THE FOURTH PLANE

 As we descended in our approach to the fourth plane, my eyes were almost blinded by the glory of the spectacle. From every direction thronged troops of spirits, apparently converging on a great building of amazing size, beauty and splendor. Each spirit seemed enveloped in a ball of flaming white light, emanating from himself and giving to the brilliant light of this plane an additional splendor and force that to me became almost overpowering in its brilliancy. There the spirits were dressed in aural garments of varying colors which the emanating light did not conceal; the women in robes falling in rich folds, the men in closely-fitting garments. The scene was of marvelous beauty and indescribable brilliance. Almost at once my guide brought me to the lines of the moving procession, and soon, with the rest, I entered the majestic hall toward which the spirits were thronging. It was an enormous auditorium, arranged in a semi-circle about a raised platform. Without apparent ushering, or other show of authority, the great throng found their accustomed places in the most orderly fashion. Seats were assigned to myself and my guide, and while we were waiting expectantly there was opportunity to study the assemblage. The foremost impression was that already mentioned—of the inexpressible and overpowering brilliance, produced by the natural illumination of this plane, the white splendor of the faces, the light about them, and the aura which colored their shining raiment in a multitude of hues. Not less striking was the mental impression produced by their faces, vivid with intelligence and power, and glowing with sympathy, love and understanding. For these spirits had not only triumphed in self-mastery; they had attained wisdom and a knowledge of mysteries of which I could only faintly guess. Conscious of my own unfitness, I felt myself fading into utter insignificance. Conversations and discussions engaged groups of spirits about me—discussions that appeared weighty and of intense interest.

 I noted here, as elsewhere, in the Spirit World, that men were in authority, but this gave them no actual dominion over women, for both take their proper places, and both have their missions. The work of the men is more creative;—women conserve and apply. Men are administrators; women inspire to beauty and sweetness, and are angels of mercy, comforters, teachers, and mother spirits. Thus in the Spirit World the contrast between masculine and feminine is sharply defined in manner and custom as well as in dress. The modesty and grace of women is set over against the strength and authority of men.

 A hush now fell on the congregation as five men in garments more shining than any I had yet seen ascended the platform and in turn began to speak. All present listened with rapt attention, hung upon their words and unconsciously pressed closer, eager to know the wonders being unfolded. I could understand nothing—it exceeded my powers—but none the less I felt the influence, and struggled to approach the wonderful strangers. My movements in the throng created some confusion, and I was rebuked and eyed with reproving looks, particularly as any spirit there could see and know that I was out of place. One spirit nearest to me exclaimed sternly, "This is the Hall of Learning and no one is permitted to create any disturbance!" However, my guide explained on my behalf: "This spirit has not yet passed over, for special purposes she is permitted here." This seemed to satisfy those about me, and I heard murmurs of understanding. I forced myself to master my excitement and remained quiet until the speakers finished. The great concourse broke up in orderly quiet and my guide and I went on our long journey to the first plane, in accordance with my expressed desire. I saw little else of the fourth plane, but I was informed that life there was similar to life in the third plane, though more developed, more perfect, and more glorious.