Chapter XVII: Culmination of the Mission (2)

De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], now that you have grown tranquil, we will enter the apartment of the passing Vallo[a:]. Be attentive while I inform you as to who some of the assembled personages are, then you will describe the surroundings of this pitiful scene. Later, your deeper submergence will oblige me to continue a narration of what may occur. Do you understand?

Gentola--I do, and shall try to meet your wishes. I find myself standing at the foot of Vallo[a:]'s couch, which is near the centre of the very spacious apartment, whose walls and ceiling are marvels of beauty. Upon their ivory white surfaces are sprays of exquisite blossoms so true to nature that it seems as though one might gather them from their delicate foliage. Rich tapestries of palest blue, combined with snowy laces, drape the lofty windows, and fluted panels of the same tapestry separate the flower designs on walls and ceiling, the effect being very refined and beautiful. On opposing sides of the apartment great mirrors are let into the walls, their frames and the woodwork of doors and windows being in white and gold and the floor is such an exquisitely dainty mosaic that it seems a profanation to step on it. There are some very beautiful divans and chairs and a large, handsome table which, with the exception of the lovely couch on which Vallo[a:] lies, completes the furnishing of the apartment.

Through a window from which the drapery is drawn aside the light falls upon a young girl whose angelically lovely face is framed in a mass of curling, golden hair. It is the face of the young girl you once showed me in a picture, but it is more mature, more expressive, more spirituelle, than the pictured face. The soft, fleecy, white couch clothing outlines a tall, slender form, somewhat emaciated, but modelled most beautifully, and as she lifts her hands to push away from her low, wide forehead her shining hair, I see that they are as white as lilies and exceedingly shapely. On one side of the couch sits Omanos Fûnh[a:], a majestic, very handsome, dark skinned man of about middle age. On the other side of the couch kneels Dano, his mournful gaze fixed upon the face of the dying girl, whose expression is serene but very pathetic. In Dano's clasp is her left hand, which he holds against his tremulous lips. With her right hand she fondly but feebly caresses her father's stately head, bowed near her own, and her large, beautiful azure hued eyes look into his despairing face, then turn toward the sorrowful face of her affianced, and she murmurs low, broken words of endearment for both. Dano's father, Basto Andûlēs[a:], who, with bowed head and folded arms, stands near the head of the couch, is a picture of woe. By Dano's side stands his mother, a very tall, olive skinned, strikingly handsome woman, whom her son closely resembles. On her face is an expression of great tenderness, as she whispers fondly pitiful words to the dying girl, who gently touches her face and smiles up at her. Suddenly, with a quivering moan and a look of terror in her dark eyes, she draws away, but quickly recovers herself, and again she stoops to murmur loving words to Vallo[a:] and to Dano, upon whose dark, flowing hair her tears fall like rain. Near Omanos Fûnh[a:] stands the Most High Priest Ozynas Dûls[a:], and what a singularly grand looking man he is. He is taller than any Entoan I have seen; taller even than Omanos Fûnh[a:] whom I think he resembles. As he stands erect, silent and motionless, he looks like a draped bronze statue. There is a peculiar expression on his quiet face, a sort of introspective expression which suggests the thought that he is questioning himself as to the mystery of death, whose dread shadow is stealing over the beautiful face of Vallo[a:].

Of the host of Spirit men and women thronging this apartment, the entire residence and the aura inclosed space about it, what can I, what shall I say? To my unfolded vision the walls oppose no barrier, and with inexpressible awe and wonder I gaze upon these luminous ones, whose faces and forms possess a beauty and majesty indescribable. I can think of no other word than Godlike that will convey my idea of their appearance, but I--but language fails me--I--can say--no--more.

De L'Ester--Before narrating what occurred after Gentol[a:] ceased speaking I will say that the Organization controlling this Mission consists of seven Bands of advanced Spirits of various Planetary Spirit Spheres, and that our Mission is not an isolated one. On all Planets inhabited by Spiritualized humans, Spirit Missions for the accomplishment of various purposes, constantly are being carried forward. On Earth, at this time, more than one Mission is in progress. Some will elevate humanity; others, under control of Spirits not of bad intentions, but of a low plane of evolvement, hence ignorant as to results, will debase and retard progress. I make mention of this matter so that if perchance some may read this story of our Mission they will understand that it is but one of many.

Having become submerged to a degree that rendered her incapable of further speech, and the moment of Vallo[a:]'s departure being close at hand, it became imperative that our Instrument should be illumined to her highest capacity, so that she might deliver our message to Omanos Fûnh[a:], to Dano, to the Most High Priest, and to others surrounding the passing girl.

At the moment of midday Gentol[a:] was made to call softly but distinctly, "Dano! Dano!" All heard the voice, and a look of startled inquiry was on each face. Raising his head for a moment Dano intently listened, then breathlessly he questioned, "Who calls me? Who calls me?" But for a little there was no reply, and only the faint, fitful breathing of the dying girl broke the profound stillness. Then the seven Bands of Spirits formed in Circles, and their combined forces were brought to hear upon Omanos Fûnh[a:], Dano, Ozynas Dûls[a:], and upon Vallo[a:], whose vital energy for the moment was augmented. Instantaneously Dano's Spirit Senses were so quickened that he perceived not only Gentol[a:], but in a less perfect manner our entire Band, upon whom he gazed curiously, evidently doubting our reality. His interest being centered in Gentol[a:], quickly he turned toward her, his face irradiated with surprise and joy. Inclining his head near Vallo[a:]'s in low, trembling tones he exclaimed, "She has come, as she promised; she has come, Vallo[a:]. Vallo[a:], my dearest one, see you not a strange Being by the side of your father?" The yet conscious girl smiled and murmured, "Yes--yes." Looking about him the greatly disturbed Omanos Fûnh[a:] exclaimed, "I see no one, I see no one. Oh, my children, our mutual sorrow confuses our senses, and we imagine unrealities. Dano, Dano, I pray you compose yourself lest we disquiet our dearest one." As Omanos Fûnh[a:] uttered these words an expression of intense surprise and bewilderment stole over his face, and over the face of Ozynas Dûls[a:], for at that moment their Spirit Senses were so unfolded that in awed and terrified silence _they saw and heard_.

Then, at my dictation, in a voice low but audible to all, Gentol[a:] delivered our message. "Dano, Dano," she said, "as I promised so have I in your hour of deepest sorrow come to you. You perceive that Vallo[a:], the Real Spiritual Vallo[a:], is well nigh freed from the frail, beautiful form you all love so well. In a few moments she will be released; then her golden haired mother and her Aunt Sylvian, whom you also perceive hovering above the couch, will bear your love to her home in the glorious Spirit World, where you and all her dear ones ere long will rejoin her. In this hour of your greatest sorrow I bear you a Message that henceforth will fill your life and the lives of Ento's children with immeasurable peace and joy. Omanos Fûnh[a:], and you, Ozynas Dûls[a:], Priest of a hopeless religion, listen that you, too, may receive knowledge of the grandest Truth that can be revealed to man. Through purity of life, and a noble ambition to _serve_ rather than to rule, and recently through keenest anguish of soul, you, Omanos Fûnh[a:], have so unfolded your Spiritual Self that you are prepared to accept this Truth, and you, Ozynas Dûls[a:], through lofty aspiration and exceptional ability to perceive that which hitherto you have not understood, will proclaim the Revelation that the physical body is but the casket in which the priceless jewel, the Immortal Self, which is the deathless expression of the Infinite Spirit whom you name Andûman[a:], is enshrined. Hitherto, because of the positiveness and materialism of your religious beliefs, so dense has been the aural atmosphere about you, that light from Ento's and other Spirit Worlds has not penetrated your Spiritual consciousness. During past centuries the Immortals of many Spirit Worlds have striven to communicate with the children of Ento, that thus they might bring hope to despairing ones who have lived, loved and sorrowed, even as you who love this, your dearest one, now sorrow. Striving, watching, waiting, loving, pitiful spirits, who once were mortals like yourselves, at last have found their opportunity and have hastened to bring light into darkness, joy for sorrow and hope for despair. They, with glad hearts, have come to proclaim to you that life and Spirit are one and indestructible. That, though unseen by mortal eyes, the animating Principle, the Real Self, is Immortal, and in Realms indescribable by human language, those who have passed from Ento and other Worlds, live, love and enjoy, or sorrow, in accordance with the purity or impurity of their mortal existence. They also have come to proclaim to you that there is but One God, Who is the Infinite Spirit, Who permeates all things. The Infinitely Intelligent Spirit, who knows all things. The Infinite Energy, who is the Source of all things. The Dual, Unseeable, Unknowable One, whose manifestations alone declare the Infinity of their origin. They have come to proclaim to you that Ento is but one of myriads of Worlds, comprising an illimitable Universe, whose every atom is vitalized and permeated by this Infinite Spirit, who no more lives in the shining Orb which sheds its radiant beams over the lands and seas of Ento and over other greater Worlds far away in space than in the petals of the rodel, or in the atoms floating in the atmosphere. When the great flaming Star you ignorantly have thought the abode of Andûman[a:], the Supreme One, has for a time disappeared from your view, and the darkness of night has fallen over this portion of your Ento World, reverently you have gazed toward the shining points in space, aye, so far away in space, that you can form no conception of the immensity of their distances from Ento, and you have believed them the Lamps of the Realm of Astranol[a:]. Learn, oh children of our common Father, Mother God, that they are Worlds, some of them of such vast proportions that, compared with them, Ento and the Earth World, where I dwell, are dwarfed into insignificance. Some of these worlds are peopled by very advanced and exalted humans, others by mortals in various stages of evolvement, and all are the children of the Infinite One. I cannot now speak more fully of these matters, but, concerning them, later on you shall receive further instruction.

"Dano, dear youth, let the words of our Message sink deeply into your heart, for you are the chosen herald, who first shall proclaim the new Faith to the children of Ento. Be courageous, be faithful, and in accordance with the measure of your courage and your faithfulness shall be your consciousness that ever by your side will walk your spirit bride, your other Self, Vallo[a:]. Dano, Dano, are you strong enough, are you courageous enough to give to your sorrowful people the Message of the new faith?"

For a little Dano hesitated, and Vallo[a:], over whose fair face the whiteness of death was stealing, reached toward him a tremulous hand and faintly murmured: "Dano--my beloved--you will--you--will--give--this truth--to--our--despairing--people, and--and--your Vallo[a:] will--walk--with you--until--your glorious--work--shall--be--ended."

In her dimming, azure hued eyes was an expression of immeasurable entreaty, and, overwhelmed with emotion, gently, tenderly, Dano pressed her cold hand to his lips, and in low, fervent tones said: "I believe in One Supreme Being, who is beyond my finite comprehension. I believe that beyond this sorrowful life there is another state of existence, where all will find their beloved dead, with whom they will live and love forever, and I promise you, oh, my dearest, that for as long as I may live in my mortal body, I will proclaim to our peoples the amazing, the glorious Truth that has been revealed to us. That it is a truth I well know, for even as I gaze upon your beloved mortal form, rising above your head I see your Real Self, radiant and lovely beyond all beauty of mortal woman. I see, too, your mother, your wondrously beautiful golden haired mother, and Sylvian, the lovely and gracious woman whom in my childhood I revered as I revered the Goddesses of Astranol[a:]. They support you in their arms, my dearest, and they are about to bear you away from my sight. Vallo[a:]--Vallo[a:]--oh, my beloved, open your beautiful eyes--oh, speak to one once more. Do you hear me, Vallo[a:]? Do you hear me? Answer me if but with a word, or a smile, so that I may know that you have heard my vow." As though in answer to his piteous appeal Vallo[a:]'s eyelids quivered and slowly her blue eyes unclosed and gazed into Dano's, and a faint smile played about her parted lips. Then, with a supreme effort, her gaze turned upon her father, who bent his head near her to catch her whispered words, the last he would hear from the mortal lips of his idolized child. "Father, father," she sighed, rather than said, "it is true--promise--me--your--child--to--give--this--truth--to our--people. Fath--er, prom--ise----" The blue eyes closed, a smile wreathed itself about the sweet mouth, and--all was still.

We, who have observed the release of many Spirits, seldom have witnessed a scene so pathetic, so profoundly touching. About the spacious chamber were grouped the Seven Spirit Circles, deeply sympathizing with the bereft ones, who for a time remained in voiceless apathy, their overwhelming grief finding no utterance in word or outcry. Cradled in the arms of her Spirit mother and of her Aunt Sylvian, the Spirit Vallo[a:] laid like a smiling, sleeping infant. By the side of the couch knelt Dano, holding in his warm clasp the cold, lifeless hands of his love, and gazing upon her pallid face in speechless agony. Bending over him his mother by her silent sympathy sought to console him, her fast falling tears evincing the depth of her own sorrow. Still by the side of Omanos Fûnh[a:] stood Gentol[a:], and though intently listening to our Message, not once had he looked at her, but now impelled by our concentrated desire, slowly, timidly he turned his gaze upon her, and for the first time fully realized the presence of a spirit. She alone of the assembled spirits being perceptible to his but partially unfolded Clairvoyant and Clairaudient Senses, awe stricken and trembling he sank to his knees, and in broken accents questioned: "Who art thou? What art thou?" At my dictation she replied:

Gentola--By some spirit friends I have been named Gentol[a:], and am not of your people, but am of a World afar in space, which by its peoples is known as Earth. In a manner which I now cannot explain I can leave my living physical body, and by some wise and strong Spirits who understand Spiritual Laws, I have been borne from Earth to your World, that through me they might reveal to you and to your people that the Spirit, the Real Self of humans survives death of the physical body. For the reason that I am less etherealized than wholly freed Spirits, you, Dano, and you, Ozynas Dûls[a:], perceive me, and were your superior Senses more fully unfolded, you would behold Sēlon[a:], the purple eyed, golden haired wife of your youth, and her sister, Sylvian, too, who will assist in bearing to her beautiful home in your Spirit World your angel daughter Vallo[a:]. Sēlon[a:] and Sylvian implore you to remember Vallo[a:]'s last words, and if in your consciousness the new Faith may find a steadfast abiding place you will gladden the hearts of your beloved and loving ones by openly declaring it. Remember that though you are not conscious of their presence, often they are near you, reading your every thought, and that your joy is their joy, and that in their hearts your griefs find quick response. Ever your gentle, loving wife guards and guides you in your ways. Ever, as you walk to and fro, silently her foot-falls keep pace with yours, and when the hour of your release from your mortal body shall arrive she and Vallo[a:] will be with you, and in a World whose skies are ever radiant with a light unknown to mortals, over whose brightest days shadows ever are falling, you will be reunited with those whom you have mourned as having gone into perpetual Silence. In this Spirit World the flowers are fadeless, the balmy air is vibrant with Divinest harmonies and joys such as mortals cannot conceive of await all whose exalted lives have prepared them for lofty states of Being. The Guiding Spirits who have brought me here say that ere long I shall come again to offer to you a fuller knowledge of the Truth we are striving to reveal to you, a Truth which shall dispel your fear of death, which is but a transition to a higher state of existence, and shall bring to you and to your people consolation and peace inexpressible.

De L'Ester--Ere Gentol[a:] ceased speaking, through grief and amazement Omanos Fûnh[a:] was so overwhelmed that had not Ozynas Dûls[a:]'s strong arms sustained him he would have fallen prone. Swaying like a drunken man, he extended his trembling hands toward Gentol[a:], crying: "Thou sayest thou art from another World, a World afar in space. Thou sayest that my child Vallo[a:] still lives, and that her mother and Sylvian are here to bear her away to a World invisible to me. Where is this invisible World of living ones, and do my dear ones indeed dwell there? And when the breath of my life shall cease shall I, too, surely continue to exist, and with them abide forever? And truly are there in space other Worlds, where men and women live, love and die as do we of Ento? The thought is too stupendous. I cannot realize it. Speak, I entreat you, ere my senses totter to their destruction."

Quickly our Forces combined to quiet his somewhat frenzied state, and again Gentol[a:] was made to address him and those about him.

Gentola--I, who am but the Instrument for Spirits more exalted than myself, can only say that which they dictate to me. When daylight has merged into twilight, and twilight has deepened into darkness, myriads of shining points dot the vast expanse of the night sky, and you have been taught that these shining points are the Lamps illumining the abode of your Gods and Goddesses, whom you have regarded as the Messengers of Andûman[a:] the Supreme One. Among those shining points is one gleaming with a soft, silvery radiance, which your Priests have named Inglos ēvecto Fryd[a:], which, I am told, would in my language mean Fryd[a:]'s lamp or light. Truly this silvery point is the Earth world where I dwell. Like all the Worlds in space it is spherical in form and nearly twice the size of Ento, which it closely resembles, and, like your world, its surface is composed of divisions of land and water, and its products of all kinds are very similar to those of Ento. Our learned ones believe that it is a younger World than this, as much of its land surface is quite rugged, and there are mountains so lofty that their peaks pierce the clouds. Its hills, too, are still elevated, and its valleys deeply depressed, whereas time has nearly levelled the surface of Ento, necessitating your vast System of Irrigation, which on the Earth World only in isolated instances is required. We consider your civilization more advanced than is ours, which indicates your greater maturity, and in the arts and most of the sciences your attainments equal or surpass those of our people, who generally aspire to acquire wisdom and a knowledge of all that may advance their best interests. Like the Entoans we have trials and sorrows for our loved ones also pass to the World of Spirits, and we miss their presence, as you will miss Vallo[a:]'s, but our knowledge of continuous existence enables us to endure what cannot be avoided, and we well know that when we too shall pass to our Spirit World we will find all our dear ones who have preceded us.

Among our learned ones are those who have constructed instruments very like those through which from the summits of your great Watch Towers you gaze across the surface of Ento. Through these Instruments, known as Telescopes, men and women versed in the science of astronomy are enabled to observe and study the Worlds in space just as the learned ones of Ento may do when an acceptance of the new Faith shall free them from their superstitious fears of the Gods and Goddesses who do not exist, the only God being the Supreme One, who is a God of Love, and not a vengeful destroyer of his children.

Like Ento, our Earth World also has divisions of day and night, which in their duration very nearly correspond with your own, and the Sun, the same glorious Orb that blesses Ento with light and heat, shines on our World as well. During a certain period of our year, which is a little more than half the length of yours, when darkness falls and the sky is unclouded, afar we behold a beautiful ruddy Star, known to us as the planet Mars, and of all the Worlds in space none so attracts our attention as this Star, which truly is this, your Ento World. Those who have brought me here desire me to say that certain instruction they now would gladly offer for your consideration must for the present be withheld, but that when a more propitious hour shall arrive, through me they will reveal to you much that will add to the happiness and well being of yourself and peoples.

To your question relating to the locality of the World of living ones I must reply briefly. About all Worlds sufficiently matured to afford sustenance and habitation for various life forms and for the children of the Incomprehensible, Infinite Intelligent Energy you name Andûman[a:], there are a Series of Spirit Realms which envelop material Worlds as the husk of the Plûym[a:] envelops its crimson fruit. These Realms are suited to the requirements of their inhabitants, who are Spirits, who through death of the physical body have been released, and as men, women and children live a more real life than do mortals. In these Realms all progress toward higher attainments and greater perfection, and when fitted for the change they pass from lower to higher realms and greater joys. In Ento's Spirit Realms your real Self will find all whom you have loved but not lost, for they live and love you, and in the grandly beautiful home prepared for you they await your coming. Be patient, then, and from time to time all that is for your good will be revealed to you. Now, as never before, Spirits of the higher Realms can penetrate the aura surrounding the peoples of Ento, and to you three illumined ones will be revealed that which will inspire and unfold your inner consciousness, so that with clearer vision you will perceive the Immortals who ever are about you and all who yet abide in the mortal form. At this moment this apartment is thronged with Immortals, who are here to assist in your unfoldment and that of Dano and Ozynas Dûls[a:], who better than yourself comprehends this, to you, strange occurrence. Gladly these exalted Spirits will aid you in your search after Truth, which is wholly Divine and which alone can assist humanity in its ever onward progress. There, Omanos Fûnh[a:], lies the inanimate form of your beloved daughter, and Dano's affianced wife, the form which for a brief time was the dwelling place of the Spirit Vallo[a:], who now in the arms of her mother and Sylvian is about to be borne to their and her home in your Spirit World. What Message shall they convey to other dear ones who await their coming?

De L'Ester--While Gentol[a:] was speaking, Omanos Fûnh[a:], Dano, Ozyras Dûls[a:] and Dano's parents, who heard her quite audible voice, stood like so many statues, every sense absorbed in the intense desire to catch her every word, and when silence followed speech they looked into each others' faces with an expression of awed inquiry, but no one uttered a sound. Some moments elapsed, then Omanos Fûnh[a:] slowly turned toward the couch and silently gazed upon the pallid face framed in a wealth of golden, curling tresses, then within his trembling palms he folded Vallo[a:]'s small, cold, stiffening hands, covering them with kisses and wetting them with his tears, then tenderly he laid them over her bosom and turned away from the couch. Standing erect, with uplifted eyes and hands, and with an expression of deep emotion on his dark, handsome face, in impassioned tones his voice broke the stillness.

Omanos Funha--Oh thou Infinite and Supreme One, whose ignorant but adoring children we are, as our fathers and mothers have worshipped so have Thy children of a later time worshipped Thee. When light and heat have brooded over Ento, causing all living things to fructify and yield sustenance to Thy children and the creatures of Thy Creation, we have said, "Praise be unto Andûman[a:], the Supreme One, who, from His shining abode, smiles upon us His children, and with such offerings as we have conceived acceptable we have sought to manifest our gratitude for Thy beneficence. Yet ever as we have rendered homage unto Thee our hearts have been heavy through fear and despair. Ever the noiseless, dusky wings of the dread Messenger Phra have so overshadowed our lives that now that Thou callest to us we are too blind to see our way to Thee, too deaf to clearly hear Thy voice, but since it is Thy Will that now we shall receive the light of the grandest, most priceless Truth that Thou canst vouchsafe to us, Thou Wilt lift the shadows from our eyes and humbly, adoringly, we will strive to find our ways to Thy glorious presence. The brightest, most precious jewel of the crown of my life this day hath gone from me, and I am desolate, but it is Thy Will and I murmur not, for through this Thy Messenger Thou sayest that after the body ceases to live, in an invisible but fairer World than Ento the Real Selves of Thy children consciously continue to exist, and after what Thou hast made us to see and to hear, I, Omanos Fûnh[a:], doubt it not. Then praise be unto Thee, that through Thy love for Thine own, after the breath of our lives shall cease we shall find our beloved ones, and with them ceaselessly adore Thee for this Thy most precious gift to Thy undeserving but loving children. Raû, raû, raû."

De L'Ester--All in attendance, spirits and mortals, fervently responded, "Raû, raû, raû." After a brief pause he turned to the Most High Priest and said: "Your Sacredness, Ozynas Dûls[a:], long hast thou administered the rites of the old faith; what sayest thou of this new Revelation from Andûman[a:], the Supreme One to whom be adoration forever, that He hath heard our fervent petitions and hath granted to us and to our sorrowful peoples a knowledge that though our bodies shall die we shall continue to exist. So long hast thou been my close friend that thou wilt bear with my rapture, which alas is tinged with deepest sorrow," and he stooped and kissed Vallo[a:]'s smiling lips and folded hands. Silently, attentively, Ozynas Dûls[a:] listened to Omanos Fûnh[a:]'s words, then with a certain tenderness of manner he replied: "Thou art the Supreme Ruler of Ento, and thou art a wise, just, loving and learned man, and even as the chalices of the snowy rodel turn their perfumed hearts toward Diafon ēvoih[a:] (the sun) so do the hearts of the people turn toward thee for counsel and sympathy. Thou knowest why the people sorrow, and thou knowest that even at their feasts joy is a rare guest. It hath pleased Andûman[a:] to withhold from His children of past times this wondrous Revelation that life is continuous and that in Realms invisible to mortal vision the children of His Love shall abide forever. It is not for us to question His Will or His Wisdom. It is for us to listen and to obey, so I pray that thou wilt not withhold from the children of Ento the glad Revelation which hath been vouchsafed to us in this the hour of our deepest sorrow.

"It may greatly surprise thee to learn that many Priests and Priestesses of the Temples see and hear as thou now seest and hearest, but the meaning of it hath not been understood, and fear of Andûman[a:] and the Deific Ones hath caused them to keep silent and to cling to old traditions. So convinced am I that the Truth is being Revealed to us that with thy approval I, Ozynas Dûls[a:], gladly will aid in proclaiming the glorious, the wondrous words of Andûman[a:]'s Revelation to His children."

While Ozynas Dûls[a:] spoke, Dano knelt by the side of the couch, steadfastly gazing upon the lovely face which soon would be naught but ashes, but toward the close of Ozynas Dûls[a:]'s speech he arose and in deep entrancement stood motionless. Aided by our combined Forces, Zenest[a:] H[a:]o was enabled to control his Senses and through him to address Omanos Fûnh[a:], Dano's parents and Ozynas Dûls[a:].

Zenesta Hao--I, who through the lips of this entranced youth will attempt to address you, may be remembered as Zenest[a:] H[a:]o, long a Professor of languages in the renowned Galarēs[a:] of Camariss[a:]. During my mortal existence I, like all the peoples of Ento, was ignorant of the fact that death of the mortal body releases the Immortal Spirit, which is the real Self of man, or, to state the fact more clearly, when the real Self, the Immortal Spirit, finds the mortal body no longer suited to its requirements, it releases itself and under the higher, better conditions of the Spirit World, continues its progress onward, onward forever. Not until I was released from my worn and aged body did I learn the glorious truth that I was Immortal. In the sorrowful belief that death was the end of all, I fell asleep. I awakened to find about me my dearest ones who had come to bear me to their and my home in the World of the Immortals. Oh, the joy that filled my enraptured Being when I became fully conscious that continuous existence, progress and happiness inexpressible was the reward of a life devoted to virtuous conduct and loving service for others, and that for those who had not lived in accordance with their highest ideals there was endless time and opportunity for the amending of the mistakes and wrongs of mortal life, and for progress as endless as eternity.

Dear friends, were your Spirit vision fully unfolded, in this chamber you would behold forms and faces of Spirits who are revered and famous in the history of Ento. Here are Genessano Allis Immo Rû, and his little less famous spouse, the Lady Camariss[a:], and their two sons Inidor[a:] and Genessano, who offer to you all their kindliest greetings and an assurance of their immeasurable joy that at last the light of a great Truth is about to irradiate the sorrowful lives of the peoples of their ever beloved Ento. Here, too, is H[a:]-Moûfi Adassi whose name ever is on the lips of all students of nature. He also greets you all and joins with all the Invisibles present in expressions of love and sympathy for you in this your hour of mingled joy and sadness.

Omanos Fûnh[a:], thou art favored beyond all men who ever have lived on Ento, for even in the hour of thy deepest anguish a joy hath come to thee, which henceforth shall fill thy days with blessedness and peace. Then hasten, oh, hasten to crown the days of the children of Ento with unlooked for gladness. Give to them the assurance that the old, hopeless faith is no more. That Andûman[a:], the Supreme One, hath revealed to His ever sorrowful children the highest expression of His love for them, and that henceforth death shall be known as the Angel who guards the portal between mortal and Immortal Life.

Basto Andûlēs[a:], I salute thee and thy gracious spouse, and it is my pleasant duty to convey to her beloved parents a most tender and most loving greeting from one who in her early youth passed to the World of Spirits. I speak for thy ceaselessly mourned daughter Ont[a:], who joins her entreaties with ours that you earnestly shall assist in the introduction and acceptance of the new Faith, which for you and Ento's peoples shall change the face of all things, and she entreats you and her mother to encourage her brother Dano, whose clear seeing vision and understanding of Spiritual things, fits him for a Teacher who shall proclaim to the peoples the glorious Truth which is being Revealed to you chosen ones. Since entering our Spirit World I have learned that during the passing centuries advanced Spirits with but slight success, persistently have endeavored to penetrate the consciousness of Ento's peoples, but ever the gross materialism of their religion, which is founded upon the legends and crude conceptions of undeveloped, ignorant, primitive peoples, has opposed an impenetrable barrier to their approach. Baffled and wearied through perpetual failures, finally Bands of strong, determined Spirits of our and other Spirit Worlds resolved to attempt to fit this Earth woman, whom we have named Gentol[a:], to serve as a means of communication between Spirits and certain Sensitives of Ento. Being yet embodied in flesh she is less Spiritualized than ourselves, whose Spirit bodies like that of Vallo[a:], are of such inconceivably refined substances as to be imperceptible to most mortals. To Omanos Fûnh[a:], to Ozynas Dûls[a:], and to thy son Dano, whose Spiritual Senses to a degree are unfolded, she is perceptible, and later on they and thee and thy spouse Ellit[a:] will unfold the ability to perceive wholly released spirits.

Of necessity this Revelation from the World of Spirits is so fragmentary as to be confusing to minds accustomed to other beliefs, but from time to time Omanos Fûnh[a:], Ozynas Dûls[a:] and this thy son Dano shall receive distinct instruction pertaining not only to the new Faith, but to other affairs of moment. When Dano shall have awakened we desire that he shall be informed as to what I have said, then, through Gentol[a:], will be given to you all some parting words, and may the Spirit of All Spirits, the Infinite One, whom Entoans name Andûman[a:], ever be present in your thoughts, for from this Divine and inexhaustible Source cometh all that is beneficent. And now, dear friends, I must say Info oovistû.

De L'Ester--During Zenest[a:] H[a:]o's address Omanos Fûnh[a:] and Ozynas Dûls[a:] gazed upon Dano in amazement and alarm, and his parents who stood near the apparently sleeping youth in awed silence listened to the strange speech issuing from his lips, but no one ventured to speak to him or to touch him. When Zenest[a:] H[a:]o spoke of Genessano Allis Immo and his wife and sons and of HaMoûfi Adassi and Ont[a:] Andûlēs[a:], surprise tinged with terror sat on every face, and in speechless, questioning wonder they looked into each others' eyes.

When he delivered Ont[a:]'s greeting and Message, a great trembling seized Basto Andûlēsa, who scarcely could sustain his own form and that of his weeping wife, who, through violent emotion, swooned into unconsciousness. Gentol[a:], in her now partially conscious state, realized what was occurring, and to our momentary dismay, her sympathies became so active that only through our instantly united efforts were we enabled to prevent her release from her greatly devitalized physical body. Restoratives quickly revived Dano's mother, who was gently entreated to withdraw from the chamber, but she refused to do so, and sat sobbing and murmuring: "She lives--she--lives, our--Ont[a:], our precious--Ont[a:], our--roina blossom lives, and some--time we shall find--her. Oh, the joy--of it, the joy--and wonder--of it. Andûman[a:], we adore Thee that Thou hast taken--pity upon Thy sorrowful--children; that Thou hast shown us--that we shall--find our beloved child, our--Ont[a:]." And thus as a loving mother would she, between smiles and tears continued her gentle, loving crooning. Now there was a quivering of the eyelids, a slight start, and Dano, in a bewildered manner looked about him and in a hushed tone eagerly questioned: "What has occurred? Have I been asleep and dreaming? Have I said aught to disturb you, that you regard me so strangely?" At our desire Gentol[a:] drew near him and at my dictation again spoke to him audibly.

Gentola--Dano, dear youth, even as the dew silently falls into the perfumed hearts of night's snowy blooms so early into your heart entered Vallo[a:]. In the flower of her beautiful womanhood she has gone from you and from those dear to her, but she has not gone into Silence and nothingness, but into a higher state of existence, where, after your work shall be done, you, too, will go and with her forever will glorify the Infinite Spirit of all that is. That I may comfort you I will reveal to you the wondrous fact that all existences in their nature are dual, the Male and Female Principles constituting the Duality, and truly Vallo[a:] is your other Self, and for all time you two are one and inseparable. Until you shall release yourself from your physical body, as your guiding Star ever she will be near you, and when you shall fall into your last slumber ere long you will awaken to meet the enraptured gaze of Vallo[a:]'s azure eyes.

Dano, our Mission to Ento is only in its inception, but now I must return to Earth, where other duties await my attention, but you will not be left unaided, for now that the way has been made plain, Vallo[a:], her mother, Sylvian, your sister Ont[a:] and other Spirits will be able to communicate with you three illumined ones, and very soon other Sensitives will become unfolded, through whom Spirits can convey instruction to the people, and I am informed that when you may need me I shall be brought to you, so be courageous, be faithful to the duties our Mission has imposed upon you, and all will be well with you and with the children of Ento, before whom you will stand as a Priest of the New Religion.

The moment has arrived in which, for the present, we must say Info oovistû, and may a sense of the joys awaiting you all in the glorified existence of Ento's Spirit Realms illumine your lives and console and sustain your sorely grieved hearts until in the hour of your release from your physical bodies you shall hear the glad cry, "Loh[a:]û, loh[a:]û, vraimēon mēnois[a:]." (Hail, hail, dearly beloved.)

De L'Ester--At this moment a ray of the setting Sun stole through the slightly parted window drapery, falling upon Dano, who, with uplifted face and outreaching hands, entreatingly whispered: "You will come again, oh, you will come again?" and Gentol[a:] was made to reply: "I will, I surely will," and Dano sank to his knees beside the couch. It stole athwart the white, calm, lovely face of Vallo[a:], and for a little it lingered in the silken mesh of her golden hair, glorifying the majesty and mystery of the change called death. It crowned Dano's flowing blue black hair as with a halo and it stole across the stilled form of the dead girl and rested upon two faces one would not be likely to forget--the faces of the stately Supreme Ruler of Ento, Omanos Fûnh[a:], and that of the Most High Priest of the Most Sacred Temple Zim, Ozynas Dûls[a:], than whom no handsomer or gracious gentlemen exist on Ento. As, side by side they stood, the fading sun ray revealed in the face of the bereaved father an expression of infinite sadness, a little lighted by the dawning of a priceless hope. In the eyes of Ozynas Dûls[a:] was the expression of one whose Inner Vision has penetrated the Veil falling between the hither and the thither sides of existence. A moment longer and the sun ray disappeared, a passing cloud obscured its afterglow, and in the spacious apartment were shadows and silence. Then, through the activity of Forces ever at our command, slowly with a soft, silvery radiance we so illumined the chamber that the strange glory of it overwhelmed Omanos Fûnh[a:], Dano, and his parents, but Ozynas Dûls[a:], who, in the Inner Sanctuary of the most Sacred Temple Zim, had beheld Spirit Illumination, murmured: "Tymonas, Tymonas, thou hast said to me that thou art not a God, but a man, like other men, and I understood thee not, but now with an humble and grateful heart I recognize that thou art an exalted Spirit man, and that thou hast been infinitely patient with me as with other Priests who have served in the Temple Zim, and now I Vow that henceforth I will be as faithful to the new Revelation as ever in my ignorance I have been faithful to the superstitions which soon will be of a dead past," and through the stillness an audible whisper ran: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; though thou hast not understood, sincerely thou hast worshipped the Most High," and tremblingly Ozynas Dûls[a:] recognized that Tymonas, the Spirit of the Inner Sanctuary, had spoken.

At the height of the radiance musical notes, soft as zephyrs whispering to flowers, filled the chamber with vibrant melody, and the minds and hearts of those about the couch with emotions indescribable. Gradually the melodious tones died into silence, and the silvery glow faded into the gray of deepest twilight, whose shadows, like dark hued drapery, fell over the snowy couch and stilled form of the dead girl and over the awed but enraptured faces of the living. Then the tremulous, hushed, adoring tones of Omanos Fûnh[a:]'s voice broke the stillness.

Omanos Funha--Supreme, all Wise, loving and most merciful One, Whom in our blindness we have not rightly perceived, in Thine own time and way Thou hast more clearly revealed Thyself and the marvel of Thy glory to us, Thy humbly adoring children. So dulled by erroneous beliefs are our Senses that as little children we reach our hands toward Thee, and I doubt not that Thou wilt guide our ways. Since to us hath been revealed the amazing, the glorious Truth that the Real Self of Man does not die, and that our dear ones who have gone from our sight can, in some not yet understood manner, hold converse with us, and that they will instruct us as to how we may attain greater knowledge concerning this life and the life to come, we cannot find words to express our gratitude to Thee or to those of Thy Spirit children whose love hath prompted them to serve us, who are so unworthy of Thy pity, or their immeasurable goodness to us. We know not how to repay Thy Infinite beneficence or their goodness, but I, Omanos Fûnh[a:], am inexpressibly grateful to Thee and to Thy Messengers, and with all the ability with which Thou hast endowed me, henceforth I will proclaim to the children of Ento that Life is continuous, that endless progression is a Law of the Infinitely Supreme One, and that there is one God, and none other.

De L'Ester--Through the silence and the shadows fervently the lips of Immortals and Mortals responded, "Raû, raû, raû," and then the living were left with the beautiful dead body, whose released inmate swiftly was borne to her Celestial home, and through the measureless spaces from joyous Spirit Bands rang out the glad Pæan, "Glory to the Infinite Spirit in Whom we live and move and have our Being. Glory be to Thee through whom success has crowned our Mission to Ento. Glory and highest praise be unto our Father and Mother God, forever and forever."

_September 16th, 1894._