The Phantom Form; Experiences in Earth and Spirit Life. a True Life History

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1881. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. Sacred to Obligation--Youthful Aspirations Blighted--Disbelief and Dislike of Religion--Sore 7'rials--Angel Ministration--Cruel Separation. O hearts that never'cease to yearn! 0 burning tears that ne'er are dried! The dead, though they depart, return, As if they had not died. The living are the only dead: The dead live, nevermore to die; And often when we mourn them fled, They never were so nigh. HE golden years of girlhood! how fair their dreams, how bright their hopes, how inspiring their prophecies! Their enchanted palaces may fall, their dreams prove meaningless, their hopes turn to dust and ashes; yet they are sweet, the dawn of a new era; happy the heart that is permitted to linger long in this rosy period of existence. Oh! the joy H Of young ideas painted on the mind, In the warm, glowing colors, fancy spreads On objects not yet known, when all is new, And all is lovely. I was not imaginative; nature had not endowed me with beauty of face, or perfection of form, nor that quick intuitive perception DEGREES which adds a charm to existence. My life had been common place, I had not dreamed of anything out of the ordinary course of events. I wanted to prepare myself for teaching; to attain this object, I bent all my energies. My father's limited means prevented my having the advantages I desired, and alone I poured over the books which were to pave the way for the future independence I craved. The sickness and death of my mother, and the sacred promise I had made to her, destroyed my hopes for the future, and compelled me to accept a position, and to perform duties which were very distasteful; nevertheless, I resolved to be faithful, and if necessary, sacrifice myself for the good of those entrusted to my care. My father did not seem to unde...