Reminiscences of Andrew Jackson Davis

a sketch of the New York metropolis circa 1846

This blog article presents some reminiscences of Andrew Jackson Davis (1826-1910) from his autobiography The Magic Staff (1867) along with a passage from his book The Penetralia (1868).  The first selected anecdote describes an encounter that took place during May 1845: "at which time I was sorely assailed by an ardent believer in Special Providences . . ."  Considering the ensuing conversation about a divine 'Providence' and 'The Second Coming,' this blogger was reminded about perspectives of this subject shared in transcendental communication cases (1, 2, 3, 4) and accordingly thus considered whether readers may comprehend the complexity of the predicament of an apperceptive person who has identified himself with the fulfillment of prophecies associated with Christianity, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce and the New Age.

The Encounter with a Fundamentalist Zealot

The religious encounter came off near the Episcopal cemetery, whither I was leisurely walking for recreation and retirement.  The sectarist began by sarcastically pitying me in my perilous entanglements.

"In your benighted and unsanctifled condition," said he, "you're at all times in danger of death and the judgment."

"Ain't you in danger of death and the judgment as well as me?" I asked.

"Assuredly I am," he warmly replied, "but I'm one of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ."

"Well," said I, "are you safe on that account?"

Disregarding my question, and bristling up with combative zeal, he plunged into a long profession of faith, in substance as follows: " I believe, sir, in Holy Writ, which says that there is to be a second coming of the Messiah.  I was taught in my youth to read the Bible, sir, and to believe in a superintending Providence."

"So was I; my mother taught me to believe in an overruling Providence," said I promptly.  "And, what's more, I believe that I've heard the voice of Providence a good many times since I was a boy."

"No, sir! no, sir! that can't be," interposed he with energetic emphasis; "'twas the devil more likely!  Why, sir, the Bible and Jesus Christ both denounce the business you follow.  Do you know, sir, what the Bible says? — that the Jews were the chosen people of God?"

"Yes, I know that well enough," replied I, with a strong desire to proceed with my ramble unmolested.

"Oh, you do, eh?" he sharply returned; "then, sir, let me tell you that the Jews were led out of the wilderness to the promised land, but, while on the journey, it was their duty to overcome and exterminate the inhabitants of that country."

"What good did all that do?" I asked.

"What good, sir?" exclaimed he, with rapidly-increasing warmth, "I'll tell you, sir!  The extermination of the heathen, sir, was a providential way of promoting the cause of Christianity and civilization."

"Is the act of murder an evil?" I asked.

"Certainly, 't is wrong to destroy human life."

"Then," said I, "does God do evil that good may come?"  As I spoke, I felt a flash of mental illumination which momentarily excited my intellectual organs, and I continued: "Doesn't God inculcate a different doctrine?"

"Aha!" said he, with a contemptuous sneer, "I thought you didn't know anything unless you're asleep.  But I'll expose you!"

"Please answer my question," quietly solicited I.

"Oh yes, sir, I will.  The government of God is in his own bands.  He can change it when he adjudges necessary, and none can stay his hand.  Thus, when he wills so to do, he strikes wicked men down in the street; sends bitter, biting frosts to destroy the fruit of ungodly farmers; fills the land with lice and locusts; makes wars on disobedient races of men; stops the sun in its course; turns the heavens into an oven of consuming fire; and unconverted souls he sends into everlasting misery."

"Are you very sure?" I inquired.

"Holy Writ," he answered, "is God's own word, sir; and that says that he has done so in all ages of the world.  And now, sir, I believe that the end of all things is near, even at the very door; and my counsel to such as you, sir, is this: Give up your sleepy occupation, go back to your former business, keep the sabbath-day, and prepare for the awful conflagration."

"What conflagration?" I asked, with great astonishment.

"Why, sir, the end of the world — the second coming of the Messiah — the end of all things, as foretold in Holy Writ!"

"Oh, yes, I understand you now," said I, "and I will promise to think of it."

"Will you?" replied he, mellowing down into a beseeching mood: "will you think of it?  Do so, my friend, do so — without delay — and may the Lord of heaven help you!"

During all this conversation I depended on the strength of my Staff, and it bent not; neither did I fear that it would break under even a much greater pressure.  But when the nervous and zealous preacher passed on his way, and I had gained the still retreat of the burying-ground — through the sequestered paths whereof I walked in deepest meditation — then the Staff was well-nigh neglected, and my mental affliction became exceedingly intense.

For many subsequent days my mind was painfully exercised on the solemn subject which the severe and persistent sectarist had forced upon my attention.  The world-wide interesting problem, Whether there had been, or were now, supernatural interpositions among men, for the purpose of changing, reversing, or regulating human affairs and designs, was agitating my spirit almost continually; and I well remember the circumstances which attended its final examination and settlement.  And let me here express — which I can not but feel the wish that every inquiring mind could be enriched with a similar revelation.  I know, to the depths of my soul, that it would emancipate the individual from the slavery of ignorance, superstition, and bigotry.

It was the last day of the beautiful month of June when I received an authoritative impression, from the interior life, to ascend the summit of a high but familiar mountain.  My native village (by adoption) was visible at a distance on the opposite side of the river.  This mountain was my usual retreat; nothing was there to disturb — but all outer things, the solitude, the stillness only broken by the song of birds, and the scenery, were conducive to spiritual development, elevation, and vision.  Upon this mount, and at this time, my spirit, in its accustomed manner, was enabled to subdue and subordinate the body to itself, and my interior principles of perception were opened, and were permitted their easy and natural exercise.

The problem rested upon me with the weight of a mountain.  But what I then and there witnessed I will not here repeat.  The reader can find it entire in my pamphlet entitled The Philosophy of Special Providences.

. . . my spirit was lifted triumphantly out of all doubt on the subject of Special Providences.

As I pursued my walk homeward, my heart was filled with happiness and contentment.  The night had come on, and it was dark to the physical eyes.  But the sunlight of an Infinite and Eternal Day shone brightly through the now-unfolded portions of my immortal soul; and, by that Light which knows no darkness, I had learned not to fear but to LOVE the Supreme Principle!

In New York 'Clairvoyant Lectures' are Channeled

. . . during one of our professional visits at Bridgeport, Connecticut — I distinctly foresaw, while in a lucid condition, a new and higher psychical programme.  The mysterious burthen of a forthcoming employment I had vaguely anticipated and announced some months prior to this date, (May, 1845,) but owing to my now greater mental advancement and comprehensiveness of vision, I could contemplate the new territory, calmly, like some aged man well acquainted with the labyrinthine paths of human enterprise.


The Bridgeport physician. Dr. S. S. Lyon, received me very fraternally; and when I told him that he was chosen, he manifested unfeigned gratitude.


. . . in obedience to my interior directions, he relinquished his practice; and, together, we proceeded to that immense commercial depot of the United States, known as New York city.  Here, as I had previously announced while illuminated, the lectures were to be delivered.  His influence was refreshing and liberating.  Distinctly, while in the magnetic state, did I perceive the pathway; but as usual, when in the ordinary condition, my mind was limited and benighted.

In the commencement a programme was given, that I should only examine diseases for a certain number of weeks; and then, all things having been got ready, I would begin the long-promised discourses.


In reviewing and reflecting upon our prospectus for the ensuing two years, which I could do from my state of mental exaltation — just as a man on a mountain can see more of the country than when in the valley below — I foresaw the necessity of having a scribe who could comprehend the general drift of the lectures, and who, being possessed of a lively conscience, would voluntarily defend our proceedings from the aspersions of prejudiced and unscrupulous journalists.  In order to find such a man, I looked far and wide over the population of this country, but saw no one whose mental qualifications and external circumstances were alike favorable, save Rev. William Fishbough, of New Haven, Connecticut.  This gentleman I had previously seen in my normal state.  But prior to this interior survey of his qualifications, I had not discovered the slightest tenure of relation between him and the work about to be commenced.  In accordance with my selection, the doctor wrote Mr. Fishbough, who, notwithstanding a combination of external impediments, cheerfully accepted the nomination, and presented himself an hour before the time fixed upon for the delivery of the first lecture.


The locality was No. 92 Greene street, a few doors north of Spring, on the well-known isle of Manhattan.  The dramatis personae, or those who sustained the principal distinctive characters in these private theatricals, were Dr. Lyon, Mr. Fishbough, and the writer.  The auditorium was occupied with three witnesses, the most prominent and educated of whom was the amiable and quiescent Dr. T. Lea Smith.  His gentle mind was suffering with his body at the time; but, besides being my patient, he was a sincere investigator of truth, and a semi-believer in clairvoyance.  The novel piece announced to be performed in part on the occasion was entitled "Lectures by A. J. Davis, the Clairvoyant."  But it should be kept in remembrance that this announcement was not made public.  Only a few persons were privately notified, and invited to witness the enactment.  For the object was not notoriety and money; but, on the contrary, as noiselessly and steadily as dew descends and grass grows, was prosecuted the mutual aim to gain admission into the ever-sacred temple of Truth!  Therefore the terms "farce," "comedy," "jugglery," &c. — subsequently used with such evidently malicious intent, by some of the New York journalists, to characterize and caricature that performance — were grossly and ridiculously inapplicable.


A few days prior to the commencement of the Second Part of the Revelations, the first section of which volume I was almost every night engaged in delivering, the scribe wrote and presented a communication to the New York Tribune, entitled "Remarkable Phenomena," which the fearless editor of that daily journal accepted and published.  The article sketched out in general terms the progress then being made with our private lectures, and remarked briefly upon the complete and harmonious character of the truths already revealed.


Soon after the completion of the lectures, I delivered "An Address to the World", and then proceeded to bequeath the entire work, and all moneys that might accrue from the sales thereof, equally to the scribe and the operator.

On returning to my natural state, the beloved twain (and a witness) informed me of the bequeathment.  My depression for a moment was severe.  For I had not accumulated a dollar out of years of clairvoyant diligence, and what were to be my future resources I could not imagine, because I had for weeks felt a distinct, secret conviction that my magnetic career was about to terminate.  Sadly I walked to the window; but in a moment I heard the blessed words: "Fear—not!  There—are—treasures—in—an—angel's—hand." 

'Twas the familiar voice of my venerated Guide!  Instantly, therefore, I surrendered myself in joy to celebrating the unexpected circumstance.  In consideration of the time I had consumed in delivering the lectures, however, the delighted brothers presented me their joint note for one thousand dollars.  This promised ample compensation I did not solicit.  But thinking that thus meant my Guide, I fraternally accepted the note which was so cordially and generously bestowed.

Conditions of His Mental State Evolve

While the Revelations were being stereotyped in America, a suggestion arose concerning their speedy publication in England.  The grave-faced operator submitted to me a catalogue of grave questions on this point; after due interior consideration of which, I answered favorably to the interest of the publication.  'Twas not mammon, dear reader, that prompted the new partners to send the book to our Motherland across the blue Atlantic; but, on the contrary, they were actuated by a genuine desire to maintain and exert their mutual and sacred guardianship over the spread of its sublime principles.

But whence the means?  I will tell you.  Through a letter, I presented their plans and wishes to my Spirit Sister — the lady correspondent — whose face I had not seen since my first impression that we should not meet.  Her reply was prompt and characteristic: —

"Mine own Brother! — My soul's best, truest friend — dear as thou art to me, yet dearer is the work of thy life, and I would do everything to aid thee in it.  But my means are not abundant, dearest brother, and I regret that I can not do more.  Out of what I have, however, I will cheerfully lend twelve hundred dollars to Messrs. Lyon and Fishbough, to be appropriated (as you say) in defraying the expenses consequent upon the publication of the Book in England.  But, my best friend, let me add that you receive the profits coming from its sale there, to pay your current travelling and boarding expenses, until you receive back the entire sum, for which I will take their joint note.  Will this do?  Do not deny me, my own best brother.  I wish to be of some use to the world.  I would serve thee!"       Thy Spirit-Sister -----."

Therefore, in addition to the previous loan, and two hundred and fifty dollars subsequently bestowed with which to help sustain the Univercoelum, a still greater sum was now offered by the generous lady to aid in the dissemination of this blessed Reform.

Mr. Joseph H. Cunningham, an intelligent disciple of both St. Crispin and progressive thought, agreed to take the duplicate plates of the book to his native land.  The results of his mission thither were satisfactory.  But prior to his departure — during a visit at his residence below Poughkeepsie — I had a most wonderful and useful vision.  It concerned the past, present, and future, of the human race.  Viewed merely as a generalization of historical truth, and as a systematic statement of what appeared to be focalized upon the air before me in the brief space of twenty minutes, it is as much superior to the "Revelations" as these are higher than the philosophy of the schools.  But ere I present this vision to the reader, I must, to avoid anachronisms, relate what occurred soon after the meeting at Williamsburgh.

Feeling dubious as to my future course with reference to the operator, and dreading the approaching danger of being made the supernatural centre of a semi-philosophical and eventually superstitious propagandism, I hastened away to my mountain sanctuary for instruction.  Quiet and holy as the lull of twilight was that dreamy state which preceded my superior condition.

My Guide was there!  He pillowed my spirit on his beating bosom, and said: "The bounty of Heaven hath given me wisdom for thee, my son."

"Thanks, kind Guide," said I, as the aroma of his pure presence floated into my soul.  "I am very thankful."

On my uttering these words he withdrew a few yards, and replied with gentle firmness: "Why callest thou me 'Guide'?  Thy guide is within thee I!"

"Oh, say not so!"  I exclaimed with great agitation — "do not leave me!  My every day's life hangs upon your truth and over-ruling providence!"

"Oh, man!" said he, "art thou still an ignorant youth?"

"No, no, I do not mean to be a helpless child," replied I; " but my heart recalls your words, without which I had many times gone astray."

"Dost thou lead the seer as one who is sightless?" he inquired.

"No," said I, "'tis only the blind who require a guide.''

"Art thou a seer?" he asked; "or one who merely gropes his way through the galleries of long-departed experience?"

"The past is not my guide," said I.  "When I wish to take a step, I look upon the ground before me, lest I should stumble."

"'Tis even so, my son," said he, with kindly tone.  "Thus shouldst thou see from thine own central sight, the palest beam of light o'er thy pathway.  And I will come only when thou hast done all thou canst, and yet requirest sight and power.''

"Do you mean," I inquired, "that I can penetrate the future for myself unaided?"

"Each man," he answered, "like the Earth and the Sun, is a centre; the more true the man, the more true his revolutions.  Tell me, my son, hast thou travelled over the Mountain of Use and also of Justice?"

"Yes, I feel that I have,'' was my reply.

"Then art thou not able to be useful and just without my words?"

"Yes," I replied, "I feel that I can do whatsoever appears to my own conscience to be useful and just."

"'Tis well!  Do thus!  Nothing more is required of any living soul!"

He now retired a few paces further; and continued: "As before, I will picture to thee thy works and ways.  Behold!"

Looking in the direction indicated, I instantly beheld a reproduction of the impressive scene once before witnessed — the mountain, a castle-like structure within it, the four successive stories, and a representation of the four stages of my own career.  "Yes," said I, "'tis true, very true.  These are my boyhood scenes, the mysterious voices of my youth, the operations of Mr. Levingston, and my work with Dr. Lyon.  Yes, it is all true.  But what is next to be done?  My soul yearns to see the future.''

"Then," said he, "direct thy vision higher!"

To my astonishment, on looking upward, I saw another story in the structure, more brilliant and beautiful than all the lower ones combined.  It seemed to be made of crystal, through which golden and purple sunlight perpetually streamed.  And in the centre of the room, I saw myself seated by a table busily writing.  The table was glowing, the apartment shone like a sun, and my whole head seemed to be illuminated.  Below, I recognised my friend, the doctor, and others who knew nothing of that upper room.  And, looking once again to make my vision sure, I saw a pleasantly-furnished room, leading from the one in which I was writing, dimly lighted from a mundane source, and seated in an easy chair, the strange lady with whom I was in correspondence!

"Oh, tell me," exclaimed I, "do you mean to foreshadow a personal interview with my Spirit Sister?"

The vision vanished.  But my Guide stood in the foreground, with a smile glowing like a sunbeam on his heavenly face, and I asked: "What is the work for me next to do?"

And he replied: "The bounty of heaven giveth me wisdom.  See!  The road before thee guideth the traveller, through midnight mists, all the way up the Mountain of Power into plains and valleys beyond.  Hold thy Staff firmly, then, for the enemies of progress are many and mighty.  Thus saying, he disappeared, and I returned to outward life.

Wending my way homeward, I pondered on all that had passed for my memory was no more suspended — and the reader can easily anticipate my resolutions.  They were: that I would henceforth live an independent life, be my own centre of sight, my own inditer of impressions, be responsible for my own mistakes, distribute the generosities of my own soul, help on the work of human progress as one among many, be the leader of no party, the friend of no useless compromise, and thus walk over the mountains and through the valleys of my individual pilgrimage.

Reaching my boarding-house, I hastened to my room, and lo! — between that moment and the end of the ensuing hour — the 'past was merged into my outward recollection!  The mystic Past — that had been to me as a dream — was all mine!  My memory could now revert to each minutest particular of my every clairvoyant vision.  No more contradiction!  A double and twisted existence no more!  The abounding wealth of my experience was no longer locked in another's bank.  No man could now hold the key with which to go in and out of my soul at pleasure — leaving me, as an outward being, a lone wanderer and destitute of common understanding.  "No, no!" exclaimed my joyful heart, "henceforth, I shall walk the surface of God's earth, not proudly, but a companion at once to the lowly clod-hopper and the educated academician.  Oh, I am wholly awake!  The sable curtain of mystery — so long hanging between my outer and inner world — is rent in twain and for ever banished!  The secrets of a clairvoyant life are before me, and no man can wrest them from my reason and memory!"  There came a natural feeling into my flesh, on the harmonious blending of these previously separate memories.  Not that the superior condition was drawn down to the level of my common life, but my common life was elevated to the very threshold of the superior condition.  After that memorable and gracious hour — as I said in my first article to the Univercoelum — I could voluntarily enter the "superior condition," investigate truths, see for myself, draw my own conclusions, and retain a perfect recollection of the whole experience.

In all this, then, you may behold a prophecy of what Father-God and Mother-Nature have in reserve for every son and daughter of humanity.  Not that all men will pass through the mystical ordeal of magnetization; but the immutable laws of mind will, sooner or later, waft each soul into "the superior condition" — when, as with the bee and the angel, the only and sufficient guide to good and truth will be that totality of Divine life in the soul, which I celebrate under the name of "Intuition."

The Marriage Proposal Leading to "The Fraternal Marriage"

Well do I remember the chilly day in bleak December when I walked the floor, and, remarking the exact likeness of my study to the room I saw in my vision, I asked myself: "What was meant by the presence of the lady?  Did it mean that she is to visit me here?"  A warm breath passed over my face as I queried, and presently I heard the words: "Look—into—the—history—of—thy—Spirit—Sister." 

Although my mind was interested in a subject then before me — "The true but unloved Religion" — yet did I turn my whole interior perception in the direction suggested.  And once again looked I along the pathway of my benefactress.  I saw her birth and babyhood; her life at the boarding-school; her visits with her parents in Washington city; her marriage, to please others, with a gentleman toward whom she felt an unconquerable repugnance; how this repulsion ripened into a positive hatred; her journeyings to Europe for personal freedom; her return; her efforts to endure the false union for relations' sake; her second tour upon the Eastern continent; her sojourn at Berlin, at Paris, and at London; her presence in the midst of fashionable glitter and regal festivities; the death of her parents; her refuge in the endearments and attractive faith of the Catholic Church; her uniform discontent amid all circumstances; her second return to America; her attempt to fix her affections upon some lofty aim in life: her increasing uneasiness; her preparations for Buenos Ayres; her visit to me at No. 252 Spring street; what I there saw for her; the wisdom of our not meeting during the intervening months, viz.: that my mind at this early period of its growth might be kept in that indifferent external state which was necessary to insure success in its difficult interior work; that my mission, including myself, alone occupied her affections; that, as she had no children, and her reasons for a separation were abundant, she should procure a divorce; that it would then be right and just and useful for us to be married; that she would thus be rescued from trials more severe than any consequent upon our marriage; that her income, while it would be of little or no assistance to me individually, would still be sufficient to support her in her own luxurious habits of living; and, finally, that I need not longer concern myself with the local influences and especial wishes of surrounding minds.

How did I see all this?  Not by a spiritual communication, dear reader, but by the clairvoyant power of exact investigation.  The chequered past was all before me; the circumstances of the present I contemplated; the principal links in the chain of future events I traced and estimated as the astronomer foretells an eclipse.

Ah, now my Poughkeepsie vision began to look like an entire vaticination.  Accordingly, I wrote the lady all about my interior investigation.  The barrier of distance was now removed; and the next morning she came personally into my presence.  She was greatly agitated; and when I reiterated the message from the inner life which my letter had first conveyed to her, she trembled with emotion, and tears gushed forth abundantly from her long-wearied heart.

"Can it be," said she, when her voice once more found utterance, "can it be that we are to be married?"

"Yes," I replied, "I never saw anything more plainly in my life than that."

"In this world, dearest brother?" she asked.

"Yes, in this world, my Spirit-Sister."

"Oh, my heart never dared to hope so far!" she exclaimed with raptured tone.  "This is the happiest day of my life! for, I began to fear that I should never see you.  But" — she added, as a sudden cloud shadowed her features — "what will the world say?"

"The world has no right to interfere, if you but get a divorce," said I.  "That's the first thing for you to do now."

"But I'm so much older than you, and people are so unused to such a disparity of ages — will not this be an objection?"

"No," said I, "nothing is worth noticing but the question of a speedy divorce."

"Yes?  Are you sure?  Is that all?  Will your friends agree to this?"

"My true friends will," I answered.  "False friends are of no account."

"Thanks! brother, best beloved, thanks!  I will prepare to leave for Bristol next Monday."

"Why do you go to Bristol?" I asked.

"Because a very talented lawyer lives there," she replied; "and evidence can be obtained in the village, to secure my release from a hateful bondage."

Her visit was long and useful.  Having seen through her history, I could talk with her of her travels; of what dangers she had encountered at different periods of her life, and how she had escaped them.  She seemed beautifully subdued, at times, and then indignant at certain memories.  The reader may form some idea of this my benefactress, from a few descriptive sentences:—

She was physically well-proportioned, a little above the medium height, and looked about twenty years older than I.  Her countenance, once beautiful, expressed every inward emotion.  Strength, suffering, ambition, devotion, childhood, impetuosity — were all depicted in the lines of her expressive face.  Feeling, not thought, predominated.  Unerringly did I perceive that she was just the character to accompany me up the Mountain of Power.  In her dark eye there was a look of regal dignity and daring.  When angered, few could meet and reciprocate her expression.  She was born to rule. . . .

The legal ceremony took place at the scribe's residence, on the 1st of July, 1848.


His Wife's Transition to Her Next Sphere of Existence

In the presence of a few friendly witnesses, the exhausted body was deserted without a struggle — on the eve of the 2d of November, 1853 — and upon its familiar face she had left a smile of rest and satisfaction.  Relatives from the Second Sphere came for her, while yet she lingered in the form; and when her spirit was completely freed, they conducted it gently to her Father's high pavilion.  They made a singular request of me, which I have chronicled in another place;  also, in the same work — The Penetralia — are records of two remarkable visitations from her disembodied spirit; and, therefore, to avoid repetition, I will but refer my readers to page 165 of the above-named volume.

The comfortable and costly cottage-furniture was ultimately sold; others purchased and occupied the sequestered domicile; and thus the curtain rolled down upon that portion of my life.

This passage from The Penetralia is presented here —

It is more than two years ago that Catherine De Wolf, my former companion, went to the Spirit Home.  On the morning of the evening of her departure, her father, her mother, her sister, and her nephew — persons who had been in the second Sphere several years — together came near to my house in Hartford.  I have become accustomed to the personal presence and spiritual influence of persons: more particularly to the sphere of a spiritualized individual.  Thus, I felt their spheres near the house.  I went down to the front door, opened it, and invited them up to my studio.  As soon as they had entered, I closed the studio door, and composed myself for the interior.  In the course of ten minutes I was lost to all externals; was not aware of possessing a physical nature, nor of being in a room; in fact, I was myself A SPIRIT.  Still remaining in my body, yet being a spirit, I could see them and hear their words.

Her father said to me: "We have come for our daughter.  We think she is going to-night; and we have a special request to make of you that, inasmuch as she has been sick for many months, and thereby fatigued in spirit as well as in body, she be left alone with us, in the spiritual world, for three months; that you do not even desire to see her during that time."  When I asked why I should not desire, he said: "Your desire might reach and rouse her from a required rest; and she be unable to recover as fast as we wish."  Therefore, I promised that I would not even desire to see her in three months.  Her spirit relatives said that they would remain in the vicinity till she (in spirit) was ready to depart.

During that day there were some favorable symptoms; indicating that she might take nourishment and continue a few days longer.  But other evidences, toward evening, made it certain that she could not longer remain.  About twenty minutes past seven, that evening, she ceased to breathe.  Not being in the interior at the time, I did not witness the departure of her spirit.  In fact, under the circumstances, I had no opportunity for interior exercises.

Three months passed, and I heard nothing directly from her; nor indirectly, except from two mediums who supposed they had received telegraphic despatches.  I had no confidence, however, in anything which I did not receive myself.  In the winter I went to the city of Boston, to give a course of lectures.  At six o'clock in the evening of my first lecture, I felt her spiritual approach; and that she was somewhere within a hundred miles of that city.  My lecture was duly delivered, and I returned to my boarding-house immediately.  On going upstairs, I felt she was near.  I admitted her by the door, passed up the hall, and went into the superior state.  She was now by my side; just like any person in the body.  She seemed to have regained about ten years of youth; and in appearance she was not so large as in her physical body.  She looked as if she was enjoying her existence; although she was not as enthusiastic as her nature inclined to generally.  We conversed pleasantly; face to face.  She used her new organs of speech, and gave me portions of her recent experience.  She did not know when she would visit me again. I asked her if she came from the spirit world alone; to which she replied, that "she had some one near (the house) who would accompany her."  The interview now ended.

Next, I went to Auburn, to deliver lectures.  While there, I felt her approach as before.  As before I admitted her into my room, and we had another conversation.

When I received her third visit, I was in the city of Hartford, some five months afterward.  On that occasion she seemed to have lost about twenty-five years of age!  She was very brilliant, and filled with emotion.  She said that she had "seen so many beautiful things, and enjoyed so much!"  She wished to tell me something about a "Sunset" she had witnessed in the Spirit Home.  She promised, at my request, to be deliberate in her recital, so that I might take it down in writing.  While she was standing, with her arm on my shoulder, I wrote the communication which follows: I place it before the reader solely to give him an impression, that no world is more natural than the Second Sphere of human existence.—

A SUNSET IN THE SPIRIT HOME.

THERE are times, my beloved, when I long to speak of my new home.

On the bosom of affection's memory, I voyage back to the happy days when we together trod the earth.

Once, I feared for us both . . now, for both I love and fear not.

Day before yesterday, our family journeyed along the banks of the "Mornia" . . a lake flowing westward.

Accompanied by the dearest ones we know, we ascended the great Mount . . south of the lake . . called "Starnos," being somewhat fashioned after a solar body.

And I yearned for thee, beloved . . yet, my spirit was full of love . . breathed from those around me.

I find in the air of my new home . . the house of the spirits of men . . a something blander, and more pleasant, than in any other atmosphere I ever breathed. . . . There is a joy in it to me. . . . But there are many here who seem not to remark this. . . . And then, our sunsets here!

Oh!  I would gaze with you, dear brother, on such a sky as glorified this rose-covered spot day before yesterday!

"We visited the summit of Starnos to witness this exhibition. . . . It is likely to occur here once in every eight of your weeks . . I mean the setting of the sun on this side of the Spirit Home.

I would bring thee a full description. . . . But I have no words, beloved!

I have looked to see if that was the evening you wrote respecting your visit at High-Rock Tower . . it was!*  (*High-Rock Tower is described in a work by the author entitled The Present Age and Inner Life.)

Should an artist paint the scene that sunlight gave us, it would be said that he had exaggerated the picture. . . . But there is no pencil for such delineation. . . . Art has no hues for such coloring. . . . Language no powers to reveal . . or, if there be words, I feel too much to think them out.

We had been walking around the Lake. . . . The valley was half-viewless and misty with the plenitude of countless odors. . . . And the sea of hills, surrounding Starnos, was half hid by the rainbow-streams of Beauty that were showered down from the sky!

At length, we attained the top of this glorious eminence. . . . We gazed, with unutterable joy, upon the ever-brightening and kindling firmament.

"With us, in company, were many you never knew . . some well know and love you . . others you have seen in the earthly home.

My brothers were with us . . and One, whom I will now call my "guardian angel" . . and William's Cornelia . . also their recently married daughter . . and James, too, with a group of his recently-formed acquaintances . . and the blessed four you witnessed at High-Rock Tower.

I sought your hand . . I found the memory of your spirit near.

I breathed . . and, the breath I drew was of Life eternal.

And there was no void of existence. . . . Although you did not hold my hand nor administer unto me, yet the fullness of my happiness was all permanent . . all heavenly.

And that sky above us. . . . . It was even more beautiful in the east than in the west. . . . Such a mass of burnished gold. . . . Yet, not all gold . . for here and there a silver edge unrolled . . disclosing the azure sky.

I would that you had seen it, my brother. . . . I can not tell thee of the scene. . . .  I can now close my eyes . . and, looking in memory, can see it all again.

There was a glorious cloud . . all clouds are glorious, my brother . . which reflected a far-spreading light upon the sea of hills and the lake below. . . . And Mornia, in consequence, looked like a miniature ocean of liquid gold. . . . The cloud assumed a ruby hue. . . . And, then, the fair flowing Mornia looked like a sea of blood. . . . The light thrown upon the opposite shore, was like a sunny gauze cast over the landscape's emerald green. . . . And the remote habitations of the "Brotherhood of Morlassia" . . the groves of meditation . . appeared as a great City illuminated. . . . And the environing fields, receiving the crimsoned light, looked like a World on Fire!

We gazed . . and gazed . . and, the sun went down. . . . The lights opposite were put out. . . . And the fair flowing Mornia darkened. . . . And the cloud was first a silver gray . . then dark. . . . 'Twas night in the Spirit Home!

This is the first time my eyes . . divested of all mortal corruption . . ever gazed upon the sunset.

And I feel that I can no more forget it than I could the event of my new birth here.

Of this, beloved brother, I will hereafter speak.

Our party now descended the rose-covered Mount . . wending our way amid green-hilled groves . . serenaded by the birds of the twilight hour. . . . And, as we stepped from spot to spot, I thought of the glories you had taught me to see with my understanding. . . . . Seeing the FATHER as I now do, I must worship Him in Love. . . . In spirit and in truth I must worship Him!

Beloved brother, HOW MAGNIFICENT is THE TEMPLE IN WHICH WE DWELL AND WORSHIP!