Chapter VI: Part 6

We feel fully assured that our hypothesis as to the location of Heaven--as also that of Hell--is well founded and fully sustained by God's own revelations, both as recorded in the Bible, and as seen in visible nature. As to the "Spirit of God as fire," we have presented such evidence as Divine revelations have furnished us, and only added to these such as _reason_, as the perceptive faculties of all, do or may comprehend, and we do not see wherein the _Christian World_ can found any objections to our conclusions.

That there might be culled from the Bible a few passages which may seem not to reflect our views is natural, when we consider how it is interspersed with the views and versions of various historical writers in the chronicling of events. But we believe Divine revelations furnish sufficient _positive evidence_ to sustain us; such evidence as the _reason_ of every enlightened and reflecting mind will comprehend and approve. We believe this knowledge should--nay, doubtless, _will_--have a salutary and beneficial effect upon the minds and hearts of all. We now leave all as a _personal matter with you_. That you _will have a future_ you cannot doubt. We therefore beseech you to remember "that God will not be mocked" with impunity; neither can he be deceived.

"_For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting._"

Hear the Preacher of God (Eccl. xii. 13, 14):

"_Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil._"

* * * * *

APPEAL

TO

CHRISTIAN MINISTERS.

It might reasonably be expected that as we have advanced a new hypothesis as to the location of _Heaven_, and also of _Hell_, that we should also give our views as to what we deem the correct faith and principles of the _true Christian Religion_. You will see in our "_Preface_" that we have not designed to make our book sectarian in behalf of any one of the different Protestant organizations. And, not being a minister of the Gospel, we leave the great and important work of thus directing the mind to those whose rightful mission it is to instruct. True, our views upon this subject are foreshadowed in these pages, but we believe the time has now come when there should be a _general review_ by all leading Divines. That they should take under consideration all new lights afforded by the sciences--especially the science of Astronomy--and bring these to bear with philosophical reason upon Divine Revelations and Bible truths; and thereby comprehend more fully the nature of God, and his requirements of man in order to salvation. We think that by such action on their part, that most, even if not all of the minor sectarian differences of opinion can be removed, and that all can unite as one great Family of the Church of God on Earth; and that mysteries which have hitherto shrouded the minds of the masses--as to the necessary faith and practice in a true religion--may thereby be removed, and all the world of mankind be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, and "know the Lord, whom to know aright is Eternal Life."

We know that, at first thought, this may seem to be a great undertaking; and, however desirable, some may entertain doubts as to its accomplishment, and therefore hesitate to move in the matter; yet we believe that it can, and, sooner or later, will be accomplished, and that the final results will prove worthy the life efforts of every Christian minister on this Earth.

Neither ministers, their flocks, nor the entire human family now on the Earth, have long to live, nor time to delay in this great matter. One decade of _ten_ short years, and about _one third of all now living_ will have passed away, while _thirty years_ will close the drama of life with _one thousand millions_, or most of the present inhabitants of this globe, and all must find their future state of existence. Many of us can look back over thirty years past, and realize that the time has been _short_. So, also, will be the few remaining years allotted to any of us. Therefore, it becomes all to heed well the warning voice of Him who hath said:

"_Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest._"

All the different church organizations _cannot be right_ in their present faith and practice, however lenient they may profess to be toward each other, or even _hope_ that such is the case. This were impossible. God has designed to establish _one true universal Church_ on this Earth, and HE WILL DO IT, though it should sweep away every such organization now in existence, and even obliterate their every land-mark. We do not say that there is not now in each, more or less, of the germ of _truth_, nor that from these scattered fragments may not yet be gathered that which shall constitute the body and life of the whole. There may be a struggle first with the powers of darkness, yet this GREAT CHURCH WILL BE ESTABLISHED AND PREVAIL.

The lights of true science, which are revealing more fully God's own revelations, we believe, will _force_ a change to a more _universal system of religion_. The mind will comprehend more of the Great Jehovah, and of His will and plan of salvation. Therefore, we believe it to be the duty of all Christian ministers to move in this matter. They should investigate and comprehend all the new lights afforded them, and thereby be enabled to make plain the revelations of God; remove all mystery; establish His Eternal Truth, and teach all minds and hearts to "look up through Nature to Nature's God."

This will not be the work of only a day, or a week, nor yet of any one individual; but the work of _time_, with the _united efforts_ of leading minds of the age, and we hope that its commencement will not long be delayed.

It must be acknowledged that the _plans_ of salvation, as now taught by the many different Protestant Church organizations, are all, more or less, mystery to the outside world. Hence, _Infidelity_ has in this highly colored reasons--at least to sustain their assertions against the _truth_ of the _Christian religion_, and so also have the JEWS. This fact no one can reasonably deny. The mind of man--his thinking, _reasoning_ faculty--must be convinced by evidence before he can be brought to believe, and in this great and important matter he _must believe_ before he will act.

The _Mind_ must be left free and _untrammelled_, and governed only by _enlightened reason_. This should be the course pursued by all teaching ministers. LIGHT, LIBERTY, and ETERNAL LIFE should be the watchwords of those who stand upon the "Walls of Zion!" The mind must be taught to _love_ God in all His Immaculate perfections, and to serve Him through that love which "_casteth out all fear_." St. Paul says, "_God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of_ LOVE _and of a sound mind._" John tells us, "_There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out all fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love._" And yet in PERFECT LOVE, we shall _always_ have the "fear of God before our eyes;" we shall ever fear to offend Him, and thereby fulfil every commandment given us _to_ fear Him. But "HE THAT DWELLETH IN GOD, DWELLETH IN LOVE."

We believe that if the Christian ministry throughout would properly present the claims of God to the _love_ of the human heart, there would soon be a turning of the masses to Him, such as has never been witnessed since the beginning of the world.

That by the teachings of so many different creeds, their widely different faith and doctrines, the mind of man in general has become bewildered; and that mystery, deep, dark, almost impenetrable, hangs--more or less--over all, we cannot deny. See the numerous different Church organizations, founded and presided over by men of intellect and learning; each claiming to be established by _Scriptural authority!_ and yet in their faith and teachings, all conflicting, more or less, with each other. We cannot doubt the honesty and sincerity of these ministers, nor of their church members; yet may not many of them be "blind leaders of the blind?" To each of these, all other organizations, faith, and doctrine seem a mystery; and if a mystery to those who are striving after light and truth in the way of life and salvation, is it not far more of mystery to those outside, who have not been educated into any system of religious belief? The truth is, _enlightened reason_ condemns this exhibition as the "Church of God," for it has become "a stumbling block" in the road to truth and the way of salvation. When we go to the founders and leaders of these different organizations, and ask, why all these conflicting elements? the majority of them will answer, remember that Christ hath said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches," and add a garbled quotation from the writings of St. Paul, "_Great is the mystery of godliness_."

Now there is but one _true vine_, and all its branches will bring forth the same "good fruits of righteousness" by which all shall be known. And as to _mystery_, let us see what the great apostle of the Gentiles did say.

"_And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the_ _Spirit, seen of angels; preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory._"

There we have all of it, and, taken together, it explains itself to every intelligent mind, and thus, properly comprehended, removes _all mystery_, and implies the necessary faith and plan of salvation.

FORESHADOWINGS.

The "signs of the times" are pregnant with coming and wonderful events. The rapid progress of mind, the developments through the sciences--which are now throwing flood-lights upon Divine revelations, and giving to the enlightened world a more comprehensive knowledge of the Great Jehovah, and of His wonderful works--are all potent with argument of the necessity that the effort for a UNITED CHURCH should speedily be made. A partial comprehension of these wonderful developments, without further aids, may tend to throw doubt and suspicion upon the minds of many, as to whether or not any of the Christian organizations have comprehended the true plan of salvation. Whilst a divided church, a divided ministry, and their opposite teachings can but tend to strengthen such doubts, bewilder the mind, and lead to _Infidelity_.

Now it rests with leading spirits and teachers of _every_ Christian denomination--whether _Protestant_ or _Catholic_--to say whether this advance shall be made in behalf of _true religion_: the Church of God, and the salvation of souls, or in the interest of Satan, the opposing enemy; whether this advance shall be true _Christianity_, or _Infidelity_; whether the upbuilding of the Kingdom of Christ, and hastening the time when He shall reign in the hearts of all; or, by indifference and default, permitting the upbuilding of _Babylon_, and the reseating of the "SCARLET WOMAN," _and_ thus tenfold intensifying the great and _final struggle_.

There is a _true philosophy_ in religion, and by instructing the mind to comprehend this, the final happy results will ensue.

We often hear ministers praying for the time to come "when the world shall be converted to God; when all shall know Him from the least unto the greatest." They claim the promise that such a time _will come_, and yet can but see that wickedness is gaining ground, and that within their church organizations they do not number _one third of the population_--even in what are denominated Christian countries, nor do they keep pace with the increase of population, and yet they seem contented with their "little flocks."

Ye ministers of the "LIVING GOD," if ye have come to "Mount Zion" by faith and prayer, and "holy living," we call upon you to unite your efforts in the spirit of _brotherly love_ and CHRISTIAN UNITY, and show to a "perishing world" that you are in _earnest_ in your Master's cause, and that you desire the salvation of the _whole human family_, else He may say to you, "_I will come quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place._"

* * * * *

In regard to the theory we have advanced as to the location of Heaven, we leave you, and all, to examine the revelations of God through the lights of science; Nature around you, and with _reason_ bearing upon the fact that God, the Great Jehovah, the Creator of all, though a _Spirit_, is not a _myth_; and that reality, law, order, and system universally prevail throughout all His works, and with these He governs His Universe.

God's own revelations, the lights afforded through the sciences, Nature around us, true philosophy and reason, all confirm our hypothesis. Cut loose now from this, and we can anchor nowhere, save in a blind incomprehensible faith, ever floating and drifting as in a _sea of ether_, and surrounded by impenetrable _mystery_ and _gloom_.

All hold and teach that the spirit, when it leaves the body, flies away from _mortality_ and Earth, and goes to the place prepared for it by its Creator. The celerity with which spirit moves we do not now know, but the reality and law of its flight does exist, and this by God's own arrangement and established agency in Nature. That such agency is continually with us, and ready at all times for the use of disembodied spirit, we cannot doubt--nay, possibly its principle or element is _in_ and _of_ us, from the first moment of our existence, through all subsequent time, and will continue to all eternity to come.

The _blood_ is the life of man, its element or stimulæ of life is _electricity_, let this but escape from the blood, and with it the soul or spirit has fled, and the body is left to moulder back to dust. We find electricity to be a principle of _immateriality_; an element of _fire_, which pervades all things, in a greater or less degree, not only solids and fluids, but also atmosphere or air.

Now let us consider this element which God has permitted man to comprehend as existing in nature, and yet veils it from our sight, and, although he permits us to use it for beneficial purposes, yet we can never see or comprehend more than its _effects_, for, in itself, it is _ethereal_ and no mortal eye can behold it. Man has not only been permitted to comprehend that the principle of electricity does exist in Nature, but also to measure, by time, its rapid flight. Thus, with proper appliances, this Earth can be belted with it in about _one tenth_ part of a second of time. It would seem to almost annihilate time, and space, as its flight is nearly 300,000 miles a second--being more than one third swifter than _light_.

In preceding pages, we have dwelt upon the distance of our Earth from the Sun, and also distances to various planets, and to some of the fixed stars, and _nebulæ_, far away in sidereal regions. We have given you the conclusions of the most scientific Astronomers throughout the world. Their measurement of distances by light have been shown to approximate correctness, and the truth of their deductions we cannot doubt. They have explored regions so far remote, that it is rendered certain that it has required _light several hundred thousand years_ from the time it left its native Sun, to reach our Earth, and that these rays travelling from thence, are now successively arriving and beaming upon the eye when it is placed to the telescope. Indeed, from one cluster of suns, or nebulæ, beyond the "milky way," it is computed that the light derived from thence has been 700,000 years in transit, although travelling at the rate of 192,000 miles a second.

Now all these facts are astounding, and must impress every reflecting mind with force. All can see that Astronomers, by the aid of that wonderful gift of God to man--the telescope--have looked abroad, and have penetrated and surveyed with the eye space far remote in sidereal regions, to the extent of which it would require 300,000 years for _electricity_ to reach at a flight of 300,000 miles a second, and yet they have not discovered any thing greatly different from our own planetary system, nor any object or seeming phenomenon they could denominate _heaven_. Without a solution of these facts, is not the mind bewildered and _lost_ in the hazy contemplation? If heaven is still _far out beyond_, what period or measure of Eternity may it requite for the spirit, or soul to reach it after leaving the body? Knowing that there is stern reality, regulated law, order, and motion in all pertaining to Jehovah, His creations and government; even the _mind of faith_ staggers, and must founder in the contemplation of conceptions so mighty and so mysterious.

You have taught us to believe that heaven is a "fixed place," and has a "permanent locality," but while accepting this through faith, you have failed to give us a _permanent thought_. Therefore, notwithstanding all our hopes and desires, _mystery_ and _gloom, dark and impenetrable_, have shrouded the mind's eye of faith; leaving no light but an excited and restless _imagination_, and we call upon you to give _faith_ and _hope_ a _resting-place_ somewhere else than floating in _ethereal regions_, and wandering about with _blind chance through illimitable space_.

Our hypothesis locates heaven just where _we believe it is_, and _to it_ the spirit can ascend, on _angel-wings of electricity_, in a fraction of eternity equal to only _five minutes of time_. And, although discoveries through the lights of science directed our mind thither, and assisted its comprehension, yet we believe _Divine Revelations alone sustain our views_, and thus afford the mind a resting place where _faith_ and _hope_ can anchor, and be founded in reality, in _immutable and_ ETERNAL TRUTH. The laws of Nature, the controlling influence of that world, our perceptive faculties and _reason_, all proclaim that it must be so. Its protecting fires shield it from mortal sight, yet proclaim to us through ten thousand blessings showered upon our earth, _'tis there!_ 'TIS THERE!!

* * * * *

Are any ready to ask why the "_glory-light_" of that heavenly world, represented as "far above the brightness of the Sun" cannot be seen? Such inquiry must exhibit a lack of knowledge respecting the nature of God, the GREAT SPIRIT; as also of any proper conception of the immortal spirit of man. That light is _for spirit alone_, and cannot be seen by mortal eyes, and that which is darkness to us while our sight is veiled with mortality, so far as relates to that heavenly world and our future, becomes--after the death of the body--transcendent brilliancy, and the light of the "glory of God."

We have abundant evidence of this fact. Remember that when the Great Jehovah made His presence manifest on Mount Sinai, although the mountain burned with fire, yet--to mortal vision--all the surroundings were filled with "thick clouds and darkness." Yea, "clouds and darkness were made His pavilion," and, to mortal eyes, "_are the habitations of His throne_."

The light of the "_glory of God_" is for spirit alone, and _its_ radiance will make even the light of the _Sun_ darkness to the _spirit-eye_. It is possible that should He unveil Himself, and throw a flash of His _glory-light_ upon this world, it would in an instant of time destroy the whole race of man, and every living thing, for He hath said, "_No one shall see me and live._"

We have on record evidences sustaining our views in regard to such effects, should the light and brightness of His face or glory be revealed. See the effects of the light of His glory, even in a veiled form, when the Son of God made himself manifest from heaven (that bright world we have been contemplating, wherein he is enthroned, and where all the righteous shall dwell) to Saul of Tarsus; although He did not unveil himself, yet "_a light above the brightness of the Sun at mid-day shone around, and Saul fell to the earth smitten with blindness_." Yes, this glory-light _is darkness_ to mortal eyes; and when beheld by spirit, the light of the _Sun_ may even be darkness. See again its effects upon St. John, the revelator, when, catching but a glimpse of the Son of man in the midst of the golden candlesticks, he "_fell at his feet as dead_." Ah, it is possible that all seeming _natural light_ to us, while in mortality, may become as _darkness_ to our spirit vision; and we are assured by the word of God, that none shall see the light of His glory save those who seek regeneration through LOVE and FAITH, for the wicked shall go into _outer darkness_, and dwell forever in death, while the righteous shall enter into and enjoy eternal life.

Our hypothesis is a pleasing one for the contemplation of every Christian, and yet cannot interfere in the least with the doctrines of any who believe there is a heaven. And he who believeth not in either God or heaven, has lost the intellectual dignity of man in proper conceptions, and knoweth not even now "what manner of man he is."

We have given something tangible upon which to fix the mind, and which will inspire hope; something of _reality_ that all may contemplate. Remember that we are not forbidden to investigate, nor yet form conclusions founded on reason; neither is it declared that we shall not _know_ the location of our future home.

From all that man can comprehend of nature, _reason_ teaches him to look for and find--if not in life, _after death_--his future home somewhere in connection with our own planetary system. This system is large and grand enough to justify all our aspirations, and satisfy all our hopes and desires. The extent, grandeur, and glory of the heaven we have contemplated, will fully satisfy the immortal mind of man, even as it does the "angels of God," and its King and Ruler, and we may all consider ourselves fortunate to get there.

* * * * *

We have written our book, and thrown out these suggestions with purest of motives. From the first conception of the idea of heaven being where, in mind, we locate it, we have felt impressed with the correctness of our views; so much so, that it impelled us to make the effort to give them to the world, believing that in doing so we should advance the true theory which would sustain Christianity, and cause it to spread and triumph over all opposition; give "to faith that _hope_ which is an anchor to the soul," and draw the hearts and minds of all to _love_ God, and yet in that love _fear_ to offend Him.

We have refrained from consulting the clergy or ministers of _any_ and every denomination in this matter, desiring simply to give our own views. We now ask of you all a prayerful and thorough examination by the evidences of Divine Revelations and all other lights afforded you; and if you discard our views as to the location of heaven, be _careful_ and _explicit_ in giving us _your hypothesis_ as to the one you are inviting us to, and _locate it_ where the _mind of reason_ can contemplate it, and where _hope_ may span the voyage _the soul must make_ to reach it after the death of the body.

APPEAL TO ALL:

WHETHER JEWS OR GENTILES, PROTESTANTS, CATHOLICS, INFIDELS, OR INDIFFERENT BELIEVERS.

We desire the salvation of the entire human family. We believe that God has provided a way and plan of salvation by which all should gain a true and saving knowledge of Him; and we have _appealed_ to Christian ministers to unite their efforts in prayerful investigation of His revelations through all new lights afforded them, and to point out to all, the plain path of _duty_ and _safety_--but not in any wise labor under the false or mistaken belief that they can stand as _sole mediator_, or umpire, between God and the souls of men, and, at their own will or pleasure, mete out to them eternal happiness or misery. Such as do this "are blind leaders of the blind," and their doctrine a _fatal delusion_.

We believe in a living, teaching ministry; and, where heart and life is fully consecrated to God and His cause, all such may feel that they are divinely called and commissioned. We hold that such a ministry should be sustained, and that all should give liberally out of their abundance, to secure them against want or contingencies which might retard or prevent their usefulness.

But our appeal is now to you, in regard to your own _individual responsibility_. Each has an immortal soul, which must be saved or lost. No one, save Christ Jesus our Lord, can stand as mediator in behalf of any to insure salvation or heaven. Popes, bishops, ministers, and priests _are but men_, and are mortal like ourselves. They may, by application to study and investigation, gain light and knowledge--nay, should do it, so as to instruct us in the way of life and salvation, but further than this they cannot go. We have no evidence, neither in the Old or New Testament Scriptures, where, by intercession of _man alone_, salvation or heaven was ever obtained by an unbelieving heart.

We see that, under the earlier dispensation, Moses was the chosen servant of God, and divinely commissioned as _High-Priest_ to the children of Israel. Yet when they sinned, and Jehovah's wrath was kindled against them, Moses made _direct intercession_ in their behalf, and even plead, saying: "_If thou wilt not forgive them, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written._" Hear the answer of the Lord: "_Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book; * * * * mine angel shall go before thee; nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sins upon them._" Thus, although His judgments were stayed for a season, because of His covenant, yet their final execution was certain.

We are assured by the Scriptures that there is "_One God_" and "_One Mediator_," and we may go to God through faith in this _One Mediator_, and that all who go thus shall obtain eternal life. We have record of the efficacy of this faith in the application of the dying thief. When he had signified his belief, hear the answer of the Saviour: "_To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise._" Oh, how plain the plan of salvation!

All nature proclaims there is a God. His revelations proclaim an eternal existence of the soul. We all know that we _must die_. However disappointed we may be in our earthly hopes or fears, yet as to the certainty of death none will be disappointed--_it is sure to come_. When the angel of death is commissioned to summon us, soon "_the pale horse and his rider_" will be at the door; then there can be no delay. "_Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return._" "_And the soul shall return to God who gave it._" "_It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment._"

What can you _lose_ by giving your heart to God? What may you not lose by neglecting to do it? It is _all gain_ and _no loss_. May you all yield to the gentle drawings of the spirit, which now whispers to your heart in loving tones with accents of _mercy_, and your spirits finally be gathered in the fold of angels' wings, and by them borne to the Paradise of God, where His glory is the light of eternal day.

End of Project Gutenberg's The Spirit of God As Fire, by D. Mortimore