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

OF MEDIUMSIIIP. 159than those who lived earlier, and arc therefore sooner prepared to havetheir doleful station fixed finally in hell, in the union of soul and body.803. "The doetrine we present in reference to the eonditiou of thespirits of the saints in heaven, differs from the idea of a middle state, in athird plaee, in several important particulars. It excludes the idea of amiddle place entirely, and of course all idea of probation, which is generallyattached to it in some form or other. The state of the spirit inheaven, though imperfect, being the celestial childhood of the spirit, isnevertheless final, and not probationary. Our enjoyments there will be inexact proportion to our capacity ; and as fast as our spirits are unfolded,will our joys increase.'The more our spirits are enlarged on earth,The deeper draughts they shall receive of heaven.'804. " What an interesting moment to the spirit will be the momentafter death ! What scenes will open up before it ! The friends will standweeping over the now tenantlcss body, but the spirit is—oh !'My thoughts pursue it where it flies,And trace its wondrous way!'805. ^' The Christian need have no unpleasant anxiety about whatscenes will open to him, for he knows that the glory which will thenbreak upon his astonished spirit will exceed his keenest anticipations."OF MEDIUMSHIP.80G. The facts which I have noticed in relation to mediumship, arecertainly among the most inexplicable in nature.807. There are two modes in which spiritual manifestations are madethrough the influence or sub-agency of media. In the one mode, they employthe tongue to speak, the fingers to write, or hands to actuate tablesor instruments for communication ; in the other, they act upon ponderablematter directly ^ through a halo or aura appertaining to media ; so thatalthough the muscular power may be incapacitated for aiding them, theywill cause a body to move, or produce raps intelligibly so as to select lettersconveying their ideas, uninfluenced by those of the medium.808. Even where they act through the muscular frame of the media,their vision may be intercepted by a screen, so that they cannot influencethe selection of the letters requisite to a communication. (Plate 1.)809. Rappings or tappings are made at the distance of many feet fromthe medium, and ponderable bodies, such as bells, are moved or made toundergo the motion requisite to being rang.