157 Ex Libras Houdini Vol 8 1723 8 Dec 1854 To 7405 15 May 1855 35 40 129 134 8 [?] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 THE CRYSTAL VOL VIII 8 Dec 1854 to 15 May1855 A Record of visions and conferences with the In-dwellers of the SPIRIT WORLD. Croydon Fred Hockley Bequest of Harry Houdini April 1927 10 72 2 May I ask if Lew will appear this Evening 6724 1233 Lew will appear May I ask the best means of developing Mrs. Leas faculty of spirit seeing 6725 1234 Mrs. Charlotte Lea's power of Seeing will be developed by practice. has Mrs. C Lea any guardian Spirit, separate, 6726 1235 She has not, Lew is the sole guardian of both Can Lew be depended upon to give truthful responses on points of Religious Doctrine 6727 1236 He is a good and truthful Spirit but his Knowledge is limited When Mrs. Lea's faculty has become developed, will other Spirits be allowed to appear who will instruct my friend & place her in the path of truth. 6728 1237 they will do so May I solicit any advice necessary for the development of Mr. Leas faculty, & her powers of reading the Responses, by my friend Mr. Lea, when I working 6729 1238 It will be much the best for him to have one particular evening in the week and that name by his Guardian Spirit When I first developed my Seers Vision, we were much annoyed by Evil Spirits appearing in our Crystals will Lew be able to prevent their appearing on this mirror 6930 1239 He will in a great measure be able to do so but it depends upon the Smoker & Seer living in Union of mind, any [?] will cause those forms to appear. May I ask you, or, should I ask Lew, if Mrs. Lea had better use the Crystal or the vessel of Water, when calling persons to appear 6731 1240 I should wish this mirror kept for Spiritual Visions - the [Whipsical?] Crystal could be used for calling Atmospheric Spirits and departed Souls. 1241 The knowledge which mesmerism gives on the influence of body on body, and consequently of mind on mind, will bring about a morality we have not yet dreamed of— and who shall disguise his nature and his acts, when he cannot be sure at any moment that we are free from the Clairvoyant Eye of some one who is observing our actions and most secret thoughts, and our whole character and history may be read off at any moment. [?] & Miss [?] Sons of Mans Nature p 280. See Response 1419 3 I met when visiting Mr Robert Owen with Mr Pemberton the author of the happy colony, were you aware of that gentlemans endeavours to ameliorate the condition of his fellowmen. 6732 1241 You mentioned him to me before, previous to that I was not I have many years thought that the recorded fact of a man at the point of death by dreaming suddenly recollected every event of his life, ought contribute that great book of life, which is said to be opened at the last day, this question I have just read has also been read by Mr de [Jimey?] may I ask if it is a right view or not 1242 It is not right Can, "Forgetfulness" be possible to the human Soul, or am I right in asserting that every Idea once formed by [the] any human mind can be recalled & by (The Formula) read by others at any distance 6733 1243 It can indeed, no part is lost, any thought of man from his birth to his death can be brought back by one effort of the mind. In a short article upon the Magic Crystal in the Zoist Vol 7 page 18 I explained my belief that Swedenborg, [Ashmen?], Davis & others in the Magnetic Sleep, became cognizant of the "Floating Ideas", of Living persons - may I ask if these coexisting ideas exist as separate entities, or as Emanations [spiral?] or otherwise from the mind which give them birth in the last case it is easy to conceive how the mind may instantaneously reabsorb them, but may I ask in what way can the magnetic sleeper or his Spirit become cognizant of them. 6734 1244 They always exist in his atmospheric Spirit, the uniting himself with that Spirit brings it all back I will explain See Response 1419. Page 68 [*14*] it to you another time but not now When I call Lero into this mirror how long may I detain him [*6735 1245*] You must close your interviews with all spirits by a 1/4 past 9 for the reason I told you before. As I am not aware how far Mrs. Lea may develop her faculty of reading answers, can Lero be depended upon for giving truthful answers to may friends questions upon Scriptural doctrine [*6736 1246*] He can depend upon them May I ask if you have any further advice to offer me this evening [*6757 1247*] I have not. How long must I wait before I call Lero [*6738 1248*] I will leave now he will appear directly God bless and [?] you The [?]'s gone 8.15 PM. Consecrated the Mirror to Lero. Invoked Lero Here's some one come having a black cloak trimmed with silver open from the throat in front black hair & short, silver band round the head band of stones round the Waist, large white sleeves under the other, looks like a middle aged man. May I ask your Name [*6739*] LERO Welcome I have dedicated this Mirror to you will you accept the charge & direct by your Councils my friend Mr Lea in the path of truth [*15*] [*5*] [*6740*] I will do so and as far as I am able will direct his knowledge in the right path. I have called you in the green Crystal a great many times but from the hitherto imperfect development of Mr Leas faculty of discerning spirits, I have not been able to ascertain whether you appeared or not [*6741*] I have nearly always appeared when Called. Will you favor me with the times at which you prefer being Called, & as my friend will punctually attend, may I request you kindly to assist in Aiding his wifes spiritual vision [*6742*] I will do so, and I propose she shall inspect the mirror every Friday Evening Any particular hour [*6743*] The hour is no object Would it be advisable for Mr Lea to confine this mirror to Spirit & Angels, and the Crystal or the Vessel of Water to Atmospheric Spirits & decd. persons [*6744*] The Artificial Crystal Are you still the spirit of that Crystal. [*6745*] I am Will you allow Mrs Lea to inspect the Mirror to develop her faculty, this Evening [*6746*] I will Mrs. Lea inspected but the Mirror to her was not Veiled Emma [Spex?]. If, Mrs Lea cannot see in a 1/4 of an hour in this mirror may she then inspect the Crystal for other Visions [*6747*] Yes If you are not seen in the mirror will you kindly appear in the Crystal [*6748*] I will [*16*] [*6*] May I solicit your advice as to the best mode of proceeding [*6749*] There is no other way than inspecting this & using strong exhortation to appear on his part for a quarter of an hour every Friday Evening May I request you to show me the letters that fastens the [?]. [*6750*] I AA To what order of Spirits do you belong [*6757*] I am one of the lowest angels of Hades. The CA we all recognize as [*6751*] the head, he has the power of going into the sphere above him. How long have you been an Angel of Hades [*6752*] I do not understand your time To what order of Angels did you belong before you entd the order IAA. [*6753*] I was a Spirit of the Sim. When HI or CI are in mental anxiety, I ask your assistance for corporeal or spiritual welfare will you assist them [*6754*] I will do so as much as possible What are your duties as the GS. of my friend & his wife. [*6755*] Their Comforter, their Advocate & Spiritual Guardian. May I without offence ask why you appear in a black dress. [*6756*] The Color is more suited to my taste and pursuits than any other Color. Are you Cognizant of the thoughts, of HS or CL or know them only when expressed. This curious Spiritual Profession of Faith was given I presume in consequence of my friend [?]'s very unsettled ([?]) opinions 17 6757 I am aware of their thoughts when directed to me - in different things & I am not How then was it that my Seer used to have visions of matters which I had thought about during the day and afterwards forgotten. 6758 Your guardian spirit and me are two separate beings, each has not the same power as the other. This now a 1/4 to 9. May I request if you have the power, you will kindly show my seer a vision that will interest and instruct her. 6759 I will Mr Henry Lea will call you on Friday next at 1/2 past 7 will you kindly aid in developing his wifes vision in the mirror & afterwards in the Crystal 6760 I will ret'd thanks 53' past 8 PM The first Vision Now the mirror is Veiled - theres a line drawn across the top. & one down the middle, now theres a line across the centre dividing the mirror in 5 spaces There is leading [?] in them 6761 No 1. "The Belief and Sentiments of Lero" I am directed by the C A. to show you my opinion and firm belief on an essential subject of Salvation. 6762 No 2. I believe in three persons and one God Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I recognize the Father as Creator and Sole director of the Universe & all 18 8 the Elements it contains , but HIs Son Jesus Christ is the one most essentially necessary for the Salvation of Mankind — the Holy Ghost is the Comforter. the spirit emanating from the two combined. who together with them form the Supreme [b]Being . No 3 6763 I believe a man is rewarded or punished According to his merits or demerits while on Earth . That no punishment however great while it lasts , is everlasting, but punishment for all sins is shortened and finally ended through the mediation of Jesus Christ and for the Roman Catholics , thro' the blessed Virgin . Christs death upon the Cross and his death only, is the means by which mankind is finally saved from destruction. No. 4 6764 I believe that it is wrong to try to reveal those secrets of [??tmity] which are purposely hidden from mans knowledge. All visible spiritual Communications are ungodly, and that bad spirits only use the means to deceive man.— That Spiritual knowledge which induces man to seek for Truth and reveals ++++ opinions which coincide with those given in the Word of God is the right and Isaiah 2. v19 "And they shall go into the holes of the Rocks, and into the Caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the Earth." repeated. 2. v. 21. Isaiah 13 v 13 Therefore I will shake the Heavens, and the Earth shall remove out of her place, with wrath of the Lord of Hosts, and in the day of his Fierce Anger". Mr B's proposal ♄die 9/12/54. 10 30 AM. [Illustration] 9 true way of divining 6765 No 5. And finally to state my opinion that the Millenium is near at hand, that after that Jesus Christ will appear to those upon earth and the day of Judgment is at hand. The blessing of one religion will then reign in the world, all will be unity, peace and concord, and ready to receive the blessed Saviour his coming will truly as said in Isaiah "Shake the nations of the earth" The Mirror is quite clear. -- I ret'd thanks. 9.15 PM. Action ended ♂︎die 12th Dec. 1854. 7 30 PM C A Mirror 6766 Invoked the C A. I returned thanks for the C A's appearing at my friend H Lea's & asked if he had any further advice to give thereon 1249 6767 I have nothing more at present. I informed him of Mr G C B's proposal & asked if it met his approval 1250 6768 it does fully and I am very happy to hear it Mr Owen is about to publish my letters to him & also thy letter to the Harmonical Society of St Louis Cincinnati in part 6 of his memoirs 1251 6769 I am very glad that it will so soon go out into the World When you mention that the New Testament was written by Inspiration what am I to understand by that term. 1252 6770 It was the influence of the almighty that caused their hand to write. see [?] wedenboy No atne 10 But were their hands guided, as in the present day writing mediums are by Spirits, or were the facts revealed to man, and left to be clothed by them in their own language & Style 1253 6771 In some places it is his own Language but in most places it is the apostles following out the Ideas instilled into their minds by him. I have here a small book Containing all the words in the New Testament spoken by Our Lord, were they really so spoken, or what, the apostle presumed. 1254 6772 Those are the words He himself used If Mr [WG?] Dresser or Mr Gilkes asked a verse from the Greek Testament, would you be able to explain its meaning to us in English 1255 6773 I would do so to a Greek Or in Spanish to a Spaniard or in Roman to a Roman but I will not answer in Greek, questions to an Englishman because I believe it only ------ As Mr GSG cannot attend for some weeks may I recommence my questions from the Old & New Test't. 1256 6774 Yes, I will answer them. I hope you do not imagine my questions are asked from any want of faith in you, - but that I ask them for the purpose of giving a philosophic answer to the questions of candid enquirers & for the purpose of extending my own knowledge upon spiritual Matters. 1257 6775 I understand your motive perfectly - Every language on earth is the same to me who reads the thoughts & wishes 11 rather than the letters by which they are made known. Your responses so kindly & readily given, my seer tells me appear as tho printed in our type, & even punctuated as used by mortals. May I ask if you seek in my Seers brain for the letters & words which form the answers or can you inform me by what means the answers are so given. 1258 6776 If a Greek or any other native of the Earth asked me a question in their own Language I should answer it in the same. I should know instantly if I ans'd [*Latin*] in Roman that he could not understand it and it appears to me absurd to give to an Englishman any other answer than that of his Native Language, it is the same as an Englishman writing a book and [*!*] mixing with it French, to shew his knowledge and to make a clap-trap for his reader by using a French [word] expression when he thinks it more expressive than an English one or rather to supply the deficiency May I ask if you could, if desirous so to do, give Greek Hebrew or Spanish answers to may Seer who knows neither - or is it necessary that the Seer should know the language of the response. 1259 6777 Spirits can show other language but they cannot give it as emanating from themselves. I ment'd. that in many instances, as the German of Bertha Von Rosenburg "The White Lady" the Hebrew (in Vol. p) & other places - when the Translation appeared I presumed the Spirit of the Crystal gave it 1260 6778 It is so. 12 May I ask if Bertha Von Rosenberg still haunts the Castles of. 6779 1261 No she does not. When the White Lady Appeared and stated it was the last time of her appearing on the Earth, it appeared Absurd and beyond belief that obscure individuals like ourselves should be the last to see her. 6780 1262 It was so, she had before that appeared for the last time in her old haunts in the visible form, and as she was becoming happier, she was induced by a person appearing in your crystal, to appear also. May I ask who it could be that induced her to appear. 6781 1263 Hunder induced her to appear About the same time Three Frenchmen were tried for killing another Frenchman in a duel, and the deceased Frenchman appeared, [was] to us, was that duel fought fairly 6782 It was Was Anthony who is now in prison the man who shot Cornnel 6783 1264 Yes if you remember I told you at the time he did it As one of the Men he murdered lived long enough to swear to him he will now be hung, & thus meet his Earthly punishment for so dreadful a Crime. 6784 1265 Murder of course is always as revolting as it is sinful, but in this case the Circumstances under which he did it in part, extenuate his Crime. May I ask you with deference how that can possibly be 13 6785 At least it would do so in the Eyes of his Heavenly Judge. Abt. the same time there appeared in the Crystal a little girl, then some years deceased, who said she appeared in Consequence of Emma having that morning handled a dolly formerly belonging to her, & also some blue beads which she when a baby had worn, is it possible, so apparently trifling a subject should be sufficient to cause a Connection - & induce her to appear 6786 1266 It is so indeed. Dead people so long as they are not in the Highest state of bliss, will some more than others cling to things, that they have left on earth, or rather I should say they have some of their spiritual influence with those things, which never can be destroyed. I should advise every one to keep as little as possible about them, that belonged to a deceased friend. They have more cause to do this when any near relationship or affection existed between them. About the time when I made my black magic mirror we had a vision of Herman S [Kerbroff?] who stated he was murdered in Germany in 1843 - do you know any thing of that Herman S Kerbroff or the "Lord Pelham" he mistook me for 6787 1267 Had the vision really appeared to the person he named, he would have had cause to shudder. About 2 or 3 years then dead in Paris a Mystic named Alphonse [Cabagant?], altho only a humble Count [Cagliostro?] See page 17. The Gentleman who then appeared proving to be Count Cagliostro - see also [?] 14 workman, he published several [?] works on Spiritualism & mesmeric exstacy may I call him some Evening with the Mirror, if it is agreeable to him to appear 1268 6788 I have no objection for the Crystal being used for that purpose. I have not used my Japan Crystal for a long time may I ask who is now the Spirit of it. 6789 1269 LOW If in Consequence of my letters appearing in Robert Owens memoirs, I am asked for instructions - on Crystal Working am I to give it 6790 1270 That greatly depends upon the circumstances under which they ask you. I have in my old magical MSS. many formulas for raising Spirits by "Circle Work," to visible apparn. to those calling, but I presume it is only [good?] spirits who could thus render themselves apparent to the Corporal sight. 6791 1271 It is only those that could possible Appear. Is there any harm in my Calling Count Cagliostro to appear in my ES. Crystal 6792 1272 There is not the least. He died in the Castle of St Michael at Rome in 1793 Now 61 years ago may I ask where he now dwells 6793 1273 He is now on the 3rd Sphere. May I ask if we can have in this mirror some of those beautiful visions, Emma used to have in the Japan Crystal 6794 1274 You can ask for them, and if they can appear, I have no doubt they will I do not like to ask you such Trifling questions 15 as I can ask of Atmospheric Spirits but I hope to resume my Spiritual Questions next Tuesday 1275 6795 I shall always be gratified to aid you in your researches. I am aware that my answers this Evening have been very brief, and I feel they are unsatisfactory, but believe me it is from no cause of yours, or any one upon earth. You can judge it may be but faintly my feelings this day, when I have received one thousand souls, that were slain together on the field of faith. As they left that battle so they appeared to me in body and mind Some of these men died prepared, but the state of mind which some died in, I cannot describe, but it is a blessing to know, that as the war is at the instigation of Almighty God, and carried on for his purpose, that he forgives all those who die for that Cause. He gives them no time for repentance and therefore he requires none. This war affects us as much as it affects those who are engaged and it is impossible for me to describe the sympathy we feel for those who have been cut off in the midst of life and health. With us all men are on an Equality, and therefore [?] world, those who serve best have the best reward. It is powerful to see that there are on the battle field many sent forward 16 at any hazard while their superiors are screened even at the loss of their honor. Thank God it is not so here. When I have lately read the Blasphemies which Nicholas the 1st is said to have addressed to his troops asserting in the Name of God & of Christ the most Atrocious falsehoods - when priests the ever willing abetters of despotism brandishing their [Crones?] asserted that [Jesus?] & tell his holy Angels would fight in front of the Russian troops whom they thus hounded on to Slaughter, I felt the truth of the French Revolutionary Cry, that there would be no peace on Earth for man until "the last King has been strangled with the entrails of the last priest" 6796 1276 Did you then think that the Almighty punished those men according to their sins, when he himself caused them to be slain for his own purpose. May I [not] ask if war is not entirely opposed to the precepts of Jesus Christ, who even tells us when struck on one side, rather to turn the other to be struck also than to resent it. 6797 1277 Jesus Christmas himself was opposed to War but when he uses those words, he means one man at war with another. No human reason can be given sufficient for setting Nations at War with each other. During the happy Millenium or thousand years peace I presume there will be no Kings or priests required 6798 1278 There will not I [set?] Thanks I asked if the CA had any furr. advice 6799 1279 I have not this Evening 9.30 The CA left [?] This Apparition proved to be Count Cagliastro see page altho I had not called him & this appearance is so totally different from either his previous apparitions vol. or when called by me in the Green Crystal at Mr H Leas. 17 6798 The ES Crystal (a) Emma remarked the Crystal became Charged with a different Kind of Cloud or Mist than that which precedes Atmospheric Spirits - & that she could alwys tell by the mist whether an atmospheric or other Spirit was going to appear - presently she said it is a Man he's getting larger fast - It is now very large, hes a man with one Arm resting on a beautiful Caned mahogany sideboard, like one of those [Nineveh?] figures one Elbow leans on it, & one leg across the other I never saw him before, its a beautiful french polished [barred?] sideboard, and there's a lamp stand on the sideboard, and the light is thrown on his face a cut glass lamp which reflects, his hat is on he has black Trousers, a rough [pecuna?] great Coat, a very big Coat it makes him look so big round the shoulders, with great sleeves, unbuttoned, while [?] black studs, and very small pattern black and while cravat white tie, white Collar, black hat & black running band round it, black hair as straight as ever it can be, it comes down on his forehead below his hat, rather a full face no whiskers very pale, black eyes, very fair skin, but no beard nice shaped nose and mouth, wide across the eyes and very short, from the mouth to the chin, which gives a wide face, a black Kid glove on one hand he is looking into his hand that has no glove on - but whatever is in it - it must be very small he looks as Natural as tho' he was just going to speak. May I ask your name He's going, its gone quite Clear 10' to 10 PM. 18 [Fdie?] 19 Dec. 1854 CA Mirror 8. PM Smoked the CA. The CA is here in white edged with narrow black - no purple stones or crown. 8.15. Is it agreeable for me to ask some further questions 6799 1290 It is 1*. The Roman Catholic Church asserts that Mary the mother of our Lord was before it & ever after the birth of our Lord a virgin, that is perpetually a virgin, as she is no where in the New Testament called "the Virgin Mary" may I ask your view of the Subject 6800 1291 I am perfectly certain that it was an immaculate Conception Do you mean thereby that the Virgin Mary was an Immaculate Conception & that she was not born in Original Sin like other persons. 6801 1292 That Jesus Christ was not born in Sin I reasked question 1* 6802 1293 She was not. Was the Virgin Mary born in Original Sin or not 6803 1294 She was not. The Roman Catholic Church apply to the Mother of our Lord "The Title of Mother of God" this to a protestant appears blasphemy will you favor me with your view of such a title 6804 1295 Taken in the sense which they intend it, there is no harm. But if they imply that she is the Mother of the Almighty then it is sinful. No Notice is given in the books of the New Testament if as to the time or manner of her death, some authorities suppose she died in peace, others as [Luecy?] (a) See this word "Inspired" explained on the next page = Woman who are you What have I to do with thee [*19*] as a Martyr may I ask if you can inform me when where and how she died. 1296 6805 She died at his Sepulcher and ascended into Heaven with him. [As?] you mean that she died on the 3 May 6806 1297 I do Can you inform me how it came to pass that so important an Event should have been omitted by all the Apostles. 6807 1298 Because none of them not Even her Son believed her to be Inspired. [Rx.?]: 3d Are you &c 6808 1299 I am. Reasked. the cause of so important an event being omitted by the Apostles. 6809 1300 Because none of them looked upon her as being any other than an ordinary Mortal or any more than those who surrounded her and fell on their faces Jesus Christ himself did not believe that she was [?] inspired while upon earth. I was musing upon this Answer when Emma said now there is some more reading Come. — and then read the following 6810 1301 Directly after the fall of Adam, it was determined by the Almighty, that the Human race should still be made happy the great scheme of redemption was then formed It was determined for this purpose that part of the spirit of himself called [*20*] his Son should be born into the World [*6810*] The Virgin Mary was selected by The Father as the instrument of his descending — but it was never permitted by him for his Son to know that she was any other than his mother in a worldly sense. [*/a/*] By his making her the instrument of his Sons birth she was of course Inspired — in every other sense she was an ignorant Woman Jesus Christ never felt for her the Same as he would have felt had she been the same as himself, he looked upon her as in Common with all others of the Human race, and when she had rebuked him, and tried to exert Authority over him, it was the reason of his saying "Woman what have I to do with thee" but it was not the divine purpose to leave her to suffer upon earth, when he raised her Son to perfect glory. It was believed by those who Surrounded his tomb, that after watching and fasting for 3 days, the ground though awful & startling sight of the Ascension killed her, but it was not so — By the Father's will her Spirit left the body, and ascended with the Son. As the [h?] [is?] slender on [acc?] of Mary's husband "Joseph" it is unknown when he died, did he die before or after the Crucifixion 21 6821 1302 He died before the Crucifixion The 8th. September is dedicated to the blessed Virgins Nativity the romish Church asserting "A concert of Angels having been heard in the air to solemnize that day as her birthday - what is your view 6812 1303 It is not true, but it originated with the priesthood. In the Apocryphal Gospel of James C.9. it is stated when the priest was about to give Mary as a wife to Joseph the latter said "I have sons and am old while she is yet young; shall I not then become a mockery to the sons of Israel". was that so 6813 1304 That part is not correct, It was the intention of Joseph to have married Mary but he never actually did so. There are a great many books extant belonging to the New Testament Called Apocryphal - which when the books of present [?] ones [secured? text were ballotted for - as orthodox or otherwise, were rejected some only being their orthdox place by a single vote. - If I obtain them will you point out to me which portions of them are truthful & to be [received?] 6814 1305 I will do so. Is making the Sign of the Cross even with the right and in itself of any Efficacy as against Evil Spirits, other than as an outward symbol of trusting in the protection of Jesus Christ 6815 1306 It is useless in itself, but when used by a believer who has faith in him, it is then Good. Is it needful, desirable or proper to turn to the East when we pray in preference to any other point of 22 point of the Compass. North, South or West. 6816 1304 It is the heart that prays to God and the Spirit that ascends in supplication I think that no part of the Christian Church is more absurd than turning one part towards the East. There is among Cabalists an [?] tradition that demons and evil spirits have a dread or fear of Iron for which reason they consecrated "Magic Sounds" having on them the unpronounceable name - has Iron an effect [from] upon them, by some imponderable force inherent in it. 6817 1308 Many Evil Spirits cannot go near it, but some that can. There are evil spirits belonging to different things, that have the greatest possible aversion, and indeed could not if they wished it, [might?] wish or influence things different from that wish they always inhabit The Priests of Braham in [?] possess a Spell or Charge for finding out a thief by means of a small [?] Vessel, which placed on the floor of a room round which are a number of persons upon using certain Incantations over the vessel - it of itself glides over the floor to the Thief - if he is in the room. May I ask you to give me that formula 6818 1309 I will. 23 Mr Owen G. Warren has published a work in America on Spirit Manifestations, called "Supernal Theology" it appears a candid & conscientiously written work and in the 5th Chapter at page 32 is a statement purporting to be "a communication from the deceased Sister of the Mediums, (by the mouth of the medium who was only nine years old.) of her entrance into the Seventh Sphere, Will you allow me to read it for the purpose of asking your view of some passages. 1310 6819 You may do so, but in the first place I must tell you that no one in the Seventh Sphere can communicate with any one upon Earth I read pages 32 ,3, 4, 5, & 6. & solicited the C As Views. 1311 6820 Were some parts omitted it would be a slight description of the lowest Sphere. The Seventh has nothing in it that can be put in comparison with any thing earthly. Having all knowledge you require no teaching - all faculties & senses united you want no particular subject adapted to each. Being spiritual you want no Confine of Space, and aerial you want no resting place. You recognize there no one in particular for were you to recognize & know them you must like some better than others and have human passions. of Comet Cagliostro at page 17 211 Every portion of the Human Task, of the Human Senses, of the Human Being, is gone. It is almost needless for me to say that neither Birds nor any of the [?] Creation enter there. Their Image exists in the atmosphere in Hades, and in the lowest sphere. But in the Seventh Sphere all are equal and alike. Were it possible for a man to be taken from the earth just as he is, with all his senses about him, and set down in the Spirit presence in the Seventh Sphere, he would see nothing, it would seem a total void. He would instantly wish himself again upon earth. It is only the angels that inhabit it, that can perfectly enjoy it. I thank you, this being one of the few works in which exorcism (see page 42) against Evil Spirits is stated to have been and, [I convinced] may I ask the nature of the Spirit who thus spoke by a [?] only 9 [yds?] [?] 6821 1312 It was an undevelopd spirit of the first sphere (a) On Tuesday last we had the Vision of the Atmospheric Spirit of a Stranger Gentleman unfortunately upon my addressing him he left - Can we see him again 6822 1313 He will appear again & I have no doubt when his form is fully developd he will answer Your questions Will it be advisable for us to call Mr Anderson this Anderson wounded ES. died. before the papers were printed Mr Owens's [of?] [?] dieing & from other Causes. 25 Evening 6823 1314 He is Severely Wounded I think it would be better that you should not do so on that account. He was wounded entirely thro' his own Carelessness, he was 20 paces in advance of his Company of men. Is there any objection to my calling Count Cagliostro 6824 1315 No Answer. You will have some papers when they are Printed - I should like one to be sent to ES. and if you have any objection at doing so, tell him it was my wish. Is there any one else you would wish one sent to 6825 1316 I cannot tell you at present. Have you any further advice &c 6816 1317 I have not. Christmas is now close at hand, unfortunately, the loss of so many of our brave country precludes any merriment - 6827 1318 It is indeed a time of morning for us all. 10' past 10 PM The CA left. [?] 26th. Dec. 1854. CA mirror Smoked the C.A. [Mel Air?] is here in Morning as before. Mr Owen has written me with the enclosed address he begs to return you his sincere thanks for your kind wishes & requests your view of this address 6828 1319 I am aware of his address to the 26 meeting, It is a very good preparation and one that will sink deep into the hearts of those that hear it. But Mr Owen must modify his exertions May I ask how they should be modified 6829 1320 his age requires more rest, and I am afraid the recent excitement and exertion[s] he has undergone will prove injurious to his health. May I ask if you know from his G. Spirit whether he is likely to address his hearers upon the spirit happens 6830 1321 he will allude to it. 6831 1322 The first rain was the one that fell at the beginning of the World, that rain caused Vegetation & the harvest. The latter rain is the one before the Second Coming of Christ - and when the last rain is gone the entire earth will be consumed. May I ask you your view of the Origin or Cause of so many persons who I must in Charity deem sincere being led away by the Unknown-tongue-Mama of Edward Irving & the dogmas of the present self styled "Apostolic Church" 6832 1323 In some things their doctrine is very right his followers were not led astray they followed him directly because they did not agree with the Clergy they heard preach. I wish the doctrine which they Copy 7 c 8 27 Professed - Mr. Irving seemed to them to have (qualities?) more [?] to their own feelings than their Just religion His followers have established the heads of which call themselves "Holy Apostolic Church" the heads of which call themselves Apostles & they claim I believe some portion of Inspiration - I have never been there nor am I acquainted with their Doctrine, are you aware of their particular View 6833 1324 I know what they believe May I ask you the main heads of their belief 6834 1325 No answer do you wish me to ask another question 6825 1326 Yes Owen G. Warner says, p [45?]. If in the Company of Spirits any one have a headache, or nervous feeling, or any ailment some Spirit will at once if requested & often of his own second attempt a line of magnetizing, & they always succeed in some [?] of not perfectly, is that so. 6836 1327 The Spirits can enter any person that is unguarded against them, & so [?] them but it cannot well be called mesmerism. [?] p.65 They seem generally to know when we are ill - or fatigued - or unhappy, and they use their magnetic power to calm and soothe both our mental and bodily ailments As yet we know but little of the powers exerted by spirits but every day unfolds some new phenomenon illustrative of their capabilities and their benevolence: for generally what they do for us is a labor of love, though it may be done in the fulfilment of their prescribed duties. page 65 Copy 10 & 11 28 6807 1328 That Book (O'Swanen's) is written by a man, and altho he states what he believes to be right - he can only tell you his belief, he is entirely wrong. When seeming benevolence is only Artful design, and those kind of spirits are not able to soothe the mind or body. To produce any physical manifestations, spirits generally require that the room be dark, to our repeated questions why darkness is requisite, they tell us, that we cannot yet bear the sight of a spirit, and they would have to assume a form that would be visible to our bodily eyes in order to exert much power over material substances, hence when we have felt our heads touched it has generally been in the dark - alone in the room and locked in. The writer of this. by request of the spirits. always leaves a widow of his bedroom a few inches open. to admit of the ingress and egress of a spirit to make the manifestation which had been requested. those spirits have according to promise. manifested their presence in various ways, once the spirit of a near relative showed her face - and then before the writer of this spoke of it. went and told others what she had done - thus proving it was no illusion. on another occasion a brother came and clasped the writer round the waist so strongly as to make the embrace painfully felt. on another occasion. a hand was laid on his head and face several times. and once the writers name was called loudly by some voice close to his head. Copy 22 29 6838 1329 The first part is preposterous to think that [?] should be left open for a spirit to enter, and depart is out of reason. because whatever they may be, however high or however low and bad. they are still spiritual and can pass thro any substance. It is neither allowing them to be Spiritual or [material] mortal [endowed?] with Super human power, and there is no medium, because [where] they mortal they could not pass thro' a few miles and were they spiritual they would [?] no space. A spirit can make himself feel but in doing so his influence over a mortal is terrible, even afterwards that man's [hand] mind is guided and governed by the Spirit that presses him. Is not the occult power by which Spirits thus, guide [?] mans will Similar, to what is amongst mortals [?]. Electro. Biology 6839 1330 It is O.G Women p. 67. Many Spirits were asked this question - Suppose you were placed in a strong and massive iron box. and a perfectly fitting cover put in (as a follower) and thrust down upon you. how would you escape! at first they did not know how to answer the question. some said they would prevent the cover crushing them to the bottom - others said they would pray to God for help - but the majority explained. that they would resolve themselves into minute atoms. and escape through the pores of the metal. all agreed that they could not be injured. Copy 24 30 6840 1331 The one that asserted that I should certainly believe to be Evil Were it possible for a Spirit to be confined in a box, long before the lid could be closed down by the quickest mortal that Spirit would have evaporated into Air. I have among my Magical Mss. the form of a [Prayer?] [?] into which Solomon is said to have enclosed a Legion of Evil Spirits, & the Seal used. - Is there any truth in that assertion 6841 1332 There is, but they were kept there by a Magical Charm not by a mere force there are powers by which men can limit Spirits to Space. OG Wanen p. 64. They have the power of creating whatever the desire. whatever robes they desire to wear, they possess with the wish. they paint, sculpt. write or compose music - and their productions are as tangible to them. as ours are to us, the artist by means of his will - paints a picture. and shows it to his friends. as really as if on earth; and the poet writes, and finds admirers of his verses as he would here. 6842 1333 It is so in the first sphere I have read several very beautiful Poems, stated to have been Communicated to Mediums by deceased Poets, as Edgar A Poe. [?] [?]. I wish you wd. allow a Spirit of the 1st. Sphere to write a poem to [?]. 6843 1334 I have no doubt it can be done I shall be much gratified, if you think it will Copy 36 31 not have any evil influence on my Seer 6844 1335 There is no harm in it I will ask him. OG Warner p. 49. There are special providences - but generally the will of man and the operation of natural causes govern the phenomena of the phisical and oral world, there is a natural limit to each life, accidents excepted. one could not live beyond a time. but might die sooner, the different ages of individuals are ordained and many are intended to leave the earth in infancy and have their new experience of life cheifly in the spiritual spheres. all spirits feel that they are children of God. and love him from their innate and natural affection. May I ask if all mens times are preordained as to their duration as here stated. 6845 1336 It is known but not predestined I cannot with my limited faculties conceive how [a] the length of a mans life may be foreknown and yet not predestined. 6846 1334 For instance we know that such a man will die on such a time unless he is saved by the Special interference of God, but at the same time we do not say that such a man must die at such a time, because where accidents prevented, the parties would live for several years afterwards but if their divine maker knows it is best for them to die now, than to live longer they they die In arguing with Mr Gilkes on this subject yesterday Morning I argued that I could not believe that many by any Copy 38 32 Act of his own could lengthen his life, Altho, [?] demonstrated that I was wrong, inasmuch as the Average duration of life in this Country is increasing [?] to improved sanitory & other measures. 6847 1338 A many by his own Efforts cannot lengthen his life. - but he may shorten it. May I ask by what Law it is that out of a 1000 persons born now - a [?] number have a Chance of living to a greater age than 50. or 100 years ago. 848 1339 The difference is not great The years of man are three score & ten. And if he lives beyond that age it is for Gods purpose. OG Warner p. 70. - It seems that there is no merit whatever in belief. all are in error. and it is one of the natural conditions of our life on earth. more over, the second and third spheres are also full of errors. and so through all the spheres. the spirits progress in love and wisdom. and by slow degrees unlearn what they have wrongly learned here. their errors are not imputed to them as sins - and it is of no importance whatever in the great concerns of eternity which of the many faiths a man believes so long as his heart is right. he may not be baptized - he may not join a church - he may not believe in the Trinity - he may not believe that every word of the old and new testaments was written by the finger of God - he may not believe that Christ was identical with God - he may have doubts even of a future existence, and never in his life have uttered a prayer. and yet if his heart is overflowing with love for his fellow beings. and if he does all he 33 can to meliorate there moral and phisical condition he has fulfilled the greatest and most important of the duties assingned - his errors of belief will be easily dissipated by the teaching of angels: and his chance for an early admission to the higher spheres will be far better than the chance of the cold and uncharitable bigot - however true may be the doctrine he believes. a correct belief is of no avail and no merit is attached. one cannot help believing or unbelieving. if Christ's sermon on the mount could be made the foundation of all religion - and if those who professed religion would manifest their faith to the world by their acts kindness and charity, there would be no more dissesion. 6849 1340 It is wrong Any man to be saved must believe in the Trinity and in the death of Christ It does not matter by what sect he belongs, or whether he be baptized I look upon the earth & see every sort of religion, and I look upon them as - and amongst them all are equal number of believers **** 6850 1341 I mean every one who believes himself to be in the right way, who worships one God, let that be who it may. The I presume the pious Moslem, Buddhist or [Aryan?], who sincerely act right according to their [?] belief - will [?] attain truth. 6857 1342 They will, they are admitted into the first sphere. on account of that belief - Copy 41 34 they have the means of believing and they do believe. and whatever they believe it is right to them. Swedenberg asserts that there is no Salvation after death., that is that a man must merit Salvation while on this earth. - he must then be wrong in that assertn. 6852 1343 he was. OG Warner. page 70. Of the change which death produces in the spirits of men, much has been told us. according to the information given us by many different spirits from all the spheres [?] that all are happy though in different degrees. very bad men on arriving in the second sphere of unrepentant and still disposed to be mischevous are disgraced. and they are shut out from the companionship of other spirits. until their feelings are changed. yet in every case the spirit is better than the man was on earth. he leaves behind him his vices and his crimes. he has no longer the will or the power to commit murder or robbery - nor can he be guilty of the thousand nameless vices and wrongs which made up his life on earth. he has therefore at death made a great advance towards goodness. 6853 1344 A man must enter the first sphere, [purely?] Spiritual and without it can then try to advance, but it must lead every bad quality in the Atmosphere When we were practicing as Writing Mediums, one of the Spirits made by Emma a diagram of the Seven Spheres - will you kindly favor me with a diagram on the Mirror which Emma can copy 6843 1345 I will do so The Presence Seventh Sphere Sixth Sphere Fifth Sphere Fourth Sphere Third Sphere Second Sphere First Sphere HADES ATMOSPHERE THE EARTH 1406 Abode of the fallen angels. [wha?] [Crown?] [C?] 35 As my Seer is now ready may I ask you to show her the diagram - 6855 1340 The Representation then Came - which Emma copied as closely as she was able. on the fly leaf of the Copy of Owen G Warrens Supernatural Theology which we had been quoting from. & which, is now recopied opposite. No 1. - The diagram No 2 is a facsimile of the Diagram - as made on = Owen G Warren p 71 There are no bad spirits - that is no devils or demons. those spirits we have conversed with will not allow us to use the term. they say emphatically "there are no bad spirit" mischievous spirits there are. and those that are disgraced. but God made no bad ones. sins are looked upon with pity - not with anger - and all the sinning and erring are instructed and persuaded until they reform. It is not the cultivation of the intellect that qualifies a spirit to rise. the heart must be pure. one of our friends told us that she went directly to the Third Sphere "because" said she "they said I had a pure heart". 6856 1347 It is almost useless for me to do so when I have already shown you the abode of the fallen Angel. I perceive in the drawing a farmer & a Gentleman I supposed that is only used Figuratively to show that persons of Every grade fall into that Evil 6857 1348 They visit the Earth in those shapes those I have shown you are the likenesses of the Worst Spirits there are 10 PM the CA left. We [?] 10h.15 to see the A Spirit who appd. p. 17. but had no vision [Fdie?] 9th. Jany. 1855 C. A. Mirror Smoked the CA [The?] CA. in white edged with black. May I be allowed to ask some further questions this Evening - 6858 1349 Yes I wish you to congratulate Mr Owen for me on his success last Monday week. I will with pleasure., I regretted to find there were not more influential persons present, but I never heard so large an Audience, set so quietly & with such undivided attention. I hope the meeting in May next will produce Adequate results. 6847 1350 Doubtless it will As to the War. 6860 1351 I believe it will terminate before the Spring I hope it will terminate (honorably?) and I trust that peace will not be obtd. 37 before the Allied Army have taken Sebastopol should the war terminate without that the blood of so many [Cross?] fellows will have been shed in vain. My lack of "Scholarship" prevents my reading the old & New Testaments in Hebrew or Greek I can therefore only ground my belief upon the language as given in the received Translation of the protestant Church. Compared with the Roman Catholic & Unitarian Translations. and their respective Glosses. and altho you have informed me that Translation is sufficiently correct, I cannot shut my eyes to the fact. that where passages would admit a diverse rendering - A rendering has been given most in accordance with the belief of the Church Rampant at the time of the Translation - I mention this as a reason for y requesting you of your great favor towards me, to furnish me with a correct view of those passages, leaving it to you to give me as you deem fit, either the most correct rendering of the Original or the Ideas intended to be expressed - ArcBishop [Whately?] in Note C to his "Revelation of a Future State says. - "As for the state of the Soul in the Interval between death & the general resurrection, the discussion is unnecessary, and perhaps, unprofitable; had knowledge on this point been expedient for us, it would doubtless have been clearly revealed; as it is we are lost in Conjecture "If the Soul remains [?] and unconscious (as it does with respect to the sleeping faculty, for instance when the eyes are closed or blinded) till its reunion with matter, the moment of our Sinking into this State of unconsciousness will appear to [?] to be succeeded by that of our awaking from it, even though 20 centuries may 38 intervened, of which any one may convince himself by a few moments reflection." May I solicit from you a dogmatic Answer to the following question - and your former responses on the same subject I can add in support What is Man in Death? 6261 1353 Death itself is caused by the Soul leaving the Body - The material and the Spiritual body then Separate If he (O'Whately) believes that the Soul & the body rise together, he cannot allow that there is a Spiritual existence because it must then be a second earth. May I for the same purpose ask you again. What is the human soul? is it capable of a Separate existence, and what is its Separate State after death 6862 1354 The Soul is the after existence, or rather that which is given by God, unto man to exist when the body has perished It is capable of a Spiritual existence apart from the body. Attached to that it could not go into the presence off its maker and live in the Spiritual world. After death it is the Spiritual body of him that died, and as such makes its progress, quite conscious of its own Existence through the Seven Spheres and when it has arrived at the Seventh 39 it stays there to meet its reward at the great Trial - I was preparing to read Job 14. when Emma said, here is more reading Coming - & then said. 6863 1355 Should you ever publish to the world my answers to those, and the other works some time before, and if your opinion agrees with my knowledge on the subject. for to me it is beyond all doubt, I should wish you to give them as Emanating from yourself and should those to whom they are addressed refute the Doctrine, I am ready with a second answer Your wishes once expressed, I have an earnest desire to fulfill - but allow me to observe that I have an insurmountable objection to "Shine on borrowed plumes." or to appear as claiming a knowledge I do not possess 6864 1356 You are wrong there. The answers which I have given you to night, show no deep learning, but they are the truth, and taking knowledge from your Guardian Spirit is very different from borrowing another mans opinions because you believe them to be true But I di not ask you to give them as emanating from yourself unless you believe them. and unless they are the same in substance as you would have Job. 14.10 But man dieth and wasteth away, yea man giveth up the Ghost and where is he. 11 As the waters fail from the Sea and the flood decayeth and drieth up 12 So man lieth down, and rises not till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake or be raised out of their sleep. Protestant Version Job. 14.10: But man when he shall be dead, and [?] I prey you where is he? 11 As if the waters [?] out of the sea c[?] c[?] [?] should be dried up. 12 So man when he falleth asleep shall not rise again till the heavens be broken, he shall not awake nor rise out of his sleep. Doncany Tremelalin 40 given without any prompting. I explained my [views] requested I might proceed with my questions 6845 1357 [Do so] Job 14.10 Job 14.11+12. Am I to receive there assertions as revealed dogma, or only as Jobs [?] of the subject according to his limited knowledge + belief. 6866 1358 That is Job's own opinion as far as his earthly knowledge goes. - Bishop [Lowth?] says "That which struck their [?o?es] they delineated in their descriptions; we there find no exact account - no explicit mention of immortal spirits" + again the condition, the form, the habitation of departed spirits were therefore concealed from the Hebrews, equally with the rest of mankind, nor did revelation afford them the smallest assistance on this subject." May I ask you to give me an explanation why in the Old Testament, Revelation does not furnish any information upon a subject apparently so important to man. 1359 6867 The most important part of Scripture the New Testament mentions, the death and Resurrection + also the Second Coming of Christ. Before the Coming of Christ upon Earth they had no knowledge upon the subject. The members of the Christian Church look upon the Old Testament as a direct revelation from God Copy 83 [*41*] [*13608*] [*6868*] The New Testament may be considered so but not the old. There are very many contradictions in it. May I ask of the Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Hosea Habbakuk + others divinely inspired by God to give utterance to those beautiful [p?ms] prophecies which go by their names [*6869*] [*1361*] No answer. Asked again - [exd?] [*6870*] [*1362*] I cannot answer that question now May I be allowed to ask that question some other [way?] [*6870*] [*1363*] You may. May I ask of the state of the soul of those who died on this earth before the death of Jesus Christ differed in any way from the state of the souls of those who died on this earth after his death. [*6872*] [*1364*] None ascended with the Seventh sphere until after his death. Owen G Warren page 79 All mankind were created male and female — in pairs — perfectly mated, the male generally comes upon the earth first, and is older by a few or many years (The difference being generally from five to twenty years.) and they are generally located near each other, so that if circumstances be favorable they can meet and be united but the chances are much against the union as it is only about once in a hundred and fifty times that they meet in marrage on earth. [*1365*] [*6873*] They are not paired upon Earth. They meet the same as other Specie but the man is not created for one particular Copy =84c85= For Solomon 42 Woman. because if so, it would also be ordained they should each meet. Owen G Warren page 79 Spirits pretend that they can ascertain who on earth are natural partners, and will sometimes inform them. sometimes however they refuse alleging that the person asking would be made unhappy by the knowledge. they perceive sometimes that one of the natural partners has become refined and pure. while the other is degraded in vice - and thus they think at best to conceal from us the fact. After death the departed spirit soon discovers his natural partner. if he be on earth the other will watch over him and at his death be present to welcome him to the second sphere. 1366 6874 I must again repeat what I have said so many times before - That when the Soul of Man is separated from the Body, it loses all knowledge of what has taken place on earth. In the spiritual spheres all are to them alike, they recognize none in particular but they feel love for them all There are some men on earth who have a great many lives, were they to recognize them all when they have left Earth they could not exist together in Harmony did they live there as partners their human passions must exist. and where they exist in Copy 88, 89, 90, 91 43 The smallest degree happiness is at [??h??] [Dev?] [Granen?] page 20 The natural partners are not always permanently united until they both arrive at the Seventh sphere - as one will sometimes rise faster than the other, from greater purity of heart - and as it often happens that one of them dies in childhood and rises directly to the Seventh sphere, from the time when both have arrived at that sphere, they are indissolubly united, and when their term of probation is ended, they rise together to Heaven. Both natural partners take the same name, as in earthly marriages, tho' in some instances the name of the female is retained, and that of the male given up, the woman who dies unmarried and meets there her natural partner, knows herself at once to be his wife and takes his name. The affection of parents for their earthly offspring never ceases, but it changes in its character - because in time the children no longer need protection and being of nearly the same age, the relation of parent and child becomes less and less felt. Spirits find their natural partners instinctively but where they are in different spheres there is a little uncertainty, where both are in the same sphere there is an instinctive knowledge of their congeniality. May solicit your view of these assertions as a final answer 1367 6875 that it is altogether wrong. I am perfectly sure when they leave Hades for the first Sphere 22 Matt. [24] 30. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels of God in heaven: 12 Matt. 25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in Marriage, but are as the Angels which are in Heaven. 20 Luke 35. But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage. [N?land] Translation 22 Matt. 30 "Nor in the resurrection they shall neither marry nor be married" &c 12 Mar 25 "They shall neither marry nor be married" &c. 20 Luke 35 "Shall neither be married nor take wives Douay Translation 22 Matt. 30 "Neither marry nor are given in marriage" &c 12 Mark 25 They neither marry nor are given in marriage &c 20 Luke 35 "Neither marry nor are given in marriage &c [?] Transn Griesbachs Text as Translated by Sharpe is the Same as the [Netherland?] Transn. 44 they are perfectly level, there are no children there then because those who die very young ascend directly - those who are there are in spiritual appearance even the same as each other -- you recognize none but you feel great sympathy and love for them even as you would for yourself and arise into the next sphere the same, those that were in it before leaving it for the next above them when they enter. [*/a/*] And in no state after death shall there be "Marriage or giving in Marriage." May I with propriety ask if when men & women die they retain the distinction of sex as when on this earth. 1368 6876 They do not. I was meditating how I could frame a work as "my own". so as to give the C A's views when Emma said - the C A's turned more round & looks so sorrowful & said. 1369 6877 "I once appeared in the Crystal of a Gentleman living in France and after an argument on this same subject which last for an hour and a half -- at least he said that it did so -- I had no knowledge of the time. -- I gave him the Answer in Substance the same as I have given you., and to show you how vain was any argument, and how his feelings remained chained to earth. after that last answer he put down the Crystal 45 without discharging it and with a melancholy look he said "Then I no longer care for heaven if women are not there." The C A's leaving 9h 20' PM. Action ended. as Emma altho very unwell had inspected only to oblige me / ♂︎die, 6 Jan. 1855 C. A Mirror Invoked the C. A. After some delay the C. A appeared - as before. White edg'd black. I repeated my question if the prophecies of Isaiah Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Eccles's. Hosea etc were the result of their author's being Divinely inspired 1370 6878 The writers were not inspired I have answered you that question before I explained 1371 6879 I did not mean last Tuesday but some time before that. -- and when I had given you the same answer you doubted my ----- They are not to be received as perfectly true, they were only the opinions of men older in Wisdom but not better than those of the present day. Your remark as to my doubting you - gives me pain My reason is this, as I have not the happy gift of [arraising?] spirits, personally. I can only rely on my seer not being misled by any other spirit assuming your appearance & when I receive thru' her my dogma or doctrine which appears in any way at variance 46 with what I conceive to have been your former response I immediately exorcise, not from doubting your word but to make sure of your presence - have I made myself understood 1372 6880 When you have any doubt it is much best to an exorcism, but at the same time I can tell you, it is impossible for any Spirit to take my appearance without my knowledge, and under any circumstance I should never give my Consent. I had some conversation with Mr Gilkes this morning His remarks has given me much uneasiness on [?] Seers account. - I find that he would be satisfied both the [?] appearance of some of his friends, & I much desire to convince him of the objectivity of these appns at least so far as Emma is Concerned. 1373 6881 I cannot but feel that Mr Gilkes has shown disrespect to me, and altho I cannot feel the slightest resentment. I dislike being pressed upon a point to which I firmly believe I have given a satisfactory explanation. Therefore, I do not desire the attend'ce of Mr G- unless with different feelings Sometime since you kindly offered, when Mr G. was present you would devote an Evening. to go thro' the whole of the Scriptures & Explain to us their Scope & meaning - If I make an appt. with Mr G. for Tuesday will you kindly favor us by fulfilling your promise 1374 6882 I would rather appoint next Tuesday Week. 47 I am as yet so far in arrear with my minutes for 1853 that I am afraid when I ask by mistake a question a second time that you may suppose I don't form a [?] or doubting feeling 1375 6883 No I do not indeed - Your memory must be more than human if it could retain all I have told you When may I have the Continuance of the Vision [IRC?] 6884 1376 I will tell you before I leave When at Mr Leas - I called Count Cagliastro into the Crystal he appeared as usual with a book, & was exceeding angry that Mr Lea could not understand him. Can I call him this Eg. into this Mirror or the ES. Crystal. 1377 6885 Are you sure it was Joseph [Balsamo?] that appeared - I think it would be much the best to use the Crystal in calling him. The Japan or the ES Crystal 6886 1378 The E- S- Crystal Can we see Mr Anderson this Evening 6887 1379 When he begins to make this statement it will last nearly the Whole Evening do you mean Mr Anderson's statement 6888 1380 Yes some Friday evening will do for that if you do not wish it to interfere with any usual stay. I will postpone it to next Friday Evening. 6889 1381 No you can call him this Evening, & I will enquire whether Mr Anderson will appear on Friday I was much concerned on Friday at seeing a neighbour 48 Pass our house, so paralyzed & [destituted?] by Rheumatism that he could scarcely drag himself along. - Would it be advisable for me to Mesmerise him for it - I do not believe his Medical Men can do him any good. 6890 1382 I believe that Mesmerism is a very great benefit in such cases The Mesmeric Infirmary is open to such Sufferers But let me entreat you not to take a Case in hand which you do not thoroly understand You might send a letter to him inducing him to try it - but while your name is on the Eve of being sent forth as the student of these mysterious sciences do not let it be [maimed?] by the unsuccessful Issue of an intentionally good Case. My Young Seer Suffers so much from Cold, may I [?] this Mirror on to the Table so that she may Sit at the table near the fire to inspect 6891 1383 I do not like it being [?] When I reflect upon the past events of my troubled life, I am at a loss to conceive why my then Guardian Spirit did not prevent my follies & their Consequent Sorrows. - 6892 1384 Man is born into Sin - had your Guardian Spirit prevented all those Evils what need would there have been of a Saviour You pass thro the ocean of Life, to reach the Shore of Eternity. - Although 49 the Guardian Angel may Save you from sinking - he cannot save you from being wrecked. he may guide you to the shore, but he Cannot remove the Stones (yorks?) It could only be by a special providence that a man on entering the world shd. have a guardian Spirit Sufficiently strong to keep him through life from all temptations - Were it wise for a man to pass through life without Trials the Almighty wd. surely have granted that poor man who so lately has been Convicted of the murder of two men, a Guardian Spirit sufficiently strong to prevent it I know but little of the Circumstances of the Murders still less of the Cause of the first. - & altho apposed to hanging, as an insufficient punishment, & demoralizing I think he justly merited it, & I cannot conceive upon what grounds his Jury recommended him by mercy. Remembering also that his Antagonist in the Duel appeared to us & said he had met foul play. 1385 6895 In your eyes he appears an Atrocious Villain, and as such it is but reasonable to believe he would be denounced by all men who have a human feeling for those Murdered. but I look upon him as almost innocent of the Charges laid to him, that is to say, so far as his Spirit & Soul are 50 1385 Concerned - I never consider any time lost in vindicating the Character of a man to his fellow creatures, let me be his advocate and I think I could soften your feelings towards him It is the opprest and the lost sheep that are received with the greatest joy into the bosom of the great Shepherd. 6894 I know that it is useless to try and prevent him from sharing the fate of those gone before him, but an ignominous death in this world does not prevent him - a glorious birth in the next. His parents were of the lowest grade morally and Socially, he had no education bad habits, and bad feelings are soon learnt in low French life. and naturally strong minded, brave and passionate he soon set all restrictions at defiance - How different would it have been had he been educated under the tutorship of Robert Owen. - For 20 years he had no Guardian Spirit without this and without any religious spirit, it is almost unnecessary for me to say that Evil Spirits were soon attached to him - In many private affairs he believed 51 1385 4894 himself to be very unjustly treated and before he came to England he had injured many people but, he had never Committed murder those he had fought with & injured were not his greatest enemies, he did not do it with the feeling of hatred, he did not do it in the Spirit of revenge, but he did it because he could not help it. The influence which possessed him caused him to do it, when he at the same time knew he was doing wrong. Yet he had not strength within himself to conquer that influence or even to subdue its power -- Driven from his country with no friend amongst mankind - no hand held out to save him, he came to London sometime after he had been here that unfortunate Circumstance took place at Egham - in that duel another Frenchman fell - altho he went to the field with the sullen Resolve to kill that man, if it was in his power, he himself did not use unfair means, the two seconds who were also Frenchmen had as much interest in the affair as Barthelemy himself and it was chiefly at their instigation that he undertook the duel. It was their dispute as well as his, but he being less cowardly than the rest, gave the challenge, the seconds determined that Corneat should suffer used unfair means. Barthelemy suffered first 52 1385 6894 Several things have happened since the Duel and the Murder of Mr Moore which tended to make his Natural disposition loose. it is generally believed that he went to the house of Mr Moore with the intention of Murdering him but of this charge he must be entirely freed - from a [?] animosity which he always had to his fellowmen, and distrust towards them eh always went about armed, As Mr Moore no longer lives I will not dwell upon the injury he had done Barthelemy - it is sufficient for me to say that he had caused Barthelemy to feel Jealousy the most terrible that man can feel. The only object he had ever felt an affection for, he found to be unfaithful to him. - Mor Moore was the Cause, he want to his house warm, & determined to remonstrate with him, at least, when he got there passion ran high and the fatal Effects are known, when he left the house he was I may [?] say almost insane, and the murder of the other man was accidental, in fact, the man was the instrument of his own death. for he caught the arm of Barthelemy by which he held the pistol & so it exploded. His Calmness at this Trial, indeed ever since he has been Convicted has 53 1385 4894 arisen from repentance. and the Jury who were placed there upon oath to return a true Verdict, felt in their minds that he could not be guilty of a cool & deliberate murder when he stood so Calmly, yet so self assured before them. and I am very much gratified to know that he will not pass from life without the Effort of those men to save him. Thro life he has ever had two good qualities - Generosity & Bravery and for the Sins Committed under the Influence of an Evil Spirit, the Soul of that man Cannot be held responsible And I am sure that at the last he will meet death with the belief in Everlasting life. Men have justice, but they have no true Mercy. Will you please to Cause Cagliostro to appear. 4895 1386 I will Mr Anderson will appear on Friday Week 10 30 PM. ES. Crystal Called Joseph Balsamo The Crystal veiled directly & Emma said, there is the Gentleman who came in & went away without speaking It is time, and he has a Crystal on his hand, he is looking into it - he is short stout, no whiskers - no [*54*] Moustache and dressed in the present mode. May I &c [*6896*] I am the Spirit of Joseph Balsamo. Are you the Same who appeared on the [*6798*] & went away without speaking [*6897*] I am I have called you many times when at my friend Leas did you appear last Friday night to his wife [*6898*] No I did not Can you tell me who it was, who did appear when you were Called [*6899*] I will appear again tonight or some other Evening [*6900*] Some other night. then gone having stayed only 5 minutes. ♂die 23rd. Jan. 1855. [?] Smoked the CA he is here in Morning May I request to know if we can have the promised Explanation of the Scriptures next Tuesday [*6901 1387*] I regret that it cannot be so May I request you to name Another Evening [*6902 1388*] I did intend to do it, on next Tuesday Evening, but there are many duties which spirits are not exempt from I will only tell you a week before and then I shall be certain that I can do it. 55 Shall I then await the fulfillment of your [?] before asking ay further Scripture questions 6903 1389 Ask any questions 6904 1390 It would have been best had it never been put in unless in a very different way. he seems to have mentioned it too casually with other spirits - If he had said it was his belief that he had appeared or made it appear possible by the force of argument upon it, it would have been different. - but I am afraid it will give him offence were you to ask him to omit it. In page 14 [8] of Mr Owens appendix A - paragraph 8 Mr Owen asked. Will Jesus Christ permit me to ask if there is reason to esteem Him more especially than any other the Son of God.? And received for answer, by the [?] Spirits "He was when upon Earth the father of [?]. The Messiah has not yet Come - The Messiah is a different spirit from Jesus Christ May I ask your view of that answer. 6905 1391 I do not wish that to be altered now. Jesus Christ is the Messiah or rather will 56 be at the Second Coming He is the regenerator of Man Kind because thro him all [life] have life everlasting May I ask do you mean by saying "I do not wish that to be altered now" that the passage is to be altered or to remain as it is 6906 1392 I wish it had not been written, but as it is done, I do not wish it to be altered. 6907 1393 I have answered you that question before 6908 1394 His influence was there, his Knowledge & part of his Spirit was there, together they formed a spiritual body representing him If I write to Mr Owen to explain the manner in which it is to be understood that JC. was present will you kindly assist me. 6909 1395 Refer a moment to the answer which I gave you sometime back on the [convn.?] Mr Owen had with Jesus Christ, I will then answer you I then read the whole questions & answer Nos. & suggested that I should write to Mr Owen. with the passages referring to him & which I had not done before as I was in hopes he would seen fit to omit the passage Entirely 6910 1396 You are right it will be best to do so You can select some parts from that 57 1396 6910 which you have just read, and in addition you can state. that all persons who believe in the divinity of Christ believe that he is an all- pervading influence and that his Spirit enters into the heart of those who follow his guidance and do what they believe their duty They all believe that he is there to do good to enlighten them , to purify their hearts sanctify their actions and lead them to Salvation Then if they believe this they can scarcely doubt that that same difference Can take any form to do the same work for others which he is doing for them. Why is it unreasonable to suppose that he should take the only means which A man will allow to be used in any way to convince him. Mr Owen was more readily open to conviction this way than any other and what the Argument of men could not Effect , a spirit would be able to do by aiming at the weakest part. If Jesus Christ left the most perfect bliss , came upon Earth full of Sorrow lived here for more than 30 Years amongst the hardships + privations of life + amongst the poorest of mankind. If he was persecuted as no man Levit. 19. 18. Thou shalt love thy Neighbor as thyself. 58 1390 [b?]10 as ever been [?ie], and died an ignominious death when he could have prevented it solely for the love of man, do you not think he would use his influence, small perhaps at first but great if necessary for the enlightenment and fine teaching of any of those mortals who were willing to believe. No Christian will deny that he can do this, and if he will do this for those who have denied him, done wrong to their fellow men, and yet died in his belief at last — why should he not do it for a man who through his long life has had no aim but the good of mankind, who as a man has followed the example that Jesus Christ set "Love one another", "Love they neighbors as thyself" "Do unto one another even as you would they should do unto you" [b?]11 1397 I am not sure that communication was received rightly At page 10 under date 8th Oct. 1854 [?] states the spirits announced as present here Kent, Jefferson, Franklin, [?], [?elly], 59 Byron, Elias, and Daniel the prophets, contentment, comfort and last Jesus Christ, may I ask if the spirits thus announced were all present at the same time. 1398 6912 It is perfectly impossible for them all to be present at the same time No dependance can be placed on the answers of those mortals lately dec'd You have just [named] read. It is very likely# that the likeness of J. C appeared without answering any questions, and I must here state that Mr. Owen put the question in a [way] wrong manner to get a correct answer. If he appeared for the first time as other spirits do merely as a Vision intending to appear again & answer questions it is possible for the spirit calling himself the Duke of Kent to have immediately taken advantage of his absence and given him the answer that was published. May I solicit you to give me your view of the form he should put his question in — if it is again announced that J. C is present. 1399 6913 He should first ask him "Are you J. C." and then while he is yet present put the question — "are you the Son of God" Then, Believing you are such from your own assurance am I to receive as 60 Divine authority, the Doctrines you preached" May I remark you have not enjoined Exorcism? 1400 6914 It is perfectly necessary to do so before you ask the questions I have told you. I will ask write the letter to Mr Owen. 1401 6915 I will give it you, and I must here remark what an advantage all those would have who seek intercourse with spirits, were they to use something by which they might become visible, as one spirit cannot take the appearance of another. without his leave - by their appearance you would have the greatest satisfaction I have just perused an article in a cheap tho very excellent little work. - on spirit manifestations, in which very extraordinary phenomena are related as having occurred. - & I regret to observe that so far from using Exorcism to prevent Evil spirits attending they witnessed manifestations of spirits who aroused [?] to be Evil. - [140] 6916 It is also there stated that a poem of great length & beauty. has been written by a "Medium" May I at some future time be favored with a Poem in our Mirror 1402 6917 I have no doubt the spirit of a deceased poet would do so. It is very possible to think that at that one meeting that Evil Spirits lead the minds of the persons present 61 1402 6917 to believe that they do all these wonderful things - To show what power they must have over them, they do not even leave when the spirits announce themselves as evil, calm and sacred Truths would never sink into their hearts. and have the weight with them that those horrid appearances do There is more excuse for the man who murders another under the strong influence of Evil passions, than there is for the people who go there with the Knowledge that those spirits are Evil and so inconsistent is man with himself in judging of the two things, and so unmerciful is he to man who is next the Godhead, and yet so lenient to the Evil that is within himself - That Judging those who go to these meetings, knowing that Evil Spirits perform[s] these wonders - he says "Oh the Devil has got hold of them and they cannot help it" but judging a fellow man for the murder of another they assert "That he deserves Capital punishment in this world and everlasting damnation hereafter." When the letter has gone to Mr Owen I think for the present you have done enough. You must see how this is rec'd. 62 1402 6917 and what comes of it, before you venture further. for in these matters it needs both calmness, discretion & patience These qualities which I am afraid your friend Mr Henry Lea. will never possess altho I so strongly (urged?) him to try & have [?] them he seems further off than ever [*on ? to me*] I ret'd Thanks & begged that Lero would aid him in developing his wife's powers of seeing but only for good purposes. May I see Mr Anderson on Friday Ev'g as promised 1403 6918 It will be better for you to ask him to appear this Evening, or if not inform you when he can appear. Mr Dresser very much wishes to appear this Evening. Mr Dresser as you are [?] now Confined to the Evani Glass which I carefully avoid using as much as I respect him in person, I do not wish to be annoy'd by him spiritually - Can we see this Evening Joseph Balsamo in the ES. 1404 6919 I do not know whether he will appear there is no harm in calling him In the Crystal 10 PM. The C A left 10.30 E S. Crystal Called Jo's Balsamo No Vision Called Mr Anderson No Vision 10 40 Ended 63 ♂︎die 30th. Jan. 1855. C A Mirror Invoked the C. A. 8.15 The C A app'd in white trimmed with Black May I ask my frie's questions this evening 1405 6920 Yes Mr Owen 1406 6921 I know what it contains, and I believe it to be another step towards the success of his much desired plans. 1407 6922 I do. and it is also much best that in this peculiar system which he has founded and which if carried out strictly would "Sow the good Seed" in the hearts of man and which is intended to be universal education that no religion should be named. Were he to mention that he must name one particular sect, and were that one sect mentioned all others would be excluded. Where it is founded to teach purity and benevolence it is unnecessary that any particular doctrine should be argued upon. Children brought up under his method or in a similar way, I 64 think I have before stated to you my Views of Education, could not fail to have religious feelings. Mr. Owen 1408 6923 Mans character is formed for him in the first place because had he no education at all he would be little better than a Savage, but if that education is performed rightly, it develops his own will and his own Character. Mr Owens friend Dr Henry Frans has favored me at my request with the first of a series of questions to be proposed by him, and as I wish to place his questions before you so far as possible extraneous of my own as my Seers mind I will not make any remark thereon. - Dr Frans says in his letter he will place them "as Curtly as possible so as to avoid making them a leading question have I your permission to propose them. 6924 You may do so Question by Dr Frans What is the human Will. 1409 6925 The mind concentrated on one object Thought, and the powers of the mind directed to obtain it. But I may here state to you that the will of men can only exist in opposition It is a dominant power of the mind 65 which rises under restraint - and that which is deemed impossible to be gained by any other Agency of the [mind] Soul is obtained by the will. Is this nightly [Milton?] 1410 it is 6926 I called for [Mr?] [Cagliosho?] & Mr. Anderson last Tuesday but had no vision will you inform me when we can see him 1411 I will ask him to appear when I leave 6927 A Brother of Mr. Gilbert [Gilkes?] is a believer in Animal Magnetism, and has been mesmerising his son and also as is termed by mortals Biologized him, that is subduing his childs mind by the superior will of his own, compelling him for instance to think Bread & butter is plum cake and to eat it under that impression - As I have an earnest love for Children I have very strongly expressed my opinion upon the subject to Mr. [Gilkes?] may I now request Yours. 1412 6928 It is abusing a power that was sent for a different purpose, and it is doubly wrong for a parent to exert that power over a child who has not the Knowledge or Strength to resist it, it is as it were making him an idiot & not responsible for his own actions in Afterlife He might at the same time without any additional wrong cause the whole take the whole of the childs senses from him & then believe that he was doing an act of Charity. 66 1412 6929 No the will of man was not given him to keep the will of others in subjection The will more than any power which man possesses leads him to distinction for by that he rises above the difficulties which would otherwise crush him. I perceive by the papers that Barthelemy maintained his Materialist views unto the last. & I am informed his Father is a rich man in France. - have you any further remarks to offer relative to him since he has left this World. 1413 6030 You have stated right except his parentage in his youth they were low ignorant and infamous people His Father may be and I trust is [altered now?], but it is too late, to do him good who so lately left the world I am perfectly aware that the greatest mercy man will show him is to let his memory sink into oblivion I gave you my opinion of him before they are still unchanged, and the water of regeneration shall wash out the blood of the Flesh. Your view of the Mercy & goodness of God is indeed large but it is so opposed to the dogmas of those priests who arrogate to themselves the authority of being the sole interpreters of Gods Views, that I do not know what the public would think were your responses by any possibility to be placed before them as Coming from a Spiritual[ist] point of view -- Altho the doctrine appears most Natural to him whose attribute is All Merciful as well as All powerfull. 67 I was last evening engaged recopying my notes of the 6931 1414 and read with great pleasure your merciful views of the Christian Doctrine of "Eternal and Everlasting Punishment" compared with those of [Drexelens?] & the Revd Tobias Swinden. 6932 1415 I have no doubt that he thought his justness if not his mercy would entitle him to a seat in Heaven. Notwithstanding your kind endeavors to enlighten e upon the Occult Laws. of Spiritual Apparitions I am much astonished at your responses, being not only given in such fine English, but punctuated as used by mortals. 6933 1416. One Language to me is the same as Another - You ask me questions you show me printing, and letters which you wish answered, and my only aim is to answer them so that you may understand. I only wish to be plain and at the same time - your wisdom & sense & your enlightened friends. May I solicit you to inform me on what evening it will be [correct] convenient for Mohamed Ali to appear to answer some questions relative to the mineral Inscriptions 6934 1417 I must enquire of him first. When can we have the continuation of the Vision of the Man in White 6935 1418 No answer Shall I call Mr Anderson in this or the Crystal 6936 1419 In his Mirror he will appear directly I leave [?] thanks when Emma [?] here is [?] [leading?] See 1244 and 1429. 68 1419 6437 Do you recollect when I appeared in the mirror belonging to Mr Henry Lea you asked the question If there existed a knowledge of the Events of a persons life at the time of their death. or rather whether thoughts were embodied and could be recalled I told you that at another time I would give you more particulars on that subject. I shall indeed be pleased to receive your responses when a subject so interesting to me, when will it be convent. for me to receive them 1420 6938 I wish you to collect any questions You may like for next Tuesday Evening. I will then answer them The C A left 20' to 10 PM Called Mr. Anderson 1/4 to 10. PM. Mr. A. is here with the great rough [pecuna?] [hat?] the same he had on a long while ago. dear me how altered he is to be sure. Good Ev'g. Mr A. We are indeed gratified by having you again with us - You have had our earnest wishes for you lately 6939 Thanks for your kind wishes but health cannot exist here Where Mr A are you now 6940 At Balaclava about to start for home No h's leaving - I requested him to remain & 6941 Can I do so When you were last with us you promised me 69 Your name, but if it is not yet agreeable to give it me be assured, I do not wish it 6942 I will tell you when I leave this place I have been severely wounded since I saw you. The C A informed us of that & we were indeed sorry to hear it. - The good Aberdeen. & ministry have been beat by a majority of 157. so I hope they will resign 6943 Very nearly time I think To die on the Field may almost be deemed a Soldiers fate, but for our brave fellows to perish with cold & hunger. thru mismanagement is unendurable. 6944 No imagination can fancy the state we are in. To whose Incompetence do you military men attribute it to, 6945 The English Government in not supplying the Necessities Lord Raglan in overlooking them. It appears to me monstrous. to place an old man of 70. at the head of an army - Napoleon was only when he had won. & Wellington at Waterloo. 6946 It is perfectly impossible that he could do it, and I believe also that he is neglectful of his men. He ought to report their wants more urgently than he does. he has a very comfortable place himself, he takes care not to leave it in the cold That is the fruits of our absurd "Seniority" legislation of the army - & officery from the aristocracy by purchase thus effectually preventing any but the highest 70 and the lowest ranks of Englishmen from entering & strutting out what in every other vocation 6947 There is justice in your remark but there are many of the British Aristocracy more competent than Lord Raglan and there are many officers out here almost in the same condition as the men & they do not desire better All honor where honor is due, But the officers Bravery is rewarded. by Name, Fame. Glory, & preferment Individually. The common soldiers Equal bravery by Chelsea Hospital or a pension per limb lost. & returns a burden to himself & others - If Courage & Skill could raise a man from the ranks, there would be no need of recruiting Sergeants 6948 Being one of the Cloth you cannot expect me to run with the hare and cry with the hounds - I did not mean that the officers had displayed Skill as general Commanders - of the Army. for no [more] battles were fought with more Stupidity and less purpose than those of the Alma and the Inkerman. Their individual Courage in the thickest of the fight, I can myself bear witness to although there are many exceptions It is now the 30th. Jan'y. with me can you tell me any Event, death or wound of any officer within the last 10 days 6949 It is the 27th. Jan. with me Nothing of importance has happened 71 Knowledge, I have been here ready to start for 3 days. I came there from the Hospital May I ask where you were wounded. 6950 A [?] rifle ball in the right side Have you obtained promotion since you have been out 6951 No but I was given to understand that I might expect it in a short time Our friend Selina here has not seen, to it. left 6952. Oh. he's a volunteer isnt he Can you do any thing with the Crystal now. 6953 I have not lately. We are going out next Saturday week to the Lyceum, I am sorry we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you there 6954 I am afraid not altho before that I hope I shall have returned. to the arms of my Queen, I beg pardon my Country. May I ask what ship you intend to come home in 6955 Hymilion (very indistinct) Is that an English or French Vessel 6956 English I do not think there is a vessel of that name in our Service 6957 Perhaps you will enquire then Do you know the Captains name. 6958 I cannot tell you, he came out with pensions & stores. & will return with the Sick & wounded, the Captain who brought her out is ill. Will you allow me to ask you a question solely for the purpose of enabling me to arrive at something like an accurate conception of the - state of being & knowledge of those apparitions we term Atmospheric Spirits Are you present in this Room & cognizant of what is therein - Is your knowledge - the same as your other 72 self. in the corporeal body. 6959 I am aware that I am here as an Atmosphc Spirit and the personification of my body I know not whether the knowledge is the same; but I believe, here my self, that I am telling you the truth. I am aware that there is no law other than you mention by which you can discover its accuracy. but I feel the same here as I should in the body, and I assure you on the honor of a Soldier hat the Ship I have mentioned is an English one, and now lying in Balakelava bay. and that if life remains in me until that time I shall sail in it to Malta - from thence to [Marritus?] then to Madrid - the Court, and from thence to London. and I think then if you cannot feel but doubt of my being what I am, the best way of satisfying yourself is to ask your Guardian Spirit I am aware you place great dependance in him and I am sure he will do me the Justice I so much wish I explained my motives I hoped he did not feel offended 6960 I do not. Will you name a day agreeable to you to be called 6961 I shall perhaps be in Spain in less than a fortnight, you can call me then as often as you please. Do you [?] [G.?] F. [Barton?] 6962 he is not in the Army is he 73 he was in the H [S?] [I?] Service I do not know whether he is now in the Crimea 6963 I believe not Can you in that state tell me whether I can see Count Cagliostro in my ES. or not 6964 I cannot. As he was leaving I begged him to accept our best wishes 6965 I thank you - Good Evening he's gone 25' to 11 PM [?] 6th Feb. 1855. The CA Mirror Smoked the CA May I ask my further questions 6966 1421 do so M Robert Owen. has sent me this letter with the MS. of part 6 of the New Existence. he begs you will accept his thanks for the kind wishes you have expressed towards him & solicits your view of this MS. shall I read it 6967 1422 Will you put them against the Seal I place the whole 9 sheets agt the Seal 6968 1423 Thank you IT is very well, but you know my opinions on the Spirit Manifestations Shall I now take them away 6969 1424 thank you Yes. You can tell him that as his opinions remain unchanged on the Spiritual Manifestations, he is right to express them but at the same time I can assure him they are undoubtedly wrong. 74 Dr. [Frani?] has not yet sent me his second question, but I think I have not got Mr Gilkes in a cleft stick as he has agreed to write his answer to the Doctors questions & we are there to compare notes. 6970 1425 I am sorry he should doubt these things, for he is the only loser by it. M Gilkes has promised me he will write to his brother as to Biologying his son 6971 1426 It seems practised a great deal now amongst Men. It is became many who were once the most sceptical directly they come convinced like most converts or [?] rush headlong into the opposite extreme 6972 1427 I would that it could be swept away from the earth without injuring the better and higher effects of mesmerism for they may be classed together. At a former sitting I asked some questions as to the human thoughts may I now with your permission ask. them again this Evening 6973 1428 Yes. The more benificial the more it (mesmerism) can be abused. It is like the Indian Poison that produces the sweetest slumber on the very verge of death. I believe Mesmerism to be semi-divine because in the first place it is a natural power, and being so it must be a direct gift of healing - and emanating from man and only taking effect upon living nature it must be a special gift. 75 See Nos. 1244 and 1419. "The Author of "Mammon" has observed "The most casual remark lives for ever in its Effects; every word has a moral history; and hence it is that every idle word that men shall speak assumes a character so important as to become the Subject of Inquest at the day of Judgment". 76 In pursuance of your kind permission given in No 1244 & 1419 may I now ask your promised explanation of the Law by which Thoughts once firmed I apparently lost & become perfectly oblivious - Can be again recalled. - are they as it were embodied, do thoughts once formed exist as entities 6974 1429 They do, the Bible itself leads men to believe that at the Judgment day, every action of their lives, also every word will be recalled and indeed were it no so in a Spiritual state how could man be judged for the Human. The mind of man extensive as it is is not capable of holding and retaining the whole Ideas of a lifetime - and therefore it is absolutely necessary, that something else should exist that could contain them and that that something should be in such close relation to man that he at any time may touch a link that connects the whole chain - touch a chord as it were that vibrates and resounds with the whole volume of his ind. Mans thought the most spiritual quality which he possesses is always in unison with the Spiritual body in which his discarded thoughts are held. The slightest incidents which occur to mans mind, strengthens this unity & that brings forth every Association connected with the [?] subject called up, and this simple thing is truly a divine blessing, in giving only the train of things that associate with 77 1429 6974 with that by the mind [which] that [gave] called them forth, for were it [otherwise] allowed that the whole of what the spirit possesses - that every thing relating to mans passions & knowledge should return to his mind at once it would perfectly crush him The mind would not be capable of bearing the different thoughts opinions controversies, actions recalled and incidents that have happened all at one time, and thus altho the distinction is so slight nothing more shows the wisdom & benevolence of The maker than in thus dividing the thoughts of man. Now when Man has lived his life and draws near to Spirituality it is no longer necessary that this knowledge of hisself should be so guided & governed that it should [?] his mind, and therefore it rushes upon him simultaneously and besides this there are two other reasons why it should do so. It shows man even in the very best life he could lead there is room for repentance. And where it not for the Divine Intercession of the mediator & Advocate Jesus Christ - he must of necessity be crushed under his own sins -- . The other reason is that [it shows] before death or rather & should say at the moment of death. the bodily feelings 78 1429 6974 feelings are blunted and the spiritual feelings are more vivid and more susceptible than during life, thus it is drawn closer to the spiritual body. and they are in knowledge one. May I ask if thoughts thus exist as it were on a Spiritual Form. - & to be joined hereafter to "mans spiritual body" as man [?] I mean punishable for his thoughts in the Corporal Body -- presuming as I do that mans thoughts arise from. his organic configuration - shown phrenologically by his brain & also by what we term Temperaments, -- Involuntarily as it were leading them to scenes of War. or avarice or Sensualism 1430 6975 You misunderstood my meaning when I said that their thoughts were recalled to show that there was room for repentance, unless it were for the mediation of the Son those innumerable sins must be punished - I meant that, that very thing gives them time for repentance and distinguishing from the bad from the good it gives them a longing after happiness I will grant that a man is not answerable for his thoughts, neither did I say that he was so. May I ask - if a mans thoughts at any certain time, can be shown on leading on a minor to a Seer. in the same manner as we now read your kind response. 1431 6976 It is possible In a work was pub'd. entitled Revelations of Nature by Andrew Jackson Davis. purporting and I believe truly so, to have been delivered by 79 then unlearned and almost an ignorant man, while in the mesmeric sleep. - the work contains a mass of pages, upon the most recondite subjects - Astronomy Geology. - The formations of the planetary bodies, their inhabitants etc the whole clothed in excellent language & even technicalities of the different sciences - 1431 6977 It could not be more wonderful for him to to do that, than it is for a clairvoyant to follow a person into their house and give an exact description of what is in there It is the same power and it is the same power of a disengaged spirit When once you allow this, there is scarcely a limit to the power you possess. The Soul dormant and the Spirit absent it is perfectly easy for another Spirit to take possession and give you the knowledge you desire Have you ever noticed when speaking in the Mesmeric Sleep, the voice of the party is different from that in the normal one. In an article upon Spiritualism in the [?], I ment'd. my belief that in the Clairvoyant State, they became Conscious of the Ideas of other persons living on the Earth however remote from them. & that A J Davis was enab'd. in his sleep to broach the Theory of Dis-magnetic principle - of Faraday - the Central Sun of [Maralev?] & the Existence of Neptune - before information of those discoveries had reached America - but that his knowledge appeared limited to known knowledge. 80 1432 6977 Your Idea is correct, but it does not lessen the Marvel and I think that it shows still more plainly that the spirit who took possession of the body must be a wandering spirit and one who does not leave the earth. Is the spiritual form which you thus state to contain the embodiment of our ideas the spirit which we term the Atmospheric Spirit 1433 6978 It is Then the wandering spirit speaking by A J Davis might have become acquainted with the atmospheric spirit of - Faraday or Maedler or. 1434 6979 No I have just said that spirit did not leave the earth., it was from the people themselves that he got the idea conveyed to the Medium Do you mean the people in the room where he deliv'd. his Clairvoyant Orations 1435 6980 I mean the people all over the World in this Way. Suppose you were to leave any book open upon your table, it is in the power of one of these wandering spirits to read that portion of the book exposed to view, or a letter the same., but so nice is the distinction that he is not able to read or to see any thing that is closed to the human Eye, and thus wandering about catching men at every opportunity unawares he can gather as much information as he likes, upon every subject he can retain it, & express 81 it if he will, through different Mediums I explained my old views as to the "Spiral" train of mens thoughts - & added I suppose, those wandering spirits can change the language of those thoughts to suit the views or ends they wish to gain 1436 6981 Yes it is only the ideas they borrow. May I at some future period solicity you so far to favor me, as to request some deceased poet to repeat a poem in the Mirror that my Seer might transcribe 1437 6982 I do not like to do it for you to gratify those people who will not believe any thing unless it is astonishing The fact of poetry being given should not have any weight with to either believe or disbelieve in these subjects, I do not wish them to believe and I a sure those who do believe do not need to strengthen it. I do not mind asking a poet to appear to gratify you or to express any thing more beautifully than it could be done in prose, but he shall not appear for the gratification of those who will not listen to true and reasonable doctrines because there is nothing in it that would make their senses feel that it is supernatural I explained at length my reasons I requested to know if I had made myself understood 1438 6983 You have, and it shall be done You must feel my motives in not wishing to gratify those by these 82 means who will not listen to the other If through this they would believe the other, then I would not hesitate a moment. but it is not so with many of your acquaintances As my young Seer suffers so much from the cold sitting here may I ask if we can see Count Cagliastro in the Crystal 1439 6984 You may You can ask him to appear which I doubt not he will and whatever he states however singular it may appear, is nevertheless true Shall I call him in the ES. or the Mirror 1450 6985 The Crystal. I must leave it to your Judgment to receive any statement he may make I ret Thanks. 1451 6986 Have you any particular reason for wishing me to appear next Tuesday Evening I explained &c 1452 6987 I wish you to call me next Tuesday Ev'g. I have nothing this Evening When next I appear I hope another of Dr Travis's questions will be proposed The CA's gone 10' past 10' PM. ES. Crystal Called Joseph Balsamo - He is here the same as before. May I ask if you are now dwelling on this Earth 6988 I am. 83 May I ask by what name you are now known 6989 No answer, Did you not as Count Cagliostro die in the Castle of St Michael at Rome. 6990 I did Do you remember the MS you had called the Tables of [Rotato?]. which Mss. Miss [Bry?] & Scott. obtained surreptitiously from you & transcribed 6991 How you name it I do indistinctly as in a dream I have that MS. - Can you explain to me the method by which you calculated the number for the Lottery at Rome. 6992 I do not know. I related Prince Tallerands singular anecdote of the Water he obtd. from Cagliostro to [?] & asked how he caused such an Effect 6993 I impregnated the water with my Influence Now he's going 10h. 25 PM. [?] 13 Feb. 1855. CA Mirror 7.30 PM. Smoked the CA. The CA appd. in morning as before May I ask &c 6994 1453 I will answer them. As I do not wish to have so many Crystals & Mirrors about me dedicated to different spirits may I beg to state that I would much prefer your taking charge of all of them. 6995 1454 Have these opinions & feeling arisen from your Interview with Joseph 84 Balsamo last Evening I explained my wish was to increase my Knowledge upon Spiritual Matters. as much as possible, but only under the CA's guidance & protection. 6996 1455 I understand you Although I look upon this Mirror as especially belonging to myself, I keep watch over the others, and I think it advisable for you to use them all at times as you may deem best and most fitting, keeping this exclusively for those spirits you believe to be good. I am glad that you have mentd. this now. for it opens me a way to say something that I had intended this Evening I wish you to inspect that Crystal again this evening and call Joseph Balsamo. - he will appear and perhaps your belief in me will be more tested, than it has during the whole of our Communion with each other. - I will not say do not listen to him, but if after what he has said you feel the same Conviction of these truths which it has ever been my greatest pleasure to lay before you & which have been solely for your benefit & the rest of mankind, I shall indeed humbly and thankfully rejoice If otherwise, I must pray to Almighty 85 God to do what I am unable to - I explained at length my Interest in Cagliostro commencing in 1824. that I had in my possession the Transcript of his [?] - Cabalistic MS. on Numbers & had at different times collected materials. for his life = &c. 6997 1456 He will appear at 9 oClock. Can I call. in the ES. without using any Spirits Name 6998 1457 It has no spirit attached to it at present I had asked to go to Mr P. on Friday next & take one of my mirrors or Crystals with me can we then see the M Spirits of [?] she may wish to be called 6999 1458 I would rather that she [?] should come here I explained 7000 1459 There might be others there besides those you mention, who would not be so [?] to believe it It has made an interruption before I think it would be best at present that you should not do so I should be gratified at seeing Mrs. Parris herself alone here. Shall I ask her to come next Tuesday 7001 1460 I should prefer Friday Evening any Friday evening that would be most convenient to yourself. Can you tell me if [?] B[?] has succeeded on [?] Mims in the little Crystal or the Mirror 7002 1461 I cannot tell at present. May I ask you next Tuesday 7003 1462 Yes 86 May I ask, again, by what Means Mrs. [?] saw in my Crystal such [Fifty?] subjects as she mentioned, but which from their Singular Accuracy & fulfillment are to most persons so cunning =. 7004 1463 Did you Invoke for her I explained - 7005 1464 After what I have told you, you can scarcely wonder how it was done No Invocation used, no Exorcism the woman too ignorant to read. The Vision could only be shown, what way more suitable to an Evil Spirit taking possession of a Crystal. and thus winding round until it got possession over you. I explained that these circumstances so simple in themselves being foretold & then fulfilled, & where most convincing to a sceptic - & that altho, Ind. not for a moment, Call any objectionable Spirit into my Crystals. I regretted I could not as Easily Convince my Sceptical friends 7006 1465 I do not wish those things to take place with your Crystals or Mirrors. When once you have to do with them by these means it is perfectly impossible for you to control them The ways by which they can raise your Interest - the many subterfuges there are for them and their & artful designs make these means the most accessible to them if you wish these thing such as that 87 woman told you to be known before they happen there is another way by which you can do so to yourself By what means can I do so 7007 146 My cards any of the things you have mentioned can be told by them & here there's no access to Evil Spirits I have some time since promised to teach my Seer the Art of Card divining - If I aquire any information upon any doubtful part may I apply to you 7008 1467 Yes It is rather a different plan of telling them than is generally used that I should avise. I will look among my papers for my system, & will if necessary request you to assist me, [?] the Cards the [Same?] 7009 1458 I will do so - the only difference is that they must have plain white backs, I will give you the first Instructions Now but I hope at present you will not mention it to Mr Henry Dawson Lea. I explained 7010 1469 You first procure &c. &c. 7011 1470 You have the Signification of the Cards have I made myself understood I will obtain the Cards and see if I understand your instructions, 7012 1471 Do so and then I will give you further Instructions. May I be allowed to [?], that I have among my papers, a MS. upon Fortunetelling by Cards which I composed for my friend John [Dunley?] 88 the Bookseller's daughter in 1837 - & when giving her the necessary instructions & also when using it for the Amusement of my Friends I used to foretel Circumstances extremely frivolous in themselves yet which were so precisely fulfilled that I began to think the feeling of presentiment [raised?] by those means might be a Spiritual Prompting - & I have since found that [Cahagnet?] was of that opinion - is that so 7013 1472 There is nothing Spiritual about it either bad or good Then I shall use it with great pleasure, I presume in your [?] like other Divinations, it is requisite that the [?] have an [earnest?] [deuce?] 7014 1473 Certainly it is of no use without that a regular system once formed you must not alter it. I returned thanks 3 1/[?] 9. PM to the C.A left. ES. Crystal 9 PM Called Jos Balsamo Commonly Called Count Cagliostro Immediately he appeared as before May I ask. 7015 Joseph Balsamo Were you born at Palermo in Italy 7016 I have lived more than once Your assertion appears to us mortals of limited knowledge Impossible may I ask your name & Nation at your first birth 7017 I know not, I know that I have lived, that 89 7018 [1474] I have died, I have attained Spiritual Knowledge. more than any other man upon earth. but I have come to one Conclusion May I ask that Conclusion which I have so long and so earnestly sought. 7019 [1475] That all Religions are of no avail to procure a man happiness hereafter and also that the greatest truths believed in by man have no foundation In making that assertion, am I to assume that you are an indweller of the Spirit World. or are you now again living on this Earth. 7020 [1476] I am living upon this Earth. and I only wish to secure others from the horrible conflict which has taken place between myself and Spirits Your remarks are startling in what way do you mean to advise others to escape that dilemma is it by advising them not to use Crystals or Mirrors 7024 [1477] It is not altogether in this. they might use them as much as they like, but they should not be blindly led by any spirit to believe that which a [moments?] [?] reasoning would as quickly dispel But may we not rationally use our faith as well as our reason in Spiritual Matters 7022 [1478] Too much faith is placed by man upon every thing which he believes superior to himself If you are now living in the Corporeal World you probably do not remember your belief when in the Spiritual World. - but may I ask you. if you The Existence of God. The Argument from Design - is invaluable as an illustration but invalid as a demonstration - our belief in the existence of a living God - the source of all life - the fountain of all Law. is based ultimately on a fact of Consciousness. [?] a. God is past finding out. - The fact of a Spiritual being - putting so unlooked for a question - took me by surprise and I fell back upon the usual proof "That of Design" but it is very doubtful "that design demonstrates the undemonstrable. - Infinitude of quality and especially the Infinitude of an infinite number of qualities, is insusceptible of definition; and the indefinable cannot be proposed as a Theorem. so that our GOD is, demonstrably by reason, as well as assuredly to Christian faith - past finding out. - The Demonstration a Posteriori = by Descartes "When I reflect upon myself, I know not only that I am an imperfect [work] thing. incomplete and dependant on another - one which lends and aspires ceaselessly to do something better and greater than itself, but I know. also that He on whom I depend possesses in himself all those great qualities to which I aspire - First Meditation 90 You believe in God and in Jesus Christ as a Mediator 7023 Whatever my belief may have been, I never attained the least happiness, and yet I know it all. Is it a curse that to me there is no Eternity - or is it [?] that innate feeling of right which I possess, that triumphs over all, worldly or Spiritual - and can pass through all, even the torments of Hell, and yet remain true to that feeling because I believe it to be right Although I have lived and died, and lived again & again, died, and passed through every thing that the most diseased imagination could picture, yet I have always retained the same opinion I believe it from the reasonings of the man and the knowledge of a Spirit - You yet have doubts - you are also unhappy do you ever pray. to God - for help when in doubt & [?] 7024 What evidence is there that a God exists? ['a'] The Evidence in a Material sense is, that every, living existing thing is made with evident design to fulfill a designed end I propose, and as our worldly knowledge increases, we become more & more aware that these existing things - fulfill that designed end better than any other thing could do, this proves a designer - which we are content to call the Universal Mind - God. 7025 And that is all - Nature Springs Other being of a Neuronal GOD. "[Be?many] sum to think there is something noble in the belief of a future, and a celebration, and of a Father in Heaven, as a personal Deity; cannot conceive of the unselfish- sublimity of a more philosophical view of things. But what can be more impressive than the idea of the Infinite and the Eternal Omnipresent Law and principle of Nature" / P.A. Sem of Man's Nature p. 189 " I do not say therefore that there is an GOD. but that it is [?] Irreverent to imagine that [?] A person." GA p. 240. " There is no theory of a GOD, of an Author of Nature of an Origin of the Universe, which is [????therly] repugnant, to my faculties; which is not ( to my feelings) so [?] as to make one blush; so misleading as to make me mourn. I can now hardly believe that it was I who once was [?] with scarcely any recoil from the Theology; on Paley's "Natural Theology" with pleasure at the ingenuity of the Mechanic- God he thought he who recommending to the [?] of his leaders. " Miss Marteneau Ind p. 207 91 from nothing, and one event follows another as the natural (succession?) which must take place, but there is no evidence to show us that nature is [?] by a supreme head. If you who have passed thro' the [horrors?] of Hell in your Spirit State, & suffered under more powerful Spirits who also had a Superior - may we not from a Spiritual point of View, deem it evident that for the Good, there is a State of bliss - of Good Spirits & a Chief, a ruler, God. 7026 I recognize the laws of Evil but not of good. I cannot think that the world was created for a good purpose. and I know that all beyond it, is dark & void - full of worse evils than the earth But your unhappy experience of the gloomy abodes of Evil, does not prove or persuade me to believe there are not realms of light & happiness 7027 Cast side from your mind all those feelings & opinions that have been instilled into it by a spirit. Could I possibly do so should I thereby increase my happiness even on this earth 7028 I meant but for a moment. I beg. pardon if I spoke too hurriedly I will await your Communication 7029 Cast aside all party feeling for any particular religion, and then tell me what you believe to be, the Origin of all religion 92 Your question embraces a vast deal too much for me to answer failed to do it. because he was a materialist - I answer - Spiritualism - 7030 And you believe this to be the foundation of all Religion Yes I do. - my reasons are - That in the earliest Ages of Man's existence, all men knew by their visible apparition of the reality of Spiritual existences, Man according to his nature entered into Communion with them - Good with Good Evil with Evil - The Jews led by their [?] & [?] ultimately resulted in Christianity - & others [?] under the guidance of Evil Spirits into all the Idolations of [Zabianism?] & other like Religions since become obsolete - but with an influence still existing over all the Pagan World. 7031 When we see the numerous different Religions, the very many that exists in the World - the great differences that exist between them. - The abuse that they hurl at each other, and the directly opposite opinions which they hold When you look upon these different sects with an unbiassed mind you must feel that they are all wrong. & then materialism is the only choice you have left by which you can escape either Allow me to object Your question was as to the origin of all religions - not their relative - [?] [chief?] or [?] - I do not believe any existing Religion to be the only True one. I no more believe in the The Builder of this Universe was wise. He planned all souls, all systems, planets, particles, the plan he shaped his worlds and aeons by Was - Heavens! - was thy small nine & thirty Articles? Thomas Carlyle. 93 Divine origin of [?] than in the Holy Coat of [?] nor that the Roman or Protestant priest can forgive us our Sins any more than the [working?] virgin of [7032] or the [bleeding?] Crucifix of. but I do believe in the Doctrines of Christ as laid down by him in the Books of the New Testament 7032 If you believe that you must favor one religion I say look upon them all as level and then you will see the inconsistences and vileness that exists in them all. A. Faith. is not a religion, I am a Christian but I do not believe in the infallible 39 articles of the Protestant or the 999 of any other religion, it would not matter to me whether I prayed [to] in a Church or Chapel or a Mosque - prayer is Spiritual - & whether I was shouldered by a Jew or Christian or a Turk would not avail me. - but you are Yourself the best advocate against Materialism, as you allow yourself to be & to have been both Corporeally & Spiritually unhappy. 7033 I did not say that I was a materialist but I believe them to be the only men who have a Chance of comfort here & hereafter, because I believe that they have no consciousness of what takes place after death. That they as it were live in a world created by themselves for [?] that no alternation takes place farther than the Transformation from the bodily to the spiritual life - 94 That there they sleep on, still knowing nothing of what takes place, beyond their own sect. Do you then believe that Men in the Spirit World live on in the Same [?] as when on earth, That he who lived a Materialist on earth - Yet finds himself an inhabitant, of the world beyond the grave without being altered his belief. - & that they view each other with that quintessence of hatred the odium Theologicum - 7034 I believe that every other religion continues abusing each other as they do in this world, but worse, and that they never arrive at the light point The materialists know that they are right, and hold themselves apart in a body from the other Disputants But when a Materialist Soul. finds on entering an existence which he had ever denied = that he in his Corporeal life had been so wrap't in [?], would he not then be open to conviction 7035 They cannot believe themselves in [?], it is only you who believes them so, they feel happy in their own conviction here, and they are so hereafter. Yes but their's is the happiness of ignorance and I should not wish for that, in spite of the proverb "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis' folly to be wise." 7036 But if they continue in that happiness here and hereafter, why seek to alter it. But can happiness be stationary, do they not 95 a spiritual rise, greater happiness, & increasing knowledge. 7037 The happiness which he enjoys appears the greatest because he knows no others. Your argument appears to me in my limited view fallacious - on earth the greatest happiness of a sot may be in getting drunk - but that cannot be compared with the laborious happiness of a refined & learned mind The ideot may be truly happy - but who would not rather be an unhappy philosopher" 7038 One person's happiness is not to be judged by another's -- The materialists happiness is different both spiritually & bodily from other mens while on earth. he feels that he has no dissension because he has no belief - No fear of constantly doing wrong because he feels there are no rewards or punishments - and he lives in happy Harmony -- and amongst all men on Earth you will no find any more kinder to their fellow man or more charitable than materialists -- That I have found this life to be correct, my most esteemed friends have been materialists - the kindest hearted. & most moral of my friends have been materialists & I have always found religious bigotry - & selfishness - inseparable -- 7039 They are the most peaceful men, they are the most humane, and they are the most happy, and yet I cannot be one of them, because I cannot contract my belief to theirs, while I know more -- 96 That has also been my case, although for the greatest portion of my life of no particular sect - , I could never be a materialist because from my earliest childhood I have from some innate cause been a believer in spiritualism. 7040 The protestant seems to place unbounded belief upon the Bible - It is only because their grandfathers believed it before them It is handed down hand had it [?] as an inspired volume. and therefore they believe it ------- [*This response came so fast that I lost some words here.*] 7041 ---- but if we look for the origin of the Bible, we have not one particle of evidence that it is not what it seems - It is idle for us to argue in favor of a belief which neither of us can embrace - You must, & I do believe in an all ruling power. - Can you withstand me while I exorcise you to depart. - 7042 I know not, care not, you may have a power to drive me away. I have used a larger power than that, but how could that change my opinion my [power] knowledge or my belief. Because I would only call upon a good power, to do so. - The Supreme 7043 I recognize no supreme Power of Good But that does not prove that Supreme Goodness is not /Adonic/ 7044 But I believe that I could prove it to an unprejudiced mind - Prejudice is but a term - When another differs from us absolutely we term him prejudiced, but it is only a term, I cannot at my will blot out my belief. and I 97 cannot conceive of the possibility of my forming an opinion on any subject unbiassed by any previous knowledge - in any other sense, I will listen to you with an unprejudiced mind. 7045 You would not because you are even now talking to me with a conviction so ingenuously put into your mind before hand that I am wrong - and I regret that any man could be so far the minion of a spirit, as to cast aside [thro] the opinions he had formed through a life, merely because a spirit has informed him that it is wrong, with no argument even between you., you allow him to be right in every thing I explained. 7046 Will you allow me to appear again Will you appear on Tuesday - if I call you 7047 I will on Tuesday Week Can you in that state tell me the purport of this letter 7048 I cannot he's gone 20' past 10 PM. ♂︎die 20th. Feb. 1855 CA Mirror Invoked the CA Immediately, in Morning May I ask &c 1474 7049 Do so Can we see Mr Anderson this Evening if I call him 1475 7050 Probably you will 98 May I ask if any spirit is now attached to this oral mirror = 7051 1476 It has not. As it will be more convenient than the Crystal may I call Mr Anderson into it 7052 1477 You can it will be best. Lately when Emma inspects the mirror more particulrly the Crystal it causes her much pain Can you favor me with a remedy. 7053 1478 No answer. I was at my friend Mr Lea's last Friday & his wife's Vision has much improved I hope now Mr Lea will better regulate his feelings - 7054 1479 I am afraid that he will never have any very great success. Is the spirit who appeared last Tuesday as Joseph Balsamo - the Atmospheric Spirit of a now living man 7055 1480 He is. Is he in any way connected with [GAWS?] 7056 1481 No answer. May I ask in what relation the Joseph Balsamo who appears when I call at Mr Lea's and who is so well versed in the Tables of Rotalo formerly in his possession stands to the one who appears in our Crystal under that name. 7057 1482 He appeared last Tuesday. I do not know all that he said He appeared last Tuesday & entered into a defence of Materialism but he does not appear to have any Knowledge of the [?] Rotalo. - like the one at Mr. Lea's 7058 1483 When he has appeared severl times to you he will have the same knowledge 99 I have not yet been able to obtain the white backed cards & will not therefore ask you for instructions unless you wish to give them 1484 7059 I will wait until you have the cards Dr Travis has sent me his second question which I will ask with your leave at once without comment Dr. Ts. 2nd Q'n Is mans will free. 1485 7060 CA Every Man has a free will, but it can be and often is put under subjection by others. Dr T. 3rd Q'n. In what does free will consist. 1486 7061 CA The will acting without instigation, [suggestion] subjection, or suppression May I ask if I am to return that as an answer to the question proposed. or have you any further opinion to offer. 1487 7062 I have answered his question sufficiently May I ask for my own information on this subject & without any reference to Dr T's question. - your views of the Doctrine of Predestination, Free Will & Fate about which such endless controversies are held by Men seeing that I cannot reconcile my belief in Mans Free Will with my belief in the power of predicting events by Astrology, Cards & other Divinations 1488 7063 All things take place in succession and every moment of a mans life must be taken up by events so long as he [*100*] [*7063 1488*] is in life there must be something that can be noticed one thing must of necessity follow another in which mans will is not concerned. Thus it can be predicted or shown that a man will be doing some particular thing at some particular time, and he too often believes that it must be so, and that by striving against it he cannot avoid it. He believes that it is destiny while in reality it is only one thing arising from anther. a natural succession Now were he to exercise his will in opposition to this, he would be convinced that he was wrong. for precisely at the time he would have done what had been predicted had he not known it he may be doing exactly the contrary He falls into the error of believing that he must do things because he is [not] ordained, and this is keeping his will in subjection. There is an aphorism in Astrology perhaps better supported than any other. The effects of ♄ upon the M[?]. If at Birth ♄ evilly Configurated it at a certain distance from the M[?]. the year that [?] comes by direction to the cusp — is one of downfall to his Trade, fortune, & credit — & even when ♄ transits the M[?]. the native suffers in reputation from the [?] signified by ♄ in the [radix?]. is that not so. [*7064 1489*] Yes, but even in those cases the 107 attacks may be scarcely felt I am in my own persons an exempt. of the [?] [?] is now & has for sometime been transmitting my 10th. & I need not say how I have suffered by my fathers folly - this as I had long since predicted, & as it was beyond my control. I may say it was predestined tho thanks to your advice I have not suffered as I certainly should have done but for that. may I not 7065 170 Yes. but you will allow that the effects which you would otherwise have felt have been softened - My will has acted instead of your own. I can feel by your explanation, that if a man falls into a river leading to a cataract. - if believing in predestination he subjects his will to his belief, he is [?] down the stream & lost - whilst the man who in the same circumstances by his will opposes his fate struggles successfully & reaches the bank. have I caught your meaning 7066 1491 Perfectly you are right The natural succession of things must take place, were it not so the world would at once stop. and therefore it must be known what event will succeed the last And that knowledge existing some where is able to be brought to those who are [distined?] - but of those who are destined can put another event which they choose better in the place of that which is predicted to them so that no vacuum is left, and the succession of things still take place, then he exercises his free will. 102 I presume you do not ask me to send Dr T. these responses - 7067 1492 All my Answers are at your disposal I think that as Dr [Tranis?] is a disbeliever in Spiritualism altho a very candid one. places his questions so curtly before you. I will only send the answers you gave thereto - [?] this latter portion to another time 7068 1498 Probably it would be best that the answer should be sent first. When at my friend Lea's - Mrs. Lea's little daughter then some years dead appeared - & gave her some consolatory advice - may I ask if it was the child -soul. that appeared or only her likeness - & the advice given by Lero. the spirit of the mirror 7069 1494 I do not know. May I ask if you are aware of any law of Spiritual Apparition which would prevent a child appearing who had died about 2 or 3 years old. 7070 1495 None are yet passed the 7 Sphere that could hold any [Communication?] with man Children who die young pass thro' all the spheres. and do not return, it is possible for their likeness to do so. and that would be unknown to themselves and I may say as I have often said before, no knowledge exists of earth or any thing appertaining to earth when the spirit enjoys happiness, I meant that of a deceased person. Then I presume with deference that perhaps Lero Mrs Leas GS. knowing the childs state of bliss & the mothers anxiety, caused the likeness to appear & gave the response 7071 1496 It may 103 It would perhaps not be advisable for me to ask all that I could wish about Cagliostro, but it seems inscrutable to me that one who has twice thrown off this mortal [?] should still have his mind tormented with doubts as to the existence of a Deity - I can form no conception of it. 7072 1497 I will tell you When he was born for the first time it was intended in the natural succession of all things, that he should have died received his reward or punishment according to his merits or demerits, but things which have [fired?] on his life, things which he himself altered changed his destiny - when the body was persecuted and [?] down, it died but the spirit lived - It never became purified and he had committed in life that which without great purification could never have been forgiven When the body had died the spirit remaining so strong and so wickedly attached to evil and to the world that it could not rise with other spirits, and thus without the least knowledge of happiness. without the least sympathy for good - with a love for every thing evil - he endured and again passed out of the atmosphere only finding then the wandering and evil spirits congenial with his own. - And he again lived on earth, but instead of improving he was worse than before. This time he was endowed with Supernatural Knowledge but it was of 104 1497 7072 Evil, and he then willingly bound himself to Evil he earnestly wished for things which [that] he could not have. Evil Spirits tempted him with them, and he promised that if he had a Soul, it was at their disposal he always loved he always loved materialism although he knew it was. wrong and could not believe in it, or rather he could not find enjoyment in it because he had that knowledge. He wished to believe there existed nothing, while he knew there was something. A terrible death closed his short though as terrible a life. and the horrors of his situation after that death you had a specimen of when you saw him in your Crystal The spirit which now inhabits the earth in the form of a mortal has had no human birth and his punish't now is that he clings so long upon the earth until he can get his mind to acknowledge his own unworthiness Until he is humiliated & driven to seek refuge at the foot of the Cross. When he has acknowledged his sinfulness as a mortal and his repentance for his terrible life. and his belief in the True religion then will he be allowed to die in peace. The memory of the past will 105 be buried in oblivion and [?ve] [???o] [u???olly] [?i?s?] that his spirit will begin its progress. I explained the Interest I had taken In so many years in [?] the collections I needed different times make In his life - [??] certain Grents therein 1498 His name was Joseph Batsamo. That[?] [*7073*]you have just stated his [?sse?t]. There are wonderful things belonging to him, they would seem startling to those who have no knowledge of the[se?] mysteries -- But there are many Mysteries on earth even greater than this. Man has indeed no conception in his mortal state of what is taking place around him. Caglioitio[?] appears to have understood Animal thag[?] [?ance] long before the subjects were honrted[?] by Mesmer & D[?] -- was also 7074 1499 Yes I stated the [?] anecdote of [?] [?][?] -- of the water.[?] 1500 It was water strongly[?] impregnated with 7075 his influence -- it was [intended?] she should drink it I have here on the Table several lives of Lyhostro[?] Amom [?] [got?] them the life published at Rome by the "Apostolic Chamber -- this life by the Reverend [Fathers?] contains in itself the refortation of their filthy calunnies[?] And when [at?] page 173. {C???????] having been [found?] guilty[?] I Condemned to perpetual [Imprisonment?] At page 78 of the Holy fathers life is the following "Soon after a little Book was published entitled 'Liber Memorialis de Caleostro dum esset Roboretti" "in which an ample detail was given of the Cheats [?] "& impostures practiced by him -- "It is necessary for those who may have read it "to know, that this very Cagliostro, in the course of "his answers before the Inquisition, has been forced "to acknowledge the truth of those assertions." 106 Imprisonment in the Castle of St Angelo. we read "His destiny was confided to persons animated with the noblest sentiments; to men whose hearts were warmed with the rays of that beneficence & indulgence which Religion always inculcates, and with which the Consultors of the Holy Inquisition have ever been inspired." I cannot without horror picture to myself the fate of a man thus tenderly commiserated (in print -) by the Reverend priests of that Earthly Hell the Holy Inquisition 1501 7076 He was tortured to death. May I ask when priests with a demoniacal love of cruelty which appears peculiar to them as a body Torture & burn alive men for zeal or supposed Crimes is there no punishment for them. 1502 7077 There is It is one of the worst of Crimes, that of Cruelty. and more - especially to those who are dependant upon you. May I ask. if that odious condition of so large a portion of the Human Race "Slavery" - does not destroy mans free will, when even his body is anothers 1503 7078 It does not destroy the free will, it brings it under subjection - May I ask &c 1504 7079 I have not 10 PM The CA left. 10 5 Oval Mirror Called Mr Anderson herse Mr Dresser Come. in black & spectacles 107 Good evening, I hope you have come this time, though uncalled- with friendly feeling- if so we are glad to see You. Have you any thing you wish to say to me 7080 No I could obtain no further answer to my Questions but he stood with his usual divine look which so incenses my Seer. & I closed the mirror. [Mars symbol] die 27 Feb 1855 C A Mirror 7 Pm Invoked the CA 5' The CA is here May I ask etc. 7081 1505 do so. Your kindness toward me induces me to make a remark which would by most be deemed presumptuous = yet altho' but too painfully come of my own Sins of omission and commission. Yet may I not by your means be the instrument of inducing the unhappy spirit of Joseph Balsamo, to seek assistance where only it is to be found 1560 Through your Assistance I feel [sins?] 7082 has made some progress towards the Truth. And I cannot see why you should not be instrumental to others besides him My hope was founded on the [?] that I have read in [Guinan?] Authors especially, so many instances of the Spirits of Mortals long since deceased having sought the prayers of the living, naming [???] prayers to be read and even Expressing their [?] [?] happenings in the Spirit slate by these means 108 7083 1507 Joseph Balsamo is now upon Earth and he must now corporeally be convinced of the Truths of the "Divine" Religion before the Spirit can be released, the Soul allowed to progress. I was much surprized when he appeared at his attemptd a defense of Materialism, in our mirror 7084 1508 But whilst being there you must understd it is the Atmospheric Spirit of [a living] the body now existing I am aware of that, yet altho. he appeared to know & indeed asserted that he had previously lived & died Yet he appeared ignorant of the Circumstances of his former life - in either State for he Surprized me by asking "What evidence is there that a God exists? - can any indwellers of the Spirit World, exist with such a belief. 7085 1509 There are some that can, but it is from their determined opposition to every thing good When I am conversing with his Atmospheric Spirit in the Mirror or Crystal would my Arguments even if convincing to his At Spirit be of any avail in altering his belief in the Corporeal Body. - ie could I [?] convince him - 7086 1510 It would. - You could do so On the last evening when I called Mr Anderson. Mr. Dresser appeared & as he persevered in his usual annoying manner I was obliged to close my Action 7087 1511 It would be impossible for him to appear in it alone he must have followed or preceded Mr Anderson. These numbers refer to- "A Treatise concerning Heaven and its Wonders and also concerning Hell. being a relation of things Heard +Seen." From the Latin of Emanuel Swedenborg- Originally published in London in 1758. [?] Lond. 1817" pp. 528. No. 87-90 That there is a Correspondence of all things in Heaven with all things of man No. 59 That the universal Heaven in one Complex resembles one Man. No, 62. 109 May I solicit your views of some of Emanuel Swedenborgs Assertions in His treatise of "Heaven & Hell" 7088 1572 do so. I read .87. 88, 89. 90 - then 81- and 94. 7089 1573 He wrongly calls the atmosphere Heaven but neither are in the shape of a Man were any Creation so, then the Creator could not be the supreme ruler, because the creator and that created would be the same Man is the only Image that exists of the [Creator] Maker. The forms of the Atmosphere & of Heaven I gave you some time since - of the communion of Spirits with Man which he wrongly Calls Correspondents he is in part correct. I read. 59 7090 1574 The Divine Man is the Son of God other than this no Angel knows. I read 62. 7091 1575 He is there entirely wrong - There are separate Societies of Angels because some even in the same state are [superior to others] much better than others But these Societies have no bearing, no form, they all recognize one Government and they hold communion with all other Angels, not of their own Society Swedenborg, was not only a Man of vast learning 110 but there is every human reason to suppose that he would not willingly have promulgated a falsehood [for] to have gained a Kingdom - if therefore he is in error on these Spiritual Subjects, it is most deniable. they should be pointed out, his followers at the present day being so numerous, Are You aware of the views he held. 1576 I am aware of the life of Emanuel Swedenborg of his Faith and of his Knowledge, and Language seems insufficient to do justice to his character as a Man. He had one fault that of too much zeal and enthusiasm in the religious opinions which he believed, this led him into error - 7092 But no man more truly believed that which he taught, and which is now followed by many, than he did, and none was more just. But if his views are founded in trust, then those of his followers who are numbered in England alone by thousands. one in enrs too, it it not ingently necessary that those trins should be lineded. 1517 Is is deniable but it is not essentially Necessary. 7093 That a Correct belief in Spiritual matters is not necessary to Salvation, is Certain, but his followers are apt to look to his Works more than to the Scriptures for their guidance or rather I should say - are apt to View the Scriptures And him - may I ask in what parts you consider his belief and doctrines are most in Error? 111 1518 Ask me that question next Tuesday Evening 7094 I read 294 May I solicit your view 7095 1519 It is right I read 295 1520 He classes the Heavens or more strictly speaks the Heavens under different heads. This is wrong They are all the same spirits progressing and those which at one time occupy the lower at another occupy the Highest. These spirits are as he states in conjunction with man, they are his Guardian Spirits and it is according to his own merits or demerits to what degree of greatness these spirits belong and altho they change the man, the man as often Changes them. for if his mind tend more towards evil than good they are driven from him & spirits of a lower order though still good take the Change. And it is the same with evil if the man's mind balances towards good, then the evil spirits are powerless and the good have the ascendency and he gets a higher guardian spirit than he had before. 7096 I read 299. 1521 It is so individually but it is not so generally. - It is those wandering spirits which I lately spoke of in connexion with the American manifestations which have 7097 112 those things which appertain to Man But did Swedenborg here mean that they literally ent'd Mans Stomach attracted there by the decomposition there taking place which was to them agreeable. 1522 97? 7098 97? Yes and they did do so Although not low enough and with much different character from Evil Spirits, they are very far lower than man and strange as it may seem altho' Spiritual they are more earthly more corrupted and therefore every thing which appertains to Earth. as to decomposition is to them Natural, for it contains the Elements by which they exist - and thus they are drawn to that even within a Man. and whilst there, their presence cannot but Cause uneasiness, because the mans Spiritual faculties rebels against their intrusion and the mind is distressed When therefore a Doctor by prescribing for his patient a good dose of physic & thereby cleanses his - indegesto--Hypochondriac Stomach. - & so dispels the Spirits, he becomes unknowingly an Exorcist 7099 1523 When there is no disease it is so But many thousand pious & worthy persons Suffer from Indigestion & Melancholia do these Spirits enter the Stomachs of the good as well as of the Evil 7100 1524 Yes, but altho they Affect the Mind & sometimes when very powerful overthrow the reason., I have before told you that insane people or possessed 113 they do not affect their knowledge or belief I read 311 May I ask how Swedenborg with such good intent towards his fellow men could have been so misled 1525 7101 Heaven existed before the world was created The communion of Angels began at it's first existence and the Heavenly host was formed of those who had never lived Since the world has been created many additions have been made to heaven by those who have departed from it. - I should rather have said the 7th Sphere which is generally known as Heaven. for none until after the day of judgement will have perfect happiness, that is happiness which cannot be encreased. It was not of those angels fallen from Heaven upon Earth at the time of creation and thence still lower into Hell that made the beginning of the Evil Spirits I read 316. 1526 7102 He rose as a spirit, with his earthly death died every thing human and that which rose again & appeared afterwards was purely spiritual He descended a Spirit, a spark, as it were of the light & glory of the Father and the Mission fulfilled for which he descended, he ascended again as bright and Glorified to make one with the Father from when he departed. Matt. 28 v 6 "He is not here for he is risen, as he said Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid" Mark. 16. 6 "He is risen - He is not here; behold the place where they laid him." Luke. 24. 3 "And going in they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 114 But the General belief by Christians on the Resurrection of the Corporeal Body is perhaps grounded upon the body of Jesus not being found in the Sepulchre 1527 7103 When that spirit had escaped from that body, its power was infinite and having made use of that body for every purpose for which it was necessary what more easy [*/See No. /*] than to make it fall into dust. When in Company with any one suffering from pain, I Cannot suppress the desire to relieve them & this appears to increase since I am afraid to Memerise any one especially Females, lest my fondness for these mystic subjects should prove injurious to them. May I again solicit the Formula for lines 1528 7104 It is necessary and it is also right that you should study yourself as much as others. You are aware that in Mesmerising others you lose your own power and you do yourself harm. more or less as the case may be which you mesmerise It is the same with the other Curative Power you must take from your own strength to minister to others. And although you may not study yourself, there is one who truly and sincerely tries to benefit you corporeally & spiritually and whilst I know that with over kindness for others you forget yourself, I will reserve that which were it necessary I would immediately give you. 115 When my Seer Emma is in Pain may I without danger to her Mesmeric the [part?] [?]. 7105 1529 No answer Asked again 7106 1529 No answer May I now request your further Instructions as to Divining by Cards. 7107 1530 Do so. I then showed the CA how far I had progressed 7108 1531 I see., you must &c. &c As my System is derived from old [?], Mss. & from Sources which I do no now even wish to recall. may I solicit you to give me the Significations - 7109 1532 The most necessary part is in that of adhering to one System. any name that you may give to each at the begining, must be continued throughout It is not very important which out of the 4 Cards alike has the Separate name I explained 7110 1533 I will give it you when you are ready to write it upon the Cards, will you have them ready by next Tuesday so that you may write it upon the Cards as I give it you I explained 7111 1534 I will give it you May I ask if you have &c 7112 1535 I have nothing this Evening Then with your permission I will call Balsamo in my Oval Mind - will you kindly prevent Mr Dresser from appearing 7113 1536 Do so and Mr Dresser will not appear 1/2 past 9 PM. 116 20' to 9 PM Oval Mirror Called Joseph Balsamo. He is here frock coat, black trousers, white [staf?]. collar, black shirt studs, no hat on, black hair very flat, he is like Napoleon very much (at Madame Tussauds) Good Evening Have you thought since of our conference the other Evening 7114 Yes I have For an indweller of the Spirit world to argue in favor of materialism is to me an evident absurdity altho I am but a sorry logician and for me to attempt to explain to you why through the teachings of my Guardian Spirit I am content to believe the great truths of Christianity through faith, altho opposed to my reason. would take too long a time. but I may so far justify myself, when I percieve in every day life, the most learned Men, the most acute logicians, the most laborious of Investigators are led by their individual "reason" to differ in toto on "physical" Facts which are almost physically nay mathematically demonstrable. -- how then can men become by "reason" unanimous on Metaphysics - by what argument could I prove to the learned, the "unprejudiced" Materialist Dr. John Elliotson / whom of all men I should most like to convince/ that your apparition in this Mirror & your arguments are not the result of a diseased action of my brain, a morbid activity of one lobe - of some antagonistic duality of my cerebrum or an unlintentional Biologyzing of my Seers mind. what would the "reason" of so staunch, so unprejudiced a materialist say to the assertions you last evening made to me. -- May I hot therefore possess a belief through Faith - in Spiritualism, however much opposed to my materialist reason. 117 7115 Altho' I argue in favor of Materialism, I am not a materialist myself, I cannot be so with the Knowledge I possess of Spiritual life, but I have said and I still say, that their belief makes them the happiest - And it is a belief that produces the finest Specimens of humanity, and I say this that were it possible for all the world to be materialists, for every child to be educated in that belief, and for all to die in that firm belief, there would be no hereafter. for I believe this that a mans opinions and actions and belief in life constitutes his world in afterlife, and therefore were they all to have but one opinion, they would be stronger than the evil spirits who combat with them, the evil would cease to exist, and man would have no soul - because he would have no Knowledge of any, he would have no wish for happiness, and being good men as all Materialists are no need of rewards or punishments, and therefore no hopes of the one and no [no] need of the other, the soul would cease to exist when life ended. I can see no advantage to man in living as you describe in Error here even if he could thereby preclude joy or Suffering in the Spirit World - Supposing such a belief led to his "Unconscious" existence in the Spirit World, it would but be an Eternity of Waste 7116 You reason thus but a Materialist, would not do so and in not doing so would constitute his happiness. 118 Your argument appears to me fallacious, & we need not argue as to a world which does not exist and which cannot exist because it is opposed to the Divine will, as proved by the existing World - & on this earth there now exist Men in every degree of Knowledge from the Savage to the Savan. & there is but little room to hope. it will ever be much otherwise unless by the Immediate Act of the Allpowerful 7117 Those beings who are not civilized must have a Materialist faith; they know of no hereafter therefore they do not believe it. leaving all those out of the question who have not received an Education, and allowing that all those children who are not yet born, might be Materialists then I say it would be possible for them to make the Spiritual existence cease. Can it be possible that you who in difiance of all Known laws which govern the human race have twice entered the Spirit life, can believe that a mortal dieing with the belief - that he has no Soul, that there is no reward or punishment - can thereby Evade the Judgment or nullify the Laws which govern the Spirit World. 7118 No. Those who have died, have not been Powerful enough for that, they await their Errors, but were those yet to come, to believe there would be no existence, I saw again they would have their whole happiness in this life, and with this life they would cease to Exist. because they would be stronger than the Evil which is now stronger than Man. I recognize Good & Evil but I believe that the greatest good is man & that the Evil is 119 is the Spiritual World The only heaven that is to be found in this world is here, the next is all Hell. For 30 years I have felt a great interest in all concerning You and I cannot but express my great regret at your present Views, I yet have hopes you will see fit to alter them 7119 do you then think that a man could change his belief at Will. No, but If I saw a man, "a reasoning being" walking a straight path deeper & deeper into the Shades of doubt & Hell, yet earnestly professing to seek light - do you not think if I told him that by turning the directly Contrary way he would reach the realms of Light and Heaven, which he had so long and vainly followed his own path to find - it might not induce him to try it. 7120 Probably it might do so - Were I to see a gleam of light then indeed I should follow it, but I myself believe now that nothing which man could offer as an argument could induce me to change my opinion because I feel that I know the world from having been upon it 3 times, and I know the spirit world from being upon it twice, had I when there been given a hope, however slight that something better existed, then might I have changed But indeed the utmost torments which man can pass thro' in this world [*"Alas poor Ghost."*] is Elysium to those they pass in the next May I then ask if you [ever] saw in the Spirit World 120 beings so beautiful so self-radiant with light & loveliness that the fairest of earths daughters could not compare with them & yet not believe that they must inhabit a sphere where all was radiant light & happiness & Heaven. 7121 I never did - all there was dark, terrible frightful - too frightful to contemplate and Oh the Horror of returning again to such a state. Your reply pains me - remembering as I do our first meeting - yet we in these mirrors behold those spirits of Sight -- 7122 They only exist in the Imagination, all those things can be accounted for by a Physical Law. By what physical law can you explain Your apparition [here], & arguments contrary to our views or belief. 7123 The laws of Nature are as much unknown to man as those of spirits Am I then to consider that your apparition here & the arguments you have used. the assertions you have made [results?] from a disordered imagination & that they are to be explained away by some occult Law of Physics 7124 No but I do not appear as an Angel of light, I am but the second existence of a mortal -- a spirit -- if you will - but I do not pretend to be a happy one. I cannot stay longer. Will you appear next Tuesday Evening 7125 Why do you wish to see me. Because in this material world, I believe there is Mr Owen to here Mar 7 55 121 No man so humble or insignificant, but what even his most simple act may under the Chain of successive causes & effects change the destinies of Nations - and by parity of reasoning I might be allowed to be the humble Instrument of your being led to seek truth where only it is to be found. - I hope you will not refuse - 7126 No indeed I should be willing to be Convinced - Give me but a spark and with every human & spiritual power that I possess I would kindle it into a flame but it is all a dark unfathomable mystery He is gone 20' past 10 PM. ♂︎6th March 1855. CA Mirror 7.15 PM. Invoked the C A. The CA appeared in Morning Is it convenient for you to favor me with your Views as to the opinion promulgated by Emanuel Swedenborg 7127 1537 I will answer your other questions first I have just learn by the Newspaper that E S. died on after a few days illness, were you aware of that Circumstance 7128 1538 Yes Can we see him, if it is agreeable to him to appear 7129 1539 You can By his death Mesmerism has lost a sincere friend You can call him as early as you wish May I now place before you Dr Travis's question 7130 1540 do so Free Will. "The world would think itself free in its motion round the Sun until it discovered the Laws of its motion, which determine its course to be precisely what it is - a speck of dust whirling around & about and filling its little place in the harmony of the Universe -- Free will! The very idea is enough to make a democritus roar with laughter, and a more serious thinker almost despair of being men to reason (!) to experience the advantages of knowledge and the calming influence of a recognition of Universal Law & neccessity " G Atkinson Law of Mans Nature 194. "When we finally have dismissed all notions of Subjection to a Supreme lawless will,' exclaims Miss Martineau - all the perplexing notions about sin and responsibility, & arbitrary reward and punishment - and stand free to see where we are, and to study our own Nature, and recognize our own Conditions - the relief is like that of coming out of a cave full of painted shadows under the free sky with the Earth open around us to the Horizon - what a new perception we obtain of "the beauty of holiness" - the loveliness of a healthful moral Condition - accordant with the laws of Nature, and not with the requisitions of Theology Law of Mans Nature p. 219 122 Dr T's 4th Question You have said that the will is a power - that it is the mind, (or that in which the power resides) and that it is thought (a result produced by the exercise of power.) that is, that it is 1st. an attribute, 2nd, that into which the attribute exists - and 3rd, an effect of the exercise of the attribute - In which of these senses is it that the will is free.? 7131 1547 I cannot answer it so shortly as I have done those before it. Will and free will are the same power - one is that which man always possesses and no circumstances can take away. - the other may be said to be an attribute which the different positions & conditions of Man. strengthen or suppress Mind & matter are so nearly related that what effects one has influence over the other and thus in those nations of the Earth where slavery exists there is no free will. The will is an earnest desire after any existing thing, and this no slavery a bondage can suppress. While free will is a determination to gain the desired end against all opposition, and thus the Serfdom of the body trammels the mind, and the will is [?] to an almost animal level, but nearer us and amongst civilized and educated beings we find the same results tho from different causes. 123. 7131 1547 In Electro [Onology?], In Clairvoyance and in Mesmerism Free will is entirely suppressed and the will is entirely under the subjectn. of another - and in other cases the Civilized & well educated man who possesses a Strong free will can by reasoning have sufficient influence over one who possesses less knowlge. than himself - Many a man has been instigated to do things which his free will would have revolted at Thus Will is a natural attribute of the Mind Free will is within the power of Man The 5th question[s] is in a great part answered by your responses I will however place it before you Dr T's 5 Question If Freedom is an attribute of the will, how can this attribute be something taken from the will, as it is said or implied in the answer to questions 2 & 3 that it may be? that is to say - If Man has a freewill how can this free will be otherwise & [have?] free under any Circumstance? 7132 1542 It is crushed by the Superior will of those who have power over the body The peculiar manner in which these questions are placed will not allow them to be answered so satisfactorily as I could have wished Allow me to observe that altho Dr. T is a sceptic as to the "Spiritual objectivity" of these apparitions yet he is I sincerely believe a very Candid Engineer & I am sure 124 that in whatever form he may place his questions he would wish with me that your responses should be quite untrammel'd 7133 1543 I quite understand that The questions are easily to be answered by a man in like manner to which Dr Travis asks them - He dwells upon the words whereas I answer the ideas more than the words in which they are expressed To a man the words only contain the meaning, I cannot confine myself sufficiently to the words to answer their meaning solely - the meaning of the [?] will [?] itself and I make use of words which will allow of being cavilled at. I wish in future when Joseph Balsamo appears to you that you could copy his communications separate from those others which you receive, as when your notes go to Mr Owen. I do not wish his views and Ideas to go with them. to you I think it will be quite Apparent that he is in great Error - to Mr Owen it may not be so, so lately impressed as he is with the belief of Spirituality there may in it to call back to his own Materialism and it may awaken ideas and feelings which were before dormant. Although I have now for so many years devoted my 1544 "As for the resolution of matter into forces, it does not to my mind convey any notion of immaterial existence - I observe you ([?]) use the words Spirit and Spiritual forces in regard to the virtues of the Magnet and the mutual operation of Billiard Balls - I do not object to the word, understanding as I do that [the word] by Spiritual you doubt mean 'immaterial:' but I should not have ventured to use the word to you. I suppose the German term "[?]" is of the same class, I wish we had a term [us?] people in general mean by "Spiritual" that which is not matter and which is in Antagonism with it - I do not know what term we have but "force" - Miss Martineau Laws of Mans Nature p 157 1545 Matter. "We know that Nature presents to us a system of forces; and Faraday I believe conceives matter to be nothing but a system of Forces, but I cannot conceive of forces as an abstract from matter, or being matter, But the question is perhaps beyond all ordinary powers of sense and reasoning. I once conceived of matter as a system of Forces; but now I inquire "What is force?" and require an origin or cause of force, and this brings me to where I set out; to two things; matter and its forces as properties [?] Laws of Mans Nature p 153 125 sparetime to the study of Occult philosophy in its various branches of Astrology Alchemy Animation Cabalism & Spiritualism - yet my increasing knowledge only shows more distinctly my almost hopeless ignorance upon these Subjects, and but for your Spiritual Knowledge it would appear insurmountable and unfortunately mans limited faculties compel him to use words or terms to express things, which bear a [?] of renderings - more particularly in the words Spirit and matter - may I ask What is the Nature of Spirit in the final and abstract Sense of the Word. 7134 1544 Spirit is the all pervading & animating power of the Universe, the life of all that exists Every thing that is incomprehensible to man is Spiritual All power which is invisible, which has no material existence The Spirit, I mean now that which is so nearly connected with Man, not the universal spirit, desires its existce from his Material body the mind, [is] the reason, Thought and the will from his Spiritual body and emanate from him as Scent from flowers. The flower is the Material and the Visible body, the Scent is the Spiritual, still the most powerful body. What is the Abstract Nature of Matter 7135 1545 Matter is earthly, all that which is 126 Visible and Comprehendible to Man The Corporeal body is but an image created him Natural elements which exist and thro' which the [body works] spiritual body works. Matter has only Animal senses possessed in common by all Creation it is the Spiritual body which /animates/ /[*? elevates*]/ man beyond all But many I ask him can a Spiritual intelligence be an individual entity = & yet not partake of the nature of matter or substance. 1546 7136 The same as a Mans mind is separate & individual - as soul. Is what man terms " Electricity" Matter or spirit. 1547 7137 Spirit Is Light matter or Spirit 1548 7138 Everything is Spiritual which is all pervading, those things only are material which are Visible to the eyes of Men only those things which are confined to earth. All beyond and is Spiritual Then I am to conclude that "Light" in its abstract sense is Spiritual and also "Heat" 1549 7139 We call these an all pervading influence they are not material, but we do not call the Spirit. May I ask if you then only call that Spirit which is intelligent. 1550 7140 Yes Is Electricity and Mind Identical 1551 7141 Electricity is one of the powers of The Mind 127 May I ask if you are aware of the imponderable called Phosphorous & if the Mind is phosphorescent 7142 1552 That is inseparable from Electricity I will now proceed &c &c. [?]die 13th March 1855 CA Mirror [8?] PM. Invoked the CA. present [?]. May I ask when it will be convenient for you to favor us with your view of the end & scope of the Scriptures as promised 7143 1533 I will do so on next Tuesday week Can I see [EJ?]. this Evening and shall I call him into this mirror or the ES. Crystal. 7144 1554 He will appear in his own Crystal I wish to continue the this Evening I cannot do so next Tuesday The Emperor Alexander [?] died suddenly on the [?] may I ask if it is probable the war will continue 7145 1555 I think that the war will be over in the Spring If you particularly wish to see ES. I will appear again when he leaves 1/2 past 8 the C.As gone 8.30 PM ES. Crystal Called ES. present Mr G.[?]T. Here is a gentleman [from?] [?] Lavender Waistcoat, black Trousers [fulled?] shirt white neck cloth no Shirt Collar. No Wig - its ES. My [Lord?]. May I first ask if you have any objection to being called. 7146 I have not. I have no title now. May I ask if you are [Cognizant?] which is that is now falling [a??n]. 7147 I think that [?], I had much [?] belonging to you.- [?] [?ders] still cling [?]. In the last letter you [?inned] me with you [???imed] to meet me again in [l????m] thing the Psychograph [??ay] I ask of you [?] it 7148 Yes but I [?] confident [?] that the intelligence I gained from it, so my lurking was not correct, [?] [?] before I left the [?enth] that [?] [?] [??lly] developed. May I ask your [?erci?] opinion as to the quality of the spirits [??he] [fur????icra?c] by [?a??ings]. 7149 I know them to be bad I trust I shall reach happiness and I still believe as I did on Earth that the prayers of those living are beneficial to those deceased. Since [yo??] departure from [??gland], I have been [fee???] to [h??ively] after my opinion [?] the [S???ied] of the Trinity [??he] [die??ce] of the [????enent] may I [?o?] you [p?eic??] [?pmims] [a????] that subject 7150 I am convinced of the truth but [?] [a???] I cannot receive the benefit. May I [soli????] to harm me with [?????il?eied] [???io?] 7151 It seems to me now that I would be a great happiness could I return to Earth to teach [tho?e] the Divinity of Christ who [?ne] in [?] I feel that I could convince them [???d] I have an earnest yearning See also a Note page 203 taken from the memoirs of Richd Williams "And yet, amid the Hurry, toil, and strife, The claims, the urgencies, the whirl of Life, - The Soul - perhaps in silence of the night Has flashes, transient intervals of light; When things to come, without a shade of doubt, In terrible reality stand out. Those lucid moments suddenly present A glance of truth, as though the Heavens were [lent?]; And through that Chasm, of pure Celestial light, The future breaks upon the startled light; Life's rain persists; and Time's advancing pace, Appears with deathbed clearness face to face; And Immortality's expanse Sublime, In just proportion to the speck of Time; While Death, uprising from the Silent Shades, Spews his dark outline, as the Vision fades; In strong relief against the blazing sky Appears the Shadow [h]as it passes by, And tho' orwhelming to the [cazzled?] brain, There are the moments when the mind is sane; [?] then, a hope in Heaven - the Saviour's cross, Seen what they are, and all things, else are [dross?] Jane Taylor - Essays in Rhyme 129 towards those among my own friends who still hold the opinions I did when on Earth and none more so than my friend Dr [Ashburner?]. My I ask if you obtained your belief in Jesus Christ before your decease or since you left this Earth. 7153 Some time before my decease I felt the want of something to rely my faith upon I felt that unless I could find some supporter death without hope would be too terrible to [bear] endure & then I turned my mind in earnest prayer to the one God. and gradually as the body & work of the Spirit rose to almost gigantic power, my mind Continuing in prayer, the Holy radiance seemed to pour upon my Soul, I seemed elated and happy and then as I felt humanity and Spiritual Elevation at the same time I thought of God made Man - of the Divine Spirit with earthly feelings, I thought of his death, and then of his Resurrection to Eternal life, I thought that he could sympathize with me, and know my wants, and then as my mind wandered back over a long life and a very sinful one, I felt what need there was for that death upon the Cross I felt that by his blood my Sins might be washed away, and then I felt the Influence of the Holy Spirit, the 130 the Holy Ghost the Comforter and my Spirit passed unfettered from the body in the blessed assurance that my Redeemer liveth. Shall I show this your answer to Dr Ashburner as I have a great wish that he should be placed on the one true path. 7153 Write to him tell him that the Spirit of his departed friend prays, that he will well weigh those things contained in the New Testament If Dr A. raises any objection as to these replies really [?] from you - would you give me in your present state any Sign by which he might believe it 7154 I have no power to do that which would convince his bodily Senses, and do not address me now as though I yet lived, I am level now with the most humble that ever left the earth. As my letters to you in your lifetime were very Voluminous do you think if your Son the present [?] has not already destroyed them he would return them to me If I applied for them 7155 - I think that he would. Your Son might in return require your letters to me, which I should regret to prat with have I your sanction to retain them 7156 You have - I said then what I believed in my ignorance to be the Truth, and I have no wish that they should be destroyed. As You have expressed your altered opinions on the subject of the Trinity at the time of your decease may 131 I ask if any passages of Scripture [?] to you at the time and what they were. 7157 I seemed to know the meaning of the whole, it seemed to show me so plainly, so indisputably that there was a Saviour of the world, and that one Jesus Christ. Now his Lordships going - May I ask if you will appear on Tuesday next if Called 7158 I will. 20' past 9 PM. 9.30 PM. C.A Mirror Invoked the CA The CA is here. I referred to the Commn. received from ES. & his wish for me to write to Dr A 7159 1536 When do you intend writing to him I thought I would write to him on Thursday & see him on Sunday 7160 1557 The Spirit of the late Lord Stanhope will appear again next Tuesday, if you so wish it, I think I would defer writing to Dr Ashburner till after that time. I presume there is no objection to my writing to the present Earl to request the return of my letters, 7161 1558 There is not, you can tell him how much you are interested in all these Subjects May I ask if you have any Commn to make to me before commencing with the other subject 7162 1559 I have not. My Seer has unfortunately suffered much from 132 luminous appearance in the mirror, paining her Eyes May I ask if you can tell me how to remedy it 7163 1500 It is possible to have that without injuring the Eyes. I will now begin &c &c 10' past 11 PM ended, ♂︎die 20th March 1855 8'10'PM C.A. Mirror 8' Invoked the C A. The C A. in morning. May I &c 7164 1561 do so My young friend has lately suffered much pain in her Eyes when Inspecting may I ask how we can prevent her suffering 7165 1562 No Answer Repeated the question & the Response No 7166 1563 No Answer. I have received this letter from a friend of my Father will you favor me with Your advice 7167 1564 I am still of opinion that the greatest service you could render him would be to remove him from his family but you must be sure that he was entirely removed so that what comforts he had might not be taken away from him by them. I should advise you not to increase the money you are in the habit of Lending him, but at the same time I hope that you will 133 not allow his affairs to harass you, it does him no good but yourself harm believe me that what you have done has been for the best, and I shall be ever ready to give you any advice when you feel the necessity of asking it. I will appear on purpose to do so at any time May I ask if ES. will appear when called this Evg 7168 1565 He will When in Genesis it is written, 'And the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. does it mean that matter then existed in Chaos but by the addition thereto by the [?] [Will?] of the Spiritual existences Light Heat & Electricity. the Earth assumed its present shape & [conviction?] & [obeyed?] its present [form?] as a planetary body 7169 1566 The word of God sent forth Spiritual life into the mass of Material which had existed for Eternity before Under the Influences which He forced down upon it, it expanded into Shape and the Spirit uniting with the Material [it] made Life - The latter portion of your response induces me to ask if Spontaneous Existence is possible, there has for many years been much Controversy upon that Subject many great names in Science being both for & against it - May I ask if it is possible for any species of insect or Animalculae however small. to come at the present moment into Existence, without obeying the usual laws of procreation 7170 1567 They can, they do, do so "Spontaneous Generation." "One nearly pardons the believers in Spontaneous Generation on seeing these despised creatures so frequently [?] & propagate immediately that a suitable [?] for Colonization is afforded, that the Mystery is much cleared up when we look through the Microscope at a Voided threadworm, & see its body almost filled with Millions of Eggs, minute enough to pass through most [fillus?] & therefore probably distributed by [Olives?] & Subterranean [rills?], from Springs and Cisterns - when we find that one joint of a hundred jointed tapeworms contains enough [worms] germs to furnish every inhabitant of the globe with an image of itself, these latent lives must be continually passing down the line of [our?] [inter?] [times?] finding only in rare instances a station to stop at. This is an unpleasant thought but it is some gratification to remember. that we of all Animals are best defended against such [?] by our possession of the sometimes despised act of Cooking, It is unlikely that any Eggs can live through the boiling temperature". All the strange rare human parasites which fill the lists of the [?] have been found in Egypt Abyssinia & Ethiopia - it is will known that [?] & [?] fill the stomach of the inhabt of these regions with raw food & stagnant water which may be supposed to be peculiarly full of ora. & against the access of which cooking guards mor e civilized nations" p. 442. 3 of "Digestion & its derangements by Thomas K Chambers MD. London 1856 134 Life exists in everything, and it is possible for animal life to be taken from vegetable life. If that is so what limits are to be set to size, why have we no large animal hitherto unknown. Springing into existence 7171 1568 It is impossible for a sufficient quantity of matter to [use?] in one place to make one body of a large Animal There is not sufficient of the same matter existent in one spot, it is [imminally?] [diffined?] therefore millions of minute Creatures can have being, while one of an immense size could not. I thank you, I have hitherto held quite opposite views, unfortunately, in arguments even when founded upon Physical facts & things - degenerate into Theological Controversies as tho' Materialism & Spiritualism were ever to run counter to each other, instead of parallel A favorite Subject for dispute has been "which existed first the Cheese or the Cheesemite may I ask you that question. 7172 1569 The Cheese. - because it is an essence arising from the milk which gives the animal existence. But although this Separate existence as it appears in Contradistinction to Nature. is allowed to those small creatures. and could exist where it the Divine will that it should do so [?] larger and amongst higher ones. by his wisdom & Providence it is stopped there and goes no farther 135 7172 1549 And here I think it must be observed by all who will give it attention how merciful, how thoughtful and how abounding in goodness is the gift of life. The Power of Generation is the greatest blessing, the greatest pleasure He could bestow upon the living Creation it exists in common with all, it levels all and it shows that the God of All is as Merciful and as thoughtful for the lowest of His creatures as the Highest. Are any Substances which now are part of or in this Earth "Simple Substances" that is of one, Sole Kind of matter - for example, if we take a drop of water, by a stream of Electricity it is analyzed or divided into two Gases Hydrogen & Oxygen as its Elements. or by reversing the order subjecting certain portions of Hydn & Oxyn. to Electricity - water is produced may I ask if pure Native Gold can by any means be separated into its Elements as a Metallic [?] or a Metallic [?] a Metallic [?], have I made myself understood. 7173 1570 You have Nothing exists in an [?] state everything is mixed and extracts from this Mixture, make mixtures of a very different kind If Gold then is not Simple & homogeneous, cannot it be then divided into its Elements 7174 1571 It cannot be divided for where this possible [?] might be made of other 136 other substances, for the substance which makes that could be found separate and w[h]ere that the case [?] might be easily made The antient alchemists held that [?] might be [?] to its own [?]. [?]. & [Sophie?] [?] -. from which by certain processes. the [powder?] of projection could be obtained, which combined with other metals in a certain state transmuted that other & baser metal into Gold - Can any objection be offered at [a?] learned & pious Alchemist. trying to do this - to any [?] for good & beneficent purposes, [where] when the [?] uncultivated man. is allowed to delve for Gold & perhaps find several thousand pounds worth only [?] to be spent in [dissipation?] 7175 1572 There is no objection to the Trial, but it cannot be done Pure Gold has never yet been made It is a natural production a Combinatn of minerals and nothing that man can do will make it - or an addition to what he has. But man may obtain Gold, he may find out those places where it exists - Have Spirit & matter been equally Coexistent from all eternity, though as far as concerns this Earth kept separate from all eternity 7176 1573 They did not because Spirit was Gods influence descending upon the Matter which had existed Eternally. Were the planets which form our Solar System Revolve round our [?] as [?] created from that Chaos of Elements at the same time as the Earth was 137 or each from an Individual Chaos 7177 1574 They had existed eternally but at the time of Creation they were brought to Shine upon the Earth & fixed. before Creation they were all wandering planets. When we see the order & beauty of their orbits & the Laws they obey & that even the Erratic Comets never come into Collision with them might we not suppose that if they were wandering planets they would come in Contact & destroy each other. 7178 1575 At the time of the Creation they had their places assigned to them, but before this they wandered about unfixed, there was no collision they were then uninhabd. merely bodies of [p???] vapor, when they did come in contact they passed through each other. the strongest passed through the weaker. and divided it, without either bursting it or discomposing it in the same manner that you might pass your finger quickly thro the candle without either injuring the flame or your finger. Are you aware of the Contrary as to the Plurality of inhabited worlds. 7179 1576 Beings do exist in the different planets Drunkenness as you are possibly aware is one of the greatest blots on Civilized life - & a Society has been formed, to introduce Total Abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, Beer, Spirits, or Wine. May I ask your view of the subject 7180 1577 Stimulants are necessary for man. A moderate use of them is advisable 138 1577 7180 Water is for cleansing, wine exhilirating Altho in some cases, total abstinence from Spirituous liquors is advisable I am no advocate for Teetotalism Drunkeness is indeed a detestable vice, it is more , it is a great sin, it deadens every faculty that man possesses, and makes him nothing more then a brute. Jesus Christ made some at the marriage feast, He used some at the last supper. as the semblance of his blood. and used by such authority as this, it cannot of itself be harmful to man. but it is well known that those who from habit have become a confirmed drunkard cannot have it off by degrees, and only use it moderately. To those I say leave it all off. and drink in penetence the water[?] which is intended to wash out all stain. [?] any further advice 7181 1578 Not this evening May I ask you to request ES to appear 1579 7182 I will. ES Crystal 1/4 to 10PM Called EC He is here as before but so much yellower, his hands are as yellow as gold. May I again ask if I have your sanction to call you into this crystal, and to request you will tell me when I am to cease doing so an I beg to [?] you I 139 Would not upon any account call you, against your wish 7183 I am willing to appear, I will leave when I desire to do so. I have written this letter to your Son, do you approve of it 7184 Put earliest before convenience, he is very long about things. Had you the psychograph at your house at [Chevering?] when you left this Earth 7185 Yes. What is your opinion now of the [?] Theory or preexistence of Man as a thinking being 7186 I know that Adam was the first created Man. What is your opinion of that passage. 1 John 1 v [7?] 7187 I believe that it shows his Mercy to those that believe in him. That it is a promise to those who recognized him as their Mediator And that it shows him to be the way the Truth and the life. May I ask if you are now aware of that state of double existence of Mortals which in my letters to you I termed Atmospheric Spirits 7183 I think that it is the embodiment of the mortals Ideas, that those Ideas show him in his true state without disguise, and that makes the difference between the mortal & the Atmospheric Spirit When you visited me at Croydon you once asked of the Spirit then in. the Crystal whether your Ancestor the first Earl S. died by poison or not, & you wished me also to ask the question may I ask if you have the means or power now of ascertaining that fact. 140 7189 I have not As you have so recently left the Earth may I ask if you still retain the Knowledge of what happened to you when on this Earth 7190 I do of some things Your Son is I believe a Sceptic in Spiritualism could you give me any proof by which if it was requisite he could be convinced of your appearing in in this Crystal which you presented me with. 7191 I do not wish him to know that I appear here, he never respected me when living and I am sure he would not my opinions even when dead May I ask your opinion of the manner or mode of your thus appearing in my Crystal & replying to my questions 7192 I appear thro the Crystal, not in it, it makes an opening in the Spirit World and by it I am arrested May I ask if you know by whom this letter was written and its Contents 7193 I cannot see it Have you recognized any of your departed friends since you left this Earth 7194 Very few of my friends have left the earth so recently as myself - many of them have gone on. May I ask in what place state or sphere you are now in. 7195 Hades. Have you then passed thro the atmosphere 7196 Yes I have been visited by the C.A. 141 Is it permitted for me to ask the Purport of that Visit 7197 He set me on the right way of proceeding he gave me the Knowledge of things which before have been incomprehensible we conversed of many things, he told me about you, and I was satisfied of his great goodness His love for you and interest is unlimited - he is indeed a lovely [and] ministering Angel When you last visited us in the Crystal I promised to write to Dr Ashburner. but after you left the CA said I had better wait until you had appeared this Evg. may I ask if you have any further remarks you would wish me to make to him in reference to his Commcation with the Rapping Spirits 7198 Tell him that they are not allowed by [all] the Almighty, that mention is made against them in the Bible indeed there is a passage which seems to me now, clearly to be intended for this period Tell him to consult that book to refer to those passages, which tell of the False prophets and the Evil doers and seriously to consider. what good has arisen from these manifestations or for what possible good end they could be devied. How limited his ideas must be of the great and beautiful Spirit escaped from all Bondage, and bound by no [?] to earth. - Spiritual in every sense of the Term - without human Knowledge 142 7198 and without memory - to concieve that this spirit after having many years at liberty -- many years in happiness [*?*] could so far [?] itself as to return to them to remembrance -- and if remembrance at all it must be unlimited, and they must therefore remember the bad as well as the good - to recognize their friends to talk about earthly things, to tell them that they are happy, and that they hope to meet them, and far more than this to make themselves known by their mortal power of knocking, that is flinging themselves backwards and forwards against material substances and making sufficient noise for it to be evident to those around that they are present, and then to believe that after having joined them as mortals & conversed with them by means which they themselves would have used, that they could return straight to the happiness that they had left. and throwing off this mortality begin again the spiritual life. It seems to me now that a mans feeling would rebel against this Yet I when on earth firmly believed it -- How much grander & more congenial to ones feelings would it seem to believe that the spirit rises from the Body after death to a new life, that gradually at first but rapidly afterwards 143 it ascends towards happiness, it expands to Angelic Glory, that every feeling Appertaining to Earth has left it, that it is in communion with its own sphere of Angels, and that at last it is filled by its goodness and its purity to stand face to face with its maker. As Dr Ash [?] when he visited me at Croydon in company with yourself appeared to posses the faculty of discerning spirits in the Crystal, may I ask if it would be agreeable for you to appear in my Crystal if he inspected it 7199 He will no look long enough May I ask how long he should look on Sunday if I called you. 7200 He must look half an hour and then he could not see to read the first time. My letters to you when on earth were very lengthened Have you any remembrance of them & particularly the last one in reference to your becoming a working medium 7201 I have and I thank you for it May I ask if you have any further communication 7202 I can appear once more. Will that be the last time. 7203 It will so that you can recognize me Will you then appear next Tuesday 1 week if I call 7204 Yes [Esri?] going 10_35 PM. Junioring as usual [???]--very slowly 144 ♂︎die March 27 1855 C A Mirror 1/4 to 8 PM. present Mr S[?]T. Invoked the C A. May I &c 1580 7205 I will I have written to Dr Ash[?], if he wishes to be present when ES. appears for the last time - I presume there will be no objection 1581 7206 Certainly there will not should he also wish it I will appear, here or at his own house - May I now request the fulfilment of your promise to favor us with your view of the scope & doctrine of the sacred scriptures 1582 7207 It must be observed by all those who have given the scriptures their attention that they are written in language peculiar to themselves -- It is more simple, more poetical, yet not so explanatory as others written in the same tongue at the same period. The New Testament was written by men who without inspiration would have been ignorant, at different times and unknown to each other, until their work came together. This in some measure accounts for the inconsistencies which are found in those writings when put together. and besides this there are words which have been altered in translation, some of minor importance was lost before 145 1582 7207 The Translation was attempted but the important parts are the same now in the English version as they came from the hands of the apostles and emanated from the Lord. As He intended it to teach Mankind to the end of the world so he would guide it safely in its course. -- there are inconsistencies in the Bible and there appears even in the New Testament passages in direct contradiction to each other, indeed it may be so perverted as to strengthen the arguments & meet the views of any sect of believers. The most important part of the Bible is the New Testament - the old is more to be regarded as Sacred History and Prophecy of things to come, It treats of men, and is not written to men for the purpose of their Guidance - In the first part of St Matthew you find the miraculous Conception and birth of Jesus Christ and the same time his Heavenly Father resolving that some in a distant part of the earth should be made aware of his coming direct guidance of the wise men of the East of the Star to Bethlehem with the offerings they thought acceptable to the Child - not only was his birth a miracle, but these men his chosen few were by a direct guidance from Heaven sent to him to offer homage at his coming. John the Baptist "It appears from the context that John the Baptist was a very popular preacher. " "This holy Apostle seemed to have put his hand / if I may so speak/ into the Bosom of those men and presented them with their own viscera, already glowing with the heat of Hell."! second of "Two sermons by Rev'd Wm Howels of the Episcopal Chapel Long Acre" 1837 146 1582 7207 After teaching in his extreme youth men so much older than himself with so much wisdom he sends John his disciple forward to Baptize in the River Jordan - John Baptizes in all humility prophecies that he comes after him whose shoe latchet he is unworthy to tie. Jesus Christ came to him in his humility and wishing strength for that great undertaking before him, he prays to his Heavenly Father that he will strengthen him with the Waters thro the hands of John, And here the 3rd direct interposition of Providence takes place for a cloud opens & the Angel of the Lord appears, and a voice was heard from the Clouds saying "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Refreshed and Invigorated & Strengthened by the assurance of his Father's love the Son of Man goes on his weary pilgrimage - that pilgrimage was indeed weary - he had the power of the Father without his knowledge, but the power was limited to his Capacities as a Man. he was allowed to feel acutely every suffering that the flesh is heir to every mental & bodily injury that can be heaped on Man, and this at the same time that he had the delicate sensibility (?) feeling of angelic goodness of his Father. We cannot be surprised then /a/ Matthew 26 39 O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt Prot. Version 147 1582 7202 When he felt these injuries so acutely in the Mount of Olives, that his heart should sink, that in the extreme agony of mental suffering, sweat of blood should drop from his brow, that he should pray [*/a/*] "O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me, but thy will not mine be done" Again he was inspired with confidence The Almighty's arm was outstretched to support him, after returning to his Apostles, and finding they were heavy with sleep, he again prayed, that if it was the will of his Father to give him strength to execute it, he no longest desired that it should be left undone. Comforted and assured after the 3rd time of praying, he returns to his chosen friends, forgives them for sleeping, for he knows that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. he takes leave of them, for he tells them that the hour draws nigh He is betrayed, tried Condemned and crucified, worse even than a murderer he is healed by those men whose souls he came upon earth to save. - they insulted , they spat upon him, they placed a Crown of thorns upon his lead and divided his raiment between them they pierced his prone body with nails and hung him to the Cross and when he mastered the last mortal feeling that he *Repent ye " see note next page The Repent ye &c is in 3 [John] Matthew & used by John the Baptist 148 1582 7207 knew, they gave him vinegar mixed with gall in a sponge In the agonies of his death his mortal feelings gave way, although his spiritual feelings Ascended to his Father and he cried in a loud voice, " My God My God why hast thou forsaken me." To show that He had not forsaken him another miracle was presented. The Nail of the Temple was rent in twain darkness overspread the earth from the 6th to the 9th hour and at that moment Jesus Christ gave up the Ghost. This you find clearly related in the New Testament, it is repeated several times, and I believe is sufficiently plain to be understood by All, but the most important part of the life of the Savior of man. I have not mentioned that part which he gives to the multitude in the Sermon on the Mount. I have Christian duties and religious feelings which shall reign triumphant from one end of the world to the other before all things pass away. In that Sermon Upon the Mount is man's salvation opened to him, the straight gate the narrow way is shown which leads to everlasting life. There is a passage in that which has not been clearly explained, this that in which he says " Repent ye, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". Now this would "Repent ye for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It will be observed that these words recur in the 3rd Matthew -- 2nd Ver and are used by John the Baptist = They do not occur at all in the Sermon on the Mount as given by St Matthew. -- but it appears to have probably formed part of that sermon as it is [cont.d] appears the Sermon took place on a mountain in Galilee or near it = & St. Mark speaking of the same period in (1 Mar v 14) Jesus came into Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and saying "The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand. repent ye & believe the Gospel", and it is also observable that Matthew (c 7 v 28-29) uses the same words in reference to the Sermon on the Mount as Mark uses (1 v 22) in reference to his discourse in the Synagogue. -- (This is not so) Mark C 1 v 15. ( corresponds to Matthew 4 v. 17 ) were the words [?] as in the response spoken by Jesus [*below*] X "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand --" but, still the words may have formed the opening of his discourse as St Matthew says From that time Jesus began to preach & to say Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand -- implying that those words were frequently used = Ask the C A: to explain. X Matt. 4.17 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" Protestant Version "Do penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" Douay Trans'n Repent ye, for the kingdom of Heaven draweth near Unitarian Version 149 1582 7207 Seem to imply that the end of the world was at hand., but when he exhorted them to repentance, he did not use it in this sense — he meant that After his death the Communion between his Father and the Earth would be direct, that his influence would be universally felt in the hearts of the Good and he therefore exhorted them to Repentance that the Spirit of his Father might reign in their hearts and the Kingdom of Heaven be opened to them thro' that repentance. He meant that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand because it would be a direct communication with Earth. This is a part that will allow of great argument , and unbelievers can so readily grasp it , not taking it as it is intended for them , "Repent ye", but taking it as a great inconsistency and saying how can this be, When the Kingdom of Heaven has not yet come when so many generations have passed Away, their opinion is strengthened when they turn to the 24th Chapter of St Matthew — in it are two remarkable things they are both altered by Jesus Christ and they are in direct contradiction to Each other.— In the beginning of that Chapter his disciples ask him how they shall know when the end of the world is at hand. but he then tells them that Matthew 24 v 3. The disciples who were Jews had the grandest notion of their Temple thought calmly that nothing could survive such a glorious piece of work and therefore they joined the end of the world to their enquiry after that went. But Christ never meant to extend his prophecy so far for he plainly says verse 34 This generation should not pass till all things be fulfilled, so that the whole of this awful description relates to the dreadful destruction of Judea by the Romans Revd B??kes Lomment 150 1582 7207 tThey are not to trouble themselves about it for the end is not yet near, he then goes on to describe to them that it will be known to all men -- that before that time Nation shall war against Nation Earthquakes shall be felt, famine & [*✔️*] pestilence shall pervade the Land, that the true religion should be in the heart of repentant mankind, that false prophets shall arise calling themselves Christ. He then tells them that no one principal sign shall be given, the sign shall be universally known & felt, that it shall be connected with the Atmosphere with the aspect of the Heavens and with the sight -- the sun shall go down in darkness, and the moon shall not shed her light over the Earth, Thunder shall rend the skies and no stars shall be visible. Then the Light emanating from [*✔️*] the Throne of Grace shall illumine the world and then shall come forth an Angel sounding a trumpet & declaring the End After describing thus minutely those things which shall take place before the end of the world "This Generation shall not pass away before these things come to pass. -- You have this repeated in Mark in Luke and in John. a Here he did not mean by this Generation only those present with him for there was a multitude of all ages 151 7207 1582 from the babe to the oldest He meant the whole generation of Man from Adam the first man to the last, because after this world has passed away and all its inhabitants, dead & living taken from it a change will take place in the twinkling of an Eye and the creatures will inhabit the Earth. not the Earth as it is now. but the void from which the Earth was created When he said this Generation he used it as a figurative term, he meant Man Kind shall not have passed away before these things should come, that they should be visible to those who were on the Earth at the time. _ [*1592 ends*] I ret Thanks 7208 1583 If it is Convenient to you I will resume it next Tuesday Evening I have much more than I could say Now. As E S. promised to appear for the last time on that Eveng. Can Emma see him & receive your Comm'n without hurting her Eyes 7209 1584 You can. May I ask &c 7210 1585 I had intended before Mr Owen's meeting takes place in May to make a Communication to him trying to alter his opinions on some things that he may proclaim them at that meeting. I wish you to write to him and when you have received an answer 152 7210 I will then address him. I feel it a duty and should he wish to publish any Communication he has my consent I make the Communication to him in this manner, that it may be directly between myself and him, feeling that you may not probably like to be my Communicant in the way you have hitherto been, so that were he to publish it - your name would be unnecessary because it would not be mixed with any of your opinions or questions I wish to know your view now of this I have entirely placed myself in respect of Spiritualism under your guidance & do so in this -- I am sure that all who know Robert Owen personally earnestly desire he may even in the Eleventh hour be guided to the one path [?] that of truth. Knowing that once convinced he has the moral Courage to publicly avow it, however opposed to his previous belief - I will therefore write to him with this communication 1586 7211 I await his reply. Any question that may suggest itself whilst I am proceeding I wish to be at once put. I ret'd thanks & explained that as my Seers eyes pained her I w.d not ask any further questions that Evening 1584 7212 Accept my blessing and sincere wishes for your health The C. A left 20 to 10 PM 153 [Mars sign]die 3rd April 1855 - C A Mirror Invoked the G S. The C A is here etc. May I [?] 1588 7213 Yes I wish to hear your remarks on that before I again begin Can you inform me, the reason of my friend Mrs. Charlotte Lea's vision being at time so uncertain & imperfect - last [?]die the responses appeared in such small characters that she could not read them. 1589 7214 I think that if your friend were to call them with a stronger reliance and a firmer will, they would be plainer - and behave whilst they do appear in a calmer & less irritable way - neither should they disagree about it. Neither does it do [you] for you and him to be about it at the same time, it must be done alone by one without those oppositions and disagreements which make it almost distressing. I have written to Robert Owen with the commucation you made in reference to him 1590 7215 I shall make my special comm'n to him next Tuesday Evening if he replies before that time. It was my intention not to make any remarks in reference to your kind response until you had completed your Scriptural Views but as you now request me to do so, may I observe 154 with deference that the words "Repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." do not occur in the Sermon on the Mount. but in the preceding chapter Matt. 4 v 1591 7216 Those words did occur in the Sermon on the Mount but were not repeated in the relation of it, there is [?] sufficient proof that they were uttered by Jesus Christ, and that he uttered them more than once for the words in that chapter immediately preceding were "From this time Jesus began to preach. "Repent [ye] for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." You have this repeated by John and believing as you all must that John preached from inspirat'n, it is but a repetition from the Almighty of the words of his Son. I should have said this at the time and must endeavor in future to make my meaning more distinct. In your former response you also mentioned that Christ's explanation as to the end of the world & the preceding signs were repeated in "Mark Luke and John" may I observe that it is not at all alluded to in John, I only mention this [?] in compliance with your wish to hear [?] [?] as of course I do not suppose that any created being can be infallible, that being [?] [?] only of the Creator. 1592 7217 In the allusion which is made in 155 1592 7217 Saint Matthew by Jesus Christ to those signs which shall take place before the end of the world He makes it Known that one religion shall prevail and this is the end of all things. A full description is given there of every thing that shall take place. it is repeated in Mark and Luke & alluded to in John by Jesus Christ himself in the 4th Chapter 21 & 23 Verse But in the English version there is a few words wrong, they were made as a note before it was translated by one who read it Jesus christ in holding that conversation with the woman of [?] says "the hour cometh when all shall worship in spirit and in truth, "true worshippers" were the words added and this is the direct allusion to the end of the world and its being at hand May I observe that I do not perceive the parrallellism of those passages - 1593 7218 It is mentioned in Matthew that one of the Signs shall be the universal truth pervading the Earth. and this is what is again alluded to in John May I request the Continuation of Your remarks upon the Scopet Doctrine of the Sacred Scriptures 1594 7219 I should wish you first to see that those passages do correspond I will make a few remarks this Evening before Lord Stanhope appears. 156 RP. 1594 7219 The Bible is the great tome from which all religion sprang in civilized countries I mean religion which has for its basis truth. -- More Religions are various and they all differ, and passing carefully thro' all those religions, their doctrines & their practice, I cannot find one which may be truly called That Church of which Jesus Christ is the corner stone. Therefore that Simple & holy religion has yet to be founded or the trinitarian doctrines cleansed & purified before the Almighty can be worshipped in Spirit and in truth by all men. When are gathered tog'r to worship God, he tells them that he is among them, and it must be with humble & penitent hearts that they meet. he requires no form or custom. he does not require that one man shall be above the rest. and pronounce in his name the absolution & remission of sins. He requires that all shall humble themselves before his throne of grace and each pray for his own Sins Jesus Christ tells his followers when they pray they are not to use many words for that the Almighty understands their Wants. but to use that simple & beautiful prayer which he gave to them. and for more 157 7219 1594 Acceptable in the sight of that All merciful Judge. "Father have mercy on me a sinner". from the depth of an overflowing heart than those elaborately worded and refined supplications which are made use of by too many. The Simple words of our Lords prayer must come home to a man in every distress, or trial, or supplication or thanksgiving which he may wish to make known. All Men are born into sin and the very best are not wholly free from it. therefore how forcible & how expressive is that part, "lead us not into temptation, for man of his own strength cannot pass through that ordeal. The Church of England is right in its main points. - The belief in the Divinity of Christ. and his being one with the Father & the Holy Ghost is the grand foundation of religion & yet amongst them may be found, I mean the Trinitarians as great or a greater number of Evil doers, Hypocrites Ungenerous, unfeeling inhuman Men, than in any other so called religion, what a Mass of hypocrisy may be found in those sitting in High places, and Even in those who call themselves the ministers of Christ St Paul in his letter to Timothy gives you the Christian Character 158 1594 7219 of a man who should be a Bishop or a Deacon. - That does not corespond with the priesthood or Roman Catholic Countries, nor does it with the Character of men belonging to the English Church The Roman Catholics are more sincere believers in their religion, however wrong that religion may be to them it appears right, they practice what they profess and would go thro persect'n & death itself in their zeal for their faith. Although their Idolatry for Images & their worshipping the form of Saints is very wrong it originates in a good desire for they believe themselves too sinful for their prayers to ascend to the almighty and they therefore make the Virgin Mary instead of her son the inter-mediator. I think this a beautiful trait in their religion and in their belief in the Almighty's mercy, for although Jesus Christ is the only one as high as Himself and the only one who can be both him in his Glory inseparable & united. It is wrong to believe that after the father had inspired her, had made her the mother of his son. and he chose her from among many, that he would after that son had filled his destiny after he had died to save a world for which he was sent, and ascended 159 1594 7219 to his glory, that she the humble instrument of this great good should be no longer taken especial [?] of and that after death her soul should be but as those of other of her Kind She is a Saint, an angel in the presence of her Son, and why not make her the receptacle of those wishes and desires to be transferred and made acceptable through her to him - The spirit of L S. will appear. - he will himself answer your questions 20' to 11 PM. ES. Crystal Called E.S. 3' now its thick, he's coming he's plainer now. Welcome &c 7220 [1595] I will answer them I have rec.d a letter from your Son. he states he has not found any of my letters - may I ask if you destroyed them 7221 [1596] I did not, it is scarcely likely that I should as I prized them so much May I ask if you remember where you placed them 7222 [1597] In a cabinet with my crystal in the Library at Chevening I ment'd my visit to Dr A. - that he had then informed me he had also changed his [?] belief & intended to avow it - publicly I asked if ES. had any fur'r communication 7223 [1598] If he is Confirmed in his faith. I 160 I have nothing more to add. As to Sir ESB [1599] 7224 if you do see him, tell him of my appearance here and that I died in the Knowledge and belief of a Savior, it will gratify him I am sure. Dr A read to me as he had been instructed to do by a spirit, the notes he had written that morning & also his note on Light to Riechenbachs work. what is now your opinion as to spirits who thus write by mediums — is it possible that Dr A's spirit is a good spirit [1600] 7225 he may not be evil. The passage of the Soul from the Body at death to Life Everlasting is to us so inscrutable may I ask an explanation [1601] 7226 As thought leaves the Mind suppos'g it to be immediately embodied. Is death oppressive or painful or is only the body that suffers — while the soul is insensible of it [1602] 7227 It is the numbness of the body and the stoppage of the breath that causes pain, the Spirit has no human feeling You mentioned that this is the last time of your appearing in a form that we can recognize is that so. [1603] 7228 it is May I ask what form you will assume then [1604] 7229 The spiritual form May I ask how it is that we see you in your mortal garments, the same so when you visited us — the Ghost as it were of your cloathing -- [1605] 7230 When called I wish to be recognized 161 it is but an Appearance As the lengthened Correspondence which took place between us in your mortal life — gives rise to so many curious questions & responses which yet left much to be sought — may I ask if you can give me any beneficial information on a spiritual point of view [1606] 7231 I am but a novice Yet, I do not even know who sent me these papers from America which are bound in this book. I will request Dr A to write to your Son for my letters if you think that advisable [1607] 7232 I doubt if they will be found there now, his Lordship has an enquiring mind. Most surely your son would not deny that he had found letters addressed to a parent so recently deceased if he had done so [1608] 7233 No answer By what means are you aware of my Calling and wishing to see you. [1609] 7234 The will finds its way into the Spirit world and arrests me. By what means do you thus show or cause to appear to us in this Crystal the painted letters which form Your Answers. [1610] 7265 Your questions awaken me feelings connected with it, these feelings are clothed in language by another do you mean by being clothed thus by another that your ideas are put into words by the Spirit of the Crystal [1671] 7236 Yes. 162 By what means then can a spirit caller be assured that the ideas so expressed are those of the exorcised [1612] 7237 because that Spirit being good, dare not give other than the answer dictated by the person who appears. About 2 years ago a lady in black who called herself Lady unexpectedly appeared & made a certain Communication to us was that assertion true. 7238 [1613] No answer. have you since we saw you thrown off your belief that the prayers of the living are of benefit to the Dead 7239 [1614] did I not answer you this question when I was here before. Yes but my question is do you still believe that 7240 [1615] I believe so still Can you give me any grounds for such a belief 7241 [1616] I cannot it may be from a long cherished feeling which I have had and a wish which rises in a persons heart when on Earth & expresses itself in words -- --- --- -- [*This response came so fast I could not correctly catch it =*] May I &c E S. is leaving - I then expressed &c 7242 [1617] I thank you he's gone 1/4 past 10 PM. [illustration of horoscope for:] Robert Owen Born 14th May 6h.0 AM 1771 Newton North Wales Lat 52. 30 N. 163 [symbol] 10th April 1853 CA Mirror Invoked the C.A. May I &c. 7243 1495 I will begin with my communication to Mr Owen I then as usual prepared to take the response into my minute book when the CA said 7244 1596 I would rather that you sent the first copy to him-- I then took some writing paper & recd. the Commn. of which the following is a transcript. My dear Mr. Owen 7245 1597 It may seem strange that I should choose this means of communicating with you. I have done so that it may be a more direct address to yourself than any I have hitherto made knowing that you will receive it in the spirit it is given of sincere good will. I have always taken great interest in your life and feel the deepest anxiety to see its object fulfilled and the human race uni- ted in one permanently happy and enlightened family -- but can man succeed unaided in this object, can he surmount the whole array of obstacles that rise in his way, can he humble the high, and elevate the poor and lowly, can he make those holding authority in the State insensible to their individual interests and ambition in their zeal for humanity, can he find the find the means of educating those innumerable thousands who are so ignorant of all light or more than this can he extinguish that great evil which has existed from the worlds 1597 7245 164 beginning, the enemy of all good. Man cannot do this unless aided by God. His Almighty power must uproot the evil before man can sow the good seed and to secure His countenance, His guidance and mighty help, man must do that which is acceptable and finds favor in his sight, and how he do this otherwise than by believing in that new Testament which He has sent man as a guide to salvation, that book which under His protection for eighteen hundred years has preserved its undying enterist and which has struggled through warfare and revolution and tyrannical despotism in the Church and State only to become after the lapse of that time the bright foundation of the religion The belief in one God has two foundations the one is the Bible, the other is nature, if man receives any part of that Bible with Faith he must receive the whole, and he must therefore believe in the Three persons and one God, and in the death of Jesus Christ for the redemption of the world. If he makes nature the foundation of his belief in God then the necessity of a Saviour must be obvious to all who will consider things from the beginning of Creation. When the first man, who was created to enjoy perfect happiness upon earth, fell from immortal estate, the wrath of the Almighty was just in condemning him to death., but He knew that those generations that would follow Adam altho inheritors of, could not be punished or answerable for his sin, but when generation succeeded generation he found that the evil was growing, that Matthew 1 v 23 "And they shall call his name Immanuel , which being interpreted is, God with us." 1597 7245 165 they sinned more and repented less, and that were He to punish them according to their deserts there would be no hereafter, he then showed His great mercy to the Human race, and He made that very sin and the death that followed it the portal of an everlasting life. He now determined that the seeds of the true faith should be sown, that man should have a convincing proof of his goodness and mercy, and that the doors of Salvation should be opened, that all those believing should enter. for this purpose was God made man, who more fitting to redeem the world and effect this purpose than part of His own spirit born into the Flesh and named by Him His son Emmanuel interpreted by man, "God with us." The great scheme of Redemption being now fulfilled and the son united to the Father they exerted their mighty influence over all mankind and this is the Holy Ghost. Those seeking the influence of the Holy Spirit must ask it in humility of the united Three, and he will be successful. Could you sincerely believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and the Son as the Redeemer of the world, the guidance of the Almighty would be extended to you, for how acceptable unto Him would be the homage of one who in all other respects is so truly a Christian Man. I trust that you will give your attention to the life of Jesus Christ as written by his Apostles, and I think you must see the great blessing of Faith in his divinity, and of those things relating to him which appear to man inexplicable, I will only say Blessed are those 1597 7245 166 who walk by faith and not by sight. I will no longer dwell upon this subject, but believe me it is of vital importance to your soul's welfare, and to the body and soul of those who shall follow in your foot steps. for could you unite your belief in the Trinity in your supplication on high for help with the noble you have formed for mans happy condition on earth, that system and the true Religion would flow together and spread universally, as the true vine covering the earth whose branches would be found in every heart, and the Millennium would commence. Consider how deeply you are involved, that you are responsible, not only for your own soul but for many of those who almost worship you, whose opinions are theirs, consider also the greatness of your glory if being truly convinced you shall wait with your followers who have been saved even in the eleventh hour, the coming of the Judgment day and receive with them your rewards. In conclusion I will call your attention to one other subject of scarcely less importance than the former. the necessity of abstaining from all intercourse with evil Spirits while you are searching after good, when you have attained but the first stage of conviction the admonition will be unnecessary. I assure you that those Spiritual Communications with man, by force, which have created such a disturbance in America and England are undoubtedly and undeniably Evil, and it is the last struggle of the Fallen Angel for the 167 1597 7245 empire over man before the commencement of the rising of peace, with the most earnest prayer that Angel can offer up for man I now bid you fare well, sincerely trusting that He who gave the living waters of Eternal life unto the woman of Samaria in return for the water which quenched only his thirst will give you the same reward for those works of charity in which you have been so faithful a follower of himself as man. Believe me your sincere friend CA. I retd. thanks & said I would forward it the next day to Mr. Owen. 7246 1578 I thank you you will keep a copy of it. It is now 22 years today that I have been acquainted with my friend H Lea. I have a very great wish to enable him & his wife to succeed with his mirror & crystal but when last calling for him -- the responses appeared so small that his wife could not read them. May I request your advice. 7247 1599 I will call Lero to appear to you I am still of opinion that it in a great measure depends upon themselves When may I ask am I be favored with the Cont.n of your views of [?] Doctrine 7248 1600 I will conclude it next Tuesday I can appear next Friday if you wish the questions answered from Doctor Travis If I am called I will appear there 168 1/4 to 10. CA Mirror Invoked Lero. Lero is here in black robe, dark hair, little whiskers No wings. I can see his feet, both hands in front of his band Will you show &c 7249 11 I do not wish it What is your name 7250 Lero. Why will you not show me &c. 7251 I am not so high as I was May I ask without offense the cause &c 7252 I have inclined too much towards earth & men. I explained at length my desire to serve Mr Lea. to whom he has attached - & the difficulty I experienced when calling. 7253 I have appeared every time and answ'd their questions his wife is not a good Seer. Could you give me a seal similar to this to assist her Spiritual Vision 7254 I have no Seal Can you give me any advice upon the Subject 7255 Try as you will she will never be able to see well. As to Mrs Lea's Nieces 7256 I cannot tell, he must try them. Lero left Suddenly at 10 PM. 169 Present Mrs Purvis C. A Mirror ♀︎die Invoked the C A. May I ask if we can see the atmospheric Spirits of Mrs. P.'s friends this Evening 7257 1601 You can call them. I have sent your Comm'n to Robert Owen., I regret to find that in his Part C he has inserted some sad Rhapsodies received from Friends who are the merest Novices in Spiritualism - this has necessarily given so ludicrous a turn to the whole subject, that I do not wish any further Communication of mine to be inserted - unless it is your wish otherwise 7258 1602 I had intended that my address to him should conclude the published communications to him from either yourself or me knowing that every thing of Service to him has now been done and that it is unnecessary to proceed further Dr. Travis's [?] Question is [?] Is not the term Free Will commonly understood to mean - a power in man - which is independent of all causation, and which is itself the Cause of all his volitions and Voluntary Acts ? 7259 1603 It arises from although it is not caused by a strong healthy & vigorous Mind. Man is answerable for the actions of that Free Will because they act in unison with his judgement his knowledge and his understanding 170 1604 7260 Yes that is where he is wrong The will being the Mind, that is the whole intelligent faculties concentrated for one purpose. - because the will never exists or is called into action unless circumstances demand it. 1605 7261 It is the will acting without [?] restraint or Suggestion Dr T's 7'h proposition is. "If this definition is correct - Are not all man's voluntary acts produced by his Free Will as their sole and independant cause? 1606 7262 They are Dr T's 8'h proposition then is If this is so, are not these acts properly to be considered as entirely mans own? 1607 7263 They are and arising from his superior intelligence, and his moral Courage, he is entirely answerable for the actions that arise from that free will. May I ask why Angels as Yourself appear with Wings - [and] it is an [question] objection which has often been raised 141 1608 7264 It is but a form it is a pleasing one and it shows the distinction between the material & spiritual being It suggests the idea of unlimited motion and the power of visiting even as thought places far different & dist't from each other. almost at the same time It also shows the Communication of Earth with Heaven and the possibility of a passage through air May I ask of such spirits as Hunder [Low?] Abeer Lero & others whom we have seen always without wings have the power to appear if they chose with wings if, if Wings are limited to a particular order. 1609 7265 It is limited to Ministering Angels At a former response you mentioned that Mr [?] daughter would possess the gift of discerning Spirits may I now ask at what time or age, it will be manifested 1610 7266 Shortly May I ask if it will be most advisable to develop that faculty or to allow it to be dormant., that is so far no regards her own spiritual & bodily welfare 1611 7267 They do not the least harm to the Spiritual Body -- Taking solely a worldly view of these things it is not desirable for one individual to possess it. It does the body no harm as far as health is concerned to any thing connected with it, but it is calculated to [inj?] the reputation of a person 172 because there are so many that disbelieve it. Mr & Mrs Haydon, the Spirit Medium, Miss Jay the eloquent preacher in a State of Sleep and Mr [H?me] a gifted Spiritual Medium are expected shortly in England. have you any objection to my being introduced to them 1612 7268 There is no objection to your meeting them but I do not wish you to [communicate] my your Spiritual Communications with thens. Dr. Ashburner, as I before mentioned is a writing medium & read to me his notes written under Spiritual Inspiration may I ask if you have any knowledge of the Spirits who dictated that portion of his notes which referred to me. 1613 7269 Use the word influence instead of Inspiration I can find out under whose influence he writes & will do so. I should be very glad to ascertain if Dr. Ashburner is one of the few who have the moral Courage to avow his altered opinions upon Spiritualism May I ask if you are aware of the reason why I have not rec'd any reply to my comm'n to the Harmonical Society in Cincinnatti 1614 7270 Sufficient time has not elapsed yet But I sent my letter on the last. 1615 7271 You will not have a reply under 6 months from the date you sent it As to the Spirit rapping Comm'ns in Robert Owens part 6 1616 7272 Do so 173 Can we see Mr Anderson this Evening 7273 1617 You can May I &c 7274 1618 I have not 9 PM. Oval Mirror Called Mr [Anderson]. Susan Northfield He Mr Anderson is here black frock coat, Lavender Waistcoat grey Trousers, black stripe black boots, trousers strapped down Good Evening Mr Anderson. I am glad to see you but why have you come when I called a Lady 7275 In Invitation of your politeness, I dont know if you treat your bodily friends as you do your Spiritual Why do you give me such a rub, are you still in the Crimea - I presume not. by your dress 7276 If you can condescend to recollect I appeared in February last and said I should be home in a fortnight, you have not been polite enough to call me or even invite me to appear. I explained - and S'd this reminds me to ask you if you can tell me any means of preventing the pain in the Eyes which my Seer now experiences when inspecting 7277 I knew a person once who used smoked glasses, I dont know whether it did them any good or not. You promised when you next appeared. to favor me with your name, is it agreeable for you to do so now. 7278 I will do so if you will do something 174 for me in return, its very easy Mr A.'s looking at you and, laughing If with propriety I will 7279 Tell my fortune by cards then Ah but you can't shuffle them remember 7280 That difficulty is easily got over. Throw the pack up, let them fall Separately & I will have the turnups Well as soon as I have finished my book I will do so, but how did you become aware of it. 7281 Now I am come home I use my Crystal again. Are you aware of the System I have recently been taught 7282 I am aware of the System, but not that one I believe Are you in England 7283 I am in Marseilles We expect Louis Napoleon & the Empress over here on Monday, I should have thought you would be here. 7284 What for, certainly not to see the Show nor to see a man that I dislike or a woman whose name is not --- unknown to the Spanish Court. Will you tell me your name 7285 You will wait till you tell me by the Cards I hope you have got over Your wounds 7286 Oh yes thank you Did you know a Lieut Col'l Dickson in the Crimea 7287 Why Because you appeared to my friend Mr. Lea. in the Crystal when I called him - do you know him 7288 Yes what an addition it would make 175 to 12" Cakes if a certain person could see well. If a Lady a friend of yours, not at the west end of the Town could see perfectly Spiritual Characters might be made for the 12" Cake May I ask you the name of the ship you came home in. 7289 The one I told you I should come home in the Himayla Can you appear on a Friday 7290 Yes Can you assist me to get a Vision of Mrs P.'s friends 7291 No I cannot he's going Good Evg. 7292 Good Evening 25' past 9. Called Mrs. Susan Northfield No Vision Called Mr John Manning No Vision ♂︎die 17th April 1855. C. A Mirror 8 PM. Invoked the CA Is it convenient for you to favor us with the cont'n of your view of the New Test't Doctrines 7293 1619 I cannot do so this Evening Next Tuesday week if it is conv't to [for] you. Lero informed me when in the Mirror that he is not so high as he was - Is it possible for a Spirit to fall from a higher to a lower state 176 7294 1620 It is possible for those who have not risen high. May I ask why we could not obtain a Vision of Mrs. P's friends on ♀︎die night - You said "I might call" - 7295 1621 I cannot always tell whether living Mortals will appear when called in any other mirror than the one I appear[ed] in myself. I have received this letter from Robert Owen in reply to your Communication, I then read the letter and placed the Minutes against the Mirror - 7296 1622 I wish that it will be published, I leave the way entirely to him. I cannot but admire the strength with which he upholds his convictions although they are so wrong, but I earnestly trust - more, I feel firmly convinced that at the last, even be it when the hour draweth nigh. he will be as truly convinced of the right, from the Spirit above. As he is now of the wrong solely from his mind. Is it your wish that this should be the last communication to Mr Owen. (for printing) 7297 1623 It is, more would be unnecessary. I should be very much pleased if Mr Owen would mention it at his great meeting in May, so [far?], that those who hear him may Judge of the two means by which the permanent happy existence of the human race can be obtained, that is, Mans reliance upon himself, or upon God, 177 I think it would not interfere with his own plans, I ask that you could attend that meeting, tell him that I shall be there. As my Seer has latterly [experienced] felt so much pain from inspecting may I ask if in order to relieve her eyes [from inspecting] develop my faculty of a writing medium under your Sole guidance 7298 1624 If you are made a writing medium I cannot prevent others as well as myself directing you, although I could be with you often you could not tell when I left. I have told you before that there are low grovelling Spirits upon the earth. who can only see that which is open unto the Eyes of Man, but they can read that which has been written by him, the moment I leave one of these may continue my communication, and without contradicting it pervert is so slyly that you could not at first notice it Of the means by which I now appear and this only can I be perfectly assured no harm will come and nothing but my own direct communications come. when my form is present or my name attached to it No Spirit of my Sphere or of any class can take my form and none dare take my name. 178 I explained at length my motives 7299 1625 I will appear by this means whenever you call me, and it is possible I am aware that my answers are at times more indistinct than at others - this Seal has effected much towards them being made plainer. May I ask if you are aware that Spirits guide Dr Ashburner. as a writing Medium 7300 1626 I have not yet ascertained but I will do so I again explained my reasons as to being a writing medium. 7301 1627 Be assured that I desire this Communication as much as yourself As to my thoughts at night when directed to [him?] 7302 1628 No answer When Our Lord was Crucified - did he repeat the whole of the 22nd Psalm or only that portioned mentioned by St Matthew 7303 1629 He only repeated the words I before mentioned to you Matt. 27 verses 52 & 53 Are these verses correctly rendered 7304 1630 They are May I ask the meaning of a passage which appears to me so inexplicable 7305 1631 It means the Spirits in the form of the bodies of those who had preached his Coming and who could not rest until their prophecy was fulfilled appeared to the eyes of those who disbelieved them 179 In reading the New Testament one cannot help regretting, that so small a portion comparatively of Jesus.' own words have been given 7306 1632 Sufficient has been given to prove his Divine mission and of his doctrine of Faith, why would you have more of the life of a Man who had many sorrows and whose flesh was frail I did not mean, more of his life, but his Doctrines his own actual words - instead of the Epistles of his Apostles - have I made myself understood 7307 1633 You have but I still believe sufficient of his own words are given for the purposes intended My reasons are, in part taken from John 21 . 25 but I suppose Johns assertion is rather to be taken as an Oriental mode of Speaking 7308 1634 Yes indeed that is an addition of his own. The C.A. left 9-25 Oral Mirror. Called Mr Anderson No Vision ♂︎die April 24th 1855. CA Mirror. Invoked the C.A. The CA is here, in morning May I ask if you have ascertained the name of the Spirits who guide Dr. Ashburners hand as a 180 Writing Medium, & who referred me in his Communication to Dr A's note [?] of his Translation of Riechenbach 7309 1635 Their names are ELEVE and OIMAR May I ask the Spiritual Meaning of those names 7310 1636 No answer Asked again 7311 1636 They have a meaning to Spirits Of what Sphere or order are they 7312 1637 They are Wandering Spirits If Dr A. exorcised them would they be compelled to answer to their names & acknowledge them. 7313 1638 They could Evade him. By what means through your aid could I prove to Dr A. - or enable him to prove that they are wandering Spirits and not the Souls of dec'd. friends as he supposes - as Dr A is so candid an Enquirer, & from his learning & position enabled to be as others - is it not desirable that he should be placed in the one way. Truth - 7314 1639 It is desirable, but at the present time there is no means of convincing him, an opportunity will at a future time occur. his faith will be shaken in these spirits and when a doubt enters his mind, I will then offer my Suggestions - Is it advisable that I should write him thereon or Wait 7315 1640 There is no objection to its being sent A work has been lately published called under the Title of It has been considered 181 by some as utterly demolishing Christian Doctrines. but I cannot perceive on what grounds, it contains little that has not already been many times asserted by other authoers. 7316 1641 May I ask which will be the best Method. the work consists of [blank] short Chapters 7317 1642 When will it be agreeable for me to Commence 7318 1643 Shall I. 7319 1644 May I ask some further questions in reference to the writings of Emmanuel Swedenborg. 7320 1645 A moment first The person who has appeared several times to you, and who is the Spirit of the late Joseph Balsamo, again Embodied desires most urgently to appear again this Evening - I second his Request - because I know that you can do good for him and that you will not refuse page 44 182 him the aid you would so willingly extend to others, by directing him towards the bright and true faith of which you are such I explained at length, and my objection to the last remark - I shall be glad to see him at 9 oclk. 7321 1646 He will appear at that time. As I have before mentioned to you. & which doubtless you know far better than me - how highly Esteemed the [?] of Emmanuel Swedenborg are by a very numerous Sect in this Country as well as other parts of the World. - Yet as his assertions are so different from the Views you favor me with - I am anxious to know how so learned & truly pious a man could make the following Assertions. - believing them to be true. 234 - H and H Angels converse together like men in the world & talk like them on various subjects, such as their domestic affairs, the affairs of their society, and those of moral and spiritual life; nor is there any difference except that they convers more intelligently than men because from more inward thought, I have frequently been permitted to associate with them and to converse with them as a friend and sometimes as a stranger, and since my state then was similar to theirs, I felt exactly as if conversing with men on earth. 7322 1647 When the body slept or rather I should say, when his body was inanimate for the Trances which he fell into could not be called sleep, his Spirit mingled with the Spirits of the atmosphere, it page 77 1647 moved amongst them as one of themselves and with them engaged in these [183] 7322 apparent conversations On the body and the spirit being again united the mind retained all the things that the spirit had heard and he believed them to proceed from those of a higher order. 235 Angelic speech consists of distinct words like human speech, and is equally sonorous for angels have a mouth a tongue and ears, like men they have also an atmosphere in which the sound of their speech is articulated, but it is a spiritual atmosphere, adapted to the angels as spiritual beings, angels also breathe in their atmosphere and pronounce their words by means of their breath, as men do in theirs. Is that also true only as regards Atmospheric Spirits 1648 Atmospheric Spirits have all these qualities because are the reflection 7323 of men, and it is necessary for those of a higher order who enter or pass the limits of that atmosphere in which they dwell to take the appearance of what they really profess, because were they to leave their sphere and go into another different from their own they would be incomprehensible and as is necessary for them to be Comprehensible beings - they must take the appearance of those dwelling in any place they visit it is not until they enter their own circle page 77 184 that they can appear really as they exist. 23/1 The universal heaven is of one language, and all understand each other whether they belong to near or distant societies, this language is not taught here but is implanted in every one for it flows from his very affection and thought, hence the angels know the character of anyone merely from his speech, for from its sound they discern the quality of his affection, and from the articulations of its sounds, or his words they discern the quality of his mind. This has been proved to me by much experience, I have heard angels lay open the life of another merely from his speech and have been told by them that they know the whole of anothers life from a few ideas of his thought, because they discover from them his ruling love, in which are inscribed all the particulars of his life in their order, and mans book of life is nothing else. 1649 7324 In substituting Atmospheric Spirits for angels the first part of his proposition is right. As it is [near 9?]. may I ask to 7325 1650 I have not Shall I call Joseph Balsamo in this Mirror or the Oval Mirror 7326 1651 In the Oval one The C A's gone. 185 The Oval Mirror Called Joseph Balsamo. [?]. He is here black frock coat. Black Trousers & black waistcoat. Welcome &c. may I ask why you have so particularly asked to appear this Evening 7327 Since I last saw you I have been induced to believe that Good as well as Evil exists. I am indeed glad to hear it, when I read your life as pubd. by the "Holy Apostolic Chamber." & reflect upon what you must have suffered at their hands I am not surprized at your former belief. 7328 I was tortured. and it was because the priesthood believed that I was able to divulge a secret that would bring them wealth by unholy means they envied me the possession of it even altho' they professed to believe that my souls salvation was the price at which I bought it - Do you now believe in the power of transmuting base metals with [symbol] that is according to the Theory of the Old [Adepti?] 7329 It cannot be done Persons may deceive themselves and others with the belief that it is Gold Do you in your present state remember your friend the Count St Germaine a Courtier of Louis 14th. 7330 He is dead now Have you any Conception how long he really lived upon Earth. 7331 I do not know when he died but when I lived as Joseph Balsamo 186 I believed that he had lived and departed from the earth several times in 150 Years He is [posses] stated to have possessed the power of Removing flaws from Diamonds and also their bad color. this I presume he did by merely natural means. 7332 He never removed flaws from diamonds but he made Artificial ones. As that is merely a Chemical. & natural process may I ask if you knew how he did so 7333 I do not now You mentioned at a former visit that you had no remembrance of the Cabalistic Tables of [Rotalo?]. which you possessed & of which this is a Copy 7334 I cannot remember it. Can you then tell me how it is that when I call you in the Green Crystal I gave my friend Henry Lea you appear to his wife, in the form you lived upon Earth., and enter into an Explanation of them & have Even promised that "we shall understand it" can you account for that duality of apparition 7335 No answer Asked again 7336 I know not, it must be but an Appearance. for did I really exist in the same form as then, where could I be not in happiness for then I should have lost all earthly appearance - not upon Earth for that same appearance could not live there so many years not entirely Evil because after the lapse of that time I should be so much lower[?] than when on earth that the appearance would be too good. "In the following dialogue. I have only your just different of my own remarks to keep the [?] of the [?]." The Sflicacy of Prayer Malt. S. Y. "Ask and it shall be ginsn you; and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened into you 187 I will not now ask any further questions upon that subject there is a far more important one may I ask if you have yet in your heart turned to the Giver of all Good for his Assistance 7337 I have only just began to believe in the existence of good as well as Evil, and the doubts that now exist are, does this good which I believe exists all over the Universe arise Spontaneously in the hearts of Men as the opponent of Evil or does it come solely from one cause the influence of one Superior & able to direct. To enter upon the Metaphysical question of the origin of Good and Evil upon which so much has been written to so little purpose, is quite beyond my poor abilities - I can only repeat the words of J. C.. ask and it shall be given &c. 7338 Am I then to believe that one being is the author of all good, and then am I to supplicate that good. to enlighten me further - I could do this. When you view your finite & limited powers, limited & powerless even when in the hands of your priestly tormentors. - how small a speck even upon the Earth we inhabit - Still less when compared to Millions of Solar Systems - what then must be your powers in reference to the Creator of all. - Call therefore upon him for assistance - You cannot expect his aid [put right?] & unsolicited - You yourself would let a man go a wrong road if you knew he was too proud or too idle to ask for information 7339 Not if I knew that may lead to 188 destruction I could always feel humanity in whatever shape I existed have you in your present State a New Testament 7340 I have but is it not written by the very priesthood who persecuted me. Certainly not - You can even Separate the words of J.C. from those of immediate disciples - and his doctrines which teach "Love your Enemies, bless them that curse you" (Matt. 5.44) "Be ye therefore Merciful as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6.36.) Ye cannot love God & Mammon (Matt 6.24) - Provide neither Gold nor Silver nor brass in your purses - doctrines which [enjoined?] [mineral?] [Anxiety?] [?] & humility [?] have been written by a Priesthood preeminent for their pride & avarice let me request you to Study it Carefully 7341 I have never read it attentively but I will do so - I will read it attentively before I appear again - I am indeed gratified to hear you say so, because I deem it the only means by which your Spirit can have rest & your Soul ascend to him who gave it 7342 But it seems to me and I have ever believed that a Spirit exists without a Soul. I will consider well what you have said, I will read what you have mentd. I know there are many very many who believe the same., & I will try & believe that all those cannot be wrong When I have done this I will appear again. Do so and at a 1/4 past 11 I will. May I ask you have any Comm you wish to make 7343 I have not - I thank you for giving me this opportunity 189 You - If good should come from it I trust you will be rewarded with the Knowledge of having done a benevolent Act for a Suffering fellow creature. Shall I call you or will you inform me thro the CA 7344 He will inform you Hes going. 10. P.M. [?]die 1 May 1855. CA Mirror Invoked the C.A. ' 8.10. PM. The CA is here Is it agreeable for us to receive your further Views on the Scripture doctrines 7345 1652 I will When at my friend Mr Henry Lea's last Friday, altho I called both in the Mirror [?]. - I could get no[t] Visions can you tell me any Method by which his wifes [?] of Seeing may be developed with more Certainty - or if you Can give me a Seal Similar to this, or if it will be [?] for him to change his GS. 7346 1653 No answer Repeated the question 7347 1653 her faculty will never be developed more than at present I asked again as to the Seal &c 7348 1654 No answer When Cagliostro appeared on Friday night - I was gratified to learn he had modified his Views as to the existence of Good & Evil - & I referred him to the New Test't as his best guide have I done right 7349 1655 You have This response throughout came slower than we ever remember them before. & at the Conclusion Emmas eyes pained her exceedingly - & [?] spots on the top of the head, between or upon Veneration & hope. were very painful. though when those spots were pressed it [?] her eyes. 190 May I now request the Continuance of your Views of Ch'n Doctrine 7350 1656 In concluding my remarks upon the Scriptures I would mention the inseparable unity that exists between Man & Spirit and how greatly it affects those Spirits by the Knowledge of the many Sects of religions and forms of doctrine that exist on the Earth. Spirits powerful in their own state and high in their own Sphere are powerless over the opinions of men with one religion amongst them and that they know to be the true one, and the only way by which Eternal happiness is attainable, are greatly agitated & made Sorrowful by the Knowledge that many will not do that which would bring him nearer unto them. In the Revelation of S. John the Divine in the 2nd and 3rd Chapters Angels are spoken of as governing Seven Churches that is Seven Religions and made accountable before God for the [errors?] of that Church of which he has given them the Guardianship and although he finds something to praise in each of those Churches none are wholly favorable in his sight. The last mentioned is found by him to be the best and to that 191 1656 7350 Church of which [?]. John is the Preacher and the guiding spirit he made those revelations which follow in that book -- Revelations much commented upon, but I believe little understood by man. On the many differences and the great commotion that has taken place amongst Spirits in the last few years I will not comment they have been carried by the various struggles, the Antagonistic Principles of the growing civilization & enlightenment of the World. for what agitates the one has influence over the other. The present bloodshed & warfare is very painful to them, and casts a gloom over their existence, and thus angels pure as the creator can make them are not without sorrow and will not be until the day arrises when all is spiritual as they. - May I ask if this is the Conclusion of Your Response 1657 7351 It is May we still ask our Questions taken from the Scriptures -- 1658 7352 I will answer them There is a question I much wish to have resolved -- Are the priests of my Christian sect by virtue, either of their office -- their "Call" their apostolic succession, the laying on of hands - or by any other means more sacred than the general body of Christian believers - that is are they alone Priests to offer sacrifice - or is each individual Christian his own Priest -- 1659 This response agrees with the view taken by Augustus Neander in his Hist. of the Christian Church Book 3 Chapter 5. in which he strenuously asserts "the peculiar Nature of Christian Community - all Christians priests - equally related to Christ - and in a relation of fraternal equality to one another. "Since Christ satisfied once for all that religious want, from the sense of which a priesthoods has everywhere originated - since he satisfied the sense of the need of Mediation and reconciliation, so deeply seated in the Consciousness of the Separation [of] from God by sin, there was no longer room or necessity for any other Mediation - if in the Apostolic Epistles the Old Testament ideas of a priesthood, a priestly cultus and sacrifices are applied to the New Economy, it is only with the [?] of showing, that since Christ has forever accomplished that which the priesthood and sacrifices in the Old Testament prefigured - all who now appropriate by faith what he Effected for mankind stand in the same relation with one another to God, without needing any other mediation that they are all by a Communion with Christ dedicated & consecrated to God, and are called to present their whole lives to God as an [acceptance?] Spiritual thank-offering, and thus their whole consecrated activity, a true Spiritual, priestly cultus - Christians forming a divine Kingdom of Priests - vol. 1 p 128 Bohn's Edit. 192 1659 With the Apostles and the Ministry of Christ, the prayers and the Sacrifices of one Man in the Eyes of the Almighty are the Same as another, that mans is the most acceptable that offers them the most sincerely [?] Will the CA please to say "What is the Sinners ground of acceptance before God. 1660 Belief in the death of Jesus Christ and faith in his atonement. [?] How can that faith be obtained can man do it himself or through the Medium of another. 1661 The Knowledge of that faith is obtainable through the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost is the Medium of his Faith. " How then is the gift of the Holy Ghost to be obt'd. 1662 By humble prayer to God. " By what means can the true meaning of the Holy Scriptures by truly and spiritually understood 1663 By reading them with attention they are made plain " My meaning is this man may read them Studiously and intellectually with great attention and after all not attain to a saving Knowledge of their Truth. so as to produce the New Life mentioned in Scripture 1664 Any man who would read them with humility and fervor would be endowed with a Knowledge of their Truth. " The C.A will observe it is just the difference between one man and another but my point is how is he to obtain a Saving Knowledge of their Contents so as to obtain a Change of Life 193 1665 7353 The Holy Spirit emanating from God is ever ready to open the hearts of those who read with attention [*FH.*] But we are aware that many persons, worthy & pious as Frail man can be, read the Bible with an Earnest desire to attain the one true path. & yet irreconciliatly differ theron. thus the Unitarians, who for their number are perhaps the most intellectual of [?] notwithstanding their earnest investigations, have not arrived at that which Your responses show to be the Truth but deny the Divinity of J. C & affirm the Unity of the Godhead, yet there are doubtless very many truly pious men among them 1666 7354 There are. Their faith is as nearly right as many of those who oppose them there are many true believers amongst them and many good men But the Religion has yet to be instituted founded solely in the life and the words of Jesus Christ from the New Testament. But if the pious Unitarian searches the scriptures with the hope of arriving at truth. & yet so far diverges does not that show that your kind responses do not meet that point 1667 7355 It does not No man can tell the heart of another when he reads the book of Life Those who read it in humility with a desire to have its truths made known to them are not those who read it attentively as an intellectual employment and to pervert it to the use of others. -1669- The [Ded?] is showed with indications for [?] of that Visceral [Physi?logy] in consequence of which the language of [?] [?], of the heart as the organ of [?].- The Spleen of Malice and the liver of blackbile or Melancholy. "Try my [?] & my heart" 194 [*GJT*] How is that desire to be first obtained, the desire so to read as to be affected by its contents. 1668 7356 The disire of truth. The desire of Eternal happiness, rises in the heart of a good man. and one who abstains as far as humanity can do from all wickedness [*?*] In your response you refer to the "heart" of man as the part affected. & effecting- do you do so figuratively, physically or Spiritually. 1669 7357 The heart is the source from which all spontaneous feelings arise, over those feelings the brain of man has no control. In the ignorant and the refined, " the peasant and the prince, those feelings are the same. [*GJT*] Are you aware that mans life is a continual state of warfare in the struggle between good & Evil 1640 7358 I am indeed [*"*] And the more he reflects & the more desirous he is to obtain good, the more temptations appear to arrive to induce him to do Evil 1671 7359 It is so. Evil the Antagonist of good Ever strives to effect a victory over those who seem above its power. [*"*] Is that think you the normal state of a chain or does it arise from the defective state of Christianity, or will it continue to the end of his life 1672 7360 It continues through all men's lives - and the greater his [charity?] & his goodness the stronger it is This question is not quite as [?] I believe 195 needed, and the higher he is raised by it, can he withstand the temptation of that evil [?] When there is no perfection in this World, it is not intended that a Christian should be above temptation however high his [?] may be. 7361 1673 He cannot, with humanity there is [?] and with flesh frailty " May I ask with all solemnity if the Holy Spirit is the only Communion between God and Man. in this World 7362 1674 No answer " Does the CA object to answer that question 7363 1674 No answer " Will the CA please to say if he declines to answer that question 7364 1675 I cannot answer it In the manner it is put I cannot understand the meaning My meaning is whether the only Communication between God and Man is by the Holly Spirit, that is whether there is any Emanation from the other persons of the Godhead towards man 7365 1676 The Holy Spirit is an all pervading influence, it is invited into many bodies and they can make the prayers of man acceptable to God. Will the CA explain the passage "no man can say that Jesus Christ is Lord except by the Holy Spirit 7366 1677 The Holy Ghost is the influence that makes those prayers rise from the hearts of man, and his Spirit pervades those who minister from Man to Christ. 196 In the questions thus put in a desire to Truth I hope it is by no means wrong to ask questions of you on that Subject 1678 7367 It is not, were they so, I would not answer them. May I &c 1679 7368 I have not The C A left. 10 PM ♂︎die May 8th 1855 C A Mirror 8.25' PM Invoked the C A. May I &c 1680 7369 You may, I explained at length that my Seer suffered severely in her eyes when & after inspecting & requested relief but could not obtain any answer to my repeated salutations except the assurance 1681 7570 You will not lose these Visions As to 1682 7341 I cannot stay sufficiently long this Evening Will next Tuesday be convenient 1683 7372 I will do so on Tuesday Week May I ask your [?] of what is meant in the Apocalypse by the "Man of Sin" and Antichrist" 1684 7373 The whole body of evil Dr. [?] and Mr Elliott in their works like most other writers on the subject deem "Papacy & the Pope to be the antichrist is that view erroneous 1685 7374 It is The heads of one religion seem too fond of denouncing those of another no more Evil than themselves 197 May I ask when it will be agreeable to you to furnish me with an explanation of that mystical book the apocalypse 7375 1686 I will answer your questions concerning it Rev. 1. verses 1. 2 & 3 In what manner did John receive this Revelation 7376 1487 It was his Spirit that received the Revelation while his body was entranced. I believe those words were not written by him that open the first chapter May I ask where Johns Rev'n begins 7377 1688 The Sixth (Sentance) But the 6th Verse is only part of a Sentance - besides in the original the Book is not divided into Verses 7378 1689 The were originally written with marked Sentances although they were not numbered Rev. 1. 10-to-16 If [?] the 7 Churches here mentioned were all of the Uniform belief being founded so immediately after the death of Jesus Christ 7379 1690 Seven Christian Religions St Johns description of Jesus Christ was written after he had recovered from his Trance, and the description of him he saw was figurative Likeing his face unto the Sun he would mean it was exceeding bright Purified and Light And his Eyes unto fire that they were more light, more expressive than he had seen in man. The seven stars were small bodies of Light in the same shape as himself and the Seven Candlesticks were but receptacles of those bodies of Light 198 7379 1690 which he calls starts, which represented the Churches By the Seven Churches are meant the Seven Religions in which Christ is recognized. I have mentioned this before I cannot stay any longer now. Will it be convenient to you to continue your views of the Apocalypse next Tuesday 7380 1691 I will appear Before we see you again - Mr Owens meeting will have taken place 7381 1692 You will attend that meeting I hope if possible I have made arrangements to do so with several friends may I ask if you will also be there 7382 1693 I will. I hope it will be well attended, there is no objection to any of your friends going but I did not wish your Seer to go. Mr Owen informs me it has been deemed best for his particular purpose in View not to mention Spiritualism 7383 1694 I am aware of what will take place. The CA left. Emma said the Mirror remains visited 10' past 9 Called Mr Anderson here some one coming, I dont know who it is now Theres [?] him 7384 Joseph Balsamo he is dressed as before May I ask why you have now appeared as when you last visited us you said the C.A. would inform 199 me when you wished to appear 7384 He has permitted me to appear I have humbled myself before Almighty God, I have acknowledged his goodness and mercy Have you as promised perused the Gospels since you were here 7386 I have & soon I shall feel the bliss of death. Emma sd. he is now leaving but upon my requesting him to remain he stayed. Having for so many, I may say 30 years - had so great an interest in your life, & which from what I have since learnt must have comprized many remarkable events, I should indeed be gratified by your giving me some idea of them. 7387 Do you mean my three lives I explained 7388 I do not think I am able to do it - I cannot remember these things which took place in my first or second state entirely. I know the most important things I feel now all the horrors of the situations in which I have been placed - how I longed for a life better than the ones I have spent being now convinced that that life exists after death. I would not wish even in Spirit to return to Earth after I once quitted it forever. I explained how gratified I should be to hear the Experience of one who had thrice lived upon 200 this Earth, altho so repugnant to our feelings & opposed to our belief 7389 It may be repugnant but it is nevertheless true - I could let you know my life other than this I requested an explanation 7390 In another way from that you have mentioned of repeating it myself May I ask how you would do so. 7391 There are books & papers existing that I could place in the Mirror written during each of my separate lives That would indeed interest me beyond measure When will you commence 7392 Will you ask the C A when he will allow it to appear. hes gone 1/2 past 9 PM ♂︎die - 15th May. 1855 C. A Mirror Invoked the C. A. In White, but not morning -- no mantle May I &c 1695 7393 Yes ____ I was present on Monday at Mr. Owens meeting and I noticed particularly with regret one passage in his address He said "That man can do no good to God -- that adulation & praises are flattery to him, and that flattery was contemptible to him Coming from his own creation - that the only way 201 7393 1694 Man had of Leaving his Creator and of doing that which is pleasing in his Sight was by benefitting his fellow men that this was the only means man had of finding favor with God - the Similarity of this passage to one in the book which you placed before me called "What is truth" seems to me exceedingly great - at the opening of that book only in the 3rd page you find nearly the same remark made by the author upon those of the Orthodox faith - Next Tuesday evening I shall have to dwell longer upon this Work further remark upon it now would be unnecessary. I noticed the part I mentioned in Robert Owens address with regret because it is so opposed to Truth and opposed to every thing received by Man from God through the Scriptures and by other means Flattery would indeed by contemptible to the Almighty, because flattery is only a coverring for other failings - there is ever something base, servile & hypocritical concealed beneath that hated mass Flattery. but the adulation & the praise of man when Sincere is not flattery and it is received as it is meant - It is necessary that that Creation should bow with reverence to Him who made it after His own Image, and it is also necessary for "As God is infinite in his Nature it stands to reason that He can only be seen in part by any finite being for this reason the Almighty made himself visible on the form of an Angel frequently to the Patriarchs but then they saw him with their internal or Spiritual sight; but no man says John has ever seen him in his mortal sight. Banks in Comm'tn [?] [?]700 - Wesleyan Missions in Africa. "These results have cost the lives of 54 English Agents out of 120 - of these 54 - 38 did before having been a year on the field - All honor and reverence to the men who go but ought not such a fact, set beside the still greater mortality among other Missionaries on the same Coast lead to very serious questioning among us who lead. Whether European Agency is the proper one for Africa? Ec. Review. p 240 1851 202 1695 mans Salvation that he should worship with Love and Faith. his maker and his saviour, This is the first object, after that truly may Robert Owen say, man should love his neighbour as himself. Have I your permission to send your kind response to Mr. Owen - 1696 7394 You have if you intend writing to him there is something else I would mention Man should not Worship God as a finite being - too many create an Ideal of him in their imagination and worship that Ideal, but He should really be worshipped as the great incomprehensible being that no imagination can paint - do you understand me. I explained my Views. 1697 7395 My remark was made because Mr. Owen believed that all men by Worshipping God which he calls flattery lower him to their own Standard. Man can and often does truly worship him as an incomprehensible being and yet that very worship so closely unites them that those truly worshipping him can imagine His Glory and Even the feeling with which he receives their Devotion. I will, [Dr?], write to Robert Owen & earnestly do I hope he may be guided to the Truth. being well assured that if convinced of his Error he would publicly avow it - for Truth I believe to be with him paramount to every other Consideration Extract from "Memoir of Richard Williams - Surgeon. - one of the missionaries who perished at Terra del Fuego" I bless God that ever I was afflicted . not only do I date my conversion from my illness but I believe that this illness was designed for my conversion, it was a seizure more remarkable than any of which I remember to have heard or read, and apart from the inward work of the mind it prevented a series of extraordinary symtoms which seem to defy solution, myself a medical man and for many years accustomed to witness disease in every form I have been able to explain to some extent at least almost every case . but for the cause of my own illness and for the explanation of its strange symptoms my knowledge and means of judging fall far short, but whether mere natural causes occasion all the bodily sensations or not, scarcely signifies: the mental changes I am fully assured were altogether the work of God. At the very outset I should acknowledge that I had no previous believe in the truth of Christianity, I viewed it sometimes in one light sometimes in another, I regarded it for the most part as an absurdity, at its many votaries I wondered, and their understandings I looked down upon as strangely deluded, I could not comprehend how a God should die, nor even bring my mind to admit that an atonement was necessary, the works of infidels however I always read with dissatisfaction or disgust, and any scurrilous attack on the faith of others I should have been ready to oppose. but into the truth of the matter I never thought of inquiring: and as far as my perusal of it went: the bible was a mere lumber-book. Science literature and my profession were my whole delight but the truth or falsehood of christianity I felt it no part of my business to examine. 203 7396 1698 He is indeed worthy of every Effort that can be made in his behalf. I ret'd Thanks I have just read [lesit] this book but to me it is the memoir of Rich'd. Williams a Surgeon in good practice at [Bensalem?] who gave up his profession & became a missionary to Patagonia where he & others miserably perished - [I have] at page 13 is related a remarkable illness with which he was siezed & during a kind of catalyptic Trance. he altho. previously a sceptic & a Deist. received a very Strong religious Impulse or "Awakening" - in many things it so much resembles the communication made to me by the Spirit of the late ES. - that I wished to ask your view of it -- the more so as it may be objected, If conversions can be thus wrought why are not the great body of Unbelievers but in other respects estimable men placed in the True Way. 1699 7397 The State was similar to that in which [*see page. 129*] the late Lord Stanhope died It is a remarkable one, great means are used to attain great ends, but were a direct interposition of providence to take place to all those that will not believe, is e convinced by others the individuals receiving the knowledge of the Truth by a Miracle would not have any merit of the belief and conviction that followed it and thus were all done for them, that they might do for themselves, they could not enjoy the blessings which that conviction would bring I thank you - There is another question & wish to ask. Upon a subject which has long [?] my Of natural religion I had something in my hear[t] many attime have I lifted my eyes from nature up to natures God and have adored his excellenc[e] as revealed in his beautiful and magnificent wor[ld] I knew myself to be a creature sprung from God, but I never dreamed that I was a creature accur[sed] before him. I knew God to be infinitely just, but I never feared that that justice would consign me to eternal misery. I knew that I oftimes acted contrary to my conscience; but I believed that intellectual enlightenment and the mere [for?] of reasoning could carry human nature to perfect[ion] and place it far above the control of passion. I deified human nature as capable of transcend[ent] virtue, and absolutely denied its innate corrupt[ion] I hoped that the soul was immortal, but could never feel convinced that it was so, but as to everlasti[ng] torments -- I viewed the doctrine as sacrilege and as defamation of the justice of God, the exestence of a devil I believed no more than any other bug[?] The only instances when confidence in my own opinions has been altogether shaken where [I] well remember, moments when whithout any assignable reason I have awakened from sleep [a?] and endescribable awe and terror have seized on my soul, filling it with undefined apprehensions of the future. Such is a slight picture of my state of mind previous to my illness, up to the moment when it seized me I had been engaged in the active duties of my profession, I had visited many patients, and during the evening had felt fatigued and languid and anxious to seat myself comfortable in my arm [?] a little after ten o'clock I saw the last of the person 204 My attention in the enormous [?] ruined in this country for Foreign Missions -- & setting aside the numerous cases of Religions Impostors who make missionary labors a pretext for a life of Idleness. - There are many truly pious persons who enter body & soul into their mission but I have never been able to believe, not withstanding that most of the immediate disciples of Jesus met violent deaths in their missions -- that in the 19th Century men as in this Instance where Capt. Gardiner, Mr. Williams Mr. Maidment and others perished miserably of cold & hunger in their endeavor to plant the Gospel among the savages of Fuego, can possibly be doing that which is acceptable to God - or justifiable to their families in thus risking their lives upon such ill judged expeditions - but that it is rather the result of a morbid Fanatacism -- Have I made myself understood. 1700 7398 (See note opposite page 202) I do understand it. Civilized men going from an enlightened country to uncivilized parts know not what a duty or a danger they incur -- as individuals their object is praise worthy, but they do harm to those they would prosper and the sacrifice of themselves is not acceptable t the Almighty for the good of their Fellowmen so long as those countries remain ignorant and in darkness, that ignorance to them is bliss, because what sins they incur are not intentional, and they receive from their merciful Creator the same happiness as those who have knowingly sinned & repented but when a gleam of light in the waiting to see me and instantly I felt myself severely unwell. I went upstairs and threw myself on my bed. in a few minuets I felt inexpressibly ill. The first sensation was an amazing weight on the chest, with difficulty of breathing, the carotids of my thr striking like hammers on my head, and a feeling as though torrents of air were rushing into my brain and the head itself were expanding. The agony became insupportable and I knocked for some one to come to me, meanwhile my mind acquired a wonderful vivacity. Thought upon thought came pouring in with a distinctness of apprehension, enlargement of view, and faithfulness of memory such as I never before experienced. a power to comprehend any personal identity and to understand my relation to time and eternity was wonderfully given me. the passing moment seemed without beginning or end. I felt as though immortal faculties, immortal relations were beginning to be recognized. The thought began to stagger [?] that the hand of death was grasping the cords of life, with the thought, darkness -- thick, palpable darkness -- gathered on my soul. a mountain load seemed to crush my breast, it was girt as with bands of iron. my heart felt to big for its wonted space, a horror of anguish filled my whole being. Unnumbered sins began to spring up before my astonished conscience and Death in his terror ran up to my gaze, look where I would. there was no hope, one wide, unbounded ocean of dismay and terror, lashed with tempestuous howling roared on every side and the thought of an offended God pierced my soul with madness and despair. 205 1700 7398 shape of missionaries arrive in these darkened spots, then do they know what sin is, and not sufficiently convinced of the means of turning from that sin, they sin more and are punished, they have the knowledge of Salvation but all of them have not the means of obtaining it, and if this light is again taken away, it leaves them darker than before. To those who would undertake the task of trying to correct them I would say. The Almighty created them with the same love for them and the same desire to benefit them as he did those who are enlightened, and he himself will choose the means of bringing them home to himself -- Be satisfied that He will not punish those men for not believing in Christ when they are ignorant that he ever existed, and if He intends that you shall be the means of correcting them to Your Christianity he will send them to you, or open a path for Communication that is not attended with danger to those who teach - At present look to yourselves, to your own country, to your own people and you will find plenty of work for humanity & Charity, for directing In this state I lay for hours, meanwhile my sister, alarmed by my knocking had come and found me speechless. Others of my friends were sent for, then medical attendance, recourse was had to remedial measures, but I still grew [weak as?] the night passed , and the morning found me the same. A painfully vivid consciousness of everything going on around me added greatly to my distress. The first glimmer of light that broke into my soul was when the name of Jesus was uttered. with the very thought if that name the hope of mercy was allied, and like a drowning man I clung to that hope. In the agony on my soul I called upon that name; and in the meanwhile finding that one of God's servants had entered the room I felt a new hope, as if the very presence of a man of God was a source of safety. he bade me loke to Jesus, with the very bidding I felt an infinite joy in so doing. faith in that holy name rapidly gained the ascendant, my darkness was turned into light, and in a short time I felt a sweet sense of the pardoning mercy of God. after this I grew better and better, and all my symptoms remited till I felt nothing except the langour resulting from the violence of my previous sufferings. Towards the evening however, a relapse took place with phenomena essentially different beginning with the same contraction of the chest as before there followed titanic spasms a violent jerking of the upper part of the body from side to side, interrupted by [?] intervals sometimes by a complete rigidity of the neck and spine, so sensitave was I to touch or to the 206 and teaching -- purify yourselves that you may be an example to those when they shall need it. I returned thanks. & asked 1701 7399 Say rather Contradiction for I am entirely opposed to all that it contains On last Tuesday evening the Spirit of Jos Balermo offered to place in the mirror certain books and papers containing the story of his lives - may I ask if you will allow him to do so 1702 7400 I am not opposed to it, but I should prefer the other mirror being used to this one. I regret troubling you so frequently upon the same Subject, but my friend H Lea still finds so much difficulty in obtaining visions & I am extremely desirous of assisting him - may I ask if it would be desirable to change his Guardian Spirit 1703 7401 He has not Sufficient firmness of purpose and strength of will to surmount Spiritualism These things require an immense strength and freedom of will. He must change himself before he changes his Guardian Spirit he must not be irritated by that which he cannot control I am afraid that he never will Succeed in his endeavors to obtain satisfactory Visions I hope that you will not get any of his feelings upon this subject I explained impression of a breath of air that the approach of any one evincing an intention to disturb me now throw one into convulsions; and suspecting tetanus or hydrophobia the three medical attendants inquired whether I had been bitten by a dog, or had sustained any mechanical injury. with short intermissions this state of things lasted for successive days till my strength was nearly exhausted. towards the close of the fourth day, and during the succeeding night my eyes were upturned in their sockets. I retained not the slightest power of voluntary breathing. I was incapable of speech; and the attempt to swallow a drop water brought on spasms which thretened suffocation. During all this period I was possessed of perfect consciousness; nor had I any pain. the only painfull sensation was the impossibility of resisting the convulsive movements of my body and the fearful constriction of my che[a]st. at first I was, as it were a mere spectator and observer of the symptoms - thinking and even reasoning upon them and when abstracted from their consideration. I felt that I could calmly meditate on Gods mercies. I had no painful conflicts about my state, but a settled serenity a tranquillity for which I could scarcely account unless from the coviction that my salvation was sure. but during the last night of this stage I experienced wonderful evidence of a world to come. my friends were assembled at various distances around my bed. the curtains were drawn, and a candle yealded its obscure rays, I heard the sobbings of my relations. I knew they looked on my life as fast fleeting 1704 It may sometimes seem to you that 207 I am in error - it has done so - but 7402 I assure you that I never speak of a thing until I am perfectly certain I never have any doubt and if I say I fear, or I believe, its only to soften the expression that would attend, I know, I explained the circumstance alluded to. 1705 I can never feel offended I do not wish any blind reliance 7403 to be placed upon me, I never could recieve it with pleasure. When there is an objection let that objection be arged and if I can conquer that objection rationally and consistently with the other doctrines I preached then I think I can claim Attention. I returned thanks and asked 7404 1706 You can leave it as it is, I can again in one instant run over its Contents May [?] When you invite Mr. [Orson?] give him my kindest wishes for his benefit and say that I am highly pleased at his plan of petitioning parliament for a hearing [?] 1/4 to 10 PM. 15th May 1855. Action Ended I was myself convinced that I should not recover I had pictured my body, carried to the grave, and had marked in my minds eye all the attendant circumstances. mentally I had taken leave of ea[rth] and I lay in perfect peace, assured of my salvati[on] a dead silence now reigned around, and as I waited the moment of my final change, it was an intense and deeply absorbing thought that soon started in expectation. inwardly I exclaimed I come Lord Jesus, relapsing into [?] I felt all but dismissed. it had the effect of so far arousing me that I got power to speak and surprise and anticipation. I took leave of them I told one to the watchful, and spoke to the others until power of speech again forsook me. as I lay, I drew any hand to my heart to examine its beatings. I felt they were small and weak, I was content, for I should soon be in another world. I was even anxious to die, for I feared lest livi[ng] again I might lose that what at now seemed so sure, then at [?] that a new order of feeling came over me. I had the most extraordinary sense of the bodily presence of the power of darkness standing by the side of my bed. not that I imagined I saw anything, but I felt as if I could put my hand on the ver[y] spot where he stood. and i shrank from tha[t] side with horror and loathing, but blessed be God! on the opposite side stood equally revealed to any spiritual senses; the power of salvation, the very embodiment of love and to this I turned as to a refuge, I shrank from the evil one and poured out my prayers to Christ whose protection was evident to me, thus I lay when all of a sudden the most brilliant light darted into the room, and filled me with with astonishment, now I thought the time is surely at hand God is visibly making manifest his approach. quickley will the Angels of God be descending and I shall behold my redeemer by the vigor thus imparted I was enabled to sit up in my bed, and with a feeling like that which Lazarus might have experienced conscious of a supernatural presence I called out to my friends "Did you not see a light" next minute The impression came over me that I was yet to live, and at the same time inspired with the certainty of knowing what I ought to take I told my assistant to bring me forty drops of the tinture of opium and twenty drops of the muriated tinture of iron, and to reheat the doxe every twenty minutes, after taking the first doxe I concinued sitting in bed feeling as though entranced, and what is singular, my arms, when extended at an early part of the evening had remained so, evincing the cataleptic state. I took the second doxe and lay down. These doxes so large that my assistant afterwards wondered what could have possessed him to give them were the means of my recovery. after a miserable interval, during which the body seemed to be sinking into curruption, and the mind itself to have lost all power of joy or sorrow, hope or fear, a profound sleep closed my eyes, it lasted more than twelve hours, and awaking as from a dream, there remained no trace of my former state except extreme debility "I never have had the slightest relapse but made "rapid progress in recovery." " Vol. 8 8th Dec. 1854 6723 1232 Ded'n of Leros Mirror 25 34 Mrs. C Leas power to be developed by practice 26 35 Lero the sole GS. of both. & her 27 36 Lero a good & truthful spirit of limited knowledge 29 38 ____ to name the Evg. of working 30 39 Men deny Sp's -- [?] disagreement between L. & Seer will cause them to appear 31 40 Leros' M to be kept for Spirit Visions -- the Hoto Crystal for At. [Sp] & departed souls 33 42 Memory at drowning -- "the book of life" -- not right. -- 33 43 Every thought of Man's can be reproduced 34 44 Floating ideas in the atmosphere" -- to be hereafter explained (6937) 35 45 To close the sitting at a 1/4 past 9. 6739 Lero appears 6740 ' accepts the [MA] -- Friday Evgs hour no object 6749 Ink the G S of the Antipical Crystal - /[?]/ ^ Lea to use the call strongly for a quarter of an hour. 51 one of the lowest Angels of Hades 53 had been a Spirit of the Sun 57 aware of the [?]: thoughts only when directed to them 61 Leros. Belief & Sentiments, on becoming the GS. 55 his duties -- then Comforter, advocator & G S. 56 "Black" more suited to his tastes & [?] 61 directed by the C A to state his belief on an essential subject of Salvation -- 3 persons & one God. - God the father Son & Holy Ghost 62 man rewarded or punished acct to his merits All Visible. Spiritual [?] ungodly. 65 That the millenium is at hand - Isaiah 11 v 119 6768 CA approved G. C. B's offer 71 The Gospels written under God's influence 73 would not explain the scriptures except in the language of the querent -- 75 Every Language alike -- reads the thoughts absurd to ans'r any question in an'r language 77 Spirits can show other languages but not as [?] for themselves 6779. "The White Lady" Bertha Von Rosenberg" 80 - her last app.[?] [?] to Emma - "absurd" 81 [Hinder?] induced her to appear. 82 "Bartlemys" duel fought fairly - The hundred men appeared to us 86 Spirits out in a high state. [?] [more?] when to the [?] advisable not to keep things belonging to the deceased 87 as to Herman S Kerkroff. [?] in Germany 1843 91. Only Evil Spirits appear by "Trick Work." 92 No harm in Calling Cagliostro 95 Always gratified to aid my researches because for his aim "being brief - had rec'd a 1000 souls slain on the field of battle. (Crimea) those dieing in battle. "[forgiven?]" ---&c. 6798 ES Crystal. Cagliostro appeared "[?]called". the [?] 6799. The CA. in white blackband [no?] Crown or purple The immaculate Conception - as to the Virgin M 6810 At the fall of Adam the great Scheme of redemption &c 15 The Sign of the Cross - on Evil Spirits 16 Absurdity of [?] to the east. 17 Effect of Iron on Evil Spriits 18 Evil Spirits belonging to different things 18 The formula. telling the thief by the "[?] Cap" [?] 6819 Responses as to "Owen G Warrens, "Supernal Theology" - & remarks, thereon 6822 Cagliostro - [?] appear again. 23 Capt'n Anderson wounded. 27 A time of mourning for us all ([?] 29 As to Robert Owen 30 the first and the latter [?] 32 As to the [?] 36 O.G. Warren Supernal Theology then [?] [benevolence?] artful design 38. Spirits can pass thro' any Substance spirits making themselves felt. [hurtful?]. 40 Spirits could not be confined in an [?]box 41 Spirits can be limited space by major [?] 4849 C A. Man must believe in the trinity & the death of Christ 52 Swedenborgs "no Salvation after death" wrong 53 Man must leave every bad quality in the At: 54 will give a diagram of the 7 Spheres 58 as to Robert Owens treaty 61 Archbishop of Whately "What is death" ? 62 "What is the human soul" ? 63 & 64 As to my part of any responses 67 The New Test. the most important part of Scripture 69 x As to the Prophets no ans'r 74 - 75 Man loses all Earthly Knowlege on ent'g the spheres 76 No marriage or glory in marriage 77 no distinction of sex - in the spheres 6877 The C A appearance in the C to a french Gent'n -- & his answer -- 79 x As to the prophets 6880 No spirit can assume his appearance 81 As to Mr Gilbert Gilkes 85 As to Count [Caghinter?] app'g in Leas M 87 As to Anderson 90 As to mesmerizing a neighbor x 92 As to myself Man is born into sin x 93 The C As long defense of [Bartlemy?] 96 Cagliostro - Joseph Balsamo BF1335 .H63 1853 vol. 8 Copy 1 RBSCD 2010414646 [?] 25 The 7 Spheres 50 defense of [?] 72 Mr Anderson entering the [?] 84 88 . 103 917 [C?] 929 Earl of Stanhope 134 The [?] AR-NGT-2016026 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.