“When the Lord raises up to life, or regenerates man, he permits him at first to suppose that he does good, and speaks truth from himself, inasmuch as at that time he is incapable of conceiving otherwise, nor can he otherwise be led to believe and perceive, that all goodness and truth are from the Lord alone. Whilst he thus thinks, the truths and goods that are in him are compared to the tender grass, and also to the herb yielding seed, and lastly to the tree bearing fruit, all of which are inanimate; but now that he is vivified by love and faith, and believes that the Lord operates all the good which he does and all the truth which he speaks, he is compared first to the creeping things of the water, and to the fowls which fly above the earth, and also to beasts, which are all animate, and are called living souls.

"The beasts here alluded to are the good and gentle, and thus signify affection because it here treats of those who are being regenerated. The inferior things in man, which have more connection with the body, are called wild beasts of the earth."

"Everything which has in itself life from the Lord, fructifies and multiplies itself immensely; not indeed so long as man lives in the body, but to an amazing degree in another life."

"Male and female created he them. What is meant by male and female in the internal sense, was well known to the Most Ancient Church, but when the interior sense of the Word was lost amongst their posterity, this arcanum also perished. Their marriages were their chief sources of happiness and delight, and whatever admitted of the comparison they likened to marriages. Being also internal men, they were delighted only with internal things, viewing externals with their eyes merely, whilst in their thoughts they regarded that which was represented. *** In this way they were led to reflect on the celestial marriage, whence they perceived the felicity of their marriages to flow, and on this account they called the understanding in the spiritual man male, and the will female, which when acting in unity, were spoken of as married. From that church was derived a form of speaking, which came afterwards into general use, whereby the church itself, by reason of its affection for goodness, was called daughter, virgin, and also wife."

"The times and states of man's regeneration, are divided into six, and called the days of his creation: for by degrees he is elevated from a state in which he possesses none of the qualities which properly constitute a man, until by little and little he attains unto the sixth day, in which he becomes an image of God. At the close of the sixth day the evil spirits depart and the good succeed in their place, when a man is introduced into heaven."

DEAR ESOTERIC,

CORRESPONDENCE.

OAKLAND, CAL., AUG. 13, 1888.

I am inspired to write you to-day by reading the suggestions from others about the location of the college, and I trust you will bear with me in brotherly patience should I claim too much for this, to you far off Land of the Golden West. Well, to begin with we have mountains towering up toward heaven until lost in eternal snow-caps of dazzling whiteness, while from their tops one may see all that vision possibly can take in. Then they are covered with virgin forests where one may find the silence wherein is to be found the still small voice telling of love and peace, that peace which passeth all understanding. Then in the Coast Range it might be so located as to command an enlarged view of the Pacific rolling its gentle waves upon a shore of eternal summer. Then, more than all, the golden sun forever shining on in sublimest grandeur, always reminding him who has passed through the "Gates of Gold" of the ever present and ever to be adored God our Father and also of the near approach of the woman clothed in

the sun. Then again the light that has arisen in the east will shine into the west and from thence shall illumine all the world of mankind. Oh, may our blessed Father and the Christ whose light hath found a lodgement in our soul bless this undertaking! and I pray that I may be so prosperous that I may be able to furnish it all needed material aid and also to spend my life in its service trying to lead my brethren back from husks to the fatted calf, and every moment while I live I will not cease to pray: "Dear Father, lift upon us the light of thy countenance and grant, oh Father, the wisdom that shall redeem us from the dominion of sin and death. Now, please consider this idea of coming here and may God pour out a blessing on your labor and may every page of THE ESOTERIC reflect the light that cometh from the throne of God in man! Pray for me that I may have light and may meet you face to face in this life. Peace from God our Father be Thine. Ever your Brother in the bonds of Love, R. A. GILROY, CAL., AUG. 7, 1888.

EDITORS ESOTERIC.

Dear Sirs,

The August number of THE ESOTERIC is before me. I am so well pleased with the magazine in general, that I want to tell you about it. In the first place I always had a way of studying out things for myself, and when I saw an advertisement of THE ESOTERIC in a Boston paper, something told me, that I needed that magazine, so I sent for the three first numbers, then became a subscriber. I loaned my copies to others, everyone likes them, and I think some have sent in their names.

In the present number I have just read the "Unity of Desire, or Prayer." I have tried to sit at the appointed time, as often as I could, and I have an experience to relate, which I did not understand till I read this article. I hear that peculiar rushing sound, I cannot discribe otherwise, than it is like the sound of many waters, then I hear music like some wind-instrument. It will swell, and seem to come very near, then die away in the distance, so soft it can be scarcely heard. I could not make up my mind, about the matter as I am a little deaf and I did not know but it was the condition of my head. I hear no words, but sometimes I can write very readily

For a long time it has been impressed on my mind that I have a mission, a something for which I am waiting. It may be that, like Anna of old, I am waiting for the coming of the Lord. I do not know, so I study and wait. THE ESOTERIC is a great helper. May it ever prosper! Yours truly,

Mrs. L. F. A.

WILTON, N. H. AUG. 12, 1888.

Dear Esoteric :In compliance with your request that the friends of the Esoteric would give some of their experiences, I feel impressed to speak of one of my own which, although it took place some years ago, is as fresh in my memory as if it were but yesterday and proved to my mind that there is a power within us that can see and hear independently of the physical senses.

While passing through one of the shadows of life, an experience which, in some form, comes to each one of us as we journey on towards the city of Heavenly Light, when the curtains of darkness hung like a pall around me, and there was not a rift in the clouds above to admit the light of a single star, there seemed to rise up before me a large, round, high, and very steep hill. The surface seemed very smooth, and thickly covered with green grass, but there was not a bush or stone or indentation even, by which to gain a foothold, and it seemed that by the most persistent and patient effort only could one ever climb to the top. Just beyond the summit was a beautiful light apparently about a foot in width and shaped like that from a kerosene lamp. Just above it in letters of gold was this inscription, "The Light Beyond," while in the distance I could hear the sweetest music that ever fell upon my ear.

The hill and its difficult ascent seemed to symbolize my life, which, from early childhood, has been a continual struggle. The beautiful light held by angel hands has never burned low, but seems to increase in size and brightness as slowly I wend my way towards it, and the sweet angel voices are still ringing in my ears, Come up Higher."

Frequently during the past year I have seen dancing before my eyes when closed, beautiful bead-like lights of a sky-blue color, sometimes changing to a golden yellow and varying forms. Is there any special meaning to this? if so, what is it?

Yours very truly,

Every page of the last issue of THE ESOTERIC speaks with a living voice. May it reach the inner consciousness of all who are favored with its perusal. Mrs. E. A. B. Ans. Every color has its significance: the persistent appearance of sky-blue would indicate that your mind and nature was pervaded by an orderly and peaceful atmosphere. The golden yellow implies the opening or unfolding of the sensations of the spirit.

EDITORS OF THE ESOTERIC.

LOS ANGELES, AUG. 7.

There are a number here that sit Wednesday afternoons, and what a spiritual force comes! THE ESOTERIC has done a great work and I feel assured that this is but the commencement of it. L. M.

EDITORS ESOTERIC.

CHICAGO, JULY 26, 1888.

I had a beautiful vision last night while sitting at the hour appointed for prayers. The vision was one long to be remembered, for the heavens were opened, and thousands of angels in dazzling robes of white and gold came floating down towards me with such radiant faces they shone like the white light of heaven. Why, I said to myself, do they seem to hover over me at this time? The answer came softly, but earnestly: Because you have made covenant with God and the angels, and are willing to yield all into their keeping. This seems almost egotistical for me to write, but I really feel more humble than I ever did in my life.

Yours very truly,

ESOTERIC PUBLISHING COMPANY.

L. M. H. SALEM, OREGON, JULY 23, 1888. Dear Friends:

I am a subscriber to

your truly excellent magazine and have read every number so far, and am more than pleased, and feel that I have not the ability to set forth all its merits sufficiently to make an attempt to do so. I will simply say that it has become an indispensible grand necessity for the age or dispensation in which it is published.

You would confer a favor on more than one of your patrons, to state in THE ESOTERIC, if you intend to form a co-operative colony, and if so, when, and where, in all probability, it will be located.

Persons of small means, desiring to live on a higher plane of life, should have better facilities and surroundings than they have at present.

May success and prosperity crown the noble efforts of THE ESOTERIC to enlighten and spiritualize its ardent band of readers!

Yours truly, H. L.

Ars. The establishment of an esoteric college and co-operative colony are earnestly contemplated at the earliest practicable date. The matter of location is not yet settled, but indications point to its being in the vicinity of one of the great mountain ranges of the country. We are open to further suggestions relating to desirable localities and available tracts of land. A register has been opened for

the recording of the name, business, etc., of interested parties. Further and fuller particulars will be soon presented.

POMONA, TENN. AUG. 7, 1888.

In the August number a suggestion is made that Colorado be selected as the location of the future college for esoteric culture.

As I read it on this lovely plateau, two thousand feet above the sea, where nine or ten months of every year one may enjoy the open air, and the climate is simply perfect, I was wondering why this more central location could not be selected instead. Land is cheap, fruit plenty, health abounds, and the distance is not so great from our denser civilization, hence travelling would be less expensive. Come and see what a paradise is here on the Cumberland mountains.

DEAR ESOTERIC, I have been for some years impressed with the idea of a gathering together of those who are led by the Spirit, and are of one mind, that they should also be in one place, that would serve as a nucleus of illuminating power, that should be as a beacon light to all who are seeking a haven of rest. That there are many such I am fully convinced. In my work as a Christian Science healer and teacher I find many. I am so glad to hand them THE ESOTERIC with its clear and practical teachings, to help them. All like it.

Now, I have consecrated myself, all I have, am, or can be, to God, to be used in the way that He points out to me, and I shall be so glad if this is the way, and ye are the people. The promise has been made to me, that a blessing shall be poured out upon me until there shall not be room to receive it, and I expect it to be fulfilled, for these promises have never yet failed. I have been cared for in a most miraculous and wonderful manner. I send $100. to your Trust Company for ten shares, as that seems to be the wish of the spirit. I trust you will keep me advised of what you propose to do. I like your sensible business-basis. Have you thought of the Santa Cruz mountains as a locality?

Fraternally,

Mrs. Y. L. SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y.

Mr. HIRAM E. BUTLER.

Dear Sir,

May I call your attention to an

experience that attends me, in the hope of an elucidation or explanation? Perhaps it is not uncommon with others, but in any event I will present it. In reading the translated works of Homer, say the Odyssey, I feel a continuous succession of vibrations through my entire system, from head to feet. They might resemble repeated electric currents, minus the physical shocks. The sensations are agreeable, inspiring sometimes to grandeur! They are quite apart from intellectual thrills of pleasure.

The same states occur from perusing Shakspeare and in listening to the oratory of a Forrest, though not so marked and vivid. I hope I do not trouble you by this letter. I am yours in sincerity, H. J. H.

Ans. You cannot read the writings of any one with sympathy for his thought, without imbibing of his mental aura or conditions. Psychometers feel the conditions of an author by touching his book, and much more by reading. You are a sensitive probably born between January 20 and February 19, or August 23 and September 23, and your nerves of sensation are very accute. This also occurs with some others when there are sensitive conditions in their nature; to be interested in one's words, written or spoken, causes vibrations in the life-forces very much like the speaker's.

AN ASTRAL VISION.

THE MONASTERY OF THE ARK.

66 All ye inhabitants of the world and dwellers of the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains, and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye!" (Isaiah, xviii. 3.)

TO EDITORS OF THE ESOTERIC.

night experiences I send the following.

BOSTON, AUG. 11, 1888.

In answer to your request for Wednesday

I perceived a large object, seemingly resting on and partly enveloped by a dense, dark cloud. As my vision became more clear I discovered that the object had the appearance of a large, capacious, and very roomy ark. Through the subsidence of the cloud, which by the increasing light I perceived to be of the nature of astral waters, the ark came to rest on a mountain peak, apparently connected with some vast range like that of the Rocky Mountains. Light seemed to emanate from the ark and from the heavens above it, until the region became highly illuminated. I saw people of a superior type but apparently from a very ancient period, issuing from the ark in great numbers, who seemed to be the genii of people now on earth, and under the guidance of a central or sun-society of genii, from whose light they seemed to be guided. By the aid of this light I was enabled to be present in my astral form.

My attention was arrested by a murky cloud which wreathed about the top of a neighboring crag, to the left and slightly below where the ark was resting. The cloud was rolling and tossing in fantastic shapes having the appearance of being alive with hideous forms in fierce contention, confusion, and strife. The scene was one calculated to bewilder and intimidate any mortal who attempts to tread the path that crosses its summit and wends to the "mount of the ark." I looked more closely and perceived the form of one who was still of earth but struggling to attain the higher goal. The hideous and contending forms of the cloud I discovered to be largely reflects of the internal confusion of earth-people which states tend to keep aspiring mortals plodding in a labyrinthine circle rather than following the path to the "mount of the ark."

By the wonder magic of the celestial Sun-Genii the substance of the ark was suddenly transformed into a capacious and picturesque monastery, and the tutelary genii entered in to await the coming of their earth people. The monastery formed an inspiring sight on the mountain side; for loftier peaks came into view and towered in the back-ground, and a celestial city of wondrous charm was visible in the atmosphere above the mountain. I was given to understand that a zone of the astral world had been brought into order and been given a resting place from which the spiritual Genii and their celestial Sun-Angels might radiate, and flow forth into all the earth.

I would fain have entered within the monastery and, perceiving that my genius had remained behind, I queried if he was waiting to accompany me; but perceiv ing my thought he answered: " Not yet, there must be no unseemly haste on the part of mortals to be the first to enter. It is sufficient for the present that you have seen the monastery and the Celestial City, for it is not permitted that mortals should enter singly, for this is the monastery of the ark concerning which it is written, "there went in two and two." Then I saw the dark astral waters had subsided until a way appeared down the mountain, and I beheld a neat but modest lodge at its base with a fertile space about it and I said to my genius. "When the people enter into the monastery they will need of the fruits of the valley; may I dwell in the lodge and plant a vineyard and orchards and make ready for their coming? and he replied, "It is well; do as you have said, the lodge shall be yours."

I proceeded down the mountain, a deep peace within; I did not look back lest some unknow temptation should come over my mind; nor had I need, for the monastery with the shining city above it was indelibly impressed upon my brain and was with me like a living presence. I realized that my genius had joined his