My friends have so often asked me this question, that I think, before I close this book, I am justified in answering it, at all events, as far as I myself am concerned. How often have I sat, surrounded by an interested audience, who knew me too well to think me either a lunatic or a liar; and after I have told them some of the most marvellous and thrilling of my experiences, they have assailed me with these questions, "But whatisit? And whatgooddoes it do?What is it?" There, my friends, I confess you stagger me! I can no more tell you what it is than I can tell you whatyouare or whatIam. We know that, like Topsy, we "grew." We know that, given certain conditions and favorable accessories, a child comes into this world, and a seed sprouts through the dark earth and becomes a flower; but though we know the cause and see the effect, the greatest man of science, or the greatest botanist, cannot tell you how the child is made, nor how the plant grows. Neither can I (or any one) tell youwhatthe power is that enables a spirit to make itself apparent. I can only say that it can do so, and refer you to the Creator of you and me and the entire universe. The commonest things the earth produces are all miracles, from the growing of a mustard seed to the expansion of a human brain. What is more wonderful than the hatching of an egg? You see it done every day. It has become so common that you regard it as an event of no consequence. You know the exact number of days the bird must sit to produce a live chicken with all its functions ready for nature's use, but you see nothing wonderful in it. All birds can do the same, and you would not waste your time in speculating on the wondrous effect of heat upon a liquid substance which turns to bone and blood and flesh and feathers.
If you were as familiar with the reappearance of those who have gone before as you are with chickens, you would see nothing supernatural in their manifesting themselves to you, and nothing more miraculous than in the birth of a child or the hatching of an egg. Why should it be? Who has fixed the abode of the spirit after death? Who can say where it dwells, or that it is not permitted to return to this world, perhaps to live in it altogether? Still, however the Almighty sends them, the fact remains that they come, and that thousands can testify to the fact. As to the theory advanced by some people that they are devils, sent to lure us to our destruction, that is an insult to the wisdom or mercy of an Omnipotent Creator. They cannot come except by His permission, just as He sends children to some people and withholds them from others. And the conversation of most of those that I have talked with is all on the side of religion, prayer, and self-sacrifice.Myfriends, at all events, have never denied the existence of a God or a Saviour. They have, on the contrary (and especially "Florence"), been very quick to rebuke me for anything I may have done that was wrong, for neglect of prayer and church-going, for speaking evil of my neighbors, or any other fault. They have continually inculcated the doctrine that religion consists in unselfish love to our fellow-creatures, and in devotion to God. I do not deny that there are frivolous and occasionally wicked spirits about us. Is it to be wondered at? For one spirit that leaves this world calculated to do good to his fellow-creatures, a hundred leave it who will do him harm. That is really the reason that the Church discourages Spiritualism. She does not disbelieve in it. She knows it to be true; but she also knows it to be dangerous. Since like attracts like, the numbers of thoughtless spirits who still dwell on earth would naturally attract the numbers of thoughtless spirits who have left it, and their influence is best dispensed with. Talk of devils. I have known many more devils in the flesh than out of it, and could name a number of acquaintances who, when once passed out of this world, I should steadfastly refuse to have any communication with. I have no doubt myself whatever as towhatit is, or that I have seen my dear friends and children as I knew them upon earth. Buthowthey come orwherethey go, I must wait until I join them to ascertain, even if I shall do it then.
The second question, however, I can more easily deal with,What good is it?The only wonder to me is that people who are not stone-blind to what is going on in this world can put such a question. What good is it to have one's faith in Immortality and another life confirmed in an age of freethought, scepticism and utter callousness? When I look around me and see the young men nowadays—ay, and the young women too—who believe in no hereafter, who lie down and die, like the dumb animals who cannot be made to understand the love of the dear God who created them although they feel it, I cannot think of anything calculated to do them more good than the return of a father or a mother or a friend, who could convince them by ocular demonstration that there is a future life and happiness and misery, according to the one we have led here below.
"Oh, but," I seem to hear some readers exclaim, "wedobelieve in all that you say. We have been taught so from our youth up, and the Bible points to it in every line." You maythinkyou believe it, my friends, and in a theoretical way you may; but you do notrealizeit, and the whole of your lives proves it. Death, instead of being the blessed portal to the Life Elysian, the gate of which may swing open for you any day, and admit you to eternal and unfading happiness, is a far-off misty phantom, whose approach you dread, and the sight of which in others you run away from. The majority of people avoid the very mention of death. They would not look at a corpse for anything; the sight of a coffin or a funeral or a graveyard fills them with horror; the idea of it for themselves makes them turn pale with fright. Isthisbelief in the existence of a tender Father and a blessed home waiting to receive them on the other side? Even professed Christians experience what they term a "natural" horror at the thought of death! I have known persons of fixed religious principles who had passed their lives (apparently) in prayer, and expressed their firm belief in Heaven waiting for them, fight against death with all their mortal energies, and try their utmost to baffle the disease that was sent to carry them to everlasting happiness. Is this logical? It is tantamount in my idea to the pauper in the workhouse who knows that directly the gate is open to let him through, he will pass from skilly, oakum, and solitary confinement to the King's Palace to enjoy youth, health, and prosperity evermore; and who, when he sees the gates beginning to unclose, puts his back and all his neighbors' backs against them to keep them shut as long as possible.
Death should not be a "horror" to any one; and if we knew more about it, it would cease to be so. It is themysterythat appals us. We see our friends die, and no word or sign comes back to tell us that thereisno death, so we picture them to ourselves mouldering in the damp earth till we nearly go mad with grief and dismay. Some people think me heartless because I never go near the graves of those whom I love best. Why should I? I might with more reason go and sit beside a pile of their cast-off garments. I couldseethem, and they would actually retain more of their identity and influence than the corpse which I couldnotsee. I mourn their loss just the same, but I mourn it as I should do if they had settled for life in a far distant land, from which I could only enjoy occasional glimpses of their happiness.
And I may say emphatically that the greatest good Spiritualism does is to remove the fear of one's own death. One can never be quite certain of the changes that circumstances may bring about, nor do I like to boast overmuch. Disease and weakness may destroy the nerve I flatter myself on possessing; but I think I may say that as matters stand at presentI have no fear of death whatever, and the only trouble I can foresee in passing through it will be to witness the distress of my friends. But when I remember all those who have gathered on the other side, and whom I firmly believe will be present to help me in my passage there, I can feel nothing but a great curiosity to pierce the mysteries as yet unrevealed to me, and a great longing for the time to come when I shall join those whom I loved so much on earth. Not to be happy at once by any manner of means. I am too sinful a mortal for that, but "to work out my salvation" in the way God sees best for me, to make my own heaven or hell according as I have loved and succoured my fellow-creatures here below. Yet however much I may be destined to suffer, never without hope and assistance from those whom I have loved, and never without feeling that through the goodness of God each struggle or reparation brings me near to the fruition of eternal happiness.Thisis my belief,thisis the good that the certain knowledge that we can never die has done for me, and the worst I wish for anybody is that they may share it with me.
"Oh! though oft depressed and lonely,All my fears are laid aside,If I but remember onlySuch as these have lived and died."
"Oh! though oft depressed and lonely,All my fears are laid aside,If I but remember onlySuch as these have lived and died."
"Oh! though oft depressed and lonely,
All my fears are laid aside,
If I but remember only
Such as these have lived and died."
THE END.
The books mentioned in this List can be obtainedto orderby any Bookseller if not in stock, or will be sent by the Publisher post free on receipt of price.
LOVELL'S INTERNATIONAL SERIES
13. On Circumstantial Evidence—By Florence Marryat
This is a story in which love and intrigue are the two disturbing elements. Miss Marryat is well-known to the readers of sentimental novels. She has a bright and crisp way of presenting the frailties of the human race, which makes her stories entertaining.—Boston Herald.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
14. Miss Kate, or the Confessions of a Caretaker—By Rita
This is a novel of much interest in the first part, of the objectionable "guilty love" order in the latter half. There are some beautiful bits of character drawing in it, and some very clever hits at American foibles. This story is exceedingly well told.—Nashville American.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
15. A Vagabond Lover—By Rita
Is a mere sketch. The hero having been a child who was washed on shore from a shipwreck during a storm, and found by a man who believed that he had discovered the cause and generation of life. The child was made a subject for experiment; life was breathed into it, but only physical life and not its higher principle. The result is that the child grows up to manhood without one redeeming virtue, and seems to delight in doing all manner of evil.—Philadelphia Record.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 20 CENTS.
16. The Search for Basil Lyndhurst—By Rosa N. Carey
Is a well written English novel, into which are woven numerous historical sketches, adding the merit of instructiveness to its other qualities.—Pittsburgh Post.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
39. Sylvia Arden—By Oswald Crawfurd
Is a novel whose story is supposed to be told by a man who confesses at the outset that life has been with him a failure. He has been successful in nothing though trying everything—and the novel deals with the most remarkable incidents in that sort of a career. It is a cleverly done book, and there is much in it which is fresh as well as exciting.—Columbus, O., Journal.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
40. Young Mr. Ainslie's Courtship—By F. C. Philips
It seems impossible for F. C. Philips, the author of "As in a Looking Glass," to keep sensational tragedy out of his novels. In "Young Mr. Ainslie's Courtship" he has written a story which is charming, witty? and agreeable up to the very last chapter.—San Francisco Chronicle.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
41. The Haute Noblesse—By Geo. Manville Fenn
Is a well wrought story of which the heroine is a child of the high aristocracy, but nevertheless such admirable traits and qualities that even the humblest reader cannot fail to love her.—Columbus, O., Journal.
CLOTH. $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
42. Mount Eden—By Florence Marryat
Miss Florence Marryat is well known to the readers of sentimental novels. She has a bright and crisp way of presenting the frailties of the human race, which makes her stories entertaining, even if they are devoid of all good moral purpose. They open one's eyes to the inconsistencies of life without wholly destroying his faith in his fellow citizens.—Boston Herald.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 30 CENTS.
82. A Woman's Heart—By Mrs. Alexander
The name of this author is familiar to all lovers of fiction who will need nothing more to assure them that they will not regret the time spent in reading "A Woman's Heart." It is a refined and interesting story, pleasant and easy reading, as is usual with all Mrs. Alexander's works.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 50 CENTS.
83. Syrlin—By Ouida
The announcement of a new novel by Ouida, sends a thrill of delight through the countless host of faithful admirers of that petulant priestess of mild improprieties. Her new books are just like her old ones. There is the usual abundance of gilded vice and wilful wickedness lugged in to give the book its wonted flavor.—N. O. States.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 50 CENTS.
84. The Rival Princess—By Justin McCarthy and Mrs. Campbell Praed
It is a romance of contemporary English politics wherein many well-known public men appear under thin disguises. There is a Stuart princess with lineal claims to the English throne, and there is an unmasked Mr. Gladstone, who boldly urges the abolition of the House of Lords.--Charleston Sunday Times.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 50 CENTS.
85. Blindfold—By Florence Marryat
Is, in many respects, the best novel which has been given us by the prolific pen of the well-known Englishwoman. The story is novel, well told, and events follow upon each other quickly, never allowing the interest to flag.—Denver News.
CLOTH, $1.00. PAPER COVER, 50 CENTS.
UNITED STATES BOOK COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, N. Y.
Transcriber's Notes:Page 4, "MARRYATT" changed to "MARRYAT" (Normalising spelling of author's name)Page 18, "nor" changed to "not" (a single medium of whom I have not)Page 47, "bood" changed to "blood" (where the stain of his blood still remained)Page 49, "briliant" changed to "brilliant" (a room that was unpleasantly brilliant)Page 58, "tempered" changed to "tampered" (it had not been tampered with)Page 61, "seing" changed to "seeing" (the possibility of seeing a "ghost,")Page 127, "foreigh" changed to "foreign" (he was equally ignorant of foreign languages)Page 134, "succssefully" changed to "successfully" (in order to imitate her manner and speech successfully)Page 137, "Gupyy" changed to "Guppy" (As Mrs. Guppy came sailing over our heads)Page 138, "it" changed to "if" (I inquired of every sitter if they had seen)Page 155, "eartly" changed to "earthly" (as naturally as if she were their earthly form)Page 156, "Fitzgarald" changed to "Fitzgerald" (Mrs. Fitzgerald was dining with us)Page 158, "Fitzgereld" changed to "Fitzgerald" (returned through Mrs. Fitzgerald)Page 176, "don" changed to "done" (perhaps, than anything else has done)Page 180, Added missing end single quote in probable correct place (through the life that lies before you.')Page 182, "forgetten" changed to "forgotten" (I had almost forgotten Mr. Plummer)Page 185, "mamed" changed to "named" (a photographer in London, named Hudson)Page 189, "instrument" changed to "instruments" (the two instruments pealed forth)Page 198, "ocsion" changed to "occasion" (Mr. Towns prognosticated on that occasion)Page 201, "conducter" changed to "conductor" ("Did you know the spirit?" the conductor asked)Page 220, "aquaintance" changed to "acquaintance" (soon after I made her acquaintance)Page 255, "creature" changed to "creatures" (creatures who were invisible to me)Page 256, "Mr" changed to "Mrs" (Mrs. S—— and I slept in the same room)Page 264, "Christian" changed to "Christians" (Even professed Christians experience what they term)End catalogue, No. 13, "Circumstatial" changed to "Circumstantial" (On Circumstantial Evidence)End catalogue, No. 39, "successfu" changed to "successful" (He has been successful in nothing)N.B. 1. Some punctuation corrections have not been noted here.2. Two non-matching instances of latin word: "prôpria" and "propria". Left as-is.
Transcriber's Notes: