The philosophy of spiritual intercourse : being an explanation of modern mysteries / By Andrew Jackson Davis.

  • Davis, Andrew Jackson, 1826-1910.
Date:
1851
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The philosophy of spiritual intercourse : being an explanation of modern mysteries / By Andrew Jackson Davis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    PREFACE. Particularly during the last fifteen months, the author has received letters from both ladies and gentlemen of education, respectability, and influence in this country ; all more or less concerning the causes of the wonderful phenomena recently unfolded by what are commonly termed mysterious noises. lie could not promptly respond to the numerous questions of these correspondents for two reasons: 1st. He has been engaged for several months in an interior investigation respecting the nature and mode of the Divine Existence ; and while absorbed in these researches, it is both painful and injurious to allow foreign subjects or trains of thought to break in upon that concentration of mind which is essential to his Superior Condition. 2d. Prior to the writing of this work, the author had not particularly and interi- orly investigated or surveyed the whole field occupied by these mysterious phe- nomena, sufficiently to pronounce an intelligent and reliable j udgment upon their merits or demerits. Neither had he examined the subject with any special refer- ence to its real or apparent connection with the teachings and developments of the Harmonial Philosophy. In order to properly answer all the letters and questions of his esteemed corres- pondents aright, the author has been impressed to turn aside from the great sub- ject of his investigations, which are designed for the second volume of The Great llarmonia, and write and prepare the ensuing pages for publication ; they con- tain the author's Interior Impressions concerning the philosophy of spiritual intercourse, in its limited and broadest sense. His impressions are particularly addressed to the reader's understanding. The exceeding happiness which the revelations of the harmonial philosophy have imparted to hundreds of minds in the United States, is a source of lasting satisfaction to those who labor for its dissemination and application to the interests and pursuits of every-day life. For the edification of those who do not compre- hend its nature, scope, teachings, and tendencies, it is here deemed proper to remark that it hath two objects in view—two ends to accomplish, to which all its scientific, theological, and religious teachings are particularly subservient, namely : 1st. The harmonization of the individual. To accomplish this, it presents an analysis of the human affections and faculties; it exhibits both the natural and inverted modes of their manifestation ; it discovers the various and diversified causes of evil and wrong in the world, and prescribes the infallible remedy; it harmonizes the elements of the human soul, to the end that men thus united within themselves, may conspire and form a united race. It supposes that man possesses in a finite degree, the attributes of the Infinite ; that all Development—Architec- ture—Commerce—Language—Science—Philosophy—Theology—Government— Authority—Art—Music—Poetry—&c, have their seat, germ, or beginning prin- ciple, in the human soul, and that the development of each one is in actual propor- tion to the soul's growth. This is equally true with reference to the race, as it is in respect to the individual. 2d. The harmonization of society ; to bring all affections, professions, inter- ests, and pursuits into unity, as the notes of a musical instrument. Unity, as the author is impressed to define it in the harmonial philosophy, comprehends every conception and idea of Elysium—Utopia—City of the Sun—New Atlantis— Dream of Perpetual Peace— Celestial City— New Jerusalem — Millennium— Home— Harmony— Happiness—and Heaven; for all the conceptions of which these various terms are expressive, have their origin in the immanent elements of the Soul, and are consequently homoeentrieal. The various sects and systems of faith existing, all evince the conception and impression