What can triumph over the terrors of Nature?

 

What is death?

Nothing, but the separation of the soul from its earthly case.

What becomes of the case when it is cast aside?

Does it vanish from God's creation?

No, it falls to dust and ashes and is mingled with the rest of the earth whose nutritive elements formed it in the beginning.

It does not leave creation, but remains there awaiting another destiny.

But what becomes of the soul stripped of its veil? 

Does it vanish from God's creation? 

Oh, no! How could it be possible for the nobler element to cease to exist when the viler is imperishable?

Must we believe that it has been removed from the infinite multitude of created beings because it has thrown off the veil through which it alone could reveal its presence to our senses? 

No, it lives, for its very dust, which once served to enwrap it, still exists. 

It lives, for God creates and does not annihilate. 

It lives, for, in His sovereign wisdom, He could not repent in any sort for the high destiny for which He gave it being.

Is it then so painful to cast off this earthly veil? 

In truth, the natural love of life, which the Creator has so deeply implanted within you inspires you with fear at the idea of parting with your mortal form, but the power of the human mind can triumph over the terrors of nature. 

How many generous men have faced death for their God—country—faith—their friends? 

Death had no terrors for them. 

How many poor, weak, degenerate beings—driven by despair—have voluntarily laid down the life, which had become a burden to them?

Dying men do not dissimulate and we can judge by their features what is going on in their mind. 

From such study, it would seem almost as if the soul must experience an agreeable sensation at the moment it lays aside its mortal spoil, for it has been often observed that the features of persons dying of painful maladies assume at the final instant an expression of calm serenity, while a peaceful smile quivers on the lips of the lifeless body, left there by the departing soul—

A smile which seems to say—

Ah, what relief!

—Queen Victoria In Spirit

—The Encyclopaedia of Death and Life in the Spirit World—Opinions and Experiences from Eminent Sources