The Truth about Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln family
Abraham and Mary Lincoln were spiritualists. I wrote this book to dispel many untruths about the Lincolns. You may use the link below to Amazon to where you can buy this biography of the Lincolns. Some people will take their eyes from the rising sun to set them on a bonfire. More than 1500 books have been written about Abraham Lincoln, many with different bents, so with this, Mr. Lincoln as well as Mary Lincoln are little understood. As to the truth by which they lived, Abraham Lincoln possessed a big heart who touched the hearts of people he encountered. This book explains the truth using built in proof of the folks who knew the Lincolns and explains away those who wrote not knowing the Lincolns but tried analyzing without scope. It explains his youth, of his learning, which was self-taught in consuming passion, his deep love for Mary Todd Lincoln, his strong attention to duty, his integrity, his high order of religious comprehension. It narrates Mary’s intelligence and the fact she became an abolitionist. This book dispels untruths and rumors from the people who really knew the Lincolns.
The truth about Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln family.
The SpiritistEvent and The Codification of Spiritism
“To be born, to die, to be reborn yet again, and to constantly progress, that is the Law”, the Inscription above Allan Kardec’s grave, the man who codified the books of Spiritism. He died March 31, 1869 and is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in France. Allan Kardec was born October 3, 1804 Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail in the city of Lyon, France. He pursued interests in philosophy and the sciences, and became a pupil and colleague of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. Rivail completed a number of educational courses including a Bachelor of Arts degrees in science and a doctorate in medicine. He spoke German, English, Italian and Spanish fluently and could easily express himself in Dutch. He was a member of several scholarly societies, including the Historic Institute of Paris, Society of Natural Sciences of France, The Society for the Encouragement of National Industry, and The Royal Academy of Arras. Many times, when Pestalozzi was called abroad to establish Institutes such as that of Yverdun, he left Denizard Rivail in charge of his school. Rivail organized and taught free courses for the underprivileged.
Among books he wrote include:
- A Plan for the Improvement of Public Instruction (1828)
- A Course of Practical and Theoretic Arithmetic, on the Pestalozzian System, for the use of Teachers and Mothers (1829)
- A Classical Grammar of the French Tongue (1831)
- A Manual for the use of Candidates for Examination in Public Schools; with Explanatory Solutions of various Problems of Arithmetic and Geometry (1848)
- Grammatical catechism of the French Tongue (1848)
- Programs of ordinary studies in physics, chemistry, astronomy and physiology, taught at the Lyceum (1849)
- Normal Dictations for the Examinations of the Hotel de Ville and the Sorbonne, with Special Dictations on Orthographic Difficulties (1849)
The Society of Magnetism
Rivail was a member of the Society of Magnetism investigating various phenomenon associated with mesmeric activity. It was a fellow member, Mr. Fortier, who first told Rivail about turning tables in 1854. People would sit around a table, place their hands on it, and wait for rotations. The table would serve as a means of communicating with the spirits; the alphabet would be slowly called over and the table would tilt at the appropriate letter, thus spelling out words and sentences. This was a popular activity in 19th century Europe. At first Rivail did not believe this claiming, “I will believe it when I see it and when it has been proved to me that a table has a brain to think and nerves to feel and that it can become somnambulist. Until then, allow me to see nothing in this but a fable told to provoke sleep.” In 1855, another friend persuaded Rivail to attend a séance where he observed table turning and mediumistic writing using a basket (mediums lightly touched an overturned small basket with a pencil attached to it to write upon a sheet of paper placed beneath the basket) After this séance, he decided to start deeper investigation of these phenomena. He attended regularly mediumistic séances with different mediums, witnessing the tables revolving, moving and hitting the ground stating later, "I saw in those apparent futilities, in the pastime that made of those phenomena, anything serious, like the revelation of a new law, which I took to investigate thoroughly, I understood from the beginning the gravity of the exploration I was undertaking, the phenomena posed a complete revolution in ideas and beliefs. It was necessary therefore to act not lightly, but, rather, with circumspection, to be positive rather than idealistic, so as not to be carried away by illusions.”
At one of these séances Rivail met a man named Baudin who invited him to his home to witness his daughters Julie and Caroline perform “mediumistic writing.” During these sessions response from the spirits manifested were frivolous but when Rivail participated the spirits became serious imparting important information. While his wife was part of the séances as a medium it was his daughters Caroline age 16 and Julie, 14 who were more receptive to the spirits. Rivail asked questions and wrote down the answers he could get. In April 1856, 11 months after the first visit to those meetings, a spirit communicated to him that he was chosen to write down and publish the teachings. Rivail did not believe it and asked the spirit to repeat the message. "I confirm what was said, but I recommend discretion if you want to do well. You will take knowledge of things that now surprise you, "was the message he received in response. Every Tuesday, Rivail went to the Baudin couple's house. Julie and her sister Caroline psychographed almost every issue that was published in the first edition of The Spirits' Book in 1857.
As mentioned a pencil was attached to a basket, the girls would place their hands on the basket and spirits moved the basket with the pencil writing on a slate giving answers. With no direct contact with the pencil, it was impossible for Julie and Caroline to interfere with the responses written by the Spirits. In time the girls were able to use direct psychography meaning they wrote down answers themselves guided by the unseen entities. The responses that Caroline and Julie psychographed were reviewed, analyzed, and often compared to the other messages and mediums used. Of these, Ruth Japhet, a 20 year old somnambulist who possessed about 50 notebooks containing messages that she psychographed at night, was the medium who most contributed in reviewing the Baudin girls answers. When Rivail finished editing the questions, a problem arose: what would be the title and who should sign the work? As he was not considered an author, but an organizer, he simply called it “The Spirits’ Book.” But someone had to sign it. Rivail consulted the spirits and a spirit called Zephyr suggested the name of Allan Kardec because that was the name Rivail had in a past life as a former Druid priest. The books codified and written by Allan Kardec include:
- The Spirits’ Book (1857)
- What is Spiritism (1859)
- The Mediums’ Book (1861)
- The Gospel According to Spiritism (1864)
- Heaven and Hell (1865)
- The Genesis (1868)
- Posthumous Work (1890)
Allan Kardec dedicated his existence to Spiritism. Representing The Spirit of Truth, he established Spiritism. In 1858 he established the magazine ‘The Spiritist Review’, and founded The Spiritists' Parisian Studies Society. The last two question in the Spirits’ Book:
Question 1018. In what sense should we understand the words of Christ, 'My kingdom is not of this world"?
Answer. "Christ, in replying thus, spoke figuratively. He meant to say that He reigned only over pure and unselfish hearts. He is wherever the love of goodness holds sway; but they who are greedy for the things of this world, and attached to the enjoyments of earth, are not with Him."
Question1019. "Will the reign of goodness ever be established upon the earth?”
Answer."Goodness will reign upon the earth when, among the spirits who come to dwell in it, the good shall be more numerous than the bad; for they will then bring in the reign of love and justice, which are the source of good and of happiness. It is through moral progress and practical conformity with the laws of God, that men will attract to the earth good spirits, who will keep bad ones away from it; but the latter will not definitively quit the earth until its people shall be completely purified from pride and selfishness.”
Medium 20 year old Aline Carlotti was the intermediary for the Spirit of Truth to confirm to Professor Kardec that he had an important mission to accomplish with his work of codifying the teachings of the Spirits. The Spirit of Truth responded through Miss Aline's mediumship the following:
The Spirit of Truth
Kardec- Good Spirit, I would like to know what you think of the mission that some Spirits have assigned to me. Is it a test of my self-esteem? I have the greatest desire to contribute to the propagation of truth, but from the role of a simple worker to that of a missionary in chief, the distance is great.
Spirit of Truth- I confirm what you've been told, but I recommend to use discretion if you want to complete your mission. You are given the knowledge of things that will be explained what now surprises you. Do not forget that you can succeed, how can you fail? In any case, another would replace you, because the purposes of God do not rest on the head of one person. Never, therefore, speak of your mission; it would be the way to make you fall apart. It can only be justified by the work done and you have not done anything yet. If you do it, the men will recognize it, sooner or later, every good tree bears good fruit.
Kardec- I certainly have no wish to boast of a mission which I hardly believe. If I am destined to serve as an instrument to the designs of Providence, let her have me. In that case, I demand your assistance and that of the good Spirits, in order to help me and to support my task.
Spirit of Truth- Our assistance will not fail you, but it will be useless if, on your side, you do not do what is necessary. You have your free will, which you can use as you see fit. No man is constrained to do anything.
Kardec - What causes could determine my failure? Is it the inadequacy of my abilities?
Spirit of Truth- No; but the mission of Reformers is full of dangers and pitfalls. It is a question of shaking and transforming the whole world. Do not assume that it is enough for you to publish a book, two books, ten books, and then you can rest quietly at home. You have to expose yourself. You will raise terrible hatred against you; Enraged foes will conjure up for your loss; you will find yourself in the arms of malevolence, slander, the betrayal of those who will seem to you the most dedicated; your best instructions will be despised and falsified; more than once you will succumb under the weight of fatigue; in a word: you will have to sustain an almost continuous struggle, with sacrifice of your rest, of your tranquility, of your health and even of your life, otherwise you would live much longer.
Well! Not a few retreat when, instead of a flowery road, they see only heather, sharp rock, and serpent under foot. For such missions intelligence is not enough. It is necessary, first of all, to please God, humility, modesty and disinterest, since He kills the proud, the presumptuous and the ambitious. To fight against men, courage, perseverance and unshakable steadfastness are indispensable. They also need to be prudent and tactful in order to conduct things properly and not compromise their success with untimely words or measures. Finally, devotion, self-denial and disposition are required for all sacrifices.
You see, therefore, that your mission is subordinate to conditions that depend on you.
Kardec - True Spirit, I thank your wise counsel. I accept everything, without restriction and without preconceived idea.
Sir! For thou didst set thine eyes upon me for the accomplishment of thy designs, thy will be done! My life is in your hands; I am your servant. I acknowledge my weakness in the face of such a great task; my good will not faint, but the forces might betray me. Sure to my deficiency; give me the physical and moral strengths that are necessary for me. Help me in difficult times and, with your help and your heavenly messengers, I will do everything to correspond to your designs.
Below is a direct statement of Allan Kardec in his own words from Posthumous Works.
"I write this note on January 1, 1867, ten and a half years after the above communication was given to me, and I certify that it has taken place in all points, for I have experienced all the vicissitudes which have been foretold to me. I have been struggling with the hatred of bitter enemies, with insult, slander, envy, and jealousy; infamous libels have been published against me; my best instructions have been falsified; I was betrayed by those whom I trusted most, they paid me with the ingratitude those I served.
The Society of Paris became the focus of continuous intrigues waged against me by those who declared themselves in my favor and who, from the good physiognomy in my presence, struck me in the back. They said that those who remained faithful to me were my soldier and that I paid them with the money I earned from Spiritism. I have never been able to know what rest is; more than once I have succumbed to overwork, I have shaken my health and committed existence.
Thanks, however, to the protection and assistance of the good Spirits who have ceaselessly given me proof of solicitude, I am fortunate to acknowledge that I have never felt the least faintness or dismay, and that I continued with the same ardor in the performance of my task, without I was worried about the wickedness of which I was the object. According to the communication of the Spirit of Truth, I had to count on all this and everything has come to pass.
But also, along with these vicissitudes, which I experienced with satisfaction, seeing the work grow so prodigiously! With what delightful recompense have my tribulations been paid! What blessings and proofs of royal sympathy I received from the many afflicted people to whom the Doctrine has consoled! This result did not announce to me the Spirit of Truth who, no doubt intentionally, had only shown me the difficulties of the way.
What would not my ingratitude be, if I complained! If I said that there is a trade-off between good and evil, I would not be with the truth, because good, I am referring to moral satisfactions, have taken up a great deal of evil. When a disappointment came to me, a contrariety, I was raised by the thought above Humanity and I was placed beforehand in the region of the Spirits and from that culminating point, where it showed the one of my arrival, the miseries of life glided over me without reaching me. It had become so usual for me to do this, that the cries of the bad never disturbed me.”
Spiritism not man's creation but Devine Revelation
Spiritism is not man’s creation but Divine revelation for Humanity; validation of Christ’s legacy. The consultations with the Spirits through many mediums instigated the “Spirits’ Book”, published on April 18, 1857. A new field of knowledge was given to the world. Allan Kardec’s work established our place in the Universe and gave humankind the means to solve its mysteries, including the explanation of death and the beyond. From 1855 to 1869 Kardec dedicated his existence to Spiritism with assistance from The Spirit of Truth and other discarnates.
The reception prepared by Kardec and his wife Amélie was held April 18, 1857 at night in their small apartment with twenty guests. The Baudin family, Emile-Charles, his wife Clémantine and daughters Caroline and Julie were the first to arrive. Clémantine told the Kardec’s the joy of the two daughters when each one received a copy of The Spirits Book.
"Thank you for the gift, Professor”, replied Caroline, smiling. “How kind to you! I was anxious to see The Book. I never imagined taking so much time in the typography.”
"Almost four months," replied Kardec. “The work was composed outside of Paris, in a modest and full service workshop.”
"Now," continued the girl, "I feel as though I am relieved of a duty, as if passed by an exam.”
In her eighteen years, Caroline - to whom the book owed so much - did not realize the gratitude of the Author, and it was she who thanked him for a simple gesture of respect! Sincere and ingenuous, easily showing the target teeth and lined up in splendid gum of crimson, and her face was beautiful and candid, framed by the curls of blond hair that fell on her shoulders. Caroline was, by character and heart, like an angel coming into the world to announce a new revelation. And always smiling, she continued:
"Now I can get married in peace ..."
Kardec, expressing sincerity and paternal affection, answered her:
“Now you can! Your task is done, and done so with distinction. God will give you in this and in another world the prize of the disinterested and useful worker. Why did not you bring the groom?”
"He's far away in Dijon, preparing things. The wedding was scheduled for next July, God willing.”
"Are you going to live so far away from us, Caroline?"
"Yes, Professor. After Julie's wedding, we will all return to Reunion Island.”
"Is not your fiancé an officer of the Army?"
“Yes, but he will leave his military career to help Daddy run the farm. The same will be for the fiancé of Julie, who graduates this year in Medicine.”
"In August," Julie said.
"And you, little girl, are you going to marry so young too?"
"I expect to get married in October, when I'm sixteen." We do not choose the same date of marriage because, they say, it does not give a lucky bridal...”
"Superstition, girl!”
"But Raymond wants to train first, and we'll stay in Paris until the autumn."
"That reason is more reasonable," replied Kardec, smiling.
"Tell me, Professor," said Caroline, "is marriage really destiny?"
“Do you think that the most important act of our earthly life - especially for the woman - could escape the plan of progress that is laid before us before we are born? Have you forgotten the lessons you have received?”
"I believe in the destiny of marriage," said Julie. But Raymond is skeptical. For him fate is the will of the people.”
"In part, yes; in part, no, replied Kardec. I'd like to talk to him. As a rule, medical students are skeptical. Bring me your fiancé one day.”
And to Emile-Charles, who was approaching Kardec said, "I know you did not even have time to open The Book. How about the title?”
“Splendid! I could not be happier or more suggestive. It was, however, a surprise to me. I had thought the title would be ‘Religion of the Spirits'."
“I changed my mind. Censorship could be involved with that title. On the other hand, the Guides had told me the Book was only the 'first' chapter of the Spiritist Religion. The primitive title would, therefore, be improper. The new name conveys the origin of The Book. The Guides have always told us (remember?) That, in essence, the work was theirs. I made a point of emphasizing this transcendent origin from the first lines, giving Caesar what is Caesar's. So, from this point of view, The Book is indeed...”
"Of the Spirits," Emile added. Of full agreement. "But..."
“Forgive me, dear friend! Allow me to explain. The title lends itself well to this interpretation; is perhaps the first idea that comes to the reader. And even, the one that came to mind when I conceived it. However, this title has a double understanding: One, apparent; other, real. In appearance, THE BOOK comes FROM THE SPIRITS. That's what everyone will think, as you have. In the background and in reality the title means THE BOOK deals with THE SPIRITS.”
“I understand. Double sense, the visible and the hidden, serving to explain the origin and purpose of the work. In that case the name is great.”
“I was inspired.”
Amélie Gabrielle Boudet, wife and partner of Allan Kardec
Amélie Gabrielle Boudet was born in Thiais, south of Paris, on November 23, 1795, at the time of the French Revolution. She was "a professor with a first-year degree", and she graduated in the first secular school for primary school teachers, which followed the Pestalozzi line, located on Boulevard Saint-Germain, in Paris, the city where she lived all her life. In that period she worked as a poet and artist. She partnered with her husband in the institute they established teaching underprivileged students.
Amélie, whom Kardec affectionately called "Gaby", stood firmly by her husband's side, encouraging his work in development of the spiritist doctrine; " My wife, who is neither more ambitious nor more interested than me, is fully in agreement with my views and has seconded in the laborious task, and still does, for a job sometimes superior to his strength, sacrificing without weighing the pleasures and distractions of the world, to which he was accustomed by the position of his family.” When the founder of Spiritism disincarnated Amélie became in charge of the French spiritist movement and sent the Paris Society of Spiritist Studies a report describing the new working conditions of her husband's work. Nothing was published without first her reviewing it. Despite her advanced age, the widow of Allan Kardec showed a spirit of work out of the ordinary, insisting on managing everything personally, taking care of different issues that would require several people. Thanks to the commitment of Allan and Amélie Kardec’s devotion, Spiritism would grow not only in France, but throughout the world. To those who advised her to rest, she replied that she could not remain inactive and that she wanted to leave everything in order before meeting her partner. She was 74 years old when Allan passed away on March 31, 1869, and Amélie Gabrielle Boudet passed away at age 87 on January 21, 1883.
Bibliographic source: Canuto de Abreu - The Book of Spirits and its historical and legendary tradition