domain over which they hold imperial sway. The same laws which govern an individual, also rule a community; for a man is a man only to such extent as he prophecies and represents something higher and better than the present status. The observance" of law, by persons and en masse, may be voluntary or habitual, or not. This being understood, it is no marvel that the things resident in the general mind should be objectified therearound as in the case of a single person, nor that in the former, as in the latter case, the things thought of should be present, as well as those which are purely symbolic and representative of the general state, the general love, the general affections and aspirations of the general mind.
As this and similar light flowed into my soul, that soul involuntarily thanked the Giver for such amazing exhibitions of his loving kindness and careful providence. I could now understand many things that were before quite mysterious, and, amongst others, why Nellie and Mine had at first shown themselves to me under the guise of Youth and Age. It was to all the quicker win my esteem and confidence, each of which are prime elements both of friendship and love. Previous to my change, I had often tried to analyze this last-named sentiment or passion (as you will), as it exists amongst the people of the world. The result of that analysis was, 'Love is a mixed passion; its orbit is elliptical—friendship is at one of the foci, and lust at the other.' Now, however, as my enraptured vision swept the plains of immortality, I found that in the Soul-world it was something more[1]but that its essential earthly character
- ↑ In the succeeding volume, the reader will be carried into a new
