The History of the Origin of all Things by Levi M. Arnold

INTRODUCTION

What man is, was, and will be, has always occupied his thought and engaged his deep research. But heretofore he has had few materials for his study, and thus has made small progress in solving the problems upon which his curiosity impelled him to work. Recently the minds of many have experienced the dawn of brighter anticipation, through the communications of spirits. Hitherto, the self-will of the mediums has not been deeply impressed with the opening of the door to let in God's spirit--the Divine Influence, the Holy Spirit--all synonymous terms. This medium has been through a course of discipline which afflicted, grieved, and surprised him, and has experienced the hand of God in many ways to fit him for this work. It is the will of God that he should now proceed more clearly and understandingly, but the way will not be strewn with flowers only. Thorns are the usual accompaniments of roses, and this is a life of probation. And how can men be proved without trial or condemned without sin? He will receive pardon, though, when he is qualified for it. So will all men.



The life of man here is short, hereafter it is eternal. Everlasting to everlasting is his generation. But the last shall be first in glory and first with God. The first shall be last with men. But the glory of the last is eternal, and the glory of the first vanishes as dew before the beams of God's love. All shall be, forever, the children of God and all shall, in the future, see God. But the last shall be first and the first, last. Be then consoled, ye afflicted; be comforted, ye mourners, be joyful, ye who weep; for God rules and reigns beyond the powers of Kings or Popes. Priests, laymen, widowed churches, and joyful fools shall all be cast down, but God shall reign undisturbed in the crash of matter and the fall of universes. His calmness is imperturbable; His will is perfect in wisdom and power; His justice and His mercy go hand in hand; and His love unites all, sustains all, blesses all, and will cause all to glorify, to praise, to honor, and to love Him, who is beyond, above, every finite comprehension, but bows down the majesty of His nature to hear the prayer of an humble and contrite spirit.

1852