This work to me is one that is not only interesting, but which gives me the great happiness that comes with the realization that I have been the means of leading a spirit to learn to love God and to receive the happiness which the love of God gives to spirits. I tell you that this teaching is the grandest that I ever engaged in all my life.
When on earth as I taught and saw the young mind develop, I found much happiness in the knowledge that I was doing some good. But here, in my teachings, when I see a soul develop, I realize that I am doing a spirit that greatest of all good in bringing it at-one in love with the Father and happiness here and that of earth, as the soul development is so much greater than the development of the mere mind.
My work is not confined entirely to this teaching. I also am engaged in trying to assist mortals to a true conception of the life here - I mean the spiritual part of this life.
No man is entirely without spirit influence, whether good or evil. Many are susceptible to the influence of the evil spirits and, for that reason, the work of the good spirits is so much more difficult. There is in man's nature that which leads him to evil thoughts so much easier than to good thoughts. This is an old saying, I know, but is a true one, and the fact that it has been said so often and for so long a time does not decrease the importance of it as a truth.
So while men have felt this evil inclination in their nature, the fight between the good and evil influences will be somewhat unequal. The advantage though with the good influences is that what they suggest is truth which will never die, while the suggestions of the evil influences last only for a comparatively short time.
When the material gives up the spirit being which it clothes, that being will then be relieved of many of these natural tendencies to evil thoughts and deeds and, while this mere separation does not make a devil a saint, it makes it so much easier for the spirit to get rid of many of these evil tendencies and makes him more susceptible to the influence of truth and goodness.
You must not think from this as soon as they have been in the spirit world for a little time, they become good spirits, for that is not true. Many evil spirits have been in the spirit world for a great many years and, yet, have their evil thoughts and desires and all the evil qualities of hatred, malice, envy, etc., as when they were on earth.
Their giving up the earth life did not deprive them of their will, the greatest force or power that God gave to man, except that of love. And many of these spirits refuse to exercise their will in a way that will enable them to rid themselves of these evil thoughts and desires.
So you see, the mere fact of becoming a spirit does not mean that the mortal has become a good and saintly spirit. No, I am sorry to say that many men who were very evil on earth are still evil as spirits and their happiness, which they think they have, is only that happiness which they, as men, thought they realized from the exercise of evil thoughts and acts.
Yet, there is one great redeeming fact connected with their dark and sad condition and, that is, that in the end, whenever it so pleases God, all evil will be banished from the spirit world, and all spirits will be given that happiness which comes from a nature free from sin and error. Not by the fiat of God, but by men seeking and doing those things that will free the soul from sin and error and again come into harmony with God's laws. Just such I imagine as Adam and Eve enjoyed in the historical Garden of Eden.
But that happiness, while of a character that brings much contentment and peace, yet is not the true happiness which God is waiting to give all His children who ask and seek for the inflowing of the Divine Love in their souls.
I will not discourse on this great happiness tonight as it would take too long and you are somewhat tired, but will say that all men should seek for it both on earth and in the spirit world. When on earth I did not have it, but since I came here I found it and now possess it, thanks be to God and His loving kindness.
You folks all have it and many others too numerous to mention.
Let me stop now as I am tired and you need to rest. So with all my love and best wishes,
I am your old professor,
Joseph H. Salyards
Professor Salyards Describes Various Experiences of Spirits When They Arrive in the Spirit World.
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