Instructive communications from spirit life

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Preface

In giving this book a preface, it becomes my duty to ascribe merit to the intelligence communicating through my organism. In appealing to the public for appreciation of the work, it is due me to say that I have given to you, as the controlling intelligence dictated from time to time when opportunity offered, such thoughts as were deemed necessary for public benefit, to be perused by those who felt an interest in spiritual teachings. They glow with inspiration, which to me is a boon of great price lavished upon one who is but a humble instrument in the hands of spirits.

I am aware that the precepts here taught are not in accordance with Bible teachings as viewed by a large majority of the community ; but the efforts of my spirit-teachers will none the less merit approbation from a large number of reading and thinking minds, who will weigh the subjects carefully, and give this treatise a place in their category of educational ideas close to the precepts found in that sacred book.

The tendency of mankind to attach undue importance to hereditary ideas needs to be intercepted ; and such has been the design of these teachings.

There has been of late a growing desire to know more of truth concerning the future than is presented through the channel of ancient inspiration ; and to meet the demands of such, and give them knowledge without the necessary requirements of interpretation, is another object of the work.

4 PREFACE.

In forming conclusions from any work, it is necessary the mind be kept close to the subject presented, or a distaste may arise in the place of instruction ; therefore let the reader peruse these pages with an eye to the" future of all mankind, and a sensation of delight will pervade the feelings in the prospect of a future made glorious by our own exertions. And then, again, the assertion that we are to meet our friends with that fulness of joy experienced by one who has been long absent, opens the door to truths heretofore hidden, and bids us partake of joys before unknown.*

But, thanks be to God, these teachings open the door ; and we look our future condition cheerfully in the face, exclaiming, " Welcome, death ! the guest is ready."

My sympathies and feelings are in accordance with these teachings ; and long may I remain an instrument in these spirit-hands, praying for success from no other source but my own efforts, guided and controlled by them ! R. P.

* Obscure or indirect teachings have intercepted knowledge, and left us to wonder concerning the future.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

At the age of nineteen, I was married to him who now holds possession of and communicates through my organism. I was born in the State of Vermont, and reared in the lap of affection as the only daughter in a family of four children. Since my marriage, but one birth has occurred, — that of a son possessing strong masculine propensities, of which I for the last four years have been the only guide ; and with watchfulness have I guarded his young footsteps, and maintained the integrity of my trust.

Not until recently have I had the least thought of being brought before the public ; but, as kind Providence has bestowed upon me powers which spirits can make use of to convey instruction, I quietly resign myself to their will, hoping the time not far distant when my sphere of usefulness may be enlarged, and my influence through them be brought to bear upon the understanding in a more tangible form.

The unsociable qualities of my nature render society inadmissible ; preferring to remain alone with the dictation of some writer, or to the silent meditation of my own thoughts. Such is my cast in the mould of organization. Although having a husband whose affections reached to the depths of his nature, yet have I always maintained that peculiarity.

Since his departure, this has come home with a degree of conviction, increasing my desire for retirement, and leaving me alone with his society, by which I feel I shall be guided through life ; and, when permitted to join him upon the other side, my joy will be unspeakable. The months which have sped by since his

6 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

departure seem like years ; and thus will the time continue to grow longer until permitted to lay aside the mortal coil, and join him who is waiting with a glow of happiness upon his brow at the thought of again being united to one ayIio was chosen and made one with himself during earth-life. Such are his words ; and deep in my heart do they penetrate, disarming death of its sting, and planting a feeling of delight in its stead. Who does not feel pleasure at the expectation of meeting a loved father and mother after an absence of years ? and such have I there to add to my joys.

Oh ! is it not a happy thought, well worthy silent reflection, when we contemplate this union of friends, and think that they are hovering in our midst with the same love they were wont to bestow ? and, when an opportunity presents, how ready are they to manifest it as of old ! The affection we have for each other is the germ, or vitality, of association : divest us of this, and we become like a dry sprout, only to be used mechanically.

But I wish to dwell more at length upon the subject of our friends. Many an hour in childhood have I listened to the teachings of those who were ordained to the ministry, — their description of hell, and the separation of father, mother, brother, and sister, a part doomed to endless misery. Oh, what descriptions these were ! so full of horror, and void of the true feeling meted to us daily from God by the hand of Nature ! It created a desire in me to be with those I loved, even though it were in hell. My happiness would be more complete with those whom I knew than with one who was represented as being good, and loving humanity, and, at the same time, separating his children one from another in so unfeeling a manner, because poor human nature was weak, and had not strength to overcome temptation, and for which he was pleased to inflict punishment forever. This train of teaching I have, however, overcome, and thanks to Spiritualism for it. It has taught me a more beautiful philosophy, upon which I rely with a calm sense of a sure transportation to my spirit-friends.

Progression, forsooth, marks their course, and where they are let me go ; and is not this the sentiment of every heart that has lost companion, parent, or child ?

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 7

If my child should be spared to the age of maturity, which he is fast approaching, his instruction from me will be none other than this ; and, should his. course be a downward one, I shall have no regrets in neglecting to instil into his mind such ideas as I received from sabbath, school, leading in after-years to much reflection upon the picture presented, — that our acts were hastening us on to a perdition from whence there was no restoration.

In viewing the diversity of mankind, I have often illustrated it under the figure of a plant producing fruit, while another of the same kind is but just putting forth the leaves, and, perchance, another still has not commenced budding ; but time shows one to possess the capacity for production as much as the other.

So is it with the faculties manifested in every grade of intellect, from the cultivated down to the ignorant. Then, as we are the children of one family, where is the supremacy ?

But I have already made this epistle too long, and, in closing, would say that my spirit-intelligence thought proper for me to give the reader an introduction to the medium through which he communicates. R. P.

FROM THE CONTROLLING SPIRIT.

Clearly and distinctly do we, as spirits, define our position. Roaming through the dominion of intellect, picking up the dross of conversation, and carrying it to the community at large, is not our sphere of usefulness. Higher attainments await the progressive spirit.

Our mission is to give such instructions as we have heen able to glean from our surroundings, and in all truthfulness and candor present them for your perusal. Do not, then, fastidiously pass by instructions given through the instrumentality of such motives. We ask not that these pages be believed until reason has divested you of prejudice arising from the idea that they came from spirits. Reader, take these pages, and peruse them with care, and do not indorse one idea unless it commends itself to your reason and judgment. We hold reason as the highest gift to man ; therefore the design of these pages is lost if they fail to awaken that one faculty.

The failure produced by many writers is in the exclusion of reason, with the effect of condemning the work. This is not our design.

The individual who reads this book, and lays it aside, either indorsing or condemning, without candidly reasoning upon every idea advanced, is by no means the recipient of good from our pen. Let us, therefore, warn such as are disposed to criticise or indorse, that they beware how they tread upon ground that has not a firm foundation. S. E. P.

DECLARATION.

Harbingers of peace reign within your midst, unseen, unheard, but felt by the beating of a purer pulsation imparting its spiritual influence to the community in general. Love is their motto, and such do they seek to impart.

The busy man of earth may think himself alone ; but not so. Spirits often watch their earthly friends in their employment, many times producing impressions which result in reversing their original designs.

Spirits are mortals to a certain degree. Their desires remaining here bring them where they enjoy that which you enjoy, and also share your sorrows. The tenderest emotions, and deep, heartfelt interest, are called forth from spirits toward their friends, extending thence to all humanity. Spirits are ye upon earth, and we feel to associate with such ; being once of your number. The heavens present not such number of stars as equal the spirits daily in your midst ; each having friends to visit, and an interest in their elevating pursuits, natural to the affections of the human heart. And how natural to suppose they should congregate with you ! Therefore, ye men of earth, count no more upon being alone, not surrounded, not aided, by spirit-agency ; for all have some upon this side who still retain the ties of friendly attachment.

Relying upon that goodness lurking in every breast for a more close connection between earth-inhabitants and the spirit-world, we present to you our mode of life in contrast with former education, and from thence pass to promiscuous pieces indiscriminately arranged to suit the author's convenience.

Index

PAGE.

Spirit-Life 13

Evidence of Immortality 33

Salvation 35

Essay on Man 38

Magnetism the Law of Inspiration 41

Human and Universal Nature 48

Education . 51

Sympathy 55

Development ... 58

The Principle of Sin 69

Resurrection . . .73

Endless Punishment 76

Kindness 81

Nature, an Evidence of God . . . . . . .85

Strength of Intellect . . . , . . . .91

Points touching the Origin and Progress of Man . . .96

Free Interchange of Sentiment 103

The Present Destiny of Man . . . . * , . .107

Spirit Associations 116

God a Substance 121

Scientific Range of Thought . . , . . . .125

Cheerfulness 129

Reminiscences of Ancient Inspiration 130

The Divinity of Christ 136

INDEX. 11

Influence 146

Eternity 156

A Limited View of Worlds 160

The Harmonial Philosophy . . . . .. . .163

Familiarity 167

The Historian in Spirit-Life 171

Intemperate Habits 175

The Power of Conscience . . • . • . .182

The Greatness of Human Effort 187

Subduing Error 192

Disease 195

The Deity in Man 214

INSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATIONS.

SPIRIT-LIFE.

The mode of spirit-life differs materially and in many essential points from life in the form. When one steps from earth to the spirit-world, all connected with their sphere of usefulness is changed to occupation of the mind. This to many, and I might say to most minds, is not what they are prepared to meet.

The variety of minds thrown, as it were, upon their own resources for employment often suffer more unhappiness than from any other one feature in spirit-life.

The necessity, during earthly existence, for cultivating some usefulness involving particularly action of the mind, is one of the greatest benefits, and will contribute more to immediate happiness in spirit-life than any other qualification.

Spirits often linger around their home-scenes because they know not what else to do. They are fitted for no other scenes, therefore are prepared to enjoy nothing beyond. The labor assigned to many spirits is assisting such ones, and choosing something for them. If this could be better understood, and fully appreciated, many would commence their sphere of usefulness immediately ; whereas now they remain inactive, undecided, placing them in a condition more replete with unhappiness than earth-life presents.

All spirits must have employment, not only that which will conduce to their own happiness, but also will shed its rays of instruction upon other spirits : if not, then they are retrograding, and becoming of no use to themselves or others.

This is not what a progressive spirit desires. The inclination of the spirit must be for good, else it does not obtain it. We are differently situated in that respect from our earth associates. There, by the aid of friends, we can be raised from one condition to another, seemingly without effort of our own ; but not so with us. We must have decided firmness, founded upon a .desire for elevation, prompted by acts towards other spirits resulting in their good. If this is not cherished, the spirit soon finds that the laws governing spirit cause it to gravitate to a plane suited to its capacities. Hence, how necessary and inseparable to the happiness of the spirit is cultivation of the mind !

By the mind is the spirit also recognized. Spirits soon discern the development of the freed spirit, whether his mind has been led in a channel suited to his spiritual welfare, or not. He soon finds himself surrounded by those possessing the same grade of intellect as himself. Thus is he drawn by his affinity to that class, because he is prepared to enjoy no other : such has been his early life, and such are the laws governing mind.

The spirit is also made the recipient of much benefit by entering upon its new labors with a mind free to the conviction of error, willing to lay aside preconceived ideas, and grasp the truth. Erroneous ideas are the source of much annoyance and unhappiness to the spirit. Early education has framed that for the mind which creates disappointment, and often disheartens the spirit when it does not find all that it anticipated. Habits in earth-life should be cherished, while keeping the min£P open to the -conviction of error, ever ready to investigate, searching for truth ; which leads you step by step to lay aside erroneous ideas for those in advance : this prepares you to meet conditions here.

Often does the spirit search diligently for that which he expected was in store for him ; thus keeping him upon the plane of his anticipations. Others become indifferent from the fact of their disappointment ; in others it creates unhappiness, from the knowledge that they were so decided in their course as to thrust out light, which would otherwise have shone in upon their mental perceptions.

Conditions vary the occupation of spirits from usefulness to absolute idleness. This, also, depends upon the culture of the mind while sojourning in earth-life. Such habits as we engender there follow us here ; and, if they are not of the character we wish always to retain, they must be cast off or laid aside for a better understanding of spirit-life.

The mode of spirit communication is by far preferable to that upon the earth. No disguise can be indulged or practised ; but every thought is a word understood, plain as your conception can receive it. This unmasks the many secret vices and feelings indulged in while the fleshy form is used for concealment. No disguise is necessary ; for each and every spirit, if they carry forth the laws of progression, do it with as great a desire of good for other spirits as for themselves. Whatever the spirit earnestly desires, and makes an effort to obtain, is at his command, accompanied with a full satisfaction.

The word spirit often loses its meaning or significance by being applied to none but dwellers of eternity. Every individual is a spirit. We are simply divested of the flesh, while you still remain encumbered : that is all the difference as applied to the spirit. Laws govern both, in harmony with each other. Spirit-life is but a continuation of mundane-life ; the mind or spirit is the same ; no change is produced by its leaving the body ; and it remains the same, until, by our own exertions, advancement commences. Progression is written upon all ; and progression is the duty of every spirit, obtained through as many and various channels as there are spirits : diversity marks its course, making each and every one a separate individuality. How diversified is Nature ! and Nature is but the emblem of man through the work of one Maker of all.

The divinity in man is most accessible to the higher, or to that part of the Creator designed for him in spirit-life ; but all are made participators through their own efforts. Indeed, earth-life is the place designed for its beginning ; and the growth to continue as long as the continuance of the spirit, — through eternity. What is lost on earth never can be restored ; the spirit keeping just so far short of what it otherwise would have been.

Many spirits return to earth to retrieve the past. Their desires to return and do what they neglected cause them to make the effort with feelings of regret. Their past life looms before their knowledge with the many incidents which might have been turned to good account ; they feel the sting of reproach ; and conscience bids them make reparation. But, alas ! sometimes it is too late : the spirit is not able to control circumstances and conditions sufficient to enable him to return and manifest his desires.

Who has not felt the remorse of conscience, the sting of reproach, producing feelings of torture, when the object is beyond your power of making amends? Just so is it after death, creating feelings alive to wrong beyond the limits of rectification. ->

Spirit-life is marked with a diversity bordering on immutability ; changing, but never losing sight of that already possessed ; always retaining the lower, but at the same time grasping the higher ; as fast as we leave one step for the next higher, that becomes the lower ; and so we go on through eternity, hand in hand, with all humanity for our school, and the Creator our teacher.

Section Second

The occupations of spirits vary according to their tastes, capabilities, and choice.

All are accessible to an equality ; no one having the preference. This gives variety, and variety gives individuality, under the law of diversity, each one choosing for himself.

The more one studies nature, the better prepared is he in spirit to investigate natural phenomena connected with not only this but all other worlds.

Science bids the mind investigate ; and the same privilege, with a far greater field of observation, lays before the spirit as these worlds bid it welcome to their shores of investigation.

This calls minds of superior desires into action, conscious at every step that they are beholding the works of the great I Am. This class may be termed astronomical investigators of worlds too numerous to mention. This comprises many of our best and most intelligent minds. 2

Another class are more particularly confined to their own planet ; they find there food sufficient to meet the demands of their minds ; their researches are guided with a penetration proportioned to their intellect.

As we have before stated, diversity is the mark of labor connected with spirit ; therefore we leave this class of mental workers, and pass to those whose occupations approach nearer in resemblance to earth. Their duties devolve more upon each other, making the benefits mutual.

Teachers from the more advanced minds congregate together for the purpose of instructing those below them, or who are less advanced in culture pertaining to spirituality. These form societies, based upon the firm foundation of morality and truth, connected with a high appreciation of elevating teachings, suitable to be imparted as instruction. These co-workers have also small communities under their charge, through whom they seek to impart to all below them the lesson that " all are but parts of one stupendous whole ; " making one family, no rulers, but simply teachers or guides in the path of goodness ; taking each by the hand, and marching on through the heights of love, pausing upon the threshold of progression, there to refresh the mind with new aspirations for all to enjoy.

Another class we will mention in this connection, so similar, however, that they need hardly to be spoken of in distinction from the former ; but they have their peculiar place, and must not be overlooked, particularly teachers chosen from the female departments.

This class reminds us of sisters of charity, so devoted are they to those under their particular charge. Their duties consist in raising the fallen from a state of despair to a sense of their true condition, and the opportunity for improvenient. Their love and devotedness conquer hatred, subdue obstinacy, and plant in its stead repentance, and a desire to become better ; after which many thus elevated become teachers of the same class. Love, obedience, and a desire for truth, are called out and instilled, inspiring confidence, until they allow themselves to be taken by the hand, and guided to a life of usefulness, leading to progression.

Such is the influence that love, purity, and virtue, together with a share of heavenly grace proceeding from a pure source, have over sin and vice, conquering, subduing, and raising to a standard that tends to the possession of many virtues combined. Often spirits become frantic upon the consciousness of a future existence, finding their life and misery did not end in the grave. To the class of teachers just mentioned are these more particularly indebted.

Teachers there are of every grade and class. Whenever there is an opportunity for instilling good, it is always improved, with a strong desire for the benefit of those less instructed in ways leading to progression, which always terminates in happy results.

Spirits as a class are more attached to each other than individuals in the form. Their happiness consists in aiding each other to advance and become better, elevating and raising each one from a state bordering upon insanity to one of understanding ; calling out feelings which germinate into a tree of knowledge, goodness, and happiness. This carries every spirit who has the desire over the ground of progression, and lands him upon the shores of heaven, or a happy state of mind.

Spirit-labor is one continual chain ; each sphere following in succession, the higher spirits assisting those upon the plane below, and they assisting those still below them ; so that all form the chain, and each plane the links, and love the connection between them all.

It is true there are those here who abound in iniquity ; but they, too, have their teachers, and are accessible to moral influences, gradually raising them to a better condition. They, in turn, become teachers, and often the most energetic, enthusiastic devotees, to the class who were once their associates; knowing fully how to sympathize with them.

Opportunities of teaching and imparting are most sought for by many of our most virtuous minds. Many are the students of art, combined with a degree of practical skill, who impart their ideas impressionally to minds accessible upon earth. Could you behold the many spirits who throng your earth, eager to impart their discoveries to mortals, and who happily succeed in finding minds whom they can approach and impress, leaving there the outlines of their design, you would see plainly why some are so fortunate as to make discoveries and inventions which result in great benefit to man.

Nothing is accomplished with you with half that accuracy and perfectness that it is with us. Ideas are matured in spirit-life which have but just commenced an existence with you.

Ascending the plane of progression, there are minds still devoted to the welfare and condition of national interests ; manifesting great anxiety in their progress, and the establishment of principles founded upon right, justice, and equality to all.

Their desires while in earth-life established firmness of character, which, being carried into spirit-life, marked out a course leading them to still continue interested and active

IXSTRUCTIYE COMMUNICATIONS. 21

for the elevation of the race. They. too. seek opportunities for instructing and impressing the riglu course to be taken. Many alterations in diplomatic affairs are prompted by them. This may to some seem strange : but. when we understand the laws of mind acting upon and governing mind, it no longer remains an obscure idea, but becomes one of. and takes its place among, the many laws understood and practised by man.

They sweep through your communities with an enthusiasm verging upon an overthrow of wrong and the establishment of right. But, alas ! the mind is so clouded by prejudice and worldly aspiration, that their efforts often come far short of the reward in success which is their due. An ever-watchful eye to the past, with a deep penetration into the future, in connection with the power of reading the minds of those whom they desire to know, gives them an opportunity of judging how the good is to be obtained through the establishment or overthrow of principles imbibed, and allowed to govern the people.

Spirit-inrluence is carried wherever there is an opportunity for its exercise, accompanied with the power of its manifestations.

We will now speak of a class who are engaged in the training of the young. Children are more susceptible to impressions from their teachers than with you ; hence that class of teachers are sought for, who will, by their own innate qualities, instil perseverance, integrity, virtue, morality, and love for the good, raising their pupils to an understanding of the means by which to overcome all obstacles in the way of progression.

The spirit-child shows all those propensities for evil here, the same as if allowed to mature on earth : the only differ- .

ence is, there being no conditions adapted to the growth and cultivation of wrong, the child is divested of it more readily, and receives teachings which soon become thoroughly rooted, becoming a part of, and, in reality, the child's nature. Purity, love, and confidence grow with the growth of the little spirit, until firm manhood is developed, clothed with the garments of righteousness, made holy by the possession of good, and acting therefrom.

Childhood in spirit-life is looked upon by some as a blessing, or a condition far preferable to remaining in the body. By others it is considered a misfortune to lose that experience which prepares one to judge of and appreciate the supremacy of motives in influencing conduct, — motives which call out of each soul the highest conceptions of right and duty in keeping the mastery of sin and vice, and pursuing the path of goodness.

Reason teaches that it is better one should taste of the sour to test the real sweetness of sweet, than to accept mere words to that effect : the same principle might be applied to the education of every one ; each sifting their own character, and, when the dross is separated, being better prepared to judge of merit by experience of the reverse.

So it is with spirit-children ; never experiencing evil, they do not fully appreciate the influences attending wrong.

Section Third

The intricacies of spirit-life may be said to require peculiar discernment, implying a faculty of research within our own individuality, capable of investigating for ourselves.

The mind, when it once receives an impetus in the direction indicated by its desires for knowledge, is by no means dependent upon others for its understanding, or for whatever it wishes to obtain. When once guided in the right direction, there is that implanted in the nature of every mind which draws it by strong desires to master more and more of God's unlimited store of knowledge, not resting with what it has ; but every idea is a stimulus or stepping-stone to something higher. The mind comprehends this, and makes the effort to obtain all within its idea of thought and understanding.

When an idea is presented, at first the spirit longs for some one to explain fully to him the why and wherefore, the ultimate result of so startling, new, and opening source of light. Soon the spirit becomes interested, engaged, and, I might say, enthusiastic, in his pursuits, throwing his whole energy in the direction desired ; which soon gives him the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of his own labor making a lasting impression. Spirit-teachers perceive this, and always withhold that which can be called forth and brought to light by our own efforts.