The Revue Spirite of 1862

Part 12

We continue in  this issue the study of the Revue Spirite corresponding to the year of 1862. The condensed text of the mentioned volume will hereby be presented in sixteen parts, based on the translation of Julio Abreu Filho and published by EDICEL.

Issues for discussion

A. Are the disincarnated disturbed by their attachment to money?

B. What is the main effect of prayer?

C. How do immortals see revenge?

Text for reading

124. The case of François Riquier, a miser bachelor, who left a considerable fortune to his collaterals, is shown in the Revue, proving that attachment to money disturbs people even after death. The case also proves that the Spirit can have for many years the idea that it still belongs to the corporeal world. This illusion is not exclusive to cases of violent death: it seems to be a consequence of the materiality of earthly life. (Pages 246 and 247)

125. The importance of prayer is highlighted by two communications transmitted by Angele Rouget and St. Augustine. Here are the teachings contained therein: I - There are prayers that "do not bear the seal of forgiveness". II - The main effect of prayer is to act on the morality of the Spirit, both to calm it and to lead it to the good. III. Bringing it to good, prayer hastens the clemency of the supreme judgment, which always forgives the repentant sinner. IV - Prayer is like good dew that makes the dry land less arid. V – Incarnates’ prayers have the merit of earthly emanations, which voluntarily ascend to God. VI - The incarnate who prays for his neighbor fulfills the noble task of the Spirits. VII - Prayer is, for the Protective Spirits, a duty; for men, it is self-denial. (Pages 247 to 250)

126. In two communications transmitted in the group of Sainte-Gemme, Hippolyte Fortoul speaks of the growth of the Spiritist idea in France and says that a pure conscience, and charity and humbleness without limits, is the best of the prayers to call the Holy Spirit. (Pages 250 and 251)

127. Lamennais and Pierre Ange, at the Spiritist Society of Paris, speak of the importance of forgiveness and the ambiguity of revenge. In this, there is something impious and degrading to the Spirit. Revenge is incompatible with perfection. As long as a soul keeps such a feeling, it will remain in the basements of the spiritual world. (Pages 251 to 253)

128. The Revue announces the publication of the first book of Spiritist messages received by the group of Brotteaux. (Page 253)

129. The September issue begins with the transcription of the inauguration speech of another Spiritist group in Bordeaux, made by its founder, Mr. Condat, in March, 1862. (Pages 255 to 260)

130. Having preached at Marmande in May/1862, the Friar F ..., a Dominican, in one of his last sermons, threw stones at Spiritism. Mr. Dombre, wishing to discuss the subject further, sent him a letter, under the pseudonym of A Catholic. The letter was copied by the Revue. Frei F ... realized that the author of the letter was a Spiritist, not a Catholic. Knowing, however, that in that city the more one speaks against Spiritism, the more proselytes are made, the clergyman left without ever returning to the subject. (Pages 260 to 263)

131. The Revue publishes a letter sent by A. Gassier, one of the members of the Spiritist Society of Paris, to the directors of a boarding school where one of his daughters is studying in the French capital. In the letter, the confrere protests against the rude words of a certain teacher against those who engage in spiritual manifestations, calling them playful, deceived or stupid. Kardec regrets the imprudence of the detractor, reminding him that in France there were at that time so many Spiritists as Jews and Protestants. (Pages 264 to 266)

132. Referring to the final result that the Spiritist belief can produce, Kardec speaks of people educated from childhood within Spiritist ideas. They are gentler, more obedient, and more respectful; the certainty of the presence of their dear family members, who see them constantly and with whom they can entertain themselves, is a powerful brake on them, for the salutary fear it inspires. "When a generation is educated in Spiritist beliefs, we will see another youth, more diligent and less restless", says the Encoder. (Page 267)

133. After the period of mockery and irony, the enemies of Spiritism tried another means: persecution. The Revue informs several cases that shock the most insensitive person and so it is not worth remembering. (Pages 267 and 272)

134. The Revue relates a curious case of reconciliation promoted by the Spirits. (Pages 272 and 273) (Continues on next issue).

Answers to the issues

A. Are the disincarnated disturbed by their attachment to money?

Yes, as the François Riquier case shows, a miser bachelor, who left his collaterals a considerable fortune. The attachment to money disturbs people, even after death; the Spirit can have - for many years- the idea that it still belongs to the corporeal world. This illusion is not exclusive to cases of violent death, but also a consequence of the materiality of earthly life. (The Revue Spirite of 1862, pages 246 and 247).

B. What is the main effect of prayer?

The main effect of prayer is to act on the morality of the Spirit, both to calm it down and to lead it to the good. Bringing him to good, prayer hastens the clemency of the supreme judgment, which always forgives the repentant sinner. Prayer is like good dew that makes the dry land less arid. (Ibid, pages 247 to 250).

C. How do immortals see revenge?

In messages transmitted in the Spiritist Society of Paris, Lamennais and Pierre Ange speak of the importance of forgiveness and the misconception of revenge. In this, there is something impious and degrading to the Spirit. Revenge is incompatible with perfection. As long as a soul retains such a feeling, it will remain in the basements of the spiritual world. (Ibid, pages 251 to 253).

Translation:

Eleni Frangatos - eleni.moreira@uol.com.br