Mrs. Watress’s Rose

Mr. Editor:— While visiting at Mrs. Bassett’s, in Worchester, a married sister of hers, Mrs. Watress, related to me a succinct account of a wonderful and remarkable vision, which she was favored with a few months previous to my visit.

One Sunday afternoon, feeling an irresistible and gentle influence stealing over her frame, and naturally supposing that she needed repose, she retired to her chamber to rest her weary limbs. About five minutes elapsed, when she was impressed that a spirit was standing in the doorway of the above-mentioned room. Her curiosity being excited, she endeavored to change her position, so as to be able to witness any demonstrations which might transpire; but finding that she had lost all power of her limbs, she then tried the experiment of turning her eyes, but was also unsuccessful in this particular operation, and finally concluded that it was best to remain passive. A voice, heavenly in its tones, then requested her to observe the gradual unfolding of a magnificent flower, which appeared to be about the distance of two feet from the face of the recipient of this beneficent and fancy-like gift.

It was a rose, according to her statement, unequalled and unsurpassed in its innumerable and variegated colors, by any of Earth’s Floral Creation; and yet she was powerless; and in fact could not turn or stretch forth a hand or even a finger. Conscious that she was controlled by a higher influence than walked on earth, she resigned herself entirely into the hands of her Angelic Protectors. While examining attentively the gorgeous and enchanting flower, which her spirit-friend had so kindly allowed her soul to contemplate in admiration and awe, the words “Inhale and Exhale” were gently spoken; her lower jaw fell, accompanied with a slight spasmodic action, and then, to her pleasant and agreeable surprise, her breath seemed to grow shorter and shorter! Oh! so intoxicating, such a beautiful sensation pervading every nerve. And now, the celestial visitant speaks:

“This is Death! There is no pain in Death, when the person is passive and devoid of fear; suffering during the dissolution of the body, is caused by fear.” As near as I can recollect, these were the words. She was soon restored to her natural state, and the spirit left. She says she was, apparently, in full possession of all her faculties, and whenever she was allowed to look, everything appeared correct. By permission, I propounded the following question, which was answered:—

“What were the precise feelings that you entertained during the partial withdrawl of your spirit from its tenement of clay?”

Ans. “A heavenly ecstatic sensation, and I only regretted that the spirit did not take me home to the ‘regions of the blest.’”

Our friend, Mrs. Watress, who was honored with the above vision, is one of the most respectable ladies of this State—one who despises a falsehood of any description; and even the bitterest opposers of Worchester, who are acquainted with her, admit that there is no doubt in their minds but that she is sincere and thought she had a vision. But our cause is florishing, and they will soon perceive their error.

C. H. W.

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Spirit Messenger and Harmonial Advocate, (New York: R.P. Ambler, Vol. 1, No. 11, Dec. 25, 1852), p. 166.