CHAPTER XIX. CONTENTEDNESS NOT GOODNESS.

 

 

We are marching on, we are marching on, To the fair lands bathed in light, Where wisdom rules in majesty,

And heaven is doing right

We ask no pledge that a crown of gems Upon our brows shall glow,

For the silver flowers of immortal bowers Within each heart will grow."

 

"HERE, where all is order and individuals aggregate according to their attractions, what would be the result were one from a lower plane introduced suddenly to a higher?" This question having disturbed the mind of Leon, he addressed to the Sage.

 

"If you are in doubt, it is easy for you to ascertain by trial. It will be a valuable lesson to your pupil as well as yourself," replied the master.

 

Acting at once on the suggestion, he went to the earth, and soon found a spirit such as he desired, standing by the side of his mortal body, gazing around in bewilderment. He had been a man satisfied with everything, because too negative to offer opposition. He revered the doctrines of the church because he had been educated therein; he believed because he did not think. He loved his fellowmen because he did not hate them. It was indeed doubtful where such a passive organization would gravitate.

 

Leon took his hand and asked him if he knew of the transition. "Yes; I am dead," he replied; "but where am I?"

 

"In heaven, or, rather, the world of spirits. Look yonder, through the blue expanse, and the zone you see is the Spirit-world. Your mind is so peaceful and composed, you seem prepared for its enjoyment"

 

"I trust I am, for I have lived fourscore years on earth and have never had any difficulty with my neighbors or a dispute of any kind. My relations are harmonious with all men. I can safely say no one can bring a charge against me before the throne of God. I have done right, as far as possible, and have gone truthfully according to my knowledge of God's Holy Book."

 

"Well, then, be it for you, and you should receive your reward. Come with me and enjoy the fruits of your good deeds."

 

He conducted him suddenly into the midst of the highest society possible for him to enter. It was composed of philosophers and naturalists—active students who sought to wrench the mysteries of creation from the innermost shrine of creative power. The light overpowered his senses. There was nothing in common with him and them. He could not comprehend their actions; but in the brilliancy of colors which flashed around him the forms he saw seemed a council of the gods met in consultation over the destiny of worlds, and he was completely bewildered and confounded. He intuitively understood that there was no enjoyment for him there, and happening to cast his eyes upon his garments, in the brilliancy around they were as black as night. This overpowered him; his passive mind was excited to action, and in agony be exclaimed:—

 

"O take me away! take me away! I shall perish in the intensity of this light. Take me where I am equal, at least, to those who surround me!"

 

"Come with me, then," said Leon, taking the hand of his companion; "you here behold what you and every other spirit are capable of becoming."

 

They approached a society of the same grade as the aged man. They were not of that shining purity of Leon nor as dark as those described in previous chapters. Here was a mean where passive goodness resided. They possessed not the energetic qualities which cause crime and were consequently good, not because of noble virtue, but because they had no inclination to evil. They crowded around them, knowing that a new member was to be added to their number, and thankful that so developed a mind as Leon's should visit, them. Leon, when about to depart, spoke as follows:—

 

"Your goodness has been of a passive character. So far, you never have had any difficulty with any one. You have always agreed with the world. So the Quakers strove to live. But I say to you, that this is not the goodness that elevates man in the spheres. It is no virtue for a person devoid of passions to be virtuous, nor for a person devoid of animalities to be good, for we cannot measure the goodness of the man until we know how well he governs his baser faculties, if he possesses them. The morality having nothing to combat, becomes dormant contentment, or rather lethargy, is not the law of nature. Everything is striving and aspiring to attain a higher state. The infant looks forward to youth, youth to mankind, old age to the Spirit-world. He who sits down content amid the scenes of strife will speedily find himself on the retrograde. You should not be satisfied with your present lot, but strive to elevate your minds, that some time in the ages of the future you can comprehend the condition of those whose presence has now so blinded and confused you. Strive with holy aspirations to ascend upward forever, to the comprehension of causes. The shaded garments you wear to-day will grow brighter to-morrow."