THE NEWCOMER

 

"We have brought a newcomer to talk to you tonight. He has come quickly into consciousness, and into understanding of his spirit powers, and we thought you would like to hear what his first impressions are. We will write for him, as he is not able to do that yet."

 

"I have not been here long, and have lost none of my interest in the affairs of mortal existence. It is a wonderful change, and my mind has been so filled with the new sights and scenes, the new phases of existence, that I have not had time to be lonely.

 

"I have learned one thing already that it seems to me the earth people should be told. It is that we cannot change our character at the moment of death. What we have made of ourselves during our earth life determines what we will be here to a very large extent. I suppose one who was malicious or criminal there will in time change his character here: but the characteristics which caused him to turn to an evil life there will be his strong characteristics here; and he will have to learn how to turn these to better use.

 

"I think this point is not at all realized on earth. Those who believe the Bible teachings are too often filled with the idea that repentance will remake them, no matter what kind of a life they have leer. And those who do not have this idea are usually lacking in any conclusion on the subject.

 

"I think I would also like to tell the earth people that it is not hard to pass through the gates of death. I found nothing that should cause any dread, and I am told that there should be no fear by any one.

"I wish I had powers of description sufficient to tell you of my impressions of the life here. I do not know how human language can ever adequately express the beauty and charm of it all.

 

"I was met by my guides, and by those who were sent to help me, and I am thankful to say that I was soon made to understand the things necessary for me to do. I was soon able to see and hear, and not long in learning how to express myself. I was very slow at times on earth to grasp the meaning of spiritual things, but I was honest and earnest, and always seeking knowledge. I had formed no very definite ideas of this life, but I did have a firm belief that personality continued. I was not ill long, so I arrived with little loss of vigor, and with little to unlearn. I realize that I was extremely fortunate, for I see so many who have much difficulty in understanding what this life means.

 

"I was fortunate too in finding this circle, for it contains some rarely beautiful souls; and for their companionship alone, heaven is a wonderful place. I am told there are many equally delightful circles, but I also know there are many spirits who cling together because of similar ideas and beliefs who lack much in advancement.

 

"So I find my pathway broad and easy, and my life one of continuous delight. I have taken up no studies of importance yet, and may not do so for a time. To observe, and learn by observing, seem sufficient just now.

 

"I know your teachers, Mary and Dee, and as they are not here, I can express myself freely as to the loveliness and beauty of their souls. No finer are in heaven, I am sure. I will not stray far from these wonderful people, so you may hear from me again as I wander to and fro."

 

Then one of the circle wrote:—

 

"He is one in a million. We think he should have been a famous man on earth, but for some reason which we have not learned, he seems to have been known there only to a small community. But we all know he was a great influence there. We are pleased to have him with us."