, an electric wire,
similar to that of a telegraph. From each of these central columns, this
wire connects with the upper gallery. Here," said he, pointing to one of
the leafy ornaments, "you perceive the means of communicating. Unobserved
by you, our gracious host touched one of these springs which are
connected with the crystal bells, and announced to his servants his
desire for refreshments." "Servants!" exclaimed I. "How singular! I
little supposed, from the religious teachings I had received, that there
would be menials in heaven!"

"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,