VANITY FAIR.

 

Another paradise on the middle astral plane was examined, where a large building was found devoted to the use of a colony of vain men and women who lived for one object only, to dress in order to win flattery from others. Here was a room of lofty dimensions, with windows on all sides, and mirrors lining the walls from floor to ceiling. By each window stood a dressing-table, with a large wardrobe on the right and left loaded with rich garments of every description. Upon the dressing-tables stood every variety of beauty make-ups that the mind of the most vain could imagine, and with the exception of a few chairs no other furniture was to be seen. Presently a number of women entered the room and began dressing, until at last there were upwards of fifty, each busily occupied with her toilet. A chatter of conversation was heard, but the substance of the remarks seemed to be entirely devoted to their personal appearance and inquiry by one and an

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other as to how they looked in their new dresses. Any number of these to order were provided for the asking, so that all could easily vie with each other. The question was continually asked on all hands, "How do I look?" and was only answered by the question, "Oh, how do I look?" for no one would gratify the other's wish and offer praise, so greedily did each seek this for themselves. Their whole time was occupied in robing carefully and then passing out on to the boulevards, where they met over-dressed fops of the opposite sex, whose tastes were all of an exactly similar kind. Returning again to their saloon, they disrobed, rested a while, and re-robed in fresh garments, varying the round with an occasional visit to a concert-room or theatre, where people of a similar nature acted before them, all with one object—to secure applause.

 

One woman of about thirty-two years of age, named Vera, rather handsome in appearance, had just left the dressing-room with the object of spending an hour in the company of others. She was gorgeously attired and carried a sunshade, though such an object was of no service in a world where no sun shines. She had been a resident in this home for six months, and was beginning to weary of its vanity, and at this particular moment felt extremely irritable with the number

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of questioners who had put to her within the last hour that monotonous query, "How do I look?" She felt in a rebellious mood and somewhat sick of life as she went out. A man approached—one like herself in aims—who had spent all the morning in his gilded cage laboring to find a tie of the proper tint to match his silk stockings. He adjusted his monocle and bowed to Vera, asking with a vacant smile, "Well, ducky, how do I look?" Poor Vera! Again it had come. This, she felt, was the last straw, and placing her face suddenly close to the questioner, she replied with great emphasis, "Rotten!" It acted like a blow of the fist in his face, for he started back as Vera turned on her heel and rushed to her dwelling. Entering the mirrored saloon, she cast her outer garments one by one on the floor, kicking them violently under the dressing-table. Before the mirror she wiped away the paint and powder, and revealed her own face again. Several of her companions entering remarked, "What a guy! what a fright!" driving the wretched woman from the saloon to her private room upstairs, where she could be alone. Here she began to ponder over her present life, and her past one on earth, and to despise herself for the empty life she had led, and thus brooding became more and more miserable. Her agony increased

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as her past actions rose vividly before her, until at last she broke into tears and moaned out regrets, beseeching God, if there was such, that she might have a new start in life. Many days passed while this tragedy of the soul proceeded, but she was quite oblivious to the flight of time. Her prayer for another chance was uttered with such sincerity that it seemed to create a disturbance in the atmosphere immediately over her head, and presently, to her astonishment, her sister Alice stood before her. Somewhat frightened at the appearance, she said, "Why, Alice, how is it you are here? I thought you were dead. I am quite aware that I am supposed to be dead, but what brings you here?"

 

"I heard your call," said Alice, "and came to help you, now that you are willing to be done with these stupid vanities that have been your downfall. I would have helped you sooner, but could not, so self-centred were you in the things of the senses. If you really mean to give them up and live a sensible life, I will help you to return to your children, who are now in the care of our old mother on earth."

 

Vera was startled, and looking earnestly into her sister's face, said, "Is it possible that I can see them, Alice? Can you help me? I have been such a fool, I know, but do forgive me, and I will endeavor

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to do better. Take me, if you can, from this wretched place, for the people are more like dolls than human beings. I know I have been one of them, but I am heartily sick of it all, and am prepared to wash and scrub the floors and spend my days in the most menial service if only I can escape from it."

 

While this scene took place, the soul of Vera gradually underwent a change, her body became brighter, especially during the latter part of her tearful remorse, and Alice, stooping down with a happy smile, took her sister in her arms, and together they rose into the atmosphere and disappeared from sight, passing into the second sphere where the sister had her home.

 

Vera's absence was noticed but for a few days. A question, a laugh, a shrug of the shoulders, and her companions ceased to discuss her, and she was soon forgotten as one who had probably found her way to some new pleasure centre; only a few wondered if she was one of those who had escaped to the higher spheres, which rumor claimed existed.

 

THE HOUSE OF THE HARPY.

 

The author, travelling on one occasion through the middle astral plane, visited a city which had almost fallen into ruins, the houses on the outskirts being quite impossible of habitation, for only the

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walls remained; others in a better state of repair were inhabited by people of a type such as might be met with on earth in slum neighborhoods. The atmosphere of the place was disagreeable, and in the deserted streets from time to time one could perceive what appeared to be the dead bodies of new-born children, in various stages of growth. Entering one of the houses, these baby forms were everywhere to be found, let into the walls, lying on the floor, and upon the beds, so that there seemed to be no place within the rooms where one could sit down without seeing these strange creations. In these homes lived women whose lives on earth had been devoted to the procuring of abortion, and who had to suffer the annoyance of having these baby forms continually kept before them by unseen spirit operators. Before sitting down it was necessary to remove them from the chairs, and they frequently cast them out of the windows in their desire to be rid of them, but no sooner was this done than the forms were returned to the old position, for unseen eyes were always watching, and brought them back as speedily as they were got rid of. These were artificial creations used by higher spirits as object lessons to awaken the conscience, and arouse these women to the unnatural enormity of their past evil practices. This irritating lesson seldom, failed to bring them

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to an understanding that what they believed was dead and unknown was in reality alive and known to all.

 

THE UPPER ASTRAL PLANE.

 

Those who have been dwellers in the dark and rocky gorges of the lowest astral, and have at last arrived on the upper astral plane, find a brighter state of existence, where life, though far removed from the joys of higher spheres, at least supplies conditions more suitable to human beings. This plane is a school of probation, where by earnest application minds are educated, spirits are purified, and the inhabitants can fit themselves to become worthy of association with spirits of a nobler order. Work which they are capable of performing is allotted to them, often tasks of a very menial order, and by means of these they receive from their teachers instruction in the art of right living. Some attach themselves to organized bands of a higher order, who seek to help the dwellers of earth, or who visit astral planes immediately below them with a similar object. The work, though difficult at first, becomes deeply interesting, until, after some time, they are loth to leave it, so happy are they in their new occupations.

 

Pet birds and animals are here found in small

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numbers, and vegetation also begins to show upon the higher reaches where the light reaches nearly seventy degrees. Shrubs and grass are somewhat indifferent in color, being of a brownish-green. The surface of this plane is considerably varied; hills range to a height of about 500 feet, and rivers of short length rise from springs and run into lakes.

 

Immense hospitals are to be found in the upper reaches of these spheres, to which many are brought who have just died on earth. Some of these weary ones continue to sleep for months before returning to consciousness. These hospitals are supervised by doctors, assisted by kindly nurses, who watch over their sleeping patients with great diligence, making preparations for the moment of their awakening, so that friends and relatives whom they can recognize may be at the bed-side to welcome them. At the present time, thousands of soldiers, gathered from the battlefields of Europe, lie sleeping in these peaceful hospitals of the soul, and many sailors also, who have recently met a watery grave. These are provided with separate establishments from civilians, as the treatment, required at first is somewhat different.

 

No adult at death, whose proper home is in the second or third sphere, ever goes directly there, but is brought to the upper astral plane for a

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time, as a direct journey to the higher spheres would be too severe a shock for the spirit. The inhabitants upon the upper astral do not congregate together in cities such as are found on the plane below, but dwell in small communities. The houses are simple in style and small in size, for here all tendency to luxury of any kind is avoided, the principal idea being to train the inhabitants by a Spartan-like system of life.

 

SECOND SPHERE.

 

On the second sphere the conditions of life are still further improved, the light ranging from seventy degrees on its lowest plane to ninety-nine degrees on its highest, which is practically full sunshine. Vegetation is still somewhat poor on the lower planes, but improves gradually on the upper. Flowers of an extremely commonplace variety are found at the lowest degree, lacking in color and perfection of form, but these improve very considerably on the upper reaches. Pet animals are more numerous, and the singing of birds is frequently heard. Many who come to dwell here after death find this sphere a very desirable spot, for it offers a great improvement to the physical state of earth, as the atmospheric conditions are stable, and the temperature warm and pleasant.

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On this sphere are to be found the headquarters of every religious organization known on earth, with churches and flourishing congregations served by ministers who still preach their favorite doctrines. This rather applies to the lower planes, for on the upper practically nothing of this sort is to be found. The congregations are considerably greater than on earth, but this is not due to the larger numbers attending church, but owing to a much more limited supply of both churches and ministers. Those who are allowed to preach are carefully selected by wise overseers, and only such as are fit to be teachers of advanced truth are permitted to occupy these posts. They are men of developed character, capable of understanding the natural principles within their religion, and blessed with a loving disposition towards all men. These various bodies are not allowed to separate from each other, but wherever a community is established of any size, the various churches are clustered together and compelled to exchange many visits. One distinguishing difference between churches of the second sphere and those of earth is, that while in the latter pastors impress upon their congregations the necessity of increasing their attendance at services, the former seek to instruct their congregations to open themselves to the divine influx of spiritual life from

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higher spheres, and to become less dependent on such ministrations. From time to time the pulpits are occupied by spiritual instructors from the third and fourth spheres, by whose help the people rise from narrow conceptions of God and the Universe, and are instructed in a natural religion. Some interesting facts might be given did space allow, to show the surprising position of some of the leading dignitaries of the churches, who on earth were considered of enormous importance, but here have to take a very lowly place.

 

A visit was paid to a large institution standing in a beautifully cultivated park, surrounded with high walls. Within this lofty building, rows of small rooms were found, in each of which lived isolated patients. In one room sat an old man with an innocent and self-satisfied look upon his face, reading a religious book. His conversation to any visitor allowed to see him, was somewhat as follows, "Ah, my friend, I am pleased to meet you, for the Lord has sent you my way. I see you are not one of us. You are of all men the most unfortunate, for unless you live within these sacred walls you cannot know eternal peace, for here we live the life of the blessed, earned not by our own efforts but through the virtues of another. I perceive you are an Englishman, therefore the opportunity has been yours of learning the absolute

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truth by which your admittance to these heavenly states would hive been secured. Praise the Lord I my dear mother showed me the necessity for forming deep and impregnable convictions at an early age, and I early learned to reject the temptation that others fall into, of building their lives upon the empty conclusions of reason. But for this inflexible determination of mine to rest upon the sure and certain statements of God revealed in His Word, I might have been dwelling with those unhappy souls who refuse the truth which I so earnestly on many occasions proclaimed to them. Now I have the peace and satisfaction of knowing that I was right, and they will have an eternity of time to perceive their error, and to realize the folly of rejecting the gift which would have cost them nothing to accept." His keeper at this juncture entered and took him by the hand, and led him out to the garden where several others wandered about suffering from the same disease, but all equally content with their lot. This man on earth played a prominent part in religious work, leaving wherever he went disturbed minds and casting a monstrous shadow which caricatured the divine principles of life.

 

Many schools and colleges are to be found on this plane, established for the education of the people, and from these a steady stream of enlightened

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souls goes forth to visit the earth in an endeavor to free the minds of men from the many superstitious ideas which there hold sway.

 

THIRD SPHERE.

 

That natural life of the soul which man ought to inherit immediately after death, were he to live in more harmonious conditions with the law of his being while on earth, is to be found on the third sphere. One finds there a state of life far superior to that of earth, though in some respects it is singularly similar. No one can enter this sphere who has not been purified from those weaknesses which cause so much harm and discord upon earth, and thus the companionship is of a very agreeable kind. The name "Summer Land" is most appropriate, for the fullest sunlight shines upon the mountains, streams, valleys and lakes of this delightful region. The light ranges from full sunlight, 100 degrees, at its lowest point, to 110 degrees at its highest. Children in all stages of growth are found, especially upon the lower plane, many of these living with their own parents, while others await them, meanwhile remaining in the care of relatives, friends, nurses and instructors. The little ones who enter spirit realms in baby­hood, grow up with a beauty strangely different from that found in children who have lived some

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years on earth. There is a purity and sweetness in the former sometimes lacking in the latter, but the earth child has other compensations.

 

The homes on the third sphere are very similar in appearance to those of earth, and are scattered amongst gardens of great beauty. The tendency is to dwell together in family groups. There are no cities, for the people delight in rural surroundings, and derive much benefit from this association with nature. The houses vary very little from earthly models. One would have thought that in a land where rain is never found, sloping roofs would be unnecessary, but here the great majority of the houses have such roofs, which leads one to suppose that the eye, so long accustomed to a design of this kind, looks for it as necessary to its correct appearance. Broadly speaking, the houses on this plane are constructed either in composition stone or in brick, but more generally the latter. The brickwork being of a warm red color gives an extremely pleasant aspect when nestling amongst green foliage, and probably for this reason is more generally adopted. The influence of color is a most important one in all superphysical states, especially from the third upwards, and all tints are selected with the utmost care, with the object of influencing those in their immediate neighborhood. Much of the clothing is also

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chosen with the same object. It is noticeable that spirits with intellectual aspirations usually select the stone buildings as their dwellings.

 

Occupations on this plane are much more varied than on earth, and everywhere there is a delightful activity, very different from what one is led to imagine from the stories which purport to describe heaven. Here one finds an absence of all rush and bustle, everyone taking time to enjoy life and entering into such work as they select with deep interest. No one is ever in too great a hurry to stop and help or entertain a fellow creature. A gracious familiarity exists between all the residents, but through it all there runs a charming privacy wherever it is desired, for all are willing to accord to others that which they desire for themselves.

 

One of the first things that strikes a visitor to this sphere is the absence of shadow, the light being of a peculiar nature, illuminating an object on all sides equally, so that light is quite as dear below a spreading tree as above. Every object is also more or less self-luminous. Considered by the mortal, this absence of shadow might suggest a lack of beauty, but one has only to witness the scenery of these upper spheres to appreciate a marvellous beauty of landscape beyond anything known on earth. Another striking feature is the

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total absence of all dust, everything having the appearance of immaculate freshness. Where a leaf is accidentally detached, the particles quickly disintegrate by chemical action, and pass into the atmosphere, and become re­absorbed by the plant life around. There is no change of seasons, the temperature being constantly the same, neither is there wind or rain. There is also a total absence of clouds in the sky, moisture being obtained from the atmosphere in regular proportions, but the sky does not lack beauty because of this, for there is an ever-changing electrical action in the upper atmosphere which constantly varies, and produces many beautiful colors. One is struck by the happy familiarity of the inhabitants towards each other, though no one intrudes, and a strict politeness governs all their actions. Entering a garden with high walls, a mother and her child are found living in a happy retirement. By an expressive glance and a few words from the beautiful woman who is walking within the garden, one learns that she passed some five years ago into this sphere, in giving birth to the child now by her side. She has little interest in the things of the wider world, as she is patiently waiting for her husband, who still dwells on earth, to join her. She is glad to assist with the education of several children who are brought to her from time to time, and whom

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she trains along with her own child, under the guidance of teachers experienced in this important work.

 

The intimacies of earth life are carried on for long years upon this plane of existence, and sometimes extend to the fourth sphere. These intimacies, however, gradually change with the development of consciousness, and the human traits and earth-loves widen as the soul evolves, giving place to a universal love which embraces all humanity.

 

Immediately adjoining this home lies a large park, in which stands a public building devoted to the use of all who wish to enter for study or amusement. Separate rooms are there provided for music, painting, modelling, reading, lecturing, etc. In the large entrance hall are many middle­aged men and women who meet there for an hour's quiet intercourse, while younger relatives walk in the grounds, and amuse themselves as they feel disposed. These people are spending some time in leisurely recreation, but their other hours are spent in useful service. Here are to be found many who have been working on the earth plane, quite a number having just returned from laborious work upon the battle-fields, where they have been helping those just recently passed out of the body. Further on was established a large college, where students, ranging from twenty to fifty years,

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were gathered together. These were being taught by teachers from the fourth sphere, who instructed them in the laws pertaining to that sphere, and also taught them some of the fundamental principles of psychology, in order that they might become teachers amongst their companions. In another college which the author entered, advanced students were found receiving instruction from teachers from the fifth sphere. Their practice and method of teaching was very interesting, and it may be useful to briefly explain this. Shortly after the students were seated, seven teachers from the fifth sphere appeared instantaneously upon the platform. After a brief interval three descended on the right hand and three on the left, the seventh remaining seated. The six passed along the side aisles, and beginning at the back of the hall made passes over the heads of the audience, touching from time to time the heads of certain students who sought this as a favor, and thus established magnetic cords between the class and the teacher on the platform. These passes were obviously made with the intention of linking the minds of the students with the mind of the teacher, for the six assistants passed their hands, after they had magnetized the audience, over the head of their chief, and then seated themselves again, three on each side.

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When the principal began his instruction, the students seemed to be able to enter into his mind and read the thoughts clearly which he expressed in speech, and it was evident that they gathered more from the thought than the actual words, by this telepathic transmission. These lectures seldom extend beyond an hour's duration, and are often considerably shorter than this, for thought is much more speedy than anything possible to men on earth.

 

Entering a large school where children were being instructed, a marked peculiarity was noticeable in the many miniature rooms arranged around the large central hall. The main hall had seating accommodation for over a thousand children, where they were congregated for certain exercises and for singing, but each individual child had a separate room and tutor, the teachers being selected to suit the temperament of each child. A teacher was only permitted to instruct a child to Whom he was attached by a close bond of affection. Elementary general instruction very similar to what is known on earth was given, such as reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, but infinite care was taken in the training of thoughts and emotions far beyond anything attempted on earth. These children are delightful to see, and nowhere are there any signs of disobedience or

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passion, for the rule of love sways all the actions of their teachers, and in children passion is usually the outcome of disordered physical constitutions from which they do not here suffer.

 

The author found that children who had lived on earth for some years were instructed in separate schools from those who had entered the spirit world in early infancy, as every care is taken that certain habits and practices learned on earth may not he practised on these spheres. The growth of children in spirit life is very similar to that on earth, most of them arriving at maturity in about twenty years, but a proportion, under the wise training and care of able guides and instructors, are fully developed at from twelve to fifteen. These are rather exceptional children with highly developed mental powers and vigorous constitutions.

 

Many of the sports of earth are practised in this sphere, but any form of sport hurtful to either the animal or human kingdom is naturally prohibited. Large numbers of singing birds are to be found, a special favorite being the canary, but carrion-feeding fowls are never found. Pet animals, such as dogs, cats, birds and horses, and a limited number of other pet animals, are often to be seen; these may rise with their owners to higher spheres, but only in a few instances, as association with animals

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is discouraged on higher planes, and many of them gravitate after a few years to the animal sphere. The souls of animals which enter the human spirit world are enabled to do so through the close contact with human beings on earth, which enables their souls to develop to such an extent that they become refined and spiritualized beyond the ordinary animal state, but no sooner are they neglected and lose the close contact established by love and human influence, than they gradually lapse back to their original conditions.

 

Music plays an important part in the elevation of the soul, and enters not only the ear, but plays upon every nerve of the soul, very much as a breeze plays upon the surface of man's body in physical life. Nearly every instrument known on earth is to be found, and a great variety of quite unknown and much more highly evolved instruments in addition, but these it is impossible to describe here.

 

The people dwelling on this sphere are fully conscious of all that goes on upon earth, not only regarding their relatives, but also in connection with the general movement of its education and progress. It must not, however, be supposed that the sorrows of mortals constantly disturb the inhabitants of the first heaven, for they can, when they feel disposed, make themselves positive to all

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that takes place on earth, otherwise their existence would be unbearable. Many are glad to visit the earth environment from time to time to gain experience, but others have no desire whatever to approach that school of experience which they were heartily glad to leave behind.

 

FOURTH SPHERE.

 

Life on the fourth sphere is quite as varied as that on the third, but the habits and thoughts of the people are much more spiritual, and when one enters into these spheres contact with earth is less close, and the mind of man is directed to the consideration of problems considerably in advance of those which claim his attention either on earth or on the third sphere. Much attention is devoted to a comparison of experience, and an endeavor to ascertain the cause of these differences. Entering one of the schools one finds men and women of an elevated nature, detailing their past lives and describing their actions, some of them being of a most disreputable nature, yet they do this without a shadow of shame, for they have paid the full penalty of any wrong action, otherwise they would not be in their present developed state. They quietly discuss their reason for seeking happiness by the methods they adopted when on earth, and what the results of such action have been in

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each sphere as they passed upwards. After comparing notes, each individual endeavors to arrive at an understanding of the principles that were at work within his life, and one from the fifth sphere, who acts as a kind of judge, helps them to their conclusions, and throws light upon some of the problems which puzzle and confuse them. The nearest approach to such a class on earth is a debating society, but the whole spirit of the gathering is quiet, and free from all passionate discussion or tendency to score one against the other, or to throw dust in each other's eyes, for all are anxious to arrive at truth. On this sphere the tendency is for the inhabitants to dwell in brotherhood communities, the family gathering no longer being found.

 

FIFTH SPHERE.

 

This might be termed the sphere of contemplation, where the inhabitants seek to digest their past experiences. No animals of any kind are to be found here, but birds are numerous, though very different in appearance from those of earth, being of a peculiar transparent nature, flashing in many brilliant colors, which seem to emanate from them. These are also to be found on the sixth sphere, but there have more the appearance of an animated jewel than of a living creature. In the fifth

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sphere one finds temples built of material of the appearance of precious stones, with a beauty of form and composition unknown to human mind. These are constructed from substances drawn from the atmosphere but are still composed of blocks, whereas those on the sixth and seventh spheres are constructed in one piece. Houses are still to be found, but greatly altered in design from those known to man. The inhabitants of this sphere are much more severely intellectual than those of the sixth and seventh, and the passage to the upper spheres can only be procured by the development of the love principle. There is a great similarity between this sphere and the one above, except in this respect, thus demonstrating that love is superior to intellect.

 

SIXTH SPHERE.

 

This may be termed the sphere of love. The vegetation here takes upon itself a beauty of form and coloring that no earth language can express. The light is of so dazzling a nature that the human being could not enjoy it, as it ranges from 150 to 180 degrees. Temples of all kinds are extremely numerous, and devoted to many different practices. These are often built in various colors, but in the main a building is of one colored material, so that it has the appearance of a ruby,

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emerald, topaz, sapphire, amethyst, or crystal. One of the buildings examined seemed to be built in one piece as if cut from a solid ruby. These superb temples of one color are often relieved by a lighter shade of the same material. One can but dimly imagine the beauty of such a building, where the windows, floors, steps, walls, and high domed roof are all constructed of the same precious stones. The walls being of a great thickness, allow only a dim light to penetrate, but the windows admit plentiful light which makes a play of colors almost impossible to imagine. The construction of these buildings is unique, the matter composing them being drawn from the atmosphere in fine dust-like atoms, which, congregating, form the structure. The workers mould it with the help of their hands, and solidify it by the power of their minds. The construction of the buildings, however, is carried out in harmony with natural principles, and they are not built magically as we have been too often led to suppose. It is strange to see the manner in which the foundations of such temples penetrate the ground, almost similar to the roots of a tree.

 

SEVENTH SPHERE.

 

This is frequently spoken of as "The Christ Sphere," where the finished product of evolved

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humanity is to be found so far as our earth is concerned. Here no vegetation of any kind is to be seen, as the matter which constitutes the groundwork of the sphere is of a crystalline nature, and incapable of producing vegetation. Looked at with human eyes, its foundations seem to be of variously colored precious stones, and the streets as if manufactured from blocks of gold. This description, however, is unsatisfactory, for it has the appearance of crystalline gems congealed, so that as one walks upon it the various facets sparkle with a dazzling radiance as of frosted gold and precious stones. The body of man on this sphere is of so light a nature that it is easier to float than to walk, and an effort is necessary to keep on the ground. The author possesses no language to describe some of the scenes and the habits of the people, so this must be left to one more capable.

 

In a conversation between the author and one cooperating with him from the fourth sphere, and who was allowed on one occasion to visit the seventh sphere, a remark was made which describes the difference between man's consciousness and that of the dwellers on the highest sphere. He said, "I did not enjoy my visit to the seventh sphere. It was much too pure, cold and dazzling, and the companions who took me round, though they were undoubtedly the personification of love,

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I did not care for, as I felt I could not be chummy with them, so far did they transcend my nature." He went on to relate the passage of a number of singers whose voices created a strange double effect, for as they sang the vibration from their, voices created an echo immediately overhead, as if an invisible choir sang above them. This echo was caused by the vibration of their voices upon the crystalline streets. Following these singers, he found himself near a magnificent temple, which many were approaching from different directions in variously colored costumes. The temple being open on all sides he watched with interest some of the ceremonies, which both surprised and influenced him deeply. One of a superior character appeared on a raised dais in a blaze of light, and spoke to the vast assembly. He turned his face for a moment upon the visitor, and holding his open palm towards him, seemed to cast forth a beam of light, which apparently permeated his being, for he was suddenly conscious of a great peace, which has powerfully influenced his life and thought since that moment. This plane of being holds the blossoms of earth which might be termed the super supermen.

CONCLUSION

 

READERS who have carefully perused the foregoing pages must agree that if the facts are as stated, psychic research establishes upon a scientific basis, without any shadow of doubt, the fact that man lives beyond death. It also proves that his immediate postmortem dwelling-place lies around this planet, where he continues to dwell for some thousands of years. But his origin and final destiny are still enshrouded in darkness. Life is a series of riddles, and the key to one riddle but opens the door to another. The facts revealed in this treatise are too startling for some to believe, and for others not startling enough, the latter asking for definite statements regarding the origin and ultimate end of things. The psychic scientist does not attempt to explain the universe; that is left to enthusiastic children. It is enough if men can advance one step at a time and explain some natural laws to this generation, which were unknown or only guessed at by men of the past. It is now known what happens to man at death, and when he arrives in his future home and

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reaches his six hundredth year doubtless his view of the future will be vastly extended, and his origin may then also be known to him.

 

Man in western Europe has accumulated his knowledge of the soul and a post-mortem state, with slow and painful steps until the present century, but now a rapid advance is assuredly being made. A National College of Psychic Science, now in process of formation, will shortly be established in London, where students of the subject may receive instruction, and where demonstrations will be given by the most eminent mediums drawn from every part of the world. Here an opportunity will be found to investigate psychic phenomena under ideal conditions upon scientific lines and under careful guidance. At present, students who wish to investigate the subject are greatly handicapped through the loss of time occasioned in travelling over wide areas to meet with demonstrators of psychic phenomena, and only those who are extremely enthusiastic and possess wealth and time can surmount the difficulties which stand in the way of an exhaustive study of the subject.

 

Ignorance is the cause of all men's sufferings, and therefore opportunities for knowledge should be provided for seekers. For years the facts of human life are hidden, until someone, comes along

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and reveals one and then another, and then men are amazed that they were so long blind. According to temperament they may exult and shout with joy over the new-found truth, sometimes suffering a kind of madness from excess of light, or they may seek to blame those whom they think might have enlightened them earlier, angry that 30 much good time has been lost. But man himself must be blamed, for no more truth can be conveyed than the mind can receive. When one is ready for it the truth is at hand. There is nothing in nature that can be given, for all things are sold or earned, therefore if anything would be known, man must pay the price. What is the price? Hard work and steady application.

 

Within these pages sufficient information is given to enable anyone to prove the reality of a spiritual world. Many are quite indifferent as to what becomes of them after death, and to those this book will make no particular appeal, but everyone who hungers for such knowledge can have their appetite appeased, for nature does not implant desires which cannot be satisfied. Buddha is claimed to have said: "To feed one good man is infinitely more meritorious than attending to questions about heaven and earth, spirits and demons." But the author claims, that to open up friendly relations with spirits and demons will

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enable one to know how to manufacture a good man.

 

Ancient religions have lost their power to appeal to the soul of man to-day. A silent revolution has undermined them all, and made it impossible for men to rest in the theories of their great-grandparents. The spirit that dwelt in them has glided away to animate other activities, and "they who enter the old shrines find apes and players rustling the old garments." Men must construct a new church and a new religion to satisfy the demands of their souls if they would play the part of real men in the world of to-day, a church whose roof and foundation must include all heaven and earth, and whose teaching must be founded on moral science. The greatest change that man has ever known is slowly taking place through the agency of science, which teaches men that the ultimate court of appeal in religion, as in every other branch of life, is through observation and experiment, and not through authority. Religions of the past have been cribbed, cabined, and confined by priestly exponents who have forbidden their improvement, and thus brought about their death, forgetting that the law of evolution necessitates change.

 

Men to-day must advance from the church of the past to the church of the future. "O Thou,