“Thee has a poor memory,” remarked William Penn, with a bright smile, “Did not the Bible teach thee that there was an upper and a lower seat?  These servants are composed mostly of those who were held in slavery on earth and who desire to receive instruction that they may progress in the spheres.  They are willing assistants; giving, that they may receive in return.  If thee dislike the term ‘servant,’ thee may use the term ‘friend,’ for they are friends and co-workers.  Through those doors in the gallery they bring the refreshments which they gather from the hanging gardens without, where they live like the Peries of the East.  The luxury of the princes of earth cannot compare with the life of enjoyment and freedom led by those whom I have termed ‘servants.’”

I here took the opportunity to ask Franklin if it was necessary, in communicating with absent individuals, to use those external appliances?  “Not always; thought can commune with thought if upon the same plane; but a mind like that of our great statesman cannot readily communicate with one whose mind on earth never rose above the domestic affairs of life.  In such cases, external means are necessary.”

“Come,” said he, turning; “I will show you something more remarkable than this.”  So saying, he led me through an open door into one of the spacious gardens which grace the palace on either side.  We walked but a few moments, arm in arm, over a soft velvet like lawn, of the color of a delicate violet.  Exquisite tints everywhere met my eye.  The air was like wine, and so luscious and entrancing were the surroundings that I felt inclined to tarry, but my sage guide, calling my attention to the majestic dome towering in the air, desired me to exert my will to ascend.  I did so, and immediately felt myself rising as if pressed up by some elastic substance, until I reached the top.  The dome, which appeared to be composed of glass, I perceived, as I approached, was covered with a thin web resembling that of a spider.  The apex of this dome was surmounted by a globe representing the planet earth, with its continents and seas.  Openings corresponding to the different continents admitted persons into the globe.  We entered that corresponding to the continent of North America.  Each of these entrances, I was told, was particularly adapted to the admission of the inhabitants of the different localities they represented.  On looking down I beheld the apartment I had first entered.  It was no longer vacant—­each gallery was filled with spectators.  On the lily-shaped rostrum stood Henry Clay and George Washington—­Washington speaking to the people.  “You observe,” said my guide, “a secondary stem from that lily branches off and extends to this point.  It appears to you a mere ornament, but it transmits the thoughts and words of the speaker to the city of Washington.  Other branches, as you notice, lead in other directions.  If the speaker desires his thoughts to be transmitted