thanks be forever to his holy name. 
 Magnify him through his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 Amen ! " 
 
 This point will be dwelt upon considerably in subse- 
 quent chapters, so that the reader will be able to per- 
 ceive that the editor of this book did not hurriedly and 
 unwarily accord his assent or approbation to these com- 
 munications, either as communications from the spirits 
 of the departed, or as messages deserving of attention 
 per se. Of course, the great fact to be established 
 is that which concerns the conscious existence of the 
 soul of man after the dissolution of his mortal body, 
 and secondarily, that which refers to his condition in 
 
50 SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONS. 
 
 the future life. The messages are to be judged by the 
 same test as any ordinary human writings. Then there 
 need be no fear of being beguiled by " seducing spirits 
 and the doctrines of devils."* It is only when we 
 yield our understandings as willing captives to be 
 bound in chains by ecclesiastical potentates ©r organi- 
 zations on earth, arrogantly assuming a divine function 
 of intellectual and spiritual infallibility, that we are, 
 indeed, in danger of being seduced by false doctrines, 
 such as those against which the Apostle Paul warns the 
 wise and gentle Timothy. 
 
 III. 
 
 COMMtTNICATIOiTS PBOM VARIOUS SPIKITS. 
 
 The following communication, addressed to the 
 medium and her husband, is inserted here as suggest- 
 ing a fact of great interest and importance, namely : 
 that the forgiveness of God is granted in the eternal or 
 spiritual world. Of this fact, however, abundant evi- 
 dence will be presented subsequently. 
 
 [July 7, 1878]. " I am happy again to hold communion with, 
 your heart according to your desire. Heaven is our home. Be 
 everlastingly pure in body and mind ; and all will be easy 
 to overcome in the life hereafter. Unless this is the case, 
 all will have some trouble to undergo, before being fit to sit 
 with those pure spirits of love above God's earth, f Be firm 
 believers in God's power, love, and mercy. Hope ever for pardon, 
 
 * See 1 Timotliy iv. 1. 
 
 t " And having been a little diastened, tliey shall he greatly rewarded; for 
 God proved them, and found Ihem worthy for himself.'* — Wisdom of Solo- 
 mon iii. 5 
 
SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 51 
 
 and it cannot be refused. God is always ready to receive the 
 slightest chance to show his loving kindness to his dear family 
 of spirits in the earthly sphere. Entirely will you succeed ; for 
 life is ever beset with many temptations, which God sees are 
 likely to burden at first, but through which your home is 
 attained, if they are overcome. William Bbldbn." 
 
 Then was written the following : — 
 
 "William Balden, Sen. [Name announced]. — May God 
 bless you, my dear friend ; be patient, and I think that you will 
 Boon see that this life is not for your pleasure only, but for the 
 good use of powers given for the benefit of mankind, who, in 
 this present generation, are much in need of awakening from 
 their sleep of sin. They will soon feel that this is God's wish 
 for their soul's salvation, which all, I think, wish to believe 
 will be their future happiness. Believe me, I am your friend 
 in the strength of God." 
 
 To the medium from her sister Mary [July 10] : — 
 " Emma, I love you. You are a good medium for our good 
 purposes. Be ever persevering in well-doing. Heaven is your 
 destination. Although we are helping you, help must come 
 from God's own power of love to your heart. My wish is, that 
 you write a book for your many friends, who would patiently 
 read it, coming from you, who are certainly not a, money- 
 making people. For yourselves, we wish you joy forever." 
 
 The spirit of Jtidge Edmonds was asked to speak of 
 Jesus ; and the following was written : — 
 
 "He was sent by God to redeem the world from sin and 
 de.ath." 
 
 Will you adtdse farther f 
 
 " Do all possible good to your fellow-men. Help them to see 
 God's truth, through his Son. Be a Christian ; that is, do as 
 Christ did when living on the earth. He never thought of sin 
 except as coming from the devil." 
 
 It was then said by Mr. Louis Weismann, " Will you 
 speak to a friend of mine who is studying for the min- 
 istry ? " and the following was written : — 
 
52 SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATlONS. 
 
 "Yes, certainly, Better study for God's truth. This is all 
 that you need through Christ." 
 
 " You are very kind to aid us," it was remarked. 
 
 " Yes ; I never weary in helping you on. Many will aid you 
 still more than I can, who am a poor spirit in thousands of 
 thoughts. " 
 
 Advice was asked for the young man who was study- 
 ing for the ministry, when the following remarkable 
 communication was written :^ 
 
 "To , from Judge B. and M. K. [the medium's sisterj , 
 
 — My dear and sincere friend, I will certainly give you willingly 
 all heavenly commendation for your good intentions in regard 
 to God's life of spirits. You have immense attractions for your 
 purpose, of God's own use. Pray send your efforts In the 
 purely right direction, which must be .spiritually heavenward. 
 You are now too much embittered by the confounders of God's 
 religious light. See to this earnestly, I beseech you in the name 
 of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, your spiritual three in one 
 on high. Jesus looks with pity upon your wrong conception 
 of his life among you ; but this will soon be washed away as a 
 spot of darkness. Heaven help your mind to conceive the truth 
 of what I am telling you, and your happiness will be extreme. 
 MoUie comes to help you in your mission, because it comes from 
 God's ordaining ; but Mollie regrets that you are losing so much 
 strength by your blindness of heart. Loqji, feel, and beliem, 
 what is Faith, Hope, and Charity to you and all. Earnestly, 
 faithfully, and trustfully, yours, M. K. , assisted by 
 
 " JiTDGB Edmonds." 
 
 Subsequently, the following was written by the same 
 spirit (Judge E.) : — 
 
 ' ' My wish is, that you shall comprehend that Jesus is your 
 benefactor by his life of endurance, not life of comforting as- 
 surance. Be a good follower of Christ. He is your model." 
 
 From to his wife on earth [July 17.] 
 
 " Ellen, my wife, have patience. In God we are formed for 
 the purpose of finding Him In all his manifold works, Do not 
 be distressed about anything that may come ; but believe it is 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 53 
 
 but God's kind means of prompting your heart's best calling. 
 Blessed is lie who knows and feels that what is the truth is 
 right. Fondly I gaze upon your life on earth. Do not think I 
 would bo back. 0, no ! Never would I seek such punishment 
 from God." 
 
 The following is from S. R., a spirit referred to on 
 page 37, addressed to her sister (somewhat advanced iu 
 years) on earth : — 
 
 " Sarah will call for any one, if by prayer ye seek them. 
 
 " Emma, Sarah sends her blessings to her sister. 
 
 " Judge not that ye be not judged " [on some remark's being 
 madej. " Heaven will be your home, perhaps soon. God only 
 knows. We are not informed of his doings, except that his love 
 is given to every creature. Fear nothing but God, who is the 
 sanctifier of the faithful, through his Son, Christ, who lived 
 and died by the will of God, and who blesses you with his fond 
 love. My love to you, dear sister. 
 
 " Mary and mother have just arrived.* We welcome them 
 with pleasure and happiness. Much will be their portion of 
 God's gracious goodness. 
 
 " Emma [the medium], firmly believe what you are writing. 
 No trouble would then approach your heart, but everlasting 
 love and happiness will await you in heaven. 
 
 "Affectionately, Sarah." 
 
 The following additional communication to the me- 
 dium from her deceased sister, Mary, is here inserted as 
 embodying some instructive passages [July 21]: — 
 
 " Mollie sends you her love. When will you fully see that I 
 am your sister in the time of God's creating ? Believe it or not, 
 you will certainly exceed me, — how much I do not know. Tou 
 will be most happy with your God's best rewards in glory. My 
 dear sister, much, I fear, you will have to look to. Only be 
 fervently pure in spiritual knowledge — this will lead you heav- 
 enward. Believe mc, I am your sister in heaven. When God 
 
 * This refers to the death of the daughter and mother-in-law of the spirit, 
 n few days previously. Both died within a short time of each other, and 
 the event was announced to the medium in the communieation here given. 
 
54 SPIRITUAL OOMMUmCATIONS. 
 
 calls you to him, you must be ready to receive Mm in the spirit 
 of humility. He will not chide,* unless much neglect has 
 been your foolish error. For the love of God, your Saviour, 
 you must pray without ceasingf for the guidance of God's spirit, 
 in the soul's fearful surrender of its habitation on earth. MoUie 
 hopes that you will find extreme satisfaction in prayer, the fruit 
 of which only God Almighty can grant, with his love to his crea- 
 tures. How sorrowful then must he be when they who are 
 his children neglect his highest benedictions ! Help me to send 
 you my ethereal presence to your heart by praying, through 
 faith, in your Father's selection of you, by your qualification, 
 for the good of his kingdom. Have you ever thought of my 
 being with you forever by God's design 1 He did not take me 
 to himself for naught, I am sure. But, certainly he is the Re- 
 deemer of your soul from iniquity . " 
 
 The following is a message from a brother in the 
 spirit world to one on earth, and is very expressive and 
 powerful : — 
 
 " To my brother ■ : Will you hearken to your brother's 
 
 voice of calling, from the depths of his heavenly love to your 
 heart ? Be the fervent boy you always were. From the home 
 of the Lord, I see you need awakening to the love of God, 
 through his tribulations of the body, which are sent for your 
 highest edification. If you but see the light of God's ways, 
 he will lead you where heavenly pastures grow, and still waters 
 are washing. | Hear the words of your brother Charles, who 
 sees that the life he led was but a flight of birds through the 
 waters of sin. He is no longer the Charles of the flesh ; nor 
 would I be for the kingdom of the earth. Have you the light 
 through God's grace and providence ? Have you the sorrow of 
 a sinner lost to his Maker's love ? Alas ! I see you are only 
 
 * " He will not always chide ; neither will he keep his anger forever." 
 Psalm ciii. (See the whole Psalm.) 
 
 + " Men ought always to pray." Luke xviii. 1. 
 
 " Pray without ceasing. " 1 Thess. v 17 
 
 " The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in Its working." 
 James v. 16. 
 
 X " He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadcth me beside the 
 still waters." Psalm xxiii 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 55 
 
 WEAK — weak, indeed, in thanksgiving for the many henefits 
 allotted to your earthly career ; hut, praise he to the God of Israel, 
 I will hope and pray for the dawn of heaven's morning sun to 
 lead you to homes where there will be little else to seek except 
 your fellow beings' good and comfort. Forever grace your 
 home, dear brother, with Christian feelings so pure, that the 
 depths of earth' s soil cannot mar or efface them ; and, lastly, 
 for the present, be patient in good works — they are your heav- 
 enly passports. Your brother in the love of God, 
 
 " Charles." 
 
 During the evening of July 21, the editor happened 
 to be present when the medium was writing, and he 
 expressed a wish to hear, if possible, from his friend 
 James W. Farr ; when it was written : — 
 
 " Oh ! to be blest with God's almighty love ! I feel the cross 
 of Jesus is my staff. Have the love of God abiding in your 
 hearts all the time. Fear no evil while in God is youi trust 
 " I am your well-wisher. Jambs W. Faer." 
 
 The editor then spoke of the intimate friend and 
 companion of Mr. Farr on earth, as well as the friend 
 of the editor himself, Senator Booth ; and the following 
 ■was written : — 
 
 " James W. Booth. — Heaven is a glorious resting-place. Do 
 not fear. Heaven will send you his strongest blessings. I am 
 your old friend in the light of God's earth. We were pleas- 
 antly situated for a short time, with our feelings of greatness, 
 which were soon thrown down. But, praised he the Lord, all 
 is well that ends well. Forever as ever, J. W. B." 
 
 The following forcible communication was addressed 
 by spirit Judge Edmonds, to one who, it was remarked 
 was a Freemason : — 
 
 " Blest brother of God's own creation and image, may the 
 light of God's truth so dawn on your soul that you may dq 
 your Master's will to the perfection of your life eternal. Long 
 would you seek, if God were not a gracious sovereign, of a love 
 that passes your comprehension. But thanks be to my God, 
 blessed Saviour and Redeemer, through Christ, I give you the 
 
56 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 fact tliat all is not vanity, except your own vaingloryings in self. 
 ' ' Keep steadfast. Do not swerve from your strong feelings 
 for goodness. They are from God ; do you not see tliis f How 
 can you be so loose in spiritual edification? Have you no 
 happy thoughts given you from your home of life everlasting ? 
 I know the weakness and the wickedness of our being in the 
 flesh ; but, thanks be to God, this is only your covering for the 
 momentary teachings and perfectings of the soul — the soul — I 
 say ; do not mistake the full meaning I would convey — the eter- 
 nal, everlasting, perpetual essence of life. 
 
 " May God lead you, dear brother of God's symbol of strength 
 and mighty power, for the love of God's children, to flee 
 from the coil of darkness. May you ever firmly hold to the 
 good side of all matter of earth's boundary. Then your God 
 of love will say unto you, in the voice of great patience : Well 
 done, good and faithful servant enter into the kingdom of thine 
 own completing ! " 
 
 While perusing the above wonderful piece of com- 
 position, the reader must bear in mind that it was writ- 
 ten with inconceivable rapidity, the emphatic words 
 being underlined with startling force, and the whole 
 manner such as to indicate a powerful and lofty intelli- 
 gence acting through the medium, who, indeed, is by no 
 means capable of writing such a piece of composition 
 under any circumstances ; and the only person present 
 besides the medium was one who has not been trained 
 either to think so deeply, or write so impressively. The 
 purity of this composition, however, forbids the suppo- 
 sition that it emanated from any other intelligence than 
 that of the veritable spirit of him who was distin- 
 guished on earth by the purity of his character, the 
 greatness of his intellect, and the religious culture and 
 fervor of his mind. Another, equally powerful, is given 
 next. The Judge was asked [July 31] to write a pov/- 
 erful message for an unbeliever in religion; and the 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIOATIONS. 57 
 
 following was the result, dashed off as fast as the me- 
 dium's hand could move over the paper : — 
 
 " Judge Edmonds, your friend in the Truth. — Befriend the 
 cause of God's high state. Fear no evil thing. God is the be- 
 ginning, and also the end, of all things. Fear nothing but the 
 sorrow of your soul lost to its Maker above. Lead all, dear 
 friends, to a right understanding of the word of God through 
 his Son, Christ, the immortal spirit. Feel inclined toward 
 every good thing. Never say fail ; that is from the DEVIL. 
 See that he does not deprive you of your place in heaven. Hor- 
 rible would be his contortions of rejoicing over your soul's 
 agony. See that this is the love of God to teach you what you 
 may choose. Choose, then, betwixt the devil and his angels of 
 destruction, and the most merciful God of love and delightful 
 promise. Such glory can only come to the ' pure in heart, for 
 they shall see God.' Beautiful to the mind is the thought of 
 God. Then how much more beautiful will it be to be with the 
 Divine and Holy Spirit of Love called your God ! 
 
 " I believe you would desire me lo send a personal message. 
 Do you not think this will do for all ? See that your friend does 
 not ridicule this to the last damning of his soul's delight. Let 
 him stick close to his right-minded affairs. Count the stars ; 
 and he can as soon tell the time of his departure. Give up, 
 then, in the humility of a docile child to what you have ac- 
 counted only as a passing dream or a mental vision. Life is a 
 short span ; then why spend it to the loss of your soul ! ! ! ! 
 For the love of God, prepare yourself by living a new life. 
 Think of your happy family, who will meet you in heaven (?) 
 Think, if they do not see their father there, what will be your 
 horrible yearnings to be with them? Come, begin ; teach them, 
 and through this chance lead yourself to your God. Forgive 
 me, I am only the friend of the weak and purse-proud, so I will 
 not say but what I know is the truth, against the world. Amen 
 and Amen ! Judge Edmonds, 
 
 " In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." 
 
 One other communication from the same source is 
 here given. It was written on the same day as the pre- 
 
58 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 ceding one ; and, although of the same general char- 
 acter, has some peculiarly expressive traits : — 
 
 "Judge Edmonds, your spiritual friend of God's creating. 
 Bring your hearts to your God, wlio made you in the likeness 
 of himself. Save your souls for the glory of God's heaven. 
 This you will long to have when it may perhaps be too late. 
 Alas ! I hope not, for your soul's satisfaction ; and the blessing 
 of God Almighty send you the dawn of hope to save you in his 
 good appointed time of calling. 
 
 ' ' And now, dear friends, a parting word of heavenly cheer 
 to show you your birthright, and lead you in the path of right- 
 eousness. Have the courage of your Saviour's dying in your 
 mind, and such a feeling will never leave you the fear of death. 
 
 " Tes, sin is the monster that destroys your souls, precious to 
 your God. See you do not awaken the vengeance and grief of 
 your loving Saviour by your wayward unbelief. Befriend all 
 you can. Love God, and God will love you. Seek the light, 
 and the darkness will flee. Take the wings of heaven, and the 
 angels will help your flight. Be careful of your words, and 
 the sense of them will be the power of the truth. Forever see 
 and believe. Judge." 
 
 Mr. L. F. Weismann asked of one of the spirit 
 friends who communicated, " Do you see that we are 
 making progress ? " And the following answer was 
 written : — 
 
 " Yes, yes, I see ; but you are not strong enough yet. You 
 must pray more — more and more. Tell this to all you can. 
 That will help your progress immensely." 
 
 " Can you aid us ? " was asked. 
 
 "Perhaps, I can, if you can state the requirements of your 
 case. SQ.e that you do not need the love of Christ in your 
 minds, to help you to the right ideas which are the essence of 
 purity and mighty love to every soul, not excepting any. Even 
 the blackest heathen may be redeemed through Christ's atone- 
 ment." 
 
 This last sentence will probably oflfend the inventors 
 and upholders of the doctrine of conditional immortal- 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 59 
 
 ity — ^those who, by the most ingenious selection and 
 collocation of texts from Scripture, distorting the 
 meaning of some and explaining away others altogether, 
 have striven to demonstrate the injustice of our infi- 
 nitely merciful and loving Father in Heaven.* 
 
 All this sophistry is abundantly refuted by the reve- 
 lation of which this volume is the record. May God 
 grant that it be candidly considered, and not rejected 
 through any spirit of controversy, dogmatism, or con- 
 ceit ! 
 
 Still one other of these remarkable communications 
 is here presented to illustrate the earnestness of the 
 exhortations which they embody, and the obvious purity 
 of the source from which they emanate : — 
 
 "Judge Edmonds, your spiritual friend tlirougli Christ. 
 May he lead you all to the heavenly shore. Help the erring, 
 and support the weak. Lead the Wind. Heavenly pastures 
 await your soul's redemption. Consider the founding of Christ's 
 home your everlasting covenant with the just and good of this 
 earth. See, the light of God's truth is dawning with the 
 brightness of the sun. See that your sun does not set when the 
 light is needed for your steadfast hope. I see that you are 
 growing. How happy ! how joyous ! how (any thing you 
 please) ! we feel to see you filled with the feelings of love and 
 kindness to your fellow-men. God bless you ! Oh ! God send 
 you his grace to proceed forever ! Oh ! how we will be united 
 with ALL God's creatures in heavenly bliss ! Raptures beyond 
 expression ! Alas ! lam weak in earthly powers, but I hope the 
 love of God may help me to assist you more and more. This is 
 my redeeming power for the lost of earth. Good night, dear 
 friends. Press osr. "Judgb." 
 
 * See tlic works on this subject published by Dr. Ives, of New Haven. 
 In " Bihle V'iclrine of the Soul,^^ this author so confuses the doctrine of the 
 Immortality of the soul, that it is scarcely possible to know what Scripture 
 means or does not mean. Such compilations are only useful in demon- 
 strating the necessity of a new dispensation of spiritual light. 
 
60 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 The editor asked whether it were permitted to an old 
 friend, Eli French, to speak to him, saying a few words 
 in regard to the excellence of his life and character ; 
 and the medium immediately wrote as follows : — 
 
 "Eli French [full name written, but witli consldei-able 
 difficulty]— Bless you all. Bless God, I am happy beyond the 
 hope of my most ferveat desire. Send to the Lord for help for 
 your work. Nothing is refused that ye seek with prayer and 
 faith. God's love fills my soul with the utmost gladness. Look 
 to the fact of God's redemption. This will explain the mean- 
 ing of my joyful anticipation for the salvation of all souls. My 
 dear Mr. Kiddle, let me thank you for all your kindly thoughts 
 in regard to myself. They are at least not wrong, but not alto- 
 gether right, I was a foolish sinner in a thousand ways ; but, 
 praised be the Lord ! I am saved the judgment [i. e. of con- 
 demnation]. Eli French." 
 
 The naturalness of the apostrophe to the editor, in 
 response to his remarks, after the general message was 
 written, will not escape the attention of the careful and 
 candid reader. Certainly, it was unexpected by the 
 editor; and, as for the medium, she had scarcely any 
 recollection (if any at all) of the person referred to. 
 Here is a spirit, also, who though a member of a Pres- 
 byterian church on earth, now anticipates the salvation 
 
 of ALL SOULS. 
 
 The following was written August 3d ; — 
 "Judge Edmonds, Spiritualist.— T)o you not find your 
 conscience clearer In your dealings with mankind ? I should 
 think you would almost fly with the delight of the soul's re- 
 release from its earthly darkness. Light is the monarch of the 
 earth, GoH is the monarch of the heavens, and Jesus is the Sa- 
 viour of the world I ! Blessed is he who knows and feels his 
 Redeemer's power. Alas ! for him who lacks the sight of his 
 better life to come. I see, thank God, you are advancing. 
 Progress on the wings of Sinai, and teach the Jews the laws 
 of God, showing them their false notions. Many are good ; 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 61 
 
 but how foolish to be the devil's own instruments of torture to 
 their Saviour ! Delight the minds of all, and seek the heavenly- 
 home of your soul. Bless you, and lead you in the paths of 
 good living! Judge Edmonds." 
 
 The following communication purported to come from 
 the spirit of a person related to one who had been in- 
 troduced to the medium for the purpose of obtaining, 
 if possible, a message. The first trial was ineffectual, 
 the result being irregular, unintelligible scrawls, or only 
 a few meaningless words. To this allusion is made 
 in the subjoined communication, which was written the 
 following day : — 
 
 From to : " I coul d not write well yesterday, as 
 
 the weather was unfavorable to the spirits' familiar intercourse, 
 in friendship bound. I at last see the mistake I made in press- 
 ing your hand mth such importunate haste and fervor ; but 
 being an excitable spirit in the presence of my holy friends' 
 criticism, I could not command my feelings to be at rest suffi- 
 ciently to show my individuality, before my heart's feelings had 
 sufficiently subsided. [This was addressed to the medium ; 
 and what follows refers to the spirit's friend.] Tell him I am 
 glad that he is investigating so mighty a source of helpfulness 
 to every soul's benefit ; and I trust he will not forget to push on 
 with vigor, when he feels the certainty of solemn truth — out- 
 side of any religion, sect, or country — that has nothing what- 
 ever to do with the soul's felicity or infelicity, except ye are 
 doers of your Master's will by the preaching of good tidings. 
 The charity that vaunteth not, the hope of life beyond by re- 
 demption, the love of your Creator beyond expression, the 
 fervor of gratitude, and humility too great to ask for reward, 
 though suffering, and the light which will transport your 
 minds — all these will fill your hearts with heavenly bliss. 
 For the rest of my family, I would certainly wish that they may 
 never fail to believe that Jesus is the Redeemer of Israel. * He 
 Is the man of many sorrows, passing your comjirehension, and 
 
 * This was addressed to an Israelite, and purported to come from the 
 spirit of an Israelite. 
 
62 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 a close friend of sinners in their numerous heathenish affec- 
 tions. So despair not, thinking that the hour of redemption 
 Cometh not in eternity ; although your hearts will certainly never 
 see the long-expected King of Israel ! I 
 
 ' ' With my best wishes for your prosperity, and with thank- 
 ful praise, I am your constant friend, . " 
 
 The medium being told by a lady who herself pro- 
 fessed to be a medium for some kind of spirit manifes- 
 tations, that it was not possible that the spirit of Judge 
 Edmonds could have written the communications that 
 j)ur])orted to come from him, the question was asked of 
 the spirit by the medium; and the following was imme- 
 diately written by her own hand. 
 
 " Judge !Bdm.oucls, the spiritual believer before his life of 
 healing was secured. — ^Do not ask me if I wrote those mes- 
 sages to you, in which you cannot fail to see the intensity of 
 my feelings of desire to eradicate from my books my restless 
 [unsettled] teachings in the flesh. Do you not see that I am the 
 proper person to apply to for light in matters pertaining to 
 Spiritualism, having done so much to spread it abroad ? Do 
 you not see that I certainly could not know all things until the 
 time of life's bondage was past, and I was left free to choose 
 my heavenly passage. I assure you I was not mistaken in my 
 soul's longings — but only in a few of my mind's visions. Per- 
 haps, I lent my imagination too much control to render them 
 perfect. But that is not necessary for your heavenly flight. 
 All you require is perseverance, and a steady outpouring of your 
 souls for heavenly dawnings ; and do not believe that your lady 
 friend is a special unity chosen by Providence himself to per- 
 form his work beyond your comprehension. That she means 
 well, I do not doubt ; but do not trust her when the mysteries 
 of Catholicism surround her ; she is what we would designate 
 a working medium to illustrate spirit intercourse But do not 
 despair. ' All is well that ends well.' So you must push for 
 the eternal boat, and strive to be the first oai-sman in the race 
 toward the heavenly shore. Edmonds." 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 63 
 
 In answer to a question as to Christ's mission upon 
 earth, it was said : — 
 
 "Jesus Christ was the chosen of God. He was a sinless per- 
 son, and a heavenly spirit before the time of his affliction be- 
 gan. His was not the purity of earthly flesh. Only a Jesus 
 could perform his works for mankind's future benefit. 
 
 " Do not "suppose that he was a powerless spirit, without aim. 
 He knew his life on earth to be one of hardship, and praised 
 the Lord for the sacred privilege of performing the holy work 
 of heavenly redemption. Pear not ; he is your sanctifier. 
 Amen ! Edmonds." 
 
 This last communication is introduced here as a fur- 
 ther illustration of the varied character of these extra- 
 ordinary writings. It involves, as will be seen, an 
 important religious truth or doctrine, allusion to which 
 is made in several other communications presented in 
 subsequent chapters of this work. The teachings of 
 these writings seem to harmonize with each other, 
 although emanating from different spirit intelligences; 
 but the character and details of these religious teach- 
 ings may be best discovered by a careful perusal and 
 comparison of the writings themselves. A sunimary, 
 however, will be given in the last chapter of the book, 
 showing the truths taught, especially those which bear 
 upon eschatology * 
 
 * "A prediction twelve montlis past, that the newspaper, magazine, and 
 book press of to-day would be crowded with subject-matter relating to the 
 future fate of the wicked, and that the pulpits, of all denominations, and 
 the popular lecture platforms, at home and abroad, would resound so soon 
 with this hitherto neglected doctrine, would have been received with the ut- 
 most incredulity. But, as if under supernatural inspiration, the human mind, 
 civilization through, is roused, and with intense and prolonged gaze the eye 
 is fixed upon the future." L. T. Towssbnd, D.D., 'Jnit Intermediate World. 
 (Boston, 1878). 
 
64 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONB. 
 
 IV. 
 
 COMMUKICATIOKS FEOM THE ILLTJSTEIOUS OF EARTH. 
 
 "No curtain hides from view tlie spheres elysian, 
 Save these poor shells of half -transparent dust ; 
 
 And all that blinds the spiritual vision 
 Is pride, and hate, and lust." 
 
 We come now to one of the most interesting, and, to 
 the editor and his family, most startling chapters of 
 this singular experience. Previous to the first of the 
 communications here to be presented, the messages 
 had, in the main, purported to come from the spirits of 
 those with whom either the medium or those in her 
 presence had been acquainted on earth. It is true, the 
 editor had enjoyed no intimate acquaintance with Judge 
 Edmonds, having met him only once — and that at Lake 
 George, where he spent a pleasant hour with him at 
 his beautiful but simple home on the margin of that 
 lovely lake ; but, nevertheless, it did not surprise us so 
 much that he should communicate with any persons 
 here who were likely to take an interest in the matter, 
 owing to his active zeal in behalf of the spiritualistic 
 movement during the last twenty years of his life. 
 Communications, however, ostensibly coming from the 
 spirits of the illustrious dead who, after a glorious 
 career in this world, had " gone to their rest " (to speak 
 in common parlance) centuries ago, were calculated to 
 create in the mind a feeling of incredulity at first, but 
 afterwards of awe and astonishment. 
 
 What was written, it must again be asseverated, came 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 65 
 
 from an intelligence certainly not the medium's, nor 
 belonging to any one present. It was obviously of a 
 high order — whether considered intellectually or spirit- 
 ually — ^far too high and too pure to belong to a " lying 
 spirit "; and certainly, as will be apparent to all, there 
 was nothing in any of the writings calculated to lead 
 any mind astray, or to subvert any holy doctrine of the 
 purest Christianity, but on the contrary to confirm it in 
 the strongest manner. The editor was, therefore, com- 
 pelled by the severest logical analysis to accept the 
 statements of the communications themselves as to their 
 source, reasoning in this way : — 
 
 1. A good spirit intelligence would not be guilty of 
 a false statement as to name and identity ; 
 
 2. These communications certainly emanate from such 
 an intelligence ; 
 
 3. Therefore, they veritably proceed from the intel- 
 ligences from which they purport to come. 
 
 With this brief preliminary statement, the narrative 
 is continued. In the early part of August, Mr. L. F. 
 Weismann, the medium's husband, was impressed to call 
 for a communication from the spirit of Shakespeare ; and 
 the medium, before taking the pencil, perceived her 
 mind to be impressed with poetic images. She even 
 spoke the first sentence of the following communication 
 before writing it. But soon the name Shakespeare was 
 written (at first irregularly, as is often the case with 
 names). Then the following was written : — 
 
 COMMUNICATIONS FROM SHAKESPEAJRE. 
 
 " Oh. ! the billows roll, and the waters surge to be on the sur- 
 face of your heart's* understanding. The better you realize 
 
 * It "Will be noticed, throughout these communications, that the word 
 lieatrt 18 used in a peculiar way— not in the usual, hut in the Scriptural eenso ; 
 
Q6 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 this fact, the better and wiser you will be before the light of 
 God's heaven dawns upon your senses. 
 
 ' ' I lend my powers to the chosen of God, who meet his holy 
 apprehension. Be the followers as well as the chosen of the 
 Lamb. Look for the coming judgment with perpetual thanks- 
 giving. Oh ! liow your hearts will leap to be the familiar and 
 selected spirits of your Saviour's love ! How you will long to 
 be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect ! But do not de- 
 spair : there is never a grain of sand but meets its affinity, and 
 reaches its goal at the end. 
 
 ' ' I was a diligent man on earth ; but how much I might 
 have done if my powers of talent had been directed Ijy the 
 beacon light of my soul's immortality. Remember not that I 
 said, ' Go to, it is better to endure the ills we have than to fly 
 to others which we know not of.' I love to see some of those 
 godlike passages, given through inspiration ; bat, alas! they 
 are too few to compensate for the false ones I invented. 
 
 ' ' Lead on, ye brave ! Victory must be your motto, or death 
 will be your sorrowful struggle. So, farewell ! I must to my 
 palace of the gods around the throne of the bountiful Sov- 
 ereign. Shakespeare." 
 
 When this communication was shown to the editor, 
 he was much struck with its remarkable characteristics; 
 nor did he perceive anything which the spirit of Shake- 
 speare might not naturally have uttered, had he, in real- 
 ity, revisited the earth. It is proper to say that the 
 medium has but little acquaintance with the writings of 
 Shakespeare, nor did she remember exactly the passage 
 cited somewhat incorrectly : — 
 
 " And makes us rather bear those ills we have, 
 Than fly to others that we know not of. " 
 
 Hamlet, Act III., Scene L 
 On the evening of the same day, the medium was at 
 
 as " My son, give me thy lieart." — " The fool hath said in hia luart there is 
 no God." (Not in his mind ; for who doea not know inLellectuaUy that there 
 must be a Creator of some kind ?) Hence, there seems to be a peculiar signif- 
 icance in the phrase " heart's understanding." 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 67 
 
 tlie editor's house ; and, as an experiment, he asked 
 whether the spirit of Shakespeare would, with the per- 
 mission of God, again communicate ; and the following 
 was the result : — 
 
 " WilUam Shakespeare (name written).— Bless God, your 
 heavenly protector. Lead a good and noble life of the soul's 
 own assistance. Fear tlie devil and all his works. 
 
 ' ' I am William Shakespeare, poet and partisan. Endure the 
 sins of the flesh, and the light of the soul will he given you in 
 proportion to your victories over Satan and his triumphal band 
 of LIABS. Seek ye the final judgment for your encouragement, 
 and relief from the assailing of Providence hy his vagabond 
 teachers. Lend your hearts to the heavenly teachers of re- 
 pentance. Forever ye will believe and know that your Saviour 
 died to save your soul's bleeding. 
 
 " Bring the bowl of your intense desires for the benefit of 
 your home of love. Believe the intensity of God's love to be 
 your bondage to his name's satisfaction. 
 
 "William Shakespeare." 
 
 The editor then commenced the following remark- 
 able conversation : — 
 
 Mam you any regrets for your writings wldle on earth f 
 
 " Yes, sorrowful to mention. What a lost sheep I was from 
 my Shepherd's light ] Would to God Almighty I had felt 7ds 
 strength of understanding the world and its inhabitants ! I did 
 well. Perhaps, I did not lose all my talents ; but most were 
 thrown away, or, what is worse, led astray many from God's 
 works. Certainly, my teachings through the drama were not 
 bad, but not altogether elevating to the minds of the weak in 
 spiritual lore. " 
 
 What is your present opinion of your play of Samlet ? 
 
 " It is too sentimental." 
 
 In what respect ? 
 
 " I think it should have been on a purer motive." 
 
 Wliat do you think of Miicbeth f 
 
 "Better In its moral teachings." 
 
 Did you not introduce much of the spiritual in it f 
 
68 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 "Yes, by inspiration." 
 
 What do you mean by that ? 
 
 ' ' Mode of taking my inspirational ideas. '' 
 
 Which do you condder the purest of your playn ? 
 
 [The Medium wrote obscurely, apparently not being able to 
 take the impression of the name. The editor manifesting some 
 impatience to obtain a response, it ivas written : — ] 
 
 "Oh ! you must not seek too much through the medium."* 
 
 Of course, you kno'ic your wor/of still give great pleasure to man- 
 kind 1 
 
 ' ' Yes, to my humble regrets. They might and should have 
 been nearly perfect in their holy teachings to my people, who 
 patiently endured their weak oncomings ; but, praised be God, 
 I did the best in the power of my understanding, and was not 
 too vain to see that I was but a weak instrument in the hands of 
 the Potter." 
 
 If we should publish these revelations, what would you desire 
 we sJiould say as coming from you ? 
 
 " Say that I am the teacher of the people's pleasure, in pre- 
 paring their hearts to see that the drama of life is but a, side 
 play to the eternal teachings that are found in one word of God's 
 book, or in one look from your Saviour's divine eyes to throw 
 the bk's.sing of his divine love upon your souls. Do you not see 
 that my teachings were somewhat selfish, because I took from 
 God his right of providing a home for the soul t But, notwith- 
 standing this bare-faced contradiction to the statement of his 
 Word, I have found favor and grace in his supreme sight, and 
 am nevertheless happy ! ! ! " 
 
 Wliat do you meanby "taking from God his right of providing 
 a home for the soul " 1 
 
 ' ' I mean that I did not use the means of throvring God's pas- 
 sion to the light, instead of this world's affairs entirely." 
 
 Bui did you not introduce much of the spiritual element in 
 your plays ? 
 
 * On a subsequent occasion, two months later, the writer's son (a boy thii^ 
 teen years old) being the medium, the same question was asked, and the 
 name Pe.richs was immediately written — a name entirely unknown to this 
 medium. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 69 
 
 "Yes, but not so strong as I should. It was merely vision- 
 My." 
 How about the spirit of Ilamlefsfatlierf 
 " He was a stupid scapegoat." 
 Scapegoat for whom f 
 
 " For the spirits of the heavenly creating." 
 It was then asked, " Will you write a brief poem 
 descriptive of your heavenly joy ? " The following was 
 written : — 
 
 " My joy in heaven 
 Is from the seven. 
 Of the truths of God's creating ; 
 First comes the queen 
 Of love ; then she 
 . Who blesses the pure in heart,-— your 
 Everlasting friend. 
 Benevolence, 
 
 " Second, comes the God- 
 
 Dess of supreme 
 Delight, called SatisfaGtion, 
 
 To teach you that 
 
 All things are for 
 Your heart's benefaction. 
 
 •' Then; third, the Light 
 
 From heavenly thoughts, 
 To bless your soul's identity ; 
 
 So on, to the seven, 
 
 As shown' in the old 
 Fables of heathen idolatry. " 
 
 In writing this poem, the medium having become 
 quite tired, the spirit seemed to hasten to a conclusion 
 at the third verse, ending it with the obscure allusion 
 contained in the last three lines. Subsequently (Nov. 
 26th), when communicating, he was asked to enumerate 
 the seven virtues referred to ; and the following was 
 given ;— 1st, Love ; 2d, Taith ; 3d, Truth ; 4th, Rever- 
 
70 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 ence; 5th, Holy Fear; 6th, Heavenly Insight; 7th, 
 Perfection. 
 
 Moreover, when asked if he would rewrite the poem, 
 he responded : " Yes, if the medium is very passive." 
 But the medium was tired, and far from being passive ; 
 and the poem was not rewritten ; but the communica- 
 tions given on pp. 72-3, were written, as there explained. 
 
 Of the other communications written from the same 
 spirit, the most noteworthy, perhaps, are those of the 
 2d of October, which came in the following manner : 
 The editor had read the former messages in the pres- 
 ence of the medium to some friends, when on the me- 
 dium's taking the pencil, the name William Shakespeare 
 was written. A somewhat obscure and imperfect 
 rhythmical composition then followed, ending with the 
 remark : — 
 
 "William Shakespeare is always willing to send you a mo- 
 ment's thought, if it may show you a spark of the heavenly 
 kingdom." 
 
 Some remark was made as to the obscurity and im- 
 perfection of the previous communication, when it was 
 written : — 
 
 "Please do not expect me to enrobe my thoughts in any other 
 way than through the light that comes with your mind's con- 
 trol. However, I may give you a thousand sayings, and never 
 a one the fitness of which you will understand. Pardon ; for you 
 are condescending to offer to take any poor bits of poetry that 
 William Shakespeare will try to throw out of his feeble nature 
 of holy trust. Blest is he who when asked to perform, never 
 turns a deaf ear to humanity's call. " 
 
 It was then asked, " Can you give us any information 
 in regard to the re'incarnation of spirits ? " and the 
 following was written with great rapidity and force : — 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIOiVS. 7] 
 
 * ' Reincarnation, my kind hearers, you will never find, 
 
 But in the line of fervency of mind.* 
 
 For the treasures of earth 
 
 Are of heavenly birth ; 
 
 And, unless you repress the longing's of flesh 
 
 The pleasures of heaven will flow not to the breast ; 
 
 But within the depths of the basin of rest, 
 
 You will find yourselves kept by a hand of dissension. 
 
 Which, perhaps, you may call, in your heart's best intention. 
 
 Incarceration, but not incarnation/' 
 
 Some conversation was then held in regard to the 
 "inspirational ideas ' of Shakespeare, as indicated in a 
 former communication ; and the editor recited the fol- 
 lowing ; — 
 
 "Tlie CLualily of mercy is not strained ; 
 
 It droppeth as the gentle rain from, heaven 
 
 Upon the place beneath ; it is twice bless'd ; 
 
 It blesseth him. that gives, and him that takes. 
 
 *Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes 
 
 The throned monarch better than his crown : 
 
 His scepter shows the force of temporal power. 
 
 The attribute to awe and majesty, 
 
 "Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings ; 
 
 But mercy is above the sceptered sway. 
 
 It is enthroned in the hearts of kings ; 
 
 It is an attribute to God himself ; 
 
 And earthly power doth then show likest God^a 
 
 When mercy seasons justice," 
 
 {Merchant of Venice j Act IV., Scene I. 
 
 Also the following : — 
 
 *' Merciful heaven I 
 
 Thou rather, with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt, 
 Split'st the unwedgeable and gnarled oak, 
 Than the soft myrtle ; — But man, proud man ! 
 .Drest in a little brief authority : 
 Most ignorant of what he's most assured, 
 His glassy essence, — like an angry ape, 
 Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven, 
 As make the angels weep." 
 
 lAIeasure/or Measure, Act II., Scene II. 
 
 * That is, imagination. 
 
72 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 Immediately thereafter, the medium took the pencil, 
 aud wrote as follows : — 
 
 " My passages, sucli as you read, are poor efforts compared to 
 tlie sight of heavenly magnificence which lies before me as I 
 pen these words to you. I find you think that they are gifts 
 of thought coming from Majesty's throne ; hut I find more hap- 
 piness in the trust in God that the line of eventful prophecy 
 can show to mankind. Holy and pure are the guardians of 
 love, the angels of kind love and holy mercy. Tliey it is who 
 indeed weep and grieve that ye, black and wayward sheep, 
 neglect your Father's fold. But not now will you discover that 
 the finishing of your lives here is the commencement of true 
 and faithful eternity." 
 
 It was then said, " Good night, with many thanks to 
 God that you have been permitted to come to us," to 
 which the response was written : — 
 
 "Good night! Everlasting is the grace that permits me to 
 come to you, to fulfill your longings, " 
 
 On the 26th of November, further communications 
 were received from the same source. To these refer- 
 ence has already been made. When, at this time, the 
 desire was expressed to hear further from Shakespeare, 
 the medium said, 'Now I hear the .words 'Attend; ye 
 braves ! Listen, ye unsophisticated ! '" Then she took 
 the pencil, and wrote ; — 
 
 ' ' Shakespeare's spirit in harmony with the medium. Amen ! " 
 
 And then was written : — 
 
 ' ' Attend, ye braves i Listen ye unsophisticated ' Beware of 
 contumely, and I will attend your hearts in your affliction of 
 mind." 
 
 Then followed the remarks as stated above in refer- 
 ence to the jjoeni previously written ; after which the 
 following communications were given ; — 
 
 '' I would teach you allj my fervent friends, to see the light 
 from throaes -of grace ; and then you will know the end of life 
 is through God's love ; and not forever you will say. Go to, but 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 73 
 
 fondly linger for the words of liope ; and great desire will up- 
 spring in your souls. For what are you but in great despair 
 now ? From this you will not gain relief, or admittance to the 
 heavenly home ; but for the past great aim your Master will 
 seek ;* and I pray, in my heart, that you we will all greet." 
 
 The editor then said, " We desire a message that will 
 convince the world that it is you who are communica- 
 ting, and thus be the means of aiding in the conversion 
 of mankind." The following remarkable communica- 
 tion was then written : — 
 
 " Beloved friends, I am your friend in the spirit, as I was ages 
 ago in the flesh. Hearken ! seek, conform, and believe that the 
 angels are near you in the communion of saints. They are 
 fondly gazing upon your foot-steps ; they are anxiously hoping 
 for your hearts to return in the direction which leads you on, 
 on, ON ; and I, only Shalcespearc, the writer of many meager 
 plays and humble compositions, in the spirit form beg your 
 pardon for the intrusion, and ask for a listening ear and a well- 
 meaning rest-hold.-f I beg of you all to take heed to your 
 future condition. I entreat you to hearken unto the voice of 
 nature and nature's God, who is the manifestation of lovo in 
 your soul's identity, by which I mean that you ai-e what you 
 are, or create for yourselves ; and it is not God who punishes, 
 but yourselves, by your sinning. God is a spirit, whom you 
 cannot know before you taste of death ; and I do not compre- 
 hend, unto this day, the majesty and power of the Heavenly 
 Monarch. Ever am I gaining in strength of purpose toward his 
 seat of perfection ; and I, Wm. Shakespeare, only beg of you 
 to help one another up, where the intercession of the saints can 
 reach your understanding, and assist your minds up to heavenly 
 joys. What is the earth but a mole-hill, after all ? And what 
 are YE, vain, conceited, and never-tiring people, but moles upon 
 
 =■= That is, yoar Master will still continue to seek to accomplisli his past 
 great aim— the salvation of your souls. 
 
 t *' A well-meaning rest-hold "^a peculiar phrase, but quite expressive, 
 implying that the condition of the hearers' minds, as to sincerity and a hum- 
 ble desire to learn, would enable him to benefit them, as he then could influ- 
 ence their hearts 
 
74 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 its surface, planning and making your homes of beauty, only 
 to be razed to the ground, and buried in oblivion, as it were ? 
 But not so to the just and upright in life. They, thanks be 
 to God ! will receive the purest blessings of a loving Saviour's 
 voice — as I, Wm. Shakespeare, show you from my experience, 
 and relate for your good and profit. Intercede with me, aind 
 we will meet. Amen ! " 
 
 The hope was expressed that this message might con- 
 viuce, and thus saye, many souls, and it was written : — 
 
 " I am in trust for you ALL." 
 
 Other communications have been received from, this 
 glorious spirit, many in a poetical vein — some being 
 beautiful in thouglit and imagery, but imperfect in ex- 
 pression, in consequence of the inadequate powers of the 
 mediums. At the close of one, he signed his name, 
 " Shakespeare, the poet, who seeks not to know it ; " 
 and, subsequently endeavoring to send a poetical mes- 
 sage through the child, he wrote as follows : — 
 
 " people of earth. 
 If you knew the sad heart 
 You cause your dear Father, 
 Your eyes would be lifted 
 To things far higher 
 Believe me, 1 am 
 The Spirit of Shakespeare, 
 Who writes through a child. 
 Whose years will be longer 
 And better than many 
 Who know these things* 
 But find them rejected. 
 
 ' ' WiLLi-iM Shakespeare, 
 ' The poet, who seeks not to know it.' " 
 
 Thus quoting the expression previously used through 
 
 * That is, the thinys pcrtainiag to spirit intercourse, in regard to which he 
 was asked to write. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 75 
 
 tlio other medium. The editor then said ; " Why do 
 you not care to know it ? " and the response was : — 
 
 ' ' Because my poetical character is gone. It was only meant 
 to serve me to get a simple living ; and I need it not now, ex- 
 cept as far as I may use it for yon, my kind hearers.'' 
 
 The reader will please remember that this was writ- 
 ten by the child medium, through whom many interest- 
 ing attempts have been made to write poems ; but for 
 these, with the requisite explanations, there is not space 
 in the present work. 
 
 COMMUKIOATIOX FKOM BACOK. 
 
 Immediately following the first communication from. 
 Shakespeare, as given on page 67, the following was 
 written without a request or call : — 
 
 ' ' My dear friends, such delight I see, that the stars almost 
 fall to send their heavenly light upon your paths. See this ! 
 1 think you will not hesitate or delay one moment to show 
 your souls' Providential feelings toward the world. Fear not 
 that God is punishing in his designs. The heavens wure 
 not made without the powerful understanding of the God of 
 creation ; neither were yourselves created without the knowl- 
 edge of your holy love toward the race of creatures called man- 
 kind. Bacon." 
 
 Coming, as it did without any call, this communica- 
 tion appeared to indicate the companionship of the 
 spirits. Bacon and Shakespeare. No further communica- 
 tion has been received from this spirit, simply because 
 circumstances have not favored his being called. His 
 wish to enlighten mankind, is, without doubt, un- 
 bounded ; and more may, if God permit, be communi- 
 cated by him hereafter. 
 
 COMMUNICATION FROM WILLIAM, PEINCE OF ORANGE. 
 
 On the 8th of August, some trouble having occurred 
 in Canada, on account of the parade of the Orangemen, 
 
76 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONB. 
 
 on the l'2th of July previous, to celebrate the victory at 
 the famous battle of the Boyne, some one who happened 
 to be with the medium, asked for a communication 
 from the Prince of Orange, when the following was 
 written : — 
 
 " Prince of Orange.^Heaven send you all benediction, and 
 grant all the fondest desires of your souls I Alas I for my 
 Orange Reformers I Perhaps they are doing God's will by 
 their righteous wanderings from Catholicism ; but do not sup- 
 pose they are followers of the Lamb, if by their waywardness 
 they neglect their Saviour's first command, — Obey. Lose not 
 a moment in praying for their release from the egotistical bond- 
 age of conceit, which obstructs the light that might surround 
 them. They are only heathens in their selfish idolatry of God's 
 prophesying enlightenment ;* but falseness will soon give way to 
 the reality. Watch and pray, for the kingdom of God is at 
 hand. William of Ohakge." 
 
 OOJIIIUNICATIONS FROJI GEOKGE WASHINaTOK. 
 
 On the 13th of October, the editor being present, 
 one of the company asked, with the permission of God 
 (prayer had previously been offered), that a communi- 
 cation might be written by Washington. The follow- 
 ing was the result : — 
 
 " George Washington [name written], — Helpsr of the 
 United States. Bring to me your understanding. I will assist you 
 further. I am a man of integrity, as my character was shown 
 in the light of the earth, and still is in heaven. Onward is still 
 my motto to my MEX, and I hope that we may lead on to the 
 
 * Prophesying p.7ilighhnm''M,—i\\iii ia, Scripture.. Some. of the I'rotestantS 
 have justly, to some extent at least, been charircd with Bihliolatry— or the wor- 
 ship of the Bible ; which, indeed, without doubt iy to be faithfully studied, 
 and its true spiritual meaning explored. Such a study of the Scriptures, not 
 with the vain notion of plenary inspiratifm, but with the earnest and praj'cr- 
 ful desire to find spiritual truth, will, the editor believes, always be followed 
 by satisfactory convictions, independently, of course, of doi^mas, fixed by the 
 arbitrary decrees of ecclesiastical councils. All such formulated articles of 
 belief are usually but chains forged to fetter the understandings and the 
 hearts of mankind, which God designed should he left free. 
 
SPTRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 77 
 
 goal of happiness. Eternity is a beautiful future for you, my 
 friends ; and I enlist myself into your service for any good you 
 may desire.' God is a kind and humble interpreter of your 
 doings, and lenient to all possibility. Then why do you neglect 
 your high and holy duties to your Sovereign? Must the 
 HE.WENS descend to lend their glory for your insight? Oh! 
 forever fear the avenger of your wrong-doing, which by your- 
 selvi'S is pressing you into the mire of hokkiblb sufferings. 
 Onward, I say again, dear friends. I have many, many high 
 and noble statesmen with me in paradise, but only wish to gain 
 more ; for our Host is unlimited in his hospitality, and all is 
 meted out to us with holy pleasure, and endless is the day of re- 
 joicing. Blest forever we will be in God's kind h<^me. Be- 
 yond the grave is, indeed, a glorious rising for the True. I wish I 
 had been a better man, and a more enlightened statesman. My 
 opportunities were great ; but, thank God, my day of earthly 
 career is past, and to God's will I may only say, in the fullness 
 of a spirit's rejoicing. Amen ! Georob Washington." 
 
 It was then asked, " What do you think of the pros- 
 pect of this country ? " and the following was writ- 
 ten :— 
 
 "Bring yourselves into a true union with God and liis com- 
 muning angels ; and by the effort to reach the divine powers, 
 your hearts will be filled with the upright living of a ceaseless 
 beginning. Further, I may say, this generation is past the feel- 
 ings of a united nation chosen by God for a holy purpose. 
 Refer to him in the power of your earthly minds, and have re- 
 gard for the Lord's kindness to you, and not pass it by with 
 scorn. Lead poor dejected people by the hand of fellowship, 
 and forget your pompous pride and high-toned dignity. 
 
 " George Washington is but a fly-speck to humanity's pro- 
 gress ; and I must forget that I was ever more than a worm of 
 the dust, sent by my Maker for some good purpose. I did not 
 wholly go astray ; but, God ! I was very nearly lost to heav- 
 en's door by so much VANITY. I no longer will inflict on you 
 my own personalities. As a spirit, I have no memories that 
 need renewing ; but by your command I have retrospected 
 a little, and for any good I am always ready. 
 
 "G. W-iSHINGTON." 
 
78 SPIBITTTAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 The editor then remarked : " These are grand mes- 
 sages ; but, alas ! ho w few would appreciate them, or even 
 receive them!" To this the following response was 
 written: — 
 
 " Oh ! never despair ! but ever fear tlie Lord in true liumil- 
 ity. Heaven is a place for you all, and all must come when 
 God sees fit. [Some one sighed.] Nothing to sigh about, dear 
 friend. Tou are a noble man. Do not let ANYTHING take 
 j'ou away from your calling from heaven. God is looking with 
 divine presence and hope. Beyond the clouds, endless is the 
 day when we may meet, to say together, ' Thy will be done on 
 earth as it is done in heaven ! ' " 
 
 The editor said, " We must now say farewell to our 
 spirit friends," when it was written : — 
 
 " Oh ! farewell is. too cold. Say good-bye for the present." 
 C0MMU1^ICATI0:S^ FROM CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 
 
 Later in the evening, a message was asked from 
 Christopher Columbus ; and the following was writ- 
 ten : — 
 
 " Christoplier Columbus. — By eternity I am here, no 
 longer annoyed by unbelievers in the existence of a piece of 
 land — no more than a small piece of bread, compared to the 
 heavenly regions that I am jiilgrimaging through every momeii t 
 of God's time. But now, dear friends, what may I fill your minds 
 with? Futurity is a spot of earth beyond the clouds, where the 
 juBt and the unjust meet together to confess God's grace and 
 love. But also sorrowful is the separation to some, through a 
 wicked life ; only not so will any be thrown to a hell fire of 
 coal and hrimstone. But may there not be a worse burning 
 than this ? 
 
 " Fearful lest you misinterpret my words, I will asseverate 
 again that God is indeed an existing Sovereign of love for his 
 children, for he is never ready to punish without strong deserts. 
 Offend not, but be healthful and fond beings of humanity. The 
 spirits are only too ready to come, and bring to your hearts and 
 souls the true religion. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIONS. 79 
 
 ■ ' No longer liave I mere vaingloryings after praise and amM- 
 tion to exceL My motto now is to be as GOOD as my kindred 
 spirits in the higher splieres, wliich I may hope to reach, feel- 
 ing this hope through God. CiiRiSTOPnER. " 
 
 On our closing, it was written : — 
 
 " Good-bye, dear friends. Call upon me, C. C, when you 
 have any longings for heavenly light. 
 
 " Ever as a true friend in lioly light, I am always 
 
 " Chbistophbr Columbus." 
 
 The possibility of holding communion with the spirit 
 of the illustrious discoverer of America, who left the 
 scene of his earthly trials nearly four centuries ago,* 
 contradicts all our preconceived notions ; and to many 
 who read the above will, perhaps, seem absurd. Can- 
 did and unprejudiced reflection and reasoning, however, 
 will bring the mind of every one to the point of being 
 able to perceive that such an occurrence is neither im- 
 possible nor indeed improbable. But without argu- 
 ing on the matter, here is the phenomenon: A 
 person of a simple artless mind sits down, under 
 the circumstances narrated above, and pens without 
 hesitation the above pieces of composition, in which 
 the references to the great facts of the career of Colum- 
 bus are made in the most natural and unexpected man- 
 ner, and in language which no one of those present 
 could have thought of using ; as, for example, alluding 
 to the continent of America as " no more than a small 
 piece of bread, compared to the heavenly regions that 
 I am pilgrimaging through every moment of God's 
 time." Why the word time was underlined, it is difficult 
 to explain, except on the theory that, in the state of be- 
 ing referred to, time has a very different meaning 
 from what it has to us. This thought is illustrated by 
 
 * Columbus died in poverty and neglect at Valladolia in 1606. 
 
80 SPIRITUAL aOMMXTNIGATIOirS. 
 
 the response of what purported to be the spirit of 
 Shakespeare, when asked how long he had been in the 
 spirit world, — "It seems all as minutes" — as much as 
 to say, You know .yourself, but years are to me now 
 only as inhmtes. The truth of spirit progression is 
 beautifully exemplified in the last sentence, in which 
 the intelligence refers to the " kindred spirits in the 
 higher spheres." This will be abundantly illustrated in 
 a subsequent part of the work. The necessity of humil- 
 ity, and the folly and wickedness of pride and vainglory 
 are clearly brought out in all these communications.* 
 Some may ask, " How is it that Columbus uses the 
 English language ? " To this it may be replied that the 
 spirit uses the brain of the medium, and of course em- 
 ploys the language which she understands ; or he im- 
 presses the ideas and thoughts upon her brain, which she 
 immediately expresses in her own words. The process 
 is a complicated one, and cannot be explained but to a 
 very limited extent. When the spirit of Judge Ed- 
 monds was communicating with the editor, through the 
 mediumship of his little son, he wrote this very sugges- 
 tive admonition : " Do not ask too difficult questions ; 
 remember the medium is but a child." Again, it was 
 said, by another spirit, '■ You must make allowance 
 for the mediums." The spirit of Shakespeare said 
 " Please do not expect me to enrobe my thoughts in 
 any other way than through the light that comes with 
 your mind's control." (See page TO.) One one occasion, 
 when the medium hesitated during the writino- of a 
 message from Judge Edmonds, it was written : " I find 
 you are improving in your mediumship. Why do you 
 
 * "Woennto them that are wise iu their own eyes, and prudent in their 
 own sight." Isaiah v. 21. 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUmCATIONS. 81 
 
 hesitate ? Take it all, as far and as -well as you can. 
 Then we can give you as we feel ; but expect not per- 
 fection from the impromptu of a moment's calling," — a 
 very suggestive admonition indeed. The editor, on an- 
 other occasion, asked if the Judge could give informa- 
 tion in regard to a certain subject, and it was answered : 
 " Yes, perhaps, I may succeed, if the medium is pas- 
 sive." These references are made here in order to illus- 
 trate the intimate connection between the mind of the 
 medium as a passive instrument, and the intelligence 
 communicating.* 
 
 COMMUNICATIONS FROM MOZART. 
 
 One evening, in October last, a person present, much ■ 
 devoted to music, expressed a desire to obtain a com- 
 munication from Mozart ; but, instead of that, quite a 
 long communication was written from anotlier spirit, 
 who had frequently written before. On a second call, 
 however, the following was written : — 
 
 * This accords with the experience and views of others. The following is 
 cited in illustration : ' ' Cavilers may saj' that the production, claiming to have 
 come from so distinguished a source, is not marked with the intellectual 
 vigor that characterized the efforts of the same mind when embodied in the v 
 flesh. But it must be remembered that it has come through a humble channel, 
 and that the law of inspiration through all the ages, has ever been the 
 same It necessarily adapts itself to, and takes on the characteristics of, 
 the mind through which it flows." — Willis, Theodore Parker in Spirit Life, 
 (Boston, 1803.) 
 
 It may also be suggested that ''intellectual vigor'' in the cage of an 
 advanced spirit is very difEureut, in its elements and indications, from what 
 it is when engrossed with the objects, feeliags, and pursuits of this life. Let 
 us see what conclusion a penetrating mind arrived at, simply by analogical 
 reasonincr, without regard to any of the facts and phenomena of; spiritualism: 
 " The affections of the spirit, and their power of intimate communion with 
 the Infinite Spirit, not only raise the mind immeasurably above the level of 
 the visible world, and carry it clear of the fate of that world ; but raise it 
 even ahtroe the range of Uie Tnerely intellectual faculties, so that a state may be 
 conceived of, far better and higlier than that of tJie highest exfrcise of reason. 
 — liAAC Tatlob, Physical Tlteoru of Another Life. (London, 1839.) 
 
32 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 "Mozart [irregularly written]. — Will you bless me? OKI 
 I am in the eternal life, witli a thousand thousand times ten 
 thousand souls. Hear tbe chimes of heaven's harmony of 
 sound, proclaiming that all is harmonious in the next, best and 
 true state of the future existence. Fear the oncomings of 
 God's righteousness, and possess the faith and assurance of a 
 most pacific friend. MozAKT, the Immortal." 
 
 " Are you in a happy state ? " it was asked, with the 
 response : — 
 
 "Yes ; Jesus is my redemption through Christ." 
 Here a little clashing of opinion arose as to the 
 meaning of this statement, when the medium, wrote : — • 
 " Mozart. — I only come when the mind is H.^RMONtOUS." 
 Subsequently the following was written : — 
 "My kind hearers, I do not think a poor musician can fur- 
 ther your plans for the endless joy ; but for any pleasure I may 
 bestow upon you by my musical bearing in this world, of course 
 it is my duty, for the benefit of the world, to give you my ex- 
 perience as you wish. The angels' melodies are not conflicting 
 to my tuneful ears, but are the sounds of peace, and accord with 
 my soul's finest rapture ; and I wish I could implant into your 
 hearts but a single feeling which their presence gives me now, 
 as I am doing a mission of charity — but only as a poor and 
 feeble spirit, as so many are gazing into my soul with the feel- 
 ing of horror, as toward a child fallen from the knee of its 
 parent. 
 
 " Consider my works, dear people of grace, and be not dis- 
 mayed at my earnest attempts to portray heaverdy sounds. Oh ! 
 believe me, no mortal can find in his heart, or voice, or mind's 
 intellect, a note of sound so full of sweetness and pleasure as 
 the simplest tone from the lips of an angel. But I am intrud- 
 ing ; and with the prayers of a spirit, I will depart to my home 
 of harmonious study, hoping to greet you with the assurance 
 that you are not disappointed in your new abode. 
 
 "In benediction, Mozaet." 
 
 Some remarks were made as to the condition of the 
 spirit; and the editor said, " Humility is a characteristic 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 83 
 
 of all the advanced spirits." It was immediately writ- 
 ten in response to this : — 
 
 " Yes ; West are we, tut we are merely tlie dust, as you know, 
 fromtlie feet of tlie Master.'' 
 
 COMMUNICATIOIsrS FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLX. 
 
 On the 24th of November, was presented the most 
 startling phenomenon that had heen witnessed. Through 
 the child medium, without a syllable's being uttered, 
 thirleenhYiei communications from different spirits were 
 written one after another, some with startling force, 
 simply announcing their presence, and that others pres- 
 ent wished to communicate. Among the names writ- 
 ten were Shakespeare [repeated twice] and George 
 Washington, ending to the astonishment of all present 
 with;— 
 
 "Abraham Ijincoln is here too ; and that is all. Amen ! 
 Amen ! " 
 
 The editor then said : " We shall be glad to have a 
 communication from Mr, Lincoln ; " and the pencil was 
 taken by his daughter, who immediately wrote the fol- 
 lowing : — 
 
 "You are kind friends — a noble band of true listeners ; and I, 
 although a spirit of happy intercourse, am notwithstanding a 
 poor subject of my Master's creation ! ' God bless him ! ' Being 
 constrained to come here and talk to you by the enticement of 
 many beams of light, I descend to comfort your hearts m the 
 way of peace and rest. I was always a quiet man in the f oriner 
 world ; and although I am changed, or I should say, purified, 
 by my flight, yet with all, I am the same unsophisticated Abra- 
 ham Lincoln, the President of the United States of America, 
 and happy I am to repeat this ; for the people, God bless them 
 forever ! used me well ; and in everything I think I had the 
 support of fine men. But alas ! that my untimely end came 
 upon me so suddenly ! For my powers were fast growing 
 through God's providence, and I meant to help you all, kind 
 
84 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 hearers, out of black control to a blessed union of thought as 
 well as color, in the form of independence. 
 
 " God grant that politics may soon terminate in the revival 
 of Christian manhood, as shown you through God's Son upon 
 the Cross ; and in this I disclose to you my allegiance to the 
 sovereignty of the Great King, who to me is the power that 
 moveth us all, whichsoever way we turn. 
 
 " Beloved friends of national freedom, enlist, I pray you, into 
 the cause which sets you free beyond the death of tlie body, or 
 mortal framework, of a pure spirit, I hope and trust ; and seek 
 to spread the light of this rapturous state of blissful living to 
 every kindred soul ; for all is not death, but LIVING ! 
 
 " My aim now is iox peace, as it was on earth ; and that God 
 knows. So depend upon it, I will never forsake you in the 
 spirit form ; but, if I can do anything to brighten the paths of 
 men, be they white or BLACK, Christian bondsmen or slaves, 
 I will do my most and best to sever the ties of hatred, and 
 glorify my Mak-er, and your Maker, and TIIEIK Maker, who is 
 nigh you all forever. I am only Abraham Lincoln. " 
 
 Words of commendation of the message were then 
 spoken, with thanks to God that we had been privi- 
 leged to receive it, for, the hope was expressed, the 
 benefit of mankind. The following was then writ- 
 ten: — 
 
 " You are kind to appreciate a few unworthy remarks, given 
 with the greatest power of spiritual love. Bless you ! God, 
 forever comfort their hearts ! Amen ! , Aekahaji." 
 
 There was an intermission of nearly an hour, at the 
 close of which, although it was supposed the spirit had 
 left, the following was written : — 
 
 " I am only Abraham Lincoln, who is in no haste to leave, 
 having found a harmonious station to secure me a hope. Be 
 very patient, my df ar friends. God does not wantonl}' deprive 
 any of the right of speaking their heavenly mind to their 
 friends upon the earth ; but, for the present, the hope is small 
 that the world will taste of this happy, happy intercourse in 
 love from God's mansions on high. 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 85 
 
 " I believe I am not the most adored of men, or have not left 
 the best feelings on the part of many ; but, for those who did 
 not understand that God was my judge, I may say that I am a 
 sorry spirit for misunderstanding, and expect fully to greet 
 them beyond the river, where we will not have a word to choose 
 except the little word love, in which is comprised the whole uni- 
 verse, and the Founder of it. Amen ; and good night. 
 
 " Abkaham Lincoln." 
 
 COMMTJNICATIOJf FEOM JUDGE EDMONDS. 
 
 To the above the following, from Judge Edmonds, 
 [Nov. 21, 1878], is added as being addressed to the 
 people among whom he lived, holding the honorable 
 and important position of judge in the highest court of 
 judicature in the State of New York. To this fact 
 reference is very naturally made in the following ad- 
 dress : — 
 
 " Judge Edmonds will always possess your hearts with kind- 
 ness. My dear friends, and the public, while upon earth, many 
 of you paid me the homage due to a judge in the court-house 
 of justice ; but, I wager me, you did not know my heart was 
 fixed in spiritual sympathy. Well, now, beloved friends of the 
 nation at large, I am no loinger a judge to attract your faithful 
 esteem, but am only a spirit in the glorious light of freedom's 
 cause, and can feel for your wrongs only in the blessed state of 
 a spirit's love toward you, born of the spirit. Hearken well, 
 beloved citizens, and realize plain truths and real facts, and 
 trust God forever. For the love of Him, never say DIE. In- 
 deed, there is no death beyond your own living ; and happy, 
 yea, thrice happy, is the humble man that knows no repentance 
 or sorrow for his impatient longings for gain and admiration. 
 Vanity, my dear hearers, is no simple fault. Does it not throw 
 out a thousand minute particles of hate, and bring them into 
 the hearts of your fellow-men, or, as I should say, christian 
 brothers? Does not the vain man, like the wolf in sheep's 
 clothing, mock the Lord's humility, and seek to usurp His 
 throne 1 For what are ye now but the branches of a great tree, 
 growing to reach their full height ? And the leaves are falling, 
 
86 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIVATIONS. 
 
 one by one, on every place ; and it will soon be your turn to 
 drop, and feel for your great trunk. Alas ! if your deeds do 
 not carry you far beyond the clouds of despair ! Then be dil- 
 igent in good actions in life, and in good thoughts and bright 
 deeds for every one ; for, as Christ loved you, so should you 
 bear and forbear for one another, in love and humility. I beg 
 you will never whisper any unkindness toward anyone of God's 
 creatures, for we are all wrought out of love, and for future 
 love and glory. I say the blackest soul shall meet his reward 
 in punishment ; but whether it be for time or eternity will de- 
 pend upon the state of his mind then, and not upon the char- 
 acter of his actions during the meager living of a mortal. 
 
 " I will further mention to you the fact of a spirit's rising, 
 and coming to your earth, not as a mere physiological phenom- 
 enon, but with the blest and holy feelings given by God to 
 help the world, lost and barren, to bring forth fruit worthy of 
 a Saviour ; and, with God's most precious assistance, you will 
 yet find out where the spirit of a man is, when he can no longer 
 reason of theology and priestcraft. 
 
 " Pardon any miscallings* in my letter to you ; but you will 
 understand my meaning, although you will not seek to be- 
 lieve it ! 
 
 " IMany friends are watching, and waiting for your remem- 
 brance and calling [to the medium and those with her]. I 
 sincerely trust you will not disappoint them or myself by your 
 despondent thinking, but cheer the world from their solitude 
 to the happiness of the communion of saints. 
 
 " Judge Edmonds, in trust." 
 
 Mr. L. F. Weismann, who was present, said, " I will 
 send this communioatioa to Mr. Kiddle to-morrow"; 
 when the following was written : — 
 
 ' ' Yes, if you please, and also say, my feelings for him have 
 the intensity of respect for his humble efforts toward the re- 
 demption of the world of sinners. May God prosper him upon 
 the wallcs of life, and help him above the stormy stepping to 
 heavenly heights. Forever we will descend until the majesty 
 of all is opened before him in the fullest of rapture and bliss 
 
 * Mistakes in tlie use of words. He speaks througli the mirifl of a medium. 
 
SPmiTUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 87 
 
 (or Ws soul's satisfaction. Judge Edmonds will be far, far be- 
 liind in the regions of peace. My friends are with me in this 
 benediction to you all. Judge Edmonds." 
 
 COMMTJNICATION FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH OF ENG- 
 LAND. 
 
 For the purpose of further evidence and illustration, 
 the following is also inserted : — 
 
 [Nov. 13, 1878, without being called.] 'Elizabeth, of England. 
 — " 1 am a spirit who lived upon a throne, and died upon a bed 
 of sin. I come to a foreign nation, because my feelings prompt 
 me to give you a word of comfort and encouragement. By the 
 misinterpretation of life, the soul is lost to its harmony of living. 
 Pond and loving brothers in human sympathy, I descend to 
 offer my congratulations upon your good efforts. Fix your 
 minds earnestly upon the knowledge which proceedeth from the 
 Truth, and be persistent in your desires for good, to the dethrone- 
 ment of evil. Justly God will demand of your life as you have 
 lived. I only pray, in the spirit, that He may have mercy upon 
 all the souls in creation. I am no longer the vain and foolish 
 Elizabeth of England, but a contented' and humble spirit,* who 
 
 * Through the child medium, already spoken of, the following colloquy 
 was held with the spirit of .- hakespeare, Sept. 29Lh, 1878 : — 
 
 Can yni name lAe queen during whose reign youjlourishtd / 
 
 "I think it was Elizabeth." 
 
 J}o spirits employ n(imf.sf *'No; No." 
 
 Do you ever see the quren ? 
 
 " She is no more than any other good spirit. It makes no difference in our 
 world what station you occupy in your world, for that world." 
 
 'Ihat Is, 3'our earthly station or business, — whether it be that of a king or a 
 peasant, does not control your condition in the spirit world ; but, if the peas- 
 ant has labored more for that world than the king, he will take precedence 
 of him in the spirit life, 'ihis fact was expressed in the following manner 
 by the spirit of a poor woman, addressing one wbom she had looked up to in 
 this life, and whom she apparently came to thank for her many acts of char- 
 ity toward her and her family : — "Well, we meet now in common, for in 
 heaven there are no stations ; and in this I think God is just, for while on 
 earth the riches of life seemed to me to be moted out with scrnpulous care to 
 the undeserving as well as to the perfect man."" The obliteration of all earthly 
 distinctions in the spirit life finds abundant illustration in very many of the 
 communications presented in this book It is a solemn fact, which all should 
 hoed. It is not new, however, to the Christian, for certainly our Saviour 
 taught it very impressively in the parable of Dives and Laaanis, 
 
88 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 comes with a heart full of help and pity to the living of earth's 
 home. May blessings from God ever shower love upon your 
 heads, and give you strength in the light of truth. Amen! " 
 
 COM.MUNICATIOK FEOM SIR ISAAC NEWTON. 
 
 [Nov. 28, 1878, Sir Isaac Newton called].—" I am Sir Isaac 
 Ne-irton, as you denominate me — a spirit of the other life and 
 spheres. I bring myself into communion with a great" many 
 upon the earth, and reflect back from spirit to man, and mce 
 versa. It is betokened to me that, through God, are the angcla 
 lingering upon your hearts. Sincerely I trust that you are upon 
 this step, and also that I may lend a helping hand to brighten 
 the way, and assist every soul out of its dangerous paths, toward 
 the Righteous Judge of mankind. Beloved friends, I am as I 
 am — ^the man who discovered [the medium hesitated, but it was 
 suggested law of gravitation] the passage, as I might say, of a 
 spirit coming into your midst, for by the same efEort do you 
 draw us from above ; for the attraction of the earth's surface is 
 caused by particles of matter (as I have found in passing from 
 life) that might be said to have a spiritual instinct ; and it is by 
 a like fellow-feeling that we can approach you. Whether you 
 designate the force as love, friendship, or hate, it is neverthe- 
 less the most powerful of all attractions ; and it is upon this 
 that the world is depending either to be lost, or — O God be 
 praised 1 — gained for his glory. 
 
 "Aim high, my brethren. 1 intend to be the willing subject 
 of a blessed King ; and where the will is, there God will always 
 show you a pleasing way. I feel unhappy sometimes, even in 
 moments of joy, that the people of earth do not understand 
 their Father's great gift, namely, life. Why, most sacred of 
 beings, do you not march, while the drums are beating a glori- 
 ous strain, to the home of brightness? Why do you need to 
 wait for the solemn dirge of sadness and death f Does that 
 please you better ? Does it seem more like beneficence and love ? 
 Do you comprehend GOD in that state ? Then I must say, with 
 heartfelt grief, that you have not the love of God in your 
 understanding, neither the best strength that a mortal may 
 ENVY. And, if this lifeless existence be your desire and satis- 
 faction, without humhle prayer, you will reach your day, and be. 
 
SPIBITUAL COMMXTNICATIONS. 8!) 
 
 as you wisli, in a helpless position, with nothing to be or desire 
 — absolutely nothing — a i}oid, except (now hearken in kindness) 
 except, I repeat, that you will know yourselves, and remain as 
 you were, or as you wish to be now. That you may escape 
 such a contemptible existence, I pray God to lend you a heart 
 and comprehension ; and with this may you gain the beginniag 
 of aU, — Lcme. I am the discoverer of the earth's chain, and 
 with and through it I bring you a heavenly ray. 
 " Isaac Newton, 
 
 in Manhood's Spirit." 
 
 The editor then asked, " What is human science com- 
 pared to the wisdom of a spirit in the higher spheres ? " 
 The following was the response : — 
 
 " My friends, the wisdom of God passeth your understand- 
 ing ; but tills I can say, that as a man has a mind to use accord- 
 ing to his will, so also has a spirit this power ; and as a man 
 comprehends that he is merely a gifted being descended from 
 the Righteous One, be he talented in science or, I might say, has 
 he strength in any direction, beyond another, even so he hath 
 greater tasks imposed upon him, and greater trusts to discharge ; 
 for with light comes also the shadow of thought, and this 
 thought is your spirit's guide, either for good or for evil — but, 
 I pray me for all, — good. " 
 
 COMMUKICATIOK FROM LAFArETTE. 
 
 [Marquis de Lafayette called.] — " De Xiafayette. — I am'here 
 by your caJl — the commander under the command of the gen- 
 eral of the American army, in the time of Washington, the true 
 follower of peace, in the United States of America, in which 
 cause I have the sacred memory of having been enlisted. 
 
 "Most fervent friend in jurisdiction [to H. K., presiding], 
 I am most happy to greet you to-night, in the words of a for- 
 eigner, and by the light in which I am situated at present. It 
 is with fond pleasure I accept this position, and also with the 
 feelings of a great spirit that has suffered his punishment through 
 penitence of living. 
 
 " I was a man born in the flesh ; and now I am a spirit born 
 again, but into the spirit world ; and that too of glory ; and, 
 indeed, kind listeners, it is a sacred glory also. I am the most 
 
90 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONB. 
 
 unequal of spirits in my mission, sometimes being satisfied to 
 feel an existence witli God, and again in tlie utmost impatience to 
 do a wonderful thing for my Saviour, and for manlcind. What 
 can /, in the merciful sight of a Divine Judge, do to assist Him 1 
 But you will sympathize with my intense desires in the height 
 of my ambition ; and, indeed, I am satisfied that you will lend 
 me a helping hand in this holy direction. I am very happy in 
 this life ; but still I am a restless spirit ; but, I assure you, this 
 is through the inheritance of a fiery or impassioned nature, that 
 I have always cai'ried with me ; and I do not consider myself 
 responsible for my impatience, so far as it is in a righteous di- 
 rection. While I have a spirit's ^re, I have also a spirit's love. 
 Pardonnez-moi ; I am speaking too much. I will bless you in a 
 moment of joy, and say. Farewell ! Lafayette." 
 
 COMMUNICATIOJSS FROM LOED BYEON. 
 
 On the 29th of December, the editor sat with his 
 daughter, with the , intent to call for the spirit of the 
 gifted poet Byron, believing that, from what is gener- 
 ally known of his life on earth, the experience of this 
 man of genius, in spirit life, must be peculiarly inter- 
 esting to many poor, benighted mortals here on earth. 
 The result of this call is given below. At first, the 
 following was written from the editor's spirit daughter, 
 Mary, so faithful in guardianship, so earnest in good 
 works : — 
 
 ' ' Mollie sends her love and hope for the success of your 
 efforts to-night and/orcBer. " 
 
 Can you bring the spirit of Lord Byron ? 
 
 " Yes ; in one minute." 
 
 [Change of control. ] " ' Lord ' Byron,* in name, but mere- 
 ly the spirit of a sinful mortal, whose birth was given by a 
 woman, born of sin and the flesh. One need never feel elated 
 with his life on earth ; for it is never more than a bright spot 
 to point him up to higher realms of glory, at his desire. Aim- 
 
 * This mode of writing his name—" Lord " Byron— significantly ex- 
 preasea his disclaimer of the title. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 91 
 
 less is the man wlio knows no rising beyond despair ; but un- 
 ending is the life which succeeds, unraveling the meshes of 
 pain into the will of a destiny ordanned by a heavenly King in 
 command of the universe, and this too with the love of a sov- 
 ereign Potentate. And ye are his subjects of trust, and should 
 ever be in subjection to his authority. 
 
 ' ' I am. in a state succeeding the possession of titles obtained 
 upon the borders of mother earth ; but these certainly do not 
 help my elevation here, except (X. B.) to give me strength 
 according to my means of using these gifts of humanity. I 
 was a sinful man ii^ my physical condition, but had, most prob- 
 ably, very many bright angel suggestions to deliver to the 
 people of the world, in which I grew into my spirit's develop- 
 ment. 
 
 ' ' My dear friends, be ye united in the harmony of one people, 
 enlightened by one God over all, and in you all, showing you 
 how trnly to livb, whether according to your own will, or your 
 comprehension of the will of God, but I pray me in accordance 
 with both these promptings. 
 
 "Merely to show you that I still live, I will endeavor to re- 
 cite to you a weak poem, in the light of heavenly revela- 
 tions : — 
 
 " The feelings of trust, my friends, earnest and true. 
 
 With which I now pen these few lines to you, 
 
 Are m.any, with all the emotions strong 
 
 That unto a spirit's being belong. 
 
 Though small the pleasure, for your soul's delight. 
 
 They will give you a foretaste of the realms of light. 
 
 Dissever the ties which bind you here. 
 
 And you will ever rejoice in your Father's care. 
 
 Enlist yourselves in the ranks above 
 
 Of Truth and Hope, for your Saviour's love. 
 
 Who designs all your lives with sovereign care ; 
 
 And be fortified also with fervent prayer. 
 
 I am only waiting to speak with the blest 
 
 To give you in heaven a peaceful rest. 
 
 It is a spirit above who offers you this, 
 
 And who longs to receive you in homes of bliss. 
 
 Oh I long have I suffered ! Transfixed with pain. 
 
92 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 My spirit's agony met nauglit but disdain ; 
 
 But amid my tormentors' horrible leers, 
 
 Lo ! a heavenly light from the upper spheres 
 
 My destiny upward and onward sealed ; 
 
 And unto my raptured eyes was revealed 
 
 A vision of hope. 0, beauteous and bright 
 
 Was the glory of that celestial light ! 
 
 That you may sincerely accept this, I pray. 
 
 With Amen ! in the depths of your hearts, and say, 
 
 Father in heaven ! Thy will is my love ! 
 
 Be thy will done on earth as in heaven above ! "* 
 
 " Byron, in Secret." 
 The following interesting and impressive colloquy 
 then ensued between the spirit and the editor : — 
 
 Do you feel regret for your writings while on earth ? 
 
 " Can the sun change its course?" 
 
 Tour poems are still read and admired hy very many f 
 
 " Not as I wish, with the light of Jesus upon them." 
 
 I presume your mews have undergone great change since you 
 passed from earth? 
 
 " May you never know the experience with which I now can 
 say Amen ! to God." 
 
 Is there anything in your experience the relation of wliicJi 
 would enlighten mankind for their good f 
 
 "My life is past, and I feel that a single moment of my pres- 
 ent bliss fully compensates for all the distractions of doubt 
 which hindered my attaining this blessed state. " 
 Was your condition at first one of happiness f 
 
 ' ' More so than it should have been. I was in the esteem of 
 good spirits, but had to grow to the fruition of good and 
 mighty workings, such as I knew not of, in order to be in their 
 midst. What a man creates for himself, that he will possess 
 unto his final perfection, together with what he wishes, or 
 
 * This poem is here given somewhat paraphrased, and with a few emenda- 
 tions, but the thought and imagery are ytrictly as given tlirough the medium, 
 and generally also the rhyming words. The medium has found considerahlo 
 difficulty in taking the full impression of poetical language ; the images, how- 
 ever, appear to he very readily received. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 93 
 
 hopes, or (Oh I Almighty help ! ) prays for. This will he gather 
 for his Saviour's work, and for his own progress and rising in 
 light." 
 
 We intend witJi the permission and, blessing of Ood to give 
 these your latest loritiiigs to the world, 
 
 " Yes, in a pure manner, and without pomp.'' 
 
 Tes ; I partly conceive that humility is the essential virtue of 
 a spirit's existence, 
 
 " If you but knew the extent of humility ?iere, you would 
 have no difficulty in finding a home upon your arrival on the 
 new plane of existence and endurance. " 
 
 Tour life, no doubt, is still active in deeds of goodness ? 
 
 ' ' More than you suppose. Life is living ; and living is eter- 
 nity ; and eternity is God ; and God is love ; and love is the be- 
 ginning and the end of all things — matter and mind ; and who 
 can say, whence it is, or whither it fiies ? Or who can find a 
 perfect realization of it except by prayer ? " 
 
 Do you desire to say anything else for the benefit of mankind? 
 
 ' ' My mind is at your service, but I am merely a spirit. " 
 
 0, is it not better to he in spirit than in the flesh ? Does not a 
 spirit enjoy grander opportunities than are possible to a mortal 
 here below f 
 
 " Yes ; but only in proportion as you, iathebody, have winged 
 your flight for that enjoyment of progress. I am, in aim, with 
 the angels who weep, in the possession of love for the fallen 
 ones, and who are ever beseeching God with pure strength to 
 increase their powers of goodness to help the world, and to 
 bring all the creatures of God's love into one blest companion- 
 ship of joy." 
 
 Wm you write a brief communication on the world of dark 
 spirits f 
 
 " Oh 1 my friends in God's love, whose hapless fate 
 
 It is now to feel, when, alas ! too late. 
 
 The sorrows that come from a sinful career, 
 
 Not mine to exult i but in anguish and fear, 
 
 To gaze into that dark abyss of woe, where 
 
 They are suffering the horrors of black despair ; 
 
 While sighing and 'mourning, and lingering awhile 
 
 Eound the sacred ashes of a funeral pile. 
 
94 SPIBITVAL aoMMUmCATIONS. 
 
 Oh ! dark is the vision for them and for me ; 
 
 For, alas ! too plainly my spirit can see 
 
 That no ray of light is around them thrown. 
 
 All hope in the mercy of God having flown. 
 
 But, lo I from above comes a slender thread. 
 
 To lift up again these dark spirits of lead. 
 
 The small ones, — the dear ones, — God's angels of love — 
 
 0, see their blest angling in regions above ! 
 
 And the spirits in dread, no escape being nigh, 
 
 Catch a glimpse of tlie light coming down from on high. 
 
 And, finally caught in this heavenly snare. 
 
 Are lifted above the dread realms of despair ; 
 
 Then are wafted still upward to the mightier bands 
 
 Of the seraphs on high, by whose blessed hands. 
 
 They are borne still aloft, — 0, far, far above I 
 
 And finally reach the blest mansions of love ; 
 
 Where, washed their dark stains, their sins all forgiven, 
 
 They taste of the joys of their Father in heaven. 
 
 "I can scarcely speak of evil, when so much brightness is in 
 store for you. " Byron." 
 
 The reader is here referred to two communications 
 from Ed(jnr A. Poe, given on pp. 159-61, where they are 
 inserted as illustrative, especially, of the subject of the 
 dark world and the condition of contrite spirits. That 
 they harmonize fully with the preceding, from Byron, 
 will be quite obvious. 
 
 C0MJIUinCA.TIONS FROM THE POET SHELLY. 
 
 On the 25th of January, the poet Shelly was asked 
 to communicate, and the folio wing was written : — 
 
 " Percy Shelly. — My dear friend, tried, esteemed, and kind, 
 you will truly find that, in these sacred stores, there is gold far 
 more precious than the metal of tliat name. More bounteous is 
 the love that comes from the celestial spheres than oceans of 
 that which you can taste in the earthly bondage. Repentance, 
 dear friends, will find for you a spot where murmuring brooks 
 give greeting of melodious harmony — where there are endless 
 tunings upon angels' harps. Placid and calm are the homes 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 95 
 
 of rest granted to you in space, where the angels fondly live in 
 harmony. No sounds of discord will greet you on high, unless 
 you are so untutored and false as to accept them as congenial to 
 you, — unless they assimilate with your own minds. 
 
 " Dear friends, still in the field of action, self is no aim for 
 us ; but only indifference to selfish intent. Then fondly keep 
 yourselves from harm, and teach in its true aspect the truth 
 that vanity is loss, and that to the just who have learned the 
 true lessons of love and kindness ever will beneficence come 
 from above. 
 
 " In endless glory, your friend in so good a cause, 
 
 •' Shelly." 
 
 One of the company remarked, that he expected to 
 find Shelly in a condition of greater penitence. The 
 editor said : " Undoubtedly be has risen by repentance 
 to his present blissful state ; " and asked if the spirit 
 would respond. The following was then written : — 
 
 ' ' Yes, if to give a happy result — always. You need not ask. 
 
 " Many fields abound in glory— some undefiled and without 
 weeds ; while others are full of stubble. I was a field that was 
 well sown with good seed, but, alas ! one in which the harvest 
 ■was not satisfactory — one the glory of which could have out- 
 slione any vreak light ;* but sin, the destroyer, came, and scat- 
 
 * SlieITy*s poetry evin:ce& great spiritual insight, notwithstanding his al- 
 leged atheism and irrcligion, which was rather a reaction against false creeds 
 and inconsistent dogmas, than actnal impiety. To. show the clearness of his 
 concei«tiou of soul and body, the following is cited from Quem llab : 
 "Sndden arose 
 lanthe^s soul> it stood 
 All beautiful in naked purity. 
 The perfect semblance of its bodily frame. 
 Instinct with inexpressible beauty and grace. 
 Each stain of earthliuesB- 
 Had passed away ; it reassumed 
 Its native dignity, and stood 
 Immortal amid ruin." 
 And the following shows that he had a trueconceptionof the future life :— 
 " Pear not then, spirit, death's disrobing hand ; 
 So welcome when the tyrant is awake, 
 So welcome when the bigot's hell-torch burns ; 
 
96 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIOWa. 
 
 tered abroad the seeds of sorrow, and I foolisUy took up liis 
 plow. I also gave Mm tlie sword, with wliicb he vanquished 
 me in the battle of strife, and took me captive. But, in the 
 next warfare, Qod was my strengtli, by means of which I un- 
 derstood my true position, for then my sinful ways gave me pain - 
 and distress, I found, also, many means to relieve my wants ; 
 but the greatest of these was the bounteous love which tried 
 me well, and gave me my just portion. I pray you to talce a 
 moral from this, and truly perceive the evil consequences of 
 sin. 
 
 " Clearly will you see, in regions of bliss. 
 That goodness is stored for beings like this. 
 
 "ShBLIjY." 
 COMMUNICATION FEOII ATM. CULLEN BEYAKT. 
 
 To the communications presented from the poets of 
 the past,. the editor was enabled, while this work was in 
 the hands of the compositor, to add one from the ven- 
 erable American poet, Williaai CuUen Bryant [deceased 
 June 12, 1878, aged 84]. In response to a call, he 
 wrote as follows, with unusual calmness ; — 
 
 " Wm. CuUen Bryant. — My blest friends in one common 
 Humanity (you see I do not disdain the relationship I once held), 
 
 *Ti8 but the voyage of a darksome hour, 
 The transient gulf-dream of a startJing sleep. 
 Death is no foe to virtue : earth has seen 
 Love's brightest roses on the scaffold bloom. 
 Mingling with freedom's fadeless laurels there. 
 And presaging the truth of visioiied bliss. 
 Are there not hopes within thee, which this scene 
 Of linked and gradual being has confirmed ? '' — Quep.n Mab, 
 Stronger evidence still is found in the beautiful poem Adonais. 
 " Peace, peace ! he is not dead, he doth not sleep — 
 He hath awakened from the dream of life — 
 'T!s we who, lost in stormy visions, keep 
 With phantoms an unprofitable strife. 
 And in mad trance strike, with our spirit's knife, 
 Invulnerable nothings. — UV decay 
 Like corpses in a chamel ; fear and grief 
 Convulse us and consume us day by day, 
 And cold hopes swarm like worms within our living clay.'* 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 97 
 
 I feel tlie immensity of the work in hand for our brethren ; 
 and it would afiEord me more than earthly pleasure to give a 
 retrospect of my conditions and bearing from my infancy to 
 my new spirit state of regeneration. Regeneration I — an inoffen- 
 sive word it should be to all. May it be so to as many as the 
 Lord may choose for his own pleasure ; and in this, conse- 
 quently, must be comprised every soul that is gifted with life. 
 Sacred instinct 1 Do not desecrate the proud distinction which 
 is given you, to be borne for that Better Part, which you all 
 know is the Saviour of mankind. 
 
 " I linger around the scene of my earthly efforts with deep 
 feelings of both sorrow and joy. My dear friends, much is 
 always left undone, that should have been uppermost, and 
 should have shed the brightest beams upon our after thoughts. 
 God pardon our shortcomings 1 Life seems too short to accom- 
 plish our ends ; but it is far from being so, if our minds have 
 been pure and guiltless, and have realized wliat life is — what 
 it truly means, and where it ends. Believe your Bible all you 
 can (bless the book from one generation to another !) but if this 
 does not enable you to show forth good actions and noble deeds 
 for God, then seek the Source that does give you the guiding- 
 star to a natural and happy sympathy with good worlcs. 
 
 " I find my life was lost to many, many good ways. A poet ! 
 Ball ! what is he in God's liome ? In my own home on earth, I 
 was respected for talents and mental- capacities : while here I 
 exhibit characteristics that outshine human faculties ; and all 
 the actions of my life stand forth in my external appearance, 
 as never to be conceived of by mortal power. Take heed, 
 friends, that in this judgment, each day, each hour, each mo- 
 ment bear testimony to the righteous working of your souls 
 for God's glory. Cast away envy and malice, and permit a poor 
 man's spirit to say, you will then never regret the day you ex- 
 changed deceit and ignominy for openness in action and freedom 
 in thought, which will lead you unto superb dwellings of 
 peace and concord — unto realms of brightness and majesty — 
 and, finally, into the presence of tlie Giver of all laws — physical, 
 moral, and spiritual — ^a ruler who deals so kindly, a father (a 
 better name by which to express him), whom all love ; while 
 
98 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 from such love comes a higher feeling — namely, a righteous 
 worship. 
 
 "Dear friends, I weep now with joy to speak of my Father 
 Spirit. Such benign compassion ! Working with such a per- 
 fect system throughout the universe ! Never an atom is lost or 
 misused by God's divine power and wisdom. No, not a thought 
 could be misdirected by his wish. Oh ! how unkind you are to 
 repulse your best and noblest feelings ! You all have such 
 feelings ; they spring spontaneously, even from your birth cry. 
 Why bury them in the recesses of your hearts, and let sinful 
 lust chase away those pure openings to future joys ? Oh ! I 
 feel too deeply the sins of my compeers ! They seem to take 
 me from my own despair — or rather the remorse that I feel for 
 my own outgrowing in sin. A man of my years ! Oh ! what a 
 multitude of blessings I should have accumulated for myself ! 
 He that lives longest has more time to fit himself for his heaven. 
 Alas ! my heaven lacks a something that I shall have to seek, 
 and work for — needs a something that no mortal can give, nor 
 spirit either — namely, perfect rest. 
 
 "God is my desire. Ilim I covet, and to his ordeal I will 
 ever murmur a sanctified Amen ! in the presence of holy angels, 
 and in the light, and with the permission, of the Holy Spirit^ 
 wliich encompasses both us and yourselves, on all sides, and 
 forever. I ask God — the Mightiest and Best — to jjrotect you, 
 and bring you to your perfect rest. May he grant this petition 
 from the spirit breast of your warm and earnest friend, 
 
 " "VVm. Cullen Bryant." 
 
 This really grand composition, so majestic in its 
 thoughtfulness, though sorrowful in its tone — was writ- 
 ten slowly, for spirit writing, but occupied less than 
 forty minutes — perhaps half an hour. The reader will 
 notice that the close is poetic in form; but beautiful 
 imagery abounds throughout. Bryant, with all his 
 virtues, so admired, so eulogized by his fellow-men, is 
 sad in his translation to those higher spheres of spirit 
 glory and purity in which none are completely happy 
 until the earth stains are washed away. But, in the 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 99 
 
 communication of a holy spirit it is said : " My repent- 
 ance was not for long; but no mortal ever leaves his 
 clay without a sigh at the day of atonement." The les- 
 son taught is an impressive one, which all would do 
 well to ponder. 
 
 COMMUIiriCATTOK 'FEOM FELICIA HEMANS. 
 
 The following was written on the 2nd of February. 
 When the call was made, the medium said : " I hear the 
 words, ' may the heavens open to give you every bless- 
 ing ! ' " She also described the spirit as appearing to 
 her clairvoyant vision as a " woman robed in white, 
 calm and sedate, and possessed of great sweetness 
 and dignity." The editor said : " She was good and 
 gifted, and used her gifts well, I think." It was then 
 written : — 
 
 " My spiritual name is Truth, or Sincerity ; but my name 
 upon the field of the earth was Felicia Hemans. For all the 
 gifts of life I thank my Father in Heaven." 
 
 Will you write a communication to enlighten mankind f 
 
 ' ' Man is the image of his Maker, born for the supreme work- 
 ings of God, his judge. When the mind of man is so purified, 
 that he can comprehend his Maker's endowments in himself, 
 he will then be able to enjoy a foretaste of his eternal joys, and 
 find sympathy with and congeniality in truth, openness, free- 
 dom, and rest, which are the results of a good life — a life of 
 unselfish aim, or of ambition for good. Evil will flee at the 
 thought of goodness ; and God will elevate your souls for the 
 high workings which please him, and justify his sacred name. 
 Folly is the ruler of many people. Theology is the soothsayer, 
 who slays his millions, or keeps his followers in the bondage 
 of ignorance. Time is flying, my dear friends, and God is un- 
 changing. Punish yourselves in the earth land, that you may 
 more fully reap the everlasting satisfaction of bliss in the land 
 of eternal progression. He that resisteth the evil one will cer- 
 tainly prepare for himself a house fit for a king's glory, and 
 worthy of God's home. Profit and loss are your lives' prompt 
 
100 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATtONS, 
 
 ings on earth ; and he that gains the world must take heed lest 
 he lose his own soul. May no light profit he yours, and may 
 God teach you that the final loss of a world's joys will hut 
 bring you nearer to the love and glory of a kind and true Pro- 
 tector and Sympathizer. Poets and peasants are here to greet 
 you, and to offer you this hope, with love and great anticipation, 
 Joys unknown await the good and just man in spirit. 
 ' ' Your humble and loving friend, 
 "Felicia HemaNs, 
 
 " from on high, Amen ! " 
 
 COMMUNICATION FROM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 
 On the 26th of January, Benjamin Franklin, having 
 been called, fhe medium described him as an old man 
 of calmness and decision. The editor spoke of his 
 equanimity. The following was then written :— 
 
 " Benjamin Franklin " [large but regular and sustained]. 
 
 We greet you vritli much pleasure, 
 
 " Mutual sympathies. Allow me to express to you my feel- 
 ings of joy to show myself to you through a kindred mortal of 
 earthly existence. What may the spirit of a man of ' equa' 
 nimity,' but far from purity, offer you for your comfort?" 
 
 Whatever you think would enlighten mankind, 
 
 " God is the uplifter of all good things and high works for 
 the glorious mansions of hliss beyond the Jordan of weakness 
 and care, strife and ambition. People think to assume the 
 character of individuality ; hut there is no individuality — either 
 in thought or words ; for every one cometli from God, the pred- 
 ecessor of all. He has fertilized and matured every ambition, 
 giving the encouragement by which is gained an atoning felic- 
 ity, perfect and beyond description. 
 
 " I fear me, mortal will lose his mind, if folly gain so tight a 
 hold upon him. God is gracious. Weep and wrangle as much 
 as you will, God will take no weapon of defense, but sheer com- 
 passion. I could have torn myself into ribbons to have escaped 
 so much of the vengeance of compassion as was shown in his 
 character toward me. 
 
 " Do not be slow in your hearts. Commend yourselves unto 
 
SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. IQl 
 
 God, your high and righteous benefactor. He will endow you 
 with every necessary means of vindication against wrong. We, 
 in spirit, approach you with love, anxiety, and bliss. Receive 
 us, and perceive that God is the prompter of our actions. You 
 will then see how near he is to you, and how dear you are to 
 him. Grief no man knows like the Father of grief. Blind folly 
 is the antagonistical weapon with which you battle with your 
 Maker. Cast this aside, and you will then be free from many 
 evils ; and angels of light will create in your thoughts the ele- 
 vated character of a true disciple. B. F. was no man to preiich 
 Gospel repentance ; but B. F. is changed by a mighty hand, and 
 in that change finds a destiny of revolution. Not now am I 
 egotistical in action, or positive in mind, but free to plunge into 
 many kinds of instruction, and all works that ennoble a char- 
 acter. 
 
 " Be in no haste to be wise ; for in that is the conceit of your 
 lives. B. F. remembers days of vanity of thought ; but now is 
 high, and released from his doom. 
 
 ' ' Beseech all men 
 
 To take up the cross which Jesus bore, 
 And taste of death to reach heaven's shore. 
 
 ' ' Farewell ! From on high no storms are flying, or coursing 
 about, but simply serenity and purity and the like. Suffer your- 
 selves to be bought, and brought, by the pearl of great price. 
 "Fondly, B. Fkanklin, in esteem only." 
 
 COMMUKICATIONS PROM JOSEPH LAN^CASTEK. 
 
 On the evening of the 9th of February, the editor 
 requested the spirit of Joseph Lancaster, — on earth so 
 devoted to the education of the people — to write a 
 communication, with the following result : — 
 
 " Joseph Lancaster, your servant for God's kingdom. I 
 remember my days spent in the earth with great satisfaction, 
 with the exception of a slight feeling of regret that I could not 
 push on with greater strength, to improve the conditions of my 
 fellow-men. But no man does as God would like ; and I, 
 among this class, am far, far away from perfect workings. 
 
 " Spirit life is harder to bear in its beautiful teachings than 
 
102 SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIONa. 
 
 the mortal existence ; for so much is prepared to enrapture one, 
 that he needs to be gifted in goodness to appreciate fully so 
 much without a little remorse, filling his spirit with pain. I 
 think, my fellow-men, that you should profit by these workings 
 of God for your good. When man shall accept true statements 
 and realities, he will then be more on a level with his Creator. 
 Fix your hearts, so that you may be ready to be with good 
 lives, either present or future. Nobility will then characterize 
 your lives ; but no minor actions will affect them, nor will 
 they be unprepared for the ambition that points to right paths 
 under God's leading. 
 
 " Remember so old a friend with the feelings of esteem. I 
 shall ever greet you with great gladness, and comfort you with 
 a word when no other comfort is nigh. 
 
 ' ' Seek the comfort of God, and deliver man from darkness. 
 " Joseph Lancaster, a friend." 
 
 WUl you write a brief communication upon the subject of edu- 
 cation, to which you devoted so much of your life ? 
 
 " Education , a word which God approves. While seeking 
 God, seek also to Icnow and understand everything ; but, first and 
 foremost, know thy God ; secondly (and best), know thyself ; 
 thirdly, know thy end ; fourthly, know the right ; fifthly, know 
 not wrong ; sixthly, know and do well. Amen ! and all is 
 Amen to the man working for man's salvation. Glory to God ! ! " 
 
 This communication will be recognized by all who 
 personally knew Joseph Lancaster as being very char- 
 acteristic. The editor saw him several times on his last 
 visit to New York (where he died [Oct. 24, 1838], from 
 an accident). He heard him speak frequently, and was 
 present on the occasion of his delivering a lecture on 
 Education, in one of the public school buildings of this 
 city. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and was 
 highly distinguished for his universal philanthropy. 
 
 COMMUNICATION EEOM WILLIAM PJSNIT. 
 
 Immediately after the above was written, the name 
 of William Penn was suggested ; and the medium was 
 
SPIRITUAL C0MMUNIGATI0N8. 103 
 
 impressed to say : " William Penn, a friend to all men." 
 Then the following was written : — 
 
 " William Penn, a friend to all men ! ! ! Attend, my 
 friends, to the religion of your souls, wliicli is perfect char- 
 ity toward all, both in bondage and freedom ! Charity cov- 
 ereth a multitude of sins ; but he that hath charity hath no dn, 
 for charity cometh from a pure heart and noble affection, such 
 as God giveth, and man hath kept unpolluted from stain, and 
 has not banished from his life. 
 
 " Wm. Penn, the Quaker, is a spirit — a man once in the body, 
 and in sin. But God took me home, and I live now in glory, 
 ripening into full blossom, when the summer heat of patience 
 shall have effected a perfect cure of all evils inherited through 
 the flesh. Command the people to taste of these simple joys. 
 Be the comfort of their souls, leading them to the joys of a life 
 in which they will become free, and in which turmoil will be 
 no more. 
 
 ' ' Brother Penn sees light for his friends in all directions ; 
 but it gives him suffering to see it cast aside, or ill used. God 
 is heavenly gracious to all, or we should, indeed, be without 
 his pity ; nay, under his supreme contempt. Lift yourselves 
 up to see the life of a spirit, and waste not a moment in wrong- 
 doing. It gives sorrow to God and his spirits ; and it will give 
 bitter grief to you, dear man, when God shall ask you to go to 
 your other abiding place. 
 
 " I feel much joy in coming to you. You are lifted into a 
 high sphere of action ; and may God show you your way, and 
 open the eyes of the people to take the benediction of a Father, 
 and not be rebellious or wayward. 
 
 " Wm. Penn is no longer a servant on earth, but a servant on 
 high, and does the will of the Father. All leads to good, and 
 God is the end. Amen ! So be it ! Wm. Penn, a leader." 
 
 COMMUSTCATION FEOM NAPOLEON BONAPAKTE. 
 
 On the evening of the 9th of February, a call was 
 made for Napoleon Bonaparte. A few minutes after 
 the name was spoken, the medium felt an extraordinary 
 control — ^powerful and violent — giving the impression 
 
104 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIOWS. 
 
 of intense activity and force, as well as great eagerness 
 to communicate. Some time elapsed before the spirit 
 could calm his emotions so as to write. The medium 
 was almost lifted up, the pencil was struck repeatedly 
 upon the paper, and the point broken off. Two or 
 three times, the medium was obliged to throw down 
 the pencil, as the force with which it was struck upon 
 the table hurt her hand. In a short time, howeTer, the 
 spirit's emotion seemed to subside ; and he then wrote 
 with considerable calmness. The communication is as 
 follows : — 
 
 "Napoleon Bonaparte [peculiar and obscure]. — Heaven 
 defend the cause. Save your souls. Love your Maker. Love 
 one another. Follow no man. Flee evil. Do good. Aim for 
 GOD. [Written with wonderful rapidity.] 
 
 " I am small — insignificant ; as worthless in mind, as I was 
 small in body — contemptible in the feelings of a MAN. 
 
 ' ' Man is a title to prize. Lift yourselves up to the true dig- 
 nity of your name. Great God ! ! ! You are in the image of 
 your Malier. Would to heareu I had felt the spirit power 
 stronger ! 
 
 "Work for man, and in this you work for God. Battle and 
 fight for freedom — not HEKB ; no, hereafter ; not for reptiles, 
 not for heathenish follies. No, my dear people. 
 
 ' ' Listen to the words of a spirit who commanded many armies 
 in the earth — sorrowfully I say it. To think I could allow men 
 to FIGHT ! O God ! peace is thy name, and thy home ; and 
 peaceful should it be to all ; and thus does the great Sovereign 
 Spirit design, and devise us to be with him in supreme love and 
 holy satisfaction. Complete victories hath no man ; but he that 
 seeks relief in help for his brethren sliall find pure satisfaction. 
 
 "My God ! the judgment of death took me to the depths of 
 despair. With so much applause for my actions on earth, 
 should I not receive more, mobb, in heaven ! Noble disappoint- 
 ment ! I am — what / am ! 
 
 "But my light is flying to softer realms; and joy comes 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUmCATIONS. 105' 
 
 to me now, as I go to reach my place of comfort. I now am no 
 longer in a desert ; I am gifted with great faculties ; and, while 
 nothing can take the past from mc, yet the present is delightful 
 to gaze upon ; and I wander around, and feel the nature of my 
 God in his Immense goodness to all of vis — no matter how small 
 or insignificant. Be it mortal, or animal, or insect, or reptile, 
 or tree, or flower, or life, in any fonn of matter, it cometh from 
 the Source of existence, the bounty of which you can never 
 understand until you are elevated into your next life of expan- 
 sion, in heavenly growth, to taste of joys such as the angels 
 know. Life is action — going on, and on, and on. 
 
 " Perhaps, you will give me a comfort, and take the words of 
 a general (who should have wrapt his men in the garments of 
 humility, instead of filling their minds with the • feelings of ha- 
 tred and revenge), and allow no wars to be waged among you, no 
 bickerings against one another, which may possibly lead to 
 death, and through this indirectly to destruotion. No man can 
 kill another without destroying himself as well, and that cer- 
 tainly with more SUFFERING in the act. Such is God's love, 
 that he that soweth shall reap his own harvest. So take heed, 
 my dearest people of God's beautiful earth, that you desecrate 
 not your country or yourselves by wickedness or crime ; but 
 sanctify all with great hope and heavenly benediction, 
 
 " Remember not the Emperor Napoleon. He has flown. But, 
 in the spirit of happy growth, he asks you to do well, and to 
 fight for the kingdom of glory and peace. 
 
 " May heaven defend your cause, and protect every soul unto 
 its perfect rest. Amen I Napoleon Bonaparte, a spirit." 
 
 It was suggested that he might wish to say something 
 for France ; but the medium was impressed to say : " All 
 countries are alike to me now." " Do you desire to say 
 anything else ? " was asked ; and the answer was : — 
 
 "No. Do everything for God ; and God will love you eter- 
 nally." 
 
 BUKR AND HAMILTOK. 
 
 In some respects, the most interesting and instructive 
 lesson afforded during this very wonderful experience, 
 
lOG SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 is presented by the two following communications from 
 Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The former was 
 requested to write on the 16th of February, 1879, and 
 immediately afterward Alexander Hamilton also com- 
 municated. When the name of Aaron Burr was pro- 
 nounced, with the wish that he would write a message 
 for the good of the world, the medium heard, as it 
 were, close to her ear, in a loud, harsh, prolonged stage 
 whisper, the cry of Mur . . .der ! followed by an ex- 
 clamation of extreme disgust — Pah! ! During the 
 writing, she saw the spirit as of a man feeling intense 
 inward suffering — shakuig his head in sorrow, his mouth 
 firmly compressed, and giving other indications of the 
 deepest remorse. When the communication was writ- 
 ten, he seemed to float away, looking back with an in- 
 tent gaze, and pointing to what had been written. 
 Burr's message is as follows : — • 
 
 " Aaron Burr, a spirit covered with blood ! I My dear 
 friend, I am grieved to thinlc you could remember a man so vile 
 in mortal flesh, — one vrhose name resounds the call from death — 
 one who longs for freedom — one who bears horror in his visage — 
 and one who is hopeless of a better state, from doom. " [The 
 editor said mentally : " God is kind and merciful."] 
 
 " Oh I I know God is kind ; and O, I am sure he is just, and 
 that lie abhors a bad action, whether toward himself or toward 
 his creature, man, in his image. But I long, O so much ! to 
 free myself from the pain in my breast. Can I never, never be 
 relieved from it 1 Shall I be forever tied and bound, with these 
 terrors of death upon me 1 O no ! I shall certainly get on — 
 and fast, too. But I shall still remember. 0, most fatal word — 
 and fact, to all of us ! Flee to any place you will, you can 
 never flee God's sight, God's love, and God's power. Immense 
 attractions I see in the distance, and I hover between two 
 spheres — one of darkness and the other of brightness itself. 
 God knows, I am seeking to get to the latter, where I shall be- 
 come stronger, and be able to cast aside my misfortune. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 107 
 
 " Dear friends, take care of yourselves. Cleanse and purify 
 yourselves. Be not near any tiling evil. One inch toward tlio 
 bad will carry you, without your knowledge, a mile away from 
 God. I tell you this from a sad experience, and one from which 
 I am now being well cleansed ; for I am now heading the even 
 track of progress. March ou, I say to my spirit. God is the 
 victory I would gain, God is the keeper of my spirit in prison, 
 and to him I appeal. Every word he listens to with sympathy 
 for my sufferings ; but how can he help me ? Did he do wrong ! 
 Did he say, Revenge ? Did Christ say, Take vengeance for all 
 misdeeds ? No ; emphatically, no. He gave the golden rule ; 
 he said ; ' Peace on earth — good-will toward men ; ' and ' Love 
 your enemies.' Ah ! there's the ruh. Why did I not see these 
 things in life ? What merit to slay and kill, and live for mctory 
 only f There is only one Victor ; and He is so gracious a one, 
 that you never feel yourself vanquished. Oh ' there again is 
 my trial ! O God ! deliver me from tliy spiritual presence of 
 supernal wrath of love ; and I shall abound with goodness, and 
 foster myself for a life in harmony. 
 
 ' ' So, farewell ! It pleaseth me to come, and relate my expe- 
 rience. Perchance, it may lift some soul from groveling so low 
 in the earth, that he cannot feel God in his heart. Attested He 
 will be on high ; and I pray for every one to mind sincerely his 
 Father's teachings of patience and goodness toward all ; and then 
 you will never reap the whirlwind of your own despair. Good 
 things lead to God ; so choose them, and leave no opportunities 
 for good unimproved. Your storehouse is in heaven. 
 
 " Good bye ! I am, in sorrow, your friend and champion for 
 the Eight. Aahon Burr, a, culprit. Amen ! " 
 
 The following was then written by the spirit of Alex- 
 ander Hamilton, the medium, who had been sorrow- 
 fully impressed with the preceding control, exclaiming. 
 " Oh ! this spirit is happy ! " 
 
 " Hamilton, an actor in the drama of hatred and suffering. 
 
 "I seek, my good friends, pardon and relief from a higher 
 source of comfort than mortal will comprehend. I fear no foe 
 fighting me now, having benedictions from glory. I am a meager, 
 spirit in my Father's home, and grieve many a time for my- 
 
108 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 
 
 comrade's fate ; but while spirit cannot take from spirit, al- 
 tliougli we wish it, yet he can. carry much to him by prayer 
 and uplifting praise. Glory to God in the highest ! proceedeth 
 out of my spirit's depths, that I, a weak mortal, should have 
 received so much kindness in my helpless condition of mind. 
 I assure you I found favor with many spirits on that day in 
 which my fate was sealed, or I should have lost my way, amid 
 so many kinds of cheer that greeted my entrance in the spirit 
 life. I felt stunned at first. I felt mystified, and chagrined, to 
 come so suddenly in the face of my Creator. But mystifica- 
 tion soon gave way to insight ; and, with this power, came 
 activity and growth ; and from these two latter means of grace, 
 I felt encouragement and happiness. 
 
 ' ' But, alas ! one cord drew me ever to the earth ; and that tie 
 was the change of feeling I experienced toward Aaron, my 
 slayer. [The cry of Blood! Blood! was here heard by the 
 medium.] It hurts me to say this. I cannot tell you how 
 much it pains me to repeat it ; but he will forgive it ; and why 
 need I fear mortal man's derision or exultation, when the 
 ' Culprit ' forgives me, and pardons his own doom ? Ah, me ! 
 A sad tale altogether to me ! And while I clasp my friend's 
 hand [the medium here saw both stand — Burr mute and pass- 
 ive, and Hamilton grasp one of his hands in both his own, and 
 shake it with emotion] in mine, I pray that heartfelt sympathy 
 will reap its reward, and that God will hearken to the prayers 
 of his humble servant, and your obedient friend, in the com- 
 panionship of Aaron, my esteemed friend, always the same. 
 " Gratefully and persuasively, I am 
 
 "Alex. Hamilton, a missionary." 
 
 OA .' wliy cannot that sad affair he forgotten, ulten you are both 
 so forgiving — so kind and louing to eacli other f 
 
 "Memory will outlast time ! " 
 
 But why should the memory be so sad and poignant ? 
 
 " It is not always so ; but you bring sad associations by means 
 of your call and questions." 
 
 0, lam sorry ; but is it not for a good cause f 
 
 " Yes ; a heavenly cause ! Amen 1 " 
 
 The great lesson taught in these communications is 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 109 
 
 that the spirit, when freed from the chains and darkness 
 of flesh, is able to see things in their proper relations to 
 God, humanity, and himself; and when thus enlightened 
 finds the remembrance of his evil deeds the most terri- 
 ble punishment that can be conceived ;* while the clear- 
 ness and permanence of that remembrance make the fate 
 of the sinner inexpressibly dreadful, confronted as he is 
 with his own wickedness and the infinite purity and 
 love of his Creator. Fearful examples of this are yet 
 to be presented. 
 
 roMMUNICATIOK FROM WASFTINGTOJST lEVING. 
 
 Beautiful, and soothing to the mind, after a perusal 
 of the preceding communications — so sad, yet so natu- 
 ral, is the following from the pure, gentle, and blissful 
 spirit of the gifted and genial writer, Washington 
 Irving. It was given immediately after that from Ham- 
 ilton, these three remarkable messages being written in 
 
 * The editor is reminded here of those two verses written hy an unknown 
 hand on a blank leaf of a copy of Rogers's Pleasures of Me-mm-y : — 
 Pleasures of Memory ! — oh ! supremely blest, 
 
 And justly proud beyond a poet's praise, 
 If the pure confines of thy tranquil breast 
 Contain, indeed, the subject of thy lays 1 
 By me how envied I — for to me 
 The herald still of misery. 
 Memory makes her influence known 
 By sighs, and tears, and grief alone. 
 I greet her as the fiend, to whom belong 
 The vulture's ravening beak, the raven s funeral song. 
 She tells of time misspent, of comfort lost, 
 
 of fair occasions gone forever by ; 
 Of hopes too fondly nursed, too rudely crossed. 
 Of many a cause to wish, yet fear, to die ; 
 For what except th' instinctive fear 
 Lest she survive, detains me here, 
 When " all the life of life " is fled ? 
 What, but the deep inherent dread. 
 Lest she beyond Ute grave resume her reign, 
 And realize the hell that priests and b^dams feign ? 
 
lip SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION!?. 
 
 the short space of a little over an hour. What human 
 genius could have executed such a wonder ! 
 
 " Washington Irving. — My best friends, what may I store 
 your minds witli, in these happy unions of celestial felicity? 
 May the light brought to your minds, never be received with- 
 out a good and happy result to the well-being of your souls in 
 terrestrial bliss ! Bliss should encompass your lives, in pain or 
 pleasure ; for ' weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh 
 in the morning ; ' and there is rest at last. Benefit your souls 
 by your powers of reason. I entreat you to fulfil God's laws of 
 nature. Simple and unaffected you will always find them ; and 
 perfect, as all pure things are. 
 
 "I remind you of a neat little person, now in the home of his 
 Master, and surrounded with fruits and other stores of bless- 
 ings, which I taste and enjoy daily, and which I distribute 
 daily to minor spirits, waiting always for a kind benediction of 
 help and hope. 'Tis the greatest joy I have — that of imparting 
 to others the means of happiness in the celestial spheres. 
 
 " Believe me, my kindred, my life is made up of the desire 
 to do good deeds for my neighboring spirit friends. Not 
 enough can I ever do to be satisfied. The more I can do, the 
 more joyously calm I feel. Glorious place of perfect felicity ! 
 I taste of thee with heavenly outpouring of thanks. May 
 blessings from Heaven enlighten your minds and hearts, my 
 beloved friends, to know the treasures of your home in Christ, 
 /feel them, and there is much love sent you for these teachings 
 in the second coming of Christ. None of them should be lost, 
 but should be made to meet the demand for comprehension and 
 good living. I feel the strength of what I say to you grow, as 
 I repeat it ; and I trust it will lead you to higher motives of 
 interest than merely geography, history, arithmetic, etc. — all 
 good things in their particular ways ; but there is a greater 
 work behind them, which should not be forgotten. But, I 
 sadly say it, that is a science benighted or lost. However, I 
 feel God's strength is upon the world ; and he will take pity ' 
 upon men, and bring their minds into the united religion of 
 brotherhood — call it Spiritualism, or universal salvation. 
 
 ' ' May the time prove near for the redemption, or, I should 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. HI 
 
 say, the relief, of men's souls ; for all are redeemed through 
 God's Son, Christ, who answers for us in heaven, at the last. 
 But he can never fill our places, nor grant us remission ; hut 
 each will receive his own damning qualities of flesh, or merit 
 his great purification from sin's stain. 
 
 " God bless you, my brothers in the flesh. May God show 
 you a kind face, and lift you up beyond the requirement of 
 pardon, or any infelicity. Amen. 
 
 "As Christ liveth, so I live — the spirit of a humble poet and 
 writer upon God's earth. Washington Irving, 
 
 " A Philanthropist at large." 
 COMMUNICATION'S FROM PEINCE ALBERT. 
 
 Prince Albert was called on the evening of the 26th 
 of January, 1879. The medium deseribed him as com- 
 ing down from above, and in front of her — a tall, hand- 
 some man, dressed in a black dress suit — moving very 
 rapidly. The following was written : — 
 " Prince in the earth ; 
 Spiritdn the heavens ; 
 God is my love ; 
 With God always near me. 
 
 " Thanks be to Him, from a bounteous expanse I come now, 
 with rapture and endless song, as a symbol, to teach mankind 
 the resurrection of the world, and the destiny of nations. 
 
 "Beloved friends, and best loved subjects of the Kingdom of 
 Christ, be very upright and kind in all your doings while in the 
 flesh. Ambition should goad you on ; but it should be on and 
 up — higher and higher, purer and freer — not cramped by preju- 
 dice, or useless desires for mortal gain. The example of Christ 
 will show you the true way of life. Do not deceive yourselves, 
 one to another, that false were the prophets of old ; for God 
 knows no age, neither does he count the sun's revolutions. 
 
 "Greater love hath God, the Father, for you, dear mortal, 
 than for many, many of his works of a different description. 
 Noble are you : believe this, and feel it, making it so sure, that 
 no barrier will conceal it from you, under its shadow. No flight 
 of birds should be purer than the mortal soul in its flight to its 
 
112 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONa. 
 
 home. I marvel and grieve that the weakness ot men will let 
 so many follies govern their lives, 
 
 ' ' From God do you grow into your final developments. Then 
 why not begin here, and make them true to himself? Look at 
 the kings of Normandy and France. They were treacherous and 
 wild. No incitement of truth was shown to them. They were 
 mighty in life, but fallen in death. Sad, just kindred, to me it 
 seems, a fallen monarch myself. Never greater purity could 
 mortal reach than can the children of God who live upon the 
 soil of freedom. Homage, dear patrons, is due from all, but to 
 Him only who governeth all. Every one will taste the joys of 
 Bis reign, and that in the time of His appointment, and with 
 no ill gain. Each is responsible for his every action to God, 
 and no man can assume to dictate to God's power. But see, 
 and know, that I, a spirit, am where no effort is made to show 
 me respect ; for all can see perfectly well, at a glance, or a 
 thought, the adornment of grace the spirit has here. 
 
 " I was a pacific prince ; thank God, I can say it ! And to 
 him I will give the homage due to the King of kings, through 
 endless ages and devious wanderings. Press on. Go up, up, 
 and meet us who await you. 
 
 " Affectionately, your brother spirit, 
 
 " Albert of Englakd." 
 
 Perhaps you would be pleased to address a few lines to your 
 wife — the Queen. 
 
 ' ' Beautiful wife — a purer title than high-toned queen, — would 
 that I could greet you as of yore ! But the river of life is short, 
 and the boats of time are swift, to carry you far away, and near 
 the shore on which stands your duteous consort, now a subject 
 of heaven. Aim higher, blessed wife. (See, I love to repeat 
 this term of private endearment ; although, coming through the 
 public, you.may, I fear, regard it as a desecration.) But no harm 
 can befall you on earth, or in heaven, if you have gained the 
 true power to bring joy to your home. I am near you, as near 
 as ever, and watch and protect you by every means of strength 
 and comfort I possess. 
 
 "Bless God, Queen Victoria, your days are passing into the 
 bright realms of joy and peace, there to accept the reign of love 
 from God, our Father, and the giver of life. 
 
SPIRITUAL G0MMUNI0ATI0N8. 113 
 
 " Feel.sympatliy for me, who was born in sin, and pray for 
 the people, that they may sing the hymn of praise — ' Glory to 
 God on high, peace on earth, and good will toward men. 
 Amen ! ' " 
 
 We liope to he able to send these messages abroad. 
 
 " Repeat, and spread them far and wide. This will, at least, 
 open a free channtel. I am so earnest to show to the world, 
 God is love ! No bondage should exist on earth, while heaven 
 is so free — purely fbbb. Bless you, Albert." 
 
 "With the communication from this noble prince, this 
 section of the work is closed. Apparently, it might 
 have been prolonged indefinitely ; and the editor hopes 
 to receive still other messages of love and truth from 
 the " lost of earth," but found in heaven. 
 
 Oh, what a revelation does this chapter of a most 
 wonderful experience present ! All that the truly wise 
 have spiritually seen, all that the good and pure have 
 hoped for, when, rising above " sickening doubts " and 
 o^en dark despair, they could see the truth mirrored in 
 the innermost depths of their souls, is here shown as 
 God's truth. For, from beyond death's bourn the trav- 
 eler does return, and tell to listening humanity the won- 
 drous story of his immortal destiny; so that the glori- 
 ous words of our venerated bard depict to us no fig- 
 ment of a heated imagination, when he says : — 
 " In the room 
 Of this grief -shadowed Present, there shall be 
 A Present in whose reign no grief shall gnaw 
 The heart, and never shall a tender tie 
 Be broken ; — in whose reign the eternal change 
 That waits on growth and action shall proceed 
 With everlasting concord, hand in hand."* 
 
 *W. C. Brtant, The Flood of Tears. 
 
114 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 SPIRITS IN THE LOWER SPHERES. 
 Tlieir Sufferings, Repentance, and Conversion. 
 
 "As I live, saith tie Lord (3tod, I have no pleasure in the 
 death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way 
 and live." — Ezekiel xxxiii. 11. 
 
 " Christ also suffered for sins once ; a just person for un- 
 just persons, that he might bring us to God, being put to death 
 in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit : in which he also went 
 and preached unto the spirits in prison." — 1 Peter iii. 18, 19. 
 
 Perhaps, the most remarkable phase of the experi- 
 ences recorded in this book is that which refers to com- 
 munications received from spirits of the lower grade, or 
 gradf-s, — sometimes called " unprogressed spirits." The 
 revelation comprised in these communications presents, 
 however, spirits in various states, or degrees of pro- 
 gression, but all properly coming under the general 
 designation of spirits in the loioer spheres, or suffering 
 spirits. Probably, the diversities of character and con- 
 dition among the spirits of the departed, like those of 
 human nature on earth, are infinite ; so that it is impos- 
 sible perfectly to classify the spirits, or discriminate the 
 spheres in such a way as to show, in separate and dis- 
 tinct categories, the exact characteristics of any consid- 
 erable number of these " dark spirits." The editor does 
 not feel inclined to theorize, but to narrate facts, from 
 which the reader may draw his own conclusions. That 
 the remarkable fact of spirit progression in the " dark 
 world " may be clearly seen, as it has been shown in 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. US 
 
 these experiences, the communications from these spirits 
 will be severally presented, but all in the order of 
 time, so that the amelioration in the state of each may- 
 be understood, in connection with the other phenomena 
 presented. 
 
 I. 
 
 Among the first communications written by the me- 
 dium was, as already stated, the following: "Please 
 pray for your many friends, who are suffering, gone 
 away as your ." 
 
 The first communication addressed to the editor, in 
 response to the question, " Who is desirous of commu- 
 nicating with me ? " was the following [May 18, 1878] : — 
 
 ' ' Spirit of " [naming a relative]. 
 
 What is your condition f 
 
 " I am a very poor spirit, as I do not see the Lord." 
 
 Why not ? 
 
 " I was too slow in good works." 
 
 WJiat do you desire ? 
 
 "Pray for me. Ask all my friends to pray for me ; for it 
 makes me feel very much better." 
 
 Subsequently, very many conversations were held 
 with this spirit through the mediumship of the editor's 
 little son.* A small portion of these colloquies is here 
 given : — 
 
 Sow long hwee you been in the spirit world ? 
 
 * The Budden and startling development of this mediumship in the editor^s 
 family must strike even the casual reader as a most wonderful occurrence. 
 In connection \vith all the facts that have been given through these mediums, 
 the editor cannot but believe that it was a dispensation of Providence to en- 
 able him to present these facts concerning the future life — so momentous 
 to mankind— to the world. Besides, by having these two excellent mediums 
 always accessible, and beyond the slightest suspicion of collusion and im- 
 posture (to which other and paid mediums are always subject), the editor 
 has- possessed a far better means of investigating this kind of spirit inter- 
 course than has been permitted to most others. 
 
116 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 " Six or eight years." [Sliould liave been about six and a half 
 years.] 
 
 Save you ieen suffering since then f 
 
 "Yes ; I have been sorrowing all the time, until I found a 
 way to send you a message through your daughter and son." 
 
 Would you like to send a message to your children ? 
 
 " Yes ; tell them to try to go to God in this world ; and tell 
 them they will be much happier, if they do. 0, beg them to do 
 so for their father's sake ; for he has suifered enough, because 
 he neglected his duties to God on earth."* 
 
 Is it light or dark where you are ? 
 
 " Quite dark, — with uuhappiness. " 
 
 How does our praying for you affect you ? 
 
 " I become brighter and happier all the time." 
 
 Did you ever communicate through any medium premous to 
 
 wr 
 
 "No." 
 
 How did you know you could write through Emma ? 
 
 ' ' I heard from MoUie that she could make Emma write ; and 
 she told me to try and communicate through her also." 
 
 The above is but a very small part of many conversa- 
 tions on successive days, continued for several weeks and 
 referring to many topics, some of a private character. 
 The responses were written by the hand of the child 
 with wonderful facility and reailiness. On one occa- 
 sion it was asked ; " How do you write through the 
 medium ?" and the reply was, "By putting what I wish 
 to say into his mind." On Sunday, June 9th, the fol- 
 lowing was said in course of a brief colloquy : — 
 
 Do you know what day this is ? 
 
 " Yes ; the day of holy rest.'' 
 
 * This person gave but little attention to religious matters during hie life, 
 being entirely engrossed in his business. His life was, as far as known, in- 
 offensive, and chavaoterized by faithfulness in his earthly duties ; he was 
 punctiliously honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, and In his domestic 
 relations above reproach ; but, alas ! he made no adequate preparation for 
 thai spiritual state of being which stretches oat, eternally, beyond this mun- 
 dane sphere. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 117 
 
 I>o you rest on tM Sabbath f 
 " No ; we never tire." 
 
 Are you sorry you did not keep the Sabhath more regularly 
 wlien on earth? 
 
 " Yes ; very sorry. If I had served God as faithfully as 1 
 performed my other duties, he would not leave me in this 
 place." 
 
 Do spirits feel pain f 
 
 "Yes ; spiritual pain, not bodily pain, but much worse." 
 
 Do wicked spirits inflict pain upon each other? 
 
 " Yes ; by teasing them." 
 
 Have you suffered from this cause ? 
 
 "Yes ; they would follow me and mock me." 
 
 Have they any control over you ? 
 
 " Yes ; to some extent — similar to what they have on earth, 
 only more." 
 
 W/iere are these very wicked spirits f 
 
 " All over, and in bad homes," 
 
 Why don't they remain where they belong ? 
 
 " They cannot stay there," 
 
 Are spirits punished everlastingly? 
 
 ' ' Yes ; if they do not repent, " 
 
 What is hell? 
 
 ' ' The Worst of all troubles. '' 
 
 Is it merely a state. ? 
 
 " No ; I think those evil spirits are in the planets which can- 
 not be seen by the eye of man, being too near the sun, — some 
 BO near as to be burned up." 
 
 Can the evil spirits be burned so as to be annihilated f 
 
 " No ; they are reserved for further spiritual life ; for the 
 spirits live on, only they suffer more. "* 
 
 Who are these evil spirits ? 
 
 " Wicked people whom the devil has conquered." 
 
 IVho is the devil ? 
 
 ' ' I don't know ; because I never saw him. Please do not ask 
 
 * It must be bofne in mind that this spirit Is not an advanced one, and com- 
 municates only as far as he knows. What he says is to be compared with the 
 statements of higher spirits. His truthfulness, however, la unquestionable, 
 as the editor believes. 
 
118 SPIRITUAL OOMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 me such a question ; for it makes me feel very bad, since it 
 seems to me tliat you tliink I am with the devil. " 
 
 / ask pardon ; we will speak of good spirits. " 
 
 On another occasion, this spirit was requested to send 
 a message to a relative, who is not leading a good life, 
 for the purpose of influencing him to reform. The hoy 
 medium wrote, under the spirit influence, for the space 
 of nearly an hour, in awful silence, for the communica- 
 tion was of the most startling character. A portion 
 only is here given : — 
 
 ' ' Dear : Do try, for my sake, to be a better man ; for 
 
 you are fast approaching death, and (I am sorry I must say 
 it) Hell. Be better ; be better. Oh ! believe that it is your 
 
 who is writing this message. In the name of the Father, 
 
 Son, and Holy Ghost, I say, believe it is I, who say to you that 
 you must be a better man ; for, if you are not, you will have to 
 suffer all the torments of Hell. 
 
 ' ■ I write this message at the request of , who is a good 
 
 woman, in the belief in God's merciful forgiveness ; and she 
 desires that you should reform, so that instead of enduring the 
 suilerings of hell, you may enjoy the happiness of heaven, 
 where you can see Jesus, and not the devil. 
 
 ' ' O my dear , again I say, be better. I was wicked, and 
 
 I have suffered much ; but I am afraid your sufferings will be 
 greater. Indeed, ,1 cannot tell you how intense your sufferings 
 will be in this world of spirits, if you do not become better. 
 Oh ! be a changed man, and repent of what you have done ! " 
 
 The spirit then proceeded to enumerate with singu- 
 lar precision all the circumstances under which themes- 
 sage was written, writing the full name of every one in^ 
 the room. It was a most startling occurrence, for the 
 slightest idea that such a piece of composition could 
 have emanated, consciously or unconsciously, from any 
 one present, would have been preposterous to the very 
 last degree. No; it was a warning from the other 
 world, not only for him to whom it was addressed, but 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 119 
 
 to all who are living in blind, foolish, and wicked forget- 
 fulness of their destiny, either of happiness or misery, 
 in the eternal world. 
 
 Other communications from the same spirit will now 
 be presented. These were written through the me- 
 diumship of the editor's daughter. 
 
 [July 5. J " your sincere — — , from the throne of grace, 
 
 comes to bless you. Many foolisli- sins I have had to regret ; 
 but I feel they are vanishing from my sight, lilce dew, in the 
 might of love. Many were my faults through blindness, which 
 never can be your pardoning excuse, after these manifestations 
 
 of God's love. Do not be weary, my dear, dear . I fondly 
 
 see. you are going on in Gfod's appointed walk. Thank Heaven, 
 you are saved from many sorrows I have felt. 
 
 " Ever, sincerely, ." 
 
 Again, after prayers had been offered for another suf- 
 fering spirit, who had solicited them, the same spirit 
 wrote as follows [July 7] : — 
 
 " My dear , pray for us all. All are needy of help from 
 
 God. At least I am, for my desires are not satisfied yet. I 
 was a poor spirit : now I am a little higher than then ; but my 
 hope is to see God as the angels see him. I feel my sins to be 
 many ; but God is just and merciful, long suffering, and of great 
 kindness. So all, I think, will be fulfilled to my heart's fondest 
 wishes. My friends were not of my own choosing, for they 
 were uncongenial ; but, thanlis be to God Almighty ! I am re- 
 leased from them, and I feel almost in heaven. Bless you all 
 with heavenly goodness. I wish you heaven's happiness." 
 
 On the 16th of July, the same spirit wrote in a more 
 sorrowful tone : — 
 
 " God bless your heart, my dear . Help me out of this 
 
 darkness to the light of God's face. Help me to see that my 
 sins in the flesh are all forgiven. My hope is in your kindness 
 to show me the path out of here. Bless you forever ! May God 
 make me to see his light, for my soul's blackness envelops me 
 too thickly." 
 
120 spinrruAL communkjations. 
 
 The following prayer was then writlen by a higher 
 spirit, in order to assist the suflFering one : — 
 
 ■ ' merciful Father, sliow this spirit his fallen nature, and 
 malve him pure through the love of Christ, who shed his blood 
 for all wealc spirits. Look with pity upon him ! Behold his 
 heart's repentance ! Thy love must sustain him through his 
 trials and punishment. Lord, have mercy upon him." 
 
 On the 18th of August, the medium, addressing the 
 
 same spirit, said : " My dear , God bless you ! 
 
 I hope you are advancing rapidly." To this the follow- 
 ing response was written ; — 
 
 ' ' O, yes ! I am quite contented with my state at present, hut, 
 of course, should like to reach a higher goal, if possible ; and 
 must use my powers in a true direction, so as to obtain a better 
 home for my soul. Seek ye the upper kingdoms ; then ye will 
 not fail to be pleased with your heavenly condition." 
 
 On the 31st of August, tbrough the other medium, 
 the following colloquy was held : — 
 
 What is your condition now ? 
 "Happier." 
 
 What did you mean ly saying your friends were not of your 
 own cJioosing f 
 
 ■" When I died, they chose me, not I them.'" 
 
 You mean wicked spirits f 
 
 " Yes, but I have tried better friends." 
 
 All the communications from this spirit cannot be 
 presented ; they are very numerous, and some refer to 
 private matters. Only one other is here given, written 
 through the child medium [Nov. 24, 1878] :— 
 
 " is here, and greets you with a pure and heavenly 
 
 heart, such as before I had not ; but by your aid, and that of my 
 other friends, I am partly reliovfd from my terrible pcsition." 
 
 We hope y-ou will soon, be entirely relieved. 
 
 " Soon is not the word, I have not yet suffered the punish- 
 ment for my evil doings in the world," 
 
 How are you new occupied? 
 
8FIRITUAL OOMMUmOATIONS. 121 
 
 " Helping, and praying, by the will of God and through his 
 ■word, for very wicked spirits here and in the flesh. This is 
 helping me very much." 
 
 Do you see these mry had spirits ? 
 
 " Not in my sphere, but In the spheres to which my Heavenly 
 Father sends me, through Jesus Christ. I have progressed from 
 the sphere of Saturn, which is one of the places for the doom of 
 evil spirits." 
 
 Yov, mean yon are acting by the direction of Christ ? 
 
 " My Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, sends me to the 
 worlds of doom. God's will is Christ's will." 
 
 /< it bright where you are now ? 
 
 ' ' Yes, yes, to me ; but to the higher spirits it is as dark as a 
 dungeon. " 
 
 Sow do you know it is so dark to the higher spirits ? 
 
 " God's sphere is so bright, that no other light ever seemed 
 so brilliant. That light, compared to the liglit where I am, is 
 incomprehensible to beings on earth. "* 
 
 III the lower spheres, does it appear dark to the wicked sjnrits? 
 
 "Yes, yes ; awful." 
 
 Are there any spirits without hope f 
 
 "Only bad spirits." 
 
 Will all be saved f 
 
 "Yes ; all will be brought to the light. If they cannot see it 
 themselves, Christ will for them.f But not all so soon as Ihave 
 been ; I feel I am a very privileged spirit. Oh ! oceans of love 
 are in my heart for you all. '' 
 
 ♦The following? Scripture texts illustrate tliis remark: " Giving thanks 
 unto the Father, which made us meet for the portion of the inheritance of the 
 eaints in light ; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and trans- 
 lated US into the kingdom of the Son of his love."— Colossians i. 12, 13. 
 
 " The blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords ; 
 who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable."—! Timothy 
 vi. 15, 16. 
 
 " Who called you out of darkness to his marvelous light." — 1 Peter ii, n. 
 
 " God is light, and in him is no darkness at all — 1 John i. 5 
 
 See also Revelation xxi. 11, 2.3 ; xxii. 5. 
 
 t " For even as in Adam all die, so also In Christ shall all be made alive. '* 
 1 Cor. XV. 38. 
 
122 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 II. 
 
 Another series of communications will now be pre- 
 sented, affording a similar example of suffering, as the 
 consequence of a misspent life, but of a severer charac- 
 ter and without the same degree of amelioration. This 
 spirit was referred to in the first communications as one 
 of those who "had gone away," and for whom prayers 
 were asked. He was among the first to manifest him- 
 self ; and, after his name was written, the following 
 conversation took place [May, 1878] :— 
 
 What do you wish to say ? 
 
 " I am in trouble." 
 
 Are you improving ? 
 
 " I cannot. I am in great trouble ; so lieJp me, as I am in the 
 lowest way. 1 am very miserable. Do pray to God for me. 
 He will certainly belp my condition." 
 
 Do you have hope? 
 
 " Hope is my lieaven." 
 
 Are you sorry you did not lead a more reiigious life in this 
 world ? 
 
 "0, yes ; very sorry indeed." 
 
 Have you any friends and companions? 
 
 " Yes ; 1 liave too many." 
 
 Why too many ? 
 
 " Too many like myself. They are wicked in every way." 
 
 What el«e do you desire to say ? 
 
 " Please do not forget what I have told you. I am in great 
 trouble.'' 
 
 Anything else? 
 
 " No ; that is all. God is good and merciful." 
 
 This is but a part of the conversation, much of it 
 referring to private matters connected with his family, 
 and perfectly identifying the spirit. The person referred 
 to had deceased about eleven years previously. The 
 medium had never known him. The chief fault of his 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 123 
 
 life was intemperance and its attendant misdoings. 
 During the next two months, there were only occasional, 
 and very brief, communications from this unhappy 
 spirit, consisting chiefly of short ejaculations and peti- 
 tions for prayers. Once another spirit wrote, interced- 
 ing for him : — 
 
 "Pray for . Helpliimto (Jod. Help liini to see tliat 
 
 Ills meanness of soul is from liis wicked life of sin. O Clod, 
 look, I beseech tliee, on the sorrow of his heart." 
 
 On the 28th of July, he communicated as follows : — 
 " Help me. Hell is my home, but you are sending me God's 
 light. Pray for me, I beseech you, in the Father's holy and al- 
 mighty name of love. Forever I will bless you, with such 
 everlasting power that you will certainly feel its benefit — atleast 
 it seems so to me." [Prayer offered.] " Thank you all. You 
 are the awakening of my soul from despair. How much I could 
 tell you ! Oh ! Oh ! Keep the love of <jod in your hearts for- 
 ever and ever. Amen ! Amen ! " 
 
 On the 24th of August, the following was written by 
 the same, in answer to an inquiry in regard to his pro- 
 gi-ess : — 
 
 " I wish I vi^as farther on ; but I thank GOD* that, through 
 repentant suffering, I am no longer lost to Heaven's light. 
 Heaven send you more aid to help the weak into true paths. 
 
 This is the desire of your penitent ," 
 
 Have the good spirits helped youf 
 "Yes, all do well to me a sinner." 
 
 With the exception of the writing of the name, and 
 very brief supplications for aid, no message was received 
 from this spirit until TSTovember 15th, when a commu- 
 nication having been written by the spirit of the editor's 
 
 * The writing of this spirit was rapid and emotional ; bnt lie wrote the 
 name of tlie Supreme Being with a slowness implying great reverence ; and 
 not only that, but stopped and drew two parallel circles around it. This 
 apparent reverence, or ratlier awe, felt by ihe darkest spirits towards their 
 Heavenly Father, has been shown in many remarkable ways. 'Ihis is a 
 point of great interest and snggestiveness, and will be refen-cd to further on. 
 
124 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 daughter — apparently a guardian angel— the question 
 was asked, " Do you ever see ," which was an- 
 swered as follows : — 
 
 " Yes ; I wish lie was not so forlorn a spirit. Wliy, oli 1 wliy 
 does he not try to rise to bright things ? We are never weary 
 in seeking for him ; but he always feels afraid of us, and says : 
 ' No, no, no ; not yet can I leave my place ; and I am not to be 
 sought for in these dark places. I will help myself, if God is 
 willing.' He will come, if you wish it; and perhaps you 
 can secure his thoughts for a good purpose. Sorry, soiiky, 
 SORRY I " 
 
 Will you bring liim, dear MolUe ? 
 
 [Change — heavy irregular letters.] " is here, in 
 
 the hope of heaven." 
 
 [One of those present (a relative) wept ; when it was written :] 
 •' , don't weep. You will malce me wild ! " 
 
 Do you advance toward a better slate f 
 
 ■• , as the tree falls, does it not lie ? After my past con- 
 sumed years of anguish for you all, is it not RIUHT that I 
 should suffer in my turn ? When this spirit shall forget the 
 past misfortunes in his earthly living, then he can ask of God 
 what he may do for him ; but not while this feeling is upon 
 me, could I supplicate God for a relief from sorrow. It is my 
 own just, MERITED punishment ; and, merciful and right- 
 eous Father, I am Jiappy in saying Amen ! " 
 
 Do our prayers aid you ? 
 
 " Yes, if you are forgiving." 
 
 Do you like to come to us ? 
 
 " Yes ; Oh ! so much ! It is the comfort of a living death ! " 
 
 Do you tliinlc you will soon become happier ? 
 
 " Yes ; please God, it will not be long before I shall have cast 
 away my bondage to sin ; and, with hope as my leader, I shall 
 soon be among the living." 
 
 Do you desire to send any word to your relatives? 
 
 " Tell them all to pray for me ; and God will never forsake 
 them in their kindness and humility." 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 125 
 
 III. 
 
 The next illustration presented is a still more remark- 
 able one. It is that of a very gifted man, who died in 
 this city in 1869, with startling suddenness and under 
 very painful circumstances. He had been exceedingly 
 prominent in the political world, and had filled with 
 distinction several positions of great dignity and re- 
 sponsibility. In his special field of effort, he had but 
 few superiors; and had his moral and spiritual culture 
 been equal to his intellectual power, this painful narra- 
 tive would never have been written. Acquainted per- 
 sonally, but to a very limited extent, with the editor, and 
 connected by marriage with his family, he early com- 
 municated, writing his name without being called ; in- 
 deed, when he was not in the thoughts of any one pres- 
 ent. The first of these messages was written on the 
 31st of May, as follows [the editor only being present 
 with the medium] : — 
 
 [Name written]. What do you wish to say f 
 
 " My dear Mr. Kiddle, I am glad to speak with you. You are 
 well protected by teachers of God's heaven. "* 
 
 Who are they f 
 
 " Those who are above you in the world of spirits." 
 
 What is your condition f 
 
 " Not very happy. " 
 
 Do you still take an interest in, the affairs of this world ? 
 
 " Yes ; we are very anxious to help your high cause of educa- 
 tion." 
 
 A few other questions were asked, and answered, as 
 with an effort to discourage, on the editor's part, all fur- 
 ther spiritual intercourse. This, however, as was after- 
 ward clearly shown, was either through ignorance or 
 ■ insincerity. In the mean time, other dark spirits had 
 
 * i hat is, by the good spirits surrouncling us. 
 
126 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 communicated, sometimes railing, sometimes mocking, 
 never, however, using any words bordering on profan- 
 ity or blasphemy. Tiiis was repulsive and startling at 
 first ; but the right manner to deal with these unpro- 
 gressed spirits was soon made known to the medium 
 and those with her. Thus, on such an occasion [July 
 4], the following was written by the medium, from a 
 well-known spirit, and addressed to herself : — 
 
 " My dear Emma, I like to see you writing witlx God's angels 
 of mercy ; but be careful not to favor too much some who come 
 to offer you assistance, but with bad intent. You must say a 
 prayer for them ; and then thsy will depart with God's com- 
 mand. Never fear. All is well with your heart. Do not be 
 discouraged. God is your helper." 
 
 The course here indicated had already been, but was 
 afterwards still more earnestly, carried out ; and the 
 truth was illustrated that prayer is truly the great laoral 
 and spiritual force of the universe. The 2:>ersonali,iy of 
 God was never more effectually demonstrated than 
 through this wonderful experience ; and the offering up 
 of prayer to the Heavenly Father of all spirits truly 
 brought his blessing and protection, enabled the good 
 spirits to assist us, and effectually disarmed the malice 
 of the evil ones. God is indeed the Monarch of the 
 Universe; and those who love and reverence him, with 
 perfect faith and trust, need fear nothing; for he can 
 say with the Psalmist: "Though I walk through the 
 valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for 
 thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort 
 me." 
 
 " You do well," said a spirit friend, " to send for bless- 
 ings to heaven's Father.'' " Never fear," said another ; 
 " we are in strength to-night through your PRAyERS.'' 
 
BPIRITBAL COMMTTNICATIONS. 127 
 
 " Be firm believfers," said another, " in God's strength, 
 love, and mercy." 
 
 Such was the beautiful lesson so impressively taught 
 in this seemingly mysterious manner. No need, says 
 the religionist, to go to the spirits to learn this, it hav- 
 ing been so clearly taught by God's revelation through 
 the Holy Scriptures. True, it is most plainly taught by 
 them ; but is faith in and love toward God so strong or 
 so common among the sons of men, that they cannot be 
 benefited by more revelation from the All-Merciful 
 One ? Consider : this truth is taught in the Psalms of 
 David ; and yet Christ came to awaken men's minds to 
 the glories of spiritual truth, and to give them the great 
 law, " Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy 
 heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." 
 
 It was on a Sunday evening (July 7th), that the spirit 
 of the person above referred to again communicated, 
 writing as follows : — 
 
 " H. E. would have your prayers for God's mercy. I am in 
 trouble of mind wliich I hope to relieve. Please pray for my 
 soul in God's Mgli anger and punishment, for many misdeeds 
 which I need not explain." 
 We wiU all pray for you. 
 " Thank you ! " 
 Gan you not pray yourself ? 
 
 " I don't know how to pray now. ' God be merciful to me a 
 sinner.' " 
 
 Tou will feel God's mercy yet. 
 ' ' Might I hope so, I should be happy." 
 Then was written from S. R., the sister-in-law of the 
 repentant spirit — a lady of great purity and loveliness 
 of character on earth, whose spirit messages have been 
 already referred to : — 
 
 " My dear Henry, ever will I bless you. Help my brother to 
 Bee his way to happiness and love. We all see but cannot assist 
 
128 SPIRITUAL OOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 liim yet — not until his heart is feeling his wickedness, although 
 our fondest desires are for Ms good. As yet, we have been pre- 
 vented by his heaviness from helping him to heaven. Many are 
 looking upon your work with hope for your soul's salvation and 
 happiness to come. Blessed is he who helps the sick and needy ; 
 for he shall see God forever. Amen. Sarah, with her Father's 
 blessing on your hearts. Amen ! Amen ! " 
 
 From the same repentant spirit, July 9th : — 
 
 ' ' May God give me grace to ascend ! Lord, have mercy ! 
 May God send his blessing upon your heads ! Lord, have mer- 
 cy upon me, a heavy sinner ! Look with compassion and love 
 upon my sorrow ! " 
 
 From the same, July 10th : — 
 
 " Blood of Christ, make me pure. Eepentance is my hope. I 
 am better already. My many sins are all forgiven. H. R. is a 
 better spirit. Thanlis be to God for his goodness." 
 
 Can you do good to others f Thin will help you much. 
 
 " I will try. I will bring a friend of mine with me the next 
 time I come. Tou wUl be able to help him. Bless God, my 
 soul ! " 
 
 On the next day, the dreadful contrition of this spirit 
 in trouble appeared to be intensified, as he was com- 
 pelled to review his past life. Earthly remorse brings 
 indescribable anguish ; but oh ! what is it, what can it 
 be, compared to the heart-rending sorrow of a spirit ? 
 And yet, even to him, how true probably the lines of 
 the poet : — 
 
 " Blest tears of soul-felt penitence ! 
 In whose benign, redeeming flow. 
 Is felt the first, the only sense 
 
 Of guiltless joy that guilt can know." 
 
 The following communication terribly illustrates this 
 truth. May it be a lesson to all who read this book : — 
 
 ' ' Help me to pray, for God's sake ! God have mercy upon me 
 a sinner ! The darkness of death surrounds me here in this 
 world of sorrow. Much will I give, if you will help my path 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONS. 129 
 
 out of my prison. God bless yott in the home above me. A 
 thousand blessings on your souls, if God but hear my suppli- 
 cations I Why did I not hearken to the voice of love and kind- 
 ness before my life was lost to earth's light ? ^^^ly did I not 
 help my wife to see her glory better? Bless, God ! my chil- 
 dren, and their children I Remember not my sins. Help me tn 
 say : ' Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
 this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive 
 our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
 evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever 
 and ever. Amen.' " 
 
 An account was then read of a spirit who had been 
 greatly benefited by repentance, and an effort to do good 
 to others ; to which the following response was writ- 
 ten : — 
 
 " Heaven help me to do as he did I Help me to see the light. 
 I am too black. I will do all I . can to help others. May I 
 bring another dark spirit with me when I come again ? " 
 
 He was told he could, and that all possible aid would 
 
 be given him ; and then the spirit of S. R. wrote : — 
 
 "Emma, do you not see God's angels helping you in your 
 path? Be patient, and all will be well with your heart." 
 
 The medium and her husband having learned the 
 lesson as to the proper mode of assisting the spirits in 
 trouble who manifested, applied it faithfully on each oc- 
 casion that offered; and, on the 16th of July, after they 
 had prayed for and with two spirits, who came soliciting 
 prayers, the following encouraging communication was 
 
 written : — 
 
 "Happiness is awaiting your hearts. Give the troubled 
 spirits more of your prayers. God send you glory to help his 
 fallen creatures. May the Jove of God abound in your hearts 
 always. We see your fears are not so much in the way. Pray 
 that Heaven may send you what is necessary for the salvation 
 of souls. May you persevere in God's calling. Never fear man 
 nor denl. My God is your God to all eternity. Bless his holy 
 
130 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 name ! Forever will we bleaa your heavenly welfare for the 
 good of mankind lost to tlie sense of goodness, whicli is the 
 moans of opening lieaven. Edmokds." 
 
 On the ISth of July, the spirit of the brilliant but 
 misguided H. R. again communicated, saying to a lady 
 relative present : — 
 
 ' ' My dear Mrs. , I am not happy. I threw my talents 
 
 away. " 
 
 Then continuing, he poured forth the following sor- 
 rowful ejaculations : — 
 
 " Help me to pray ! I am a wicked spirit. God, look upon 
 me in my affliction. Behold the sorrow of this wretched soul — 
 in the darkness of purgatory. Have mercy — have mercy for the 
 sorrow of my soul, languishing for the living God. for a 
 single moment of God's love, to let me see his /ace .' Help me 
 on ! My God ! for the life of me, I cannot see my way. God is 
 my father. Show pity, good Lord ! Thy servant seeks thee 
 with love eternal. God the Father, God the Son, bless you for- 
 ever ! " 
 
 Did you Jcnow nothing of Spiritualism while on earth? 
 
 " Alas ! yes ; but not soon enough to prevent my taking root 
 in the soil of death. Bless you in God's name ! I am yours in 
 death." 
 
 Again, on the 20th of July, the following was writ- 
 ten : — 
 
 " My dear friends, help me to the .salvation of my soul's hap- 
 piness. Much I deplore my wickedness while in the flesh. 
 Wherefore, O God, did I not see thy just goodness ere this sad 
 calamity fell upon my mind? Would to God I could be with you 
 again ! Then I could show you that my everlasting punishment 
 is all the result of a sinful life. Pray, see that this be not your 
 lot when God shall call j-ou home to himself, and you shall say, 
 Alas ! that I cannot approach his seat of love ! " 
 
 On the 22d of July, the editor was present, and offered 
 a prayer, before any writing took place, in which the 
 words occurred : — " Grant that eU that may be said and 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 131 
 
 done may be for the advancement of Thy everlasting 
 kingdom." After its conclusion, the medium took the 
 pencil, and wrote as follows from the same contrite 
 spirit : — 
 
 [Name wTitten]. ' ' Help me to tlie light of God's everlasting 
 kingdom, for the love of God. I am your sincere friend, 
 
 "H. R." 
 
 " Will you repeat a prayer that we offer ? " was asked. 
 "Yes; " was the response. The following prayer was 
 then dictated, the spirit writing it through the medium, 
 and expressing, in the varied manner in which it was 
 written the fearful emotions of his mind. The whole 
 was executed with peculiar force and rapidity, particu- 
 larly those words that spoke of the sinner and his for- 
 giveness ; while the name of God was written very 
 slowly and evidently with great solemnity : — 
 
 " O everlasting God, our Heavenly Father, look down upon us with com- 
 passion, and bless this unhappy spirit with the light of thy forgiving smile. 
 Assist him, O Father in Heaven, in his efforts to emerge from the darkness 
 of sin, and grant that, through his sincere repentance, he may come to the 
 light of thy infmitc purity and goodness. O, lead him beside the still 
 waters of thy merciful forgiveness, where he may cleanse his soul from the 
 dark slains of sin, and proceed on the journey that leads at last to thee O 
 God, hear our prayer for mercy to his and our own transgressions. Cleanse 
 the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may 
 perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name, through Christ 
 Jesus, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen." 
 
 At the close of this prayer, written out by the spirit, 
 and then repeated by the editor, the medium wrote : — 
 
 " Emma [the medium], I bless your father with Almighty 
 God's HIGHEST blessings. Sakah." [The spirit's sister-in-law, 
 before referred to.] 
 
 After this, the repentant spirit again wrote, saying : — 
 
 " Oh ! the light of heaven is dawning ! Thank God ! " 
 
 It was a nlost wonderful revelation, presenting in 
 
 almost dramatic vividness the torment of the dark 
 
 spirit writhing in contrition, under the fearful, but 
 
132 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 chastening (not vindictive) punishment of the Merciful 
 Father of Spirits, and the inexpressible relief afforded 
 by sincere and fervent prayer. Since that memorable 
 evening, the spirit of H. R. has gone on in his upward 
 path toward the happy kingdom of the blessed Saviour. 
 On the 24th of August, the question was asked of an- 
 other spirit who was communicating, "What can you 
 say of the present condition of H. R. ? " and the answer 
 was, " He is among the progressing spirits of light." 
 And, on the 15th of September, without any calling, the 
 following was written, as one of a long series of com- 
 munications, irom different spirits, only the editor of 
 this work and the medium being present : — 
 
 [Name written]. We are glad to greet you. 
 
 " Bless you for that. I need much encouragement to come ; 
 for my spirit is persecuted by long neglectful living from the 
 light of heaven ; but, thanks be to my God, I am so much im- 
 proved that I long for more encouragement to be upon my path, 
 that I may remember that I am but a speck of cloud in the 
 sight of my Redeemer. Be patient with me, and lead me with 
 a strong power toward heaven's height. Live for your own sal- 
 vation, and be not as dead men, who sleep in the darkness of 
 despair, as I have done, heaping sorrows upon my head, that 
 burst upon my soul without a moment's warning to caution me.* 
 It was a sleep that came, alas ! too late to prevent my long suf- 
 fering on awakening. 
 
 " Glad are all angels to know that you are with the pure in 
 heart ; and they wish to perfect your souls for heavenly living. 
 So ask of the Source of life what you will ; and, if God is 
 satisfied, it will be given with love. 
 
 " My dear Mr. Kiddle, I knew you ere this, but not in so weak 
 a mortal frame of mind did I speak. Enlightenment cometh to 
 all, both great and small ; but pray that your sins be blotted 
 out, and prepare for that great day when God will be the judge 
 of your living on earth. Nothing fear when he is your safe- 
 
 * This trutMully indicatcE the manner in which he died. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOA-TIONS. 133 
 
 guard ; and publish in loud tones that as Christ died and rose 
 again,- so shall all die and be made alive ; and we can and will 
 come to help you on, without a moment's delay, when all is 
 ready. Forever I send you pi^re greetings. H. U.'* 
 
 The above communication was written in an unusual- 
 ly small hand (for spirit writing), and with marvelous 
 rapidity. At the sitting, the medium wrote, from eleven 
 different spirits who communicated — most of them spon- 
 taneously and unexpectedly — more than one hundred 
 pages of manuscript ; but, of course, much of the writ- 
 ing was very large. Still, it was most wonderful; and 
 as several had been the intimate personal friends of the 
 editor, he recognized in the writings their special traits 
 of character, as well as allusions to matters connected 
 with his former earthly intercourse with them. Indeed, 
 it was just as natural as if they had been sitting around 
 the table talking to him, as of old, in the flesh, except 
 that what was said related more exclusively to religious 
 
 * It may be said here that the editor presents all these cases nnder consid- 
 erable embarrassment ; for while he docs not wish that this strange narra- 
 tive should lose any of its vividness and force by the withholding of any im- 
 portant fact, he feels restrained by a consideration as to what is due to the 
 privacy of family affairs. Nor can he lay aside that singular respect which 
 we all feel for the departed, whatever their earthly characters or actions 
 might have been, and which universally prompts to an observance of the old 
 maxim, "Z>e mortuis vilnisi boiinm." There can be no question, however, 
 that those who, in the affliction of their penitence, are looking npon our 
 earthly sphere, from the spirit world into which they have passed, and long- 
 ing to do some good to atone for their past sins and past neglect, would pre- 
 fer the motto, " Df. mm-iuis nil liisi VERTjsi ; " and would rejoice that the les- 
 sons taught by their earthly career, and the punishment which is its natural 
 consequence, should be impressed upon the minds and hearts of their fellow- 
 creatures in the earth sphere. Earthly fame or earthly discredit — the applause 
 or the censure of mankind — is nothing to the mind of a spirit— soaring, or 
 attempting to soar, toward those blessed regions where the Trw, the Oood, and 
 the Divine are the only objects of aspiration and heavenly contemplation. 
 [Since this note was written the spirit has again communicated, and ex- 
 pressed the desire that his name should be used. It is therefore given in 
 "connection with the subsequent communications.] 
 
134 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICAIIONS. 
 
 or spiritual themes. Farther reference to this sitting 
 will be made in a subsequent part of the work. (See 
 page 20&.) 
 
 Another communication from this spirit was written 
 OK the 8th of December last ; and, in connection with 
 this, the name is given according to the spirit's desire. 
 It has been omitted for" the reasons stated, in the pre- 
 ceding pages, because they were written before this 
 communication was received; and the editor desires to 
 adhere strictly to the facts as presented. 
 
 " Henry Eaymond is present and overlooking your work 
 with great satisfaction, and certainly witli a great desire for good 
 results. I am very thankful to God tliat my life is as it is now. 
 I liave undergone the change from a state of despair to one of 
 the brightest hope that can affect a man, in spirit or in the flesh. 
 I am relieved of a load the weight of which seemed to bear mo 
 down to the darkest abyss of regret. I only longed to escape 
 from my life's retrospect. 1 only wished that I had made my 
 self a proud example of my Maker's image, and had kept God 
 in my heart, to show me the right and wrong of every action. 
 Do, I beseech you, find out, before a day escapes you, that the 
 love of God is all that you require to elevate your life to heav- 
 en's height. It will give you the promptings to choose what 
 is good, to be kind and courteous to every one, be he humble or 
 proad, rich or poor ; for I find now that God has regard for the 
 spirit's M-clfare, not for your earthly hody. I am tasting of joys 
 that I never knew upon earth, or lioped to find in heaven ; for I 
 was a wretched man, to God and myself untrue. Believe me, I 
 have suffered such a punishment, that I would have given my 
 life to escape it ; but, alas ! I chose my own career and sui^ered 
 therefrom. But I am not as before. I am now the purified, 
 but not perfected, spirit of Henry J. Raymond, 
 
 of the New York Times." 
 
 The editor then held the following conversation with 
 the spirit : — 
 
 Do you wish that I should publish your experience to the 
 world ? 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUNICATIONS. 135 
 
 " Yes ; mucli good may it do them, for I liope to liave tliem 
 escape my punishment." 
 
 Are you willing 1 should use your name f 
 
 " Yes ; I desii'e that you should use my name for any good 
 purpose ; for I was not unlvnown in my life ; and by my example 
 the world will be able to see that the follies they commit will 
 result in the heaviest penalties of a life of vanity — sorrow and 
 regret. " 
 
 Has not your progress been unusually rapid f 
 
 ' ' Yes ; when the heart leaps or yearns for good, Glod is instan- 
 taneous in his love and presence. " 
 
 A further communication was written by the same 
 spirit, coming without a request, on the 8th of January- 
 ensuing. This is especially interesting, from the sum- 
 mary he gives of the history recorded here, and from 
 the important admonitions he presents : — 
 
 " Henry Raymond. — By the pennission of God's family 
 bond, I come to throw an intensity of light upon this beautiful 
 subject ; namely, ' the communion of spirits in the flesh with 
 those abiding in space,' — glorious fact, beyond the comprehen- 
 sion of mortal mind in its present condition of error, and in its 
 ignominious living unto death I Hearken, ye people — ye, who 
 linger on the boundary of benighted kingdoms, give heed to 
 this warning knowledge, lending to your souls a heavenly fore- 
 thought, by the revelations of God's benign messengers of 
 truth. Lost is the state of man, kind, dear Christian friends, 
 through the misleading torchlight of a perverted revelation. 
 Now is the time to bring your skepticism to a trial, by the test 
 of these facts. Do not attempt to satisfy your tastes by making 
 these revelations a subject of amusement, or by treating them 
 with indifference. There is a mightier cord to draw you — the 
 ambition to rise to those heights where the angels gather in the 
 harvest of joy, through the will and pleadings of their blessed 
 Saviour. To you it is given to enter the portals of salvation, 
 and gaze upon the store of holy wonders, sacred inventions, all 
 classified, and arranged in distinct portions of space, — and 
 adapted in field, scope, and directioi — to your several ambi- 
 tions or yearnings. 
 
136 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 "I am Henry Raymond, of tlie New York Times. I once 
 lield tlie attention of many a heart in my attempts to portray 
 public affairs ; and why can I not now instruct you with skill, 
 or at least inform you of my experience, from which you may 
 derive a blessing ? 
 
 " It is a high privilege to come ; for, without this power, 
 I should have been a lost sheep. I found favor through thia 
 heavenly source, for I was a misguided man. In my high dis- 
 tinction only known, I was a villainous hypocrite in many ways, 
 as others are, to my sorrow. But I have been judged and tried, 
 and found guilty, and sentenced ; and that too after a verdict 
 beyond any that could be pronounced at the world's dictation, 
 and to a punishment more than in your thoughts you can con- 
 ceive, and such as I pray you may never experience. But God 
 is gracious, beyond expression ; and after a concentration of mj' 
 hopes, I have been lifted higher and higher. First, I came in 
 dark sin, then after being relieved through prayer, I was 
 enabled to indulge in a faint hope, which soon sprung into 
 abundant trust, and finally into fruitful thanksgiving. 
 
 " Please accept my prayers and blessings. Let me beseech 
 you to remember your dead daily, and thereby lift the wayward 
 and fallen out of despair or sinful bondage. I, myself, dear 
 friends of the public, am still in the " press" oi the United 
 States of Cliristian America, binding myself to you as long as 
 name and country require. Look beyond the clouds, and seek 
 the truth. Henry J. Eaymond, in bonds.'' 
 
 IV. 
 The next case to be presented is, in some respects, 
 still more interesting. It is that of a relative — a young 
 man of an exceedingly active, ardent nature, impatient 
 under restraint, and prone to plunge into excess. Not 
 criminal, but reckless — heedless of religious teaching, 
 and living here without a thought of his God or his Sa- 
 viour, he was indeed like the prodigal son of Christ's 
 beautiful parable. In early manhood, he was suddenly 
 snatched by Divine Providence from his earthly career, 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 137 
 
 and was mourned as the lost one from his Saviour's fold, 
 until these remarkable writings commenced, when he 
 was among the first to manifest himself, exhibiting the 
 same reckless activity as had characterized him on 
 earth. His name, being that of a near relative, at once 
 attracted much attention from the medium and her hus- 
 band, although it was coupled with such expressions as, 
 " Go to the devil," " You are a fool ; " and conversa- 
 tions arid expostulations followed, by means of which 
 he was finally induced to listen, and, it is presumed, feel 
 that his condition was not entirely hopeless, — that God 
 was even in the dark place* wherein he dwelt, and 
 would forgive even so vile a prodigal as he.f Prayers 
 were offered for him, and with him. He was induced 
 to write them, day after day, by dictation of the medium 
 and her husband ; and was told to exert himself in try- 
 ing to help others to forsake their wicked life, and to 
 rise to better and brighter things. The change was 
 most wonderful and startling, as the series of communi- 
 cations now to be presented will show. 
 
 In the early part of July, nearly two months after 
 
 * " If I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there.'' — Psalm cxxxix. 8. 
 
 t *' Bat vohtti lie. was yet a gvai way o^, his father saw him, and had com- 
 passion, and lan, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.*' — Luke xv. 20. Oh I 
 what infinite love is here displayed by the blessed Savionr as the attribute of 
 *' Our Father in Heaven I " and, O I what wretched blindness to li-mil that 
 Jove — although acknowledged to be UmUless — to the petty span of time com- 
 prehended In the longest life of any human being on earth ! It has been 
 well asked, "Why should repentance be efficacious only during an earthly 
 life-time, which is but an Instant, and inefficacious throughout eternity ? " 
 It has also been well said, " A religion which makes the doctrine of everlast- 
 ing punishment its comer-stone— which declares its foundations to be under- 
 mined, if it is deprived of its demons, its hell of fire and brimstone, and its 
 pitiless God, is a religion which is committing suicide," and, it may be added, 
 the teachers of such a pretended religion are making infidels and atheists, 
 and incurring a penalty of sorrow which they will fully realize in their en- 
 lightened consciences, when they pass to the just retribution of their own 
 acts. 
 
138 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 the first communication was received from this spirit, 
 the following was written : — 
 
 " Hear me. I am C. W., your , wlio was, but 
 
 is no longer, a devil. Thanks — everlasting thanks to you both ! 
 I have fought the good fight, and the battle is won. Be kind to 
 all who come for mercy. They are sent for a holy purpose to 
 you, as well as for themselves." 
 
 Who aifisted you? 
 
 " I was helped by your praying with me, and through heav- 
 en's angels." 
 
 Did you find benefit in aiding others? 
 
 " Yes I Yes ! Yes 1 That is my only salvation. I did not 
 know it until you told me. Glorious ! 1 am victorious. Thank 
 God. / do it every moment. Help others, and you will cer- 
 tainly help yourselves. " 
 
 What was your previous state ? 
 
 ' ' Poor ugly spirit, in the blackness of despair — almost hell. " 
 
 Can you describe your present home ? 
 
 " No, no. I cannot explain it to my satisfaction ; but I am in 
 a happy life, where God's light is thrown inexpressively serene 
 — calm as heaven's lakes. Now I must away to help my 
 friends see that ' God is love. ' May God bless you both etc^-- 
 nally. " 
 
 A few days afterwards, the following was written : — 
 
 " C. W., your , comes with love and grateful feeling to 
 
 your hearts. Not well do I understand my Maker's kindness to 
 me ; for my soul's great punishment was justly merited. Now, 
 thanks be to God, I am only a sinner in remembrance of my sins. 
 They are all forgiven. Happily, I can think of God and love 
 
 and life, and rejoice with heavenly rejoicing. My dear , 
 
 be faithful in your calling in the earth life, and much will be 
 added to your heart's joy. 0, let me tell you some of my ex- 
 perience in the life beyond your own. I was a sinner whom God 
 disdained to hear, or to give to him a calling. At first I was too 
 weak to repent ; but now do I see the way given for my re- 
 demption. How to thank your hearts for your kindness I can- 
 not tell ; but, believe me, I will await your coming with heav- 
 
8PIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 139 
 
 enly impatience, to give you my greeting of rapture, too deep 
 to explain to your understanding." 
 
 As illustrative of the fact that the higher spirits were 
 ■watching the eflforts of the medium and those with her, 
 to aid the repentant spirits who were struggling 
 toward the light, the following communication is here 
 presented : — 
 
 ' ' We bless you in your work of light to the dark, dark world. 
 We wish you all God speed ; for many are in sad need of some- 
 thing to arouse their despondent hearts to the love of God in 
 heaven." 
 
 The following was written (July 15th) from C. W., 
 addressed to one of his brothers : — 
 
 " C. W., your brother in God's world above you. — My dear 
 brother, heaven is your home. Do, for the love of God, change 
 your condemnable notions about your coming lif e . I will ever 
 pray for your heavenly benefit. Much do you need some pow- 
 erful light thrown on your path, to show you where your mind 
 is in the wrong. Alas ! that I cannot give you more evidence 
 of my spiritual presence to help you on the road to life ever- 
 lasting. I bless your soul with almighty love. Emma [the 
 medium] is my helper to mansions higher than I can ever hope 
 for. I was a foolish and wicked man to throw away my many 
 passports, and lead a life that could not help my soul to its glory. 
 I have paid for my past transgressions with sorrowful regrets. 
 My dear brother, pray be advised while yet there is time, and 
 all heaven will rejoice to greet your entrance. C. W. " 
 
 A short time afterward, the following was written by 
 the same spirit to another brother : — 
 
 " To my brother : — Will you hearken to your brother's 
 
 voice of calling from the depths of heavenly love to your heart ? 
 Be the fervent boy you always were. From the home of the 
 Lord, I see you need awakening to the love of God, through the 
 tribulations of the body, which are sent for your highest edifi- 
 cation. If you but see the light of God's ways, he will lead you 
 where heavenly pastures grow, and still waters are washing. 
 " Hear the words of your brother Charles, who sees that the life 
 
140 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 
 
 lie led was tut as a fliglit of birds througli the waters of sin. 
 He is no longer the Charles of the flesh ; nor would I be for all 
 the kingdoms of the earth. Have you the light through the 
 medium of God's grace and love ? Have you the sorrow of a 
 sinner lost to his Maker above ? Alas ! I see you are only 
 weak — weak, indeed, in thanlcsgiving for the many benefits al 
 lotted to your earthly career ; but, praise be to the God of 
 Israel, I will hope and jiray for the dawn of Heaven's morning 
 sun to lead you to homes where there will be little else to seek 
 except your fellow-beings' good and comfort. Forever grace 
 your home, dear brother, with Christian feelings so pure that 
 the stains of earth's soil cannot mar or efface them ; and, lastly, 
 for the present, be patient in good works ; they are your heav- 
 enly passports. Your brother in the love of God. " 
 
 In the latter pai-t of August, the following was ad- 
 dressed by the same spirit to others of his relations :— 
 
 ' ' My dear , I see that you are not believers. Do hearken I 
 
 Oh ! believe, believe, my dear . Alas for mo ! I wish I 
 
 could express to you my intense desires to send you greetings 
 from heaven to earth. I am a poor spirit in God's sight, God 
 knows ; but I have experienced many sorrows for my youth's 
 neglect. Alas 1 I was too foolish in my desires for my heart's 
 satisfaction. But all is over ; and gained is the victory over my 
 sins and follies, thanks be to God and Jesus Christ ! Amen." 
 
 On the 29th of September, the editor with some 
 others being present, the same spirit was called, and 
 wrote as follows : — 
 
 ' ' Dear and esteemed friends, I have never intruded my pres- 
 ence upon you while yet the impression of dislike toward mo 
 was thought to exist in your minds. No longer will you feel 
 this. I have secured for myself a proper station to see my way, 
 and hope ere long to find a good and quiet home for my soul's 
 rejoicing. I mean that I have high and bright longings to reach 
 a purity beyond your conception. As yet I am a feeble mani- 
 kin, compared to the bright and holy spirits, who 1 see are 
 above me in living. But I am also a persevering and engineer- 
 ing spirit, not a lazy spirit, who feels no onward striving, but 
 
8PIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. I4I 
 
 growls, and in liis unliappy state TORMENTS THE LIVING. 
 Yes i I Was FALSELY accused. I did not intend insult. For- 
 give is our motto, and I hope it will be yours for me. Believe 
 me, I was impatient to secure me a place in heaven, and not 
 willing to stay, and be persecuted by DEVILS. I am in your 
 debt, and will never forget. Then deserve not the foolish call- 
 ing of a hypocrite, but seek all the happiness that I see is in 
 store for you some short time ahead. I intend that you shall 
 never hear from me, unless at your positive wish and calling, 
 when I will ever send you all heavenly and spiritual aid in my 
 power. May you ever feel that the love of God is your holy 
 living ; and see, too, that spirits can acutely and painfully for- 
 give and forget. " 
 
 This communication is a peculiar one, and demands 
 an explanation. The remarks in regard to an " impres- 
 sion of dislike " in our minds toward him, and that he 
 was "falsely accused," also that " spirits can forgive 
 and forget," have reference to circumstances connected 
 with his first manifestations, which were repulsive, as 
 they indicated a fallen nature. When words expressive 
 of depravity or ill-will were written, ostensibly by this 
 spirit, in the presence of the editor, the, in he name of 
 God, commanded the spiiit to depart ; as he did also 
 subsequently when what purported to be the same spirit 
 wrote similar words through the mediumship of his son. 
 This was one of the shadows of the experience recorded 
 in this work ; for it occasioned at first far from pleas- 
 urable emotions in the mind of the editor to be made 
 so strikingly conscious of the presence of an evil dis- 
 posed spirit. It was, however, but transient ; as like a 
 flash of light, the spirit of the editor's daughter, becom- 
 ing apparently aware, .in an instant, of the trouble of his 
 mind, immediately manifested her presence, writing in 
 soft and expressive characters : — 
 
 '■ Father, I am with you now." 
 
142 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. ' 
 
 On his addressing a question to her, however, the 
 spirit of his brother wrote :— 
 
 "Mollie lias gone. She came for a moment to drive C. W. 
 away. He is angry at you because you bade him leave you a 
 few evenings ago." 
 
 Now, as this was written through the boy medium; and 
 the incident of sending the spirit away was unknown to 
 him, it having occurred at the residence of the editor's 
 daughter, the circumstance was an indirect or inciden- 
 tal confirmation of the reality of the spirit intercourse, 
 as well as a remarkable identification of the spirits com- 
 municating. To those who, even in the face of much 
 light to the contrary, assert that all the phenomena con- 
 nected with spirit intercourse are due to the interven- 
 tion of demons,* the words, "Accursed spirit, depart 
 from us," may seem tlae most appropriate to use on 
 such occasions ; but experience in this intercourse leads 
 to a very different feeling and practice. For it is discov- 
 ered that all are the children of one loving Father, and as 
 even these dark spirits are objects of his regard and 
 mercy, they should be also of ours, as far as we can 
 benefit them. And, as far as any fear is concerned, 
 
 * Among these is to be placed, it would seem, the Rev. Frederick George 
 Lee, the author of Glimpses of tha Saperna'-uml (London 1875). This writer is 
 so blinded by religious prejudice and bigotry, that, although his book really 
 contains much that no such theory can explain, ho asserts that all the phe- 
 nomena of spiritualism are due to the intervention of demons, with the design 
 to overturn Christianity. The communications recorded in this book cer- 
 tainly are very much opposed to that theory ; unless it be held, with this 
 divine, that Christianity consists not in what Christ taught, but what the so- 
 called Christian church has formulated in dogmas and creeds. Certainly, 
 those who experiment in table-tipping, spirit-rapping, and similar mechani- 
 cal performaiices, will often find themselves Imposed upon by undeveloped 
 spirits ; as there is but little means of identifying the spirits communicating. 
 Of course, a devil can tip the table as well as an angel ; but did he commu- 
 nicate in writing he would not be likely to talk U'.:e an angel. Moreover, the 
 names of God and Christ cannot be profaned by the devils, for they " bdii'vt 
 
 and TREMBLE.'' 
 
SPIRITUAL aOMMUNIGATIONS. 143 
 
 what occasion is there for such a feeling, when a prayer- 
 ful trust in God ever brings his almighty protection ? 
 
 But the spirit referred to had changed ; yet he had 
 not forgotten the occurrence which liad caused, for the 
 time, a feeling of displeasure toward him; and, more- 
 over, he indicated in the above communication that other 
 wicked spirits, a.5 doubtless they are wont to do, had 
 falsely personated him in their desire for mischief. 
 
 On the 20th of October, while holding a brief conver- 
 sation with this spirit, the editor took occasion to dis- 
 claim any unkindness toward him in sending him away 
 on the occasion referred to, when it was written : — 
 
 " You did riglit [with great force]. You were right in send- 
 ing me away. I deserved it. If I had been good, I should not 
 have besn told to leave. I get excited very easily. That was 
 
 my CHAKACTER." 
 
 Further communications have been received from 
 this converted spirit, addressed to his relatives, some 
 very beautiful and expressive, but all showing that the 
 prodigal, having returned to his Father's house, has been 
 blest with his forgiveness and undying love ; and that 
 all he needs to complete his happiness is further purifi- 
 cation and an oblivion of his transgressions ; for although 
 he feels the blessed influence of the Saviour's atoning 
 sacrifice, time alone can entirely obliterate, even with 
 God's grace and love, the dark imprints of sin in the 
 soul. Other messages from C. W. are given further on. 
 
 V. 
 Additional experiences, of a more miscellaneous char- 
 acter, will now be presented. And here it is proper to 
 say that the sittings have been quite varied. Some- 
 times an advanced spirit, such as that of Shakespeare, 
 would retain control of the medium during an entire 
 
144 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 evening ; at others, the unprogressed spirits would seem 
 to prevail, and come struggling to obtain the control of 
 the medium in order to manifest their presence, but 
 nearly always soliciting prayers. Thus, on the 21st of 
 July, various spirits manifested, writing with great 
 force, in large uncouth characters, " Help ! " " Help 
 me ! " " Help me to pray ! " Then prayers were offered 
 for them ; and passages of Scripture, principally from 
 the Psalms, were dictated, and written by the spirits. 
 Then it would be written, "Bless you!" "Bless you 
 forever!" &c., <fec. On one occasion, the medium was 
 struggling under a powerful influence, which was en- 
 deavoring to write, but making only large grotesque 
 characters, and the editor was looking on, watching 
 with j)ainful interest the result, when ho saw written in 
 soft regular characters, " Bless me again " ; and the me- 
 dium remarked, " I said mentally, God bless you ! " 
 
 Such experiences were far from pleasant, the dark 
 spirits appearing to bring a peculiarly depressive in- 
 fluence. On one such occasion (July 21), the following 
 was written : — 
 
 " Talk to your enemies [tlie dark spirits] wltli the purpose of 
 God's will. Befriend tliem by your prayers. Look well to your 
 steadfastness of lieart for good, and all evil will flee to the devil. 
 Emma [the medium], you are working for _your Maker's glory. 
 Have patience in your trials ; they are for the test of your 
 lather's [the editor's] purpose. He is too easily affected by the 
 evil surroundings. Alas I it is a pity that God's powej- should 
 not avail him in the darkness. Beware of Satan's influences ; 
 they are ruinous to your soul's salvation. I say, in God's name, 
 beware of false prophets ; they are not from God, nor of him. 
 Then trust your Father of light ; and such light will be thrown 
 upon you, that the devil will flee to his cave of sin in the twink- 
 ling of an eye. Thanks be to God for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 "Judge Edmonds." 
 
SPmiTUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 145 
 
 And here it is proper to explain how, in the ignor- 
 ance of inexperience, we had permitted, or enabled, the 
 dark spirits to obtain control of our movements, dispos- 
 sessing for a time, apparently, our good spirit friends. 
 
 In July, a sad casualty had occurred in a family resid- 
 ing in the immediate vicinity of the editor's residence, 
 by which a beloved daughter had suddenly disappeared, 
 her fate, whether of suicide or abduction, being un- 
 known, and thus rendering the case more distressing to 
 her relatives. The editor and his family were eye wit- 
 nesses, as it were, to the heart-rending soitow of the aged 
 parents, suffering from an anxiety as to the fate of their 
 daughter worse than the certain knowledge of her 
 death. 
 
 It being thought that some information of the case 
 could be obtained by consulting the spirits, the attempt 
 was made, and communications were obtained appar- 
 ently giving reliable details ; but all were afterward 
 found to be false. After the true state of the case was 
 ascertained, as it was in a short time, the mind of the 
 editor was greatly perplexed; and he was strongly dis- 
 posed to abandon the whole matter, as involving great 
 danger frem the want of means to identify the spirits 
 communicating. But the clouds were soon dispelled, 
 and the sun of truth shone forth with renewed brilliancy. 
 A few incidents of this episode, unpleasant indeed, but 
 still useful for the experience it conferred, are here 
 given. After the whole fabric of falsehood had fallen, 
 the lying spirit, who, by the foolish attempt on our part, 
 to pervert the use of spirit intercourse to an object con- 
 nected with this world's affairs, had been enabled to 
 get control of the mediums, wrote : — 
 
 '•• Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! What big fools ! " 
 
146 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 
 
 Wlio is Jiere ? 
 
 " /am." 
 
 Who are you ? 
 
 " None of your business. " 
 
 What is your name ? 
 
 " Patsy." 
 
 Wliat did you come here for ? 
 
 "For fun." 
 
 Some other remarks were made and responded to in 
 a similar way, when five good spirit friends wrote their 
 names, and said : 
 
 " We liave driven liim away." 
 
 WliO was it f 
 
 "A devil." 
 
 Subsequently the spirit of the editoi-'s daughter 
 wrote : — 
 
 ' ' MoUie says you must bo careful not to believe all they may 
 teli you about your world ; for God does not allow his creatures 
 of mercy to communicate except for rigbteous purposes. Sucli 
 terrible calamities are best known of God. We do not see tbem 
 as they are. " 
 
 The spirit of the editor's brotlier then wrote : — 
 
 " I am here, Henry. Do not fear. God is just to all." 
 
 Who wrote those false statements 1 
 
 "Don't ask me. A devil." 
 
 Gould you not keep Mm away? 
 
 ' ' No ; I could not prevent it. You should never ask any- 
 thing about your world's afEairs, of which we know nothing, or 
 very little." 
 
 Why did he come ? 
 
 "For fun ; to deceive you. He had been here before." 
 
 Can you tell us how to detect an evil spirit ? 
 
 ' ' You can always tsll an evil spirit by what he says. Such 
 spirits always say a few plausible things in order to deceive ; 
 but all that proceeds from n good spirit is pure and good." 
 
 But, at the sitting a few hours afterward, the dark 
 spirits still seemed to be in force ; and the editor em- 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 147 
 
 ploysd the test prescribed In the Scriptures (1 John iv. 
 2) : — '■ Herein know ye the spirit of God : Every spirit 
 that confesseth Jesus Christ come in the flesh is of God ; 
 and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus, is not of God." 
 Accordingly, it was said by him : — " We will hold bo 
 communication with any spirit unless he write, ' I believe 
 in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Is any spirit here 
 who will write that ? " It was answered, " No." But 
 in a few moments the evil influence was gone ; and the 
 spirit of the editor's daughter wrote : — 
 
 "MoUie believes in Jesus Christ, the Son of God." 
 
 Then a communication from our spirit friend. Judge 
 Edmonds, was written : — 
 
 " Judge Edmonds believes in God Almighty, the Father 
 of all mankind. Do not talk to those evil spirits, who are 
 haunting your hearts. They delight in their tortures. Better 
 not feel with them in any way. Ever trust God. Pray for his 
 help, and he will send his heavenly protection. I am much 
 afraid you do not trast God enough for your purposes on high. 
 
 "But have patience. Heaven will send you what you are 
 asking for, if your hearts are sincerely in the right paths of love 
 to God. Be good Christians in every sense. Be good to one an- 
 other. Have faith in the better world that awaits your coming 
 with happiness. Heaven is your home forever. 
 
 "Judge Edmonds, the believer in Spiritualism forever." 
 
 On the 18th of September, the same dark spirit 
 (probably with a band of others) that had done the mis- 
 chief referred to, manifested himself through the child 
 medium, coming as a disturbing influence. The follow- 
 ing was then written : — 
 
 " I wish to write." 
 
 WIio are you? 
 
 " Do you not remember Patsy? " 
 
 Do you wish any thing f 
 
 "Yes; do you not remember how you helped me?" [Refer- 
 ring to prayers offered for and with him.] 
 
148 SPIRITUAL C0MMXIMIGATI0N3. 
 
 If you desire help, loe will try to give it to you; if not, in the 
 name of Ood, we bid you depart. 
 
 " Well, I will tell you the trutli. I am annoyed myself ; and 
 I came to annoy you — to frighten you. I 'have comrades with 
 me." 
 
 Tou cannot frighten us. So he gone. 
 
 " Well, I will go — but to be here again." 
 
 And with this, the influence entirely ceasecl. A day 
 or two afterward, the same spirit again came ; and the 
 editor conversed with him through his son. A part of 
 the conversation is here given :— 
 
 What kind of a spirit are you? 
 
 "Very bad." 
 
 Can you not pray to Ood to make you better? 
 
 ' ' Do you want me to pray ? If you do, say so. '' 
 
 Yes ; we do. 
 
 "All right. I can say a prayer which was taught me." 
 
 Please write the prayer. 
 
 " O beautiful Father, be merciful unto me, a sinner, I am 
 wicked, and I have been wicked in the past. Deal not with me 
 as I deserve, O God, but help me to a better land. Lead me 
 on and on, Lord, to the land of spirits good and blessed. 
 Amen ! " 
 
 Then a short prayer was dictated, which the spirit 
 wrote seemingly with great reverence. Then it was 
 asked : — 
 
 Do you not feel better? 
 
 " Yes and no. Wait ; I am too bad yet," 
 Will you not strive to be better ? 
 
 " Yes, if I can." 
 
 Since that evening, this spirit has never manifested. 
 Other communications will now be given, to illustrate 
 the condition of repentant spirits of various grades. 
 
 (i.) From to his sisters. [Aug. llth, 1878.] 
 
 " My dear sisters, you must bless me with your heavenly 
 prayers. Heaven is my long desired home ; but I am a bad 
 
SPIRITUAL C0MMUNIGATI0N8. 149 
 
 spirit toward my Father's compassionate goodness. Alas 1 I see 
 tliat the devil was the object of my past desires, in my clinging 
 to the sins of the flesh ; but not such would I continue to be. 
 God is my second sight in the love of my heart. I fear him, and 
 would seek him iu the majesty of his being. Have the love of 
 God always with you, and the devil cannot assail you an inch of 
 your life. 
 
 " I am afraid that you will not comprehend my meaning when 
 I say I am in hell. I mean I am suffering for my past neglect 
 of my Saviour's bleeding. I did not hearken to his voice of love, 
 calling me from my foolish sins to the hope of salvation 
 through his suffering endurance. Seek first the Kingdom of 
 Heaven. All else will be added to you for your heart's com- 
 fort. From your fondly loving brother, W. L. B." 
 
 (IX.) From W". P. to his brother. [Oct. 8th, 1878.] 
 
 "Go to the Scriptures, brother, and find that the soul dies 
 NEVER." 
 
 Will you write further? 
 
 " O, yes. I am not as happy as I could wish." 
 
 yVhy f 
 
 "REGRETS." 
 
 Will you advise your brother ? 
 
 "Yes, yes. Of all things do good and believe in God's love, 
 and in eternity." [After a pause.] "I am writing to all." 
 [Then to his brother. J "You are hesitating when the truth is 
 before you." 
 
 Can you show your irother that it in really you who are writing ? 
 
 " How can I prove to him that I am as near to him now as I 
 could ever be iu the flesh ? But, dear brother, I am better 
 able to understand that the time of living is short compared to 
 the everlasting duration of God's world above you in LIGHT. 
 Bright are the heavens with beautiful glory, and I can see and 
 feel this, and yet I am not happy ; not through God's unkind- 
 ness, but through my sinful neglect of every duty that might 
 have brought me nearer to Him, for his love is beyond the 
 knowledge of YOir." 
 
 Will you speak to f 
 
 "Oh ! I wish I could ; but now ray powers are not strong 
 
150 SPIRITUAL COMMjNIGATIONS. 
 
 enougli to impress upon her heart my painful presence. I 
 sliould be blest, if she and my wife would listen to the old man 
 who used to laugh and talk nonsense to you all. I am the same, 
 or should be, but I am not so light of heart as I could wish. 
 But I hope that I shall get on ; and perhaps you may be here 
 to help me, and also yourself ; for you will need some, I fear ; 
 as you, as well as myself, are in blindness of living. This is a 
 holy chance. Embrace it with rapture, for it is your future liv- 
 ing ; and dying is only a new beginning of a happy life, if you 
 wish it, as I do for every SOUL. Forever your brother in the 
 spirit. Amen.'' 
 
 This communication was recognized by the relatives 
 of tlie spirit, who were present, as being quite charac- 
 teristic of his manner and disposition when on earth, as 
 well as of his writing, which was very rapid. The 
 whole message was written with peculiar force. The 
 faults of this person on earth were simply neglect of his 
 God; in other respects, his life seemed to be blameless. 
 The mere performance of earthly duties cannot, how- 
 ever, bring spiritual culture ; and, to the translated 
 spirit, nothing else appears to be of any value. The 
 word REGRETS suggestively expresses the feeling of 
 a spirit when looking back, with his comprehensive 
 glance and strengthened memory, he sees only sacred 
 duties neglected, and a wasted life. 
 
 (in.) The next is a peculiar case, as the communi- 
 cations will show ; and it may be premised that all the 
 circumstances referred to corresponded to the facts of 
 the person's life and the condition of his family. His 
 death occurred in the spring of 1878 ; and in July, at 
 one of the sittings, his name was written with great dif- 
 ficulty, with the expression, "I am in hell. Help me ! " 
 It was not, however, until the latter part of October 
 that, at the request of a friend, a communication was 
 sought from him, when the following was written : — 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONa. 151 
 
 " I am W , I hope you will see that I am W . Believe 
 
 me, I am very anxious to come. [Pause.] Have patience, 
 for I am weak. E. C. [another medium] tells the truth ; for I 
 
 am a spirit who knows the life after death. I am W , the 
 
 confectioner. My store in was my death blow. Oh ! I 
 
 was a very wicked man to fool with my store of money.* But 
 the devil was at my right hand, and I took him, to my everlast- 
 ing regret ; or, as you know it, eternal damnation. I thought 
 to see my wife in the last of earth's light ; but I could not beak 
 to grieve her so by my wrong doing. Now it makes no differ- 
 ence ; and I may come to you, and speak the truth of my foolish 
 aiming. 
 
 "I do not see God; for I am not a, Christ- like spirit, for I 
 did not know that the soul is the immortal spirit of man. But 
 never fear, dear wife and blessed children, God will never per- 
 mit you to lose a foot-hold in Iieaven ; at least, my prayers will 
 ever attend you upon your life, and God is ever ready to hear 
 the faintest sigh of penitence. Goodness is God, and God is 
 
 GOODNESS. I am W , the husband and father of a happy 
 
 family on earth, and never more to see them except in spirit. 
 When the time comes, then we will thank God for it, and not 
 be ashamed to show our feelings of relief. My dear friend, I 
 thank you for this opportunity, and hope you will never forsake 
 my wife and children in your kindness toward them. God 
 never forgets ; and a spirit has also a memory strong as life. 
 Bless the medium, and thank God ! W , the Baker." 
 
 On the 3d of November, in the presence of his wife 
 and daughter, the following messages were written : — 
 
 " I am W. W. Oh ! Oh ! Joy ! I have come to you, my dear 
 wife For God's sake be faithful to my memory, for my soul 
 regrets. My dearest wife, how can I find words to express to 
 you my feelings ? Do not be dissatisfied. Will not God give us 
 his unbounded pleasure in all things ? Feel not that I am to 
 blame. Although foolish, I did not intend wickedly ; but, that 
 
 * He had specnlated unwisely, and lost Ms savings, thas leaving hiie family 
 in considerable embarrassment. All tbe circumstances referred to, tbough 
 unknown to the medium writing, corresponded to the facts. He was not a 
 leligioua man in life. 
 
152 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 
 
 you may comprehend, I will say that my dealings witli the out- 
 side world have brought me to destruction. But God has given 
 me the power to come to your heart AGAIN ; and I will avail my- 
 self of the sacred opportunity ; and I will atone for my past 
 wrong-doing with the perseverance of my eternal living for 
 your good. Be persuaded that I am looking upon every action ; 
 you are a nohle woman in the sight of God ; nay, as far as I can 
 see, you are perfection. 
 
 " My dear daughter, in love I look upon you, and hope that 
 you will ever hold in remembrance your loving father. This is 
 the only wish I indulge in for myself ; but for yourselves bo 
 faithful unto God. Never care what the world may bestow 
 upon you. There is a home where we will all be together ; 
 and your father in the midst will say as formerly. Heaven bless 
 you. Do not be despondent, clear off the debts, and press the 
 people to a settlement, and then commence anew with a future 
 so bright as to make you free. Your life now is only a tempo- 
 rary one. So farewell ! Ever your loving husband and affec- 
 tionate father. I am W. W., the Captain." 
 
 The words " the captain " were evidently added for 
 identification; as neither the medium nor others present 
 except his relatives, knew that he had been a sea cap- 
 tain in a former part of his life. Other commanicatious 
 were written hy the spirit at this time, but presenting 
 only similar thoughts and a similar condition of mind. 
 
 On the 17th of November, the following was written, 
 none of the spirit's relatives being present : — 
 
 " I am W. W. I wish to speak, if you are willing ; for my 
 heart is broken with contrite sighs, and supplications to God, 
 my Heavenly Redeemer. Belong I to Him? " 
 
 We are mlling to Jinve you come, and loill help you all we can. 
 " My God ! how I need pure comfort from «, living source ! 
 How my soul is overcome with madness of thought, overcloud- 
 ing my perceptions, and mingling my past experiences, so that 
 my mind has no hold upon my whereabouts or reality ! But, 
 please God, I am homeward bound, and toward the opposite sta- 
 tion. I hope to secure myself a rest for my weary feet, that go 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 153 
 
 soareliing for a circle where the boundaries of death will have no 
 hold upon my feelings. But will the Avenger need my prayers 
 still, or will He clasp me in the arms of His benefaction, with 
 enticing cries of pleasure ? Assure me, dear friends, that my 
 life is not fixed ; and, believe me, I will never forget that you 
 are the kindest friends I have met upon my wearisome journey. 
 With warm respect, I am W. W., in ti'ouble." 
 
 The spirit was told that we believed his life was not 
 fixed, but that the way to salvation was open to him by 
 his efforts. Do you not find a satisfaction and relief in 
 earnest prayer to God ? was asked. 
 
 " Yes, when I can settle my mind enough to give thought to 
 my feelings. You are kind to open to me a path upward, atid 
 1 will bless you , when my blessings may avail your hearts. " 
 
 On the 30th of November, the same spirit, coming 
 spontaneously, wrote as follows : — 
 
 " W. W. I am, as I was on earth. my God, pardon my 
 misdeeds, and deliver my soul I Alas ! I have so much to think 
 of!" 
 
 Can you repeat the Lord's Prayer f 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 Other prayers offered for the spirit ; and then the 
 medium's spirit sister wrote : — 
 
 " MoUie is here also ; do not fear ; all is well. " 
 
 Can you do anything for this unliappy spirit ? 
 
 " Mollie does not succeed in finding a home for him, because 
 he is in the river of despair, and knows no bright hope to lead 
 him up, up ! Perhaps, with patience and prayer to God, his 
 vision will be opened, and will extend itself to higher things. 
 In all this, do we help one another to rise to a better condition." 
 
 Will you try to help Mr.W. ? 
 
 "Mollie is ever moving along the paths which lead to happi- 
 ness. Trust me to do all that a spirit may do, if an opportunity 
 is given." 
 
 Then again addressing the spirit, it was said : — " We 
 will help you as far as we can." 
 
 " Yes ; I am in misery. May God, the Spirit, bless you ! 
 
154 SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONB. 
 
 Alas ! that my days should come to this I I was not a sinless 
 man, but I am among such HORRIBLE SPIRITS, that my disgust 
 is unbounded." 
 
 Then one of the spirits who had been formerly as- 
 sisted (indicated in the preceding pages liy C. W.) 
 manifested, and wrote the following : — 
 
 "C. W. is near you. I am in the leadership of a good band 
 of spirits. I feel it now, and bless you for your intercession in 
 my behalf. Oh ! may God give me strength to proceed without 
 failing ! " 
 
 Will you try to aid this unhappy spirit f 
 
 " Tes, most willingly. — Hearken, my dear spirit in trouble. 
 I was the blackest one in the dungeon of despair myself, and 
 understand your case to perfection ; but the Almiglity and 
 Merciful Sovereign has deliverance sent, and I am once more a 
 free man in glory ; and I bless the means of upward training." 
 
 No further communication has been received from 
 this spirit ; but, doubtless, he has made progress, and 
 passed to better and brighter conditions. 
 
 (iv.) From a repentant spirit to his son on earth : — 
 
 " O God ! for the sake of a father's sorrow, allow my spirit to 
 accost my son in the light of Truth. 
 
 ' ' My dear son, seek first to know the truth by the practice of a 
 repentant life ; and be a good, kind, and loving man. I am the 
 spirit (now mind you well), the spirit of your father, who did not 
 live with the family on earth. Oh ! I beg you. to take me at my 
 own word, for I am a spirit in the solemn ordeal of a life of 
 punishment meted out to me by a kind Father toward a way- 
 ward child. I never had so much patience with my own chil- 
 dren. O God ! that I might undo the past ! ! My dear wife is 
 past to her doom, and has left me far behind, by my mischances, 
 and neglect of improvement in God's ways." 
 
 (v.) The next series of communications afford fur- 
 ther illustrations of the " dark world " and its inhabit- 
 ants. Thej were written in the presence of the editor 
 of this work, no one being present except the lady to 
 
8PIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 155 
 
 whom they were chiefly addressed [herself a medium 
 for spirit writing], and his own little son — the medium 
 previously referred to. The first was written by the 
 lady herself. She had previously, when writing, been 
 constantly interrupted by her deceased husband — a very 
 dark spirit ; but after a brief prayer by the editor, she 
 wrote without the least interruption the following : — 
 
 " I am your motlier. You are in a great danger of mind, my 
 dear child, from the influence of Edward, and you must not let 
 him come to you. He is a dark spirit, and I have'nothing to do 
 with him. " 
 
 Then the child medium took the pencil, and the editor 
 said : — " Will E. W. write a message to her daughter 
 through this medium ? The answer was as follows : — 
 " E. W. is here, and will write at any request, a message for 
 any one whom she may aid, in anyway, in spirit or hody. Your 
 loving and everlasting mother, E. W. " 
 
 Please lorite a message to your daugMer. 
 " Oh ! Oh ! my dear daughter, why do you not travel paster, 
 as you have the chance, in the way toward the KINGDOM 
 where God lives with his glorious angels all around, doing his 
 will without even a frown ; for there is where life, in love, 
 purity, and charity, is everlasting. If ever you reach that 
 KINGDOM, Oh ! no being can imagine the state of mind you 
 will be "in while looking down, down into the almost eternal 
 HELL ; for so it seems to those who are its inhabitants. Try 
 not to make a misstep ; for, if you do, oh ! what will be your 
 doom ! Then the devil will grasp you, and you may fall into 
 what seems to be hell, for it is a place in which are all kinds 
 of tortures, tormenting all the time ; and all the passions that 
 exist in your world are there. The dsvil is such a being, that 
 it makes one shudder at the hearing (let alone the sight) of him, 
 with his talons ready to grasp any wanderer from the Master, as, 
 the wolf does, when a little lamb wanders away from the flock 
 and the shepherd, by whom he will be kept forever, if he re- 
 jnains with him. Your loving mother, E. W." 
 
 Wliat is the danger which you a/pprehend from, Tier hu^a,nd ?< 
 
156 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 " The danger is tliat tlie BAND in wliicli her husband is may 
 be allowed to surroand her. There is the danger, for she may 
 be GRASPED by that fearful being the DEVIL, with his dreadful 
 talons." 
 
 Can you advise your daughter ? 
 
 " Oh ! the advice required is far beyond what can be given by 
 such a spirit as / am ; for / am not as far advanced as some who 
 can ADVISE." 
 
 Should she not have recourse to prayer ? 
 
 " Always." 
 
 Does her husband desire to injure her ? 
 
 " No, no ; not as I know. But WHAT does the devil care for 
 any soul who, he finds, will do him service ? " 
 
 Does her liusband improve ? 
 
 " He would if he would leave his comrades viith whom he is 
 surrounded." 
 
 Are you in a happy state ? 
 
 " Tes, quite, I am glad to say ; for if I were not, I would not 
 viTite a message showing what I have suffered to get higher. 
 It [the suffering] is like that of a man who tries to get through 
 a mob, that surround and tease him ; but finally he reaches a 
 place of safety." 
 
 Are any of your dear relatives with you ? 
 
 " No, no ; I died in many more sins than they." 
 
 Why are you interrupted by E. L. when you are wi'iting 
 through your daughter ? 
 
 "Has one good spirit as much influence as a thousand devils, 
 who surround this world ? Answer, No, no, KO. For whenever 
 an opening or passage is made, in rush as many as can, unless 
 it is guarded by others [the good spirits]." 
 
 THE DARK WORLD. 
 
 As described by the spirit of Judge Edmonds. 
 On the 1st of December, the editor received a very 
 interesting communication, through the mediumship of 
 his daughter, from Judge Edmonds. This will be in- 
 serted in another part of the vohime. In the conversa- 
 tion with the spirit, which ensued, the editor said : — 
 
BPIBITUAL OOMMUmCATIOFS. 157 
 
 "I am now about to write the chapter of the book, 
 which relates to the dark spirits. Can you give me any 
 additional information on the subject V " The answer 
 was as follows : — ^ 
 
 " I feel disquiet when I consider the dark regions and unblest 
 spirits ; so mucli so that I could weep forever at the thought of 
 them. Such is their misery that the angels must sigh in their 
 efforts to reach their agony — not agony of the body — there is 
 no body as you understand it ; but, God ! what is more in- 
 tense than heart-rending sorrow for what cannot be cured for 
 eternity, for so it seems to those who are in this state ; and the 
 holy spirits are always trying to help them out of their despon- 
 dency and evil associations. But they seldom hearken at once, 
 anci so the time goes on ; and these souls cry out with more im- 
 patience for an end to their sufferings. But to whom do they 
 appeal 1 I am with horror obliged to say, the devil ; for did they 
 not choose him to live by ? Did not every act appeal to him 
 upon earth ? Were they charitable to any soul upon earth ? 
 No ; neither is their friend, the devil, charitable to them ; and 
 he, in the matter of heartless companions, will further you with 
 no help except revenge toward all. Oh ! fondly I am gazing 
 into your hearts in hope that you will escape such talons. 
 Yield not to temptation — ^not even in one small instance ; for the 
 result will be your loss, whereas it should be the brightest gain. 
 
 " Return, and hearken, ye deluded men ; live in the light 
 from God, and follow goodness and charity ; and He who is mer- 
 ciful and kind will give you the brightest happiness and the 
 most peaceful quiet. Amen. Forever your friend in anxiety 
 for you. Judge Edmonds." 
 
 / understand how repentant spirits can suffer ; iut what is the 
 suffering of unrepentant spirits f 
 
 ' ' That no mortal can conceive ; for they are, in the greatest 
 horror, transfixed with pain." 
 
 Do you find the descriptions of the fallen spirits in the sec- 
 ond volume of your work on Spiritualism correct ? 
 
 ' ' Yes ; very much to the point, except that I can realize that 
 the light from God is ever near, if they did but know and choose 
 it themselves." 
 
158 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICAriONS. 
 
 St. Peter said : " Ghrist loent and preached unto the spin's 
 in prison." Sow do you explain tliatf 
 
 "Xes; Christ is the heavenly light that dawns upon them 
 now ; for he has left his heavenly rays around their beings for- 
 ever, and with love." 
 
 Are these dark spirits confined to any particular place? 
 
 " No ; they are wandering, and never quiet."* 
 
 On the 18th of December, Judge Edmonds wrote, 
 through the boy medium : — 
 
 ' ' The matter which you spoke of some few days ago about 
 the dark spirits, can be further explained, I think, by reference 
 to one of the chapters of my book. Compare its statements 
 with other spirits' communications, and combine the ideas. You 
 will thus be able to describe the nature of these spirits, "f 
 
 The descriptions given in the communications and rev- 
 elations contained in Judge Edmonds's work are very 
 vivid and affecting ; and to these the editor refers the 
 reader, not wishing to present here more than has been 
 received under his own immediate observation. 
 
 * How closely this corresponds to the account in Christ^s words on earth 1 
 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it goeth through dry 
 places, seeking rest ; and finding nrnie, It saith," etc. — Luke xi. 34. 
 
 + Since writing the above, the editor has read [Dec. 28] " Tim Clock SirucJc 
 O/if," by Rev. Samuel Watson, an exceedingly instructive and deeply inter- 
 esting work, written upon a Christian and Scriptural basis. The following 
 communication (one of several) received evidently from an advanced spirit- 
 ual intelligence is here given on account of its correspondence to what is 
 presented in the text : — *"We, who have passed through the torment and 
 agony of the second sphere, return to you that you may shun it. Ah, man ! 
 the deepest midnight darkness of earth is broad, beautiful sunlight in com- 
 parison to that. Then not only the darkness without, but the deep darkness 
 within the soul — not one raj^ of light, hope gone, what is the poor, lost spirit 
 to do ? He sees a light, hu hears earth voices. Swift, as on the lightning's 
 flash, does he speed to that little ray. 'Tis around a circle of the children of 
 earth. Why do they gather around that table ? Why do they listtni with 
 such deep anxiety to each little rap ? Joy, joy, 'ris a spirit that speaks to 
 them ! Then thinks this dark spirit, lo, there is a world of spirits above me. 
 How can I gain that upper land ? Is it dark there too ? Hark, that bright 
 spirit says there is no night there,— all is joy and peace. Yes, I will listen. I 
 will learn ; and so they do." 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONa. 159 
 
 THE DARK WORLD DESCRIBED BY EDGAR A. POE. 
 
 Further illustration is afforded in one of the most 
 powerful communications obtained during the remark- 
 able experience here recorded. It is from the spirit of 
 the gifted but erring Edgar A. PoE, who, in answer 
 to a call, wrote the following wonderful composition, 
 worthy to be compared, in power of thought, imagery, 
 and style, with any of his writings while in the flesh : — 
 
 " Hdgar Poe, your friend by a call. What I am I never 
 WAS. No, I am not in blindness, nor drunkenness, nor wicked- 
 ness, nor mortal COIL. I now am a spirit given, through God's 
 kind grace, to good works. For a thousand years, or eternities, 
 as it seemed, I was with the blackest of spirit companions, as 
 where else could I find rest or sympathy. Did I not seek this 
 as my goal ? Alas ! too well I followed my desires and passions, 
 led on, no doubt, by the passions of a devilish spirit, which the 
 grace of God did not dispossess me of, and I did not ask. 
 false position ! I did not understand my Creator's humble mercy 
 toward his children. No kind spirit offered to write through my 
 hand. But I think, many a dark spirit had my brain in his 
 power — yea, the power of the demons of HELL. Blest and feel- 
 ing friends, I will anticipate your wants, and offer you my ex- 
 perience in my life from sin. 
 
 " My dear friends, I am Edgar Poe. Do you not remember 
 the man who wrote the Tales of Woe ? Too well I feel that I 
 was groping for a good life, but the dangers that beset me 
 thwarted any promptings that came for good ; and when death 
 announced that my life of follies was done, God ! I shall never 
 forget the heart-felt remorse that stopped or choked my spirit 
 out of its happiness. On earth I was a drunken and benighted 
 sot — ^lost to many loves, lost to much good, given to many temi^- 
 tations, and feeling no insight into my future victory or destruc- 
 tion. Alas I I now can vividly depict my first entrance into 
 eternal life I It brings me right upon a thousand ills that have 
 caused me the stings of a myriad of horrors. One does not re- 
 alize the enormity of his crime when the tide is upon him, nor 
 when the crime is present, for the moment ; nor when ho makes 
 
160 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 Ids life a fortress of crime. But when the light of day has 
 past away forever, then does lie seek relief when there is no 
 one near to hear. My God I I felt as in a desert of black de- 
 spair — or among a set of ravenous wolves, ready to devour me 
 with hate, or laugh me down to perdition. My God I did I de- 
 serve such a meeting? Alas ! I can but say that God is just, 
 and I am what I made myself, except that he never forsook me in 
 all my wickedness, nor pointed me to my hateful life. His spirit 
 it was that has lifted me up, up, up. My heavenly Father has 
 shown me his tender mercies, and I have reached a goal of bliss 
 that I never deserved ; but in the Book of Life it is written that 
 it is the wandering sheep that needs the shepherd ; and so with 
 more care, through all my trials and wretchedness, he has found 
 me, and led me with great patience to himself. And I will ask 
 all weak and erring people of God's creation to give up RUJJ, 
 to chase away the devil, to flee all temptations, and to follow 
 God. Then you will never reap the sorrows of the wild and 
 weak Edgak Poe." 
 
 Certain parts of this remarkable communication were 
 written evidently with great emotion. In the opening 
 sentences, the words was and coil [Shakespeare's phrase, 
 — " mortal coil "] were bo heavily and forcibly under- 
 lined, that the paper was cut through by the pencil, to 
 the depth of several sheets ; so also the word rum was 
 written with peculiar force. There are many phrases 
 in this message that are very suggestive ; as " desert of 
 black despair," and " set of ravenous wolves '' ; while 
 '' devour me with hate, and laugh me down to perdi- 
 tion," brings vividly to the imagination the bowlings 
 and jeerings of the black demons of hell surrounding 
 this unfortunate spirit, whose sins on earth had sunk him 
 to the level of such associates. What a fearful lesson ! 
 What a tremendous warning 1 On the other hand, what 
 a beautiful illustration of the boundless mercy of 
 the all-loving God, whose kindness reaches to the 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 161 
 
 depths of hell, while ruling over the blessed saints in 
 heaven ! * 
 
 On the 11th of February, a communication addressed 
 to Mr. Louis F. Weismann, by his spirit brother, C. A- 
 W., was brought to a close with the following words :— 
 
 "Hear, my dear brother, the words of a familiar spirit- 
 namely, Edgar Poe. " 
 
 Then the following was written : — 
 
 " Brothers in the Cliristian faith, seeing that one communi- 
 cation has proved acceptable, I will intrude, and come without 
 a call, to remove any wrong feeling in your minds, of fear or 
 dislike, toward myself. No mortal needed to quake and trem- 
 ble more than I, a benighted sot — a disgusting animal, groveling 
 and grasping, and collecting more filth in my body than my 
 just inheritance. How I have tried to wash the stains of lepro- 
 sy from my garments ! But they will not disappear. There 
 they stay ; and there they seem to be fixed forever. 
 
 "But, glory to God in the highest ! I feel well, and am 
 with righteousness now, serving the precious Saviour's Father, 
 God. No more disgust for me ; no more corruptions, except 
 the shadows that are always with me. You would say, ' What 
 abeautiful spirit ! ' But you would not trust me yet. No ; there 
 is a something around me that still indicates a want of purity, 
 for which I beseech my Father to look upon me with pity — 
 to give me another vesture which will show to others that I 
 will do them no harm, thus giving an inspiration of confidence. 
 Escaped from this, I should open the doors of harmony and 
 love to as many as possible ; and the Lord would help me to re- 
 ceive them well. 
 
 "Seek, my dear friends, to know yourselves ; prosper your- 
 selves for God's religion ; and Intercede for your fellow-men at 
 the mighty and worthy seat of mercy. 
 
 " May you remember Edgar Poe, the man who was afog^to 
 GOD). Many thanks ! Worthy the Lamb ! The Lord forgive ! 
 Find God forever ! " 
 
 * See, in tWs connection, the remarkable poetical communications from the 
 spirit of Lord BjTon, especially that descriptive of the dark spirits and their 
 home aDd mode of conversion, on page 93. 
 
162 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 FROM THE SEEEESS OF PRETOEST. 
 
 The following, thougli from a progressed spirit, are 
 presented here, as bearing upon this branch of the sub- 
 ject. These were written on the 3d of August last, by 
 the spirit of Madame Hauife, called, during the latter 
 part of her life, the Seeress of Prevorst, from her gifts 
 of spirit clairvoyance, &c., caused by a sickness which 
 seemed to disturb the normal relations of the soul and 
 body, and, while producing great suffering and distress, 
 enabled the patient to see around her the spirits of thfi 
 departed.* She was a cousin of L. F. Weismann ; and 
 hence the following communications, which were writ- 
 ten without a call. 
 
 On the evening of the day above-mentioned, after 
 various spirit messages had been written, it was said : 
 " Are there any other spirits desiring to communicate 
 with lis ? " It was then written : — 
 
 " Louis, I am jour father' s cousin, and your secojwZ cousin. " — 
 " Louis, see that I am your cousin, tlie Seeress of Prevorst." 
 
 Please write us an instructive message. 
 
 "Certainly. Hell is the only place to see the devil ; for the 
 love of your God is so immense, that he cannot permit of darl?;- 
 ness unless you are a terribly vicious person in mind and body ; 
 but that you will reap your reward, for good or evil, that I can 
 fully show you, I hope, from God's own sayings, and by the 
 light of heaven's laws. Fear the devil, and all his abominable 
 works. What can he not do, — what can he not perform, with 
 the permission of yourselves? I beseech you, do not let the 
 devil approach you in thought, word, or deed. Help all to the 
 
 light of HEAVEN." 
 
 Can you give any further instruction? 
 " Help me by your prayers for the dead." 
 
 * An account of this strange case was written by Justinus Kerner, Mad 
 HaufEe's physician, and published after her death in 1839. This bools was 
 translated into English by Mrs. Crowe. Mad. Hauffe was born in 1801. 
 
SPIRITTTAL C0MMUNI0ATI0N8. 163 
 
 The following prayer was then offered : — 
 
 " O Gtod, most kind and merciful Father, wlio art always ready to forgive Thy 
 creatures, loolt down with pity, we beseech thee, upon those unhappy spirits, 
 who are striving to come nearer to Thee, and lift them up to the life and 
 happiness of a better and brighter sphere of being 
 
 " Let Thy Spirit of love- love boundless as Thy universe,— work upon their 
 minds, and diffuse itself through their whole being. They cannot be happy 
 till Thou smile upon them, and lead them into the path from which they have 
 gone astray. Forgive their sins. Pardon their neglect of Thee, and teach 
 them how to -come to Thee, and feel that Thou art the gracious Father of 
 spirits— ever ready to pardon and lift up the sinner. 
 
 " And, O most merciful Being, pardon too our own manifold sins and trans- 
 gressions, and teach us how to love and serve thee as the Father of us all. 
 Let Thy blessing be upon us, and upon all Thy creatures in distress and dark- 
 ness, and bring them to the light. 
 
 *' Grant, O most merciful Father, that we may so use the opportunities of 
 this life, that we too come not to the state of fallen spirits ; but that, when 
 we pass from this transitory and imperfect state of being, we may enter into 
 our rest, to begin with bright hopes the journey that leads at last to Thee. 
 
 " Grant this, O Father, for the sake of Thy Blessed Son, our Saviour and 
 Redeemer, Jesua Christ. Amen." 
 
 At the close, it was written : — 
 
 ' ' That is well. Praise is always acceptable in the sight of 
 God. Look to the poor in spirit. They need leading, aiding, 
 and benediction. Forget not yourselves in helping others. To 
 whom much (light) is given, from them much will be required. 
 For the salvation of my soul's glory, I wish that I might have 
 seen my God's paths before I died. Then what a heavenly home 
 I might have secured for myself ; but trust God for all. He 
 will certainly never forsake you in the trial of the end. Don't 
 be the slow children of wrath ; for the face of Jesus needs 
 must smile to show its heavenly hues, to the iest advantage ! 
 Such smiles you do not know. Then do not grieve so patient a 
 Master. He is sorry for every look of sinful intent, but glories 
 in your victories. For the love of God, seek heaven. 
 
 "Hauppe." 
 
 Other communications have been written by this spirit, 
 which will be referred to hereafter. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS COMMDNICATIOKS FROM CONVERrED 
 SPIRITS. 
 
 This subject will be further illustrated by a few com- 
 
164 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 munications from converted spirits, not, however, de- 
 scriptive of the state of retributive punishment for a 
 sinful life, but giving further illustrations of the feelings 
 of those spirits, who, after having passed through their 
 trials and sufferings, and gained a settled state of bliss- 
 ful being, still look back, with awful shuddering, upon 
 their sojourn among the dark spirits, and their dreadful 
 abode, from the thought of which they turn away 
 to thank and praise their merciful Creator, who has res- 
 cued them, and who blesses them with his infinite love in 
 the happy abode of purified spirits. 
 
 1. The first are from a spirit who has endured much 
 suffering, but has now reached a sphere of comparative 
 blessedness and purity. These messages contain much 
 that is suggestive of the condition of this class of spirits. 
 The spirit from whom they come passed away from 
 earth about seventeen years ago. 
 
 [Name written.] " Hear, my dear . I am your 
 
 in the home beyond you. Blessed, my dear, are your heavenly 
 feelings for heaven's long forgotten dead in their disloyalty to 
 
 their Sovereign, the King of mankind the -world over. 
 
 is my fond son by the will of his Maker. Help him still in his 
 path of cheerful duty. Lead him heavenward with a strong and 
 firm hand. I was a poor father in the measure of my earthly 
 treatment to him ; but at last I can see my mistake. Would I 
 had the knowledge he has, and had the experience which has 
 taught me this fact, too late, alas ! too late, to save my soul's 
 damnation. God is a merciful judge, and much have I been 
 forgiven through my being so foolishly blind to the Lord's 
 power. For the love of God, do let me tell you that I am not 
 a fallen spirit, but am looked at by the pure in heaven ; for my 
 light was sent through my heartfelt sorrow and repentance for 
 sin. So while there is life, let us not neglect, but only see to 
 the truth of God's word, in the hope of everlasting life to come, 
 such as you know not of. 
 
 " My dearest wish is that you may not fall though mischance 
 
SPIRITVAL COMMUmCATIONS. 165 
 
 or error,— Blindness of hea*t will lead yoa out of (Jod's reach. 
 
 horrible thought I to lose his love beyond recalling ! Lose not 
 a moment. You know not the time or the hour when the Lord 
 may come to his people. No, not a sign shall fail. Sun and 
 moon shall give way before the Lord may slake his vengeance. 
 Oh I be hasty to teach, slow to anger, for the power of the 
 Lord is not without avail. Mercy, long-suff sring, and great and 
 almighty kindness are his heavenly- working powers. Oh ! how 
 much I could tell you of his salvation ; but Satan is at work. 
 The deidl is the root of all evil. Be fervent in your zeal." 
 
 Will you send a further message to your son f 
 
 " H _ my dear son, in God's holy name I come, with 
 
 blessings too boundless to measure. For the love of God, the 
 Almighty Father of your mind's high intellect, press on in the 
 cause of right and truth. Lead us not into temptation must be 
 your heavenly cry to the Lord ; and then, with God's mighty 
 influence at work, with the help of Emma's [the medium] mind, 
 you will be of great service In the world's slow redemption. 
 How much I could say you will never know, beyond the feeling 
 of satisfaction which God sends to his creatures when their duty 
 has been fulfilled on earth. To whom much has been given, &c. , 
 &c. — forget not that. Your home is eternal happiness or destruc- 
 tion. How few do see that their life is either good or evil — few, 
 indeed, until their bed is made in the soil of the devil's creation. 
 
 1 bless you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the 
 sanctifler of the faithful. Amen." 
 
 On the 22d of July, this spirit again wrote, at the re- 
 quest of his son, who was present, as follows : — 
 
 [Name written.] " Heaven is our home from sin's release to 
 
 God's high home of love. Da your Maker's will, my dear — , 
 
 and no foe of earth or sky can ever disturb your soul's immortal 
 happiness. Nothing could I wish for more than that you would 
 offer your heart's sacrifice for the good of your fallen race. 
 Alas ! that I could not have seen to this ere now. How much 
 God only knows I might have saved my soul's torment. But the 
 love of God passeth your understanding, else would I tell you 
 more of my inner longings for your edification. Keep on as you 
 Ure now doing, and you will save your soul alive. 
 
166 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 " My dear Emma, believe me and all your heavenly friends, 
 much lasting addresses do not come to every one. So feel your 
 high responsibility, and let the light be known abroad. 
 
 "Bless you all in the name of the Father, Son, and Holt 
 Ghost, your immortal Comforter. Amen. " 
 
 Again, on the 15th of November, the same spirit, in 
 answer to a call, came and wrote the following message, 
 describing with great accuracy the last few years of his 
 life, during which, and especially toward the end of his 
 earthly sojourn, he suffered much from illness. The 
 person whom he addresses in this communication is a 
 relative, with whom he resided, and whose kind treat- 
 ment of him he still, after the lapse of more than seven- 
 teen years, vividly remembers, and with feelings of grat- 
 itude, giving an additional illustration of the fact that 
 " a spirit never forgets." 
 
 [Name written.] "Oh I , do you think the spirit of an 
 
 old man is dead ? Do you suppose that he can forget ? Do you 
 think that I shall forget all your kindness toward me, who 
 needed so much help, and who, indeed, was an untimely burden 
 upon the earth, but especially in your care for me? I remember, 
 
 , EVERYTHING. Not a day would pass but you would 
 
 say, ' Father, I hope you are better. Can we not help you to 
 bed 1 Can we not ease your pain ? ' Much I have had to regret, 
 but never a word can escape me now but gratitude ; for my mis- 
 deeds were many — many, although not criminal. I only wish I 
 could tell you how happy it makes me to como and tell you these 
 things of the past, and also the true and happy present. We 
 are not to die, but only sleep ourselves away into an existence 
 of hope ; and the transition is more in its seeming than in reality. 
 I am with the spirits who, having gone astray, are waiting for 
 their Shepherd to seek them in the noonday of their living. So 
 no wonder that we are striving to be good, and to bring our ac- 
 tions to the light of earth, where we may perhaps find a little 
 soil to fertilize the uneven ground of ages. But I must go to 
 tha fireside of peace, and I will await you in God's time and for 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 167 
 
 God's trust. I will never weary you ; so now farewell ; and 
 good night, dear and happy children. (Signed) ." 
 
 Other communications of the most convincing char- 
 acter have also been written from this spirit by the edi- 
 tor's son. 
 
 II. The spirit of E. B. came without a call, apparently 
 brought by the intense anxiety of a mother to warn a 
 beloved daughter upon earth against the sin of thought- 
 less vanity. Several messages were written before 
 these here presented. [Aug. 3, 1878.] 
 
 " E. B. — Heaven help my daughter. I see she is blind to her 
 follies. Help her to the light of them. Tell her that she will 
 have to endure what her mother and sister are seeking to pre- 
 vent, and what they, alas 1 have gone through with — the sorrow 
 of a fallen spirit." 
 
 The spirit was then told that previous messages had 
 been forwarded; but that her daughter's husband had 
 expressed anger, saying that the daughter on earth 
 needed no admonition, being a much better woman than 
 either her mother or her sister. The following was then 
 •written : — 
 
 " Yes ; perhaps he is right.'' 
 
 Sorrow was expressed for Ids lUndness. 
 
 ' ' Never be discouraged. Heaven will open the eyes of the 
 blind, I hope, before it is too late to save a great many tribula- 
 tions. How I have suffered I cannot tell you ; but it is the will 
 of Qod that all who lead a life of sin on earth should see their 
 sin and repent before they enter the light of his presence su- 
 preme. By that presence I moan the region of his love, which 
 you will not understand unless his presence be given to you 
 through continual and sincere prayer. ! be good people, I 
 beseech you, with the perpetual mission of God's love to teach, 
 where you can, all that the noLT spirits may bring to your inner 
 sight. What a privilege it is, / see. Would you might ap- 
 preciate, and live up to, the precepts of your heavenly teachers. 
 Oh 1 then what joy will be yours forever and ever ! Amen " 
 
168 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 What is your present state or sphere ? " 
 
 " I am a good spirit, but not a perfect one by any means. I 
 am trying to improve, for the sake of my God, wlio is the beau- 
 tiful spirit of the universe. I, alas ! cannot approach the place 
 of his love, for the darkness of my soul is not yet dispelled by 
 sufEering for its tardy goodness of living. Heaven preserve 
 you from all harm here, and on earth, while you live. 
 
 ' ' Don't be discouraged. God will give you his aid. I thank 
 you for your -^ery kind efforts for my daughter's welfare. I 
 think it may prove a benefit. For the good of all souls, I will 
 say : Serve God by doing as well as the angels looking upon 
 you would deserve for the love of God, their Saviour Behold 
 the Saviour, bleeding by the side of the thieves, for the love of 
 God, his Sanctifier. Believe the Scriptures were written through 
 inspiration, not by prophecy. Look at the soul's rising from the 
 dead. Was it not for the better enabling of man's progression t 
 Throw the sense of Spiritualism upon its surface. All you will 
 need will be perseverance in your study, and true living as the 
 result. — I see I am wearying, so I will say, good night ! By 
 my long dissertation, perhaps, I may help my onward progress ; 
 for by this, perhaps, ONE soul my learn its walking." 
 
 III. The next communication, written December 18, 
 through the boy medium, is interesting as presenting a 
 further illustration of the fact of spirit progression, after 
 the death of the body. It is from Henry C.Watson, well 
 known in the musical world, for his profound knowledge 
 of the art ; also as the editor for many years of the 
 " Art Journal." It is addressed to his sister, who was 
 present when it was written. 
 
 The spirit of the editor's daughter Mary, apparently 
 a guardian spirit, had written ; when it was said, Mrs. 
 L. desires to hear from her brother, H. G. W. ; can you 
 call him ? The response was : — 
 
 •' Yes, yes ; for I hope he may be found in the regions of 
 progressed spirits, as I think he was a good man on earth. I 
 think I can bring him. Wait a short time^ as there ai-e no 
 minutes or hoars here.'' 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUNIOATIOWS. 169 
 
 [Cliange of control — different kind of writing.] " I am your 
 loving brother, brought to you by a very good spirit, named 
 M. K. I am Henry Watson in spirit." 
 
 " Oh ! my dear, dear sister, I am in a good place for departed 
 spirits ; and all here is love and peace. I hope that, when the 
 DEATH of the BODY takes you from your fearful world, you will 
 make still more rapid progress than I have, since my departure 
 from earth ; for you are a privileged person, by the will of God. 
 I was merely an individual, no more in my own estimation than 
 any other person ; and I knew nothing, or had not a warning 
 of the calamity (as people call it) of death ; which finally over- 
 comes everybody " 
 
 The control suddenly ceased ; and then it was writ- 
 ten: — 
 
 " MoUie says there is a doubt, which has broken the commu- 
 nication. He wUl write again if there is no doubt ; because, 
 as your brother [the editor's] said, a doubt breaks the communi- 
 cation. " 
 
 [Control resumed by H. W.] " but is rather a bless- 
 ing than what I have said above [calamity]. Is it not written 
 that, when people have the understanding, and do not use it, 
 they are worse than those that have no understanding to see 
 and feel these things ? Oh ! if I could have understood what 
 death, or the future life, is, when I was alive in your world, I 
 thinlc I could have done some good service to GOD, as well as 
 to the WOKLD, which is not enlightened as to heavenly things 
 enough. I am, and always was, in peace and love with all. 
 
 "H. C. W." 
 The interruption that occurred in this communication, 
 besides aifording indirectly and incidentally additional 
 evidence of the fact that the thoughts written are not 
 emanations from the medium's mind, is suggestive in 
 other respects. Doubt or disbelief exerts a peculiarly 
 repelling influence upon the good spirits ; not that it 
 offends, for such spirits do not take offense; but it 
 weakens or destroys their control, in a manner beyond 
 our conception. Thus, it happens, that, in a mixed 
 
170 SPIBITVAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 circle in which there are skeptics or scoffers, no satis- 
 factory communications can be written. The good 
 spirits lose their power to control and protect the 
 medium, and thus let in the wicked spirits, whose pres- 
 ence will he immediately obvious to those who have 
 any experience in spirit writing. 
 
 The sincere desire to be convinced, while the judg- 
 ment is suspended, will not repel, but rather excite the 
 spirits to renewed exertion to demonstrate the fact of 
 their presence. Humility in any form attracts ; but the 
 pride of superior knowledge, the conceit of stolid arro- 
 gance, or the scoffing of an empty, frivolous mind, 
 drives the higher spirits far, far away. This is an im- 
 portant fact which all who would investigate the subject 
 of spirit intercourse should never lose sight of. 
 
 COMMCINICATIOK TKOM JAMES FISK, JR. 
 
 In the next communication, is presented, perhaps, the 
 most awful picture of suffering that the mind of man 
 can contemplate. It was given for a blessed purpose, 
 by the will of God, and seemingly under the guardian- 
 ship of spirits of the highest sphere, as a lesson to sin- 
 ners. Would that all who are entering upon a life of 
 wickedness might read it and believe ! 
 
 On the 17th of February, while various spirits, xm.- 
 called, were writing their names, the medium saw the 
 name " j/ij/i Fisk (a reptile),^' written among otliers. 
 The next day, she felt a peculiar control, and repeatedly 
 heard, as if whispered into her ear, this name. On the 
 evening of the 17th, in the presence of the editor, she 
 wrote the following startling communication : — 
 
 " Jim Fisk, Jr. — ' Jm Fisk ' — I liate the name. HELL. 
 Dear people, I am persecuted and tortured by my enemies. Do 
 you wisli to know wlio tliey are ? (! ! ) I will tell you — it is Sin. 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUmOATIONS. 171 
 
 He is near me always. Did I not seek him, and soothe him to 
 my breast ? Many and many a time. Did I not grow to lom 
 liim, and everything he created ? He gave me the relish I had for 
 things which carry me to the life of a dog. Tea, a dog should 
 have a better fate than mine. 
 
 " Horror of horrors ! I am surrounded by black darkness — 
 so black I can almost feel it 1 Oh I so terrible ! I have no feel- 
 ings of revenge now. Oh, no I Why am I so changed in that 
 way ? Oh I why was I not so in the bodily form ? How foolish 1 
 Oh ! to myself I seem as a log plunged in the water. So choked 
 1 feel — 0, I cannot swallow 1 I gasp ! I drown 1 0, I shall 
 die! Help! 
 
 ' ' Good people, I ask your help. O, pray for me ! I am not 
 wicked. I will not harm you. O God ! No. Do not fear me, 
 I pray and beseech you. Forgive me for troubling you, as your 
 Father forgives you, who are meek and lowly in your desires on 
 earth, but elevated and pure in your thoughts, that meet 
 Heaven's approval. 
 
 " May the Lord bless you, and help you to protect me from 
 the terror of contemplation ! I never '.bought to be in this state. 
 Oh ! there is something about my neck ! I shall never forget it, 
 — so tight ! And something in my hand ! Ah ! a pistol ! It 
 goes ofE ! Ah me ! I am dead ! — but I do not die ! 
 
 " May I never ask you to sufier my feelings again ! But, dear 
 people, I feel better ; and I shall get strength from this confes- 
 sion, which will cover you with blessings. 
 
 ' ' God bless you ! I go. Do not say you are glad. No, no, 
 no ! Farewell ! I am no longer a colonel. No ; I wear the 
 breastplate of agony on my person. Good night ! I am soiTy 
 to go. God deliver me ! Amen. 
 
 " As the sun shineth — but not for my sight — I live, and bear 
 this testimony to my sufEerings. Jim Fisk, Ju." 
 
 The medium burst into tears, and wept passionately 
 and hysterically for several minutes ; but holy angels 
 wrote their names to indicate their soothing presence ; 
 and one far, far advanced in spiritual progress, wrote 
 the following : — 
 
 " Dear friends, hearken well to the lesson of life. It comes 
 
172 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 from above, and soothes the soul unto bright and joyous realms 
 of Peace. 1 am, in great consideration for your comfort, 
 
 " Your friend, .■"* 
 
 The two following communications are especially val- 
 uable for the additional evidence and illustration which 
 they present of the severity, but limitation, of future 
 punishment for a sinful life, as well as the truth of spirit 
 progression. The first is from a man noted in the city 
 of New York, among city officials and politicians of a 
 certain grade ; the second is from the man who, at one 
 time, held the City of New York almost as much in his 
 grasp of power as Rome was ever held hy a dictator or 
 emperor ; whose crimes in the administration of office 
 were colossal, and whose turpitude and audacity were 
 unparalleled. But he was suddenly struck down from 
 his "bad eminence;" and many of those who had 
 profited by his guilt, hurriedly contributed to his fall, 
 and gloated over his punishment. His life and fate pre- 
 sent a lesson and a warning such as God, in his wisdom 
 and justice, has often given to men, but never more im- 
 pressively than in the case of this misguided man. 
 
 The following is from Coroner S. [called by Mr. L. 
 F. Weismann, who had been acquainted with him] : — 
 
 " S , at your service, on Calvary — tlie Mount of God ; for 
 
 God is m.j judge. I am the poor old man who thought often, if 
 not vs'ell, of the benefit, or deserts, of a life of fame in either 
 evil or good living, but more often the former, according to my 
 calling in life ; for I was the coroner of the community, and in 
 that calling a fruitful blessing to humanity ; but (pardon my 
 confession) I was far from being a help to any one beyond that 
 peculiar distinction. Nevertheless, I have seen, with hopeless 
 and benighted eyes, many beauties, which should have been 
 within my re.icli, so that I might have secured them for myself ; 
 but I was without the benediction of God ; and man is only a 
 
 * See page 296. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONa. 173 
 
 false maoliine, if lie has not tlie liglitning speed of God's truth 
 and fondness in his constitution to teach him his immortality, 
 and to prepare him for heaven. 
 
 " My condition in this world was that of the lost, and intoler- 
 able in companionship ; but I have implored my sacred Father, 
 who is my succor now, to take me away from hell's tortures of 
 remorse, regret, and sorrow for sin, and to forgive me, and lead 
 me up to purer regions, where peace and harmony dwell, in all 
 of which I have received encouragement and assistance from 
 those who are mightier in grace to bring me further on toward 
 the pure. , 1 am in sorrow for my wife's pains of anguish. Tell 
 her my immortal soul now finds sweet rejiose in death, from 
 which I n,eyer supposed I should rise. But God is now my fond 
 and hopeful Judge, and I rise to a purer mind in the skies, under 
 his benign power. 
 
 " Blessings to you, my wife, in patience and fear. All is well. 
 Be steadfast and have good cheer ; for I am near to bless you in 
 grace ; and encouragement I bestow, for to me you are dear. 
 
 "Ever fond in the mind of a spirit, and ever with blessings 
 to the world at large, I am W. S., Coroner, in the office belong- 
 ing to the City of New York, who died in 1878." 
 
 Then came his friend, W. M. Tweed, and wrote the 
 following : — 
 
 "Bill Tweed." — [The name after it was written was de- 
 faced by the spirit ; and the medium was impressed to say, 
 " Poor defaced Bill Tweed."] 
 
 " Born for a stony path of wickedness and ill merit ; but the 
 beautiful God has indeed bereft me of my ' mortal (serpent) 
 coil,' and without that I can see my way, though many a breaker 
 be ahead. 
 
 " Believe me, I have more than suffered ; I have agonized in 
 my state of pain, without the help of a soul to afford me relief. 
 I have jumped into the tortures of hell with, as it were, a mill- 
 stone around my neck. And what was the caase of this ? 
 Namely — but I repent, and it grieves me to write it ; and, in- 
 deed, I cannot scrawl it black enough for my satisfaction— 
 VIIiIiAIinr. Be it of WEALTH, as MINE, or SELF, or 
 OTHERS' DISGRACE, it is all the same— CRIME at last, and 
 
174 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 destruction to God's sight. I know it now, and I am thankful. 
 I had my pleasures — MANY— in the earth ; but what are they 
 now, or what were they after my peace was broken in upon as a 
 thief in the night ? It was justice on earth ; and what suffering 
 I have had here, or know now, is justice, YEA, more, in heaven. 
 
 "Tell the people in the world that Boss Tweed is no longer a 
 reptile. NO ; purification comes with death. No, nor does he 
 burn with imperishable flames of torture. NO ; God is merci- 
 ful. But is there not worse burning than this ? — the consuming 
 fire of a volume of SIN ? Can any OUTSIDE affliction compare 
 with this ? No ; but those people who are desirous of reaping 
 for me my harvest of punishment, had, in the truth of a fallen 
 MAN, in the spirit of God, better prepare for a good possession of 
 kind offerings to their King of goodness and j ustice. Prepare 
 the gifts of a pure and upright life, such as the angels will re 
 ceive, and such as will not cause you to blush. 
 
 " In sorrow of night, I am waiting for bright day, but vrithout 
 impatience for God's love — to MB. Ever above mortality's 
 wrongful state, Wm. M. Tweed." 
 
 / hope the message will do good. 
 
 ' ' I am satisfied it is in good hands. I know you well, Henry 
 Kiddle. Were we not happy once ? " 
 
 We hope you will advance. 
 
 " I will yet be ready to sing with joy, if my life can be atoned 
 for.— W. T." 
 
 The peculiar manner in which this was written can- 
 not be transferred to paper. The editor, who had known 
 the man in life, could discern, in almost every movement 
 of the medium's hand, the distinguishing traits of his 
 mental character — quickness, force, decision, and self- 
 reliance. As remarked by the spirit of Robert Watts, 
 " Nature never changes her conditions ; " and although 
 the spirit of W. M. Tweed is undergoing retributive 
 punishment, and, through it, purification, his peculiar 
 mental traits still remain, and, as shown by the spirit 
 of Lafayette, will continue to characterize him, even 
 aftei' he has become an angel of light and mercy. Those 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 175 
 
 ■who seem almost to gloat over the fancied eternal pun- 
 ishment of their fellow-mortals, according to their cher- 
 ished dogma, will probably read this communication 
 with disgust, and reject it in passion. But the editor 
 "would counsel wise and calm consideration, for their 
 own sakes, by means of which they may be enabled to 
 see more clearly and feel more deeply, through this 
 blessed light of spirit communications, the infinite love 
 and mercy of God. Let them not dare to say that this 
 sinner has, according to their petty judgments, received 
 no adequate punishment for his great crimes, remem- 
 bering that, but for the grace of God, they themselves 
 would perhaps have been worse sinners than he. To 
 the self-righteous man, the doctrine of the everlasting 
 "torture of hell-fire" seems to be sweet and precious; 
 but, as intimated so properly and feelingly by the spirit 
 Tweed, it would be much better for him to exclaim 
 with the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner ! " 
 than with the Pharisee, " I thank Thee that I am not 
 as other men," &c. Who can realize — can, indeed, have 
 the faintest conception of — the sufferings of this hapless 
 man — this victim of the wiles of the evil one ? How 
 significant the expressions : " I have more than suffered — 
 I have agonized ; " and " What suffering I have had, or 
 know now / " and, again, " In sorrow of night, I am 
 waiting for bright day.'' 
 
 Let this whole picture of the repentant spirits, so 
 pregnant with impressive lessons, bear witness to the 
 inconceivable sufferings of those fallen children of God' 
 — sufferings so great that the angels weep tears of sym- 
 pathy over them, while they prosecute their holy mis- 
 sions of love, to rescue them from so dark a fate. Let 
 it be remembered, too, that but a small part is here re- 
 
176 SPIRITUAL OOMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 vealed, or perhaps can be revealed ; for there may be 
 spirits so far sunk in the depths of darkness, that the 
 light of heaven cannot reach them, and will not perhaps 
 for ages. Yet, it is said by another spirit, while in the 
 agonies of remorse, " The spirit finally conquers / " so, let 
 ns hope that none can depart so far from their blessed 
 Creator as "to lose his love beyond recalling;" and 
 that, at some time, however remote, to use the words 
 of the purified spirit of Byron, " all the creatures of 
 God's love will be brought into one blest companion- 
 ship of joy."* 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE SHORT-LIVED OK EAKTH. 
 
 Gommunicatians from those who died in Infancy or Childhood. 
 
 " Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones ; for 
 I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold 
 the face of my Father which is in heaven." — Matthew xviii. 10. 
 
 " They shall all hloom in the fields of light, 
 
 Transplanted by my care. 
 And saints, upon their garments white. 
 
 These cacred blossoms wear." — Longfellow. 
 
 * Tlicre is an allasion in spirit Tweed's raessa^ wliich seems to refer to 
 certain remarks made in a lecture delivered in the City of New York a few 
 days before the message was written, the object of which was to demonstrate 
 the eternity of the future punishment of the wicked, from natural considera- 
 tions, out -ide of Scripture '1 he characters of W. Jt. Tweed and Aaron Burr 
 were used as examples, the conception of the spealcer being that these great 
 sinners were, 9nd must forever continue to be, in the burning iires of hell 
 punishment. It seems rash and pitiless, to say the least, to condemn, even 
 in thought, any of our brothers or sisters to hopeless, eveHasting torment. 
 Scripture, when properly understood, does not warrant it. The doctrine of 
 a Christian ministtr (Rev. Jas Pullman), in " Repentance after Death," is 
 more charitable, and more truthful. (See page 34.) 
 
SPIRITUAL aOMMUmOATIONS. 177 
 
 " She is not dead, — the child of our affection — 
 
 But gone unto tliat school, 
 Where she no longer needs our poor protection, 
 And Christ himself doth rule." — Longfelloio. 
 The purity of child life is one of the sweetest and 
 holiest things which we are permitted to contemplate 
 in this world of corruption. The innocence of child- 
 hood has been ever the theme of poet and painter ; in- 
 deed, the glorious mission of the Saviour begins with 
 the Babe of Bethlehem, to whom the sages of the East 
 knelt; as they offered their richest gifts to this mysteri- 
 ous symbol of the purity of an immaculate Deity clothed 
 with a temporary garment of flesh. No wonder, there- 
 fore, that the Saviour took these flowers of humanity in 
 his arms, and said to his disciples, " Take heed that ye de- 
 spise not one of these little ones," at the same time 
 teaching them that these tender beings are under the 
 guardianship of angels so pure and holy, that " they 
 always behold the face of the Heavenly Father." 
 
 Let the theologians say what they may about " origi- 
 nal sin ; " anil, indeed, the tendency of the human heart 
 to corruption must be sufficiently obvious to the most 
 careless observer and thinker; there is still also just as 
 obvious a truth in the beautiful lines of Wordsworth : — 
 " Heaven lies about us in our infancy ! 
 Shades of the prison-house begin to close 
 
 Upon the growing boy, 
 But he beholds the light, and whence it flows ; 
 
 He sees it in his joy ; 
 The youth, who daily further from the east 
 Must travel, still is nature's priest, 
 And by the vision splendid 
 Is on his way attended ; 
 At length the man perceives it die away. 
 And fade into the light of common day."* 
 
 *0de on the fntimations of ImnwrtalUtj 
 
178 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 From the commencement of the experiences recorded 
 in this book, the editor was much interested in the com- 
 munications that purported to come from the spirits of 
 those who died young — in early childhood. ' The first 
 message, as already related, was from his daughter 
 (Mary Anna), who, at the age of five, departed from 
 earth about twenty years ago. His faith in the eternal 
 world, at that time, was too much a mere sentiment — 
 too vague in its conceptions, too much shackled by false 
 speculation, and the false teachings of a blind theology, 
 to enable him fully to rise above the heart-rending 
 agony — almost despair — incident to that sad event, 
 which fell " like a blight " over his spirit, and made " the 
 open sky " seem like a dark pail, rather than the scene 
 of glad consolation, as pictured by the bard of Thana- 
 topsis* Yet as calmness succeeded the first wildnoss 
 of grief, he was enabled to give expression to the con- 
 flict of his earthly feelings of despair with the bright 
 vision of hope presented by a glorious faith in immor- 
 tality. The following lines were then penned, at least 
 fifteen years previous to his condescending (as he then 
 thought) to read a single volume on the subject of spirit 
 intercourse. This little poem, laid away for nearly 
 twenty years among old and almost forgotten papers, is 
 
 * '* From the stand-points of the old Theology, all is darkness. Notwith- 
 standing the visions of poets, the speculations of philosophers, the achieve- 
 ments of science and reason, the ecstasies of prophet and seer, the wisdom 
 of churches, and the light of Revelation, the life after death is as much a 
 mystery as ever. The Apostolic Church declares that the Gospel has brought 
 life and immortality to life ; but its dim intimations teach ua as little of 
 the great Hereafter, as the murmurs of the ocean-shell tell us of the sea. 
 What can its foremost and wisest man show us of the whereabouts of this 
 little departed spirit ?— of its present form and nature ? — of its habitat and 
 surroundings ? — of its associates and occupations ? — of its mode of living 
 and means of development ? " — Da. Holoombe, Our Ukildren in Heaven 
 (Phila, 1808). 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. I79 
 
 here presented, not aa possessing any literary merit, but 
 as showing the wonderful realization of the sentiment of 
 the third and fourth verses, which has been mercifully 
 vouchsafed to the editor by the mysterious dispensation 
 of his all-loving Creator : — 
 
 THKBNODIA. 
 
 Tliou liast breathed on our sweet flowet 
 
 With thy cold breath ; 
 Triumphant reigns thy icy power. 
 
 Pallid death ! 
 She can never come again, come again ! 
 Flower of love, but loved in vain ! loved in vain ! 
 
 Look thy last on her cold clay. 
 
 Child of woe ! 
 Give thy tears of anguish way ; 
 
 They must flow. 
 We her loss shall e'er deplore, e'er deplore ; 
 Broken-hearted evermore, evermore. 
 
 Lo ! heaven's opening portals, pouring 
 
 Floods of light ! 
 Deathless spirit, upward soaring 
 
 Wing thy flight. 
 Wafted to that happy shore, happy shore. 
 She shall sorrow feel no more, feel no more. 
 
 Child of hope, no longer sighing. 
 
 Cease thy fears ; 
 Death's dark terrors now defying. 
 
 Dry thy tears. 
 When released from earth and pain, earth and pain. 
 We will greet her once again, once again.* 
 
 * The poem, it will be observed, is an imitation, as to rythmical con- 
 struction, of Shakespeare's *' Take, O take those lips away." — Mtasu^re fof 
 Measure, Act iv., sc, 1. 
 
180 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 Very many communications have been received from 
 the spirit of this beloved daughter — now matured in 
 spirit life— all breathing the same tone of affection and 
 purity, and indicating that her mission is that of an angel 
 to guide and bless, as far as possible, those, whether 
 here or in the eternal world, whom she can influence 
 by her holy ministrations. In the communication to 
 her sister, already presented on page 54, the signif- 
 icant words occur, " Have you ever thought of my 
 being with you forever by God's design ? He did not 
 take me to himself for naught, I am sure." All the 
 circumstances, as far as known, indicate very plainly 
 that she was the instrument employed by> Providence 
 to open to us, and through us to the world, these won- 
 derful spiritual revelations. Her constant guardianship 
 has been made known hundreds of times during these 
 experiences, by the writing of messages of affection, of 
 warning, and of instruction. When any unusual mani- 
 festation has been made, indicating the presence of an 
 unprogressed spirit, almost immediately the change of 
 control takes place, and it is written in a soft, small 
 hand, superseding the ugly, heavy characters of the 
 fallen one, " MoUie is here. Do not be alarmed ; " 
 or words of that import. It is impossible, by any nar- 
 rative, completely to describe the various phases of this 
 angel guardianship as it has been shown to the editor 
 and his family, by these constant messages of love and 
 watchfulness. A few communications will be here 
 selected, as being most suggestive of the life, character, 
 and mission of such a spirit. 
 
 [To tlie medium. ] ' ' Heaven is my liome, and I am Mollie, 
 your sister in the spirit, as you know me not. Blessings from 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmGATIONS. 181 
 
 God I bring in my efforts for your good. Do not be imperfect 
 in any way in your living, and God will never forsake you in 
 the world to come. Tlie earthly bondage is the only chain which 
 keeps you back ; when this is broken, the heavens will open, 
 and the angels of mercy will meet you with rapture. " 
 
 [To the medium — July 10.] "Emma, I love you. You are 
 a. good medium for our good purposes. Be everlastingly per- 
 severing in well-doing. Heaven is your destination. Although 
 we are helping you, help must come from God's own power of 
 love to your heart. My wish is that you write a book for 
 your many friends, who would patiently read it coming from 
 you. For yourselves, we wish you joy forever. Mollie is send- 
 ing you her heart's wishes for your good." 
 
 [To her parents — Sept. 13. ] " Mollie will let you know that 
 you have nothing to fear while you have God's holy angels sur- 
 rounding your paths by your earnest prayer for sacred protec- 
 tion. Oh ! how I long to embrace you in iny heavenly home, 
 where we will certainly meet with heavenly rejoicing. Press 
 on, dear, dear parents ; we will be happy yet — all a happy, 
 happy band ! So joyous a sight to see you in the light of Jesus' 
 love for you ! How you must rejoice in your hearts at the en- 
 twining of your powers toward love and God, which are the 
 only safeguards for the bliss of heaven. Blessings be upon you 
 from all good and holy guardians ! Fervently seek the life from 
 sin's control, and love your Holy Father. Amen. Heaven bless 
 you and all. Mollie." 
 
 [Sept. 24.] "Mollie is ever ready to give you all her heav- 
 enly presence for your soul's understanding. My blest and 
 dearest mother, I am happy to see you under the right guid- 
 ance for God's life before you in heaven. Blessings will de- 
 scend upon your life here when you can feel the truth of living. 
 Oh ! how we long to give you all our rapture of living by sighs 
 and songs of transporting joy for your onward and upward 
 progress. Alas ! my earthly parents need even more yet to 
 transport them to their home of heaven's endless pastures, 
 where rippling waters flow, bringing with them the feeling of 
 never-ceasing rest and happiness. My dear, dear mother, ever 
 feel that Mollie, your daughter, who died to earth's light twenty 
 years ago, is near you, throwing yoa her life-long kisses of love 
 
182 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 and satisfaction. We will be happy yet in God's best abode, 
 where no stranger, or enemy, such as death, is seeking and ever 
 finding his harvest. Without a tearful passage of deliverance, 
 you will not be able to accept your Heavenly Protector's kind 
 blessings ; and without God, we are all as poor, poor sheep lost 
 from the fold of Christ. But never be impatient. Though 
 God seems not near, he is always in spiritual intercourse with 
 you with the help of your seeking ; and never will he desert 
 even his long-resisting children. I am happy by the side of my 
 Saviour,* and Jesus is our friend and the intercessor for all. 
 Pray fqr all departed spirits ; it will give them their needful 
 light to see their way out of sin's worst dangers We do not 
 think that the dead are lost ever ; no matter how disobedient 
 they are, they seem to us to be in a. prison from which they 
 must see the light which oi^ens the door of brightness and love. 
 
 " We all wish you charity and forbearance in all things, and 
 bless you again and again with the hope of life eternal. 
 
 " I remain as before yours fervent in love, Mollie." 
 
 [September.] " Mollie is so glad to talk to you, my dear papa. 
 I wish you would tell me that you would like to see me, and I 
 might be permitted to show you that I am your little daughter 
 who is in heaven. Dear Emma [the medium], believe me, you 
 must follow the love of your Saviour Christ, in all his loving 
 ways and pure ideas of holy living. Do not be perverse in your 
 actions toward any of God's creatures, but resist the feelings of 
 all wickedness, and all will be the perfect heaven and home that 
 will fully satisfy you. I do not wish to offend you at all, my 
 dear sister, but only write this as a prompter of my best love 
 and wishes for your safety, as you will fully know at last. So 
 trust God in all his ways. 
 
 " Sister Mollie, with God's love to you all in my family ties. 
 Amen. " 
 
 She was told that her relatives would Tie enraptured to see 
 her. 
 
 * This expression, " by the side of my Saviour," was explained by her on 
 a subsequent occasion at the request of tlie editor. She wrote, *' Mollie is 
 not with Christ, the beloved of God, but feels his presence in every action. 
 This is what I mean when I say 1 am by his side.^^ How many errors in the- 
 ology have arisen from construing fign?ative language with strict literalnessl 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMITNIOATIONS. 183 
 
 " I can come, when you would wisli it, by tlie help of good 
 niediumsliip." 
 
 [Nov. 17. — To liei' grandmother.] "MoUie, by the will of 
 (}od,is very glad to be able to write to her dear grandmother, at 
 her request, a few lines, saying that Mollie, in the love of God, 
 blesses her, and is in haste to meet her in the life of spirits. I 
 bless you, and love you, as I always showed you when I was 
 alive on earth. You know a little circumstance which happened 
 in my childhood which will prove my saying. 
 
 ' ' Ever in true love, your affectionate granddaughter, as she 
 was and always will be, Mollie, in love. Amen. " 
 
 The above communication was ■written through the 
 boy-lnedium. 
 
 [Nov. 24.] " Mollie lingers around your hearts with heavenly 
 bliss, and the strongest wishes for your good ; for many friends 
 are listening around your chairs, anxious to express their feel- 
 ings with the memories of years. And for this we come, but 
 not with tears, or intrusive fears, but with the strongest help 
 toward you on earth, to show the lost that a home is prepared 
 for their soul's reception. And why, God ! do they not accept 
 the offer, and thus make for themselves a resting-place, where 
 their sojourn will suit their inclination ? 0, instruct the err- 
 ing! Mollie." 
 
 This was written after several other spirits had com- 
 municated ; hence the allusion to " many friends listen- 
 ing around us.'' 
 
 On the 8th of December, the spirit in a specially joy- 
 ous mood, wrote the following poetical message to her 
 parents : — 
 
 ' ' My dear papa, and mamma, too : 
 As I am in a happy frame. 
 To speak of heaven will be my aim ; 
 And then, peradventure, if I pray, 
 God will show to me his v/ay 
 To prepare your hearts for the deathless state, 
 For which you must in patience wait. 
 
184 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 Please, bear me in mind. ; as a spirit's care 
 Gives me power to express the prayer, 
 Tliat God will give you, as me lie has, 
 A home of love 
 Enthroned above. 
 
 " Loving and waiting, 
 
 " MOLME." 
 
 Again, on the 19th of December, she wrote to the 
 family circle the following: — 
 
 " MoUie. — I am in your heart's delightful presence, when 
 you are with God in yonr mind ; and I hope you are happy to 
 be with me. I am so gifted with love for you, that it gives me 
 the surest trust that your souls will accept their blessed living, 
 I am as joyous a spirit as you could wish. I am as sympathiz- 
 ing an attendant as God could give you ; and I am your littlo 
 Mollie grown into the womanhood of a spirit's existence. If 1 
 can meet you upon the shore of happiness at last, I shall reap a 
 future of delight. If I cannot greet you in my home beyond, I 
 will grieve myself at the loss of your presence ; but never at the 
 justice of God can a spirit give a murmur. 
 
 " I am, in patience, hopeful of your selection, waiting and 
 watching for my own self, and for you all. In the eternity of 
 bliss, I am your child, Mollie." 
 
 The following, addressed, by reqnest, to her mother 
 (Feb. 9, 1879), presents some further points of illustra- 
 tion: — 
 
 " Mollie is ever ready to comfort her dearest mother. I love 
 you, mother dear. I am sorry you do not see it clearly all the 
 time, for it makes me happy to tell you of it ; and I think it 
 makes you happy to feel that your own little girl is here to give 
 you God's blessing. I have grown, and am larger than I was ; 
 and I know you will think I am now more like a spirit, for I 
 am growing more into the likeness of God, in love. All spirits 
 love you, mother, and will give you all comfort. Take what 
 you can here, on earth ; for in heaven you will have all comfort, 
 — nothing to worry you, and you will be light and free. I love 
 you, dear mother ; 1 love you, dear papa ; I love you brother 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONS. 185 
 
 Louis ; I love you aunt Lizzie ; I love you very much, my dear 
 SISTER [the medium.] Mollie, in heaven." 
 
 To those who desire any further test of the independ- 
 ence of the intelligence communicating from that of 
 the medium, it is presented in the last paragraph ; but 
 let it be borne in mind that this message of affection -was 
 one of a long series written the same evening ; as fol- 
 lows: — (1) Bishop Ives; (2) Napoleon Bonaparte; (3) 
 Joseph Lancaster ; (4) Mollle (as above) ; (5) Wm. 
 Penn. Let the reader turn to each of these in succes- 
 sion, reading them all in the order given, and ask him- 
 self if there is the slightest possibility that the intelli- 
 gence of one person, however gifted intellectually, could 
 have, impromptu, struck them all off in about one hour 
 and a half. That this was done the editor solemnly 
 avers, and that it was done in his presence.* 
 
 The constant attendance of this pure and bright spirit 
 has evidently been the means of our being able to ob- 
 tain the presence of very many other spirits. Thus it 
 has been frequently written, " Mollie will call the 
 spirit, if you desire it ;" or when it has been asked, 
 
 " Can you bring '?" the response has been, " Yes, 
 
 in a minute ; " and for a short time the medium would 
 feel the absence of all control, followed by a change of 
 control evidenced by the different kind of writing, and 
 sometimes, for a little while, by the great difSculty of 
 writing at all intelligibly. On one occasion, it was 
 asked, " How did you know you could come ?" and the 
 answer was, " Mollie brought me." At another time, 
 in answer to the question, " How did you come to us ? " 
 it was written, " You called me, and Mollie echoed the 
 call to my spirit's understanding." When the spirit of 
 
 *The editor farther says, the original papers are all preserved. 
 
186 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION^?. 
 
 Edgar Poe was called, it was said : " Mollie will see if 
 he will come, or be brought. He is not near; " and two 
 quite long communications were written by other spirits 
 before he wrote the remarkable message given on 
 page 159. 
 
 When asked to bring the spirit of a certain person 
 she wrote : — 
 
 " Yes, yes ; for I liope lie may be found in the regions of pro- 
 gressed spirits, as I tliink lie was a good man on eartli. I tliink 
 I can bring him. Wait a short time, as there are no minutes or 
 hours here." 
 
 At a subsequent period, the following remarkable 
 communication was written : — 
 
 " Oh ! Mollie knows how anxious you all are to see her, and 
 hopes that you may all meet her in the happy home where love 
 and peace dwell, such as can nowhere else be found. Suffer me 
 to bring any spirit that your hearts may desire ; for I am, as I 
 think, the one to bring all spirits to this harmonious family. 
 God has appointed me to do his will in this way ; and therefore 
 I do it, and I am always ready to do your hearts service. So 
 never be afraid that the work (as you call it) of bringing, or 
 rather calling, spirits troubles me. It is a pleasure, not a toil. " 
 
 Then followed advice as to requiring spirits to sign 
 their names, with an attestation, so as to prevent evil 
 spirits from communicating. 
 
 II. 
 
 The next series of communications are from the spirit 
 of M. W., who died in 1861, at the age of two years. 
 The style is, in many respects, different from that of the 
 preceding messages, as will be readily perceived. The 
 first communication was written July 26th, to her moth- 
 er, who was present. 
 
 "Touare my dear mother. Milly will bless you in homes 
 beyond. Do you not see I am your lost Milly on earth ? — but 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 187 
 
 lost to tlie sins wliich you have to figlit ? Dear mother, I come 
 in God's name. Forever love God, while there is good time to 
 help your soul's salvation. I am looking and loving with such 
 
 longing and heavenly impatience to see you help to his 
 
 knowledge of the life here. God sees his wavering error. Bear 
 with the cross, and Jesus will give you the crown, beyond your 
 feeling the power of God's heavenly Milly. " 
 
 The following was written on the 30th of September, 
 to her parents, who were present : — 
 
 ' ' Milly loves her parents, and hopes to make them feel this 
 truth so beautiful, and so clearly seen in the light which comes 
 from heavenly communion with the angels of God. Oh ! how 
 I long to have you see that I am ever near, to look upon you in 
 all your ways. Oh ! feel how great will be our heavenly re- 
 joicing when your work upon earth is done, and all is won ; 
 with Jesus yet to speak to and love. He is our Holy Comforter 
 — so kind and forgiving. Never, never do you know that we 
 can see you by his high and heavenly redemption. It was he 
 who died and bled to save you from your own deserved punish- 
 ment. Why then will you neglect your Saviour's call 1 Think 
 again how happy we shall be, with mother, father, brothers, 
 and sisters — indeed all of us will meet upon the shore of heaven, 
 to sing of God and his perfection, with the angels of mercy, 
 charity, and love. Follow these three on earth ; and Milly will 
 never cry and grieve to return to earth, or permit a sorrow 
 to dim your hearts. 
 
 " Love and blessings forever from Milly, your lost to earth, 
 but won to heaven. Lend us your understanding, and permit 
 our intercession by your humble and believing hearts. 
 
 ' ' Ever your affectionate and truthful Milly. " 
 Again, on the 22d of November, she wrote to her 
 mother as follows : — 
 
 Oh ! I pray you, believe me, I am near, near, and can send 
 you light to lead you to the road to happiness. Please be faith- 
 ful to me — a poor little child, who went home to her Father's 
 house ; and please do not be so foolish in your heart, and blind 
 to God's manifestation to you of his power. I am only a little 
 spirit come in love to you ; and I ask that you will believe me. 
 
188 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 It was for THIS 1 came to grandmother's arm ; drawn also by 
 lier inclination, for SHE is no impostor, but a Christian being, 
 and she will give you new evidence that I am here.* 
 
 "Milly will now say good-bye; and a change will come to 
 yo-a all in God's time." 
 
 Being asked to write a message for her father, she 
 wrote as follows : — 
 
 " Oh ! y es ; 1 can see too plainly that my dear father is not 
 traveling upon the pathway of light ; and I believe that he 
 will have to suffer adversities before he can know fully that he 
 is not here as a dog without a tongue, but is a Christian man, 
 born of God, and for God, who will ask him if he has done 
 his will upon earth ; and, according to this, God will select for 
 him his future state ; and as this is just, he will reap whatever 
 he has sown. 
 
 ' ' My dear papa, be advised in the Trutli, and desist from 
 every temptation that leads from the paths of goodness and 
 love. Bring up the children to hope for the bright home where 
 Milly is waiting for you all with a heart full of anxious love 
 and impatience." 
 
 On Christmas evening the following was written with- 
 out a call : — 
 
 " Merry Christmas from Milly in heaven." 
 Ih it " Merry Christmas " icith the spirits in heaven T 
 ' ' Yes ; all is merry Christmas in the palace of Christ's 
 abode. " 
 
 / suppose it is one continuous feeling of satisfaction in tliat West 
 abode. 
 
 "YES. When you reach that perfect shore, you will find it 
 much more brilliant than in the less purified regions of space. 
 
 " MlLIiY." 
 
 7ou have long reached that happy shoi'e, I presume. 
 
 " No. Never in the short time of a little child's existence is 
 
 * This has reference to a very singular incident. Her motlier and grand- 
 mother were sitting one morning in the family circle ; and the arm of the 
 latter was made to shake violently, as if by some magnetic power. She was 
 not, however, impressed to write any message. This, as was explained, waa 
 a demonstration made by the spirit to impress her motbei. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 189 
 
 Christ's liome readied ; but in time I sliall be witk tlie all-suc- 
 cessful in Christ's heart of love. But I am happy, and God is 
 good and kind and tender toward me— a poor little wandering 
 Spirit, needing the support of a great spirit's protection. I can 
 only seem great or useful to the humble spirits, or the earth- 
 bound people of God's creation. But do not suppose I seek 
 greatness. No ; never do such fancies find room in my spirit's 
 being ; for all I need to help me on is the bright face of Jesus, 
 and his beaming smile of happy satisfaction, with which he will 
 greet me, or (perhaps you will comprehend better) when he 
 fondly throws his spirit of love to my possession as a peaceful 
 offering of holy trust, confidence, and perfect love, for my ac- 
 ceptance ; and I thank God daily, or I should say, my feelings 
 are for God and with God always. God grant that you may reap 
 the pleasure, as I feel it, and bear the love of God in truth and 
 sincerity. Fondly seeking peace for you, dear and loved of 
 earth, I am your little Milly, sacred in bliss, and waiting for you 
 witli impatience and lovo for you all. 
 
 " Bless God, and the angels Will always como. Amen. 
 
 " Milly." 
 
 Is not the fto^reu of children, toward the higher spheres very 
 rapid f 
 
 " It would seem so to you in the human form, but not to us, 
 who have such holy longings to sea God." 
 
 III. 
 
 Quite as interesting, with the same general charac- 
 teristics of loving simplicity and affectionate anxiety 
 for the welfare of the dear ones on earth — parents, 
 brothers and sisters, and other near relatives, are the 
 
 messages written by the spirit of Lucy , who died 
 
 in 1872, at the age of about two years. Several affec- 
 tionate oommunioations of a purely personal character 
 had been written previous to the following one :-r- 
 
 [Sept 15.] " Lucy -. 1 wish you would tell my mother 
 
 that she must believe me, when I say she may know, that I can 
 see her at any moment of her time ; and I wish she would love 
 
190 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 me to talk to her tkrougli tlie angels of love, wlio are waiting 
 to teacli lier the way tn come to heaven, where all who die as 
 little children are permitted to be with Jesus, and to enjoy his 
 loving protection. Keep on, dear cousin [the medium], in God's 
 ways ; and you will meet us all in heaven, where the angels can 
 kiss each other with fond delight. Immortal, Lucy." 
 
 The following messages, especially interesting to those 
 to whom they were addressed, as referring somewhat to 
 mattars of family privacy, are presented here, because 
 they are suggestive of several interesting facts relating 
 to the life of holy spirits, and illustrate still further the 
 characteristics of the class to whom this chapter is es- 
 pecially devote 1. The lady to whom they were ad- 
 dressed had just terminated a visit in the city, and was 
 about to leave for her home in the country ; but before 
 leaving requested these spirits to write to her through 
 the little boy medium, with the following result : — 
 
 " Little MoUie [cousin of Lucy] is here, and will write a mes- 
 sage to you, dear grandma. 
 
 ' • My dear, dear grandmammh,, I am very glad to he able to write 
 to you this morning ; and as it may be the last for a time tliat 
 I shall write to you here, I will ask you to give my best and 
 harmonious love to all the little ones who are always playing 
 
 with each other at = — . Give my love to my dear aunt and 
 
 uncle, who are trying to look in the true way. My dear aunt is 
 trying to see ; and my uncle is too, but keeps back from the 
 path. My dear grandma, I will be with you on your journey to. 
 the harmonious circle of little ones. Happy I shall be to see 
 the beautiful smiles and laughings of my cousins, whom t never 
 saw upon earth ; but I hope I shall see them in the happy home 
 of spirits. Mollie will now say good-bye for the present, but 
 will be with you again. 
 
 " MoiyLiE, in lovo to you all. Amen." 
 
 Can you hriiir/ Lucy? 
 
 '• Y"es, I can ; but wait a few minutes, and I will bring her ; 
 for you will have to wait until she is through doing the good 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 191 
 
 will OL lier Heavenly Fatlier. I never find her idle, for she is u. 
 very good and beautiful spirit. Mollie," 
 
 [A pause.] " Now, grandma, Lucy is bare. Mollie." 
 
 " Oh 1 my dear, dear grandma, I am very, very glad, as I have 
 said before, to write to you, and to show you a small part of the 
 Kingdom of God, or the path to it, which I think you will reach 
 by-aud-by, when the work you have to do in your world is fin- 
 ished. My dear grandma, I will give to you, or rather send to 
 you, a message to be delivered to my sisters, brother, mother, 
 and father. 
 
 " my dear father and mother, why can you not see and 
 believe that your dear little Lucy is writing to you now 1 She 
 is always with you, as you know. Believe that / am writing 
 a message to you — your own dear child, who died many years 
 ago, but now is as happy as a queen on her throne. Do better, 
 my dear papa ; for your future life depends upon it, and the 
 future life of all the dear little ones, who are always about you 
 singing, and playing, and laughing so pleasantly. Set TiiEM the 
 EXAMPLE ; for what they see papa doing they do themselves ; 
 for you know children say, my father does this or that. Bear 
 with me, and believe me, I am, and will always remain, your 
 dear beloved daughter, 
 
 " LucT, in love to you all. Amen." 
 " My dear mother, I can easily see that you are prying into the 
 trutli of Spiritualism. Keep up your courage ; for ' God helps 
 them that help themselves. ' Be better, too ; for the state of 
 your home hereafter depends on your character and disposition 
 in your world. You are a very dear and beloved mother to all 
 your dear, dear little ones, who love you, as you can well see by 
 their actions. I bless them, and love them all, and remain your 
 everlasting little spirit in love and affection for you all. Amen. 
 
 "Lucy." 
 The appropriateness, sweetness, and elevation of sen- 
 timent disclosed by these communications, coupled with 
 the childlike simplicity which pervades them, cannot but 
 strike the attention, if they do not move the heart, of 
 every one who may read them. Then the fact that they 
 were written through a child medium, entirely incapar 
 
192 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 ble, of himself, of writing any such compositions, muoli 
 less of personating impromptu the different characters 
 presented, and adapting the messages to the different 
 persons addressed, whose mental condition, of doubt or 
 inquiry, he could have no means of knowing, must afford 
 to any candid mind a complete test of the truthfulness 
 of the messages. It may be stated also that no one but 
 the medium and the " grandmamma " spoken of was 
 present, when these communications were written. 
 These are circumstances which the editor, while sol- 
 emnly attesting them as true, leaves to the candid con- 
 sideration of all into whose hands this book may fall. 
 May God grant that the spirit of humility which char- 
 acterizes these beautiful messages of love may guide 
 thee, O dear reader, to the glorious truth of immor- 
 tality, remembering the words of your Saviour : " Ex- 
 cept ye become as little children, ye cannot enter into 
 the kingdom of heaven." 
 
 IV, 
 
 In some respects, still more interesting and sugges- 
 tive, as showing a greater degree of affectionate sim- 
 plicity, are the following from the spirit of C. W., called 
 by the family Charlie, who died at the age of about two 
 years, and nearly thirty years ago. His first communi- 
 cation was to one of his sisters, and was written in June 
 last At first he seemed not to remember his name, 
 but soon recalled it, having apparently a perfect knowl- 
 edge of his relatives. He wrote as follows : — 
 
 "I did not know what your motlier called me. I was a little 
 boy wlien I passed to heaven. I am a liSppy spirit now, whose 
 nuission is love to you all on earth Be a good sister. I love 
 you. Heaven is a lovely spot, all bright with flowers, love, 
 goodness, and joy forever. I know you will love it. From 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 193 
 
 Chaelie . Good niglit, and please don't forget that I love 
 
 you all." 
 
 What do you do in heaven f 
 
 " I bless God by doing his lovely missions." 
 
 Again on the 15th of September, after other spirits 
 had communicated, the name Little Charlie was seen ; 
 and the following message was written : — 
 
 Is this Charlie ? 
 
 "Yes; I am my mother's youngest child, and died about 
 thirty years ago. My mother is doing well by her patience and 
 upright endeavors. I hope to see and feel her soon in my happy, 
 happy home. She is not a young woman, as 1 knew her, but is 
 old in her ways of life, as I can see myself when she is near my 
 heart. She is constantly thinking of her final rest, and I know 
 God is a loving judge, and happiness will be hers in her per- 
 petual home beyond the grave, where only darkness dwells. 
 
 " Charlie loves you all, all. Tell every one that I am ready to 
 be with them all, when their work is done, if they love their 
 loving Saviour, who is near your heart with all kindness and 
 fond protection. Ask him. to provide ; and all will be given you 
 for your life of loving here, in which you must gain or lose your 
 reward. I am always the little Charlie who loves you in hea- 
 ven. Bless you, dear cousin [the medium]." 
 
 His mother was not present when the above was 
 written, but subsequently (November 26), he wrote 
 the following in the presence of his mother, who re- 
 quested that he would come and address her — saying, 
 " Will little Charlie write to his mother ? " 
 
 "Oh! I am no longer little Charlie, my mother's son, as I 
 knew her ; but I am a spirit born into hope, and I am waiting 
 for God to send me all my dear, dear friends in the earth land. 
 Now I am with God, and I expect to go to meet you when God 
 shall let me ; and when that time comes, I will be SO happy, 
 that 1 shall feel as if I could carry you in my arms right up to 
 the Saviour's glory. Oh ! when shall I come 1 Oh ! when shall 
 it be? I am tired of waiting ; for, although I have with mo 
 now a great many little people to love, still I see that you are 
 
194 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 not entirely satisfied yet, and I want to make you liappy , and sliow 
 you all the lovely views and sights we have here ; and I icill 
 do so, if you are very, very good, and if you help every body to 
 do what God wants, and what God will love. And now I shall 
 go, but shall come again to ask you to help me to help you ; and 
 we will then be happy. 
 
 "My dear mother, dear mother as I feel, I am your little boy 
 spirit, Chaklie." 
 
 After a short intermission, the following conversation 
 ensued between this beautiful spirit and the editor : — 
 
 Is Charlie with us still ? 
 
 " Yes, Charlie is here." 
 
 Wliere is your home f 
 
 " I am on high." 
 
 Do you see the hlessed Savioxir ? 
 
 " 0, yes ; such a loving manner he has toward me! " 
 
 Do you regret that you died so young? 
 
 " I do not know regret. What can you mean % " 
 
 I mean that you did not live long enough to learn m.ucli of this 
 world. Do you regret that ? 
 
 [With slowness and seeming hesitation.] "Yes — [quickly] 
 Oh I no ; not when I am witli God. I can learn more and better 
 from Him." 
 
 In it a blessing to die young ? 
 
 " Yes and no. I think those who travel much will certainly 
 be able to appreciate and feel better than those who have no ex- 
 perience in trouble or joy." 
 
 You mean the joys of heaven are enhanced hy experiencing the 
 sorrows of earth ? 
 
 " Yes, — all that and more." 
 
 Can you describe your home? 
 
 " ^^'^ell, I do not know whether I am a spirit who can relate 
 much of that ; but I certainly am in a good place. I havi^ a 
 great many things to do, as it were ; and I feel so much for all 
 the other spirits, that I am in constant fear that I cannot help 
 them. This is my only trouble, for it is so Joyous to show them 
 the way up here. But sometimes they will not notice me, or 
 hearken to what I say ; and then oh ! oh ! I do not know what 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 195 
 
 to do witli myself foi* sorrow. I liave to go to flod, and ask 
 him, and lie affords me joy to feel that ho is near. So, you see, 
 I have much to do ; and I am ever happy when the hearts of all 
 will love me and love Ood, " 
 
 Who are the spirits you mdtf 
 
 ' ' They are the wicked ones, I believe, who did not receive the 
 love of God, and do not want it even now ; but I know what to 
 do — only tell them that God is their friend, and they will always 
 come." 
 
 Do the da/rk spirits see. you ? 
 
 " No, they do not know me, except by a sign of light, which 
 they will understand is the Truth." 
 
 Will you write a message for your brother ? 
 
 " My dear brother, — do you remember the little boy who 
 called you by you.r name a long time ago 1 Well, I remember 
 you, and I am your little brother Charlie, who comes to seek 
 your soul for glory, Do not be without love to God, who loves 
 you ; for you will suffer the love of God to drown you with 
 sorrow — you will be so sorry for him. Please seek more of 
 heavenly things, and do not be so fond of fun, that you cannot 
 see that God is the One who sends you so many good things, 
 and so much to lom and be thankful for. You are blind, fool- 
 ish, and unkind ; but little Charlie can see and feel, and loves 
 you nevertheless. You will not be found when the time of joy 
 comes round, unless you know where the joy is to be found ; 
 and how are you to be prepared for this, unless you try to seek 
 it in the shape of penitence, and love to everybody 1 Now, my 
 dear brother, will you pray for me, and pray for all, and most 
 of all pray for yourself? And then Charlie will be happy, and 
 God will bless you, and bid you come to himself, when every 
 soul you know on earth will be at rest and peace. So I am 
 waiting, and hoping, and loving forever. Chaklie." 
 
 From James K s to his mother [Dec. 19] : — 
 
 " My dear mother, I am your boy — be it for your great good. 
 For I love you, I love you. Do you not remember me t I was 
 always an affectionate boy. I see you are in grief so often. Do 
 
196 SPIRITUAL COMMUmGATIONS. 
 
 not cry ; do not be so sad. It makes me feel so sorry, for a mo- 
 ment ; and then I pray to God for you and myself, tliat We may 
 be liappy soon. Do not think tliat we [he and liiH father, who 
 had written previously] are happy in any Way When we think 
 of your being away from us. No; but here we are not allowed to 
 speak of grief, — it is so bright at last. It is but a dream, they 
 say ; and I think the spirits understand what that is, if I do not 
 remember. I think you will see in this that I lovo you, my dear 
 mother, and KISS you too. I was a good boy ; wasn't I? Well, 
 I suppose I shall know it all when you come. Oh ! Oh I Oh I 
 
 "J.vmkmK s, your little boy's spirit in the love which 
 
 comes from God and his angels. Be h.vppy," 
 
 What is your mission ? 
 
 "My mission is to come and protect you, my dear mother, and 
 to give all the comfort I can to every soul. " 
 
 Are you and your father together? 
 
 " When we wish, or think or speak ot each other, we are to. 
 getlier, as God allows forever." 
 
 [This spirit passed from earth at the age of four years, about 
 fourteen years ago.] 
 
 VX. 
 
 The next communications here presented are from the 
 spirit of the editor's brother, who died in infancy nearly 
 fifty years ago. They are remarkable in showing the 
 intellectual as well as spiritual development that takes 
 place in the future world :— 
 
 " John Kiddle I am not called now, but sucli a name they 
 say I bore in the short life of my earthly home. I am your 
 short-lived brother John, in the homo of God's light beyond. 
 My life now is a pure life, with the good who passed from a 
 beautiful earth. I was an infant in my mother's anus when 
 they called me to the other state. But why so short a time in 
 my mortal life ? I cannot say, unless God must have both small 
 and great to fill up his great estate. I am not very much given 
 to poetry ; but you Icnow those who go up to God can learn 
 mucli from the pure in the skies. 5Iy dear friends whom I have 
 I find it great joy to me. We do God's will by night and day ; 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 197 
 
 and whenever we feel very liappy, we sing to let the pleasure 
 out. Then we are light to spring about and send the light to 
 many a heart. To he in heaven is my great pleasure ; but to be 
 with your hearts is God's great treasure. So be faithful, and 
 preserve your mission, to reap the hai-vest. Amen. 
 " In the light of joy and God's distinction, I am 
 
 "John Kiddle." 
 
 Is it your mission to go to the dark spirits ? 
 
 '• Yes, but not in their midst." 
 
 Can you always aid themf 
 
 " NO." [With great force, the paper being torn.] 
 
 Why not ? 
 
 " They are not inclined. Oh ! such a misfortune ! " 
 
 Do they remain in darkness long ? 
 
 " As they choose ; but not as God lilies, never." 
 
 Are there any that inill not he saved ? 
 
 " NO." [With great force.] " Do not say such things. My 
 spirit will MELT." 
 
 / am glad to have heard from yon. I hope we shall meet. 
 
 " YES. You are good in this work. '' 
 
 [December 35, without a, call.] "Brother John Kiddle, by 
 your leave." 
 
 Will you write to us ? 
 
 " Yes, if you will seek to know, and feel confidence in the 
 spirits' conversations with you, you will have a just reward in 
 the reaping of good to your soul's satisfaction. I give you all 
 the benediction of a spirit in a high, sphere of bliss, which God 
 grant I may appreciate in the fullest sense ; and also that you, 
 dear brother, may fully find the true mental state of rejoicing 
 which commands my spirit. To be in such a living as mine 
 would seem to demand the workings of a life time of sorrow ; 
 and I imagine my time must have been much longer on earth 
 to reap so full a state of happiness. My only brother on earth, 
 I am your brother in heaven, of the three as we were in God's 
 time of fruition, and by a mother* in bliss. John Kiddle." 
 
 Please tell us about the blessed Saviour. 
 
 * His mother died about twenty-five years ago. Both parents are described 
 as having attained a state ol happiness in the spirit world. 
 
198 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 " My Saviour ! 0, to speak of him — tlie man who bore the ills 
 of all ! It was he who sustained [saved ?] the two worlds ; 
 namely, the spiritual or first existence, and the earthly or second 
 existence. But for him, the nature of man would have become 
 too gross to feel the spirit of God EVER. Indeed, God would 
 have lost his angels for eternity. For the spirit of God, remem- 
 ber, is infinitely ethereal, and pure, and untarnished, existing 
 in you all forever. I say you and I are the offspring of Christ's 
 redemption ; although he was but a humble man, given to good 
 works, and possessed of God's spirit to the degree of a saint, and 
 fortified by the strength which God ever provides for the man 
 born in truth and purity, and gives to man by means of the di- 
 vine spirit in his nature. He was diligent, humble, peaceful, 
 and Godlike ;*and you should follow him, if you would reap the 
 succession of good things which result from such a life. 
 
 " John." 
 
 These remarks as to the Saviour, coming, as the edi- 
 tor believes they did, from a pure spirit who without 
 earthly stains passed to God so many years ago, are 
 worthy of a careful study. He does not, however, pre- 
 sent them as the infallible truth ; for he does not know 
 the opportunities possessed by a spirit to acquire a com- 
 plete knowledge of so exalted a subject. There can be 
 little doubt, however, that a man's salvation, or state of 
 exaltation, in the infinite world of spirits will depend, 
 rather upon his following the bright example of the 
 blessed Saviour than in his belief in any dogma or creed 
 as to his nature or relation to the G-od of the universe. 
 That he was a divine personage, on earth his life showed ; 
 and he is certainly divine in heaven, sitting (figuratively) 
 " on the right hand of the Father.'' This the Scriptures 
 declare, and this the blessed spirits confirm in all their 
 communications. 
 
 Again, on the first of January, the following was 
 written intermediate with several other communica- 
 
SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 199 
 
 tions coming with New Year's greetings, all in a happy, 
 if not merry and jocose vein. This spirit seems prone 
 to indulge in rhythmical composition : — 
 
 " Brotlier, I am your brotlier, Jolin Kiddle — bereft of care 
 before aware of much to lose or much to choose." 
 
 This was certainly quite appropriate, coming from the 
 spirit who left this world an infant. 
 
 Once again, John announced himself (Jan. 4) in the 
 following expressive terms : — 
 
 ' ' I am John Kiddle — the spirit who once lived on eartli, 
 clothed with a body, but a very small one, as you well know, 
 Henry ; for was I not a little mite in my mother's arms ? " 
 
 But you have lidd a blessed experience in hea/nen ? 
 
 " Yes, yes ; I long to meet you here." 
 
 And still again, on the 23d of January, a communica- 
 tion was written from the same spirit in which he makes 
 farther reference to the joys of his heavenly state. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Further illustration is afforded by the spirit of F. M., 
 who died about ten years ago, at the age of six. The 
 following communication, written Jan. 16, 1879, is ad- 
 dressed to his brother : — 
 
 " Frederick M., your little brother from the shore of God's 
 river of love, and beauteous surroundings. The dwellers here 
 you will find such heavenly beings, of happy thoughts and pure 
 feelings ! I am, dear brother, your heavenly guardian, or guide, 
 in the command of Uod, if you will firmly seal our union of 
 strength by finding and securing harmony of our thoughts. I 
 cannot approach you always, for too much you thrust me away 
 by your repulsive doubts, and unintentional repulses. I was 
 rejoiced to see you study the spirits" coming, for your under- 
 standing.* Please go on, and find relief in prayer to God. He 
 will strengthen you to do what is right, and lift you up where 
 you will find truth, honesty, and love, together with everythmg 
 
 * That ia, to see you. study lo understand (Iik subject of spirit intercourse^ 
 
200 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 to satisfy your desires. I am only your brother who has reaped 
 the joys of his boyhood in the spirit land. 1 wish to tell you 
 much, but this way is small ; though God is kind to give it at 
 all. Gracious you will find God, and ever near. If you are in 
 trouble, only remember me as by your side at a call or a thought. 
 I shall rejoice to bring you further upon the ladder of life's 
 true learning. See to the fact that I am growing in knowledge, 
 through the angels' light and help. Beautiful, and worthy of 
 all living, is the step which shows you the spirit land. Go to 
 the mediums forever, until you find a perfect comfort in what 
 I say- 
 
 " Your brother, only removed from you in form, but loving 
 you forever. Bless my dear parents. Tell them, and O, do 
 show them, that I am with them, not to leave them, or turn 
 away from them, though they give me no earthly call to help 
 me relieve my feelings, which are so strong with love. I am so 
 happy to come ! Call me again, and come to me in God's time 
 — soon, I trust. Freddie M. (they say)." 
 
 Can you be in harmony mth your brother on earth f 
 
 "Harmony, my dear brother, you will know through God's 
 intention ; for he will give you the power to receive everything 
 to fit us to roam together in the spheres of perfect liarmony. 
 Believe that I, a spirit, come to you often, and I am in harmony 
 with you." 
 
 This communication very impressively illustrates the 
 strength and endurance of earthly relationship ; the con- 
 stant presence and guardianship of the angelic spirits 
 of the early departed ; and the craving on their part 
 that this presence should be known and felt by their 
 relatives. This realization of the spirit's presence is a 
 recognition, which gives great pleasure to the spirit; 
 and all who have lost children or dear friends should 
 cultivate constantly this spirit communion. 
 
 VIII- 
 
 In the next illustration here given, a curious in- 
 cident in connection with the communication, presented 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUNIGATIONS. 201 
 
 additional indirect evidence of the authenticity of these 
 messages. That now to be presented was one of quite 
 a long series, all written from members of a numerous 
 family of departed spirits, to surviving relatives present 
 at the sitting. After several had been written, ono 
 from a brother James was asked for — a young man who 
 deceased, about eleven years ago, aged 31. The follow- 
 ing was written : — 
 
 " Jamea K d [slowly and calmly] :— Don't you think I 
 
 love to come ? 0, my I I seem to feel that I could take you ujj, 
 up, to high and nice places, where angels are, and where all 
 are going to meet their God. Oh, I love him ! I feel him all 
 the time. I am a good spirit, I think ; hut I cannot do much, 
 and I want to do more. I shall try, and then God will help me, 
 for I ask him often. I love you all, and everybody. God will 
 bless you, I think ; and I know you will be happy. 
 
 " Your brother, James K d." 
 
 Considerable surprise was expressed at the charac- 
 ter of this communication, purporting to come from the 
 spirit of a man ; and the medium said, at the close of 
 the message, this is from a child spirit. The sister, who 
 was present, then said : — " I have two brothers name I 
 James, in the spirit world — one who died at the age of 
 nine weeks about forty-seven years ago. It was then 
 asked : — 
 
 Is it the younger James who has written f 
 
 " Yes ; little, little brother James, who did not know much." 
 
 The other, familiarly called Jimmie — a person of a 
 racrry and humorous disposition-^was then asked to 
 communicate, with the following result : — 
 
 " Jimmie K d. — Ho ! Ho ! I am all go. Goodness, it 
 
 Cometh to the just ; but he that grows down to the stubble, will 
 certainly not spring up grain. All hail to the Chief — God ! All 
 
202 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 bless bis name ! Come to me in spirit. Say amen, and feel it in 
 your bearts. 
 
 " James K d, tbe other brother, in eclipse."* 
 
 It may be stated tbat neither the medium, nor any- 
 other person present, except the relatives of the spirit.-^, 
 knew anything of the circumstance that makes this 
 incident so interesting, affording, as it does, so beauti- 
 ful a test of the truthfulness of the messages. 
 
 IX. 
 
 The following from D. A., who died fourteen years 
 ago at the age of four, affords further illustration : — 
 
 " My dear, dear father, and my dear, dear mother [both pa- 
 rents were present], angels are above you always. We need only 
 great love, and the right kind of spirit, to bring us back again 
 right into your arms of love. I speak so often in my spirit and 
 ask, ' Does mother feel me now 1 Does father remember little 
 Dudley? ' Dear parents, I have grown into a sort of a man in 
 my way, and I know more than you might suppose. God gives 
 us every way to learn, and all is good learning. Many teach here, 
 and, indeed, we learn easily. Of course, I don't know much of 
 the earth land ; but spirit land — my ! it is so bright, and we 
 feel so good and kind toward every one ; and every one smiles, 
 and seems so well satisfied, — at least, so I find it. They say, 
 some do not see ; but I hope this is not so, for I like to see, and 
 know. I should not be happy now to see these beautiful things 
 and smiles upon the faces and in the aspect of my companions. 
 1 love you more than I could know, and I wait for yoii with the 
 same childish love for you. God is a dear, dear Father ; and he 
 will give you the knowledge to come to the right place. I love 
 you both. Dudley A , a little boy." 
 
 X. 
 
 This section is closed with a communication, written 
 by the boy medium, from a beautiful child spirit — 
 
 * That is, eclipsed in spiritual brightness by his elder spirit brother of the 
 same name. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 203 
 
 Netty S., to her father, and in his presence, opening 
 with a colloquy with the editor's spirit daughter : — 
 
 Is dear Mollie rcitli its? 
 
 " Yes, yes ; and a little friend, wlio has been in this [spirit] 
 world but a short time longer than 1 have ; and she is a sweet 
 child. Mollie K,, with joy.'' 
 
 Will your spirit friend write a message for her fatlier f 
 [Change of control.] " Papa, papa, you know m& I know 
 
 you. I am your own child, or, as you called me, Netty S , 
 
 your little girl spirit, whom you love dearly, and always did. 
 Don't you remember how you used to play with me, papa? My 
 heart is FILLED with joy ; that words can hardly UNFOLD." 
 
 What did we use to do, Netty ? 
 
 ' ' Sing together ; and I remember the funny stories you used 
 to tell me. Now don't you KNOW me, papa dear? " 
 
 What is your mission now ? 
 
 ' ' Help, help my fellow creatures, whom I teach the word 
 LOVE ; forever I teach THAT, which ought to be taught in the 
 public schools, and in the Sunday schools NOW, on earth, in- 
 stead of waiting for the children to pass to heaven, before they 
 leam to know the full meaning of that word of four letters, 
 LOVE." 
 
 Will you send a message to your mother? 
 
 " 0, my mother, my mother ! What I know now of my dear 
 mamma, I never knew before ; for I was too young to be able 
 to understand lier meaning. She is, indeed, a dear mamma to 
 all who know no dear mammas. Isn't she, papa ? You know 
 it too. I know you LOVE her, and always have ; and I do TOO. 
 Papa, papa, I am GLAD— VERY GLAD to see joy in your heart 
 at again hearing from me, before you come to me ; but not many 
 people laugh Tor JOY, but CRY. But you need not cry, papa, 
 because you know it would make me cry too. You undestand 
 my meaning (cry) ; don't you? I am still PARTICULAR, you 
 see." 
 
 Some of the words and phraseology of this messages 
 are probably simpler and more childlike than they 
 would have been, if they had been written through th^ 
 
204 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 more mature and better developed medium. Coming 
 through the mind of a child, they partake inform some- 
 what of the character of the child's mind. It must be 
 understood that the spirit is no longer a child, but " a 
 fair maiden in her Father's mansion." Her earthly age 
 ■was about five years; her spirit age is about twenty- 
 one. All the incidents referred to, entirely unknown to 
 the medium, were pronounced correct by the lather. 
 
 VII. 
 
 VAKIOUS COMMUKICAXIOIfS. 
 
 Presenting numerous illustrations of the nature of the 
 Future Life, and its relations to the life on earth. 
 
 Only by the careful study of a large number of spirit 
 communications is it possible to acquire anything like 
 a correct idea of the condition of these disembodied in- 
 telligences, and the nature of their life — their actions 
 and employments, their modes of thought, their relations 
 to each other and to God, as well as the relations of the 
 earthly and spiritual worlds to each other. The editor, 
 therefore, has striven to obtain communications from as 
 large a number of spirits as possible, with the view to 
 present the materials for such an extensive comparison 
 and generalization as are needed to obtain even an ap- 
 proximation to the Truth. The reader will find in this 
 chapter a great variety of such materials, the communi- 
 cations emanating from many spirits of various grades 
 of progression, and very different periods of spirit exist- 
 ence beyond the earthly sphere — ranging from a few 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 205 
 
 days to many years, comprehending also the spirits of 
 those whose lives here on earth had very diverse char- 
 acteristics — from those of the man of strong religious 
 iaith to him who, practically at least, seemed to know 
 very little of the blessed truths of Christianity. All 
 this must render the present section one of peculiar 
 interest. 
 
 The editor, as a further evidence of the authenticity 
 of these wonderful messages, presents first a few, 
 grouped in series as they were written ; and the reader 
 must bear in mind that very frequeptly the spirits wrote 
 one after the other without a call, showing their general 
 presence and most probably an associative union among 
 them. Those of the following series were written on 
 the evening of September 15, 1878. They are quite re- 
 markable, especially in regard to the MS., which covered 
 125 pp. (all executed at one sitting), and showed most 
 strikingly the transitions from one spirit's writing to 
 another, sometimes on the same page. 
 
 " William Belden. — Your heaven is a little nearer God's 
 home. We are all near you this evening, and would send you 
 God's most righteous presence to console your wayward minds, 
 lest you all should die through neglect of your Saviour's holy 
 living. His life, remember, was one of suffering endurance and 
 holy precepts toward every soul born of God's love — sacred in 
 his instinct, pure in his teachings, blessed in his calling, and 
 perfect from sin's control. Bless the Lord ; praise his holy 
 name. We are never weary of looking to him for his heavenly 
 protection. Oh ! how much we receive you will never appre- 
 ciate before your lying down to rise no more !,o his blessed sun, 
 the splendor of which is but a fly-speck compared to his suns in 
 the celestial sphere. 
 
 " Lead on, dear friends, toward the majesty of the Most High, 
 we beseech you ; and never will the light fade from your hearts ; 
 but bright and patient keeping will send you to your final and 
 
206 SPIRITUAL 00MMUNIGATI0N8. 
 
 perfect rest. Then, I say, you will know' that God is boundless 
 love, and not a hateful MONSTER.* 
 
 •■ William Belden, Sk." 
 An intermission was then taken ; after which the fol- 
 lowing prayer was offered [inserted here simply as an 
 illusti-ation of the spirit in which these investigations 
 have been pursued] : — 
 
 " O God, our Heavenly Father, let thy blessing rest upon us at this time, 
 when we would greet the dwellers of thy Heavenly Kingdom, who come, 
 with thy permission, to speak to us words of love, aud hopeful encourage- 
 ment. We thank thee, O most kind and merciful Creator, that thou hast or- 
 dained this means of light for thy creatures on earth, and we pray that by 
 the messages of Truth which we receive, we may be incited to an ever in- 
 creasing activity in all works of love toward our fellow-creatures ; and that 
 as the ministers of Truth to the blhid and lost of earth, we may be able to 
 advance the interests of thy spiritual kingdom—each, in his humble sphere, 
 co-working with thy blessed Son, for whose sake and in whose name, we 
 oiler our petitions at the throne of thy Divine Majesty. May thy kingdom 
 come speedily upon earth ; and may thy will be done here as in heaven ; 
 and, may the glorious truth of immortality so pervade the minds of mankind 
 that they may be lifted up, above the dress and dust of this gross world, andi 
 thus be prepared for thy blessed kingdom in heaven. Send us, O our Father ! 
 thy blessed messages of spiritual light, that our souls may be refreshed with 
 their precious words of cheer and promise, and that we may thus be enabled 
 to convince the minds of all the lost and erring whom we can reach, and 
 bring them nearer to thee, making them better prepared for admission to 
 those mansions of rest which thou hast prepared for all who love and serve 
 thee here on earth. Hear us, O Lord God, and answer us according to thy 
 holy will, for the sake of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 Amen." 
 
 Then a communication was asked for from any spirit 
 who could afford us aid in accomplishing our mission of 
 good to mankind; and the following was written: — 
 
 " He who sees all things can alone aid you truly ; but we will 
 send you all that the love of God allows to enlighten your 
 soul's understanding. B., Sh." 
 
 The next followed without a call, or any expectation 
 of hearing from this friend. [See page 47.] 
 
 * Some theologians of the Calvinistic stripe have blasphemously repre- 
 sented God as delighting in the torment of his creatures— "holding up the 
 wicked " in hell-fire with one hand, and tormenting them with the other. 
 iJr. Belden was a Presbyterian clergyman during a part of his earth life. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 207 
 
 "Henry Kiddle, I am Kelly,— Jamea." 
 
 Is it Mr. Kelly, my old friend f 
 
 "Yes ; old Kelly." 
 
 We are glad to greet you. How are you doing f 
 
 "Well, by the grace of God." 
 
 Have you any particular message for us f 
 
 " I will tell you that, beyond the grave, is pure and bright 
 living, through the redemption obtained by Christ's living for 
 you on the earth. Be good people by your SINCERE living, not 
 hypocritical vagabonds of God's grace and love. My God ! if 
 you knew the dangers of falseness, you would turn from your 
 evil ways, and flee the devil, and love God. 
 
 " We cannot explain God's spirit, neither can we explain our 
 own state of being, further than to say that your state is an im- 
 perfect ideality of what ours is in reality, casting out your 
 troublesome flesh, and all appertaining thereto. Feel satisfied 
 that the angels can come and give when all are willing to receive. 
 The means are great ; but, by your obstinacy, the way is small ; 
 and we are grieved that ye will not hearken. 
 
 " I was a foolish and wicked devil in the sight of my Saviour's 
 love supreme as shown by his passion. Through suffering neg- 
 lect and misunderstanding I was led astray, as the presumers of 
 religion are pi-one to do. Oh ! that the bankruptcy of religion 
 were at hand, and only Christ and God's love were the banner to 
 herald the people. I am ever your loving friend, 
 
 "James Kelly." 
 
 This was evidently -written with great earnestness ; 
 and at its close the editor said : — 
 
 / believe in. God and Ghrist's love. 
 
 " 0, my God 1 that is the perfection of all things." 
 
 [Change of control.] "Little Lucy. My mother is not 
 the- " [Break.] 
 
 [Change.] " Heavenly Lucy is not here. She has gone to 
 God. MOLLIB." 
 
 Then followed the communication given on page 182; 
 after which the name Lucy appeared again, and the com- 
 munication inserted on page 189 was written. 
 
208 SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 The editor then called for the spirit of his departed 
 friend, Amasa J. May, and in a few minutes, but with 
 some apparent difficulty, at first, it was written : — 
 
 " I am Amasa May. Bleist is he -who knows and believes 
 that the love of God abides in your hearts through all eternity. 
 I was a spiritualist, but a poor comprehender of God's majesty 
 and glorious progressions. You are privileged people to have 
 the future discerned in your minds ere the brightness of heaven, 
 or the sorrows of hell, affect you to an astounding degree. If 
 you all would be sincere and perfect people, offend no man ; but 
 be kind and loving to every soul made for a hereafter, which 
 must be selected while you are upon earth. Imagine how much 
 you might save, if you could teach mankind the truth and love 
 of God, their Creator. They would then be justly punished, if 
 their state hereafter were not congenial. Alas! God is the 
 judge, and a saving one at that, as I have truly found. My 
 friends are all of my own selecting ; and happy am I that we are 
 a circle of faithful workers for God's kingdom. 
 
 ' ' I will further say, you can do much by your station in life 
 for the people's light, and much may be added to your soul's 
 happy and living rapture. Oh ! I pray you, proceed with grate- 
 ful pleasure, and fear not. Bless you all evermore. 
 
 " Amasa May." 
 
 The editor then said : '' I thank you for this mes- 
 sage ; " to which it was responded : — 
 
 ' ' Don't say that I am here to be thanked. It is only a grate- 
 ful pleasure, and great help for our cause of truth." 
 
 A change of control then took place, and the name 
 Zittle Charlie appeared, followed by a communication 
 in a different style altogether, which will be found on 
 page 193. This was followed by a communication from 
 the editor's brother Frederick, whose communications 
 have been almost daily : — 
 
 " Frederick Kiddle [called]— I am always glad to hear you 
 call me, but do not wish to annoy your minds. Blessings I give 
 when all is granted me by your prayers for your safety." 
 
 Tou mean prayers for Ood'a aid. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUHriCATIONS. 209 
 
 " You are right, Henry. How much you are doing for the 
 life before you ! Be fervent in your onward paths, as already 
 begun ; and all will be for the benefit of many souls, including 
 tnost of all your own. Fear not that the devil is at work. The 
 God of all truth is greater than the universe itself ; and when 
 he protects it is with a mighty will power. Frederick is near 
 you often, and sees you in your humble living with perfect 
 pleasure. Amen.'' 
 
 Then followed the communication, ■written without a 
 call, from the spirit of Henry J. Raymond, given on 
 page 132. 
 
 The editor then asked, " Are any other of our spirit 
 friends with us ? " and in response the following was 
 written : — 
 
 " Oh ! I am John Hecker. — Well, dear old friend, t am sur- 
 rounded with brightness, and happy to pour my sympathies 
 upon paper ; for your kindness toward me I well remember ; 
 also that you may know the reality and perfection of the life of 
 the soul, kept in bondage while in the world of dark under- 
 standing. Perhaps, you are able to send the news abroad, as you 
 and I have done in many things. At least, do not hesitate to 
 venture so great and mighty a cause to the kingdom of God, 
 ■which must be made perfect before the uniting of all love be 
 converted into eternal gladness. Be not desirous of proper 
 gifts, when God is the right and truth of your mind ; and delay 
 not ; for while life is short and time is fleeting, God and his 
 works are enduring past eternity. 
 
 " John Heokbr, in eternal sympathy." 
 
 [Change of control.] " William Balden."— 
 
 I» it William Belden, Jr. ? 
 
 " Tes, dear friend. I am with my father in a mode of living 
 such as the angels only can comprehend. I send you, with the 
 rest of our circle of love, a bright prospect to help you on re- 
 joicing ; and fear nothing ; such workings can only be rewarded 
 With a bright crown of glory. Amen." 
 
 Then came a complete change of control ; and the 
 spirit of Dr. Robert Watts, the editor's family physi- 
 
210 8PIBITVAL GOMMUmGATIONS. 
 
 cian for many years previous to his decease, and much 
 respected and beloved by all the family circle, came 
 manifesting the same jocose and kindly nature that had 
 characterized him in life. His many friends in the med- 
 ical world may, perhaps, recognize these traits, unless 
 in the usual spirit of materialistic skepticism and pro- 
 fessional assurance, they do not condemn the editor and 
 all associated with him in these investigations to the 
 friendly asylum for the imbecile or insane. But there 
 are those in the glorious profession to which the 
 lamented Dr. Watts belonged, and in which he labored 
 so faithfully and with so much self-devotion, whose spir- 
 itual and intellectual vision is not blinded by scientific 
 bigotry ; and to all such this book is commended, with 
 the suggestion for the others that there is, really and 
 truly, an asylum for the spiritually blind, which they 
 will surely enter, in God's time, and in which they will 
 be effectually cured. 
 
 The spirit of our beloved doctor on this occasion,* 
 wrote as follows : — 
 
 " Fellow of R. A. M.f and Robert Watts. — I am a wicked 
 sprite, you will fully see ; nevertheless, you will know my in- 
 tentions are good, no matter how much I may swerve from 
 seriousness. I amuse my spiritual friends while they are at 
 their funeral works about these places. Long I do to show you 
 that nature never changes her conditions and influences which 
 she receives while in the earth, except that we are all more or 
 lesj purified by the intercourse which surrounds us on every 
 side. My God ! that I should be anything but a simple fool 
 would be impossible ! ! Forgive me, and bless you in the heal- 
 ing stream of heavenly redemption." 
 
 This was the last of this remarkable series of com- 
 
 * He had MTltten previously (August 39). 
 
 t It would seem from tliis that ttie doctor was a Free Mason. Whether 
 this was so or not, the editor does not know. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 211 
 
 munications, all written at one sitting of about two 
 hours ; and the editor will ask the skeptical reader to 
 consider whence these could have emanated, as only him- 
 self and the medium were present. Certainly he did 
 not compose them, for he sat with interested but pas- 
 sive mind, receiving what came ; and just as certainly 
 the medium did not, as all the circumstances most fully 
 proved. Indeed, the impromptu composition of such a 
 series of writings, with such changes and adaptations to 
 the characters presented, would imply a degree of crea- 
 tive mental power that scarcely a Shakespeare would 
 be capable of exercising. 
 
 The first communication of Dr. Watts, written Au- 
 gust 29, is here presented : — 
 
 [Dr. Watts called.] " I am by the side of you, Henry Kiddle, 
 looking witli old curiosity upon you, tliat I may be the physi- 
 cian of your soul's searching, as I was of your body many a 
 long time, in the presence of your wife's anxiety and watchful 
 eare. [Then came a professional joke.] I have not changed, 
 you will see, but am a jocose and friendly-seeming M. D., with 
 the light of Heaven to assist my healing properties toward the 
 perfection of perfection. 
 
 " Lead on, dear friends. I will say ever be the earnest doers 
 of God's beneficence. I am a foolish spirit in heavenly lore ; 
 but, forgive me, I mean well, and wish you prosperity toward 
 God"3 home of the soul. I am at rest, but am not weary of rest. 
 
 "EoBBET Watts." 
 On the evening of the first of January, 1879, the 
 spirit of Dr. Watts again communicated, spontaneiously 
 oh his own part and unexpectedly on ours. A portion 
 only of the first communication is given : — 
 
 " Henry Kiddle, it is with much pleasure I come to greet you 
 this new year. I remember well about this time twelve years 
 ago I received from your hand a ticket of prize.* I am now 
 
 * This was at first unintelligible ; but on looking over his account book. 
 
212 SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 in your heart with great interest, and I feel every pulse with 
 the angel's time-piece. I am expectiag a call from the angels 
 on high, with whom I go to the sick in the sky ; hut never a 
 fear can I have here, for all is well when God is nigh, and help 
 Cometh in time. 
 
 ' ' I am the spirit of your faithful watcher, 
 
 "Robert Watts." 
 
 The editor said : — " Little did either of us think that 
 we should at some time be talking together across the 
 ' great gulf.' " 
 
 " It is indeed a surprise, but a great privilege which few un- 
 derstand." 
 
 Did you know anytliing of Spiritualism while on eartli? 
 
 " Very little, except from the insight which a dying spirit may 
 have given me. " 
 
 How shall we ever make the skeptical M. D.'s of this time 
 understand the existence of the soul and its immortality ? Please 
 write them a message. 
 
 " 1 am Robert Watts, the M. D. of a few years in the earth. 
 I followed my profession of love with love. I was a stumbling 
 block in the way of many others, and often to myself, through 
 my neglect of the teachings of my profession. I was a man 
 who meant well, and acted purely, from the abiding instinct of 
 love, but with waywardness. I taught the blind leaders to 
 believe that the rules of medicine are the law of the Lord, and 
 the dissection of a man nothing more than the duty of a high 
 calling ; and so it is, if God be with the dissector. But he him- 
 self is weak ; and God is the spirit, my friends, of the profes- 
 sion, who should have your regard, and then you need never 
 afflict your hearts with care, while he is your aim. Strike out 
 from the shoulder to pierce your own unbelieving hearts ; and 
 then you will know how to bo wise. 
 
 the editor found tliat on February, 1867, he paid Dr. Watts by check a bill for 
 services rendered to himself and family for a considerable period ; for the 
 Doctor was very negligent as to his bills and accounts. Thus it was about 
 twelve years ago, that what he is pleased to call a " ticket of prize " was re- 
 ceived No one present knew anything of this incident ; indeed, the editor 
 himself had forgotten it. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 213 
 
 " I love all of you iu the profession of love ; but One is now 
 Jny pliysician, one wlio truly heals. R. W." 
 
 The preparation of this book, to undertake which the 
 spirits had several times urged the editor, was finally 
 commenoed about the 1st of November, 1878; and on 
 the 6th of that month the foUovt^ing communications 
 were Written without a call, through the medium, and 
 addressed to herself: — 
 
 "J. Kelly." [Is it old Mr. Kelly?] "Yes; I am James 
 Kelly. Oh ! tell me if your father's book is progressing ; for it 
 must be a success. I hope he will push it along FAST. God 
 is losing his angels ; and, for the sake of Christ, do not be tardy. 
 Always your old friend, J. Kelly." 
 
 " John Heoker'S congratulations on the beginning of the 
 ^Ulennium ; also upon your father's determined perseverance iu 
 his new character. Until death, John Hecker's immortal spirit 
 to the spirit of Henry Kiddle, in the flesh of MORTAL." 
 
 " Oh ! I am th.0 friend of your father, and I am happy to see 
 that he is placing his light in the glare of the solstice, and not 
 under a hushel. James W. Gerard." 
 
 " I beg you to dictate to your father a noble book, which will 
 profit the world, and enhance the safety of every soul upon the 
 earth, I am only your loving uncle, Frederick Kiddle. " 
 
 To this was added the following, purporting to come 
 from the spirit of Mozart, who had written before. (See 
 page 82.) It may here be said, for the sake of e.'cplana- 
 tion, that the medium is a remarkably fine pianist. 
 
 " Mozart [name written in peculiar characters]. I will 
 never forsake my little girl, for I was your captive. Hold on 
 to the blessings of God, and I can foresee a bright heavenly home, 
 and tuneful harps to accord with the harmonies of your soul. 
 1 am a lover of your heart's tunbfui. melody. 
 
 " Mozart is near you at the harpsichord ; and you need not 
 fear the righteous spirit, of a melodical turn, of your renowned 
 friend, Mozart." 
 
 Besides these, communications were written from two 
 
214 SPIRITUAL aOMMUNICATIOHS. 
 
 other spirits. These it is not necessary to insert here. 
 All make a series of five spirits communicating, and 
 in the course of a few minutes. Only a younger brother 
 of the medium, a lad of about sixteen, was present at the 
 time; and the medium was almost compelled to write 
 by the strong influence — magnetic, apparently, — operat- 
 ing upon her. Many other series of messages of a simi- 
 lar character have been written at various times. The 
 following, written Nov. 24, 1878, were peculiar, as pre- 
 senting in a striking manner the separate individu.ilities 
 communicating,— in the mode of writing, as to style, 
 rapidity, and force. Moreover, all except the last were 
 written by the boy medium. The effect upon the minds 
 of those present was most startling. 
 
 (1) " Your dear brotlier Frederic [Kiddle] is liere to write a 
 few lines to you, and the rest wlio wislx to liear from him." 
 
 (2) " Your dear brother Charles [Weismann] is here also, to 
 write a few lines for you and all who feel disposed to hear from 
 me." 
 
 (3) " MoUie is here too, and wishes to see the right inclination 
 in all your hearts. Mollie greets you, and will, by the will of 
 God, say (or write) a few lines for your good. Others are here 
 and many." 
 
 (4) " Milly is here now, and wishes to give a very pleasant 
 greeting to you all ; but there must be the right spirit among 
 you, or else it will give an opening to evU spirits. 
 
 " Amelia Mary W ." 
 
 (5) " I am Ezekiel W , and I will greet you all, and say 
 
 more further on ; for others, far better than I, are trying to 
 write. Be sure it is I, my wife." 
 
 (G) [Very rapid] " Milly McN is here too, to write to you, 
 
 with many others ; but I will give a happy greeting to you all. 
 But be sure to have the right and GOOD inclination, for other 
 and better spirits are trying to write." 
 
 (7) " Charlie Wilson [the spirit of a lad, a deceased friend of 
 the editor's young sons] is here, and greets you all. I am, and 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIONS. 215 
 
 always was, a friend to you. I liave only a few words to say, 
 for another friend wants to write." 
 
 (8) " Clmrlic Hillman [another lad] is here at Charles's re- 
 quest. I died suddenly, but sure of a happy home, and set apart, 
 like others, for me. Others are here, too. Amen." 
 
 At this point, the other medium entered the room, 
 when it was immediately written : 
 
 (9) " MoUie is here, and greets Emma ; for she said jhe de- 
 sired a greeting. All the others greet her through me. 
 
 " MoLLiE Kiddle." 
 
 (10) [With very great force and rapidity.] " Judge [Ed- 
 monds] is here now, and wishes to write ; hut others are here 
 to write. I will wkite again." 
 
 (11) "Shakespeare [name written three times] is here now, • 
 and greets you all, for the will of God permits me to write to 
 you ; but others are here too." 
 
 (12) " George Washington is here now, and also Christo- 
 pher Columbus ; and we greet you all now. Another spirit 
 is here." 
 
 (13) " Abraham Lincoln [name repeated] is here too ; and 
 that is all. Amen. Amen ! " 
 
 All these spirits had communicated, some frequently, 
 previous to this occasion; but the reader can imagine 
 the surprise and delight with which the name of the 
 martyred Lincoln was seen ; and it must be borne in 
 mind that every name was written without a call, and, 
 as far as the editor knows, without tlie expectation or 
 thought of any one of those present ; and that the 
 circle* included only the members of the family. 
 
 After the name of Lincoln appeared, the editor said, 
 " We should be very glad to receive a communication 
 
 * The word is used in the ordinary sense. There is no cCrcU at anj' of these 
 writings, except that those present sit, and attend to what is ^oing on. as 
 they would on any ordinary occasion. There is no joining of hands or any of 
 the other paraphenialia of spirit seances. The spirits appear to be a part of 
 our company, and come and accost us as other visitants, except that they arc 
 invisible to our mortal eyes. 
 
21G SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 from Mr. Lincoln ; " and the pencil was passed from the 
 hand of the boy medium, through whom up to this time 
 all the messages had been given, to that of Mrs. Weis- 
 man ; and immediately were written the beautiful com- 
 munications inserted on pages 83, 84, 
 
 The following is inserted here on account of its sug- 
 gestiveness in a religious point of view. The person to 
 whom it was addressed — a man of very pure and exem- 
 plary character, and a very dear friend of the editor's 
 — is a Roman Catholic in his religious belief; and the 
 messages purported to come from his sister and mother. 
 
 [Aug, 2, 1878.] Is Miss E. A. here? 
 
 " Miss E. A. is liere." 
 
 Will you write a message for your brother ? 
 
 " Ok ! certainly, I will do all that I possibly cau to teach him 
 his soul's immortality. 
 
 " Bless you, my dear brother. For the love of your Ood, see 
 the truth of the world to come. Do not hesitate ; alas ! do not 
 fear, in that I say you must seel?; the right way to heaven. Give 
 up, I pray you, all false notions about your Saviour's passion. 
 It was for the love of your soul's immortal home. Share the 
 deliglitful feelings of your sister in her abode above you. She 
 will gladly go to meet you, when your life is given to its Source. 
 Heaven send you his light, and all will be well ! ! ! " 
 
 Mr. A. said, " My sister died a Catholic ; " and the 
 editor said, " Are you still a Catholic ? " The response, 
 written with tremendous force, was : — 
 
 " You must not say Catholic ; you must say CHRISTIAN." 
 
 Are any other of my relatimn here ? 
 
 ■'Yes; ALL." 
 
 WiM, my motlter speak to m,e ? 
 
 " Heaven bless you, my dear Samuel, Heaven will teach you 
 many things which you, like many otliers, are too slow to 
 believe ; and I say this with my heartfelt sorrow, for mvich of 
 the regret of your life to come could, NO D0t;BT be saved, if a 
 right understanding of Ood and his prophets could be obtained 
 
SPTBITUAL C0MMUNIGATI0N8. 217 
 
 through Spintucdism, which all must learn before their judg- 
 ment is secured. For Uod's sake see that I am your mother. '' 
 
 These communications, like all others bearing in any 
 way upon religious distinctions of denominationalism or 
 creedal belief, are given just as they came ; and the 
 reader must draw his own conclusions from them. 
 
 On the 6th of October, the same spirit wrote again as 
 follows : — 
 
 " In God's name, dear brother, I come again, with your per- 
 mission, and for the progress of your soul's satisfaction. I can 
 do better now ; and I am glad, — in rapture, indeed, I may say, 
 to behold you in the presence of true light and understanding. 
 Fearful lest you may fall into error, I will say that the kingdom 
 of God is really the only true kingdom, notwithstanding you 
 may have good enthronement outside the celestial world ;* yet 
 we are all the same, flesh and spirit, and all will come to the 
 same passport of God's true creating. Well, now to reach that 
 goal of happy endurance and contentment, I would say only, be 
 good, kind, loving, and faithful people, doing good and dispens- 
 ing charities, in the possibilities of your power, as you are prone 
 to do always. It really is but a moment, and all are in one fel- 
 lowship in holy communion. No creeds, no nationalities, no self- 
 ish motives, no following the devil here ; but only true accep- 
 tability by God in Christ ; and through his protection we are 
 given a blessed rest. So be faithful unto the end, and tell the 
 news of the New Jerusalem to all his people ; and then the 
 angels of bright rapture will aid you, and meet you in a blessed 
 union of hope." 
 
 The following written on the same occasion are also 
 deserving of a careful consideration. Richard Valiant, 
 with whom the editor had a slight but very pleasant ac- 
 quaintance, was a noble man, of great spiritual insight, 
 whose heart turned to the right with as true an in- 
 stinct as the needle points to the pole. He had given 
 
 * That is, probably, may enjoy happiness in spheres below " God's lUog- 
 dom," which is the highest sphere of all. 
 
218 SPIRITUAL COUMUmCATIONS. 
 
 great attention to Spiritualism, and was well vorsed in 
 its literature. On the occasion rclorrcil to, it was said : — 
 
 M'Uh Qod's piTtnissitni. inll 11. Valiant speak to Iuk hUUi? 
 
 "Yes, yes; of course. If God be willing, I will olTiu- you 
 my searchings of tlm spirit. Exporit'iu-c is a woiwlerf ul thing ; 
 and as mucli as wo know, it is really very little to bo esteemed 
 after all. Ood is the powerful Monarch, and only through him 
 can we ever hope for salvation. I am Richard Valiant, your 
 brother in the love of God ; and I descend to you for the pleas- 
 ure of this hopeful intercourse, that wo may find a foretaste of 
 the rapture of a meetingin the spirit's longing. That youiuay 
 reeogni/.i^ me better, I will say that I died attli(^ ago of forty- 
 eight years ; and by the side of your holy mother 1 stand in the 
 purified state to whiuh God alone has cleansed uie. Forever de- 
 sist from following tho Jesuistical laws ; and the fellowshiiiof 
 the Virgin, though given to the blest, does nothing toward tho 
 transport of true calling. Forever I am watching you in the 
 pleasure of trust and obedience. Kuii.viiD V.m.i.ant." 
 
 Some remarks were then made in regard to tho adora- 
 tion of the Virgin, when the follovving was written : — 
 
 " Hauflfe. Only liedesirous that your inward feelings seeic 
 (iod in all things." 
 
 /She means worship Ood only : and if i/oii invoke ilic Virf/in, 
 or any olhcr created spirit, do it only turoiitjii God, and with his 
 permission. Is that right? 
 
 "YES." 
 
 Is liichard Valiant still here ? 
 
 " Yes, truly ; here, and always ready, with (iod's permission." 
 
 Is yoiir mother with you ? 
 
 "Mother is an angel, with the blest of heiivi'u ; and we are 
 all so fervently happy in the judgment of God, that we would 
 not v.'ish to bo on earth again — no, not an instant Although 
 our lives v.'ere not in tho true accord with tliese holy teachings, 
 yet our nK^iiKuro of grain is the fullness of the wheat ; and as 
 we are seejcing the high steps ol' onward glory, so w<i are work- 
 ing for the Gospel truths to be the foundutionof all truoliving. 
 " AITeelionalely, 1!, VaLLANT." 
 
 The following conimiiuiuatiou.s from various spirits 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 219 
 
 are presented as affording still farther illustrations of 
 facts embodied in those already given : — 
 
 (1) From Mrs. M. to her friend Mrs. K. [Oct. 13.] 
 
 [Name written witli difficulty.] " Bless me by your prayers " 
 
 [Prayer offered.] Are you happy f 
 
 ' ' Yes ; I am more than satisfied to find so much loveliness in 
 this world of future glory. Although I did not consider myself 
 a wicked woman, I certainly knew I was very imperfect in many 
 ways. God is indeed above us all, and I hope he will always be 
 able to descend into your hearts. I never thought I could ap- 
 proach my friends after death ; but I am only too happy to say 
 that it is my great joy to be able to do so ; and it gives me 
 great pleasure to have you think of me. Indeed, I cannot tell 
 you how glad and happy it makes me. If I could send any 
 message to my family, I should be blest forever, being fearful 
 lest they may lose courage in their earthly duties. They, dear 
 creatures, are doing so well I Hattie is an angel of mercy 
 upon the earthly ground ; and I shall greet her, God I with 
 rapture. Endure all that happens upon the earth with happy 
 resignation. God will soon come, and then you will open your 
 eyes upon the spiritual world. Many, many friends await you 
 with so much longing ! It gives us, however, no pain to see 
 you here on earth ; for life is so short compared with the here- 
 after. Only be patient, and God will be justified. Much more I 
 might say, but I bless you, and will come again. 
 
 "Mes. M ." 
 
 This communication was broken off by the arrival of 
 visitors; bat, on the 27th of October, the same spirit 
 came again, and wrote the following : — 
 
 Mrs. M [name written]. As I promised, I have come 
 
 again, not from duty bound, but because you are kind to remem- 
 ber an old friend, who was not much given to spiritual concerns 
 in the flesh. But, my dear friend, the final deliverance of death 
 sets us upon a new life in a new sphere, and with a memory 
 fresh as the dew upon the flowers. I f that memory were all as 
 God could look upon without shuddering, nothing would be bet- 
 ter than heaven to any soul. But I am sorry that my own living 
 refused to satisfy myself ; and God, who suffers much has en- 
 
220 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATlONa. 
 
 dured my Bins with too mucli patience. Blessitigs too many I 
 have received, and I am removed from sin's stain througll 
 Christ's passion. May heaven be kind to you, and ever show 
 you the knowledge between right and wrong. 
 
 " 1 am Mrs. M.'s spirit hovering above you, but perhaps much 
 below yours in the heavenly classification, to which all must 
 come, each in his own shoes. Mine were large, like myself ; 
 but there was room for much goodness still. Blessings upon 
 my children. Happy I should be to hold an intercourse with 
 them ; but, forgive them, they would not understand — so weak 
 and blinded is their belief now. Ever yours Mrs. M." 
 
 And again, on the 15th of December, the same spirit 
 wrote ; — 
 
 "My dear friend, I see you clearly, although lam to your 
 sight obscured by your fleshly existence. I do not pretend to 
 offer you a word of advice ; for I was a poor sort of a striving 
 creature, trying to live a life through, and having many trials to 
 bear, and blessings given me through them all. At last I find 
 a release from work to affect my body and care to trouble my 
 mind. Oh ! it is a rapture to feel no iucouvenienco from any 
 outward existence. You will understand my meaning when I 
 say, freedom is my heaven. I am with a great family of God's 
 children. Please assist me to come to the earth ; for my duty 
 is plain, that I must do all the good that I can. And I hope to 
 succeed in many ways, as well as in the strength which God 
 will grant me, if I ask him. I do not feel much strength to 
 fight with outside affairs as yet ; for my sudden transition has 
 taken me too far away, in the space of an instant, for me to 
 realize fully my life above. But I am proving myself an en- 
 lightened spirit now, growing in the experiences of my spirit 
 life. So farewell, my faithful friend. I am only the poor but 
 honest woman, Mks. M ," 
 
 FROM THE SPIRIT OP A JEWESS. 
 [Oct. 18, 1878.] " Dear son, heaven is here for all who ask 
 for God's mighty power to help them on their way to this life 
 in the future ; for, be assured, that I come from thence by God's 
 permission, and for my own pleasure. Does not the Bible say, 
 do good to all men, and never forsake the poor ? I also have 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 221 
 
 tliis as my motto, to urge me on toward tlie state of good and 
 holy living. Unless God be a liar (Heaven pardon the thought !) 
 we shall ALi/, every soul, both Jew and Ghristian, meet together 
 in the band of Christian fellowship. Forget not, dear son, the 
 counsel of an aged mother, whose father was an idolatrous hea- 
 then in the family bond. Through mysticism, are the people of 
 God's love led astray from the fold ; but God, the Perfect, in- 
 tends to create you anew, and make you whole through your 
 righteous service. May God ever defend you all in a sound 
 family. Both the living and the dead echo the cry to all man- 
 kind : Eejoicb, for the kingdom of God is at hand I 
 
 " Your well-remembered mother, S. B." 
 
 FROM THE SPIRIT OF A. T. STEWAET. 
 
 The following communication was written about the 
 time of the excitement occasioned by the rifling of the 
 vault of A. T. Stewart, and the carrying away of hie re- 
 mains. Mr. L. F. Weismann called the spirit, with no 
 view, however, to ascertain the hiding-place of the re- 
 mains ; for his experience in this subject enabled him to 
 know that the spirit probably knew no more about the 
 matter than any embodied spirit on the face of the 
 earth. Spirits do not (usually, at least, if ever) see mar 
 terial objects. When the spirit of Madame Hauffe was 
 asked if she saw what was written, she replied : — " I 
 cannot see what I write. I can only see the effect of 
 what I tell you. Unless you act upon our sayings, we 
 cannot see them." It was then said : " Do you not see 
 our bodies ? " and the answer was : " Oh ! oh ! I do not 
 think of them — your souls."* Divination and necro- 
 
 * On another occasion, a spirit motlier manifested great anxiety in regard 
 to her children on earth ; and the editor, who was present, said : " Can you 
 not see them as they are ? " The answer was, "I am not a privileged spirit." 
 *' Can you see us ?" was aslced. "Yes; the medium is present." It would 
 seem, therefore, that the spirit sees only spirit, whether in the ilesh or in a 
 disembodied state. In answer to the question, " Can a spirit always see us ? " 
 Judge Edmonds replied : " Heaven sees at all times ; but the spirit is not 
 always able to see the life of a living body." 
 
222 SPIRITUAL GOMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 manoy are forbidden arts, simply because they encourage 
 superstition, and the laying aside of our proper faculties 
 to rely upon the information given by the spirits of the 
 departed; but the good spirits return to this mortal 
 scene to do men good by teaching them to love God 
 and to expect a happy future beyond the portals of the 
 tomb, not to talk about earthly things ; and just as re- 
 ligious truth is valuable, so are these communications 
 valuable to those who receive them, aiding them to 
 worship their glorious Maker, " in spirit and in truth." 
 
 A. T. Stewart [called.] '■■ Tou are very kind to call for the 
 despised millionaire, led astray through, ignorance and blind 
 folly. In the name of justice, avenge me the outrageous on- 
 slaught upon a few bones of a former life. That it matters not 
 to me now " where the dead bury their dead," you may well 
 see. Stewart." 
 
 Then, in a remarkable manner, spirit friends inter- 
 vened, to warn the interrogator against seeking for- 
 bidden knowledge ; and it was written : — 
 
 ' ' Linger not with fager eyes upon the tempting goal of money. 
 — F. K. , your friend around your path. I can tell you that 
 the remains of A. T. S. are under the ground, where the light of 
 the sun cannot affect their dissolution." 
 
 T/i,ere was no thought on my part to obtain knowledge of that 
 kind. I trust I know better the object of this intercourse. 
 
 " Many warm congratulations upon your belief. Further not 
 the world's follies, but help the people from their folly. Disin- 
 ter the living from their grave, and never mind the dead or dy- 
 ing. W. B." 
 
 [To A. T. S.] Are you in a good or a bad state f 
 
 " A little between those two states, bordering upon the dis- 
 quietude of a spirit not yet gone to its true home. I fully com- 
 prehend that I am a meager specter in the spirit life — having 
 been, while on earth, wantonly neglectful of many upright 
 duties. Alas ! Alas ! " 
 
 You ham probably learned tJiat your spiritual advancement 
 will depend upon your aiding others. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 223 
 
 " That is soon to be discovered, in this new life of learning, 
 in its true meaning. 
 
 "My dear friends in the Cliristiaa universe, send all your 
 efforts abroad in the heavenly direction — not for the vanities of 
 earthly existence. Defend and protect the poor and friendless ; 
 enlighten the erring ; analyze the motives of your lives ; and 
 comprehend the Lord as he liveth ! Many I hope to convert, if 
 the life of a spirit has the calm judgment of a past experience 
 to show him how to benefit the world he has left in darkness. 
 O God ! that the work were sure ! A. T. S. " 
 
 The tone of feeling, as is obvious, is that of sadness 
 and deep regret for having done so little to benefit the 
 world, and with the vast means God placed in his power. 
 
 FROM THE SPIRIT OP UR. F. W. HUIfT. 
 
 Dr. Hunt, with whom the editor had a long but not 
 intimate, personal acquaintance, died Oct. 20th, 1878 ; 
 and, at a family sitting, held on the 27th of that month, 
 four days after his funeral, the editor asked for a com- 
 munication from him, with the following result: — 
 
 "Dr. Hunt. — I cannot see my way to express my feelings in 
 tills manner. My time in eternity is short, but happy. Thank 
 God, it is not all a dream ! My Christ — my haven — is found, 
 and I am, I feel, in a purer atmosphere. Not that I can ever 
 reach my full heigbtof living; but I shall certainly never be la 
 the state of unprogressed spirits. Further the ways "of coming 
 back to past reminiscences, and you will do a bappy work. Death 
 is a weary state, after which you are awakened to the rapture of 
 angels flying, as it were, to meet you. How we neglect the true 
 understanding of things in life ! ! " 
 
 Have you found your ideas of Spiritualism correct ? 
 
 " Oh ! my ideas were in a feverlst state,* and I am coming to 
 the earth again with regrets. But never believe tliat God neg- 
 lects your soul's eternity ; and fear not, dear friend, my vision 
 
 * The editor had spoken to him on several occasions on the subject ; and 
 fonnd that, from his medical and other experience, he believed in the spirit 
 world and the possibilities of intercourse therewith. Like many others, 
 however, his ideas were, as he says, in a " feverish " or unsettled state. 
 
224 SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIONS. 
 
 of tTOth supplies me with light ; but I must certainly thank you 
 for the remembrance of a calling, and the parting tear you shed 
 over my bier."* 
 
 Were you present, then, at your funeral f 
 
 " Yes ; foolish it seemed to me." 
 
 Why foolish ? 
 
 ' ' A poor piece of clay to be put in the ground ! But I remem- 
 ber that my friends were not in sympathy with me, and I was an 
 outcast to them. Alas ! the deluded people ! They kindly con- 
 descended to come to my funeral, although I had nothing to give 
 in return 1 "f 
 
 / am glad to hear from you, and shaU he pleased to talk again 
 with you at some other time. 
 
 " Whenever you desire it, if God is willing." 
 
 FUOM THE SPIRIT OF JAMES GUSHING. 
 [Oct. 30, 1878.] " James Cushing.t In the bond of life I 
 
 * The editor attended hia fnneral a few days before this was written ; tat 
 neither the medium nor any other person present, except the editor himself, 
 knew anything of the circamstances referred to. It shoold be said, also, 
 that the medinm was not acquainted with the Doctor.. 
 
 t A short time after this singularly interesting conmiunication was writ- 
 ten, the editor was made aware of the state of things connected with the 
 Doctor's sad life on earth, to which he so pointedly refers, by seeing the fol- 
 lowing in theiV. Y. Daily Times (Nov. 14, 1878) :— 
 
 SAD FATE OF A PP.OFESSOR. 
 AS TOtD LAST NIGHT AT THE HOMEOPATHIC COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETT. 
 
 It was a sad stoiy of secret eufferinff and privation that Dr. F. Seeger 
 recounted in bis broken English t3 tho members of the Homeopatbic Med- 
 ical Society, at their meeting' last night. Dr. Prof. Franklin Whitehead 
 Hvmt died on Sunday, Oct 20, at No. 230 East Flfty-nmth street, in the slx- 
 ty-elghtb year of his age. He wroto and edited numerous works of high 
 rank in medical literature, and died so poortbat the $135 necessary to bury 
 blm decently bad to be advanced by a brother practitioner. Of this amount 
 $85 hasbeen refunded by voluntary subscription, and last nlgbt a commit- 
 too was appointed to raise the funds for a headstone to his grave. Resolu- 
 tions of condolence with his family were passed. 
 
 After reading this, it does truly appear that he was an " outcast '" to his 
 friends. The editor of this work having no social acquaintance with Dr, 
 Hunt, never visited him at his borne. He prized his acquaintance, however, 
 for the sweetness of his simplicity, and the richness of his stores of infor- 
 mation. 
 
 X James Cashing was connected with the Public Schools of the City of 
 New York for some years, Urst as Ward Trustee, subsequently as a member 
 of the Board of Education, to which he was appointed a second time by 
 Mayor Havemeyer in 1873, under the new organization of the Board which 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 225 
 
 come, for I was a, scliool teacliei", or properly a school officer. 
 [H. K. nodded assent.] Thank you. Perhaps you will remem- 
 ber me ; for I offer you my congratulations that you are on so 
 high a pedestal of heavenly insight — OLOUiotrs I Ever proceed 
 upon the true path. I long to come to every soul in the dark- 
 ness of superstition and bigotry ; for I think God will show, 
 through these writings, that he Is the Sovereign Ruler of every 
 heart and body, enlisted, as it were, in this future army, in the 
 province of heaven. That all things may he as prescribed by 
 Heaven, this is as it should be ; for were it otherwise, would 
 you not all be in hastb for the avenger death ? Would your 
 patience wait for the Saviour's calling t Indeed, I think not. 
 So God does not unveil his righteous judgment until each, in 
 his own day, seeks his Saviour's door. Open, you will say ; 
 and Christ will bid you enter with joy upon your face. Oh ! 
 grieve not for anything but your own folly, and ask permission 
 of God to teach this everlasting aealiny of his work upon earth. 
 Offend not, but be courteous to all ; and the light of your souls 
 will burn with the intense desire and lovo ordained by Ood, the 
 Just. Only a spirit can understand God's province of love ; but 
 thanks be to him 1 you will know, in a short time ; and, with 
 the patience of penitent mortals, you will feel that your rest is 
 
 secured. Probably this will meet the eyes of , who is a 
 
 weak man to throw this light into the regions of obscurity ; and 
 
 1 will say to him that his 's spirit is not a blank ; but that 
 
 an ever- watching knowledge of his doings possesses my heart ; 
 and not always do his actions satisfy me, much less GOD. 
 
 " Dear Mr. K., I am glad to see you under heavenly auspices. 
 Was not the time of our experience a little out of this path ? 
 Were not the contrivers of peace a trifle backward in their fond 
 and loving intercourse ? However, do you not remember past 
 grievances with a holy horror ? But the just, no matter who they 
 are, or pretend to be, are on earth often deprived of their rights. 
 
 ' ' Earnestly I wish to seal this with my seal of learning and 
 
 took place in that year. His death occurred quite suddenly in the summer of 
 that year, while he was still quite a young man. He was highly esteemed 
 by all who knew him for his sterling integrity and fine social qualities. The 
 editor knew him well, and held him in great esteem. 
 
226 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONa. 
 
 living above ; and yiiiW a blessing from a JUST man, I come to 
 tbe Justice. Amen." 
 
 FROM THE SPIRIT OF RICHARD WARREN. 
 
 The following is presented as a companion piece to 
 the above, as coming from the spirit of another member 
 of the Board of Education. He manifested quite un- 
 expectedly, writing his first name, Richard, but making 
 abortive efforts to impress upon the medium's mind his 
 second name. The editor soon recognized it as a mes- 
 sage from his old acquaintance Richard Warren. The 
 communication was as follows (Dec. 1, 1878): — 
 
 " My dear Mr. Kiddle, I believe in the communion of saints, 
 as I find you do also, or have every reason to affirm that you do. 
 I am in a glorious state of existence now. Much more could 
 not be desired, except that I find I am very weak in spiritual 
 knowledge, and am ashamed to show myself, or my weakness, 
 which is the same to me, for that and myself are never apart. 
 I can see that you are doing a mighty work, and one that God 
 will bless you for, and not permit you to suffer for the iniquities 
 of bad living. And then again, you will appreciate what a 
 spirit's life is, and by this gain much toward redemption's call- 
 ing. I am, as you know, a poor sort of a person in every way, 
 and, God knows, with not much to be proud of by any one ; for 
 I was a pretending sort of a person toward many, and all with- 
 out a farthing to bless myself with beyond death's door. But I 
 find it matters not so much what a man lives in as what he per- 
 forms for good. I, alas I was not a prosperous person according 
 to any proper standard ; and yet already I am deserving of dis- 
 tinction with God, for I look back with sorrow upon the lives 
 of many, and myself particularly, the darkest of any in my sta- 
 tion. What can you expect of a man in poverty and nakedness 
 but despair? And such is the state of many on earth and in 
 heaven. I bless you, Henry Kiddle, and meet you with rare 
 happiness. Your friend in the Board, 
 
 "RlCHAKD WakREN." 
 
 On the 2d of March, the editor received a further 
 communication from the same spirit. He asked for a 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 227 
 
 confirmation of the previous message, and it was writ- 
 ten ; — 
 
 " RiGhard Warren. — Yes. You aro correct." 
 
 Do you loiah to say anything else? 
 
 " No, no. I am not gifted in any way — quite similar to my 
 earthly state of mind as to Icnowledge ; but experience lias tauglit 
 me much, yea, too much to repeat to you, my friend. I was not 
 diligent in good actions. I was not near God, in harmony of 
 thought with him, and vras often far, far away from sacrifice 
 and thanksgiving. But the Lord has blessed me with unspeak- 
 able joys, notwithstanding my faults ; and I am striving to 
 overcome my shortcomings. Alas ! they must all be cancelled 
 by pain for their wickedness. 
 
 ' ' Good night, dear friend. I bid you farewell. I thank you 
 for the remembrance, and speak to you with pleasure. Ask 
 God to help you ; and may you be successful in these undertak- 
 ings of truth. Amen. 
 
 " In health I was in the Board ; but sickness took ms away, 
 and away, and away. God prosper you, again I say, and all the 
 kingdom of Christ. RiCHAJiD Warkkn." 
 
 FROM THE SPIRIT OF JAMES W. GERARD. 
 
 The following was written in the presence of the edi- 
 tor and two ladles — teachers well acquainted with Mr. 
 Gerard while on earth, as an officer of the public schools, 
 to which he devoted himself for many years. 
 
 " James W. Gerard. — Well, my dear friends, have you 
 indeed remembered an old man of very stupid appearance, ap- 
 pearing upon your scenes of living, and intruding himself upon 
 all occasions of mirth and jollity connected with your depart- 
 ment, and mine, I am happy to say, in my time. Fondly I look 
 upon you here, and also in your several vocations, as I thinlc 
 you are in the happy condition of faithful teachers, and are the 
 noble elevators of the soul's learning. I suppose you will not 
 refuse a little poor advice, given you from the bottom of a heart 
 of plentiful feeling toward every soul's happiness. Not willing- 
 ly did I go to my i^est. Perhaps I was a vain and foolish man ; 
 now I am almost the same, except that I comprehend my weak 
 
228 SPmiTUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 
 
 and frail abiding with yon here. Thankful I am, and blest too, 
 to see that I can at last be true to myself ; for was I not some- 
 what false in this respect upon earth with you 1 However, I 
 truly meant well, and happy I am now to say to you again, all 
 is WELL with me in God's kingdom.* But forever is life a 
 living progress, and I am in the march of time with you all. 
 " I am ever, as ever, sincerely, J. W. G." 
 
 One of the persons present said, we thank you for 
 this message, to which it was responded : — • 
 
 " Bless you, I ani never in a mood to be thanked ; but I feel 
 grateful for your recognition." 
 
 FROM THE SPIRIT OF EKBECOA W. 
 
 " Rebecca W [name written with difficulty]. I am a 
 
 spirit, and I am glad to come. I have never found the way be- 
 fore now, and I cannot tell how I must use the medium. I bless 
 her, for it makes me happy to show you that my spirit is near 
 yours when you desire it, and when God wills it so. I am an aged 
 woman, as you remember. Now my spirit is no longer encased 
 in an old body, but bears me on where I wish to go, only I am 
 son-y that I did not see more of this when I was living on earth, 
 for I was not a good-natured woman, but only weak and foolish. 
 Believe me, I am very sorry if I have displeased you or any one 
 while here, for I am a SPIKIT now, and I see how wrong it is to 
 give way to the devil. I was seventy-four years old. I am go- 
 ing now, but will always be the same. When you wish me, I 
 will come. With my love to you all, I am 
 
 " Rebecca W " 
 
 VARIOUS COMMUJsriCATION,g FROM JUDGE EDMONDS. 
 
 Several very interesting, forcible, and eloquent com- 
 munications emanating from the spirit of Judge Ed- 
 monds have already been presented. He has indeed 
 manifested the greatest interest during nearly the en- 
 tire period of this remarkable experience, and has strong- 
 ly urged, with others, tiie giving of these communications 
 to tlie world. The following appear to the editor too 
 
 * Quoting the words of his previous communication. (See page 40 ) 
 
SPIRITUAL OOMMUNIGATIONS. 229 
 
 important to be withheld. On the 20th of October, 
 before this work was commenced, the following inter- 
 esting conversation occurred between the editor and 
 the spirit referred to : — 
 
 "Oh 1 please send us good inclinations. Believe me, you are 
 a blest person, and we are helping to prepare your heart for a 
 better state, where love toward God and his creatures never 
 dies, nor ever fails to prove a living source of pleasure. Per- 
 mit us to come to you, with fervency and true inward rapture, 
 for the salvation of souls. God ! the intensity of your feel- 
 ings should make you weep — should make you grieve, as only 
 the fond and loving parent would feel (and you yourself know 
 how he feels) to lose his darling child through neglect — only 
 neglect ! ! It is true, only the just can see God ; but I firmly 
 believe he intends to redeem all human souls for his glorifica- 
 tion ; but that you may perfectly know him, he will use your 
 own conscience for the right and wrong living of your soul. Is 
 not this a glorious choosing, left to your own inward voices 1 
 How great a privilege ! O, God be blest 1 I feel that the soul 
 of a Christian is more than the universe itself, which is nothing 
 in comparison with the poor benighted men of a lost kingdom. 
 
 ' ' Plainly I would show to man that his conscience is given to 
 him by God, as the inward means of insight to show him his 
 future destiny — a beacon-light to lead him up where all is pure 
 — where all is goodness of goodness. Blessings from God I 
 may give yoii, with the sanctification of a spirit's breath, and with 
 the interests of a million of souls in your hands for heavenly 
 direction. I am your upward-lifting friend, 
 
 "Judge Edmonds." 
 
 The editor expressed the deepest interest in the com- 
 mimications, and a strong desire and earnest purpose to 
 advance the cause as presented by the spirits. 
 
 " Oh ! many thanks ! For your encouragement is certainly a 
 heavenly dawning for us, and I may also say for yourselves ; 
 for where is the man that God forsakes for his goodness ? Where 
 is the flower that misses his care supreme ? Where is the sun- 
 light that never fades 1 Answer these simple questions, and 
 
230 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 you can f urtlier tell me where is tlie soul tliat knows no awaken- 
 ing." 
 
 Can you offer any explicit advice as io the manner of giving 
 these communications to the world f 
 
 " I sliould say, givetliem in a combined simplicity, stating tlie 
 true facts of all tlie knowledge of tlie subject you possess, and 
 illustrating tke work by lioly specimens sucli as these that are 
 sent. But, forgive me, you have no time to lose. God. is wait- 
 ing for your holy attack upon the misinterpretations of his 
 word. Blest word of God ! how perverted you are to the sight 
 of the world 1 ! That God should be so falsified must awaken 
 your hearts to earnest work. That the world will hearken to 
 the Truth is, indeed, too heavenly a fact to be believed by the 
 angels. Can you not say, ' A man is destined to the everlasting 
 punishment of death, unless God is in him — unless he work for 
 his redemption 1 ' For his sake do good ; lay aside your vani- 
 ties. He that hath, let him give to him that hath not. Make 
 your own beds by your own efforts. Set the world, which is off 
 its guard, right ; place it upon the threshold of Truth. Firmly 
 I believe that God must be forsaking his people, if their hearts 
 be not affected by such teachings. Must we also tell you that 
 God's Book should never be more than a means of religious in- 
 sight to God's home? Revelations such as are contained in 
 these writings are certainly nearer your own times of thinking. 
 Were the people as bigoted ihen as now ? I say, never could 
 there be more wickedness than in the present generation. Even 
 the torturers of the Inquisition were not so bad ; for they felt 
 in duty bound, while now life is merely a song of free indul- 
 gence and pleasant fun. By the grace of God, it will be better, 
 and blest by sincere well-doing for a thousand generations. 
 Spirits are no more a set of liars, but are tests of God's reality, 
 and of the truth of his redemption. Amen." 
 
 What do yov, mean hy spirits being a "set of liars "? 
 " I mean as they were known in the time of Jesus." 
 Evil spirits, obsessing persons, as demoniacs, etc. ? 
 " YKS." 
 
 You had considerable experience while on earth of the perverse 
 blindness of mankind. 
 " Poor souls 1 1 " 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmQATIONS. 231 
 
 Canyon give iis any light from your standpoint, as to the true 
 office performed by Jesus, called by theologians the atonement t 
 " Yes, perhaps I may succeed, if the medium is very passive. 
 " On account of the degeneracy of the Jews, did Jesus come 
 to enlighten the Gentiles — to teach them wisely to love God, in 
 truth and sincerity ; furthermore, to show them how a MAN 
 may suffer when the salvation of the world is at stake. Alas I 
 such supreme endurance was ordained by God in the calling of 
 Jesus — ^blessed name ! — as the physician of souls. Indeed, the 
 reality is a perfect cure, through Christ's atonement ; and the 
 Lord is a loving Judge hy the sign of so true an interpreter 
 of a heavenly future in the living of a nature like your own ; 
 but sustained, by praying with all the intensity of the soul, 
 through every trial of temptation, and relieved from the weight 
 of ain by entire resignation. So that I may say, the precepts of 
 Christ are a sure means of spiritual teaching — and the guide to 
 a life of goodness, besides being a blessed foundation for faith 
 in himself. May I say, that Christ is waiting at the door of 
 heaven with the resignation of a defeated hero upon his brow ? 
 Alas ! Alas ! I " 
 Have you ever been in the presence of Christ f 
 " Yes ; to feel it, but not as I would wish, and as I hope." 
 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Ood, 
 and the Word was Cod. " Sow do you interpret that f 
 
 " God is the beginning and the end, as he says, by the Word 
 of inspiration." 
 
 Was not the Christ nature, as an attribute of the Deity, 
 coeval with Ood, but incarnate in Jesus? 
 ' • Yes ; that is the truth. " 
 
 A question was asked in regard to the expression, 
 "Jesus at the door," etc., seeming to imply that Christ 
 is not in heaven : — 
 
 " He is a created spirit fit to sit with God." 
 The following was then written in regard to a person 
 who contended for the doctrine that " the soul between 
 death and the resurrection is in a state of unconscious 
 sleep " : — 
 
232 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIOirS. 
 
 " By the grace of God, I will fulfill my mission. That man 
 will probably never see the fondness of God, but stick to his own 
 interpretations of the nature of God and his Workings. Such 
 is, indeed, a sad mistake ; and I would ask God to furnish him 
 with the means of egress out of his blindness. I see his mean- 
 ing is not as the word of God directs, but is in direct opposition 
 to the life of which it teaches. To live is to die ; and to die is 
 not to sleep, nor slumber, but to awaken to higher work, to help 
 the world. Indeed, do you suppose the world is entirely void of 
 meaning, and that only the Lord is in heaven 1 I say, the day 
 is at hand for the judgment of you all. Neither sleep in your 
 mind's understanding, nor in your coiHns, but raise yourselves, 
 by God's assistance, to the light of heaven, and to the bright' 
 ness of a beautiful inspiration. Never vainly say in your hearts, 
 ' There is no God. ' To your sorrow, you may find it too late to 
 regain your footing ; and the gate of eternity may open upon 
 you unawares. Find the love that abides for all time ; and 
 trust God, who never sleeps ; for your bed will not be one of 
 roses, unless you make it such for yourselves, by living noble 
 lives, like the blest in heaven." 
 
 The following is a portion of a subsequent commu- 
 nication from the same spirit [Oct. 24] : — 
 
 " Formerly the Jews were the chosen. Now, I say, ALL are 
 the chosen and beloved people of God, and by the fruits of good 
 or EVIL living will every soul be known — not DAMNED nor 
 punished forever, but only made to feel that the promises of 
 God are truly just, when he says, ' The Kingdom of Heaven is 
 at hand,' and prepare ye for THIS. Amen. 
 
 "Judge Edmonds." 
 The following colloquy held [Nov. 8, 1878J with the 
 same spirit, through the child medium, has many points 
 of suggestive interest : — 
 " Judge Edmonds is here now with blessings for all. Amen.' 
 May I ask you a question or two ? 
 
 " Do not ask any of too advanced a character. Remember the 
 medium is but a child.'' 
 
 / have read recently of the stjeface of heaven, as being di- 
 versified with mountains, rivers, lakes, etc. Is that sof 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmOATIONS. 233 
 
 " It cannot be seen with the material eye, but with the eye 
 •which God has placed in the spiritual face. It is said that the 
 beauties of earth are but ashes, compared with the beauties of 
 heaven. The earth is but a miniature model of heaven — or a 
 step to the door. Heaven has all things that are in the earth, 
 and more." 
 
 Some of file spirits ha/De spoken of Jupiter as being tlie finest 
 of tlie planets or spheres. In what sense is this true ? 
 
 " It is the place which God has set apart as the top step to the 
 door of his everlasting liingdom ; and therefore these spirits, 
 knowing no other and seeing no better, call it the finest. Amen. " 
 
 Save you ever been in Jupiter ? 
 
 " That is my state of spiritual life." 
 
 2s it actually tlie flahkt Jupiter f 
 
 "I do not know." 
 
 Why do you say it is Jupiter then ? 
 
 " Because Christ has ordained it to be so ; and he told us the 
 name by which it should be known ; but whether it is the 
 planet Jupiter or not, I cannot say." 
 
 When did Christ tell you so ? 
 
 " On my appearing before him, when I entered upon the spir- 
 itual life." 
 
 Is that wltat is meant by the "Hay of Judgment ? " 
 
 " The Judgment Day is when you are facing Clirist in the 
 number of sins which you have committed in this world ; and 
 you are judged accordingly." 
 
 Tlmt is, on entering the spirit world, you appear before tlie tri- 
 bunal of Clirist ? 
 
 " Yes, and then, on entering God's kingdom, there is the hap, 
 piest judgment ever known. I suppose this to be the fact." 
 
 You said in a previous communication, you had uever seen 
 Christ. Sow then were you in his presence ? 
 
 " Tes, yes ; so are you. You are facing him always. You do 
 not yet understand the spiritusj life." 
 
 / am afraid I do not. 
 
 " It is very, very deep. You wUl not fully understand it un- 
 til you enter God's kingdom," 
 
 W/ien is that f 
 
234 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 " I do not know ; but I do know it is when you have passed 
 througli all the splieres which your sins require." 
 
 We shall now htiiie to close. 
 
 "Very well. Your son is quite a medium — more so than I 
 supposed. I have written through him, although I said he was 
 too young,* I still remain your everlasting friend, 
 
 " Judge Edmonds." 
 
 The following was written on the 1st of December, 
 only the editor and the medium being present : — 
 
 " Judge IBdmonds. — I am hUst in your presence. Please 
 allow me the opportunity to secure your heart's interest in a few 
 heavenly remarks ; for whenever a man speaks in the power of 
 his understanding, then shall his precepts in grace toward the 
 human family he followed. I bless you fervently, dear friends 
 and hopeful associates in the heavenly feast. I indeed feel 
 grateful to God that he has opened a communication with us in 
 your mind's upward existence, and that he affords us the right 
 to increase your power to do good in the world. 
 
 " I must say, the world, in its wild and unfruitful existence, 
 is more in sympathy with the spirits fallen from the throne of 
 mercy ; for you are now, beloved brethren and citizens, intoxi- 
 cated with pomp and show, and saturated with envy, hatred, 
 and malice toward God's creatures, who are by nature your 
 brothers and sisters, be they poor or rich, humble, or proud in 
 living or ancestry. I say, you are indeed upon the dreadful 
 road to RUIN — to despair, or, if you will prefer this interpreta- 
 tion, to unmistakMe misery — in regard to the wants of the sold, 
 the necessities of the spirit life, and in the loss of the greatest 
 blessings that God can bestow. I repeat it, you will regret, 
 with the anguish of demons, in the midst of a million plagues 
 and tantalizing torrpents, cruelties, and inflictions — much worse 
 than hell-fire or brimstone, such as you, heathens in lore, under- 
 stand the subject. Pardon me, I may seem severe. Indeed, I 
 mean to awaken you, if knowledge from the mouth of a spirit 
 can affect your senses or touch your hearts, putting them in vi- 
 bration with goodness, svliich is ever born with a rciovtul frame. 
 
 * This was said in a communication written four months previously, 
 througli the elder medluxa. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 235 
 
 For we are born of God, and of love in him, and are saved alone 
 by his grace. 
 
 " Now, my dear friends, as well as the public in kind sym- 
 pathy with you, view, on the other hand, the man who is guided 
 in his life by sincerity, as the mariners are by the compass ; 
 and, dear partakers of your Master's life and crown, take with 
 him a firm stand-point — a rarity, I must say, at the present un- 
 steady DAY — and all be generous toward one another. Forgive, 
 and the Lord will blot out from your own vision the blackest 
 living ; and be not vain of anything ; for are we not all in the 
 Potter's hand? WliUe we are in good care, we are to accept 
 that care with feelings of veneration, and keep a true conscience 
 toward mankind, ourselves, but above all, God Almighty. 
 
 " May the heavens open with happiness to you all, is the hope 
 and the prayer of your friend in the past, and the same also in 
 the present, but in a changed /orm. Judge Edmonds." 
 
 The following also contains some suggestive points : — 
 
 [Dec. 8, 1878.] — "Judge Edmonds, in harmony with you, 
 and I always hope to be." 
 
 Will yon lorile another communication f 
 
 " Yes. I must begin by asking you to feel for a moment 
 the immensity of the subject in hand, and the great importance 
 of the result which we expect, or rather hope for. My inten- 
 tion is to seek where I can awaken inquiry, and then with the 
 earnestness of a judge, I push the question to a trial, be it for 
 or against the case, and give, right and left, with all the force 
 that God will bestow upon me ; for I am an individual in the 
 bonds of restlessness and disquiet. Please do the same in your 
 lives. First, show the world by the example you set that spirit- 
 ualism is your safeguard and happiness ; and live such a life 
 that the world will FEEL the goodness, as well as the pleasure 
 you derive therefrom. Secondly, take the word spiritualism, 
 and explain that, in itself, it means the loving communion of 
 spirits, — not abominable hypocrisy and darkness, but bright 
 light to guide you to the happy, happy pathway that leads to an 
 existence of celestial companionship. Thirdly, I would tell the 
 world that the devil rules in the United States and many other 
 countries, waiting to take advantage of every misdeed and un- 
 
236 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 kindness. God does not, however, allow him to govern you in 
 any way. You are your own governors, and by your own free 
 will you choose good or evil — perfection or imperfection ; if 
 goodness or perfection, then you will have glorious happiness 
 in your change of life ; but if you are imperfect, or wayward, 
 or bad, or revengeful, or villainous, or criminal, then you can- 
 not approach God until you expiate your earthly pleasures, in 
 the world where there are both good and evil spirits. 
 
 ' ' Think of a life of sin to be gazed at by a multitude of an ' 
 gels, good and bad. Will you be satisfied to say Amen ! to that t 
 Alas ! methinks, you will strive to hide yourselves under your 
 lies, if you can find a spot to escape to. But in this you will 
 never succeed, for the eyes of the blind see there, and the pic- 
 ture, as it were, which you present is one either of pleasure or 
 disgust. 
 
 " Forgive me ; but 1 am depicting a certain fact ; and with 
 that dark picture compare my own state in which the just and 
 upright man admires the wonders of God, and feels his love at 
 every moment and in every action. 
 
 " Farewell, dear friends, I am in a state of hope for you all. 
 
 "Judge Edmonds." 
 
 Again, on the 9tli of December, the same spirit wrote 
 with still more earnestness, as follows : — 
 
 ' ' My dear friends, the public, in charity toward you and all 
 mankind, I feel as if my heart, in the spirit of a benefactor of hu- 
 manity, would break the bonds of holy awe, and stand forth in 
 the form of a mortal, to clothe your minds with the idea of im- 
 mortality. It is with the utmost effort that I can reach a man's 
 understanding at all, so bigoted are you with the wrong inter- 
 pretations of those placed over you as the teachers of the Great 
 Master ; namely, the reverend ministers and holy priests of 
 witchcraft, as it were ; for do they not bewitch the minds of 
 their hearers with falsity t Have they more light than you 
 yourselves have ? Have they the inspiration of God ? I say, 
 with truth and firmness, nay I Neither have they deeper feel- 
 ings of love toward Christ, or greater charity toward mankind. 
 Break off such bondage, and begin first at home to present an 
 example of peace and good will toward the world. Love one an- 
 
SPmiTVAL COMMUNICATIONS. 237 
 
 Otlier. Cast out youf abomiuationa. Leave off your wild fol- 
 lies. Taste of true joys, and desire everlasting pleasures, which, 
 1 affirm, will always fall to the lot of the good man or woman. 
 Be good to the poor, in your (yitin humility. Never permit an- 
 other to do yoxtf good works \ for oftentimes the heart is will- 
 ing, but the flesh 19 subject to many temptations, more than you 
 know of. Then, dear friends, with prayer always upon your 
 lips, either in grateful thanksgiving, or for humble blessings, 
 and in resignation to the Lord's high will, you will gaiu your 
 day through a clear conscience toward God and man ; and you 
 Will be among the happiest saints in communion with God. I 
 Bay, God bless you, and assist you to reach it. Amen, 
 
 " Judge Edmonds." 
 
 The following, from the same, addressed to the edi- 
 tor, was written Dec. 22d, at the close of other com- 
 munications :— 
 
 "Judge Edmonds, in the command of a spirit's instinct, 
 to pen these lines for your future strength. I am interested in 
 all good that comes from the spirit of a man, and I am the pen- 
 sioner of God's kindness. It is with great esteem that I meet 
 you ; and it is with the great power which you produce that I 
 can meet the trials of the occasion ; and I am, in a great many 
 Ways, hoping to produce great results by your most gracious 
 help for God's kingdom. Alas ! do not fail 1 Be particular to 
 give a formula of happy and true events, with the great re- 
 sources from your experience, and a bright example, by your 
 living therefrom. 
 
 " I can linger around you forever ; but you will be called on 
 high in the revolution of time, and we can then truly harmon- 
 ize our feelings, and survey the perfect state of bright fulfill- 
 ment. Be patient, and go on to everlasting joy, J. E, " 
 
 The sitting on this occasion had been a great success, 
 some very beautiful and forcible communications hav- 
 ing been written. The other spirits, who afterwards 
 wrote brief messages seemed to be very jubilant. Com- 
 municationE from several of the editor's departedfrienda 
 
238 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 were written ; among them, the following from John 
 Hecker : — 
 
 " John Hecker. — You will not push me aside,* wlien I am 
 in rapture to speak with you once more, and I trust soon forever, 
 
 " Please bear me *in mind as a friend who has flown to the 
 skies, there remaining with the freedom of a bird, and with the 
 treasures that come from a great God spirit, from whom we 
 grow. 
 
 ' ' Please do me the favor to write my name in your Book of 
 Hope, and mention me as the man who passed from the earth to 
 the summer land of floioers, but who on earth bore the prints of 
 many flours. In jest, J. Hecker." 
 
 This was followed by brief, familiar and jocose com- 
 munications from J.'W. Gerard and William Belden, 
 Sr., ending with the following from William Belden, 
 Jr. :— 
 
 "William Belden, the smaller, who is given to speak by 
 your great distinction. I am happy to think that I can name a 
 few links that are growing unto God's homes in the regions of 
 peace. Produce the love of truth in the hearts of men, and re- 
 member your friend, William Belden, Jr." 
 
 The above will illustrate the naturalness of the life 
 beyond our own, the true nature of which, however, 
 cannot be explained so as to be comprehended by us, 
 dwelling in the nether sphere. Those who have received 
 these communications have repressed all unlawful curi- 
 osity to realize in our conception this glorious state oi 
 existence. Sufficient for us to know that our loving 
 Father " doeth all things well ; " and we shall ever be 
 satisfied with what he provideth for us in those mansions 
 above, the existence of which has been, by this heavenly 
 evangel, placed beyond the shadow of a doubt. 
 
 * The editor supposed that no further communications were to be received 
 at that time ; hut the medium was impressed to continue the writiny;. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 239 
 
 To strengthen still farther the impression intended to 
 be made by this work, the following are presented : — 
 
 [Dec. 19, 1878 — James K— — s (deceased about eleven years) 
 called, in order that he might write to his widow, who was pre- 
 sent.] , 
 
 " James K S, hy t\\e grace of God [written with some 
 
 difficulty, when the following appeared] : — 
 " Moll ie will hless you, spirit." 
 [Then was written] : — 
 
 " I am James K s, who desires to make his spirit's 
 
 presence shown in your midst. I can see that my earthly part 
 [his wife] is with you here. I am grateful to you for the op- 
 portunity of coming, and I hope you will do a good service in 
 bringing me to my dear one. 
 
 " My dear wife, I am your liusband as ever, only changed in 
 form according to the permission, I may say the benediction, of 
 God to his creatures. I am happy, and I am with the boy who 
 found his life through you, and who is now abiding with God, 
 and growing in love and goodness to all — both spirits and msre. 
 I wisli you would not worry about me, for I can see you ,in all 
 your anxieties, and I can hope for your great happiness, in a 
 brief time ; and it will be a joyous meeting for us all — ^0 God ! 
 such a meeting, three of us in a happy spot ! You, dear wife, 
 are a creature of God's choice, and need never have a thought 
 or a fear, or a tear of regret. You are TKUE, and KIND. I 
 think you will understand and see that I am what I am, — a 
 spirit who comes to you to assure you of a life and a treasure 
 (your boy) who is in bright existence above. Oh ! how shall I 
 afiect your heart ? Oh ! what can I do for your sight ? Oh ! 
 will you never enjoy your life as you are, and trust God to the 
 end? Believe me, your husband, that I will meet you with ihe 
 love of a thousand tongues upon my lips for you. I will show 
 you worlds of joy ; and I will bless you forever now by the 
 great love which God has shown me, and will also give to you. 
 "Remember me as I was, for such I am to you now, only 
 heightened by a pure existence. I am, in impatience, your 
 loving Jambs K s, forever in Ood." 
 
 His wife remarked : " Can my husband be happy 
 
240 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 
 
 while I am in trouble ? " to which the following appro- 
 priate, and indeed beautiful, answer was given : — 
 
 " Yes ; wliy not t Is it not God that ordains it for your per- 
 fection ? And, while it is his command, it will give you a reap- 
 ing of greater joy — 0, much greater — than lie who knows no 
 trial ! " 
 
 Then followed a communication from the son, given 
 on page 195. 
 
 The following intercourse occurred through the me- 
 dinmship of the editor's little son. The facts and circum- 
 stances referred to, all perfectly correct, were entirely 
 unknown to him, except that a few of them had been 
 casually referred to in his presence. The communica- 
 tions were from the spirit of J. H. A., who formerly 
 was well known to some of the family. 
 
 [To the editor's spirit daughter] : — Can you bring J. A. ? 
 " Yes ; as I have said before, I can bring any one who will 
 hear my voice of calling for him." 
 
 This was written in a small delicate hand, after which 
 there occurred a great change in the mode of holding 
 the pencil — and the writing became large, heavy, and 
 irregular. The following colloquy was held with the 
 spirit : — 
 
 ' ' I am J. A., brought here by a call. I will do your will. 
 
 "J. A , by the grace which has been given to me by 
 
 Almighty GOD." 
 
 Will you write to yonr wife ? 
 
 '■ Oh ! she is a good woman, and she is preparing herself for 
 her life to come." 
 
 Do you wish to send her a message ? 
 
 " Yes ; I told her to keep herself from the wuysof Johnny, 
 my son, and not to pay any attention to any of his money mat- 
 ters. She has had many advisers, but she has heeded none. 
 
 ' ■ Do not ask any more about earthly matters, for DEVILS will 
 come, and make believe that good spiritsare writing, while they 
 themselves are devils," 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 241 
 
 Are you happy f 
 
 " Yes ; but would be more so, if my own children bad fol- 
 lowed my example." 
 
 Did you find yourself in a happy sphere on your decease ? 
 
 " Quite so ; but have risen higher." 
 
 Will you write a message to your son ? 
 
 " O my dear, dear son, oh ! oh ! how happy I should be, if I 
 could once see you traveling the right path of life ; but I am 
 sorry to say you are following too much the desires of your own 
 heart. Oh ! if you could have but a pakticle of the light 
 which has been given to this family, whom you know well, you 
 would find the ways of your Creator better than those of your 
 tormentor, the devil. Oh ! Johnny, Johnny, if you could but 
 understand the grief you cause me when I look into your heart, 
 and find the door open to the dbviIj, and closed to God ! I do 
 not say you are a BAD boy ; but you are heedless and a spend- 
 thrift, wanting everything you set your eyes upon. See, see 
 what sorrow you have caused your own dear mother, who will 
 not be with you long, and whom you will finally reduce to pen- 
 ury. Talce my advice, and begin a new life. I am your father, 
 " John H. A , by the will of God." 
 
 The middle letter of the name was written with dif- 
 ficulty, and the spirit said : — 
 
 " I forget my own name, for spirits are known by their char- 
 acters." 
 
 On the 23d of December, the same spirit wrote again 
 through the other medium, to the same effect ; and again 
 on the 8th of January following, he addressed a former 
 intimate lady friend of his family as follows : — 
 
 [Name written. ] " Remember old days of by-gone times, and 
 help me to express my feelings by your sympathy with my 
 spirit's situation. I am not a familiar spirit in the world, hav- 
 ing written only twice before this, and that with much difii- 
 culty to express my thoughts through this great and heavenly 
 
 channel. It is just as you suppose, my dear , all glorious 
 
 above the elevation of sin, and everlasting is the sunshine of 
 peace with God's spirits, fruitful in benefaction to the earth. 
 
242 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 May everybody soon feel tliia great assistance toward a good 
 end. Alas ! I was not in tlie heavenly way, as you are ; for it 
 did not strUce me to search out suck a fact. The Bible was my 
 only means of insight for strength, and that a feeble one in my 
 eyes. But I see now. Oh ! that my wife had better sight to 
 see the truth through me ! How can I imbue her heart with 
 peace? Look for her, LIB.* Ask her to call me often ; and I 
 will be there to speak, but in spirit form. Be ready to die, for' 
 it is no sorrow to the man who walks uprightly, and justly, and 
 kindly, and patiently for all. Lib, I love you, in the hope of 
 soon speaking to you in happiness. Be with my family, that 
 the truth of a father may illumine them with faith and trust. 
 Be diligent, and never forsake any one in trouble. It will be 
 your reward. Amen. J. H. A ." 
 
 The following is from the spirit of a lady well known 
 in the school circles of former times. The message most 
 strikingly illustrates her peculiar style of speaking. She 
 came at the call of the editor's wife. 
 
 "Elizataetli Lindon— My DEAR Mrs. KIDDLE, I am so 
 happ!/. [Writing very peculiar.] Please always remember, 
 that I was a strong woman in body and mind, but a weak one in 
 the US3 of a PEN. We do not use pens here, but see each other 
 in the melody of signs and sighs. 
 
 "I wish to ask you to remember how many times I used to 
 call upon you, and always with the most enjoyable felicity pos- 
 sible to conceive. It gives me the most enviable pleasure to 
 express myself here to your minds, for I am in no way remark- 
 ably changed, except in form, which is beyond your conception, 
 as you will imagine. 
 
 '■ Jly Almighty Creator is the terrific judge of all misguided 
 people ; but to me, although never amarvelously gifted woman, 
 Uod has given abundant grace, superseding my fallible deserts 
 iu the existence upon your sphere. I am with spirits of kin- 
 
 *Thi.s \va.? the familiar name by which ho used to de-signate the person to 
 whom this communication was addressed ; and the spirit, as a furtlier test 
 of \\\A presence, especially emphasized it, underscoring it at least tun times. 
 All these little incidents are useful in affording additional proof of the au- 
 thenticity of these spirit writings to skeptical or uubelieving minds. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 243 
 
 dred felicities and nspivations of an elevated and ennobling range 
 of character. Of course, I have done things which, in my 
 prayers, I always said I wished I had not done ; but I, indeed, 
 wished no mortal any harm to befall him, in any conceivable 
 way. So the Lord has blotted out many misdeeds, some from 
 an accidental or misdirected intention ; and, indeed, I am now 
 with great hope urging my spirit to prepare for higher glories 
 of transcendental magnificence, more inconceivable to me. 
 
 " Will you engrave me upon the tablet of your memory, and 
 never disdain to repeat, in sj-mpatliy of heart, poor, old, and 
 heavily-laden Elizabeth LiKDON." 
 
 The following will also be recognized by very many 
 in the higher social, literary, and educational circles of 
 by-gone years. The editor knew the writer of this 
 communication well, and ever regarded him with es- 
 teem and affection. He was the first of the school su- 
 perintendents of this city : — 
 " William L. Stone, Sr." [Writing wry rapid.] 
 Will you write a lirief message to instruct mankind? ■ 
 " Oh ! it will give me a pleasure I could give my life for— to 
 speak for a soul, to help a soul, to elevate a soul ! most mer- 
 ciful Father, grant that the souls of men may appreciate, or at 
 least understand, thy wonders — thy love and the workings of 
 it 1 That at last they may be together in one communion of 
 saints, in one final home. And, kind Father, grant that for- 
 giveness which comes to a faithful follower of the Lamb ! Then 
 the spirits in heaven will pray and watch, and beg the Interces- 
 sor to cancel the unrighteousness of your lives, and wUl en- 
 deavor to help you up ; as will the spirit of your friend, and 
 every man's friend in the followship with saints. I am eternally 
 yours by the bond and tie of nature. Your brother in God, 
 " Wm. L. Stone, Sr., a worker." 
 Will you speak of education, in which you took so active an 
 interest in life ? 
 
 "Education is a, virtue; but edification will give a greater 
 ehann and harmony in after life. I should certainly be a co- 
 worker in harmony with education. But cast aside your sects 
 
244 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 and denominations. Why, men, ye are all baJn of one Pafeut ; 
 and lie is tlie Fatlier of you all, and near you all forever. So 
 you need not afflict yourselves with discomfort of heart in any 
 regard whatever. Pray, and seelj a perfect rest hy following 
 the precepts of Christ, not in mockery but in sincerity ; and you 
 will be fit to associate with the Upper Ten in heaven, I love to 
 teach God's love and truth ; so you do, I see. Farewell. I go 
 to my home. Wm, L, StoKE, Sr." 
 
 The following is from a noted teacher and scholar of 
 this city, an intimate friend of the editor's : — 
 
 "James N. MeElligott— Henry Kiddle, I am on high. 1 
 
 remember old times, my old friend, and all past associations, to- 
 gether with your genial face in many ' strange stories,' I fis 
 my spirit upon you now with such benign regard, that I could 
 soften a heart of stone with my delight and sympathy, I have 
 grown into a riper sensation of good, and I feel gifted with many 
 hearty welcomes. Pray remember Father [the medium could not 
 clearly get the impression of the name]. He was our genial 
 forerunner in many school- room experiences ; and I shall never 
 forget the pastimes with which we interspersed teaching and 
 other accomplishments, etc, , etc. 
 
 " God is above mankind ; but he does not disdain to acknowl- 
 edge his own, as the world often does. He will never fail you, 
 my friend ; but will give you encouragement in your trials from 
 the indifference of mankind, and their incapacity, or lack of 
 character, to appreciate your gifts. 
 
 " In glory on Uigli we shall meet again, Henry K. ; and that, 
 n;)' friend, in the reign of our devoted piiiend and heavenly 
 Protector, God, the genius of us all ; and blessings from him I 
 ask for your purity, 
 
 " Earnestly walking in paths of light, 1 continue, until my 
 Guide's fair hand shall say, ' Come up higher.' 
 
 " J, N, McEIjLigott, a friend always." 
 
 Is it Father McKeen to '(Oliom you refer f 
 
 "Yes. Well done I" 
 
 Will Mr. McKeen, if present, speak of the old times? 
 
 "Joseph McKeen.— 0, yes! Welladay ! Lot by-goues bo 
 by-gonts. But to remember jovial times it becomes us all ; and, 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 245 
 
 indeed, we feel tlie old times as if full upon us ; and we trust 
 that our good and kind friend will \>e a long, long follower in 
 the happy cause of education, and the still better work of phi- 
 lanthropy to the world at large. 
 
 " My light of earth has faded ; hut I have a more beautiful 
 jight now to guide me on ; and with great thankfulness I ac- 
 cept my conditions. A spirit is a spirit, and not a person ; but 
 he who personates him calls back his former characteristics ; and 
 the gift, I may say, cometh not to all, and he is blessed who re- 
 ceiveth it. Go on, I entreat you, and accept the ties of spirit 
 sympathy from us all. 
 
 "Fervently, and with great respect and sympathy, ever in 
 love to you, J. McKeen."* 
 
 The following from the spirit of a lady for years prin- 
 cipal of one of the public schools was addressed to the 
 editor's wife, who knew her well. It was written with- 
 out a call. Her peculiar traits of character will be rec- 
 ognized by her friends : — • 
 
 " My dear friend, I am your friend of long ago. Years are 
 flying, and I have come to the end of my time. God has searched 
 my heart with great kindness, and I receive blessings without 
 number. Eemember, Carkib H e." 
 
 How did you know you could write through Emma f 
 
 " Oh I I can see this very clearly." 
 
 Are you inth your parents f 
 
 "Not always. We are where we would wish to be. Remem- 
 ber there is no limit to our country's expanse. I appreciate this 
 well ; for to me life had little space for roaming. Prisons are 
 not here except you have prepared yourself for such a dismal 
 place. Eemember the days we were together in broad fields, of 
 great brightness, such as we have here all tlie tinie.f Teach- 
 ing I still do, but now it seems to me a reward, not a punisli- 
 
 * A noted teacher In the City of New York, and for several years Superin- 
 tendent of the public schools. He departed from earth in 1856, in which 
 ^ear the editor succeeded him as Assistant Superintendent of schools. 
 
 t This appears to refer to a pleasant sojourn at the same hotel with her, o".i 
 ihe shore of the beautiful lake Mahopac, many years ago. 
 
246 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 ment. It is greatly to be souglit for — tliis place of lianiiony ; 
 and I feel great bliss. Home was not known to me well since 
 mother went away from us, and I now feel really liappy to be 
 able to see her. Long, long I wait for you to come ; but the time 
 is for God, and lie will do best. Greatly I respect your angelic 
 sympathy ; and it gives me strength to come to you now. Safe 
 you are in God's care. Taste of the joys of heaven. 
 
 [Another person entered the room. J " My dear and esteemed 
 friend, to me you were always kind, doing every possible thing 
 for raj assistance. Do you suppose I forget it now ? No, in- 
 deed. He that doeth so well is never forgotten by God or man. 
 Remember, it is but a step to die ; and this, with your great 
 hearts feeling, will take all doubts away from you. I find you 
 greatly esteemed everywhere •, and may the spirit of a woman re- 
 peat to you, a noble man, that you are deserving of great respect? 
 May the Lord find you good and ready, and bless you and your 
 family forever and ever. Amen. 
 
 "I am affected at seeing you now, and can scarcely say enough 
 to you ; but I am thankful to be able to say so little. 
 "Your friend, I hope not forgotten, 
 
 " Cakolinb H s."- 
 
 The editor then said : — 
 
 If Ml'. II. is here, I should he glad to hear from him. 
 
 ' ' How you gratify au old man's desires ! I am glad to come. 
 It makes me feel young again, yea, almost like a boy, to see you 
 again. I am in great need, and it fills my spirit with pleasure. 
 The old man was pretty well worn out, and went home to his 
 rest without much regret ; for life had been jDretty well com- 
 pleted ; but, my friend, not with pure actions only — no, indeed. 
 Many, many foolish deeds and petty trials gave me discourage- 
 ment, instead of pushing me on to higher things. But school 
 is a busy place for everything ; and, in the market, I held the 
 first price. Longer, I suppose, I should have staid, but the fe- 
 lonious death of a paralytic took me suddenly out of my own 
 control. God be praised ! I am relieved and gratified with 
 
 * The editor inserts this communication fxacthj as written. He hud known 
 Mies H. (or more than ii quarter of a century, and esteemed her for her many 
 virtues. 
 
SPjniTUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 247 
 
 reasoning powers now worthy of a monarch, and without being 
 weakened by use. 
 
 " I reniomberour days of intercourse very often, and with the 
 hope of a renewal of it ; for it elevates the soul to find a sym- 
 pathetic responder. Seek more and more the cultivation of re- 
 ligious truth,' and help every one to the spirit land. We all 
 look down ujjon you with blessings of ripeness and joy. 
 
 " God bless you, my friend 1 I am, with respect as ever, your 
 humble servant in God's home, Leonard H E." 
 
 As an illustration of a very iDeautiful phase of this 
 spirit communion, a family group is here presentetL 
 These messages were ■written at the request of relatives, 
 present with the medium. The following, all differing 
 in style of writing, mode of expression, etc., were given 
 at one sitting of about one hour and a half: — 
 
 " Milly MeN. — Milly loves you so much, dear aunts and 
 uncle. I see you believe me. My home is so joyous, so bright 
 and lovely — green and pure and radiant and luxuriant — so plen- 
 teous in every blessing ! I am glad to see you here — 0, so glad ! 
 Can I tell you more to have you know my spirit loves you as in 
 the fle.sh ? I am near you often, and God will bless you for youi 
 goodness in your life on earth. 
 
 " Do well, uncle,, I know that you will be the happiest man 
 in spirit that God ever takes to himself. All our dear dead 
 are living;, and I am happy, and thank God more and more as I 
 grow to the highest purity, which is my aim — the first aeat in 
 goodness. God bless you 1 I will come again. I make room 
 for others, and I know you will hearken to please 
 
 " Milly McN." 
 
 The next was written by a gifted member of this 
 family — ^a man distinguished for his scientific and clas- 
 sical attainm^ents, his fine culture, and his skill as a 
 teacher and lecturer. He died [in 1873] in early man- 
 hood, after an eminently devoted service in the Normal 
 College of this city. The editor — intimately acquaint- 
 
248 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 ed with him — had received, nine months previously, a 
 brief communication from him :— 
 
 "P. M. E d. — my ! so mucli to speak of. and a very 
 
 poor way to express myself. My wife, — you are my wife now 
 I feel it as ever, and I trust you will remember all the good 
 qualities tliat I bore with you in the earth, and discard any un- 
 pleEisant associations that may have vexed us in life. Beauti- 
 ful is the new creation. I tremble no more in weakness, but 
 expand and rise in pure efforts to gain purity. All is not for- 
 giveii, I may say. Shortcomings I feel at every step ; but O, I 
 am so anxious to be a gifted spirit ! Blessings will gain me the 
 day past all trials. So I am patient to wait until my time of 
 expiation shall be ended, as my loving Judge shall disclose to 
 me, even as the flowers open to show their interior beauty. 
 
 "Dear, dear relatives, I weep with joy to see you now. (}od 
 grant you may never know distress ; but if it come, thank (xod 
 for it, for it will give you a higher position in the kingdom of 
 your own adaptation, fitted for your aim ; and you will conquer 
 
 "Bless, my dear wife, our dear daughters, and grow more and 
 more in the thoughts which lead to heaven. I love and bless you 
 all eternally, and am, with our other dead, living and springing 
 into higher steps. 
 
 "Good night, all. Good night. We will all meet to 'know 
 each other there.' 
 
 " Your devoted, P. M. R D." 
 
 Then followed a communication from his son, who 
 died in infancy about fourteen years ago ; after which 
 the following from another member of the family was 
 written : — 
 
 "Mary McW. — I hope yoa will allow me the privilege 
 of expressing my spiritual cultivation to you. I do not give up 
 my mental faculties here, but try them in many directions ; and 
 I may say I find much more scope within myself to raise up ripe 
 products of grace and felicity. 
 
 " Dear and ever-abiding sisters, I think of the old, by-gone 
 days with my spirit full of happy retrospection. Life is really 
 a beautiful gift, and I hope you all appreciate it, as you will one 
 
SPIRITITAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 249 
 
 day — theday wUioUoomeatoall. Do uot fear the fatal step; it will 
 bring you into the pure realms where harmony and peace reign 
 hand in hand. Cultivate and strengthen the world in goodness. 
 It gives one pain to see them weak and going astray. 
 
 "How happy I am to show you my presence — husband and 
 wife. I come now with glory to cover you with blessings. May 
 you never feel pain, and may you come to the vale where no 
 Badness ever mars the heart of yourself. Blessings of love to 
 you, sisters. M. McN., alover." 
 
 Then followed a brief message from her husband — 
 well known in the school circles of this city — who de- 
 ceased in. 1853 : — 
 
 "Prank. — I rejoice. I am ever in happy scenes, given to 
 me ; and with a, great Mg heart open to God's grace. I work 
 daily. 0, the happy treasures which the Lord provides I You 
 will know and feel them in good time. Do good, my friends, 
 to all in the vale. Happy we are, Mary and myself. We go to 
 teach, and by this we reap the pleasures which make our heav- 
 en. Glory to Go:l I I shout without cessation. Raptures 1o 
 you all I I am, in great sympathy and affection, 
 
 "Yours ever, Frank McN., from grace." 
 
 A call was then made for a brother, James K. (died 
 in manhood), and the incident related on page 201 oc- 
 curred. 
 
 The following beautiful messages were then written 
 from the mother of the family, deceased many years 
 ago:— 
 
 " My dear, dear, and dearest children, it makes me weep and 
 laugh to show you my spirit. I cannot begin to tell you the 
 pleasure. May heaven so grow in your hearts upon the earth, 
 that bright stores will be yours in heaven. God is fully just, 
 and a magnificent spirit in all great and beneficent ways. 
 Kindly he will protect you always. Do not thrust him aside, 
 but feel him near you ever, and a guiding-star which nothing 
 can glimmer, or shade from your immortal eye-sight. I have 
 so many pointing-stars here ! Indeed, my dear children, I'm 
 praying you will be ready, when God calls, to i;hoose, and ac- 
 
250 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 cept in full portion, all God's blessings. Remember your 
 motlier, who gave you birtli ; for slie it is who loves you BEST, 
 in mortal power. Such love God gives with the blessing. Seelc 
 to know me as a mother ; and you will then feel me near as 
 ever ; and God will shower you plenteously with joys, and a 
 fertile life will give you a glorious union in spiritual spheres, 
 where we are abiding the coming of our loved ones. Think not 
 of sadness, but be and feel joyous in thanksgiving. Remember 
 the past, and think ever of the happy meeting to come, and then 
 no corrupt or evil thing will blight your home, — ^home ! a sacred 
 word here as ever in the flesh, and indeed a better place to taste 
 its joys. 
 
 " The Lord of all heaven strengthen and prosper you to come 
 to me. I am a spirit who has departed to its final rest, there to 
 meet the purest angels. God deliver you, and sanctify this 
 writing for your edification ! " 
 
 Will you send a message to your husband? 
 
 " Yes. I am wild to speak to him — my better half, who is 
 fitting for glory. 
 
 " God bless you, dear husband. I accept this great joy, and 
 come to you. I will be with you soon, to take you to the land 
 where spirits reign, and ever greet one another with bliss. All 
 will be happy for us. Come to me, and do not fear. God is our 
 most beautiful, and kind, and loving Saviour. He will give 
 you strength always to bear the trial. We will soon be a hap- 
 py, happy family. Your loving and lost wife in God's home. 
 
 "G. K." 
 Many other series of messages of this kind could be 
 presented ; but the space does not permit. The follow- 
 ing from a noted personage was written March 2, 1879, 
 without a call : — 
 
 " Robsrt Heller. My reputation has gone with myself ; 
 hut yours is growing, and will last. I was a spiritualist in the 
 dark ; but you are opi-n-minded, and open-handed too, and will 
 gain a bright day. Alas ! the world is like a fool that throws 
 down his bread upon the buttered side. You can scarcely, ex- 
 cept with hail-stones and a whole battery of grace, redeem Is- 
 rael, much less the race of Oentiles, who walk God's earth, with 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 251 
 
 a flowery voice and a villainous 'trick. ' All ! the tables are 
 turned now. I've tricked too many not to see ' how it is my- 
 self.' But, Qod forgive me ! I am what I am — and no worse. 
 The blessing of Qod is more than I merit, and I shall attain an 
 end with his help. Now my help cometh from on high. Alas ! 
 perhaps my own frailty succumbed to falser powers of demon 
 control. But I go on without misconception now, and I am free 
 from every efEort or constraint of folly or deceit. Bah ! It 
 seems all a dream. I did not elevate their character, but (God 
 forgive me !) I amused the people, and made a living for the 
 humble man, bearing the name, in my sanctum sanctorum, of 
 " R. Hellbb, a conjuror, but not now." 
 The following was written by the medium, in about 
 fifteen minutes, from the spirit of Charles Weismann, 
 in response to the request of his brother that he would 
 address his old comrades of the 7th Regiment, N. Y, 
 State Militia : — 
 
 " Attention, comrades ! Awake to freedom ! Battle in the 
 strife that conquers death. The enemy are near, yea, nearer 
 than you desire, but not more in number than you can scatter 
 and destroy. Fling aside the weapons of wrong, and bear with 
 you the shield of right always. Be eternally steadfast in the 
 truth, and deceive not — no, itot even in the shadow of a thought ; 
 but press on in your warfare, right and left, for good, and seek 
 the height of your Captain — God, who gives you the word of 
 command — Obey ! Shoulder your arms bravely, not with fear 
 and trembling. He that doeth right feareth never. No ominous 
 dread of defeat has he, — no trembling or drawing back ; for has 
 he not the melting love of his Captain to cheer him on to victory 1 
 Yes, yes ; certainly. Be humble, my comrades, in your march 
 of life, receiving all things with happy thanksgiving ; and never 
 falter when the battle of life seems to go against you ; for he 
 that knows the tenor of a heavy fight will more truly appreciate 
 his peaceful rest when the day is won, the enemy vanquished, 
 and he himself the victor. 
 
 " My dear comrades, let us, whether in peace or war, be united 
 in perfect trust in our great, good, and kind Captain, God. 
 Head your ranks with whom you may, you will find him the 
 
252 SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 most satisfactory commander. No mistaken assaults will lie 
 allow, if you, his men, figlit witli true courage. Let me repeat 
 it to yoii, in the eyes of the world, ye are great men. Each 
 company and rank has its title of honor. I have marched 
 with you many and many a time. In the Sixth Company was 
 my name enrolled. But time has passed, and I have gone 
 where there are wide pathways leading to glorious victory. 
 My figlit was not finished on earth ; for I was not prepared to 
 meet the enemy. Death, so soon (whether I should have been 
 ready later, Gfod knows) ; and so I lost the position which I 
 should have gained in the army of the Lord, and had to equip 
 myself cap-a-pie, and restore my spirit's strength. I languished 
 at the thought of my weakness, and almost despaired of success. 
 But the Lord heard my cries of distress, and sent his messen- 
 gers to relieve my wants. And now I am promoted to be a 
 private ; but soon I hope to be a leader, and in close compan- 
 ionship with my Captain. 
 
 " I beseech you, tarry not ; for the days are sure to bring you 
 into the presence of your enemy. Death. Do not let him slay 
 you, but overcome him with life. 
 
 "Inspirit, your brother of the Seventh, for the declaration of 
 peace. CH.A.RLES A. 'VVErsM,\]SJN." 
 
 That the reader may perceive that this work has been 
 executed under the special care, dictation, and guar- 
 dianship of the spirits themselves, the following addi- 
 tional communications are presented : — • 
 
 [Jan. 3, 1879.] " Brother and sister — many — all are here, and 
 you will receive in full measure, and with great satisfaction, for 
 the strength of your cause, and our cause, and the cause of 
 Truth, and the cause of the world, and the cause of God. 
 
 " These are only the mites in a good work for you to perform 
 with God's strength and might. Xou can do the work only 
 with much faith, and great brightness of living to show all na- 
 tions the footsteps of righteousness, and that therefrom will 
 grow purity, and, with this, joy and happiness — the beginning 
 of an insight into your future state — and bliss for the ever 
 praiseworthy band of hopeful watchers. Be not weary or down- 
 cast ; but elevate your souls (O, glorious word, full of meaning 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 253 
 
 aud trust ! ) to be prepared to find an abode in the harmonious 
 resting-place where the clothing of gladness and love will fit you 
 as well as if contrived by an artist for your utmost satisfaction. 
 Bring with you the corresponding gannents of grace, and adapt 
 them all to one harmonious color of beauty ; and, in this way, 
 God will be the gift of perfection which you will desire. 
 
 " Being in a good course of action will keep you far, far above 
 all reach of pollution ; and you will certainly never reap the 
 whirlwind of despair ; nay, scarcely a desire will excite you into 
 unrest, so peaceful will be your condition. Glory will shine 
 around you ; and the angel friends of past and present, will 
 clasp you in an embrace of endless affection, with glances of 
 fervor, hope, and exultation. Millt, in ecstasy." 
 
 [Jan. 16, 1879.] " Judge Udmonds — who sees well, you 
 will be like God's 'servants in Holy Writ. He will say unto you, 
 ' Go up higher,' and ' Well done, good and faithful servants ! ' 
 If a man can profit from true sayings, so much sooner will he 
 reach his perfect home in the clouds of glory, beyond a doubt. 
 Do not hesitate ; for a moment lost here is, perhaps, a seeming 
 eternity of loss in Christ's mansions of progression. J. E." 
 
 In this connection, the following from the spirit wife 
 of Judge Edmonds is interesting. It was addressed to 
 the medium and her co-workers in this cause : — 
 
 " Mrs. Edmonds, at the suggestion of your husband, will 
 find a moment's bliss to inform you of the extent of this spirit 
 intercourse, which is now agitating the world. It gives me 
 great pleasure to see you go on in this satisfactory way. Iq 
 much have you exceeded my husband's work of righteousness. 
 In ouch greater protection and guardianship are you held than 
 he ever was in his manifestations for good. He was left to his 
 own commission ; but you are shown and led by thousands, who 
 would not wish you to fail in a particle. Believe me, I am a 
 woman fond and tried. I have had my life sealed by firm j us- 
 tice, for which I most gratefully give thanks, with countless 
 feelings of praise. I am in such an unexpected state of felicity. 
 My dear ones almost all are here — all with the exception of my 
 child Laura, who regards me always with holy awe, and as an 
 intruder, which makes me feel a- coldness toward her that I 
 
254 SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 would in vain try to throw aside. But it is the commingling of 
 love which creates the fullest of happiness, and in this gratifi- 
 cation we are endowed with every power, in our heavenly abode 
 — much beyond your earthly comprehension or expectation. 
 
 " See then, dear friends in the union of God, how requisite it 
 is for you to prepare your souls for a bright condition. Is it not 
 a great ambition to see God ? Can a higher thought ever grow 
 than that ? Yet our children do not look to us with greater con- 
 fidence than we do to Him. Are they a greater care to us than 
 we wish to be to God ? If so, we are wicked ; for God will as- 
 sume every tie which we desire should bind ourselves to Him. 
 No thought or word will escape God's glance of recognition or 
 approval. Be the spirit of man dead in him or growing, he will 
 all the same belong to God. It is for the good to point out to 
 their fellow creatures the ways of the Evil One, with more love 
 than does a father warn his children of their faults ; and each 
 one of us should do his share. mortal care, we do not ap- 
 preciate, until too late, the universal extent to which we should 
 allow your sway in the help of mankind. Each is responsible 
 for a thousand souls, together with the magnitude of his own 
 sins. Eemember this, my friends, Christ will receive you at 
 the last in your own character ; then have it bright with love, 
 and sanctified with goodness ; and then calm and peaceful will 
 be your transition to happy and everlasting rest from all troub- 
 les and adversities. 
 
 " May the heavens open to you with boundless attractions, is 
 the prayer from the heart of the feeble but enlightened spirit oi 
 Mes. Edmonds, in communion of saintly intercourse and hope." 
 
 The editor next presents a very interesting series of 
 communications, written, on the 23cl of January last, 
 from several of his spirit friends — once his relatives or 
 friends on earth ; and if they could have entered the 
 room where he sat, in visible presence, and conversed 
 with him on earthly and heavenly topics, he could not 
 have more fully realized their identity and actual pres- 
 ence, than he did in receiving these written missives of 
 undying love and friendship. As on many other occa- 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 255 
 
 sions, no call was made, each communication coming 
 spontaneously, and with no thought on the part of the 
 editor or the medium, as to who would write. 
 
 "Mollie sends lier love, as usual, and her protection. For- 
 bear to say anything to greet your spirit friends. They are un- 
 tiring in every instance, whether you are willing or otherwise. 
 
 ' ' MoLLiB, dear papa, hy the permission of her Heavenly Fa- 
 ther, in heaven. " 
 
 [Change of control.] " Belden, Jr. — I hope you are happy 
 in your work ;* for righteousness is great gain for yourself. 
 Always he untiring, and seek the path that leads to Heaven's 
 door of repentance. We are so happy to find that our messages 
 are used with a moral purpose. Pray, be greatly satisfied that 
 you have done well for God ; and leave time to show the light 
 of our kingdom on high, and to open the way to a glorious re- 
 demption on the heights of everlasting happiness. 
 
 " May we meet to know each other here, and to praise the 
 Lord forever to eternity. William Beldbn, Jr." 
 
 [Change of control.] " Hecker is my name. I am boru 
 again, Henry Kiddle. I am a new being, and am regenerated, 
 and given to the Author of my pre- existence. Every opportu- 
 nity have I to do a good work ; and do you suppose I would be 
 negligent? 0, no I Eemember well, dear friend, the many 
 happy moments we had on earth, and in the study of science, 
 lending our hearts and talents to the work of education, and wise 
 instruction. Thankful am I the Lord gave me so much to do 
 for him, and many talents to help me perform my work. I did 
 go astray in the matter of religion ; but, with all, I was not to- 
 tally rebellious, and the Lord has given me more than I deserve ; 
 and altogether I am overjoyed with my condition. My thought 
 is instantaneously satisfied or explained. Many intimate friends 
 are all around me ; and certainly everything is beautiful and vir- 
 tuous, and holy, and God is always gracious. 
 
 "Dear friend, persevere in the Lord's light. Goon, and do 
 
 * Addressed to the editor and the medium, and referring to the messages 
 obtamed, and their compilation in this book. At every step, since the com- 
 mencement of this work [Nov.l ] congratulations have been written from 
 the spirit frieads who prom.pled it four months previously. 
 
256 SPIRITUAL G0MMUNI0ATI0N3. 
 
 not forsake him. Books are written and re-written ; but tlio 
 Lord is not always their designer, or the commender of their 
 contents. Ask him to ordain a perfect result, and you will reap 
 a harvest of inquirers for the Kingdom of God. PoreVer I wait 
 for God's work to be finished, and all gathered to himself. 
 Amen 1 and great kindness for your remembrance. Hereafter 
 we will meet, 
 
 " In joy, I remain your warm and earnest friend, in spirit, 
 
 " JoHK Hbcker." 
 
 Tou say you went astray in religion. Bid you not love God 
 and Christ Ids Son 1 
 
 " 0, yes ; all that in a, poor way, for his work of lore toward 
 me. But I did not understand what is known by the mysteries 
 of God ; for there really is nothing mysterious after all, when 
 one can but faintly comprehend the workings of his Creator by 
 the side of angels. Toward him I grow now with more and 
 more of the fellowship of love ; and, finally, I shall be a Chris- 
 tian indeed, and bear the cross of experience nobly and in truth, 
 God bless you ! J. H." 
 
 [Change of Control.] " James W. Gerard.— Remembrance 
 is a sweet thing to realize, and greatly I appreciate all such 
 favors. Taste of eternal joys, my dear Mr. Kiddle ; you will 
 then find your home beyond great and abounding in every joy, 
 I see great things working for the pastures of our God, and 
 wonder that the world is so unsophisticated in regard to the 
 right precepts of life. If I had known I could reach so pure 
 and satisfactory a rest, I should have been a most desirous per- 
 son to ascend ; but life on the earth had many pleasures for me, 
 and although an old man, I tried to push away my age, but was 
 at last conquered by the destroyer of nations, and all to feel 
 that their life was fruitless in works of love. But God is gen- 
 erous, and he will show you your mistakes, and teach you bet- 
 ter. Remember still that I am warmly disposed toward the 
 planet earth, and will bid you an affectionate adieu now, asking 
 to meet yoa again in regions of warmer and happier feelings, 
 
 "J, W, Gerakd," 
 [Change of Control. ] " "William Belden. [A joyful greet- 
 ing. ] Not every one can appreciate true sympathy, and it makes 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 257 
 
 tis almost weep in the transport of joy. Do you not feel it 
 also 1 " 
 
 Yes, yes, indeed. 
 
 " Tell my friends I remember them, and see tliem often, but 
 ■with greater love and anxiety for them now (speaking spiritu- 
 ally) than ever in my days of human existence ; for God gives 
 us every instinct for good, and allows us to do our iest for ail. " 
 
 Then followed various messages from relatives and 
 friends, closing with the following from Judge Ed- 
 monds : — 
 
 " The Judge is always in felicity to give you any benefit. 
 Enlist yourselves further in the greatest cause on earth — saving 
 your brethren from ignominy and derision. I find a great com- 
 fort in telling my thoughts to you, for they are in attune with 
 your comprehension and kind feelings. Pray, do not expect a 
 perfect result from hard work, for all is not given at once ; nor 
 can everything be realized until the mind is prepared. First 
 comes the glimmer, then the greater light ; and so it will be 
 with you. I find you must talce a greater margin of expectation 
 for the fellowship of religionists, and not be solicitous for much 
 outward expression of feeling. Inwardly, it may take root. 
 
 " May the heavens always give you this hops of future life. 
 I am, purely and without distinction or anxbition of gain, your 
 tried friend. Judge Edmonds." 
 
 Very many other beautiful illustrations of the pure, 
 affectionate, and elevated character of this spirit's com- 
 munion could ba here given, from the record kept by 
 the editor ; but the space forbids, and this section is 
 brought to a close by the following from this earnest 
 inspirer and coadjutor, in part, of this spiritual enter- 
 prise : — 
 
 " Judge Bdinonds. — ^My dear friends, I think you are con- 
 templating a noble act. It is I, at the head of a baud of spirits, 
 formed to impress you daily and hourly upon this, the subject 
 at issue ; and we are hoping to have you feel (ah ! it is hard to 
 produce a feeling in many cases !) that the life here should be de- 
 voted to one another's good, without selfish aim, for selfishness 
 
258 SPIRITUAL aOMMUNlGATIONS. 
 
 will send you to your future state witliout tlie gain of a mo- 
 ment's bright thought. Intense is oar desire to help and aid 
 you. If you receive us, wa shall have gained a ^joint that can 
 never be abandoned. Deliver us from the world's hatred and 
 blindness ! Protect us from sophistry by the light of Reason. 
 
 " Go on, brave people, against wave and tide ; even though 
 you be driven against the beacon lighthouse, yet will you be se- 
 cure in the realms of your Father's MANSIONS. Let your ideas 
 be simple and governed by purity and genuine uprightness ; and 
 then no lingering fears will fill your conscience, and openness 
 will shine in your faces, and the body-guard from heaven will 
 surround you, and lift you up beyond all doubt and despair. 
 Point up to heaven, the glorious home, and instill the principles 
 of justice into every soul and mind. 
 
 " Good-bye, dear friends. Remember, I am promoting the 
 cause of Truth through you, and will hold you responsible for 
 the same to govern your actions. Farewell ; but I am as ever, 
 
 "JuD&E Edmonds." 
 
 To this message, so pure and good, forty-eight spirits 
 wrote their signatures — all differing one fronn the other, 
 being, with the exception of two or three, those of 
 spirits who had previously communicated. Those who 
 may have any lingering notion that these intelligences 
 are unclean or seducing spirits, are requested to study 
 this last communication; and they will be obliged to 
 confess, however good Christians they may be, that the 
 precepts therein given are such as all must wish and 
 pray that the world may be most thoroughly seduced 
 by — seduced from selfishness, ignorance, vice, and crime, 
 and led to observe the divine precept of Christ, " love 
 
 ONE AJS'OTHEE." 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 259 
 
 VIII. 
 
 COMMUNICATIONS CLERICAL, SACRED, AND BIBILCAL. 
 
 Some of the communications presented in preceding 
 sections come from those who, by means of their gifts of 
 genius or talent attained to secular positions of distinc- 
 tion among their fellow men, but were not actively or 
 prominently engaged in the cause of religion, as minis- 
 ters, teachers, priests, or prophets ; but those of the 
 present chapter were written by the spirits of Christian 
 clergymen of various denominations — some having oc- 
 cupied positions of great ecclesiastical dignity and 
 power ; and some from the illustrious saints and other 
 personages of Biblical or Scriptural renown. The same 
 reason for accepting the preceding communications as 
 genuine, namely, their intrinsic purity and spiritual ex- 
 cellence, holds good even in a higher degree, with these, 
 as the candid reader must acknowledge. They afford a 
 great mass of most valuable and suggestive religious 
 truth; and the precepts they embody are not simply 
 elevating, but inspiring. Wo unto him who can peruse 
 them in any other spirit than that of holy reverence and 
 awe ! 
 
 The first comes from an Episcopal clergyman of the 
 purest and most philanthropic character, which endeared 
 him to the whole community in which he lived, and 
 which he blessed by his sacred example of Christ-like 
 beneficence and love — far too expansive to be confined 
 within the narrow limits of sectarianism ; and hence this 
 venerable and highly venerated Christian minister la- 
 
260 SPIBITXTAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 bored mucli and earnestly, with voice and pen, as well 
 as by example, to promote an evangelical Catholic union 
 among his fellow men. He departed this life in April, 
 1877, in the 81st year of his age. This communication 
 is brief, and in some respects personal. 
 
 FEOM THE RBV. DE. MUHLENBEEG. 
 
 A lady, in August last, asked permission to hear from 
 the Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, and the following was writ- 
 ten : — 
 
 ' ' Emma [the medium] , send your desires to the throne of 
 grace, by the constant uplifting of your heart in earnest prayer, 
 and all will be sent you from the everlasting kingdom of God's 
 creation. Enlighten the world in regard to the purpose of their 
 creation. Teach the Gentiles that they are the fallen from 
 grace, as well as their brethi-en, the Jews of hatred, and that 
 unless they repent, their sufferings will certainly exceed those 
 of their detested ancestors. Behold the iniquity of your wrong- 
 doings. See your false and abominable wanderings from your 
 loving Saviou-V, and how he looks, until his heartfelt sorrow for 
 your neglect almost blinds his divine eyes. Outside of the King- 
 dom of God, you can do nothing. I say not a hair of your head 
 shall miss your Saviour's protection, by your high living, 
 through your Saviour, and by a knowledge of your Father in 
 heaven. Blend your prayers with those of the saints, and love 
 the Lord your God with humble sincerity. I wish you all tlie 
 heavenly success which I have found with my Pleader for man's 
 true-heartedness. Earnestly and truthfully, 
 
 "Wm. Muiilenbeeq." 
 As this communication was chiefly personal, the edi- 
 tor, on the 11th of March, 1879, asked that another 
 might be written more directly for the enlightenment 
 of the world. The medium was impressed to say : 
 " Calm friends, I invite you to a happy feast." The fol- 
 lowing was then written in response to the call : — 
 "Yes; selected rightly. I will begin again ; and happy I 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmOATIONS. 2C1 
 
 ■am, and thankful unto God, for this sacred and enchanting priv- 
 ilege, and may benediction be upon your souls. In the atmos- 
 phere of your spirits let your -voices swell within you, as doth 
 the marriage bell for the happy couple starting on life's journey 
 with the ^provision secured for their souls' delight. It is rap- 
 ture to behold God's creatures turning their imagination into a 
 heavenly channel, Few really find the perfect contentment 
 God would wish ; but ye, my beloved brethren, are in the foot- 
 steps of your Saviour — much to bear and much to lose ; but the 
 reward will compensate, as I, the meager spirit of a fellow cham- 
 pion, once upon your earth's border, but now everywhere in 
 God's smile, have found. To speak to the churches was ever 
 Iny pleasure ; so, of course, I am more than liappy to gain such 
 n power as you give me, to speak now again to them. I say 
 c/tierc/i««, but I mean every soul that lives, in prison or out of 
 prison ; for I Would have none captive — never. Set them free, 
 O God 1 Look with supernal pity upon thy creatures designed 
 for love's ordeal ; and sanctify thy heavenly protection to them, 
 as only thou, Gracious Sovereign and Heavenly Father, can do. 
 Delight their souls with the bliss that I, a poor' and humble 
 Worker for thee, have found ; and answer this my prayer, as 
 tlie spirits of light in hope demand me to offer, and pardon us 
 all, for thy love, dear Saviour, at the throne of God and heavenly 
 grace. Watch and pray, my people ; for the watch is set, and 
 the time discloses a conclusion of things for you, if not for all. 
 Earnestly I entreat you as the sons of God to do good deeds, to 
 clear your hearts from malice and hate, to practice the teach- 
 ings of the sacred precepts in your Bible, and to love God as wo 
 spirits delight in doing ; and oh ! oh ! the light of earth will flee 
 away to enchanting visions of rapturous bliss. Alas ! be not de- 
 jected or cast down ; for that, my brethren will take away your 
 crown. Uplift your hearts and voices to sing, and all in one 
 line, to shout, ' Hail the Lord King of all 1 And let peace and 
 plenty reign ! ' 
 
 "Ever in true earnestness, and with God's benediction in full 
 measure, I leave you. to your choice ; but my prayers never 
 cease. 
 
262 8PIBITUAL GOMMUmCATlONS. 
 
 "Earnestly, Fathek Muhlenberg, a missionary en rapport 
 with his calling. Happiness I !' I send thee to all. Amen. 
 
 **Wm, MtjHLEt^bekG; with angels.'' 
 
 The medium clairvoyantly saw him at the head of a 
 band of angels, all clothed in white ; and as he spoke, 
 they all stood '* in one line/' and he raised his hand, in 
 which there appeared to be a small trumpet, and gave 
 them the signal to shout, *' Hail, etc," 
 
 FROM PROF. SKYTHE, D.D., LL.D., M.P. 
 
 The next series of communications are from the spirit 
 of quite a distinguished nian^ — and one of great ability, 
 and purity of character — Prof Richard Smythe, D.D., 
 LL.D., at the time of his decease, Dec. 4, 1878, member 
 of Parliament for Londonderry, L-eland.* It is proper 
 to say, also, he was a cousin of the editor's wife. On 
 the 8th of December, four days after his departure from 
 earth, the editor was sitting with a portion of his family, 
 
 * Tho following is an extract from an obituary notice which appeared in 
 the columns of the New York Hiratd, in December last :— 
 
 Rev Richard Smvthe, D.D., LL.D,, member of Parliament for county 
 Londonderry and professor of theology in Magee College, Londonderry, 
 whose death at Belfast on the 4th inst , was announced by a cable dispatch in 
 the Herald of the 5th, was one of the most remarkable of the group of liish 
 politicians, and probably the only person in modern times \vho combined 
 the rarely united (lualities of an elective member of the House of Commons 
 and a Doctor of Divinity, a distinction which he owed to the fact of not per- 
 taining to the clergy of the established Church of either of the three king- 
 doms. Professor Smythe was born October 4, 1826, at Dervock, county An- 
 trim, within a short distance of the Gianfs Cau&eway, received his early 
 education at the private school of Rev. W. Williamson, ^^raduated B A. and 
 M A. at the University of Glasgow, pursued philological and theological 
 studies at the University of Bonn, where he gained a thoioiigh acquaintance 
 with the modern schools of Biblical criticism in Germany, was ordained a 
 minister of the Irish Presbyterian Church, became in 1857 collegiate minister 
 of the First Presbyterian Church at Londonderry, and in 1665 vias appointed 
 Professor of Oriental Languages and !!iblical Literature at Ma^ee-College, 
 Londonderry, and in 1870 Dill Professor of Theology in the same institution. 
 In 1869, and again in 1870, he was chosen Moderator of the General Assembly 
 of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland. He actively supported the Irish Uni- 
 versity bill in 1873, and wa« chosen to Parliament for county Londonderry at 
 the general elections of February, 1874. He possessed considerable oratori- 
 cal power and was fond of employing ornate and flowery language. He bad 
 recently been suffering from a complication of dif^casos. which resulted, on 
 the 26th ult., in a fatal congestion of the brain, at Belfast, whither he had 
 gone to attend the banquet in honor of the Earl of Dullerin. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 2G3 
 
 including.liis daughter, the medium, when the latter was 
 influenced to take the pencil, and wrote, with great 
 force, and obvious emotion on. the part of the intelli- 
 gence communicating, the following extraordinary mes- 
 sage : — : 
 
 "Richard Smythe. — You are my cousins. — I am dead as 
 to the enrth,\>vit living unto God, and in a blessed union of God's 
 most sacred cliosen. Bless God forever ! God ! the road was 
 a blank at first, but my sight dawned upon a reality so intensely 
 bright, that the vision astounded me with the pleasure of sur- 
 prise. Thank God, I am dead. Believe me, it is no sorrow to 
 taste of this change. No, not a tear should be dropped upon 
 any soul who meets his Maker in his state beyond, if he has 
 God iu his heart with sincerity. That I can come to you is a 
 fact that I never realized until too late to spread the news 
 abroad. God ! such a mistake 1 I could Weep with regret 
 and earnest sympathy for the past blindness. But it was not a 
 mistake that was intended ; but so much the worse, for I could 
 have done more with my good intentions toward mankind, and 
 with the kindest heart for their good. I feel happy but for 
 this. Oh ! the Lord is bounteous in mercy. I feel it now as 
 never before. 0, that you could, in the severest reality, send 
 these revelations abroad ! O, to feel such agony at the thought ! 
 I could plunge a thousand daggers into myself for my blindness 
 or wrong feeling in this matter. Forgive me, do, my dear kind 
 and hopeful relatives. I am in an agony of suspense to prove 
 that this is the revelation of a reality. I will calm my excite- 
 ment though, for you are a good, hard-working people, and will 
 do your best, if God give you his blessing, as I shall ever pray ^ 
 for you. Only never say that the dead are no more, for therein 
 is the lie in space. Amen. 
 
 ' ' Speak for me often, Oh ! I am in the heat of passion to 
 penetrate your soul's spirit. 
 
 " RiCHAKD Smythe, of Ireland." 
 
 The force and rapidity with which the above was 
 written was wonderful beyond expression. At its close 
 the following colloquy ensued : — 
 
264 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 How did you know you could communicate uith us ? 
 
 " I felt my affection draw me to you as the tendril iinds a 
 clinging for its wants and needs. " 
 
 Hid you know of Spiritualism ? 
 
 "YES." 
 
 Did you reject it ? 
 
 "YES. How do you suppose tliat a minister of tlie Bible 
 could understand tlie spirit's need of help upon the other .side 
 of Jordan ! * O my ! the relief that I find is more than you can 
 understand. A spirit is ever in the agony of desire to show to 
 the mortal that the dead are with you always in the communion 
 of thought." 
 
 Please im'ite a message for your hretliren, the clergy. 
 
 " My dear brethren, in God's creative fancy made, pardon me 
 for a spirit's desire to disenthrone any of your sacred beliefs in 
 the religion of your choice. For I am compelled now, but not 
 as formerly, to state that, although your hearts may be sincere, 
 your minds are very far from the reality of nature's God. I 
 have been dead only a few days ; but I have learned more in 
 that short period, in my spirit, than I could ever imagine (alas 
 for my understanding ! ) in the earth. 
 
 " I was a minister in God's calling, from desire and inclina- 
 tion, and, if it will not be misinterpreted, in powers, as it were, 
 in that direction ; and, as I did my truest and best in that sta- 
 tion of life, the Lord has seen fit to pardon any shortcomings 
 that my guilty flesh was heir to. My aim was to save souls ; and 
 I trust that my influence, or my example, perhaps, as I did en- 
 deavor to do what was right (according to my understanding), 
 may have done some good to lielp the weaker vessels tlian my- 
 self out of waywardness. But now, God, I find thee, as never 
 
 * How, indeed, when tliey limit by iheir fooUsli creeds — never propagated 
 by God's holy prophets, or by his diviue Son, when on earth— the infinite 
 mercy of the all-lovhig Creator. Abolishing by .<in arbitrary dictum the 
 Christian, as well as Jewish, practice of praying for the spirits of tlie de- 
 parted, they endeavor to seal this decision by the statement, false in itself 
 and fjiJiacious m its application : " As the tree falls, so it lies.'"' This is not 
 the text of Scripture (sec Eccles. xi. 3)i but, if it were, the absurdity of 
 basing a lundamental doctrine npon a single sentence, taken from any por- 
 tion of Scriptures, will be obvious to any candid student of the Bible. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUmVATIONS. 26.5 
 
 before, right near me — in the spirit of myself, or a part of theo 
 I am ; and God is the angel protector of you all. 
 
 " BelieTe in God. With a love immortal for you, he is near 
 your hearts. Believe that, when you die, you will pass to the 
 state where the dead of ages are living and working and hoping 
 for your future good. And be not persistent in any folly, or 
 indifferent in any way toward this subject ; for it will lighten 
 you here on earth as well as in heaven — the bright and glorious 
 home where you will meet in such a harmony of thought, that 
 no misunderstanding will greet you. In heaven, there are no 
 heart-burnings for the tre(ware,s of a moment, for all is given 
 to the utmost of his desires, to the man in God's image. 
 
 " I feel much better now, for having described my rising to 
 you, and my earnest wish is, that you will understand me. Fur- 
 ther, I would state that my sphere is a good one ; and I have 
 congenial companions in the spirit of love toward the inheritors 
 of grace. " I am your watchful friend, 
 
 Richard Smytiie, 
 "Professor in the College of Londonderry." 
 
 The exceeding naturalness, and suggestiveness, of 
 these messages from so excellent and talented a man — 
 a Protestant clergyman, too — need not be pointed out. 
 Again, on the 15th of Decemher, the same spirit wrote 
 as follows : — 
 
 " Richard Smythe. — Blessings from Christ I will always 
 bring to enlighten your minds in regard to all the things in 
 eternity ; for everlasting is the road that leads to God, the Fa- 
 ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Wherefore are they wait- 
 ing in such holy patience, if not to satisfy you with great hap- 
 piness? You are God's happy children by redemption. Heaven 
 is bought for you. O, such a heavenly life is more to be desired 
 than many worlds of earthly magnitude, ov earthly matter in 
 any form that humanity can conceive. I was u, philoaophieal 
 scientist, together with my Biblical calling ; but scarcely did I 
 ever discover, in all my travels among wonderful revelations, an 
 atom that could lead me directly to Ood — no, not a particle that 
 enabled me to discern where God is really found to exist. I wish 
 to tell you that God is a being of infinite love toward you, and 
 
266 SPIRITUAL aOMMUNIUATIOWS. 
 
 of unfathomable justice, in tlie fullest meanings of the ward — 
 not wishing; to punish, unless his mighty love and heavenly 
 workings have been perverted or cast away. Yoa are a heaven- 
 ly image of your Maker ; and you are here to be purified for 
 your other existence, not for your own willful neglect of the 
 personality of God, nor from any imperfect result to come from 
 your earthly life. I ansare you, it is a privilege to live, not a 
 mistalce or grievance ; for where is the man who has no liappi- 
 ness in lus earthly state ? lie will scarcely be found, I think ; 
 and it is God's own pleasure also to liave you happy. Were 
 your aspirations higher, and better, and purer, to suT)mit to God's 
 will, or to be thankful for merciful favors, you would live your 
 short life through with hallowed hope for your future state ; and 
 at last we should meet you, our loved ones, forever, aye, always 
 with great Iiarmony, — imperfect to be perfected. So / find it 
 now, and so I wish to find it for you all ; but I am grieved at 
 the blind-heartedness of my brethren, the public, 
 
 " One by one, I s'lall watch for your transition, and for yonr 
 thoughts to mature, and resign themselves to the real, valid 
 things in your future life. Please expect me to come to your 
 hearts, in great sympathy for your work ; for my spirit is en- 
 raptured with the great call (so be it I ) tliat comes from the 
 world for light to instruct their waywardness, and to give them 
 encouragement to go up higher. I myself seek to find release 
 from sorrow in the results of your Avork ; and prayer is my bless- 
 ing to you always, in thy sincerity of a spirit intent upon mighty 
 good to the fl.ock that call themselves Spirit uaiistt, or lovers of 
 God's great kingdom in store for the goo-J and faithful man. 
 
 "Amen ! I say in the purified state of a m'^nistei- of God's 
 kingdom. I am your loving and hopeful cousin, 
 
 BicnABD SiiYTHE, of the Country called Ireland." 
 
 Cnii you explain in what sphere you find yourself? 
 
 " My sphere is the good state where the well-informed man 
 is who loved God ujjon earth and followed his precepts in a good 
 part, if not in the full intention of his Master's acting for him 
 in creation. In no way was I wayward unto God, except in 
 blindness." 
 
 In the above, the reader has the opportunity to know 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIOm. 267 
 
 the condition and views of a Presbyterian clergyman — 
 Bincere, earnest, able, and eloquent, after but a few day's 
 residence in the mansions of the blest. In the next, are 
 presented the statements and admonitions of a Metho- 
 dist clergyman — also sincere, earnest, able, and elo- 
 quent — some thirty years after his transition to the 
 spirit world. This is the Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson, of 
 whom many persons treasure most friendly and pleasant 
 recollections, none perhaps more than the editor, who 
 was intimately associated with him for about a year in 
 the Leake and Watts' Orphan House, in this city, in 
 1845-6 ; and there is no doubt that many of his surviv- 
 ing (on earth) relatives and friends will recognize some 
 of the traits of character which he exhibited on earth in 
 these forcible messages. 
 
 FllOSr THE KEY. S. K. FEEatTSOK. 
 
 [Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson called.] — "Samuel D. Fergu- 
 son " [with great force]. 
 
 Will you write a communication to help our mission for iho 
 good of the world ? 
 
 "YES. You are doing an ennobling work. I cannot give 
 vent to the emotions that fill my spirit with intense desire for 
 your future condition. You will reap an eternity of success hy 
 the fulfillment of so great a mission. [Rapid and forcible.] 
 
 ' ' My dear friend, I have overcome ray excitement, or, I should 
 say, my overpowering anxiety for your further progress. Do 
 not give up an instant. God 1 the enormity of the work in 
 hand is immeasurable ; and it must be brought to a perfect state 
 ere long, or God, in his providence and justico, will make a 
 great onslaught upon the reckless, improvident ci-eatures of hi.-) 
 great love. It is but a line that divides the two worlds, and 
 sanctified thought is the healing instinct that leads to beauty 
 and brightness. Then follow, dear friends in the world of be- 
 nighted feelings, into the hopeful and living future which awaits 
 you with God ; and be God-like in your living on earth, and 
 
268 SPIRITUAL GOMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 tlien you will be in harmony with love, goodness, and tlie angels 
 of light, happiness, truth, sincerity, chariti), and hope, Pray 
 unto the Father of your being to give you his impressions, and 
 purification unto cleanliness and chastity, and to take from you 
 the vanities of thought, the conceit of yourselves, and all delight 
 from anything corrupting to yoar natures. 
 
 " Now, my friends, to explain. A prayer is tut an aspiration 
 for purity ; it need not be upon your knees ; it need not be by 
 yourselves ; it need not be with others ; but it Only need be with 
 Gud, whether here or hereafter. I expect to find great relief 
 for myself, and for you all in this great and almighty source of 
 nature s streams of good ; and the advancement which comes 
 therefrom will give you and me strength to fight the inharmo- 
 nies produced in nature by Gtod's foes and Satan's friends ; name- 
 ly, sin an 1 its evil consequences. 
 
 " I am, aa I said in the form of earthly words, your energetic 
 and always true companion for God, S. D, F." 
 
 Will you write a communication for yuuv brethren, the clergi/? 
 
 "YES. — My dear and misenlightened friends in the Scrip- 
 tures' bonds ; — It is with great agony of mind that 1 find myself 
 in the position to spealc to you. Indeed, it is with the utmost 
 pain that I write through this opening, or in this life, to you ; 
 for I would bring you into rapport with the angels, into har- 
 mony with the saints, into communion with God. My God, and 
 your God, is a pure spirit, as you were in your mother's arms ; 
 and I hope he will find you at the last. Patience is God's motto 
 of strength ; and with this blessing may you enter his bright 
 gates. 
 
 ' ' 1 was a minister of God in the earthly calling ; now I am a 
 missionary of hope to your souls. Now I am grafted and rooted 
 ■with the tree of life. Now I am free ; and do j-ou, in the name 
 of Christianit}', assume your true stations. Bring the people to 
 the truth ; and command them, as you have the power, to love the 
 Lord, who is by their side. Bid them receive this truth as a 
 precious gift which they will need at the last. Give up riches, 
 give up pride, give to and protect the poor ; lead them by the 
 hand. Spend your money for the Lord, not for your pompous 
 churches, or upon your own gratifications. Feel the truth in 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS 269 
 
 your hearts, so that you may produce a good impression upon 
 the children of blindness and bigotry. 
 
 I was a misguided man, and I had to learn the true meaning 
 of life after my soul had gone up. Now I am the possessor of 
 experience, I can fertilize your hearts, if God will, into the per- 
 fection of your earthly life, thence to be with spirits in harmony 
 with God and his great gifts. I am, at your own dedication, a 
 minister of God (in a true sense). Amen ! " 
 
 FROM THE REV. J. W. CUi£MINGS, D.D. 
 
 The following was written on the 11th of March last, 
 in about fifteen minutes. The medium said, in de- 
 scribing the spirit, " A stout man, sad, but calm '' : — 
 
 "J. W. Cummlngs.— My CHKISTIAN followers, it does 
 not hefit me to prescribe for your good and high elevation. Take 
 your wounds and entreaties to the Physician of all souls and he 
 will heal all accidental and sad failures in life. Alas ! my dear 
 friends, I am not without a flaw, and that a piercing one. It 
 drives me away from the presence of God, and at times of con- 
 templation, I almost drive myself to the devil, so deep is my 
 distress. It well becomes me, Christians, to portray my defi- 
 ciencies here. At first, I seemed to expand and prepare to ac- 
 cept my station ; but, later, I saw all my folly — all my failure at 
 comprehension, and all my misrepresentations. I assure you no 
 one said to me 'fool ' ; believe me, no one said, ' You are a devil ' ; 
 no one said, ' You have lost your birthright and God's presence ' ; 
 but, I tell you, I FELT ! I tell you, I knew all that I had ever 
 done or thought of, and all without a word of wrath or con- 
 demnation. 
 
 " Be lifted up, good people ; and do not have such griefs to 
 bear. Work for the right, and for God only ; and be never 
 weary, for what does it matter how long life is, when rest com- 
 eih in the morning l See to it, friends and followers of the 
 Christian Church, that God demands aU worship, and to no other 
 gods or images bow your kuee ; and I, the head of a band of 
 Catholics, tell you to worship God only, and live the life of a 
 hard-working man for Grod and humanity ; and you will find 
 love and peace. 
 
270 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 " I accept your call with love and sympathy, and send my 
 everlasting prayers and benedictions to my people in tlie Church 
 of Christ. I am the priest of St. Stephens, vpho died gently. 
 "J. W. CUMMINGS, a layman now." 
 
 FROM ARCHBISHOP HUGHES. 
 
 The following communication was written under 
 similar circumstances to those under which the com- 
 munications presented ostensibly from Protestant cler- 
 gymen were given. Two of these speak of themselves 
 as having bsen in some important respects, misguided 
 and mistaken; and on this account the happiness of 
 their present state is less than it would otherwise have 
 been. Indeed, can we but in a very imperfect degree 
 realize the poignancy of the regret which he who has 
 been an influential religious teacher upon earth, must 
 feel in the spirit world, where all things necessarily ap- 
 pear in their true relations, when he finds he has led 
 astray those whom he should have guided aright ? And 
 more especially if from pride, conceit, bigotry, or self- 
 ish ambition, his mind has been closed to the truth ; 
 and he has violated the example and precepts of his 
 Divine Master. 
 
 In regard to the message now to be presented, it is 
 probably unnecessary to say that neither the medium 
 nor the editor could have had the slightest idea of what 
 would be written when the spirit was asked to commu- 
 nicate. The editor had thought of this distinguished 
 prelate very earnestly, feeling assured that so eminent a 
 divine could and would- write a remarkably instructive 
 message. The communication here given was written 
 with the most startling force. It occupied less than an 
 hour in the writing, and some of the words the spirit 
 seemed to be unable to emphasize strongly enough, by 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 271 
 
 heavy and repeated underscormg ; as when tlie word 
 
 Archbishop was written, it appeared that he could not 
 heap ignominy enough upon it, striking at it with the 
 pencil, and thus defacing it. This communication was 
 written January 5, 1879 : — 
 
 [Arclibishop Hughes requested to communicate. J — "Arch- 
 bishop " [defaced], — " Hughes is my name, and THIS is what 
 I wish to be Icnown by. Please leave my title of respectful 
 homage in the background ; for it only commends me to infinite 
 misery. I do not wish to be rude ; but it is merely a request 
 that a spirit in mercy asks of your kind forethought. 
 
 " My name is Hughes. I was born in Ireland ; and I remem- 
 ber well that my early education was under the tutorship of the 
 followers of the High lioman Church, in the strictest Jesuitical 
 style. Never a bent was given to my mind outside of my tutors' 
 BOOKS ; and, if they did not understand them, how could I re- 
 ceive any impression of wrong or error, in the dictation of a 
 prophet in lore 2 But fallacy is religion, and heresy is scorn ; 
 and the misled of the Bible are the fighters for liberty. My dear 
 hearers, of the Christian church, I am commanded to relate to 
 you my passage from earth to my heaven. Following the edu- 
 cation given by my superiors, I took upon me the dignity of 
 office in my castle of state, with the homage of a lord, for which 
 pomp my soul longed, that I might reap the delight therefrom. 
 (Does not vanity meet with the aspirations of every one ? ) After 
 lingering, and enduring many hardships — from disappointment 
 
 I at last succeeded in reaohiug the highest position in the 
 
 NOBLE Eoman Church in America. I can but ask God's bless- 
 ing upon it now — ^in the fullest thoun;ht for its degradation. 
 My mind is more humble now — not affected with either pomp or 
 pride ; and my extreme selfishness is gone. Firmly, my Chris- 
 tian hearers, I am now a reformer unto the atoning blood of the 
 Saviour, or of the Lamb once sacrificed unto sin's release. Be 
 the price what it may, I will bow my knee to no other God but 
 Him. No other do /need, and no other will I accept than God 
 and his almighty Son. in heaven, and by heaven, and with heav- 
 en's love abiding. 
 
 " May heaven be your home. May bright seraphs waft yoa 
 
272 SPIRITUAL O0MMUNIOATI0N8. 
 
 all tlie sunny air from liannonious circles of rapture and tmtli 
 — sucli as the sincere axe securing by your holy aim. Be ye all, 
 both bond and free, in the love of your MASTKR ; and being 
 taught by him to live ennobling lives, be not bound to any man 
 —PONTIFF or PRIEST ; no, NEVER ! Avenge me now the 
 ■wrongs of my x>eople. I sutler. O God ! I suffer ! Forbear ! 
 My grief is strong — is overjwwering ! O, that the death of hell 
 were not upon me 1 Sometimes I see myself, as it were, en- 
 throned with blackness and bigotry. Oh ! be ye avenged, my 
 Ijeople in bondage 1 Be lifted out of sophistry into truth. Oh ! 
 find me a rest beyond a million of graves ! Oh ! for all eternity 
 I shall be kept from the fold, without redemption, unless you 
 grant me a penitence in your existence ; and turn, O God ! 
 TURN ! Be led ; be taught ; be persuaded ; be enlisted — ^but 
 unto God's lone. Bow unto him for FAVOR. Love and serve 
 hira. Pray ! Pray always — in church and out of church. Be 
 good followers of the Lamb ; and remember that the day cometh 
 when the word of the Lord will seal you unto a rest, or hope to 
 go up higher and higher — to brighter and more peaceful rest, or 
 (O Gcd ! that I should know the other and interminable anguish 
 so well ! ) the remorse from unexpected losg — the thought of a 
 MISDIRECTED life.* 1 was in the care of saints. Wliere were 
 they when I passed away ' with all my pomp 1 ' I was a mor- 
 tal, and that an unfruitful one for God's vintage. The grief of 
 ages will cover me with mire. Alas ! I am enguK'ed in the un- 
 fathomable pit of remorse. I shall grind and grate my spirit's 
 feelings with an agony of thorns. I am, indeed, in the love of 
 God ; but [ am so much the worse off ; for his love melts me 
 into a vapor of hate toward myself. I could plunge myself into 
 a caldron of fire, if God would thus wreak his vengeance upon 
 me. But no ; never a wrong do I perceive in his costmakds. 
 Justice ! 
 
 ' ' Follow in my stex)S, O people in darkness, and you will ob- 
 
 * " What snrprise, and in some cases what horror, must strffce Christians 
 educated under the present system of thought, when they discover, a few 
 days after death, that they are wholly unfit for the society of angels ; and 
 that a great work of spiritual exploration and judgment awaits them ; and 
 that a thorough reconstruction must take place in their natures, before tbey 
 can reach their happy homes among the redeemed I " — Dr. ifoZcombe. 
 
SPIRITUAL C0MMUNI0ATION3. 273 
 
 tain tlie reward of unfathomable justice for your blind folly. 
 It is meteti out as it is deserved, and mercy is sliown to the giver 
 of mercy. The blessings of God come not with distinction of 
 persons, but are distributed unto all — both great and small, 
 high and low, and according to your work of love in the uni- 
 verse of his creation. 
 
 "Pray for me— your counselor from God, and save me, as 
 likevrise yourselves, from further painful retrospection. More- 
 over, belong to the mansions of the Lord, and not to the apos- 
 tates of EOME or HELL. Remember me in the time of war ; 
 for I shall be there, to throw the PontifE of Italy into the gulf 
 of destruction. 
 
 ' ' Forgive me, my people. Be warned unto God, and flee the 
 wickedness of Satan. Remember not Archbishop Hughes ; he 
 is dead; but the spirit finally conquers, and I shall gain a day 
 of atonement at last. 
 
 " Pray for me always. That is the reality of my present state 
 of existence. Hughes." 
 
 The medium («-ho had never seen Archhishop 
 Hughes) said her impression, while writing this long, 
 powerful, and intensely passionate communication, was 
 that of a strong man in great excitement. She seemed 
 to see him grinding his teeth, clenching his fists, and 
 wildly gesticulating, in the anguish of contrition, and in 
 the deepest hatred of the things he denounced — most of 
 all himself. 
 
 The editor presents this incident as it occurred. The 
 message, as written, filled twenty-five pages of the letter 
 size ; and, as already stated, was executed with inde- 
 Bcribahle intensity — rapidity, force, and emphasis. That 
 it emanated from the spirit of the Archbishop, as as- 
 serted so strongly and with so much circumstantiality 
 in itself, let those doubt or disbelieve who will. The 
 editor has stated the fact of its presentation, and he 
 dares not withhold it from the world. " I am com- 
 
274 SPIRITVAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 manded to relate " &c., says the spirit ; and the editor 
 is equally commanded to fulfill his mission in {ransmit- 
 ting it. The message, while describing the emotions of 
 a contrite spirit (O, who in the flesh can conceive of 
 them, much less realize them 1 ) is pure, holy, Christian. 
 Its precepts are : Worship God only ; love him with 
 all possible intensity; follow Christ, "the Lamb," the 
 " Almighty Son " ; " be ye all in the love of your MAS- 
 TER " ; "be enlisted unto God's love"; ''pray — pray 
 always." Its warnings are : " flee the wickedness of 
 Satan " ; there is a time of retribution, and in the future 
 life, all will enjoy happiness or misery — will pass to the 
 " mansions of the Lord," or " the death of hell," the '• un- 
 fathomable pit of remorse,'" according to their lives here 
 on earth. There is also great significance in the em- 
 phasis which the spirit puts upon the agony which he 
 suffers when he feels that God is too merciful to " wreak 
 vengeance" upon him; and thus it seems that the in- 
 finite love and mercy of God is truly like " coals of 
 fire," when known as only a disembodied spirit can 
 know them. Will the reader plea^e recur to those 
 simple and beautiful words used by the spirit of one who 
 died in infancy? Admonishing his erring brolher on 
 earth, he says : " Do not be without love to God, who 
 loves you; for you will sniffer the love of God to droion 
 y 011 with sorrow — you will be so sorry for Him" — so sor- 
 ry that you could neglect, despise, sin agamst, so loving a 
 Father. The thought is the same in each communica- 
 tion; but how different the utterance, one coming from 
 a spirit who is experiencing that sorrow, and the other 
 from an angel of light and purity who warns the sinner 
 in time to avoid it. But let it be noticed too that hope 
 has not fled this spirit in anguish, for he knows that God 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUJVIOATIONS. 275 
 
 is merciful, and that " the spirit finally conquers." The 
 singular expression " His love melts me into a vapor of 
 hate toward myself," brings forcibly to mind the words 
 of Job w^hen finally convinced of his sin of self- righteous- 
 ness : " I have heard of The© by the hearing of the ear : 
 but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore J abhor 
 myself, and repent in dust and ashes." (Job xlii. 5, 6.) 
 
 FKOM THE KEY. JOHN DOWLIKG, D.U. 
 
 This communication, from the celebrated Baptist 
 divine, was written on the evening of Feb. 11, 1879 : — 
 " John Dowling." — [We greet you with pleasure.] — " Hap- 
 piness is in a mutual greeting. To wander round this eartli, 
 aud liave no friend to speak to, is enougli to freeze a spirit for- 
 ever in himself. But for God's great sympathy, we should be 
 very far from liim as well as yourselves. I seek to repeat to 
 you the lesson of life, which is to do well, and love and esteem 
 all. No mortal man or minister can do more for God aud him- 
 self than to purify himself with religious teaching, after which 
 he can appreciate, and come into full fellowship with his right- 
 eous God and Heavenly Benefactor. Realms of peace are wait- 
 ing for you ; and there is great room for you all — yea, for every 
 soul. So, falter not, nor fall by the wayside. Although the 
 road appear rough or uneven, see that you are shod With pa- 
 tience and faith in your Protector ; and then heed no trial of dis- 
 comfort or affliction. He will fondly guard you, and favor you 
 for your virtues. Fill up your spirits within you with great 
 PHILANTHROPY — the leading virtue, and one that you inherit 
 from God, and cannot disown. 
 
 ' ' Brethren, the clergy, seek to do good. Fling aside applause, 
 and strive not for gain, or grand structures of pride. God loves 
 the simple heart, and the simple place as well as (perhaps better 
 than) those costly houses of worship, which are designed fori 
 the benefit of the affluent, but mock the plainness of the poor 
 and humble, casting them aside in scorn. (O, the darkness of, 
 your minds ! ) 
 
 " You will understand some day what I say, if you will, not; 
 
276 SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIOMS. 
 
 now ; and you will be obliged to hearken tlien, if you do not 
 now. So, I give you my words of experience, in hope to show 
 you the right path, which I did far from choose. May the Lord 
 of all goodness and mercy accept you all at the last for every 
 soul, and greet you with a holy kiss of love ! 
 
 "Fervently and humbly, the spirit of your obedient minister 
 unto God's glory, 
 
 " John Downing, in anxiety for all. 
 
 " God bless you all. Amen." 
 
 COMMTJKICATIOK FROM BISHOP JANES. 
 
 This was followed by a communication from Bishop 
 Janes, of the Method'St Church, who deceased Septem- 
 ber 18, 1876, being aboat seventy years of age. When 
 the name was written, the medium (knowing nothing of 
 the facts) was impressed to say : " He departed two 
 years ago." The editor said : " He was an earnest 
 man ; " to which the reply was ; " Yes — a Methodist 
 preacher." The editor remarked : " A bishop ; " and the 
 significant response was : " Bishop, as the world goes." 
 The following was then written : — 
 
 " I have done nobler things in the spirit land than I ever 
 thought of in the earth land. Glory is on high, and glory is due 
 to Him who abides the regeneration of you all. Pray for the 
 whole state of Christ's Church militant ; and let no man say he 
 knows the workings of his Creator, for we are all clay in the 
 hands of the Potter, and at his word we are melted and formed. 
 The comprehension of mortal will not stand the test of God's 
 knowledge. So let no man conceive too much, for with it all he 
 will fall short of understanding. All that is necessary to man 
 is the saving Icnowlydge of purity and self-abnegation. With 
 these fixed deeply in his bosom, he will scatter millions of seed, 
 to grow and expand in the heavenly state. Each thought bears 
 an action in it ; go let your thoughts be such as God will com- 
 mend and admire. Every one exerts an influence upon others, 
 cither for good or evil ; and he that produces goodness will cer- 
 tainly appreciate goodness, when it is showered upon him. Ac- 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUNICAflONS. 277 
 
 tivity should be your prompter, and that for rigbteousness. Do 
 not wear yourselves out in repining, but be up as the lark, and 
 send your voices unto Heaven's own door, with joy and gladness. 
 Weep not, nor be weary, for rest cometh to all. At last, I now 
 forget all my sorrow, and do not care for my pain ; but what I 
 feel is my weakness of living, which I can never forget ; for 
 often poverty is strength ; and riches, despair. 
 
 " Take a moral from this, dear brethren, and follow nomodel 
 in ecclesiastical steps who carries not the badge of Faith, Hope, 
 and Charity in his garments, and with him always. I love the 
 whole world, and pray for all, both good and evil. God's king- 
 dom come ! Amen. 
 
 "Edmund Janes, a follower of God." 
 
 FROM MAKTTN LUTHEE. 
 
 The following was written on the 12th of January. 
 The manner was calm and sastained, implying a con- 
 dition of peacefulness. No strong emotion whatever 
 was exhibited : — 
 
 " Martin IiUther — the Reformer, or the one gifted for the 
 Keformation, 
 
 " My beloved friends, it is with great diflSdence, or rather 
 with presumption, that I come to ofEer you a few experiences in 
 the growth of my character. It gives me pleasure to gratify 
 you. It gives me a most confident hooe for your security in the 
 future. 
 
 " The desire to benefit the world was my most ennobling trait 
 of character ; and the precept I now follow is to perform a great 
 work for all — be they Christians or barbarians — with the truth 
 staring them in the face, or with faithlessness ready to sweep 
 them, over to justice. 
 
 " Beloved in the conimand of God, I offeryou my heart's idol: 
 namely, sacrifice. Follow this in every circumstance in life ; 
 follow Christ's example of love and charity. Be not despondent 
 or cast down, for it is designed that you should be so contented, 
 or rather resigned to God, that, with the purest motives to 
 sanction you on, you will never say nay to anything that may 
 come upon you either for good, or seemingly evil, for it is all 
 for good, or GOD, 
 
278 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 " I am Martin Luther, Having meant to expiate my sins 
 tlirougli my Master's living, I did no more tlian a Cliristian's 
 duty, in offering myself a perfect sacrifice both in soul and body. 
 Believe me, I liave found it perfect living here ; and -witliout a 
 sigh I am ready to weep with joy ! Accepting the choice of the 
 Lamb, I proceed to examine the inclinations of men at present, 
 and I find them farther led astray now by inhumanity and dead- 
 nessof thought and life than formerly — indeed, dreadfully so. 
 It makes me want to come once more (upon the earth) to help 
 you accomplish that masterpiece of work ; namely. Love, and 
 therefrom Christianity, But my powers are now in the higher 
 condition, away from you ; and I cannot affect you unless yon 
 will permit my spirit's light to dawn upon you in a purer way 
 than any corrupting material instinct can impress you. Do let 
 me help you first to conceive the Truth ; and then work upon it 
 in so resolute and pure a way that God himself will come and 
 ask you for a respite from his great anguish. This is the reason 
 we spirits try to elevate mankind to him ; for without the love 
 of God on high, ye are verUy past your Master's acceptance. 
 Here ye live whether ye receive or not ; but hereafter ye will 
 not live, but dib — even unto a doom of remorse and sorrow. 
 
 " Forbear I will to give you further injunctions of a sorrow- 
 ful mood, for it is with your lofty aspirations of ambitious liv- 
 ing that I am in harmony with you — not the weakness of sin, 
 but the strength of goodness. Spread your Christianity or 
 Spiritualism, abroad. Much sorrow I had to feel for my dull 
 comprehension, or rather my want of knowledge of the things 
 pertaining to spirits ; but now I am lifted up and exalted where 
 I can try to further the world's redemption ; and Christ is the 
 guide-post for you all. Follow in his steps of repentance, love, 
 and charity, and no harm can befall you in the thraldom of 
 earth, or in the marvelous expanse of heaven. 
 
 ■' May you see that I am the spirit of the poor, suffering Mar- 
 tin Luther, freed from the fear of bondage or capital punish- 
 ment. Amen ! " 
 
 What were the errors which you regretted .- 
 
 " Errors of future insight — ^being too far away from my 
 Maker's ideas." 
 
 Mad you the same means of light that we have ? 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 279 
 
 "No. Does not this great light show you the way out of 
 darkness?" 
 
 There was no spirit communion then f 
 
 " Yes, I think it has never failed a moment to exist | but it 
 failed to be received." 
 
 Your labors having been for good, inhy were you repentant f 
 
 " My repentance was not for long. But no mortal ever leaves 
 his clay without a sigh at the day of atonement, " 
 
 Will you write a communication in regard to the Beformation f 
 
 " My dear Reformers, God in the name of Christianity, or the 
 bond of humanity, has given me the means of repeating to you 
 the story of my earthly struggle. Finding the world in a most 
 corrupt state, it urged me to ofEer a great resistance to the ene- 
 mies of truth — the supporters of fallacy ; and I prayed to God 
 to enlist himself on my side for the right, and never to allow 
 me to wander from a pure conception of him and the truth. In 
 this I found favor ; and, thanks be to God, I have j ustly merited 
 among Christ's people, the place of a Reformer, having freed 
 them partially from ignorance and bigotry, and given them a 
 new light in which they might find their future King. May 
 Heaven meet them with open arms of kind beneficence ; pardon 
 all their offenses, and all my misdirected intentions toward them ; 
 and grant that, when time shall make them free, we may be 
 united in the army in which no Reformer ever proved himself a 
 weak instrument. So farewell, until the kingdom of heaven is 
 at hand. Martin LtTTHEK, in Redemption." 
 
 FROM JOHN CALVIlSr. 
 
 This may very appropriately be foUo-wed by the com- 
 muuication written January 19th, from John Calvin. 
 The call was for " John Calvin, the Reformer," when 
 the following was immediately written with great calm- 
 ness : — 
 
 " John Calvin. — I was the Reformer of the Christian Church. 
 Benighted and black, and that very, too, was the state of what 
 should have been the Christian people. But Christ having been 
 the forerunner of Truth, or the verification of it, I felt it my 
 duty to offer up a sacred offering of my own small self unto rec- 
 
280 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 
 
 titude of grace. Finally, I knew that tlie life here was not 
 lost. I felt it, and I, in fact, grew up in the esteem of a hun- 
 dred grave men, enlightened by a suffering bondage, pressing 
 them in on all sides, except the truthful one of redemption 
 through Christ's precepts, or the love of God which pasaeth all 
 understanding, 
 
 " I am grieved at the non-meritorious results of a Redeemer's 
 life. What can create a full harmony of thought with God 7 
 He is trying to secure you a permanent blessing in the life to 
 come ; but you reject it, casting it, as it were, to the dogs ever 
 ready to pick up the crumbs that fall from the table. Bo pure 
 and holy in feeling always, and make yourselves so by study 
 and example. Firmly teach that God is unerring in kindness, 
 and it is only yourselves who are angry and impatient, and that 
 indeed by your unfruitful works. 
 
 " By the power of God fight, I beseech you, the good fight of 
 the Christian ; and into the army of the Lord endeavor to enlist 
 a host. Reformation is a longing to depart from sin ; and I am 
 battling still in that onslaught. Christ is my noble Captain ; 
 and, in the march of time, we will at last reach the victorious 
 landing of exultation and final rest, 
 
 " By the light of this fireside glimmer, I can see a mighty 
 army of invaders ; but do not hesitate ; do not accept deadness 
 for truth ; but follow in the steps of Christ, as did, in mind and 
 effort. John Calvin, a spirit of light." 
 
 Will you say anything to enlighten mankind in regard to tlie 
 doctrine known as Calvinism f 
 
 "Not right. God is not unjust. Man only reaps his own 
 Bowing ; and by your works are you known in your life to come. 
 Ko man dies forever. State this firmly to all the world. No 
 man dies, or is condemned, rOK eternity. First, comes to the 
 wayward child in the Kingdom of God, bright thought, which 
 awakens reflection ; and with that power he feels grief for his 
 actions here on earth, and for his neglect to prepare for boun- 
 teous benefits hereafter. Let your thoughts be pure and good, 
 loving, just, and humble, and then God will teach you how to 
 obtain all further blessings of spiritual love in the just and holy 
 calling to himself. Lay aside vanities, and be not weary or 
 
8P1BITUAL COMMUNIOATIONS. 281 
 
 cast down. I say over and over again, for your comfort, tliat 
 Christ is my salvation ; and do you make it so, in reality, for 
 "ourselves by following his teaching of patience and love toward 
 ALL. No longer then will spirits come from light and love.into 
 vales of dark and dreadful tempest ; hut happy and bright-will 
 he the spheres which wUl bring from earth a fellowship of love 
 instead of pity for sin. 
 
 " God bless you, and set you right from the errors and per- 
 versions of John Calvin." 
 FROM DE. CHANNI^ifG. 
 
 The following is from the spirit of the distinguished 
 ITnitarian clergyman, Dr. William E. Channing : — 
 
 "William Channing, an obedient servant of the Lord. 
 May Heaven prosper your handiwork in the Lord's name. May 
 every hope of Heaven's light render you fitted to effect a vast 
 creation of good understanding in the Lord's people. 
 
 " Desist from all unkind thoughts, and bring yourselves up to 
 the elevation of thought of the spirits, that is, the high spirits 
 who have worked for redemption and perfected faculties. Save 
 yourselves from sorrow by a right comprehension of God and his 
 works— all made for you at his will. You are his noblest work 
 on the earth ; and within you, alt and severally, is the Holy 
 Spirit of God, your Maker. Good aims will take you to him, 
 where every longing will become a germ and grow in the fruit- 
 ful kingdom of your Lord. 
 
 "Attend faithfully to yourselves. Cultivate yourselves in 
 every department of culture ; for this will exalt your soul to do 
 good things for Christ's kingdom, and satisfy your spirit's am- 
 bition. Seek, and you will find free benediction in all things, 
 and this from dod, your Father. 
 
 " I am in happiness, and occupied in great workings for the 
 weak. May you be free from temptation, and find eternity 
 bright. Amen. Your friend in the worship of God, 
 
 " William E. Channing, a minister now and forever." 
 
 FROM SWEDENBOKG. 
 
 In the small family circle of the 25th of December 
 (and it is of interest to say that no generally important 
 
282 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 communication, such as those recorded in this chapter, 
 has been written in the presence of a promiscuous com- 
 pany, however small), a desire was expressed to receive 
 a message from the spirit of the illustrious Swedish 
 seer, Emanuel Swedenborg. The following was writ- 
 ten: — 
 
 " Swedenborg. — I am the man who was in tlie communion 
 of saints born. 
 
 " My dear, kind and humble brethren in God, I am the man 
 called Swedenborg, who lived many years ago, in the everlast- 
 ing truth of God, and having the hope that the world here was 
 to be regenerated in spirit through the efforts of ourselves, the 
 chosen of God. To me the truth of spirit communion gave 
 a supreme strength ; and I felt the light dawn upon me as a 
 beacon in a dark and stony path ; and to me at once came the 
 greatness of God in the knowledge which rAgSETH ALL DNDER- 
 STANDiNG. Hence, I felt it was my duty to make it the great ob- 
 ject of my life, to the best of the strength given to me by God, to 
 help the unenlightened to see the great end, and masterly in- 
 fluence, of a man's life on earth. But, I must confess, my 
 powers were not adequate to the case ; and Oh ! my Saviour, 
 God Almighty ! how can I express my maddening ambition to 
 do more ! — to elevate, to convince, to bring unto God the weak, 
 or falsely instructed as to their great happiness and the great 
 duties of man toward man — to teach him to work for his life to 
 come, to help each to bear his burden, and thus to lighten his 
 own heavy load of trials, which all of us must bear for God and 
 eternity. But man is selfish in aim, he is foolish in pride, he is 
 antagonistic to God and godlike qualities, and he is losing his 
 home in the mansions above, and this, alas ! my strength is too 
 small to prevent. 
 
 " Then, kind friends, be entreated to seek truth and happi- 
 ness for yourselves and others ; for by God is your life demand- 
 ed ; and he, in love, has given you the power to prepare a glad 
 home in which you may meet together above. And only at your 
 own decision does your Master above you wait (but in love only) 
 for you to make the right choice of life. I am only a man, you 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 283 
 
 will say, and have no right to preach ; but God forbid that my 
 mite should be for wrong or falseness ; and, God be praised, I 
 have the strength to benefit the world, if they will open their 
 hearts for the benediction of God. 
 
 " I am, in the esteem which comes from the harmony of the 
 spheres,-your humble friend in the work, 
 
 " SwEDENBORO, ira hope." 
 
 An intermission of the writing occurred, while this 
 message was read, after which, the editor said: "If 
 Swedenborg is here, will he explain the meaning of the 
 ' harmony of the spheres ' ? " The following response 
 was written : — 
 
 " I am Swedenborg, and I will explain the harmony of the 
 spheres. 
 
 ' ' By harmony we mean the happy union of kindred souls 
 through the grace of God. We are the sprits born of fiesh and 
 blood, now grown into the full force of a spirit, without the 
 distractions of the body — the covering for our proper use on 
 earth. 
 
 "My dear friends, choose the harmony of your lives here, and 
 leave God to set you upon your congenial state after the door of 
 earth is closed upon you. Bring yourselves into the closest har- 
 mony, in every way, with good things, not voluptuous living. 
 Always enjoy earthly things, in a moderate degree, and with full 
 thankfulness to the Ordaiuer of your existence. Many are the 
 congenial offerings we bring one another. In every sense — both 
 in thought and deed — we reap the fullness of perfection, in 
 everything — such kindness has God bestowed !— but this, too, 
 only in proportion to the strength with which we have fortified 
 our lives in the world on earth For many in the spheres of 
 harmony, it is the duty, or, much better, the gratification of their 
 heavenly state, to show, as upon the earth, all the brightness 
 and good-heartedness possible ; others are more in the posses- 
 sion of steadiness of spirit, and are comforters to the sick and 
 needy ; while others are gifted with better strength, according 
 to the blessings of God. And for all this we are to prepare, 
 and God will satisfy us forever. SWEDENBOKQ." 
 
284 SPIRITUAL GOMMUNICATIOKS. 
 
 FKOM THEODORE PAEKER. 
 
 The following was written on the evening of February 
 23d, after the message from Wm. C. Bryant, as given 
 on page 96. Wonderful emotion was manifested ; and 
 the pencil was moved with inconceivable swiftness. 
 The whole communication was written in about fifteen 
 minutes. Its earnest philanthropy is characteristic of 
 the man from whose spirit it undoubtedly emanated : — 
 
 [Call.] " Theodore Parker. — I come ! 'Tis rapture to me ! 
 Amen. Your God will reward you forever. We are crying out 
 in spirit for your good, and in tliis goodness, for all mankind. 
 Help tliem ! O God ! tliey need it ! Would I could die for 
 them— all ! ' Oli ! horrible torture to see them PERISH ! 
 
 "May you be received with the compassion and love of a. 
 Father's care, and thankful smiles of a happy assni-ance of good 
 results ! The spirits will smile upon you, and help you up — 
 you, their best friends upon the earth, by God's sanction. 
 Spiritualists you shall be called, and that without derision ; 
 for, during their earthly lives, men mighty in the battle of life 
 have fought the good fight ; and if the victory be not fully won, 
 it is nearing its conclusion ; and these same men begin anew 
 the struggle for freedom, and work and pray to gain a happy 
 end for all. 
 
 " We come by no small effort. We come with love. We will 
 protect you. Ever bear your spirit's insight with you ; for it 
 will insure our protection for you, and make us happy. Then 
 how much more happy will the God of all feel, when his crea- 
 tures learn fully to bear his blissful love and trust in their 
 bosoms, with prayer and thanksgiving. 
 
 " God bless the spirit of man, and give him the understand- 
 ing of the just men, striving in this kingdom to be pure ! 
 Iheodore* Parker bears a name of testimony that God is tho 
 highest spirit — through whom we, lesser and feebler spirits, 
 exist ; and we certify that it is by his authority, and permis- 
 
 •The word Thmdnre means 0\agifl of Gnd. "Every good gift and every 
 perfect gift oometh down from the Father of the lights of heaven."— Jamea 
 
 i.ir. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 285 
 
 8ion, and love, that we come to aid you, We do not despair. 
 No ; tliough you push the spirit out of liis place, he will yet re- 
 main to show his power, and make it felt through Christ. 
 
 " Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the poor 1 I will 
 bless you, and help you to all eternity ; for no mortal shall suf- 
 fer neglect without my spiritual efforts to save him from his 
 distraction. 1 live above to help and prosper as many as an 
 earnest spirit and an urgent cause demand ; and I glorify my 
 Maker and his compassionate power forever, and to the end of 
 all things. 
 
 "I pray for the Kingdom of God on earth, at my Saviour's 
 throne of mercy ; and he it is who grants to all his protection. 
 Seek ye the light of heaven, and the children of darkness will 
 be no more. Sorrow, I bid thee iiee from me. I hate thee ! 1 
 Joy, O beautiful emotion 1 I clasp thee to my arms forever I 
 
 " Thankfully, and always near you, I am 
 
 Theodore Parker, Physician to all bouIs." 
 
 " I thank the medium and bless her. — T. P." 
 
 FROM BISHOP IVES. 
 
 The following commanication was written on the 9th 
 of February, following a call and request that Bishop 
 Ives* would write for the benefit of the world. He 
 controlled at first with great difficulty, and the medium 
 exclaimed : " He was an old man ; that is why he cannot 
 write readily ; " to which it was responded : — 
 
 " Yes, I am born again j but, to come to the earth, I take the 
 form in which I LEFT it. 
 
 " May I ask God's blessing to descend, and lift you up to the 
 conception of the things which make up your existence in the 
 world of spirits, where I am now, as I said before, born again — 
 regenerated and renewed in thought. No encumbrances have I 
 
 * Levi S. Ives, born ia Meriden, Ct., in 1797 ; died in New Tork, in 1867. 
 He was at first a Presbyterian, but changed his views, and became promi- 
 nent in the Protestant Episcopal Church, being, in 1831, consecrated bishop 
 of North Carolina. In 1852 he visited Rome, and there joined the Roman 
 Catholic Charch ; in consequence of which he was deposed from his bish- 
 oprlck. He was afterwards a professor in St, Joseph's 1 heological Seminary, 
 at fordham. He also aided in founding the college at Manhattanville. 
 
286 SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 here — no wicked imaginings, no evil commumoations to ailect 
 me. All is 'merry as a marriage bell/ following tlie true and 
 briglit light which we see only in the distance, hut which we 
 spirits feel instinctively to he the purest of the pure. We are 
 spirits, all of us, who have borne the life in the earth land. We 
 have all been received with benediction ; but whether we were 
 happy or not in receiving this, has depended upon the condition 
 of ourselves, whether we were fruitful or barren. All are called, 
 and many are chosen ; but few there be who really are ready 
 and ripe to feel the joys of heaven. For them the place is not 
 congenial, and the ways are awkward ; but they outgrow their 
 poverty, and make for themselves a store-house of grain. All 
 the gain is for God and man. 
 
 " I linger around this band of love with feelings of hunger 
 and thirst to do more, to see more, and feel more, in the ambi- 
 tion I now have of showing that my spirit is not at rest, that 
 my life was not spent for heaven, and that I am not in heaven. 
 May you so fit yourselves for your home that you may never 
 feel hunger and thirst as I have felt. I thank my God I have 
 recovered somewhat, and am feeling my spirit full of good works 
 for every soul, all of which will bring me satisfaction at the 
 last. 
 
 ' ' Beloved in the Lord, complete a noble work. Elevate your 
 kindred mortals to the glory of God and his love, which passeth 
 your understanding. Deliver and protect the poor and perse- 
 cuted of earth. Corrupt and evil, beyond any other form of 
 bondage, is the religion that knows no loving Saviour. You 
 need only God, the Father, to help you up, pray to whom else 
 you will. I was a changeable mortal, driven first in one direc- 
 tion, and then in another ; and like a broken reed I am left to 
 sufEer for my instability. ' A rolling stone gathers no moss ; ' 
 neither did I gather my flocks as a faithful shepherd, for I 
 severed the ties which bound me to my people. 
 
 ' ' Feel God, dear people, and act as the feelings from him 
 prompt. You will have no bickerings or wanderings, but only 
 the safety of complete trust. Prayer, and the aim for a higher 
 life in spirit, should prompt your efforts ; and no petty desire 
 should affect your actions. Strive for Uod, and strive to be with 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONS. 287 
 
 God. Earth will then become heaven, and heaven will be para- 
 dise truly to every soul. 
 
 "I love you, dear people, I love you well. Hearken to the 
 spirit of him who was of feeble frame, who used up all his ac- 
 tivity in the field of religion, but who fell short in the perform- 
 ance of many of his deeds, and who now can see his follies per- 
 fectly. Would I could blind myself to the sight of some of 
 these deeds 1 But they will leave their stain until eternity is no 
 more ; and, although I may wash myself in the blood of the 
 Lamb, I shall always feel their impression, never to be oblit- 
 erated. O, see to your life's purity ! See that no stains appear 
 upon your spirits. Tliey will be there, if you produce them ; 
 and you will feel then the weakness of your living. Love 
 God ; love your neighbor ; and above all, direct your hopes above 
 and for eternity. 
 
 " I am earnestly your brother, in the vineyard of our God. 
 " Levi Ives, of Conn., 
 " BISHOP, but false ; and PRIEST, but falsttr. 
 
 " Amen I God love you 1 " 
 
 We hope your communication may do much good. 
 
 " Heaven bless you all 1 " 
 
 TKOM PIO NONO. 
 
 On the 2d of February, a desire was expressed to re- 
 ceive a communication from the late venerable head of 
 the Roman Catholic Church, Pio Nono ; and the follow- 
 ing was written : — 
 
 " I am Pio Wono." 
 
 Pontiff of Rome? 
 
 " Yes, in sorrow and repentance, but in harmony of thought 
 with the souls and spirits of all — ^be they of heaven or earth. 
 That a contrite spirit may possess the power of understanding, 
 I will firmly assert. That he, or I myself, can relate to you an 
 experience for the good of the world at large, is a great and 
 happy privilege to the spirit, and a benediction from God him- 
 self to his beloved people. Ye are all beloved of your Master, 
 and of your Holy Father. Of him, and in him, you live ; and 
 through him does your existence on earth, and in eternity, seek 
 
288 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIUATIONS. 
 
 liappiness— <r!«« happiness, my dear friends and kindred spirits, 
 not merely outside pomp and vainglory or sliow. Nothing of 
 that. High rank is not permitted or desired in your home above, 
 where the depths of love flovr in and over your soul with genu- 
 ine rapture ; and applause is not desired here. It comes freely 
 without your will, for every meritorious action bringeth its own 
 reward. You feel the anguish that you have created, or the 
 joys you have treasured up in your heaven of heavens. 
 
 " My Christian people, be no longer benighted in your creeds, 
 but follow your Godhead, and become a united band of loving, 
 of truly affectionate, people. Cast away all your wrangling, 
 and be easy-tempered toward one another. It behooves me to 
 speak to you thus, I calm the tempest of thought within me 
 to give you a true understanding of my condition ; but my spirit 
 is held, as it were, by ten thousand strings, which draw me 
 away from the shore of peace and quiet, God is a potentate 
 indeed ; but I was not, except in name, as it seems to me now 
 No wayward flock could pierce me as God's creatures agonize 
 liim by their follies. No body of men, be ia.eY priests, or breth- 
 ren, or infidels, can ever find God other than supreme, and near 
 them, in this world or the next. 
 
 " Lend me your hearts, Cliristian followers. Suffer no man 
 to deceive you. Be not simple in your conceits. No man hath 
 true and right power, but God alone.* He (long may he be with 
 you in mercy ! ) alone should be adored. Man is no monarch ; 
 he is a subject, and that always. Never, then, mistake your 
 vocation ; 'bvA be faitlif ul, and listen with love unto the calling 
 of the angels. They will guide you into a state of harmony and 
 peace — or union in religion and divine blessings. 
 
 " Vain and self-satisfied, but not without fear, I passed to my 
 state of change ; and, after severing my mortal ties, what did I 
 think to find above me? Certainly not WEALTH, tlie pontiff's 
 desire for bis people's good ; not vengeance for misdeeds done 
 in the body 1 ! not weapons to stab me in the dark. No ; but 
 yet I have felt all of these, and truly more. Everything that 
 tr-anspired while I was in the body has been magnified twenty 
 
 * " Whj'callest thou me good.' Noae is good save one,— God."- Laie 
 xviii 3U. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 289 
 
 times in the space of heaven. My good deeds were many, and I 
 thank my Master I now receive good compensation therefor, in 
 heaven ; hut my powers were used not entirely for God. I liad 
 too much worship. Ah ! the thought sickens me ! I recur to 
 the thouglit of it with disgust. So blind and black to teach the 
 people bigotry ! No, no ; do not believe in heresy or schism. 
 Gather yourselves together. Select a council of men, each at 
 the head ; and pray, in earnestness and repentance, for sacred 
 light ; and it will not be long in forthcoming. You will all be- 
 come united as the subjects of one King, and that one, God. No 
 bickerings or strifes will then afEect you, — no sorrow or mis- 
 understanding. All will come from God, and all will lead 
 again to him. God will receive all, all, forever ; and, alas for 
 me 1 I shall not be there to be one of you ! ! May heaven find 
 you ready ; and may I, the Pontiff of Rome, be prepared, through 
 the fire of remorse, to be with you in the fellowship of heaven. 
 
 " God bless you, my people ! I am the spirit of your Father's 
 subject, fallen from power into the position of a delinquent. 
 Amen. As I live. Amen ! PioNoNO." 
 
 Do you desire to say anytldng now in regard to the doctrines of 
 the Roman Catholic Church f 
 
 " Yes. Many conditions of faith in God are given for man's 
 good ; but all are nevertheless misinterpreted. Our Roman 
 ' Catholic ' Church is quite wrong and unfruitful in its idolatry 
 and sophistry ; but God will suffer no man to lose if he does 
 right, according to conscience. No man shall suffer for the 
 king's or ruler's pride or mistakes. The Head of the Church 
 must reap his wayward sowings. Amen, in heaven." 
 
 Is not conscience the noice of Ood in man's soul? 
 
 " Yes, ALWAYS, and never forsakes him." 
 
 May the world be enlightened by these glorious words ! And 
 may you feel happier for their utterance! 
 
 " Yes. Do all you can for God and good. He it is that doeth 
 wonders." 
 
 If Ood permit, we will insert your communication in our " book 
 of hope." 
 
 " Please inscribe my name with the blood tha,t Cometh from 
 repentant thought for misdeeds, and actions committed in false 
 light. Pio NoNO, by God." 
 
290 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 We wUl, with God's Jielp, use your message for the (jood of man- 
 hind. 
 
 "Thank God!" 
 
 A few brief communications from spirit friends and 
 relatives followed; and, in the colloquy that ensued, a 
 remark was made as to Pio Nono, implying or intimat- 
 ing a slight doubt as to the authenticity of his communi- 
 cation, when the following was immediately written : — 
 
 " Pio Nono is liere. Do not be disdainful [or unbelieving] . 
 God is my judge, that I lie not — nor ever can in His spirit. 
 Amen! As Cod lineili ! Amen!" 
 
 The solemnity of this adjuration all will perceive and 
 feel. Perhaps there are spirits in the flesh who might 
 use such to give strength to a falsehood ; but the editor's 
 experience in this wonderful intercourse leads him to the 
 conviction that this is impossible to disembodied spirits, 
 however low their grade. The words of St. James, in 
 this connection, will occur to many: " Thou belie vest 
 that there is one God ; thou doest well ; the devils (slso 
 hiUeve, and tremble " (James i. 19). The late pon- 
 tiff is manifestly a good spirit ; but like all who pass to 
 God, he feels the stains of this dark world and its er- 
 rors. 
 
 FROM ST. AUGUSTINE. 
 
 Some time previous to the above (Dec. 15), at the 
 sitting of a small circle, St. Augustine was suggested ; 
 and the editor remarked : " He was one of the fathers 
 of the Christian Church — a great saint. It would, in- 
 deed, be a blessed privilege to obtain a communication 
 from a spirit so far advanced as he must now be ; and 
 if God deem us worthy of it, we should be rejoiced to 
 hear from him. The result is gi\ en below. The writ- 
 ing was very gentle and calm — no emotion expressed — 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 291 
 
 very little force. The control, however, was exceed- 
 ingly steady and composed : — 
 
 " I am tlie spirit of one of the Fatliers in the Christian era, 
 namely, SAINT Augustine.'' 
 
 "Will you write a communication for the good of the world? 
 
 " My mission it is always to fulfill the wants and desires of 
 sacred thought ; and it is also iny pleasure to greet you this 
 evening upon such a stepping-stone toward heavenly heights 
 — toward bliss, dear brothers and sisters, in nature made. I 
 oiier you this hope for the good of the world. 
 
 ' ' I may seem old, perhaps be forgotten ; but the name, al- 
 though dead to the memory of time, will always be rememhered 
 by the spiritual owner. I-i'or what is a life to the Giver of lives ? 
 What is a year but a breath of God himself? We are not cre- 
 ated without an object. We are not neglected, although we act 
 with our own free will. Weak, indeed, are the children of 
 men ; and few are they who understand that they are made for 
 a purpose. I wish, for your own sakes, yoM would never des- 
 pair, but ever look up to the glare of the noon-day. The sun 
 is God's token of kind love toward you here ; and he is hoping 
 and waiting only to have you fear the ways of the devil and the 
 scenes of the evil ones. No longer I expect to secure you a 
 home, unless your hearts be, as it were, transported to the re- 
 gions of love. I teach the blind, whether upon earth or in 
 heaven, where they may find strength to perform their missions ; 
 also when weary of toil and wilfulness, they will gladly take 
 heed, and yield to the teachings of an ancient prophet, whose 
 remarks (devoid of test) will be the expression of the best 
 wishes of one animated by a most noble ambition. 
 
 " I thinlc to meet you, though the space is long past [i. e., 
 though I have long Jiassed onward to a higher sphere], to ask 
 you if you remember these words which you now scan. 
 
 " I am, in spirit, the feeble, but noble and greatly respected, 
 
 " St. Augustine, 
 "In motion" [i. <-., still progressing]. 
 
 This communication, purporting to come from the 
 spirit of St. Augustine — disclaiming in itself the inten- 
 tion to present any special identifying tests for the sat- 
 
292 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 isfaction of unbelievers — is in itself very striking and 
 instructive ; but the editor has, at this stage, to offer a 
 still more astounding phase of these spirit writings — a 
 phase -which, while it will perhaps shock the untutored 
 and skeptical, must be accepted as entirely consistent 
 with every other phase of these manifestations. It 
 moreover affords an illustration of the statement given 
 in the communication of another spirit, writing after a 
 very brief experience in spirit life : " Believe that, when 
 you die, you will pass to the state where rni; dead op 
 AGES are living, and working, and hoping for your fu- 
 ture good" (See page 265.) 
 
 On the 12th of January the following was written : — 
 
 "Judge Edmonds. — I am always ready, do not fear. Ke- 
 coive wliat a spirit gives in kindness, and never feel rebellious 
 to God or his angels. Prepare ye yet for it higher Misnionary 
 —one who exceeds a mortal man.* May the prophets of old 
 give you tlie superhuman strength of Moses, for the emancipa- 
 tion of mankind." 
 
 The editorsaid: "God will give us strength, I fully 
 believe." 
 
 " Yes. Forgive me my feeble powers of expressioa for your 
 high workings. God has indeed given you a work which you 
 are well fitted to perform, and the angels will glorify you." 
 
 Will Idgher spirits communicate f 
 
 "They are all ever ready to do good. Prepare .yourselves to 
 be in the condition to receive, and God will further the result." 
 
 FROM MOSES, THE HEBREW PROPHET. 
 
 One of the company then said : " I think, from what 
 has been said, that Moses will communicate." The edi- 
 tor expressed a doubt, but said he would be glad to hear 
 
 * " And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom 
 the Lord knew face to face."— Deuteronomy xxxiy. 10. 
 
8PIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 293 
 
 from so ancient a prophet. Then Judge Edmonds 
 wrote, with great force and emphasis : — 
 
 " Moses will write ; " 
 and the following was written, in a small hand-writing, 
 much smaller than in any previous communication, and 
 with a force calm and sustained : — 
 
 " Moses, tlie Egyptian priest, who received tlie prophecy of 
 God, being at the command of the High King of the nation. * 
 
 " Gentiles and respected Jews, it behooves me to come in the 
 tribulations of a country, the prospect of which is dark, and u. 
 long way from peaceful rest. May the cries of the infant Moses 
 awaken you to understand the community's wickedness and 
 wantonness, in conduct. The Lord of Israel and ' Israel's Host,' 
 presides as ever in your midst, and offers you a home, through 
 the sacrifice of your evil natures. Find out the truth of the 
 commandments of God, and follow them in love, andnotthrour^h 
 the duty of obedience. 
 
 " I was a gifted man, namely, a prophet ; but ye are as much 
 as anyprophet, inasmuch as tlie Lord of Hosts is on your right 
 hand. May the angels who descended from the heavens in the 
 Saviour's time, find you also ready to receive the sacrifice of a 
 great work, and also ready to forget yourselves, and accept any 
 measure of test which the Lord may find it necessary to impose. 
 
 " I am the infant in the Word of God. (Believe that the 
 Word of God is a revelation for your justification.) I am the 
 prophet (that is I had God's spiritual grace of insight of the 
 future) who attempted to present to the Jews their holy precepts 
 and ordination ; and I have a, sorrow in my command, which 
 the Lord will always affix to me, inasmuch as I cannot redeem 
 old Israel. 
 
 ' ' Stablish your souls in the felicity of Christ, and be a propJiet 
 
 * The designation " Egyptian priest " ptizzled tlic medium, ^vho tliought it 
 was not correct. The editor, who was present, was not certain that Moses 
 .had served as a priest of Bgj'pt, but presumed he had been educated by the 
 priests, the custodians of Egyptian learning ; but on turning to the article 
 Mosf.s^ in Dr. Smith's DU-tit>nary of ihi: Bib'i', the following was found : — "He 
 was educated at Heliopolis, and grew up there as a priest, under his Egyptian 
 name." 
 
294 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 to no man without the benediction of a Saviour's lesson. I 
 meant to teacli, but have I not blocked up the way with a feel- 
 ing of hatred instead 1 Relate to me the story of the Jews, and 
 I will writlie in anguish and sorrow, for my waywardness, or 
 misconception of that Higher Power who is able to transport 
 your minds. Moses, in Acceptance." 
 
 We feel greatly blessed hy Ood in receiving this message. 
 
 " It is but the mission of a prophet in love to speak for so ac- 
 ceptable a work for the Heavenly Kingdom. I will know you 
 hereafter when the heavens reveal the sacredness of a life from 
 sin, to give you all Amen (almighty word ! ) — so be it ! 
 
 " Moses." 
 
 Again, on the 15th of January, and, as at first, with- 
 out a call, it was written through the medium : — ■ 
 
 " Moses will give the powerful assertion that Christ hath 
 ordained these manifestations ; and they come with a mighty 
 hope, overcoming every other delight of the Christian character. 
 Look at the long-existing Word of hope ; it proceeded out of the 
 mouths of very babes and sucklings. It came from prophets 
 to great Kings, ruling over Israel and ancient Egypt ; and an- 
 cient Moses prophesied great and miraculous wonders unto the 
 people of the great King, and unto the seven nations of God's 
 holy creation.* 
 
 ' • Let the champions of modern Christianity find out whether 
 their Saviour, their King of kings, is in any way changed, in 
 habit, country, or manner, or form, or character, since the high- 
 minded men of old portrayed him in visions, sayings, writings, 
 or illuminations. His requirements of grace — did they not say, 
 humble yourselves before the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of 
 Jacob ; and love the Lord of Hosts 1 The finger of time makes 
 many changes in the habits and conditions of vien ; but with 
 God and his angels of light, eternity is ever beginning and also 
 ending. First and last arc the same to God — the highest Spirit 
 
 * Ihis was unintelligible to the meclimn ; but see Deuteronomy, vli. 1: 
 " M'hen the Lord thy God shall bring Thee into the land whither thou 
 goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thoe, the Ilittites, 
 and the Gisashltes, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites. and the Periz- 
 zitos, and the Hivites, and the Jobusites, s^ven nations greatf.r and mightier 
 than thou,'* 
 
SPIRITUAL C0MMUNI0ATI0N8. 295 
 
 ever present to man's thought. Mind the words of the Prophet 
 Isaiah when he says, Holy are the people to whom God will 
 show the wonders of his Kingdom.* Time, was when the world 
 hearkened ; but now it is blinded in its self -j ustification ; and 
 Ood will mete out7ij« justification of reward with heart-broken 
 sorrow. Talce refuge with us, the spirits of men, in the body 
 of Christ ; and repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand for 
 you all. Study to vmderstand pure things, or else the ignomin- 
 ious death of a Saviour may be brought upon yourself. Pray 
 for the future happiness of all men. 
 
 " I am duteous to the Lord of Hosts, the Judge ; and with 
 the tears of a million adversities upon my spirit, I show you the 
 right understanding of God's will. ' May thy will be done on 
 earth as it is done in Heaven ' is the yearning of a King of old, 
 tasting God's glories in Heaven's distinction. Fly the sacrificial 
 altar of mere idolatry. Bring your hearts Into Christian sym- 
 pathy with Christ's life, and refresh your understandings with 
 the teachings of prophecy, which the angels always try to im- 
 part for the enlightenment of men's souls — in prison. This is 
 the truth ; and when the Lord shall find you ready, he will call 
 you, and take you to his fold. Bring the children up to realize 
 these truths, and trust God for the redemption of the whole 
 world. 
 
 " I am Moses, of the Ten Commandments, sent by God then 
 and now. Amen, as Goi. livethr'^ 
 
 TEOM POJSTIUS PILATE. 
 
 On the evening of January 16tli, without a call, the 
 medium was impressed to take the pencil, and at first 
 wrote, in small characters, the name of Moses; and then 
 
 * Not in ipsissimis verbis^ but in the idea, which the spirit communicates 
 through the mind of the medium. See Isa. Ikv. " I will bring forth a 6eed 
 out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains ; and mive 
 elect sitall inherit it, and my servaiifs shall dwell tJierein." The same idea recurs 
 in this glorious chapter of prophetic spirituaJ truth. 
 
 t This communication, so solemn, so profound in its spirituality, and so 
 lofty in its divine utterances, end.s, as will be seen, in the most sacred and 
 awful of all adjurations, in attestation of the authenticity of the message ixs 
 coming from the ancient Hebrew prophet. — " As God Hveift ^ " 
 
296 SPmiTUAL GOMMUmOATION'S. 
 
 the foUowiDg communication, in some respects the most 
 marvelous of all. In the family circle, the name had 
 heen mentioned, but with no idea that a communication 
 would come from that source, though, indeed, there was 
 no antecedent reason for incredulity or disbelief that this 
 spirit, or any spirit, would communicate for a good pur- 
 pose. It would appear from the name first written, in 
 very small letters, that he was brought by Moses, who 
 had communicated the day previous. 
 
 " PONTIUS PILATE [underscored four times]. I am 
 the Roman governor of Judea, being over eigliteeu Imndred 
 years in the field of history (but principally Biblical) on tlie 
 earth, and that without any perfectly happy retrospect. But 
 my aim now is to fulfill the delivei-ance of mankind from death 
 unto God. I do not come to slay with either stones or javelins, 
 with words of scorn or blasphemy ; for I am without guile now. 
 I am also without aim ; for what I did I have worked off by deep 
 and earnest repentance. I have felt the agony of the Saviour's 
 pain. I have been upon Ms cross many and many a time, suf- 
 fering the Saviour's ignominy, amid the fallen spirits. But they 
 were high, compared to me ; for I was low indeed. Merited by 
 me was God's judgment ; for I was a blind fiend, born for the 
 devil's own use, both in thought and deed. 
 
 " Talt^e heed, good friends of God, that no arrow of cruelty 
 pierce your memory like a sword of hatred ; for what can a 
 spirit feel but humility before God. He is mightier than the 
 evil one. This you will understand in the presence of spirits. 
 What then must have been my judgment before the atoning 
 blood of the Lamb ? What has released me from prison, you 
 may ask. I pray you may ; for with seeking you will find ; and 
 for the love of Christ I trust that you will never feel tlie intru- 
 sion of sickening doubts. My life is purified now, and thus I 
 have risen. I passed from earth, in the resurrection of my soul, 
 with vanity of thought. Had I not been a kingly ruler during 
 Herod's reign ? Was I not a man with the strength of a deml ? 
 Yea, verily, and more. I wielded the sword of justice with 
 righteous vengeance. I taught the people to slay their own off- 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 297 
 
 spring, that is, Ood'it oijDn children. I was happy in my power 
 of ruling, but God I never knew, May the heaven for which 
 Christ died never escape your memory, nor ever fail to show you 
 the distinction of a heaven-born King compared to a devil. And 
 let the Lord be praised by the higliest earthly tribunal, as by 
 that created in heaven. I will find a million now to shout ho- 
 BannastoQod in the highest, glory and peace on earth, good will 
 toward men. 
 
 " Dear people, I am Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Jews. 
 Prepare a superscription, and hail me the 'King,' as the devil 
 held me. Approach me with swords and ignominious banners 
 —with fingers of scorn and derision^-with two-faced lies of af- 
 fected blessings — with every horror in the category of hate ; 
 and you will not then fulfill the programme of mockery which 
 carried the Saviour into yoUk home. Beautiful was he, born 
 for his mission of love, and sanctified by all pure influences, — 
 born for the destiny decreed by God, and assumed by his own 
 beseeching will, for poor depraved humanity ! Mark me ! I 
 eliall never forget my life oa earth. No matter how I am di- 
 verted, never shall I cease to hear my Saviour's cries, or to see 
 Ills agonies on Mt. Calvary, or to hear his voice of love and for- 
 giveness. My spirit will ever feel the earthquake which evinced 
 the Lord's power. (Take heed that the lesson be well learned ! ) 
 
 " I am overwhelmed with misery, as shown to me in every 
 phase of my guilt, by God's finger of wrath ; although never 
 Las he taught me the word /ear. No ; I am drowned with holy 
 love ; I have been brought into the possession of blessings which 
 surround me on all sides ; I am protected and helped by all ; I 
 am endowed to the satisfaction of every desire ; and I am given 
 all pureness of living and freedom of action. All goodness and 
 kindness is mine, from God, and through his Son, whom I 
 pierced with the spear of agony and hate. Can mortal imagine 
 my existence ? Can a lioly spirit tell you of my agonies ? No, 
 never ! Nor can mortal man or spirit power know the punish- 
 ment of grief, or the humiliation of spirit, suffered by the in- 
 famous and mortified executioner of the people's Teacher, and 
 heavens holy Defender — by him who, in Biblical scorn, bears 
 the name of Pontics Pilate, and the disdainful title of " Gov- 
 ernor of the Jews." 
 
298 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 The control of this spirit held the brain of the me- 
 dium in a state of complete concentration. During the 
 whole time this communication was being written, there 
 was not a single pause, notwithstanding the confusion 
 and bustle of a number of persons in her vicinity; but, 
 at the close she burst into tears, and for a considerable 
 time could not check her weeping, so strongly was she 
 imbued and overcome with the spirit's emotions. Truly 
 it was said, " Memory outlasts time.'' Dreadful lesson ! * 
 
 FEOM SAINT I'ETER. 
 
 In marked contrast with Pilate's message was that of 
 St. Peter, written on the 21st of January ensuing, with- 
 out a call. The influence of this spirit was calm and 
 beautiful, and spiritually joyous. The medium was sur- 
 prised when she wrote : — 
 
 "0, praise tlie Lord witli glad)ie.ss I Holy and reverend is 
 liis name ; and let eveiy creature say Amen ! 
 
 " I am Peter, the saint. My name is Biblical and sacred. I 
 tliank tlie Lord for my calling to good undertakings. Bear in 
 mind, my beloved people, tliat nations should rejoice at their 
 prospect of a great regeneration for themselves. Does not God 
 offer you a sanctified hope, counterbalancing every misfortune 
 that may arise ? fs not your life created and ordained by the 
 Giver of life? Thank God for it by every emotion, and never 
 weep or be cast down, as if in a dungeon of despair — the hope- 
 less punishment for a sinner's gain. But thanks be to Ood, 
 who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ, our most blessed 
 Lord and Saviour ! 
 
 " Jlay you find yourselves lifted up and purified by these most 
 sacred teachings. Not everyone who saith, ' Lord, Lord,' can 
 enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but ONLY he who DOETII 
 (and that kindly) the will of his Father who IS IN heaven ; and 
 by your glorification ye will know and perceive him truly. 
 
 " Sacrifice yourselves one to another. Be diligent and peree- 
 
 * See note on page 109. 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 299 
 
 vering in holy works ; and the Lord .of Hosts, your Sanctifier 
 and Redeemer through his Son, will suddenly descend, and 
 stretch forth his hand to you, and deliver you from your captiv- 
 ity and inertness. 
 
 " Bless the Lord, the True and Beautiful in your lives ; cast 
 away the black heresy of death ; and find the Lord with you 
 and in you always. May his grace never fail you, or his love 
 leave you fruitless ; hut may you be without guile, and taste of 
 the joys of heaven. 
 
 " Remember the saints of old, and the history of tlae Jews ; 
 and then you will understand the words of SAINT Peter, 
 the enlightened by God. Thanks be to him forever and ever ! 
 Amen ! 
 
 " Teach this to God's people." 
 
 The message of St. Peter, and the one to follow from 
 St. Paul, virere not written in the presence of the edi- 
 tor ; and, while this section of the book was in the 
 hands of the compositor, the latter thought proper to 
 seek to obtain what might prove a further test to skep- 
 tical minds. Before entering the presence of the me- 
 dium, he asked God, if in accordance with his holy will, 
 to permit St. John, the beloved disciple of the Blessed 
 Saviour, to write a communication for the cause to 
 which St. Peter and St. Paul had already contributed. 
 Fifteen minutes afterward, the medium, without being 
 told of whom the editor had thoiicjld, sat down and 
 wrote the following sacred message, prefacing it by 
 the oral announcement that one of the Evangelists was 
 about to write : — 
 
 " St. John, a member in the sphere of grace. Kind hearers, 
 and beloved brethren, I meet you upon your sacred pathway to 
 blissful heights. It behooves me to give you my name of old, 
 as you know it ; but a sweeter and purer name I hold and ovvn, 
 now — one loved by all above and with me.* Shall I tell it in 
 
 * This appears to agree with Revelation ii. 17 ; iii. 12.. 
 
300 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 words? Well, then, it is no other than PuKiTT (stranger to the 
 earth); and with its possession I thank the Giver of it witli the 
 fervor of a purified spirit, melting in grace, expanded into full 
 love, and blessed forever by having a seat to speak at the right 
 hand of God himself. O Heavenly Teacher ! may thy will be 
 done on earth as it is done in heaven ! And to the adversary be 
 it said, verily, he will meet his reward, — saddest of all thoughts 
 to a spirit who writes ! 
 
 " I feel for your trials, my friend ; but righteousness will 
 gain its day truly, although the world will not accept it with- 
 out emblazoning figures and adornments of gold and silver 
 — the meanest gifts of a Sovereign Power. What is the greatest 
 gift to man ? you will ask. May I say, as the prophets of old 
 (but new to Ood) delivered? It is cit.mjity, the offspring of 
 that fruitful source which makes man love his neighbor as him- 
 self, and God above all. Keep God with you. Let him govern 
 your actions with his everlasting patience and beautiful com- 
 passion. Be ye cheerful in your own good deeds, with tlie Utart- 
 felt words upon your lips forever : ' God be merciful to me a 
 sinner ! ' This will take away your dross, and refine you as 
 never anything else can. It will also deliver you from the 
 sacrilegious bondage of false light to a beautiful and expansive 
 hope in the protection of God. 
 
 '■ I have my Master with me now to embrace with rapture [the 
 medium here saw a halo of brilliant light surround him]. He 
 it is who merits all my care, and all my efforts to please him. 
 He it is who rules the skies as he once taught on the earth. He 
 it is who delights in you all, and never wearies ; for though the 
 soil may seem poor and barren, he still avers that there is yet 
 room for hope, that good will spring up, for which the time is 
 not yet come ; * and we all, in the union of love and trust fully 
 confide in him, and say, as of yore in our sacred teachings, 
 ' Amen ! As the Lord ordaineth, so be it ! ' 
 
 " May Heaven's light be with you always, and the three, of 
 heaven s pathway, will descend with me in the armor of Peace, 
 to herald the glad tidings to the highest of the high — Glory to 
 God ! Good will toward men ! 
 
 * The thought is that expressed in Luke xiii. 8, 9. 
 
SPIRITUAL GOMMUmCATIONS. 301 
 
 " In honest intention, and sent from God for a supreme bless- 
 ing to his beloved and unfeeling people, 
 
 " Tour brother in Christ, John, the forerunner." 
 
 The historical association of the name " forerunner" 
 with John the Baptist, here caused a doubt for a mo- 
 ment as to whether this message had come from him or 
 the Evangelist, -when the medium was impressed to 
 write : — 
 
 " How you doubt me ! " 
 
 To this was said : " God forbid we should doubt 
 you;" and then was written: — 
 
 "St. John, the Evangelist." 
 
 Some time elapsed, while some of the points of the 
 message were discussed ; and then it suddenly flashed 
 across the editor's mind, that by forerunner he meant to 
 indicate that, in writing this commanication, he was the 
 forerunner of a great salvation to mankind. This was 
 said ; and then the medium felt a peculiar thrill, impell- 
 ing her to write, and the following appeared : — 
 
 ' ' Tes, yes, yes. I have the happiness to affirm and sanction 
 your thoughts in all humility. I am a forerunner of God's 
 Truth : a Mightier One is there, the latchet of whose shoes I am 
 not worthy to unloose. Amen. 
 
 " As Christ liveth, so I live in Christ's armor." 
 
 FKOM JOHN THE BAPTIST. 
 
 Almost immediately after the communication from 
 St. John, to the surprise of the medium and others pres- 
 ent, for it was not expected that any other message 
 would .be written, appeared the following : — 
 
 " John the Baptist." 
 
 Is it indeed John the Baptist ? 
 
 " Tes, sacredly. 
 
 " As my noble friend has come and spoken, 1 think it my duty 
 also to come, and lend a few trifling words, for so they may seem 
 to you. But a mightier truth never did a man know, which to 
 
'302 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 understand fully may, indeed, seem a small matter ; but it is 
 far from being so. It is, truly and sincerely, a fact that God 
 reigns above, to afford comfort to, and exact all homage from, 
 the subjects of his love and power. They, indeed, truly merit 
 u life free from stain ; for each one is born in God's divine 
 image, and is, verily, a spirit designed for the life of His calling. 
 So hearken, dear brethren, to the words of your friend, who is 
 grieving to see the children of God disowned, excluded from 
 heavenly light, and all gone astray. 
 
 "John the Baptist, I say, is a spirit wlio feels great joy to 
 come in this manner ; and, indeed, I, the same spirit, feel will- 
 ing to suffer pain rather than have you grow weary, or thrust 
 me away. But God is above to purify all ; and, some day, he 
 will take you and bless you ; and then we shall see and feel that 
 all this is a reality, and that true sayings come only in this 
 way. 
 
 " I once performed a great and miraculous work ; but a greater 
 and better have I done at this time, if I have converted a man's 
 mind, and led him upv.-ard to feel God's love. As the light 
 from heaven awaits your acceptance by faithful prayer and seek- 
 ing, so I, with the intermingling of Faith, Hope, and Charity, 
 bid you farewell, but only for a short time, which will never- 
 theless bring you, in a straight and narrow pathway, to the por- 
 tal at which no beggar is refused who asks with humility, and 
 expects with the eyes of Faith. Alas ! too long would it take 
 me to disclose to you the pleasures above ; but my mission is 
 accomplished, if you find your hearts drawn upward toward the 
 heavenly seat of Peace and Grace. 
 
 " Humbly in the portal of Hope I stand, and point to the home 
 which awaits you above. Aim high ; be sincere ; and don't fear 
 p. few strokes ; but turn a deaf ear to everything that speaks of 
 death or death's dread ; for the Lord of Hosts is near to save, 
 and he it is who both asks and gives 
 
 " Farewell, dear friend, and brethren in union. 
 
 " John, a humble servant of the Lord's.'' 
 
 FROM ST. PAUL. 
 
 On the 7th of February, a lady of great purity and 
 spirituality of character — an earnest and devoted mem: 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 303 
 
 ber of the Protestant Episcopal Church — being present 
 with the medium, asked for a message from St. Panl. 
 The following was immediately written : — 
 
 "Paul, the slayer of the Jews, of the kingdom of Israel. 
 My beloved people, it is with great sympathy that I look upon 
 your wrong-doings in the flesh. I was often tempted in like 
 manner,* and every man is horn with the trial fast upon him. 
 His infancy is but a time of fostering ; and, if not well looked 
 after, he will take the broad road which will lead him to his 
 final destruction ; for the Apostles all tell you, narrow is the way 
 which leads to eternal life. The fountain of everlasting bliss is 
 open and free to all who will accept. Why, then, my kindred, 
 do you choose darkness, instead of light 1 Why, grief for joy? 
 Why anxiety for rest ? You cannot comprehend God's rest in 
 heaven — ^no mortal can. 
 
 " I am a spirit whose teachings were the outpourings of a fer- 
 vent heart, enraptured with the perfect vision of God's love. 
 It carried me beyond the earth land into the sphere of spirits.-)- 
 He that findeth it shall cover himself with glory ; but lie that 
 despiseth it shall cover himself with shame, at the last great 
 day of final decision for himself. Remember NOW thy Creator 
 in the days of thy youth ! God is plenteous in mercy, in long- 
 suffering, in great and inconceivable kindness. May he give 
 you the acceptable portion which cometh to the just ! 
 
 " Why, my dear people, need the Truth of God be repeated ? 
 Study to understand God's word. All die in Jesus Christ, and 
 ALL live again through him.f I behold him now, a risen saint, 
 purer than any spirit in heaven. Go thou, and do likewise, and 
 create a saint-like home for your abiding above, by self-sacrifice 
 and humility. These, together with charity and good will 
 toward men, are the powers which will lead you to Christ's 
 home. Riches hath no man in the Kingdom of Heaven. He 
 needs but one thing — the pearl of great price, namely, purity. 
 
 " Praise ye the Lord with might and gladness. Offer to him 
 your heart's feelings of joy. Prayer and thanksgiving should 
 be your daily feasting, giving you a bounteous store to live by 
 
 * Eoman« vii 14-85 ; - Cor. xii. 7. t 2 Cor xii. 3-5. tSee TComans vi. 8. 
 
304 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIOM. 
 
 and for. Throw ofE vain-glorying and covetousness, and assist 
 each man his neighbor ; and the Lord will receive you, with, 
 benign glory, into your welcome rest in heaven. 
 
 ' ' Amen 1 saith the prophet. Amen I saith the priest. Amen I 
 saitli the King. Amen ! saith Saint Paul, the healer of the Jews, 
 and the glorifier of the Lord's name from one generation to 
 another. Past and present are one to God ; and without end. 
 "Amen ! sav CnBRtrBiM: akd Sbraphim."* 
 
 With these glorious and sublime words, from a spirit 
 of the far distant spheres of heavenly purity, truth, and 
 exaltation, this ■wonderful series of communications is 
 terminated for the present. The evangel goes forth 
 to mankind — an evangel of divine truth and holiness. 
 May it " inspire the ITninersal Churchviith the spirit of 
 truth, unity, and concord " ; and may " all those who do 
 confess thy holy Name — Almighty and ever-living God, 
 agree in the truth of Thy word," as shown here, as well 
 as in the Scriptures, and " live in unity, and godly 
 
 LOVE ! "t 
 
 * These three commanlcations, from St. Peter, St. .John, and St. Paul, 
 appear to show a remarkable coincidence in style of thought and spiritual 
 tonp^ so to speak, ^\'ith the Epistles of those sacred personages in the Scrip- 
 tures. In the first, there is a fullness and heartiness of spiritual feeling ; in 
 the second, an angelic simplicity and loviugness ; and in the third, a lofty 
 intellectual fer^'or, as from a conviction of the understanding as well as a 
 submission of the entire spiritual nature to God and His blessed Son. 
 
 + " The fullness of time has come, when the mysteries of the Kingdom 
 need no longer be clothed in parables, and shrouded in dark saj'ings of old- 
 The opening of the heavens promised by the Lord himself is upon ns. The 
 air of the world is tremulous with ancestral voices prophesying change. The 
 heart of humanity is expectant. * A I^ew Era of Science and Development ", 
 exclaims the philosopher ! The ' New Heavens and the New Earth \whis' 
 pcr.s the Christian. Some say, ' Lo [ here I— others, ' Lo I there ! ' The 
 High PiK-sts and Scribes and all the old Oracles move on as before, uncon- 
 scious that their systems and philosophies are death-stricken. '1 he light 
 has come. But the blind will not see it ; for do not all thint^s move in 
 circles, and the old facts perpetually recnr ? ' The Light shineth in dark- 
 ness, and the darkness comprehended it not.' " — Di\ Ilolcombe, 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 305 
 
 IX. 
 
 IMPORTAlSrCE OF THE SPIRIT WRITIN'GS. 
 
 Those -w^ho have thoughtfully read the communica- 
 tions presented in the preceding chapters, will scarcely 
 need to have their importance pointed out; hut it is 
 thought advisable to offer here a few considerations with 
 this end in view, since they may not be obvious to all 
 readers. In the first place, it may be useful to sum- 
 marize the great truths taught in these communications 
 — -not as conclusions reached by the understanding 
 through a process of reasoning, nor as mere visions of 
 the fancy addressed to the hopes of mankind — ^but as 
 living realities attested by those who have actually ex- 
 perienced them, and hence 7cnow of what they speak — 
 as FACTS to be received into the heart, and to stand for- 
 ever as giiide-posts to a pure and noble life. 
 
 1. We are taught the grandest of all truths, namely, 
 thal^ after the death of the body, there is for all an im- 
 mortal state of existence stretching out into eternity — 
 fcright and blissful beyond conception for those who have 
 led pure and noble lives here below, but inconceivably 
 dark and wretched for those whose earthly lives have 
 been stained with vice and crime. 
 
 2. We learn, beyond a question, that the future life is 
 one of constant progression, all entering it with the char- 
 acteristics, tendenioies, and capacities for improvement 
 acquired during the earth life. Those who have culti- 
 vated their intellectual, moral, and spiritual natures dur- 
 ing this state of trial and probation will take an advanced 
 
306 SPIRITUAL OOMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 position in the supramundane spheres ; while, on the 
 other hand, those who have wasted their opportunities 
 for imj)rovement, and have lived vicious and debasing 
 lives, will pass into the lower spheres of spiritual being 
 amid companions of a spiritual condition and character 
 resembling their own ; and in this condition will expe- 
 rience, from repentance and remorse, all the suiFering 
 which naturally follows their misdeeds, and which ia 
 needed for their purification and advancement. 
 
 3. The great fundamental fact of the personality of 
 God is shown with irresistible force and clearness. The 
 spirits of the departed — even the unprogressed, — on 
 passing into the eternal world appear very soon to be- 
 come aware of this fact, and are overawed by the over- 
 whelming sense of the omnipotence and infinite justice 
 and purity of the Supreme Being; while the progressed 
 spirits feel, with inconceivable intensity, the infinite love 
 of their Heavenly Father. They do not fear him, for 
 "perfect love casteth out fear"; but they leam their 
 true mission, as his children, — to do good to others — 
 following the example of Christ ; and thus as "minister- 
 ing spirits " they serve God with the fondest devotion. 
 
 4. Heaven is depicted as a blessed place and state, in 
 which love reigns supreme — such love as the Saviour 
 manifested and taught while on earth, when he came to 
 bring to mankind a knowledge of their immortal des- 
 tiny, and to show them how to live and also how to die, 
 In the scenes which it presents to the spirit eye, it is 
 magnificent and glorious beyond expression or concep- 
 tion — no description except in general terms being com- 
 prehensible by mortal mind. There is to be found 
 scope for the exercise of every spiritual faculty, and 
 means for the gratification of every pure desii'e. AH 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 307 
 
 the inhabitants of those heavenly mansions know each 
 other as they are ; and hence there can be neither hy- 
 pocrisy nor deceit ; and as every evil passion is elimin- 
 ated all is peace, harmony, and satisfaction ; and yet all 
 of the dwellers there are ever striving with a holy am- 
 bition to rise to a higher state of culture and felicity, 
 and to enlarged capacities for useful work in the cause 
 of their Saviour. 
 
 5. TIeU, on the other hand, is a place and state in which 
 the devil — the spiritual impersonation of evil — reigns su- 
 preme. Life here (or spiritual death) is characterized 
 by everything antagonistic to the divine nature — hate, 
 malignity, falsehood, and all their dreadful concomitants. 
 Hence, in that dread abode, there is nothing but strife 
 and disquiet — all trying to torment each oth6r, and tak- 
 ing a devilish pleasure in this infernal occupation. How 
 expressive is the exclamation contained in one of these 
 communications : " I am among such horrible spirits 
 that my disgust is unbounded ! " and of another : " My 
 friends were not of rny oion choosing''' ; and of the 
 spirit Foe : " I felt as in a desert of black despair, or 
 among a set of ravenous wolves ready to devour me 
 with hate, or laugh me down to perdition " ; while the 
 spirit of Byron speaks with significance of the " horrible 
 leers " of his demon associates, while in the unprogressed 
 state. Imagine, dear reader, a large community here 
 on earth, in which all civil government and laws have been 
 suspended — the prisons opened and their inmates set 
 free to exercise their vile passions unchecked, and no 
 restraint to exist upon the malignity, recklessness, and 
 cupidity of any of the people, and all to become a scene 
 of vengeance, havoc, and brutal orgies ; — this would be 
 pandemonium, and such is the spiritual hell. But, while 
 
308 SPIRITUAL COMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 there is no everlasting fire and brimstone, according to 
 the figurative description of the place of fallen spirits 
 usually received as literally correct, remorse is to the 
 spirit worse than any physical burning that the body 
 could be subject to. Its agonies no mortal can con- 
 ceive. 
 
 6. But in connection with this dreadful picture, the 
 glorious truth is indubitably shown that the love of 
 God is never forfeited. The sinner, writhing in the 
 agony of despair, may believe that he is lost beyond re- 
 demption — especially as the result of false teaching upon 
 earth. But this is not so ; the prodigal, even from the 
 depths of hell, may return to his loving Father, and be 
 forgiven. He must, however, repent in order to obtain 
 foi'giveness. Prayers of contrition can alone lift him 
 above the abyss of the dark world and bring him where 
 he can receive the ministrations of God's angels of 
 mercy. Hence, if there be spirits that can never be 
 brought to repentance (which God forbid ! ), they must 
 remain in darkness forever. The angels, however, do 
 not believe this ; tor the editor's brother, John, who 
 has been in the spirit world nearly fifty years, having 
 died in infancy, said, in answer to the question, " Are 
 there any that will not be saved ? " " NO ; do not say 
 such things. My spirit will MELT ! " Besides, many 
 of the communications show the great change that takes 
 place, in a very short time, in the condition of repentant 
 spirits. Time alone, however, and in many cases a very 
 long time, is required to produce thorough purification, 
 a or cessation of remorse ; for the memory of a spirit is 
 something fearful to contemplate. Some awful examples 
 of this are given in these communications. 
 
 In this connection, it may be said that the chief ele- 
 
SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 303 
 
 went in the punishment of the wicked appears to be the 
 consciousness of having disobeyed and opposed Him 
 whose love is so overwhelming, that they are as it were 
 drowned in sorrow and remorse. No one but a spirit 
 can/M% understand this; but we can partially at least 
 conceive of it. What think you, dear reader, must that 
 repentant prodigal have felt when his loving father fell 
 on his neck and kissed him, and during the feast given 
 in his honor 'i Let him who is living a life of sin or 
 blind ingratitude toward the Merciful Father of all, 
 think of this, and anticipate the time, when the thought 
 of his neglect and disobedience will pierce him as with 
 the stings often thousand scorpions. 
 
 And let no man vainly think that his sins can be for- 
 given^or their forgiveness absolutely declared — by any 
 of his fellow creatures, however orJained through human 
 agency. He that depends upon man's absolution, will 
 find, in the eternal world, his eyes opened, and will truly 
 and sadly feel that he has, indeed, leant upon a " broken 
 reed." Nor let any set of men arrogate to themselves 
 the power to forgive sins, or to absolve their fellow-men 
 fi'om the just consequences of their misdeeds. These 
 must be suffered j and they who teach men the contrary, 
 thus beguiling them into an easy indifference as to their 
 guilt, will feel the deepest regret for their blindness and 
 presumption, when they pass to that state of being in 
 which God and his creatures appear in their true rela- 
 tions. 
 
 7. We are taught, as by a demonstration of Euclid, 
 that prayer is the great spiritual fcn-ce in God's universe. 
 " Ask, and ye shall receive." Oh ! how true are those 
 blessed words of our Divine Master ! The exp rimefits 
 made by those who have received tbese-communications 
 
310 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 have been followed by Buch results as ought to be suffi- 
 cient to convince the most benighted materialist. For 
 these messages have come in answer to prayer ; indeed 
 they could not have been written, except through the 
 power of God, holding the dark spirits in check, and 
 giving protection to those blessed spirits who came to 
 use the medium and those associated with her to aid in 
 the regeneratiou of fallen humanity. Let those who 
 doubt this remember that even the blessed Saviour was 
 tempted by the Evil One; and that it was only after 
 his victory over those wicked wiles, that the "angels 
 came and ministered unto him." The reader must re- 
 member that we are encompassed by hordes of unpro- 
 gressed spirits, who are armed with great force against 
 us by our sinful inclinations, but are repelled by the 
 prayer which brings to our protection the blessed spirit 
 of the Omnipotent Fathei', who will " give his angels 
 charge over us to keep us in all our ways " ; aud not 
 only to our protection, but to that of the blessed spirits 
 who are always striving to impress mankind for their 
 good. The spirit of Sir Isaac Newton aptly compares 
 this power to the force of universal gravitation, the law 
 of which he was the first to make known to mankind ; 
 and it was illustrated by the remark of another spirit 
 who, after a peculiarily successful sitting, said : " We 
 are strong to-night through your PRAYEES." Again 
 and again have the good spirits warned those with whom 
 they wished to communicate to preserve prayerful in- 
 clinations — to keep God in their hearts, or the com- 
 munications would be broken in upon by un progressed 
 spirits (devils). With this realizing sense of the power 
 of prayer, well may the Christian exclaim, " Though I 
 walk through thct Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 311 
 
 fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy 
 staff they comfort me." Every spirit has borne vrit- 
 ness to this power of prayer, either by enjoining it upon 
 ourselves, or asking our prayers for his assistance. 
 " Pray always — in church and out of church," says one 
 spirit ; while the spirit of the liev. S. D. Ferguson de- 
 fines and enjoins prayer in the following terms: "A 
 prayer is but an aspiration for purity. It need not be 
 upon your knees ; it need not be by yourself; it need 
 not be with others; but it only need be with God." 
 (See page 268.) 
 
 8. We are thus enlightened as to the usefulness of 
 " prayers for the dead" — not a Protestant doctrine, but 
 nevertheless sanctioned by the Scriptures, and by the 
 early usages of the Christian churches. It is true that 
 Christ did not speciiically enjoin it ; but of this there 
 appears to have been no need. It seems to have been 
 the practice of his times ; and, therefore, in not condemn- 
 ing it he sanctioned it. Indeed, with his knowledge of 
 God and the future world, it was not for him to suppose 
 that any could be so short-sighted as to limit the mercy 
 of Him whose loving Icindness is infinite, to the short 
 span of this sublunary life. St. Peter, however, appears 
 to have realized the fact fully, as he says, "Christ 
 preached to the. spirits in prison." This subject has, in 
 recent years, been fully discussed by several Protestant 
 clergymen, who take a decided stand in support of the 
 doctrine. In this connection the words of the Rev. 
 Frederick George Lee may properly be cited : — 
 
 " When ancient services used of old in tliis Cliurcli [Angli- 
 can] and realm are carefully compared with those now in the 
 Prayer Book, it is impossible not to regret the loss we have sus- 
 tained by the change. No doubt our present Burial Service is 
 
312 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 solemn, dignified, and touching, and full of consolation to tlie 
 mourners. But it is nevertlieless intentionally and eminently 
 selfisli, Tlie living rather than the departed are considered 
 throughout it, while the dead are almost entirely forgotten. 
 And what during the past three centuries, has been the reason- 
 able consequence of this uncharitable f orgetf ulness ? Even 
 this — that our funerals have by degrees become more and more 
 distinctively heathen in their character, and less Christian than 
 ever. {Christian, Doctrine of Prayer for tlie Departed — London, 
 1872.) 
 
 The following Liturgy of the Church of Abyssinia is 
 selected from twenty-one specimens of Christian litur- 
 gies collected by Mr. Lee for evidence and illustration. 
 The germ of it is the ancient Liturgy of St. Mark : — 
 
 *' From the throne of Thine nnconceived glorj^ vouchsafe, O Lord, to look 
 with the eye of pity and compassion on the souls of the faithful departed, 
 the works of Thine own hands. , Be merciful unto them, O Great Kin jj;, and 
 forgive their past transgressions, putting away the remembrance of former 
 sins, because of Thine own dear Son. Leave them not desolate in a place of 
 darkness and terror, but lift up their eyes to the land of paradise, and satisfy 
 their longings with the waters of Thy comfort. Protect them from the incur- 
 sions of their foe, and shield them by the hand of Thine omnipotence. Call 
 them, in their day of rejoicing, to delight in Thy heavenly mansions, where 
 light, and peace, and joy unspeakable arc for ever and ever. We ask this 
 both for quick and dead because of Thine only-begotten Son, in whom con- 
 tinually we place oar hope and trust," 
 
 The careful reader will not fail to perceive in this 
 beautiful prayer the exact and perfect correspondence, 
 in the truths indirectly referred to, to those in the spirit 
 communications given in this work. This is offered not 
 for confirmation of these truths, but to show that they 
 are not discordant with the teachings and practices of 
 primitive Christianity, fi-om which our present churches 
 appear, in some respects, to have departed. 
 
 9. If nothing more should be said of the teachings 
 of these communications, it might be asserted that their 
 Christian character has not been completely shown ; but 
 this is very far from being the dase. Christ's historical 
 
SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 313 
 
 existence, his office as the Saviour of mankind, his mis- 
 sion as the "Prince of Peace," his character as the Son 
 of God, his worlc of redemption on earth, his atoning 
 sacrifice as the Lamb, and his present spiritual reign in 
 heaven, are all fully recognized, and impressed upon 
 the minds of men as verities beyond a question, since 
 they are enunciated or referred to as the facts of spirit- 
 ual experience by those who are now dwelling in the 
 " many mansions " spoken of by the blessed Jesus, when 
 he was on earth, as the apartments of his "Father's 
 house." Before this how weak and unsatisfactory ap- 
 pear the so-called " evidences of Christianity," as pre- 
 sented by the strongest and most spiritual of minds ! 
 Subjective evidence was, indeed, never wanting; but 
 here we have an objective proof unquestionable and irre- 
 sistible, — aye, far more powerful than the light which 
 was given to the persecuting Saul, with the voice of ex- 
 clamation, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou meV" 
 
 Such being the case, is the editor and compiler wrong 
 in presenting this work to his fellow-men as affording a 
 demonstration of the Christian Faith ? And is Chris- 
 tian faith so strong, or so general, at present as to need 
 no farther assurance from heaven ? With truth has one 
 of the most distinguished scientists and thinkers of the 
 present day, attributed the spread of lawlessness and 
 crime to the '' decline of faith among men ; " and it has 
 been well said by a religious journal, " Infidelity organ- 
 ized has begun to attack not only Christianity, but the 
 constitution of society." Yes; and if this new illumina- 
 tion is rejected (but it cannot be rejected, for it is of 
 God), then, indeed, will socialism, communism, nihilism 
 (dreadful word !) undermine all the foundations of the 
 social fabric ; and those who are too proud and conceited 
 
314 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 to see the truth in time, and help to spread it among 
 mankind, will be buried in the ruins. 
 
 10. The "fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of 
 man" constituted the central truth of Christ's teachings, 
 and also of these communications. " Love God and 
 love one another " is echoed and re-echoed through these 
 messages of spiritual truth ; and as Christ taught, so 
 these teach, that the observance of this law is all that is 
 necessary for salvation — for the attainment of a state of 
 bliss and endless progress after the death of the body. 
 In this respect the doctrine of these communications is 
 eminently Christian. 
 
 11. It is not, however, sectarian or denominational. 
 It does not favor any particular form of belief or worship. 
 If God be truly loved, and worshiped in spirit and in 
 truth, forms are of no consequence; and all creeds are 
 subordinate to these all-essential conditions. Catholic 
 and Protestant, Roman and Greek, Jew and Gentile, — 
 all are the children of God's love, and subjects of 
 Christ's redem[ition ; ami all attain the higher conditions 
 of spiritual excellence and happiness in proportion as 
 they conform to the only essential conditions of love to 
 God, and, as a necessary consequence, love to man. 
 There is only one baptism really essential, and that is 
 the baptism of the Holy Spirit ; but others are harmless 
 unless they lead astray. The teachings of this book 
 attack no form of Christian faith, provided it be Chris- 
 tian ; but as far as the so-called Christian churches de- 
 part from genuine primitive Christianity, in the simplicity 
 in which Christ presented it to men, these writings 
 attack all; and the truth contained in them will over- 
 turn all error and confound all those who oppose it. 
 The mighty agencies behind this spiritualistic move- 
 
SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 315 
 
 ment will, in God's providence and in his own time, 
 there is every reason to believe, continue the warfare 
 against falsehood and wickedness, and the Evil One, 
 its author — till man's salvation is assured, and the holy 
 prophecies of the past shall have been all fulfilled. 
 
 12. Moreover, we are taught that by hwniUty alone 
 can we receive the truth which is able to save our 
 souls. Of this fact, the illustrations are innumerable. 
 "Be not wise in your own conceits,'' says the Apostle; 
 while the words of the Saviour, it will be remembered, 
 were: "Except ye become as little children, ye shall 
 not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven ; " and " Who- 
 soever shall humble himself a,8 this little child, the same 
 is (ji-eatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." This is the 
 hardest of all lessons to learn ; for conceit and preju- 
 dice govern a very large part of mankind.* 
 
 How many there are who will confidently condemn 
 and deride, without examination, the conclusions which 
 others have reached after years of patient study and in- 
 vestigation I 
 
 The above summary shows what are the facts and 
 precepts which the spirit intelligences of the higher 
 spheres are so anxious to impress upon the minds of 
 men. The editor feels that be has not, and that he can- 
 not, present these glorious and sublime teachings with 
 
 * Pope well said : 
 
 *' Of all the causes which conspire to blind 
 Mans erring judgment, and misguide the mind, 
 What the weak head with strongest hiiis rules, 
 Is pride ; the never failing vice of fools. 
 Whatever nature has in worth denied, 
 She gives in large recruits of needful pride ! 
 Pride, where wit fails, steps in to our defense, 
 And fills up all the mighty void of eense. 
 If once bright reason drives that cloud away 
 Truth breaks upon us with resistless day."^ 
 
316 SPIRITUAL C0MMUNIGATI0N3. 
 
 the clearness and force worthy of so great a revelation. 
 But let the communications themselves be carefully 
 studied; and if candor and the desire for truth prevail 
 in the mind of him who thus studies them, a spiritual 
 illumination will result, which will supersede the te- 
 quirement of all adventitious illustration and argument. 
 And it must be borne in mind (for the editor solemnly 
 asserts it to be the truth, deny it in blindness whososver 
 will) that these writings have been given by inspiration^ 
 and in a manner probably analogous to that by which 
 the messages of Holy Writ were received— of course 
 not directly by Divine influx, but indirectly so, since 
 imparted by those spirits who, in all they do, feel that 
 they are performing the mission assigned to them, as 
 they say, by the blessed Saviour, and sanctioned, of 
 course, by their Almighty Father and Sovereign. To 
 this view, futile, if not scornful, objections will be raised, 
 such as, why should a revelation come in this way, or 
 by these persons,* or at this late day ? Such, be it re- 
 membered, were the objections urged against the mis- 
 sion of Jesus. The manner in which he came, the per- 
 sons he selected as his disciples, the methods in which 
 he demonstrated (to humble and candid minds) the 
 truth of his gospel, and more especially his precepts — so 
 simple and yet so effective, but so antagonistic to the 
 ecclesiasticism and dogmatic teachings of the times, — ■ 
 all gave offense, and excited the most devilish passions 
 on the part of those of his hearers who were connected 
 with the corrupt and corrupting institutions which he 
 
 * " Nay, (aod chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to 
 Bhame the wise men ; and God chose the weak things of the world that he 
 might put to shame the things which are strong. . . . That no flesh should 
 glory before God."— 1 Cor. i. 87-39. 
 
SPiniTUAL GOMMUNIOATIONa. 317 
 
 came to overthrow.* The same phenomena marked the 
 career of his apostles, — passionate denial, derision, scorn, 
 persecution, and death; but the words of the wise and 
 learned Gamaliel were fulfilled : " Refrain from these 
 men, and let them alone : for if this counsel or this work 
 be of men, it will come to naught ; but, if it be of God, 
 ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to 
 fight against God." (Acts v. 38, 39.) 
 
 Let us not presume to dictate to God, or to criticise 
 his providential dispensations, by the operation of our 
 petty judgment, in arrogantly asking, why this revela- 
 tion by means of spirit communion is given to mankind 
 at this " late day." Doubtless, the present condition of 
 the human mind, while generally rejecting religious or 
 supersensuous truth as illusory is really better adapted 
 to receive it without falling back into superstition. It 
 is true that spirit-writing exists, to a greater or less de- 
 gree, and has existed for ages, among the Chinese, and 
 perhaps other Oriental nations; but, in the benighted 
 condition of their minds, it seems, as far as is known, to 
 assume the form of a degrading superstition.! Certainly, 
 in the manner in which it is practiced, as described by 
 travelers, no enlightened spirit intelligence could com- 
 municate, and hence the messages received can be only 
 such as are calculated to deceive or injure those who 
 
 * " Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the 
 prophets : Behold, ye despisers ; and wonder, and perish ; for I work a 
 work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man 
 declare it unto you," — Acts xiii. 40, 41. 
 
 t See an interesting article on Siiirit Writing in China in Blackwood s Mag. 
 azine, April 1863 ; also Howitt's History of llv. Supernatural, Vol. 1, pp. 414, 
 415. One of the Chinese mediums, in 1843, announced from the spirits the 
 coming of a new pretender to the throne ; and the consequence was, that 
 three of the invoking party were arrested and beheaded. The communi- 
 cations from the spirits were, however, perfectly in accord with the facta 
 88 they afterwards occurred. 
 
318 SPIRITUAL GOMMUmOATIONS. 
 
 obtain them. Spirit intercourse may be the greatest 
 and purest of all blessings^ or the blackest curse to 
 mankind. Divination, witchcraft, sorcery, and necro- 
 mancy* are to be greatly condemned ; for these are not 
 spiritual gifts, nor can they be carried on by means of 
 angelic " ministering spirits." In an age of materialism, 
 atheism, and general disbelief in everything not derived 
 from the exercise of the bodily senses, any spiritualistic 
 phenomena may, indeed, be useful, in recalling the 
 human mind from its vain and arrogant denial of spirit, 
 immortality, and God ; and demonstrating to it that 
 there are forces and intelligences, the existence and op- 
 eration of which cannot be explained by any hypothesis 
 deduced from physical laws. As far as such phenom- 
 ena are thus useful in giving to mankind a knowledge 
 of the future world and their relations to it, the good 
 spirits may aid in the production of these effects, how- 
 ever trivial and undignified they may aj)pear to ns; 
 beyond this, such manifestations would be left to the 
 unprogressed spirits, who might amuse themselves, in 
 terrifying, deceiving, or mocking the living, in this way. 
 Doubtless, if mankind were brought to believe that, 
 instead of exercising their own faculties, they could 
 have recourse to the spirit world, and by the aid thus 
 received obtain the gratification of their desires here on 
 earth, the race would very soon relapse into a state of 
 superstitious degradation. But the present advance- 
 ment of the human mind forbids this. The progress in 
 material science has taught man to understand the 
 
 *By necromancy (vsupo'^ navTSia) is here meant the attempt t(t/orei>:ll 
 /alurc events relating to secular interests by consulting the spirits of the de- 
 parted. This the Scriptures condemn, as do also and strongly these Spiritual 
 Communications They arc thus spiHtuaX in the highest sense. (Compare 
 Acts xi 18-14 with Acts xvi- 16-18.) 
 
SPIRITUAL aOMMUmCATIONS. 31 9 
 
 powers of nature ; and the progress of the useful arts 
 has shown him on what he may rely for the acquisition 
 of all the necessities, conveniences, and luxuries of this 
 life. He has learned in this way self-reliance ; he has 
 learned to prize mental freedom, and to discountenance 
 all efforts on. the part of ecclesiastical or political 
 powers to limit it; and hence he has become not only 
 confident in his own opinions, but tolerant of those 1 of 
 his fellow-men. 
 
 But, alas ! his scientific progress has conducted him to 
 the negation of God, as his Creator and Father, and of 
 spiritual things ; and the subjective evidence to be ob- 
 tained by prayer to, and communion with, the Infinite 
 Spirit, becomes powerless to convince him, for he re- 
 gards nothing except the visible, the sensible, the tan- 
 gible. What shall then be done ? Shall the All-Mer- 
 ciful One allow his children, in blindness, to be lost — to 
 plunge themselves into "horrible sufferings," or shall he 
 in his omnipotence, interpose, as in the past he always 
 has interposed ; to bring his loved ones to the light ? 
 Certainly, he may be expected to present to his crea- 
 tures just the revelation they need ; and, at this time, 
 with the habits of thought that have led them astray 
 they need objective peooj ;* and it is this that spirit 
 intercourse, in aU Us forms, has given ; and within a 
 generation the belief in it — called Modern Spiritualism 
 — has gone round the world; and millions of human 
 
 * In illustration of this, the following extract from a recent lecture by an 
 eminent physician and spiritualist (Dr. J. R. Buchanan) is here presented : — 
 " There is nothing which shall not be known—nothing which can be hid- 
 den. The Christian shall see Chri.st as he is to-day, and as he was on the 
 cross, for he is a Comforter, forever coming to those who seek him ; and T 
 Jcnoiv thi's as a maUer of positive science, which I am ^villing and fearless to pro- 
 claim before the skeptical world of scientists." (Lecture delivered in Everett 
 Hall, Brooklyn, Dec. 26, 1878.) 
 
320 SPIRITUAL COMMUmCATIONh. 
 
 beings have been brought to a conscious personal knowl- 
 edge of their Heavenly Father through its means. 
 Scientists have been converted from materialism ; 
 clergymen have been lifted out of the darkness of big- 
 otry, and many of the poor outcasts of society have 
 learned how to bear their miseries, and to look for com- 
 pensation from the infinite justice of their Creator, be- 
 yond the tomb. 
 
 In an ignorant, bigoted, persecuting age, this spiritu- 
 alistic movement would have been arrested with fire 
 and sword ; and the " ministering spirits " would, prob- 
 ably, have retired, and have waited, in the providence 
 of God, for a time of greater enlightenment. Perhaps 
 this was the case at the time of the witchcraft excite- 
 ment. Now, however, persecution must take other 
 forms ; and, notwithstanding the malign efforts of bigots, 
 materialists, and blind simpletons, this great wave of 
 Spii-ituallsm moves on, gradually lifting the human race, 
 and the social system, into better, happier, and more 
 hopeful conditions. The result will be a great revolu- 
 tion; but its successful accomplishment will be hailed, 
 there can be no doubt, with joyous hosannas to God, by 
 the blessed spLints of the higher spheres, who still, as we 
 learn, are looking with intense interest upon those — 
 their fellow-creatures — whom God sent his Son to save. 
 
 The mission of this book is to convert men to Christ- 
 ianity, by aifording objective evidence of the truth of 
 its great doctrines ; — by demoiistrating to them the ex- 
 istence of the future world, with all its joys and dread- 
 ful retributions, so that their faith shall become vital, 
 active, and irresistible; — by compelling them to listen 
 to the warning voice of conscience, or the voice of God 
 speaking to their souls ; — by teaching them, in part at 
 
SPIRITUAL VOMMXTNIOATIONS. 321 
 
 least, the mysteries contained in the little word love,— 
 the angel's lesson, even in the highest sphere from which 
 the slightest whisper has come to man — for " God is 
 love," and to know truly what love is, is to know God 
 himself;— and, finally, by showing man his great dig- 
 nity, as the image of his Creator, endowed with FREE 
 WILL to choose " betwixt the devil and his angels of 
 destruction, and the most merciful God of love and de- 
 lightful promise." 
 
 Much more might be said in this connection; but 
 further comment is superfluous. The editor, for the 
 present at least, has performed the task imposed upon 
 tim — ^he has given these wondrous messages to man- 
 kind, as far as this book may find i-eaders ; and he might 
 close with the exclamation of Kepler, in pi-esenting to 
 the skeptical world of science in his day the book which 
 announced his discovery of the great harmonic law of 
 the planetary system : " Nothing holds me ; I will in- 
 dulge in my sacred fury. If you forgive me, I rejoice ; 
 if you are angry, I can bear it. ( The die is cast, the book 
 is written, — to be read either now or by posterity." 
 But he would say this not with vainglory, but under 
 the sense of having performed the most important duty 
 of his life — the neglect of which must have brought upon 
 him the remorseful grief of ages. 
 
 Sis task is done ; but, O reader, what of yours ? 
 Think (if you cannot believe), what if these messages 
 are really, just as they profess to be, — those of truth, 
 mercy, and love, coming from the glorious spheres of 
 bliss, to you ! Think, what will be your feelings, in 
 the future, when all earthly things have passed away, 
 and time to you shall be no more, if you disdainfully, 
 blindly, and foolishly reject them. Will you not, as you 
 look back upon the past, curse the willfulness and blind 
 
322 SPIRITUAL GOMMUNIGATIONS. 
 
 conceit with whicli you shut your eyes against the truth, 
 thus brought before you ? Anticipate that dreadful 
 hour, and read not to contradict and captiously impugn, 
 but to weigh candidly, humbly, and prayerfully ; and 
 then accept or cast aside. May God help you to a 
 right spirit and a right decision, and enlist your sympa- 
 thies in a cause which will bring yourself, and all man- 
 kind, to the light of everlasting truth, and to the super- 
 nal glory of God's heavenly mansions — to the " house 
 not made with hands, eternal in the heavens I " 
 
 And to you, Christian ministers, divinely called as 
 you are, or should be, to enlighten mankind as to their 
 future spiritual destiny, this light especially comes, and 
 with it a great responsibility. You may close your eyes 
 against it in pride and derision, you may withhold it from 
 your people, lest it disturb the institutional forms to 
 which your minds are wedded, and in which your 
 worldly interests are involved ; but it may be permitted 
 to a layman to say, in all respect and humility, you can- 
 not, consistently with your sacred function, — to teach 
 and warn mankind, ignore this great Truth, thus brought 
 to your assistance, and so much needed at present to 
 give life and power to your ministrations. You must at 
 least investigate it — humbly and prayerfully. 
 
 God himself, through the mouth of his holy prophet 
 Ezekiel,* has told each of his ministers what the awful 
 responsibilities of his vocation are. May God grant 
 that the blood of no sinner be " required at any of your 
 hands" for the want of warning; anl that God may 
 not have to say : " Behold I am against the Sheji- 
 lierds," because they '\fed themselves and fed not my 
 iiock "; but " Jvfill feed my flock, and cause them to 
 lie down, saith the Lord God." 
 
 *Ezekiel xxxiii. 2-0 ; xxxiv- 10. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Chronological Summaky op the Spirit Writings. 
 
 TiiE reader wlio desires to understand fully the marvelous 
 character of these writings is requested to read each series of 
 communications presented in this summary, using the references 
 in the Index. He will then perceive how foolish it would he to 
 suppose that these writings could have been executed by means 
 of the simple intelligence of the medium, by conscious or ' ' un- 
 conscious cerebration" — a term invented by " scientists" to dis- 
 guise their ignorance and save them the trouble of investigation, 
 or rather, perhaps, to prop up their wretched materialism. Had 
 she the literary ability (which she has not) to compose them 
 herself, adapting each to the character of the person represented 
 as communicating, could she have done it without study or pre- 
 meditation f Of this, it is solemnly averred, there was none ; 
 for, generally, she knew not who was to be called for, or who 
 was to write, before sittting down and taking the pencil in 
 hand. This summary is inserted here as additional evidence 
 and illustration of the facts narrated in the book itself ; and 
 particularly for the benefit of those who have never seen any 
 spirit writings, or other form of mediumship. Only the most 
 important series are given. The time required to write each 
 series is given in the last column. 
 
 Date. 
 
 1878. 
 
 Aug. 
 Sept. 
 
 4. 
 15. 
 
 Communications. 
 
 Various Com. from Shakespeare. 
 
 Wm. B.,gr. James Kelly. M. 
 K. Lucy. A. J. May. Charles W. 
 P. K. H. Raymond. J. Hecker. 
 W. B., Jr. R. Watts 
 
 (323) 
 
 Time. 
 
 14 hr. 
 
 3 hrs, 
 
324 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Date. 
 
 Oct. 
 
 13. 
 
 " 
 
 20. 
 
 " 
 
 27. 
 
 Nov. 
 
 0. 
 
 ft 
 
 24 
 
 ,, 
 
 38. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 8. 
 
 ** 
 
 25 
 
 " 
 
 29 
 
 . Jan. 
 
 3 
 
 " 
 
 5 
 
 " 
 
 13 
 
 ,, 
 
 15 
 
 ■' 
 
 11) 
 
 " 
 
 19 
 
 " 
 
 26 
 
 " 
 
 29 
 
 Communications. 
 
 Washington (3 Com.). Colum- 
 bus 
 
 Judge E. , 4 Com. and colloquies. 
 
 W. B., Sr. F. K. Mozart (3 
 Com.). Mrs. M. Dr. Hunt. Judge 
 E. (8 Com.), and six others 
 
 Mrs. D. Jas. Kelly. J. Hecker. 
 J. W, G., and five others 
 
 Shakespeare. Washington. A. 
 Lincoln (3 Com.), and several 
 others 
 
 Newton (3 Com. ). Lafayette . . . 
 
 Prof. Smythe (3 Com.). Judge 
 E. (several com.) H. J. R. S. R., 
 and several others 
 
 Mrs. D. Jlrs. M. M. K. E. 
 A. Poe. Richard Smythe. St. 
 Augustine 
 
 S. 1!. Rev. S. D. F. (3 Com.). 
 Judge E. John Hecker. W. B., 
 Sr. and Jr 
 
 Swedenborg (3 Com.). JohnK., 
 and three others 
 
 Byron, several Com. and collo- 
 quies 
 
 M. ilcN. M, K. B., Sr. Cor- 
 oner S. W. il. T 
 
 Archbishop Hughes. Mrs. Ed- 
 monds 
 
 Judge E. Martin Luther. Mrs. 
 Lindon. M. McN. Judge E. (col- 
 loquy). Moses 
 
 Moses 
 
 Pontius Pilate 
 
 Judge E. Calvii} (3 Com.) 
 
 Prince Albert. Benj. Franklin. 
 
 A Family Group— eight spirits 
 (not inserted) 
 
 Time. 
 
 1 
 
 hr. 
 
 2 
 
 hrs. 
 
 ■2 
 
 hrs 
 
 1 
 
 hr. 
 
 b 
 
 hr. 
 
 1 
 
 hr. 
 
 u 
 
 hrs. 
 
 3 hrs. 
 
 ■ li hr. 
 . 11 hr. 
 
 li hr. 
 
 14 hr. 
 
 ]■ 1 hr. 
 
 ■ 3 hrs. 
 
 i hr. 
 i lir. 
 li hr. 
 1 hr. 
 
 [ 14 lir. 
 
Date. 
 
 Feb. 
 
 1. 
 
 
 2. 
 
 
 9. 
 
 
 11. 
 
 
 16. 
 
 
 23. 
 
 
 27. 
 
 March 
 
 2. 
 
 16. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 Communications. 
 
 Pio Nono. Judge E. Mrs. 
 Hemans 
 
 C. A. W., address to Seventt 
 Regiment 
 
 Bishop Ives. Napoleon. Jos. 
 Lancaster. M. K, Wm. Penu. . . 
 
 Rebecca. Caroline H. Leonard 
 H. Bishop Janes 
 
 Aaron Burr. A. Hamilton. 
 Washington Irving 
 
 W. C. Bryant. Th. Parker . . . 
 
 Family Group. P. M. R , etc. . 
 
 Rich. W. Wm. L. S. J. N. 
 McE. J. McK. R. Heller 
 
 St. John. Milly W. M. K. 
 John the Baptist. Judge E 
 
 325 
 
 Time. 
 [ li hr. 
 fi tr. 
 [ 14 hr. 
 [ 2 hr. 
 
 [ H lir. 
 
 I hr. 
 1* hr. 
 
 [ If hr. 
 
 Some of the communications referred to in this summary are 
 not inserted in this hook ; and, since the last date mentioned, 
 several others have been written, too late for insertion. It is 
 hoped, however, that it will be possible to present these also to 
 the public at some future time. The eo;i <?■«■«<« presented in this 
 summary afford the most powerful evidence of the truth of 
 these as spirit messages. 
 
 II. 
 
 The following was published in the Banner of Liglit, Sept. 
 14, 1878 ; and is inserted here because it narrates an experience 
 closely resembling that recorded in this book. The name of the 
 writer of the article is unknown to the editor : — 
 
 " Spiritual Manifestations in an Okthoiwx Family." 
 
 " In your paper recently I read a short communication on the 
 subject of ' Prayer,' and I feel impelled to write to you, giving 
 some of our own remarkable experiences during the past year, 
 and at the same time some fruits of our belief. 
 
 " As we (my husband and myself) are Orthodox Congregation- 
 alists, with an ancestry on my own side of clergymen for several 
 
326 APPENDIX. 
 
 generations 'back, it will hardly be expected that we should cut 
 the nerves of moral obligation and rest our faith on anything 
 less than a personal Deity, holding immediate relations with us 
 as earth-dwellers, manifestly created as subjects of moral obliga- 
 tion in the universe. Our hearts and souls cry out continually 
 with the Psalmist for the fountains of the living God. We feel 
 that there must be a power above us that takes cognizance of 
 all human actions, and either quickens or weakens the decisions 
 of the inward monitor ; and that this power governs and con- 
 trols throughout the sxjiritual as well as the material world. It 
 is to this revealed One that we must look, in all his inconceivable 
 perfections, for whatever of truth there is in spiritual manifes- 
 tations. 
 
 "When we are told, therefore, that prayer is a needless in- 
 strumentality in this world of sin, penitence, and sighing ; that 
 the ear of the Divine One is closed to this continuous cry of 
 humanity for the expiation of sin, the abyss of man's guilt opens 
 with too wide a chasm for anything but the most tragic senti- 
 ment to bridge. This is our intellectual belief, and our heart- 
 experience is in accordance with it. 
 
 " We have unquestioning, unwavering faith in our blessed 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer of the world, 
 and in the efficiency of prayer to God for His sake. Every joy, 
 every sorrow, every want, temporal or spiritual, we take to Him 
 in prayer. Prayer is to our spirits wliat the pure air of heaven, 
 which we breathe daily, is to our earthly bodies. When v,'e 
 ' hunger and thirst after righteousness,' after purity, trutli, and 
 love, by prayer, and by prayer alone, are we filled. Do we want 
 strength to encounter the trials and temptations of this earth- 
 life, we read in the Book of Books, ' Trust in the Lord with 
 all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding,' 
 and we trust and pray. Does some temporal want need to be 
 supplied, and the way does not seem clear, we pray. Does some 
 unexpected joy hrigJiten our pathway, our spirits offer a prayer 
 of thanksgiving. Finally, do we earnestly desii'e to speak to 
 the dear guardian angels, who we feel assured are ever around 
 us, do we want their assistance or advice, we aslc it of God in 
 •prayer, and loe have it ! 
 
 " We do not call ourselves 'Spiritualists,' and I presume, in 
 
APPENDIX. 327 
 
 view of what I have written above, you would not accord us 
 tlmt designation ; but we are, and liave for some time been, firm 
 believers in spiritual manifestations of various kinds, and we 
 deem the power of conversing with those who have gone to the 
 KpLrit-world, and receiving comfort and advice from them, one 
 of God's best gifts to man — one of those good and perfect gifts 
 which come from the Father of lights. 
 
 " We have for the last twenty-five years been conversant 
 with these ' manifestations. ' In the summer of 1852, my father 
 (a Congregationalist clergymen, now gone to the spirit- world), 
 came home from Boston, greatly interested in what he had seen 
 there, and proposed a ' family circle, ' to which we all acceded, and 
 I was soon developed as a writing medium. I wrote a great deal 
 then, but it was not entirely satisfactory to myself, and I pre- 
 sume not so to my friends. After my marriage I gradually gave 
 it up, as my husband thought the 'writing' injurious to my 
 health. But we have never doubted the constant presence of 
 our spirit friends, or their power to communicate with us, 
 although this belief has been kept strictly within our own 
 family. 
 
 " About two years ago, my daughter's most intimate friend, 
 a young lady of rare loveliness of character, passed to the spirit- 
 world. She knew nothing of our belief in these matters, and 
 felt a great shrinking and aversion to anything of the kind 
 while in earth-life. A few weeks after she had left us, while 
 sitting together one evening, conversing on various subjects, wo 
 heard some peculiar raps on a table near us. We soon heard 
 them on other articles of furniture and in various parts of the 
 room, and on inquiring, found that it was our friend lately 
 gone. This was our first intimation of her presence, although 
 we all daily mourned her loss. She then gave us, by raps and 
 the alphabet, some directions for her mother as to 'the disposi- 
 tion of certain articles of hers— her watch and other things. 
 This was the beginning of a series of constant communications 
 from her and others, which has continued until the present 
 time ; embracing many wonderful tests, and numberless mes- 
 sages'of great beauty and goodness, all tending to strengthen our 
 faith in God and in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Some of these T 
 will try to relate. The raps, begun that night, continued at in- 
 
328 APPENDIX. 
 
 tervals, until they were of daily occurrence at any time and in 
 various parts of the house. They wore a source of great pleas- 
 ure to us, and we felt more than ever that the presence of our 
 spirit friends was a reality. 
 
 ' ' We had one evening some very loud and unpleasant raps 
 which annoyed us ; and upon inquiring, the name of the Evil 
 One was spelt out. We replied, ' We will not have this ; ' and 
 my daughter and myself immediately prayed that Grod for 
 Christ's sake would ' deliver us from evil,' and suffer only the 
 good and pure to come to us. This prayer for only good spirits 
 to influence us has been a daily one since, and it has been 
 abundantly answered. 
 
 " But we have long since gone beyond raps as a means of 
 communication. While sitting round a center-table one even- 
 ing with an intimate friend of the family, a singular rubbing 
 and scratching was heard, seemingly on the under side of the 
 table. We asked, ' Who is here, and what is wanted? ' but the 
 rubbing continued until it became a distinct sound of writing — ■ 
 crossing the t's and dotting the i's. Thinking of my writing in 
 former years, I said, ' Do you wish to write ? ' The answer 
 ' Yes,' came quickly in decided raps. ' Shall I write t ' I asked. 
 ' No,' was the answer. ' Shall our friend ? ' 'No.' ' Shall my 
 daughter ? ' calling her by name. A shower of raps gave a de- 
 cided 'Xes.' Reluctantly she took the pencil for the first time, 
 and wrote for more than an hour rapidly and intelligibly. 
 There was no circle, no joining of hands, no darkening of the 
 room, and only three others beside my daughter present. 
 Questions were asked by the friend present in both Spanish and 
 German, with which languages my daughter is entirely unac- 
 quainted, and long satisfactory answers given in the same lan- 
 guages. I should say here, that she naturally, of course, took 
 the pencil in her right hand ; but it was immediately changed, 
 the left hand taking it from the right, and retaining it during 
 the entire writing. Tills we found was not our friend com- 
 municating, but another whom she had brought with her, and 
 who has since been our constant companion here. lie is a 
 bright, joyous, fun-loving spirit, who left earth-life in 1848, 
 when only fourteen years old. We have since found his friends, 
 who reside in New Jersey, and he has given us proofs and tests 
 
APPENDIX. 329 
 
 •without number as to liis truthfulness. His name (' Vic') is a 
 household word with us now, and whenever we are depressed 
 or troubled, he comes with his merry, playful ways to cheer us 
 up, and make us laugh, in which he always succeeds. He 
 says that is his mission. We have a son of fifteen, who is es- 
 pecially attached to this spirit-friend, and who calls upon him 
 daily, through his sister's mediumship, for sympathy in all his 
 sports, frequently saying that he likes ' Vic ' for company better 
 than any boy he knows. His infl.uence over him is always for 
 good. My daughter's friend has become her guardian, and con- 
 trols her especially, keeping, through the grace of God, all evil 
 from her and her brother, and permitting only those whom she 
 knows to be good to come to us. This she says God allows her 
 to do ; it is a part of her mission. We have had a great number 
 of other spirit friends with us, from time to time, but all 
 brought by her, they say — she in many instances writing for 
 them, saying, ' It is not given them to write. ' 
 
 " Some peculiarities of our writings are, that they are done at 
 any time, without the least preparation, frequently wlien we are 
 not asking or expecting it, with no circle or arranged stance, 
 and alone or with one, two, or any number present. There is 
 no apparent psychological condition superinduced or otherwise 
 brought about ; but my daughter seems in a perfectly normal 
 state, carrying on conversations while her hand is thus occuj)ied, 
 on the incidental topics discussed by those present. And these 
 writings will take place even in her sleep, when pencil and 
 paper are placed by her, and the most beautiful sentiments 
 thrown ofE witli the greatest possible rapidity. At all times 
 when the names God, Jehovalv, or Jesus Christ are written, the 
 hand is arrested, the pencil moving with great slowness, and 
 the fingers hovering over it as if it were sometliing inefEably 
 sacred and holy. 
 
 " The hand, however, is more or less abnormally affected 
 while writing, generally becoming somewhat cold and damp 
 after any considerable time. When slie writes in her sleep, she 
 will give the exact time of night with no timepiece in the room, 
 or any clock that strikes the liours in the house, and also indicate 
 the precise moment at which she will be awakened by her 
 attending spirits. But the most remarkable exhibition in her 
 
330 APPENDIX. 
 
 case is t]iat of a particular spirit wlio uniformly writes with 
 tlie paper turned from tlie medium, so tliat the person on the 
 opposite side of the table can read the messages as they are 
 penned, each sentence being written backwards, and the last 
 word of each sentence, and the last letter of each word, written 
 first. These back -handed messages are written with great legi- 
 bleness and rapidity, and form continuous sentences of extreme 
 beauty and appropriateness of thought and sentiment. This is 
 done while she is blindfolded, and with her left hand ; and it 
 is utterly impossible for her to perform this feat with either 
 hand when attempting to do so of her own accord. 
 
 " Among other extraordinary tests, the captain of one of our 
 New Haven and New York steamboats recently lost one of a most 
 valuable pair of sleeve-buttons, which he prized most highly as 
 a gift, and had vainly searched for weeks to find. He requested 
 that our ' spirit-friend ' should inform him where it could be 
 found. A message was sent him that it was not lost, but was 
 where he put it ; and his hand was involuntarily moved to a 
 lappel in his vest, where the companion button had been 
 thoughtlessly placed by him and overlooked. Our daughter had 
 never seen the button, and was many miles away from him. It 
 is a common occurrence in our family, when anything is lost, 
 and diligent search has been made for it, to ask where it is ; and 
 in every instance the place is immediately indicated where it 
 may be found. 
 
 " On one occasion the question was asked, ' What does " S." 
 stand for in the initial of a newly-formed acquaintance 1 ' refer- 
 ring to a person who had recently and accidentally become inter- 
 ested in the mediumship of our daughter. Instantly the pencil 
 was seized, and the name ' Saltonstall ' was written. Then 
 followed a series of test answers of the most extraordinary char- 
 acter, such as that he had two brothers engaged in mercantile 
 business in China, one of whom had recently left the earth-life ; 
 that ' Saltonstall ' was the middle name of his father, who was 
 a lineal descendant of old Governor Saltonstall, of Connecticut, 
 and who had a large family of children, the number being 
 given, when not one of the facts stated was known to our 
 daughter or a single person in the room. Other questions were 
 
APPENDIX. 331 
 
 asked and answered, and all were fully verified by subsequent 
 inquiry. 
 
 " Other spirits have come and written to their friends, giving 
 the names of entire families, and such circumstances as the 
 death of one member in Pisa, Italy ; of another at a boarding- 
 school for young ladies ; of the marriage of a third, with names, 
 dates, and places — all fully verified, even to the minutest partic- 
 ulars, when answers were received from the parties addressed ; 
 and yet these families were hundreds of miles away ; and not 
 one of them was known, or ever before heard of. 
 
 "Our daughter will take her seat at the piano, blindfolded, 
 but in a perfectly normal condition, and without knowing what 
 is placed before her will play difficult music that she has never 
 seen. On several occasions we have been told that such and 
 such things would take place before loug — sometimes events 
 relating to our own family, and in several instances relating to 
 friends and acquaintances. These predictions have always 
 proved true. One evening, some evil influence calling himself 
 ' Xerxes ' made several inefEectual efforts to communicate ; and 
 finally succeeded in writing, 'I want to write, hut a girl here 
 
 tcon't let me (with an oath) ; her name is ■' calling the name 
 
 of our friend. She immediately wrote, ' Xo, 1 won't let him or 
 any evil come here or near you.' I fully believe that, if the 
 medium and others interested desire it, all evil influences can be 
 kept far away, and only the pure and good permitted to write, 
 which to us seems most desirable. Tliis has been our experi. 
 ence, and I believe it to be the result of prayer. 
 
 " To give you the hundredth part of the remarkable messages 
 that have been received through our daughter, would make 
 this an article of magazine rather than newspaper length. We 
 will therefore end by a single other incident, occurring but re- 
 cently in a game of Casino. The medium was blindfolded at 
 the request of her spirit-friend, the cards were dealt into the 
 hand of a young brother sitting opposite her, with the backs 
 of the cards turned toward her. The game was played by her, 
 she taking the cards singly from her brother's hand, and win- 
 ning the game. Two or three times the brother exclaimed, 
 ' That was a foolish play ; and yet. the result showed that it 
 was just such a play of the cards as an expert player would 
 
332 APPENDIX. 
 
 liave made had lie known tlie cards held by his partner and two 
 antagonists. The game was counted by her by simply placinij 
 her hand on the cards, and counting the number of points con- 
 tained in her hand, and moving her peg to indicate the same. 
 Only one game was played ; but when asked to play another, 
 this was written : ' It is not allowed, except to convince you of 
 the reality of our presence.' 
 
 " As 1 stated in the commencement of this letter, we have 
 always been firm believers in the truth and sacredness of the 
 Holy Bible, in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and in salvation 
 through Him, and Him alone ; and I desire to say that, so far 
 from having this belief changed or weakened in the least, it has 
 been confirmed and strengthened by all the communications we 
 have received ; and our reverence and love for God and our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ has never been so great, and has nevtT 
 exerted so strong and purifying an influence over our every-day 
 life, as since we have been the happy recipients of these blessed 
 messages from our augel-friends. W. 11." 
 
 Had this pare and gifted medium and her friends been able 
 or willing to give their wonderful and beautiful experience to 
 the world, attested by their own signatures, the revelation 
 vouchsafed to them would, doubtless, have been vastly height- 
 ened and augmented, by communications similar to those re- 
 corded in this volume. Mediumship has an infinite diversity 
 of phases ; and it is a " spiritual gift" designed to elevate the 
 world of mankind, and lift them out of darkness and sin into 
 the light of God's heavenly truth. How can any one keep so 
 blessed a gift, hallowed too by a pure, loving, prayerful nature, 
 all to himself or herself, when so many are sleeping the sleep 
 of death, forgetful of God, and heedless of the terrible fact 
 (to them) that " there is another world?" 
 
 HI, 
 Spirit Communion Illustrated by the Scriptures. 
 It seems to be the impression, or conviction, of many that all 
 intercourse with the spirits of the departed is forbidden by the 
 Holy Scriptures. People that say, with extreme devontness, 
 almost every day of thei- lives, that they believe in the " com- 
 munion of saints," are shocked at the very thought of receiving 
 
APPENDIX. 333 
 
 a message of love from their dear departed, who, they believe, 
 in a kind of sentimental way, are hovering round or near them. 
 Alas I they know not how they pain and chill those dear ones 
 by their, cold, selfish, and cowardly repulses I (iod permits 
 spirit intercourse for righteous and holy purposes, just as he 
 permits his creatures to enjoy other blessings | but many of his 
 choicest blessings are turned into a curse by the wickedness, 
 selfishness, and folly of mankind. The following citations from 
 the Scriptures have been compiled with the view to reassure, 
 if possible, those who would gladly embrace this heavenly boon, 
 Could they satisfy their conscience that it is indeed permitted by 
 God. The communications of holy spirits, and the darks acta 
 of magic, the latter based on a corrupting intercourse with evil 
 spirits, are coeval with the race. The one has led probably to all 
 the progress in civilisation— to all the intellectual, moral, and 
 spiritual improvement — thatmanltindhaVe made ; the other has 
 plunged them into dreadful superstitions and crimes ; and allied 
 them, in their unholy practices, with the powerj of the dark 
 world. Both should be studied, — the one to be encouraged as 
 one of the surest means of spiritual illumination, the other 
 to be denounced and shunned. This the Scriptures .show, as 
 ought to be seen by the following citations :^ 
 
 1. T'he Existence of Spirits. — " In thoughts from the visions 
 of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, fear came upon 
 me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. Then a 
 spirit passed before my face ; the hair of my flesh stood up. 
 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof : an image 
 was before mine eyes ; there was silence, and I heard a voice, 
 saying, Shall mortal man be more j ust than God 1 Shall a man 
 be more pare than his Maker?'' — Job iv. 18-17. 
 
 " There is a spirit in man ; and the inspiration of the Almighty 
 giveth them understanding." — Ibid, xxxii. 8. 
 
 " And Saul said, I pray thee divine unto me by the familiar 
 spirit, and bring me Mm up whom 1 shall name unto thee." — 
 1 Samuel xxviii. 8. {See the whole passage.) 
 
 " And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they 
 were troubled, saying. It is a spirit ; and they cried out for 
 fear." — Matthew xiv. 26. (See also Mark vi. 49.) 
 
 " Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice yielded up 
 his spirit." — Matthew xxvii. 50. , ^^ 
 
 " And her spirit cams again, and she arose straightway. ' — 
 
 Luke viii. 55. ,,,,., ,, 
 
 " Behold my hands and my feet that it is I myself : handle 
 
334 APPENDIX. 
 
 ran, and see ; for a spirit liatli not flesli and bones as ye see me 
 liave." — Luke xxiv. 29. 
 
 " Then t!ie spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself 
 to the chariot." — Acts viii. 29. 
 
 " While Peter thought on the vision, the spirit said untohim, 
 Behold, three men seek thee." — Ibid. x. 19. 
 
 "But Paul, being grieved, turned aud said to the spirit, I 
 command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." 
 —Ibid. xvi. 18. 
 
 "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." — 
 1 Cor. XV. 44. 
 
 " Seducing spirits." — 1 Timothy iv. 1. 
 
 ' ' Every spirit that conf esseth that Jesua Christ is come in the 
 flesh is of God." — 1 John iv. 3. 
 
 "For the body witliout the spirit is dead." — ^James ii. 36. 
 See also Matthew viii. 28 ; ix. 32 ; x. 1 ; xii. 33, 43 ; xv. 33; 
 xvii. 18 ; Mark ix. 17-26 ; xii. 27 ; xv. 37 ; xvi. 17 ; Luke iv. 
 41 ; viii. 37 ; ix. 39-33 ; xi. ll ; xx. 35-38 ; xxiii. 46 ; xxiv. 37 ; 
 John xix. 30. 
 
 2. Ministry of Angels. — "And the angel of the Lord found 
 her by a fountain of water." — Gen. xvi. 7. 
 
 " And he lifted up his eyes aud looked ; and, lo, three men 
 stood by him." — Ibid, xviii. 3 
 
 " And there came two angels to Sodom at even " — Ibid. xix. 1. 
 
 "And the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven." — 
 Ibid. xxi. 17. 
 
 "And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream. " — Ibid, 
 xxxi. 11. 
 
 " And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman. Then 
 the woman came and told her husband a man of Ood came unto 
 me."— Judges xiii. 3. 
 
 " And behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate." 
 — Ezek. ix. 3. 
 
 " And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which 
 called and said, Gabriel [man of GodJ, make this man to under- 
 stand the vision." — Daniel viii. 13. (See also Ibid ix. 21, and x. 
 5. Also Zech. i, 8 and ii.) 
 
 " He shall give his angels charge over thee." — Psalms xci. 11. 
 
 " An angel answered and said unto the woman, Fear not ye." 
 — JIatthew xxviii. 5. 
 
 " Angels came and ministered unto him." — Matthew iv. 11. 
 
 "And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man 
 sitting on the right side, clothed in a long, white garment." — 
 Mark xvi. 5. 
 
 " Behold two men stood by them in shining garments." — Luke 
 xxiv. 4. 
 
 " And seeth two angrls in white.'' — John xx. 12. 
 
 ' • And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went 
 
PPMNDIX. 335 
 
 up, behold, two men stood l)y them in wliite appare; "—Acts 
 i. 10. 
 
 " But the angel of the Lord hi, night 0)>ened the prison door* " 
 —Ibid. V. 19. (See also viii a(i-'2!).j 
 
 "Are they [the angels] not al) ministering; spirits, sent forth 
 to minister for them who sliall be heirs of salvation?"— Hebrews 
 i. 14. 
 
 " I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which 
 shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me. See thou do 
 it not ; for I am t\xy fellow- xcveant, and of thy brethren the 
 prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this hook [i. e. 
 of Revelation]. \Vorship God. " — Revelation xxii. 9. 
 
 From most, if not all, these citations, it would appear that the 
 angels are the blessed and purified spirits of men ; for such is 
 tlieir designation, and such is the form assumed by them. In 
 the last citation this is emphasized strongly, where the blessed 
 angel, entrusted with so great an office, avows himself to be the 
 " fellow-servant " of the saints on earth. (See also Luke xx. 3G ; 
 John X. 34-37 ; Acts xvi. 9 ; Phil. ill. 21 ; Hebrews xii. 23.) 
 
 In regard to this point. Dr. Smith says : " The angels are 
 revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be, 
 when the power of sin and death is removed" — [i. e. " Spirits 
 of just men made perfect"], ^ee Dictionary of the BMe, art. 
 Angels. 
 
 3. Spirit Communion, or the " Communion of Saints." — Very 
 many of the texts already cited illustrate certain forms of Spirit 
 Communion ; and all who believe in the " Communion of Saints " 
 must acknowledge its scriptural basis. In the olden times, men 
 were not frightened by " visions, sayings, writings, or illumina- 
 tions " that gave them spiritual truth and consolation, and were 
 not so deficient in spiritual insight as to fail to discern between 
 "unclean spirits " and " ministering angels ; " but now all spirits 
 are rejected by many as " unclean," even when they bring the 
 holiest words of divine benediction. The Rev. Samuel Watson 
 says : " Ministers, for fear of being charged with being spiritu- 
 alists in the modern sense of that terra, have run into the other 
 extreme ; and rai'ely have the moral courage to preach on the 
 ministry of angels and the " Communion of Saints," for fear of 
 being charged with a belief in tin ridiculous infidelity as taught 
 by many who profess to have hud intercourse with the spirits of 
 the departed." Reference need be made here to but one text : 
 
336 APPENDIX. 
 
 " And tlie saine man [Philip the Evangelist] had f our daugliters, 
 virgins, which did jjrophesy." — Acts xxi. 9. This man was ono 
 of the holiest and wisest of the early Christian proselytes, and 
 was elected to iv very important office in the Church. ITis 
 daughters had the spiritual gifts whicli now would be denomi- 
 nated mediumsJdp ; for the term prophet or prophesy denotes 
 this all through the Scriptures ; that is to say, it denotes that 
 inexplicable gift — that physical, mental, or spiritual peculiarity 
 of constitution — by which the person so endowed is enabled to 
 receive impressions from the spirit world, — sometimes, as it 
 would appear, directly by divine influx, at others from inferior 
 spirits, acting as the ministers of the Most High — the "angels 
 that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearken- 
 ing Unto the voice of His word." The meaning of the term 
 prophet in Hebrew is " one who bunts forth 'loitU divine vUer- 
 ances" (nahi), or " o)i,e who *tr.s — L e. a seer" iroeh or chmeli). 
 " Neither prescience nor prediction," says Dr. Smith, "is im- 
 plied by the term prophet as used in Hebrew, Greek, or English." 
 These four virgins are supposed to have devoted themselves to 
 spiritual teaching — inspirational. (See Smith's Dictionary of 
 Bible, Art. Prophet.) 
 
 " And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto 
 Antioch. And there stood up one; of them, named Agabus, and 
 signified hy the spirit that there should be great dearth through- 
 out all the world ; which came to pass in the days of (.'laudius 
 Ccesar." — Acts xi, 37, 38. 
 
 "These were persons," says Dr, Smith, "who had the 
 xdptdfta TcpoiptfTEKXi vouchsafed to them. H men, they 
 might at the same time be apostles (1 Cor. xiv.) ; and thi-re was 
 nothing to hinder the different ;i;apit)Mara — of wisdom, knowl- 
 edge, faith, teaching, miracles prophecy, discernment, tongues, 
 and interpretation (1 Cor. xii) being all accumulated in one per 
 son. . , The prophets of the Xew Testament were supernatu- 
 rally illuminated expounders and preachers." And of these 
 many such have existed in all periods of human history. The 
 remarkable chapter 1 Cor. xiv. throws much light upon the sub- 
 ject. "Wherefore, brethren, c«vet to prophesy, and forbid not 
 to siieak with tongues. Let all thing.s be done decently and in 
 order." — 1 Cor. xxiv. 39, 4Cr The most important of the uses 
 of this gift is explained in verses 24, 25 (q. n.) of this chapter. 
 
APPENDIX. 337 
 
 The early C'Uristians liad full faitli iu the gaardiansliip of 
 angels. St. Bernard said : " We owe to our guardian angels 
 great reverence, devotion, and confidence. Everywhere pay 
 respect to your angel." The prayers of the R. C. Church in- 
 clude those to the " Guardian Angel." Melanchthon tells us he 
 had seen spirits, and that he knew many men worthy of credit 
 who had not only seen but had discoursed with them. Bishop 
 Hall in his work, " The Invisible World," gives his assent to 
 this doctrine. The pious Oberliu fully believed, and had actual 
 experience, iu this spirit communion. Such seems to have been 
 the belief of Richard Baxter and John Wesley. The latter 
 said : " If our eyes were opened, we should see ' They are more 
 that are for us than they that are against us ; ' " and " In all 
 ages God has used the ministry both of men and angels. " Tliis 
 was also the view of Dr. Adam Clarke ; and the pious Mary 
 Fletcher says ; " Though it is allowed we may have communion 
 with angels, various are the objections raised against the belief 
 of our communion with that other part of the heavenly family, 
 — the disembodied spirits nf the just. If there is joy throughout 
 all the realms above, yea, ' more joy over one sinner that re- 
 penteth than over the ninety and nine that went not astray,' 
 how evident it is to an impartial eye that the state, both of the 
 one and the other, must be known there, together with the 
 progress of each individual." Says the Rev. Samuel Watson : 
 " The real and living verity of the future life, and sjjirit world, 
 is a doctrine which can appeal confidently to the Bible, to his- 
 tory, and to science, for its substantial proof, and reasonable 
 confirmation. It is not only taught in the Bible, but proven by 
 the concurrent testimony of every race of mankind, in all ages 
 of the world." (See The Clock Struck One.) The following is 
 also from a Christian source : " We are too earthly, if not sen- 
 sual, to comprehend, appreciate, and enjoy the Communion of 
 Saints. As we rise in our moral status, we shall find that we 
 approximate to those who have passed the veil ; and we believe 
 that the time will come when fellowship with the CUiurch tri- 
 umphant, and the Church militant, will be realized by all who 
 are in a condition, spiritually, to enjoy such ' conversation in 
 heaven.' " 
 
338 APPENDIX. 
 
 4. Dimnation Prohibited. — " Regard not tliein tliat have famil- 
 iar spirits, neither seek after wizards to be defiled by them." 
 — Levit. xix. 31. 
 
 " A man or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wiz- 
 ard, shall surely be put to death." — Ibid. xx. 27. 
 
 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." — Exod. xxii. 18. 
 
 *' For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." — 1 Sam. xv. 23. 
 See also Deut. xviii. 9—4; 1 Samuel xxviii. 3,9 ; Isaiah viii. 19 ; 
 xliv. 2o ; xlvii. 13, 14, 15 ; Acts xvi. 16-18. 
 
 In these texts, the thing prohibited is the practice of divina- 
 tion or magical arts — that is, a debasing recourse to the lower 
 spirits (for the higher spirits would not lend themselves to the 
 practice), to learn of the future in order to prosecute the affairs 
 of this world. This prohibition was particularly necessary in 
 those times, from tlie dreadful rites to which this divination 
 led (see Levit, xx. 2-6) ; and such spiritual intercourse is still 
 to be shunned. But, it must be borne in mind that the Leviti- 
 cal law is not binding at the present time ; for many of its 
 provisions and injunctions are, in the present age, cruel and 
 absurd in the highest degree. The priesthood, at present, would 
 not probably be willmg to accept Deut. xviii. 1, ."j. And it must 
 be borne in mind, too, that the cessation of spiritual communi- 
 cations was announced by Micah as a curse : — " Therefore night 
 shall be unto you, tliat ye shall not have a vision ; and it shall 
 be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine ; and the sun shall 
 go down over the propliets : and the day shall be dark over 
 them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners con 
 founded ; yea, they shall cover tlieir iips; for there is no an- 
 swer of God." This prediction was ftdfilled by the spiritual 
 darkness that prevailed during the tour centuries between Mal- 
 achi and tlie coming ol the Saviour. So there evidently was a 
 holy, as well as an unholy, spirit communication or divination. 
 But nothing farther need be said on this subject after referring 
 to tlie fact that Christ himself consulted the spirits of the de- 
 parted on the holy mountain ; and thus, in tact, abrogated any 
 general prohibition against spirit communion, showing to his 
 disciples and mankind that, for holy purposes, the spirits of the 
 just and good can and will always communicate. (See Howitt's 
 Uislory of the Supernatural, vol. i. s. v. The Supernatural 
 in the Neuo Testament.) 
 
ArPENDIX, 330 
 
 IV. 
 Sacked Precepts fmom tub Spirit Would. 
 
 The following are Inserted liere for illustration of the charac- 
 ter of the teachings of the higher spirits delivered through other 
 mediums than those referred to ia this book ; — 
 
 I. 
 
 " You profess to believe spirits ; you profess to an entire 
 cliange of feeling in regard to life and its duties , you profess 
 to Jive for progress, and to earnestly desire to shun and to root 
 out everything evil and impure in your action and thought. 
 Can you not understand, then, tliat you are specially guarded ? 
 that that love vfhich makes you the especial charge of holy 
 spirits is for the purpose of enabling you to overcome evil for 
 good by our aid and influence? Can you not realize that it ia 
 for some great and noble object that you are thus placed within 
 the reach of those guides who shall direct you toward those 
 glorious spheres where there shall be no evil, and where you 
 shall be pure and holy 1 
 
 " But woe to them who are the instruments Selected, if, in- 
 deed, they listen not to what we have said — who, in spite of all 
 the means of progress, choose rather the evil than the good ! 
 Human mind never pictured to itself tlie degradation which 
 will ensue here ou earth, and the infinite misery hereafter. 
 
 " My friends, deep is the faith of those who are engaged in 
 this work ! — tiieii love ! Oh ! words fail to express it. Their 
 patience is like time, ever and continual ; and their forgivene.ss, 
 beyond that of parent. You, what are you here for V What do 
 you profess to believe V Earnestly strive with us. Earnestly 
 desire to know what you' are, and earnestly pray that you may 
 so understand the operations ot your own hearts, that you may 
 be able to overcome evil with good ; and on earth, as in the 
 spheres, every day advance one step toward light and truth. 
 
 "SWEDENBORG." 
 
 This emanated from the spirit of Swedenborg through the 
 mediumship of Dr, Dexter. An explanation being asked, 
 the following was written :— " If 1 exhaust much tinu' on tlii.s 
 
340 APPENDIX. 
 
 subject, it will be of service to you all. You ask for an applira- 
 tion of what I have said. Hear me, tlien ; and realize, if joil 
 can, that every spirit present here to-night willingly suspend:! 
 his labors, that you may he instructed in that which shall enable 
 you to know and to judge how you are to act, and when you are 
 to cast oil that which may be evil, and take on that which ia 
 good. The day is dawning when the truth will gird up its 
 loins, and travel with speed through the world. Tou are its 
 avant-guards ; you are its companions. In joy or in sorrow, in 
 prosperity and in adversity, you must go on ; there is before 
 you all much to do ; the light is twinlcling like a star dimly 
 seen. Can you behold the glorious beams of the noonday sun ? 
 Then while we are moved for you, let your hearts drink up 
 these sayings and listen. Now, in the very midst of you, all 
 the spirits kneel together, and are singing a song of love and 
 praise And, while I am writing, there comes a Hood of radiant 
 1 ight, streaming into their circle, clothing them with a brilliance 
 mortal eye cannot behold ; and a spirit from the higher spheres 
 descends, and stands in their midst ; and, raising one hand 
 toward heaven, says : ' To me belongs this lesson ; — to me be- 
 longs the explanation; and through the mouth of the Judge 
 will I utter it.' I give way, and with yourselves I listen ; for 
 from those glorious spheres both you and I can derive instruc- 
 tion. — SwEDENBORQ." Then Judge Edmonds was impressed, 
 and spoke the following : " Servants of tlie Most Higli 1 have 
 ye in your hearts no vainglory 1 Lingers not there the love of 
 man's applause, which so often taints mortal life? And are 
 your labors prompted only by a love of Ood and your fellow- 
 creatures? Is there not lingering deep down in your souls a 
 remnant of those passions which have tinged your mortal careei 
 in tiiues past? Speak ! for ye know. Is there no self in your 
 motives, or in your actions, in the great cause of truth m which 
 ye are enlisted? Deceive not yourselves. Vaunt not yourselves 
 of the love, the admiration, the regards, of bright and holy 
 spirits ; for little know ye how deep is the grief ye may cause 
 them by cherishing, still lingerhig in your hearts, the selfish 
 passions which your material existence may have engendered. 
 Vaunt ye of your courage ? What is it but that ye are not sunk 
 as low as some? Pride ye yourselves on /our knowledge? 
 
APPENDIX. 341 
 
 What is it lint a fearful addition to your responsibility over 
 those who yet slumber in ignorance ? Regard ye yourselves as 
 teachers ? What are ye but infants, tottering with feeble steps 
 over the threshold of knowledge 1 
 
 " Oh ! mortals ! weak and sinful mortals I Bow yourselves in 
 the dust before that purity which has selected you as its instru- 
 ments — purity of whose extent you cannot conceive, and in whose 
 presence ye are dark as midnight. Humble yourselves before 
 that mighty Power \<'hose servants ye are, and, looking abroad 
 upon the boundless universe which has been unfolded to your 
 view, thinlc how insignificant ye are. Let your thought roam 
 over the countless millions of holy spirits who people eternity, 
 and ask yourselves what ye are. And remember, that as you 
 have been favored with light and knowledge beyond your fel- 
 lows, so shall the more abundant fruit thereof be demanded of 
 you. As you liave been the recipients of that love which puri- 
 fies and elevates the heart, so will it be demanded of yoit the 
 more, that ye should show it forth in your lives. And oh, be 
 ware ! beware, for your own salie ; beware, for the sake of 
 those whose love for you now causes them to tremble for your 
 future, how ye permit an entrance into your hearts of a single 
 unkind feeling ; and be assured that every indulgence thereof 
 will be but heaping coals of fire on your own heads — a laying up 
 for yourselves treasures of sorrow which will haunt your foot- 
 steps many a long and weary hour in your passage through 
 eternity. 
 
 To you the kingdom of heaven has been opened beyond any- 
 thing ever yet known to mortal man. On you has been shed a 
 holy light beyond that of your fellows. On you hopes are built — 
 0, how great, how fervent, how cheering ! To you is committed 
 a task — O, how infinitely important ! And on you, consequently, 
 rests a responsibility, and devolves a duty, which naught but 
 purity of life and action and thought can enable you to dis- 
 charge. 
 
 ' ' Know, then, yourselves. Know, then, yourselves ! Dive 
 deep down into the recesses of your hearts, and bring up in stern 
 review before your judgments, enlightened as they have been 
 by the knowledge given you, your most secret motives and pur- 
 poses, and by an unshrinking amisutation cut off from yourselves 
 
342 APPENDIX. 
 
 tlie evil propensities wliicli retard your progress and impair 
 your usefulness. 
 
 " Do tliis, and be liappy. Do tliis, and ye shall be able suc- 
 cessfully to accomplisk tlie great work before you. Do this, and 
 in the glad shouts which will welcome your entrance into the 
 spirit-land, when your day of worlc is done, will you find your 
 abundant reward ; and as ye journey through eternity, the re- 
 membrance of the good ye have done will lighten your footsteps, 
 and cheer you on the way to that Great Spirit in whose hands 
 are all the corners of the earth, and from whom pours, on all 
 whom he has made, a never-ending stream of love. 
 
 " ^Vhat matters it that the heart is pure and the purpose hon- 
 est, if there is not strength to do right ? What matters it that 
 you profess to he servants of God, if you fear the censure of man ? 
 What matters it that you rejoice with exceeding joy at the rev- 
 elations made to you of the marvelous works of (Jod, if fear of 
 man retard an upright avowal of them? What matters it ? I say, 
 much, much, indeed, does it matter ; for ye cannot at once serve 
 God and Mammon. Ye cannot at once be the recipients of this 
 wondrous bounty, and yet worship the world by fearing its 
 clamor. The time will come when ye will hail with glad shouts, 
 with hearts overflowing with joy, the hour when ye proclaimed 
 yo.ir^elves to the world, regardless of its frowns, that indeed ye 
 are the chosen servants of the Jlost High God. 
 
 " What fear ye ? It is the cause of God in which ye are en- 
 gaged ; and fear ye to acknowledge it? 0, fear not! Fear 
 not ! Fear not man ; fear only God, and remember that he 
 who denies his Master may in his turn be himself denied. 
 Buckle on, then, the whole armor of God ; and be well assured 
 that, in his cause, not a hair of your heads shall be injured. 
 Measure not this great work by the miserable standard of man's 
 applause, but by the metevvard of eternity. 
 
 "Fight! Fight! But first fight yourselves. Conquer first 
 yf)urselves. It is yourselves that most retard your progress, 
 that most impair your usefulness, that most impede the develop- 
 ment within you of powers, innate there, which could make you 
 maivelous instruments of working God's wonders before men. 
 O, seek to know yourselves ; seek it with humble, contrite 
 hearts. Seek to bow before the throne of the great Creator 
 
APPENDIX. 343 
 
 your stubborness, wliicU prompts you to resist even Ms will. 
 And forget not, that as your gifts are great, as tbe blessings 
 bestowed upon you are beyond those of others, so is more de- 
 manded of you ; and that, as the great principle, that we are 
 judged by our opportunities, exists everywhere and forever, ye 
 cannot escape its influence on yourselves. Think how great, 
 how wonderful, Is the power that is given you — that of reveal- 
 ing to man his immortal life in the spheres, the power to open 
 to his knowledge the very gates of death, the power to pene- 
 trate into the grave, and dispel at once its darkness and its mys- 
 tery — the power to open to him a glorious future, and to lead 
 him to it — the power to enable him to shun an evil future, and 
 the power to lead him back to the great purpose for which he 
 was created. »»«»***»* 
 
 " And now, dear friends all, could you see, could you feel, O, 
 could we in the slightest degree make you sensible of the deep, 
 the abiding, the overflowing love which has prompted us to 
 deal out these admonitions to you ; could you but know the 
 intense interest with which countless numbers of pure and 
 happy spirits regard your progress ; could you but understand 
 the immense value to the cause of truth that your purity and 
 progress are ; could you but see how many thousand hearts are 
 overflowing with love of you, you would know and appreciate 
 the motives which have prompted us thus to chasten that wo 
 might purify — ^thus to burn your gold in the furnace that it 
 might be brightened, and thus to warn that we may draw you 
 nearer to ourselves, and bind the stronger the links that are to 
 connect you with us to eternity." — Spiniualism, by J. W. 
 Edmonds and Geo. T. Dexter (N. Y., 1855). 
 
 The following is an extract from a communication given by a 
 higher spirit, naming himself " Mystery," to a circle of which 
 the Rev. Samuel Watson was a member. It was the spirit's 
 " parting counsel " after a long series of teachings : — 
 
 " The ball is in motion ; it will roll the spacious earth 
 around, and with one great shout, resounding through heathen 
 as well as Christian lands, — that spirits of the blessed do return 
 
344 APPENDIX. 
 
 to teacli poor men. Yes, there are liundreds who will not re- 
 ceive the Gospel, who reject the Son of God, who say deatli is a 
 long, dark, everlasting sleep. But the spirits will remove all 
 this ; we will give them such proof as will remove every doubt ; 
 and they will then hegin to think of a preparation for hereafter. 
 But delay not ; now is the accepted time ; now is the day of 
 salvation. 'Work while the day lasts, for the night Cometh 
 when no man can work.' Yea, work, and you shall receive a 
 rich reward in the upper and better world. In the hour of 
 trial, I will be with you. Fear not, little flock, for 'tis my mis- 
 sion to you that you shun the second sphere. I Would have you 
 shine as bright stars in the seventh sphere. Ah ! remember 
 there is a world beyond the spheres, where you shall see God, 
 for you shall ba like him. Ah ! the Jordan is to be crossed by 
 you. Spirits bright and beautiful will guide you to the banks ; 
 and angels of God will receive you on the other side, there to 
 dwell with God forever. Ah ! yes, with angels as your com- 
 panions, and God as n father, how will the ages of eternity 
 pass ! Yes, you must, you can shxm the dark world, where one 
 day appears as a thousand years. Tes, you can reign with God 
 forever, if you will but take the Bible as your guide and Christ 
 for your example. He came down to earth for man's good ; he 
 left the realms of glory that man, knowiiig the road, might 
 walk therein. The path, though narrow, is illuminated by his 
 love ; the road, though it appeareth long to the children of 
 man, is but a narrow span, which clouds the shores of time 
 with eternity. Dwell in readiness ; for in such an hour as ye 
 know not the Son of Man cometh. Live not for time, but for 
 eternity ; so, should you be called at this hour, you would 
 enter the sixth sphere ; then I, v.ho have been your teacher on 
 earth, will be your teacher there. Then we shall look back 
 upon one another ; and, oh ! with what eagerness will you 
 devour iuy teachings ! For when you leave the seventh sphere, 
 there is but one more step to the home of God, the Father — you 
 may gain that too. Now, may the most choice of God's bless- 
 ings rest upon you, and may we meet around his throne on high." 
 — 2 he Clock Struck One, by the Eev. Samuel Watson (1872). 
 
INDEX, 
 
 Absoltttion fiom Sin 33D 
 
 jJSouian Rewards and Punish- 
 ments gg 
 
 Albert, Friuoe, communica- 
 tion from Ill 
 
 All are called : 286 
 
 Ambition, Spiritaal 90, 882, S9I 
 
 Angel Guardianship. . . Hi, 39, 180, Wl 
 196, 199, 200, 203 
 
 Angels 119, 129, 135, 168, ITS, 181 
 
 187, 189, 190, 198, 201, 202, 262 263 
 
 Angels, the calling of 23S 
 
 Angels of Ligllt 2J4 
 
 Annihilation ; 10, 117 
 
 ApostlBB, the :. .803, .317 
 
 Applause 104, 275, 888 
 
 Archbishop 271 
 
 Atheism 318,819 
 
 Atonement, Christ's.. 58, 120, 128, 231 
 
 Atonement for Sin 174, 273 
 
 AttractioHj Spiritual, similar to 
 Gravitation 8S 
 
 Baoon, Communication from. . . . 75 
 
 Band of Dark Spirits 150 
 
 Baptism i 31-1 
 
 Selden, William, Jr., Bev, 
 Com. from 41, 42, 44, 47, 51 
 
 209, 288, 255 
 Belden, William, Sr., Bev. 
 Com. from 43, 46, 51, 205 
 
 838,258, 857 
 
 Benevolence 60 
 
 Bi ble, the 35, 43, 97, 820, 230, 243 
 
 261, 264, 271 
 Bibllolatry 76 
 
 Bigotry 872, 283 
 
 Bishop ;..276, i87 
 
 Blindness of mankind . . . ; 2"i0 
 
 Book of Communications 43, 44, 51 
 
 Book of Hope 238 
 
 Booth, James W., Com. from 5') 
 
 Brotherhood. Religion of IJO 
 
 Bryant, William CuUen, 
 
 Com. from 96 
 
 Burr, Aaron, Com. from.. 105, K, i 
 
 ' ■ . 1!j7 
 
 Byron, Lord, Com. from.90, 91, i 2 
 
 ' ' 93, 04 
 
 Calvary, Mount 173, 
 
 Calvin, John, Com. from 
 
 Calvinism 
 
 Catholicism 76, 
 
 Celestial Sphere 
 
 Cerebration, nnconscious 
 
 Charity 58,61,103, 
 
 Cherubim and Seraphim 
 
 Childhood, spirits of those who 
 
 died in 
 
 Christ 15, 80, 49, 51, 58, 53, 57, 68, 
 
 82, 107, 110, 111, 120, 121, 128, 
 
 182, 188, 193, 207, 217, 223, 231, 
 
 836, 244, 254, 256, 878, 879, 280, 
 
 893, 895, 800, 301, 
 
 Christ, Chnrch of :... 
 
 Christ, Second Coming of . ... 110, 
 
 Christ, in Heaven 300, 
 
 Christian Chnrch 269, 279. 
 
 Christian Faith 35,161, 
 
 Christian Ministers 16, 
 
 Christianity 15, 19, 143, (n), 
 
 278, 879, 894, 313, 
 Christians 
 
 Christ's Chnrch Militant C76 
 
 < hrist'B Example 277, 831 
 
 Christ's Home 803 
 
 Christ's JCmgdom 15, 35, 111, 227, 881 
 
 .300 
 
 Christ's Mansions of Progression 253 
 
 Christ's Redemption 198 
 
 Churches, Pompous 868, 275 
 
 Churches, The 861 
 
 Clairandient Communications ... 3f) 
 65, 73, 105, 106, 108, 170 
 
 Clairvoyance 168 
 
 Clairvoyant Descriptions .99, 106, 108 
 
 111, 863. 273, 300 
 
 Clarice on the Spiritual Worid (») 34 
 
 Clergy, '1 he 236,334, 268, S73 
 
 Columbus, Christot)hBr, — 
 
 Communication from "8, 215 
 
 Comforter, The 163 
 
 Communications, Purpose of, 14b, 830 
 
 294, 301 
 
 Communion of Saints 73,226, 243 
 
 Communion with Angels 1S7 
 
 (345) 
 
3^6 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Communion witli God 237, 268 
 
 Communism 313 
 
 Compassion, Divine 98, 100 
 
 Conscience 229, 232, 289 
 
 Contemplation 171, 269 
 
 Contrition of Sinful Spirits ..124, 128 
 
 181, 152, 269, 272 
 
 Conversion in the Spirit World. . . 93 
 
 154, 160, 161, 163, 195 
 
 Creeds 36,217, £33 
 
 Culture 281 
 
 Cmmnmg's, J. W.j'D.D., Com- 
 
 muuication from 269 
 
 Cushing:, James, Communica- 
 tion from 224 
 
 C. "W.. Communications from. . . 138 
 192, 193, 194, 195 
 C. W. (See Wd8mann,C.) 
 
 !D, A., Communication from 202 
 
 Damnation 151, 164 
 
 Barknesa of the ^oul 168 
 
 Darkness intlie Spirit World. 116, 119 
 
 121, 123, 130, 171, 176 
 
 Dark Spirits .. .44, 93, 84, 114, 125, 142 
 
 144, 145, 147, 155, 168, 197, 310 
 
 Dark Spirits, their awe toward. . . 
 
 God (n) 123 
 
 Dark World, The 114,156, 168, (n), 159 
 Dead, Prayers for the (.S'ee Frayen 
 
 I'nr tlf. Uepaiixd). 
 
 Dead of Ages, The 265 
 
 Death, Described 223 
 
 Death, Early 194 
 
 Death, Spiritual 278, 280 
 
 Death of Hell 272 
 
 Demon Control 251 
 
 Demons of Hell 159 
 
 Despair 153 
 
 Devil, The 61, 57, 61,'67, 117, 144 
 
 149, 155, 150, 157, 162, 165, 228, 235 
 
 241, 269, 291. £96, 297, 301 
 
 Devils (Evil Spirits) .138, 141, 145, 150 
 
 240 
 
 Divine Instinct in Man 98 
 
 Divine Love (See Love, Divint). 
 
 Divine Nature, The 98, 105 
 
 Divination 221, 318 
 
 Doubt, Effects of upon the Com- 
 munications 169, 109 
 
 Doubts, Sickening 296 
 
 BoTxrling', Kev. John, J). D., 
 Communication from 275 
 
 E 
 
 Earthly Affairs, not a subject of 
 
 Spirit Communion 146, 240 
 
 Earthly Distinction in Spirit Life 87 
 90 
 
 Earthly Form of Spirits 245, 285 
 
 Earthly '1 roubles. Use of 240 
 
 Edmonds, J. W. (Judge), Com. 
 
 from 40, 41, 42, 47, 51, 55, 67 
 
 58, 59, 60, 63, 85, 129, 144, 147, 157 
 
 22:1, 230,231, 2W, 233, 2:J4, 285, 236 
 
 237, 263, 257, 292, 293 
 
 Edmonds, Judge, his Spirit 
 
 Writings 253 
 
 Edmonds, Mrs., Communica- 
 tion from £53 
 
 Education 102, 243, 245, 255 
 
 Elizabeth, Q,ueen, Communi- 
 cation from 87 
 
 Enjoyment of Earthly Things... 2a3 
 
 Eschatology 63 
 
 Evangelists 299 
 
 Everlasting Punishment. ..34, 117, 137 
 ("), 175, 2.32, 280 
 
 Evil Spirits 121. 146, 147, 230 
 
 Expiation in the Spirit World — 
 
 236, 248, 296 
 
 Faith 60, 69,302, 320 
 
 Faith, Conditions of 289 
 
 Faith, Hope, and Charity 52, 277, 302 
 
 Fallen Spirits 03, 175, 296 
 
 Fidsc Light 289, 300 
 
 Family Gronp 247 
 
 Farr, James "W., Com. from.. 65 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost . . 52, 67 
 118, IG.-), inO, 265 
 Ferguson, Hov. S. 1)., Com. 
 
 from 267 
 
 Fisk, James, Jr., Com. from . . 170 
 
 Forgiveness after Death 60, 94,128, 138 
 
 Forgiveness of Sins 309 
 
 Franklin, Benjamin, Com. 
 
 from 100 
 
 Frederick M., Com. from 199 
 
 Freemason, Communication to a. 65 
 
 FreeWm 291,321 
 
 French, Eli, Communication 
 
 from 60 
 
 Friends in Spirit Life 119, 122 
 
 Future Life 12 
 
 Future Punishment 77, 78 
 
 Gentiles, The 260, 293 
 
 Oerard, J. 'W., Com. from.. 40, 213 
 
 227, 238, 256 
 
 God alone to be worshiped 112 
 
 God. his Nature and Attri- 
 butes 98, 105 
 
 God of Abraham, Isaac, and 
 Jacob 294 
 
INDEX. 
 
 347 
 
 God the only Potentate 288 
 
 (iod the Prompter of the Comma- 
 
 nications lOl, lOa, 834 
 
 QodisLove 93,113, 138 
 
 God's Kingdom. 181, 156, 191, 317, 383 
 287, 36S, 260, 277, 280, 285, 295 
 
 God's Light, Home of 196 
 
 God's Sphere, Brightness of 121 
 
 Good Spirits 148 
 
 Good Works 140, 289 
 
 Gospel Truths 218 
 
 Guardianship of the Spirits 253 
 
 Hamilton, Alexander, Com. 
 
 from 107, 
 
 Hamlet 
 
 Happiness in the Spirit World. . . 
 261, 
 
 Harmony of the Spheres 200, 
 
 Hauffe, Madame, Com. from. 
 
 163, 218, 
 
 H e, Oaroline, Com. from 
 
 162 
 221 
 245 
 246 
 s, Leonard, Com. from 246 
 247 
 
 Heaven, Described 39, 113, 
 
 194, 202, 283, 233, 238, 245, 253, 
 265 286, 288, 
 
 Heaven, ■My 98, 220, 208, 
 
 Heaven, Justice in 174, 372, 
 
 Heaven, Light of 
 
 Heavenly Kingdom 
 
 Heeker, John, Com. from. . .45, 
 313, 238, 
 
 Hell 78, 117, 118, 149, 150, 165, 
 
 162. 170, 171, 173, 284, 272, 
 
 HeUer, Kobert, Com. from 
 
 Hell Fire 78,176 
 
 Hemans, Felicia, Com. from.. 
 
 Heresy... 271, 
 
 Higher Spirits 
 
 Holy Spirit 98, 
 
 Holy Writ 
 
 Homicide 
 
 Hope in the Spirit World 121, 
 
 Hugrhes, Archbishop, Com. 
 
 from 
 
 Humanity , 
 
 Humility 80, 82, 93, 105, 
 
 237, 302, 303, 
 Hunt, Dr. I". 'W., Com from.. 
 
 255 
 169 
 307 
 260 
 (") 
 99 
 
 314 
 316 
 105 
 122 
 
 271 
 
 96 
 
 170 
 
 315 
 
 Identification of the Spirits... 65, 146 
 
 Idolatry 296 
 
 Idolatry of the Scriptures 76 
 
 Illustrious of Earth, Communica- 
 tions from 64 
 
 Immortality, Conditional 10, 58 
 
 Immortality of the Soul. .9, 10, 26, B9 
 66, 113, 149, 305 
 
 Incarceration 7 
 
 Individuality 100 
 
 Infallibility 21. 50 
 
 Infancy, Spirits who died in 81 
 
 236, 316 
 
 Infidelity 15 (k), 36, 313 
 
 Inspiration 81,236, 316 
 
 Intercession of the Saints 73 
 
 Intermediate State ... .11 (n), 231, 232 
 Irving, Washingrton, Commu- 
 nication from 109 
 
 Isaiah, the Prophet 295 
 
 Israel, King of 62 
 
 Israel, Lord of 293 
 
 Israel's Host 293 
 
 Ives, Bishop, Com. from 285 
 
 Ives, on " Bible Doctrine of the 
 Soul" 69 
 
 James K— d, Com. from 201 
 
 James K— s. Com. from.... 195, 239 
 
 Janes, Bishop, Com. from 27'6 
 
 Jesus 22, 51, 62, 65, 60, 82, 101, 163, 181 
 
 182, 187, 189, 190, 221, 230, 331, 316 
 
 Jesus Christ.. 63, 92, 121, 140, 147, 298 
 
 303 
 
 Jesus, the Redeemer of Israel,. . . 61 
 
 Jewess, Spirit of. Com. from 
 
 Jews, The .... 60, 331, 282, 360, 293, 
 
 John the Baptist, Com. from . 
 
 Judgment, Day of 32, 238, 
 
 Judgment, The 188, 
 
 Jupiter, Sphere of 
 
 Justice, in the Future World..272, 
 
 294 
 299 
 301 
 
 Kelly, James, Communications 
 from 47, 207, 213 
 
 Kiddle, Frederick, Communi- 
 cations from 208, 213 
 
 Kiddle, John, Com. from.. 196, 197 
 198, 199 
 
 K— d, James, Com. from ...201, 249 
 
 K — s. James, Communication 
 
 from 195, 239 
 
 Kingof Israel 6» 
 
 Kingdom of God at hand 76, 221, 232- 
 
 Kingdom of Heaven 303^ 
 
 Know thy God 102; 
 
 Know thyself W^ 
 
348 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 liaf ayette, Com . f lom 89 
 
 Lamb, The . ..66, 76, 161, 243, 271, 272 
 
 278, 287, 2U6 
 
 Lancaster, Joseph, Com. from 101 
 
 Language ol the CommunicatiOTiB 43 
 
 Life 56, 88, 93, 97, 1C5, 248 
 
 Life, the Lesson of 275 
 
 Life in the Spirit World.. .. 97, 101, 110 
 121, 193, 194, 20O 
 Life on Earth, Spiritually viewed 
 
 230, 234 
 
 Light, Sign of 195 
 
 Light in the Distance 286 
 
 Light in the Spirit World 94, 121, 149 
 Lincoln, Abraham, Communi- 
 cations from 83 84,215 
 
 Tjintion, Elizaheth, Communi- 
 cation from 242, 243 
 
 Liturgies, Early Christian. ...311, 812 
 
 Lord of Hosts . ,293, 294, 295, Sf99, 302 
 
 Love.... 69, 86, 93, 94, 90, 193, 195, 196 
 
 203, 278, 321 
 
 Love, Divine.... 68, 73, 9.3. 98, 100, 103 
 
 105, 107. Ill, 120, 149, 160, 195, 265 
 
 a72, 280, 286, 291, 297, 303, 316 
 
 Love God... 37, 134, 141 149, 287, 314 
 
 Love of God never forfeited 308 
 
 Love one Another. . .104, 286, 258, 287 
 814 
 
 Lower Spheres 44,114,121, 306 
 
 Lucy , Communication from 189 
 
 191, 207 
 Luther, Martin, Communica- 
 tion Ivom 277 
 
 Lying Spirits 145, 230, 240 
 
 Macbeth 67 
 
 m: 
 
 McEllig-ott, J. N., Com. from 
 McKeen, Joseph, Com. from. 
 McN., Milly, Com. from 38, 39, 
 
 McN., Frank, Com. from 
 
 TILcTS. ]SI., Com. from 
 
 Man, the Image of his Maker. .99, 
 Manifestations (Spiritual), or- 
 dained by Christ 
 
 Mary A. Kiddle (Mollic), 
 Com. from .37,88,46,51,62,53, 
 180, 181, 183. 184, 190, 203, 
 Master, The... 73, SJ, 110, 272, BIS, 
 287, 300, 
 Materialism, Scientific 16. 36, 318, 
 May, Amasa J., Communica- 
 tion from 
 
 M., Mrs., Com. from 219, 
 
 Medium, Child 29, 11.5,118, 
 
 Mediumship 80, 115 (n). 
 
 Memory, in the Future World.106, 108 
 151, 219, ^96, 297 
 Mental Faculties in the Spirit 
 
 World 248 
 
 Minister of the Bible 264 
 
 Ministering Spirits 318, 320 
 
 Ministry, Christian 51 
 
 Ministry of Angels.. 94, 128, 138, 189 
 19,i; 194, 197, 203, 265, 308 
 Modern Spiritualism (.See Spirit- 
 ualism), 
 
 Mosaic Law 11 
 
 Moses, Com. from. 292, 293. 294, 295 
 
 Mozart, Com. from 81,82, 218 
 
 MtLhlenberg, Rev. Dr 260, 261 
 
 Murder 106 
 
 Music of the Spheres 82, 95 
 
 M. "W., Com. from 188 
 
 Mysteries of God 256 
 
 N 
 
 Namesin Heaven 192, 190, 241, 291, 299 
 Napoleon Bonaparte, Com- 
 munication from 108 
 
 Nationalities 217 
 
 Natural Conditions preserved in 
 Spirit Life 90, 174, 201, 210 
 
 Netty S., Com. from 
 
 New Dispensation 
 
 New Jerusalem 
 
 Newton, Sir Isaac, Communi- 
 cation from 
 
 Nihilism 
 
 Necromancy 221, 318 I Nobility of Man. 
 
 .104, 
 
 203 
 
 15 
 
 217 
 
 313 
 111 
 
 Pearl of Great Price, Tile 303 
 
 Personality of (rod 126 
 
 .Pontius Pilate Cora, from ... 296 
 Pride 315 
 
 Prophet, Priest, and King.. 
 Puriliciition of the Spirit .. 
 
 rurififd Spirit, A . 
 
 Purity (St. John) 
 
 304 
 306 
 
 B 
 
 Kaymond, Henry J., Com- 
 munications from 184. 135, 136 
 
 Reason, in Keligion 22 
 
 Eehecca "W., Com from 228 
 
 Recognition of Spirits 20O, 255 
 
 E,— d., P. M., Com. from 248 
 
 Redeemer, The 00, 61, 132, 299 
 
 Redemption 111, 187, 198, 230, 265, 272 
 279, 281 
 
 Redemption of the World 295 
 
 Reformation, The 277, 279, 280 
 
 Reformers 279 
 
INDEX. 
 
 349 
 
 Reformers, Orange ro 
 
 Eej;eiiertition 97, 2T6, 2«7, 293 
 
 itemcarnation 70 
 
 Religion 82 (/!). Bl, US (n), 355, 2S6, 38l> 
 287 
 
 Remembrance of Sins 128 
 
 Remorse in tlie Spirit World. . . 98, 102 
 lOS, 104, 826, 227, 272, 288, 280, 30S 
 
 Repentance 14 
 
 Repentance after Death. .119, 123, 131 
 137, 151, 164, 173. 279, 289, 306, 398 
 
 Repentant Spii-ite,...114, 154, 157, 272 
 
 Rest, in the Fntnre World 98 
 
 Resurrection, General 82, 111 
 
 Resurrection of the Body 11 
 
 Retrospection in the Spirit World 173 
 
 Reunion in the Spirit Land 253 
 
 Revenge 107 
 
 Rogers, Quotation from 109 
 
 Roman Catholic Church 271, 289 
 
 Rome, Apostates of 273 
 
 S 
 
 Sabbath, The 117 
 
 Sacred Books '..An) 22 
 
 Saddncees, The H 
 
 St Awg-ustiae, Com. from 291 
 
 St. John, Com. from 299 
 
 St. Paul, Com. from 303 
 
 St. Peter, Communication from. 298 
 
 Saints, Communion of 73, 226, 243 
 
 282 
 Salvation, Universal (See Vni- 
 
 vfrsat Salvatitm) 
 
 Salvation of Mankind log 
 
 Sarah E., Com. from 37, 63, 127, 131 
 
 Satan 67, 144, 105, 268, 273 
 
 Saviour, The. .68, 60, 66, 67, 08, 74, 76 
 
 86, 90, 91, 136, 149, 161, 182, 187, 193 
 
 194, 198, 205, 325, 260, 281, 271, 282 
 
 393, 294, 895, 296, 3^7 
 
 Saviour's Glory, 'J ho 193 
 
 Scliii^m 289 
 
 Scriptures, The IX, 22 (n), 76, 127 
 
 149, 316 
 
 Sectarianism 61, 314 
 
 Sects 343 
 
 Seducing Spirits 50 
 
 Self -Abnegation 275 
 
 Selfishness 95, g5g 
 
 Self -Righteousness 275 
 
 Self-Sacriflce....377, 378, 279, 39.-j, 303 
 
 Seraphs.. 94,271, 304 
 
 Seton, S. W,, Com. from ...46, 47 
 Shakespeare, Communications 
 
 from 65, 67, 70, 72, 73, 74, 215 
 
 Shelly, Com. from 94, 95 
 
 S , Coroner, Com. from 172 
 
 Short-Lived on Earth, Com. from 176 
 Sin. 58, 95, 103, 161, 171, 174, 236, 268 
 
 Sinai 60 
 
 Smythe, Klchard, D.D., Com- 
 munications from..263, 264, 236, 266 
 
 Socialism 313 
 
 Sorcery 318 
 
 Soul, Bible Doctrine of 69 
 
 Soul, The 56, 67 
 
 Spheres, Harmony of 283 
 
 Spheres, The 114 
 
 Sphereof Grace 299 
 
 Spirit Blindness 263 
 
 Spirit Call 240 
 
 tpirit CoUoquieB....]15, 116, 120, 136 
 
 Spirit Communion.. 13, 15, 27, 84, 86 
 
 88, 100, 133, 136, 142, 187, 20O, 267 
 
 275, 279, 2S3 
 
 Spirit Companionship... 119, 122, 173 
 
 196, 263 
 
 Spirit Emotions.. 61, 104, 124, 131, 268 
 
 264, 267 
 
 Spirit finally conquers 373 
 
 Spirit Growth. .. . 37, 97, 184, 196, 202 
 
 230, 377 
 
 Spirit Impression, or Control. .80, 81 
 
 257 
 
 Spirit Intercourse 318 
 
 Spiritism 82(v) 
 
 Spirit Land 202 
 
 Spirit Life, Entrance into 108, 268 
 
 288 
 
 Spirit Life, The 97,101, 110 
 
 Spirit of God 198 
 
 Spirit Progression.. 93, 97,99, 101, 103 
 104, 105, 114 
 
 Spirit Sight 239, 242 
 
 Spirit Sight of Earthly Things... 221 
 
 Spirit Test 147 
 
 Spirit Writing among the Chi- 
 nese 317 
 
 Spirit Writing, Mode of . . , 29, 80, 81 
 118, 133, 185, 282 
 
 Spirit Writings, Tlie 110, 225, 230 
 
 237, 253, 255, 256, 2.57, 294 
 Spirits, Efforts of to enlighten the 
 
 World 284 
 
 Spirits, good, how they come. 284, 285 
 
 Spirits, Testof. 49 
 
 Spirits' Fire. 99 
 
 Spirits help each other.. 123, 12(, 127 
 138, 153, 200 
 
 Spirits in Prison^ 129 
 
 Spirits of the Lower Spheres. .44, 93 
 94, 114 
 
 Spiritual Body 26 
 
 Spiritual Culture 150 
 
 Spiritual Gifts 318 
 
 Spiritual Instinct 88 
 
 Spiritualism .13, 13, 18, 32(»),63, 110 
 
 130, 147, 168, 191, 213, 317, 223, 235 
 
 263, 364, 278, 319, 330 
 
 Spiritualistic Phenomena 318 
 
 Spiritualists 284 
 
 Stewart, A. T., Com. from.222, 223 
 
350 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Stone, "Wm. L., Com. from S43 
 
 SufEerings of Spirits .114, 117, IM, 154 
 
 Sufferings in the Future World. . 7" 
 
 78, 92, 104,106, 116, 118, 175,273, 297 
 
 Summer Land of Flowers S38 
 
 Sunday 116 
 
 Superstition 317 
 
 Swedenborg, Com. from. . .282, 283 
 
 Table-Tipping. 25, 142 (n) 
 
 Taylor, Isaac 81 (n) 
 
 Teacliing in the Spirit World 202 
 
 245,849, 291 
 
 Temptation 303 
 
 Ten Commandments 295 
 
 Test of .Spirits 147 
 
 Test of tlie Authenticity of the 
 
 Spirit Writings 801,291, 299 
 
 Theology 86, 99 
 
 Time in the Spirit World 79. 80 
 
 168 
 
 Titles, Earthly 271 
 
 Townsend on the Intermediate 
 
 World 63 
 
 Transfiguration, The 33 
 
 Trinity, The 52, 57 
 
 Troubled Spirits 129 
 
 •I ruth 69 
 
 Truth, or Sincerity (Mrs. He- 
 mans) 99 
 
 "Trythe Spirits" 49 
 
 Tweed, Wm. M., Commnuica- 
 tion from 173,174 
 
 Unbeliever, Communication to an 57 
 
 Universal Church 304 
 
 Universal Salvation.. 93, 94, 121, 133 
 182, 197, 236, 803 
 
 TJ 
 
 Unprogressed Spirits 1 14, 126, 144 
 
 310, 318 
 
 Unrepentant Spirits 157 
 
 Unselfishness 99 
 
 Vainglorj' 80,288, 303 I Vanity 77,95,101,167,271,296 
 
 "Valiant, Kicliard, Communi. Victoria. Queen 112 
 
 cation from 218 | Virgin, The 218 
 
 War 100, 
 
 "Warren, Richard, Com. from. 
 
 Washington, Geor&e, Com- 
 munication from 76. 77, 78, 
 
 "Watson, Henry C, Communi- 
 cation from 
 
 "Watts, Dr. Robert, Com- 
 munication from 210, 211, 
 
 Weather, Efllect on the Communi- 
 cations 
 
 "Weismann, Charles A., Com. 
 from 188, 139, 140. 161, 
 
 Wi-isniann, L. F 40. 61, 58. 
 
 Wicked Spirits... 44, 117, 120, 195, 
 
 "W 
 
 105 
 226 
 
 212 
 
 251 
 65 
 170 
 
 ■William, Prince of Orange, 
 
 Communication from 75 
 
 Wisdom, Book of 11(") 
 
 Wisdom of God 89 
 
 Witchcraft 318 
 
 "W. li. B., Communication from 149 
 
 Word of God 23.0,293, .303 
 
 World of Dark Spirits 95 
 
 Worldly Affairs 140 
 
 Worlds of Doom 121 
 
 Worship God only. . .269, 271, 286, 288 
 "W. P., Communication from — 149 
 W. w ., Communication from. . . 151 
 
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 Evolution and Progress: 
 
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 UESURIPTIVE OPINIUNS OF EVOLUTION A.SD PJiOGHUSS 
 
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 Voice of a Shell 40c. 
 
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 Our Winter Eden 30c. 
 
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 Who Did It? 30c, 
 
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 i How it Ended 2.5c. 
 
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 Spiritual communications. 
 
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