Beyond the Diakka Reservation—where congregate the bright-witted, the striving, the sceptical, the darkness-loving, the sunset-haunted—beyond the colour line where its sombre luxuriance ceases and the reign of light begins, there is a vast continent of what may be called Religiousness. We stand almost beneath the path in
which our sun rolls towards the Pleiades. Far away fields of mossy green and gold; mansion-like chapels, immense cathedrals, decorated with shadowy vines; bright, billowy trees, white paths between; solemn music filling the soul with unutterable sacredness; processions of thoughtful men and women, of singing and worshipping children; long lines of people who were once halt and sick, maimed and blind, deaf and dumb—all impress you as beings of a new world created in the heavens for those who are wholly devoted to the love and worship of God.
The chapels and temples are dwelling-places of grave and dignified popes, cardinals, bishops, priests, founders of secret orders and saints from every kingdom and principality that ever existed since the foundation of human history. Here you behold the immemorial awe and holiness of what is called very ancient in religion. Sacred clouds of past ages hang over the gates of each half-hidden sanctuary. The slumbers of ten thousand centuries seem packed away in these structures. There is an oppressive pleasure in contemplating such solemn antiquities. The effect is instructive and ennobling. The feeling suggested is one of annihilation in God, delightful loss of personal existence in the Ocean-Spirit of the Infinite, or again it is of the many mansions in the Supernal Home. These great societies of religiousness exert very wonderful influences over the human family, whether on earth, in the nearest approachable planets, or in the Summer Land. They send forth upon the golden and purple seas of human life a fulness of religious warning and aspiration, an influence that moves millions—as if it were a breath from the very mouth of God. Their great empire stretches from North-East to South- West, pervading a country almost as large as the entire dry land of earth, and their history is coeval with that of the human race. Their mission is for the unification of mankind in "one faith and one baptism," while the
progress which they make from age to age attests their earnestness and success.
They believed while on earth and believe still that whatsoever they did not then or do not now possess is beyond knowledge and attainment. In its true form and greatest abundance theirs is the spirit of love, beauty, wisdom, worship: of such is their view. What better can they do as ambassadors of everlasting truth than reach out hands full of salvation to mankind? There is, however, another great section scattered over a country as large as Asia. Herein are representatives of every imaginable sect. Plains and valleys, groves and fountains, rivers of living water exceed all expression in holy beauty. The sects are fraternising over a common purpose—the great work of saving mankind from endless desolation and of promoting the desirable state of universal purification through grace and the second birth. Doubtless a perception of this impressed Swedenborg to affirm that, in all the heavens, the "word " was read according to its spiritual sense and in the ancient language of correspondences. In this region there is profound veneration for "Bible truth." That which they understand as religion is the chief concern of immortals who, not being enlightened upon great interior principles, but finding that they have time still to "make their election sure," are incessantly at work upon each other and as missionaries to all accessible earths in their universe.
Beholding all this splendour in the House of Many Mansions and realising how intellectually contracted, yet spiritually honest and faithful, sectarians naturally are, even after death, you will acquire a foretaste of fields open for usefulness to the lover of mental freedom and eternal truth. But if you think that a time will ever come when every mind shall comprehend simultaneously the whole truth and be all as one, then you have little knowledge of human nature, the inflexible laws of pro-
gression and that harmonious system of government which flows from the Father God and Mother Nature.
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Brighter than brightest crystals is the scene embracing the Seven Lakes of Cylosimar. Beautiful emanations surround some, while others seem to inhale the fragrance and to absorb very light of heaven. I would remain here and contemplate for ever, for here I could adore and worship. Hither, amid the glories and superabounding goodness of Divinity, I would attract all whom I love tenderly. Looking eastward is a hill-belted country, where dwell after death the inhabitants of planets like Venus, Mercury and several satellites. The people are steeped in sunbeams. Over the sparkling fields and upon the sky they look dreamily. An indescribable beauty, a delightful fragrance fills the atmosphere; but the population is materialistic, heavy-minded and half developed: they are insensible to all this loveliness. Here also come many from all countries of earth, especially from Africa and the South Sea Islands.1 They float along like inanimate bodies, carried helplessly by the sovereign law of that attraction which determines destination. But the Paternal Divinity never forsakes such dependent children. In every sequestered nook a man or woman—embodying a matchless union of parent, friend and guardian—stands with outstretched hands, ready to receive all guests and begin the unfolding works upon the new-comers. Hither come half-developed children—born imbecile, deaf mutes and so forth—little chaotic minds, embryonic hearts. They float into the hospitalia of this heavenly world.
Surpassingly delightful is the scene to the southward—a great harmonious temple of wisdom, the empire of celestial love and supreme mental illumination.1 Into
the sacred circles of its most noble brotherhood come the wisdom and love of higher and more interior spiritual universes. Seekers for true wisdom find here a perfect repose of soul. By the divine impulse of attraction are drawn into a single group such minds as Humboldt, Herschel, Columbus, Galileo, Newton, Franklin. This empire of wise souls renders glorious the very sky above it. Angel ambassadors, empowered by this society, speed to earth for the overthrow of hypocrisy and fraud, and to awaken a consciousness of those punishments which follow "deeds done in the body." Under the administrative jurisdiction of this brotherhood, even the meddle-some Diakka are constrained to perform many beneficial missions among the needy of mankind. The country devoted to the brotherhood covers as much space as France and Italy, but its glories cannot be portrayed in words. Nezzar is the great river flowing nearly East and West. On its northern borders dwell the most gifted men and women known in human history, while on the southern congregate all those interaffiliated inhabitants who were once born upon Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. There is also a glorious stream of living water called Lustrade, having four beautiful tributaries: Gedor, meaning a mountain city; Palestro, or a country of the East; Esus, signifying the goddess; Al-namon, which is unrestricted communion. From this wise brotherhood the earth's inhabitants have received benefits and blessings since their earliest beginnings.
Much further East is the mountain-encircled valley called Ara-Elm-Haroun. Haroun is the original of Aaron, and the word with its prefixes signifies Valley of the Stranger. Here come angels of tenderness for ministration to constantly arriving suicides and also to many who have been insane. Tranquillity broods over the Vale of Haroun. The mountains yield only music, floods of pure light, love and happiness. A rich summer gladness thrills through all the landscape; but the suicides would hide themselves and the insane do not rest in the beautiful land beyond the tomb. Only the full-grown human life is happy after death. The others hasten back to earth because their work was not finished, their life had not known the fulness of that terrestrial experience which lay in their natural path.
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Supercelestial associations—which shine like spiritual suns in the firmament—are modelled, for the most part, upon the plan and principles of the perfect human body—not alone on the form but its internal vital organs, with all their ties of connection, circulations and essential processes. Heart and brain have their true stations; "all are members of one body." Here we behold what gave Swedenborg his impression that the entire universe was one "grand man." The Divine Image is a likeness of the perfect human form, for this is the final form into which matter and spirit blossom. When this climax is attained there begins the operation of progressive law in essences, properties, powers, forces, attributes and combinations. Through all degrees of individual and communal life, onward and inward, with endless ebbings and flowings, from outer to inmost sphere, and back again from the inmost through another reconstruction of the universe, for ever and ever the law prevails. In these supercelestial societies, which are in exact and typical correspondence with the population and geographical
appearance of higher and more interior spheres, I observe yet other principles of organisation, association and government. In lesser communities are organisations based upon the shape and functions of a five-foliate leaf, while the law of crystallisation is manifested in yet others. Elsewhere are systems of social life and education founded upon the principles of flowing water, beginning with the fountain and ending with the ocean which washes protecting shores, thence passing through rhythmically graded groups until a climax is reached in liberty—that crowning reward of the children of our Heavenly Parents. The principles and structure of the stellar universe are adopted by numbers of other associations as the truest plan of systematising and harmoniously uniting human interests. Some associations are composed of highest natures, which have "the law written upon their hearts," requiring no ordinances, nor so much as a thought concerning their common interests or methods and ends of life.
The principle of use is the universal principle which prevails in the Summer Land. There is consequently the plainest evidence of design everywhere, a primal love in all affections, an intelligent thought and purpose in every organisation and movement. This principle distinguishes our Heavenly Home from human experience on earth. Happiness and prosperity are secured to each member of society, on payment of the inflexible price, from which no true angel appeals—that he or she contribute faithful service to the prosperity and happiness of others. When may we look for the advent of such a kingdom of heaven on earth? It is the reign of universal justice through universal love. Let this thought, desire, aspiration alone fill the mind when reciting the Lord's Prayer. Otherwise the prayer is vain and the lip- service returns to those who utter it like "sounding brass."
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The flashing rivers of light flow out of the darkness of distance with pulses of undying music, among the flower-covered lands in our Heavenly Home.1 Through the boundless dome move suns rolling for ever, and move revolving planets. Dazzling comets sweep by, enveloped in splendour, like flaming angels of God. There is fragrance of innumerable flowers. Subdued by shadows of overhanging trees, a crystal light spreads from the bosom of rivers. The landscape is broad and grand on every side. There are mountains filled with splendour, homes of many Brotherhoods. Beautiful birds—bright representations of affections—pour music through the summer air, making sweet-breathed roses tremulous, sending musical throbbings through fragrant hearts of lilies. Mountains and streams glow with warmth of overflowing love, and laughing rivers shine with Divine Wisdom. Amidst fruit-laden trees and heavenly groves are dwellings for children of God. There is a vast congregation of persons—artistic, literary, scientific—bound together by deep and grateful recollections. Mental freedom, moral culture, free discussion characterise this august organisation. There is an inner group among them who report tidings received from a more interior universe. A beautiful and accomplished goddess is the presiding divinity.
Centuries ago most of them lived on earth—in Greece, Rome, Germany, England, Scotland, France, Italy. It is a very ancient association, yet how youthful the wisest appear. But there are also recent arrivals—clergymen, editors, artists, writers, lawyers, statesmen—who, strangely, seem older than those who lived in the days of Pythagoras. They are still of the earth, earthy, and some display inferiority by manifesting importance in the presence of superiors. Most of them take outside rank in this celestial university. The heavenly host aid
all visitors, all who have come newly, and with equal grace help mankind universally.
Children play among the blooming groves in the rosy background. Their tender imaginations are nurtured in this natural home of poets. There are associations of mothers watching over and waiting for their unascended children. These lean their faces with touching affection against the laughing little beauties and seem to listen for remembered tones. The rich significance of woman's soul is poured like elemental wine into every child's bosom. There is above all an angel mother whose very presence is benediction, whose face is radiant with divine illumination. Mother of the gods, I behold your holy families along the slopes of the musical mountains. Where you are there are no lost little ones, no orphans, none who are homeless.
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Self-luminous, independent of stellar and solar light is the Summer Land.1 Its streams, rivers, fountains glitter with their own immortal radiance. Its mountains and undulating landscapes are ever green, beautiful with diamond effulgence, more "delectable" than any pilgrim dreams, while the firmament glows with suns and planets, clusters within clusters, constellations within universes, far beyond mind's conception. High thoughts visit us from the heavenly Alps. A thousand stainless societies are visible in the Summer Land, whose inmost life is in rhythmical movement with the concerted harmonies of more celestial and supercelestial universes. The effulgence of these holy centres exceeds the brightness of a thousand suns. Streams of perfection spread from these living fountains. O perfect life. Let us measure our existence by the even step of this progressive army. Domestic enjoyments, based upon true conjugal unions and interwoven with fondest affection of
children and kindred, abide therein. Natures on earth uncompanioned, lonely hearts longing for unchangeable love, here find their own. Fields of splendour,1 many mansions in the Heavenly Home, celestial warmth, harmonious light and beauty, "beyond the clouds and beyond the tomb," when our time shall come, we shall glide forth upon the magnetic river, and—accompanied by faithful guardians—shall find our own place in the Temple of Father God and Mother Nature.
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When I had an opportunity, for the first time, to contemplate a celestial garden, it was unlike anything that I had seen in this world. It seemed to be a far- extending avenue of flowers and beautiful trees, with persons innumerable walking leisurely, lovingly, arm in arm, and thousands of beautiful children at play through the devious labyrinths. I heard the songs of birds which resemble those of this planet, under the equator, but some excluded all rays except the yellow or in other cases the blue. They were so transparent that I could see their whole physical interior. There is nothing so expressive of pure, immense, heavenly love as the blue bird, while the yellow represents that mellower affection which comes from wisdom. The songs of these birds echoed from a place where minds meet occasionally for deliberations, as in a Brotherhood. There were numberless varieties of flowers differing from those on earth, saving one which resembled the violet. There were also curious vines growing over lofty trees and bearing countless throbbing flowers in place of leaves. Each corolla pulsated like a harp, and every flower seemed conscious that it was part of a divine life and plan.
There is an island which takes its name from the purposes to which it is devoted and is called Akropanamede. 1 There is a beautiful cluster of springs which they name the Porilla, and each of them gives off sweet musical sounds—full of unutterable significance. The harmonious notes blend with those of streamlets, and these lose themselves in a river flowing by the flowery paths of the Hospitalia. This name is given to one of the temples where persons who have suffered on earth from particular engrossing infatuations are taken to be cured. The teacher-physicians appointed on that island are called Apozea. There are many on the Isle of Akro- panamede. Rosalia is another island and a region of great splendour, where persons dwell who have never lived on earth. Some are of Mercury and Venus. Batellos is near Rosalia and is so termed because certain educated Greeks sought its retirement soon after their arrival in the Spirit World, as a suitable place to celebrate the advent on earth of Plato's Doctrine of the Deity. Poleski is situated in another part and is frequently visited by former inhabitants of this earth who are still searching for ancient wisdom. It is in close relation with Alium, where certain ancients repaired for the foundation of a Brotherhood composed of persons born long prior to the origin of the Old Testament. Finally, there is Lonalia, an island inhabited by young people who died as orphans on earth. Here they are introduced to those who are their parents in spirit but of whom they were not necessarily born physiologically here below.
There is a temple of affectionate thought and practical wisdom called Concilium, and there the voices of women are heard frequently. They meet to acquire information on what it is best to accomplish upon the Earth, Mars, Jupiter or Saturn, the planetary populations of which all need to be visited frequently. In this beautiful temple are gathered the wisdom, intuition, hope, love, poetry and music of multitudes among the sweetest, truest, most earnest women that have lived here below. Elsewhere I have seen a vast congregation of those who were distinguished for their philanthropy in this life. Some of them have charge of soldiers who perish on the field of battle. These are introduced by degrees to a new and different life. Persons of both sexes who are engaged in labours like this are distinguished by particular vestures, with which no silken gauze or gossamer fabric can bear comparison.
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The feasting sometimes visible in the Summer Land is a great joy to behold.1 That great Spiritual Reformer, our Brother, said: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these." The beautiful truth contained in this passage was exemplified in my first vision of a great feast in the world of spirit. What is called manna in the Old Testament is there a literal manifestation, dropping like snow from the bosom of the heavenly realm and becoming like the purest honey
distilled from the depths of the upper air. The beautiful substances made from this manna are in all possible forms, each possessing a flavour and odour of its own. Out of the one substance all forms and varieties of food are made—an art in chemistry which men will discover in this world one of these golden days. When we get where aerial emanations are granted for food and know how to gather up the spiritual particles that float in the invisible ether, then we shall live the life of the lilies.