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explains human weakness – the torment of the inferior soul, a prey to passions – and it shows it the means of
elevating itself to the fullness of knowledge. It offers the world a remedy against sorrow.
In the explanation which it gives, and the consolations it extends to the unfortunate, are found the most
evident and touching proofs of its truthful character and unshaken solidity. Better than all other philosophies
and religions, it reveals to us the great role of suffering and teaches us to accept it. In making of it an educative
and reparative process, it shows us how divine love and justice enter into our trials and sorrows. In place of the
despair which negative doctrines give us, in place of lost reprobates, it shows us in the unfortunate an
apprentice and neophyte whom sorrow will initiate – a candidate for perfection and happiness.
In giving life an infinite goal, modern Spiritualism offers us a reason for living and suffering which
makes life an object worthy of the soul and of God. In the apparent disaster and confusion of things, it shows
us order which slowly outlines the future; and above all, it reveals to us an immense and divine harmony. And
behold the consequences of this teaching! Sorrow loses its frightful character, an is no longer an enemy – a
formidable monster; it is an aid – an auxiliary, and its role is providential. It purifies the soul in its flame, and
it re-clothes it with unbelievable beauty. Man, at first astonished – alarmed at its aspect, learns to know,
appreciate, and familiarize himself with sorrow, and ends with almost loving it! Certain heroic souls, in place
of fleeing from it, go forward and plunge themselves freely in its regenerating waves. Sorrow is but a
corrective for our errors, a stimulant on our march. So the sovereign laws show forth, just and good. They
afflict no one with useless or unmerited pain. The study of the moral universe fills us with admiration for the
power which, by means of sorrow, transforms little by little the forces of evil into good, and brings forth virtue
from vice, and love from selfishness. Then, assured of the result of his efforts, man accepts with courage his
inevitable trials. Age may come –life roll under the rapid wheel of the years, but his faith enables him to pass
through the troubled periods and the sad hours of existence. In the measure that it declines and is shadowed by
evening mists, the great light from Beyond grows clearer, and the sentiment of justice, goodness, and love
which presides over the destinies of all beings, becomes for him a mighty force in hours of lassitude, and
renders easier the preparation for departure.
* * *
For the materialist, and even for many believers in immortality, the death of beloved beings opens
between them and us an abyss which nothing fills: an abyss of darkness, lighted by no rays – by no hope.
Many are so crushed with despair, they do not even pray for their dead. Others are filled with dread of the
Judgment Day, which may separate them forever from their loved ones.
But the new doctrine brings a certitude which nothing can shake. Death, like sorrow, has no terrors for
them, for every tomb is a door of deliverance, an issue opening toward free space. Every friend who
disappears goes to prepare a future dwelling – to mark out a route for us to follow later. Separation is only an
appearance: we know that these souls have not left us forever. An intimate communion can be established
between them and us. If their absolute manifestations encounter obstacles, we can correspond by thought: you
know the telepathic law. It is not by cries and tears, not even by the call of love, that the messages go and
come: the admirable solidarity of the souls for whom we pray, and who pray for us, the exchange of vibrating
thoughts, and regenerating appeals which traverse space, penetrating agonized hearts with radiations of hope –
these never miss their aim. You think you suffer alone; but no! Near to you, about you, there are beings who
vibrate with your sorrow, and participate in your grief. Do not make it too intense – spare them useless
suffering. To human grief and pain God has given for company celestial sympathy. This sympathy often
comes in the form of a beloved being, who in the days of trial descends, full of solicitude, and gathering all our
sorrows, makes them into a crown of light in space.
How many lovers, husbands, parents, separated by death, yet live with their dear ones in close
intimacy? In the hour of affliction the spirits of a father, a mother, or other dear souls in space, lean down and
caress us in affliction. They envelop our hearts with tender radiations of love. How can we let ourselves fall in
despair in the presence of such witnesses, knowing that they read our thoughts – see our cares, and that they
are waiting to receive us in the doorway of immensity.
Quitting the earth, we will find them, and with them a vast number of spirits we have forgotten: a
crowd of those who shared our past lives and composed our spiritual family. All our companions of the great
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