On Thursday, 5 January 1885, I was suddenly attacked by an illness that caused faintness, during which I left my earthly body, my controlling spirit taking possession of it, I at the same time being fully conscious of all that was transpiring.
I ascended in a light, misty cloud until I reached an enclosure surrounded on three sides by a wall. While I was wondering how I could pass further, a large door was opened in front of me by an attending spirit who was magnificently dressed in a long purple velvet cloak, trimmed with what appeared to be white fur. His hair was also pure white, braided, and hung down to the bottom of his cloak. The place occupied by this spirit was tinged with the loveliest blue I ever saw and profusely decorated with the most beautiful blue flowers beyond the power of earthly language to describe. As I recovered from my surprise, he turned to me and said―
You are now going through the dark vale.
Then came four bright, beautiful spirits, all dressed in a pure white fleecy fabric, each wearing a wreath of white flowers and carrying in one hand a large bouquet of the same. With the other hand, each held a corner of a square platform, slightly elevated from the ground. This platform I can describe only as being composed of most beautiful white satin, trimmed with deep white lace, woven with and intermixed with silver thread and flowers embroidered with silver tinsel. On this platform was a reclining seat made of soft white down. On this seat they placed me, and said―
We shall now carry you on to the next gate.
As they bore me along towards the gate, the surroundings became more and more luminous, and when we arrived at the gate two lovely appearing and kind spirits in attendance opened it.
The spirit world to me is a reality.