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by Manoah Bodman (1765-1850); edited by Jesse Glass
*Bodman, Manoah. An Oration On Death, And The Happiness Of The Separate State, Or The Pleasures of Paradise. Williamsburgh, MA.: Ephraim Whitman, 1817.
Perhaps you will wonder, O reader, why I dwell so much on the power of Satan. It is a gloomy subject, to be sure: but perhaps, more advantageous than we are apt to conceive at first view. The great Apostle to the Gentiles could say, We are not ignorant of his devices. No small attainment! I know this is a very disagreeable thought; to suppose ourselves continually surrounded by these Infernal, Potent beings! but I do not see, but we must suppose it, and believe it; if we have recourse to the sacred records; for there we are expressly informed, that the great dragon was cast out of heaven; that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Now here is an expression strong in point- which deceiveth the whole world! And if he deceives the whole world, then we are all, more or less, deceived by him. How fearful our state!
And again, we are told from sacred writ, that the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knoweth he hath but a short time.
Once more; It was Satan's express answer to the Almighty, when He asked him whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And if this is his employment doubtless it is of all his legions too. For Satan himself can, speak the truth, and in this case he could be under no temptation to do otherwise. So that if we can believe the great father of lies, but especially the infallible word of God, then we fully believe that we have established this point: which is, that we are surrounded by devils.
How critical our situation!
But we were upon his transforming power, and perhaps there is not a christian grace or virtue, but that he will counterfeit. Doubtless he will create a presumptuous faith-a spurious repentance-a rotten hope-a false joy-a fiery frantic zeal-an unwarrantable confidence-and, a growth of bigotry and censure: and all these carried to an extravagant length.
O How dangerous!
I have been the more particular my friends in relation to the machinations of this foul apostate, because I have been dreadfully deluded by him myself; and that for a great length of time. And during all that time I don't know but I have watched and guarded with the greatest assiduity and attention; but the delusion was so great and so wonderfully conducted by the great deceiver that I could not discover it; and it is highly probable that I never should till my dying day, had not the Lord of hosts wonderfully interposed, and by His own strong and Almighty arm irresistibly brought me off from it.
Now I believe it is a debt I owe my God, my conscience, and the souls of men, to divulge this story: and make a true relation of facts to my fellow travelers to the grave.
And may the Almighty in his infinite wisdom and mercy grant me an accurate mind, a sound judgement, a clear discernment and memory, while I relate the important subject. Then after premising that I purpose to write a history of these wonderful things, with all the religious experiences of my life, as soon as God in his providence shall give me opportunity. The title of which, if printed will be, A BRIEF OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, which little book will have all the cedentials and testimonials of evidence, and will be accompanied with proper affidavits, so far forth as human testimony can be concerned, shewing the truth of the whole story.
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Early in life, how early I do not exactly know, but it appears that about as long ago as I can remember any thing, I began to have something like religious impressions, and a desire of being saved. This was about as early, it appears to me, as my first acquaintance with the gospel; for here, once for all, I must acknowledge that I have been shamefully negligent, through the whole course of my life, in that I have not kept a diary, nor any minutes of my passing time. But to proceed with my childhood, I believe that I was strictly moral. What my impressions were, with repect to religion, generally I know not. I was playful, and sprightly, like other children. When between thirteen and fourteen years of age, or about that time, my father with his family, removed from Sunderland, in the then county of Hampshire, to Williamsburgh, in the same county, Massachusetts. Soon after settling in the town of Williamsburgh, there began to be somewhat of a religious operation on the minds of the people: not so much I believe in Williamsburgh, however, as in some of the neighboring towns. But suffice it to say, that during these exercises among the people, I then supposed that I participated in divine grace: and I believe it was so in the judgment and charity of others. I believe it was thought that I gave great evidence of a christian experience. And in my own view was progressing in divine things. I had great joy and rejoicings in God, as I think; and great views of the divine character,-the nature of sin, and holiness,-spiritual views of heaven and hell,-many sacred touches of the holy spirit, and divine illuminations as it appeared to me. In this state I went on for about ten years, if my memory serves me; I then fell under great outward trouble, which became very severe-grieving under this, in my retirement, I, all at once perceived an invisible being, that seemed to be coming to comfort and console me, with a language that was sweet and endearing. I do not mean that the language was truly vocal, but the communications made to my mind were perfect and entire, as any language could be. I was sweetly, and exceedingly surprised; as it was the first of the kind I ever had. I received this as the special favor of heaven to me, to console me under my sorrows: for I soon recognized, as I thought, the Infinite Jehovah-and in this capacity He fell into familiar conversation with me. And I found that I could freely converse with him. This invisible being I really thought was our Heavenly Father. No language of any earthly parent could be more endearing.
This conversation, or, these dialogues were renewed from time to time. I recollect one night in particular, I lay awake a very considerable part of the night, when this conversation, which I called a heavenly conversation, occupied a great part of the time: and there was a greatness, and a sweetness in it, that I cannot describe.
By what methods these communications were made to my mind I cannot determine: but I believe it to be the perfect language of the invisible world; and I see no reason, if God should permit it so to be, why they cannot perfectly communicate with us. And now, O my friends, do you believe this was all the Devil? I do, if you do not.
His next appearance was to personate a human departed spirit. This was one of my dearest friends-he personated him as in a state of glory; this, we had good reason to hope, was so; but Satan personated him to the life, from time to time, in his own natural capacity; but only glorified. He spoke wonderfully of his own death, of the glories of the heavenly world to which he had arrived. This deceased friend sometimes appeared to be alone, at other times he appeared to be in company with many of the heavenly host. How many of these appearances there were I know not: but they were frequent.
At length they subsided for a number of years, till it pleased God in his providence to call me to the sharpest trial I ever endured, the sickness and death of my dear partner in life. A little before her death, as she lay apparently in a happy state and condition of mind, calmly resigned to death, I was out in the field, a considerable distance from the house, and had very earnest in prayer for her, Satan in the capacity of the Almighty there made the declaration to me that her salvation was eternally sure; as sure as his eternal throne. I considered this as a declaration of the Almighty, and therefore it could but give comfort.-My wife lay a number of days apparently in a comfortable state of mind, and then very unexpectedly to us, departed this life. Such a stroke as being deprived of the desire of my eyes, in the bloom and vigor of youth, was almost insupportable. It was now I needed divine consolation: whether I had it or no, I know not; but my mind was uncommonly calm. But one thing I know to my entire satisfaction, that I was immediately visited by these delusions; they appeared to be renewed in increasing strength. And these scenes of communication were perfectly astonishing, and were far greater, and appeared more glorious than I can describe. There was something so great-so majestic-so worthy of superior beings-such deep reverence for God-such holy conversation-such coherence, method, aptness and incomparable greatness, as perfectly astonished me, and nearly every person to whom I related it. And in all these, there appeared to be the most perfect holiness and delight in God. O how these beings would extol the mercy of God in Christ.-How they would speak of the compassion of Christ to our world.-The infinite importance of sinners pressing into the kingdom of heaven.-And how delighted they were at the conversion of sinners, and the outpourings of the spirit of God.-How they would charge me not to sin against God,-to walk uprightly; if I stepped aside from the path of duty, I was almost certain to get reproved.
I will mention a case which now occurs to my mind; I was one day passing through the street in Williamsburgh when attended as I supposed by one of my holy guardians, I had a desire to stop at a store, thinking it probable that there might be some people there; when this supposed guardian of mine, demanded of me, whether, if I went in there, I would keep from sinning against God; or joining any light, vain or trifling company.-I promised that I would not join such company; accordingly I went in, and believe that I performed my engagement. This was the substance, if not the words of our conversation. This case I mention as a special instance of their guardianship, over my walk and behavior.
I might mention a number of instances of reproof which I received from them; but passing that, I shall proceed. From the time of the decease of my wife, her spirit seemed to appear to me as a daily ministering spirit. As she gave me to understand that she had arrived at glory, and was perfectly happy in a state of blessedness, and was sent down to comfort me; and seemed to appear with the same beautiful aspect, that she had on earth; only glorified. And seemed to speak wonderfully of her death, and her arrival in heaven-and how she was sent down to comfort and console me;-and upon the day of her interment she seemed to converse much upon her own death, burial and resurrection to eternal life. These ministrations of her's seemed now to become regular, and daily administered: and seemed to be so full of light, and joy, and expressions of the love of God, that there is nothing on earth can compare with them.
This spirit, which seemed to be the spirit of my departed wife, seemed to continue her daily visits for more than eight years-and frequently several times in a day.
I was previously admonished of the approach of this spirit, and of all others, that ever appeared to me, some little time beforehand.-Perhaps half a minute.-Perhaps you will ask, What this notice, or previous admonition was, by which you perceieved their approach?
All I can say about it is, That I felt a strange sensation in my whole frame, and an unusual drawing of the mind up to the spiritual or heavenly world.
How many appeared to me in this way, or how many were personated I cannot tell, but a great number surely. For besides my daily ministrations which were personated as the one abovementioned, I had a great number of pretended holy beings besides, which seemed to be fraught with holy conversation, and laden with heavenly treasures; while such holy and wonderful conversation would break from their lips, as no tongue can express, nor heart conceive!
Sometimes a particular saint seemed to be speaking on some wonderful theme, and instantly would be joined by an innumerable company of the heavenly host; putting their Amen, and Hallelujahs to the song.
It does appear to me, my friends, that the most distinguished saint on earth, having these views, must have taken them for holy beings, especially as all this was attended with great calmnes and serenity of mind: and with the deepest reverence, for God, and holy beings, as I thought.
These appearances were various, and seemed to presonate the different characters of saints, according to their genius and employment here on earth.
They seemed to inform of the various employments in the heavenly world: but would seem most sacredly to adhere to the secret counsels of God. They would wonderfully expatiate upon the worth of the soul; and most earnestly request of me, to make every exertion in my power for the good of human souls.
O how they would express themselves concerning the holy word of God! how sacred and important it was;-they appeared to confine themselves in their observations entirely to it.-And would expressly say, To the law and to the testimony-for if we speak not according to this word, it is because we have no light or truth in us.
And thus they seemed most zaelous promoters of the law and testimony of God, and wholly swallowed up in divine employments, and holy ministrations to the Most High.
Who is there among the sons of men, but would have taken these, for the worthy servanst of Jehovah?-Now this is not an illusion of the fancy, or imagination, merely as such; because, the recipient could immediately give a regular relation of these things, verbatim. And in the view and opinion of all candid and substantial people, they were perfectly supernatural, and in the view of many, they must be of heavenly origin, and above human language.-O the inconceivable deceptions of Satan!
Why it should be so, that I should fall under these strange delusions of the adversary of souls, I know not. I always thought that I had not only given the dew of my youth, but had, in measure, consecrated my life to God. I thought myself an assiduous and a regular supporter of religion: and as far from any thing enthusiastic, as any person living.-And I have endeavored conscientiously, generally speaking, to attend to the great duties of the christian religion, during the whole course of my life.-And as to the great duty of secret prayer, I have no remembrance that ever I omitted it, as to the regular and punctual attendance of it daily, for nearly forty years,-besides occasional ejaculatory prayer.-And I do not know, but that I have had a strict regard to the holy sabbath all this time. And as I have lived in times of great religious exercises,so, I do not know but I was always willing, according to my ability, to forward the work of religion, in the salvation of souls
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[Bodman proceeds to give his opinion on the extent of Satan's power at the end of time, and how Satan's strength and presence in world events had grown in the last several years, therefore proving that perhaps his times were the end times mentioned in Revelation.]
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And now I would ask, Does not this visibility already begin to appear? Do we not hear of more distressing cases of lunacy, perplexity, and possibly possession of the devil; than has been heard of in latter ages? Together with strange illuminations, wonderful impulses, and directions, which we have good reason to believe, to suspect at least, to be the work of the adversary of souls.
What a strange diffusion of influence seems to pervade whole congregations of worshipers, while the grossest absurdities, and unwarrantable presumption appears to spread over the whole society, and produce falling, spasms, and convulsions-heart-aches, and groanings; apparently under the power of sin; swooning, fainting away, then lying apparently like a corpse for a long time. Then we shall see them almost involuntarily to rise, stamp with their feet, clap their hands, and shout Glory to God!-And demanding, as it were, of the Almighty that he would come down among them, and bless them.
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Other congregations there are, which seem to be under violent impulses, agitations and distortions.-We shall see them move in rapid circles, exhibit strange gestures and motions of body-quite unaccountable to the beholder. Possibly they will tell you that they are led by the Spirit of God: but have we not reason to fear that another spirit has, at least some influence over them.
And besides, is it not the case, that Satan is influencing great numbers of erroneous sectaries, perhaps never before known; calculated to entangle and destroy mankind? Now Satan does not care how much religion people have, if it be false-nor is it likely that he cares how near the mark, the creature comes, if he is sure to make him miss it. And besides, have we not reason to conclude, that he studies and pervades the genius, juices and fluids of every human body, as well as the aptitudes of every mind, within the whole circle of his domains in our world: and perfectly adapts his temptations and insinuations to the nature of every particular character. I say nothing of the torch of war, and persecution, which Satan has lit up in all ages of the world, for the destruction of mankind.
O what a sea of glass, mingled with fire, does even the christian stand upon!--
But I hasten to finish my own particular short relation. These malignant spirits, for you must know that notwithstanding their transformation, that they were such, would diffuse a great degree of light, and joy, in their communications; so much so, that I have thought they might have power to take the life away, even in this exercise.
Their language was awfully sublime, and astonishingly comprehensive! It appeared to be every way befitting and becoming that of holy, mighty principalities and powers.
Their themes were sublime.-Sometimes the holiness, the power-the wisdom-the justice-the mercy-and the love of God. Sometimes on the happiness of heaven.-At other times on the outpouring of the spirit of God on earth.-Sometimes upon the holy word of God-and his holy Sabbath-frequently on eternity, and worth of souls.
On all these subjects they were clear, methodical, and wonderfully instructive. And I must say, very far surpassed every thing human! It seemed as though it could but happify any one receiving it.
In this, however, there was a seeming contrast, though it seldom occurred. For at certain times, I was sharply assaulted with the suggestions, and expressions of Satan, in his own native colours. This tended very much to sweeten the company and attendance of these supposed holy beings.
But what conduced more, perhaps, to confirm me in this, was, that these foul and malignant beings assumed to themselves, every endearing name, title, and attribute of Jehovah. It was now that the language assumed at times a higher tone than ever. For it was frequently the case, that I appeared to be addressed immediately by the Infinite Jehovah himself. And much in the same manner as was Moses, and the Patriarchs-It was now that I was inwrapt in deep reverence, and amazement; to suppose the Creator of all, was addressing a worm of the dust.
This language appeared to me, to be well worthy the Infinite Majesty of Heaven: and seemed like the language of the sublime parts of scripture. Though very kind, affectionate, endearing and parental.
This was frequently renewed.
I was now anxious to do my whole duty, and attend to this voice of God, as I supposed, while my other interviews with the other supposed holy beings continued; and of these there appeared to be a great number; including nearly, or quite all, the prophets and apostles of our Lord; and many eminent departed saints, who once belonged to Europe and America. My intercourse with the world of spirits now became great.
And among all this great variety of beings, there seemed to be as great a variety of genius and style; and such a rich profusion of language, as I never before heard, or ever expect to in this world: and I believe the same of you my reader; for I believe that I can safely say, that among all this world of intelligences, I was constantly entertained with something new. The language was new, sweet, and surprising; in this respect, it far out did every thing human!-and served as a continual fund of pleasure and surprise. So that I had no doubt that I know of, that they were not only perfectly holy beings, but highly exalted ones. And I now believe, that it was the greatest possible semblance to the spiritual and holy world above, of any that can be possibly made by sinful intelligences. If you ask me the methods of this joy and communication? I will answer, that the language was inconceivably strong, clear, sweet, and appeared perfectly holy, and fraught with heavenly love, diffusing great joy and satisfaction to the mind; but accompanied with a degree of violence, which I now suppose, is not incident to the pure joys of heaven.
It appears to me, that during all this time, I was anxious not to be deceived, and earnestly addressed the throne of grace for that purpose. And many times my impression came so strong from my supposed deity, especially when I was alone, as caused me involuntarily to articulate words; so that I presume they might have been heard by others, had they been present. And all this I believe, without the least agency of mine; any more than that of a clock, or watch, or other machine: and this was performed without the least uneasiness, or painful distortion of body: but directly the reverse. It tended to exhilarate both body and mind. Here again, I was led to bring up another contrast: that of the oracles of the east, and the distortions, ragings, convulsions, foamings, and sometimes even dying of the sybil who was the organ of them. Now these evil spirits, would at once consent that these sybils were acted upon by infernal agency: therefore, my case could not be like theirs. And, consequently from the different effects, must be from the Almighty. Here then was another strong reason for the delusion continuing. And why it should be so, that I should be so over-taken by the power of the adversary, I know not, and it is a point that I cannot solve in any other way, but only to consider it as the pleasure of him who works all things according to the counsel of his own will.
I have a few words more on this subject, and I have done. You will naturally ask me, if these beinsg had any point to which they were aiming? To which I answer, they had. And that was, the introduction of the great millennium of the church of Christ. They pretended to presage, and to be fore-runners of that great event; and endeavored to convince me, that a more wonderful communication from heaven to earth, was about to open.-Not that any new revelations were about to take place, or any possible additions to the written word of God: or, any thing that could be construed in that way: They seemed with the most scrupulous anxiety to guard every page of the word of the Most high; and show that it was all sacred and inviolable-and seemed to speak such pieces on the purity of it, as I never before heard, or ever expect to hear in this world.
They would seem to insinuate, not that there was to be any new revelation, as I before said; but a new and wonderful administration of the former. There would be, more wonderful discussions, explanations, and the like, in the new period of the Church, which is about to commence. And this was to be effected, in a great measure, by the blending as it were of heaven and earth. For they would seem to insinuate that the celestial hosts would actually come down to this earth; open, and carry on a perfect correspondence with its inhabitants. Another thing, they would anxiously request me to write these things, and publish them to the world; assuring me of the vast importance of them; and holding up the idea, that such things ought not to be lost. And the one that personated the Almighty Jehovah, I believe would order me to write these things. He seemed to to leave me to consult with my own convenience, in some measure about it. Assuring me, however, however, that when I did set about it, he would furnish me with matter sufficient, from the invisible world, holding up the idea, that this would appear to be supernatural, heavenly, and divine-and would pass through the world like a shock of electricity, as it were, and instantly bring the world, and the nations thereof, into the kingdom and sheepfold of Christ.-The whole tenor of scripture, appeared at this time, to favor this plan. All the endeavoring expressions relating to the Father, and the Son,-The fellowship and oneness of the saints, with the Divine Being;-all seemed strong in point. But more especially, the words of the Apostle John, in the words that follow. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Now I was led to believe, that these referred to the millennium, and that the only proper construction of scripture, and where the sense will bear it, is, the literal one. And the literal one, in this case, would be, that the inhabitants of heaven would actually come down to the earth, and open a correspondence with men here below.-I was led to believe the absurdity of any other construction. Thus, you see, that every thing combined to hold me under these strong delusions.-And in these I must have remained to my dying day, had not the Almighty in his infinite wisdom, and I hope mercy too, reach'd out the strong arm of his power, and wonderfully rescued me! But by what particular means, it is not now necessary to relate. Suffice it to say, that in the course of events, I was convinced, and effectually convinced, that these were all the delusions of Satan. And that, although, mankind never could have convinced me, the Lord alone, made a short work of it!-In this, there were no supernatural voices, or communications, from God.
As soon as I was convinced, I instantly concluded to stand on the defensive; and under God, to defy all the powers of darkness.
A dreadful conflict ensued. Soon, however, I began to experience refreshing views, as I thought, from the heavenly world.
The heavens seemed almost to open to my view. These things appeared wholly spiritual, and of the same nature of what I received in early life, before i fell under my late delusions,-but very different from them.-The views I now had seemed to resemble those which St. Stephen had. But my dreadful conflict soon began.-I was quickly assaulted by the powers of darkness, and every thing which their horrid minds could invent, was suggested or conveyed to my mind.
As long as I could hold, in my own view, my innocence, I could stand against them: but they heaped such a load of these wicked expressions upon me, that I sunk under them. The impressions were so strong and violent that they made me to realize them in some measure, and to consider them my own.
They brought on me a state of deep despondency, and almost total despair! They suggested to my mind, that i had spoken irreverently of the dealings of God with me, and consequently there could be no hope for me.
In this state, therefore, I sunk down into great distress of mind, with but seeming little hope. I expected that the neighborhood and world, would soon be alarmed at my condition. At this time it was very strongly suggested to my mind, that I had but a short time to live-but a very few days. In this dreadful tragedy, there appeared to be two actors; one seemed to personate the Infinite Jehovah, and the other the adversary of souls; and they both seemed determined there should be no relief for me. Now this was my first general onset, and ought to have been mentioned before; some part of what I have previously said, belonged to my second attack, in order. Let us proceed then with the first attack. These two personated beings, beforementioned, plied all their sagacity to make me miserable. The one first mentioned seemed to consign me over to the other; and the rage of the latter seemed to be dreadful. My misery at this time was almost inconceivable! It was now, as beforementioned, that I expected a general almarm on my account. The suggestions of these invisible creatures were shocking and frightful. And now, here I would observe once and for all, that in all these scenes of delusion, I never heard any thing vocal, or that I supposed to be voices, but once. In this instance there seemed to be four in company, one of which seemed to be speaking to me of the praises due to christ. This one seemed to speak by suggestion, as the others before had always done;-speaking immediately before of Christ, this one directed the others to ascribe to him, meaning Christ, Hallelujahs; and upon this the most solemn and awful Hallelujahs broke nearly over my head. These seemed to be real voices, exceedingly heavy and melodious; and they appeared to speak in regular succession one after the other, Alleluia. And I cannot but think, had you been present with me, O reader, you would have heard the same.
But to return to the scenes of my distress. I seemed to be fast crowding on to destruction. In this situation, I sent a young man, with whom I was at work, to give the alarm! Accordingly he went to my father's house, but evaded his errand. In the mean time, I thought whether there might not be some hopes for me. Now my mind was led to address another kind of being from those I had been conversing with. And I earnestly addressed the throne of grace for a considerable time; at first it seemed but little propitious to my prayers; but I continued them with great attention. It was now that my faith and confidence in God seemed to strengthen....
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...I recollect that I now told a young woman in the neighborhood, who had lately professed religion, that I now felt like an eternal conqueror.-But alas! I soon fell under the power of Satan again; for as a brother of mine had a house raised on that day, and a very considerable part of the town were collected for the purpose; in a gloomy and dejected state of mind I came to the place,-just cast my eye upon it, and retired.-I went into a neighboring lot, scarcely knowing whither I went, kneeled down in prayer, and attempted to address the throne of grace.-But I received short, and sudden answers, that I had committed the unpardonable sin;-and there was no hopes for me: this had been the declaration of these evil spirits from the first. The being whom I was now addressing in prayer, was, as I supposed, my Maker.-But the being that seemed to answer me, must be very far from being the true God: although he seemed to personate the Holy Trinity; and scared me into a belief that it was so. Yet, he gave me, short, abrupt and spiteful answers: and would scarcely permit me to speak, before he interrupted me: and told me among other things, not to stir out of that place till the sun was flat down.-All this not only dreadfully distressed my mind, but greatly affected my body.-I was so overcome with terror and distress, that I still thought that the being who was giving me these answers was the Almighty.
In this situation and posture, I remained about five hours, then all at once my burden seemed to be gone, and I thought I had liberty to go: But I durst not go, without the leave of my supposed commander: accordingly, I believe that i asked him, if I might go, and he said that I might. The sun was nearly an hour high. But the truth is, I believe his power was arrested and he could do no more at that time, I then felt relieved, and somewhat calm in my mind, and conversing with some christian friends, they endeavored to convince me that I had not committed the unpardonable sin; but still I was considerably terrified, and afraid to sleep. And about this time, requesting one of my friends to sleep with me, the devil then spoke to me,-for I must call it speaking, and so would you, reader, had you been in the same circumstances-And said to me,-What are you afraid of, you fool? nothing will hurt you-intermixing a profane word, in the sentence.
Upon which I replied, I thought you was God, or the Almighty;-he answered, I am God;-and by a horrdi expression joining all intelligences together, in heaven, earth and hell, which i shall not here enumerate,-he concluded, by saying,-'or, any thing, to answer the purpose.'
The reader will observe, that these expressions of Satan, were not vocal, but intellectual, and had a perfect semblance to language, and were perfectly understood by me.
This answer of Satan, as abovementioned, gave me relief at once. For I now had no longer doubts that it was Satan, who troubled me so in the lot, when he personated the Deity. Possibly I may make some mistakes in the rehearsal of events from day to day, in their order: for this was a gloomy period with me; and I did not keep a diary, as I before said; but I willendeavor to be as exact as I can. These great scenes of sorrow began near the last of May, 1816, and they continued incessantly, with alternate scenes of joy and comfort, as i suppose from God, until I obtained a hopeful relief.
But, to pursue my story,-After I had received this answer from Satan, I went home to my father's house in company with my brother, and as I think, one more: and here from what follows in the conversation, I some think, that this was before I had received the aforementioned answer from Satan, it being impossible for me to recollect with certainty. My brother then observed to me, that I had not committed the unpardonable sin: but that it was the work of Satan, in trying to make me believe it, or drive me to it. Likewise my brother observed; that he did not believe that God made any such communications as I had respresented.-This gave me great relief; my brother still accompanied me to my father's house, and in the evening prayed with the family; and when requesting of God, that he would give his holy angels charge concerning us that night, Satan, by his cruel suggestion to me, made answer: All but you, I'll take care of you. I mention this, to show that I was almost constantly beset by the old serpent. I soon retired to rest; my too brothers sleeping near me in the same room. I was considerably distressed some part of the night.
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[Bodman feels better in the morning and decides to take a walk in the fields in the afternoon. He feels strengthened by the presence of what he believes to be God.] I now acquired great confidence in God; and turning to Satan, whom I supposed was near me, I addressed him in this manner: O you black, hellish monster! How dare you take the great and dreadful name of God, and all his endearing titles and attributes, into your polluted lips, in the manner you have done? But my conflicts were far from ending; for directly after this, when I had returned to the house, and was sitting in my chair, I was filled with gloom and melancholy to such a degree, as overpowered me; and I suppose affected my nerves; though wholly from Satan's influence, which caused me to make strange and uncommon noises,-which very much terrified the people. It threw me into a nervous kind of convulsions, which I knew was wholly effected by Satan.-The people in the neighborhood were gathered, expecting that I was about to make my exit, or lose my reason, or some terrible occurrence was about to take place. The shakings that I had were successive and very violent. Satan would say, or suggest to me, that he would shake me into hell the next time. I had my reason so well, that I was sensible that it was the power of Satan that affected me. I believe he caused me to articulate words that I had no agency in. These words, however, I suppose were not sinful, but only frightful. The minister and the physician of the parish were both sent for. When it was asked if I was willing to hear the minister pray, I answered, I have no objection, but it will do no good, as I am going right down to endless destruction. He prayed with me, however, and my mind became more calm.
The physician bled me. And Satan's power ceased for a time. And here I would observe, according to my best recollection, that in all those violent agitations and convulsions of body, there was no pain attending them.
I had one dreadful conflict more, which I shall mention in its place. How it was with me now for two or three days, I cannot precisely tell: in a short time from this, I slept at my brother's, with a Mr. Elijah Hayden, a very worthy, pious man.-Mr. Hayden rose early in the morning and left me in bed.-And about that time, or a little after, the glory of the God of Israel, seemed to fill the room; there seemed to be a light, somewhat resembling material light, while a fixed view, or vision of God, and the heavenly world, seemed to appear. Here were no voices, no appearances, nor any communications: but my whole soul seemed as it were absorbed and almost swallowed up, with one vast abstract view of God, and the heavenly world.
It appeared to me that I was surrounded with holy beings, yet I heard them not; but they seemed to be employed in the same glorious work with myself;-contemplating the glorious perfections of God. They seemed to be as it were like moveless statues of wonder and admiration; filled with deep surprise, and a holy, heavenly air seemed to pervade the whole. I doubt not that I was in possession of my reason at this time; I thought within myself what an easy thing it would be to die. It appeared to me that the transit, from the state that I was then in, to join these holy beings, was short. And I moreover, made one or two attempts to see if I had the power to bring my affections down to earth; or fix them upon any thing here below; but I found that I could not; for my soul made me like the chariots of Aminadib; and immediately to arise to holy wonder and contemplation. In this state I continued about three hours, for I was able to ascertain the time very nearly.-This was succeeded by another great scene of glory on the morning following. How long this lasted I cannot tell; it might be an hour, or more.
* * * * *
The same morning, after enjoying these wondrous refreshings from the spirit of God, as I believe, Satan again filled me with gloomy apprehensions, which was observed by the family.
My father and brother being a little distance from the house, taking down an old building, my brother came in first, I believe, and my father afterwards, and requested me to go out and divert my mind with what they were about to do; which I engaged, and intended to do. But in sitting at the table, my gloom and melancholy increased, and the power of Satan came on me so strong, that I felt myself hardly able to move. I retired immediately, for the purpose of prayer;-but feeling as though there was no mercy for me, and that I must sink down immediately to destruction-I thought it would be a sin, for me to ask mercy for myself,-I inadvertantly made an expression, or part of an expression, that I had no thought of making; which, as I think, was wholly by the influence and power of Satan. I remained in a very gloomy and melancholy state of mind all that day. My friends endeavored to comfort me. I said nothing of my attempting to pray.-I spent the day in this situation. In the evening I retired for secret prayer, as I ever had done-I was greatly beset by the adversary, after going to bed. I believe that I prayed to God, and resisted Satan alternately, the fore part of the night.
Satan would now suggest to my mind distressing ideas of my guilt, in one or two inadvertent expressions. He then seemed to demand of me whether I had not expressed myself as he stated in another case. I answered him that I did not know any thing about it, and seemed to subjoin, that I did not care. He made answer this way,-There's clear malice.-And upon this, he made me believe that I had committed the unpardonable sin; or very much fear that I had. Upon which a shower of blasphemies was suggested to my mind, such as I never before heard of, or even conceived of, though I had no idea that I uttered any thing aloud. This greatly affrighted me. He would endeavor to make me think that I was as much a blasphemer, as he was; and would string out his blasphemies, and call them mine: and try to make me think that I spoke them. Whereas I never had the least conscious agency, to my knowledge, in my regular moments, in all that passed in this way. My distress was so great, after all this, that I believe that I sunk into a partial delirium. For, I had somewhat confused ideas of the place where I was: still, I was afraid in my partial delirium, that I was undone forever.
But Satan continued to cloud my mind with the most frightful and gloomy apprehensions; and dealt out his infernal suggestions with a liberal hand; for he overcame both body and mind, and caused me once more to sink into those dreadful agitations and convulsions of body, and distress of mind which I had before experienced, or, still more distressing than any thing before. This caused loud groans, and perhaps strange noises, to break from my lips, while every part of my body was most violently agitated. And can you believe, O reader, that during all this time I had not any bodily pain, to my knowledge. O the great kindness of our God! How unsearchable are his ways!
During this period of distress, the family were called up, and were much alarmed at my situation. This was in the dead of night; and it appeared to me that Satan would immediately tear me in pieces; which he seemed to threaten to do; and I was really afraid it would take place before the morning light.-My Mother standing by my bed-side, it now appears to me, was earnest in prayer-she asked me if I could pray for myself? [sic] when, I believe, I made an attempt to pray.
But still I was afraid to have my brother leave the chamber, for fear i should be torn to pieces in his absence.
And thus I waited in a kind of dreadful expectation of the solemn event. But when I waited a long time, and experienced no harm, my mind became more calm; and Satan's power for that time, was evidently arrested.-O how ought I here at least to set up my Ebenezer, and say, Thus far the Lord hath helped me. Can you believe, my friends, that some time during this dreadful night, I had again been in conversation with my supposed deity, who had been declaring to me my lost estate, and making out the sentence, that he would pronounce upon me at the great day of accounts. He seemed to declare to me, and in some measure, made it appear to me, that I was the greatest blasphemer, and the worst person that ever lived on the earth: and I never did a good deed in my life. That all that I ever had done was through pride, and to procure a higher seat in heaven.
I begged of him to spare me, and believe that I promised to reform; but he refused, and said, he would make an example of me. He seemed to bring up the case of Francis Spira, as an instance of it.
But in declaring my eternal misery, he seemed to make a mistake:-for he coupled my misery with the name of another person; and upon my interrupting him, and saying, Did you say, that such an one would be miserable? To which he answered, O no, you, you!-This gave me some little relief, for I believe that it now turned in my mind, that it might not be the Divine Being. But still my mind was clouded, and the adversary, as I suppose, still kept up his dismal suggestions. He told me, in his way, that if I had not done a certain deed, which he named, he never should have drove me on, or that I never have been driven on, to commit the unpardonable sin.-Upon which I answered, I did it because I really thought it was my duty; and was directed to it by God himself. To which he answered, you might have known that it was the Devil. And besides, he seemed to inform me, that when I was so attacked in my bed, if I had got up, and got my father up, and put him praying for me, and all other christian people, and had exerted myself to the utmost; I might have been kept from committing the unpardonable sin: but I had committed it, and therefore there was no hope for me. Can you believe, my friends, that a person should be so lost, under the power and terror of Satan, as to receive all this as coming from the Supreme Being? Thus I spent this dreary night, and the next i believe, was much like unto it in many respects: for I was filled with gloomy apprehensions, and dismal forebodings; appearances of dreadful creatures were brought up to the imagination. And, indeed, I may say, that Satan wrought more powerfully on the imagination this night than ever before. Though I was free from those convulsions, yet there was every thing frightful to the imagination, that Satan could present. And from what I have experienced, I believe I can say, and that without a doubt, that Satan can bring up to men's imagination, any being, or thing that ever came within the ken of his knowledge.
O what a world of counterfeits, can he impose upon our defenseless race!-But to proceed with my narrative.
Just about this time, one day, as I was standing in the garden, in a pensive mood, clouded with melancholy, and afflicted with the dark suggestions of Satan, I considered my state as nearly hopeless, but yet, it was my wisdom to prevent as much as possible, my more aggravated punishment, as it appeared to me that I should never do any thing but sin, and blaspheme against God, I determined to shut my mouth, lest it should be so. Upon this I seemed to find immediate relief; and I may date this as the hour of my general deliverance. Although I had some sharp assaults after this time, and my mind very much clouded, and greatly afflicted at times, with heart-risings against God, which I strove against with all my might, which heart-risings I knew were injected by Satan; and had some despairing forebodings, yet, I trust I had, generally, the leading influences of the spirit of God; and that God was, in his infinite mercy, and in the usual course of the dispensation of his grace, leading me to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. And in this way convincing me that I had not committed the sin unto death: but that all that I had passed through in this way, was from the suggestions of Satan, and that I had no kind of agency in them.
The spirit of God appeared to take the lead of my mind, in his ordinary operations, and shew me that it was impossible, that I had committed the great sin. Great calmness of mind, and a filial confidence in God, appeared to be gaining the ascendency in my soul. I trust that I could go unto God, as a child unto his father, who is able and ready to help in every time of need. I poured out my heart, as it were, into the bosom of my heavenly parent. If I was in distress in my mind, I appeared to receive great relief, in my addresses to the throne of grace. And this has always been my resource in my darkest hours, and the fountain from which I have immediately received almost all my comfort. I believe I may venture to say, that sin now appeared more odious to me than it ever did before. And it seems to me that I wished to shun even the appearance of it. My views of God, and of the holy and heavenly world, appeared to me to be great and awfully sublime, at times. Sometimes long continued, and somewhat like the first great view I mentioned, continuing perhaps an hour at a time, while the heavenly world seemed almost to open to my view. And sometimes of shorter duration. At other times transient, leading as a point, to the infinitely holy God. And I seemed to be almost lost and swallowed up in the infinite ocean of his holiness. It appeared to strike me with the deepest amazement. These were abstract views of God; that is, having no relation to any subject, matter, or thing. Some of the views which I have of the heavenly world, are accompanied with great joy, and rejoicing to my soul. My views have been as great, and as long continued, perhaps, as any ever yet heard of, in this age of the church. Now, if these are true and real, as I humbly hope they are, what an infinite debt of gratitude do I lie under to God!
If it is so, to his Name be the praise, and that forever. I would subjoin, that I humbly hope, that all these things are tending to create in my mind, an anxious desire for perfect holiness; and I hope a habitual preparation for death. I believe for myself, that the saint when dying and going to heaven, will be as quickly, and as naturally struck with the holiness of God, as the holy seraph, who appeared to Isaiah, and will just as naturally cry Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. I would further state, that my assaults from Satan, appear to be growing less and less, and that I enjoy, generally speaking, with some exceptions, however, great calmness of mind: and as I trust an anxious desire for the spiritual welfare of mankind.
And here for the present I finish my narrative.
* * * * *
Three Poems from An Oration on Death
"Enoch and Elijah"
Enoch and Elijah both went up to heaven,
Their journey so swift, their chariot so strong;
And with the Apostles perhaps they are even,
Their wonders were great, their triumphs are long.
On fiery wheels of shining bliss,
They rode aloft beyond the skies;
For they have gone where Jesus is,
Where the bright cherub swiftly flies.
Translated mortals soar above,
And speak Christ's name in endless praise;
Immanuel is endless love;
Then shout it everlasting days.
The wonders of the cloud,
And wonders of the rainbow;
The wonders of the flood,
And wonders of the rain too,
Shall fill our souls with sweet amaze,
While we on heavenly riches gaze:
And with seraphic ardor blaze,
And from our minds all fears erase,
Of our eternal woe.
Abram the wise, the holy and prayerful,
And the great friend of God;
The great father of the faithful,
Is washed in Christ's blood.
He too, shall tell us of his holy apparitions,
His wonderful doubts and wonderful decisions;
Bright angels the instruments to tell him the same,
And all of it back'd with the Eternal I AM.
Paul and Moses both shall join,
And each their sacred souls combine,
To read the Jewish law;
Such wond'rous lectures bright and clear,
From darkness, doubt, and sin and fear,
On earth we never saw.
(Oration, 174-175)
"What Rich Profusion Here"
What rich profusion here,
Is scatter'd all abroad,
To make us love and fear,
Obey and worship God.
And sound his praise,
Through every clime,
In constant lays,
Till end of time.
The huge leviathan,
The oyster and the eel,
The lion and the lamb,
Each in their nature feel.
And go abroad,
In quest of food,
Depend on God,
For every good.
These shining crumbs of clay,
With yellow, green and gold,
March on their lucid way,
And day in night unfold.
And shine so bright,
And please themselves,
And fill'd with light,
They quit their cells.
(Oration, 108.)
"I say, should we be allowed to make use of the self same language, concerning this great Leviathan of hell, which Jehovah made use of concerning the Leviathan of the great deep?"
Canst thou draw out Leviathan with an hook, or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
Vain attempt!
Will he make many supplications unto thee?
Directly the reverse!
Will he speak soft words unto thee?
Terrible words!
Will he make a covenant with thee?
Distressing covenant!
Or, wilt thou take him for a servant forever?
Dreadful servant!
Wilt thou play with him, as with a bird?
Dismal play!
Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
Strong cord!
Shall thy companions make a banquet of him?
Mournful banquet!
Shall they part him among the merchants?
Deadly shares!
Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons?
Hopeless attempt!
Or his head with fish spears?
Despairing thought!
(Oration, 238-239)
*Bodman, Manoah. An Oration On Death, And The Happiness Of The Separate State, Or The Pleasures of Paradise. Williamsburgh, MA.: Ephraim Whitman, 1817.
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