PHENEAS SPEAKS

SOME COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED APART FROM THE PHENEAS
MESSAGES.

As specimens of the Family Communications received in the early days of mediumship, I take the following (beginning at July 21st, 1921). My brother-in-law, the distinguished novelist, E. W. Hornung, had passed over a short time before. Getting into touch through my wife's mediumship, with my eldest son, Kingsley, who passed in 1918, I asked how it was with Hornung.

Are you in touch with Willie Hornung ? Yea, he came over all right to us. How is he ?

He is heavy and tired. But he will improve. Already he is better. His mind is more open. (He had been intolerant about Spirit Communion in his lifetime.) He is sorry, and he realises things now.

A long pause.

I am Willie. I am here. I am so glad to be here. Arthur, this is wonderful. If only I had known this on earth, how much I could have helped others. However, it is too late. I am with Oscar. [His son.]

It is so glorious. I am working and feel so well. It is so nice to be free from my asthma.

You are happy then ?

It is a wonderful life - so high and fine in all ways. Worth living for. If only people knew!

There is such heaps and heaps I want to say to you, Arthur. First of all, to tell you that I love you all. I have learned a lot since I came over here.

Is your present work literary ?

Yes, of a kind. It is most interesting. I prefer it to my work in the world. It is so much more vital. It really counts.

Could I finish any of your work here ?

Not much, thank you. It does not matter. We will leave it so.

I wrote a preface about you in your posthumous volume.

I saw it. For a time it is better not to speak to my people about this. You remember that Oscar sent messages ? *

Several times. But we would not listen.

Oh, the pity of it ! Oh, the pity of it !

*The son had sent evidential messages through us, but the parents had turned them down on religious grounds.

If I had my time over again how different I would be. But it is too late. The knowledge was not given you.

No, but I'll progress here. I am doing so.

Well, I always admired you.

Yes, I know you honestly admired part of me. It's hard to break off. It is such a joy to come back the first time.

You are very welcome.

Thank you, dear old fellow. My love to all. What's the use ? They won't believe it.

Never mind. Plod on. You will win through. Right is might.* Goodbye. God bless you !

*This was very characteristic. He was fond of little jests and inversions of 'this sort.

Some days later E. W. Hornung came again. This is good.

I had been hoping to get through again. I feel rather selfish, for there are so many others who wish to communicate, but they made me come.

Would you come to the medium, Miss Besinnet, and show yourself ?

A famous American materialising medium who was visiting the Psychic College in London.

We have seen her. She is a fine medium and a good source. Is my teaching right ?

It's fine what you say and just right and true-all of it. I am in the third sphere-homeland. I am glad I am in it.

Shall we come there ?

Rather. I have learned much over here. I am longing to be really close to you both.

So do we.

That's so lovely. I wanted that to complete it. The pity is that we can't see each other face to face.

The Medium had a dream of a lovely place.

Yes, it was your future home. We felt it would do her good to see it. She finds it hard to realise.

She must believe iShe must believe

You have no idea how much we are round you all, or how we associate ourselves with your daily lives.

How about Innes ?

Innes was my only brother, fourteen years younger than myself. He died as Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant General of the 3rd Corps, so worn out with his war duties that he had no reserve power to meet the pneumonia, contracted just after the Armistice.

Fear not. He will come through very soon. He is still resting. He needed it very badly, they tell me. He told me he had seen you, Arthur.

I was aware of it. It was like a vivid dream.

We are, of course, all together, but he is not doing much yet. I am so glad you have taken this up.

I am fearfully interested. I hate to think of not having had it all this time, but now I am going to make up.

Have you active amusements ?

Rather. And I am no longer handicapped by my horrid old asthma. You would not recognise me. I am much improved in appearance.

Any good my telling Bute ? [A relative.]

None whatever. He is even worse than I was. He will learn in time. But a little too late.

Could you help in psychic photography ? I'm not sure that I can.

Hornung came again, some months later. I take his conversations in sequence, but there was much between.

Hullo! I'm Willie. This is good. You enjoy coming ?

Isn't it natural that I should, considering that I have been cut off from you all so long. I do so love getting through to you, but I am so new at it all. Jean (the Medium) has two fine guides - one a very high guide who has come to help her in this work.

So many are here.

By the way, there is a fellow here who played cricket with you upon earth. He has just come over. He has never seen or heard of this earth telegraph and is greatly interested.

Can you get the name ?

Names are terribly difficult. You see a name does not represent any sort of an idea. It is an indigestible chunk. You can't suggest it to the Medium's brain. But I will try.

The Medium then wrote a sequence of letters which made no sense, but ended with CINI.

If that is a name it is an Italian name. I never knew an Italian who played good class cricket.

Well, he is here and sends his regards.*

*This was most evidential. Paravicini, who played for Middlesex, had died two days before, and neither the Medium nor l were aware of it. I can't remember playing with him, but it may have been so.

After our first American tour Hornung came again at a séance. I had a message from him through a medium at Toledo, and I had actually seen his son Oscar plainly materialised.

I am Willie Hornung.

Hullo ! I have not touched you since Toledo.

It is true, old man. We were there. Should we go to America again ?

Yes, rather. The seed needs sowing in many places. You know that I saw Oscar ?*

*I saw his materialised form with every feature clear as plainly as ever in life

Yes, he was awfully pleased that you saw him then, and that you are always so ready to get into touch with him.

He is getting on so well over here in many ways. What about Cynthia ? [A living relative.]

I fear it is no good, old chap. She is too much in the grip of the church. Alas ! She will be so dreadfully sorry.

God bless you a thousandfold and keep you in His care - all of you in this blessed home, the centre for all of us on this plane.

From that time onwards we heard occasionally from Hornung, always in the same characteristic strain, but presently the advent of Pheneas displaced the other Communicators. I will now give some specimens of Communications received in those early days from my brother-in-law, Malcolm Leckie, D.S.O., a splendid young doctor who gave his life under heroic circumstances at Mons. His messages are characteristic of his own sunny, lighthearted and modest character.

Dear old chap. It is good to be here.

We love to have you.

I don't often come because there are so many others who need it more.

I am so happy, and life is very full here and so interesting.

I go on with my medical work, but it is much more vital, and means much more to me now. I am helping some on your plane. At Guy's Hospital there is a good man whom I impress with my greater knowledge. He will be well known some day. Names are so difficult. You will be very happy when you come here.

We would be glad to come if we could all come together.

No, you are needed so badly where you are. You are greatly privileged in carrying the banner - Christ's banner.* We'll see to your health - never fear.

*This is the sort of message which honours but embarrasses us.

Ask about anything, dear old fellow.

What about Spirit healing ?

It is great - ever so great. Spread the news. The world needs it so. You would have called it quackery.

But I know better now. They (the doctors) will get past that, and we will be able to work through them then. If only they would have open minds, and receive this great truth and knowledge.

What about this drought ?

We are so sorry for you - on the top of the war. Humanity has had much to bear.

They will not get down to the truth.

Yes, you are right, Arthur. We all feel that. But times are changing. Soon you will see proof of that.

What about your mother ?

She is so young looking, and very happy. She is full of laughter here. It is good to see it. We are helping to prepare your home. We know just what you both like. It is already looking sweet.

At his next visit he said - It's I, Malcolm.

I should so much like to send dear old Pater all our loving birthday greetings. We have all been with him so much.

Kingsley is Denis' * special guide.

*The elder of my two living sons.

He loves him devotedly, as we all do. He is sent direct to do good work in the world. He is a great trust. Guide him well. He is encircled with power which will lead him ever upwards, helping, strengthening and guiding him. We love him and you greatly. Malcolm and Billie * are fine.

* My younger living son and my younger daughter.

In your old world you do need bucking up so badly. Can we believe all this ?

We tell the truth, dears. We could not do otherwise, You died like a hero.

I simply did my duty.

(A step was heard at this moment outside the door. I knew it was Mr. Leckie, Malcolm's father, who was not in sympathy with Spirit Communion. " That was Pater.")

Yes, I saw him. It is such a pity that he can't sit too, so that I could have the joy of speaking to him again.

Shall we say so ? Yes, do, from me.

Other messages from Malcolm Leckie will be found later in their due sequence. I would now give some early messages from my son Kingsley, and from my brother Innes. Neither of them were in sympathy with Spiritualism in their lifetime, and both of them came back through several mediums to deplore the fact. The same applies to my mother, some of whose messages are given.

July 31st, 1921.

Kingsley is here.

The power is good. It could not be better.

There is so much I want to say in so short a time :-

Where are you ?

I am very close. I can see you all clearly. How fine that is.

Yes, it is great. I hear you clearly. You will be able to see us soon. Jean's mother is here. She thanks you for those flowers. (These had been put on the grave.) We are a great party, all one and so happy.

The Mam (my mother, A.C.D.), understands all about this great truth now, and only regrets she didn't when with you.

She could not know.

(Here my mother broke into the dialogue.)

Yes, but I ought to have trusted your judgment, my own son.

Poor dear Mammie.

Not poor now - just the opposite.

You did all connected with my affairs just as I should wish.

(Noise was beard of Billie at the door.)

That's my Girlie. (This was my mother's typical word.)

We live in our own homes.

This is such a help. The bridge is found for us all.

Leslie is all well, living near us, working out his own line. Barton* is not quite in sympathy. He does not approve. He will grow in strength. We all do. It comes.

*Inclined to rationalistic materialism in life, though a most excellent fellow. Leslie was my brother-in-law, a distinguished officer of Engineers.

(A friend, Lily,* intervened.)

*Lily was a high soul upon earth and my wife's intimate friend. She died in 1916,

Jean, you are awful at not believing. It is really wrong, old girl. It is not your subconscious self. Do, for Heaven's sake, get that out of your head. Trust more. We are too close to allow any intruder.

Were you at my meeting ?

We all were. We always come to hear you whatever we may be doing. You did good work. You influenced some good people there who will help the movement greatly, so it was a rich. evening in many ways.

[Kingsley returned.]

It is a joy to be with you. I am always near him, Jean, helping and building him up. The sun shines ahead. Let the reflection come now. Our loving arms are round you all, and God is in His place.

Why do you not call me what you did in life ?

I do in my heart still, but somehow it is so difficult to get any names through, especially what we feel in our hearts.*

*The Medium of course knew perfectly the name which the Spirit failed to convey.

How about Innes ?

I was with him to-day. He is getting on well, making great progress in every way.

Will you help in psychic photography ?

Yes, I am keen on that branch of science. It will go far in proving immortality. The Medium is tired. Good-night. God's blessing he on you both.

My brother Innes came for the first time.

I am so glad to be here. It is so grand to be in touch like this. Arthur, we have been with you at both your lectures. You did better work than you realise.

Can you see John ? [His son.]

Rather. I am always with him and my dear ones. Thank you so much for your love towards him. It makes me so happy. He is going to be a grand man. I'm so proud of him.

You were his age when you came to me.

Dear brother, I remember it all so well. We will see heaps of each other in the time to come - such a happy time awaits you all. No more partings then.

I saw you in a dream.

Yes, but it wasn't a dream. We were really together. We often are when you are asleep. That is our meeting time. But you can't bring it back with you on account of your earthly work.

August 2nd, 1922.

A stranger came. He said -

Soon great things will happen - so that the whole world will see for itself how true all this is. No one will laugh then. Only regret will be felt for the foolish stupidity of the ignorant. I wish I could tell you what it is. It would gladden your hearts, and give you greater courage.

For God's sake, Sir Arthur, strike hard at these people - these dolts who will not believe. The world so needs this knowledge. If I had only known this on earth it would have so altered my life - the sun would have shone on my grey path had I known what lay before me.

                                       October 10, 1922.

On this day an undeveloped spirit came who said he did not believe in God.* I talked to him and said we would do what we could to help him.

*The prevalent idea so often put forward by our clerical opponents that an evil spirit should be avoided seems to me most immoral and un-Christian. If a thing is evil one should strive to make it less so.

Then Lily came - we told her we had tested the spirit.

Always do so, dear ones. He heard you. You have helped him. He is coming again, he says, to talk to you. He says you are the only humans who have ever helped him since he died. We will help also. He is earthbound, so you can help him best.

He has not been over very long. He will soon get on. He has a good circle working for him. (His family, no doubt.) The light will soon shine for him also. He is standing near and heard you. He is very pleased.

Don't hurt the Medium.

The Spirit: Friend, thank you with all my heart. I will not abuse your trust.

Lily: Bless you both. So many of us are here to-night. Mother was called away, but she has come back. She stands by you, Jean, and strokes your face. Trust us always in all matters. Our love is so great for you, that it surrounds your daily life, and if you leave yourselves open, we can then guide and help you more.

Your own guide puts an atmosphere all round you whenever you are to be used as a channel between the two worlds - Look upwards only all the time.

Shall we go to America to spread this teaching ?

Go, and God's blessing go with you every mile of the way. Shall we take the children ?

You could not leave them. They, too, in their own way work well for the cause. We saw that in Australia. They sowed good seed for the cause. We will see to all arrangements. Never fear. All will be arranged for the best for you all. You are ambassadors for God, and humanity, in the world, so never worry about the trifles. Trust everything to us. We know. We can see all right, but when we are together don't lose a second. Trust us, dear old Arthur. We will help you all right. You will find it quite easy. The veil is thinner all the time because of the perfect unity.

What do you do in your world ?

We develop our gift for music, and we look after the orphan children, loving and mothering those whose hearts have been starved upon earth. Far, far more to do here than on the old earth. Nothing in people round ever jars. It makes everything happier and more complete.

Tell us more about your world.

It is lovely. I never saw any home on earth to compare with ours. So many flowers, a blaze of colour in all directions, and they have such wonderful scents, each one different, and all blending so deliciously.

Can you see other homes ?

No, it would spoil the peace if one could. Nature only sometimes one wants. Every home is an oasis, as it were. Beyond is wonderful scenery and other sweet homes, full of dear sweet, bright people, full of laughter, from the mere fact of living in such wonderful surroundings. Yes, it is beautiful. No earthly mind can conceive the light and wonder of it all. We have rooms as on earth,

but so much lovelier. The colours are so much daintier, and the fabrics so much more delicate. The whole scheme of the home life is so much more radiant. Flowers cover my home. Such roses. Jean saw a piece of her future home.* Bless you, dears. God's great love fills every heart with its own desire.

*In a dream vision.

October 11th, 1922.

I had given the undeveloped spirit an appointment for eight next evening. He came.

I hope you are happier.

You have helped me already. Please go on helping me. You are the only being who has since I left the earth. And I do need help so very badly.

We will see you through. Bless you for saying that. Can you hear us ?

I hear every word. I see you too in this wonderful and sweet home. I want to say that I did not believe in a future life. And now I know I was all wrong, and I am all at sea in finding myself over here.

Perhaps we can make it clearer to you.

Please say anything that will help me, friend. I am ready to listen, for my eyes are opened. It is all grey. Yes, that's the awful part of it. One's surroundings are so horrible.

I hope you will soon get out.

For God's sake tell me how.

You believe in God then ?

Oh, I do, I do. I see it now for myself. You'll soon come along.

Bless you for saying so. I'll try.

[I encouraged him and explained things to him.] That would indeed be great. May it be better soon.

Will you pray with us ?

I'll say a prayer with you now. [We prayed.] I just didn't care. But oh, how deeply I regret it. But your words have encouraged me more than I can say. Bless you a thousand-fold for all you are doing for me.

Can you tell us of yourself ?

Not now. Please help me in my present plight. My mind is open now to any idea. It is no longer closed.

Be unselfish. Try and help the other unfortunates.

You encourage me so. I shall feel less lonely if I talk to you as often as you can spare the time. Thank you with all my heart.

Tell us of your surroundings.

In good time that may come. Let me get right first. Already it is easier. A little light seems to glimmer through the darkness.

[My mother came.]

You have already done that poor man great good. There are many like him through that dreadful materialism. Dear one [to me], don't work too hard. (I smiled because this was characteristic.) Don't laugh at me, you naughty boy. I'm much younger.

You were thought once to be my wife.

Yes, wasn't it fun. God bless you, my own dear son, and my own beloved Jean. October 19, 1922. The grey spirit came.

Oh, I am so much better, dear good friends. I am trying very hard to go up hill.

What about God ?

I begin to see how wrong I have been in that direction. My mind is learning many big truths. I have seen my own dear mother, who passed over many years ago. She says she has waited for me.

Did you not see her before I spoke to you ?

No, not until then. I was in too dark a place for even her to penetrate. You must help others.

I have already been able to help one poor lonely soul over here, and he is better too.

When did you die ?

I have lost all sense of time. I don't know how to say how long it is since my death.

Who was king ?

Oh, George. I will tell more later on if you will only keep in touch with me. Your mother can do all that.

Yes, but you can help me so tremendously. Some day I hope I will be able to repay you in some small way for all you have done for me.

Do you mind my coming to you ? I could not resist speaking to you. I want to tell you how I am coming on. It is all thanks to you. Oh, I am so much better and happier. I have travelled far. All thanks to your guidance. Yes, thank God, my mother has reached me. Before, the darkness was too deep to penetrate.

Are you level with our people ?

Not yet. But before long I will be in their wonderful homeland. Let me just say this. God bless you and the medium, and this dear beloved home of light.

[We learned from this spirit that the vibrations are so different between different grades of spirit life that he could not see our own people when they were with him in the Circle, but only a light. They, however, could see him.]

June 1, 1922.

[My mother came. The children being present.]

Oh, my dears. I am so glad to be with you all. God bless you, darlings. Why, of course it is I, Jean, my beloved. I am so glad, dearie, that you brought the lambs* to-night to meet us. My son, you are tired. It grieves me to see you so. Do rest more. But I know Jean will see to that. God bless her for taking care of my dear, beloved son. There are many here all drawn by a great love.

Were you at Miss Besinnet's ?*

* We had a séance with this great American medium.

It was Jean's mother and Lily, but I was there too.

Uncle Henry is here. All the uncles and all the other Catholic relatives are very much in sympathy with you now in your work.

[To the children.] Bless you, my treasures. Your guides are very noble souls, high and lofty, and when you try to do your best in your daily life you please them beyond words, and make their work easier. Their names would convey nothing to you, but still you will know them very soon.

Yes, Denis, he sent the name (Sebastian) through to you. He is so sweet a spirit, beloved by everyone over here, and Denis takes after him. He is so proud of the way the boy is developing. You, too, Malcolm, dear one, have so lofty a guide, noble and very high of purpose. He loves you greatly, and wants you to realise his presence in your daily life. You have the power to reflect his greatness upon earth, live up to his beauty of character, and make the place you fill in the world great. God bless you !

Bless the sweet child (Billie). She is greatly loved by all over here. She has two guides, one a child, and one a very lovely spirit who has been over here some time, and whose joy it is to work upon the earth plane by training, and by influencing those whom Christ has given him charge of.

Another spirit came.

I am John Delane.

What, the editor of “ The Times” ?

Yes, of course. This is grand, Doyle. Really I am so glad to talk to you, old friend.

You surely mistake me for my grandfather ?

I knew him, but I know you too. You see we can make friends from this side. What do you think of Northcliffe's work ?

It has been very good on the whole. He is an honest man. But it has all been too much for him.

Will he be here long ?

Not on your plane.* He will continue to do good work for the old country when he gets over here.

*This came true; he died within a few months. We had no reason to think that he was mortally ill. I may add that the name and reputation of Delane were quite unknown to my wife.

Do you edit a paper now ?

There is no need here. We know everything. It is like wireless in the air, and all so much bigger and larger and so splendid. It is great, this life.

Do you know Hornung ?

Yes, we have met once, but we are both very busy, and we have not much in common.

Sir, John Robinson ?

Yes, rather. He is so fine. A greater man over here than down below. Wemyss Reid ?

No. I have not come across him yet. But if you wish it I will endeavour to get into touch with him.

James Payn ? *

*These were three old friends. Robinson was editor of the Daily News. Wemyss Reid of The Speaker, and Payn of Cornhill Magazine.

Yes, we are in close touch. Our homes are close together. Our sympathies are close. That is why. It is the rule over here. Nothing jars over here. There are no cross currents. I am interested in many things, mostly human now; the progress of human development. above all the regeneration of the earth plane. I am one of those who are working for the cause on this side, hand in glove with you.

A pleasant home is being prepared for you ! Not only by your own people, but by all those others over here who sympathise. They are working at it too, and it is beautiful beyond words, so glorious and peaceful, and sweet and flowers – flowers - everywhere. And water, and trees - such trees !

[The Medium.] Is it for me, too ?

Why, what a silly woman you are to ask such a question!

It is for you, too, that it is prepared - all from love of you both, and of all those around you. A complete whole. God's blessing rest upon you all in this dear and beautiful home.

Will all be well with the movement ?

Yes. Never fear. The light will be the greater for the darkness you have passed through in fighting for truth. It will come very soon, as God wills it. Nothing can stand against that. No powers of darkness can stand for one minute against His light. All the crowd working against it will be swept away. It has been a pleasure to come and to know your dear home circle. Thank you so much !

Kingsley came. (Children present.) Dears ! Dears ! Dears !

Bless you all, oh, so much.

I am so often with you, but you do not know it.

I am continually in the house, and in the garden. I watch the children play, and sometimes play with them, but unfortunately they do not know it.

Denis. Where are the snakes with you ?*

* Denis was a great lover of snakes.

In their own place, old chap. We are so proud of you, Denis, and the way you are developing in every way.

Have you games ?

Yes, old boy. Much more than on earth. You have your work on earth to do before you can come here - God's work. Prepare yourself all the time, Denis, darling, for that. We love you greatly, and watch over you all the time.

What about Malcolm ?

Bless him, the dear fellow. We are with him continually helping and guiding him. We want him to realise that and to help us all we can. He has a great chance to do very great work in the world. He must always have that thought before him to help and inspire him to make a great effort to achieve what he can do.

The children will be well guarded. All is well. Trust more, dear. They are guarded. The power over them is so strong.

Denis will be clairvoyant. The whole family is very mediumistic.

[At this point my elder sister, Annette, who passed thirty years ago, took control.]

Yes, it is I, Annette. Tell the children that I love them all so much, and it is one of my most precious duties and joys looking after them, and helping dear Jean in her training. They are so beloved, and will do you both great credit, and will bring joy to your hearts, and a golden light to your life. God's blessing rest upon you all, my dears.

Where are you ?

It is difficult to explain to you the conditions over here. I am where I would most wish to be, that is with my beloved ones, and where I can keep in close touch with you all upon the earth plane.

You will be out of our reach. Never, dear Arthur. Have you food over there ?

Not in your sense, but much nicer. Such lovely essences and wonderful fruits, and other things besides which you don't have on earth. Much awaits you which will very much surprise you, all beautiful and high, and so sweet and sunny. Life was a preparation for this sphere. It helped to prepare me for it. Without that training I should not have been able to enter this glorious and wonderful world. The earth is the training ground where we learn our lessons, and this world is our great reward, our true and real home and life - the sunshine after the rain. Good-night all, my great dears, whom I love so. Please remember that I am continually in your beloved home, working with you and through you, and guarding you all.

                                           November 15, 1922. [With my sister D.] In the new flat. Of course it is I - Mammie.

My darlings, it is such a joy to me to be with all you dear ones in this dear new home. Bless it and you, and all who enter its doors. You see I am so happy to get into touch with you that I use too much energy I suppose.*

*She was writing too swiftly.

D., my darling girl. I am so glad to talk to you once more. Try this yourself. You will have the power also. I see you as plainly as if I were sitting in this arm chair.

0h, do go on, Jean, dearie. Time is so precious, and there are so many here wishing to talk. I do so wish you could see me.

Oh, Arthur, my boy, my own beloved son, this world is so wonderful. All that you are telling the people about this life is true, true.

My one regret is that I did not fully realise what you were doing when I was with you, but now I know, and I am overjoyed at being able to work with you from this side.

Poor Cynthia, so good and kind, but alas ! her Church is filling all her thoughts and her life to the exclusion of all other ties. You can do no more, my son. Leave the rest to God.

D. might learn to write.

Oh, my dear, that would be such a joy to me. We will keep in close touch then, and I can help and advise her as I long to do, and will do.

What about the undeveloped spirit ?

I know. Yes. He is getting on. I want just to tell you this, that I am happy, happy beyond all the words that I could use. There are no words to describe the wonder and joy of this life - the peace of it is past all understanding. Oh, that men could know what lies ahead of them, what there is to work and live for. All would be so much easier for them then. They could endure more if they knew. My child, there are oceans of things I want to say but I must not tire you, my lamb.* God's great blessing rest upon you all, and keep you in perfect peace. All is well. Good-night.

* Characteristic

January 18, 1923.

I am here. Mother.

Did you see the flowers ?

Yes, I saw them, and I loved you both for buying them for me. I loved also those from your dear home. [We had put some on her grave.]

Dear ones, your tour in America will be a very great success. Strength, enormous strength, will be given to you, dear. (It was.) It makes me so happy to see you both. So it will be for all eternity.

Jean, darling, if I had planned my future I could not have thought of such perfect happiness, such joy.

You cannot fail. The power behind you is too great.

                                                  February 11, 1923

[A dark soul came. Made a motion of doubt and despair when we asked him if he believed in God. I consoled him.]

I was a very old man. How long over ?

It seems an eternity. This is a wonderful home. If I had had such a home I would have been different. I will come again. Thank you so much, my new good friends.

What name ?

Just a " dark soul."

You will soon be right, I hope. With God's help.

Oscar Hornung came.

You remember the London sitting ?

Rather. I loved hearing the children's voices. I know you saw me. I'll show myself again to you both.

I have never seen your father.

And you won't for a long time. Your mother will learn, I hope.

It won't be very long, I am thankful to say.

Of course I know Cyril.* I am very fond of him still. We'll be with each other a lot when he comes over here. Tell him not to worry about anything. A lot of happiness lies ahead of him. Things will be better for him than they have been for years.

* My brother-in-law.

The power is not so strong to-night. The vibrations of last night are still in the room.

(Some people, who were rather material, had been there.) Soon the atmosphere will he cleared again.

Who are the children's guides ?

When the time comes you will know. All of you will know and see your guides one day.

Bless you all. We will be at your side. With this great knowledge at your heart you are greatly helped. Therefore help others all you can. Look ever upwards, and just try your best day by day, and that will lead you here in the end, right up to this glorious world.

February 13, 1923.

The dark spirit came.

I feel that I have now someone who is interested in my condition here, and that is a great help to me. With your help and encouragement no doubt I shall progress into something better.

What was your creed ?

I never thought of such things. That is why I am here. It is very grey and lonely. I only hope you will never find yourselves here.

Could you tell us of yourself ?

Not yet. I should like to very much later. I was a snob in life. I wish I had known more people like you, real humans, not just society fluff.

My father was pretty high up from a social point of view. My mother also. They passed on many years ago.

Have you seen them ?

No, not yet. They did believe in God. Thank you for keeping this appointment. What you have told me heartens me beyond words.

There is mercy for all.

Thank you for your help. Now I will go ahead. There is something to live for after all. Bless you all. I do already feel happier.

Are you still there ?

Yes. Do you think I want to go ? Rather not. Can you see our people ?

I can see a wonderful light round you. That may mean them.

Don't hurt the Medium.

No, I promise you on the word of a previous gentleman.

Did you live in London ?

Yes, for the season.

I shall never be able to repay you for this.

[Shortly afterwards this dark spirit came and thanked us for helping him.]

The mist is not so thick.

Are you on the earth surface ? I cannot tell.

[A second stranger said.]

This is the first time I have been back, and I have been over many years. I want to say that Spiritualism is changing the world. The whole tone of life will be changed as a result of its teaching. God bless you all !

[A friend came.] What about our wireless experiment ?

Of course we know it and are pleased. We can’t use it yet. Conditions are not ready yet.

Our side is not fully prepared. In a very short time we shall be ready. There is only one link missing in the chain. There is a big band over here working entirely upon it. They and we realise how very important it is to the human race.

(Kingsley, speaking of this, said: -

We have a very wonderful instrument over here, but it is not quite perfect yet. There is one vibration wrong which will not work with your waves.

Will it soon be right ?

Yes, we hope before very long. It will first come through an outside source, and will cause a great deal of talk in London.

[My mother came.]

My son. My beloved son. Who else should come if I, your own mother, did not Any message for Denis going to school ?

Only this. He must trust always in God, and know that so many dear ones are always round him guarding and guiding him very closely all the time. Kingsley, too, has special charge of him. He has arranged many things for his welfare and happiness. You need not worry about anything concerning him. All is well, and God's blessing goes with him all the time. I lay my hand upon his dear head and say: “ Never fear anything - only in your thoughts look upwards to all that is beautiful, happy and noble. Go in great strength to school, knowing that all will be well and happy. Work in the world awaits you. Prepare yourself for it. Live up to the great privilege which has been granted you to do this noble and uplifting work for the world.

God bless and keep you in His loving care.” [To Malcolm-my second son: -]

Tell the dear laddie that we love him very much and watch the development of his character with close attention. He has a noble and very dear guide who loves him greatly, and he asks me to tell him that he will watch over him very closely through the term. He says he wants him to try very, very hard to have a high and gentle influence - an influence that will be felt through all the school.

Malcolm's guide made a great name for himself at his own school when on earth. He was greatly loved for his high moral standard, and left a great reputation behind him. And he is most anxious that Malcolm should follow in his steps. God's rich blessing goes to him, and our love.

There are twenty-two people here round you to-night, all loving you greatly; some you have never met in life.

October 12, 1923.

Mother came.

I am a thousand times more joyous than when on earth. I want to say this, dear, that the world is nothing, and all that is in it is only a make-believe. This is the real life where we can express ourselves to the fullest, where love prevails, and where all sorrows flee away.

We have all been helping in Japan.*

*There had been an earthquake with great loss of life.

Are there many spirits present ? More than the room will hold.

Mrs. Blatchford* is often with you. She is in your circle. Not now. She is with a daughter who is not well. [This proved to be true, and is highly evidential.]

*The deceased wife of Robert Blatchford, the well-known Publicist.

Listen to me, dear one. There will be great changes shortly in the spiritual life of the country. There will very soon be a great and good man who will come to help you in the fight. He is almost through the mists now, and will soon be at your side.

October 29, 1923.

A half-hearted spirit came.

Do you believe in God ?

Yes, in a way. [I gave him some advice.] Thank you for what you have said. Are you the dark spirit we used to know ?

No, he sent me. He comes down here to help us. I will try to go ahead. Money is the curse of the world.

I don't want to leave the warmth and happiness of this wonderful place - but I will go, as you say I must, but may I come again, and will you promise to help me?

You can stay here.

You are indeed good and kind. I will if I am permitted to do so. December 30, 1923. A strange spirit came.

Do you believe in God ?

I did not until I came here, and then my eyes were opened.

I am two above the earth plane. I Simply thought of money. I realise that now to my cost.

You will be all right in time.

Bless you for saying that. It is not so dark now. Mother came.

I should like you both to have a little holiday. You should take care of your health.

My darling, I carried off some of the flowers you put on my grave, and had them in my home at Christmas in memory of my own little girlie.

Then. you keep Christmas ?

Very much more here than on earth. It is so happy for all. A time of great rejoicing and love everywhere.

Is Lily there ?

I see her every day. She tries to fill your place until you come. Her home is near. Your home is very, very near, and so glorious.

Like this one ?

No, ever so much more beautiful and graceful, and so full of flowers and all that is lovely, and then we have our own atmosphere.

                                                              February 4th, 1924. [Rev. Vale 0wen and wife present.]

I am Ellis Powell.* This is great to meet you both again. The work is going on splendidly. Far greater strides have been made than you have any idea of. Very soon you will have evidence of this.

*A well-known Spiritualist and Great Scholar.

What about that big man ?

He is hovering on the verge. He can't quite make up his mind to come out into the open.

To the Vale Owens : -

They are to go on with their noble work. All will be well with them. In all ways. They are blessed from the other side.

From Mrs. Napier.* [A friend recently dead.]

*This lady had been told the truth of Spirit Communion before her death.

I want to thank you with all my soul for what you did for me on earth the night you dined with us.

I cannot tell you how happy I am with all those I had lost. Now I am living. Do you approve our work ?

Yes, in every way.

Will you help the work ?

It is my great joy to do so in a very humble way. You have got a most wonderful bodyguard round you.

Please give Lady Cowan my love.

May 25th, 1924

Mother came.

8o happy, darling. We live in a most wonderful home. This life is very wonderful, so full and happy and peaceful. Such bright faces everywhere, all living at their best. We long for humanity to realise what lies ahead of them. The earth life would be so much easier to live, for hope would always be in everyone's heart. Tell the people, Arthur, not to fear death, but to live with it in their thoughts, knowing that if they just in their daily lives try to live straight, clean lives, they will look back with thankfulness when they reach the portals of death - the entrance gates to this wonderful existence. Tell them that Love is the keynote of life - let your hearts radiate out tenderness for all who need it. If there is love and unselfishness, sunshine will illuminate the whole world, and every shadow will flee away.

Willie Hornung came.

We realise things over here, and would give a great deal to have our time over again. We are blind on the earth plane to our great chances. If humans only realised that self does not count, then how different lives would be.

What about this new house idea ?*

*We wanted to find a place near to nature.

It is most important. We want you to go to see it again, and we will impress you then with what we want you to do in the matter. It is a wonderful place.