XVI. MISCELLANEOUS. CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE HEAVENS. The observations of Reichenbach prove that od radiates from the sun, moon and stars, from all solid and fluid substances, that it is a principle "that extends over the entire universe." Each of the heavenly bodies appears to have what may be called a general odic, proper to itself, somewhat as the magnetic fluid is proper to this earth; and also a collective odic, consisting of radiations from all the chemical substances, of which they respectively consist, intimately blended, but not in a state of combination. The presence of any element with which we are acquainted, even in the remotest fixed star, and the proportion in which it exists, may be determined, it is exceedingly probable, by receiving the rays on a surface so prepared that all the emanations from any particular substance, will be concentrated at a point. This condensation may be continued for an indefinite period, and the sensitiveness of a pendulum can be increased, over that which is normal, to an indefinite degree. COMMUNION WITH DEPARTED SPIRITS. In a former publication, I have spoken of a translucent, concentric sphere, which it was supposed surrounded the earth, and the refraction from which, it was believed, caused the zodiacal light. It was also believed that this sphere was Paradise, (not heaven,) the abode of the separate spirits of the just, after death, and previous to the final judgment. This hypothesis is confirmed by odic response. It will be seen by the following, what success attended an endeavor to hold communion with one of the blessed inhabitants of this sphere. Matthew, of the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, and first in order of the Evangelists, Art thou a blessed spirit, inhabiting the external sphere of the earth, or Paradise, and art thou able and willing to commune with a child of clay, dwelling on the earth? If so, be pleased to give to the pendulum a circular movement towards the left. The psychomet of this writing was sent to the apostle Matthew, and after a brief interval, a pendulum was held over a prepared basis. It directly acquired a circular movement towards the left. Wilt thou be pleased to give a similar movement, for an affirmative, the contrary movement for a negative, and an oscillating movement, to the right and left, to signify that it is your pleasure that a question should be withdrawn. Answer: Yes. Has Jesus Christ come in the flesh? Answer: Yes. To explain the reason for proposing this question, I will cite the three first verses of the fourth chapter of I. John. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of anti-christ, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Wilt thou commune with me on future occasions, God willing? Answer: Yes. Farewell. This seemed a favourable commencement of an intelligent intercourse with an inhabitant of one of the celestial spheres. On another occasion the following questions were proposed, and answers received. Matthew, of the Apostles and Evangelists, and dwelling in Paradise, wilt thou again hold converse with an inhabitant of the earth? Ans.: Yes. Am I permitted to inquire respecting the conditions of life, and the circumstances, of the separate spirits? Aus.: Yes. Does the separate spirit consist of the mind, soul and spirit which he had, when united to a mortal body on the earth? Ans.: Yes. Is your individuality preserved, so that you are known to one another? Ans.: Yes. Are spirits, as they are called in terrestrial language, of a material subsistence? Ans.: Yes. Does Paradise present a surface, diversified with hill, and dale, and stream; and adorned with trees, and living green, and plants, and flowers, like the earth, but incomparably more beautiful? Ans.: Yes. Does an earthly view, seen in sun-light, through the sides of a prism, give a faint idea of the glories of the celestial scenery? Is the distance of the external sphere from the earth, more than three thousand, and less than four thousand Jewish miles? Ans. Yes. Does the external sphere extend over eighty-five degrees of north latitude, and eighty-three of south? Are the inhabitants of Paradise much interested in all that relates to the spiritual concerns of men? Ans.: Yes. Can you behold the inhabitants of the earth when you choose? Ans.: Yes. Is each one surrounded by a spiritual sphere, some light, some dark? Ans.: Yes. |