Jean Reynaud
Jean Reynaud was a respected French philosopher and writer, known especially for defending ideas related to the plurality of existences — what Spiritism later called reincarnation. After his death, spontaneous spirit communications attributed to him were received during gatherings of the Spiritist Society of Paris and among members of his own family. In these messages, he spoke enthusiastically about the spirit world and about the future spread of Spiritism.
The following communication was received spontaneously at the Spiritist Society of Paris.
The medium’s hand begins writing...
Jean ReynaudMy friends... how magnificent this new life is!
Jean ReynaudLike a river of light, it carries along the souls who thirst for the infinite.
Jean ReynaudAfter the breaking of the bodily ties that bound me to the Earth, my eyes opened upon the splendid horizons now surrounding me.
Jean ReynaudAnd I contemplated the marvelous wonders of boundless space.
Jean ReynaudI passed from the shadows of matter into the radiant dawn announcing the presence of God.
Jean ReynaudI'm happy.
Jean ReynaudNot because of any personal merit in my actions...
Jean ReynaudBut because knowledge of the eternal principles helped me avoid many of the stains human beings acquire through ignorance.
Jean ReynaudMy death was extremely peaceful.
Jean ReynaudMy biographers will consider it premature.
Jean ReynaudPoor blind judges!
Jean ReynaudThey will regret a few earthly writings born from dust...
Jean ReynaudAnd they will fail to understand how useful my death itself will become for the cause of Spiritism.
Jean ReynaudMy work on Earth had already been completed.
Jean ReynaudThose destined to surpass me were already advancing along the path.
Jean ReynaudI had reached the point where a man has produced his best work.
Jean ReynaudBeyond that point, he merely repeats himself.
Jean ReynaudMy death will awaken the attention of scholars.
Jean ReynaudIt will draw their attention back toward my principal work, which touches directly upon the great Spiritist question.
Jean ReynaudA question they currently pretend to ignore...
Jean ReynaudBut which will soon catch them within its net.
Jean ReynaudGlory to God!
Jean ReynaudAssisted by elevated spirits directing the spread of the new doctrine...
Jean ReynaudI too will become one of the torchbearers stationed along your road.
Jean ReynaudWe are here to illuminate and guide your way.
Later, during a family gathering among relatives of the deceased, another spontaneous communication was received from Jean Reynaud. The spirit was responding to remarks concerning his unexpectedly early death, which had surprised many people.
The medium’s hand begins writing...
Jean ReynaudHow do you know that my death may not benefit the future of Spiritism and the development of the truths toward which it leads?
Jean ReynaudHave you reflected upon the method God is using to establish the Spiritist faith?
Jean ReynaudGod first gave physical proof of the action of invisible forces.
Jean ReynaudThe turning tables...
Jean ReynaudThe knocks...
Jean ReynaudAnd the many physical phenomena...
Jean ReynaudAll these things were intended to awaken curiosity and investigation.
Jean ReynaudThey were an amusing preface designed to attract attention toward the doctrine itself.
Jean ReynaudBut now the movement has entered a new phase.
Jean ReynaudAfter addressing humanity through physical manifestations, God now speaks to human intelligence, reason, and judgment.
Jean ReynaudIt no longer appeals mainly through marvels and prodigies...
Jean ReynaudBut through reasoning capable of convincing even the most skeptical minds.
Jean ReynaudAnd capable of rallying the most stubborn unbelievers to the doctrine.
Jean ReynaudYet all this is still only the beginning.
Jean ReynaudRemember carefully what I now tell you.
Jean ReynaudA whole series of intelligent and undeniable manifestations is about to appear.
Jean ReynaudAnd the already numerous followers of Spiritist philosophy will increase greatly.
Jean ReynaudDivine influence will soon act upon the greatest intellects.
Jean ReynaudUpon the highest minds.
Jean ReynaudUpon those most distinguished for talent and knowledge.
Jean ReynaudIt will resemble a flood of light spreading across the Earth with irresistible force.
Jean ReynaudEven the most reluctant minds will eventually seek the infinite.
Jean ReynaudThey will study this admirable revelation that offers such sublime principles for human conduct.
Jean ReynaudThe great thinkers of the Earth will join your ranks.
Jean ReynaudSetting aside pride in their own genius...
Jean ReynaudThey will become humble like little children in their desire to learn the truths of Spiritism.
Jean ReynaudAnd once they have acquired this understanding with the humility of true wisdom...
Jean ReynaudThey will use both their knowledge and the authority of their names to continue the work you have begun.
Jean ReynaudThey will help advance the mission of Spiritism.
Jean ReynaudThat mission is nothing less than the regeneration of humanity itself...
Jean ReynaudThrough the rational and enlightened explanation of our past and future existences.