Pleased with his new life—Recognition of rudimental associates—Reason why Paine’s writings were unpopular—His opposition to revelation considered—Penn makes an effort to show Paine his error, but was defeated—Error acknowledged—Strife about opinions condemned—Nature is never contradictory, but just—All wrong induced by ignorance—Remedy for wrongs—Wisdom peaceful—The will of resistance—The principles of nature enforced—Education in wrong the cause of wrong—Non-resistance advocated—Penn takes him to a temple—Enters an arch-door—Initiation into wisdom—Assumes an obligation—A new song is sung—Receives a lesson—Description of the temple—Name recorded—A book opened—Banner unfurled—Words on the banner—Explanation of justice, wisdom, progression, order and harmony—Duties enjoined—Charge of the master—Emblems explained—Master and servant—Freedom of servants—Obedience to nature demanded—Implements of masonry—Proof of masonry—The High Priest instructs—The book opened and read—Interpretations forbidden—Repentant mind—Conducted to the inner court—The white stone—Name changed—Receives a new baptism—An anthem and ode were sung—The temple by whom made, and its pillars—Hears a wail of sorrow, and prepares for a mission.
When I saw the wisdom of my new sphere, I was delighted beyond the capacity of human expression. I was not wholly a stranger in my new life, for I found a great multitude of spirits whom I had known in the body. I saw minds venerable while in the rudimental state. I was well acquainted with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Rush, and many others. I saw spirits teaching them lessons of wisdom. Then, I wondered.
“Why wonderest thou,” said a friend? “Thou hast not yet seen what thou mayest see, when the clear light of this world of beauty shall remove the darkness from thy vision.”
Thomas. And do I not now see more than I can comprehend?
William. Truly, thou seest what thou dost not comprehend, but thou canst comprehend even more, when thy wisdom shall be increased. I was thy senior in life, but thou knowest my history, in the settlement of Pennsylvania.
T. Indeed, this is none other than William Penn—the mind who never drew a sword to gain a victory, or repel an enemy.
W. I am William Penn; I have watched thy course, Thomas, and I have sympathized in thy efforts to rid minds of superstition and priestly rule; but thou seest now that thy labor was not successful, because the wants of nature must be supplied. Hadst thou not attacked what the mind wants—the hope of the soul in a future sphere—thou wouldst not have found more opposers than sympathizers; mind must and will strive to satisfy its own wants. This is nature; and what is nature, thou didst fight against.
T. But my weapons were not malicious.
W. No; thou wast not malicious, but thou didst what thou wouldst not do again, as thou seest now. Thou wouldst not write against revelation, because thou seest that revelation is true to human wants, and is the bread of the soul. Many things thou hast truly said, but what thou hast truly said, will lose its power for good, because it is found in bad company. I sought to make thee know wherein thou didst err; and, on one occasion, when thou hadst written a work on priestcraft, I verily thought I should succeed in my endeavors; but I saw thee take a book from thy library, which turned thy mind from the impression I gave thee.
T. I see my error; but how could I see otherwise than I did, when in the body?