In this issue we continue the study of the book Posthumous Works, published after Allan Kardec disembodied and containing texts written by him. The present work is based on the translation made by Dr. Guillon Ribeiro, published by the Brazilian Spiritist Federation.
Questions for discussion
194. In 1867 the cost of the books was already discussed. What did the Spirits say about this issue?
195. What did the Spirits tell Kardec about his book Genesis?
196. As soon as Genesis was published it needed to be revised. Was it revised?
197. Did Kardec receive other messages about Genesis?
Answers to the proposed questions
194. In 1867 the cost of the books was already discussed. What did the Spirits say about this issue?
On August 16, 1867, at the Spiritist Society of Paris, Mr. L ... had just announced that he intended to make Spiritist books at fabulously low prices, when Mr. Morin, in a somnambulistic state, conveyed the message below, that we hereby summarize.
There are many Spiritists today. However, many still do not understand the eminently moralizing and emancipatory importance of Spiritism. The core, which always followed the good path, continues slowly but safely. It withdraws from all party, and is concerned with those it leaves on the road. Unfortunately, even among the members, who belong to the faithful core, there are those who see everything beautiful in others like them and - easy and benevolently - are influenced by the appearances and will foolishly fall for the bait of their enemies, who say that they will deprive themselves, give their blood, their welfare, and intelligence for the success of the idea. Well! You must distrust devotions and useless generosities, as well as the truth of those, who say they never lie. To give something at impossible prices, without losing, is a craftiness of profession. Moreover, to give for nothing, presumably by overzealous as a premium, all the elements of a sublime Doctrine, is the sublime hypocrisy. In the end the Spirit wrote this sentence that says everything: “Spiritists, beware!” (Posthumous Works - Second Part - Spiritist Publications).
195. What did the Spirits tell Kardec about his book Genesis?
Kardec received an interesting advice in a communication transmitted in Segur on September 9, 1867 shortly before his last book Genesis was published. About this work he was told that it was urgent to accomplish and publish it as soon as possible. It was necessary - says the message - that the first impression was produced on the Spirits when the European conflict broke out; if this happened later, then the brutal events could divert attention from the purely philosophical works; and since this work is called to play its role in in the elaboration that is being prepared, it is necessary to disclose it on time. As for its scope, it should be given what is wanted, without any limitation. (Posthumous Works - Second Part - Spiritist Publications).
196. As soon as Genesis was published it needed to be revised. Was it revised?
Yes, on February 22, 1868, less than a month after is publication, Dr. Demeure told Kardec about some changes to be made. Knowing that this was necessary, Kardec asked his friend if he had time to revise the work. The Spirit told him he should not wait too long to do it, however, with no hurry, so that the ideas could flow with greater clarity. (Posthumous Works - Second Part - Spiritist Publications).
197. Did Kardec receive other messages about Genesis?
Yes, on July 4, 1868, in Paris, a spiritual friend told him that his work was good and suggested that the mentioned work be reprinted. The momentum created by the book was only starting, and many people, shaken by its publication, would soon embrace Spiritism. He also revealed that other serious works would still appear to clarify even more the human thought about the new Doctrine.
Regarding the review of the book Genesis, the Spirit said: "When we advised you recently not to wait too long to revise your work, we said that there would be some adding to do in different places, to fill in some gaps, and here and there summarize the matter, so that the book would not be stretched. Our comments were not lost and we will be happy to assist you in the revision of this book, as well as having contributed for its implementation. I invite you today to review carefully especially the first chapters, of which all ideas are great, they do not contain anything that is not true, but certain expressions could lead to misinterpretation. Besides these corrections, which I advise you not to neglect, I have nothing more to say in this regard".
At the end of the message, the friend made him an important and probably prophetic request: "Prepare yourself and be ready for everything; be free of every obstacle, whether it is for you devote yourself to a special work, if the general tranquility allows it, or to be prepared for all type of events, if the unforeseen hassles require from your part a sudden decision. Next year is expected soon. It is therefore necessary at the end of this year to give the final touch to the first part of the Spiritist work in order to have a clear field to finish the task that concerns the future". As we know, Kardec disembodied less than a year later, in March 1869. (Posthumous Works - Second Part - Spiritist Publications).
