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

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

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OF THE EXISTENCE OF SPIRITS.ijZ6purison with tlioso in <strong>the</strong> puradisaical spheres. Their existence is a blessingto <strong>the</strong>m even wliilc thus loio, and <strong>the</strong>re is no sucli phicc or state as aHELL <strong>of</strong> unmitigated, hopeless misery. Meantime, God, angels, and all<strong>the</strong> higher <strong>spirit</strong>s, arc for over seeking <strong>the</strong> elevation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inferior <strong>spirit</strong>s,by all just, wise, and appropriate means. And no one, however low andsluggish <strong>of</strong> progress, will finally fail to be attracted upward, obediently to<strong>the</strong> divine laws, from one degree to ano<strong>the</strong>r, and from one sphere to ano<strong>the</strong>r,till he reach <strong>the</strong> heavenly mansion—even though it take an age <strong>of</strong>eternities to complete his destiny.1G15. '' 5. Spirits in <strong>the</strong> higher <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seven spheres are employed inthree general exercises. 1. In religious aspirations, meditations, worship—in striving after a more perfectknowledge <strong>of</strong> and communication withGod—whom <strong>the</strong>y cannot see <strong>the</strong>re any more than here, as a personal being,but only in <strong>spirit</strong> by faith and intuition. 2. In study, self-examination,contemplations<strong>of</strong> truth, and acquainting <strong>the</strong>mselves with all usefulknowledge attainable by <strong>the</strong>m. 3. In ministering to struggling <strong>spirit</strong>s onearth and in <strong>the</strong> lower spheres—endeavouring to elevate and bless <strong>the</strong>mthus cultivating love to God, wisdom within <strong>the</strong>mselves, and ever-activebenevolence to <strong>the</strong>ir inferiors in condition.Spirits in any circle can descendinto all <strong>the</strong> circles below <strong>the</strong>ir own, but cannot, except by special permission,ascend into a higher sphere, until qualified by <strong>spirit</strong>ual progress.1616. '-Q. Mankind are by nature one family <strong>of</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters,<strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fspring <strong>of</strong> a common Fa<strong>the</strong>r in heaven, whom <strong>the</strong>y ought to love withall <strong>the</strong>ir heart, and each o<strong>the</strong>r as <strong>the</strong>mselves. The good <strong>of</strong> each is really<strong>the</strong> good <strong>of</strong> all, and that <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> good <strong>of</strong> each. Therefore, no one caninjure ano<strong>the</strong>r without injuring himself in <strong>the</strong> end.All kinds <strong>of</strong> tyrannyand oppression are utterly sinful. So all war, violence, revenge, and vindictivepunishment. So all intemperance, debauchery, and sexual pollution.So all falsehood, covetousness, fraud, extortion, and pecuniary taking<strong>of</strong> advantage. So all pride and domineering <strong>of</strong> superiors over inferiors.So all religious bigotry, thrusting down, persecution, and sectarian bitterness.So every thing contrary to personal holiness, to <strong>the</strong> piety whichloves God supremely, and man as a bro<strong>the</strong>r, whe<strong>the</strong>r friend or foe.Thesereliable <strong>spirit</strong>s are everywhere reformers, regenerators <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, individuallyand socially. They are for <strong>the</strong> reconciliation <strong>of</strong> all things—foruniversalharmony—on <strong>the</strong> great principles <strong>of</strong> truth, purity, justice, love,and wisdom. And <strong>the</strong>y all predict a better future for <strong>the</strong> human race hereon earth, as well as in <strong>the</strong> future state.1617. '' 7. It is <strong>the</strong> imperative duty <strong>of</strong> every human being to exercisehis own powers, faculties, reason, and judgment, with modesty, humility,and firmness, and not to be overawed, borne down, or led away captive, byany assuming <strong>spirit</strong> in or out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flesh. Every one is accountable forhimself, and ought both to judge and act for himself, with supreme reverencefor God and his moral perfections, according to his own highest con-

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