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SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 RECEIVED AT THE 
 
 MEETINGS OF ONE OF THE CIRCLES 
 
 FORMED IN 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 Tor the purpose of investigating the 
 
 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRITUAL INTERCOURSE. 
 
 PUBLISHED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE 
 
 HARMONIAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 FOR SALE BY A. COMFORT, 295 MARKET STREET. 
 
 1852. 
 
V* 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, by 
 
 A. Comfort, 
 
 in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the Eastern 
 District of Pennsylvania. 
 
 ] -48i7 
 
INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 
 
 The numerous phenomena purporting to be 
 " Spiritual Manifestations," which for the last few 
 years have attracted the attention of many inquiring 
 minds, induced some of the persons hereafter named, 
 to meet together, and comply, as far as practicable, 
 with the ostensible conditions requisite to witness 
 them, and then investigate and ascertain, if possible, 
 the cause. 
 
 They believed if these manifestations which were 
 reported as having occurred, (and some of which a 
 part of our members had witnessed,) were produced 
 by spirits, they were in accordance with laws which 
 God had established from the creation of the world, 
 and which it was as much their duty to investigate, 
 as that of any physical law whatever. 
 
 On the evening of April 2, 1851, they met, and 
 organized what is known as a "Harmonial Circle." 
 The circle continued to meet regularly each week, 
 observing, as far as possjble, the forms recommend- 
 ed by A. J. Davis, in his u Philosophy of Spiritual 
 Intercourse," and the advice of those who had suc- 
 ceeded in obtaining the responses and manifestations 
 in this city. This consisted of adopting such simple 
 
4 INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 
 
 means as were calculated to promote a harmonious 
 calmness and concert of feeling ; such as singing, 
 reading, and cheerful conversation, alternately; se- 
 lecting for these exercises subjects connected with 
 the investigation, and avoiding discussions, especi- 
 ally those of a theological kind, as the circle was 
 composed of persons entertaining various religious 
 opinions. The members sat around a table, or 
 tables placed together, and occasionally a complete 
 circuit would be formed by joining hands ; some- 
 times with, and at other times without the metallic 
 cord recommended by Davis. 
 
 Very few meetings of the circle had taken place, 
 when it was perceived that one of our members was 
 affected by the usual peculiar influences attending 
 what are termed " spiritual manifestations," which 
 strengthened our hopes of soon having a " Medium" 
 among us. These affections at first, consisted of 
 but slight muscular and nervous disturbances, some- 
 what resembling the phenomena, attendant on the 
 manipulations of mesmerism. 
 
 On the evening of the 22d of April, we met at the 
 house of one of our members ; several of the first 
 circle formed in this city, one of whom was a Me- 
 dium, being present. On this occasion, the most 
 striking evidence of the operations of an unseen 
 power was perceptible. Soon after convening, the 
 " raps" were heard on the tables, and as had been 
 the case at other meetings, where that Medium was 
 
INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. O 
 
 present, they were recognized as responses to the 
 music, and opinions expressed ; they continued dur- 
 ing the other exercises, and seemed to be intelligent 
 expressions of approbation, or disapprobation of the 
 sentiments contained in the hymns that were sung, 
 or on articles read in the circle ; affirmative or 
 negative answers were also given to a variety of 
 oral and mental questions. But towards the close 
 of the meeting, the most remarkable phenomena 
 occurred. Tables placed in contact, separated some 
 two feet ; the chair on which a lady of our Circle 
 was sitting, receded from and approached the table 
 several times, then moved in a semi-circle, into the 
 space between the separated tables ; they closed on 
 the chair with considerable force, then receded and 
 released it, when it resumed its movements, and re- 
 turned to the position which it originally occupied ; 
 during these motions, no portion of the person or 
 dress of the lady, touched any thing but the chair 
 on which she sat. The largest table was moved 
 with perfect silence and ease, as if supported on a 
 pivot at its centre, and by request was pressed with 
 much force against some of the company. It 
 was moved several times to and fro, so that the 
 motion was fully perceptible to all present, the room 
 being well lighted. It was now proposed by some 
 of the members of our Circle to diminish the light ; 
 by this means, they had heard that on a previous 
 
 evening, when the Medium who was then with us, 
 1* 
 
6 INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 
 
 was having strong manifestations, many had seen 
 flashes of electric light in the room ; but on this 
 occasion, nothing of the kind was perceived, al- 
 though the experiment was fairly tried. After the 
 lights were diminished, the manifestations appeared 
 to increase in strength. 
 
 It should here be stated, that a number of our 
 Circle were at this time open skeptics, in regard to 
 all that purported to be " Spiritual Manifestations," 
 and their testimony cannot be invalidated on the 
 ground of their superstitions, or prejudices respect- 
 ing them ; and all were satisfied that there was no 
 deception practised. 
 
 There was therefore but one conclusion to be 
 arrived at, viz., that these effects were produced by 
 an invisible and unknown agency ; what that agency 
 was, we felt, if possible, more anxious than ever to 
 ascertain ; and we entered with renewed earnestness 
 on the investigation. 
 
 The development of our first Medium now be- 
 came more rapid, and on the evening of April 28th, 
 we received a communication through her. In the 
 early part of this meeting, she passed into the mag- 
 netic sleep, and on awaking, was more than usually 
 exercised ; her hand being moved with great ra- 
 pidity, it was proposed that the letters of the alpha- 
 bet be drawn upon a blank sheet of paper, and 
 given to her, which was done. Her finger was im- 
 mediately directed to the different letters, and a 
 communication was in that way spelled out. 
 
INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 7 
 
 From this time forward, we continued to receive 
 communications at almost every meeting, but many 
 of them were of a private nature, and would not in- 
 terest the general reader ; we, therefore, do not 
 make them public, as the directions we have re- 
 ceived respecting this publication, do not call for 
 any such. 
 
 The development of our second Medium was in 
 the meantime going on. She was influenced in a 
 somewhat similar, though more remarkable manner 
 than the first. 
 
 We were assured, in the communications re- 
 ceived, that this preparatory discipline was necessa- 
 ry, in order that the spirits might obtain entire con- 
 trol over them. The first communication through 
 her was received on the 25th of May, by means of 
 the alphabet card, the same as through the first 
 Medium. Several of our number have experienced 
 peculiar sensations, which purport to be produced 
 by the spirits of their departed friends, who say 
 they are enabled to approach and influence them 
 through an electric condition of the system. One 
 only besides the two already mentioned, has become 
 sufficiently developed to communicate ; this third 
 Medium, though at times powerfully affected, has 
 made (from not passively submitting to the influ- 
 ence,) but little progress. Most of the communica- 
 tions we have obtained were received through the 
 card : some few were written by the Mediums, and 
 
8 INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 
 
 occasionally they have uttered their impressions in 
 a low tone of voice. In the last mentioned mode, 
 they seem to be more under the influence of the 
 power that governs them, than in the two former. 
 
 The spelling would be frequently carried on while 
 the Medium's eyes were closed, and if the card was 
 reversed by us without her knowledge, it seemed 
 not to make the least pause or difficulty. Some- 
 times the words were spelled out and pronounced so 
 rapidly, that the most expert penman could scarce- 
 ly transfer them to paper. 
 
 Communications have been suspended in the 
 midst of sentences, and again resumed, after the 
 lapse of days and weeks; when all present had lost 
 sight of, or forgotten the words and their connection. 
 Interruptions were sometimes apparently occasioned 
 by the minds of those present being concentrated 
 on the Medium ; but the moment they were diverted 
 by music or any other attraction tending to harmo- 
 nize, in which all participated, the finger would 
 resume its task. With but few exceptions, we ad- 
 hered to our rules of meeting in privacy. The pre- 
 sence of those who were strangers to our course of 
 proceeding, and to the novelty of the manifestations, 
 (especially when merely the gratification of an idle 
 curiosity was their motive,) seemed to mar that har- 
 mony and unity of feeling and aspiration, on which 
 the most clear and connected communications de- 
 pend. 
 
 It may be stated here, that the Circle suspended 
 
INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 9 
 
 its regular meetings during the warm weather in 
 the latter part of summer ; and when in September 
 they were resumed, some of the original members 
 were prevented by other engagements from con- 
 tinuing with us ; and others were admitted in their 
 places. The Medium first developed, though re- 
 taining her interest, in consequence of pressing 
 duties, has been prevented almost entirely attending 
 the meetings. 
 
 For the purpose of varying our experiments, and 
 if possible make the investigation more thorough, 
 arrangements were made to meet in conjunction 
 with another Circle; holding these " Union" meet- 
 ings alternately with our own private one. Though 
 these have been continued for several months, and 
 up to this time ; yet we are not aware that the com- 
 bination of the electric or magnetic power of the 
 two Circles, and the presence of several Mediums, 
 make any material difference in the developments ; 
 except that two or more Mediums would be commu- 
 nicating at the same time on different subjects. 
 
 It is the opinion of some, that submitting to spiri- 
 tual influence has an injurious effect on the health ; 
 but the Mediums of our Circle, as well as many 
 others of this city, have experienced a decided im- 
 provement in their physical condition, since be- 
 coming members of Circles; we feel assured that 
 no evil effects, either physical or mental, are ever 
 produced by merely spiritual influence. 
 
10 INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 
 
 The Mediums of our Circle are not attended by 
 physical manifestations, such as the moving of tables, 
 chairs, &c, and we believe that the majority of 
 those in this city, are of the same class ; it has been 
 stated that there no longer exists a positive necessi- 
 ty for such demonstrations, as their purpose was 
 chiefly that of directing attention to the subject. 
 
 After meeting in the manner described for some 
 time, and receiving a considerable number of com- 
 munications, (a selection from which will be found 
 in the following pages,) we were called upon to 
 change, in some measure, our mode of proceeding. 
 Contrary to our settled policy, and anticipations of 
 duty, and quite unexpected on the part of the Me- 
 dium ; it was communicated that a committee should 
 be appointed, to consist of persons selected from our 
 own acquaintance ; to meet with us, as witnesses to 
 the reception of communications, and who should 
 be willing to have their names published as such. 
 This order impressed the Circle, including the 
 Medium, with not a little anxiety as to its results ; 
 but we resolved to comply, and await the issue. 
 
 Accordingly a committee was formed, and they 
 first met on January 30th ; they continued to attend 
 our meetings on each successive Friday evening. 
 The only Medium communicating was the one here 
 designated as the second. 
 
 On the evening of the 26th of March, the com- 
 munication received, directed us to prepare a short 
 
INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 11 
 
 history of the Circle, and arrange the communica- 
 tions for publication; the profits (if any) to be placed 
 in the hands of the Harmonial Benevolent As- 
 sociation, (a Society we have been directed to 
 form to assist the suffering,) details of which will 
 be found in the communications. 
 
 In accordance with the directions, this book has 
 been prepared, and is now offered to the public. 
 We present the matter as we received it. Many of 
 the statements are new to us ; with others, some of 
 us have been more or less familiar ; the Medium 
 through whom the greater part of the communica- 
 tions were received, entertained opinions very dif- 
 ferent from those she often spelled out ; she being a 
 Baptist. The reader owes the source whence our 
 authority was derived, all the benefit that may be 
 derived : we are but the passive instruments. We 
 hope the book may do good ; and that it may in- 
 duce others to form Circles, and from a pure love 
 of truth, investigate the subject for themselves. 
 
12 INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 
 
 The following named persons are now, or have 
 been at some time, members of the Circle : 
 Aaron Comfort, 
 Cyrus Whitson, 
 Sarah Tyndale, 
 Samuel Sartain, 
 Mary A. H. Thomas, 
 Rebecca B. Thomas, 
 Priscilla G. Thomas, 
 T. Elwood Longshore, 
 Hannah E. Longshore, 
 Anna Longshore, 
 Henry Paist, 
 Paschal Coggins, 
 Mary Coggins, 
 Charles B. Foster, 
 Anna Foster, 
 Isaac Barber, 
 James Truman, 
 Naomi W. Thomas, 
 Marmaduke Moore. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 In the preceding pages il is stated, that the com- 
 munications received in the early part of our inves- 
 tigations were mostly of a private character, and 
 would not interest the general reader ; still there are 
 some answers to inquiries which we deem proper to 
 insert, although some of them have appeared in 
 print before. 
 
 Question. What shall the exercises of the circle 
 be? 
 
 Ansicer. " Read Davis's Revelations and sing, 
 and do not talk about the Medium, it interferes ; but 
 <3nter into feeling with the exercises of the Medium, 
 for you may be profited thereby." 
 
 Q. Should we admit strangers into the circle? 
 
 A. " None, except the members of the family, 
 where the Circle meet," 
 
 Q. Some believe God and nature the same, is 
 this the case ? 
 
 A. " No ; God and nature are not the same 
 God is the Creator ; all nature is his work. The 
 creating power is not the thing created." 
 
 Q. Are spirits generally acquainted with each 
 other? 
 
 2 
 
14 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS, 
 
 A. " In the same sphere, most are. Spirits are 
 
 not acquainted with each other in different spheres/ 7 
 
 Q. Can spirits be in two places at the same time ? 
 
 A. " Not as you understand it. They move as 
 
 thought passes, and go where love calls." 
 
 Q. Are spirits conscious of events passing at a 
 distance as well as near ? 
 
 •5. " If harmony unites them with the thought.'* 
 Q. Can spirits pass from one planet to another at 
 pleasure ? 
 
 A* " They pass through space ; all the universe 
 is visited by them." 
 
 Q. We have been told that no spirit has entered 
 the spirit world higher than the second sphere, ex- 
 cept Jesus, is it true? 
 
 A* " His was the only fully developed spirit that 
 has ever passed from the earth." 
 
 Q. What spirit is now influencing the Medium? 
 A. " It is the spirit of her father." 
 Q. Why cannot other members of the Circle be 
 operated upon ? 
 
 A. " Observe well what I tell you. We can 
 communicate only through those whose electric 
 condition enables us to manifest ourselves. This 
 condition is produced by your becoming passive 
 and submitting to the influence of spirits. This you 
 have not been willing to do ; some of you fear us. 
 Come in confidence to us, fearing no evil ; this must 
 be your condition before we can approach you." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 15 
 
 Q. Does the opinion of persons seeking informa- 
 tion or asking questions have any influence in the 
 answer ? 
 
 A. " Yes, in some cases." 
 
 Q. Were all angels once men ? 
 
 A. " Some have been, others are spiritual only, 
 they are not of the earth." 
 
 Q. Are our guardian spirits those who loved us 
 when on earth 1 
 
 A. " Not in all cases, but where the most har- 
 mony exists in spirit." 
 
 Q. Will you give me satisfactory evidence that 
 you are good spirits ! 
 
 A. " When you cease to believe in bad spirits. 
 When spirits appear evil it is the only way to bring 
 some persons to a condition to be influenced, and 
 ultimately believe, and in the end will be for their 
 good." 
 
 Q. Do you know our names, ages, &c? 
 
 A* " When we harmonize with you we perceive 
 all the conditions of your existence." 
 
 Q. Are our guardian spirits ever changed ? 
 
 A. " As you advance." 
 
 Q. What is it that impresses the preacher when 
 he is what we term inspired to speak ? 
 
 A, " God operates by means of the spirits who 
 watch over them." 
 
 Q. Is there not access to the higher power inde- 
 pendent of our guardian spirits? 
 
16 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 A. " Yes." 
 
 Q. We are sometimes impressed that danger is 
 near, and are thus enabled to shun it. Is this im- 
 pression produced by a law of nature, or is it from 
 our guardian spirits ? 
 
 A. "The spirits who watch over you perceive 
 the danger surrounding you ; and in some cases are 
 enabled to impress you; — that alone. God governs 
 through the spirits ; you forget this truth." 
 
 Q. Then special providences are true ? 
 
 A. "Yes, but only through the spirits." 
 
 Q. Can a lower order of spirits than the one now 
 communicating, communicate more freely with us 
 upon matters pertaining to the earth ? 
 
 A, " Yes, more freely > but not so correctly^ 
 
 Q. Why? 
 
 Ji. " They are too nearly allied to earth." 
 
 Q. We have been perplexed by different Medi- 
 ums communicating apparently contradictory state- 
 ments. 
 
 Jl. " They cannot perceive the truth. In some 
 cases you cannot understand their reply." 
 
 Q. Why do you tell us to place confidence in 
 you, if all cannot perceive the truth ? 
 
 A. " You must judge all communication by the 
 known laws which govern you. You must not de- 
 pend upon the communications you receive, unless 
 you can prove them to be true by truths already 
 known." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 17 
 
 Q. What evidence have we of this being spiritual 
 communications ? 
 
 A. " You know they are. Your own spirits are 
 impressed of this truth. Education and fear pre- 
 vent your perceiving it. Endeavour to enter the 
 interior state, you can then perceive truth. With- 
 draw from the outer world. Let not your affections 
 for the outward, darken your spiritual perceptions." 
 
 Q. Do spirits remember the past? 
 
 A " The past is before us as a mirror, in which 
 we perceive forms, especially of the good and true." 
 
 Q. Do you perceive the follies of your youth ? 
 
 A. " Only dimly. The true and the good are in 
 more glorious brightness, and thus in a measure ob- 
 scure the rest." 
 
 Q. Can spirits perceive the evil thoughts and ac- 
 tions of those they loved on earth ? 
 
 A. " No, not if they are wholly evil. Spirits can 
 only perceive the thoughts where they fully harmo- 
 nize. When man lives only for his temporal well- 
 fare, and does not cultivate his spirituality, his 
 thoughts are not in all cases such as to be perceived 
 by the spirits that watch over him, and he cannot be 
 influenced by them. He lives too much by his out- 
 ward perceptions. By the frequent violation of 
 God's laws he darkens his spiritual perceptions. 
 Remember this." 
 
 Reply to a remark made during conversation : — 
 
 Answer. " When the natural death of the body 
 2* 
 
18 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS, 
 
 occurs, it is caused by the spirit gradually with- 
 drawing from the body ; but few such deaths occur- 
 When the body is oppressed by disease, the spirit 
 is forced to leave it. When the death is natural, 
 there is not the least suffering ; violation of the laws 
 which God has established, alone produces suffer- 
 ing" 
 
 Question. Has man ever lived more than five 
 hundred of our years? 
 
 A. "Yes." " 
 
 Q. Could he now, if he should live in accordance 
 with the laws of nature ? 
 
 A. " No. His spirit is more developed than at 
 that time." 
 
 Q. Has his material organization degenerated 
 since that time ? 
 
 A. " No, it is more perfected ?" 
 
 Q. Has the physical condition of the earth im- 
 proved ? 
 
 A. " Yes." 
 
 Q. Will the earth ever be destroyed ? 
 
 A. " No, it will pass through many changes be- 
 fore it will become in a degree perfected ; these 
 changes will be more gradual than those which 
 occurred in past ages." 
 
 During our investigations, many incidents occur- 
 red similar in character to the following, that ap- 
 peared to us strong evidence, that the communica- 
 t ions emanated from the source they purported to. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 19 
 
 J. C, when in a quiet meditating state of mind, 
 thought he saw a female sitting on a beautiful green 
 bank, with her head resting on her hand, looking 
 sorrowful ; he felt great compassion for her, and 
 advanced and embraced her, she then vanished 
 from his sight. He was impressed that it was his 
 wife, who had been dead many years. He did not 
 mention the occurrence to any one, except the writer. 
 A few days after, he inquired through a Medium if 
 the spirit of his wife was present. 
 
 A. "Yes." 
 
 Q. Will thee communicate ? 
 
 A. " Yes. Years have passed since my spirit 
 left the flesh, yet I have often been with thee, and 
 those I love in the flesh ; you have ofttimes felt 
 my presence ; my spirit joys to communicate thus 
 freely with thee ; strive to feel my presence, it will 
 fill thy mind with holy calmness ; sweet harmony 
 ever binds the spirits of those who truly harmonize 
 on earth. Love binds us to those we have loved on 
 earth. We are appointed to watch over them. 
 This is a law of God's." 
 
 Q. A few days since, I thought I saw thee sit- 
 ting on a green bank, with thy head resting on thy 
 hand looking sorrowful : was it thee that appeared 
 to me? 
 
 A. " Not sorrowful." 
 
 Q. Then it was thee ? 
 
 A. « Yes." 
 
20 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Q. Now if it was thee that I did see, will thee 
 tell me what followed ? 
 
 *#. " Thee thought I mourned, thou didst advance 
 in spirit toward me ; our spirits embraced each 
 other, light enveloped me, I passed from thy sight." 
 
 J. C. remarked, that he remained a widower 
 about three years, and then married again. The 
 Medium then in a hurried manner, spelled out, " It 
 was right to marry." 
 
 Q. For many years I feel that I have neglected 
 thee, has it had a tendency to make thee unhappy ? 
 
 A. " No, where we cannot approach you, we do 
 not perceive you, we are never unhappy." 
 
 Q. Will thee describe thy passage to the spirit 
 land? 
 
 A. " When the spirit leaves the flesh, it is joined 
 by the spirits that have been appointed to watch 
 over it, through life." 
 
 Q. Are particular spirits appointed to watch over 
 us ; is it a necessary law ? 
 
 A. " Yes, a necessary law." 
 
 Q. Will thee tell me what sphere thee entered, 
 when thee went to the spirit land 1 
 
 A, " My spirit was in a degree developed when 
 I left the body, but you cannot understand our con- 
 dition. Different degrees of development only mark 
 our difference in condition." 
 
 The first communication which we deem proper 
 to publish, was received on the evening of the 7th 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 21 
 
 of June, 1851. It was given at the request of one 
 of our members, and purported to be from the spirit 
 of his uncle. 
 
 " My Dear Nephew, — You feel as if you would 
 like to have something from me different from the 
 other communications that have been made through 
 Mediums ; you must patiently wait the progress 
 in this new mode of communication of spirit with 
 spirit, though one may have escaped its tenement of 
 clay to a higher, and more perfect existence. There 
 is a beautiful correspondence throughout all the 
 works of the creative intelligence, governed by un- 
 varying laws, of which you know but little in your 
 present condition ; you do not see these correspond- 
 ences as we perceive them, nor can you, in your 
 present degree of development. Now through this 
 new mode of communication, you may learn much 
 concerning these laws, that will be greatly to your 
 advantage, and enable you to exalt your spiritual 
 state, so that you will harmonize in your various 
 relations among each other. Man is an unity, and 
 when any portion of the whole suffers spiritually or 
 bodily, the whole feels the wrong ; now this is a 
 great truth that man must learn, and endeavor so 
 to shape his law r s as to embrace this important idea ; 
 thus when he tramples on a fellow-being, he injures 
 his own feelings of right, as well as those of his 
 brother. Mankind are the children of one common 
 
22 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 father, and he loves them all with parental tender- 
 ness." 
 
 The following poetical communication was spelled 
 out on the card, with much rapidity, by a Medium, 
 who is utterly incapable of composing poetry when 
 not under spiritual influence. 
 
 " Softly comes in twilight's hour 
 
 Strains of music from above, 
 To the lovers in the bower, 
 
 There confessing of their love. 
 
 Love's the link that binds together 
 
 Minds congenial in their taste, 
 Thus uniting ne'er to sever, 
 
 In this life, nor death's embrace. 
 
 When the prison door is opened, 
 
 And the spirit soars away, 
 It's attracted to the sphere, 
 
 Where congenial loved ones stay. 
 
 There united and uniting, 
 
 On they ever go progressing, 
 Higher, purer, more exalted, 
 
 Upward to the throne rejoicing. 
 
 And through life a richness giving, 
 To all its scenes of toil and care, 
 
 Blending sunshine with the shading 
 Which the chastened spirits wear. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 23 
 
 And to every grade and station, 
 Comes this messenger of heaven, 
 
 Teaching this important lesson, 
 Love's the keystone of creation 
 
 God is love, and he's our father, 
 
 Hence his children all inherit, 
 In some measure, less or greater, 
 
 Of his love, his crowning merit." 
 
 Received September 20, 185L 
 " Light is at hand. Man in his present state has 
 but commenced. (Here the communication was 
 interrupted, but in a short time commenced thus,) 
 Knowledge of the laws which govern his spiritual 
 nature. Study the laws which govern the universe, 
 and you will perceive that progress is the law which 
 God has established throughout all things, both ma- 
 terial and spiritual ; until the highest degree of de- 
 velopment of which they are capable, is attained. 
 Man perceives and acknowledges this law in the 
 material universe. He sees the acorn in obedience 
 to it, bursting forth into life, and under the genial 
 influence surrounding it, advancing steadily onward 
 in its development, until it is seen perfected, in the 
 outspreading branches of the full grown oak. Its 
 highest perfection being then attained, it gradually 
 returns again to its original elements, that other and 
 more perfect forms may be generated therefrom 
 Thus, throughout innumerable ages, the materia 
 
24 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 universe has been steadily advancing towards high- 
 er degrees of development. And now, oh man ! 
 seest thou not this law governs thy spiritual exist- 
 ence also ! Then why doubt thine own immortal- 
 ity ! All know full well, that the life in the flesh 
 serves not to perfect their spiritual being. Else 
 why these longings for more perfect knowledge. 
 Study well thine own aspirations, and thou wilt 
 doubt no longer the necessity of an unending eter- 
 nity, to perfect thy spiritual development.'" 
 
 Received September 25, 1851. 
 
 " Man is now, it will be acknowledged, about 
 passing from his lower, or animal nature, to his 
 higher or spiritual nature. 
 
 "All war and oppression, are but the fruits of 
 the animal nature, which fulfils its natural office 
 when contributing to the existence of the physical 
 being. Thus you perceive the lower animals mani- 
 fest only, in their habits, the existence of the animal 
 propensities ; but in man it is otherwise ; in him are 
 united the two natures. His animal, being the 
 lower, was the first to be developed. 
 
 " Thus, in former ages, being in the early stages 
 of his development, he manifested the propensities 
 of his lower nature. But some spirits, in all ages, 
 have existed, who became early developed ; and the 
 aspirations for a higher and holier life, have been 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 25 
 
 common in ages past, ever serving to impress man- 
 kind with a knowledge of their higher destiny." 
 
 Question. What is the difference between instinct 
 and spirit? 
 
 Answer. " Instinct is the faculty possessed by all 
 the animal creation: which enables them to seek all 
 that is required for their existence in the flesh. But 
 it does not lead to a desire for future knowledge ; or 
 a wish for an eternal existence, which is the con- 
 stant longing of the spirit in a pure state. 
 
 " All spirits that have not been prevented deve- 
 loping, by discordant influences, feel that a constant 
 longing for a higher and holier state of existence is 
 natural to all. This is not the case in instinct. One 
 is required for the development of the animal life 
 only : the other is destined for an unending exist- 
 ence. 
 
 " The spirit is an emanation of the Divine mind. 
 In the early stages of its development, it can scarce- 
 ly perceive its own aspirations." 
 
 Communication received October 4, 1851. 
 [While attending a meeting of another Circle, in 
 reply to some remarks that were being read in A. J. 
 Davis's Revelations.] 
 
 " As they advance, they cease to perceive the 
 
 evils of the lower spheres. As the spirits advance 
 
 to the higher states of perfection, they cease to be 
 
 so powerfully influenced by the lower propensities. 
 
 3 
 
26 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Spirits in the flesh imagine that all the feelings 
 which influence them are perceived, and in some 
 cases deeply affect the spirits that have passed to 
 the spirit home. But this is not the case : they are 
 not affected by the evil which exists in spirits less 
 developed. This is a truth that all should remem- 
 ber. 
 
 " When the more highly developed spirits in the 
 flesh, feel through benevolence, which is one of the 
 highest attributes of the spirit, sympathy for the suf- 
 fering, the spirits in the higher spheres, perceive 
 through them, the circumstances which impress 
 them ; and in such cases, sometimes, are conscious 
 of the evils which are the cause of suffering. But 
 remember, we only perceive such cases through the 
 higher attributes of the spirit ; we cannot harmonize 
 with evil ; or in other words, the lower propensities 
 of the animal nature: therefore, we cannot perceive 
 their thoughts." 
 
 Received October 7, 1851. 
 
 "You need not feel yourselves called upon to 
 make any efforts to convince minds which appear 
 unwilling to acknowledge truth. As we have told 
 you, in time, all will be convinced. Have confi- 
 dence in what you receive from us. It is not our 
 mission to assist you in your temporal affairs ; in 
 some cases, however, we are enabled to do so, when 
 pure love is the motive which actuates you. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 27 
 
 " Mankind need not expect to advance rapidly in 
 spiritual development, while they live so completely 
 for their advancement in worldly interests. Let 
 your aim be to live for your spiritual advancement, 
 that you may be prepared for a higher and holier 
 life. Let Jesus ever be your guide and example. 
 His was a fully developed spirit." 
 
 [Here some remarks were made by some of the 
 members of the Circle, with regard to the Bible, 
 when the following was communicated :] 
 
 " All truths harmonize, but all the statements in 
 the Bible are not correct." 
 
 Question. Will the Bible be more revered in fu- 
 ture? 
 
 •Answer. " The Bible, as a book, has for years 
 past been too deeply reverenced by mankind. The 
 truths therein contained will, as spiritual develop- 
 ment progresses, become more fully understood and 
 appreciated. A perfectly passive state of mind is 
 required to enable us to impress you." 
 
 The question was here asked, Whether the Me- 
 dium was in a good condition ? as she had been 
 much agitated physically. When the following 
 was received : 
 
 11 She is in a good condition, mentally ; but the 
 electric spheres surrounding the strangers present, 
 do not mingle with hers, this causes her physical 
 excitement ; she does not suffer therefrom." 
 
28 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Received October 11th. 
 
 " Again in love we greet you ! Our teachings 
 should more deeply impress you, when we speak to 
 you of your spirits' destiny. It is to assist you in 
 your advancement, that we communicate with you : 
 you need not doubt our teachings. Many spirits 
 have existed who, while in the flesh, labored ever 
 for the spiritual advancement of mankind. But he 
 who is known by the name of Jesus, was the most 
 earnest laborer. The accounts which you have of 
 his works, are in many cases incorrect. Pure love 
 ever actuated him in all his intercourse with man- 
 kind. Let him be to you in all things a guide. If 
 you could come in faith, we could more readily in- 
 fluence you." 
 
 " No, No, No ! He was only mortal !" (was here 
 spelled out, in reply to a hymn called " Corona- 
 tion," which was being sung ; in which it crowns 
 him Lord of all,) <l God eternal reigneth, to him all 
 majesty ascribe." 
 
 Question. Did the body of Christ arise after 
 death? 
 
 Answer. " His body was but mortal ; it returned 
 again to dust." 
 
 Q. Did he not appear to his disciples ? 
 
 A. " He returned in spirit to comfort and cheer 
 his followers; in that way only he appeared again 
 to mankind. He did not say it was his mortal 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 29 
 
 body. In the fullness of his love, was he superior 
 to his brethren." 
 
 Q. Was Swedenborg inspired by God to write ? 
 
 A. " Spirits communicated freely with him, but 
 his own mind was too deeply impressed with the 
 teachings of the leaders in the Church, as they term 
 it, to be at all times clearly impressed." 
 
 Q. Do Swedenborg and A. J. Davis agree in 
 their theology ? 
 
 A. " Davis's mind was more free from the influ- 
 ences of other teachers." 
 
 Q. At the time Davis dictated his Revelations, 
 was he under the influence of those around him? 
 
 A. " His spirit was in clearness of perception, 
 far in advance of them." 
 
 Q. Did the spirits of Mrs. C. and A. J. Davis 
 converse together a few days since, she being in 
 this city and he in the east ? 
 
 A. " Cannot tell whether such was the case in 
 that particular instance, but spirits can communi- 
 cate together while in the flesh, although their 
 bodies may be distant from each other." 
 
 Q. Do spirits see things on earth as we see them ? 
 
 A. " We perceive all things where harmony 
 unites us." 
 
 Q. Do you perceive them through our minds? 
 
 A. " We perceive them independent of you." 
 
 Q. Have spirits a knowledge of the ultimate state 
 to which man will arrive on earth ? 
 3* 
 
30 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 A. " He will progress until his spiritual being is 
 so fully developed, as to approach so nearly to a 
 spiritual existence, as scarcely to perceive its chang- 
 ing into the state which it now does, by passing 
 through what is called death." 
 
 [Communicated to a lady who wished to know 
 whether the spirit of her sister was present.] 
 
 " When holy love fills your minds for the loved 
 ones who have passed to the spirit-home, their 
 spirits are drawn by that love to mingle with yours ; 
 thus it is, that love draws them to watch over and 
 guard you." 
 
 October 15, 1851. 
 
 One of our members had buried an infant bro- 
 ther this day. He was absent, and the subject had 
 not particularly attracted the attention of the Circle, 
 or awakened our sympathies to any extent. We 
 were, therefore, conscious that the condition of our 
 minds had no influence in producing the following 
 communication. 
 
 " Children abide in the truth. Know ye not God 
 loveth all his works? Why then should suffering 
 be the portion of so many of his intelligent crea- 
 tures, while in the flesh 1 The blossom in the pro- 
 cess of development may be blasted, and yet the 
 parent plant still appear to flourish. But know ye, 
 even one failure in the perfect development of the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 31 
 
 blossom is an evidence of disease. Thus, through- 
 out the human family, one case of suffering is an 
 evidence of imperfect health in the social organiza- 
 tion. When the lower animals suffer, man seeks to 
 ascertain the cause thereof; but he witnesseth the 
 sufferings of his fellow-man, and wonders not there- 
 at. He calmly labours on for his own individual 
 advancement. This should not be; all should strive 
 to ascertain the cause of this disease in the social 
 body. Could man more fully know himself, then 
 would physical suffering decrease. Strive then to 
 study well the laws which govern your physical or- 
 ganization," (one of the members remarked: I won- 
 der why they speak so much about suffering, this 
 evening). " Know ye not that one of your band is 
 suffering ? The blossom should not have been thus 
 early blasted. It is not in accordance with the laws 
 which God has established, for a spirit which exists 
 in the flesh to be forced therefrom until the fullest 
 development of which it is capable, while in the 
 body, is attained. In the case alluded to, the phy- 
 sical being could no longer perform its functions. It 
 could not overcome the impurities surrounding it. 
 Disease existed in the atmosphere." 
 
 Q. Does the communication refer to S S 
 
 and his little brother, who he buried this day ? 
 
 A. " Yes." 
 
 Q. Did the spirit communicating see the spirit of 
 the child? 
 
32 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 A. " We joined the band that bore the infant spi- 
 rit home." 
 
 Q. What spirits composed that band ? 
 
 A. " We cannot tell. We must perceive through 
 the mind of the Medium or some one with whom 
 we can fully harmonize." 
 
 Q. Then you cannot give their names ? 
 
 A. " Not the name ; that is not a spirit's attri- 
 bute." 
 
 " Man cannot rapidly advance in his development 
 while his social organization is so imperfect. He 
 must have more love for his kind, he must not live 
 so much for himself." 
 
 Q. What shall we do to improve society ? 
 
 A. " Let each fulfill the duty which he feels to 
 be his. Before the human mind can perceive clearly 
 its duty, the physical organization must be free 
 from suffering. Man's first duty is to know the 
 laws which govern his physical being." 
 
 October 20, 1851. 
 
 " Humanity bids you labor for the suffering. 
 Weep with those who weep ; rejoice with those who 
 rejoice. Let all your sympathies be ever active. Jt 
 is God's law that each spirit should influence the 
 development of spirit. Love to God is the highest 
 and holiest attribute of spirit. Love to man, is the 
 highest duty of man, while dwelling in the flesh. 
 Remember you should, if you desire to attain a 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 33 
 
 high degree of development spiritually, cultivate the 
 two attributes alluded to. Forgive the erring. All 
 evil, or sin, as you term it, is, as you know, only a 
 want of spiritual development; then why should you 
 condemn those who err? Labor, rather, to assist 
 their advancement. Study well the cause of suffer- 
 ing, and fail not to perform the duty which appears 
 to be yours. Remember this, and fail not to obey." 
 
 Q. Was it right for those colored persons at 
 Christiana to resist being taken into slavery ? 
 
 A. " Yes, but not unto death." 
 
 Q. Is non-resistance, as taught by Jesus, cor- 
 rect? 
 
 A. " Yes. Resistance to evil is one of the ani- 
 mal instincts. God has established laws which all 
 should obey. While in the lower, or animal state, 
 this instinct is the most powerful. As man passes 
 to the higher state, his affection for the flesh is less 
 strong ; thus it was with Jesus ; he knew that it was 
 not possible for mankind, in the state of develop- 
 ment they were then in, to overcome the instinct of 
 self-preservation. All spirits have the power to in- 
 fluence each other, but those in the flesh cannot 
 influence each other as powerfully as those who 
 have passed to the spirit-home. 
 
 October 25, 1851. 
 A desire being expressed by some of the mem- 
 
34 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 bers to have physical manifestations, the following 
 was received. 
 
 " Abide in faith, nothing doubting ; but remember 
 this is your portion." 
 
 Question. Should we not endeavor to obtain 
 raps? 
 
 Answer. " Seek rather to learn the will of God." 
 
 Q. What is required to render our communica- 
 tions more free 1 
 
 A. " More faith in the Medium. We cannot 
 readily impress her. She cannot be the Medium of 
 rappings ; her electric condition is not favorable ; 
 others of your number may be." 
 
 Q. Do spirits, in the spirit world make use of 
 any kind of nourishment ? 
 
 A. " Nourishment they require, but not of a ma- 
 terial kind. Your meat and your drink serves to 
 develope your physical body, and is material. Ours 
 is to learn the will of God. This is our meat and 
 our drink. Constantly we are advancing in spirit- 
 ual growth. The principle of life which exists in 
 nature is ours. Material we are not, yet we can, 
 by an electric combination, which is material, ren- 
 der ourselves visible to the outward senses. We 
 are not material. Is thought material ?" 
 
 October 27, 1851. 
 
 " Prepare for new manifestation. If possible we 
 will give you all you desire ; but you must obey our 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS, 35 
 
 directions. You need not meet again for two weeks ; 
 in the mean time each one should seek our influ- 
 ence. You need not fear us. All who fear to be 
 influenced by us should leave the Circle. The har- 
 mony cannot be as perfect as is required for other 
 manifestations, while there is so much fear of us." 
 
 Question. Should strangers be admitted in the 
 circle? 
 
 Jinswer. " If you desire only communication, all 
 who wish may be admitted. Communications are 
 to you the most important. Your object in seeking 
 communication with us should be to learn your duty 
 to God and man. You should not seek us out of 
 idle curiosity. We come to assist you in your spi- 
 ritual advancement. Our mission is not to amuse 
 you. We come for your highest good ; to teach • 
 you the way of salvation ; for all should know the 
 Lord God, from the least to the greatest." 
 
 Received at the house of a friend, October 28. 
 
 While the vision in the beginning of Davis's se- 
 cond volume of the Harmonia was being read, the 
 following was communicated. 
 
 " Know ye, the shepherd still labors to guide you 
 in the path of truth. Seek to obey the laws which 
 are written upon the heart. Listen to his voice, oh 
 man ! and obey God's will. Hope ! for the glory 
 of eternal life is the portion of all men. Know, 
 eternal joy is the portion of all the pure in heart. 
 
36 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Listen to the teachings of the spirits which are ap- 
 pointed to watch over you." 
 
 Question. Was there a flood known as Noah's 
 flood ? 
 
 Answer. " The waters covered all the earth. 
 Thus it is' recorded ; so it appeared to the writer of 
 Jhose words ; but it was not so, in reality. A great 
 change then occurred upon the surface of the earth. 
 It was the greatest change that has occurred since 
 man has existed upon the earth. The destruction 
 of human life was not, however, near so great as 
 was supposed and believed, by the author of the 
 account." 
 
 Q. Was there such a vessel as the ark built by a 
 man named Noah? 
 
 A. " He who is known by the name of Noah 
 did exist; and was preserved by entering a vessel, 
 so were many others." 
 
 Q. Did he take with him all kinds of animals? 
 
 Ji. " No, not for the purpose of preserving them ; 
 ^ome animals were in the vessel." 
 
 Q. How long was Noah in building the ark ? 
 
 A. " He did not build it : such vessels were com- 
 mon at that time ; others were saved in the same 
 manner." 
 
 Q. Is it possible for spirits to heal diseases with- 
 out the aid of medicine ? 
 
 A. " Yes, Jesus healed many by the power of 
 liis will. All will is magnetic." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 37 
 
 Some remarks were made respecting a lady who 
 could tell correctly the character of persons by 
 holding their compositions to her forehead; and also 
 the peculiar feelings under which they were written 
 — when the following was received. 
 
 " We have* told you, all will is magnetic ,* 
 every thought carries its impress with it ; and can 
 never be effaced. All who are highly susceptible 
 to magnetic influence can perceive the thoughts that 
 were felt at the time they were expressed." 
 
 Some remarks were made by a clergyman in a 
 sermon preached Nov. 2, which conveyed to the 
 mind of a Medium present, the idea that he believed 
 the only evidence of the future existence of the spi- 
 rit, was the desire which is felt for immortality. 
 While listening she was much influenced ; and after 
 returning home, the following was received. 
 
 " It is not true, that a knowledge of the existence 
 of the spirit after death depends only on the impres- 
 sions in the mind; but in all ages, spirits have com- 
 municated with mankind through their outward 
 senses. The Bible gives many correct accounts of 
 spiritual presence. All may be convinced of the 
 actual existence of the spirits of their departed 
 friends, whom they have loved : if they would but 
 yield to their influence. At the time of Jesus's ex- 
 istence in the flesh, spiritual communications were 
 more generally believed in than at the present day ; 
 4 
 
08 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 few intelligent minds at that day among the Jewish 
 nation, doubted the future existence of the spirit. 
 
 " One of the principal reasons why spiritual com- 
 munications are less frequent than in former ages, 
 is, the great fear that is felt of us. This fear was 
 chiefly excited by the influence of the teachers in 
 the church, by their inculcating in the minds of 
 >rnany, a superstitious dread of us. They knew full 
 well that minds left free to hold communion with 
 their God, through the way of his appointing, would 
 clearly perceive, and totally reject all the errors in 
 their teachings. Thus, for many years, have the 
 oninds of men been subjected to unfavorable influ- 
 ences; until, at length, faith seemed almost to be 
 banished from the world ; and the doctrine of ma- 
 terialism, as it is termed, was rapidly being re- 
 ceived by mankind." 
 
 The next evening there was a Circle formed, for 
 the benefit of a physician, who wished some advice 
 in regard to his health, when, to the surprise of all 
 present, the former communication was continued 
 as follows. 
 
 " He feared to express, faithfully, his own convic- 
 tions of truth ,* he does not doubt our communica- 
 tions with mankind ; he himself has had other 
 evidence of our existence than those that he ac- 
 knowledges his belief in ; he fears us, or we could 
 readily influence him ; at times spirits can, even 
 now, impress him. Tell him we know his thoughts ; 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 39 
 
 he is highly developed. Tell him to seek us. If he 
 would be true to God he must not fear the world." 
 [Here the remark was made by one present, that 
 he was not afraid. The reply was,] u Yes, he is not 
 free from fear ; none are ; Jesus only lived above 
 the world. God loves a willing spirit. Watch and 
 pray, lest at any time you yield to the fear of the 
 world. God calls him, and he must obey, fear not." 
 
 November 1 3. 
 
 [Communication in reply to an invitation re- 
 ceived from another Circle, to meet with them oc- 
 casionally.] 
 
 " Harmony, you have been told, should ever 
 unite you. Fear not to unite with those who are 
 seeking to know the truth : you may mutually bene- 
 fit each other. If discord should enter your midst, 
 seek to bring it into harmony by the power of love. 
 Be firm in your own faith : yet be passive, and 
 seek to know the will of God, let this ever be your 
 aim ; by this alone, can you hope to advance rapid- 
 ly in your development : let your aim ever be to 
 live to the glory of God. When you meet with 
 others, you must not allow yourselves to doubt, if 
 discord should be apparent in the communication 
 you receive, for all spirits do not perceive clearly* 
 We can speak to you only of the glory of God ; of 
 your duty to mankind, your own destiny, and of 
 
40 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 eternal life. My spirit is filled with the beauty and 
 holiness of the God who reigneth in holiness. 
 
 " Let thy voice, oh man ! be heard in uttering 
 praise and thanksgiving to him. Oh could you but 
 know the unbounded love which constantly sur- 
 rounds you !" 
 
 Question. Should we argue with those who ridi- 
 cule spiritual communications? 
 
 Answer. " Tell freely to all the foundation of 
 your faith : but labor not to convince those who, 
 having the light, see not, for as yet they cannot 
 perceive the truth : have faith that all will be con- 
 vinced." 
 
 November 16, 1851. 
 
 " Strangers should always endeavor to keep their 
 minds as much as possible from the Medium ; the 
 magnetic essence existing in them, influences the 
 electric sphere surrounding the Medium, and 
 causes the strong physical effects of which she 
 complains ; it does not injure her, but she dreads it, 
 and it prevents her mind being in a state sufficient- 
 ly passive for us to influence her readily." 
 
 [Here the Medium went into a deeper state ; her 
 eyes were closed, and she commenced speaking in 
 a low tone of voice.] 
 
 " Be humble, and bow thyself, oh man ! in deep 
 humility ; knowing that even yet thou knowest not 
 thyself; even thy own thoughts are not understood 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 41 
 
 by thee ; words are even uttered by thee when thou 
 knowest not their import. Why wonderest thou ! 
 Be humble, and learn of us, seeing as yet thou 
 knowest not thyself. Yet joy for thee, oh man! 
 who art created in the image of the Eternal. Im- 
 mortal life is thine inheritance. Be not cast down 
 by earthly sufferings, they cannot destroy the im- 
 mortal spirit. Speak no more at this time." 
 
 (The Medium now opened her eyes and conti- 
 nued to communicate with the card.) 
 
 Question. Should we look to a higher source 
 than the spirits for advice ? 
 
 Answer. " Yes, ask of God. Bright and beauti- 
 ful shall be the scenes that will become visible to 
 thee, if thou wiit yield thyself to our influence. 
 But remember to keep thy heart pure before God." 
 
 Q. Would it be right for a friend present to go 
 to-morrow to meet in argument a man who intends 
 to attack spiritual philosophy ? * 
 
 A. " No, let not thy tongue be given to argu- 
 ment ; but let thy life be a shining light, convincing 
 all of the fullness of thy faith." 
 
 November 19. 
 11 You know that undeveloped spirits perceive not 
 the truth a§ it is in God. This, although it is not 
 the cause of actual suffering, is a condition which 
 prevents high enjoyment. It is not true that all 
 spirits, in the spirit-world, harmonize as you under- 
 4* 
 
42 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 stand the term. Where truth exists, there only can 
 be harmony ; where spirits are undeveloped, there 
 cannot be light ; yet all spirits possess some truth ; 
 that truth is an emanation from the eternal Father, 
 though it be as a grain of mustard seed. They pro- 
 gress and develop until capable of perceiving all 
 truth, rejoicing in that knowledge, and glorifying 
 the God eternal. Hope therefore ; all spirits will be 
 redeemed from error or ignorance. Jesus was, in- 
 deed, to mankind a redeemer; for he taught the 
 truths of the spirit life, he taught not the doctrine of 
 eternal suffering ; but that spirits exist in different 
 degrees of development ; that a more perfect know- 
 ledge of truth brought with it its reward of a higher 
 happiness." [Here the Medium commenced speak- 
 ing from impression.] " We would speak to you 
 in words of truth. Jesus died for the truth, let him 
 be loved by you as a teacher of truth. With him 
 commenced the new dispensation. The intellect of 
 mankind was then in a higher state of development 
 than his spirituality. 
 
 " After the death of Jesus, the truths of eternal 
 life began to interest mankind. The Jewish nation 
 was more highly developed spiritually, than any 
 nation then existing upon the earth. In all the 
 changes that have occurred in the different ages of 
 the world ; God hath been bringing about the spirit- 
 ual elevation of the human family. Speak no more 
 at this time." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 43 
 
 Q. Was the account given in the Bible of the 
 appearance of a hand-writing on the wall, to be un- 
 derstood literally? 
 
 A. "Yes." 
 
 [Mental question by the Medium.^ Was there a 
 a literal Dove seen resting upon Christ when he 
 arose from the water ? 
 
 A. " A dove was with them, an emblem of puri- 
 ty and truth. He was immersed, literally, by being 
 buried, as they term it, beneath the water; the ap- 
 pearance of light and exceeding purity, was appa- 
 rent to all, as he arose from the water: this his 
 historians described as the appearance of a dove." 
 
 Q. Should we worship Jesus ? 
 
 A. No, not worship him; to God alone bow thou. 
 Jesus himself worshiped the eternal God. His 
 spirit, we have told you, was highly developed ; he 
 was, in spirit, the Son of God." 
 
 Q. Is he a Mediator ? 
 
 A. "Not as you understand it; he was a mediator 
 only, as he taught the eternal truths of the Father's 
 laws. His mission was not fully understood by his 
 followers; some supposed they would be saved by 
 virtue possessed by him, because they could not at 
 that time perceive the truths of his teachings." 
 
 November 22. 
 " Cultivate social intercourse, it tends to produce 
 harmony ; this is what is required for the rapid pro- 
 
44 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 gress of mankind. At present the inhabitants of 
 the earth are in a state of too great individuality. 
 The human spirit should be a harmonious whole : 
 being bound together by the holy band of pure love. 
 Then would that period spoken of have arrived. 
 The time will yet be, when holy harmony will 
 exist throughout all the universe. Mankind will 
 exist upon the earth in a state of spiritual harmony. 
 This state must yet arrive. Then will the earth be 
 more perfect in its physical condition." 
 
 November 24. 
 " * Prepare ye the way of the Lord.' This com- 
 mand is to you all ; know ye then what it meaneth? 
 It is to teach the laws of God. This is to prepare 
 the way of the Lord. First, then, oh man ! see 
 thou that thy mind be free from all uncharitable- 
 ness. Pure love only is God's will. Seek to pu- 
 rify thy own spirit ; then will love to all the human 
 family fill thy heart ; for then wilt thou possess the 
 spirit of the Father. All hatred and uncharitable- 
 ness are of the earth, earthly ; and belong only to 
 the animal ; they should not oppress the spirit. 
 Again, we bid you strive to keep your spirits free 
 from all unholy influences ; for unless thou thyself 
 be pure, how canst thou teach purity. Remember 
 you are not called of God, that you should dwell in 
 idleness, but each should seek to do the Father's 
 will." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 45 
 
 November 28. 
 
 " Your efforts must be to increase harmony upon 
 the earth. But your course must not be that of 
 seeking to convert mankind by strenuous argument: 
 do not contend with those who differ with you, for 
 this would have the tendency to destroy the harmo- 
 ny which it should be your object to establish ; urge 
 not your own views, although you know them to be 
 correct, for you know the course pursued by secta- 
 rians has ever been such as to create unkind feel- 
 ings among those who could not perceive what they 
 conceive to be true, as they did. You need not 
 hope for the existence of pure love, while conten- 
 tions upon subjects which deeply interest mankind 
 continue to exist among them. For the rapid pro- 
 gress of the spirits' development, the laws of spiri- 
 tual progression must be obeyed. We desire you 
 should endeavor to spread the truth of spiritual 
 communications ; but remember pure love should 
 ever govern you ; we would advise you not to in- 
 dulge in argument, but to tell all freely your own 
 convictions of truth." (A fear was here expressed 
 that the members would suffer in their business.) 
 " You must expect to suffer in your temporal welfare; 
 many will doubt you, but be firm, and you will 
 eventually triumph." 
 
 " Many have doubted the possibility of spirits in 
 the flesh passing, in a measure, therefrom, and be- 
 coming present to those to whom they are attract- 
 
46 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 ed by spiritual harmony, and yet the body still ap- 
 pear to be in the full enjoyment of life; but this 
 state is not in opposition to the laws of spirit. The 
 spirit is not the animal life ; it may, in a measure, 
 pass from the body, and yet all the animal functions 
 continue their healthy action, so much so, that the 
 body is not conscious of its absence ; and the indi- 
 vidual is conscious only of a strong affection for the 
 spirits with whom it is at that time mingling. If 
 the laws which govern spirit, and its intercourse 
 with spirit, were more generally understood, the 
 happiness of mankind would be much increased." 
 
 Question. If a spirit in the flesh were to be pre- 
 sent to another spirit in the flesh, would that other 
 spirit be conscious of its presence ? 
 
 Answer. " In all cases wherein spirit mingles 
 with spirit, each are in a measure affected." 
 
 December 2, 1851. 
 
 " Behold, oh man ! true wisdom exists only with 
 the Father. Hope not for perfect knowledge. The 
 Father only is the embodiment of truth. Through- 
 out eternity he will ever continue to reveal Himself 
 to the human spirit, which is itself an emanation 
 from him : as is also the universe. His spirit per- 
 vadeth all things. Nature alone is a true revela- 
 tion of the Father. It is not possible for the human 
 spirit to understand all truth as it is in the Father. 
 Jesus himself, although he was developed as fully 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 47 
 
 as it is possible for spirit to become developed in the 
 flesh ; knew not the fullness of truth as it exists in 
 the Eternal. New beauties, and new truths, are 
 ever unfolding even to him. If man would learn 
 truth, he must seek to be in harmony with himself, 
 he must obey, as far as is possible with him, the 
 laws which govern both his spirit and his body. 
 Cultivate love to the Father, then wilt thou, oh 
 man ! learn to know his will, and fulfil his laws. 
 Love, and love only, is the spirit's nourishment ; it 
 cannot progress or become development until it 
 learns to dwell in love. The intellect may be high- 
 ly cultivated, and yet the spirit still remain in dark- 
 ness, for love only is the true light. 
 
 " With thee, oh man ! who art loved of the 
 Father, we would seek to reason ; we would urge 
 upon thee thy duty to thyself and thy God. 
 Wouldst thou but seek to know thy duty, and live 
 in accordance with the laws of thy being, then 
 would sin and suffering cease amongst you." 
 
 December 6. 
 
 [Received in reply to some passages being read 
 in Davis's Harmonia.] " Oh man ! could thy 
 spirit but be filled with the love which it is the 
 Father's will that thou shouldst feel for thy fellow, 
 then would such scenes of suffering cease upon the 
 earth. Remember, we have repeatedly told you, 
 that God wills not the suffering of any of his crea- 
 
48 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 tures ; and that all suffering is in violation of his 
 laws. Humanity, therefore, would ever induce you 
 to labor for the advancement of your fellow beings, 
 do not deem it possible for suffering to exist in 
 your midst, and you not be individually affected by 
 it. God has so established his laws, that one mem- 
 ber of the human family cannot suffer, and each 
 individual member not be affected. Labor, then, 
 oh man ! labor with true earnestness for the re- 
 demption of thy fellow man from sin and suffering; 
 strive to assist in bringing about the advancement 
 of the race. It is not the Father's will you should 
 dwell in idleness ; we have urged upon you your 
 duties to each other. This is our mission. 
 
 " In holiness, purity and love, you should dwell 
 together. Strive to cultivate love to the Father 
 Almighty. Pure love to God will ever induce love 
 to man. 
 
 " Let your minds be ever filled with an earnest 
 desire to be instructed in the truth, as it exists in 
 God. Let this be your object in seeking commu- 
 nion with us ; then will your spirits steadily advance 
 in their development. 
 
 " My daughter, fear not to mingle freely with the 
 world ; we have before given thee advice, with re- 
 gard to thy course upon this subject; we have told 
 thee, thou must not fear the effects of meeting with 
 those who are seeking to investigate truth ; meeting 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 49 
 
 with them will have the effect of lessening preju- 
 dice. Have pure love to all ; it matters not under 
 what circumstances they are found ; if they even 
 be deeply imbued with sin (as a low state of devel- 
 opment is termed) ; for thou knowest all are liable 
 to err. Rejoice that thy lot has been cast in a 
 state which lifts thee above the temptations of the 
 lower propensities of the animal nature. But be 
 not exalted by the thought ; remember, rather, to 
 thank the God of mercy, in deep humility. Until 
 this can be the state of thy mind, thou canst not 
 perceive clearly the beauties which surround thee." 
 
 Dec. 9, 1851. 
 
 Comments on a passage being read in one of 
 Davis's works, 
 
 " All should be strong. True strength exists in 
 perfect love; let all strive to become strong. All 
 could, if they would but examine themselves, know 
 the power of true love to subdue the evil existing in 
 them ; or, in other words, of developing the higher 
 attributes of their spirit. If mankind could fully 
 appreciate the power of love, they would feel the 
 necessity of cultivating perfect love in themselves. 
 We so frequently speak to you of the power of love, 
 because we perceive you are not sufficiently im- 
 pressed by its power. 
 
 " If all could but appreciate the intimate connection 
 of one spirit with another, they would then know 
 5 
 
50 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 the necessity of cultivating in themselves the full- 
 ness of pure love to the Father, and perfect charity 
 towards each other. It is the duty of all to forgive 
 freely. Where love exists not, there cannot be 
 perfect harmony. One bond unites all. 
 
 "We would now speak to you of your duty in 
 regard to your associating yourselves together for 
 the purpose of advancing the knowledge of spiritual 
 existence amongst those with whom you mingle in 
 society. We do not wish you to urge your views 
 upon those who cannot yet perceive truth. But you 
 should welcome all true inquirers; you need not 
 fear to receive such amongst you. It is well to en- 
 deavor to induce all true minds to investigate this 
 subject. When all become convinced of the truth 
 of spiritual communications, mankind will be con- 
 vinced of the necessity of living in harmony, one 
 with another, if they wish to enjoy a high degree 
 of happiness in the future life. The idea of the 
 possibility of a spirit entering into a high state of 
 spiritual happiness, when it has neglected its devel- 
 opment while in the flesh, will no longer be be- 
 lieved; for all will then know that such a condition 
 of the spirit cannot be enjoyed, but must be arrived 
 at by a gradual advancement. It is as impossible 
 for an undeveloped spirit, to enjoy the high happi- 
 ness which is enjoyed by the highly developed spi- 
 rits, as it would be for the physical body to become 
 fully developed in all strength in a day." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 51 
 
 Dec. 13. 
 
 The company assembled were talking about the 
 strong physical manifestations which at different 
 times have been witnessed; when the following was 
 received. 
 
 11 Those physical manifestations should not be so 
 strongly objected to; they have been of service in 
 the cause. The manifestations spoken of in the Bi- 
 ble were, many of them, of the same nature. They, 
 in all cases, have had the tendency of calling the 
 atteniion of mankind to the subject of spiritual in- 
 fluence. Whilst we would urge upon you that you 
 should feel a proper respect for all the different 
 modes in which spirits have manifested them&elves 
 to spirits still existing in the flesh, at all ages of the 
 world ; yet we would urge you to strive to advance, 
 and not desire to look back, but strive to obtain 
 higher and higher communications. 
 
 " All highly developed spirits, who are capable 
 of communicating with you, are, in many cases, 
 prevented doing so, on account of the constant de- 
 sire of some minds to return again to old things. 
 Keep constantly in your minds a desire to obtain a 
 knowledge of the laws of the Eternal God, be they 
 either those of matter or spirit. We have told you 
 your first duty is to cultivate love to God. This is 
 the first and greatest commandment : the second is 
 like unto it, that you love one another. Man must 
 not expect to rest from his labors ; he must con- 
 
52 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 stantly be aiming for high and higher states of ex- 
 istence ; he must constantly labor for the advance- 
 ment of the human race, and seek to improve the 
 social organization. 
 
 " While the present condition of society continues, 
 a rapid advancement in spirituality cannot be ex- 
 pected. He is not, in his present social condition, 
 living in harmony with laws which govern him ; 
 therefore a high state of happiness is not possible 
 for him to enjoy. Before man can enjoy the full- 
 ness of temporal happiness, all his affections and 
 sympathies must be active. Each should individu- 
 ally aim to develop, in himself, all the higher attri- 
 butes of his nature. 
 
 u God has not created any thing in vain ; he has 
 not bestowed upon mankind any feeling which they 
 should fear to exercise in accordance with the laws 
 established for their government." 
 
 Question. What becomes of the minds of inferior 
 animals after death ? 
 
 Answer. " The lower animals possess, in their 
 present condition, only, what is termed by mankind, 
 instinct. The affections they appear to possess, 
 exist only with the term of the animal life. All the 
 different instincts are only such as are required for 
 the development of animal life. Instinct is not spi- 
 rit. Spirit only exists throughout eternity. It is of 
 God, and cannot die. The distinguishing attribute 
 of spirit is, love to God" 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 53 
 
 Q. Is chemical affinity identical with animal 
 life? 
 
 A. " No. It is but a lower development of the 
 law of affinity, which pervades nature, but a species 
 of the same." 
 
 Q. Have the higher species of animals been de- 
 veloped out of the lower ? 
 
 A. " You perceive throughout nature, that ad- 
 vancement is constantly going on ; but each indi- 
 vidual species exists only in one particular state ; or, 
 in other words, advances not beyond its original 
 formation. You perceive the different varieties of 
 the vegetable creation ; each individual variety, as 
 long as it exists, remains one and the same ; but it 
 may pass completely away, and a more perfect va- 
 riety come into existence; but it is altogether inde- 
 pendent of the former, and as long as it exists con- 
 tinues its independence; but it may be improved, as 
 the conditions influencing its development, be favora- 
 ble or otherwise. It, too, may pass away, and, 
 from the substance existing in it, other and higher 
 species may be supported ; but they are all indepen- 
 dent. Thus, from the decomposed portions of ve- 
 getable matter, man's animal nature may be sup- 
 ported and developed in strength ; yet man cannot 
 be said to be a species of vegetable." 
 
 Q. Were the lower forms of animals created 
 before the higher? 
 
 5* 
 
54 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 A. " As the earth advanced in its develop- 
 ment, different species of vegetable and animal cre- 
 ation were created ; such as were suited to the ex- 
 isting state of the earth. In some cases many 
 centuries passed between the creation of different 
 species ! The same laws are still in progress. 
 
 " We have said, different species were created ; 
 but it must not be understood that they were formed 
 independent of established law. You know the earth 
 itself, together with all the created universe, was 
 brought into existence in accordance with law." 
 
 Bee. 15. 
 
 A member of the Circle was reading in one of 
 Davis's works when the following was communi- 
 cated. 
 
 " This should be the course which all should pur- 
 sue in seeking to obtain communication from spirits 
 that have passed to the second sphere, as it is term- 
 ed. All should seek to receive information direct 
 from the Divine Mind ; which can be obtained by 
 asking with an earnest desire of obtaining true 
 knowledge. Spirit is so constituted that spirit as- 
 sists the development of spirit. We can communi- 
 cate to you truths emanating from the Eternal. All 
 spiritual impressions are produced by one spirit in- 
 fluencing another." 
 
 The communication was here interrupted by the 
 members of the Circle making inquiry, through the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 55 
 
 Medium, whether they should admit a friend who 
 had just called, when the following was received. 
 
 " It is not well for spirits in the flesh, when seek- 
 ing information of us, to urge answers to questions 
 of trifling import ; it distracts the minds of the Me- 
 diums, and prevents them being in a state suffi- 
 ciently passive to be readily impressed. 
 
 " Our minds are constantly filled with the ex- 
 ceeding glory of the Eternal God ; and we can no 
 longer communicate to you upon subjects of a 
 temporal nature, any further than they have an im- 
 portant influence upon the development of spirit. 
 
 " Strive to cultivate an earnest desire to obtain 
 true knowledge. If your spirits could become more 
 clear, and be in a state to be readily impressed, you 
 could then perceive more clearly the condition of 
 spirits in the flesh, with whom you associate. You 
 would then become so clear that you could perceive 
 the spiritual state of each other. This is a state 
 which all should strive to attain. Then would an 
 earnest desire to cultivate purity of thought be felt 
 by all." 
 
 S. T. C, the second wife of J. C, ceased to 
 breathe about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 16th 
 of December, 1851. On the morning of the 19th 
 the funeral company assembled. While sitting in 
 silence, two mediums, who were in attendance, be- 
 came so strongly influenced as to be induced to re- 
 
56 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 tire to a private room ; and there, one of them was 
 influenced by the spirit of the first wife to write ; 
 and the other received a communication from the 
 second wife, through the card, both operating at 
 the same lime. J. C, who is now at an advanced 
 age, and who has, at several times, had spiritual 
 visions, says he felt their presence so strongly that 
 they seemed to be personally present. 
 
 Communication from second wife, Dec. 19. 
 
 " My Friends, — I have been anxious to communi- 
 cate to you all. My spirit had not entirely left the 
 body until about the tenth hour of the day ; but I 
 slept, and was unconscious of your mourning. 
 When I awoke I perceived that I no longer dwelt in 
 the flesh. I perceived that you mourned my ab- 
 sence, but my spirit rejoiced in its new life. Your 
 mourning did not cause me suffering, for you 
 mourned not as those without hope. 
 
 " Some of you felt that I was still present. I did 
 not then desire to communicate with you. I per- 
 ceived that I could not influence you ; but now that 
 I have the power to communicate with you, through 
 the outward senses, I am attracted to do so. I per- 
 ceive myself surrounded by many whom I had 
 loved while in the flesh. With them I now joy to 
 mingle, but I am still strongly attracted by those 
 whom I have loved, who are still in the flesh. The 
 spirit of one, I perceive, has already, in a great 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 57 
 
 measure, withdrawn from the body; with him I can 
 communicate in spirit, he feels my presence. It is 
 to those whose spirits are still fully surrounded by 
 the flesh, that I would at this time communicate. I 
 would, if possible, convince them of my presence, 
 while yet my body is with them. I would convince 
 them that my spirit is in their midst, enjoying the 
 fullness of spiritual life. 
 
 " Fear not the change, the new birth, for I re- 
 joice in the glory and beauty which now surrounds 
 me. 
 
 "Farewell, at present. I will again communi- 
 cate to you." 
 
 Written communication from the first wife. 
 
 " Husband, again art thou bereft ; 
 
 Again, the dear one whom thou hadst chosen 
 
 To be the loved companion of thy years 
 
 Hath departed ; departed, and left thee 
 
 Yet awhile, to struggle on amid 
 
 The cares and toils of earth ; to stem 
 
 The raging tide of error ; her pure spirit 
 
 Has uprisen, to dwell with those 
 
 Who, pure and blest, live in the courts of heaven, 
 
 And move but in the truth of God. 
 
 But, husband, be not gloomy in thy thoughts, 
 
 Be not bowed down with trouble ; 
 
 Think not of what thou hast been called upon 
 
 To suffer ; but let thy mind dwell calmly 
 
 On thoughts of immortality. 
 
 Those that are gone sleep not, they e'en now 
 
 Hover around thy head, to cheer and bless. 
 
58 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 We are all with thee, our spirits seek 
 
 To hold sweet communion with thee. 
 
 Lift thy thoughts on high, that thou may'st be 
 
 In sweetest harmony with us. 
 
 Oh, what blissful songs of praise 
 
 Now sound throughout the arch of heaven ; 
 
 Another spirit tunes its harp of song 
 
 In unison with ours, to praise the Eternal One 
 
 Who ruleth over all the spheres of heaven, 
 
 And 'midst all scenes of earth. His wisdom 
 
 Is thankfully received by us, 
 
 And leads our minds to drink of that pure stream 
 
 Of living waters, which, like a fount, 
 
 Gushes from out his hand. Oh, what love ! 
 
 What boundless goodness is discerned by us 
 
 In all thy trials ; they are ordained 
 
 With mercy infinite, by the Eternal One, 
 
 Who calleth men his children. 
 
 Look upward, then, that thou may'st learn 
 
 The beauteous lesson of thy present grief. 
 
 Prepare thyself to gather stores 
 
 Of richest wealth, wealth not of earth, 
 
 But wealth of purest gems of heaven. 
 
 Soon thou shalt be released, thy soul 
 
 Shall also wing its lofty flight, 
 
 Then shalt thou join us in a purer home 
 
 Than earth can e'er afford ; thou shalt then hold 
 
 Holier communion with our spirits ; 
 
 Thought shall then pass without obstruction 
 
 From our hearts to thine. 
 
 Listen my husband, while we hover near 
 
 To whisper thee a sweet command of love — 
 
 This is its import — Sing thy praise loud 
 
 To Him who ordereth all things well. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 59 
 
 Communicated from S. T. C., Dec. ^2, 1851. 
 
 " Joy> j°y> on man I tne spirits dwell together in 
 holiness and love. God reigneth over all. Suffer- 
 ing ceases with our withdrawal from the flesh. We 
 marvel that we feared to enter our Father's house. 
 We almost wonder that we knew not of the joys 
 that awaited us. Let not fear oppress your spirits, 
 it serves to surround you with a veil of darkness. 
 You cannot perceive the glory and beauty of the 
 Father's laws as they are manifest in your earthly 
 home. Be free in spirit, and fear not the light. 
 Bright glory surrounds you ; seek then to behold 
 it ; let the holy light of love shed its radiance around 
 your spirits. We now perceive the fullness of the 
 power of love. I said I would again communicate, 
 I now fulfil that promise. We are still strongly 
 attracted to those we love in the flesh." 
 
 Question. Will the spirit of my dear wife be so 
 good as to tell me the cause of her sudden death? 
 
 Answer. " My physical organization had, for 
 many years, been powerfully affected by violation 
 of the laws of nature. My lungs, as you are aware, 
 had been, for many years, in an unhealthy state or 
 condition, but that was not the immediate cause of 
 my death. By exposure to cold my blood became 
 in a more unhealthy state than usual, which center- 
 ed, in its effects, upon my brain, which, in a few 
 hours, had the effect to force my spirit from its 
 earthly tenement. The condition of my lungs was 
 
60 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 such, that my blood could not become freely puri- 
 fied. My brain being affected was the cause of my 
 unconsciousness, which, in speaking of in a former 
 communication to you, I termed sleep. Could you 
 have seen my brain, from about the second hour of 
 the day, you would have known that I could not 
 long remain in the flesh. 
 
 " My dear husband and children : I would freely 
 communicate with you. While I sojourned with 
 you my spirit enjoyed a high degree of happiness. 
 Harmony united us; we dwelt in peace. The bond 
 of love which united us was, I perceive, as strong 
 as that which unites spirits in the flesh, in the state 
 of development to which we had arrived. I am 
 still strongly attracted to you all ; but I rejoice with 
 exceeding joy in my spirit life. All now is purity 
 and love. Strive ever to dwell in love ; then may 
 you, while yet in the flesh, know the holy beauty of 
 the spirit-life. Farewell." 
 
 Addressed to the Medium. Dec. 26, 1851. 
 
 " My daughter, fear not to communicate thy im- 
 pressions. 
 
 " We have said you should forgive the erring, and 
 assist the advancement of undeveloped spirits. But, 
 my daughter, remember, in no case ever to permit 
 hope for advancement in temporal interest to influ- 
 ence thee to associate thyself intimately with the 
 false and dark in spirit ; endeavor ever to keep thy- 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 61 
 
 self pure. Seek association only with those who 
 are seeking to learn the will of God. Remember, 
 each spirit influences the development of spirit ; 
 seek then the pure." 
 
 The remark was here made, that there were none 
 pure — when the following was received. 
 
 "Many desire to advance in truth; their as- 
 pirations are pure. Endeavor ever to assist the 
 development of the darkened spirit, but remember, 
 in no case, ever to subject thyself to be controlled 
 or influenced by them ; fear not for thy temporal 
 welfare. The aim of mankind should be to culti- 
 vate purity of thoughts ; then will the spirit become 
 clear and in the image of the Father. 
 
 11 The animal nature must be brought into sub- 
 jection ; God must reign through his Spirit, which 
 he has bestowed upon man. 
 
 " It is God's will that mankind should labor for 
 the support of his animal nature ; but he should not 
 oppress his spirit by ever dwelling upon those wants. 
 God's laws should be studied and obeyed. Man- 
 kind should learn that his temporal wants require 
 not that he should be throughout his existence upon 
 the earth, constantly laboring for his temporal wel- 
 fare. God has made ample provision for the sup- 
 port of all his creatures. All who earnestly desire 
 the advancement of the human race will seek to 
 ascertain the cause of the inequality which is ap- 
 parent in the dispensation of temporal blessings. 
 6 
 
62 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 " Progression is the law of the created universe. 
 Mankind will ever continue to progress, intellectu- 
 ally as well as spiritually. Advancement is appa- 
 rent throughout the universe. In the arts and sci- 
 ences, as well as in purity and love, the human 
 race are gradually and steadily advancing. This 
 is in accordance with law. No power in existence 
 can overcome this law. Evil, you have been told, 
 is but an undeveloped state of the animal nature ; 
 it is a negative condition ; it has no positive power, 
 which could enable it to overcome the established 
 laws of the Eternal. You should seek to encourage 
 advancement in all truth." 
 
 Dec. 29, 1851. 
 
 " Time must cease, and space be annihilated, be- 
 fore a ful'ness of the knowledge of the Eternal can 
 be comprehended by spirit. Throughout eternity, 
 spirit must constantly progress in knowledge, love, 
 and truth." 
 
 Question. Is Davis correct in saying that the spi- 
 rit land is divided into seven spheres? 
 
 Answer* " All the divisions in condition of spirit, 
 spoken of by Davis, are imaginary. He perceived 
 the different degrees of advancement to a state 
 which he terms the seventh, beyond this he cannot 
 vet advance. He has expressed his own impressions 
 of truth in language which he perceived could be 
 comprehended by minds to which he addressed 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 63 
 
 himself. He is more clear in spiritual perception 
 than any one now living upon the earth. 
 
 " Jesus, and he who is known as the Evangelist 
 John, were the most fully developed spirits that have 
 ever existed upon the earth. They possessed the 
 fullest love to God and man. Davis is now in a 
 higher state of development than Paul attained 
 while in the flesh. He loves the truth of God with 
 a more perfect love. He perceives more clearly 
 the Father's laws. Moses was not highly developed. 
 He taught many truths, and was in advance of spi- 
 rits generally, at that time; still there were some, 
 even at that day, who perceived truth more clearly 
 than he did. His animal nature was not as fully 
 developed as that of most men at the present day. 
 It was in a more unhealthy condition. Perfect de- 
 velopment indicates perfect health ; and an un- 
 healthy condition of any propensity is not a perfect 
 development. When the animal is in the ascen- 
 dency, man is not highly developed. An excessive 
 development is not a healthy development." 
 
 Jan. 2, 1852. 
 
 11 Guide, and be guided, but strive not to desire to 
 force conviction upon yourselves or others. Seek, 
 when you meet together, to learn the truth of God's 
 laws. You do not feel the necessity of seeking the 
 true light. It is well when you are absent from the 
 Circle, to read directions given by the spirits respect- 
 
64 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 ing the condition of Mediums and formations of 
 Circles; but, when spirits desire to communicate, 
 seek to learn of them, the eternal laws of God, as 
 they are capable of teaching them. Ask, in faith, 
 of God, and he will grant us the power of instruct- 
 ing you in truth. Ask such questions as will assist 
 you in your duties to each other. This is what, in 
 the present state of society, is required of you. It 
 is required that you should prepare the way of the 
 Lord. It was not for naught that we were permit- 
 ted to communicate to mankind, in the manner in 
 which we have, for some time, been able to do." 
 
 Jan. 5, 1852. 
 
 "It is well, God reigneth in power; man must 
 learn to recognize his power almighty. Be ye 
 guided in truth. We would desire to instruct you 
 in truth. Listen, then, to our teachings. Observe 
 w r ell what we now desire to communicate. In com- 
 municating to you we are attracted by congenial 
 harmony. When spirits in the second sphere are 
 wholly absorbed by love to God, they seek such 
 Mediums to communicate through, whom they per- 
 ceive to be developed in love to God. If they de- 
 sire to communicate only of the wisdom of God, 
 they seek those mediums who they perceive are 
 highly developed in wisdom. If they desire to 
 communicate respecting temporal matters, they 
 seek those who are absorbed in the affections of the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 65 
 
 flesh. There are few Mediums through whom they 
 can communicate freely upon all subjects upon 
 which communications are sought ; still there are 
 times when the affections of the Medium are more 
 or less active. In Mediums possessing strong love 
 to God, the temporal affections are, at times, so 
 powerful, that spirits can readily communicate 
 through them, upon temporal matters. You per- 
 ceive it would be impossible for Mediums, when 
 strongly influenced by one affection, to answer 
 readily or correctly all questions prompted by ano- 
 ther. When forming your Circles, therefore, it 
 would be well for you to select Mediums of different 
 developments, through whom to receive communi- 
 cations ; so that all may be gratified by receiving 
 answers to their questions. Welcome all who ear- 
 nestly desire to acquire true knowledge ; but those 
 who desire to meet in membership with the Circle 
 should meet regularly, if possible. By frequently 
 meeting together, mental harmony is increased, 
 which renders the conditions favorable for commu- 
 nicating. It is well for the different members to 
 ask such questions as will enable them to receive 
 light upon the laws which God has established for 
 the government of his works. This will enable 
 them to advance in true knowledge. This should 
 be your object in seeking communion with us. If 
 you obey our directions you will be enabled to ob- 
 tain much important information respecting spiritual 
 6* 
 
DO SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 existence. When you meet together, you should 
 come with a desire to learn the truth of God. All 
 should come with questions, seeking to learn the 
 Jaws of matter and spirit ; by that means you will 
 be enabled to advance rapidly in the knowledge of 
 truth. Obey our directions, and you will be bene- 
 fited." 
 
 Jan. 9, 1852. 
 " Pray earnestly that you yield not to temptation. 
 The mind, earnest in prayer, can be readily influ- 
 enced in truth. Then can it be instructed in righte- 
 ousness. Power will then be given to perceive evil. 
 Pray earnestly to the Father and you will receive 
 strength from on high. The spirit's aspirations are 
 felt by the Father Almighty. Many minds seek of 
 us the power to overcome, immediately, the exist- 
 ing evils in the world. They desire that we should 
 now prevent all suffering and sin. If they could 
 but perceive the laws which govern their spiritual 
 and temporal advancement, they would know of a 
 truth that the human spirit must ever labor; that 
 advancement in all knowledge, as well as in the 
 power of perceiving and obeying the true light, 
 must be gained by earnest seeking and endeavoring 
 to enter into close communion with the Father, by 
 submitting unto his will, and learning of him, as he 
 is revealed in nature, which is the work of his 
 hands. Spirits have not the power to overcome evil 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 67 
 
 where the mind is in constant opposition to the laws 
 of its nature." 
 
 It was known that the spirit communicating, 
 while in the flesh, objected to paid ministry, which 
 induced one of his children to ask the following 
 question — 
 
 Is it right to listen to the teachings of ministers 
 who are paid for preaching ? 
 
 Ji. " Where truth is taught it is well for all to 
 learn. Many perceive much truth without being 
 impressed in all truth, which they should even now 
 perceive. Yet many possess the power of instruct- 
 ing in truth. For a knowledge of spiritual laws, 
 and a knowledge of God's perfection, you need not 
 go beyond the light which eniighteneth every man 
 who cometh into the world. Each spirit possesses, 
 of itself, a witness of the Father; and to no man is 
 it given to bestow upon another that which is al- 
 ready possessed from the Father." 
 
 Question. Is it true that the wise men were 
 guided by a star to the birthplace of Jesus 1 
 
 Answer. "The Jews had been expecting, for 
 some time, the coming of one who should be ena- 
 bled to instruct them in truth, as had been prophe- 
 sied by some who were advanced in clearness of 
 spiritual perception. Those whose occupation was 
 that of tending sheep, were more spiritual than the 
 generality of mankind ; it was such as induced a 
 
68 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 passive state of mind, and they loved to dwell upon 
 the promise that had been given, with regard to the 
 Messiah, whom they expected to descend to earth. 
 Therefore they were ever watchful and readily im- 
 pressed. Their guardian spirits, perceiving that 
 Jesus was created under holy influences — more 
 so than any being who has since existed — per- 
 ceived that he would, when he entered the world, be 
 in such a spiritual condition that he would be a 
 teacher of mankind. They, therefore, impressed 
 them on that truth, and even formed an electric 
 combination, so as to guide them to his birthplace. 
 Such instances of spiritual combination are not un- 
 common when they desire to impress the mind with 
 an important truth." 
 
 Q. Was the sword that was seen suspended over 
 Jerusalem a symbol produced by spirits? 
 
 A. " Yes, it was. They perceived that such influ- 
 ences were in operation which would cause the de- 
 struction of the city, if they were not changed ; and 
 they made the manifestation spoken of for the pur- 
 pose of impressing the minds of those in power, to 
 induce a change in their course, and lead them to 
 see truth and repent of their evil ways. It was not 
 seen by the people generally, some only perceived 
 it." 
 
 Q. Will the visit of Kossuth to this country bene- 
 fit mankind ? 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 69 
 
 A. " Yes. When we communicate with you 
 again we will give you some important information 
 on that subject." 
 
 It was playfully remarked to the Medium, " Oh, 
 yes, thee wants to have time to prepare thyself" — 
 when the communication continued — 
 
 " Lest you should doubt, we will endeavor to im- 
 press the Medium, although we perceive that she is 
 wearied, and is no longer readily impressed. 
 
 " All created beings are brought into existence 
 for a purpose. God doth not create any thing in 
 vain. Mankind is now, as we have before told you, 
 about passing from his lower, or animal, to his 
 higher, or spiritual nature. In all changes which 
 occur, either in mind or matter, strong convulsions 
 are necessary. The minds that are in advance in 
 knowledge, strive to influence in truth. Those that 
 are in a darkened or undeveloped condition, will 
 not yield, but exert their animal propensities in op- 
 position. This produces convulsions. Kossuth pos- 
 sesses strong love toward mankind, but his love to 
 God is not equal to his love for man. He rebels 
 against the Father's laws. While he desires the 
 advancement of his race, in temporal interest, he 
 is not willing to abide the development of the spirit. 
 He wishes to force a state which cannot yet exist. 
 Yet he will be of advantage to mankind. But if his 
 higher spiritual attributes were equally developed, 
 
70 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 he would possess more perfect love both to God and 
 man." 
 
 Q. " Was his motive in coming here for personal 
 aggrandisement? 
 
 A. " No. They are not for his personal ad- 
 vancement. Every spirit highly developed, in any 
 one of the higher attributes of spirit, has a favora- 
 ble influence upon the advancement of the human 
 
 Jan. 16, 1852. 
 
 "My children, we desire that you should come 
 seeking to obtain knowledge of us. You should 
 regard the time spent in your meetings of too great 
 importance to be devoted to reading upon other sub- 
 jects." 
 
 [One of the members had been reading in a news- 
 paper.] 
 
 " It is well for you to read at other times ; but 
 when we desire to communicate to you, we wish 
 you to ask information of us respecting the govern- 
 ment of God. This is why we wish you to ask 
 questions. We cannot, in all cases, perceive the 
 desire of the mind of each individual. 
 
 " To-night we wish to give you some directions 
 respecting your course. We come for the advan- 
 tage of mankind. We desire that none should be 
 ashamed to be found laboring in the cause of the 
 advancement of the human race. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 71 
 
 " The communications which you receive from 
 us we desire should be made public. To-night we 
 we will give you some directions upon the subject. 
 Select from amongst your acquaintance, fifteen, or, 
 at least, twelve persons, of known intelligence and 
 influence in the world, who will be willing to give 
 the subject a candid investigation. Desire them to 
 attend the Circle as frequently as possible. Be can- 
 did with them ; acknowledge to them all the diffi- 
 culties that you have labored under. 
 
 " We desire that they should each come prepared 
 with questions by which they may be enabled to 
 learn the laws of spiritual advancement and their 
 duty to the human race. We are not able to com- 
 municate readily upon temporal matters. We are 
 absorbed in dwelling upon the love and glory of the 
 universal Father. 
 
 " In the mean time we desire that the Medium 
 should not read any communications from spirits in 
 the flesh, concerning spiritual development. Her 
 reading should be of a general character. She 
 should mingle freely with the world, but avoid con- 
 versing with others too freely upon this subject. 
 
 " We give these directions, that strangers may 
 not feel that the Medium obtains her impressions 
 from minds still existing in the flesh. 
 
 " The members of the Circle should endeavor to 
 meet regularly, if possible. 
 
 44 When we desire the publication of our commu- 
 
72 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 nications to you, we will give you directions. Those 
 who are willing to meet, as members of the Circle, 
 should be willing to be known as members, by the 
 public, for we shall require that their names be pub- 
 lished to the world, as having witnessed the receiv- 
 ing of these communications." 
 
 Remarks were here made by one or two, express- 
 ing a delicacy about their names being published. 
 
 " None need fear, for we declare unto you God's 
 truth. Still all should be fully persuaded of the 
 truth, before they acknowledge themselves as be- 
 lievers. We do not require that all who witness the 
 receiving of these communications should profess 
 to believe in the truth of our declarations. The 
 world must judge. We only come to reiterate again 
 the truths that were taught by Jesus." 
 
 Question. Will not the presence of so many 
 strangers make it difficult for the Medium to com- 
 municate? 
 
 Answer. " At first it will. They must meet often 
 enough to become harmonious. Tell them of this 
 
 o 
 
 difficulty." 
 
 Some remarks were made respecting whom to 
 invite. 
 
 " We do not desire that you should select believ- 
 ers, but candid persons. Those of sufficient ho- 
 nesty and intelligence to be enabled to perceive 
 truth readily." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 73 
 
 Q. Should we invite a few at first, and thus gra- 
 dually increase the number ? 
 
 A, "All should come at the same time. Let 
 them be received together. We will support her ; 
 she Reed not fear." 
 
 Q. Should the Circle meet occasionally select, 
 after having invited the committee? 
 
 A. " No. All communications received by this 
 Circle should be in their presence. You may meet 
 as you have been accustomed to, with the other 
 Circle."* 
 
 Q. Will it be in your power to give us some phy- 
 sical manifestations, such as flashes of light, to make 
 a strong impression on the minds of the commit- 
 tee? 
 
 A. ' ■ No. But it is well for all to be convinced. 
 We can operate only through mind : we cannot be- 
 come sufficiently dense to manifest ourselves to the 
 outward senses, unless we envelope the body."f 
 
 Jan. 19. 
 This evening there was a person in the Circle 
 
 * This was not complied with ; circumstances were such 
 as induced us to meet on several different occasions, to ac- 
 commodate our friends. 
 
 f The spirit communicating states, it cannot become per- 
 ceptible to the outward senses of any but those whom it has 
 enveloped, and in the following communication it speaks of 
 only having enveloped the present medium. 
 7 
 
74 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 whose moral character rendered him so unharmoni- 
 ous that a portion of the Circle felt constrained to 
 withdraw to another room, where the following was 
 received. 
 
 " Jesus sat with publicans and sinners ; yet he 
 failed not to rebuke them when he perceived them 
 determinedly dwelling in darkness. We would not 
 have forced you from their midst, could we have 
 •rebuked them in another manner. Judas sat with 
 ■the twelve. We perceived the shock to your spirit, 
 and knew that we could not approach you while in 
 that condition; we, therefore, could not have im- 
 pressed the Medium. Although we have repeatedly 
 told you to forgive the erring, yet we desire that 
 you should strive ever to avoid the influence of the 
 dark in spirit ; strive to assist them when it is pos- 
 sible to do so, but ever avoid them, unless you can 
 benefit them. Fear their influence ; darkened spi- 
 rits sometimes have the power to influence spirits 
 still existing in the flesh. They are enabled to ap- 
 proach them through the affections of the flesh. 
 When the spirit has withdrawn from the body it can 
 no longer be influenced by spirits in a darkened 
 state; they can only approach the spirit through the 
 animal nature. For this reason we would urge the 
 necessity of being ever watchful, and seeking to 
 live in communion with God. By this means clear 
 spirits will be attracted to watch over and guard 
 you. Watch and pray, that you be not subject to 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 75 
 
 the influence of the will of the dark in spirit ; yet 
 let pure charity ever influence you. Forgive freely 
 all who sin." 
 
 Question. Can the spirit communicating explain 
 to us how a person living here can will another per- 
 son at a distance to do any thing they wish ? 
 
 Answer. All will, we have told you, is magnetic. 
 The magnetic essence pervades the universe ; it is 
 the medium through which the spirit communicates 
 or influences spirit ; it is to spirit what the atmo- 
 sphere is to sound. When the will is powerful it 
 can strongly affect the magnetic medium, so as to 
 be felt by those who are readily impressed. This is 
 why spirits who have passed to the spirit world are 
 enabled to impress spirits in the flesh, though they 
 be surrounded by a great amount of material struc- 
 ture. 
 
 "We have before told you, that no amount of 
 matter can prevent our impressing spirits, still ex- 
 isting in the flesh ; although it is not possible for 
 spirits to make themselves manifest to the outward 
 senses, without a proper condition of atmosphere. 
 They can only become visible by an electric com- 
 bination, which is a denser medium than that known 
 as the magnetic essence, and does not so readily 
 penetrate matter." 
 
 Jan. 21, 1852. 
 
 The Circle was conversing on the subject of se- 
 
76 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 lecting the committee, when the communications 
 commenced. 
 
 " We have told you to select persons of your 
 own acquaintance. It is desirable that you select 
 those of known intelligence, and of respectability, 
 according to the judgment of the world." 
 
 Question. Will the names of the committee be 
 required to be published ? 
 
 •Answer. " The name of each member of the 
 committee will be required to be made public. We, 
 in the former communication, spoke only of the 
 members of the Circle, because it appeared some of 
 the members were not conscious of our desiring that 
 their names should be published. We will, at your 
 next meeting, give you all the advice you require, 
 respecting the regulations to be adopted. We de- 
 sire that you should bring such questions as will be 
 the means of your receiving knowledge of the laws 
 of God; his will respecting the human race; and 
 the object of mankind's existence upon the earth." 
 
 Q. What did Jesus mean when he spoke about 
 coming again in glory, &c. ? 
 
 A. " He will again come in glory, and will bring 
 all mankind unto him. He is now in your midst, 
 seeking to be received by the human family. In 
 glory and beauty will he again appear, but not in 
 the flesh. He has not been fully received by man- 
 kind. His earthly body returned again to its ori- 
 ginal elements." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 77 
 
 Q. Was it not his material body that appeared 
 to Thomas, when he told him to thrust his hand 
 into his side ? 
 
 A. " He appeared only in spirit. When the spi- 
 rit has fully withdrawn from the flesh it cannot 
 again return to it. Still, spirits have the power of 
 appearing as in the flesh. Thus he appeared again 
 unto his disciples. He did not tell them it was his 
 flesh and blood." 
 
 Q. Was Lazarus raised from the dead ? 
 
 Jl. " No earthly body was ever reanimated by 
 the spirit after it had fully withdrawn therefrom." 
 
 Q. Does the spirit of Jesus preserve its individual 
 identity ? 
 
 A. "Yes. All spirits retain their identity 
 throughout eternity. They advance toward the 
 perfection of the Father, but are never absorbed by 
 him. They remain independent and retain their 
 individuality." 
 
 Q. Can spirits influence us at any time when 
 they desire to do so? 
 
 •3. " They can ever influence you if they could 
 approach you ; your condition only prevents them 
 doing so. It does not require their electric presence 
 to enable them to influence you. They impress 
 you through the magnetic medium." 
 
 Q. Can spirits impress more than one at the 
 same time? 
 
 7* 
 
78 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 A. " Yes, they may influence a number at the 
 same time, if they fully harmonize." 
 
 Q. Can spirits impress mankind generally ? 
 
 A. " We cannot impress the generality of man- 
 kind." 
 
 Q. Can spirits impress on temporal matters ? 
 
 Jl. " We have told you that all spirits in the flesh 
 have spirits who are appointed of God to watch 
 over and protect them. When it is requisite to be 
 impressed upon temporal matters, spirits, capable of 
 perceiving and influencing them upon such subjects, 
 can approach them ; yet, if they have not enveloped 
 them they cannot communicate through them." 
 
 Jan. 24. 
 
 Communication of Directions. 
 
 " When you meet with the committee you have 
 obtained, we desire that the following rules be 
 strictly adhered to. 
 
 " In the first place, endeavor, if possible, to have 
 them all to meet at the same time. When you take 
 your seats at the table, we desire that the members 
 of the Circle sit near and opposite the Medium, that 
 she may not be unfavorably influenced by the 
 spheres of the strangers present. We have not 
 called them together merely for the purpose of con- 
 vincing them; but our object is, to communicate 
 truths. We desire that they should witness the 
 reception of them, and that they should state clearly, 
 the manner in which they were received, to the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 79 
 
 public. Time will enable us to convince mankind. 
 
 " To proceed with the directions respecting the 
 rules to be observed in your Circle — 
 
 " We desire that you continue the custom of 
 singing. It has the effect to subdue all mental ex- 
 citement, and renders the condition of the Medium 
 passive, and enables us to approach her, so as rea- 
 dily to impress her. With some Mediums this re- 
 gulation would not be required ; but in your Circle, 
 we perceive it to have a favourable influence. 
 
 " l£ you read, you must only read Davis's Spi- 
 ritual Revelations. Read only on the subject of spi- 
 ritual development. It is only upon the subject of the 
 spiritual laws of God that we design communicat- 
 ing. We will freely communicate upon all the dif- 
 ferent spiritual manifestations that have been wit- 
 nessed upon the earth. 
 
 " Respecting physical laws, we will not commu- 
 nicate without we perceive them to have an impor- 
 tant influence upon the advancement of the spirit. 
 We desire the committee to ask questions upon the 
 subject we have named. We desire particularly 
 that they should ask questions upon the character 
 and mission of Jesus. 
 
 " We object to having other Mediums communi- 
 cate in the Circle, than those we have influenced; 
 but we do not object to their being present at your 
 other Circles. Endeavor to call the committee toge- 
 ther as soon as possible. Tell them your experience 
 
80 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 respecting the effect produced by the exercise of the 
 positive will power upon the Medium. It is desira- 
 ble that she be not influenced by any will but that 
 of the spirit which has enveloped her ; for as yet, 
 we cannot fully overcome the power of will, when 
 she is approached through any of the outward 
 senses. 
 
 " We have now given you all the most important 
 particulars to be observed. If you desire to ask 
 questions, address them to the mind of the Medium, 
 and, if possible, we will perceive and answer 
 them." 
 
 Q. Should we refrain from discussions and de- 
 bates during the sittings of the meetings? 
 
 A. " Yes. Endeavor to produce harmony. Care 
 should be observed, in asking questions, that no 
 confusion be produced. Meet together in cheerful- 
 ness, but avoid levity." 
 
 Jan. 26, 1852. 
 " Peace — abide in peace ! — Joy in the true light. 
 Love — pure love — is the highest attribute of spirit. 
 Hope not for high and holy joys unless the spirit 
 abide in love. Before mankind can become fully 
 developed in spirit they must possess pure love to- 
 ward one another; for how can they love God, 
 whom they have not seen, if they hate their bro- 
 ther, whom they have seen ? Love to man, being 
 a lower attribute than love to God, it must be the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 81 
 
 first to be developed. The spirit that loves not the 
 image of the Father, cannot love the Father with a 
 perfect love. 
 
 " Hope not, therefore, that hatred of your kind 
 can ever be forgiven you. The spirit must suffer 
 for the want of light, while it dwells in the darkness 
 of hatred and uncharitableness. The time is at 
 hand, when mankind will be convinced that no sin 
 against the light of the Spirit, which is pure love, 
 can ever be forgiven ; but the spirit must suffer the 
 penalty thereof, which is darkness. Though it may 
 advance, yet it feels the effect of the violation of 
 the spirit's law, for it cannot enter a high state of 
 spiritual happiness if, while in the flesh, it dwells in 
 darkness. If the spirit, while existing in the flesh, 
 dwells in love, then may it know the joys of holy 
 brightness, when it leaves the earthly body. But if 
 it dwells in darkness, it cannot, when it first leaves 
 the body, perceive the joyous .light of love ; it feels 
 the effect of its darkness, which, although it is not 
 a state of actual suffering, is one of but partial 
 
 joy." 
 
 Q. Do spirits receive knowledge by tuition or in- 
 tuition ? 
 
 A. " Knowledge, like a stream of living water, 
 is ever flowing from the eternal throne, of which all 
 may freely drink. The spirit, while it dwells in 
 the flesh, is, from a love of the animal nature, often 
 prevented from partaking. It is a law of God, that 
 
82 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 all spirits assist the development of spirit. Spirit 
 being an emanation from the Father, is the channel 
 through which the stream of living water flows. 
 Thus, where the love of the animal nature does not 
 interfere, all knowledge is received, intuitively, 
 through the appointed channel. We speak of spi- 
 ritual knowledge ; not of the laws of matter ; that 
 knowledge is obtained by the study of nature." 
 
 Q. What are Christ's existent and moral relations 
 to the Infinite Father ? 
 
 A. " Jesus was, as he repeatedly declared, while 
 upon the earth, the Son of Man. He was, in spirit, 
 the Son of the Eternal Father, beloved of him. In 
 Jesus was pure love to man, and perfect love to the 
 Father, fully developed. He is, therefore, more 
 nearly allied to the Father than any spirit that has 
 ever existed upon the earth ; but his body was ma- 
 terial ; it was not of the Father, only as all matter 
 is an existent condition of his universal essence. In 
 spirit, he was an example to mankind. When we 
 again communicate to you, which will be in the pre- 
 sence of the committee we have proposed,* we will 
 explain to you his material perfection, and the cause 
 of his superiority in love." 
 
 Communication given in reply to some question 
 respecting the influence of manipulations in neu- 
 ralgia. 
 
 A. " In all diseases of the nervous system, the 
 
 * The communications received in presence of the com- 
 mittee are placed together at the latter part of the book. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 83 
 
 magnetic fluid existing in the system must be ope- 
 rated upon. By this alone can the diseased nervous 
 system be benefited. Other remedies, such as are 
 usually resorted to, cannot have any material effect. 
 All diseases of the nerves are produced by an irre- 
 gular flow of magnetic fluid. To restore the proper 
 equilibrium must be the object in all efforts to re- 
 store healthy action. This may be done by one 
 person, possessing strong magnetic power, coming 
 in contact with the person suffering, and willing a 
 proper action. If they are suffering, from an un- 
 due portion of the magnetic fluid in the system, 
 (which can be ascertained by the symptoms they 
 complain of,) if they suffer from a sensation of full- 
 ness and electric pains, then the system may 
 be known to be surcharged. The operator should 
 then make passes from the body, and upward. If 
 the suffering is caused from a want of vital fluid, 
 then the passes should be made downward. The 
 operator, by an effort of his will) inducing a fuller 
 supply, in bestowing sufficient to restore the equili- 
 brium from his own person. But if the suffering 
 is produced merely from a want of equal action, 
 the galvanic battery would be sufficient to restore 
 proper action. If the patient complains of drawing 
 sensations through the nerves, it is produced from a 
 want of a sufficient supply. If they complain 
 merely of unpleasant sensations of either character 
 spoken of, the suffering is produced from a want of 
 proper action." 
 
84 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 UNION CIRCLE. 
 
 Feb. 2, 1852. 
 
 " Spirits, when they first enter the spirit home, 
 are, in a measure, influenced by the impressions 
 they have imbibed while in the flesh. But a short 
 time only is required to overcome their former im- 
 pressions, and leave the spirit clear to perceive 
 truth. All spirits, whatever may have been their 
 previous opinions, perceive all the laws of God, as 
 far as they are capable of perceiving them, clearly. 
 All spirits, in the same degree of advancement, per- 
 ceive the same laws. As they progress, new truths 
 are constantly being unfolded to them. Thus, all 
 who are capable of communicating with the human 
 family, agree in their account of spiritual laws. 
 Some spirits may be enabled to communicate more 
 truths than others ; but they all agree when they 
 communicate upon the same subject." 
 [Some remarks were here made, on the subject of 
 spirits communicating different religious opinions.] 
 
 " Not if they have been in the spirit world suffi- 
 ciently long to be freed of their former opinions. 
 As far as they are capable of communicating, they 
 give correct information. They may, at times, 
 give their opinions of laws which they have not 
 clearly perceived, but, if they be interrogated, they 
 will freely acknowledge the information given to be 
 only their opinion, not a clearly perceived truth. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 85 
 
 It would be well, when receiving communications, 
 to interrogate the spirits. You may receive false 
 impressions from them, when they do not intend it ; 
 but they cannot, at such times, in many cases, cor- 
 rect the impression, although they perceive them to 
 be incorrect. Many conditions exist, which prevent 
 their doing so. In many cases, the Medium cannot 
 be clearly impressed." 
 
 PRIVATE CIRCLE. 
 
 Feb. 3, 1852. 
 11 Cultivate within yourselves, that high and holy 
 love which will ever secure to all, full and perfect 
 happiness ; for it is the will of God that his crea- 
 tures should dwell in love with each other. It is 
 not possible for the human spirit, while it exists in 
 the flesh, to enjoy the fulness of happiness which it 
 can enjoy when it passes from the body. The spi- 
 rit, while it exists in the flesh, may be oppressed 
 and darkened by the conditions which surround it, 
 and thereby be prevented developing. But, although 
 while in the body, the spirit fails to fulfil the will of 
 God, concerning it, yet, when released from the ani- 
 mal propensities, it will progress. It may be affected 
 by the conditions in which it dwells while upon the 
 earth. Despair should not oppress the spirit. All 
 advance ; still all should ever labor to cultivate the 
 spiritual attributes while they exist in the flesh." 
 8 
 
86 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 [After a pause of some time, the communication 
 was continued.] 
 
 " Dwell in peace, but rejoice in hope. All spirits, 
 when they pass from the body, are, for a long peri- 
 od of time, enabled to return again within the at- 
 mosphere of the earth, when they are attracted by 
 the love of friends, whom they have loved while in 
 the flesh ; for love, where it exists, is a spiritual at- 
 tribute, and has the power to attract the object of its 
 love within its sphere, and thereby be impressed 
 by it. 
 
 " As yet, few persons are developed in their elec- 
 trical condition, so as to be operated upon in such a 
 manner as to enable them to communicate ; and the 
 Mediums who are already developed cannot be ap- 
 proached by spirits generally. They are enabled 
 only to communicate from those who are attracted 
 to them by congenial harmony. Almost all spirits, 
 now existing in the flesh, may receive communica- 
 tions from spirits whom they have loved ; either by 
 impression or by electric communication ; if they 
 would but seek their influence. This all should be 
 encouraged to do." 
 
 Q. Can highly developed spirits return again to 
 earth ? 
 
 A. " They cannot, after a period of time, return 
 again to the earth, electrically. They may impress 
 spirits, but they cannot become electrically visible, 
 unless there be excessive attraction, which, in some 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 87 
 
 cases, has occurred. Still they can be enabled to 
 impress spirits respecting the conditions of their be- 
 ing, while they existed in the flesh." 
 
 PRIVATE CIRCLE. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1852. 
 
 The following communication was particularly 
 adapted to the condition of the Circle at the time. 
 
 " Avoid all anxiety. You need not fear the ter- 
 mination of the arrangements we have advised. 
 We know what effect will be produced by our com- 
 munications. All who are seeking to have commu- 
 nion with us will be blessed thereby. The time 
 has now come when the attention of mankind will 
 be called to the manifestations now being produced 
 by spirits. These things must be ; and no power 
 existing upon the earth can prevent the advance- 
 ment of the human spirit. Then fear not, but trust 
 in faith, knowing that the light must shine in dark- 
 ness ; though as yet the darkness comprehends it 
 not. The Father's promises fail not. Truth and 
 righteousness will prevail upon the earth. The hu- 
 man spirit gradually advances in its path of pro- 
 gression. Many influences exist to prevent its rapid 
 development. Abide in patience, therefore, laboring 
 ever with earnest faith in the power of God, who 
 reigneth eternal in the heavens. We would have 
 you be strong, that you may be enabled to labor 
 
88 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 earnestly, until the evening's close, that you may 
 be prepared for the holy joys of an eternal life. 
 Pray, therefore, for strength, that ye faint not by 
 the way. Strive to enter into sweet communion 
 with the Father. Many trials may be yours, still 
 ever hope, for the promise given you will not fail." 
 
 Communication addressed to two members of a 
 Circle in the country, in reply to some questions 
 relating to the condition of their members. 
 
 " We cannot perceive the conditions which sur- 
 round the different members of the Circle ; but we 
 will gladly give such directions as will enable any 
 person, or number of persons, to attract spirits to 
 their presence ; and, if the physical condition be 
 favorable, to enable them to receive communications 
 from them. In the first place, then, meet together 
 with the mind as free from temporal cares as possi- 
 ble. The first, and most important condition of 
 mind to be obtained, is that of perfect passiveness. 
 Endeavor, if possible, to divest yourselves of any 
 desire or anxiety respecting the mode of manifesta- 
 tions. Submit passively to any influence whatever, 
 that seems to be upon you. Have faith that spirits 
 exist, and will, if possible, approach you. Do not 
 doubt their influence, but be passive, and time will 
 prove. Fear not, they come for your good. Sing 
 and read, when you meet together. This has the 
 effect to bring the mind into a passive state. Avoid, 
 if possible, all anxiety. Spirits cannot impress a 
 
SriRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 89 
 
 mind already occupied with temporal cares. Seek 
 to attract developed spirits. Be not anxious to con- 
 vince skeptical minds. The mind must have evi- 
 dence of a truth before it can be convinced. Labor 
 earnestly, and you will have your reward." 
 
 UNION CIRCLE. 
 
 Feb. 9. 
 
 " We have told thee not to read, or listen to any 
 communications from any spirits, through other me- 
 diums, until we have finished the series of com- 
 munications which we are about giving ; that others 
 may not think thou obtainest thy impressions from 
 any other source than that which purports to im- 
 press thee." 
 
 Q. What is the difference between electric and 
 nervous force ? 
 
 A. "When the human system is in a healthy 
 state, it is positively electrified. The brain acts as 
 a reservoir, collecting from the atmosphere the vital 
 electricity, which differs somewhat from material 
 electricity, being more ethereal. From the brain it 
 is diffused through the system. The two brains act 
 as the poles of the battery ; one dispensing the vital 
 fluid through the system, the other, attracting it 
 from the different parts of the body. The right 
 lobes of the brain act as the positive, the left as the 
 negative poles. The atmosphere affects the electri- 
 8* 
 
90 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 cal condition of the system. When the body is in 
 the enjoyment of perfect health, the action is regu- 
 lar. Many conditions of the system may prevent 
 the proper flow of the electric fluid. It is impossi- 
 ble, at present, to describe all the different changes 
 that may be produced ; and the causes of such ef- 
 fects. But at some future time we will endeavor to 
 explain the principal causes of unequal action, and 
 the course to be observed to produce proper action. 
 In observing the different causes of suffering, care 
 should always be taken to ascertain the electric con- 
 dition of the system ; as, in many cases, relief 
 might be readily obtained, by an effort to restore 
 proper action in the nervous system, by inducing, 
 by the will, or by some mechanical means, a proper 
 action of the electric fluid contained in the system. 
 Seek a communication upon this subject again ; and 
 we will endeavor to explain to you some of the 
 symptoms which are perceptible in improper ac- 
 tion." 
 
 [Continued on the 16th.] 
 
 PRIVATE CIRCLE. 
 
 February 11, 1852. 
 
 " Time was when the human spirit was en- 
 shrouded in darkness, that time is now past, and all 
 the human family are called upon to examine, in 
 candor, the communications we are now permitted 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 91 
 
 to give unto them. All are now called upon to en- 
 deavor to advance in the true light. All should 
 seek to know themselves. Come therefore unto 
 God. None should dwell in ignorance when the 
 fountain of true knowledge is free to all. But come 
 in faith, and drink deep of its waters, that you may- 
 even now behold the joys of the spirit-life. Why 
 should the spirit languish and pine in darkness, 
 when the bright sun has already risen ? 
 
 " None need fear to come into the presence of 
 the spirits who watch over and guide them in truth. 
 If the mind could be free from fear, then could we 
 more easily approach and influence those whom it 
 is our mission to influence with the light of truth. 
 We are constantly near those to whom we are at- 
 tracted. None need doubt the truth of spiritual 
 presence. If they would come unto us, we are 
 ever ready to instruct and guide all w T ho approach 
 us with earnestness and pure love. Jesus told his 
 followers whom he loved, that he would ever abide 
 near them, knocking at the door of the heart, and 
 would be ever ready to enter, if they would but 
 admit him. Holy peace be unto you all. Spirits 
 have a mission to perform. For a time, before 
 they pass fully from the attraction of spirits still 
 dwelling in the flesh, they are constantly engaged 
 in fulfilling their mission ; which is that of assisting 
 the development of spirits less advanced than them- 
 selves in the knowledge of truth. We desire that 
 
92 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 all who have received instruction from us, should 
 endeavour to call the attention of mankind to our 
 presence, and desire all to seek our influence, that 
 their minds may be free from fear. Urge them to 
 be passive to our influence. We come for the good 
 of the human race. Many minds are so much op- 
 pressed with fear of us, that it is impossible for us 
 in safety to approach them. The knowledge of the 
 manifestations which we have been permitted to 
 make, has had the tendency of exciting much fear 
 in the minds of many who have been taught to feel 
 a superstitious dread of us. This we desire you to 
 labor to banish, for we cannot impress the mind 
 when it is oppressed with fear of us." 
 
 Q. Can man, by the exercise of his will, control 
 his destiny, or is he a creature of circumstance ? 
 
 A. " Can the leopard change his spots or the 
 Ethiopian his skin ? All are created by the power 
 of God. Have mercy then, and ask not for sacri- 
 fice, for all are the children of one God. Let chari- 
 ty then fill thy heart, and influence thee in all thy 
 intercourse with thy fellow-man. Is the Father of 
 the universe the God only of the elevated upon the 
 earth? Are not the lowly and despised, beloved of 
 the Father? Knowest thou not that God dispenses 
 his blessings freely to all ? Have mankind bestow- 
 ed upon themselves the breath of life? Art not all 
 the blessings that are thine to enjoy, given thee of 
 the Father ? We have told you all error and false 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 93 
 
 perception, are but a want of spiritual development. 
 If, then, light is bestowed by the universal laws es- 
 tablished by God, how then can man create the 
 light? Does not he rather breathe in the light 
 which is already shining in brightness? If the 
 spirit be in darkness, the light cannot enter therein. 
 The light has not yet fully penetrated the darkness, 
 but the time is now at hand, when even the dark in 
 spirit will become illuminated. The light is even 
 now brightly shining in its uprisen glory. All will 
 perceive it, and be blessed thereby. Yet none have 
 created it, for it is freely given by the Father. Be 
 humble, therefore, knowing that thou art created by 
 the power of God. None can stand, unless it be 
 by the Father's will. Think not that any bestow 
 upon themselves the light of true knowledge. Study 
 well thine own spirit, and judge wherein thou art 
 beyond thy fellow-man in righteousness, knowing 
 that the light has so brightly shone about thee ; and 
 then judge wherein others are more pure than thou." 
 
 Feb. 16, 1852. 
 
 Communication continued from Feb. 9. 
 
 " When the system appears in a languid and 
 oppressed state, it is in a negative condition ; it 
 does not absorb sufficient electric power from the 
 atmosphere, and is therefore not capable of sup- 
 porting properly its pressure. When this condition 
 of the system is evident, it is for want of proper ac- 
 
94 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 tion in the brain. It does not absorb the vital elec- 
 tricity with sufficient rapidity. Water, or any other 
 conductor, should then be particularly avoided as a 
 remedy, but some generator of electric force should 
 be applied. We would particularly advise, in all 
 such cases, the use of iron, as it is a powerful ex- 
 citant of the electric forces already contained in 
 the system. Silk should, in such cases, be worn 
 next the body. When nervous irritation is com- 
 plained of, and the system appears to suffer from 
 unnatural irritability, it is an evidence of undue 
 absorption of the electric fluid from the atmosphere. 
 In all such cases a contrary course, from the one 
 advised in the former case, should be pursued. 
 Water applied to the surface of the body, is one of 
 the most effective remedies, for the reason we have 
 already given in a former communication. If the 
 electric condition of the system was more generally 
 observed, and judicious efforts made to secure pro- 
 per action, much physical suffering might be avoid- 
 ed. Undue mental excitement has a powerful ten- 
 dency to destroy the proper action of the brain. 
 Too much of the electric fluid is centered in its 
 effects upon the brain alone ; in all such cases the 
 remaining portions of the body will always suffer 
 thereby. In all efforts to restore proper action, the 
 first thing to be observed is, the removing as much 
 as possible the exciting cause, which in most cases 
 is perceived through the outward senses. All re- 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 9£ 
 
 medies should have for their object the absorbing 
 from the brain the extra electric fluid which exists 
 therein, and by outward application exciting its ac- 
 tion in the other parts of the body. We have told 
 you that the proper development of the spirit de- 
 pends in a measure upon the physical condition. 
 For this reason we urge upon you that you endea- 
 vor to ascertain the physical laws of your being, 
 and, if possible, live in accordance with them; as it 
 is impossible for the different members of the body 
 to be in the enjoyment of perfect health, and the 
 brain be unduly exercised. All should therefore 
 avoid, as far as possible, improper mental excite- 
 ment. Withdraw yourselves as much as practica- 
 ble from all the influences which improperly act 
 through the outward senses, and few cases of men- 
 tal excitement will ever exist. The spirit's impres- 
 sions never cause unhealthy action ; none therefore 
 need fear their influence. The spirit's impressions 
 upon spirit is in accordance with the divine law. 
 Therefore none need fear its effects, if no unfavora- 
 ble outward conditions exist to influence the action 
 of the brain." 
 
 Q. In what form should we administer iron? 
 
 A. " In applying remedies for physical suffering, 
 the condition of the system should be observed. It 
 is impossible for us, at this time, to give the proper 
 mode for administering iron in all cases wherein it 
 would be beneficial ; we can, however, give some 
 
96 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 general directions. When extreme languor is evi- 
 dent with occasional mental irritability, it should 
 always be given when the system seems the most 
 prostrated ; and in as dense a form as possible to 
 be taken, but in small quantities. But if the symp- 
 toms be less severe, the remedies applied should be 
 of a less positive character. We speak of the com- 
 parative electric properties of the remedies." 
 
 Received in reply to an article being read from a 
 newspaper, giving an account of a woman in Ken- 
 tucky who had been lost in the woods fourteen 
 days, during the intense cold weather of the winter 
 of 1851-2. When found she was to all appear- 
 ances dead, but when the body was touched to as- 
 certain whether decomposition had taken place, it 
 gave evidence of life. The usual remedies were 
 applied, which, after sometime, had the effect to en- 
 tirely restore her, with the exception of the loss of 
 one foot. After hearing the account, a Medium 
 present said she had an impression that persons 
 were never frozen to death — and immediately the 
 following was communicated through the card : 
 
 " No degree of intensity of cold can force the 
 spirit from the body. The body may become, to 
 all appearance, dead. This phenomenon is observ- 
 able in many animals. The human body may be- 
 come in a similar condition ; but death is not pro- 
 duced thereby. Other causes may at the time be 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 97 
 
 in operation, which will produce death. But re- 
 member, cold cannot force the spirit from the body. 
 Therefore, in all cases of apparent death from that 
 cause, every effort should be taken to reanimate the 
 body, by constant bathing .in water, at first cold, 
 then gradually increasing in heat, and powerful 
 friction by human hands, applied to the chest, par- 
 ticularly in the region of the heart. This mode of 
 treatment, in many cases, will have the effect to 
 reanimate the body." 
 
 Feb. 18. 
 " All spirits, existing in the flesh, may be influ- 
 enced by those who have passed to the spirit world. 
 Most persons can be impressed by spirits ; but all 
 cannot become electric Mediums : this requires a 
 peculiar electric condition of the system. The fe- 
 males, particularly of civilized nations, are more 
 readily impressed than the males. They possess 
 more spirituality. They are less absorbed by the 
 affections of the animal nature; and are, therefore, 
 more pure in spirit. This renders them more read- 
 ily approached by spirits who are enabled to com- 
 municate with the human race ; yet all spirits may 
 be impressed, at times, when the mind is in a pass- 
 ive condition. Seek, therefore, to cultivate a con- 
 dition of mind that will enable spirits to approach 
 you. This condition may be attained, by overcom- 
 ing, as far as possible, the positive will powers, and 
 9 
 
98 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 being c as clay in the hands of the potter;' submit- 
 ting yourselves unto the power of God. Whenever 
 the mind is active in its own will, it cannot be read- 
 ily impressed." 
 
 Q. What is the meaning of being impressed ? 
 
 A. " We mean the power of pouring from the 
 fulness of knowledge, contained by us, a portion 
 into the human spirit. All love and wisdom flows 
 from the Eternal God, as we have told you, through 
 the appointed channel, which is the intelligence of 
 his creation ; which alone is the spirit bestowed by 
 Him, upon his highest intellectual creation which is 
 seen upon the earth, in the human spirit. Through 
 this channel, alone, the light of true knowledge is 
 obtained. Through no other source can it be ob- 
 tained. Seek, then, to bow humbly to the will of 
 God, and learn of Him. Submit yourselves unto 
 Him." 
 
 PRIVATE CIRCLE. 
 
 Feb. 19. 
 
 Question, Are the impressions received from our 
 guardian spirits of the same character as those we 
 receive from spirits in the body, who are more ad- 
 vanced than ourselves? 
 
 Answer. " It matters not, from whom the impres- 
 sions of truth and love are perceived ; whether 
 from spirits who have left the body, or those who 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 99 
 
 still exist in the flesh. All truth is of God. Spirits 
 that have passed to the spirit world, if they be 
 highly developed, perceive truth more clearly than 
 it is possible for spirits still existing in the flesh to 
 do. Yet, spirits still in the flesh, are enabled to im- 
 press those less developed, with knowledge, as far 
 as they themselves perceive it." 
 
 Q. How do mediums see spirits ? 
 
 fl.. Spirits have the power of making themselves 
 visible to the outward senses ; but such cases of 
 spiritual perception are unusual, in the present state 
 of the advancement of the human spirit. Clair- 
 voyants, in their peculiar condition, can readily 
 perceive them. They are withdrawn from the out- 
 ward world, and their spirits are in a measure with- 
 drawn from the flesh ; they are therefore nearer the 
 spirit lffe. But many cases of spiritual perception 
 are produced by mental impressions only. Spirits 
 are enabled to impress spirits still existing in the 
 flesh, of particular incidents which they desire to 
 make evident to their minds. In many instances, 
 this power for producing important effects is great. 
 They can, by this means, impress with power, 
 many minds that they could not otherwise influ- 
 
 Feb. 22. 
 
 [Received in reply to remarks made in the Cir- 
 cle.] 
 
100 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 " None need desire to be Mediums for mere phy- 
 sical manifestations. Although they have been, 
 and still are, of importance in calling the attention 
 of the human family to the fact of spiritual com- 
 munication, yet but little important information can 
 be conveyed through them. There are many rea- 
 sons for this. Spirits highly developed in spiritual 
 perception, cannot produce strong physical mani- 
 festation. They are produced by the means of 
 electricity, which is more dense than the magnetic 
 essence. Although physical manifestations are pro- 
 duced by spirits in an undeveloped state, yet it 
 must not be supposed that they are evil. Spirits 
 who have been in the spirit world but a short time, 
 are, as a general thing, enabled to produce physical 
 demonstrations ; for they have not completely passed 
 beyond the electric circle of power. While they 
 remain within that circle they are enabled to ope- 
 rate upon inanimate matter ; but when they pass 
 into a higher and more ethereal strata, or sphere, 
 they operate only through the magnetic medium ; 
 they therefore are not enabled to operate upon it ; 
 for, as we have before told you, the magnetic fluid 
 freely penetrates all matter ; it therefore cannot be 
 an obstruction to it. 
 
 " It should be the object of all, who desire to re- 
 ceive communications from spirits that have left the 
 body, to obtain such information as will enable 
 them to advance in true knowledge. It is not well, 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 101 
 
 therefore, to be anxious to have physical manifesta- 
 tions only ; but be passive, yielding yourselves unto 
 the power that influences you." 
 
 Q. What is the difference between the state of 
 the Medium now communicating, and a clair- 
 voyant ? 
 
 A. " In the clairvoyant state, the spirit is, in a 
 measure, withdrawn from the body. This condi- 
 tion may be produced by subjecting the spirit unto 
 the power of a positive will ; either of spirits still 
 existing in the flesh, or of those that have passed 
 to the spirit world. In all cases, wherein clairvoy- 
 ants are in the state termed dependent, their spirits 
 are, in a measure, withdrawn by the attraction of 
 the will that is influencing them, which will exists 
 in spirits, still existing in the flesh. When they are 
 independent, they are, in like manner, attracted, in 
 a measure, from the body, by spirits that have 
 passed to the spirit world. They are then enabled 
 to perceive, through their own spiritual perception. 
 The condition of the present Medium differs widely 
 from that of a clairvoyant ; her spirit is not in the 
 least withdrawn from the body ; her brain is sus- 
 ceptible to impressions produced by us through the 
 magnetic medium, in the manner we have already 
 described to you. Her condition is similar to that 
 which is produced by one mind upon another, in 
 what is termed psychology." 
 9* 
 
102 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Q. Why is it, that at times the medium loses the 
 power of articulating ? 
 
 A. " It is our intention to bring her so fully 
 under our will, that we may be enabled to make 
 her clairvoyant. At the times when she is unable to 
 articulate, she is more fully under our control ; her 
 outward senses are slightly closed. We have not 
 as yet, been enabled to destroy her outward percep- 
 tions sufficiently to withdraw her spirit in the least 
 degree from the body. This is why she is not yet 
 clairvoyant. There is less danger of the spirit 
 leaving the body entirely, when they are under the 
 influence of spirits who have passed to the spirit 
 world than there is when they are under the influ- 
 ence of those still existing in the flesh. Strong men- 
 tal excitement in the operator, may be the cause of 
 the spirit of the subject passing entirely from the 
 body. There is not the least danger, where spirits 
 out of the body are influencing them. They are 
 not subject to any undue mental excitement." 
 
 Q. Do some medicines more particularly affect 
 one side of the body ; and, if so, why ? 
 
 A. " We have told you, the human body when 
 in a healthy condition is electrified. The right 
 side of the body is positive, the left negative. If 
 the body be in a negative condition, certain metal- 
 lic medicines being given, will act upon the right 
 side ; or in other words affect only the positive por- 
 tion of the body, by exciting the electric fluid that 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 103 
 
 still exists therein, and thereby inducing a condition 
 of greater attractive power in the brain, thus en- 
 abling it to restore the positive condition of the 
 body. 
 
 " In all cases, of an undue positive condition of the 
 system, all medicines possessing electric qualities 
 are highly injurious. In such cases, the object 
 should be, to withdraw from the system the over 
 electric force, by the application of any conductor 
 of the fluid to the skin, which is the only natural 
 outlet, and through it only can it be readily with- 
 drawn. When medicines are given, they should 
 be of a positive electric character. We speak only 
 of the electric condition of the system. In all cases 
 of disease, the electric condition is not necessarily 
 materially effected. We have not given direction 
 for the remedies to be used in such cases. We 
 know but little of the condition of the system other 
 than its electric. For these conditions only have 
 we given instruction. We have said when the 
 system is in a negative condition, remedies of a 
 positive character should be applied ; they will then 
 act as we have described. Medicines of a positive 
 character being taken, when the system is in a 
 healthy condition, will effect principally the left 
 side of the body ; they serve to excite too power- 
 fully the electric force contained therein. The 
 right or positive is not so readily affected, it being 
 already so positive as to repel its influence. Medi- 
 
104 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS, 
 
 cines of a contrary character, will act in a contrary 
 manner, attracting from the positive side of the 
 body a portion of the fluid required for its proper 
 action, which always has an injurious effect." 
 
 February 23, 1852. 
 
 The brilliant Aurora Borealis, witnessed a few 
 evenings since, induced the Circle to ask for an ex- 
 planation of the cause, and the following was re- 
 ceived : 
 
 " The electric fluid pervades the earth's atmos- 
 phere, (as well as that of all the other planets of the 
 solar system, of which the earth is a member,) in its 
 denser form. The rays of the sun act with much 
 power as an excitant and generating force of this 
 fluid. The effect produced by the sun's rays is 
 evinced with much power at the equator. The ex- 
 cessive electric force there produced, dispenses itself 
 throughout the earth's atmosphere. The atmos- 
 phere when excessively cold, contains so much of 
 the fluid, that the fluid existing about the equator 
 cannot pass towards the poles with its usual rapidity. 
 When the temperature is about to change, the attrac- 
 tive power of the polar regions is, on account of the 
 want of a sufficient supply of the fluid, much in- 
 creased. This creates a rapid flow towards the 
 poles, that the deficiency may be supplied. When 
 the atmosphere is in the condition described, the 
 course of the fluid is perceptible in the flashes of 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 105 
 
 electric light known as the Aurora Borealis. The 
 condition of the atmosphere at the time of these 
 manifestations is powerfully electric. 
 
 " The same cause which induces the flow of the 
 electric fluid toward the poles, that of the want 
 there existing, causes the effect produced upon the 
 magnetic needle. It, being in a highly electric con- 
 dition, is attracted by the deficiency existing at the 
 poles, for you know two highly electric bodies re- 
 pel each other, therefore in all cases of attraction, 
 one must be negative and the other positive. Thus, 
 the needle being electric, is attracted toward that 
 point of the atmosphere containing the least electri- 
 city, and forced from that possessing the most." 
 
 Here some remarks were made by the members, 
 with regard to the flashes of light always appearing 
 to commence near the north, and extend towards the 
 zenith. When the communication continued as 
 follows : 
 
 " The fluid we have said is excited and generated 
 by the effect of the sun's rays about the equator. It 
 is not generated at the poles. It passes from the 
 equator to the polar regions, and there is in a 
 measure absorbed. A heated atmosphere excites 
 and evolves the fluid with much rapidity, while a 
 cold atmosphere concentrates and retains it. Thus 
 when the atmosphere is excessively cold, it contains 
 much electric fluid. This condition of the atmos- 
 phere extending toward the equator, prevents the 
 
106 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS* 
 
 fluid passing with its proper rapidity toward that 
 portion of the earth, wherein it is not generated. 
 Therefore, when the condition of the atmosphere is 
 changed, it rushes with unusual rapidity toward 
 the poles, which then contain less of the fluid than 
 is required, although that already existing in the 
 polar region is in a positive and condensed condi- 
 tion. 
 
 "The flashes perceived at the time of the Aurora , 
 are caused by the attraction of the negative condi- 
 tion of the atmosphere. The fluid first becomes 
 visible at the point of the greatest attraction, and 
 the illumination continues until it arrives at the 
 point wherein the attraction is of slight force. This 
 is the cause of the flashes appearing to commence 
 nearer to the north. The fluid is not perceptible, 
 after it arrives at the point where the atmosphere 
 commences to be in an active, and consequently 
 positive condition. If we have not yet explained 
 with sufficient clearness this phenomenon, we desire 
 that you should ask questions which may enable us 
 to explain." 
 
 March 1, 1852. 
 
 Q. Will the spirits tell us the cause of the varia- 
 tion of the magnetic needle 1 
 
 A. " We have said the magnetic needle is influ- 
 enced by the electric currents passing from the 
 equator to the poles, but other causes operate pow- 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 107 
 
 erfully upon it. When it is brought near to nega- 
 tive substance it is affected by it, thus when it 
 approaches any portion of the earth, wherein is 
 embedded a large amount of attractive metal, it is 
 attracted toward the earth. The electric currents 
 existing in the atmosphere, are in a like manner 
 attracted. The crossing and recrossing the equator 
 does not, at all times, materially affect the position 
 of the needle, for the currents flow in straight lines 
 from the equator to the pole, unless there exists a 
 peculiar condition of atmosphere. Such conditions 
 do sometimes exist as have the effect to produce 
 vacillations in the course of the fluid ; at such times 
 the needle may be powerfully affected. If you de- 
 sire to prove the truth of the facts, which we have 
 stated, procure a common magnetic needle, take it 
 to the vicinity of some large bed of negative ore, 
 and the effect we have described will be perceptible 
 at a time when the atmosphere is not highly elec- 
 trical. The condition of the atmosphere always 
 effects the power of attractive substance." 
 
 Q. Is there a passage for vessels across the 
 Arctic circle, or around the earth at the North Pole? 
 
 &. " Centuries will pass before it will be possible 
 for vessels to pass around the earth, within the 
 Arctic circle. The position of the earth is gradu- 
 ally changing. In time the atmosphere within the 
 polar regions will be so changed in temperature, as 
 to gradually dissolve the bodies of ice existing 
 
108 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 therein. The changes which are gradually being 
 produced in the position of the axis of the earth, as 
 well as the physical changes upon its surface, ma- 
 terially affect the human race. God's laws operate * 
 in harmony. The changes of the earth keep pace 
 with the requirements of man's nature. We have 
 told you that changes ever have been, and still are 
 occurring upon the earth ; these changes are in a 
 measure produced by the gradual changes of the 
 position of the earth." 
 
 PRIVATE CIRCLE. 
 
 March 10, 1852. 
 
 " Spirits who have failed to become developed 
 in the flesh, enter the spirit world without know- 
 ledge. If they have been oppressed by the undue 
 exercise of the lower propensities of the animal 
 nature, they are surrounded by a veil of darkness 
 which requires, in some cases, a long period of time 
 to emerge therefrom. While they exist in the state 
 of development spoken of, they are not enabled to 
 perceive truth clearly. Spirits of a low state of de- 
 velopment are sometimes enabled to communicate; 
 they communicate through the electric medium ; 
 they are not enabled to communicate through the 
 magnetic essence, for they have not entered the 
 magnetic circle or sphere. None need fear being 
 nfluenced by undeveloped spirits, if they exert their 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 109 
 
 will in opposition to their influence, or in other 
 words, desire to receive communications from spirits 
 of enlightened perceptions. The same laws govern 
 the association of spirits existing in the flesh, and 
 those who have passed to the spirit world, as influ- 
 ence the intercourse of spirits still existing in the 
 flesh. Highly developed spirits who still exist in 
 the body, need not fear the influence of the unde- 
 veloped, if they earnestly desire to advance in true 
 knowledge. For unharmonious spirits repel each 
 other. The laws governing spiritual intercourse 
 are as positive as those governing the attraction of 
 different particles of matter. Highly developed 
 spirits are readily enabled to impress those less de- 
 veloped ; but it is scarcely possible for the unde- 
 veloped to influence those already enlightened in 
 the truth. Still all should avoid placing themselves 
 in a position wherein they are constantly brought 
 in contact wiih the undeveloped, unless they be im- 
 pressed with the earnest desire to instruct and en- 
 lighten them in true knowledge. We would advise 
 all to be guarded against submitting themselves to 
 the influence of undeveloped spirits still existing in 
 the flesh, for the thoughts possessed by them may 
 have the effect to prevent those with whom they 
 mingle, from readily perceiving the light. Ask 
 earnestly of God that you may be instructed in 
 truth and righteousness, and you will be instructed 
 in all truth." 
 10 
 
110 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Q. Was Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt? 
 A. "No such circumstance ever occurred, the 
 laws which God has established cannot be violated." 
 Q. What gave rise to that passage in the Bible? 
 A. " We cannot perceive. The account is not 
 true. All should endeavour to relieve their spirits 
 from the influence of the false impressions produced 
 by such accounts of violations of established laws ; 
 for such opinions have the effect to prevent the 
 spirit's advancement. Seek to know the truth of 
 God's laws as they are revealed in nature. Endea- 
 vour io keep the mind clear, to receive the true 
 light." 
 
 Q. Did spirits open the prison doors for Peter? 
 A. " Yes. Peter was in a condition to be ap- 
 proached by spirits, he was readily influenced by 
 ihem. He had frequent physical manifestations. 
 He communicated freely with spirits. He sought 
 their influence. He regarded them as holy angels 
 sent of God. This was why they were enabled to 
 make powerful manifestations in his presence. He 
 was in a condition similar to that of those who are 
 now termed Mediums. All who are in a condition 
 to be approached by spirits, so as to enable them to 
 manifest their presence, are Mediums. All who 
 5iave ever communicated with spirits, are Mediums." 
 
 March 18. 
 Q, By J. C. Will the spirit of my dear wife be 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. Ill 
 
 so kind as to give us some of her experience since 
 she entered the spirit world ? 
 
 A. " My dear husband, children and friends. — I 
 am with you, it is a great joy to be enabled to com- 
 municate to you. I would that it were possible for 
 me to convince you all of my presence, that you 
 could no longer doubt. The happiness of all would 
 be much increased if you could but have living faith 
 in the truth of the spirit-life, and the communica- 
 tions which spirits are permitted to give to the hu- 
 man family. While I dwelt in the flesh, I could 
 not have perfect faith in what purported to be spi- 
 ritual communication. I now perceive wherein my 
 happiness was lessened by this want of faith. My 
 mind was in doubt respecting the future condition 
 of the spirit. I could not realize the state of holy 
 blissfulness which awaited the spirit upon its with- 
 drawal from the flesh ; I therefore felt strongly 
 bound by the affections of the flesh, and dreaded 
 my returning home. The future was not clear to 
 me, this caused me many moments of great anxiety. 
 My mind had, in a measure, been darkened by the 
 teachings of those who claim to be instructors in 
 the truths of the spirit-life, but I now see they, 
 themselves, were destitute of the true light. The 
 doubts which oppressed my mind were, as I said, 
 the cause of my fearing the withdrawal of the spirit 
 from the flesh. You may imagine the holy joy 
 which filled my spirit, when I found myself freed 
 
112 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 from my animal nature, and existing in the abodes 
 of the blessed. But no, you cannot conceive the 
 rapture that filled my soul. The excessive joy and 
 the all-absorbing rapture which pervades the spirit 
 when it finds itself in the presence of the Almighty 
 Father and ruler of the universe, cannot be con- 
 ceived of by the spirit, while it is surrounded by the 
 animal nature, and, in a measure, absorbed by the 
 affections of the flesh. Although the spirit, when 
 it leaves the body, is almost overpowered with ex- 
 ceeding joy in its new life, yet it is strongly attract- 
 ed by the affections of those whom it loved in the 
 flesh ; this feeling of affection is unending, but as it 
 progresses in spiritual life, it becomes united in af- 
 fection with untold numbers of spirits with whom it 
 fully harmonizes. 
 
 " Oh what beauties, what surpassing rapture and 
 glory are perceived by the pure spirit; on wings of 
 radiant beauty it mounts higher and higher in holi- 
 ness and love, ever receiving and absorbing more 
 and more of the attributes of the infinite Father, 
 which is the perfection of holiness and love. It is 
 impossible for me to convey to your minds, by the 
 means of words, the faintest idea of the rapture 
 which is mine to enjoy. Yet I am ever with you. 
 I perceive, my dear husband, the affections which 
 fills thy spirit. Oh fear not thy return to thy 
 Father's house." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 113 
 
 March 20. 
 
 " The object of the communications and manifes- 
 tations which spirits are permitted to make to the 
 world, at this time, is to assist the advancement of 
 the human race. All who are favored, to be en- 
 abled to hold communion with spirits, are particu- 
 larly called upon to labor for the temporal and spi- 
 ritual advancement of those who are dwelling in 
 darkness. Those who receive instruction from us, 
 must expect to labor ; for this have you been called. 
 You must endeavor to enter into some arrange- 
 ments whereby you will be enabled to effectually 
 assist the undeveloped. You must labor to allevi- 
 ate the physical suffering existing in your midst. 
 
 " It will be well for you to meet at least once 
 each week, to consider what you can best do to 
 assist the suffering. We will endeavor, if possible, 
 to instruct you in the course to be pursued. The 
 world now requires earnest laborers. In your very 
 midst, many are enshrouded in the excess of spi- 
 ritual darkness ; upon such you must endeavor to 
 bestow light. 
 
 " We have told you physical suffering has the 
 effect to injure the spirit, you must, therefore, first 
 endeavor to remove this cause of darkness. You 
 must obey the directions we have given you. When 
 you meet for the purpose we have stated, it will be 
 well for you to appoint four or six of your number 
 10* 
 
114 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 to go out, and inquire into the condition of the suf- 
 fering in the immediate vicinity of the place of your 
 meeting. You must desire them to bring in a re- 
 port of the condition of those whom they have visit- 
 ed, at the next meeting ; and we will instruct you 
 in the course to be pursued, to insure their rapid 
 advancement. You must request the co-operation 
 of all who are investigating this subject, as well as 
 all with whom you are brought in contact in socie- 
 ty, whom you feel impressed would be willing to 
 unite with you in this mission. 
 
 "The command which Jesus gave to his follow- 
 ers, to go into the market places ; and bid all to 
 enter into his vineyard, is still binding upon all who 
 truly desire to be earnest followers of him. At a 
 a future meeting we will give you further instruc- 
 tions ; in the meantime endeavor to ascertain the 
 best means to be adopted, to bring all who are in- 
 vestigating this subject, in this city, to unite with 
 you." 
 
 Q. By Dr. P. Are all functional and organic 
 diseases the result of abnormal nerve action? 
 
 A. " No. Many diseases are produced from 
 other than electric causes ; the nervous system is 
 the medium through which the electric fluid is pass- 
 ed through the system. Many diseases are the 
 effects of impurity of blood; in such cases the ner- 
 vous condition is not the cause of the disease, al- 
 though diseases existing in the system will, in time, 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 115 
 
 destroy the healthy condition of the nerves, if even 
 they be in a healthy condition when the disease 
 first attacks the physical body." 
 
 Q. In treating all diseases, should physicians di- 
 rect their treatment to the nervous centers, or to the 
 system at large? 
 
 A. " The chief object in the treatment of disease, 
 should be the withdrawal of the exciting cause. 
 In most cases, if the cause of the disease be re- 
 moved, nature will of herself be enabled to restore 
 healthy action. 
 
 11 When the disease is caused from an unhealthy 
 action of the nervous fluid, it would be well to di- 
 rect the remedies to the restoring the proper action, 
 by withdrawing as much as possible the exciting 
 cause. If the disease be caused from an unhealthy 
 condition of the blood, or any other of the numerous 
 causes of suffering, the object in such cases should 
 also be to remove the exciting cause; and then, if it 
 appears necessary still further to assist nature, the 
 remedies should be applied to that portion of the 
 system, which seems to be the most severely af- 
 fected." 
 
 March 23. 
 
 " Tarry not, have faith in us, and we will guide 
 you in the paths of peace. To you it will be given 
 to know the joys of the spirit life, while you yet 
 dwell in the flesh, as far as mortals are enabled to 
 
116 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 perceive of those joys. The kingdom of heaven is 
 near unto you. Holy peace is ever the reward of 
 a pure life, 
 
 11 So much anxiety ought not to be felt respecting 
 the obeying the directions you receive from spirits 
 who have passed to the spirit home. When you 
 receive directions to enter into the labors of mercy 
 and charity, you need not fear, but power will be 
 given you to fulfil the mission that is required of 
 you. Mankind desire the advancement of each 
 other, but truth has been darkened by the many 
 discussions upon the life and mission of Jesus, also 
 by a feeling of too great individuality ; they have 
 failed to perceive the unity of the human race. Our 
 particular mission is, to instruct you with regard to 
 the mission of Jesus, and urge upon you the neces- 
 sity of banishing as much as possible that feeling of 
 excessive selfishness that now exists among men. 
 Before you can be impressed, with as much ease 
 and clearness as we would desire, you must be pas- 
 sive, and willing to yield to our influence. The 
 time has now come when you will be called upon 
 to enter with earnestness into the labor for which 
 you have been called, — that of assisting the ad- 
 vancement of the undeveloped, and, as far as it is 
 possible, assisting to dispel the darkness and gloom 
 which now enshrouds many minds. At our next 
 meeting with you, we will give you the full direc- 
 tions for the course, which we wish you to pursue 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTEUCTIONS. 117 
 
 at present ; fear not to obey us, you need not doubt 
 our power to assist you, for we would not have 
 given you directions such as we have, unless we 
 knew power would be given us to instruct and 
 assist you in your labors. Enter with earnestness 
 into the work, and many will be benefited thereby." 
 
 Q. Will the spirit of my dear father give us an 
 explanation of the second chapter of Acts, second 
 and third verses? 
 
 A. " The manifestations which are referred to in 
 that passage of Scripture, as it is termed, were pro- 
 duced by the presence of spirits. The persons there 
 assembled were filled with much love. Their con- 
 dition was such as to enable spirits to make strong 
 manifestations of power in their presence, and upon 
 them. When they perceived the presence of many 
 spirits in their midst, and beheld the forms which 
 they combined, to render themselves visible to their 
 outward senses, their spirits were filled with exceed- 
 ing love ; and they uttered the words of thanksgiv- 
 ing and praise, in the language in which it was 
 given to them to glorify God. 
 
 " There were many earnest spirits there assem- 
 bled. Jesus had told them, they would have pow- 
 erful manifestations. They abode in passiveness of 
 spirit ; having faith, that all would be fulfilled which 
 he had promised unto them. 
 
 " The manifestations there alluded to, were the 
 most powerful of the kind that have ever been wit- 
 
118 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 nessed by man. The peculiar passive condition of 
 those present, and their perfect faith, enabled spi- 
 rits to impress them with much power." 
 
 Q. Is the spirit land located? 
 
 A. We have said that spirit is an active principle. 
 It does not possess outward form of itself; but by 
 a combination of an ethereal condition of matter, it 
 is enabled to manifest itself to the outward senses 
 by its pervading that combination; but the combi- 
 nation is not itself the spirit ; it is but the form, 
 which the spirit at the time pervades. Thus, you 
 perceive that no particular portion of space is occu- 
 pied by spirits ; all space is visited by them, as we 
 have before told you. By your reflecting upon the 
 existent condition of thought, which is an active 
 condition of spirit, when it is in accordance with 
 love, you may be enabled to understand the peculi- 
 arities of spirit. You know, thought cannot dwell 
 in any prescribed portion of space ; but is ever ac- 
 tive, and enabled to pass from one point of space to 
 another. Thus it is with spirit. Spirits pass, after 
 they leave the body, beyond the atmosphere of the 
 earth. Whilst they exist in the flesh, they are 
 principally attracted to the earth, and the animal 
 body ; yet, at times, they are enabled to pass, for a 
 time, in a measure, beyond the earth ; but such 
 cases are rare. Spirits possess many attributes. 
 Thought is, as we have said, an active condition of 
 those attributes." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 119 
 
 [The remark was here made by a member of the 
 Circle, that they expected Davis was, at times, in 
 that condition : when the communication continued.] 
 
 " Yes, he there perceives the higher attributes of 
 spirit, which, as the spirit withdraws from the body 
 and the affections of the flesh, becomes more evi- 
 dent. We have said, that strong affections, felt for 
 those who are still existing in the flesh, prevents the 
 spirit passing to the higher states, when they first 
 withdraw from the body. They are always attracted 
 by love. While powerful love is felt for them by 
 those whom they have loved in the flesh, they are 
 attracted by that love; and are not enabled readily 
 to advance into higher or more clear conditions of 
 existence." 
 
 March 29, 1852. 
 " Give to God all glory. Abide in faith, we im- 
 plore you. Doubt not your mission. Fear not to 
 obey us. Look only to God. Abide in patience, 
 knowing in his own due time he will fulfil the pro- 
 mise which he gave to the human family through 
 Jesus Christ, who was the beloved of the Father, 
 being made perfect through love. If you yet fail 
 to possess faith in us, believe us for the sake of the 
 works we have commanded of you. No good thing 
 can come of the excess of darkness. Endeavor to 
 cultivate charity, feeling fully convinced that all 
 obey the light when the light has become fully ma- 
 
120 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 nifest. Strive to instruct all ; but remember, in no 
 case to urge conviction upon any. Look abroad 
 amongst the spirits still dwelling in darkness, and 
 judge you whether the commands we have given 
 unto you be not in love. Can evil or hatred instruct 
 in perfect love? Can the true light become dark- 
 ness? Are not the shades of darkness banished 
 before the rising of the pure light of love? Pass- 
 iveness alone is now required to enable us to com- 
 municate freely. 
 
 " We desire you to obey the directions we have 
 given you, fearing not ; but trusting with earnest 
 faith in our power to assist you. Seek to induce all 
 who have faith in the power of spirits to communi- 
 cate to mankind, to unite with you in your efforts. 
 Obey, and you will in time assuredly receive your 
 reward ; that of holy peace and the fullness of love, 
 which the Father of infinite mercy will bestow upon 
 you." 
 
 March 31. 
 
 Communicated upon the subject of publishing. 
 
 " My daughter, I desire thee to endeavor, under 
 all circumstances, to cultivate perfect charity. Re- 
 member all fulfil, as far as surrounding condi- 
 tions enable them, the light which is fully manifest 
 in them. With respect to the publication of the 
 communications, we have at difleient times been 
 able to give unto you, we desire you should obey 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 121 
 
 the directions we have already given you. You 
 need not feel any scruples in publishing the names 
 of those who, at different times, met the circle, either 
 as members of the committee or as members of the 
 Circle only. All who have acted as members of the 
 committee have, in doing so, given their names to 
 you, knowing what we required of them. You need 
 not now fear to make use of them in the manner 
 we have directed. Be perfectly passive ; but in all 
 things, obey the directions we have given unto you. 
 With respect to tha committee for publication, en- 
 deavor to select those who are perfectly willing to 
 act. If you find it impossible to procure such a 
 committee, we desire the Medium herself to pre- 
 pare them for publication. We will, if possible, 
 instruct her. She need not fear. Time will enable 
 us to convince all." 
 
 April 12, 1852. 
 " Days, weeks, and years pass rapidly by. Man 
 enters into being ; his animal nature passes unerr- 
 ingly to decay. Is the object, then, of his being 
 created, fulfilled ? Does he breathe the breath of 
 life merely to suffer for a few short days, and then 
 be consigned to the tomb ? Is this alone the object 
 of his being ? Does the Father of the universe be- 
 stow upon man high and holy aspirations for per- 
 fect knowledge, merely to answer them by the dark- 
 ness of the grave ? Thinkest thou, oh man ! that 
 11 
 
122 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 God has brought any portion of his creation into 
 heino; for nought ? Seest thou not that infinite wis- 
 doni is stamped upon all his works? Why, then, 
 has the thought ever entered thy mind, that man 
 alone, of all his creatures, exists merely to decay ? 
 If mankind would but study their own aspirations, 
 or, in other words, the teachings of the spirit within, 
 they would not doubt their immortal destiny. While 
 they exist only through the animal nature, they per- 
 ceive only the wants of the animal man. They fail 
 to behold the glory of the spirit life. They are of 
 the earth, earthly. None can perceive clearly the 
 spirit's teachings, while they exist only through the 
 animal propensities. It is not possible for any who 
 live a truly spiritual life to doubt the immortal ex- 
 istence of the spirit. They perceive clearly the 
 truths of the spirit's teachings. They know of a 
 truih that the spirit is of God, and cannot die ; but 
 that it is destined for an unending eternity ; con- 
 stantly approaching near and nearer to the holy 
 perfections of God. If, then, the spirit is immortal, 
 can it not fully mingle with spirit, after it has with- 
 drawn from the body ? Can it not, by the power of 
 its love, return to the presence of those beloved, 
 who still exist in the flesh, and gently impress them 
 of its presence, and of the perfect joys of the spirit 
 life ; kindly urging them, by the constant inflowings 
 of wisdom and love, to seek their presence, and la- 
 bor to live a pure and holy life? This is ever their 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 123 
 
 mission. It is God's will, that harmony and love 
 be established upon the earth. Seek, then, to assist 
 to establish the Kingdom of Righteousness upon the 
 earth. Seek to teach all the joys of holy love." 
 
 May 8. 
 
 "Behold, the resurrection and the life. From 
 resurrection unto resurrection, matter arises, clothed 
 in new beauty, advancing steadily onward towards 
 the perfection to which it is capable .of arriving. 
 Know, then, new glory and exceeding beauty adorn 
 the spirit as it passes through resurrection, towards 
 the highest perfection of the Spirit, which is God. 
 The blossom, as it bursts forth into beauty, knows 
 not of the pleasure it confers on the advanced in 
 spirit, by its beauty; nor yet the warbling songsters, 
 as they pour forth their notes of harmonious music, 
 feel not the raptures which are enjoyed by the spi- 
 rits susceptible to the pleasures of exceeding har- 
 mony ; and thus it is with the spirit of man; it 
 cannot perceive the joys which are felt by the spi- 
 rits who have passed to the spirit world, when they 
 perceive them laboring to live in accordance with 
 the laws of their being. The spirits rejoice with 
 exceeding joy to behold the earnest efforts of the 
 human spirit in its labors to advance in love and 
 righteousness. If then, pure pleasure is enjoyed 
 by all created beings in beholding the constantly 
 advancing beauty of all the lower conditions of na- 
 
124 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 ture, great, indeed, must be the joy of spirits who 
 have arrived near to the throne of the Eternal God, 
 in beholding the perfect development of the Father's 
 laws. The perfection of the spirit of love, which 
 is the Eternal God, is itself conscious of thrills of 
 unspeakable joy in beholding .,ihe perfection of its 
 work. Naught but unending joy is felt by the de- 
 veloped spirit ; no pang of sorrow is ever felt by 
 the advanced in spirit after they have passed to the 
 spirit world, for the affections of the material nature 
 are no longer active ; they receive only the inflow- 
 ings of the spirit life, bow to the will of God, and 
 rejoice in the joy that awaits them." 
 
 Q. Does duty to man, and compliance with the 
 teachings of Jesus, require that we should sell all 
 and give to the poor? 
 
 A. " Regard yourselves as stewards of the Lord 
 God, who hold his earthly treasures in trust. See 
 to it, that none of the suffering poor are allowed to 
 languish and perish in your midst, while you are 
 possessed of earthly treasures ; but earnestly labor 
 to place all as far as it is in your power, in condi- 
 tions whereby they may be enabled to procure from 
 the treasures in store within the bosom of the earth, 
 support to meet their earthly wants. If any be 
 sick or imprisoned, minister unto them. Your trea- 
 sures are not your own, but the Lord's. Jesus did 
 not require that those who possessed earthly trea- 
 sures should sell all and give to the poor; but that 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 125 
 
 all should feel themselves bound, in every case, to 
 assist the suffering. God has made ample provi- 
 sion for all the animal wants of his creatures, in 
 the wealth existing upon the earth. All should be 
 cautious, in no case to allow the desire for earthly 
 treasures to darken the spirit, lest they become poor 
 indeed." 
 
 Q. Are the wants of the vicious and profligate 
 equally entitled to our notice with those of the vir- 
 tuous? 
 
 A. " Yes, for all exist according to the condition 
 of their being; those who are dark and undeveloped, 
 are the most truly objects of charity ; but the giving 
 of gold and silver only, is not true charity; bestow 
 upon them rather sympathy and love. Strive to 
 instruct them in truth, then will you bestow upon 
 them treasures of unbounded worth. As far as in 
 your power, guard them from evil influences; blame 
 not the erring, but seek to bring all to the know- 
 ledge of God." 
 
 May 18, 1852. 
 
 " When mankind attempt to reason upon the 
 attributes and infinite power of God, they fail to 
 perceive the inflowings of his divine spirit. Reason 
 is the highest faculty possessed by the material 
 man, for reason is itself, in a degree, material ; it is 
 acted upon by outward existences. It is through the 
 magnetic essence existing in the brain, that outward 
 11* 
 
126 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 conditions are enabled to excite within it sensation, 
 and, consequently, thought ; it will be perceived, 
 therefore, that every thought which owes its impulse 
 to outward conditions, is received through a mate- 
 rial medium. It is also through the magnetic es- 
 sence that spirits are able to impress spirits of the 
 truth while they exist in the flesh ; but the spirit it- 
 self is of God. If it exist in harmony with itself, or 
 in other words, is clear to perceive the existence of 
 its Author and source, by not being enveloped by 
 false impressions and evil, which are induced by the 
 effect of the outward existence of matter acting upon 
 it through the reason; it can fully perceive the 
 power and infinite glory of the Father. We would 
 therefore urge upon all who desire to advance in 
 spiritual perception, to calmly and passively listen 
 to the teachings of the spirit, which can be perceived 
 and enjoyed only by and through the spirit, which 
 is possessed by all from the fullness of the spirit 
 which is God. 
 
 "Although mind ever impresses itself upon its 
 creation, still in no one effort of mind can clearly 
 be perceived the fullness of its power, but each cre- 
 ation only displays a single effort; thus it is with 
 the power which is termed God ; in each created 
 thing is perceived an active effort of that power ; 
 man may therefore judge how far he is enabled 
 through reason alone, to perceive the wisdom and 
 power of the eternal Father." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 127 
 
 COMMUNICATIONS 
 
 Received in the presence of the Committee invited 
 to meet with the Circle, in accordance with di- 
 rections given in the preceding pages. 
 
 Jan. 30, 1852. 
 
 The following members of the committe were 
 present : 
 
 James Mott, Joseph S. Lovering, William H. 
 Furness, Henry D. Moore, Abel C. Thomas, Mr. 
 and Mrs. William B. Thomas, Oliver Johnson, W. 
 Morris Davis, Evans Rogers, , .* 
 
 " We promised to give you an explanation of the 
 physical and spiritual perfections of Jesus. 
 
 " For a long period of time anterior to his birih, 
 the Jewish nation was expecting the advent of one 
 who would be to them a teacher of righteousness. 
 Many who were advanced in spiritual perceptions, 
 had foretold the coming of one who would be to 
 them a teacher of truth and righteousness. They 
 expected he would come to reign as a temporal 
 King. The prophets, as they were termed, per- 
 ceived that such conditions existed, which in time 
 would have the effect to produce a state of spiritual 
 
 * A gentleman and his wife who acted on the committee, 
 objected to having their names made public ; the place they 
 should occupy will be filled by a dash. 
 
128 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 and mental advancement, as would require the pre- 
 sence upon the earth of a spirit of pre-eminent per- 
 fection. They were impressed that he would be 
 called the Holy One of God ; yet they were so 
 much absorbed in the affections of the animal na- 
 ture, that they failed to perceive clearly the condi- 
 tion of his being. This promise had the effect to 
 induce many mothers in Israel to desire to be the 
 favored of the Lord. They were taught to believe 
 his coming would be accompanied by many mira- 
 cles ; but such was not the case. The accounts 
 which his professed followers now possess, are alto- 
 gether false. He was the Son of man, He will ever 
 continue to be a Sun to mankind, his teachings 
 will ever be a pure light. His mother in the flesh 
 was highly developed in spirit, as also was his 
 father in the flesh. They had lived in accordance 
 with both the spiritual and physical laws of God, 
 as far as it was possible for them to do, in their 
 then state of enlightenment ; this was the cause of 
 his physical perfection. His mother being impress- 
 ed that her son would be the teacher looked for, 
 taught him from his early infancy to live a life of 
 moral perfection. He was naturally of a mild and 
 passive temperament, which rendered him readily 
 impressed. He who is spoken of as David, in the 
 Bible, was the spirit appointed by God to influence 
 his development. Before Jesus arrived at the age 
 of maturity, he became so highly developed, that 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 129 
 
 God only impressed him. This it was that in- 
 duced him to speak of his being one with the Eter- 
 nal Father ; he knew that his followers were not in 
 as perfect harmony with the Father as he was. If 
 any now present desire to ask questions upon this 
 subject, we will endeavor to answer, if conditions be 
 such as to enable us to do so." 
 
 Q. By Mr. Furness. How came Jesus to be 
 thought for so many ages, and by so many mil- 
 lions, to be, not a man, but God ? 
 
 A. " His own immediate followers did not be- 
 lieve him to be the Son of God in the sense which 
 many now claim his being ; they knew him to be 
 the Son of man, as he repeatedly told them he was, 
 but many even at that day knowing the manifesta- 
 tions which accompanied him, and feeling conscious 
 he was not the Son of evil, attributed to him the 
 perfections of God, and therefore supposed him to 
 be God himself. For the human mind is ever prone 
 to wander to extremes, — as they found he could 
 not be thought to be the Son of darkness, they 
 claimed for him more holy origin than that which 
 he repeatedly told them was his ; thus it has ever 
 been ; mankind either cry out, he hath a devil, or, 
 he is anointed of God. In after years the teachers 
 in the church labored to inculcate the idea of his 
 divine origin, and also taught that man, by faith in 
 his divinity, might be saved ; which is a doctrine 
 altogether foreign from truth. This doctrine has 
 
130 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 done much to prevent the rapid development of ihe 
 human spirit. Man has, through it, been impressed 
 with the idea, that he may exist without endeavor- 
 ing to develop his spirituality, and thereby dwell 
 in darkness ; and yet by one hour's penitence enter 
 a high state of spiritual happiness. 
 
 " The time has now arrived when man will per- 
 ceive the necessity of living a holy life, and thereby 
 develope his spiritual attributes, which are love to 
 God and man while in the flesh ; if he desires to 
 enter into a high state of spiritual enjoyment when 
 his spirit withdraws from the earthly body." 
 
 Q. By . Where was Jesus, and what was 
 
 he doing, between the ages of 12 and 30 years? 
 
 A. " He dwelt with his parents in Nazareth, as- 
 sisting his father in the performance of manual 
 labor. He frequently taught the people before he 
 attracted the notice of the rulers amongst the Jews." 
 
 Q. By Henry D. Moore. What is the meaning 
 of the Scripture which says, that Jesus, after his 
 death, went to preach to the spirits in prison? 
 
 A. " Oh man, know T estthou not that he even now, 
 and in all ages since he existed in the flesh, teacheth 
 the down trodden and imprisoned? Rejoice in that 
 knowledge ; all spirits may be taught of him." 
 
 Feb. 6. 
 
 The second communication received in the pre- 
 sence of the following persons, members of the 
 committee : 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 131 
 
 James Mott, Oliver Johnson, Abel C. Thomas, 
 Joseph S. Lovering, W. Morris Davis, Mr. and Mrs. 
 W. B. Thomas, Mrs. Cinthia Collins, George Ta- 
 per, . 
 
 11 Rest in peace. Fear not ; we have come to 
 conquer. The bright morning is at hand ; doubt 
 and darkness must be dispelled before the rising of 
 the sun of righteousness. We would to-night speak 
 to you of the formation of the animal man. All 
 matter is an existant condition of the universal 
 essence which exists with the power which is term- 
 ed God. It is the lowest development of that power ; 
 the spirit is the ultimate. Many ages have been 
 required to bring about the present state of material 
 development as it now exists upon the earth. After 
 passing from its elementary or gaseous state, mat- 
 ter assumed a condition of greater density, and par- 
 ticles, by their inherent properties, attracted each 
 other, which produced a substance such as is some- 
 times found to be contained in meteors, which sub- 
 stance is produced from the operations of the same 
 laws that brought into existence the material uni- 
 verse, and which are still, and ever will continue to 
 act throughout eternity. New systems of worlds 
 are by it ever being brought into existence. 
 
 " After the matter existing in the earth passed 
 from the state spoken of, it assumed a still more 
 dense form ; thus it passed from one state of deve- 
 lopment to another, until it was in an existant con- 
 
132 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 dition suitable to produce vegetation; but many cen- 
 turies passed before it arrived to this state. After 
 this, the next state of material development was 
 that of the animal. Many varieties were brought 
 into existence before matter became sufficiently 
 perfected to produce its ultimate, man. After mat- 
 ter arrived to this degree of development, the spirit 
 was bestowed upon it. It, too, has required many 
 ages to become developed to its present state in the 
 material body. In the early stages of its develop- 
 ment, when it first became conscious of its existence, 
 the first attribute possessed by it, that of veneration 
 or love to its author and source, was called into 
 action; this attribute is perceptible wherever the 
 spirit exists. In the early stages of its develop- 
 ment, it manifested itself by worshiping matter, as 
 it was presented to the outward senses, which alone 
 was comprehended by it. After this, it arrived to 
 that state wherein it bowed only to man, which it 
 perceived to be an image of God. It had not yet 
 arrived to that state of advancement, which enabled 
 it to perceive its own perfection. The light of the 
 spirit had as yet scarce dawned — man knew not 
 wherein he was created in the image of the Father; 
 this last state of the spirit is still manifested in the 
 worship of Jesus, for mankind have not fully ar- 
 rived at that state of development which enables 
 them to worship only the spirit, in spirit and in 
 truth. But they are even yet prone to offer incense to 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 133 
 
 the material man. The time is now at hand, when 
 the spirit will begin to perceive its own perfection, 
 and to know of a truth, it is one with the Father. 
 From this time forward the spirit will bow only to 
 spirit; none need hope to prevent the advancement 
 of the human spirit, for every knee must bow, and 
 every tongue confess, that God alone is the Lord, 
 and ever reigneth in glory. If any desire to ask 
 questions upon the subject of which we have been 
 communicating to you, we will, if possible answer, 
 and will labor to bestow light." 
 
 Q. By Oliver Johnson. Does the spirit now in 
 communication with us give us its opinions merely, 
 or does it state what is universally known and re- 
 cognized by all spirits as truth? 
 
 A. " In all the communications which we are 
 prepared to give you, we communicate that which 
 we know to be true. Many spirits will ere long be 
 enabled to bear testimony to the truth of the facts 
 which we give unto you. We will in no case give you 
 opinions merely, but we will communicate that 
 which is eternally true; you need not doubt our 
 statements, we come to bear witness of the light ; 
 many other spirits who have passed to the spirit 
 home, will soon be enabled to communicate to you 
 the truths of God's laws." 
 
 Q. By O. Johnson. Are the inhabitants of the 
 spirit world endowed with the power of distinguish- 
 ing infallibly between truth and error, or are they 
 12 
 
134 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 liable in common with the dwellers upon the earth, 
 to be mistaken respecting what they communicate 1 
 
 A. u No spirit that has ever passed to the spirit 
 world is enabled to perceive all the glory and beauty 
 of the eternal laws of God ; but, as they advance in 
 knowledge, they perceive truth clearly, and cannot 
 be impressed falsely. They may have opinions re- 
 specting the laws of which they as yet have not per- 
 ceived clearly ; but in all cases wherein they per- 
 ceive a law, or attribute of God, they cannot be 
 deceived ; they* have no false perception of what to 
 them is already clear. When they communicate 
 to mankind, they generally communicate only what 
 they know to be true. If they be interrogated, they 
 will freely confess if they have given their opinions 
 merely. 
 
 " All spirits receive impressions from spirits more 
 developed than themselves, but spirits that have 
 passed to the spirit home cannot be impressed 
 falsely." 
 
 Q. By W. M. Davis. Has matter been de- 
 veloped to its ultimate spirit, in the countless 
 worlds by which we are surrounded ; and if so, has 
 there been as high a development of spirit in other 
 worlds as we recognize in Jesus? 
 
 A. " In countless millions of worlds matter has 
 been developed to spirit, and in many, spirit has 
 been so fully developed as to absorb the materia! 
 body ; but there are many millions of worlds where- 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 1 35 
 
 in matter is but slightly developed. In all cases 
 where the spirit has become perfected in matter, 
 there existed at the commencement of the period 
 when the spirit was beginning to overcome matter, 
 one or more spirits of pre-eminent perfection, such 
 as was manifested in Jesus." 
 
 Q. By . Are there any spirits now 
 
 in the body in this world, as highly developed as 
 w r as that of Jesus ? 
 
 A. " No spirit has ever existed upon the earth 
 who has arrived at the perfect state of development 
 at which Jesus arrived ; we have told you the cause 
 of his perfection. All highly developed spirits that 
 have since existed, have looked to Jesus or some 
 other created being, as a mediator between them 
 and the Father, thereby preventing the development 
 of their spiritual attributes by false impressions, 
 which is a condition which will ever prevent perfect 
 development. No false impression ever assisted 
 the development of the spirit." 
 
 Q. By W. B. Thomas. Is it possible for us to 
 have manifestations of a physical character, as we 
 think they would be most likely to remove skepti- 
 cism ; if not, shall we be informed of the cause ? 
 
 A. " We have repeatedly told you it is impossi- 
 ble for us so to operate upon inanimate matter so as 
 to make any physical demonstration. We can only 
 operate through the spirit; we communicate only by 
 impressions ; it is impossible for us to become suffi- 
 
136 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 ciently dense to operate upon matter only, we can 
 become visible to the outward senses only, in 
 cases wherein we are enabled to envelope the body ; 
 we operate chiefly through the magnetic, and not 
 the electric medium. Many spirits are enabled to 
 operate freely through the electric medium." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. Are there any spirits suffi- 
 ciently dense to operate on and move inanimate 
 matter 1 
 
 A. " Yes, such manifestations have frequently 
 been witnessed by mankind in all ages since their 
 existence upon the earth ; and such will continue to 
 be witnessed by the human race for centuries to 
 come, before the spirit existing in the body will be 
 sufficiently developed to require spiritual impres- 
 sions only." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. Are such manifestations 
 any more than what is understood to be magnetic 
 or electric influences 1 
 
 A. "All such manifestations are produced by 
 spirits who have left the body, operating upon mat- 
 ter through the medium of electricity, which they 
 are enabled to combine in such a manner, as in 
 some cases to overcome a great amount of material 
 structure, as was witnessed by the ancient Jews, in 
 the presence of he who is known as Samson." 
 
 Received February 13, in presence of the follow- 
 ing named persons, members of the committee. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 137 
 
 James Mott, Joseph S. Lovering, Oliver Johnson, 
 Rev. Henry D. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Thomas, Dr. Neidhard, W. M. Davis: 
 
 " Man being a two-fold being, possesses within 
 himself the two natures, that of the animal and the 
 spiritual; his duties therefore are of a two-fold cha- 
 racter, that of developing the animal, as well as the 
 spiritual. The development of the spirit, while it 
 exists in the body, is in a measure dependant upon 
 the physical condition. The spirit cannot become 
 as perfectly developed as it is the will of its author 
 it should, if the physical body be in an unhealthy 
 or partially developed state ; for the body was in- 
 tended to be the temple wherein the soul for a time 
 must dwell. It is important therefore, that the 
 human family seek to ascertain the physical laws of 
 their being, and that they live in accordance with 
 those laws. They should be fully impressed with 
 the truth respecting their physical organization. 
 They should know that no physical laws can be 
 violated, without their suffering the penalty of that 
 violation. Until all the laws governing the develop- 
 ment of the animal man be fully understood and 
 obeyed, perfect spiritual development it is not possi- 
 ble to attain ; we would urge upon you the neces- 
 sity of living in accordance with the natural laws. 
 
 u The principal physical and social evils which 
 oppress the human family, are caused by an igno- 
 rance of the natural laws. God in his infinite wis- 
 12* 
 
138 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 dom has bestowed upon the earth natural remedies 
 for all physical evils, seek then to ascertain the true 
 remedies. It is impossible for the human family 
 for many generations to come, to be free from phy- 
 sical suffering. They are not as yet sufficiently 
 enlightened respecting the laws of their being, to 
 avoid all violations of them. It will therefore be 
 impossible for the spirit to become fully developed 
 while it exists in the body. 
 
 " Advancement is constantly going on throughout 
 the created universe. After physical suffering de- 
 creases, the social condition of the human race will 
 become more harmonious. Much suffering is caused 
 by a want of true knowledge respecting the condi- 
 tion of the spirit after it passes from the body, this 
 ignorance is likewise the cause of want of harmony 
 in the social condition of mankind. 
 
 " The knowledge therefore, which we are per- 
 mitted to convey to the human family respecting 
 the condition of the spirit, will serve to banish from 
 the earth one of the principal causes of social dis- 
 cord, and therefore establish harmony; for all will 
 learn that the unity of the spirit is indispensable to 
 perfect development. When mankind is fully con- 
 vinced of this fact, they will feel the necessity of 
 cultivating pure love and harmony. We desire to 
 communicate to you upon this subject at a future 
 time. If any now wish to interrogate us, we will 
 endeavor to answer." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS, 139 
 
 Q. By J. S. Levering. You told us that all mat- 
 ter is an essence which existed with the power 
 which is termed God : what is that power which is 
 termed God? 
 
 A. " We have told you it is impossible for the 
 spirit, even after having existed in the spiritual con- 
 dition only, to fully understand the perfection and 
 existant condition of that power ; therefore it would 
 be impossible for any spirit to describe a power 
 which it cannot fully comprehend, /esus himself 
 felt this kn possibility • 
 
 41 The spirit constantly advances, and constantly 
 perceives new laws, of which it heretofore was igno- 
 rant. AH are conscious of the existence of the 
 power termed God, but none comprehend it. It is 
 impossible for the spirit, while existing in the body, 
 to form even a faint conception of this power." 
 
 Q. Bv J. S. Lovering. How and by what power 
 was the spirit bestowed upon man 1 
 
 A. " The spirit is an intellectual principle, ema* 
 nating from the Eternal ; it is independent of mat- 
 ter, and could not be developed out of it ; it therefore 
 was bestowed immediately from the intellectual 
 principle of God, and is therefore a part of his per- 
 fect existence. Matter was produced by the power 
 of God, but it is not a part of his intellectual attri- 
 bute ; it was called into being by that power, with- 
 out being a part of the power itself. Mankind can 
 in a measure comprehend the idea intended to be 
 conveyed, when they observe the creations of their 
 
140 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 own intellect, (which, as we have lold you is an 
 emanation from the Eternal mind,) in the different 
 mechanical constructions which they have produced; 
 they were brought into existence by the power of 
 the intellect, but cannot be said to be a part of it. 
 By the comparison given, you will be enabled to 
 perceive the different condition of the creation of 
 matter, and the bestowing of the spirit." 
 
 Q. By J. S. Lovering. You say matter assumes 
 a condition of greater density. How can matter 
 assume a condition ? 
 
 A. " We have told you that matter exists by the 
 power of God, and is not intelligent; it can there- 
 fore pass from one condition to another, only as it 
 is developed in accordance with the laws which 
 govern it. 
 
 11 In our former communication, we made use of 
 language such as we supposed would be understood 
 by those to whom we communicated. We did not 
 intend to convey the idea of matter passing from 
 one condition to another by any intellectual power 
 possessed by it. In all cases wherein we are not 
 fully understood, we desire that such questions be 
 asked, as will enable us more fully to explain." 
 
 Q. By W. M. Davis. Can spirits bestow posi- 
 tive knowledge in physical laws? 
 
 A. " Where spirits can perceive, and where they 
 are enabled to approach spirits still existing in the 
 flesh, they can impress them in truth of existing 
 laws, and can therefore bestow positive knowledge. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 141 
 
 All knowledge of spiritual laws is thus obtained. 
 They can in many cases bestow knowledge of phy- 
 sical laws in the same manner. 9 ' 
 
 Q. By Dr. Neidhard. What is the best natural 
 remedies for the cure of physical evils? 
 
 Jl« " The best remedy for both physical and 
 spiritual evils, is the cultivation of perfect love." 
 
 Q. By same. What is the best remedy for 
 scarlet fever? 
 
 A. " All fevers indicate an improper electric 
 condition of the system. When the skin is highly 
 colored it is an evidence of a surcharged condition, 
 and tendency to pass off the undue portion through 
 it. Any means which will have the effect to assist 
 nature, in her efforts, will be beneficial. Water, 
 being a conductor of the electric fluid, is one of the 
 most effectual remedies." 
 
 Received, Feb. 20, in presence of the following 
 named persons, as members of the Committee, 
 
 James Mott, Joseph S. Lovering, W. M. Davis, 
 George Taber, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Collins, . 
 
 " We have told you the social condition of the 
 human family, as well as the development of the 
 spirit, are, in a measure, dependent on the physical 
 condition* Harmony cannot exist in the higher at- 
 tributes of nature, unless it first be perfected in the 
 lower. This being a law of nature, you perceive 
 the necessity of first understanding the laws which 
 
142 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 govern the lower nature, which is that of the ani- 
 mal man. The first and lowest attribute of the spi- 
 rit, is love to man. This cannot become fully per- 
 fected in the physical body while suffering exists. 
 The mind, by continual suffering of the body, is 
 one of the chief causes of exciting selfish propensi- 
 ties in the human family. If mankind desire to 
 advance in spirituality, they must cultivate pure 
 benevolence ; they must endeavor to feel for the 
 suffering. All should labor to alleviate the suffering 
 which exists upon the earth. None should regard 
 hemselves as excused from the performance of this 
 duty ; for, while suffering exists, all must, in a 
 measure, be affected by it. If love to the human 
 race be not cultivated, love to God cannot exist in 
 the fullness which !t is the Creator's design it-should ; 
 for the spirit of man is of God, and is a likeness of 
 him. Man, perceives in his brother man, an image 
 of the Eternal God, therefore if man fails to assist 
 his fellow man, in his spiritual development, he fails 
 to cultivate love to the Father, for in him he per- 
 ceives the only visible image of the Father. Until 
 the social condition of the human family be ren- 
 dered more harmonious, perfect love to God cannot 
 exist. The Father has bestowed upon his creatures 
 peculiar instincts and affections, which it is proper 
 all should study to develope. Wherever such con- 
 ditions exist, as prevents the development of those 
 attributes, the will of God is violated. Upon the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 143 
 
 earth is bestowed ample provisions for the most per- 
 fect physical and social development. All suffering, 
 be it physical or social, is in violation of the perfect 
 law of God. It is impossible for man to see suffer- 
 ing without being injured thereby. 
 
 " Let your aim, therefore, be to assist the ad- 
 vancement of the human family ; cease not your 
 efforts, for by thus laboring only can the spirit be 
 perfected. This truth must be deeply impressed 
 upon the minds of men ; they must know of a 
 truth, that no violation of the laws of their being, 
 be they either physical, social, or spiritual, can ever 
 be forgiven them ; but the suffering produced by 
 such violations must be endured ; none can hope to 
 escape. 
 
 " Strive, then, to be earnest in your efforts to allevi- 
 ate suffering. Let none imagine they are not required 
 to earnestly labor. Seek to ascertain wherein the 
 physical and social laws are violated ; and assist, 
 as far as it is possible for you to do, to establish a 
 more perfected condition ; for by this means alone 
 will the masses be elevated and developed, so that 
 wisdom maybe perceived by them. This is the 
 object of our communications to you." 
 
 Q. By C B. Foster. Are the conditions to-night 
 as favorable as they might be ? 
 
 A. " No. The Medium is somewhat affected by 
 *he doubts of the persons present. She is not aware 
 of the amount of influence other spirits possess over 
 
144 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 her. All unharmonious conditions affect the spirit, 
 be they either mental or physical, and prevents our 
 impressing her. A want of mental harmony pro- 
 duces contrary magnetic currents, which affect the 
 brain of the Medium, as well as that of each in- 
 dividual present. 
 
 " If the spirit was relieved of the influence of 
 the physical body, it could readily perceive the ef- 
 fects produced by want of harmony, and would in- 
 stantly be conscious of the presence of an inhar- 
 monious mind." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. As belief is not voluntary, 
 how can doubts be removed in a mind open to con- 
 viction ? 
 
 .A. " They can be removed only by the constant 
 shining of light. All darkness can only be re- 
 moved by illumination. The mind cannot, of itself, 
 create the light; therefore it can perceive the truth 
 only as it is made manifest by illumination." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. If the manifestations can 
 be accounted for by physical causes, how can they 
 be ascribed to special spiritual influence. 
 
 Jl. "All manifestations in accordance with physi- 
 cal laws, are produced by physical laws. The mani- 
 festations produced by spirits are in accordance 
 with established laws, but they cannot be produced 
 by spirits still existing in the flesh, for the reason 
 that none are sufficiently developed to perceive the 
 existence and power of those laws. If spirits still 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 145 
 
 existing in the flesh, were perfect in their develop- 
 ment, which is a condition impossible for them to 
 attain in their present state of advancement, they 
 could then readily impress each other, as you now 
 perceive we are enabled to impress the Medium pre- 
 sent. But all know such power is not possible for 
 them, although many instances of impression being 
 produced by spirits still existing in the flesh, have 
 been frequently witnessed. Yet none have ever 
 been able to impress spirits with the same clearness 
 and rapidity." 
 
 Q. By J. S. Lovering, On the meeting of the 6th 
 you told us, that in countless millions of worlds, 
 matter has been developed to spirit. At the last 
 meeting you said, " spirit is an intellectual princi- 
 ple, emanating from the Eternal ; it is independent 
 of matter, and cannot be developed out of it." How 
 arc we to understand this apparent contradiction ? 
 
 A. " We intended to communicate the fact, that 
 in other worlds than the one you inhabit, matter has 
 been sufficiently developed to receive the spiritual 
 gift of God, which is the Spirit. 
 
 u We cannot perceive the impressions produced 
 upon all the minds present. We therefore commu- 
 nicate to the mind of the medium. We perceive, 
 through her. Although we know the effect which 
 will, eventually be produced by our communications 
 upon the human family, yet we cannot perceive the 
 impressions upon individual spirits, unless we fully 
 13 
 
146 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 harmonize. Thus, we are not able, at all times, to 
 make ourselves understood by all present." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. From what has been told 
 us, we suppose that spirits can know of things that 
 have transpired many ages ago. Can spirits see 
 into the future ? 
 
 A. " Spirits, as they advance in spiritual percep- 
 tion, know what has already occurred, but they 
 judge only by the effects of established laws, of 
 what will occur in the future. By this means only 
 are they enabled to judge, unless some effect is 
 already in a measure developed; then they are ena- 
 bled to judge of its fulfilment. Undeveloped spi- 
 rits, who have but entered the spirit world, are not 
 enabled to know of occurrences which had trans- 
 pired long before their individual existence." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. Is it in accordance with the 
 laws of man's creation, that death should be the re- 
 sult of disease and suffering ? 
 
 Jl. "Yes. Death of the animal body is the full- 
 ness of the penalty of the violation of the physical 
 laws. But while matter exists in the human body, 
 the spirit, after perfecting its development in the 
 body, will withdraw therefrom, and the matter 
 which had enshrouded it, will again return to the 
 earth from whence it had been derived." 
 
 Q. By Mr. S. Collins. Is death the consequence 
 of the fall of our first parents, as taught by some 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 147 
 
 theologians, or is it in accordance with the laws of 
 our creation 1 
 
 *#. " Mankind are at the present time in the en- 
 joyment of more knowledge than has ever been en- 
 joyed by them. All death is produced from a want 
 of knowledge, and the consequent violation of law. 
 This only produces what may be properly termed 
 death, for the natural withdrawal of the spirit is not 
 death." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. What is it then ? 
 
 Jl. " It is a mere advancement of spiritual con- 
 dition ; such as is perceptible in the spirit world, in 
 the passing from one degree of development to an- 
 other. Such changes are experienced by spirits still 
 existing in the flesh, when they pass into the clair- 
 voyant state, as it is termed." 
 
 Q. By . Is not the movement of the Me- 
 dium's hand a physical manifestation 1 
 
 A. " It is not what is generally understood by 
 physical manifestation. It is produced by an action 
 upon the nervous system, through the electric influ- 
 ence upon the brain. It is similar to any other ac- 
 tion of the human body. Physical manifestations, 
 as generally referred to, are the effects of the power 
 which spirits exert, through the electric medium, 
 upon inanimate matter." 
 
 Received Feb. 27, in presence of the following 
 named persons, members of the committee. 
 
148 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS, 
 
 Joseph S. Loveiing, W. M. Davis, Mr. and Mrs* 
 W. B. Thomas. 
 
 " And now, beloved, seeing that all are created 
 by the power of God ; that all are the children of 
 his love ; see then that pure charity influence you 
 in all your efforts to establish peace on earth, and 
 good will to men. 
 
 u None have the power of creating the light, nor 
 yet the darkness, but all are governed by the power 
 of God. None can behold the light, unless the light 
 be already manifest. When the light has dawned 
 within, then can it be clearly perceived. Hatred 
 produces hatred. Love produces love. Seek to 
 enlighten ail who are dwelling in darkness, by the 
 power of love, which alone is the true light. 
 
 " Condemn not those who err, but seek rather to 
 bring all to the knowledge of the truth, by the power 
 of love. By this means only can the development 
 of the human spirit be promoted. Avoid all un- 
 charitableness. Forgive freely. The Father knows 
 his children's love. 
 
 " The want of pure charity is one of the chief 
 causes of the spirit's darkness. What availeth it 
 if man demandeth of his fellow man mercy towards 
 each other, and yet his own heart be destitute of 
 mercy 1 Pity with fervency all who dwell in dark- 
 ness, and seek to bestow upon others the light 
 which you yourselves have received; for freely to 
 you has it been given, freely bestow it therefore. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 149 
 
 " Call none unholy or unclean, for all are the 
 children of one God. None should regard them- 
 selves as more worthy than their fellow, or more 
 holy in the Father's sight. When perfect charity 
 prevails upon the earth, then mankind will dwell 
 together in harmony, and the joys of holy purity 
 will be felt by all. The spirits which exist upon 
 the earth will have absorbed the body ; for then will 
 perfect love, which is the spirit life, be fully deve- 
 loped, and the wisdom of the Father's love, which 
 is the perfection of wisdom, will be perceived by the 
 human spirit. Then will the kingdom, of which 
 Jesus spoke, be established upon the earth. This 
 period is now rapidly approaching, for the promise 
 is now being fulfilled. The Spirit of the beloved of 
 the Father is now returning, with all his holy an- 
 gels, in the clouds of heaven, which are now being 
 perceived by the spirits of the human family, in the 
 bright rays of divine truth, which the spirits are 
 permitted to bestow upon spirits now existing in the 
 flesh." 
 
 Q. By Aaron Comfort. What are we to under- 
 stand by the spirit absorbing the body ? 
 
 A. " We refer to the perfect absorption of the af- 
 fections of the flesh, by the development of the af- 
 fections of the spirit, which is perfect love to God 
 and man. We mean not the absorption of the ma- 
 terial body by the spirit." 
 13* 
 
150 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Q. By W. Morris Davis. Do spirits recognize 
 the material body as we do? 
 
 A. " Spirits perceive, and are enabled to come in 
 contact with matter through the medium of electri- 
 city and the magnetic essence, which is an ethereal 
 condition of matter, which matter spirits are ena- 
 bled so to combine and pervade as to manifest to the 
 outward senses a perfect resemblance of their phy- 
 sical body. Electricity and the magnetic essence 
 is to the spirits, when pervaded by their intelligence, 
 what the physical body, which is a denser condi- 
 tion of matter, is to the spirits in the flesh." 
 
 Q. By W. M. Davis. When man beholds injus- 
 tice and oppression, extinguishing every ray of hope 
 for the physical and spiritual development of his 
 race : is he to wait the slow cure of time, or may he 
 follow the impulses of his nature, and free his fel- 
 lows by striking down the oppressor? 
 
 j4. u Can the adder's sting bring joy ? Drink 
 deep of the waters of bitterness, oh man ! and learn 
 thou whether sweetness will be perceived and en- 
 joyed by the draught, h is not possible for man to 
 fulfil his duties to his fellow man, and thereby ad- 
 vance in purity and love, by acting in accordance 
 with the impulses of his lower nature. All such 
 action retards the development of the spirit, for in 
 no case is the excessive manifestation of such im- 
 pulses caused from pure love to the spirit; although 
 sympathy for the suffering may have the power to 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 151 
 
 excite such impulses, yet it is a want of true know- 
 ledge which induces such action. 
 
 " If man oppresses his brother man, light and 
 love cannot be increased by the undue exercise of 
 the lower animal propensities and impulses. Hope 
 not, therefore, that light can ever be produced from 
 darkness ; but darkness only serves to increase the 
 darkness. Have faith, then, in the power of love, 
 to illuminate the spirit, for by the dispensing of this 
 light only can wrong and suffering be destroyed. 
 
 Received March 5, in presence of the following 
 named persons, members of the committee : 
 
 James Mott, Joseph S. Lovering, Mr. and Mrs. 
 W. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brown, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Collins, W. M. Davis, Emlen 
 Cresson. 
 
 " The love and wisdom of the Father is made 
 manifest throughout all his works. If the Father 
 feels only love, how then can vengeance ever be 
 manifested by him towards any portion of his crea- 
 tures, whom he himself has created. 
 
 " Justice in no case demandeth vengeance, but 
 justice must rather be ever in accordance with love. 
 Know, then, that eternal suffering cannot be the 
 portion of any created being, teach all to hope 
 therefore. Seek ever to banish despair from the 
 minds of the human family. Instruct the unde- 
 veloped, make plain to them the power of love to 
 
152 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 redeem the spirit from all ignorance, and bring them 
 to the knowledge of the purity, love and wisdom of 
 the Eternal God. Jesus taught this truth, he was 
 the bearer of glad tidings of great joy. For as yet 
 the human family dwelt in darkness, they could not 
 perceive the power of love, but ever demanded an 
 eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. See ye 
 not that no vengeance nor hatred can be felt by the 
 spirit, for all bear testimony of the truth, that the 
 spirit is of God, and cannot sin. None are so dark 
 that the rays of divine truth cannot enlighten and 
 develop them in the knowledge of God's truth. 
 Pray earnestly, for prayer is the spirit's nourish- 
 ment. By earnest prayer to the Father, the spirit 
 is developed in the perfect likeness of Him. Oh 
 that the love and wisdom of the almighty Father 
 could be perceived by his creatures. Let praise 
 and rejoicing fill your minds. None need be with- 
 out hope. For the inheritance of eternal life is the 
 portion of all ; fail not to teach all the holy love of 
 God." 
 
 Note. — Here the Medium ceased pointing to the 
 card, and passed into a deeper and more advanced 
 state, her eyes were closed, and she commenced 
 speaking as follows : 
 
 " Let holy praise fill your hearts. Rejoice with 
 great joy. The eternal God is the fountain of all 
 mercy. Bright and beautiful are the children of 
 light. A halo of holy brightness surrounds all who 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 153 
 
 are robed in the pure robes of mercy, charity, and 
 love. In them the Father's wisdom and glory is 
 already manifest. No fear, doubt nor hatred 
 throws their mantle of darkness around them, they 
 utter only the tones of rejoicing and praise. Glory 
 to the Father. Peace on earth and the fullness of 
 mercy, charity, and love, to all his creatures. — 
 Return again, remain no longer." — The last clause 
 is supposed to be addressed to the Medium herself; 
 directing her to return to her former state ; when 
 she immediately opened her eyes, and resumed her 
 usual appearance. 
 
 Q. By James Mott. Is the doctrine of eternal 
 punishment, as taught by theologians, useful in re- 
 straining the ignorant from doing wickedly ? 
 
 A. " No false doctrine ever assisted the develop- 
 ment of the human spirit, but only served to sur- 
 round it with darkness. A true knowledge of the 
 Father's laws only serves to enlighten in all truth. 
 We have said that all evil, or sin, as it is termed 
 by mankind, is but the effect produced by the want 
 of true light ; how then can the extending of dark- 
 ness serve to produce light, does it not rather add 
 to the darkness? Fear not to teach. the true light ; 
 for by the knowledge of truth only, can the spirit 
 be relieved from the effects of darkness." 
 
 Q. By . Is it just that children, who vio- 
 late physical laws through ignorance, should be 
 
154 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 punished, or that their lives should be shortened 
 because of the disobedience of their parents ? 
 
 A, " Justice, and only justice, is evinced through- 
 out all the laws of God : all the violations of law 
 must ever produce suffering, or else how can the 
 joy of perfect harmony be made manifest. Rejoice 
 that perfect wisdom exists with the Father. Seek 
 to study the laws which govern your being, and 
 live in accordance with them ; it is in accordance 
 with the wisdom, justice and love of God, that suf- 
 fering should be the penalty of violated law." 
 
 Note. — Here there was considerable discussion as 
 to the propriety or fitness of the above answer, in 
 the midst of which the Medium commenced again 
 as follows : 
 
 " The lightning's flash splinters to atoms the 
 lofty pine ; it also sears the delicate tendrils of the 
 clinging vine, but all the universe is benefited by its 
 mighty power, for it manifests the benevolence as 
 well as the power of God. The most delicate 
 flower withers on the parent stem, because the con- 
 ditions required for its development did not there 
 exist. Suffering is not punishment. God does not 
 punish, but all suffer; the spirit may be forced 
 from the body by the effects of discordant influ- 
 ences surrounding it, but this withdrawal is not or- 
 dained by God as punishment, but is in all cases 
 the effect of violated law, either physical or social ,* 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 155 
 
 for remember the violation of social laws, as well 
 as physical, has the effect to produce disease and 
 suffering, which violation effects the children of 
 men to the third and fourth generation ; remember 
 then no case of physical or social suffering can 
 exist without effecting the happiness of all the hu- 
 man family. 
 
 " The most delicate blossom is the first to bend 
 to the blast." 
 
 Q. By James Molt. Is prayer any thing more 
 than sincere desire of our spirits, expressed or un- 
 expressed ? 
 
 A. " Prayer is the earnest aspiration of the 
 spirit." 
 
 March 12. 
 
 Members of the committee present : James Mott, 
 Joseph S. Lovering, W. M. Davis, Oliver Johnson, 
 Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Simeon 
 
 Collins, Mr. and Mrs. W. Brown, , Dr. 
 
 Neidhard, Mr. Joseph Wharton, Mr. E. Cresson. 
 
 11 Every mind must be convinced of a truth be- 
 fore it can be materially benefited by it. The truths 
 of the spirit life are not such as can convince the 
 mind through the outward senses : faith, therefore, 
 must exist, not from evidence received through the 
 outward, but through the inward or spiritual per- 
 ceptions. All the higher or spiritual truths are 
 perceived only by the spirit, which is the true man. 
 
156 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 All spirits must possess the fullness of faith before 
 they can become perfected. All must feel that an 
 Almighty power exists, and guides and governs the 
 universe of his creation, before they can feel the 
 fullness of love towards that power ; and perfect 
 love to God must exist, before the spirit can attain 
 the highest degree of development of which it is 
 capable in the body. To the enlightened and de- 
 veloped mind, the material universe exhibits innu- 
 merable evidences of the existence and power of 
 an intelligent author. Endeavor ever to keep the 
 mind clear to perceive the evidences of the existence 
 of God. Perfect faith in the wisdom and love of 
 God, ever induces perfect works of true love and 
 righteousness. 
 
 " When mankind perceive in each other the true 
 image of the Infinite Father, they cease to allow 
 themselves to be absorbed by their individual ex- 
 istence ; they learn to look upon all, from the least 
 unto the greatest, as being the children of one God, 
 and possessed of immortal spirits, which are influ- 
 enced throughout eternity by the state of their ex- 
 istence while in the body ; they perceive their duty 
 to their fellow beings, and are earnest in their 
 efforts to assist their advancement. Without faith, 
 mankind cannot be filled with perfect love, they 
 cannot perceive the light of true wisdom. Endea- 
 vor to be passive to the reception of spiritual light 
 and truth, that perfect faith may exist in you. Per- 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 157 
 
 feet faith must be received through the spirit, it 
 cannot be through the outward senses only: the 
 spirit cannot, by the power of reason alone, be 
 made alive in faith. Many instances have existed, 
 of minds deficient in the power of reason, possess- 
 ing full faith in the highest spiritual truths ; they 
 have readily perceived the love and the power of 
 God, and have been enabled to hold free commu- 
 nion with spirits who have passed to the spirit 
 world. The very deficiency in the power of rea- 
 soning, causes the mind, in many cases, to be in a 
 passive condition. Endeavor to submit yourselves 
 to the will of God, having faith in his power and 
 love, knowing of a truth, he is able and willing to 
 redeem all his creatures from darkness, and eventu- 
 ally bring all to a knowledge of the fullness of wis- 
 dom and truth." 
 
 Q. By Mr. J. S. Lovering. Do spirits occupy 
 space ? 
 
 A, " Spirit is an intelligent principle ; that prin- 
 ciple has the power of combining matter, such as 
 we have before described to you, and is enabled to 
 pervade that matter; but the intelligent principle 
 alone does not occupy space. Yet no two spirits 
 exist in the same condition, for each is independent 
 of the other. Two minds cannot be so perfectly 
 equal as to have but one existence ; each thought 
 is independent, and cannot be absorbed by another 
 thought: thought is an active condition of spirit." 
 14 
 
158 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 Q. By Mr. Collins. Is there to be a resurrection 
 of the body ? 
 
 A. u The physical body is matter only, and is 
 derived from the matter existing in, and surround- 
 ing the earth ; it therefore, when the spirit has with- 
 drawn from it, returns again to its original elements; 
 it in no case ever has been, or ever can be again, 
 reanimated by the spirit after it has wholly with- 
 drawn therefrom." 
 
 Q. By J. S. Lovering. Do disembodied spirits 
 possess a positive, absolute and unirersal knowledge 
 of the laws that govern the material world — of what 
 is called Natural Philosophy — of Chemistry, Elec- 
 tricity, Magnetism : or is their knowledge limited? 
 
 A. " No spirit that has ever passed from the 
 earth, excepting Jesus, possessed a perfect know- 
 ledge of all the material laws of God ; they are 
 constantly advancing in their perception of God's 
 laws." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. What is the explanation of 
 the Scripture statement, that Christ arose from the 
 dead? 
 
 A. " The material body of Jesus was not reani- 
 mated by his spirit, for that would have been in 
 direct violation of the established laws of spirit and 
 matter. He frequently appeared in spirit to his 
 followers, he was strongly attracted to theu by 
 their extreme love for him. He pervaded the mag- 
 netic combination which he formed in an exact 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 159 
 
 likeness of his physical body, so that his followers 
 might not doubt his spiritual existence; his body 
 returned again to the earth." 
 
 Q. By Oliver Johnson. What is the meaning of 
 Christ's invitation to Thomas to thrust his hand into 
 his side? 
 
 A. "Jesus knew it was necessary to convince 
 his followers of his existence ; he therefore mani- 
 fested himself to them in such a manner, as to 
 leave no doubt upon their minds of his individuality. 
 He permitted those who doubted his existence, to 
 perceive him in such a condition as would fully 
 convince them of his being present with them." 
 
 Q. By M. A. H. Thomas. What is the meaning 
 of the Holy Ghost? 
 
 Jl. "The Holy Ghost, as it is termed in the 
 Bible, is the impression produced upon the spirit by 
 the inflowing of the spirit of love and truth, which 
 is an emanation from the Eternal God. 
 
 " The authors of the different historical accounts 
 given in the Bible, personified this manifestation of 
 the spirit of God. They perceived it to be of God, 
 and yet conceived it to exist independent of him ; 
 for they conceived God to exist as a material being ; 
 they could not fully perceive his spiritual existence, 
 but were ever prone to conceive of him as existing 
 in a condition separate and distinct from his all-per- 
 vading existence. They could not perceive the im- 
 pression of the spirit from him ; they conceived of 
 
160 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 him as existing as an all-powerful being, and re- 
 garded his spirit, which they termed the Holy 
 Ghost, as an angel sent by him to bear a portion of 
 his spiritual attributes to them, and not as in truth 
 it is, the presence of God himself in man." 
 
 Q. By Dr. Neidhard. Can the spirit tell me the 
 nature of the communication received by me on the 
 25th of January 1 
 
 Jl. " It is impossible for spirits to exist in such 
 perfect harmony with all spirits in the flesh, as to 
 be enabled to perceive clearly their thoughts, and 
 the conditions surrounding them. It is impossible 
 for us to communicate in answer to thoughts we 
 cannot perceive." 
 
 March 19. 
 
 Members of the committee present : James Mott, 
 Joseph S. Lovering, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Thomas, 
 Oliver Johnson, W. M. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Col- 
 lins, Dr. Neidhard, Emlen Cresson, . 
 
 " We have said faith cannot be received through 
 reason alone. Before mankind can fully appreciate 
 the communications which spirits are permitted to 
 give unto them, they must feel the truth of the spirit 
 life ; they must feel fully convinced of the existence 
 of the spirit, and its power to communicate with 
 spirit still existing in the flesh. As it is not possi- 
 ble to feel fully convinced of these truths by reason 
 alone, we would urge upon all to seek to enter into 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 161 
 
 a passive state of mind, that the truths of the spirit 
 life may be perceived and fully realized ; by enter- 
 ing into a passive condition only, can the spirit per- 
 ceive clearly the inflowing of the spiritual light. 
 
 " We have given directions to this Circle which 
 we desire should be made public. We have called 
 together a number of persons to witness the recep- 
 tion of these communications, that they may be 
 enabled to state to the world the manner in which 
 they were received, and whether there appeared to 
 be any evidence of deception on the part of the Me- 
 dium, or in the different members of the Circle. 
 But we do not expect their statements, whatever 
 they may be, to convince the minds of men ; for 
 we know it is impossible for any to be fully con- 
 vinced of the truths which we communicate, by 
 statements, which may be given respecting the dif- 
 ferent manifestations that are now being made. We 
 have communicated to you as clearly as it was pos- 
 sible for us, under the circumstances, some impor- 
 tant facts respecting the progress and ultimate of 
 the spirit. We have endeavored to impress upon 
 you the necessity of enlightening the spirit in the 
 true light of perfect love, that it may become as 
 fully developed, as it is possible, while in the flesh. 
 
 " We would now call your attention to the con- 
 dition of the undeveloped in your midst. We have 
 instructed this Circle in the necessity of ascertain- 
 14* 
 
162 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 ing the condition of the undeveloped by whom they 
 are surrounded. 
 
 " We desire that they should be earnest in the 
 work to which they are called. God requires of 
 all his intelligent creatures that they be ever active 
 in their efforts to instruct those less developed in 
 the truths of his divine laws. None should dwell 
 in idleness. All should earnestly labor to perfect 
 the human spirit, that this object may be accom- 
 plished. 
 
 " The first object you should have in view, is 
 that of removing, as far as possible, all cause of 
 physical suffering, that the mind may be clear to 
 perceive truth. 
 
 " We desire that all who feel impressed to assist 
 in this work of true benevolence and love, co-ope- 
 rate with this Circle in carrying out the instructions 
 which we will from time to time be directed to give 
 them. Unite earnestly in the cause of human ad- 
 vancement, and ere long many will be brought to 
 the knowledge of God through the light which you 
 will be enabled to shed around them. 
 
 " Fear not to enter into the vineyard of the Lord 
 God, for power will be given you from on high. 
 Look only to God and you will be instructed. Ac- 
 knowledge none as your Lord and Master but the 
 Eternal Father. See that perfect charity influences 
 you. 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 163 
 
 " Obey the direction we have given you, and all 
 the human family will be benefited thereby." 
 
 Q. By J. S. Lovering. As the body of Jesus was 
 not in the sepulchre, if it was not reanimated by the 
 spirit, where was it ? 
 
 A. " The body of Jesus was removed from the 
 sepulchre in which it was placed, by one Joseph, 
 who requested Pilate to grant it unto him, which re- 
 quest was granted. 
 
 " Some of the historians who wrote respecting 
 the life and teachings of Jesus, recorded the tradi- 
 tions which they had heard respecting the myste- 
 rious disappearance of his body as a fact, for they 
 thought it to be true. But at the time of the resur- 
 rection of Jesus, as his spiritual appearance was 
 termed, his followers, many of them, knew of the 
 place of his burial." 
 
 Q. By Dr. Neidhard. How can the spirit of the 
 Father of the Medium know any thing respecting 
 the body of Jesus, occurring so long ago, and 
 nothing of any events occurring recently? 
 
 A. " All the circumstances reported as having 
 occurred to Jesus, while in the flesh, as also the his- 
 torical account given of his death and burial, have 
 powerfully influenced the development of the spirits 
 of those who have been, and still are, taught to look 
 upon him as the Son of God, in the sense which is 
 claimed for him by many of his professed followers. 
 This is why all the circumstances of importance 
 
164 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 which are recorded, respecting him, are remember- 
 ed and fully perceived by the spirits after they have 
 passed to the spirit world. 
 
 " We have told you, that all thought which has 
 an influence upon the development of the spirit, is 
 still perceived by it. 
 
 " The historical accounts, which are received as 
 truth by the professed followers of Jesus, have had 
 the effect to produce skepticism in many minds 
 which failed to receive them as truths. This one 
 circumstance of the reported resurrection of the 
 physical body, has had the effect to cause many to 
 doubt all the accounts given of his life and labors 
 from the time of his existence upon the earth, and 
 has had much influence in preventing the develop, 
 ment of spirit." 
 
 Q. By James Mott. Does the belief of what 
 appears to be truth to us, remain with the departed 
 spirit? 
 
 A. " Not without it is truth. As the spirit ad- 
 vances it constantly becomes more and more clear 
 in its perceptions of the laws of God. It therefore 
 gradually discards all false opinions, which were 
 impressed upon it while it was in the flesh. The 
 spirit is not impressed by false opinions ; but it is 
 rather enveloped by them. They are, as a dark 
 mantle, surrounding it ; preventing it, for a time, 
 perceiving perfect truth." 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 165 
 
 March 26. 
 
 Members of the Committee present : 
 James Mott, Joseph S. Lovering, Oliver John- 
 son, W. Morris Davis, Mr. Cresson, W. B. Thomas, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Collins. 
 
 "The time has now arrived when we desire the 
 publication of the communications we have been 
 enabled to give you. We desire that all the com- 
 munications which have beep received in this Cir- 
 cle, be published to the world, together with a short 
 history of the formation of your Circle, and the 
 different manifestations you have been permitted to 
 witness. We desire that the names of the different 
 individuals who have been at any time considered 
 members of the circle ; as well as those who are 
 now acting as a committee, be published ; and also 
 the manner in which different persons have, at dif- 
 ferent times, been influenced. We do not desire 
 they should be referred to, other than as members 
 of the Circle. We do not, at the present time, de- 
 sire their names to be published as Mediums. 
 
 " We desire you to appoint a committee, consist- 
 ing of two persons, who have been connected with 
 the circle from the first of your meeting together, 
 and two of those who have been acting as members 
 of the committee, to properly arrange the commu- 
 nications for publication. 
 
 " The expenses of the publication are to be borne 
 
166 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 by the present Medium. All the profits to be de- 
 rived from the sale of the work are to be appropri- 
 ated towards the fulfilling of the mission which has 
 been required of you — that of assisting the advance- 
 ment of the undeveloped. 
 
 u When you again meet together we desire you 
 should meet as an Harmonial Benevolent Asso- 
 ciation, prepared to do all that is possible for you, 
 to assist the advancement of those who are en- 
 shrouded in darkness in your midst. 
 
 "Endeavor to interest all who are dwelling in 
 darkness, in the manifestations which are now be- 
 ing made by spirits who have passed to the spirit 
 world. Endeavor to convince them that their spi- 
 rits are immortal and cannot die. Teach them the 
 perfect love of God. Instruct them in the necessity 
 of their living in accordance with his established 
 laws. Teach them that all violation of law must, 
 of necessity, bring suffering. Endeavor, as far as 
 possible, to alleviate their physical and mental suf- 
 fering, that their spirits may no longer be oppressed, 
 but that they may be clear to perceive the true 
 light of the Father's love. We desire that you en- 
 ter at once upon this work, fearing no evil, but 
 trusting, in faith, that power will be given you to 
 fulfil the mission required of you." 
 
 Q. By W. B. Thomas. Shall we receive com- 
 munications at the meetings of the Harmonial Be- 
 nevolent Association ? 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 167 
 
 A. " Yes, when they are required. We do not 
 wish you to meet, expecting to receive communica- 
 tion on all occasions. 
 
 "Still, whenever they are required, they will be 
 given you. We will be ever with you, and instruct 
 you in the course you are to pursue. But your ob- 
 ject in meeting must not be that of receiving com- 
 munications alone ; you must, of yourselves, reflect 
 upon the requirements of the different cases that are 
 brought to your notice." 
 
 Q. By W. B. Thomas. Are the meetings of the 
 association to be public or private ? 
 
 A. " It is desired that your meetings be public, 
 to all who feel impressed to co-operate with you in 
 your efforts. 
 
 " We will give you some directions, which we 
 desire you to observe in your meetings. 
 
 " If possible, procure some place for meeting, 
 where you can have a table placed so that the Me- 
 diums, together with some members of each Circle 
 may be seated around it ; those who are not mem- 
 bers should, for a time, occupy the other parts of 
 the room." 
 
 Q. By . Have I any guardian spirits pre- 
 sent, and, if so, who are they ? 
 
 A. " We have said, all have spirits appointed to 
 watch over and guard them. This is as positive a 
 truth as that all have earthly parents, whose duty 
 it is to instruct and assist them in their advance- 
 
168 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 merit. But it is impossible for spirits to give the 
 names of all the spirits who are appointed to watch 
 over and influence spirits still existing in the flesh. 
 Names, as we have before said, are not an attribute 
 of spirit. We cannot perceive names unless we 
 perceive them through the mind of the Medium, or 
 were conscious of them while we existed in the 
 flesh. 
 
 " It is wholly impossible for spirits to know the 
 names which all spirits, with whom they harmonize, 
 bore while they existed in the body." 
 
 Aprilp. 
 
 Members of the Committee present : 
 Oliver Johnson, W. Morris Davis, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Collins, Mr. Taber and Mr. Cresson. 
 
 " After many centuries of the spirit's existence 
 in matter, as it is perceived to exist in man, it is 
 still, but in few cases, so fully developed as to make 
 the mind fully conscious of its existence. The 
 mind constantly acts from the impressions produced 
 upon it through the outward senses. It perceives 
 not the interior man while it is constantly dwelling 
 upon the outward conditions which surround the 
 physical body. Unless the mind can be brought 
 into a passive condition, ceasing for a time to be 
 called into action by circumstances acting upon it 
 through the outward perceptions, it cannot perceive 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 169 
 
 the existence of spirit. It is, therefore, as we have 
 before told you, impossible to convince the human 
 mind of the existence and attributes of spirit through 
 reason alone. 
 
 " The spirit itself must convince the mind of its 
 existence, by bringing the mind into harmony with 
 it, which is a condition impossible to the carnal 
 mind. It cannot be in perfect harmony with the 
 spirit while it exists only through the animal na- 
 ture. 
 
 " After the spirit has withdrawn from the body, 
 it perceives clearly, truths which were beyond its 
 conception while it dwelt in the flesh. It then be- 
 comes conscious of its power to impress spirit. It 
 perceives the many conditions which surround it 
 while in the body, and prevented its development. 
 If, while it existed in the flesh, it had been able to 
 perceive clearly the laws which governed it, it would 
 have known its power to mingle with spirits, and 
 impress them of its existence and power. If man- 
 kind desire to ascertain the laws of spirit, they must 
 cease to exist so completely in the animal nature. 
 They can then be enabled to perceive more clearly 
 the harmonious laws which govern the spirit, and 
 the power of sympathetic attraction ; they could 
 also perceive the material medium through which 
 the spirit can have the power to act upon spirit. 
 They could perceive the law 7 s by which spirits can 
 15 
 
170 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 approach, and act through a material agent upon the 
 physical body. 
 
 u Spirits still existing in the flesh have the power 
 to operate upon physical bodies, through the electric 
 medium, in the same manner which they are ena- 
 bled to act upon it after they withdraw from the 
 flesh. The laws which govern the spirit while 
 dwelling in the body, do not differ materially from 
 those governing it, after it passes from the body. 
 The power of mind over mind, as it is termed, but 
 which is, in reality, the harmonious action of spirit, 
 is now being, in a measure, understood by man- 
 kind. It is not possible for all spirits, who have 
 passed to the spirit world, to operate upon inanimate 
 matter through the medium of electricity. Nor is 
 it possible for all those existing in the flesh, to ope- 
 rate upon inanimate matter through that agent. But 
 it is possible for all spirits, both in and out of the 
 flesh, to harmonize with spirits of congenial nature, 
 and impress each other by the power of will. 
 
 " It will ever prove impossible for man, by the 
 power of reason, to convince a mind which acts in 
 harmony with the indwelling spirit of the Father, 
 that spirit does not possess power over spirit, to im- 
 press it of its presence and its love; for to that spi- 
 rit the knowledge of the harmony of spirit is ever 
 perceptible. It is conscious of its own existence ; 
 and of the existence of the harmonial intellectua 
 existences like unto itself. It is also enabled to 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 171 
 
 perceive, and willing to acknowledge the laws which 
 influence its development. Be passive, therefore, 
 and endeavor to earnestly investigate the laws 
 which govern your spiritual being." 
 
 REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 
 
 The subscribers, members of a Committee of 
 Twelve, appointed by a " Private Circle, for spirit- 
 ual manifestations," holding their meetings at the 
 residence of Aaron Comfort, in this city, for the 
 purpose of witnessing and giving a candid, unbiased 
 opinion upon the various manifestations and com- 
 munications that there transpired, Report — 
 
 That they attended part, and some of them all, 
 the meetings, from the time of their appointment 
 till their discharge, commencing on the evening 
 of January 30, and ending on the evening of April 
 9, and that, whilst they have not seen evidence to 
 convince them that the communications received 
 through the Medium, or the different manifestations 
 exhibited, were produced by or through the agency 
 of departed spirits ; nevertheless, they are free to 
 
172 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 acknowledge that they were of an interesting cha- 
 racter ; and that, from the first to the last, they saw 
 no evidence whatever of any attempt on the part of 
 any of the Circle or company, at collusion, decep- 
 tion, or concealment. 
 
 WM. M. DAVIS, 
 C. NEIDHARD, 
 SIMEON COLLINS, 
 C. P. COLLINS, 
 EMLEN CRESSON, 
 GEORGE TABER, 
 JAMES MOTT, 
 JOSEPH S. LOVERING, 
 WALTER BROWN. 
 Philada. April 12, 1852. 
 
 The undersigned, members of the Committee re- 
 ferred to in the above statement, deem it their duty 
 to certify that, while in their judgment the manifest- 
 ations in question were not, of themselves, sufficient 
 to demonstrate, beyond all possibility of doubt, that 
 they were produced by disembodied spirits, they 
 were yet of such a character that they can neither 
 see nor imagine how they can be otherwise account- 
 ed for. Even if the high character of the Medium 
 were not sufficient to repel all suspicion of collusion 
 or trick, on her part, the communications, (being 
 promptly made, in answer to questions put upon the 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 173 
 
 spot, by members of the Committee, and of which 
 she could have had no previous knowledge,) were 
 of such a character, and made in such a manner as 
 would seem to render absurd the idea that they were 
 the emanations of her own brain. They purport to 
 have come from departed spirits; and, while we 
 would not affirm that a proposition of so much im- 
 portance should be admitted as proved, without fur- 
 ther evidence, frankly acknowledge that, for our- 
 selves, we can think of no other way to account for 
 them that does not involve improbabilities far great- 
 er than those which lie in the way of such a belief. 
 
 OLIVER JOHNSON, 
 
 WM. B. THOMAS, 
 E. W. THOMAS. 
 
 Philada. May 28, 1852. 
 
 ERRATUM. 
 
 Those who prepared the introductory history 
 were under a wrong impression respecting the Me- 
 dium being a Baptist. She entertained many opi- 
 nions in common with them ; such as faith in the 
 ordinance of immersion ; the divinity of Jesus ; and 
 a state of future rewards and punishments; but 
 was not a member of that church. 
 15* 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 It was the intention to have closed this volume 
 with the communications received in the presence 
 of the committee ; but having received some com- 
 munications while the work was in press, which 
 are of interest, they are added in the form of an 
 Appendix. 
 
 Communicated, May 31, 1852. 
 
 " When we speak to you of the spirit of God, we 
 desire you to understand that we refer to something 
 beyond and superior to that faculty possessed by 
 all the animal creation, which is termed reason. It 
 is also superior to mind. Mind is an active condi- 
 tion of spirit. We now desire you to observe what 
 we are about to communicate. When we say that 
 mind, or rather, thought, is an active condition of 
 spirit, we desire you not to confound the two ; for 
 although thought is an active condition of spirit, i 
 is not spirit itself. Spirit is the power which in 
 duces action, thought is the active condition 
 Thought, when its subject is an outward or mate 
 rial object, is a condition produced through a mate 
 rial medium, and is in a degree material. The 
 magnetic essence of which we have before spoken, 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 175 
 
 — but of which as yet mankind do not understand 
 the true nature, — is a material substance ; but it is 
 the most highly etherealized condition of matter 
 which exists in nature. This fluid surrounds all 
 objects, and is acted upon by them ; it, in its turn, 
 acts upon the brain, and conveys to it an impress 
 of the objects from which it emanates ; we cannot 
 clearly convey to you the correct idea which we 
 desire to impress upon you, on account of the want 
 of correct terms through which to communicate. 
 This essence, as we have termed it, does not ema- 
 nate alone from material objecls, but freely pene- 
 trates all matter ; still it bears upon it an impress of 
 all matter, this impression it conveys to the brain, 
 as we have before stated, and thereby acts upon the 
 spirit, which is the inner man. It in return governs 
 the impulses produced, and thereby creates thought. 
 If, therefore, the objects from which this essence 
 emanates be pure, and in harmony with established 
 laws, the thoughts produced act in harmony with 
 the laws of spirit, and produce harmonious and 
 holy sensations. If, on the contrary, it emanates 
 from impure or discordant objects, it fails to reach 
 the spirit, and consequently cannot act upon it ; for 
 the spirit possesses no attribute which can respond 
 to it. It, therefore, passes not beyond the animal 
 nature ; there is not, in consequence, any rapturous 
 sensation experienced ; the animal nature, on ac- 
 count of this excited action, is increased and de- 
 
176 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 veloped, but the spirit not having been impressed, 
 does not advance. Thus you perceive the effect 
 produced by the action of unharmonious conditions. 
 We desire you to bear in mind, that thought itself 
 is materia], and if it be unholy, or, in other words, 
 unharmonious, and through the medium of sound, 
 or any other medium, — if even only through the 
 power of its own will, — it impresses other minds, 
 its influence is discordant, and, consequently, un- 
 holy. Thus you perceive the necessity, if you de- 
 sire to advance in spiritual development, of seeking 
 only the pure, and, as far as possible, cultivating 
 purity of thought. This we desire you to be fully 
 impressed of." 
 
 Communicated June 3, 1852. 
 11 Respecting the laws of thought and reason, we 
 will, if possible, now endeavor to give you some 
 further information. We have said that thought is 
 in a degree material, and that it is an active condi- 
 tion of spirit. In reference to conditions which will 
 exist in the future, and of which men, by the power 
 of reason, are enabled to judge correctly. — When 
 the laws of the physical universe are perceived 
 clearly, mankind are enabled to judge of future 
 events, this is why they are enabled to calculate 
 correctly the time of the revolutions of the planetary 
 system. In this case the mind is under the influ- 
 ence of the truths impressed upon it by electric or 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 177 
 
 rather magnetic effects, produced by former condi- 
 tions ; it is not through the magnetic impressions of 
 conditions which have not occurred, for this could 
 not be possible ; a circumstance which has not oc- 
 curred cannot have a magnetic condition ; but rea- 
 son cannot act unless it is impressed by a magnetic 
 medium, it therefore must of necessity draw all its 
 conclusions from a magnetic condition which has 
 existed. In some cases spirits are enabled to im- 
 press upon spirits existing in the flesh, the know- 
 ledge of future events, when they are familiar with 
 the laws governing their developments, for they 
 also judge of the future of the known laws which 
 govern the developments of certain conditions. This 
 power of spirits to impress each other, exists with 
 those who have passed to the spirit home. Those 
 who are advanced in spiritual perception, are ena- 
 bled to impress those less developed : this is a posi- 
 tive law. Through this means, as we have before 
 said, knowledge is ever flowing from the eternal 
 throne; thus mankind are ever receiving impres- 
 sions of truth from spirits who have passed to the 
 higher spheres ; of this, all may be fully convinced, 
 if they reflect upon the facts which are daily oc- 
 curring in your midst ; laws which have been in 
 existence, and actively operating upon the human 
 family, from the first calling into existence of the 
 physical universe, by the Almighty Father, are not 
 perceived until some mind that exists in a condition 
 
178 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 which enables it to be readily impressed, is ap- 
 proached and operated upon by spirits who have 
 passed to the spirit home, and who are enabled to 
 perceive those laws, and impress them of their ex- 
 istence and action. In this manner truths are con- 
 stantly being imparted to mankind. 
 
 " When the laws governing spiritual intercourse 
 are more fully understood, then will mankind be 
 more readily impressed, and knowledge of the laws 
 which govern his physical as well as spiritual de- 
 velopment, will be more generally perceived find 
 acted upon. Through this means, spirits are agents 
 employed by the infinite Father, to assist in bring- 
 ing about the perfection of the human race, and 
 eventually banishing all physical suffering, leaving 
 the spirit free to perceive the harmonious laws 
 which govern it; thus literally fulfilling the pro- 
 mise given — that of the ultimate perfection of man." 
 
 June 14. 
 " Let the unity of the human race be ever pre- 
 sent with you, and influence you in all your inter- 
 course with each other. Let every apparently de- 
 termined continuance of violation of moral law be 
 regarded as an evidence of moral derangement. 
 Let all restraint imposed upon those who are con- 
 stantly violating the moral laws, and thereby en- 
 dangering the safety and happiness of those with 
 whom they are brought in contact, be of a similar 
 
SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 179 
 
 nature to those adopted for the restraint of the men- 
 tally deranged ; for this would be in accordance 
 with wisdom, mercy and love. Let the idea of 
 punishment be banished from all established laws. 
 This mode of governing the morally deranged, will 
 be eventually adopted by mankind, in the laws 
 which they form for the government of each other. 
 The animal nature of man has not yet become suf- 
 ficiently developed to overcome the necessity of 
 laws for the government of the morally deranged. 
 We will, at a future time, communicate again to 
 you on this subject." 
 
 June 16. 
 " When we last communicated to you, we pro- 
 mised to give you some further instruction respect- 
 ing the necessity of a change in the course pursued 
 for the protection of society against the discordant 
 action of the morally deranged. We then stated 
 the impropriety of inflicting restraint as a punish- 
 ment. Benevolence, we have told you, should be 
 the feeling actuating mankind in all their inter- 
 course with each other ; and, until this attribute of 
 the spirit be fully developed, evil will still continue 
 to exist among you. For it is a law of mind that 
 one affection, being active, has the effect to excite 
 action of a similar affection in other spirits with 
 whom they associate. We explained the cause of 
 this effect in a former communication, upon the ma- 
 
180 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 leriality of mind. If, then, an active condition of 
 an affection produces action in a similar affection, 
 you will perceive the impossibility of exciting to ac- 
 tion any of the higher affections of the mind, by the 
 course heretofore pursued by all human government 
 for the repressing of evil actions. '• No case has 
 ever existed of the higher affections of spirit being 
 developed from the influence of punishment. When 
 law is violated, it must, of necessity, produce suf- 
 fering ; but as we have before said, suffering is not 
 punishment. 
 
 " We particularly desire you to act upon this 
 truth ; and endeavor, as far as possible, to impress 
 it upon those with whom you are brought in con- 
 tact in your intercourse with mankind. We have 
 before said, we do not desire you to devote your 
 time in making efforts to convince men of the truth 
 of spiritual intercourse ; but rather let your efforts 
 be to instruct in knowledge of the laws which go- 
 vern the physical and spiritual nature of man, that 
 all may feel the necessity of acting in accordance 
 with those laws. Seek to have them recognized in 
 all the laws framed for the protection of society. 
 Then will have arrived the dawning of that time 
 which has been promised ; when Justice, Mercy 
 and Love will reign supreme, and the weak and 
 powerful will dwell together in peace." 
 
 THE END.