Various sensations of the dying?

In the Encyclopaedia of Death and Life in the Spirit World—Opinions and Experiences from Eminent Sources, spirits give their views of their various sensations at transition —

After a spirit has dissolved its connection with the body, it is tired, especially if it has suffered long with the disease, which sent it out. 

Then there comes a period of blissful peace and rest. 

You lie, as it were, in a dreamy state, such as you often experience in the morning when between waking and sleeping, such pleasures come. 

Spirit friends hover about it, giving it strength from their own magnetic influences, comforting it, lulling it, as the mother lulls her child to rest until such time as strength is given it to think and act for itself. 

It was thus in my case. I went out suddenly, in full strength, consequently, it did not take long for me to awaken to the enjoyments and delightful influences everywhere about me. 

The shock was terrible, and it was very sad for me to witness the grief of my friends on earth. It took a long time for me to become reconciled to this change of conditions. 

I was, so far as my presence was concerned, at home in my father's house, as much as ever I was. 

I heard every word uttered, saw the sadness, and, as it were, lived it, and felt it as keenly, as did any one of my relatives, but still I could not make myself known. 

The door of communication was shut, as they did not believe, nor countenance this beautiful doctrine of Spiritualism. They scouted it, and their unbelief has been one of my hardest burdens to bear, for if they would only open the door of their hearts and let me in, it would be so comforting to us all. The family would then become reunited through the bonds of spirit communication, and we should all taste of the realities of immortality. But I must not digress, nor be too particular. 

To resume—I remained about the house and followed the members of my family closely for a long time, and was very unhappy. The good spirit friends did all they could for me, but I refused to be comforted. 

I wished to talk with father and mother, and hosts of other dear relatives. 

Others could talk to their friends, but I could not. One day, as this medium well knows, I succeeded in getting possession of Mrs Fletcher in Boston, and there made myself known. 

It was a joyful hour to me, but not so joyful, as when I found that I could control the tongue and pen of the person now writing this. 

My sorrow departed. Gladness filled my heart. I could commune with earth friends, and my possibilities of doing good were enlarging. 

Then I commenced to be happy, and to understand the philosophy and significance of this life, its duties, and its vast connections. 

In coming to the medium, I found I was benefitting him, as well as gratifying myself. My friends here noticed the change, and to me was imparted a duty of developing and helping him in every possible manner—a very pleasant duty, and one which I have performed to the best of my ability, and one, which I always shall perform, as we are in spirit more to each other than he ever dreamed of. I see clearly now.