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

182 MRS. gourlay's narrative.licr mission in this glorious cause, resulted from this first and, to all ofus, astounding performance.936. This, to us, was a new phase of the manifestations, and to myselfand friend was very wonderful, since, I am certain, she had never thoughtof becoming a medium for spiritual intercommunion.937. Soon after writing the stanzas alluded to, her hand was again influencedto write a communication to a gentleman present. lie was astranger to my friend, now regarded as a medium, and the communicationwas from the spirit of a sister who had passed from earth about thirtyyears before, the name, in full,of the spirit being appended.938. After receiving instructions from the spirits, in regard to themanner of conducting our circle, we adjourned to the time appointed forour next meeting.939. On the succeeding day I visited my friend at her residence, andreceived many additional evidences of the presence and identity of spirits.My father, mother, and sister, and many other loved spirit friends withwhom the medium had no acquaintance, and whose names even were notknown to her, communicated, and reminded me of many incidents of theirlife on earth of which my friend was wholly ignorant, and some of themI had myself almost forgotten.9-40. At subsequent and frequent interviews with this lady, I receivedmany indubitable proofs of the presence and guardianship of angels ; ofwhich the following is an example :941. Some weeks after our first interview, and while discussing theordinary topics of the day, her hand was influenced to write thesesentences :942. ^^My dear 31: You will be surprised and pleased to learn that anold schoolmate is present;one that you never, while on earth, anticipatedbearing from again. Many years have fled since our last meeting. Ihave come from the realms of the unseen, to renew the acquaintancewith you begun in childhood, and to advise you in relation to yourspiritual development. You are destined to become a good imprcssionalmedium for spiritual truth. Follow the directions which we from time totime shall give you, and you will progressthereby.rapidly, and be greatly profitedElevate your mind to the source of light and truth, and seek tobe saved from every thing that might hinder your spiritualDevote a portion of each day to the development of your spirit,and investigatethe principles which govern the physical and spiritualof the universe.surrounded by many advantages.advancement.departmentsYou are living in the light of an advanced age, and arefor the benefit of yourself and others.Improve the privileges that you enjoy,Lydia Manly."uiulcr spiritual influence, to write page after page of extremely beautiful and excellentcomposition, both in prose and verse, far surpassing in elegance of language bcr naturalpoTVcrs of thought and fancy.