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

MRS. gourlay's narrative. 191Bkctcli of my oxporicucc in 8pirituulisiii, and my dcvclupment as a medium.Little need here be said to prove, to reflecting minds, the value ofthis heaven-descended pliilosophy. It is a theme that all may studyuith })lcasure and profit, when so disposed.994. AVliatever may be thought of modern Spiritualism, and howeveropposed it may be to many of the preconceived notions and opinions ofmankind, it is certain that there is nothing in its fundamental doctrinesand teachings, which may not be reconciled with the laws of God, so faras these are known to man.995. It matters not, I should think, whether this movement is sanctionedor not by a former revelation, as that would neither add to nor detractfrom its intrinsic merit. Spiritualism is endeared to the heart of thousandsby its fond associations, and mementoes of love and affection fromthose dear friends who have passed from their sight, though still united tothem by kindred ties. It has gone on in triumph, overspreading everyState in our glorious republic, and, passing over the broad sea, has reachedthe shores of other lauds, binding together the brotherhood of man in thesacred bonds of love, and dispelling the discordant elements of strife andsectism which have hung over the world, and like a dark pall, impartedtheir sombre hue to the minds of men. Progress is its name, and love itsmission. It has no affinity with vice. It makes no war with right, butinculcates the highest standard of morality. It is noiselessly accomplishingits divine mission. Many a widow's heart is made to leap withjoy by its benign influence, and many an orphan feels its silent ministration.]Many a prodigal son has been reclaimed at the brink of ruin by the voiceof a spirit mother ! It is not only a few individuals who are to receivethe blessings which flow from this new dispensation—the masses are to bebenefited. It inculcates principles which will strengthen the foundationsof society, promote harmony in the social system, and ultimately unite allmankind under its broad standard of peace. That Spiritualism is rapidlyextending its bounds, and gaining hundreds of thousands of converts, admitsnot of a doubt ; and that it has the elements within it to elevate, reform,and redeem the race, it were folly, nay, madness, to deny.996. Eighteen months have scarcely elapsed, my dear friend, since ourfirst acquaintance, and you are aware of the circumstances which afibrdedme this highly-esteemed pleasure. The event, I am happy to say, hasproved an era in my own life that I shall always revert to with pleasurableand heartfelt emotion ; for its results have not only proved a blessing andsolace to you, but a source of much joy and happiness to myself. Thoughyou have encountered much opposition, and even abuse, from the ignorantand illiterate as well as from the professed votaries of science, in defendingthe cause of spiritual philosoph}', you have fearlessly and faithfullybattled against error, and planted your standard on the high pinnacle oftruth. And as David of old, with the smooth stones of Kedron, slew the