Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

98 COMxMUNICATIONS FROM THE SPIRIT WORLD.natural as gravitation, and like it, I presume, will endure forever. But sogreat has been, and still is, the superstition of the masses, and to suchan extent has man's mental vision been obscured by his so-called spiritualteachers, that, excepting a comparatively few instances, spiritshave failedin their attempts to reveal themselves to the civilized portion of mankind.The conditions have, for the most part, been wanting, owing to the abovecauses, and which have grown out of man's false notions respecting hisnatural and true relation with the unseen world.The less civilized of ourFather's children, in regard to their communion with spirits, have beenmuch more highly favoured than their otherwise more fortunate brethren,since it has not been an uncommon circumstance for them to communewith their departed friends.471. ''Many years, my dear parent, have elapsed since I entered thebright abode of the blest—a very little child, yet a very happy one. Myfirst and second birth rapidly succeeded each other; but so little did Iknow, from actual experience, of my rudimental condition, that I havenever realized the change. I have no memory of my earth-life, yet I knowfrom observation and reflectionthat I am to some extent the loser by mypremature birth into the spiritual state. I have, it is true, measurablyobtained since then that knowledge of exterior nature which I should haveacquired in the flesh, on the globe which gave me birth, as an independent,individualized existence.472. " My life hero has been a charmed one ; enrapturing scenes ofbeauty being constantly presented to view, like the ever-varying landscapesdelineated on the canvas by a skilful artist. Now is seen a beautifulsilvery lake on whose translucent bosom floats the graceful swan, bendinghis pliant neck, as if proudly conscious of his surpassing beauty ; andanon, among the lilies of this lake, which appear like gems placed on aThenvirgin brow, shoots a tiny barque, freighted with angelic children.is presented a bolder view, of towering mountains and wide-extendedplains, with the accompanying characteristics of hill and dell.473. "In answer to a question which would naturally suggest itself toyour mind, respecting the means by which I have become acquainted withthat knowledge of the external world which I should have gained in it,would say it has been acquired by frequent visits to the earth. I havebeen accustomed to accompany you, father, in your daily walks, and tostudy, through you and mother, those elementary lessons which are soessential to the full development of the spirit. Your son Theodore, thoughnearly forgotten by you, has not been far distant. The time is fast approaching,and is near at hand, when man's spiritual nature and destinywill be much more fully comprehended by the world.IThen spirit manifestationsand spirit intercourse will be considered as natural as for thesun to rise in the eastern heavens. Spirits highly elevated in love andwisdom would not descend from their exalted position except to teach, for