Edward Young

My Dear Friends:—

In accordance with my promise to you, the other evening, I now proceed to give you an account of my, while laying on the bed of death. I felt an internal consciousness, from my first being taken sick, that that was my last sickness: nor did I wish to live, if it was my Heavenly Father’s will to take me from earth. As my outward senses seemed to fail, my internal sight was opened; and I felt that I was surrounded by spirits from another world. The terrors of death were gone, and I looked with joy to the time when my spirit should take its departure from earth. But then I had no idea that I should ever return to the sphere that I was about to leave, and converse with my friends. I knew my hour was rapidly approaching, and a joy unspeakable pervaded my whole being, for I felt that I should be far happier when safely moored on the better shore. My friends told me, after I had left the body, that they had impressed this on my mind while thus I lay.

Often times I did hear voices as from another world, speaking, as it were to my inmost being, saying, “Rejoice, rejoice, for the hour of thy redemption is near at hand. Soon thou wilt be relieved of that clay that now binds thee to earth a prisoner; then thou wilt be free to go with us to our celestial homes, there to dwell forever.” I felt that my departed friends were near, ready to conduct me to my new home when death should free me from my earthly shackles. As my hour approached, I felt my mortal frame growing weaker, failing rapidly; while my spiritual perceptions strengthened every moment, my external senses were rapidly failing. I grew unconscious of things around me, and sank, as it were, into a slumber, from which I was suddenly aroused as if by an invisible hand touching me; and, opening my eyes, I found I was still on earth, surrounded by friends, of whom I was permitted to take a farewell, and again I sank into unconsciousness. How long I lay thus I know not: but I finally awoke—I scarce knew where I was. How changed was all around me! Bright forms were hovering near—I felt most unutterably happy. I soon found, however, I was no longer in earth, but in the Spirit-land, among my friends who had gone before me, and whom I was rejoiced to meet. They soon pointed out to me the beauties by which I was surrounded. I was greatly delighted with my new home, nor would I exchange it for the loveliest spot on earth.

Your friend,

Edward Young

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Spirit Messenger and Harmonial Advocate, (New York: R.P. Ambler, Vol. 1, No. 11, Dec. 25, 1852), p. 166-167.