THE PRAYER OF A REPENTANT SPIRIT

This is the prayer that the spirit of Benedict Arnold uttered at that season of his development—a prayer, which evinces the indescribable joy and gratitude of a spirit upon whose vision has dawned, for almost the first time, the glad signs of a speedy redemption—

O Thou Mighty, Good, and Most Merciful God! My burdened and aching soul would pour out to Thee its fervent thanksgivings for the bright hopes and aspirations which these beloved children of Thine have raised within. I sincerely thank Thee that they are permitted to visit my low abode of being and awaken in my nature high thoughts and emotions and inspire me with the hope of a happier and better state of existence. Long, dear Father, has Thy child wandered in the realms of darkness and death, and away from Thy true fold of righteousness and virtue and now that the first rays of hope begin to dawn upon my eyes, I would ask that they may burn away into the indurated elements of my being, and extinguish whatever of evil there may be within! 0, eagerly have I turned my vision upwards to Thee, in hopes to catch a faint look at the glory of Thy shining countenance, and to hear the sweet word pardon breathed from Thy lips! In vain have I watched for the coming of Thy dear Son Jesus, our Blessed Saviour, who holds the keys of life and death, and who is able to save us from our sins. Send him, Divine Benefactor! down to me, that he may break the thraldom which chains me to this wretched condition, and introduce me into the glorious liberty of Thy holy children. Rain down upon my sinning soul showers of divine love and purity, that I may become cleansed, and every ungodly element be made to bow fealty to truth, wisdom, and piety. Refine the coarser particles of my material nature—sift the chaff from.the wheat—the dross from the gold—that I may stand forth in Thy sight a regenerated being—one worthy to be called Thy child! And 0, I thank Thee for the existence of those infinite laws of mercy and wisdom which empower Thy beloved angels to descend and make bright and joyous my circle of life with visions of their heavenly home. Permit them to come often, laden with messages of purity and light, and to cheer my path of progress with fresh hopes and remembrances. Give them what light they may want to teach me, and may it be imparted to me as my spirit becomes prepared to receive it. May they grow in grace and godliness as their spirit-life continues, and reap a golden harvest for the seeds of goodness and truth they have sown in my soul. May they faithfully watch each developing germ, careful to water it with the refreshing dews of their own sweet inspiration and to breathe an influence blighting to every weed of error, and salutary to every flower of truth. And, Divine Parent, I would not be selfish in my demands, or thoughtless of those who are in darkness with me but would pray that Thy appointed agents may also visit them, and awaken them to a consciousness of their eternal destinies. May light and knowledge be granted unto them, that they may rise out of the degradation of their low condition, and walk through those heavenly streets, illuminated with so many brilliant lights of ineffable wisdom and glory. I thank Thee, on their behalf, that all is not lost to them even beyond the tomb; that, according to the teachings of Thy celestial ministers, and the promises recorded in Holy Writ, there is yet hope of all becoming finally holy and happy—hope of a glorious resurrection from the grave of sin and darkness, and birth into a heaven of perfect peace and felicity. May I do my part to instruct them in what knowledge I have gleaned from my immortal teachers, and aid them to roll away the stone from the door of the tomb which has so long confined them. And, 0, most merciful God, I would not close my simple orison, without a remembrance of him, who has so beautifully exemplified a spirit of charity and forgiveness in this visit to my sphere of existence. I rejoice that I have heard from his lips a pardon pronounced for the injury I did him on earth, and for the cruel, wicked betrayal of the confidence reposed in me. God, forgive me that heinous deed, even as Thy child has forgiven it! Bless the other purified intelligences who have thrilled my soul with their burning thoughts and words of truth, and may I soon enjoy their heavenly society in their mansions of glory and bliss. May other hearts be the recipients of their glowing instructions, and through them be brought to a knowledge of the truth, as represented by Thy well-beloved Son Jesus.

Descend, Holy Spirit, in thy power and might,

And radiate our souls with Truth's celestial light;

Unclasp the galling chains which bind our spirits down,

And with Thy Love Divine our upward progress crown—

Until, before thy Throne we face to face shall stand,

And thank Thee then for all the bounties of Thy Hand.

Twelve Messages from the spirit of John Quincy Adams through Joseph D. Stiles, medium to Josiah Brigham, Bela Marsh Publishers, Boston, 1859