Part 2

One whom I had known from early childhood came toward me with the group of his friends and relatives, whom I had also known. He greeted me as he was ever wont to do when we both were in Earth-forms. Though advanced in years before he left the form, he was ever youthful, ever calm and peaceful; yet firm and forceful in his advocacy of his convictions of Human Brotherhood, and the final triumph of the spirit over errors of human conditions in Time and Sense. By those who knew his life and works he was considered a “leading and inspiring mind”; to many he was a Prophet of the “Good time Coming.” How my spirit thrilled with this meeting with him and his household and the group of friends who were with him. One question I had often asked in mind, or had wished to know concerning it:

Had he--this friend with whom I was then conversing, met in spirit states the one who in a distant land of Earth had said: “---- ---- is the greatest man America ever possessed”?

The one who said this to a prominent writer was also a “lover of his fellow men,” but the two had never met in Earth life. The question was not asked; before it could be formulated the answer came: “Yes, we have met and often confer together. In all _essentials_ relating to the _Supreme Realities_ of life and the growth of human beings toward perfection through knowledge of Divine Truth and Love we are in perfect accord.” I then perceived from among that goodly company the one approaching of whom we had been speaking; our thought of him and our appreciation had attracted him to us. Long and earnestly they spoke of the things _to be_ when the children of Earth shall be set free from the shadows caused by ignorance. I more and more perceived some of the personalities of those illuminated ones, and more than once was I surprised that those who had been of such widely different conditions, environment, education, habits of mind, and, one would think, opposite spiritual states could be together!

The Presence aware that the surprise would exist, said:

“As you already know, differences of birth, nationality, outward rank and even of education, are not _real_ differences in spirit. These are (and were) all lovers of their kind--lovers of Peace through Enlightenment and Righteousness, and they are now, as they were when on Earth constantly seeking through interchange of high Ideals, to find the best means for helping others--to lift the clouds of ignorance from the minds of earth; even now one is within your vision whose presence here will surprise you.” I saw a stately form and recognized the one who, as the head of a great Ecclesiastical organization had in the “Prayer for Peace” issued a short time before he had passed from his Earth-form given the following significant sentence:

“MAY THEY (THE NATIONS) REMOVE THE CAUSES OF WAR.”

As a lover of humanity, a promoter of Peace, he seemed to stand near these shining ones, many of whom when on earth (and now) have never recognized _any_ Ecclesiastical Authority. Of course, I knew that all such lines, barriers, and human standards are removed--or rapidly vanish--in spirit states among Enlightened minds. And that they realize, as this one must have realized, that the Earthly “Office” and all its outward symbols and adornments cannot continue in a realm where the _real_ nature stands revealed--the nature of the spirit.

All these composing this radiant assemblage were intent on reaching and for their good, acting upon the minds of those on Earth for the “Promotion of Peace on Earth and Love to All.”

Alas and alas! “Those engaged in actual war--the war raging between one-half the nations of the Earth that call themselves ‘enlightened’ cannot be reached until the leaders and rulers have learned the lesson taught by bitter experience.” So the Presence said, and so I had perceived, saddened by the thoughts of the awful human suffering that must ensue.

THE SHADOWS OF THE CONFLICT

Then I was shown the dense Shadow--the awful darkness that seemed an engulfing abyss: the scenes of the conflict now raging on Earth. That which I saw (then just begun), seemed, however, more to represent the spiritual and mental states of Rulers and Leaders than the physical scenes of battles. I saw the bright spots where the ministrants of mercy were rallying, regardless of nationality or “class,” to aid those physically wounded, to breathe a word of comfort to those injured mortally who were “passing on.”

Above the terrible scenes of battles I saw those in the “rank and file” of the armies and navies who were so suddenly wrenched from their bodies. Their first thoughts (as their last thoughts had been), were of those loved ones from whom they were suddenly parted when ordered “to the front.” They were aided to find the dear ones (alas where were the “homes”? now desolate. Many of the families scattered and in deepest suffering, great physical want, and greater grief.)

They tried, often without avail, to comfort and aid the dear ones, their own states of mind and grief over the separation preventing them from effectively ministering to their loved ones. They soon became aware that the aid could not be material, that spiritual strength and consolation must be from spiritual sources and that they might, if themselves strong in spirit, move upon the minds of others in human life to aid those dear to them.

It was a wonderful sight to behold the ministering spirits succoring, comforting, instructing those thus suddenly thrust into spirit states; none but those endowed with the Divine Gift of loving compassion--like a Florence Nightingale or a Clara Barton--could so successfully aid those spirits thus ruthlessly torn from their human ties and forms. It is an awful sight! Yet the spirit “Rescuers” are there! The “Red Cross” of the skies finds its way to those who need the help and guidance.

In a measure the Soldiers, all who must go to war on land or sea, are better prepared for the sudden change than those hurled into spirit life by “accident” of shipwreck or other disaster, or by volcanic or earthquake shock. The Soldier _knows_ that he is to confront possible and even probable physical death--and being thus prepared often is less surprised and shocked when he finds himself “out of his body.” Yet, wherever the need may be, the “strong helpers” are there: above every scene of human sacrifice, whether Cataclysmic, “natural causes” or the result of human ignorance and neglect, or the self-seeking aggression of war, there are they--the dear ones, the strong ones, the saving ones!

All cannot be aided to at once perceive the new-found condition: everything must depend on the degree of spiritual preparedness, which is often greater among the humble and lowly--who have a line of simple life, simple love, simple duty to follow than among the more complex mental and moral states of the “leaders.” The real state, spiritually, determines the “condition” of the spirit in spirit life.

Nor were the “clouded” and “shadowed” scenes of Earth life found alone above the lines of battle. There were sometimes deeper shadows among the scenes of “pleasure” and “mirth,” mocking splendor of wealth and its opposite of want, squalor, misery, the _toll of human sacrifice is not always in the “death” of the body_. There are vortices more terrible than the volcano’s fiery breath or earthquake’s yawning mouth; the palace often seemed more densely shadowed than the hovel; while the dwelling, though a cottage, brightened with Love shone out like a star of splendor.

“Spiritual knowledge, the unfoldment of the highest from within, this alone can change the ‘shadowed states’ of Earth into brightness. Every life must be reached; every mind touched and awakened by the spirit; the ‘good’ that is within each must be brought forth.”

TURNING FOR RESPITE

From the storm-scenes of contending forces, from the darkness of Spiritual night, from the uncertain states, like dim twilight, one ever turns in spirit to the Beloved, to the groups of loved and loving ones that constitute the “Home of the Spirit.” “Spiritual rest is change,” respite from witnessing the unhappy conditions, the shadows of spiritual states that one cannot at once remedy. “Rest” is not idleness: communion, companionship, _working together for those who can be aided_--this is rest. The “Home Group” ever intent upon ministering wherever and whenever needed, afforded the respite sought. Such memories of Earth-experiences as had been kept alive in the sacred altar-flame of true affection and home ties; such interchange of Ideals and experiences as the later years had brought; such knowledge of the blending of the spirit and the mortal states, the guardianship and ministration of the loved arisen ones over those in Earth-forms, this was rest. Blessed respite; blessed communion; one would never be ready, it would seem, to part with such companionship.

Nor _do_ we ever “part” with the truly loved. Whatever duties we must perform for those in spirit or human states, _those most in accord, those nearest and dearest are ever with us_ “whether in or out of the body.”

Our human phrases, and even our usual thoughts seem superficial, weak and puerile when endeavoring to describe the divine _realities_ of the Spirit. We never “part”; we can never be “absent” from the Beloved. Yet the shadows of human existence: “time and sense,” and outward “change” and “circumstances” are upon those who make “the house of clay” the limit of their mental and spiritual possessions.

REUNION WITH LOVERS OF “PEACE”

Returning again and often to the bright sphere composed of “those who love their fellow-beings”; from among them came those whom I had known--with whom I had, as a humble worker labored for some cause--_this time_ a few, especially two or three last seen in Earth life at the Hague Peace Conference (1907). “Ah, how well we then knew--as well as even now when the conflict rages--that the nations (44 in number) were not all, indeed but few of them, seeking for ‘peace’; the permanent establishment of a Court of Arbitration for the world! Each was there to ‘test’ the others; nearly all endeavoring to gain some concession from the others to aid in their own selfish future aggressions”! Such was the thought flashed from my friend of the brilliant mind and noble heart who came with others to greet me. And the dear lady who took me in her arms and kissed me when we parted there at the Hague even as she did now, said: “We meet again, and here there is sweet Peace--but O, the horrors of the war! And _you, you will return to Earth for further work_.” She gave me her blessing with such love as her grand soul can give.

The other one, he of the brilliant mind and facile pen, he of the awakened and illumined spirit, said: “Yes, you will return to Earth for added work (even after those many, many years of work already performed), we will aid you, we all _must_ aid those who are working to enlighten the minds, to awaken the spirits of those immured in the materialism of Earth. How dense we all are until awakened! Sorrow smites us, then the fountains of the Soul come forth; our spiritual Guardians can help us then, and we begin to know. That was my case on Earth. Now I realize how little I _did_ know, but I am grateful that I was not an entire stranger to this realm of spirits, and there is all eternity in which to grow in knowledge.”

MESSAGES FROM FRIENDS

From those whom I met in their homes of peace and love and work were many messages to be delivered _in person_ by me to the dear ones on Earth--messages that might be of interest here to show that true affection and personal watchfulness are more manifested from the spirit side of life than people know; even those accustomed to spirit communion and ministration do not realize all that they might of this nearness.

These messages are too intimate and sacred, however, to be given here, and they breathe all the fervor of the _real life and love of the Spirit_. I shall communicate them to those to whom they were sent.

THE SPIRIT-HOME OF THE CHILDREN

But O, the Children! the Children! What can one write or say? What words adapted to tongue or pen can convey an adequate idea of the spheres in which my spirit has often met those darlings of both worlds? My own baby girl, who passed on many, many years ago and who has grown to womanhood in her spirit state, has ever been my constant companion, as a guardian spirit, during my busy hours of Earth life, as a _pilot_ and gentle helper when through sleep or trance-control my spirit was set free to join her and visit the realm of the children.

These “little ones” are often wiser in knowledge of the spirit than mortals of more mature years.

Blessings ever attend the presence of a babe in the home of love on Earth and, in the highest sense, doubly blessed are those who having possessed such a treasure know that if the babe passes from mortal sight the _treasure is still theirs_, a babe--growing among the flowers of the gardens of spiritual life is as

“A light within a light, A joy ensphered in joy.”

Such a child becomes a sacred guardian unto the household.

It was indeed an enchanted realm into which we now entered. Although visited many times during many years it now seemed more real, more beautiful, more perfect.

As far as vision (perception) could reach--as vast as the mind could compass or conceive there were children, children everywhere! Sporting in the light of their own brightness and joy; they were embodied sunbeams, weaving rainbow tinted thoughts into forms of beauty; flowers, flowers everywhere; songs of birds and child voices mingling with murmuring waters amid scenes of rarest beauty. Ah, the spirit realm of childhood; the playgrounds of the skies!

Not only children, but “those of larger growth,” parents, teachers, friends were there to teach, to aid, _and to grow_ in greater knowledge and usefulness. Sometimes the children are the teachers to those older in Earth years.

Isles of light, radiant with flowers and verdure and surrounded by iridescent waters! Could one ever picture the thought-forms of these lovely ones?

“Let us make rainbows,” exclaimed one fairylike child among a group of playmates, some of whom were new in that realm. A questioning look came into the eyes of those addressed: “How can we _make_ rainbows?” A child-teacher drew near and said: “I will show you; come with me.”

The five or six eagerly responded.

“Take hold of hands,” the Teacher said, “and have no fear, there can be no rainbows without clouds and light.”

I was permitted to follow, with sight or ken, as the Teacher led them away, away from those enchanting scenes to where the clouds and shadows hung dark beneath and around them.

They had drawn near a large city of Earth.

“O let’s not go here,” said one, “it seems so dark.” But the others urged her on.

Soon one little boy among them said, “See, there is a little girl. She is cold and is crying on the street; she is hungry too, let us help her.” They drew near, and the child, feeling comforted (she knew not why), sobbed more softly and prayed:

“O, my mamma in heaven, _can you hear_ me and send help to brother and baby--you loved us so?” Then the spirit children saw a man approaching; they fairly _pushed him toward the weeping child_ to whom he spoke kindly asking:

“What is the matter my little girl?”

“O, sir, my mother is dead, and my brother is sick and the baby has nothing to eat. We’re so cold in that room.”

“Can you take me there?” asked the man, and he held out his hand for her to lead him. She clasped two of his fingers with her tiny hand and led him through the dark streets to a narrow alley and up some dark, creaking stairs. Yes, there was little brother crying for “mamma,” for “sister,” and the baby asleep but sobbing.

The kind-hearted man saw everything at a glance.

“Don’t cry, my little man. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Take care of them, little lady, until I come.”

The spirit children had helped, and helped; they saw the spirit mother looking very sad, bending above the baby, and then above “little brother.” They also tried to comfort him and help the little girl. They saw the man go to a telephone and talk with some one and they could see and feel the light of kindness with which he spoke and in which the answers came. How quick he was! He found a place to buy food. He came back soon, built a fire, warmed some milk, gave the other children something to ease the worst pangs of hunger. Presently a woman came--such a kind heart! She too worked fast. She gave the baby some food prepared in the milk, helped the little sick boy, who was more in need of bodily comfort than anything else, soothed and fed the little girl who, little mother that she was, at once aided in caring for the baby.

How the spirit children worked too! They had made the man see and hear the little girl, had aided in guiding her to the dismal room called “home”, had helped him find the telephone and the place to buy the food, had helped the woman to find the place, had helped take care of the children and comfort them and the spirit mother.

“Now,” said the Teacher, “we will return to our beautiful home.”

One little boy whispered to the Teacher: “I know there are more children and people who need help down there. Can we go again and help?”

“Whenever you choose to make rainbows or flowers or other beautiful things we will go.” And they rejoiced.

Lo! As they passed through the encompassing clouds circles of rainbows o’er-spanned them and paths of rainbows guided them to their spirit-home. When the other children saw them approaching they sang, “O, the rainbows! O, the rainbows! When you dry the tears of sorrow and help those in need you make rainbows.”

All spirit children are taught to visit the scenes of Earth life. The home and its loved ones, where they are missed, ever attracts them and they are taught to minister, to aid, to guard. If they _had_ no home on Earth they try to aid those who still remain in the “orphan” realm of human life.

THERE ARE NO ORPHANS IN THE SPIRIT REALM:

Mothers whose babes are in the Earth life help to care for those “little waifs” thrust out of human existence--and for spirit children that pine for Mother love.

Children whose parents are in Earth life are taught to aid and comfort those in the home as well as those who have no home. Especially cared for are the little “waifs” who were not welcome in the Earth-forms--even those who have not seen the light of earthly day--not always from among the poor of earth were they driven, especially those abandoned by the unfortunate or misguided mothers. These and all are “mothered” by the spirits whose hearts are filled with mother love. And here it is well to note that not _all_ who are earthly parents are _real_ fathers and mothers, and many who are childless--work night and day in the “asylums” on earth to save some neglected, forsaken, child. These are real parents.

What greater “punishment” could there be than when the human mother has turned away from the sacred gift of motherhood, she meets, on entering spirit life, her own neglected babe who welcomes her there? “Coals of fire!”

It is not always to visit scenes of sorrow and want that the spirit children are led to the earth: Houses, schools, playgrounds, “_Lyceums_,” where the little ones of earth are taught, places of entertainment and amusement where they play, and sing, and grow; there also are the playmates of the spirit-home mingling with them and endeavoring to impress them with thoughts and deeds of loving kindness with things of beauty.

Returning to the Realm of Spirit Children one finds such respite from care, such constant sources of happiness, such fashioning of forms of beauty. Oh, that all could know! Knowledge of all this has reached but few on Earth; yet more and more will human minds be pervaded by the methods of the Skies.

Those who have given new methods of “Education” to the people of Earth have been inspired somewhat by these Teachers in spirit states. Froebel, whose “Kindergarden” system was intended for “children” of all ages; A. J. Davis, whose “Progressive Lyceum” system was not intended _exclusively_ for Sunday training of _children_ but in its inception was a reproduction of the “teaching” in spirit states (as far as his mind and inspiration could reproduce such beautiful methods.) Even if one could give in human language the form of teaching (or methods) of the spirit states, the law of _adaptation_ prevailing in the higher realms might not always be available in human life.

How beautiful to know that growth--and the best opportunity for the highest unfoldment with most loving teachers and Guardians surround the darlings who have passed from the households of Earth.

Here then, O human parents, O sisters and brothers, you who miss the bodily presence of the one who occupied the “vacant chair,” you who feel the _pervading sense of the absence_ of the loved children: here they are; bringing to your very homes and hearts, could you but realize it, the love, the knowledge, the wisdom, the beauty of the skies.

BEAUTY AND HARMONY

Ever from childhood through all the years of Earth life beautiful scenery, tints of earth and sky, music, in fact all beautiful sights and sounds, strongly appealed to me. In the spirit states I noted that harmonious colors, beautiful scenes, and often exquisite music greeted me as we approached groups of radiant atmospheres, encircling spheres of light; such exquisite sounds of harmony as one dreams must be the “Music of the Spheres.” On approaching nearer I would perceive that the _tints_ and _sounds_, as they reached me, were the radiations of thought, the spirit _activities_ of these thus ensphered who have attained real harmony. They were not MAKING beautiful colors and music, but LIVING them.

THE “ARTISTS”

Perhaps I have elsewhere written that music in spirit states does not always accompany the one who was a “musician” on Earth; and harmony of color, beautiful surroundings may ensphere one who never thought of being an “artist.” Their lives have been interwoven with sweet and loving thoughts and deeds.

That which would have been a source of surprise had I not previously known it was that “artists,” “painters,” “sculptors,” “musicians,” and even some of the “poets,” known by those names on Earth, are not fashioning landscapes, portraits, or carving from stone the images of lovely forms, nor are they fashioning or weaving into music or verse some classical or other theme: All of those who were “geniuses,” all who were Idealists, _true lovers of their kind_, find here (in spirit life) their highest happiness in _ministering to others_, in moving upon the minds, hearts, spirits of those to whom they are adapted, until they perceive the _Soul of Beauty_ and fashion it into their lives. The “Masters” of art: painters, sculptors, builders, construct their temples and adorn them with _lives_--the true images of beauty in thought, feeling, aspiration, achievement.