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Partridge and Brittan's Spiritual Library 



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SCENES IN THE SPIRIT WORLD; 



OB, 



LIFE IN TIE SPHERES. 



BY HUDSON TUTTLE. 



Thk Spirit holds the same relation to spiritual things that Man holds to physical 
nature. Death opens the door, and admits the freed spirit into a new and glorious 
realm of happiness. 



NEW YORK: 
PARTRIDGE AND BRITTAN, PUBLISHERS, 

No. 342 BROADWAY. 
1855. 







Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred 
and Fifty-three, by HUDSON TUTTLE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of 
the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 



Turney & Brother's Stereotype, 24 Beekman St, N. Y. 



CONTENTS. 



PAG* 

« 

INTRODUCTION, 5 



MEDIUM'S PREFACE, ... 11 

CHAPTER I. 

THE HARMONIOUS UNION, ... 13 

CHAPTER H. * 

THE GROVE OP THE PHILOSOPHER, .... 21 

CHAPTER m. 

THE SOCIETY OP AVARICE AND DECEIT, , ... 27 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE LOW SOCIETIES CONTINUED, 32 

CHAPTER V. 

FUR T HE R DESCRIPTION' OP HADES, f ♦ . 38 

CHAPTER VI. 

DISCUSSIONS, . , . 47 



THE UNHAPPY MARRIAGE, 



CHAPTER VII. 

65 



4 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIE. pag« 

VISIT fO THE CIBCLES OF EARTH, ... ... 62 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE CHANGE CALLED DEATH, 68 

CHAPTER X. 

COMING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LIGHT, 74 

CHAPTER XL 

THE SOCIETY AGAIN VISIT EARTH, . ... SO 

CHAPTER XH. 

THE FORSAKEN AND DESPISED, 92 

# CHAPTER XHI. 

THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE PHILOSOPHER, 97 

CHAPTER XIV. 

A VISIT TO A DISTANT GLOBE, ...... . 104 

CHAPTER XV. 

RE-UNION IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD, . 112 

CHAPTER XVI. 

CONTENTEDESS NOT OOODNESS, * 117 

CHAPTER XVH. 

ADDRESS OF THE SAGE, < 120 



INTRODUCTION. 



In presenting this book to the public, it is deemed proper to give the 
reader some account of Its author, the circumstances which caused him 
to write it, and the use it may he expected to subserve to the race. 

A work like this, professedly coming from a higher sphere of exist- 
ence, in which scenes are described that conflict with our previous edu- 
cational ideas, should have such proof of its origin, if possible, as may 
satisfy the candid reader that it really is what it pretends to be. The 
subject of Spiritualism is now agitating public thought, more perhaps 
than any other, and many books have been printed with the professed 
object of enlightening the public mind on that all-important subject. 
I say all-important, for what other subject can equal it in importance ? 
What other question oan possibly compare with those which relate to 
the weal or woe that awaits us when we change this temporary abode 
for one that has no end? The human mind naturally looks to the 
future, and instinctively asks the question, What is to be my destiny in 
that world, or rather that sphere of existence, to which we are all so 
rapidly hastening? Previous to the spiritual manifestations and oom- 



6 INTBODUCTION. 

munications of the present day, very little was pretended to be known 
on this important subject; and the plainest of that little was seen 
" through a glass darkly." To that class of the community who are con- 
vinced that a channel of communication is now open through which 
they can commune with their departed friends, this work is more par- 
ticularly addressed. It is also commended to the attention of those 
who doubt or wholly disbelieve in Spiritualism. They can at least 
learn by its perusal what a great many people, and a rapidly-increas- 
ing number, believe in relation to their future state of being. 

The medium (Hudson Tattle) through whom the following commu- 
nications were made, lives in the township of Berlin, Erie county, State 
of Ohio. He is about twenty years of age, and of limited education so 
far as the schools of the day are concerned. He has improved his 
time, however, in reading scientific works, much more than is usual 
for persons of his age. I am well acquainted with him, and also with 
his family connections. I can truly say that he is a person of strict 
veracity, and very truthful in what he says. I have never heard his 

character called in question by any person, and believe it wholly un- 
impeachable. 

About the age of sixteen, Hudson Tuttle first became what is usually 
known as a rapping and tipping medium, and a great many persons 
frequented his abode to witness and test the truthfulness of the multi- 
tudinous and varied communications that were made through him. 
Within a year from his first development, he began to write. His writ- 
ing was angular and unintelligible at first, as is usual in such cases, but 
soon became readable ; and answers were very often given through his 
pen to the numerous questions put through him, whether orally or men- 
tally, and the answers were generally oozreot His writing at first was 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

wholly mechanical, he not knowing the word or even the letter he was 
making until It was formed. By degrees the ideas were impressed on 
his mind ; at first a few words, then a sentence, and at this time more 
or less of the whole subject that is to be written upon. In this manner — 
that is, by impression— the present book was written. One sentence after 
another, in words, was given him, which he wrote with great rapidity, 
the making of the letters, spelling, and forming of the words, being his 
own production. The work under consideration purports to be given 
by spirits who lived on this earth many centuries ago, and who spoke 
the Greek language. 

Itis well known to all who have investigated the subject, that a very 
great difference exists in the style and composition of spirit communi- 
cations. Some are very correct in their orthography and grammatical 
construction ; others are very incorrect. It must necessarily be so, if 
we bear in mind that spirits out of the body are the same individuals in 
every respect that they were when living here. There is no difference 
whatever in the composition of their minds, except a gradual progres- 
sion. Everything they know in addition to what they knew here, they 
have had to learn in a similar way. There is no miracle about it. The 
great law of cause and effect operates as imperatively, and is as much 
binding on spirits above as it is on man in this lower world. This will 
explain the reason why spirits who were ignorant of the English Ian- 
guage when on earth, are so often faulty in the choice of words and in 
the grammatical construction of sentences. The substance and matter 
are often of the most exalted and intelligent character ; but if given 
through a writing medium who is not clairvoyant, it must necessarily 
partake of the defects that that medium is subject to, in common with 
all persons who are not masters of the language they write. 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

A number of Mr. Tattle's productions as a medium have been pub- 
lished in the spiritual papers of the day, and otherwise, and were favor- 
ably received, and especially a pamphlet, entitled "An Outline of Uni- 
versal Government, 7 ' which has been much read at the West. But the 
most important production of his is a painting on canvas, presenting a 
panoramic view of the earth in its progress from the time it was first 
enclosed by the granite rock to the present period. It is about three 
hundred and sixty feet long. The types of the various vegetable and 
animal forms are given as they appeared in the different geologicaj 
periods of time, with many examples of the forms they presented in 
after ages. This very interesting and splendid panorama will probably 
be exhibited to the public the ensuing fall or winter. In painting this 
long canvas his hand was passive, the spirits having the entire control 
for the time-being. 

The motive that influenced spirits to write this book, as well as many 
others, is the love they bear to their brethen in the rudimental sphere. 
They have a stronger feeling and a purer affection for us, than we of 
earth have for each other. The use of the book may be connected 
with the subject of Spiritualism generally. The question is often asked, 
What is the use of the various manifestations, such as rapping, table- 
tipping, moving of heavy substances, etc., or even spiritual communi- 
cations, allowing such to be made ? What good do they accomplish to 
the inhabitants of earth? I reply, They have convinced a vast many 
people, beyond a reasonable doubt, of the immortality of the soul. The 
present age is proverbially an age of skepticism and doubt. To the 
great majority of minds the future is clothed in darkness and doubt. 
The arguments used by the clergy, as well as others, fail to convince 
the inquiring mind. They want something that is evident to the senses. 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

There is nothing which striken the mind with greater dread than anni- 
hilation j and is it of no use to convince man that there is an hereafter— 
that his destiny is higher than the brute ? 

Again, what can be a greater incentive to virtue than a belief in 
guardian spirits ? What can be more calculated to deter us from vice 
than a full belief that the dear parents and friends we so much revered 
and loved when on earth, still live, and are often with us, and know all 
our thoughts and actions? That a belief in Spiritualism dott produce 
a higher state of morality, can be abundantly proved. Many instances 
demonstrating the fact have come under my own observation. When 
I see the bloated drunkard get a communication from a loved parent, 
telling him to leave the fatal cup— or, if he be a dishonest person, tell- 
ing him to pay his honest debts, and the advice is followed, can I 
doubt of its use ? It is passing strange to me that any should doubt of 
its use ? 

With respect to the present volume, it is sufficient to say that its 
object is to present to man a faithful representation of spirit-life in the 
next sphere of existence— to embody as much information of this kind 
as possible in a small book, that will be within the means of every one to 
purchase. The inquirer will find an answer to almost any question he 
may ask concerning the future destiny of man. The " Scenes " give 
a faithful delineation of man, from his lowest and most degraded state, 
to the highest moral and intellectual philosopher, as they appear when 
they enter the next sphere ; also, various accounts of the reception they 
meet with, and the progression they make in their new state of exist- 
ence. 

It is believed that a greater amount of information, such as the mass 

of mankind are desirous of knowing, is contained in the following 

1* 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

pages, than in any similar publication. It is not the object to oppose 
in the least the many valuable and truthful works that have been writ- 
ten on this subject, but to add another light to guide the inquiring 
mind as it journeys on through this rudimental sphere, to that brighter 
land to which all are so rapidly approaching, and to enforce on us all 
the importance of time in preparing for the great change that awaits 
us, and the deplorable consequences that must necessarily follow to 
the person who neglects or abuses the time allotted to him on earth. 



DATUS KELLEY. 



Ksllky's Island, Erik Co., O., Jtify, 1855. 



MEDIUM'S PREFACE. 



This work contains the impressions I have received of spiritual 
life, and of the occupation, ideas, sources of happiness, causes 
and effects of misery and degradation, etc, of disembodied 'spir- 
its. Its invisible authors have rightly styled it " Scenes in the 
Spirit-world," as it depicts some of the most characteristic views 
of angelic life. 

As for myself, I have but a word to say. I make my bow to 
the public, and introduce the real authors, whom invisibility 
conceals, simply saying that to them all the merit or demerit of 
the volume belongs ; I claim neither. I well know it contains 
excellent truths, and equally well know that it has errors. Un- 
doubtedly many will derive benefit from its pages, and it is with 
this hope it is published. 

Many, perhaps, will criticise. I hope they will. I hope that 
the book will do good enough to stir up opposition, agitate 



12 medium's preface. 

thought, and direct mind into new channels. The impartial 
reader, who has no favorite theory to support, who is free and 
unbiassed on every subject, is my critic, and is to decide the 
intrinsic worth of these pages, and to him I consign them with- 
out further comment. 



HUDSON TUTTLE. 



Berlin Heights. 0., JWy,1855. 



SCENES IN THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE HARMONIOUS UNION. 

The scene it laid on Earth— Two minds, perfectly united, represent true union of 
Spirit— The wife departs to the Angel-land, and her spirit hovers over the beloved 
one yet on earth, who soon joins her in the unseen World—- The pleasures of the 
meeting— She speaks to him of the philosophy of their abode, exhibits the beautiful 
groves and flowers, and mentions the name of a Sage. 

It was a quiet nook in which dwelt Leon and Hero, congenial 
minds, drawn together by the mutual attractions which spirit- 
mates feel for each other. The secluded vale was surrounded 
with lofty mountains, and tumbling water-falls dashing the spark- 
ling foam into rainbow wreaths, and with gray old forests of 
centuries' growth ; yet it was near the seat of luxurious civiliza- 
tion. It enjoyed all the pleasures of retired rural life, with the 
society and other benefits of a populous district. Wild and im- 
posing scenes spread around to produce awe and wonder in the 
beholder ; while the sense of retirement and secure ease, was well 
adapted for the elevation of such congenial minds. Drawn to- 
gether by the gentle gravitation of love ; united by the ties of 
true affinity, which can not be severed ; content with the little 
world of happiness each found in the other, and the never-ending 



14 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WORLD ) 

delights which surrounding nature afforded — their little cottage 
was a paradise. 

Their home was such as the ardent imagination of the chil- 
dren of the Orient pictures in the land of dreams— such as 
ethereal, happy minds would be expected to form. Surrounded 
by overshadowing trees, tall oaks, graceful elms, and drooping 
willows, entwined with tendrils of the lovely vine, decorated 
with a great variety of the choicest flowers, the useful was blend- 
ed with the ornamental, until the embowered cottage seemed the 
residence of some sylvan goddess who, weary with the cares of 
watchful life, had employed all the means at her command to 
make a favorite seat. 

Their minds fully enjoyed the beauties cultivated nature had 
bestowed, and, contented, they lived to learn and love, unmindful 
of the throbs of the great world around. True, perhaps there 
was a loss in this method of life. Leon, as a man of the world, 
acquired no name or credit On the contrary, he was regarded 
as an enthusiast, a mystic, a sentimental theorist. He heeded 
not these taunts, but in the secluded grove, made liberal use of 
thought and pen ; and if he was not exalted in the estimation of 
the majority, he could speak of true wisdom. 

We have here a representation of truo marriage, the institu- 
tion of nature, producing its untold joys and pleasures, whose 
perversion causes the most fearful misery the mind can conceive. 
No sweets like those of spiritual or congenial marriage ; no bit- 
terness so bitter as false unions, such as are often recklessly formed 
on earth. We shall soon depict scenes in which the woes of ill- 
formed marriages operate to destroy all pure enjoyment They 
are not unions, but rather animal connections. Heavenly mar- 
riage, the union of congenial spirits, results in certain and unal- 
loyed bliss. . This is the state in which the individuality of each 
is swallowed up in the other, and the two are made one — a unit 
in thought, feeling, sentiment, and aspiration. Their children 



OR, LIFE IK THE SPHERES. 15 

were what nature designed children to be, perfect models, and 
trained from infancy in morality and intellect. They were perfect 
types of whaVman should be, to go rapidly on to perfection. 

Well developed moral minds have an intuitive belief in im- 
mortality. The pure soul feels the intuitions of the glorious fu- 
ture. Thus it is with all men, who fully believe in that bright 
inspiration which points heavenward to the after-life, as the 
great reality shadowed forth by their earthly existence. They 
cherish the truthful conception that death will not separate them, 
but will render their union more complete. Fully appreciating 
this idea, Leon and Hero looked forward with joy to the hour of 
dissolution between the body and the spirit. Not that they 
wished to die, or leave the. cares of this life, but they knew the 
change would be for the better, and when their task was finished 
on earth, they were willing to depart. ; But perfect happiness is 
limited, amid the jarring scenes of earth. It rests shortly, and 
moves often. The hours of greatest joy have their clouds. Tran- 
quillity will not endure forever. Age had rested lightly, it is 
true, on those whose destiny we write. They had. trained up 
their children, and sent them out into the world to a good pur- 
pose. Their spirits were ripe for the change. Hero was first to 
depart. Her gentle spirit found its clay tenement no longer fit- 
ting receptacle for its bright form, and quietly withdrew from the 
external, and gathered itself into the internal. 

Bright spirits welcomed her birth into another sphere, and her 
love found sympathy in the hosts of resplendent beings who sur- 
rounded her. Joy of joys ! no barrier separated her from her 
beloved Leon, except that of invisibility. She could hover when 
she wished around him, and when dark thoughts clouded his 
agitated breast, soothe his mind by her gentle influence, chang- 
ing his ideas and turning them toward heaven, thus restoring 
the harmony of his disturbed thoughts. How cheering the be- 
lief in guardian angels ! It lifts up tho soul to a Godlike exalta- 



16 SCENES IN THE SFIBIT-WOBLD ,* 

lion to know and feel the presence of the loved ones who have 
passed from earth— passed from mortal sight, but who neverthe- 
less live in a far brighter sphere, amid the light of the source of 
love, and who for the love they bear their friends on earth, come 
down and solace them in time of trial and trouble, and often im- 
press a bright truth, immortal from the throne of God. It is a 
blessed thought, and makes the man stronger, nobler, and pro- 
duces a determined energy to strike out boldly into the channels 
its organization dictates. 

Hero tarried not long as a guardian spirit The Destroyer, 
whom man clothes in a skeleton form of the greatest horrors, 
again enters the oottage. Leon is to cross the limits of the two 
worlds. He reclines on the couch of death. There is nothing 
to draw him back from the threshold of the unseen land. CM- 
dreu, family, friends, and a thousand cares generally bind the 
striving soul to earth, but his children he had educated, and be- 
held them all rightly directed in life. The family tie was severed ; 
nothing remained. 

A spirit in this condition softly sinks away to sleep, but the 
agonies caused by its striving to remain after death are inevitable, 
and terrible to behold. All his attractions are beyond the grave. 
His second self has passed through the " shadow and the vale" 
before him, and he must pass its mythic terrors before he can be- 
hold her angel purity. His being folds inward, and the deep 
sleep of the transmutation comes slowly on. Oblivion hovers over 
all things. All perception for the time is gone. Hours pass away, 
and he awakes from his dream-state to fall consciousness, to hear 
his name spoken in endearing accents. 

" Leon it is L Do you not recognize your Hero f I who went 
before you, and who now with your friends have come to welcome 
you to your new home 1 Take this robe, finer it is than the gos- 
samer, setting to shame the purple of eastern fable ; wear it, it is 
your habiliment, similar to ours." 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES, 17 

The whole reality bursting so suddenly upon him, he stood 
amazed and in speechless astonishment — so new, brilliant, and 
unexpectedly did the new world break upon his vision. With an 
effort such as the stern will sometimes commands, he uttered 
the one word "Hero," and caught her in his embrace. His 
manly form quivered like the aspen in the breeze, so powerfully 
did the pleasures of that meeting dash over the heart-strings of 
his soul. Joy causes the tear to start in the strong man's eye — 
sooner than the severest grief. There is an anguish in our joy. 
Bis thoughts found utterance m speech. . 

* Realization of my former fancies, beautiful effort of pro- 
ductive Nature! Am I eternally to enjoy such bliss as this? 
Can, can this be reality ; or is it delusive fancy which gives my 
dreams form and substance ?" 

" Leon, this is no hallucination. Our belief was true, as far as 
it professed to go. All that you now see and feel is but a drop 
compared with the ocean of delight in store for us. You have 
yet to behold the groves and bowers ; murmuring streams and 
dashing waterfalls ; the continual delight of our new home. 
Here, too, are the joyous and' enlightened companions with 
whom I have passed my hours while tarrying for you." 

We will not describe the greeting of friends. The imagination 
can fill the blank better than the pen. 

" These have been my guides, instructors and friends," said 
Hero; "they are now yours. We have much to learn before 
we go onward, for my longer stay here has advanced me further 
than you in the ways of spiritual life." 

" I can never detract from your happiness, though I wander in 
darkness through Eternity." 

" Leon, speak not thus. It is my earnest desire to aid you. 
Our destinies are bound together by the indissoluble laws of the 
Universe ; why seek you to break those ties ? For the time, I am 



18 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

to instruct you in our ways of life. Appreciate this, and to- 
gether we"will more on in progress." 

" Oh, Hero ! however attentive I may be, your sacrifice is too 
great." 

" To me it is no sacrifice, for I learn to love while teaching 
you. And more, the philosophy of our home is all I have to 
teach you, and I teach you that by others, and showing you its 
various scenery." 

" Where are we now ? Ah, have I not left my own room 
yet ! How long am I to remain here ?" 

"No longer than you desire. Every spirit follows its own 
inclinations in this respect Some go away immediately, while 
others are so engrossed in the cares of life as to remain around 
the old homestead for years. For the present, however, you 
had better depart to our new home, examine its locality, and be- 
come better acquainted with your future associates." 

Passing upward with the attendant spirits, Leon found himself 
far, far above the earth. Through the intricacies of the clouds 
he still beheld the green fields, woodland glens, blue mountains, 
rolling rivers, and far-reaching ocean spread beneath. With 
soul-thrilling pleasure he gazed on the gorgeous panorama which 
met his astonished gaze. All faded away in the indistinct 
blending of objects. His cottage, with its little garden, became a 
mote lost in the dim distance. 

" Hero," said he, " does it not cause you to feel sad to leave 
that little spot, where we have passed so many happy days ? I 
must confess it makes my heart beat quicker, and produces un- 
pleasant feelings." 

" Should the butterfly regret its caterpillar state 2" responded 
she. " Should it lament how many sunny days it passed in the 
shade of the old oak, and how it crawled about among the 
green leaves ? It has wings now, and can swiftly fly from flower 
to flower. Its sunniest day on the oak was passed in eating the 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 19 

tough acrid leaves ; now he can sip honey from a field of flowers 
the day long, and the heavens are far brighter to him than 
before*" 

" Is the change I have undergone so great ? Will the plea- 
sures of this life so completely eclipse the enjoyment of my pre- 
vious state, that all its joyous hours will be forgotten §" 
. " Not forgotten, but surpassed. If you believe not what I say, 
look around you : we are in the spheres." 

He gazed about him and beheld the spirit-world, encompass- 
ing his firmament, in all its ethereal sublimity. 

" This the spirit home ? Why the floor is ground ! The 
plants are true plants ; I can grasp them ; and yonder the far- 
expanding ocean reflecting the azure sky, while from its expanse 
delicious zephyrs fan my brow. Really now I am dreaming ; 
such sublime beauty, such transparency, belong alone to the 
realms of the ideal !" 

"My beloved, this is no fancy, but staid reality, the per- 
manence of which is as fixed as our former abode. This is land, 
that is water, these are plants: you are not deceived in the 
least. I wonder not at your incredulity, however. I have seen 
individuals enter our abode who for years believed themselves 
dreaming, and no argument could persuade them that they were 
not living in fancy. One I knew who kept a memorandum of 
every occurrence for a long time, that when consciousness re- 
turned he might relate all he had heard and seen to his friends. 
Remember that our world is a daguerreotype of the lower world, 
like a reflection in a great mirror, and that spirits hold the same 
relation to spiritual matters as man holds to physical nature, and 
then the reality of these scenes will grow in your mind." 

" I appreciate your reality. But how am I to learn the 
philosophy of all this — the why and the wherefore of this higher 
life ?" 

"I understand you^well, and am extremely glad that so early 



20 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOBLD ; 

in your progress such desires should fill your mind. You would 
know from whence came this sphere, by what laws it is governed, 
and all the other mysteries of nature usually denominated imma- 
terial. All this I do not feel capable of expounding. I might, 
through mistake or misunderstanding, lead you into errors. 
This is our first lesson in our renewed lives. It seems as though 
we were renewed or restored to each other, for although much 
of the time after my departure from my earthly form I was 
near you, yet you did not seem to me as now. True, our life 
as one is renewed. I am pleased with your inquiries. My first 
object is to lead you to the dwelling of one whose acquaintance 
has greatly aided me in my advancement — one who has been 
more than a teacher to me. He is to aid you likewise in ascend- 
ing the embowered pathway of light" 

" And who is this benevolent spirit wno so interests himself 
in our welfare as to neglect himself to advance us P 

" Oh, he is an ancient sage, well known by his Portico and 
school. He taught erroneous doctrines then ; he is right now. 
His name is Pythagoras. 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 21 



CHAPTER II. v 

THE GROVE OF THE PHILOSOPHER. 

They are welcomed by the Sage to his Portico— Description of the groves, the 
ether, sky, and the blue ocean— The Sage gives the- origin and progressive 
History of the Spheres— 'The fruit around) of which they partake— The Sage invites 
them to join his Society. 

They paused in a grove of beautiful trees and shrubbery, 
which gave forth the most refreshing odor. Near by stood an 
architectural structure, the most chaste and beautiful the mind 
can conceive. These were more ornamental than useful, it is 
true, in a clime where there are no storms or chilly winds, where 
only the mildest breezes fan the brow or move the graceful 
foliage of the trees. This was the Portico of thfc Sage, em- 
bowered in a profusion of foliage. Here the graceful palm, the 
pine and elm vied with the orange, fig, date and vine, to give 
the densest shade and most beautiful forms. A great garden 
spread far around, producing nothing but these splendid trees, 
with fruits hanging to the ground on the loaded branches. Be- 
neath the umbrage of these, as he oft reclined in his ancient 
Portico, sat the Sage, whose name figured in earth's history 
centuries ago. The moment they approached he extended wide 
his hands, exclaiming :— 

" Welcome, sister I welcome brother ! welcome my children, 
for I regard you as such, and have long watched the expansion 
of your minds, and rejoiced when each found in the other "the 
proper companion. You are one in my regard. Equal to me 
in power of mind, yet deficient in the twenty-five centuries over 



22 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOBLD ; 

which I have traveled, each year, each hour of which has 
taught me its lesson of wisdom. I understand your wishes ; 
you would know the why and the wherefore of this sphere. I 
am happy to instruct you in this fundamental subject. Look 
below. Behold earth with all her million forms. Open your 
spiritual vision ; see those clouds of ethereal matter continually 
arising from every plant and animal — every living, moving, 
creeping thing ; even from the mineral masses of earth itself. 
Such atoms ascended when earth was inhabited alone by the 
lower orders of life. 

The spheres were not created with earth, for at that time there 
existed no matter sufficiently refined. Matter had first to pass 
through the process of world formation, and become acted on 
by laws then in operation, ' before sufficiently sublimated to 
become influenced by a new condition of gravitation. When 
the first form died, then commenced the agglomeration of exha- 
lations into the formation of spheres. To illustrate : Your 
earthly body was pervaded by a spiritual element ; your death 
was like the death of the animal, whose external body, in the 
same manner as yours, contains the ethereal element When 
death severed the ties which united the spiritual with the mate- 
rial, the component parts of your spirit possessed sufficient 
affinity to retain them together, without the intervention of the 
gross form. Not so the animal. - The death-struggle breaks 
the connection between its material and spiritual ; and its 
ethereal atoms not retaining sufficient attraction for each other, 
they, as vapor, diffuse themselves into infinite space, until be- 
coming influenced by a condition of gravitation, they ascend to 
their appropriate plane, high or low, according to its refinement." 
" But does this account for the non-individuality of animals ?" 
" Yes ; for you observe that identity is like a complete arch. 
In man the key-stone of that arch is supplied, and the structure 
is eternal, while it is wanting in animals, and consequently death 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHEBES. 28 

demolishes the structure. The process of ascension of ultimate 
particles commenced while the earth was in its morning days, 
and has gone on increasing ever since. The soil which supports 
these trees, differs from earth only in the degree of its refinement, 
and consequently, of necessity, its productions are similar to those 
of earth ; and as the exhalations from the earth differ as its 
development varies, so this soil changes continually in its 
character* Hence this world, in the variety of its forms, has 
imitated earth, copying in minutiae all its types from age to age. 
Thus says a spirit from a world breathed into existence long 
before ours, and his speech is reasonable, and proceeds from 
direct observation. Soon after the Sauvian Age, our sphere was 
inhabited by those reptile forms whose remains are buried in the 
permian and oolite rocks. The uncouth mammalia of the ter- 
tiary, alike, were all represented here. So has it been with all 
ages ; ' their peculiar types and forms were all represented in this 
world until the present period dawned, when the refinement of 
atoms was so accelerated, that spirit with intelligence alone 
could occupy this abode." 

Here is a shadow of that correspondence which exists, and 
has ever existed, between the spirit-world and earth. Matter is 
prone to take the form in which it has previously existed. 
Hence this grove, these beautiful plants, reveling in the light 
of their own spirituality. They have all existed on earth, and 
though the atoms which compose this orange tree never before 
united in this particular tree, yet all have, existed in various 
orange trees before. Atoms thus modified have affinities to 
unite in- this peculiar form of tree." 

" Then there are no animals here," asked Leon. 

" No ; if you would view them you must retire to some other 
globe, or as you journey from one world to another, you will 
behold all the innumerable types assumed by creative life. They 
existed here before the human spirit took up its abode in this 



24 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

sphere. They have passed away, as they ultimately will, from 
the globe. This will take place when they have fulfilled their 
destiny, and can not longer subserve a useful purpose in its 
economy. There are none here m>w, not even the highest devel- 
oped, our atmosphere being too refined for the production or 
sustaining of such creations." 

" I always rejoice at the song of the birds carolling amid tho 
branches, and the busy activity of animal life ; under this con- 
sideration, shall I not weary with the uninterrupted stillness 
which prevails ? Will not my spirit cloy with the solitude of 
its home ?" 

" Men are fond of the notes of the bird, and become attached 
to animals and places, because they can find nothing better to 
love. Give them congenial companions, and they will not feel 
the absence of these. If this had been your abiding place, the 
consequences you forbode would never be realised. 

44 Nature continually speaks to her children, let them roam 
where they will. Here are the changes of vegetation, the 
changes of the glassy ocean into dashing wavelets, the murmur 
of the brook gliding to the great sea, the roar of the cascade, all 
to attract and divert The sea yonder, as smooth as a polished 
mirror, with a slight breeze is ruffled and rendered a portrait of 
human life, now smooth, now rough. No storms sweep over 
its bosom sufficient to destroy or terrify, yet it passes through 
pleasant vicissitudes. You mistake your position. This is the ' 
home of the spirit. I stay here but a limited portion of my 
time, while all the remaining portion I am traveling in other 
parts. You will do likewise ; but when* weary with activity, it 
will be pleasant to come back to this retreat, and commune 
awhile with internal nature, and study and reflect" 

"I am, then, to choose a locality, and call it home?" ex- 
claimed Leon in astonishment that his future life was to become 
such a simile of his past life. 



OR, LIMB 3N THE SPHBBES. 85 

* That is as yon please. When on earth you did so. Then 
you might have been a rover without a fixed habitation. The 
same applies here. You have a choice. This spot is my selec- 
tion, and it is home to me. How strange you think of this 1 
You still have a body ; you have lungs, and must breathe ; you 
have a stomach, and require nourishment. Here, above and 
around us, is our food. We toil and delve not to bring it forth, 
but these are all spontaneous productions of a fertile soil. Far- 
take ; is not the flavor unsurpassed ? Who ever tasted an orange 
more juicy, a 1ig sweeter, or grapes of such choice flavor !" 

" Your speech is strange, but true. My taste is quickened, 
and these are splendid fruits, and as I stand here partaking of 
them with Hero, I seem transported to my quiet garden. I 
once believed the spirit lost all animal propensities at death, but 
I see more plainly now." 

"Your former belief has been a favorite dogma, without 
a shadow of proof" replied the Sage. The existence of the spirit 
depends upon these ; without them, it could not exist With- 
out a due degree of selfishness, all energy would be lost. Intel- 
lect, however superior, and coupled with the morality of a god, 
bereft of the stamina imparted by the animalities, is like the engine 
without steam. Like it, too, it must have its continual suste- 
nance to urge it and keep it in motion. But, waiving philosophy, 
how do you regard my Portico ? — how fancy it as a home ?" 

" Excellent !" said both. 

" Then, without any thanks on your part, my children, con- 
sider this your home, whether I am present or absent ; and may 
you find it a fit resting-place after your journeys and surveys." 

He waved them to follow, and after they had passed over a 
considerable space, he spoke and said : 

u You have seen a green spot in a desert. Well understand- 
ing your wishes, I am now conducting you to the lower circles, 
to show you some of the more uncongenial phases of spirit-life. 



26 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

All is not calm, still and beautiful ; but in many localities all is 
changed to scenes of strife. Already have we arrived at one of 
the societies of which I speak ; look around, and observe what 
you see." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 27 



CHAPTER III. 

' ' * . i * 

f 

THE SOCIETY OF AVARICE AND DECEIT. 

Portrait of a group of miaen mutually harraesing each other— Their disappointments, 
and fearful tortures of mind. 

i 

They paused, and before them appeared a group of beings 
clothed in rags. It were better to call them beings destitute of 
reason, for they merely lived. 

" I say, Morton," spoke one, a 'twas no small job when I di» 
covered that rich old mine of silver, from which the Incas derived 
their wealth. You had better go with me, and gather money 
that tells, than forever be picking grains of sand." 

The person addressed, looked up ; his glassy eye seemed to 
light with fire ; his nervous hand clutched the bag which contained 
his untold treasures — his all. 

" Ah 1 have you a mine of silver, and I only a bag of gold I 
Oh, how poor I am ; I must labor harder — must be up earlier, 
and be more diligent. Ah, poor me 1" and the wretch groaned 
in very agony at the thought of his poverty, while, if his sack' 
had contained real gold, he would have possessed millions ! For 
a moment he paused, then commenced to gather glittering grains, 
and, one by one, place them in his sack. The first speaker stood 
intently gazing at him for a long time, then burst into a loud 
laugh. 

« Why fool," said he, " you are hallucinated ; that is nothing 
but sand. Empty out the contents of your sack, and not keep 
it shut up from its true office in supporting vegetation. It is 



28 SCENE8 IN THE BPIBIT-WOHbD ; 

worth nothing, and you are a poor bankrupt, worth more for the 
rag-mill than for any other use." 

Then he laughed again, in which the other joined ; some pro- 
posing to rob him of his mighty treasures, others jeering and 
Booming him, which made the poor victim of inordinate love of 
gain creep away, cursing nil creation in his bitterness. 

" You, Wintle, need not put on such airs," said one, whose 
gray eye and iron visage proclaimed him an earthly tenant of 
Wall-street ; " I mistrust your intentions, and suspect that you 
are not the wealthiest one among us." 

" Wealthy ! Wealthy did you say ? Not the wealthiest one 
among you, with all the untold riches of my newly-discovered 
mine ?" 

" Yes, I said wealthy," replied the man of Wall-street, with a 
cold sneer. " You say you have done nothing but search for this 
mine for the last ten years. I fancy you would be worth little 
if that were gone" 

" Not a farthing." 

tf A total bankrupt" 

" Yes." 

" Well, I used to search a great deal of my time for mines ; I 
spent the first twenty years of my life searching ; and after be- 
ing deluded many times, I came to the conclusion that there 
were other methods of securing a fortune, sooner and easier, and 
with far more safety. I said, after being deluded, I have been 
many times, and almost every one I ever heard speak of thus em- 
ploying their time, have been disappointed, their mines of precious 
metal turning out but some worthless mineral." 

u Where is this mine of yours located f " 

" On the western slope of the Andes." 

il Does a large tree grow close by — a pine tree, whose head is 
reared high above its neighbors ?" 

"All true." 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 2& 

# 

" What mark is there upon this tree ?" 

" Long since it appeared to have been hewn on the north 
side." 

" Well, then, this is the mine I discovered long ago." 

a Did you ? Well, then, it is rich enough for us both, for it 
contains more ore than you ever dreamed of." 

" Why how generous you are, and so well acquainted with the 
contents of this wonderful mine !" 

u Truly I am acquaited with its contents. Wilder, the mineral- 
ogist, after a severe test, pronounced it silver." 

" I do not blame you for being deceived. Many a poor fellow 
has been disappointed by that tnine. Wilder, why he knows no- 
thing of his buisness ; he is a pretender, and cannot tell silver 
from lead. You should have come to me. You saw nothing 
but the silver-colored mica of the granite !" 

"Are you sure of what you say?" asked he with fearful ear* 
neatness. 

" I am ; I once had the substance tested, and it proved value- 
less." 

" Corses on my lot forever ! Am I foiled again ? my ten 
years lost I" Then he wrung his hands in an agony fearful to be- 
hold. 

tf You should not take it so hard ; you have plenty of time, 
and you had better give up this search after mines, and take up 
an honest calling." 

" Give up ? Never ! never ! !' I will search the world over, 
and will become as rich as any of your lordling crew;" and 
away he went, fully determined on a new search, and in a far 
different mode than that in which he joined the group. 

" What a fool I I can play high game better than he, yet I 
don't have to discover mines ; I gave that up because fools will 
do it for me. I guessed a little, and got the remaining descrip- 
tion from him, and persuaded him I knew all about it. He fully 



30 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOBLD ; 

• 

believes Wilder an ignoramus ! ' Now I'll send one of my men 
to him to make the purchase ; and as he thinks it worthless, if he 
receives anything for it he will think he is making a speculation. 
Yes, it is all mine, and worth more than New- York city ! I falsi- 
fied a little — made him feel bad ; but what is that to such trea- 
sure?" 

An angel looked down from the upper spheres, and as its pure 
soul saw this moral degradation, whispered in sorrow : 

44 "What ! is it nothing that you have* lied ? — nothing that you 
defrauded your fellow, and crushed your soul into a dollar ? — 
nothing that you play the hypocrite and deceiver ? : No ; you 
belong to the church ; attend every Sunday, and read your long 
prayers under the high steeple. -•. The blood of. enslaved souls 
has made you rich. . You are called to that church by the tones 
of a bell cast from the solidified tears of women and children 
crushed by your . avarice 1 ' Nothing that you make property of 
your church, and refuse the poor man whom you have made 
poor, a seat ! . All this nothing 1 But remember the great God 
enters not under the shadow of that steeple, and will not listen to 
your fine-toned bell, but shuts down your, prayer within the ceil- 
ing. The righteous. Judge goes into the attic where you have 
driven the children of the soil, and patiently hears their prayers, 
and gives comfort to their souls. He .tells them of the bright 
day coming, when all their wrongs will have: ended. Slowly 
and silently, but surely and irresistibly, it approaches. Ah foolish 
man ! how much better! are you with a million, than with a 
thousand ? . Every dollar you accumulate more than a sufficiency 
is so much lost from your soul. You enjoy accumulation. Soon 
that path shall be closed, and from whence, then, shall come en- 
joyment to such a dwarfed and contracted being? . Are you 
more of a man for riches ? Nay, less and less, dollar by dollar. 
Turn to the light, for angels weep for their erring brothers on 
earth » 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 81 

A fleecy cloud now closed down, and hid them and their 
errors from the angel's view, leaving the benighted group which 
we have described, deep in the winding path of folly. This is 
a true representation of earth and the lower societies of the 
second sphere. False to each other, they delight in the bank- 
ruptcy of their fellows, when not themselves affected thereby, 
forever striving, yet ever disappointed and unsatisfied. 



32 BOOTS IK THE SPIEIT-WOELD ; 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE LOW SOCIETIES CONTINUED. 

The family translated unprepared— Their quarrels and miseries, in which the effects of 
inharmonious onions are represented— The society of drunkards— Their conversa- 
tion— Reflection. 

" We are now also in the lower societies of the second sphere," 
said the Philosopher ; "you will now behold examples wherein 
yon will recognize the same passions which animate many of 
earth's children, plunging them down into misery and woe. In 
the last scene, you beheld the influence of uncontrolled acquisi- 
tiveness, the desire for wealth which avails not. Here you see 
the action of combativeness and destructiveness, resulting in 
quarreling and dissension." 

As the Sage ceased speaking a wretched group appeared, all 
unprepared to be ushered into a higher state. Bad as their con- 
dition was previously, it was a paradise to this. They were dis- 
contented on earth, and often had wished for death. How little 
knew they of the change ! The discontented, unfledged bird 
would fain skim the ethereal air, like its strong parent, but not 
being adapted to that element until mature, it falls from its 
happy nest, and receives many a bruise. The caterpillar would 
sport in the atmosphere among the gay flowers, sipping delicate 
nectar from gaudy corollas, but spins its cocoon before its time, 
and then, when too late, finds its food shut out, its life cramped, 
and if it live, at most can make but an imperfect fly. 

" These examples may be used to illustrate the condition of 
those who would depart from the present to try the unknown 



OB, LM IN THE SPHERES. 33 

future before full preparation. The law which governs the 
changes of the butterfly is modified in man, so that the illustra- 
tion loses its force in a measure ; yet man should mature as man 
before he becomes a spirit. He should live to a ripe age, and 
fall away as easily as the apple from its stem." 

* I fear you will find extremely few thus matured." 

"Alas! all mankind have yet to learn of their being — learn 
how to live, to breathe, to think, and to act Each has yet to 
learn the lesson, * know thyself.' " 

Ah ! wretched group which now stood before them ; father, 
mother and children ; all were there — the entire family ! 

The Sage spoke again, but aside ; his charity would not allow 
him to injure their feelings : — 

" I know this family well. Many years since, while passing 
over the earth, I encountered them, the same as now. The 
parents whom you behold, worn down with care, were unhappily 
mated. They falsified their internal character, and each made 
the other believe that the two were perfectly adapted to each 
other. But marriage, as is too often the case, revealed each to 
the other in their true light, They united, as a fearful majority 
of earth's children unite, from selfish and passional motives. 
One passion necessarily excites the others ; hence, as this burned 
out, the fuel becoming exhausted, combativeness and the animal 
organs became inflamed ; their bodies, under accumulated abuses, 
became diseased, their minds necessarily peevish and irritable, 
creating an avowed disgust in each of all the other says or does. 
Can you ask what the offspring of such unions can be ? They 
can inherit but few of the good qualities of their parents, but all 
the bad, and that, too, in an excited state. This is an ill-under- 
stood, but an unavoidable consequence, of embryonic growth. 
The Bible said truly of such : — ' Conceived in sin, and brought 
forth in iniquity.' These children illustrate this. They hate 

their parents, and are kept together only by fear. The family 

2* 



34 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

circle, instead of being a school to instruct them in practical 
goodness, has taught them nothing but evil. Here are ten 
children and a group of twelve persons (a contagion swept them 
all at once from earth) having as much affinity for each other 
as the lamb for the wolf. Ten children ! No parent can rear 
during their short earthly life that number, and impart all the 
necessary vitality and instruction their natures require. And 
what right have parents to bring immortal beings into the 
world, if not prepared and qualified to sustain them ?" '. 

"Then you would have the parents instruct their own 
children!" 

" Yes ; the mother should first give them good constitutions, 
and then, at sufficient age, instruct them' in the sciences, teach 
them all they require to know, and point them the direct road 
to preferment. and honor. This is her duty, and she obeys the 
voice of nature in proportion as she performs this task. Who 
teaches the young eagle to poise its untrained pinions, or to dart 
with unerring precision upon its prey ? Who gives it its first 
lessons in the art of cleaving the airy tide, and then, and not till 
then, throws it upon its own responsibility? Who but its 
mother?" 

" But how is she to obtain time amid all the cares woman 
on earth is obliged to submit to?" asked Hero. "True, she 
might do it here, but there it seems impossible." 

" Did you not educate your children ? Did you not send them 
all directly to posts of honor? Do they not constitute the pride 
of your heart ; for can a mother be indifferent to the success of 
her children?. They are an honor to you and lights to the 
world ; and to you they owe all that they are. Depend upon 
this, that just as a mother uses her child, so will the child use 
the world. How the children before us illustrate this ! The 
words they utter are too low to be spoken or heard, constituting 
the language of unrestrained ahimalities." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 85 

.' "How they can do so, I can not imagine ; why do they not 

separate f 

" It is because they have not yet discovered that it is possible, 

but believe that similar restrictions prevail as on earth. This 

they will soon find, and then they will dissolve." 

" Oh, it is dreadful to see such confusion ! Let us away." 
" Then, fair Hero, we will pursue our way, and not halt to 

provoke an outburst of their passions ; but perhaps the next 

group we meet will be no less inharmonious." 

* * * • . , • .. * . , * ■ * • 

"Can you smell, the odoriferous fumes of tobacco, or inhale 
the breath of those who drink wine that maddeneth ? ' Nay, you 
can not. I almost think that I can ; and we now stand near 
those who fully believe that they in reality do." - 
': Reader, have you ever entered the 'respectable saloon t Have 
you ever watched the stupid stare of the inebriate when the eye 
grew less and less lustrous, 'slowly closing, the muscles relaxing, * 
and the victim of appetite sinking over on the floor in beastly 
drunkenness! Oh, how dense the fumes of mingled tobacco and 
alcohol! . Oh. what misery 'confined in those walls! If you 
have witnessed such scenes, then we need describe no further. 
If you have not, you had not better hear the tale of woe. 
Imagine to yourselves a bar-room with all its sots, and their 
number multiplified indefinitely, while conscience-seared and 
bloated fiends stand behind the bar, from whence they deal out 
death and damnation; and the picture is complete! One has 
just arrived from earth. He is yet uninitiated in the mysteries 
and miseries of those which, like hungry lions, await him. He 
died while intoxicated — was frozen while lying in the gutter, and 
consequently is attracted toward this society. He possessed a good 
intellect, but it was shattered beyond repair by his debauches. 

"Ye ar' a fresh one, ain't ye?" coarsely queried a sot, just 
then particularly communicative. 



3£ SCENES Itf THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

" Why, yes, I have just died, as they call it, and 'tain't so bad 
a change after all ; only I suppose there'll be dry times here for 
want of something stimulant." 

" Not so dry ; lots of that all the time, and jolly times too" 

" Drink ! can you drink, then ?" 

" Yes, we just can, and feel as nice as we please. But all 
can't — not unless they find one on earth just like 'em. You go 
to earth and mix with your chums, and wheu you find one 
whose thoughts you can read, he's your man. Form a connec- 
tion with him, and when he gets to feeling good, you'll feel so 
too. There, do you understand me ? I always tell all fresh 
ones the glorious news, for how they would suffer if it wasn't 
for this blessed thing!" 

" Til try it, no mistake." 

" Here's a covey," spoke an ulcerous-looking being ; " he's of 

our stripe. Tim, did you hear what an infernal scrape I got 

into last night ? No, you didn't Well, I went to our friend 

Fred's ; he didn't want to drink when I found him, his dimes 

looked so extremely large. Well, I destroyed that feeling, and 

made him think he was dry. He drank, and drank, more than 

I wanted him to, until I was so drunk that I could not break 

my connection with him, or control his mind. He undertook to 

go home ; fell into the snow, and came near freezing to death. 

I suffered awfully, ten times as much as when I died." 

* + **••* + * 

" Can these ever progress from their fearfully depraved con- 
dition," asked Hero in sorrowful accents. 

44 Yes," replied the Sage ; " the lowest mind can progress, and 
millions of ages hence we shall find these same degraded men 
on our present plane. The years of eternity are unnumbered, 
and in their duration there is time for the elevation of all. The 
capabilities of the human mind are astonishing, and these 
degraded objects have the germs of all the faculties ready to 



OB, 1AYE m THE SPHERES. 3T 

awaken into life whenever proper circumstances are furnished. 
In reality there is no retrogression. All is one onward march. 
The planets oscillate backward and forward, so may the mind ; 
but its retrograde movements are confined to narrow limits, and 
its real motion is directly toward the throne of Deity. All 
these will one day awake to the consciousness of their position, 
and the relation they hold to their fellows, and arousing from 
their lethargy they will renew their lives. The old doctrine of 
going downward, to oblivion is totally false. The flame of 
manhood once kindled can never be extinguished, however damp 
and loathsome the atmosphere in which it is set to burn ; and 
though for a time the foul atmosphere may hide its light, and 
almost put out its flame, it will finally triumph over all diffi- 
culties, and blaze forth in immortal splendor. All is one pro- 
gressive movement, and if these are at the very verge of the 
oscillatory movement, they will in time be drawn into its swift 
current" • 

Reader, we draw the curtain over scenes like these, such as 
are daily occurring in this society, and refresh ourselves by a 
change. 



38 SCENES IN THE SPIEIT-WORLD ; 



CHAPTER V. 

FURTHER DESCRIPTION OF HADES. 

The society stand on an extended plane, where they recognize all the phases of 
undeveloped mind— The lover of pleasure, the sensualist, eta,- ete. — They are 
approached by the bigoted spirit of a miser, just departed from earth, who asks 
theui where Heaven, Hell, God slid the Devil are— His terror when his corpse is 
placed in the tomb, and woe when he beholds his heirs divide his property— He 
departs in a search for Heaven. 

As they passed from the scene described in the last chapter, 
the Sage seemed wrapped in the deepest meditation. At length 
he gave utterance to his feelings : . 

" Here I behold minds equal in natural strength to my own, 
yet debased lower than the brute. This is the punishment 
of violated law — the many misdeeds of the body. Here you 
behold the reactive energy of those laws. They must work out 
their own redemption. Though not plunged into a fiery gulf of 
sulphur, smoke, and wrath, their punishment is a thousand-fold 
more severe. If they feel this not now, the thousand cycles of 
the future will reveal their trespasses in all their deformities. 
The knowledge of what they have lost will force itself upon their 
minds. We will not dwell longer on this painful subject. Ob- 
jects of greater interest are around us." 

As the Sage paused, Leon raised his eyes from pondering his 
words, and beheld a majestic yet mournful prospect They were 
standing on a lofty eminence overlooking the horizon. Far 
away stretched an arid plane, interspersed with hills, valleys and 
ravines, and oasis-like green spots would now and then break 
out like islands in the Sahara. The plane appeared boundless, 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 39 

and on every side it lost itself in the thick clouds of vapor hang- 
ing over it Millions of human forms were wandering over this 
vast space. On every side appeared the scenes beheld by ancient 
clairvoyants, seers and visionaries, and by their excited imagina- 
tion wrought into a fiery hell of Jehovah's wrath. Oh, the 
loneliness of the prospect ! The dim view of millions of human 
beings, all once of earth, wandering over the arid waste, with 
hearts as stinted and souls as contracted . as the stunted mimosa 
and dwarf acacia which grow in clumps here and there over the 
desert." 

" Here have I often contemplated the scenes of spirit misery 
and woe," said the Philosopher;- "woe beyond all possible con- 
ception— -beyond all expression ; for while pursuing the ruinous 
course of error, they one and all think they are enjoying the 
fullest measure of happiness. Their minds are hermetically 
sealed to the light : They can never progress until their mental 
vision is -unshrouded from the thick vail of their present 
ignorance." .-....*... 

" When I gaze off," responded Leon, " it brings realizations 
of earth. To 'all appearance this is an earthly prospect, and the 
spirits I behold yonder are as busily engaged as man with all 
his cares. Have I not viewed this prospect before 1" 

"True, it is an earthly scene. This is earth. The lowest 
circle or plane of our existence is not removed above man's 
plane. Thus a good opportunity is given the undeveloped to 
learn the laws which govern earth; and you well know that 
they must learn these before advancing." 

" Then these shaded spirits who flit about and till the ground, 
and appear so busily employed, are yet in the flesh, though they 
scarcely differ from the others f " 

" Yes, those are the inhabitants of earth toiling for food and 
raiment, which is right, and ten thousand useless luxuries which 
are hurtful. Here we find all classes and varieties of minds — 



40 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOKLD ; 

the bigot, the hypocrite, the trader, the trafficker who used 
fraudulent and unlawful means, deception and scant measure — 
the narrow-minded, the selfish, and the sensual — all are here." 

" For a long time I have watched them intently, hut owing 
to the diversity of occupations I can not satisfy my curiosity." 

" They are variously employed. Yonder is a group who 
believe life created for to-day ; that to * drink and be merry' is 
the ultimate of existence. They have in consequence permitted 
their minds to run to ruin, and have prostrated all then: energies 
in the cultivation of a lisping speech, and what they style grace 
of manners. Now they join in the dance— ~well enough in itself, 
it is true, when performed for exercise, but when made a chief 
employment of life, extremely bad in its effects. Hundreds of 
years since I passed this way on a mission similar to my present, 
and then I beheld this same circle employed just as you now see 
them. I say the same; it appears as if some are not here now 
who were here then, and that the number is augmented. Per- 
haps some have seen their folly in a new light, employed their 
mentality, and arose above the pursuit of mere animal gratifica- 
tion. Yonder is a group of sensualists, thinking, talking and 
acting as on earth — sacrificing their energies on the altar of 
sensual desire. Think you on this spectacle ! Let me drop the 
vail of modesty, remembering that these have too many con- 
geners on earth* Leon, do you recollect Marvin, the merchant 
prince, the speculating capitalist, the bigoted religionist?" 

"I have cause to remember him. Many a time have we 
argued until he became angry, and condemned me to the 
infernal gulf of misery as an outcast and infidel." 

u He has departed from his palace home in the distance 
yonder. Can you see that dark spirit yonder ? How wildly he 
gazes around him. He is bewildered and lost !" 

" It is the one of whom you speak. There is the churchman, 
the creed-fettered man — a strict observer of bigotry. How 



OB, LIFE m THE SPHERES. 41 

often have I heard him repeat, ' that one could tell Sunday from 
a week day by its appearance 1* How often has he cursed me 
from his Bible, and said I was elected for hell, and he for heaven ! 
Why cometh he hither ?" 

While he was speaking, Marvin, attracted by the superior 
light issuing from the eminence, hastened up, wildly gazing 
around at every step. The moment he came within speaking 
distance, he recognized Leon, and exclaimed : — 

" Leon of the hamlet ! and your wife I — you here ! What 
keeps you in this dismal place? What are you doing here? 
Where am I ?" 

" We came here to observe the lights ^and shadows of nature. 
Tou are in the place where I once told you you would go, for 
which you scorned me." 

" I remember, and believe none the more or less now. I am 
not dead yet !" 

"No, but you are dead to the world." 

" Say not so ; I am only dreaming a fearful dream." 

" If you should behold your body conveyed to the tomb, your 
dreams would begin to put on form and substance." 

"I should believe them reality," exclaimed he, still gazing 
with an insane stare, and startling at every sound. 

" Follow, then," said Leon, who well knew the position of the 
stately hall that reared itself near by his humble cottage. 

The group proceeded to the former home of Marvin, and 
entered its marble walls, furnished with the sumptuousness of 
untold wealth, proclaiming Marvin a prince in dollars and pride. 
In a mahogany coffin, on a marble table, rested the earthly re- 
mains of the great leader in commerce and religion, bloated with 
the ravages of disease. His spirit drew near, folded its arms, 
and with a fixed gaze, stood over the eorpse. Not a limb moved 
nor a muscle vibrated, except a slight quiver would now and 
then run over the face. The view of his mortal form held him 



42 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

fascinated ' Never will the earnest look be fixed upon his former 
self be forgotten. . The bearers entered, and placed the coffin in. 
the hearse. The steeds, decorated with lace, began their slow, 
measured pace for the family tomb. Then, with a loud scream 
of agony, he appeared to wake to consciousness, threw himself 
on the coffin, hugging the corpse with all his energy— crying 
with might and main he was to be buried alive — he lived — he 
was not dead — he was to be murdered! He had seen too 
much beyond death already. He only slept After lamenting 
in this manner for a while, he became aware that the spirits 
with him heard his voice through the vibrations of ether. His 
friends, whom he wished to hear, could not hear in the least He 
then strove to move the corpse — to move the arm to make them 
know that he yet lived. All was vain 1 . He had lost control 
over his own form, and knew not how to move matter. Frantic 
with fear and anxiety he clung to the wreck of his mortality, 
and refused the request of the Philosopher to rise. When the ■ 
coffin was placed away side by side with the previous generation, 
and with a lingering look the bearers were about to depart, he 
became alarmed for fear of being shut up, and followed them 
out into the free air, declaring all the time ' he was in a trance ! 
Oh, what an awful dream !" • 

. " Nay," said the Philosopher ; " your body is dead ; you live, 
and are a spirit in the spirit-world." : 

" In heaven!", exclaimed he in extreme surprise. — "I in 
heaven!" •■-,•■ 

"No, not in heaven to you, but it is to us." 

"Why this is no heaven, this is earth! Where is heaven — 
I can't see it !" ; 

"What kind of place do you expect to find heaven," asked 
the Sage, with something of pity mantling his lofty brow. 

" What kind of a place ? I believe it is as the Bible describes* 
It says heaven is paved with bright gold, and walled about with 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 43 

precious stones, so that no sinner can get in through the narrow 
way which I have traveled except now and then a slight trans- 
gression, which the Lord has forgiven me. Now you are sinners, 
for you are waylaying me, and declaring me dead while I live. 
And am I in all the heaven I shall ever find f Now if I am in 
heaven, where is God, to whom I have prayed three times each 
day all my life ?" 

44 He is here." 

" Where ?" he exclaimed in terror. 
< " Here, around and within us." 

" No ; I see him not : and thus you have proved that I am 
not in heaven. God is in heaven ; the Bible says so. If he was 
here, I could see him far plainer than I now see you. He sits on 
an ivory throne, with scepter in his hand, dealing out laws and 
punishments to the nations. All . around are elders and angels 
with golden harps, singing his praise. Where is all this I I 
hear nothing ? Do you suppose such a concourse could escape 
my sight f . No* I could see it across the universe." 

u You hear them ! — no, nor never will." 

" Oh, sinners, evil angels sent to tempt me from the path of 
right ! Oh that I could awake ! Where is heaven ! Don't 
stand pointing to your mind ; I want to behold the real heaven, 
with its glittering pavement 1" 

"Many of earth's sons would far rather see the 'glittering 
pavement' than heaven itself, but none will ever be gratified," 
calmly replied the Sage. 

" Is there not such a place ?" and again the storm of passion 
arose within. 

"No local heaven. Heaven is a condition, not a locality." 

" Do you deny the Bible !" 

"No." • 

" That says heaven is located." 

" Not if rightly understood." 



4A SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

"Yes it does, plainly. I have crucified my flesh, suffered 
everything, carried my grievous draw — ail for nothing I Nay, 
nay, I'll find the place yet" 

" Not yet" 

" Never P 

" Never 1" replied the Sage in chilling accents. 

u Are my sufferings of no avail ?" 

" None whatever, unless to depress you. The path of happi- 
ness passes not through suffering. Suffering is the consequence 
of infringed law — happiness, of obeyed law. To be happy is to 
enjoy all the pure pleasures of earth. You have always labored 
under a great mistake." 

" But my prayers P 

u Prayer without action is nothing." 

« Did not Christ die for me P 

"No." 

" Why was he sacrificed then V 9 

" He died because the Jews were angry at his reformation, 
and treated him just as all reformers have been used since time 
began — burned, crucified, murdered by tfaa mob at the instiga- 
tion of the priesthood." 

" Can he not .forgive sins P 

" No ; every man has his own accounts to answer for. If he 
is debtor he is necessarily punished." 

a Atonement false P 

" Yes, Christ suffers not for your sins* He is not a scape- 
goat on whom you are to lay your burdens." 
*" Heretic! heretic! No wonder you have not seen heaven. 
I'll argue no more with you, but retire to my house, and show 
you I live there yet." 

" Let us tarry, for a new scene will be soon exhibited," ex- 
claimed the Philosopher. In a few moments Marvin rushed 
from his once lively halls with a frantic gesture, exclaiming : — 



OB, LOT IH TOE J3PHBBBB. .45 

u Oh they have buried me, and believe ine dead, and have 
already divided my property, which I have strove night and 
day to accumulate, that in my old age I might enjoy it. They 
are going to law about my ships ; in short, are quarreling like 
wolves over a carcass. When they opened my safe, and I saw 
how determined they were to waste all my savings, I shouted 
right in their ears, and though they must have heard, they gave 
not the least attention. I am dead, and why does not the good 
angel come to conduct me away I Til go and search for heaven 
myself." 

" How large do you think it to be ?" 

u Why, it is limited somewhere. A limited spot is uncertain 
to find in the infinite universe. This globe is large — larger than 
you imagine heaven, yet one unacquainted with its orbit might 
search a million of ages and never find it." 

" Now truly, did you never learn of its locality ?" asked he 
in a supplicating tone; 

"Yes, everywhere where there is a happy mind — where 
there is a mind capable of enjoyment, for heaven is happiness." 

" Where, then, is the other place— the awful, inconceivable 
hell, with the old master of iniquity. If that is everywhere, too, 
I shall be haunted by evil spirits all my days." 

" It is everywhere where there is an unhappy mind ; and as 
for the devil, he can not trouble you, for he exists only in the 
over-heated imagination of those trained in prejudice." 

" You are all fully punished for your sinful thoughts while on 
earth. What an awful place !" 

" True," said the Sage, " this is just as bad a place as can be 
found. . It is just as you* make it— heaven or hell ; and as for 
evil spirits, if you are good they can not approach you, being 
repelled ; and if bad, you will seek their company. To con- 
vince yourself that heaven is not a locality, you had better 
search until satisfied. It will then be a greater reality to you." 



46 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 

" That is what I mean to do, and am in no doubt that I shall 
be successful." 

" Go ! meanwhile we will take our departure, with the humble 
wish that you will return to nature, and be guided by the light 
within you." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 47 



CHAPTER VI. 

DISCUSSIONS. 

The society, while resting on earth, hold important discussions with each other, and 
■ listen to the arguments of an infidel and clergyman— They then endeavor to impress 
- the infidel with the reality of spiritual existence, and partially succeed. 

" Being now in the rudimental sphere, we might profitably 
tarry for a time, and improve the opportunity in learning vari- 
ous ideas entertained by the spirit before it has left earth to try 
the unknown realms of eternity," said the Sage. 

"Then you still hold that man knows nothing of the future 
state while he remains man," asked Hero. 

"He can not know with certainty — all is obscure and doubtful. 
He may possess an interior desire for immortality, but he can not 
reason %pon this important subject with his senses ; and he has 
no other data from which to draw his conclusions." 

" Has he not the Bible F 

" What data can that afford, when there is no external evidence 
of its truth ? And those who profess to believe it do not live an 
exemplary life as a proof of its inspiration. The truth is, that 
man believes not fully in immortality. If he did, think you he 
would not depart the earthly life with joy, when he was sure 
of being ushered into the presence of his God? Verily, if he 
recognized fully in his conscience such a beautiful place as his 
ideal heaven, he would rejoice at grim Death's approach. Men 
profess to believe the Bible fully, and are terribly shocked if you 
question its veracity in the least It is the idea they believe, not 
the substance, educational prejudice compelling them to take 



48 SCEHES IN THE SP1EIT-TVQBLD ; 

for granted that which the internal light of their natures con- 
demns." 

" Reason, they say, is carnal, and not of God," said Leon, 
" and should not be exercised." 

" Yes, and those who preach this doctrine, exercise their rea- 
son to shut the light from others' understanding." 

" That is the light in which it always appeared to me. I have 
heard preachers declaim by the hour on the fallibility of poor 
human reason, and the infallibility of the Holy Scriptures, and the 
more they preached the more they excited their own benighted 
reasoning powers to prove reason false." 

"But why should they declaim so much against reason?" 
asked Hero ; " they of course admit that reason and nature, as 
well as the Bible, came from God ; why recognize one as superior 
to the other ?" 

" To support priestly rule, the mass must not think, nor rea- 
son, but be kept in ignorance. On these grounds, reason must 
be debased from all access to the Bible — for you well know 
that, admitting the right to reason on a subject, gives also the 
right to pronounce true or false. Without this privilege, reason 
is a useless effort When we reason on a subject, we are in 
doubt as to its truth. Our reason may condemn, and no one 
should question our right to obey its dictates, or condemn us for 
not accepting that which appears contrary to our understanding. 
If the right to reason on the Scriptures and the various church 
schemes of salvation be admitted, then we can, after mature inves- 
tigation, condemn the whole or a part To maintain the present 
system of theology, the Bible must be taken as an infallible stand- 
ard. Everything must be measured by it Reason, if allowed, 
would condemn a portion, and prove very hostile to the monstrous 
speculations drawn from mythic tradition. Hence it is hurled 
rudely aside, and from one end of Christendom to the other, the 
cry is sent up : " Trust not carnal reason and poor foolish na- 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 49 

ture, they have plunged more souls into hell than the arch-fiend 
himself, who bids you follow their guidance." The whole fabric 
of the church system is founded on educational prejudice. This 
system, accumulated under priestly rule, has assumed the char- 
acter of a dead weight on man's advancement, dragging him 
down to ignorance and blind subservience. Why is it indisput- 
ably the case that the lawyer, physician and clergyman are 
generally striving with their united energies, and have ever 
striven, to keep the mass in mental darkness ? Simply because 
their whole success — their wages, depended on the ignorance of 
the masses concerning the organic and physical laws. Under 
these, and no other conditions, will they swallow their stale doc- 
trines without murmuring. But set them to thinking, and they 
make sad havoc with the professions. If clergymen would 
preach practical lessons of morality, instead of such endless, ver- 
bose theorizings, they would become more useful members of 
society. If the doctor would lay aside his antiquated theories 
and mystical technicalities, and discourse in a language which 
common sense can understand, explaining the laws of health and 
life in a simple style, his patients would soon know enough not 
to be sick. If the lawyer would strive with his brother, the 
clergyman, to elevate the moral condition of his clients, instead 
of arousing all the base principles of their natures, his quibbling 
falsehoods and deceptions would not be needed. Mankind, pro- 
perly elevated by their moral teacher?, would forgive the tres- 
passes of their brother, as they already have the idea of doing, 
and not nourish those feelings of hate and revenge, too often 
found among uTe highest order of Christians. If all would strive 
to elevate their fellows, instead of keeping them in ignorance, 
how soon, think you, the race would be redeemed, and all these 
professional men who now live, like sharks in the ocean, on the 
smaller fishes, be compelled to forego delicacies for which others 

have labored ; and with the motto, " dig or die," ringing in their 

3 



50 SCENES IN THE SPIMT-WORLD ; 

ears, of necessity be forced to honest toil ? The clergy have 
ever acted as a millstone around the neck of reformation, check- 
ing progress until it could be restrained no longer — when the 
mass, bursting through their efforts to hold them back, takes a 
mighty leap upward and onward, carrying everything with its 
accumulated energy. All their (the clergy's) influence has been 
directed backward, while humanity has moved forward, despite 
their efforts. Their cries of infallibility are now but little heeded. 
Few have patience to hear the jargon of diplomaed physicians ; 
and none but the ignorant, wanted confidence in their remedies. 
A less number of persons think of consulting a priest while on 
the death-couch. The once prevalent idea of learned infalli- 
bility is fast decreasing. The question now asked is, " How 
much do you practically know?" not, " At what college did 
you graduate ?" Oh, that the bright day, fast dawning, may shine 
forth, when every one will be his own master, his own sovereign, 
his own ruler, and govern himself with the strength of his man- 
hood ! Then shall we hail a millennium, where all will be de- 
veloped up to the plane of the highest now on earth. Then we 
will hail an age of practical Christianity, of intellectual power and 
morality, shadowed forth in the vague prophesies of the past 
Already have I transgressed my rules of conversation; but 
when I think of this glorious subject, the millennium of thought, 
I am excited in feeling beyond power of expression." 

Near the place where they were reposing, a clergyman and an 
infidel were engaged in argument, and as their subject harmo- 
nizes with the previous discourse we introduce it here. 

" Then you doubt all claims of the Bible to inspiration ?" 
said the clergyman. 

" Not only do I doubt, but wholly, totally disbelieve," replied 
the infidel ; " what claim has it to my belief!" 

" Why it commands all to believe, or be cast into hell, where 
will be wailing and gnashing of teeth forever." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 51 

" Because it commands, is that a reason why I should be- 
lieve ?" was the retort, with a sneer. 

" In truth it is, and a strong reason, too." 

" Must I believe that which contradicts my senses ?" 

" If God says so, you must." 

" Does not God speak through nature, as well as the Bible ?" 

" Yes." 

" Do they agree ?" 

" Not apparently." 

" Do they in reality ?" 

" I must acknowledge that God has seen fit to throw great 
mysteries in the way of reconciliation, and to my feeble knowl- 
edge they can not be harmonized." 

" Of the two, acknowledging both came from God, which one 
must be taken as a standard — which, of the two f Why, the 
written page, you say, descending through centuries, unknown as 
to its origin except its own assertion, and even if true, but the 
rude chronicles of a tribe of low barbarians. Yes, the written 
page, mutilated, interpolated, falsely translated, must be taken 
as infallible ; and Nature, the living mouth-piece of Deity, the 
instrument through which he now speaks to mankind, must be 
rejected I God made nature, and pronounced it all right, ac- 
cording to your Bible. We are left to judge of its laws and ac- 
tions. Our lamp is reason, which you attempt to ridicule and 
despise ; and we call all Christendom to witness, that our lives 
are as correct as yours." 

u You may be moral, my friend, and do right ; yet morality is 
not religion. You are not baptized in the blood of the Lamb, 
and therefore can never enter life eternal. In the last great day 
you will be found wanting. Christ died to save sinners ; but 
they must take up their cross." 

" If Christ died to save sinners, of course without him none 



52 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

can be saved. By what miracle were those saved who died be- 
fore him ? They must necessarily all be lost*" 

" You deny the great doctrine of the atonement !" said the 
priest, in holy horror. 

" I never could believe that my sins were to be laid on an in- 
nocent man. I expect to suffer for my own errors, and for no 
one's else. The world must be saved by its own merits* — sink or 
rise by its own wickedness or goodness." . 

" Few, then, will be saved. If our own goodness is to save us, 
I fear few, few will ever enter heaven." 

"Then few will; for to my understanding there can be no 
other scheme for their salvation — if saved." 

"It saved?' Why an " ifV 

" Because I feel the case doubtful." 

" Why should the human mind desire immortality — why 
such an excessive hope in the future ?" 

" I answer this question by asking another : If man is not an- 
nihilated at death, why does he so sadly fear that end ?" 

" Ah, my dear friend, I fear the old master of evil has hardened 
your heart, and turned you to error !" 

" Satan, do you mean ? I do not fear, him ; in truth, sir, I 
never could see the use of the old rascal." 

"Worse and worse! Where will you land next? Better 
disbelieve all else than that. The Bible teaches of a devil as 
much as of a God." 

" And nature says that there is not, as plainly, and a thousand 
times more conclusively." 

[Clergyman musingly.] "Disbelieves in a devil! why that 
saps the very foundations of our theology, and destroys all our 
systems of salvation, all our creeds, our churches — all— every- 
thing. [.4/oMcf] Nature teaches! Ah, vain and miserable mor- 
tal ! you but exercise your carnal reason." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 53 

" If there is a devil, why does God suffer him to exist V 1 

"It is a part of his inscrutable providence to suffer him to 
tempt souls to hell." 

"You say God knows who are going there; if they are 
doomed, why does he take all this trouble to obtain an excuse 
for sending them there ? You say God made all things good : 
the devil is not good, nor never can have been good. Hence 
God could not have made him, and he must be co-eternal 'and 
co-equal with God, or else so good a being as God must be 
would not allow such a scoundrel to forever defeat his deepest- 
laid plans. Hence your God is limited, and of but little use in 
nature's government" 

" Oh, perverse sinner ! Satan himself is in your heart. I can not 
argue with your stubbornness. Oh, when will you see the true 
way, and join our holy order ?" He turned and walked away, 
leaving the infidel exulting in his supposed triumph, musing to 
himself: 

(< I hate these professors. They appear to think they have a 
right to abuse anybody who believes not as themselves. Our 
* holy order P Poor self-deluding fools !" 

" How mistaken are both ! One is as much mistaken as the 
other." 

" It does seem," said Leon, passionately, " that there might be 
some means to converse with these our erring brothers, and con- 
vince one and all that they are in error." 

" There has not as yet been any method discovered, by which 
any correct idea can be expressed. There is one quite curious, 
though imperfect method, that of impressing vague sentiments 
on the mind. Let us surround this person, one and all, concen- 
trating -our thoughts on one idea ; say, ' I never argued with a 
fogy, however calmly, without being abused.' All think this." 

They waited a moment, and then the infidel exclaimed : 



54: SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

" No, I never yet held an argument with a clergyman without 
being insulted and abused." 

u Ha ! ha !" exclaimed Leon. " Let us try this again. The 
spirit exists." 

" Yes," muttered the infidel, " my logic .was better than his, 
but something in my mind begins to say, spirits may exist" 

" Can that sentence be the result of our thoughts ?" 

" Yes," answered the Sage; "you perceived what a train of 
thought was produced. You already query as to the philosophy 
or this effect ; I shall let you reason for a while. We are in hopes 
that a better method will yet be discovered, for we all wish to 
speak with our earthly brothers." 

" I have always been aware," said Leon, " that the world did 
not believe in a future state — at least, that men do not believe 
that their friends in the angelic sphere are watching over them. 
If they did, they most assuredly would do better. Their acts 
belie their words." 

At the time we write, the laws by which spirits could commu- 
nicate were just beginning to be exposed ; and soon after the 
opening of these " scenes," the brilliant discovery was made that 
spirits could converse freely with earth. 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 55 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE UNHAPPY MARRIAGE. 



While the Society are engaged in conversation in the Portico, a stranger approaches! 
and to the questions of the Sage, gives a brief history of his life, illustrating the 
miseries attendant on inharmonious Unions — The Philosopher points out to him the 
sphere in which he must labor. 

As the Society were engaged in conversation, a stranger spirit 
came that way, and paused near the Portico. He then drew 
near, and seated himself bv them. 

"Welcome," said the Sage; "welcome here, even if thou 
comest with grief and woe on> thy brow. Thou art free now 
from earth, and its sorrows have passed away, in part ; yet thou 
thinkest of the past and feelest sad." 

" I am sad when I think what a paradise earth might have 
been to me, if it had not been for one false step in my youth. 
By that I am rendered forever miserable." 

" Not forever miserable I If no great crime has stained your 
mind, it will yet be wfell with you." 

" No crime. I am no criminal who dreads justice. That is 
what I want — I want justice done me. I am a victim to false 
marriage." 

" Then you are released, and can soon be happy." 

" Yes, I might be happy, for I am free now, if I could forget 
my thoughts respecting my earthly brothers. The misery and 
ignorance under which they at present suffer is beyond the 
power of my tongue to describe. Oh, it wrings my heart to feel 
and sympathize with them ! I can not throw off this burden, 



56 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

and when I wish to soar aloft in a heaven of aspirations, I am 
dragged down to earth." 

" Then it is your manifest duty to go down to the rudimental 
sphere and instruct man in the laws of affinity and life." 

" But ah, great Sage, what shall I teach ? I can not approve 
the doctrines of free love as commonly understood, and yet I feel 
that there should be freedom in love. As soon as love is con- 
fined, it is love no more. But if freedom is given, I fear the 
consequences." 

" Earth is not yet prepared for the doctrine of which you 
speak. It wi.il be true for them when they become as the angels 
in purity. In the abstract, it is true ; in the practical application 
of to-day, it is false. It is not the doctrine you should teach. 
Rather go to earth and teach man the laws which govern the 
mind, that they may know each other's character, and not be de- 
ceived by appearances. Teach them that purity is worth all 
else." 

" Ah it is a great task — one I shrink from with fear and trem- 
bling. Something must be done to relieve me, for my mind is 
lacerated with a dreadful lash ; I can not bear it long. Great God, 
give me strength to perform the task before me with energy and 
success ! Give me patience and perseverance to grapple with the 
work successfully." 

" If you act as earnestly as you pray, you will be successful. 
But why so troubled ! Does it all result from your philanthropy 
and the love you bear your race ! If so, that alone will place 
you above us all." 

" I am selfish, I fear. Perhaps the idea of what I might have 
enjoyed causes my sorrow. I was a happy youth. Educated at 
college, and enjoying all the facilities the latter afforded, I climbed 
rapidly up Wisdom's 1 mountain. As I arose higher and higher, 
the prospect spread further and further away, lost in the dim 
distance. The far off objects came forward to meet me as I ad- 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES* 57 

vanced upward, until beneath me Bpread a glorious view to enno- 
ble my life, and give me a position of honor among men. The 
rose-bud, half expanded, when just to bloom in fragrant beauty, 
may be crushed forever. A rude blast may freeze its delicate pet- 
als, or change to disgusting odor its fragrant beauty. I was, 
like that bud, just opening to the beauties around me. My heart 
yearned for congeniality — for sympathy of a kind I could not ex- 
press. I could only catch a glimpse now and then, so bashfully 
it approached me. The cold selfishness of the world galled me. 
I shrank from its rude breath. I wanted a cottage in the wild 
woods, far, far from the haunts of man, that there I might em- 
ploy the learning I possessed in diving into the depths of myste- 
rious nature — exploring her laws, and journeying through her 
labyrinths with the torch of reason to light my path. I desired a 
kindred mind to journey with me — to become one with my 
thoughts — whom I might love with unsuppressed affections, and 
who would love me with a love that would never die. This was 
a rude effort of dawning love to picture the ideal of my dreams — 
an effort of mind to reach out into the undefined future, and 
make fancy a prophesy of my destiny. 

" While in this state of mind, I saw several that seemed the per- 
sonification of my dreams, and one the very ideal. In her I saw 
all my fancy had adored. Ah, how beautiful she appeared! 
Poets might strive in vain ; the pencil would be a useless instru- 
ment ; the pen of the novelist, in its wildest flights, is inadequate 
to convey the dimmest shadow of the beauty she awoke in me. 
So long had I dreamed over my ideal, that the object which rep 
resented it was mine. Shall I give a particular description f No, 
I will not — I can not, for they are only for the lover I Ah, why 
did not the angels who weep in heaven for the ignorance of man, 
come down, and by some means make me sensible of the gulf on 
whose fearful brink I stood ? With all my learning I was igno- 
rant My knowledge was theoretical, and not in the least adapt- 



58 SCENES IN THE SPIMT-WOELD ; 

ed to the demands of life. It was useless to me when most needed 
— rather worse than useless, for it gave me a confidence in my- 
self which was not backed by the necessary knowledge. I knew 
nothing of the laws of life, or how I might arrive at the knowl- 
edge of another's character. Why I loved I knew not ; I only 
recognized the fact. I was led on by the blind instinct of a mis- 
directed love. I had heard of affinity and attraction of spirit, but 
it served only to involve me more inextricably, for I supposed, if 
attracted, I should follow that attraction, and that it was an in- 
stinct pointing out my proper companion. 

" She loved me, or so pretended ; and, of course, when I was 
near, to all appearances was an angel in goodness and love. 
How philanthropic was she ! How she desired seclusion from 
the wide, wide world ! How she hated selfishness, and how dis- 
gusted was she with the animal passions 1 She put on airs which 
made her the ideal I sought. I loved that ideal, for it was the 
offspring of my childish dreams— of my youthful heart, my 
dawning manhood's thoughts. .' I can not say I loved her, but I 
did love the attributes I supposed she possessed—her apparent 
beauty, goodness, and gentle, affectionate spirit. How fancy flew 
then 1 What would I not have done to gain her applause? I 
strove for a name for her sake 1 

"Shall I tell you that we united our destinies? Nay, you 
know that already. Oh, how the bright vision faded . away ! 
How feels the traveler away on the desert, when groves of palms, 
and lakes of clear blue water, spread out in all loveliness on the 
brim of the horizon, Tantalus-like, to tempt his thirst? He 
urges on his camel with renewed pace, that by night-fall he may 
slake his feverish thirst. The sun sets in the western sky, and 
with its last crimson blush, the glorious palms and blue waters 
all vanish away, and are seen no more. So I felt when that 
glorious vision of happiness seemed just within my grasp ; but 
the moment I reached forth my hand, it vanished away. 



OB, LIFE IK THE SPHERES. 59 

" We put on smiles and politeness, and are ever so communi 
cative, benevolent, and unselfish in company, just as we would a 
garment, to be packed in the closet when at home. It was her 
exterior garment I loved ; and when the soul which inhabited it 
stepped out from home, joy fled forever ! 

" Her I had never seen. I was totally unacquainted with the 
being who now revealed herself to me. I loved her not, but 
hated her fbr her selfishness and affectation, and for the decep- 
tion she had played me. My angel was not an angel. My ideal 
had faded into a low actual. How, then, our minds antagonized ! 
She feared the wide, wide world no more, but wished for show 
and popularity, and she told me plainly that she sold herself for 
my wealth. May the great God blot from my memory the few 
years — long ages they seemed — during which I suffered the 
penalties of my ignorance of the laws of the relations of mind. 
Let me pass them by ; I am there no more. I am transported 
from misery to regret. I would live longer on earth to plant a 
little monument in the minds of men, to tell them I have existed. 
The wide influence I have wished to build has vanished. That I 
must ever regret. I have lived so far to no purpose but misery in 
the end. Is there no balm in Gilead ? Shall the weary find no 
rest?" 

" This is wrong," said the Sage, " You yield entirely too 
much to your feelings. Be calm, and use your reason. Mis- 
fortunes are necessary to an undeveloped life. If you were 
ignorant then, you can inform yourself now in the truth ; and 
here are better opportunities for uniting congenial minds than 
earth affords. If a few years are lost, remedy the fault by in- 
tenser application. You are only one in millions who have 
suffered in a similar manner. In fact, you have given a perfect 
description of earthly marriage, where each deceives the other 
into a belief that they are what they are not ; and after union, the 
two unhappy beings find each other not the ones they loved, 



60 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

but some stranger, who has, by some unaccountable means, slipped 
in and taken the place of the lover. There is too much ideality 
about love, which becomes so exalted that it is cot realized by 
the actual." 

" This is the great cause of my grief — because so many are 
going to the banquet of woe with garlands of roses on their 
brows, all unsuspicious of the sufferings they are to endure. And 
there is no remedy !" 

" Yes, a remedy is near. They must be instructed. Laws are 
seldom violated willfully, but almost always through ignorance. 
They must be made to see the right, and to recognize the grand 
difference between animal instinct and angelic love. Where the 
spirit leads, go. Magnets have not surer attractions than affini- 
ties of soul." 

w Go ! But what shall I teach ?" 

" Not free love, as now understood ; it is not practicable for the 
age, and its tendency, until mankind become more pure, would 
be pernicious. But teach how mutual attractions may be recog- 
nized and preserved. Free love is for man only when he becomes 
an angel. Teach the world that marriage is above animal in- 
stinct ; an eternal relation of the souls of two immortals ; that 
death changes not the relations that congenial minds hold to each 
other, rather strengthening the ties of affection ; teach how the 
soul may be read beneath its exterior garment, and how all its 
interior promptings and desires may be determined." 

" But how, O Sage, am I to teach such lofty doctrines ? I 
shall not be believed." 

" The truth is superior to all conventionalism. Go down in the 
sunbeams of morning's light, and write for the world. What 
you write will be read and criticised to-day, and the present 
generation will profit very little by it. But the young and ex- 
panding minds will reflect on these things, and in the ages to 
come they shall tell, and become a greater monument than you 



I 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 61 

could have reared had you remained on earth. Your name 
shall be given to the truths you teach, which, combined, will ulti- 
mate in an institution, and you will speak through the centuries/' 

" Ob, speak not thus ; I feel like Jonah in the myth, when 
God told him to preach the destruction of cities ; I can not go." 

" Go !" repeated the Philosopher, in stern accents. " No one 
can address the senses of his hearers as well as you, for you have 
been a fellow-sufferer with them. You know how to sym- 
pathize with them and appreciate their needs. We all have ap- 
propriate spheres to fill; this is yours; and the infinite God 
speaks to you — go." 

" I am satisfied, and will depart. The thought of doing good 
makes me happier. I thank you for -your advice." 

" No thanks are required, but your actions. When your mis- 
sion has been performed, come to this Portico and inform us of 
your success." 

How reason assumes control of the mind! Morality, affec- 
tion, love, all yield to its potent strength. How a few words will 
raise the soul from the depths of despair, and give hope and 
cheerfulness ! 

The stranger departed, determined to do something for the 
advancement of man, and make that the great end of his ex- 
istence. Remember him, reader, for in the changing scenes of 
these pages he will appear again in a different character. 



62 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE VISIT TO THE CIRCLES OF EARTH.' 

First stages of the Spiritual Philosophy— The Society leave their homes and visit some 
of the circles held on earth— The erode elements— The bigoted and prejudiced— 
The rightly -formed circle— How circles should be formed— Reflections. 

We wish to embody in the narrow limit of this work as much 
truth as possible. So numberless are the facts from which the 
narrative is drawn, that it requires great wisdom to select those 
which convey the truest impressions of our abode. Indeed, at 
best, but a partial idea can be given of the beauties, grandeur, 
and wonders of spirit-life. 

A few years since the discovery of the method by which 
these pages are written, have elapsed. During the first years 
of its growtb, but few demonstrations were made, and those 
of a disconnected character. The concentrated action at cer- 
tain points had elicited public attention, aud drawn out much 
curiosity and mirth. A more diffused action soon began to 
take the place of concentration. Each spirit wished to hold 
special communication with its friends, and hence strove to im- 
press those friends to form circles and obey certain condi- 
tions, that they might communicate with them. The awful 
subject, bringing on its wings so much joy, was perverted, and, 
in many cases, brought to ridicule. There prevailed an almost 
total ignorance of spiritual laws, and a blind zeal in the belief of 
spiritual infallibility. A dense mass of crude spiritual elements 
enveloped the rudimental sphere in the darkness of night. 
Dreary doubt, cold skepticism, and unbounded credulity, strove 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 63 

for the mastery. Perverted reason looked through imperfect 
mediums, and saw everything distorted, blurred and imperfect. 
A few active thinkers only agitated the mass, and fearlessly gave 
their truths to the world. Such, then, was the state of things. 

" We will go to earthy exclaimed the Sage, " and, for a while, 
witness the errors and mistakes of our brothers, inform ourselves 
in their present ideas, and then endeavor to teach them aright." 
So saying, the Society departed from their bright home, down, 
down, to witness the crudities of earth. It was evening when 
they arrived, and such a beautiful evening ! The silvery-orbed 
moon had just arose from beneath the eastern curtain of trees, 
and poured its flood of mellow light over the scene. The blue 
sky, with its lofty arch above, was redolent with gems and glit- 
tering diamonds. 

" Oh, how beautiful 1" exclaimed Hero ; " I am on earth again, 
and seem an inhabitant of the lower sphere." 

" Yes, nature is beautiful ; but man is corrupt, because he is 
not true to that nature ;" spoke the Philosopher in sorrowful 
accents. 

Near by a " circle " had convened to witness the manifesta- 

* 

tions made by those who dwelled on the other side of Jordan's 
terrible stream. A miscellaneous crowd had collected, with 
curiosity on tip-toe, and all excited into a fever of expectation. 
Two or three " mediums " were there, with minds as cloudy as 
a stormy night, uncultivated by art, and an organization not well 
formed by nature. Through these channels the crowd expected 
to receive wisdom worthy of a god. 

Over these assembled a group of spirits, full of fun and mis- 
chief, though they had no bad intentions. Questions were asked, 
and answered by the moving of the table. Such questions 1 
This ignorant group of spirits, it was supposed, knew all the 
secrets of heaven and earth, and were wiser than the Deity 
himself. To these the spirits answered as best they could, and 



64 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 

generally, after repeated blunderings, succeeded in stumbling 
upon the truth. In short, they were questioned like prisoners at 
the bar ; and oh, such questions ! An idiot might well laugh at 
their silliness. This very much pleased the spirits. They were 
having a gala time. They loved fun, and could not help giving 
mirth-provoking answers sometimes. One of the " circle " was 
determined that they should tell him where his pocket-knife was. 
Another how many dollars he had in his pocket. And, most 
wonderful of all, a decrepid old man said, " If they'll tell me 
how many children my great-grandfather had, Fll believe ! !" 
This greatly astonished the Society, and its ridiculousness called 
out their mirth, for human nature will out, on earth or in heaven. 
A whining fellow drawled out, " If this is my father's spirit, 
won't you tell me who stole my oxen ?" 

u Yes," was the prompt reply ; " your brother John sold them 
and kept the money." 

" D— d lie," said John. 

This was true — the spirit reading his thoughts, though his 
father's spirit was far from there. John was condemned unex- 
pectedly, and the company had great merriment over his dis- 
comfiture, in which the Society from above heartily joined. 

" Enough of this circle," said Leon ; a neither wishes to re- 
ceive or impart much useful instruction." 

" There are thousands of such circles now on earth," answered 
the Philosopher, "composed of excited elements, and hence 
gaining nothing but disgust O earth 1 is this thy boasted wis- 
dom ? — is this the use of the intellect thou extollest so highly? 
Wretched, indeed, the taste which prompts such gatherings, such 
questions, such curiosity ! I almost blush to think that I was once 
of earth." 

The next circle they visited was composed of believers who 
were all strong in preconceived errors. They met, not to abandon, 
but strengthen their old position. They had attracted a spirit 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 65 

who wished to instruct, but who was so passive as not to desire 
to infringe on their feelings. A Methodist asked questions, and 
from the answers drew the honest inference that Methodism 
was all right. A Baptist, from the answers he received, con- 
cluded that his creed was the thing the world demanded. The 
two conclusions disagreed, and the Methodist and Baptist re- 
volved in their minds whether they were holding communica- 
tion with Satan 1 This grieved the spirit very much, for he was 
not, like the others, given to make mirth out of the ridiculous in 
human nature, and he took the accusation as an affront personal, 
as though he were living in the body. 

u Care nothing for this affront, but leave them and go with 
us." As he spake thus, the Sage extended his hand, and all 
departed. He led the way to a circle composed of ten members, 
all having the highest aspirations for truth and a deep under- 
standing of spiritual laws. This had attracted a large concourse 
of the highest order of minds, who were disposed to reveal all 
they possibly could. Joy sat on every countenance, and inex- 
pressible harmony pervaded every mind. There was not even a 
wish to inquire after stolen goods, or earthly affairs of any kind, 
for the circle were sufficiently developed to understand that man's 
business on earth is to look after things of the earth, and exert 
his own faculties ; and that the business of the departed is in 
relation to their own sphere; and that if they undertook to 
reveal all crimes, and give certain premonitions of all coming 
danger, man would resign all his affairs into their charge, and 
sink into indolence and idiotism ; there would be a spirit pilot to 
every vessel and steamer — a spirit engineer, conductor, and 
brakeman, to every train of cars ! In short, that the spirit-world 
could do nothing else than look after this lower world. This 
circle understood that the spirit's mission was to teach great 
moral truths, and afterward to go to their own homes above. 

w Brothers, rest now," exclaimed the Sage, a for here there 



66 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT WOBLD ; 

is harmony, which we all love. I would instruct this circle, that 
they may depart wiser than they came." He then threw back 
his robe, acted on the medium, and proceeded to speak at length 
on the spiritual age. He detailed the great era, awakening from 
its eighteen centuries of repose, in all its bearings, and exhorted 
his hearers to perseverance and truth. 

The members of that circle went to their homes wiser and 
better than they came. Their spirit friends departed wiser, too, 
rejoicing that the long-sought method of communication had 
been discovered, and that the earth received by its means a 
new impetus by the influx of higher light During the first 
years of Spiritualism, the stupendous subject was often brought 
to ridicule by the unwise course pursued by the lower grade of 
spirits and circles, and the foolish actions of many of its votaries. 
Few considered that the mind was not changed in the least by 
throwing off the body. The majority believed that a great 
change in this direction took place at death ; and hence could 
not realize how immortal minds could descend to the perform 
ance of such simple feats. The subject was viewed in a wrong 
light; and the lowest class of the community were generally the 
only ones who dared to take hold of the subject at all. Much 
excitement also existed among them. All kinds of communica- 
tion were received ; some were pure deception, others were the 
result of magnetism ; some came from undeveloped minds, who 
attempted to teach that of which they were profoundly ignorant ; 
and great errors were dealt out to a gaping world. But such a 
state of things was not of long continuance]* and as curiosity 
abated, the subject settled down into staid reality, where it is 
now seen. But its course is onward, and, like a mighty river, 
it goes on gradually increasing, making great havoc with creeds 
and sects. 

From this chapter, we wish this inferance adduced : If you 
form a circle, form it in truth. Admit no ridicule, idle mirth, 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 67 

fear, timidity, or hate. Let love alone control you and yours. 
Be cheerful, willing to receive all that is given, to be weighed in 
the balance of reason, and hold free discussions on all subjects 
with the communicating spirits. Such circles as those first de- 
scribed have been a. great detriment to the rapid progress of the 
spiritual philosophy, though in the end they have subserved a 
very important purpose in forcibly illustrating the character of 
spirits and their fallibility. Ignorance is the cause of all vice 
and sin ; but its influence is more decidedly felt here than any- 
where else. 

The whole circle of science should be brought into the investi- 
gation of this subject, and even then centuries alone will reveal 
the deep mysteries of spirit-life. 

Why fear you investigation ? We throw the whole subject 
open to you. We give you leave to enter every department, and 
invite you to explore to your heart's content. We fear not in- 
vestigation, discussion, or opposition, but rather court them — 
throwing down the glove at the feet of the learned and scientific 
world. We seek not darkness, but the light, from the throne of 
God ; and we would light the whole earth in the beams of the 
rising orb of truth. 



68 SCENES IN THE SPIKIT-WOBLD ; 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE CHANGS GALLED DEATH. 

The Society, while reposing beneath the ffrore, receive an Ancient, who recounts hit 
thoughts and feelings while passing through the change called Death. 

The scene is again changed to the home of the Sage. The 
gorgeous views and scenery spread so lavishly around, enchanted 
the ethereal spectators, accustomed, as they were, to its beauties. 
The ether tide came in rolling gusts, fanning the graceful foliage 
of the grove, and ruffling the still bosom of the blue ocean in 
tiny waves, whose sweet murmurs joined harmoniously with the 
zephyrs. Such coloring is un appreciable to man, who sees only 
by the common light The splendid views which sometimes 
appear before the clairvoyant's eye, rivaling ten thousand rain- 
bows in gorgeous splendor, convey, perhaps, the best idea of the 
vividness of the tints. To one acquainted only with the scenes of 
earth, who has not traveled on the swift wings of clairvoyance 
across the universe, it is useless to attempt to image by words the 
splendor, grace, and ethereality of nature in this higher sphere. 

The four kindred spirits were reposing beneath the shade of 
a graceful grove, which filled the air around with the sweetest 
perfume. They were discoursing on the philosophy of nature 
and the surrounding objects. Leon had begun his rapid ad- 
vancement Already had his investigating mind sent forth its 
aspirations, and reached far out into the arcana of nature. His 
mind awoke to the full consciousness of its strength, and, as a 
giant, he strode through spheres of thought, toward the high- 



V 
i 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 69 

est plane of progression, where the mind comprehends the whole 
range of the universe at a glance. 

As they sat in conversation, a spirit approached with noble 
bearing. His countenance shone with the gleam of the morning, 
as seen in a cloudless sky. His thoughts were written on his 
high forehead and majestic mein. He moved with the dig- 
nified motion of one for whom nature has done much, and culti- 
vation more. An artist might study that form and never tire. 
Such a forehead is not found on earth ; but man becomes more 
perfect in stature and aspect as he arises in the spheres. He 
was greeted with a hearty welcome, and taking a seat near the 
Sage, he entered into conversation. 

" Here is one," spoke the Sage, " who is engaged in the study 
of Nature ; and as we are engaged on that subject, perhaps it 
would be well for him to give his experience, while passing over 
the valley and shadow of death, to that bright land of promise, 
or of woe and despair, that earth's sons and daughters think 
must be their lot It is interesting to converse of the birth of 
the spirit— of its thoughts and experiences, while passing through 
the great change." x 

" In truth, this is an interesting subject — one, too, which deeply 
concerns our earthly brothers, and of pleasant contemplation to 
us," replied the spirit. " My soul wells up within me when I 
contemplate the scene around me. Here I could dream my life 
away. I never shall cease to admire the coloring of nature in 
this grove, so splendid and ethereal. The prospect is a glorious 
one — one that the gods could admire. I honor your choice in its 
selection. But I wander, and must recall my thoughts from ex- 
ternals. 

" Centuries have passed, fleeting away like summer clouds, 
since I left the rudimental form ; still I remember clearly the im- 
pressions the change awoke in me. Trained in heathen mythol- 
ogy, I believed in a future 'state, but it was a vague, undefined 



70 SCENES Itf THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 

belief, which never became a clear reality in my mind. How 
should I have obtained a correct idea of a subject of which I 
could receive no proof by my senses, or receive tidings of those 
who had gone before ? My reason said, death is annihilation. I 
could not throw off its grim influence. Its voice was ever ring- 
ing in my ears. But I dared not think of infidelity to the gods, 
and hushed my fears. The instinctive idea • of a controlling 
power — a somewhat, a somewhere, came diffidently into my mind, 
and prejudice chained it there. Mythology came in and gave me 
its crude instructions. I tried to subdue my reason, and endeavored 

to believe. Ye gods, I never could quite crush my doubts I 
• * * « « « ««• 

" It was a cold star-lit night when I passed from earth. The 
fields were covered with a pure mantle of virgin snow. The frost, 
driven by the northern blast, glistened fantastically in the star- 
light There was a beauty in the scenery which, to one fain to 
tarry longer on earth, would have rendered it hard to close the 
eyes and say, 'I have viewed these beauties for the last, last 
time ; I am no more of earth.' I could not force back the clouds 
of mantling night as they rolled over my intellect. Slowly, 
gradually, I sank down, down into a great black gulf of oblivion. 
Down, down I sank, beyond all human thought or conception, 
seemingly millions of millions of miles, with the gloom growing 
thicker, denser and more stifling. It was an awful sensation to 
be suspended over that black abyss by a single thread, and, as 
life ebbed away, to feel oneself going down, down into its un- 
fathomable depths. 

" The last words I heard as I sank down, were the lamenta- 
tions of my family and friends, and their sobs and cries as they 
said I was gone. Yes, gone ! gone from earth, its pleasures and 
its pains. Their sighs seemed my death-knell to oblivion. 
Down, down I sank for hours after they said 'He is gone,' 
when suddenly a flood of light burst upon my astonished vision 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 71 

as a gleam of lightning, and on its wings my soul sped upward — 
up, up, up, in that golden light, to earth again. I was conscious, 
and, looking about me, saw my body on the couch. I was a 
short distance off, but still myself. A slight cord of ethereal 
matter connected mo with my form. It was soon broken, and I 
was free. There stood my friends weeping over my inanimate 
body, inconsolable for my loss. I strove to convince them that 
I still lived, but could not ; for I found that my body, though 
real to me, an^ perfectly organized, was far too ethereal to affect 
physical 'atoms. My acquaintances, while on earth, who had 
gone before me, now welcomed me, at the same time giving me 
a beautiful mantle. They then conducted me to my new home 
with the angels. 

" Ah, how can I express the overflowing rapture which thrilled 
my whole being, when the sublime reality of immortal life came 
rushing over my soul, like a gleam of lightning ! Words are but 
faint indicators of the emotions I experienced, or the ineffable joy 
which filled my being. You have passed through the change 
and can sympathize in my sensations, comparable only with the 
out-flashing of the noon-day sun from midnight gloom. 

" Centuries have passed away since that time ; but its scenes still 
cling tenaciously to memory's abode. I have passed those cen- 
turies in traveling from world to world — in traveling the ether 
ocean that fills up the intricacies between the suns and plan- 
ets. Let me speak without egotism. When I look back on by- 
gone ages, I feel as if standing on the summit of some lofty pinna- 
cle, and looking down on my path until it seems lost in mists ; 
and I can clearly see now from what a small beginning I had 
started. I am weary now, and would be a cosmopolite no 
more." 

" Accept this, then, as your home, for we should value the ac- 
quisition of such as you to our Society," said the Philosopher. 

u I can not express my thanks to you for your offer." 



72 SCENES IN THE SPIMT-WORLD ; 

" Platonius, do you not recognize me ? Have you forgotten 
the Portico of Pythagoras ? M 

If a thunder-bolt had dropped at his feet he could not have 
been more surprised. He gazed steadfastly at his master for a 
moment, as one who would recall the past. A tear arose in his 
eye, and with a sudden impulse he caught the master in his 
arms. Twenty-five centuries had not effaced the gratitude and 
love from the pupil's mind. In all his wanderings, amid all the 
various scenes he had witnessed, the master he^d the supreme 
place. Gratitude will cause the tear to flow and the heart to pal- 
pitate sooner than the other emotions. The friendship of earth 
awaits its expanded bloom in the spirit-world. The gratitude we 
feel will be expressed in affections, and the friends of to-day will 
become more than friends to-morrow. 

It may be thought unphilosophical that Platonius did not re- 
cognize his master at first ; but though developed spirits can read 
each other's minds, they may be so absorbed at the time as to 
take no cognizance of each other's thoughts. 

" Master," exclaimed Platonius, " have I found you at last ? 
When I felt the irresistible attraction this way, I suspected some 
unusual cause, but I did not anticipate the joyful discovery which 
awaited me." 

" These are the lights of out abode which we often experi- 
enced, producing the most exquisite pleasure. The affections are 
woefully neglected on earth ; but they who do cultivate this no- 
ble department of mind, shall be fully rewarded for all their toil. 
Affections set the mind on the plane of angels, and throw a halo 
of radiance around the human soul. Ton, of course, have a com- 
panion—one on whom you have placed your deepest affections ? 
or, have you journeyed so far solitary and alone /" 

" I could not do that ; she is absent now, but will join me 
soon." 

" She, too, is one of us. The more of such, the more prosper- 






OR, LIFE IN THE SPHEBES. 73 

ous and instructive onr Society becomes. For centuries I dwelt 
here alone, except the company of those who came after instruc- 
tion, and then departed. But now a little band is forming, from 
which, as a nucleus, a vast society of congenial minds shall arise, 
whose influence shall be widely extended, and whose wisdom 
shall be of universal renown. 9 ' 



74 SCENES IN THE SHBIT-WORLD ; 



CHAPTER X. 

COMING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF *THE LIGHT. 
Marvin visits the Society.— His conversation, surprise, etc 

Scarcely bad the Sage completed the last sentence, when 
Hero exclaimed in astonishment : 

"Look, hither cometh Marvin — he of "whom we learned so 
much !" 

" Yes, it was he — the self-same individual we described previ- 
ously, unchanged in countenance, if we except a more haggard 
expression of the features, and a spark of restless insanity gather- 
ing in his eye. Such a bewildered and astonished expression as 
came over him as he approached is beyond the power of the pen- 
cil to express. He felt that he stood on sacred ground. With 
cautious step, he trod the flowery path, and with a curious gaze, 
scanned the Eden around. When he beheld the group of spirits 
engaged in deep conversation, and recognized them as the same 
he had so scorned at his entrance into his new life, his chagrin 
overpowered him. Fain would he have hurried away, had not 
their united magnetism retained him. He remained speechless, 
with eyes cast on the ground. The Philosopher, well know- 
ing his situation, and pitying him for the errors which had placed 
him in such embarrassing circumstances, broke the silence : 

" Friend, you are welcome here. We left you many years 
ago, newly born into this sphere. You were then impregnated 
with the erroneous ideas of a false theology, and were beyond the 
reach of reason. You then set out on a search for heaven. You 



L 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 75 

have been unsuccessful in your search, or you would not be here. 
You wronged us then, but if you are right now, that occurrence 
will be as though it had never taken place." Marvin's bigotry 
was much subdued by his unsuccessful search ; but he would 
rather have appeared before the judgment-seat of his Creator 
than before this Society, who were acquainted with his past his- 
tory, and could read all his thoughts. With these impressions, 
combined with the contracted ideas in which he had been educa- 
ted, such generosity was as unexpected as astonishing to him. 
For a moment, feelings strange and sore choked his utterance. 
The heart of stone has its latent sympathies, and those whose 
hearts are steeled to all charity, may be easily affected if their 
character is understood. He reached forth his hand to the Sage, 
exclaiming: - 

" Ah, reverend father, if I had listened to your warning voice 
when I first entered this world — if I had first sought the source of 
true happiness in the internal light — how superior to my pres- 
ent position would I now stand 1 I appear before you far lower 
than when, years ago, I entered this my immortal life. Had I 
harkened to your words, and not scorned your sayings, rather than 
have taken the words of a mythic book, as expounded by a de- 
signing priesthood, how much more advanced would I now be! 
Then might I have enjoyed groves like these, which remind me 
of the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations — 
have learned from the great volumes I see around me, fit em- 
blems of the Book of Life. Curse me, but do not pity ; I deserve 
it not ; and you make me miserable by your kindness. I have 
brought all on my own head, and must suffer." 

u Curse you ! Let not such words be uttered to a society of 
Philosophers. "Who that occupies our position will condemn an 
erring brother ? Assuredly none. Nay, friend, we have no ill 
will against you. All your former harsh words are forgotten ; we 
remember them no longer ; but strive to remember the good deeds 



76 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

alone. It is true, that you might have been more advanced and 
far superior to your present position, had you turned immediately 
into the path I pointed out. But as you believed firmly in a lo- 
cal heaven, and the tradition of past ages, it was better for you to 
make the search, and by ocular demonstration become convinced 
of the fallacies of your position. Blame you ! certainly not. It 
was not you who upbraided us, but the blear-eyed superstition in 
which you were instructed. And the scenes of this life were so 
new and unexpected, and you were in such an excited state, that 
you could not act yourself." 

" I have searched long and diligently, but have found no such 
heaven as the Bible describes. That book has undone me — ut- 
terly, irretrievably ruined me forever. I would that I had been 
born in a heathen land, and had never read its soul-destroying 
pages ! I have inquired of every spirit I have met, if they knew 
the locality of heaven ; and all the answer I received would be a 
commisserating look, while they pointed around them, as much 
as to say what you said long ago, "Everywhere !" I have seen 
multitudes of spirits similarly engaged as myself ; yet none ever 
discovered the object of their search ; and I left them and went 
alone — beginning to doubt in my mind the theory I formerly be- 
lieved sacrilege to dispute, and which I so fanatically support- 
ed. The few words you spoke to me came up with redoubled 
force, and I was ready to exclaim, " Ah that I had harkened to 
that venerable man whom I first saw on my entrance into this 
world. 9 This day, by some unaccountable reasons, I arose to a 
higher plane than usual, and without a moment's warning, stood 
before you. Your forgiveness is worse than your combined 
curses. I could bear the latter, but this softens me to tears." 

" Speak not so harshly of the Bible. It has served an import- 
ant purpose. It has done much for the advancement of mind. 
It has been perverted — misunderstood, and thus made the occasion 
of great evils ; yet all these have resulted in ultimate good. It 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 77 

was your educational prejudice and bigotry which have caused 
you so much Buffering and misery. Because we are at one wrong 
extreme is no reason for our flying to the other. The mean, the 
center toward which all truth gathers, is the most correct path." 

" You have corrected me aright ; I acknowledge your superior 
spiritual powers of perception reverentially."- 

" Reverence not me. I am no more than the others* We ac- 
knowledge submission to no one. Each is his own individual sov- 
ereign, to think and act as best pleases himself, if he is regardful 
of the rights of others, and measured by his worth alone. If you 
are thankful, express it, not by words or gestures, but by actions. 
Reverence not me, but my truths. You are still prejudiced on 
this and kindred subjects, and your prejudice must be overcome." 

11 1 am prejudiced^ I have not striven to conquer my precon- 
ceived opinions. If I had sufficiently done so, I might now rest 
in this beautiful grove, instead of going down to mingle with the 
low demons, one of whom I am, with this difference, that I know 
what I am. Ah, must I always suffer for the wrongs of the 
past — the contriving of plans to cheat the poor and defraud inno- 
cence, in order to turn more gold into my coffers ! The thoughts 
of the many wrongs I have committed on my fellow-men are 
like burning coals upon my heart. Must I go back to the soci- 
ety of those from whom I have this moment escaped ?" 

" Within you I perceive the embryo of a strong mitfd— one 
capable of wide expansion. Will you tarry with us ? Here you 
will escape the influence of the unworthy, and dwell continually 
in an atmosphere which will invigorate your spiritual strength." 

" Tarry with you, and enjoy all the sublime ethereality of this 
abode P' exclaimed he in astonishment ; "you are but tantalizing 
me." 

" In all truth not." 

He flung himself down at the feet of the Sage, and a convul- 
sive storm swept over that once iron heart. Beneath the rub- 



78 SCENES IK THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 

bish and conventionalisms -which conceal it, every human heart 
hath a diamond. Circumstances may dim, or entirely obliter- 
ate its light ; yet, sooner or later, it will break through all ob- 
stacles and shine in immortal brightness. So in this man of iron, 
this man of the world, once bo niggardly to the poor, so unmer- 
ciful to the unfortunate, who used all means to acquire riches, 
trampling on social law, and obliterating the moral — the gem 
was still there. 

"Arise! reverence not me by words, I repeat, but by actions 
meet for Tepentance. You came hither alone. Where is your 
companion 8" 

u My companion ? My wife, so called on earth ? She died a 
year since. But we loved not each other, and the wider we are 
asunder the better both are pleased. I wished her saving, pru- 
dent and laborious, but Bhe would be neither, and the result 
was one continual broil." 

u Enough; rest you here, and as one of us commence this 
day to advance onward and upward to perfection. The Portico 
is free to you." 

As Marvin entered its decorated vestibule, Leon, who had been 
an admiring spectator, exclaimed : 

" Is it possible ! Marvin — the rich, purse-proud, vain, scornful, 
bigoted, aristocratic Marvin here ! and thus regenerated ! I al- 
most doubt my senBeB." 

" To one who, like mortals, has become contracted with con- 
ventionalism it appears strange," replied Pythagoras, u but to us 
it is an expected occurrence. This man was once an innocent 
child. His natural abilities were such as would have raised him 
head and shoulders above all his contemporaries, exalting him 
as much in the moral and intellectual firmament as he became 
in the religious and commercial. He was trained under the iron 
despotism of false conditions. He was taught that to be rich 
was to be great, and that nothing but riches was worth striving 



OB, LIFE IN THB SPHEKE8. 79 

for. When he approached manhood, he saw those whom the 
world praised, flattered and adored, were those who possessed a 
few dollars more than their neighbors; and he was deeply im- 
pressed that, to become likewise, he must do likewise. For a 
long while he was troubled with a conscience, and his giant in- 
tellect would react against the drudgery he imposed on it in his 
strife to become rich. If you had been placed in his circum- 
stances, you would have done as he has done ; therefore, you 
should not condemn. His natural abilities are as great as ours ; 
and his name shall yet resound through the spirit-home. Saw you 
not how readily he confessed his errors after he had fully satis- 
fied himself of their falsehood 1 He is now cured of prejudice, 
and is like a child, which he should have been half a century 
ago. For this germ, divested of its educational and animal garb, 
have I accepted him ; and soon you will be proud to call him 
one of us. Such a brow as his conceals the workings of a mind 
naturally noble and free ; and with proper circumstances he will 
make a high mark for himself and become a monument of phi- 
lanthropy." 



80 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 



CHAPTER ZI. 
THE SOCIETY AGAIN VISIT EARTH. 

The great city— Its description— Over this the Group rest, and view the changing 
scene below — They are accosted by the spirit of a fashionable lady, who wishes to 
know how they enjoy themselves— Replies — Her infant reflections on the ' trans- 
gressions of earth— Ignorance of the laws of life— How the spirit can progress. 

It was such a morning as is alone beheld in the spheres, when 
our group of spirits again passed from their bright homes to 
survey the inharmonious conditions of earth. We find them rest- 
ing over a large city, in which were concentrated all the abomi- 
nations of the world. Fashion here held her baneful sway, and 
on her altars of eternally consuming fire sacrificed her un- 
told victims. Toil, God's first command to man, was either ex- 
cessive or utterly neglected. Classes, grades, and other conven- 
tional distinctions, held potent sway ; and error (sin) sat brood- 
ing over all, from the beggar in his rags to the ruler on his 
golden throne. Commerce sat in her deceitful form on the 
quays, or housed herself in high-towering walls of brick and 
stone. Falsehood, as a commodity, was bought and sold. De- 
ception, fraud and hypocrisy, were everywhere prevalent Man 
had contracted his God-like soul into the compass of a copper 
cent, and found an infinite universe in which to roam within 
its narrow rim. No low animal passions were suppressed ; these 
held supreme control — and what fearful control ! All under- 
neath was corruption, which filled the sewers, drains, and cess- 
pools, sending up its poisonous exhalations to mingle with the 
moral effluvia generated above by corrupted man, who, with 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 81 

God-like powers, walked the pavement amid the mass of cor- 
rupted elements, unconscious of their presence, pursuing his 
puerile ends as eagerly as a boy chases the bubble or the gaudy 
butterfly. 

There was nothing natural — no God — none of his works — all 
artificial, bowing to arbitrary and conventional rules. No clear 
blue sky, as seen when rambling over the verdant mead ; no 
boundless prospect, such as exalts and exhilarates the mind when 
on the shores of a tameless ocean ; no bright sunshine awaken- 
ing cheerily the activity of animal life, bidding the flowers to 
expand their petals and shake off the dews of heaven. No gor- 
geous sunset behind the western forests, commanding life to be 
for the time dormant There was nothing pure, lovely and 
truly beautiful. Brick walls shutout the extended view; pave- 
ments concealed God's ground ; night was changed to day by 
the glare of poisonous gas ; stimulating foods and drinks were 
spread at every street corner, tempting the overtasked body to 
plunge into the gulf of infamy deeper — still deeper. The over- 
fed gourmand jostled the beggar he had robbed of bread, from 
his path, with a sneer against being poor. Monopoly towered 
upward in six-storied structures, and crowded God's children 
from the soil rightly their own. 

Oh, misery, crime, ignorance, and degradation, can you be 
surpassed in the mythic hell ? Angels, weep ! weep, for your 
brothers on earth ! 

Over this scene of misgovernment, error and death the group 
in silence rested. Within their wide-extended gaze the whole 
vast scene stretched out in all the rank deformities of perverted 
nature. Marvin, who was with them, had been a speculator — a 
monopolist, and had played at the high-handed game of trade 
in a manner superior to the shrewdest. When he saw hell-sent 
speculation grind down the poor and oppress the miserable ; 
when his extended perception saw the results of the actions of 

4* 



82 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-W0RL1> ; 

those who followed his footsteps, and knew that he had caused 
equal suffering, crime and woe, he called on the rocks and moun- 
tains to fall upon him and conceal him from the sight of those 
who saw him in the light in which he saw himself He covered 
his face with his hands, and wept as though the bursting tempest 
would rend every fiber of his frame. 

" Wretch 1 wretch ! wretch !" he exclaimed in anguish. " Oh r 
that I had never been born 1 I now see myself m the mirror of 
my own heart Annihilation, or the torments of the fabled hell, 
are nothing to this. Plunge me, O God, if thou art merciful, into 
the bottomless pit of destruction, burning with fires unquenchable 
and blot from memory's tablet the knowledge of the past t Hope, 
that once spread her balmy wings around my heart, thou, too, 
hast forsaken me, and the future is an awful scene of woe and de- 
spair !" 

How long he would have soliloquized in this manner we know 
not ; but the Sage, taking him by the hand, raised him up, ex- 
claiming : 

" Self-accusing child, why blame yourself thus f Blame no one 
for their follies, but blame the circumstances in which you were 
placed. They were bad ; popular opinion, before which you bent, 
was bad. All tended to make you what you were. You have a 
germ of native goodness in your being, or you would not thus 
accuse yourself. Arise ! weep no more ! The future is bright. 
You can retrieve your misdeeds, but must lose the time wasted 
since a child." 

u la that all f Am I forgiven ¥» 

a Not forgiven ; so much is lost. Study as intensely as you 
will — learn until you become a god in wisdom — still, so much is 
lost The scar of wrong will never hide itself in growth." 

Marvin made no reply, but sat wrapped in his own melancholy 
reflections. The others engaged in conversation on the passing 
panorama. Spirit after spirit ascended as freed from earth — some 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 83 

black as night, others bright as a sunbeam in a cloudless morn- 
ing. Between these extremes were all degrees of brightness and 
purity. 

A female figure arose from among the brick walls, and be- 
holding the dazzling light of the Society, she came toward them. 
She was a la rnode> with life powers cramped by a slender waist, 
one half the size of that which nature would have given her, and 
her mind diseased by stimulants and poisons. She was bewil- 
dered by the new state of things, and wished an explanation of 
their mysteries. She approached, and with a fashionable greet- 
ing, cold and formal as mathematical precision could make her, 
she inquired where she was. 

" In heaven !" was the response. 

" In heaven ! why this does not agree with my belief!" was the 
surprised response. 

" This is heaven, let your belief be as it may !" replied the 
Sage. 

" Heaven is a place of enjoyment ; but how do you enjoy your- 
selves in this airy region ?" 

" By traveling and working." 

" By working !" said she in the utmost scorn ; " working in 
heaven ! I never did work, and as for traveling, it was always 
too much trouble." 

" Traveling is very pleasant," interrupted Hero ; " I take great 
pleasure in . roaming through the groves and among the flowers." 

" That may be true for you, but it is not for me. When you 
wish to become otherwise than as you now are, what do you do?" 

"Work." 

" Work ! I never worked, and I never will. Why, vulgar 
people labor ; the refined do not. I won't work — never /" 

" It is with yourself to choose " calmly replied the Sage ; ." you 
ean not be happy in indolence, while around you are those as in- 
tellectual, as good, and as refined as yourself, performing the tasks 



84 SCENES IN THE SPIMT-WOKLD 



• 



assigned them. You can not be contented, or advance. Recall 
this rash sentence, and supply its place with a will." 

" Never, never ! I declare I won't work ; indeed, it would soil 
my hands, brown my complexion, and injure my beauty." 

" That may be true ; but your hands are no better than those 
of the millions who labor, and if your complexion were browned, 
your beauty would be improved by health." 

•' Health !" exclaimed she ; " health ! indeed that is none of 
mine, unless it be wretched health. Such misery as I endure is 
almost enough to make life a burden — such terrible pains, pierc- 
ing me like needles. Don't talk to me of health, diseased and 
dying as I am." 

" You have already passed the change called death ; all will 
become healthy in the cycles of eternity. Sick as you are, you 
never can be better until you labor." 

" I wonH work !" 

" You will be obliged to recall that foolish declaration. Are 
you not ashamed to remain idle while all surrounding nature is 
at work ? You are a consumer. You must eat, drink and wear 
raiment, while for the last thirty years you have produced 
nothing. You are to live through all future time ; but accord- 
ing to your present determination, you never will produce any- 
thing. On earth — that great bedlam beneath — pursuant to estab- 
lished conventional rules, you could use the earnings of a hundred 
brothers and sisters, giving in return no equivalent, and causing 
their families to live in wretchedness and woe. There the poor 
can be made slaves, toiling night and day for the support of idle 
masters and mistresses. There, those who toil most receive least, 
eking out a life of want ; while those who toil least receive most, 
sleep on down, sup from silver dishes, consuming an endless num- 
ber of useless luxuries, while thousands are living in destitution, 
and are obliged to expose themselves to the winter's blast You 
have entered a new sphere of existence. Here the laws of right 



OB, LIFE IK THE SPHERES. 85 

are observed. No one here can live on the sustenance of another. 
Every one must be a producer. ' Dig or die,' is our motto, rigidly 
observed. When we find a person refusing his share of honest 
toil, we let him suffer the consequences of violated law, which 
soon makes him tractable, and ready to listen to the words of 
nature." 

" But I canH work ; I never learned to do anything." 

" Have you not learned something useful !" 

u Oh yes ; I can embroider, can play on the piano, can sing, 
paint and draw." 

" Nothing more f" asked the Sage in a tone of pity. 

" I know a little of French and Italian, and can dance." 

"Know you nothing of the laws of life, and of your being ?" 

u Laws of my being ! Why God takes care of that. He giv- 
eth and taketh away. Can I know his reasons ?" 

" Verily, it rests in your hands, and you should understand 
those reasons. Can you expect health without knowing how it 
may be preserved ? Sickness is the result of ignorance and con- 
sequent physical violation. If you understand not this subject, 
you are like one walking in darkness over yawning precipices, 
every moment liable to slip and precipitate himself on the rocks 
below." 

" To understand this subject, and avail oneself of its advan- 
tages, would it not set at naught the mysterious ways of Provi- 
dence, and be a sacrilege in the sight of God, by changing what 
he has decreed ?" 

" As for the providence of which you speak, it exists only in 
the diseased fancies of the abnormal brain ; and as for sacrilege, 
what we can discover of nature and render available, is our priv- 
ilege to investigate — not trembling at every step for fear of 
God's wrath, but boldly and manfully, doing all that we can to 
discover truth. This is our privilege. You understand not the 
science of life 1" 



86 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 

" No ; all I know is to live, asking do questions." 

" That is as much as the blind devotees of the world know. 
They understand nothing of manhood ; they are in their infancy. 
Thus you have wasted years in the accumulation of useless — 
worse than useless — knowledge. Man studies to elevate himself 
for a few days on earth. He acquires knowledge to that effect, 
and not for eternal life. The spirit is neglected and crushed to 
earth. They send their children to the primary school to pre- 
pare for the college ! Strange that the future is not provided for ! 
You are totally, totally unprepared for the unseen realities before 
you." 

" I know I am. Let me go back ! Ah, I must go back to earth. 
I can't stay here. What shall I do ? Ah, how I wish I could 
go back !" 

" You are wishing for an impossibility ; you have entered a 
new life, and must submit to its conditions." 

"If I stay here I will be obliged to labor, and you know that 
I do not know how." 

" There is an eternity before you in which to learn " 

u But there is no one to teach me." 

a There is a circle of those like yourself, striving for elevation, 
and to them I direct you." 

" A circle ! — all strangers ! and I becoming a pupil in a work- 
shop ! I won't do it ! I'll go back ! I won't work 1" 

At this moment, an infant spirit, conducted by one long in 
the spheres, arose above the smoke and dust of the city. With 
almost a scream of delight, the lady spirit flew toward them 
and clasped the infant in her arms. She then came back to her 
former position in a transport of joy, exclaiming : 

" I don't want to go back now. My child is with me. Poor 
thing 1 so delicate, pale and unwell I She has troubled me ever 
since she was born. I expected her to die, but while on earth 
I dreaded the event which now gives me so much joy." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 87 

" Yes, she is a delicate thing — an offspring of your infringe- 
ment of organic laws and the sacred principles of life. She is a 
fitting emblem of the violations of earth. Delicate and unwell, 
incised ! How could it be otherwise where the laws of hered- 
itary descent prevail and mould the child after the thoughts of 
the mother! Whatever thoughts are excited or depressed in 
the mother, will appear in the same state in the child. When 
will mankind learn that the development of their offspring depends 
upon themselves, and that it is as possible to rear philosophers, 
statesmen, and poets — minds having the capabilities to arouse 
a world — as such mental dwarfs — such poor, imperfectly-formed 
beings! 

" You are another fitting emblem of earth's errors. Fashion 
has distorted your form, changed your manners and your wholo 
being, God made you for health; you have striven to disobey 
his laws, and have bent before the silly force of prejudice and 
conservatism. Look at yourself, and compare yourself with Hero, 
whom Nature made. Beautiful as your form was thought to be, 
how ugly and homely when compared with one who has obeyed 
Nature's laws F 

" Don't laugh at me," said she, piteously. 

" Laugh at you 1 — never ! I pity you, and your child I pity 
still more. She is a copy of all of your defects and of none of 
your virtues. This is the result of your violation of marriage 
laws: the offspring of those who are uncongenially joined take 
the bad qualities of both parents in their aggravated state. In 
true marriage it is the reverse. Ah, men and women of earth 1 
a tremendous responsibility rests on you, from which you can 
not escape. The destinies of the future generation are in your 
hands. Send not into the world such miserable organizations, 
with but half the life they should possess, diseased and suffering 
from the effects of your continual violations. Think of these 
things well before yon take the responsibility of developing an 



88 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOELD ; 

immortal being into the world! Look at your child there! 
its death written in vivid hues on its countenance, imbecility of 
intellect in its vacant eye, an instability of purpose and a deficient 
morality in the contour of its head ! Strange you should be- 
come so nervous on account of her illness, when you took so 
little care in her embryonic development ! Strange !" 

u Not strange." (The mother speaks now, she spoke not then). 
" How could I do better, considering my ignorance and the evils 
with which I was surrounded ?" asked she, in a palliating tone. 

" Because man is surrounded by evil circumstances, he should 
not cease to strive to overcome those circumstances. He him- 
self is the greatest circumstance. Let him strive to change 
himself; then will all conditions put on a new aspect, as clouds 
change their color in the setting sun. He should not sit down 
complaining of bad circumstances, but take hold manfully, and 
work his way upward out of them into the light. Does the 
mariner, out on the wide ocean, complainingly sit down in imbe- 
cility when the storm breaks over him and the billows dash 
at his feet? Assuredly not; but he strives to overcome the 
external conditions by the preponderance of mental vigor. Thus 
should man strive on the sea of human life — strive ever to over- 
come and conquer. Well do I know your condition was anything 
else than enviable, for the best situated are bad enough. Here, 
in this little being, behold the result" 

" Is she to bear my sins V 9 asked the mother, in agitation. 

" Not your sins, but the results of those sins ; and the punish- 
ment recoils back upon yourself." 

" This is injustice," said the agitated lady. " My poor Isabel 
to suffer for my crimes ! I can not bear the thought of it I had 
rather suffer a thousand-fold than have her suffer for a single 
hour. It is unjust !" 

" Not so ; it is but the extension of the great principles of 
equity which lie concealed in the depths of nature. It is neoos- 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 89 

sarily the result of infringed law. Without this punishment the 
laws would he useless. Pain is the police and safety-guards set 
along the way to drive us hack to the right path. If not for its 
influence we might go off on some tangent and never return. 
So we are compelled to do partly right. We oscillate within 
given limits. Thus you perceive infinite justice in the punish- 
ments His laws inflict." 

" Talk of justice to me when I see my child crashed as an 
opening flower by its iron sway I" 

'? Yes, I would talk of justice to you, that you need not sink 
yourself under new violations. Your feelings are overwrought, 
and distort your reason. Rememberest thou the noble ancient 
who gave his eye to save his sons ?" (Then the parent spoke.) 
"Seek not to take this punishment upon yourself, for you will 
have all you can bear without more.". f 

" Can I not retrieve the errors by which I have brought this 
misery on her?" 

" You know there is a law of progress that will relieve you." 

" And is it possible for little Bell to become healthy as other 
children?" 

"Possible — but a long time must elapse before this can be 
fully accomplished. Nature once crushed recovers slowly and 
with great effort." 

" If it is possible, I am happy ;" and a joyful radiance over- 
spread her countenance. " Can not I do something to aid her 
recovery?" 

"You can work. This, for the time, will be your field of 
labor. You said you would not labor. You must v toil here, or 
your child will pass ages in the sphere [where you now behold it." 

" If I can do anything to elevate my child, I will work night 
and day continually." 

" I said you must work. You are now willing to do so. If 
you had expended one-half the labor on earth that you will 



90 SCENES IK THE SPIBIT-WOBLD ; 

be obliged to exert here, your child would be very much superior 
to its present state. You thus perceive Nature is a grand scheme 
of compensations, and all, sooner or later, must perform the 
tasks assigned them." 

" I am willing — willing to labor to eradicate the evils I have 
entailed upon my dear, dear Bell." 

"Speak not rashly, for centuries must intervene before you 
have accomplished what you might have done in a few years 
on earth." 

This announcement chilled her courage, and she was very 
much pained, but it was for a moment only. Her woman's 
nature, crushed as it was, arose above selfishness, and she ex- 
claimed : 

"No sacrifice is too great for my child. I have caused her to 
enter existence as she is ; I feel that it is my duty now to make 
atonement by instructing her." 

"Can you instruct her when ignorant yourself?" 

" No, I had not thought of that My God, hare mercy I I 
had a bright vision of happiness, but it has faded away— gone 
forever I" 

Mother, with thy loved babe, how feelest thou when it is 
snatched from thy embrace ? Canst thou feel her heart's pangs? 
Then thou knowest how agonized was the mother in the spheres, 
regretting that she had not learned something useful while a 
mortal. 

" Sister," said Hero, soothingly — " sister, it is not as dark as it 
seemeth. There is hope. If you can not instruct your child, 
the circle to which I will conduct you will rejoice to assist you." 

u Can I be with my child!" 

" Tes, sister, you will do all you can to instruct it while learn- 
ing yourself. Tou will be her guide, and procure such assist* 
ance as you desire. I will conduct you to that circle, and then 
leave you." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 91 

" But shall I find Mends there ?" asked she, in great anxiety. 

" The spirits of this plane are all friends to each other. We 
know no hatred or revenge. The animalities are for the lower 
grades." 

They passed away, and arrived at the mentioned circle. Hero 
introduced her to them, and the affectionate hand pressed around 
her, each striving to manifest the warmest friendship. The 
worldly lady was a worldly lady no more. She ascended from a 
worldling to a superior grade of society. 

Reader, we will leave her here, toiling in the path of ascension, 
laboring to eradicate her own errors and their fruits in her child. 
The spirit advances comparatively fast under such influences. If 
once thoroughly convinced of its errors, it can arise with light- 
ning speed. The atmosphere of love in which the higher mind? 
dwell is favorable for progression, and mind is developed with a 
rapidity man can not conceive. 



92 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOBLD ; 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE FORSAKEN AND DESPISED. 

Mary — She loves and dies, while the world jostles on, unheeding her sorrows— They 
bury her form beneath the old church-yard willow — Her sighs mingle with the wail 
of its swaying branches— As she sits down on her own grave, an angel appears-— The 
words of the Sage— The world wants charity. 

Before the band had finished discussing the ideas of the last 
chapter, a bright spirit came near them — a female, whose gar- 
ments were of great purity, but over whose countenance rested 
the shades of grief and regret. She saluted the group with alow 
bow, for their dazzling brightness showed that they were of great 
wisdom and purity. They returned the salute, evidently to her 
great surprise. 

" Why so astonished ?" asked the Sage. " We would not mer- 
it our present position if we gave not to the lowest due respect 
Why so sad? So good a mind as yours should never be 
shaded." 

" Ah, noble sir, I am sad, and more than sad ; I am in woe 
and misery. My heart is bursting with its secret grief." 

" Why is it that one so fair and pure should be thus trou- 
bled?" 

" Call me not pure ; the words burn my brain. I am miserable 
because I am not pure." 

" What have you done to stain your purity or make you sad ?" 

" Ah, it is a sad tale — one which should remain a secret from 
any but those as bright and pure as you. I was a happy girl. 
The day was but a round of happiness. I sang in the old forest 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 93 

to the evening breeze, culled flowers from the murmuring brook 
side, gathered moss from the gray old rocks, and listened 
breathless to the songsters of the grove, for hours. Ah, I was 
happy then ! I had no cares of the morrow, and the world went 
cheerfully on without infringing on me or mine. I lived to love. 
How I loved I can not express. If you have loved, I need not 
tell you. I was loved in return. What a noble one for my lov- 
er ! Such towering aspirations as he possessed, united with such 
gentleness and affection, I never found in another. We were 
youths then, but had loved for years ; and I began to look upon 
him as mine forever. Then fancy built airy castles, in which we al- 
ways dwelt ; and hours and hours I passed in those delicious day 
dreams. Nothing so bright, so joyous, so beauteous, as " Love's 
young dream." How I have experienced that ! how felt its influ- 
ence ! The heart-pangs those dreams have caused me have more 
than compensated for the short hours of bliss they afforded. 

u After years of love, my lover left me — why, I never knew — 
and married a friend much my inferior in every point of view. 
Oh, that was a dark day — the darkest in my life ! I sunk under 
its miseries. My brain seemed on fire, and long I lay in delirium ; 
but my physical strength grappled with the disease, of my mind, 
and overpowered it. I was again free, but no more the joyous 
girl I had been. I brooded over my crushed hopes in secret ; 
stifled my aspirations as mucb as was in my power ; and blame 
me not, great sire, if I called pride to my aid. Yes, pride was 
the greatest strength I possessed. It did all in sustaining me. A 
friend would have said from my demeanor that I cared nothing 
for him by whom my being was enthralled. And still more ; to 
show my indifference for him, I married a man, my equal in tal- 
ents it is true, yet as black-hearted as night. It was a childish 
revenge — one which came bounding back, and struck its keen 
edge in my own bosom. It was too late for repentance then — too 
late for hope ! I soon found a misery greater than all. The 



94 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

man I thought I married, I married not. It was a sham, and 
the priest was a priest for the occasion. I was deserted, left in 
the heartless world, despised and scorned. Of the many friends 
I had previously, not one remained in the hour of my adversity. 
They passed me without recognition, while scorn mantled their 
lips* I had no friends, w> society — nothing hut enemies who 
hated and despised me ! 

" Oh, it is fearful to live in the world thus — to feel continually 
the jeering taunts of those once pretending to be friends! A 
fearful thing— one which my frame could not bear, and I sank 
to rest. A kind mother who had been mj support while I lived, 
had me buried beneath the family willow in the church-yard, and 
planted flowers over my grave. I was there when she moistened 
them with her tears, and I whispered to her, "Mary lives with 
the angels" The delicate breeze wooed the drooping willow, 
rustling to my thoughts, and blowing back the tresses from my 
mother's brow, revealed the care-worn features and the tearful 
eye. Oh, I was sad, sad ! I was translated into a new world, 
of which I knew nothing. I sat down on my own grave, beneath 
the willow, and O what sorrow I endured ! I sat for a long time 
wrapped in my grief, not daring to stir for fear of encountering 
some one who would laugh at or scorn me, when a female came 
near me, with the most beautiful expression of countenance I 
ever beheld. Perhaps I thought so because it was the first spirit 
I ever beheld. She took me by the hand, raised me up, saying 
in the sweetest voice, whose melody I yet hear : 

" Be cheerful. Let not such saddening thoughts influence you. 
You are no more of earth. Heaven is here with its joys." 

" Oh, say not so l" I cried. u I am a poor, despised thing, with 
no one but my mother to think or care for me." 

" The inhabitants of this world," replied she, " despise not the 
unfortunate, but pity those who grieve under any circumstances, 
especially such as yours. The people of the world crush and 



0B r UE% IN THE SPHERES. 95 

then deepise the blighted flower. There, prejudice may exist, 
but it has no place with angels. We love the unfortunate for 
their misfortunes. Cheerfully, then, sister, go with me." 

u I can not," I replied. " It will cause every one to look with 
compassion on me. I can't bear pity. I want to be regarded 
as when a girl I played in the old forest, or sang to the babbling 
brook." 

" And that is the light in which we regard you, not as those 
who commiserate." 

" Ah, then I am happy I" I exclaimed in a flood of tears, and 
flung my arms around my angel's neck, and she returned; the 
embrace with the same warmth. 

" Then accompany me," she said, " to those who will by their 
tore strive to remove every trace of grief from your mind ." I 
grasped her extended hand, and soon found myself in the midst 
of a band of bright beings, who came forward with joy on their 
radiant countenances, and with embraces manifested their friend- 
ship and love. I could not repress my tears ; they came gushing 
up from an overflowing heart. The change was too great. The 
scorns of earth were still fresh in my memory. " Even now, great 
sire, a shadowy recollection crosses my mind when I meet with 
these bright beings in my own inferiority, and I fear their scorn, 
yet I never receive it." 

" Nor ever will. If any scorn you, they are not worthy of 
your contempt, much less your regard. Earth's children have a 
great lesson to learn, and that is charity for their fellows and re- 
gard for their feelings." 

" If one so elevated as you despises me not, I will not care for 
others." 

" Never let the thought of how men regard you enter your 
mind again. Blot it out by thinking how angels regard you. 
You took a false step ; and who has not taken one false step ? 



96 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WOBLD ; 

And is a false step in one direction so much worse than one in 
another ?" 

" The world regards it so." 

" Rudimental man is governed by his lowest faculties. He sees 
mistily the principles of right To show you my appreciation of 
you, and to dispel every doubt from your mind, I request you to 
join our circle and become one of us." 

" I feel so beneath you, I can not. It is too great a privilege 
to ask." 

" You will confer a favor on us all by doing so, and place your- 
self in a position for rapid advancement." 

" I can not express my thanks to you by words." 

This is the reception the broken heart receives from the an- 
gels. Their discriminative powers are used, and the thoughts 
weighed in an equitable balance. Be careful then, O man, how 
you condemn and despise the lowly. 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHEBES. 97 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE PHILOSOPHER. 

The band visit a circle on earth to give instructions— The vieion— The essay— Tho 
philosophy of spirit flight through space— The good and the bad angels— Necessity 
of perfect harmony in the circle. 

It was evening, when the band, attracted by a harmonious 
circle, descended from their bright home. The circle had con- 
vened for the reception of superior wisdom. It was rightly formed^ 
and the most developed mind could communicate on any sub- 
ject it wished. The Sage controlled the medium's mind in such 
a manner as to convey some idea of the spirit-world, in the fol- 
lowing 

vision. 

" Glorious and grand the prospect breaks around me as though 
a magician's wand had dispelled the deep darkness which before 
encompassed my senses. My spirit revels with the infinite hosts 
of heaven. My sympathies now depress me, and after a long 
journey, I rest in a far different clime. This is the first circle of 
the second sphere. Here I behold man's degraded state. Here 
is the liome of all filth and corruption. I can not picture its 
miseries, for I never had an idea of such wretchedness and igno- 
rance. I stand on an elevation in the center of an extensive and 
seemingly boundless plain. All this extended landscape is cov- 
ered with human beings freed from earth, but not from its cares, 
its strifes, its miseries and its woes. They are all divided into 
groups. There is a band of robbers ; here of murderers or sen- 
sualists ; and in short, all the animalities are represented here in 



98 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WOBIiD J 

their various colors and disgusting forms. Avaunt, bloated sen- 
sualist and gourmand ! Stand not so near, you suffocate me with 
your loathsome breath. Your presence fills me with disgust. 
I can not gaze on the bloodshot eyes and ulcerously-inflamed face 
without a shudder. 

" Here are beings clothed in rags, hanging in tattered shreds 
around their forms. All, all as black as night ! My pity is moved 
at the spectacle, and keeps me gazing at the scene, fascinated 
with its changing hues. There is no rest, no quiet, no tranquillity 
of thought or peace of mind here. All is animal excitement and 
its attendant suffering. They wander about without purpose or 
design. Their errors keep them from the light ; so they can not 
progress, nor raise themselves above the level of the surface of 
the earth. They grope about in a loathsome atmosphere, from 
which it is almost impossible to rise. No, not impossible, for 
those superior to themselves descend into this lower abode as 
missionaries, to teach them the ways of goodness and truth. These 
messengers, endowed with exalted philanthropy, make the great 
self-sacrifice with hearts overflowing for their erring brothers. 
They teach them the path of righteousness. I can behold many 
descend, and their shining robes become more brilliant by the 
contrast with those benighted minds. They are speaking on 
reform. The haggard features around them become more ghastly 
in expression, and some approach them, scorning and cursing 
them in rage, as the Jews of old did Jesus the Nazarene. But 
they can approach only so near, a magnetism warding them off 
They are chained, and stand listening to the words of the 
angels, who paint the errors, of each in turn, holding the mirror to 
each one's heart By turns they are enraged and chagrined. Now 
the angel finishes, and, unloosed by the last sentence, that dark 
audience move away, shouting and cursing in their bitterness. 
Ah ! a few have stayed. There they stand, weeping in agony ; 
their Jiearts have been touched ; they see their errors, and wish 



OB, LIFE IN 'THE SPHERES. 99 

for the truth. They have resolved to reform, and do not wish to 
remain with this dark group. They now are going away with 
the messengers. How bright they appear ! To gaze on them 
fills me with pleasure. 

a I have arisen to a higher plane — the sphere of the good and 
just Such an exaltation fills me now that I find words inade- 
quate to express it. Here is an Eden of delight, with gorgeouB 
groves and fragrant flowers, beautiful trees and crystal streams. 
The colors are resplendently clear and vivid, the light is soft and 
brilliant, partaking of the ethereality I everywhere observe. 
Throughout the groves bright beings appear, engaged in their 
various pursuits, meditating or conversing, all joyous and happy. 
I wish to remain here forever, and mingle with these intelli- 
gences ; the atmosphere exalts my soul. * * * * But I 
must come back to earth; how I dislike those words! Earth 
looks dark, dreary and desolate." 

The Sage then controlled the pen and wrote : 

" I came here this evening to instruct you. I have given you 
this vision that you might become impressed with the opposite 
conditions of spirit life. In the first part you recognize what 
will be your position if you indulge the baser faculties at the 
expense of the moral. If you are miserly — grind down 
the poor — speculate in blood and tears — are revengeful and 
cruel ; if you make gourmands and drunkards of yourselves, 
you must expect to find a home in this dark sphere until 
your grossness and crudities have passed away. If you would 
become angels of light, and dwell in the bright abode last de- 
scribed, you must be good, truthful, philanthropic — not from a 
regard to your own happiness merely, but because it is right 
so to be. 

" Turn not a beggar from your door, though perhaps he may 
not be needy. Better give to a hundred not needy than turn 
one needy one away. 



100 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

" This is the hell so vividly impressed on the minds of the 
ancient seers and clairvoyants, which they supposed to be a lake 
of fire. You also here find heaven — happiness of spirit. Where 
mind exists, it carries the capabilities of either state in its organi- 
zation. You need not look beyond the grave for hell or heaven ; 
they are with you all the time. Nor should you desire to leave 
earth ; you will be none too well prepared when the day of change 
overtakes you, if you live an age. You can render your sphere 
as beautiful and happy as ours. You can enjoy society as well 
on earth as in the spirit-world. If you enter this life thinking 
to better your condition, disappointment awaits you, and you 
exclaim ' Take me back ! — oh, take me back to earth again !' The 
desire is suicidal, and should not be indulged for a moment. 

" This is a beautiful state ; so is earth. Man is created to enjoy 
its pleasures, and while he is man he should not wish for a better 
abode. It is the infant school to prepare the mind for the col- 
lege of eternity. Be pure and unselfish in all things, that you 
may enter this life prepared to participate in its joys. You 
will find it the greatest of objects to be prepared at death — one 
which few consider." 

Question by the Circle. — " Will you give us the philosophy 
of your flight through space, and tell us how you move from 
world to world l n 

Sage. — "If it were not for the refined ether of space, or, in 
other* words, if the distances between the planets were voids, it 
would be as impossible for us to leave the earth as for you.* 
Befined as is this ether, so much so that you would call it im- 
material, it is slightly denser than the matter which composes 
our forms. Thus being relatively lighter, the action of gravita- 
tion is nearly suspended, and the remainder is overcome by our 
wills assuming a positive action. Then we move wherever we 

* The existence of this ether is proved by the retarded motion of 
comets and of light. 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 101 

will, with a rapidity exceeding light Almost as instantaneous 
as the thought is our flight to a distant star. The more elevated 
the spirit, the easier this is performed. The lowest minds 
can not rise into space at all. This is the reason of the lower 
societies residing on the earth in your midst. They can not 
rise, and therefore do not believe they have latent powers of 
moving by the will. These are around you all the time, their 
homes being with you, and are ever ready to converse with you, 
if all conditions are not harmonious, and hence, to them, repel- 
lant. These can control physical matters more easily than the 
higher classes. The more exalted the spirit becomes, the less can 
it control physical things of earth, and it ultimately becomes 
impossible to do so directly. But to pass thus from earthly 
influence, it must become so exalted that the truths it would 
communicate would so far transcend man's conception that they 
would be useless. Hence you are greatly exposed to the crude 
answers arising from the ignorance and deceptiveness of the low 
societies, and the only means to prevent such answers is to pre- 
serve a harmonious mind. In circles, the utmost harmony 
should prevail, or the confusion will attract confused minds. 
These, having but little to occupy their thoughts, are ever ready 
to communicate, while the elevated have duties to perform, and 
can not, or will not, come at any hour they may be called on. 
They are all striving to advance themselves." 

Circle. — " If they have such a boundless love and philanthropy 
for us, they would delight in spending their time in instructing us." 

Sage. — " Suppose the angels you called on should spend their 
whole time for your benefit, how much time would you surrender 
to them ? What farmer would leave his plow ? What mechanic 
his bench ? 'Ah !' you answer, * these are our employments, and 
we can not well leave them.' We have our employments, more 
essential than yours. We save a minute while you spend an 



102 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD J 

hour. Every moment of time is precious to us, and, if our phi- 
lanthropy send us to earth, it is at a great sacrifice. The spirit 
advances by study. The more we learn the more expansive our 
minds become ; we have our aspirations, our hopes and expecta- 
tions. We ardently desire to become elevated into the brilliant 
circles above us. How we desire to sit down in the groves of 
the sphere above us—one day's journey nearer the omnipotent 
God 1 The visions from above arise in our expanding souk — 
beautiful surpassing expression. 

" I would that I could impress you fully with the value of a 
single hour of time. What can be done in the hours ? There 
is nothing so ruinons as the waste of time. Though life is an 
eternity, the moments count, and wield a potent influence on the 
character who wastes or preserves them." 
Circle. — " Would you have us gratify all our faculties V 
Sage. — "Yes; every faculty has its appropriate function, 
which it should be allowed to fill but not exceed. The moral 
faculties are monitors over the lower, while the latter give strength 
to the former. The mind is composed of antagonisms, which 
mutually compensate each other and prevent excessive action. 
It is wrong for any faculty to absorb the whole energies of its 
nature from the others. The social faculties and affections should 
be drawn out by the intercourse with friends, but their cultiva- 
tion should not become the end of life. The intellect should be 
cultivated, but not at the expense of the physical. The animal 
organs should bo kept active, but should not infringe upon the 
higher functions. The result of pure affections is to lead man 
into societies; their ultimate effects will be to form associations, 
communities, etc. It is as wrong to destroy or neglect as it is to 
improperly excite the basal organs. Their gratification within 
their prescribed limits is as right as the gratification of benevo- 
lence or friendship. The doctrine which teaches the contrary 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 103 

nas descended from traditionary vagaries, and has * ignorance ' 
stamped upon it. You should strive to harmonize all the facul- 
ties, functions and powers of your entire being, and, though you 
may not wholly succeed, you can approximate the perfection of 
a Harmonial Man. Adieu !" 



104 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 



CHAPTER XIV. 

A VISIT TO A DISTANT GLOBE. 

The band visit a distant sun— Their flight through space— The meeting—Discourse of 
Christ — Its beauty and grandeur — Description of Christ — Conversation — Song. 

Marvin, recovering from his melancholy, proposed a visit to a 
distant sun they saw twinkling as a point of light far away in the 
dim blue. The proposition was readily accepted, for all wished 
to give him an opportunity to make himself useful, that he might 
feel more at home in their company, and they themselves learn 
from his experience. Upward they arose, the earth appearing to 
sink from beneath them, while they appeared to remain station- 
ary. Then, instead of a great plain bounded by the horizon, it 
contracted into a sphere, and when they ascended still higher, it 
appeared a ball suspended in space. The sun and planets under- 
went rapid changes. When they reached the confines of a plan- 
et's atmosphere, all the other orbs lost their rays or scintillations, 
becoming, to their vision, as balls or points of light. The sun 
appeared of brilliant whiteness and purity, while the stars 
assumed various hues, owing to the decomposition of light in 
their own atmosphere. The sun, in their rapid flight, became a 
mere point of light, and then expired behind them in the in- 
comprehensible space over which they had traveled. They 
passed away through an opening among the worlds, and saw a 
brightening orb of mellow radiance. To this they directed their 
course. Every moment, a new universe spread above, beneath 
and arouud them, redolent with Nature's gems. Worlds, suns 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 105 

and planets whirled past them in their rapid career. The distant 
star they sought became a world, expanding until it spread out 
beneath them, bounded with a horizon. * * * * At length 
they pierced its thin atmosphere and alighted on its beautiful 
surface. 

" I once came here in search of heaven," said Marvin, " bringing 
a hell and the capabilities of a heaven with me. I was attracted 
by the superior beauties of the place, and searched thia whole 
world over. I was unsuccessful, it is true, but I learned many a 
lesson of wisdom which I otherwise should have never known." 
" Your experience," replied Leon, " has taught you many 
things we have never learned. Your knowledge of localities, and 
the aspects assumed by Nature in the various worlds, is far greater 
than ours, for we have passed our time in searching the deeper 
arcana of Nature. 

" All have their spheres of action," spoke the Sage. " Each 
individual has his proper place for the time-being. Every one 
adapts himself to surrounding circumstances. Change these, and 
you change their character. All things are governed by the 
absolute and impartial law of necessity. This none can refute. 
We enter tho rudimental sphere by laws over which we have no 
control, and we leave that state for this by self-acting laws of a 
similar nature. We possess control over nothing ; but everything 
moves by necessity. The stone falls to the ground, world revolves 
around world, sun around sun, by the action of similar causes. 
The laws of the universe are like the different parts of a beauti- 
ful and nicely-adjusted machine, every part of which is perfectly 
adapted to the demands of every other part, and all animated 
by one interior propelling force, which necessitates every other 
part to move with the utmost precision." 

" But who established such omnipotent laws, which so wisely 
govern matter !" 

"They are co-eternal and co-existent with matter. Upon 

6* 



106 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WOBLD ; 

them matter depends for its existence, and, by them, it derives 
all its properties of form, extension, indestructibility, etc.* Ask 
who made matter. I can not answer otherwise than by my 
reason and the reason of those above me, which informs me that 
in some of its numerous forms it has always existed." 

" If this be true, as it was governed by the same laws, why 
did not Nature assume her present form at first?" ' ' * '; 

" Saying the laws of the universe were co-eternal with mat- 
ter, is not affirming that they all began their action at once. 
Matter was subject to development, and when the* conditions 
were not favorable to the action of superior influences, it remained 
in a low and negative state. But, however low it may be, it 
will in time be prepared for the action of the higher. Thus we 
may regard the universe as a machine governed by higher and 
higher principles, as it is polished and perfected. In every new 
plane matter reaches, it modifies the previous code of laws, but 
does not set them aside. When the necessary condition of life 
from motion is fulfilled, life is generated. Each era, each age 
that worlds pass through, modifies the action of previous laws, 
and new forms of life, peculiar to those eras, are produced. To 
demonstrate what were those conditions, look at our world. 
Each age has its types, found in no other; and its present 
forms are living witnesses of this beautifnl adjustment." 

u You speak as though ' law ' were the prime mover of Nature, 

* The term u law " is borrowed from the civil code, and used in this 
sense because the action it represents appears superficially to be similar • 
yet there is a vast difference. As used in this work it means a principle 
of nature, blended in and confounded with the existence of matter. It 
is not used in the civil sense in the least, and, if it were possible to use 
correct terms, it would be best to throw the word " law " entirely aside. 
By " law " we mean an attribute of matter which compels it to pursue 
a certain course, conditions being similar, to effect a given result Thus 
a stone falls to the ground if nothing prevents it ; if sustained or held 
up by superior force, it does not fall. Circumstances modify everything. 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 107 

while I always regarded it as a * code of action ' by which an 
intelligent agent acted, and not in the sense in which you appear 
to use it." 

" You speak the ideas of the world. You well know that all 
our ideas are comparative. We can reason only by comparison of 
causes and effects. The action of what is called 'a natural law' 
is similar to what is called a ( code of action/ and, hence, to ex- 
plain the subject to rudimental comprehension, the term ' law ' has 
been employed, but not in the sense in which you take it. As I be- 
fore stated, the existence of matter depends upon certain principles, 
and thus it must have ever been, for, if it lost a single one of these, 
it could not have existed. Under the various combinations and 
conditions of these, originate its properties and affinities, which 
make it just as easy for it to become a living form as to aggre- 
gate in the crystal. Thus you perceive that I make no overruling 
4 code of action,' but when I say matter existed from eternity, I 
comprehend all its properties, conditions," etc. 

" The subject appears plain in the new light in which you pre- 
sent it. I was obliged to reject the doctrine of necessity on the 
ground urged against it by the clergy." 

I comprehend you — like the majority of mankind, you were 
willing to pay the clergy to do your thinking, while you employed 
your talents in amassing wealth. I can not sufficiently impress 
the folly of such a course." 

" It is true, too true, I gave way to the belief of others, and 
thought I could recognize the existence of an overruling power, 
separate and detached from Nature." 

" The impossibility of this dogma I hope you will see. It is 
supported only by the flimsiest fallacies. For instance, they ask, 
'Is it not impossible for this beautiful creation which spreads 
around us, to have come by chance?' No one believes it 
came by chance ; but I would ask which is most reasonable, the 
idea of the universe being born from chance — pure, ungoverned 



108 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

chance-— or of a Being so infinitely superior to it, to creating it 
from nothing ; or, lastly, of its existing without creation ? But I 
have not said Nature came by chance, but from its own inherent 
principles. I can not speak of the beginning, I know nothing of 
that ; but of the course of matter since the beginning, I speak 
understanding^." 

"That appears reasonable to me, and has the force of 
truth." 

" Do you not," interrupted Hero, " feel a peculiar attraction 
from hitherward." 

" I do," replied the Sage, " and have for some time. It can 
proceed only from an assembly of highly-developed minds. Let 
us proceed thither." 

In a few momenta they were in the presence of exalted minds. 
They were listening to the address of one of their number, who 
was recognized by the Sage as Christ While on earth, he was 
a perfect man — his body a model of symmetry, his mind har- 
monious and pure, his thoughts beautiful, his speech eloquent, 
simple and grand. Christ in the spheres is a model of angelic 
perfection. If his form on earth was that of a perfect man, it 
was now that of a perfect angel. If his mind was for man a 
model, it was now a model for spirits. If his speech to man 
was eloquent and truthful, it was now grand and sublime. As 
the assembly were arranged, he occupied a slightly elevated posi- 
tion, like as he did in his ancient temple*— a temple whose lofty 
canopy was the blue arch of heaven. He discoursed to many 
eager listeners. Some of them were still imbued with the false 
ideas they had formed of him and his doctrines while on earth, 
and efforts were used to eradicate them. He first spoke of the 
idol worship of earth's children, and compared them to heathen 
islanders, with whom a sculptor left a beautiful marble statue. 
When he was gone they hung beads and tinsel, shells and deco- 
rations over it, until when, years after, the sculptor returned, 



OR, LIFE IK THE SPHERES. 109 

he found bis master-piece entirely concealed beneath the tower- 
ing pile of rubbish. Bo had it been with his teachings there. 
They had lost all their pristine vigor and beauty by being cloud- 
ed with bigotry, fanaticism and superstition, and needed the rub- 
bish and tinsel cleared away, and their entire spirit renovated. 
Then he contrasted the highest stations of earth with those they 
now occupied. 

Such burning eloquence, such grand comparisons, such figures of 
speech, would strike tne mortal poet dumb, when comparing his 
best efforts to those now delivered. Man forms a very incorrect 
idea of Christ from the evangelists. When he spoke of the in- 
effable beauties of spirit-life, so harmonious were his numbers, 
that all the listeners in the vast assembly tuned their voices to 
the measure of his words. When he towered above, and dwelt 
upon the grand principles of man's moral nature, it seemed that 
God had descended from his throne of light. His voice thrilled 
through the hearts of his listeners as he told them of the laws 
they should obey. When he spoke of the majestic and sublime, 
he made his hearers behold what he described. When he touched 
on the crime, vice, misery and woes of the lower societies, his 
sorrowful accents would melt the heart, steeled though it might 
be by the transgressions of man. Such wonderful powers of 
conception, such beautiful diction, such stern simplicity, are be- 
yond the power of words to express. Should we strive to copy 
a sentence from the wonderful speech, the barrenness of language 
would become painfully conspicuous. When we speak of things 
within the conception of the human mind, we do not perceive 
the want of terms in language ; but when we would speak of the 
beauties of our spirit-home, we find language (all languages) de- 
ficient in the requisite terms; for the idea of such sublimity 
and splendor never entered the heart of man, and .hence he has 
no terms to represent them. 

The charmed audience were excited with the deepest emotion 



110 SCENES IN THE SPIRHVWOBLD J 

as his thrilling words swept oyer their heart-strings. He closed 
by exhorting them whenever they had the opportunity, to de- 
scend to the lower societies and to earth, and teach the doctrines 
of Nature. They assented to the truth of this, convinced that 
they owed this duty to themselves and their fellows. 

" Now have I seen Christ whom I worshiped as God," said 
Marvin, in bewilderment, " and if ever a messenger came from 
the throne of the Great Intelligence he is one." 

" I presume he has dispelled all your ideas of his divinity." 

" Truly he has, and I can not imagine how I could have ever 
believed so absurd a doctrine. I think I never did harmonize 
the three-oneness of the Godhead, but threw a mystery over it, 
which I thought sacrilege to touch." 

"Mankind clothe their ignorance by the ail-comprehending 
term ' mystery,' which is but another name for ignorance." 

" When they find a subject baffling their powers of comprehen- 
sion they are ever ready to exclaim : Itf is a great mystery, beyond 
the ken of reason, and it is sacrilege to attempt to reveal it, for God 
has concealed it from human effort. Alas ! for human ignorance, 
crushing the millions down, down the dark and loathsome ways 
of death ! Alas ! for human weakness, grasping the shadow, 
while the substance passes by them unobserved." 

" Well may you exclaim thus, brother," said Hero. " Alas ! 
for human ignorance and selfishness ; every one believes them- 
selves superior to their neighbors ; all are willing to teach, and 
none to be taught I have wept over the*Sodom on earth. I 
still weep, praying ever that the march of ages will relieve the 
down-trodden, and elevate all far, far above the level of the most 
advanced minds now on earth." 

u The day of which thou speakest," said the Sage, " is close at 
hand. Its messengers are already rapping at the portals of 
earth. The prophets saw its gray morning's blush on the hori- 
zon of mind, with its refulgent coming. The grand illumina- 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. Ill 

tion — the millennium of mind — is approaching on the wings of 
thought. Tyranny, anarchy, misrule, slavery and false govern- 
ment will be swept away before its irresistible tide ! The sove- 
reignty of the individual will take the place of these ; then shall 
the love of wisdom walk forth in the splendor of its morning 
beams." * * * * 

"Hero, sing a song to close our sojourn here, and then we will 
take our swift course to our distant home !" said Leon. 

"With a pathos beyond the conception of those who have not 
heard a spirit song in the spheres, she sang the following, as 
nearly as the language can be rendered in the speech of mortals : 

" Let us tarry no longer on this far distant sun ; 
Our journey here ends, or mission is done ; 
No longer through high airy regions to roam, 
We will seek the lov'd bowers of our far-distant home. 

" We have heard the sweet lessons of wisdom and grace ; 
We have rapturously gazed on suns whirling through space ; 
We have seen the bright groves of the spirits above, 
Whose minds are perfected in wisdom and love. 

" No longer to wander through heaven's airy tide ; 
No longer to gaze on these scenes as we glide ; 
Let us home to our bowers, where genial showers 
Awaken new life in the plants and the flowers." 



112 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 



CHAPTER XV. 
RE-UNION IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD. 

Lucian the stranger comes back to the Portico dejected, and to the questions of the 
Sage relates another episode of his life— Mary—The union of spirits. 

Reader, do you remember the stranger who recounted his 
conventional marriage to the Society ? We designate him by 
the name of Lucian. As the Society sat beneath the Grove he 
approached them. The same care-worn expression marked his 
brow with painful outlines, and there appeared in his manner a 
degree of nervousness, though he strove hard to conceal it. 

" Thou hast returned, brother, from they earthly mission ?" 

" I have," answered Lucian, in mingled accents of shame and 
sorrow. 

" Have you fulfilled that mission V 9 

" Speak not of it to me," said he — " speak not of it to me ! 
How can I teach when I have such sins resting on my shoul- 
ders ? I can not say to others, Do this, when I have done the 
contrary myself." 

" You spoke not of such disobedience when I saw you." 

" No, for I did not then regard it as such ;*but when convers- 
ing with a circle, I saw my own case in one of its members. 
The conviction burst upon my mind ; I then saw for what I had 
suffered so much, and recognized that punishment as just. I 
could say no more of love, when I had disregarded its just laws, 
and I fled away confounded. O mighty Sage, a burning hell 
has encompassed me ever since, from which I can not escape !" 

" You are guilty." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 113 

" Guilty ! yes, a vile, guilty wretch ! It is a long tale, soon told. 
I loved a modest maiden, and she loved me. We played and 
sang together in our childhood, and in our youth our lot was al- 
ways cast together. She was plain, comfiding, unaffected, and 
retiring in her manners. She was always what she appeared. 
But she did not equal my ideal. I saw a girl who, understand- 
ing my peculiarities, used art, and was the ideal of my dreams. 
She made me forget my first love, and for a time love her. How 
that affection vanished — how I passed a few years — long ages 
it seemed — you already know. The art appeared, love vanished, 
and I was miserable. The maiden of my boyhood died of a 
broken heart, I then thought, for another ; but 1 understand bet- 
ter now ; I did it myself. Oh, to think of this — to remember 
the days of love we passed together — that I, in whom she had 
placed her confidence, should cause her death, adds torment to 
my aching brain 1" 

u I know not how to soothe your mind," replied the Sage ; 
" your violation is great, trampling as you did on the highest law 
of mind. Human affections should not be thus trifled with. 
They are more precious than diamonds ; and he who crushes 
them, must be severely dealt with. I understood your situation 
when I first saw you, but considered it best to let you find it out 
for yourself, as it would produce a more vivid impression, and 
do you a more lasting good." 

" But I was ignorant of the mental injury I was inflicting ; I 
knew not that unrequited love recoils back with such overwhelm- 
ing power. I supposed love but a transient passion, soon and 
easily subdued." 

" Ignorance is no defense to set up to escape punishment. 
Cause and effect will eternally operate ; and punishment must 
necessarily follow crime. The prejudices of earth are such 
that there is no mean between friendship and love. The op- 
posite sexes are forbidden to be friends of a higher order. The 



114 SCENES IN THE SPIMT-WOBLD ; 

suspicion of parents or neighbors is immediately aroused. Marry, 
or stand clear, is the motto. The individual thus deprived of 
society, as necessary as breath, rushes hastily into marriage with- 
out due consideration. Courtship should last for several years, 
instead of as many weeks, that each may become thoroughly 
acquainted with the other. Then it is well to make the ties of 
the two souls still stronger. Love is not a passion, neither is it 
transitory, but it is the uniting of two souls into one ; and verily 
such unions will exist, growing stronger and more intimate, 
when yonder mountain shall be changed to vapor, and shall 
have passed away. This is true marriage — an eternal union of 
soul, thought, and being. There is no passional feeling in it, 
that being of an entirely secondary nature. Animal love may 
be subdued ; but spiritual love, when once drawn out, is as last- 
ing as time, and develops more and more in the spirit-world. It 
seeks one object, and clings to it with the greatest tenacity 
through life and death ; and puts forth its bloom after thou- 
sands of ages hence, near the throne of the omnipotent Mind. 
Love is a delicious dream of the soul, which if rightly directed 
becomes a glorious reality in the future. It adds power to genius, 
and expands the wings of thought to their utmost extent. No 
one is what he should be if he has not loved and been loved in 
return. But unreturned love, crushed back to its secret foun- 
tain, stifled down by the proud soul, is blighting, withering and 
destructive in its effects." 

" Oh that I knew Mart loved me still — that she did not hate 
and despise me 1" 

" You disowned your Mary in the world, and through long 
years scorned and despised her." 

" I never despised her ; I loved her ; I thought it friendship, 
but you well know I could not manifest that in the jealous world 
without scandal, and was compelled to avoid any intercourse 
with her." 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 115 

" You threw away her love." 

" But I was led astray, and afterward compelled to do so. I 
blamed her not for the course she took, nor despised her for the 
result" 

" Did you sympathize with and pity her ?" 

"May God bear record that I did; and how often I have 
prayed, that I might find her and tell her of my sorrow and re- 
pentance for the wrong I did her V 1 

u Why have you not found her before this l n 

u I know she is in heaven, but I can not find any trace of her 
abode." 

During this conversation his eyes were cast on the ground, and 
he appeared as though guilty of a heinous crime, daring not to 
look up and meet the searching gaze of the Philosopher. The 
latter now took Mary by the hand, saying, 

" Lucian, here is the Mary you disowned, and crushed by refus- 
ing her love. She forgives you all." 

Mary, who had eagerly listened to the conversation, was now 
so completely overcome, that she could scarcely stand. Lucian 
gazed at her a moment, and then caught her in his arms. Both 
were unable to speak from the violence of their emotions. 
Lucian recovered the use of speech first, and with great effort 
exclaimed, 

" It is not for me to be thus happy 1 I can not — can not ask 
Mary to accept my love. I am unworthy, and have thrown it 
away once ; she must despise me now!" 

" Not thus," said the Sage ; " she will forgive you and forget the 
past" 

u Speak, Mary, speak — am I forgiven f " 

" Yes, Lucian, a thousand times," said she, in a sweet voice, 
smiling through her tears. 



116 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WORLD ; 

We dislike scenes where such nervous suffering is disclosed, 
and will therefore draw the curtain, leaving the remainder to the 
reader's imagination. 

There is no violation of spiritual law which meets so severe a 
punishment as that of drawing out the confiding love of the soul, 
and crushing its expanding bloom. We can not paint the misery 
and woe which result from such conduct, in sufficiently vivid 
colors. The affections expect a return ; they send out their ten- 
drils to twine around some human heart, and if they find no 
support, they are bent back upon themselves, and are left desolate 
and alone. It may appear strange to you that love has a 
similar action in heaven ; but you must remember that heaven 
is a place of love — that one of the supreme attributes of God is 
unbounded love, and that angels feel the influence of this faculty 
a thousand-fold more than man. If so, it must have an object ; 
and hence we find those who are congenially united together*, are 
unities, and enjoy the most perfect bliss. 

" Can you now teach mankind ?" asked the Philosopher. 

u I feel free to go now. No crime is on my brow. I have just 
found heaven ; its peace and joy encompass my heart ; I have 
been in the opposite condition, ever since I left earth. The 
vacancy I felt in my mind is filled. I feel seconded by a noble 
being, who, in time of need, will give me aid. Conscience will 
not accuse me now." 

" You can now add this precept to your teachings : ' Teachers 
should follow their own instructions, and not attempt to teach 
until they are themselves comparatively pure.' " 

" I shall tarry no longer with you, but take my mission on 
earth." 

" Go ; our prayers are with you for your success." 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 117 



CHAPTER XVI. 

CONTBNTEDHEBS NOT GOODHESS. 

Leon's experiment.— He takes a common mind up to the highest society of Philoso- 
phers, to show them that mere negative goodness is not all that is required of 
man. 

Wishing to ascertain the feelings of a negatively good spirit 
when suddenly led into the highest circles, Leon went to earth 
and soon found such a one as he desired. This was an aged man, 
with but common talents, giving ready credence to the doctrines 
of the Church. He was satisfied with everything as it was. He 
revered the doctrines of the Church, because time-honored. He 
believed because he did not think. He loved his fellow-men, be- 
cause he had no hatred for them. It was indeed a problem, where 
such a passive organization would gravitate. 

He was standing by the side of his body, looking around in 
bewilderment. Leon took him by the hand, asking him where 
he was. 

" I am dead," ho replied ; " but I can not tell where I am." 

" You are in heaven, or rather in the world of spirits. Look 
yonder away, through the blue expanse ; that is the spirit-home. 
You appear in the right state to enjoy its advantages, as your 
mind is peaceful and composed." 

" I trust I am, for I have lived fourscore years on earth, and 
have never had any difficulty with my neighbors, or a dispute of 
any kind. My relations are harmonious with all men. I can 
safely say no one can bring a charge against me before tho 



118 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

throne of God. I have done right, as far as possible, and have 
gone truthfully, to the best of my knowledge." 

" Well, then, you should be rewarded for your good deeds." 
" Come with me and enjoy the fruits of your good deeds." 
He conducted him suddenly into the midst of the highest so- 
ciety it was possible for them to gravitate to. Have you ever 
seen a rude boor conducted into the presence of kings, where 
all the flashing trophies of a court met his astonished gaze? 
Then you can imagine how this spirit stood in the presence of 
this society. It was composed of philosophers and naturalists, 
with lofty brows towering upward in their efforts to understand 
the mysteries of the works of God, sitting in conversation on ab- 
struse subjects. The light overpowered his senses. There was 
nothing in common with him and them. He could not compre- 
hend their actions ; but in the brilliancy of colors which flashed 
around him, the forms he saw seemed a council of the gods met 
in consultation over the destiny of worlds, and he was completely 
bewildered and confounded. He intuitively understood that 
there was no enjoyment for him there, and happening to cast his 
eye upon his garments, in the brilliancy around they were as 
black as night. This overpowered him, and his usually passive 
soul was excited to action, and in agony he exclaimed : 

" Oh take me away ! take me away ! I shall perish in the in- 
tensity of this light. Take me where I am equal, at least, to 
those who surround me !" 

u Come with me, then," said Leon, taking the hand of his com- 
panion ; "you here behold what you and every other spirit are 
capable of becoming." 

They approached a society of the same grade of the aged 
man. They were not of that shining purity of Leon, nor as 
dark as those described in previous chapters. Here was a mean 
where passive goodness resided. They possessed not the ener- 
getic qualities which cause crime, and were consequently good — 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 119 

not because of noble virtue, but because they bad no inclination 
to evil. They crowded around them, knowing that a new mem- 
ber was to be added to their number, and thankful that so de- 
veloped a mind as Leon's should visit them. Leon, when about 
to depart, spoke as follows : 

" Your goodness has been of a passive character. So far you 
never have had any difficulty with any one. You have always 
agreed with the world. So the Quakers strove to live. But I 
tell you now, that this is not the goodness that elevates man in 
the spheres. It is no virtue for a person devoid of passions to 
be virtuous, nor for a person devoid of animalities to be good, 
for we can not measure the goodness of the man until we know 
how well he governs his baser faculties, if he possessed them. 
The morality having nothing to combat, becomes dormant. Con- 
tentment, or rather lethargy, is not the law of nature. Every- 
thing is striving and aspiring to attain a higher state. The 
infant looks forward to youth ; youth to manhood ; old age to 
the spirit-world. He who sits down content amid the scene of 
upward strife will speedily find himself on the retrograde. You 
should not be satisfied with your present lot, but strive to elevate 
your minds, that some time in the ages of the future you can 
comprehend the condition of those whose presence has now so 
blinded and confused you. Strive with holy aspirations to ascend 
upward forever, to the comprehension of final causes. The 
shaded garments you wear to-day will grow brighter to-morrow, 
as you become more and more elevated in thought, and ascend 
higher and higher in purity." 



120 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ADDRESS OF TEE SAGE. 

The Philosopher finds a circle to whom he can fully convoy his thoughts— He then ad- 
dresses them on the attributes of Man and Spirit— What will elevate or depress in the 
spheres, Deity, crime, wretchedness, slavery of mind and body, the true man, etc., 
etc., going rapidly over the whole ground of reform, and pointing out the duty of man. 

It was a splendid evening when the spirit band came down 
from their ethereal homes to re-visit the scenes of their earthly 
life. The spirit, when it visits earth, feels like the traveler who, 
after long journeyings, reaches the place of his nativity ; new 
pleasures are awakened, and the association recalls the incidents 
of rudimental life. The Society paused for a long while, survey- 
ing the familiar scenes around them in silence. Leon interrupted 
the stillness. 

" This scene causes a melancholy sensation to steal over me, 
which I would gladly throw off, and yet it thrills my being with 
indescribable emotions." 

" Melancholy is often a mournful pleasure of a holy character." 

" I wish I could experience its influence," said Hero, with a 
smile. 

" Your light heart would be crushed. But our mission is not 
here ; let us fulfill the object for which we came." 

They moved on to a mansion, in which a large circle had con- 
vened. When they entered the atmosphere the Sage smiled 
with satisfaction, exclaiming, 

" I have long desired to meet with such a circle, and for some 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 121 

lime past I have watched for such an opportunity. I have pon- 
dered in my mind how, and on what subject, I would speak to 
the rudimental sphere. I will now speak in a miscellaneous 
manner of the many things I would relate. 

"If you speak miscellaneously you will tell each what he 
wishes to know," replied Platonius. 

ADDRESS TO THE CIRCLE. 

Twenty-five centuries have rolled away since I passed from the 
rudimental sphere. Each year of those centuries has been a 
volume to me. My wisdom has expanded in the light of those 
ages, and I now feel more youthful than when, in my Portico in 
Greece, I taught a sublime, yet crude, philosophy to those who 
thirsted for truths beyond those found in the ceremonies and 
mysterious rites* of mythology. I am younger now than then, 
for a vast circle spreads far above me. I can perceive there is 
more to learn now than I then thought possible to exist. The 
philosopher in his early career exclaims : " I am almost at the 
end of the race for wisdom." Foolish thought, when tho wisdom 
of the Infinite God is all beyond. 

You look upon the earth as a huge ball ; but when standing 
far away on the fixed stars, the whole solar system, the sun, plan- 
ets, satellites and comets, appear not as large as the mite in the 
sunbeams ! You look upon man as the ultimate of creation ; yet 
there are angels beside whom he would appear far more insig- 
nificant than the Patagonian savage beside the intelligent Euro- 
pean philosopher. Man is an animalcule on the earth, which is 
itself but an atom of the universe. There is a vast void between 
the animalcule in the drop of water and a solar system ; yet a 
greater difference exists between the wisdom of roan and the 
Infinite Wisdom beyond. 

In the beginning, remember that your life-journey is not for 

to-day, but for eternity. Your journey after wisdom is like our 

6 



122 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

journey through space. We direct our course to a distant star, 
behind which no others appear. As we move onward, points of 
light start out from the dark background, and when we rest on 
the distant orb, the diamonds of the blue expanse flash out to 
welcome us there. Again we take our flight to a pale, glimmer- 
ing point of flame ; again the blue arch is redolent with constel- 
lations. When we reach the confines of one system, another is 
ready to flash out and welcome us. There is no beginning, no 
end — all is oue mighty eternity of systems and forces. 

So with wisdom. March onward in its path forever, and for- 
ever more is written before you. Your past toil but illumines 
the endless way, exhibiting more clearly its unimaginable 
length. Thus was the universe formed. No finite being can 
comprehend its vast proportions, or arrive at the grand attributes, 
the final causes, which lie away far down in the depths of 
Nature, and underlie and ramify throughout creation. 

The matter composing our earth was very low at first, and 
was developed by degrees. The gaseous ocean of the beginning 
was the necessary germ, combining all the elements in its vapory 
mass. The igneous nucleus, or center, was necessary to give the 
earth its globular form, its diurnal and yearly revolutions, and 
prepare it for the next stage, when the water condensed and 
formed the thermal oceans, which boiled as cauldrons on a heated 
furnace. The coal era cleared the atmosphere from the super- 
abundant carbon, and fitted it for the support of life. The 
saurian types of animals were the representation of the pecu- 
liar combinations and conditions existing when they flourished. 
The chalk formation freed the ocean from surplus lime — so of all 
ages. Man came last, because in him are combined the essences 
of the material world — of zoophyte, fish, lizard, reptile, bird and 
beast Man's brain contains finer and higher material than the 
brute's, which raises him above the instinct of animals. In him 
Nature has added one more link to the endless chain — has 



OB, LIFE IK THE SPHERES. 123 

formed the key-stone of the arch of mind, which prevents the 
whole from falling, and she has thus given him an eternity 
beyond the grave, that his mind, having a thirst for unbounded 
wisdom, may have an eternity of time to seek it in. The per- 
fected spirit is the end of creative Nature. For it, the gaseous 
ocean of the beginning existed ; for it, the igneous ball rolled 
through the vast space for ages ; for it, one form of life after 
another came, type following type, and degree succeeding de- 
gree in endless mutations. Man is the bud, the spirit, the 
unfolding flower of Nature, which will go on unfolding its powers 
until it reaches the throne of the Omnipotent Mind. 

Thus, you perceive, there is no end to the acquisition of wis- 
dom, and though the weary soul pitches its camp each day a 
day's journey nearer God, the number of those days' journeys aro 
as countless as the leaves of the forest, or, the sands of the sea- 
shore. March forward as far and as fast as you will, and you 
need never speculate on the consequences of arriving at a point 
where progression ends. 

Draw a circle about you to-day, and. to-morrow's circle will 
encompass it. The growth of the soul is like the growth of the 
tree, by consecutive circles, each new growth encompassing all 
the rest The soul is exogenous and endogenous in its growth ; 
it grows not only from within, but also from without. Each 
age draws its circle around all those which are past. You may 
think cohesive attraction a great force — its sphere comprehen- 
sive — yet gravitation draws its circle around attraction, and a thou- 
sand forces beside ; and gravitation itself is far from a final cause. 
Some giant mind will, in the distant future, stretch forth his 
hand and describe a circle which will include gravitation and all 
its antagonistic forces. You must learn to comprehend great 
principles, and classify facts. By observing isolated instances, 
you loose the connection and become confused. Nature is a 
whole, and should be studied as such. 



124 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

Men are striving to describe circles around their predecessors. 
The circle which bounded the mental horizon of the ancients 
has become, as it were, the center, a point in the circle of 
to-day, while to-day's circle will be lost .in the efforts of the 
future. A circle which can not be outgrown in ages, exists only 
in the imagination of unprogressed minds. Whitherward tend 
all these efforts ? They tend to mingle in the grand circle of 
Omnipotent Mind. The men w T ho draw circles around their 
farms and cottages, around their stores, their warehouses, or the 
countries to which their ships go out ; those who circumscribe 
the range of thought to the earth, or in their efforts after wis- 
dom include the starry host in their mightily-expanded sphere — 
all, all are for the same object — the advance of mind in its efforts 
after the unattainable. 

The savage reaches out into the future state, and feels the 
presence of a supreme intelligence operating on his undeveloped 
faculties. Thus has man progressed, by the efforts of his intu- 
ition, in receiving impressions from the Omnipotent Mind. Thus 
all races, in whatever clime or country, however disadvantageously 
situated, in every age, have acknowledged an incomprehensible 
wisdom. From this, too, each nation has its own peculiar my- 
thology. Even the half animal, naked savage, on the bleak 
rocks of Patagonia, has a glimpse of that Infinite Spirit whom 
he imagines sighs in the evening breeze, and echoes his thunder- 
ing voice in the hoarseness of the mad waves which forever lash 
the rock-bound shore of his inhospitable clime. 

The human intellect has the most astonishing powers. It 
grasps a solar system at a thought. It would exert its powers 
and solve the mysteries of the Divine character. The unde- 
veloped mind feels that the external world is controlled by an 
invisible force which it can not comprehend. And from this 
arises the idea of the cosmos^ or universe, being a machine, with 
a superior intelligence to direct its motions. Of the character of 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 125 

that force the savage knows nothing, and the civilized man, the 
theologian, after the innumerable works they have written about 
it, know no more — the savage regards God as a separate and 
detached being. The civilized man, as the author of creation, 
penetrating through every atom of matter. 

This is well expressed in the Allah of the Mohammedan, " the 
Only." How beautiful is the idea contained in this : " God is the 
only P When we speak of him there is no Nature, for we mean 
everything. All is a part of the Omnipotent. God is the 
u Only," the "All," the "I am." He speaks to you through every 
sense, and impresses himself on your minds. 

Here, I perceive, the question arises in your minds, " What, 
and where is God V This vast subject has engaged the attention 
of theologians and philosophers through all recorded time, and 
yet nothing but a vague, unsatisfactory conception has been 
gained. Still the question arises, "What, and where is God 3" 
Still the human mind manifests its inward dissatisfaction in striving 
for something more — something beyond. In early ages, the 
chiefs and rulers could give their ideas, and their blind followers 
were satisfied. They recognized God as a personal being, and their 
followers worshiped him as such. This idea of God's person- 
ality has descended to the present time, and the mass still wor- 
ship a monstrous human potentate, instead of the controlling 
principle of universal nature. 

Say to the churchman that you believe the Deity to be the 
mind of Nature, and he will exclaim in sacred horror, " You are 
a disbeliever in a God ; you can not worship Him unless he is 
personified." The Chinese bowing before their idols, the Hin- 
doo prostrating himself before the crushing wheels of the Jug- 
gernaut, the fire-worshipers venerating the rising king of day, 
are no more idolatrous than those who worship a personified 
Deity. Nature will out. The germ of true veneration is deeply 
planted in man's nature, and can not be suppressed. From be- 



126 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD J 

neath the weight of ages of superstition, the high thoughts and 
holy aspirations of our nature will flash out like beautiful stars 
from behind the rolling clouds of the angry storm. In olden 
time I lived in a civilized land, and often to myself uttered the 
sentence, " What, and where is God ?" Civilization sent back 
its sullen echoes in a host of answers ; individuals and classes 
assailed me for a separate hearing ; all was uproar and con- 
fusion; but above the universal din arose the voice of the 
priests, that God was a potentate in the human form, dwelling in 
a far-off star, seated on an ivory throne, with priests and angels 
standing in vast numbers around, forever singing his praise. They 
described him to my mind as a compound of good and evil, hate, 
revenge, pride and ambition. One thing appeared self-evident — 
that none were satisfied, even with their own answers. 

I wandered over the sands of the desert, revolving the great 
inquiry in my mind. A son of the wild waste stood before me. 
Here is a child of Nature, thought I ; he can not be prejudiced to 
so great an extent as the previous named persons, by the myths 
of their fathers. In this, however, I was mistaken ; for none 
are above the prejudice instilled into their infantile minds by the 
instructions of their parents. For a moment, free thought broke 
through the clouds which hung over his mind, and Nature spoke 
through him : 

" Behold," said he, " these sands are bordered with plants. 
They grow and give me sustenance. In their growth I behold 
life and wisdom, and, in proportion as my mind expands, I be- 
hold intelligence. Look abroad over this waste. See yonder 
moving pillar of sand. God has moved his breath to do his bid- 
ding. I feel his presence in the broad sunshine and in the 
serene night. The stars reflecting the dim shadows of the waste 
remind me that he is far off, yet near." 

Turning to the Indian, who passes his life away chasing the 
deer through the forest, or pursuing the bear to his den — who 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 127 

dwells most with Nature, and has never been led astray from 
her truthfulness — we present our bold inquiry. For a moment 
he is amazed and confounded, when he exclaims : 

" View the mighty forest, the birds caroling in the branches. 
I hear his voice mingling with the wail of the spirits of my 
fathers in the breeze. In the echo of the thunder he speaks to 
me. Where is he ? You are now in his presence. He is ever 
speaking to you, for he dwells in everything, and is everywhere." 

Untutored child of Nature, from whence hast thou derived so 
much truth ? Theologians have long striven to grasp thy simple 
explanation, and failed. Preconceived opinions and tradition 
exercise great influence over the mind, and, although fully con- 
vinced that the Deity is an intelligent principle,* our thoughts 
mil personify Him in the imagination. Reason alone can set 
the matter right. So soon as you personify and give God a 
shape, you circumscribe his limits and power. So soon as you 
measure him by man, in power or shape, and thus bring him 
down to finite comprehension, you make him a finite personage. 
In the latter field much labor has been performed in vain. You 
must not compare him with man in this way. The fact that 
man stands apparently at the head of creation, is no evidence 
that there may not be inhabitants on other planets differing en- 
tirely from him in form, yet as far exceeding him in comprehen- 
sion and power of thought as the most acute philosopher on this 
globe exceeds the Hottentot who imagines the horizon to be the 
boundary of the universe. The finite can not comprehend the 
Infinite. The idea of God's personality leads us immediately 
into the idea that he is of the human form. The Cauca- 
sian thinks he is a Caucasian ; the Indian, a red man ; the 
African, a black chieftain ; and so to the limits of intelligence, 
where God's existence ceases to be recognized. It also compels 

* We would refer to the explanation of " law " in a previous chapter. 



128 SCENES IN THE SPIEIT-WOBLD ; 

the assigning of a locality. If God is local, he can not be 
universal ; he must be finite, and not infinite. A finite being 
can not control an infinite empire — thence there would be sys- 
tems of worlds, with all their intelligences and forms, situated 
far, far beyond the control of such a God. The great code of 
principles created the earth in its present form, and so far as they 
acted in creating, they now act in controlling. God is eternal ; 
so are these attributes. They are co-eternal, co-existent with 
matter, and can never be annulled or altered. As man's soul 
and body are one, so is the Infinite mind and the whole universe. 
But you say this idea of Deity will lead to Pantheism. What 
if it does ? Can there be no truth in Pantheism ? I care not 
from whence truth is derived. .1 never trouble myself as 
to the origin of an idea. If reason approve it, I am 
satisfied. Pantheism may contain some correct views. Even 
the lowest depths of Atheism rest upon some truths. All 
error begins in myth, and would be immediately condemned if 
not for the few truths upon which it rests. Men who dare not 
use a new truth, for fear of being styled infidel, are in want of 
moral courage. Such are willing to skim the surface, never dar- 
ing to go deeper than their predecessors and cotemporaries. 
" But how can you worship a principle, or a code of laws ?" 
If the ancients called those attributes manifested in Nature by 
the term God, and we now recognize in what this Deity consists, 
and if our devotion thus ceases, it is no argument against our con- 
ception. This objection is similar to the plea for ignorance, be- 
cause the learned do not feel the same degree of awe and wonder 
as the savage when gazing on the fearful tempest, or the roaring 
cataract. If increase of knowledge destroys devotion, then it 
should be destroyed. But does it do this ? The man who re- 
gards Deity as the Omnipotent Intelligence, will not fall down 
with blind zeal or bigoted devotion — with fear and trembling — as 
in the presence of an angry tyrant. Perhaps he will have no 



OR, LIFE Iff THE SPHBBES. 129 

stated time to go through the mummery of a formal prayer, only 
lip deep ; but his veneration will speak in the still, small voice, and 
he will adore the great cause of universal harmony which spreads 
around him, in which he recognizes the action of those great and 
comprehensive principles to which his fathers gave the name 
"Jehovah." The ignorant devotion paid him is the result of 
superstitious fear, and has not the semblance of true devotion. 

Devotion springs from the most exalted faculties of the mind. 
If man strives to be devout, he immediately loses his object; 
when he strives not at all, he is most devotional in his feelings. 
When the man who has violated law prays, whence cometh his 
prayer ? Not from the moral organs, but from the selfish and 
the animal. After men have become miserable by violating law, 
they pray God to forgive them. After doing wrong through the 
day, they pray for forgiveness at night. Hence God receives the 
homage of the animal propensities. True devotion to Deity, of 
the developed mind, is the obedience of all the laws of his 
nature. There is no distinction between Nature and God. That 
mass of matter and mind which has ever been separated, is an indi- 
visible unity. Let this lead to Naturalism or Pantheism ; these im- 
pressions are clear and strong, and rest on the immutable basis of 
creation. I consider the laws of Nature as the will of Deity ; 
the wisdom and intelligence displayed around me, as his mind ; 
and though in speaking of these it is well to preserve a partial 
distinction, yet, in reality, all is one inseparable unity. I recog- 
nize nothing superior or external to Nature ; nothing above, or 
controlling, this unity ; but within dwells perfection of principle, 
working forever with indefatigable energy. 

We have but one guide in the study of Nature, and that is 

reason. Revelation is scientifically shallow and superficial, being 

but a daguerreotype of the rude Hebrew mind. Respect it for 

the truths it contains, but not otherwise. Nature, then, is all that 

remains for our studv to bring to light those laws which reveal 

6* 



130 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

the hidden ways of the Omnipotent mind. The field is open, and 
though " Infidel " will be branded on all who pass through its 
portals, followers are not wanting. Why has the pursuit of the 
natural sciences always been thought dangerous to the mind? 
Why has materialism been said to be the result? Simply because 
such investigation opens the path to free thought — free commu- 
nication with Deity. 

God's attributes are revealed in Nature, and constitute the 
justice, benevolence, wisdom and love of the external world, from 
which spring harmony and progression. From these man 
absorbs the attributes he possesses. If they had not existed in 
Nature, they could not exist in him. His ideas are all absorbed 
in this manner. His conception of mathematics is derived from 
the precision he recognizes in all things. He observes that mat- 
ter pursues certain fixed courses to accomplish given results, and 
he calls these laws.* So of astronomy and philosophy — all 
ideas of which are derived from observation of celestial and ter- 
restrial motions. So, too, of all science. Nature is the "All," and 
from her crystal fount, mind absorbs as much as it wills, and still 
the clear stream . flows as bountifully as before, in never-ending 
currents of truth, love and intelligence. 

Hence, in all your, pursuits after knowledge, you will make 
Nature your text-book, and Reason your guide ; and learn from 
every babbling brook, from the majestic river, rolling its tranquil 
waters to the ocean in its sublimity ; learn from every mound, 
towering mountain, tumbling, water-fall, and fruitful plain. The 
name of a wonderful intelligence is marked on every flower. Its 
signet-ring is impressed on every shell of the sea, and on every 
leaf of the forest. Even every dew-drop contains a lesson of 
creation. He who sees not this intelligence in shell and leaf, is 
blind. He who hears it not in storms, and in thunder, is deaf. 

* Law lies beyond this, however. 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 131 

He who feels it not around and within him, speaking all the time, 
has not clear intelligence to feel. Thus is Deity ever present, 
addressing man and spirit from age to age. You stand forever 
in the presence of Jehovah. He is your teacher ; all your men- 
tality and morality are absorbed from him. How, then, should 
you act ? Act true to those attributes. How you can do so, I 
will now inform you : Charity is the basis of greatness. Pure 
Christianity clearly teaches this — yet few Christians have suffi- 
cient charity to cover a multitude of sins. 

You preach Temperance and Abolition, yet you shun the 
drunkard as you would contagion, and the negro, whom you have 
so shamefully wronged, with disgust. You are against capital 
punishment and the barbarous abuses of the criminal. Why do 
you not use all your influence to abolish these abuses ? Let your 
words and deeds be consistent. 

If you were in the circumstances of the drunkard, slaveholder, 
or criminal, you would act as they .do. Considering this, you 
should have charity for crime in all its forms. 

There are thousands of poor in your cities — in every town a 
few. How came they poor ? Let the capitalist and monopolist, 
the savages of society, answer. 

The infant must travel the same road — must go over the same 
ground his parents have traveled for these thousands of years. 
The road is a beaten track, and easily followed ; hence, under 
favorable circumstances, at thirty they have traveled over the 
whole vast space. But one may be hindered, or entirely stopped 
on the way, and then he becomes a savage, a barbarian, or 
half civilized, according to the point he reaches before en- 
countering the obstruction. Who arrests the upward journey 
of the child ? Society ; and society must bear the recoil of its 
arbitrary power. 

How have the past ages treated the criminal ? Humanity, 
shudder and hide thy blushing face ! Look down to the loath- 



132 SCENES IN THE 6PIBIT-W0BLD ; 

some dungeon, where a bundle of straw on the dirty floor is the 
resting-place of what might have been a man — a mouldy piece 
of bread and a bottle of water his only sustenance for days toge- 
ther. Look yonder at those state engines, the gallows, the 
gibbet, the guillotine, the inquisitorial prison, whose secret 
chambers are the portals of hell ; whose officers are incarnate 
demons ! 

You turn from these in disgust, and blush— blush to own your 
race! But enormities as great stare you to-day in the face, 
from which you withdraw your charity. An age of iron called 
for blood. These things were necessary concomitants of the 
struggle for civil freedom. Your jails and prisons, and the 
manner in which you treat your prisoners, though mild, com- 
pared with the past, are harsh, when compared with the standard 
of humanity at the present day. 

Society has a right to protect itself; but it has no right to 
infringe on the just rights of the individual. If a man threat- 
ens *you with injury, you are justified in restraining him, and if 
gentle means will not do it, in using strong measures; but never 
are you justified in taking his life, or maiming him intentionally. 
The fact that he injured you yesterday does not justify you in 
retaliating to-day. Revenge is the basest of the animalities. 
Charity has a lesson here to learn. In the undeveloped state 
of things now existing, the majority are born with bad organiza- 
tions. They are found in all classes of society. Reared from the 
embryo in the worst conditions, surrounded by circumstances 
calculated to excite alone the animalities, can you be astonished 
that men are as they are? They are surrounded by objects 
which excite their acquisitiveness ; by companions who allure 
them on to crime. They are bred amid filth, vice and corrup- 
tion, with scarce food enough to sustain the life within them, or 
fuel to keep them from freezing ; while all around is wealth, 
luxury and comfort. Blame them not, brother; you would 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 133 

soon learn to lie, and steal, and cheat, if you were similarly 
situated. 

The disposition to crime is a disease, like lunacy and other 
cerebral disorganizations ; and charity should teach pity, and not 
revenge. 

How did you treat your lunatics a few years ago ? You shut 
them up in dungeons, gave them straw for a couch, and only a 
little grated window through which to look out on God's beau- 
tiful world ! Then you appointed iron-hearted men, almost 
devoid of a shadow of humanity, to oversee them. When they 
screamed and tore their clothes, and gnashed their teeth, and 
twined their fingers through their hair in their agony, they were 
scourged, lashed, bruised and beaten. Did you cure lunacy by 
these means ? " Never, never !" echoes the cold, damp walls. 
Enlightened humanity stepped in and said : " Lunacy is a dis- 
ease :" then insane asylums arose amid beautiful parks ; comfort, 
convenience and health were consulted ; the insane were taught 
that they were not hated but loved ; and now the consequences 
are apparent* The lunatic is sent back to society a strong- 
minded, useful man. 

Take the criminal as you did years past ; shut him up in a 
cage as you would a wild beast ; give him no labor nor books — 
nothing to divert his mind from his gloomy situation. He feels 
crushed and insulted ; he feels that in him humanity is outraged. 
What do you shut him up in that dismal place for ? To protect 
society t No, but for revenge, cold-blooded, premeditated revenge ! 
He knows this, and Tesolves' when he regains his freedom, to 
profit by the example. He passes his gloomy years in concoct- 
ing desperate plans of revenge, and then is turned loose upon 
society like a fierce tiger from the jungle. Your roofs shall 
blaze now. Your property and life are in danger. You have 
made him worse by suoh training. 

So of the drunkard. You despise him as you do the criminal 



134 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

fresh from prison. Both feel that their manhood is forever lost; 
and, do they never so well, they feel that it is almost impossible 
for them to retrieve their former position. You say the murderer 
is past all hope, and you hang him for an example. Once, and 
that but a short time since, he was seated on his coffin, and 
paraded through the streets, and the gallows occupied the most 
conspicuous position in every town. Crime was then more pre- 
valent than now. Such scenes <JLo not intimidate and frighten 
the lower faculties, but rather excite and feed them. You 
now acknowledge this, and hang the poor culprit in one corner 
of the prison yard, out of sight of everybody. In none of these 
proceedings is charity exhibited. Take the drunkard away from 
the influence of his associates ; take the poisoned cup from his 
burning lips, and apply healing balms to his wounds. Bring 
the subject home to your own hearts. Study cause and effect 
attentively, and then act true to your convictions. If you re- 
strain men from revenge and retaliation, and if your object is to 
intimidate others, then apply the lash and invent tortures at 
which a demon would shudder. But if your object is to reform 
the unbalanced, and send them home to their friends and to 
society regenerated men, capable of struggling honestly with 
the adversities of life, then a great change must be made in your 
prison system. The offender's morality and intellect should be 
aroused, and everything which excites the basal or animal pro- 
pensities avoided. 

Have charity for the poor and distressed. Do not say that 
in their present circumstances they can do better, but place your- 
selves in their path, and become a new circumstance in their 
lives, to change their poverty to affluence, their distress to plea- 
sure. This will call out and exercise your, benevolence. It will 
be a source of pleasure to give to the needy and suffering. Copy 
benevolence from the external world. The rain falls equally on 
the just and the unjust Gifts are bestowed alike on the savage 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 135 

in his wild forest home, and the most refined Caucasian in his 
beautiful mansion. 

I will not speak of love or justice. If I should, I could but 
repeat truisms ; for you all know how to be just, and how to 
love. 

Again, you ask : " How can we become exalted in the 
spheres V 1 

He whc seeks exaltation for its own sake will be debased. 
Genius may soar on eagle's wings, tireless and strong, but 
the same wings which carry it to heaven will, when used by a 
perverted mind, depress it downward to perdition. Great men 
are necessary, and to them the race are loyal at heart. Genius 
may tread secure in its upward march among the precipices of 
fame, and so long as it keeps its eye steadfastly fixed on the 
radiant orb of truth and. love, it may go on until it rests its weary 
form upon the summit ; but so sure as it looks down with con- 
tempt on the masses toiling below, whom it has outstripped in 
the race of life, with scorn or egotism, so surely will it grow 
dizzy and fall, mangled and crushed, on the rocks below — its 
light put out when in its noon-tide glory, leaving only a blank 
to speak of its existence. 

Men of genius! a tremendous responsibility rests on you. 
Strive never so hard, and you can not more than accomplish the 
work marked out for you. The towering mountain which over- 
looks all its neighbors is a sublime spectacle to behold. From 
its craggy sides flow many crystal streams, to water and fertilize 
the warm valley below ; where the flower blooms in fragrance, 
and the grass spreads its downy carpet over the hills ; where the 
cool breeze waves the sighing forest, and ruffles the beautiful 
lake. Away up on its granite brow the storm and the sleet beat 
in wild fury, and the avalanche plows great furrows in its jagged 
sides. Thus genius, which towers above common men, must 



136 SCENES IN THE SPIBIT-WORU) ; 

expect to lire in a different clime, and encounter storm, tempest, 
hail, snow and driving sleet, while those on a lower plane enjoy 
the warm sunshine. The responsibility is, to manfully combat 
all opposing forces, and, like the mountain, resting on its strong 
basis, present a granite front to the battle. 

Common men, too, have their responsibilities. They all havo 
duties to perform to their fellow men. It is in vain for them to 
cry, " I am not my brother's keeper ;" they are recognized as 
such by the Lord. Present the subject in all lights, and still it 
is the same. Mankind are a great brotherhood. The depres- 
sion of one individual depresses all, as a blow of the hammer 
moves the earth. So the elevation of a single mind is felt by 
all. You cannot progress without dragging the whole world 
after you. Are you envious of the fame of the great discoverer 
or inventor ? Be not so ; the light is not shut from you, for by 
their efforts has been opened a larger field for your research. 
Most men make themselves prominent by putting out other's 
lights. These do not appreciate the truth, that by bringing the 
world with them, they can accomplish an infinitely greater good. 
The Nazarene understood this. His precepts, his philanthropy, 
his pure life, embraced the race, and he lives forever. If any one 
would speak through the coming ages, he must do likewise. 

Thus you perceive what exalts the man. Need I tell you 
what depresses him ? The pursuit of wealth has no correspond- 
ence in the Spirit-world. The miser and speculator are men of 
this world. They are respected, and called great. All their 
powers of mind are directed in one channel, and that the accumu- 
lation of wealth. In their haste for riches their intellect is per- 
verted, and the rank weeds of error luxuriate in the neglected 
mind. After death they awake the same in every minutia of 
thought ; but having no real objects upon which to exert their 
selfish desires, the only channel through which they can receive 
enjoyment, is closed, and they are miserable* On earth naturo 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 137 

always presented to them the sunny side ; now her light flashes 
up but to reveal their hideous development. You know that 
these can not be happy but miserable, under this recoil of the 
moral law. 

Death is a great leveler. When Charon wafts the weary soul 
over the Styx, he strips it of all its wealth, titles, honors and 
ornaments. The mind remains in its unconcealed magnanimity 
or meanness, and gravitates to its proper sphere. Kings and 
nobles awake and find themselves kings and nobles no longer, 
and hence are greatly dissatisfied with heaven's grand republic. 
They are too egotistical to be taught, and centuries roll away 
before they recognize the truth, that all men are equal in their 
rights. 

The condition in which men are born has great effect on their 
condition here. You do not expect the ignorant boor, the vagabond 
who roams your streets, to be as elevated as yourselves. Why ? 
Because the circumstances in which he was reared, and over 
which he had no control, made him ignorant, vicious, and 
criminal. But perhaps in the infinity of future ages, you will 
behold the power of that vagabond's mind transcend the united 
strength of Newton and Humboldt. 

Another great cause of misdevelopment is inharmonious mar- 
riage. The virtuous man and woman have peculiar sympathies 
which they can not express. They have strong desires for con- 
genial companionship. The mind images to itself the felicity of 
a union with another appreciating mind. It meets its object, 
and then knows that no mind is perfect without its mate. As 
the brain is constituted of two hemispheres, so it takes two minds 
to perfect one. God has planted these desires in the human 
soul, and under proper regulations the soul must act true to 
its promptings. Thus it recognizes its mate, and has a foretaste 
of the joys a union will produce. Now let it be turned off with 
a cold antagonistical companion, and it is crushed. The peace 



138 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT-WORLD ; 

of the family circle is broken by discord ; the lower passions of 
the* oflBpring are continually influenced by their sympathy with 
the- parents. The more spiritual the mind, the more discrimina- 
tion it possesses in the recognition of its true mate, and the more 
debased, the less discernment it possesses. 

If you would exalt your children through life and through 
eternity, make the family circle harmonious and pure — make it 
a primary school and college in which may be learned lessons 
of wisdom and virtue. 

No parent should be instrumental in bringing into existence 
an immortal being, if they are not fully able to give it a good con- 
stitution and an adequate education, so that it may be able to 
grapple with the difficulties of life. They commit an outrage on 
humanity who heedlessly throw their offspring upon society 
with diseased constitutions, and with what little life they possess, 
wholly unprepared for the trials of the world. What can you 
expect from antagonistic unions, where the children are bred 
from the beginning in an atmosphere of animal passions ? Can 
any other than coarse, low-minded men and women proceed from 
such a source? True, there are those now and then whom 
nothing can corrupt — so elevated in their sublime spirituality 
that they can walk through the depth of depravity unscathed ; 
but such are exceptions. The great multitude are all subject to 
surrounding circumstances. Exercise your charity then, brothers, 
in changing the condition of the miserable, and elevating the 
wretched. 

To this end, unite with a congenial mind. You say all strive 
to do so. Yes, but they only strive with their animal instincts, 
not with the attractions of the Spirit. There are numerous posi- 
tive attractions in the essence of the soul, which, if followed, will 
find their proper negatives. You should rise above all conven- 
tional regulations, and follow the dictates of reason and wisdom, 
and become passive to their impressions. The Spirit desires to 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 139 

find its mate. If it fails it is like the turtle-dove ; it mourns 
night and day, over hill and dale, to find the counterpart of its 
being. The ceremony is nothing ; the heart is all. 

" You ask, what is the condition of Spirits ? 

He who doeth well enjoys the satisfaction of that well-doing. 

The spiritual body pervades the external form. Bone pervades 
bone ; muscle, muscle ; nerve, nerve. The spiritual is a simile of 
the earthly body. When the earthly dust is brushed off— when 
it rises into the bright day of immortality — it finds itself the same 
entity with similar thoughts, desires, passions, affections and 
emotions. This being true, rest is required. The mind tires, 
and the spirit must rest Thus are the earth and Spirit- world 
related, being intimately blended, without any chasm between 
them ; so that the individual who has obeyed the laws of his 
nature, quietly passes, as it were, from one room into another, 
calmly and easily, as the ripened apple falls from its parent stem. 

All must pass through this change. Everything matures and 
dies, or rather changes. You may regret this. Others have 
considered the earth a tarrying place, where they are compelled 
to abide a long while without profit. In this they are wrong. 
The apple should not be plucked while green, from its parent 
stem, nor man im maturely depart from earth. Often have I 
paused over the battle-field when thousands were engaged in the 
strife of murder, when the cannon thundered loudest, and the 
cavalry charged fearless of death. Then have I seen the dark 
spirits of the slain warriors ascend thickly as forest-leaves blown 
by autumn winds. If I could then have sat down and wept for 
man's folly and ignorance, gladly would I have done so. But 
such a crushing weight of human error came upon my mind 
that I could not weep. Man should not die until ripe age breaks 
the cord which connects his spirit to its form or body, and he is 
fully prepared to enter his new abode. 

A state of immortality is rendered necessary and certain by 



140 SCENES IN THE SPIIUT-WOBLD ; 

the principles of mind. Every individual has the germ of an 
intellect which, if properly developed, would transcend your 
idea of the knowledge of angels. Shall that germ be crushed, 
and never be allowed to develop ? Nay, there is no soul made 
in vain in creation, and if man can not become developed on 
earth, he will have an eternity in which to expand hereafter. 
Men look on the surface when they speak of greatness. Very 
few kings, lordlings, or autocrats, are really great ; but he alone 
is truly great who not only has love, not only philanthropy, not 
only wisdom, but all of these combined into one harmonious whole. 
Then harmonize your being ; make this the object of your lives. 
Eradicate your peculiar evils one by one, with a firm faith in 
success. Your position, estimated by the world's standard, is 
nothing. The poor beggar shall stand on a higher plane than the 
proud king, and many a poor African will be more elevated than 
his master. 

You can not be too fearful of slavery of body, but oppose to 
the utmost slavery of the mind, as you would the way of death. 
Little charity as is exhibited in the slave-system by a nation of 
pretended freemen, yet the system which fetters the mind is 
incomparably more ruinous. 

A great incubus hangs over the American nation ; stand from 
under when the weight falls, for fearful will be the crash. That 
incubus is a small cloud compared to that which rests on the 
mental firmament. Mankind are ever ready to drag the corpses 
of their dead ideas after them, traveling slowly onward, but 
looking wistfully over their shoulders at their old superstitions, 
and hence are very liable to stumble in their course. How loudly 
you praise your free-thinkers ! But how free are they ? How 
you clamor about your reformers ! Your free-thinkers are bound 
by superstition, and your reformers have their strong prejudices. i 

Here is one who attenuates his ideas until he runs them into the 
ground — becoming as befogged as the fogies he has deserted, and 



OB, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 141 

riding his hobby until he is as bigoted as the bluest bigot he has 
left. There is one who goes out into the future a little way and 
stops, frames his ideas into a creed, and awaits the coming up of 
the advance guard of the world. His creed stops there. He forms 
them into an army, looking around to prevent any from passing or 
leaving him. The stream of life is choked, and must stop until it 
has accumulated sufficient force to sweep creed, reformer and all 
away on its impetuous current. Luther built a strong craft, but 
must use some parts of expiring Catholicism in its construction, and 
it was no sooner finished than stereotyped, and all progress stopped. 
He must necessarily sail out into the ocean, that perchance some 
venturesome reformer should build a craft to his own liking, and 
when such sails come out from the shore he can give battle. 

Men are not free. Some are slaves to their passions, some to 
their creeds, some to their superstitions and prejudices. He who 
dares to stand up nobly defending his manhood and acting true 
to his convictions, is but one in millions. You laugh at the 
Chinese compressing their feet until they can scarcely walk, while 
you yourselves are greater slaves to fashion. The feet are 
unimportant organs when compared to the waist, but you com- 
press the latter until the life organs occupy not half the space 
Nature intended for them. 

Where is the natural man or woman 3 All have some distor- 
tion. Well might the rude mind refer the deformities he saw 
in his companions to judgments of the gods, and look back to a 
period of perfection from which he had fallen, instead of forward 
to future perfection. 

Every man and woman should consider themselves individual 
sovereigns, to think and to act as best pleases themselves, if they 
do not infringe on the rights of others. There should be no 
conformity except to Nature. The thoughts of yesterday, if they 
can not bear the light of to-day, should be cast aside. If you 
take any part of the old craft to build your new one, it will be 



142 SCENES IN THE SPIRIT.WOBLD \ 

bungling, and incapable of withstanding the rough waves of the 
troubled ocean of reform. The reformer should cease lopping off 
the branches, and strike at the roots of the monstrous tree of 
error which shadows the world. By so doing you leave humanity 
free to commune with the infinite God. This is all that is required 
of you. To be great should be the aim of every individual. Not 
great in crime, like Caesar, Alexander, or Napoleon, who merit 
the scorn of the world ; not great in intellect alone as Laplace 
and Cuvier, or in morality as Confucius, Menu and Howard — 
though the latter species of greatness is superior to the others 
But be great in all of these, with a giant intellect supported by a 
pure morality, and put into action by well-controlled basal 
organs. Thus organized, the great mind will not look down with 
contempt on those beneath, nor with envy on those above. There 
will be nothing arbitrary or conventional in such a mind, but 
serene and pleasurable emotions, and the highest enjoyment of 
life. In this way Jesus Christ was the greatest of men. He 
was an exalted moralist, a profound philosopher, and possessed 
the energy to put all in action. So superior was he to common 
men, that in those superstitious times it was natural for men to 
believe that the Deity had descended into him, and that some- 
thing marvelous had taken place at his birth. 

In the development of the race it may be well for the minds 
which constitute the advanced guards to be drawn out in a 
tangent in some particular direction from the circular. But 
to the individual himself it is injurious. The perfect mind 
is represented by the perfect circle. Chemists, naturalists 
and philosophers draw out their minds into particular di- 
rections until the circle is nearly obliterated, and though the 
development of the department of science has in that way been 
accelerated, the individual has suffered by his zeal. The nearer 
the harmonial circle you approach, the greater will be your pow- 
ers of analysis and capacity for the reception of truth. 



OR, LIFE IN THE SPHERES. 143 

There must be positiveness in goodness, not negativene&s. Then 
we have the truly great man who, with the truth before him, 
scorns all peril, and with venturous energy climbs to the summit, 
and stands up like a tall mountain from its granite base, sending 
its impregnable spires into the region of storm, hurling back the 
thunder-bolt with defiant echoes, grasping the storm-cloud with 
his science, saying, " go no farther " — withstanding the shook of 
the elements, and continuing his onward course to Eternity 1 

Thus have I gone rapidly over the important subjects that you 
and all men should understand, so that you may act in accord- 
ance with Nature. Perform the task assigned you on earth that 
it may not check your progress here. Do right, act justly, love 
your race. Then will you softly close your eyes in sleep when 
age has settled on your earthly form. No shadow will darken 
your soul, but peacefully will the internal unfold itself, and you 
will awake in heaven an angel of light. 



THE END. 



^nrtrfoge k jMtiufa #pritoal litaq. 



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