Chapter II: Part 2

I could but marvel at the wonderful workings of these principles that govern the influence of “mind upon mind”--really _spirit upon spirit_; so much more complex yet more potent than the “forces” and operation of the “laws” of the material universe--“laws” so little understood, “forces” so dimly perceived.

“Most of the people on the Earth-plane know so little even concerning the things and forces most intimately connected with their bodily existence: the sunshine, the air they breathe, the earth beneath them, the sea, and the heavens of _Stars_; we must not wonder over-much that they know little or nothing of this inner, though more real, realm of Spirit.”

This was from the Guide. Anticipating the question that was welling up from the mind: “Why do not those on Earth know more of these spirit states, more of their own conditions spiritually?” The answer had already been given, and as we passed on the Teacher said:

“Growth, unfoldment, waiting, working.”

CO-WORKERS

Among the groups and assemblages whom I met and with whom I was most frequently in communication during this surpassing sojourn were the arisen co-workers in the “_Movement_” with which my life-work has been most identified:

“SPIRITUALISM”

In the work of a life-time as a chosen “instrument” to bear “glad tidings,” to promote the knowledge of spirit existence here and beyond the change called death, and the ministration from and communion with the arisen ones, I had met in outward existence every leading mind and every worker (medium) known in the Spiritualistic movement.

We were always friends, always co-workers, sisters and brothers bearing forward a great Truth. Very frequently during this wonderful visit in the realm of spirit I saw them--either alone or in smaller or larger groups, renewing the companionship that had been so beautiful and delightful when we had worked side by side in human forms.

In your memory, dear reader, or in your reading scan the list of names who were first known as “Investigators” then as “Spiritualists,” and the names of those known as MEDIUMS (there were no “Psychics” in those days.) I knew and loved them all. I met them all. Each one in spirit life is still engaged in imparting this knowledge--most important of all that human beings can receive--concerning Spiritual Truth. Existence, life, love, work beyond the change called death;

SPIRITUALISM AS A MOVEMENT,

I had ever been instructed by my Guides, was given to the world when _needed_, and when there were those upon the Earth who were ready, when the “ages were ripe” for its coming.

In spirit states of Earth and in the realms far beyond were those who knew the “day and hour” had come for “moving upon the minds of Earth with this new illumination.”

There was from the “smallest” to the “greatest,” from the seemingly “least” to the “most important” of the manifestations a concerted action. The “rappings” at Hydesville were no “accident,” the visions of Clairvoyant and seer, the writings and trance utterances (phenomenal) were all a part of this _Stupendous Movement_. All, all, under guidance of those wise Spirits who knew what the people of the world needed and gave it to them according to their needs.

Necessarily many extremists and “imitators” would be attracted to the subject--like driftwood following or borne upon every new current of thought--but it is safe to say that Spiritualism during the sixty-seven years since the “Rochester Knockings” has attracted the attention of more eminent minds in every department of human research (and convinced them too) and given knowledge and consolation to a greater number of people than any movement or system of knowledge in ancient or modern times. With those who are willing and anxious to be classed as Spiritualists it is _knowledge_ of life beyond death--and of the presence and ministration of the beloved arisen ones.

So spoke my Guide to me and to the group of co-workers who had come forward to meet and greet me. How young and beautiful they were. Always I had noted in earth life how beautiful the dear ones are when one has been for a time absent from them--and here, in this realm of perpetual youth, with the freedom from human pain and cares that some of them had so bravely borne, I could but note the beauty that is theirs.

In the interchange of thought and experiences with these arisen co-workers I could readily understand that being brought into direct personal relationship with their “Guides,” “Inspirers,” “Teachers,” “helpers” and with each other, they had become more and more aware of the true meaning and nature of the gifts (mediumship) that were theirs when in the form, and they realized that even those “Inspirers” and “Teachers” were also the instruments of higher and wiser Spirits.

One sister worker said to me “I always wanted to _see_ my Guides, as you did, but I could not, for the gift of spirit vision was not mine. Now I understand what it means to ‘see with the eyes of the Spirit’ and I am satisfied.”

Those who had been my most intimate co-workers had many things to tell me of their “awakening” into added perception of spiritual things and of the work assigned them in their new state of existence; still ministering, still trying to lift the veil, mostly of ignorance, that divides mortals from their arisen ones. Many were the loving messages sent to friends and loved _Companions_ still in Earth life.

“Tell them you _saw_ me _here_ in spirit life, and I am ever near them, in response to a thought, or wish or especially a _need_, guiding, guarding, aiding.”

It seems better to receive a message from one who has “been there,” who has actually _seen_ and _conversed_ with one’s friends “face to face” and “spirit to spirit.” So, in the treasure house of my spirit are stored those messages to be given whenever I meet any of those loved ones in human life to whom I was so fortunate as to bear a message. It is to them alone that the message for them can be given.

The transcendent brightness and spiritual beauty of that assemblage of spirits--from guardian spirits of relatives and friends to the wisest and most advanced that one could see, are beyond my power of language to express.

There is no formal taking of one’s “place” or “position,” no ceremonious “assigning” of “duty” or “work,” but in groups and larger companies, as well as in personal ministrations, a mutual understanding of purpose, according to adaptation. If a united or concerted action upon earth-minds for any given purpose is needed it is readily perceived and entered upon by all who are in accord, and is performed by such methods as enlightened spirits readily understand.

Human minds are better prepared to comprehend the methods of spirit communicating with spirit since “wireless telegraphy” and other recent scientific wonders have been achieved, not that the _process_ is similar in any degree, but being prepared for the new revealments in science also prepares impartial minds to know of the more subtle powers of the spirit. “Volition” in its highest analysis is the one attribute of the spirit by which other spirits know--through perception, what is being imparted, _but_ there must ever be _accord_, _sympathy_, _adaptation_.

From some of those who had been my friends in my early life and who were “leading minds” in this cause, and in other subjects of human interest, I received many thoughts and suggestions concerning the present status of the “movement” (Spiritualism) and what they now think of the possible and desirable results of “united action,”--“organization” for the work and the workers. These and many other themes must be left for opportunity, time and strength to reveal, as my work goes on in human life.

One notes the same minds and spirits in many assemblages of the different branches of all purposes for aiding humanity. Even as when on earth the “Pioneers” in “Anti-slavery,” “Equal Suffrage,” “Temperance,” were the same staunch body of men and women, ready now as then to respond to the call to give a voice to Truth. In the assemblies for promoting “peace” by “those who love their fellow men,” there was the universal sentiment: “Peace must be born of Justice and Justice can only come by true Fraternity.”

“My country is the world;
My countrymen all mankind.”

This is the standard extending to include “All Souls.”

“It seems to inhere in the very nature of _human life_ that men will _fight_ for: (1) Personal liberty: freedom from physical bondage and involuntary servitude; (2) For defence of those nearest and dearest enshrined in the ‘home’; (3) For country when it represents the ‘home’ and those ‘Ideals’ to which the heart ever clings.”

To “remove the _Causes_ of War” all selfish seeking, all aggression by any nation upon the rights of others must cease, “and this must come by growth, by enlightenment in the cardinal principles of justice, love and truth.” These and many other thoughts were given forth in that assembly.

[A]A great wave of uprising among the _women_ of all nations was predicted in favor of conditions that would “make for peace” leading to united efforts between the most enlightened men and women of all nations to the establishment of “Peace born of Right--Not Might.” The Peace foretold by poets and sages of all time. Yet all agree in that wonderful assemblage, that “treaties of Peace” are without avail unless the moral force of the nations--among their leaders, rulers and a majority of their people--is sufficient to dominate; and make just treaties _binding_.

As individuals are now expected to adjust their difference in Courts of Law (often misnamed justice), and it is the aim of a majority of citizens not to encroach upon the real rights of others, so the time _must_ come when nations will agree to a similar method in adjusting possible differences that may arise; and this much _can_ come even before the real millenium of “Peace on Earth and Love to all Mankind.” There must be some other International Tribunal than the battlefield! Earth, sea, and air, _must_ not be held in bondage for physical carnage!

In the final “Day of Peace” even Peace Tribunals will not be needed, but now--“may Angels speed the Day of Peace born of Justice.”

In most instances I could tell the personality, or human name, of each one giving forth a particular thought, and all were in accord. Alas, I could also perceive that they saw, in viewing the conditions of Earth that “the end is not yet.”

I cannot mar this wonderful visit--this respite from pain and cares of Earth by dwelling too long among the shadows, warclouds and darkened states of Earth life. As beyond the storm clouds of Earth’s nearest material atmosphere the sun always shines glorious and with resplendent brightness, so beyond the horrors of war the desolation and ravagement of nations incident thereto, beyond the storms, earthquakes, and cataclysmic throes of nature, the Sun of Spiritual Hope and Love ever shines surpassing fair, and all the Angelic and Spiritual Hosts are ready to aid, strengthen, succor the spirits enshrouded in time and earth conditions.

THE RETURN

More and more frequent were the summons and the visits to my mortal body, to reimbue, as it was now found possible, with my spirit, to restore with the personal presence, the body within which the vital spark had been kept alive by blessed Guardian Spirits and devoted friends on Earth.

More and more the spirit “Home friends,” the Best Beloved, and the Guides encouraged the thought of my return to fulfill the appointed work on Earth. I had prayed to be allowed to remain, to let the body pass; but now, gradually it is true, the idea of resuming the human habiliments, the garb of the material body, became less repugnant, and I finally freely said: “Yes, I will go as that is the appointed way.”

Have you, dear friend, who may be reading these imperfect fragments of a _perfect experience_, (as any narrative must be) ever visited some fair garden, some sequestered home of dearest friends, a place radiant with beauty and enchantment; where there were flowers massed in rarest combinations of color and fragrance, fountains murmuring in answer to the summer winds, music, such as seemed a part of the enrapturing scene; have you enjoyed this with the chosen friends that alone could make the scene sacred, the Best Beloved? And have you known the reluctance to return to the “outer world” of daily routine of care, perhaps of pain? Ah, then you know in the _smallest degree_ what it meant to me to return to my bodily form!

Yet even now the soul of all that was mine in that wonderful, surpassing state is ever with me; nor will it again be absent from me--since it is enfolded in my very being. I am more complete now, even in the body which ever divides us from the Soul of Life.

“You will be with us again and often,” they said; the Guide said no formal “farewells,” no “leavetaking,” but everywhere from every Dear and Blessed one “Blessings, Peace, Joy, and Love go with you into added Strength and Work.”

And here I am: ready to help the body to grow stronger, and to _willingly, joyfully_, in the future as in the past, perform the work assigned me--_until--they--call--me--Home_.

CORA L. V. RICHMOND.

An Added Word or Two

The possibility of the spirit “leaving the body” for a time and then returning and resuming its usual activities has been demonstrated many times. In some instances the temporary separation was caused by accident, illness, states of coma induced by anesthetics, trance, either of spirit control or hypnosis, and sometimes a _voluntary absence_ or activity not suspending the vital functions of the body. It is also undoubtedly true that during sleep--especially that restful, dreamless sleep that betokens a normal state of mind and body, the spirit avails itself of the opportunity of restoration by spiritual methods and activities not possible while urging the body to do its bidding. Not only Spiritualists, Psychologists and Psychic Research students have well authenticated cases of the undoubted activity of the Spirit apart from the body, but many prominent physicians have recorded their experiences with patients whose bodily functions were suspended, even to seeming dissolution, and upon the unexpected resuscitation of the subject there would be a vivid account of active experiences in spirit--usually pleasant scenes and meetings with friends long passed into spirit life. These visits to “heaven” would be sometimes tinged with the religious bias of the subject, but this is not strange in view of the fact that _spirit states are conditions of the mind_ and spirit experiencing them.

Among the most familiar popular illustrations are those narrated by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, especially by “Gail Hamilton” who, being thought “dead” returned to her body, narrated to her pastor the experiences she had during that period of suspended animation and resumed her pen, remaining in mortal life a considerable time thereafter.

Although not usual, this class of experiences is not so _unusual_ as many imagine or assert. And the writer having been from childhood accustomed to the “other state” (“Inner,” “higher”), of consciousness can distinctly trace her experiences in that inner realm as forming fully a third if not one-half of her life-experiences.

The “realm of spirit” in which she has so often found herself a participant is, therefore, no unfamiliar realm; in fact if called upon to decide _which state_ is the _reality--the life_, she would unhesitatingly say: the _inner_ state, the _super-mundane_ realm.

Of the many eminent men of Science in both Europe and America who have come to a knowledge of the truths of Spirit existence, continuance of life after transition,--and the writer has known them all personally, except the one she is about to mention,--probably Sir Oliver Lodge has approached the subject of “psychic Research” (Spiritualism) with a mind the _best prepared_ to receive (perceive) Spiritual Truth. I say this with the utmost reverence and admiration for the long list of names--eminent alike in their personal qualities and scientific attainments, whose lives have been made brighter by a knowledge of demonstrated future existence and a belief in the Immortality of the Soul. Shall I name some of them? Hare, Mapes, Denton, Wallace, Crookes, Varley, Zollner, Flammarion--the list is almost endless.

Sir Oliver Lodge has not only recently, and very publicly, announced his full belief (knowledge) of continued personal existence beyond the change called death, but the possibility of communion with those “gone before” and the certainty that he had personal evidence beyond cavil or doubt, proofs indubitable, of the presence of and communication with his particular friends, _but_--and this is the point I wish to emphasize--in his earlier utterances on this subject he said in effect: “When I become aware that the human spirit while still animating the body, or not released by death, has _such surpassing powers_, ‘telepathy,’ ‘voluntary action’ _apart from the body_, showing conclusively that the activities of the mind _are not_ dependent upon the physical organism--I concluded there _must_ be evidence to show that the spirit _can_ and does survive the body.” This and much more was in his published statements concerning his investigations in connection with Psychic Research--showing that he approached the subject not only from the “effect to cause” line of usual scientific investigation, but had already in his quickened perception the vivification of a-priori knowledge leading from “_cause to effect_.”

One would like to accumulate and set down in condensed manner all the available evidences of “absence from the body”--of which the writer has a large and increasing store, but this writing is more distinctly in the form of a message for this particular time.

With our own “other world” within and about us, moving “like wings of light on dark and stormy air,” with such unused, wonderful powers, what wonder that one having partaken of the bounties of that inner realm longs to awaken the “sleeping” spirits of those in human life--or, more correctly speaking, tear aside the veil and show how wonderful are the dormant powers within each person: Soul-powers more active, perhaps, than any are aware! Who can tell, until the film of mental blindness is removed, how great may be the works accomplished by the spirit when the body sleeps, when one is “absent minded,” or when _thinking intently_ of a particular friend, one finds at that very day and hour the friend had “passed away”?

It is of the “Substance that dreams are made” that we shall ultimately find our divinest realities, _our very lives_ are fashioned.

This narrative of “experiences while out of my body” is only a prelude to those vaster heights, those more inner scenes, that I hope sometime to be able to record: The Symphony is Life itself whose theme of Love is Endless, Endless, Endless.

--_The Author._

FOOTNOTE:

[A] This was before the Woman’s “Peace Congress” had been thought of by Earth minds.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:

Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.

Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.

Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.

Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.