Each human being is an individual, separate and apart from all
others, and as experiences in the life of each differ from those of all others in the
interval from the cradle to the grave, so we may also reasonably infer that the experiences
of each spirit vary from those of every other spirit when it passes through the gates of
birth and death. We print what purports to be a spirit messagecommunicated by the late Professor James of
Harvard at the Boston spirit temple, and in which he describes sensations which he
felt[pg 149]when passing through the gate of death. We do not vouch for its
authenticity as we have not investigated the matter personally.
Professor James had promised to communicate after death with his
friends in this life, and the whole world of psychic research was and still is on watch for
a word from him. Several mediums have claimed that Professor James has communicated through
them, but the most remarkable are those given through the Boston spirit temple as
follows:
“And this is death, only to fall
asleep, only to awaken in the morning and to know that all is well. I am not dead, only
arisen.
“I only know that I experienced a
great shock through my entire system, as if some mighty bond had been rent asunder. For
a moment I was dazed and lost consciousness. When I awakened I found myself standing
beside the old body which had served me faithfully and well. To say that I was surprised
would only inadequately express the sensation that thrilled my very being, and I
realized that some wonderful change had taken place. Suddenly I became conscious that my
body was surrounded by many of my friends, and an uncontrollable desire took possession
of me to speak and touch them that they might know that I still lived. Drawing a little
nearer to that which was so like[pg 150]and yet unlike myself, I
stretched forth my hand and touched them, but they heeded me not.”
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