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

OF THE EXISTENCE OF SPIRITS.ijZ6purison with tlioso in the puradisaical spheres. Their existence is a blessingto them even wliilc thus loio, and there is no sucli phicc or state as aHELL of unmitigated, hopeless misery. Meantime, God, angels, and allthe higher spirits, arc for over seeking the elevation of the inferior spirits,by all just, wise, and appropriate means. And no one, however low andsluggish of progress, will finally fail to be attracted upward, obediently tothe divine laws, from one degree to another, and from one sphere to another,till he reach the heavenly mansion—even though it take an age ofeternities to complete his destiny.1G15. '' 5. Spirits in the higher of the seven spheres are employed inthree general exercises. 1. In religious aspirations, meditations, worship—in striving after a more perfectknowledge of and communication withGod—whom they cannot see there any more than here, as a personal being,but only in spirit by faith and intuition. 2. In study, self-examination,contemplationsof truth, and acquainting themselves with all usefulknowledge attainable by them. 3. In ministering to struggling spirits onearth and in the lower spheres—endeavouring to elevate and bless themthus cultivating love to God, wisdom within themselves, and ever-activebenevolence to their inferiors in condition.Spirits in any circle can descendinto all the circles below their own, but cannot, except by special permission,ascend into a higher sphere, until qualified by spiritual progress.1616. '-Q. Mankind are by nature one family of brothers and sisters,the offspring of a common Father in heaven, whom they ought to love withall their heart, and each other as themselves. The good of each is reallythe good of all, and that of all the good of each. Therefore, no one caninjure another without injuring himself in the end.All kinds of 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 takingof advantage. So all pride and domineering of superiors over inferiors.So all religious bigotry, thrusting down, persecution, and sectarian bitterness.So every thing contrary to personal holiness, to the piety whichloves God supremely, and man as a brother, whether friend or foe.Thesereliable spirits are everywhere reformers, regenerators of the world, individuallyand socially. They are for the reconciliation of all things—foruniversalharmony—on the great principles of truth, purity, justice, love,and wisdom. And they all predict a better future for the human race hereon earth, as well as in the future state.1617. '' 7. It is the imperative duty of 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 spirit in or out of the 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-