My Experiences While Out of My Body and My Return After Many Days (1915)

Class.
Book. Gopight^?.
COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.
MY
EXPERIENCES WHILE
OUT OF MY BODY
MY
My
EXPERIENCES WHILE
OUT OF MY BODY
AND
Return After Man>> Da>>s
BY
REV.
CORA
L.
V.
RICHMOND
jNHj[
By Rev. Cora
Copyright, igis L,. V. Richmond
Christopher Press
Boston
.**
GI.A416890
DEDICATION
Primarily
To My Heavenly
Guides:
in
Those Teachers and Inspirers who, childhood, awakened and have unfolded
itual gifts that
early
the Spir-
were mine, and have borne forward

hour the work appointed
to the present
me
to
do;
and
To Those Beloved
Friends
who, having received the ministration through
my
to
humble instrumentality have constantly given from

hearts
and hands the sympathy and aid needed
perform that work
and
during the feebleness of the
body have
to the
sent strength
and succor; and
especially
beloved and loving friends: Dr. Chas.

skill,
H.
BUSHNELL, whose
ful
healing power and faithstint
attendance were given without
or measure
DEDICATION
and most
for
tor of
lovingly,
Sarah
J.
AsHTON,
co-worker
more than a quarter of a century, Assistant Pas-
my
Congregation and, above
all else, faithful,
devoted friend, without whose unfailing care and

constant helpfulness for long months
not have returned to
its
my
spirit
could
human
habitation to take
up
its
assigned work,
is
This imperfect record of experiences

ingly
most
lov-
and
gratefully inscribed.
Cora
L.
V. Richmond.
MY EXPERIENCES WHILE OUT OF MY BODY AND MY RETURNAFTER MANY DAYS h

REV.
CORA
L.
V.
RICHMOND
The Release
It
was
true then:
was suddenly and

"this time,"
I
finally
released from
my
body;
said,
or
thought:
"I will not have to return."

times,
Many
from
almost numberless,
had
experi-
enced the wonderful consciousness of being absent
my human
I
form,
of
mingling with
arisen
friends in their higher state of existence, but, until

this
time
had always known
that
it
was only
for a
brief season
psychic
tie
and
that there
was a
tie
a vital and
earth form.
I set
binding
me
to return to
it
my
But norv; now; could

to live
be true?
and work with the Beloved

more perfect
Was
free
the dear ones
in this their higher,
state?
MY EXPERIENCES
The
Best Beloved, those
into this
who had preceded me came thronging around, by degrees, to welcome me: not all at once, but first those who were by tenderest ties the nearest and the
wondrous
life,
dearest.
They
really
did not answer

to stay'*?
my
question:
"Have
come
The Guide
charge that
I
the Guardian, took
me
gently in
I
might not even think of the form

left.
had
so lately
A
I
great sense of relief;
of be-
ing set free from the limitations of the body, filled
me, far greater than
had ever experienced
before.
A feeling pervaded me that all of me was released.

It
surely
seemed that
my work
in the
human body
the last
was done:
that the last
word was spoken,
pen-stroke made.
O,
the wonder, the unspeakable joy of thus being
united with the Beloved
those
off
whom
their
knew had
never died, but had thrown

dust for the
garments of
more
beautiful raiment of the spirit!
In a narrative written for others to read one cannot dwell minutely on

those
the
sacred meetings with

those of
who were
ever nearest and dearest;
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY

the household, related
by
ties
of consanguinity and united to one in
those
who were
and
kindred in
spirit,
thought
aspiration.
All
that
such
reunion
means, more than can be dreamed or imagined
where one
session.
is
in the
human
state,
was now my
all
pos-
"Turn away,
guide
turn
away from
thought of the
to lead
Earth-form;" said the one appointed
and
me in this One by one
newer, grander
or in groups
us,
flight.
the dear ones of the

ever, yet ever
Earth-home joined
here to stay?"
welcoming me
evading the oft recurring question,
"Am
really
My
would
in
attention
group or
was continually attracted to some company that had not been seen by me
to find
always a surprise
smile
them
"a// there."
They
here,"
and seem
to answer,
"Yes,
all
our
own
particular states,
and doing our own
appointed work."
The Vastness
of the Spirit Realm
There was a perception of great Light, a con-
10
MY EXPERIENCES
awakening
to the vast-
sciousness of Illumination, an
ness, the unlimitation of this
Realm
of Spirit.
I
how
often,
when
in
"dreams" or "visions"
had been permitted and aided by

the Spirit States, this inner
my
Guides
to visit
I
and higher Realm,

to
had
longed to remain!
call of duty, of
I
But ever
willing to answer the
added work
fill
be performed by me,
would
All
return to
my
place at the appointed time.
Now; Now?
else
wonderful
Presences
was swallowed up eclipsed by the experiences that came the Beloved
the vistas
of luminous Spirits!
This
was a
state of
Super-Consciousness; the awakening

be-
of faculties
and perceptions before unknown, of

the nature
ing atvare, almost without limitation: of
KNOWof
ING. Whatever Ego this seemed

There was
so
is
and
state of the real
as near to the Absolute as one
could well conceive!

little
There was
of
so
much
me!
me!
There were
so
many
and such surpassing

in the
Spirits!
the presence of the mighty
How one shrinks in ones How one expands

!
Knowledge
in
of the Infinite: His Image!
Often
approaching a transcendent Light there

would appear an atmosphere of ensphering
there
tints
would
also
seem
to
be a sphere of sound, of
surpassing music.
it
On
being admitted to that sphere

spirits
would prove
to
be a group of
accord are Light and Harmony.

enter such an "atmosphere"
who thus in Where one can

is
communing with such

in har-
a group
it
is
because one has need of and

spirits
mony
with the
of that group.
Senses Merged in Perception

Objective scenes seemed ever to be adaptations
to
my
state,
and would often vanish

spirits
as
became
aware of the minds or

scenes.
suggested
by
the
"All human
readily
states
sensations, as sight
and hearing, are

to
spiritual
perceived
to
by one awakening
manifestations
of
be but
consciousness
spirit
through the physical limitations to which the

in
its
mental
all
states of earth
is
becomes accustomed.
But here
perceives
merged
in perception
where
one
and understands," thus said the Guide.
This
added consciousness
uniting or releasing
12
the faculties
MY EXPERIENCES
is
not
all
at once:
found myself
thinking in the accustomed channels, in words as
well as thoughts,
listening
for
replies
instead
to
of
knowing
really
that the
answer had been thought

I
me,
was
there before
had questioned; of
(is)
look-
ing for beautiful forms

ceiving the Soul of
and scenes instead of perevery-
Beauty which was
where.
I
became more and more aware
that the
whole
of me, released from the fetters of the bodily senses,
could perceive and receive more perfectly the an-
swer to every question, even before

in thought.
its
formulation
"Formulation
is
a process of limitation, sometimes
of hindrance," said the Guide.
"A
is
feeble
com-
parison of
in
what
'perception* really
may be found
an
artist
(of Earth) whose prepared mind (and
therefore vision) sees the beauty in a landscape, a

sunset sky that another sees not at
all,
or dimly.
Prepared senses are the

of being pervaded
said the Presence.
It is
result of
prepared minds,
by
the awareness of the Spirit,"
of
little
avail,
however, to attempt to bring

into
13
outward forms of thought and expression the

is
perceptions one
state,
aware of while one
is
in that inner
excepting that they relate to conditions under

in that state
which those loved and loving ones
can
reach and change for the better the sorrowing hearts

in
human
life,
the
shadowed conditions of earth
existence.
The Body
in
Charge of Guardians
it
After a time (I did not know
as time)
be-
came aware of being led to where the earthly form was still breathing, being cared for and imbued with breath by a beloved Guardian spirit and by devoted friends in human life. It I was to return after all was necessary to keep my spirit en rapport with the body as the Psychic Cord was not severed that connected body and spirit. But not at once was I to
!
return.
These periods of
ing the
calling
brief
my
just
attention to
and
visit-
body were
to
enough
to
keep the
in
"vital spark" alive,
and aid the dear attendants

the
both
worlds
for
prevent
complete
imminent.
separation
which
many days seemed
14
MY EXPERIENCES
A
It is
Vast Congregation
to those
well
known
life
who may be
all
interested
in
reading these pages that during
the years of
I
my
mortal
(since the age of eleven)
have
been brought before audiences and assemblies of

people
dreds
many
thousands;
friends
I
who became
some
among them were hunof them life-long,

the "passing
some of
later years.
had known of
on" of very many who had been members of those

audiences and of
my own
"Flock," but
prepared for the vast congregation that

their respective
was not came out of

I
groups composing a
still
greater con-
course to meet me, nor

that
I
was
prepared to realize
knew most
of them as friends on Earth!

the utterances
I
There were those who had heard

of
my
Guides through
my
lips
when
was a
child;
those
who had
when
I
attended and were
my
personal
friends
was
"still in
my
'teens";
and those
who in later years had been of the audiences in many places; and those of my own beloved Congregation !
How
difficult to realize that
they were
all
gath-
15
ered into the larger "Congregation of the skies."
Each and
achieve!
friendship
larger life;
tion
all
unfolding, working in whatever line
of knowledge
and work was

in the
theirs
to attain
and
And
to find all the treasured jewels of
more bright
added
lustre of the
the flowers in the
Garden
Next
of true Affecfair!
growing more and more transcendently

is
This
the
indeed Heaven!
in blessedness to
Homes
of the Best Beloved which are the very
Kingdom
of
Heaven!
Ministrations of Spirits
It
was wonderful
to
note the
ministrations
of
spirits to
those in other less fortunate states
espe-
cially to those in
Earthly forms.
also
Wherever
real
the ties the
of
consanguinity were
of
affection
spirit
guardians of the household responded to the
"call," perhaps only a thought, a longing, or a silent
prayer for aid and strength, or a need unknown to

the one ministered unto.
Time
is
not a factor on the
spirit
sponse to a need
an
side,
is
the reinstan-
aspiration, a prayer
16
taneous.
MY EXPERIENCES
Where
there seems to be delay,
and often
doubt
in
the minds of those on Earth as to the
presence and ministration of the loved one
who
has
been summoned,
it
is
because of Earthly barriers,

state
because those in the
human
cannot perceive
and many,
friend.
I
alas, are not willing to receive the spirit
saw
that the usual barriers are:
trolled, selfish grief
mourning
are left ;
Uncon-
for the one
who
has
"passed on" and often forgetting the other dear ones

of the household
who
seeking for the comselfish
munion
logical
to
forward a purely
purpose;
and,
in general, the obstruction of false education, theo-
and
material,
through which the spiritual
faculties
have been closed for generations.
When human
latter is
hands and
hearts, even
though the
wrung by
pain, seek to help others
who
are
in
sorrow or need, then the
way
is
opened and the
helpers are helped
by
the ministering ones.
To mourn
the friend as utterly
"gone" who has

is
only dropped the outer garments of the dust

close, for the time, the
to
avenue of communication or
the spirit helpers
ministration.
Long must
work and
wait for people to be ready to receive their response

to the call for aid.
17
So many did
see
who
could
I
not reach the recognition of their loved ones that
wished over and over again that there were more

real
"Message bearers" more

that
to give
comfort to
those
mourn!
all
And
then
the
Presence anthe
swered:
"Not
are ready to
whom
Messages
now who
ing,
are given, nor are those protected adequately

are the chosen Instruments for
Message bear-
but the seed
is
being sown and will take root
in thousands of
lives.'*
Thought-Forms
was shown those who existed in forms and scenes of their recent human
I
the thoughtstates:
Such
as these
were surrounded with the "things" (forms

familiar to
of things)
them on Earth, and appar-
ently necessary to their happiness even in the

state of existence.
lives
new
These scenes
illustrated that our
even
in
the
human
that
state,
consist
largely of
"states of
mind"
we
see the things
we
are ac-
customed
to see, or
have trained our minds or wishes
18
to see
MY EXPERIENCES
omitting
things of
many and sometimes most of the beauty and of import that we might see.
"exactly like the scenes
The
of
the
spirit-states that are
Earth" are composed of the thought forms of

spirits'
imaging or reproduction, and are the

I
re-
ality to
I
them.
recalled the weaving of a
web
that
had once seen an
industrious spider perfect

in his
and he
was afterward caught

if
we
that
own web. I wondered human life and the states immediately follow the weavers of many such
are not often in
"cobwebs"?
and
in
These thought-webs seemed

spirits
to pro-
ceed from the minds of the
fashioning them
which the
spirits
seemed
Before
to
be ensphered,
questionings
sometimes
enshadowed.
in
my
had taken form

the Presence:
my mind
the answer
came from
of the
"No, they
;
are not
is
enmeshed by the
the
result
thought- f orms
present
their
creation
condition;
i.e.,
remove the power

to create ones
T
to
produce
thought- forms,
ow n environment
and you remove
all activity
of mind.
As
the Spirit
unfolds the thought-forms change and then disap-
pear as perception takes the place of limitation by

the senses."

With
world of
19
the almost axiomatic proposition that "our

life
is
what we make
it"
our
spirit-sur-
roundings and conditions the result of our states of
unfoldment,
it
became
less difficult
even when
re-
turning to the limitations of
human organism
to un-
derstand the conditions of existence in the "next

stage" of personal experience beyond the "transition"
misnamed "death."
states
Spirit
are as varied as are
the
personal
states of those
or lack of
state,
i.
it
composing them;
the
knowledge
possessed by the person
IS the spirit
e., if
non>/eJge of spiritual principles.
Oh,
one could coin new words, or new under-
standings, in order better to express that
which one
knows w hen
T
set
free
from Earthly environment!

that
is
Yes, the
need;
New
that
Understanding;
the great
and
must really be attained by unfoldall

illu-
ment, jgrowth from within, the pervading
minating power of the
spirit.
Those
were
in the spirit states
who were
happy
reproducing
the familiar scenes of their recent

satisfied
Earth conditions
and
even
very
especially
when
the scenes so reproduced
were of a nature
20
that
life
MY EXPERIENCES
had brought comparative happiness in Earth in their ability to make things seem "exactly as
this
they did in Earth life," not even knowing that

similitude
was
the result of their
own
thought-forms
instead of being inherent or organic in the "spirit
land."
Interesting
and absorbing
as
were these
lessons
of observing, the process of weaving their thoughts

into the forms
most desired or needed by the
spirits
producing them, there were

tions
many whose
reproducvol-
were of the shadowed kind and were not
untary, but results of the deep impress that the shad-
ows of Earth-experiences had made upon

minds.
states
their
all
No
one
illustration
could serve
I
but
and conditions
that
could
realize
were
shown.
Time Not a Factor

Time does
of
the
spirits
not seem to be a factor in the realm
except as related to people and events in

state
human
with which
spirits
have connection.
It
was, however, a source of continual wonder

and
surprise to note the
21
changing forms and atmos-
pheres in the surroundings of those with
whom
was
in
brought in contact.
Earth-life
saw
spirits
who, when
had been
in positions of external
usually considered "exalted"
power
their
as of kings or rulers
the
result of
no "merit" or achievement of
birth,
own, but the "incident" or "accident" of
who
were arrayed in their ovjn thought-rohes of power,

but closer observation would reveal the poverty and
"Robes of Royalty" and they were sometimes seeking somewhat with which to
meagerness of
their
clothe themselves, something to conceal their paucity
of raiment
and surroundings.
Most
of those,
however,
who had
held such positions as are the
result of "titles,"
"rank" and "castes," seemed en-
dowed with
external
states,
perception enough to
are
know
that those
in
spirit
conditions
not
perpetuated
so
unless one has
become
imbued with the

that the "Divine
idea that "titles," "wealth," and outward "honors"

are valuable in themselves.
And
Right of Kings"
is
indeed a "right" derived from
Heaven.
22
my experiences
The Truly Great Are Humble

I
saw many of those who had been poor

possessions,
in
worldly
even
despised
and
scorned
among men
or put to death because of their advo-
cacy of an unpopular "cause"
now
radiant in their
own
spiritual brightness, unconsciously
"Wearing their sunbright thoughts For Robes of Royalty."
Ah!
How
beautiful were they!
These of
Ever
intent
the
shining faces
and radiant hearts!
on
trying to aid humanity, whether in

states or in
shadowed
spirit
Earthly conditions.
not give the names (even
in the
I
if
One may
one knew
states
them) by which these
various
spirit
were known on Earth.
saw many who were

in thoughts,
known
words
to
be Great:
Great
deeds and
for the enlightenment of their fellow-beings.
Ever were they humble, as ever are
the truly Great.
None
in spirit life are to
outwardly adorned with the

their
"honors" given
tardy World.
them or
"memory" by a
spirit
The
truly exalted are far too intent
on ameliorating the adverse conditions of
and

human
states to take note of the praise
in
23
and pomp of
Earthly "celebrations"
"memory*' of them, some-
times tardily bestowed.
To
be truly Beloved by an individual, a country

is
or a world
indeed blessed, and exalted souls do

the true
know and understand
meaning of being
"appreciated and beloved."
The
is
Light of the Shining ones, the Great ones,

in the brightness of the
its
not
dimmed
higher spheres,
for they are of
light a part.
Spirit
Groups and Inspirers

spirit
It is
because of the
thoughts,
possessions that those of

aspiraitons
kindred
perceptions,
are
at-
tracted to each other
and form groups
ventional
or
arbitrary
poses
and
whom
not con-
interchanging
ideas
pur-
working together for
others.
in
saw
them "moving upon' the minds of those

forms
Earth-
they could reach, sometimes singly,
sometimes in groups, as the conditions might require.
The
Student
in his library, the Inventor in his
"work
shop" or laboratory, the "Discoverer"
in his
Ob-
24
MY EXPERIENCES
new worlds
or on ships of
servatory searching for
"exploration" sailing for

ticularly those
Unknown
lands,
more parvexed
"problems" of
who are seeking human life.
to solve the
was indeed a scene of wonder to see each and every spirit thus intent on doing good to
It
Ah!
his
kind,
imparting
some needed thought,
some
"clue" or "thread" of an intricate proposition that
would
Long are these "Inventions" and "discoveries" known in Spirit states before the one is "born" into human life that can give
solve the whole!
them outward Expression.

the
How
luminous seemed
Atmospheres of
life
Spirit thus surrounding those in
Earth
when
or
the
Heavenly presences were near!
And
such lives are always luminous in their

the
own
brightness
Higher ones could not "draw
near" and inspire them.
The people know the names of some of those now on Earth whose "discoveries," "inventions,"
and works have transformed the world!
arisen ones
Those
who
aid in bearing forward the
Works
Beautiful, direct their thoughts to such as are ready

in
Earth
life.
Here
are the
"Thinkers," whose

knowledge of the Truths of the Universe
25
constitutes
the source of all power, Ideas that born of those
Truths reach the minds prepared to receive them
and move
assemblies,
the world.
We
saw and paused among

and preparing
is
groups pursuing their usual course of

to
conferring, interchanging of ideals
impart more and more the knowledge that
theirs
as
minds are prepared

is
to receive.
Knowledge
adaptation.
imparted by adaptation.
All such imparting of knowledge must be by
The
Spirit
is
attractedwould
Spirit
from the very nature of the

prepared to receive from that
tle
be
to the
one best
the sub-
Spirit.
Thus
law of imparting knowledge by adaptation gov-
erns the realm of spirit
and
constitutes the basis of
deciding concerning "Guides," "Guardian Spirits,"
and
all
"ministering ones."
Affection determines
the intimate personal guardians.
From
It
Spirit to Spirit
was most
I
interesting
to
and enlightening
witness
as
was permitted
to see
number of
26
those
MY EXPERIENCES
who
are in
human
art,
states receiving
spirits
from
lu-
minous and illuminating

tion of
some new applica-
science or
some new presentation of
Truth!
The minds
Fearful,
if
of Earth so impressed are not
narrowly questioning "from whence do the ideas
come"?
receiving
from another mind that those

"lose
their
them
may
Individuality/'
Such minds know

and
that
that Truths belong to
minds
own who can impart knowledge. Truth is the common heritage of souls; of Intelligence; and
happy
is
somewhere are greater minds than one's
the mind, spirit or

it
Angel
that can perceive
or receive perceives
from any source.
Intelligence alone
and imparts
Intelligence.
spirit
The
to spirit
process of imparting knowledge from
(whether those imparting and receiving are

still
in spirit states or
in
Earth forms), grows ever

one passes into greater
realities, the veri-
more and more

of
interesting as
awakening and perception of the

ties
spirit.
"Teaching," "Education"
realm where the
(in the
human
sense)
only exists in those states or condi-
tions in the spirit
human methods

and forms of thought
spirits.
still
27
govern the minds of the
Love
to
is
the great Illuminator in all realms
and
worlds, and thus adaptation of Teacher and the one
be taught must be the keynote to
all
reception of
knowledge.
One would
like to
say so
much while comparing

latter
the "Educational" process of spirit states with the
methods of Earth (excellent as some of the

have become)
;
but one must hasten to record added
experiences while they are near to the outward consciousness
from within.
For when one
enters again
it is
into the daily life of Earth,
even although
ever
pervaded by those surpassing scenes, the vividness

of the higher state becomes sary veiling that
dimmed by
the neces-
human
conditions bring.
There
is
an Answer for Every Question

I
Everything that
answer;
thought.
wished
the
to
\noxv found ready
even before
I
wish was formed into
could realize that the answer came from
the Guide,
who was my
teacher
by adaptation.
28
MY EXPERIENCES
is
could realize that for every real aspiration there
ever an answer; in fact that the answer from within
and above prompts the
aspiration, the wish to
know.
That
lem";
lems"
there
is
a solution for every so-called "prob-
for, in the final analysis, there are
no "prob-
except states of non-perception.
All
this
and a thousand times more of inward

to
awakening came
of the
me
as
grew
in the perception
Knowledge
of the Spirit.
"Those
I
Who
Love Their Fellow-Beings"

growing brighter,
saw a
countless multitude
as
I
more resplendant,
greater,
spirits.
was
led nearer.
Among
them were those more radiant than the others

it
seemed, in the scope and power of their
always from edge on Earthsome

I
recognized
not
personal knowl-
of the individuals
who were
who,
there, centers of groups of radiant ones, those
when
errors
in
Earth
life
"loved
their
fellowmen";
to
and
Their
who, by word and deed had sought
overcome the
and abuses heaped upon humanity.

battles
29
with tongue
and pen
(no armaments or
armors of Right-
weapons of war),
eousness
their shining
were
finally
known and appreciated by
many minds (souls) on Earth. One whom I had known from early childhood came toward me with the group of his friends and He greeted me relatives, whom I had also known. as he was ever wont to do when we both were in Earth forms. Though advanced in years before he
was ever youthful, ever calm and peaceful; yet firm and forceful in his advocacy of his convictions of Human Brotherhood, and the
left the
form, he
final
triumph of the
spirit
over errors of
ditions in
life
Time and
mind"
;
Sense.
By
those
human conwho knew his
and works he was considered a "leading and

to
inspiring
many he was
a Prophet of the
spirit thrilled
"Good
this
time Coming."
How my
with
meeting with him and his household and the
group of friends
I
who were
in
with him.
One
question
had often asked

it:
mind, or had wished to
know
concerning
Had
versing,
he
this friend
with
whom
one
was then conin a distant
met
in spirit states the
who
30
MY EXPERIENCES
is
" land of Earth had said:

greatest
the
man America ever possessed"? The one who said this to a prominent
life.
writer
was
not
also a "lover of his fellow
men," but the two had
never met in Earth
The
question
was
asked;
before
it
could be formulated the answer

to-
came: "Yes, we have met and often confer

gether.
In
all
essentials
relating to the
Supreme
Realities of life
and the growth of human beings

through
toward perfection
perceived from
knowledge of Divine
I
Truth and Love we are
in perfect accord."
then
among
that
goodly company the
one approaching of
whom we had
been speaking;
at-
our thought of him and our appreciation had

tracted
him
to us.
of the things to be
Long and earnestly they spoke when the children of Earth shall
the personalities
be
I
set free
from the shadows caused by ignorance.
more and more perceived some of

surprised that those
of those illuminated ones,

I
and more than once was

of such widely
who had been

think,
different conditions, environment,
education, habits
opposite spiritual
of mind, and, one

states
would
could be together!
31
The
ist,
Presence aware that the surprise would ex-
said:
"As you
tionality,
already know, differences of birth, na-
outward rank and even of education, are

spirit.
not real differences in

all
lovers of their kind
These are (and were) Peace through

and they are
lovers of
Enlightenment and Righteousness,
now, as they were when on Earth constantly seeking through interchange of high Ideals, to find the
best
means
for helping others
to
lift
the clouds of
ignorance from the minds of earth;

is
even
now one
within your vision whose presence here will surI
prise you."
saw a
stately
form and recognized

Ecclesiastical
the one
who, as the head of a great
organization
had
in the
"Prayer
for
Peace" issued
a short time before he had passed from his Earth-
form given the following
significant sentence:
"May They (the Nations) Remove the

Causes of War."
As
a lover of humanity, a promoter of Peace, he

to stand near these shining ones,
seemed
many
of
32
MY EXPERIENCES
on earth (and now) have never recog-
whom when
knew
ards
states
nized any Ecclesiastical Authority.

that all such lines, barriers,
Of
course,
are
removed
and human standvanish
or
rapidly
in
spirit
among Enlightened
as
this
minds.
And
that they
realize,
one must have realized, that the

all its
Earthly "Office" and
outward symbols and

in a
adornments cannot continue

real
spirit.
realm where the

nature
of
the
nature
stands
revealed
the
All these composing

intent
this radiant
assemblage were
on reaching and for
their
good, acting upon
the minds of those on Earth for the
"Promotion of
Peace on Earth and Love
to All."
Alas and
the
alas! "Those engaged in war raging between one-half the
actual
war
nations of
the Earth that call themselves 'enlightened' cannot
be reached
the
lesson
until the leaders
and
rulers
have learned
taught by bitter experience."
So
the
Presence
said,
and
so
had perceived, saddened by
the thoughts of the awful

ensue.
human
suffering that
must
while out of my body
33
The Shadows
Then
I
of the Conflict
was shown
the dense
Shadow
the awful
darkness that seemed an engulfing abyss

of the conflict
the scenes
That which I saw (then just begun), seemed, however, more to represent the spiritual and mental states of Rulers and Leaders than the physical scenes of battles. I saw the bright spots where the ministrants of mercy
raging on Earth.
now
were
rallying, regardless of nationality or "class,"
to aid those physically
wounded,
injured
to breathe a
word
of comfort
to
those
mortally
who were
I
"passing on."
Above
in the
the terrible scenes of battles

file"
saw those
bodies.
"rank and
of the armies
and navies who*

their
were so
Their
suddenly
thoughts
wrenched from
(as
their
last
first
thoughts
had
they
been), were of those loved ones from
whom
were suddenly parted when ordered "to the front."
They were
families
aided to find the dear ones (alas where
were the "homes"? now desolate.

scattered
Many
of the
and
in
deepest suffering, great

grief.)
physical want,
and greater
34
MY EXPERIENCES
They
tried, often
without avail, to comfort and
aid the dear ones, their
own
states of
mind and
ef-
grief over the separation preventing
them from
fectively ministering to their loved ones.
They
soon
became aware
that the aid could not be material,
that spiritual strength

spiritual sources
and consolation must be from

that they might,
if
and
themselves
strong in
spirit,
move upon
the minds of others in
human
It
life to
aid those dear to them.

sight to
was a wonderful
spirits
behold the minister-
ing
succoring,
comforting, instructing those

;
thus suddenly thrust into spirit states
none but those
endowed with
the Divine Gift of loving compassion
like a
Florence Nightingale or a Clara Barton

spirits
could so successfully aid those

torn from their
ful
thus ruthlessly
It is
human
the
ties
and forms.
an aw-
sight!
Yet
spirit
"Rescuers" are there!
The "Red Cross" of the skies finds its way to those who need the help and guidance. In a measure the Soldiers, all who must go to
war on land or
sea,
are better prepared for the

into spirit life
sudden change than those hurled
by
"accident" of shipwreck or other disaster, or by

volcanic or earthquake shock.
that
35
The
Soldier non>s
he
is
to confront possible
physical death
less
and
and even probable

is
being thus prepared often
surprised
and shocked when he
finds himself
"out of his body."
Yet, wherever the need
may
be,
the "strong helpers" are there: above every scene of
human
sacrifice,
whether
Cataclysmic,
"natural
causes" or the result of
human
ignorance and ne-
glect, or the self-seeking aggression of
war, there are

the
they
the dear ones, the strong ones,
saving
ones!
All cannot be aided

found condition
:
to at
once perceive the new-
everything must depend on the deis
gree of spiritual preparedness, which
often greater
among
simple
the
life,
humble and lowly
who have
a line of
simple love, simple duty to follow than
among
the
more complex mental and moral
states
of the "leaders."
The
real state, spiritually, deterspirit in spirit life.
mines the "condition" of the
Nor were
of Earth
life
the "clouded"
and "shadowed" scenes

lines of battle.
found alone above the
There were sometimes deeper shadows among

scenes of "pleasure"
the
and "mirth," mocking splendor
36
of wealth and
the
toll
MY EXPERIENCES
its
opposite of want, squalor, misery,

sacrifice
is
of
human
not always in
vortices
the
ter-
"death" of the body.
There are
palace
more
rible than the volcano's fiery breath or earthquake's
yawning mouth;
ing,
the
often
seemed more
densely shadowed than the hovel; while the dwell-
though a cottage, brightened with Love shone
out like a star of splendor.

"Spiritual
knowledge,
this
the
unfoldment
of
the
highest
from within,
states" of
alone
can change the
"shadowed
life
Earth into brightness.

every
the
Every
within
must be reached;
the spirit;
mind touched and

that
is
awakened by
"good"
each must be brought forth."
Turning for Respite

From
the storm-scenes of contending forces, from
the darkness of Spiritual night, from the uncertain

states, like
dim
twilight,
one ever turns
in spirit to
the Beloved, to the groups of loved

that constitute the
tual rest
is
and loving ones

"Spiri-
"Home
of the Spirit."
change," respite from witnessing the un-

happy
ness:
37
states
conditions,
the
shadows of
spiritual
is
that one cannot at once remedy.
"Rest"
not idle-
communion, companionship, "Working together
for
those
who can
be aided
this
is
rest.
The
respite
"Home Group"
ever and
sought.
ever intent upon ministering wher-
whenever needed, afforded the

alive in the sacred
ties;
Such memories of Earth-experiences

and home
as
had been kept

true affection
altar-flame of
such interchange of
the
later
Ideals
and experiences
and the mortal
as
years
had
and
brought;
spirit
such knowledge of the blending of the

states,
the guardianship
ministration of the loved arisen ones over those in
Earth- forms,
this
was
rest.
Blessed respite
blessed
communion;
one would never be ready,
it
would
seem, to part with such companionship.
Nor do we
Whatever
or
ever "part" with the truly loved.
duties
we must
perform for those

in
in spirit
human
states, those
most
accord, those nearest

in or out of
and dearest are ever with the body."
us
"whether
Our human
seem
phrases,
and even our usual thoughts

puerile
superficial,
weak and
when endeavor-
38
MY EXPERIENCES
ing to describe the divine realities of the Spirit.
We
never "part";
we
can never be "absent" from
the Beloved.
Yet
are
the
shadows of human
exist-
ence: "time and sense," and outward "change" and
"circumstances"
upon those who make "the

mental and
spiritual
house of clay" the

possessions.
limit of their
Reunion with Lovers of "Peace"

Returning again and often to the bright sphere
composed of "those who love
their fellow-beings";
from among them came those

with
whom
had known
two
or
whom
had, as a humble worker labored

this
for
some cause
time a few, especially
three last seen in Earth life at the
Conference (1907). "Ah,

as well as even
how
well
Hague Peace we then knew

all,
now when
in
the conflict rages

in-
that the nations
(44
number) were not

for 'peace*
;
deed but few of them, seeking

the world!
the perfor
manent establishment of a Court of Arbitration
Each was
there to
'test'
the others;
nearly
all
endeavoring to gain some concession from

the others to aid in their
sions"!
39
aggres-
own
selfish future
Such was
the thought flashed from
my
friend of the brilliant
mind and noble heart who
came with
others to greet me.
And
the dear lady
who
said:
took
me
in her
arms and kissed
me when we
is
parted there at the
Hague
even as she did now,

sweet
you,
Peace
you
gave
soul
"We
but
meet again, and here there
O,
the horrors of the war!
And
will return to
Earth for further work"
She
me
can
her blessing with such love as her grand

give.
The
other one, he of the brilliant
mind and
spirit,
facile
pen, he of the
awakened and illumined
said:
"Yes, you will return to Earth for added work

(even after those many,
many
years of
work
al-
ready performed)
those
we
will aid you,
we
all
must aid
who
are working to enlighten the minds, to the spirits of those
awaken
awakened
the Soul
immured
in the
ma-
terialism of Earth.
!
How
dense
us,
we
all
are until
Sorrow smites come forth; our
then the fountains of
spiritual
Guardians can
help us then, and

case on Earth.
we
begin to know.
I
That was my
little
Now
realize
how
did
40
know, but
I
MY EXPERIENCES
am
grateful that I
spirits,
was not an
there
is all
entire
stranger to this realm of

ity in
and
etern-
which to grow
in
knowledge."
Messages from Friends

From
those
whom
met
in their
homes of peace
to
and love and work were many messages

livered in person
be de-
by me
to the
dear ones on Earth
messages that might be of interest here to show that

true affection
and personal watchfulness are more

spirit side
manifested from the
of
life
than people
know; even those accustomed

and
ministration
to spirit
communion
do not
realize all that they might
of this nearness.
These messages are too intimate and

ever, to
sacred,
all
howshall
be given here, and they breathe

life
the ferI
vor of the real
and love of
to those to
the Spirit.
communicate them
whom
they were sent.
The
But O,
Spirit-Home of the Children

the Children!
the Children!
What
can

one write or say?
41
to
What words
adapted
tongue
or pen can convey an adequate idea of the spheres

in
which
my
spirit
has often met those darlings of
both worlds?
My
own baby
girl,
who
passed on
to
many, many years ago and who has grown
womanhood
in her spirit state,
has ever been

spirit,
constant companion, as a guardian
during
my my
was
busy hours of Earth
life,
as a pilot
and
gentle helper
spirit
when through
dren.
sleep or trance-control
my
set free to join
her and
visit
the realm of the chil-
These
of the
"little
ones" are often wiser in knowledge
spirit
than mortals of more mature years.
Blessings ever attend the presence of a babe in

the
home
of love on Earth and, in the highest sense,
doubly blessed are those

a treasure
sight the
who
having possessed such
know
that
is
if
the
babe passes from mortal

theirs,
treasure
still
a babe
growing
life
among
is
the flowers of the gardens of spiritual
as
"A
light within
light,
A joy
ensphered in joy."
42
Such a
household.
It
MY EXPERIENCES
child
becomes a sacred guardian unto the

which we
during
beauti-
was indeed an enchanted realm
into
now entered. Although visited many times many years it now seemed more real, more
ful,
more
perfect.
As
far as vision
(perception)
could reach
as
vast as the
mind could compass or conceive
there
were children, children everywhere!

the light of their
Sporting in
they
tinted
own
brightness
and joy;
were embodied sunbeams, weaving rainbow

thoughts into forms of beauty;
flowers, flowers ev-
erywhere; songs of birds and child voices mingling

with murmuring waters amid scenes of rarest beauty.
Ah,
the spirit realm of childhood;
the playgrounds
of the skies!
Not only
and
to
children, but "those of larger growth,'*
parents, teachers, friends
were there
to teach, to aid,
grow
in greater
knowledge and
usefulness.
to those
Sometimes the children are the teachers

older in Earth years.
Isles of light,
radiant with flowers and verdure

iridescent waters!
and surrounded by
Could one
43
ever picture the thought- forms of these lovely ones?
"Let us make rainbows," exclaimed one

child
fairylike
among a group of playmates, some of whom questioning look came were new in that realm.
into the eyes of those addressed:
"How
can
we
child-teacher drew near and make rainbows?" said: "I will show you; come with me."
The
five
or six eagerly responded.
"Take hold
have no
fear,
of hands," the Teacher said,

there can be no
"and
rainbows without
clouds and light."

I
was permitted
to follow, with sight or ken, as
the
Teacher led them away, away from those en-
chanting scenes to where the clouds and shadows
hung dark beneath and around them.
They had drawn
near a large city of Earth.
"O
dark."
let's
not go here," said one, "it seems so

the others urged her on.
little
But
Soon one
is
boy among them She

is
said,
is
"See, there
little
girl.
is
cold and
crying on the
street;
she
near,
hungry
too, let us help her."
They
(she
drew
and the
child,
feeling comforted
softly
knew
not
why), sobbed more
and prayed:
44
"O, my
MY EXPERIENCES
mamma
in
heaven, can you hear
me and
send help to brother and baby
you loved us so?"
Then
to
the spirit children
saw a man approaching;
they fairly pushed him toward the weeping child
whom he spoke kindly asking: "What is the matter my little girl?" "O, sir, my mother is dead, and my
and the baby has nothing
take
his
to eat.
brother
is
sick
We're
so
cold in that room."
"Can you
he held out
me
there?" asked the man, and

for her to lead him.
hand
She
clasped two of his fingers with her tiny hand and

led him through the dark streets to a narrow alley
and up some dark, creaking

little
stairs.
Yes, there was

for "sister,"
brother crying for
"mamma,"
and
a
the
baby asleep but sobbing.

kind-hearted
The
glance.
man saw
man.
I'll
everything
at
"Don't
minutes.
cry,
my
little
be back
in
a few
Take
care of them,
little
lady, until I
come."
The
spirit
children
had helped, and helped they

;
saw the
spirit
mother looking very sad, bending

above the baby, and then above
"little
45
brother."
little
They
girl.
also tried to comfort
him and help the

to
They saw
the
man go
a telephone and talk
with some one and they could see and feel the light
of kindness with which he spoke and in which the
answers came.
How
quick he was!
He
found a
place to buy food.

fire,
He
milk,
came back
soon, built a
warmed some
gave the other children

Pres-
something to ease the worst pangs of hunger.

ently a
woman came
fast.
such a kind heart!

the
She too
pre-
worked
She gave
baby some food

little
pared in the milk, helped the
sick boy,
who
was more
else,
in
need of bodily comfort than anything

little girl
soothed and fed the
who,
too!
little
mother
that she was, at once aided in caring for the baby.
How
made
in
the spirit children
worked
They had
had aided
the
man
see
and hear the
little girl,
guiding her to the dismal room called "home",
had helped him find the telephone and the place to buy the food, had helped the woman to find the
had helped take care of the children and comfort them and the spirit mother.
place,
46
MY EXPERIENCES
"Now,"
said the Teacher,
"we
to the
will
return to
our beautiful home."
One
know
help
little
boy whispered
Teacher:
"I
there are
more children and people who need
down there. Can we go again and help?" "Whenever you choose to make rainbows or flowers or other beautiful things we will go." And
Lo!
they rejoiced.
As
they passed through the encompassing
clouds circles of rainbows o'er-spanned them and

paths of rainbows guided them to their
spirit
home.
When
sang,
the other children
saw them approaching they
"O,
the rainbows!
tears of
O,
the rainbows!
When
in
you dry the

All
sorrow and help those
need
you make rainbows."

spirit
life.
children are taught to
visit
the scenes
of Earth
The home and
its
loved ones, where
they are missed, ever attracts them and they are

taught to minister, to aid, to guard.
If they
had
still
no home on Earth they
try to aid those
who
life.
remain in the "orphan" realm of
human
47
Spirit
There are no Orphans

Realm:
Mothers whose babes are
existence
in
the
in the
Earth
life
help
to care for those "little waifs" thrust out of
human
for
and
for
spirit
children
that
pine
Mother
love.
life
Children whose parents are in Earth

taught to aid and comfort those in the
as those
are
home
as well
for
are the
who have no home. Especially cared "waifs" who were not welcome in Earth-forms even those who have not seen
little
the
the the
light of earthly
day
not always from
among
poor of earth were they driven, especially those
abandoned by the unfortunate or misguided mothers.
These and
all
are "mothered"
by
the spirits
whose
it
hearts are filled with mother love.
And
here
is
well to note that not all

are real fathers
childless
who
are earthly parents
work
save
and mothers, and many who are

night
and day
in the
"asylums" on
child.
earth
to
some
neglected,
forsaken,
These are
real parents.
What
greater "punishment" could there be than
48
MY EXPERIENCES
the
when
human mother has

her
turned
away from
the
sacred gift of motherhood, she meets, on entering

spirit life,
own
neglected babe
fire!"
who welcomes
want
her there?
It is
"Coals of
not always to
visit
scenes of sorrow and

:
that the spirit children are led to the earth

schools, playgrounds,
Houses,
the
little
"Lyceums" where
sing,
ones of earth are taught, places of entertainment and
amusement where they play, and

there
also
and grow;
spirit
are
the
playmates of the
home
mingling with them and endeavoring to impress them

with thoughts and deeds of loving kindness with
things of beauty.
finds such respite
Returning to the Realm of Spirit Children one from care, such constant sources of
happiness, such fashioning of forms of beauty.

that all could
Oh,
has
will
know!
Knowledge
;
of
all
this
reached but few on Earth
yet more and
more
human minds be pervaded by

Skies.
the methods of the
Those who have given new methods of "Education"

spired
to
the
people
of
Earth have been
in-
somewhat by
these Teachers in spirit states.

Froebel,
49
in-
whose "Kindergarden" system was

all
A. J. Davis, whose "Progressive Lyceum" system was not intended exclusively for Sunday training of children but in its inception was a reproduction of the "teachtended for "children" of
ages;
ing" in
tion
spirit states
(as far as his
mind and
inspira-
could
if
reproduce
such
beautiful
methods.)
Even
one could give in human language the form

(or methods) of the
spirit
of teaching
states,
the
law of adaptation prevailing
in the higher
life.
realms
might not always be available in human
How
beautiful to
know
that
growth
and
the
best opportunity
for the highest
unfoldment with
most loving teachers and Guardians surround the

darlings
who have
then,
passed from the households of
Earth.
Here
brothers,
sisters and you who miss the bodily presence of the
human
parents,
one
who
occupied the "vacant chair," you
who
feel
the pervading sense of the absence of the loved children:
here
they
are;
bringing
to
your very
it,
homes and
hearts, could
you but
realize
the love,
the knowledge, the wisdom, the beauty of the skies.
50
MY EXPERIENCES
Beauty and Harmony

Ever from childhood through
music,
fact
all
the years of
Earth-life beautiful scenery, tints of earth

in
all
and
sky,
beautiful
sights
and sounds,
noted
strongly appealed to me.
In the
spirit states I
that harmonious colors, beautiful scenes,

exquisite music greeted
and often
groups
me
as
we approached
of radiant atmospheres, encircling spheres of light;
such exquisite sounds of harmony as one dreams
must be the "Music of the Spheres."

ing nearer
I
On
approach-
would perceive
that the tints
and sounds,
as they reached
me, were the radiations of thought,
the spirit activities of these thus ensphered
attained real harmony.

beautiful colors
who have They were not MAKING
and music, but LIVING them.
The
Perhaps
spirit
I
"Artists"
in
have elsewhere written that music
states
does not always accompany the one
who was
a "musician" on Earth;
and harmony of
ensphere one
color, beautiful surroundings
may
who

never thought of being an "artist."
51
Their
lives
have
been
interwoven
with
sweet
and
loving
thoughts and deeds.
That which would have been a source of surprise had I not previously known it was that "artists," "painters," "sculptors," "musicians," and even some
of the "poets,"
known by
those
names on Earth, are
not fashioning landscapes, portraits, or carving from

stone the images of lovely forms, nor are they fash-
ioning or weaving into music or verse some classical

or other theme:
all
All of those
who were
"geniuses,"
who were
Idealists, true lovers of their
iW,
find
here (in
spirit life)
their highest
happiness in minishearts,
tering to others, in
spirits
moving upon the minds,
of those to
whom
they are adapted, until they

it
perceive the Soul of

lives.
Beauty and fashion
into their
The "Masters"
lives
of art: painters, sculptors,
builders,
with
construct their temples
and adorn them
the true images of beauty in thought,
feeling,
aspiration, achievement.
is
Music
and
perfect
others, of
Harmony, many lives in
of one
all
life
with
itself
their highest pur-
52
poses.
MY EXPERIENCES
Such are the
creators of the
"Symphonies of
to achieve the
still
the Skies."
Those who had "Talent," hoping

works of "Genius"
intent
sometime, somewhere, are
on fashioning reproductions or imitations of
natural objects
and
scenes,
or impressing art stu-
dents of Earth to produce such effects.

are
not
the
creators
But
is
these
every
"creation"
from
within and must live" said
my
Teacher.
One
wishes for a magic pen, or for a perfect
Gift of Expression, to convey in language the subtle

consciousness of the Beauty
and Harmony
that
meet
one as one
the
is
led to the "Atmospheres" of
some of
"Creators of Beauty."
More wonderful than all else was the knowledge that many who had never painted, carved, builded,
or traced the "score" of musical composition were
surrounded and pervaded by such ineffable

ness
that
it.
loveli-
one could Tveep for ven; /op on per-
ceiving

"Art
Beauty
is
53
Great, but the perception of the Soul of
is
Life! Love!" said the Guide.
One
perceives in such states as were there re-
vealed that the true "artist" has not always been
known among
his
fellow
human
beings,
moving
lives
upon the world of thought, influencing other
by the beauty and harmony of

these seem,
their
own
natures,
when viewed from

Temple
the
spirit, to consti-
tute the real artists.
"Is not the

ple,
is
of the Soul a Living
Tem-
not the art of molding the

spirit
mind
to
to
perform
the mandates of the
more
be sought for
in
and
greater
when
attained?
"Eternal
the
Heavens"
more
are the
Temples "not made with hands,"

so
I
so said the
Guide and
perceived more and
clearly.
In marked contrast to the foregoing were the
thought-forms surrounding some of those
who had
been
"artists"
on Earth:
broken
lines,
inharmoni-
ous colors, discords, sharp and jagged corners

all
portraying disturbed conditions of the unruly
thoughts and impulses that

Earth-life.
had possessed them
in
54
I
MY EXPERIENCES
had
interesting
glimpses of those
who were
consid-
"working with themselves."

ered "eminent"
in art
One who was
on Earth was
cutting, carving,
breathing upon an image of himself.
"What
surprised.
is
he doing?"
exclaimed,
now
really
"Removing
nature:
selfish
the angularities
and
errors of his
own
jealousy of other
artists,
love of
human
praise
the deepest scar;
that overweening de-
sire for
adulation;
unwillingness to accord to others
appreciation of their true merits," replied the Guide.

Later,
I
saw
that artist self-renovated,
and one
whom
ing,
he had envied derided and scorned, when

life,
both were in Earth

through
artist
working together, produc-
minds on earth, works that posboth with the added tone of har-
sess the merits of
mony;
the strength of one being
merged
in perfect
accord with the grace and loveliness of the other,

blending in wondrous works of Beauty.
This was a wonderful

that at
first,
lesson, serving to illustrate
and possibly
one's
for
some time
is
ing
spirit life
be
removing
one's chief occupation
after enter-
or should
this
own
limitations;
but
can-

not begin until one
perfections;
to
is
55
aware that one has the imis
be conscious of one's faults
half
the remedy.
Bodily imperfections,
infirmities
and
disease, un-
less retained psychologically
by having constantly
encroached upon the mind, or deformities that are

dwelt upon mentally, are dropped with the body;
but such infirmities of mind as are born of an undue
"egotism," undue self love, (the capital "I" around
which the universe revolves), must be removed before the spirit can enter
artists so
upon
real "work-
As
;
with
with those eminent in science or any de-
partment of
human
thought and endeavor

;
the truly
Great are ever the most humble

ever
realizing that
hownot
much
as
they know, and however clearly they

is
can think "the universe
full of things
we do
said.
know";
I
one of the great ones aptly
had met one
a brilliant mind
who
in
Earth
life
was
gifted in
many ways,
chiefly mathematics.
He
had breakfasted on
billions,
dined on duodecilto the
lions,
supped on sepdecillions, he wrote
rythm
of "logarithms," and worshiped at the shrine of the

calculus!
I
tried to
imagine what he might be do-
56
ing.
MY EXPERIENCES
Perhaps he was measuring the immeasurable
calculating
his
or
the
uncalculable
saw
him!
maps,
Where was
through
Observatory?
charts, instruments?
Where his The answer swept over and

thrill.
me
with a great
that
is
"The knowledge
stantaneous
comes
to the spirit
is
in-
if
one
ready
how
can one use
even the most perfect instrumentalities and methods
when
time and space are eliminated?
Truth
is
perair
ceived: in homely phrase
"No
ladder for the

I
men," "no mathematics for the soul!"

have imagined
never could
how
quickly he would "perceive."

real
He
had attained the
knowledge of wisdom and
love.
The
sung
in
poet-prophets of the world, those
who have
immortal verse the Truths of the Skies:

Justice,
Truths of Freedom,
tation,
Love, Spiritual Exal-
moved by
the theme of their songs, using
their art as a setting to the
Jewel of Truth, these

without
the
inspiring
endowed ones knew

bles, glittering nothings.
that
theme, the words, the rythm would be empty bub-
57
All Are Teachers

All exalted
in similar
lives
(spiritually)
planes of thought
states
born
moving and
living
of their spiritual
life for
are attracted to each other in spirit
the interchange of perceptions of Truth
and bearof
ing forward the
work of
illuminating such minds on

lines
Earth as are ready to receive along the
human
progress
and unfoldment, imparting "the
things they are ready to

Spirits, the
know."
wise ones, do not
make
the mistake,
as
many do
in
human
life,
of trying to force upon
the minds of those
whom
they teach the truths or
knowledge
for
which those minds are not prepared:

after that
"Arithmetic
first,
geometry and higher
mathematics,"
the instruction
is
the rule in Earth schools.

spirit
So
in
by
Teachers there
is
adaptation
that
spir-
to the pupil not only of the
Teacher but of
which
its"
I
is
to
be taught.
There are "ministering
adapted
to every condition.
could but marvel at the wonderful workings of
these principles that govern the influence of
upon mind"
"mind
really
spirit
upon
spirit;
so
much
58
MY EXPERIENCES
more complex yet more potent than the "forces"

and "laws"
operation of the "laws" of the material universe
so
little
understood, "forces" so dimly
perceived.
"Most
little
of the people on the Earth-plane
know
so
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;

not
we must
or noth-
wonder over-much
from
that they
know
little
ing of this inner, though
more
real,
realm of Spirit."
Anticipating
the mind:
This was
question that
the
Guide.
the
was welling up from

their
"Why
do not those on Earth know more of

states,
these spirit
more of
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 communi-
59
cation during this surpassing sojourn were the arisen
co-workers in the
"Movement" with which my

identified:
life-
work has been most
"Spiritualism"
In the
work of a
life-time as a
chosen "instru-
ment"
to bear
spirit
"glad tidings," to promote the knowlexistence here
edge of
and beyond the change

from and com-
called death,
and the
ministration
munion with the

existence
had met in outward every leading mind and every worker

arisen ones, I
in the Spiritualistic
(medium) known
movement.
sis-
We
ters
were always
friends,
always co-workers,
and brothers bearing forward a great Truth.

frequently during this wonderful
spirit
I
Very
visit in
the
in
realm of
saw them
either
alone
or
smaller or larger groups, renewing the companionship that
had been
so beautiful
and delightful when
we had worked
scan the
list
side
by
side in
human
first
forms.
In your memory, dear reader, or in your reading

of names
who were
known
as "In-
vestigators" then as "Spiritualists,"
and the names
60
of those
MY EXPERIENCES
known
all.
as
MEDIUMS
I
(there were no
"Psyall.
chics" in those days.)

I
knew and loved them

in spirit life
is
still
met them
Each one
gaged
ant of
ing
in imparting this
all
knowledge
that
human
Truth.
beings can receive

Existence,
life,
most
en-
import-
concern-
Spiritual
love,
work
beyond
the change called death;
Spiritualism as a Movement, had ever been

instructed
by
my
Guides, was
there
given to the world
when needed, and when

its
were those upon the Earth who were ready, when

the "ages were ripe" for
coming.
In
spirit states
of Earth and in the realms far bethe
yond were those who knew
"day and hour" had

of Earth with
come for "moving upon the minds this new illumination." There was from the "smallest" to
from the seemingly "least"
of
the
to the
the "greatest,"
"most important"
action.
manifestations
concerted
The
and
"rappings" at Hydesville were no "accident," the

visions of Clairvoyant
and
seer,
the writings
61
trance utterances (phenomenal) were all a part of

this
Stupendous Movement.
All,
all,
under guidthe
ance of those wise Spirits
who knew what

it
people of the world needed and gave

according to their needs.
Necessarily
to
them
many
extremists
and
"imitators"
would be
following
attracted to the subject

or
like
driftwood
current
borne upon
it is
every
thought
ing
new
the
of
but
safe to say that Spiritualism dur-
the
sixty-seven
years
since
"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
or
to a greater
number of people than

in ancient
any movement or system of knowledge
modern
life
times.
With
those
who
are willing
it is
and and
anxious to be classed as Spiritualists

of
beyond death
and
knowledge
of the presence
ministration of the beloved arisen ones.
So spoke my Guide to me and to co-workers who had come forward

greet me.
the group of
to
meet and
How
young and beautiful they were.

in earth life
Always
had noted
how
beautiful the
62
dear ones are
MY EXPERIENCES
from them
and
when one has been
for a time absent
here, in this realm of perpetual
youth, with the freedom from

that
human
pain and cares

I
some of them had so bravely borne,

is theirs.
could but
note the beauty that
In the interchange of thought and experiences
with these arisen co-workers
could readily under-
stand that being brought into direct personal relationship with their "Guides," "Inspirers,"
ers/* "helpers"
"Teach-
and with each
other, they
had beand
theirs
come more and more aware
of the true meaning

that
nature of the gifts (mediumship)
were
when
in the form,
and they realized
that even those
"Inspirers"
and "Teachers" were

Spirits.
also the instru-
ments of higher and wiser
One
to see
sister
worker said
to
me
"I always wanted

I
my
Guides, as you did, but
could not, for
the gift of spirit vision
was
not mine.
Now
un-
derstand what
Spirit'
it
means
to 'see with the eyes of the
am satisfied." Those who had been my most intimate co-workers had many things to tell me of their "awakening"
and
I
into
added perception of
spiritual things
and of the

work assigned them
still
63
in their
new
lift
state of existence;
ministering,
still
trying to
the veil, mostly of
ignorance,
ones.
that
divides mortals
from
their
arisen
to
Many
were the loving messages

still
sent
friends
and loved Companions
in
Earth
life. I
"Tell them you sarv
me
here in
spirit life,
and
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

has "been there,"
who
who
has actually seen and
conversed with one's friends "face to face" and

"spirit to spirit."
spirit
So, in the treasure house of
my
life
are stored those messages to be given

I
when-
ever
to
meet any of those loved ones

I
in
human
whom
was
so fortunate as to bear a message.

for
It is to
them alone that the message
them can
be given.
The
transcendant brightness and spiritual beauty
of that assemblage of spirits

of relatives
from guardian
are
spirits
and
friends to the wisest

see,
and most ad-
vanced that one could

of language to express.
beyond
my power
There
is
no formal taking of one's "place" or
64
''position,"
MY EXPERIENCES
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
for
united
or
concerted
is
action
upon earth-minds
it
any given purpose
needed
is
readily per-
ceived and entered upon
by
all
who
are in accord,
and
is
performed by such methods as enlightened

readily understand.
spirits
Human
the
minds are better prepared to comprehend

spirit
methods of
communicating with
spirit
since "wireless telegraphy"

tific
and other recent
scien-
wonders have been achieved, not that the proc-
ess is similar in
any degree, but being prepared

of the
its
for
the
tial
new
revealments in science also prepares imparto
minds
know
more
subtle
powers of the
is
spirit.
"Volition" in
highest analysis
the one
attribute of the spirit
by which other
is
spirits
know
through perception, what
being imparted, but
there must ever be accord, sympathy, adaptation.
From some
of those
who had been my

human
friends in
in this
my
early
life
and who were "leading minds"
cause,
and
in other subjects of
interest, I re-

ceived
65
many
thoughts
and suggestions concerning
the present status of the
"movement" (Spiritualism)
and what they now think of the

sirable results of "united action,"
possible
and de-
"organization"
for the
work and
the workers.
These and many

and
goes on in
other themes must be left for opportunity, time

strength to reveal, as
life.
my work
human
One
notes the
same minds and
spirits in
many
purearth
assemblages of the different branches of

poses for aiding humanity.
the
all
Even
were
as
when on
same
"Pioneers"
in
"Anti-slavery,"
the
"Equal Sufstaunch
as then to re-
frage,"
"Temperance,"
body
spond
of
men and women, ready now
to the call to give a voice to Truth.
In the
assemblies for promoting "peace"

love their fellowmen," there
by "those who
and
Justice
was
the universal sentiJustice
ment:
"Peace must be born of
can only come by true Fraternity."
"My
country
is
the world;
all
My
This
Souls."
is
countrymen
mankind."
the standard extending to include "All
66
MY EXPERIENCES
"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
when
to
it
represents the
"home"; (3) For country "home" and those "Ideals"

clings."
which the heart ever
To
"remove the Causes of
War"
all selfish
seek-
ing, all aggression
by any nation upon the
rights of
others must cease,
"and
this
must come by growth,
by enlightenment
tice,
in the cardinal principles of jus-
love
and
truth."
These
and many other
thoughts were given forth in that assembly.
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
great
*A
wonderful assemblage, that "treaties of Peace" are

without avail unless the moral force of the nations
* This
was
before
the
Woman's "Peace
Congress'*
had been
thought of by Earth minds.
67
among
their
their
leaders,
rulers
people
and a majority of
and make
is
sufficient to
dominate;
just treaties
binding.
As
tice),
individuals are
now
expected to adjust their

(often
difference in Courts of
Law
misnamed
jus-
and
it is
the aim of a majority of citizens not

the real rights of others, so the
to
encroach upon
time must
come when
this
nations will agree to a similar
method
arise;
in
adjusting possible differences that
may
all
and
much can come even
before the real
millenium of "Peace on Earth and Love to
Mankind."
tional
There must be some other

bondage
Interna-
Tribunal than the battlefield!
Earth, sea,
for physical
and
air,
must not be held
in
carnage
In the
final
"Day
of
Peace" even Peace Tribu-
nals will not be needed, but
now
"may
Angels
speed the
Day
of Peace born of Justice."

I
In most instances
could
tell
the personality, or
human name,
thought,
of each one giving forth a particular

all
and
were
in accord.
Alas,
could also
perceive that they saw, in viewing the conditions of
Earth that "the end
is
not yet."
68
I
MY EXPERIENCES
cannot mar
this
wonderful
visit
this
respite
from pain and cares of Earth by dwelling too long
among
the shadows, warclouds

life.
and darkened
states
of Earth
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
thereto,
and
rav-
agement of nations incident

storms, earthquakes,
ture,
beyond
the
and cataclysmic throes of na-
the
Sun
of Spiritual
fair,
Hope and Love

all
ever
shines
surpassing
and
the
Angelic and
Spiritual
Hosts are ready to
aid, strengthen, succor
the spirits enshrouded in time
and earth
conditions.
The Return
More and more
the visits to
frequent were the
my
mortal body, to
summons and reimbue, as it was

restore with
now found
possible, with
my
spirit, to
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
the personal presence, the

Best
69
Beloved,
and the Guides encouraged the

return to
fulfill
thought of
my
the appointed
work
on Earth.
to let the
I had prayed to be allowed to remain, body pass; but now, gradually it is true,
the idea of resuming the
human
I
habiliments, the
less
garb of the material body, became
repugnant,
is
and
I finally
freely said:
"Yes,
will
go as that
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

of dearest friends,
garden, some sequestered
home
place
radiant
with
beauty
and enchantment;
in rarest
where there were flowers massed

tions of color
in
combina-
and fragrance, fountains murmuring
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

to
in the smallest
degree
what
it
meant
me
to return to
my
bodily form!

70
MY EXPERIENCES
Yet even now
the soul of all that
is
that wonderful, surpassing state
nor will
it
again be absent from
me
was mine in ever with me;

since
it is
en-
folded in
my
very being.
am more
complete now,
even in the body which ever divides us from the
Soul of Life.
"You
said;
will
be with us again and often," they

said no
the
Guide
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
am
ready to help the body to grow
stronger,
and
to willingly, joyfully, in the future as
in the past,
they
meHome.
call
perform the work assigned
me
until
Cora
L.
V. Richmond.
An Added Word
The
for a time
activities
or
Two
body"
usual
its
possibility of the spirit "leaving the
and then returning and resuming
has been demonstrated
many
times.
In
some instances the temporary separation was caused
by
accident, illness, states of
coma induced by
an-
esthetics, trance, either of spirit control or hypnosis,
and sometimes a voluntary absence or

suspending the
vital
activity not
It
is
functions of the body.
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
do
activities
its
not possible while urging the
body
to
bidding.
Not only
Spiritualists,
Psycholo-
gists
and Psychic Research students have well

from the body, but many prominent
authenticated cases of the undoubted activity of the

Spirit apart
physicians have recorded their experiences with patients
whose bodily functions were suspended, even

re-
to
seeming dissolution, and upon the unexpected
72
MY EXPERIENCES
would be a
in
spirit
suscitation of the subject there
vivid
account
pleasant
of
active
experiences
usually
scenes
and meetings with

life.
friends
to
long
passed into
spirit
These
visits
"heaven**
would be sometimes tinged with

of the subject, but this
is
the religious bias
not strange in view of the
fact that spirit states are conditions of the

spirit
mind and
experiencing them.
the most familiar popular illustrations are
Among
cially
those narrated
by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, espeby "Gail Hamilton" who, being thought

returned
to
"dead*'
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.

usual, this class of experiences
is
Although not
not so unusual as
many imagine
or assert.
And
the writer having been from childhood accustomed

to the "other state"
("Inner,** "higher'*), of contrace
sciousness
can
distinctly
her experiences in
if
that inner realm as forming fully a third
not one-
half of her life-experiences.
The "realm
of
spirit*' in
which she has so often

found herself a participant
iar
is,
73
therefore,
no unfamilwhich
realm;
is
in fact if called
state
the reality
:
upon
she
to decide
the
life,
would
unhesitat-
ingly say
the inner state, the super-mundane realm.
Of
the
many eminent men
of Science in both
to a knowl-
Europe and America who have come

after
all
edge of the truths of Spirit existence, continuance of

life
transition,
and
Sir
the
writer has
is
known
ap-
them
personally, except the one she
about to
mention,
probably
Oliver
Lodge has
proached the subject of "psychic Research" (Spiritualism) with a
mind
the best prepared to receive

I
(perceive) Spiritual Truth.
say
this
with the utlist
most reverence and admiration for the long
of
names and
eminent
alike
in
their
personal
qualities
scientific
made
Soul.
brighter
attainments, whose lives have been by a knowledge of demonstrated fu-
ture existence
and a
I
belief in the Immortality of the
Shall
name some
of
them?
Hare, Mapes,
Denton, Wallace, Crookes, Varley, Zollner, Flammarion
the
list is
almost endless.
not only recently, and very
Sir Oliver
publicly,
Lodge has
announced
his full belief
(knowledge) of
74
continued
MY EXPERIENCES
personal
existence
beyond the change
called death, but the possibility of

those "gone before"
and the
communion with certainty that he had
personal evidence beyond cavil or doubt, proofs indubitable,
of the presence of and communication
with his particular friends, but

I
wish to emphasize
and
this is the point
in his earlier utterances
on
this
subject he said in effect:

that the
"When
still
become aware
human
spirit
while
animating the body,
or not released
ers,
by death, has such surpassing powVoluntary action' apart from the

activities of the
'telepathy,'
body, showing conclusively that the
mind are not dependent upon
the physical organism
concluded there must be evidence to show that
the spirit can
and does
survive the body."
This
and much more was

chic
in his
published statements con-
cerning his investigations in connection with Psy-
Research
showing
that
he approached the
subject not only from the "effect to cause" line of
usual scientific investigation, but
had already
of
to effect"
set
in his
quickened
perception
the
vivification
a-priori
knowledge leading from "cause
One would
like to
accumulate and
down
in

condensed manner
all
75
the available evidences of
"absence from the body"
of
which the writer has

is
a large and increasing store, but this writing

distinctly in the
lar time.
more
form of a message for
this particu-
With
us,
our
own
"other world" within and about

light
moving "like wings of
on dark and stormy
air,"
with such unused, wonderful powers, what

that one having partaken of the bounties of
wonder
spirits
that inner realm longs to
awaken
life
of those in
human
the "sleeping"
or,
more
correctly
speaking, tear aside the veil and

ful
show how wonder-
are the dormant powers within each person:
Soul-powers more active, perhaps, than any are
aware!
blindness
Who
is
can
tell,
until
the film of mental
removed,
how
spirit
great
may be
the
the
works
sleeps,
accomplished by the
when
body
when one
is
"absent minded," or
when
thinking in-
tently of a particular friend,
one finds at that very
day and hour

It is
the friend
had "passed away"?
of the "Substance that dreams are
made"
that
we
shall ultimately find our divinest realities,

lives
our verp
are fashioned.
76
MY EXPERIENCES
This narrative of "experiences while out of
my
body"
those
is
only a prelude to those vaster heights,

scenes, that I
more inner
hope sometime to be
is
able to record:
The Symphony
is
Life
itself
whose
theme of Love
Endless, Endless, Endless.
The Author.
Deacidified using the

Neutralizing agent:
Bookkeeper process.
Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Nov. 2004
PreservationTechnologies
A
WORLD LEADER
1 1 1
IN
PAPER PRESERVATION
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Thomson Park
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Class.

Copyright, igis L,. V. Richmond

were mine, and have borne forward

who, having received the ministration through

humble instrumentality have constantly given from

and hands the sympathy and aid needed

perform that work

during the feebleness of the

and succor; and

beloved and loving friends: Dr. Chas.

healing power and faithstint

attendance were given without

more than a quarter of a century, Assistant Pas-

Congregation and, above

all else, faithful,

devoted friend, without whose unfailing care and

This imperfect record of experiences

MY EXPERIENCES WHILE OUT OF MY BODY AND MY RETURNAFTER MANY DAYS h

was suddenly and

"I will not have to return."

enced the wonderful consciousness of being absent

friends in their higher state of existence, but, until

had always known

But norv; now; could

and work with the Beloved

the dear ones

in this their higher,

did not answer

the Guardian, took

might not even think of the form

great sense of relief;

ing set free from the limitations of the body, filled

me, far greater than

had ever experienced

A feeling pervaded me that all of me was released.

that the last

word was spoken,

the wonder, the unspeakable joy of thus being

united with the Beloved

never died, but had thrown

beautiful raiment of the spirit!

In a narrative written for others to read one cannot dwell minutely on

sacred meetings with

ever nearest and dearest;

WHILE OUT OF MY BODY

of consanguinity and united to one in

means, more than can be dreamed or imagined

Earth-form;" said the one appointed

me in this One by one

the dear ones of the

evading the oft recurring question,

and doing our own

of the Spirit Realm

There was a perception of great Light, a con-

had been permitted and aided by

and higher Realm,

willing to answer the

place at the appointed time.

was swallowed up eclipsed by the experiences that came the Beloved

Super-Consciousness; the awakening

and perceptions before unknown, of

ing atvare, almost without limitation: of

ING. Whatever Ego this seemed

state of the real