ühe Magazine of Spiritual Education

ED1TED BY LLOYD KENYON JONES

âC lA 5 7 S $ Ö 7

Features in This Number: The Broken By Ollah Do “Ruling Passions” Survive Death? ...... By Harry E. Tudor The Life of James “Farmer” Riley Wanted: The Spirit of the Law Spiritualismus Seventy-second Birthday Educational Features Press Comments and Criticisms Psychic Experiences “F ronstrom”

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CThe March, 1920, number of the “Oriental CEach month, the Teachers dictate a direct Lessons” of The Wm. T. Stead Memorial Lesson on some vital subject—and this Center, terminates the first year of these feature, like the Questions-and-Answers, Lessons—that have brought to nearly twelve based on the teachings and on psychic de­ hundred men and women a new, deeper, velopment, will be continued. You will be broader understandinf of Spiritualism. permitted to ask any such questions that may concern you—whenever they occur to CApril, 1920, ushers in the second year of you. these Lessons, and they will have some new features—retaining, however, the populär CWe •can not ask Mrs. Cook to send a Ouestions-and-Answers Department, and the message from the seance-room of The Center other features that have proved so populär until the full amount of ten dollars, covering and helpful throughout the first year of this the year’s enrollment for 1920—and ter- study. minating with the March Lesson, 1921—has been received. This we do in' fairness to CAn entirely new feature of this new year’s those who remit promptly. issue of Lessons (coming to you monthly) CThe T eachers feel that these messages will will be a message through the Mediumship bring the Class Members into closer har- of Mrs. Cecil M. Cook, Pastor and Medium mony with their loved ones in spirit, and of The Stead Center. As soon as you have will produce new inspiration in securing paid your new year’s enrollment in full, you from these Monthly Lessons, the greatest will be entitled to this message. value they can impart; a value that your own receptivity must determine. CIn sending your remittance for the 1920 Lessons, ask two or three questions that CThere is a combination remittance form will form the basis for a message from Loved enclosed with this number of “Communica- Ones Across-the-Way. These questions are tion,” and you will find spaces for your essential as a basis of attraction, and what- enrollment and remittance. In the March, ever comes through in addition to the an- 1920, Lesson, those who are now Mèmbers swers, you will receive privately; not in the of this Class, also will be informed of these Lessons. facts and these new plans.

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X- ...... " - The William T. Stead Memorial Center 533 Grant Place Chicago, Illinois nro l 0 VO

The Magazine of Spiritual Education MARCH, 1920

SSflSSil»a>i

V o lu m e I Table of Contents No. 1

Page M isunderstanding (A P o e m ) ...... Olive Sheldon Mantor 3 I ntroducing “Communication” . Lloyd Kenyon Jones 5 Ro s e s ...... Snowdrop 6 T h e Broken R eed (Illustrated) . . Ollah Toph 7 Do “R uling P assions” Survive D ea th ? (Illustrated) . Harry E. Tndor 13 How I Get M essages for O thers . . . . Mrs. Cecil M. Cook 17

T he L ife of J ames "F armer” R iley (Illustrated) . • 19 W anted: T he Spirit of the L aw . Lloyd Kenyon Jones 21

Spiritualismus Seventy-second Birthday • 23 A n A ppreciation . . . . • 25 E d it o r ia l s ...... 26 W hy I am a Spiritualist ...... C. Wright Davidson 28 A LaymaV s T e s t i m o n y ...... Henry Berend 30

A VisiT To th e F irst Church, N ew York • 31 F r o n s t r o m ...... 33 A L ittle Chat W ith L ittle O nes ...... Pink Rose 35 Baby F ingers (A P o e m ) ...... D. A. Reynolds 36

E ducational (Department) ...... «... 38

P ress Comments and Criticisms (Department) • 43 P sychic E xperiences (Department) .... • 51 Spiritual St a g n a t i o n ...... Wm. H. Burr 55

Published by the T he Spiritualistic E ducational A ssociation, I nc. Executive and Editorial Offices, Rand-McNally Building, 538 South Clark St, Chicago Subscription, $2.00 a Year; Canadian Postage 50c Extra; Foreign Postage $1.00 Extra Misunderstanding

By OLIVE SHELDEN MANTOR

Oh, speak not a word! The days are fast passing; Speak not of the days that now are gone by When trials of life were so hard and harassing; We might have done better; at least we did try. Oh, speak not a word! It was misunderstanding, For each had intended to be just and right; Let us forget it, and be count er manding Our errors, and search for new peace in God’s sight. Oh, speak not a word! Let go of the feeling Of “wrongs” never once intended for you; Why should dark clouds of anger come quietly, stealing O’er friends who should ever be faithful and true? Oh, take back the scorn! Forget it! Forget it! Why should we have nurtured red anger and hate? It is not the Christ-way, and before we regret it, Take it back, take it back, before it’s too late! The Voices are telling, “The light is before you, The light that must guide you straight tipward to God Be as true to the light as the mother who bore you, The mother whose body lies under the sod. The days are fast passing, so let us forget it! And think of the joy and the peace that will come; There is “Heaven-on-earth,” oh, so much for our Profit; Let us journey together; together go home. COMMUNICATION 5

Introducing Communication

In this, the first number of “ Communication,” I have permitted to rot before I would accept any questionable tried to make it at least tvviee as good as my promises ads. If at any time I find that I have accepted such indieated it would be. If we can deliver something that advertisements, upon presentation of the facts to me, is better than the advertising that sold it, then we have I assure you that those ads will be diseontinued. gone a long ways toward making friends. Certain classes of advertising will be barred perma- Like a person, a magazine should funetion properly, nently from “ Communication,” not that we think all and the functions of a magazine are many. Every per­ ads in those classes are bad, but because the classes son is not going to care for that which appeals to all themselves should not be confused with a religious work. others. We have our likes and our dislikes—and some- Tobacco ads, medical ads and stock selling ads will be times we are pronounced in expressing them. barred; and so will all the other objecjnonable classes of The magazine was never edited that agreed with the advertising copy. ideas of every one of its readers. Being an editor is This number of “ Communication,” I am mailing to much like being an umpire; it is a job of hazards. every person who has ever purehased any of the books In selecting and preparing material, I have thought of with which I am concerned. If you have not sent a your happiness, your gain—and so much have I thought subscription, then here is the evidence of what “ Commu­ about these things that are yours, I have undertaken a nication ’ ’ will be, and I hope you will lose no time in considerable bürden by way of obligations, with paper sending your two dollars for one year. With the mailing acting as a sort of drum-major in leading the upward of the next issue, I shall apply to the Post Office elimb of priees, and with the printing trades not quite Department for entry under the second-elass ratings, certain if there is a roof to their demands. and that will prohibit further general sample mailing. Next month, “ Communication” may cost more to pro- If you do not intend to subseribe, sending twenty-five duce than it costs this month; and how many months cents for this copy will not harm you, and it will help this process of addition will continue, I do not even ask us. But add a dollar and seventy-five cents to that quar- the spirit-world to solve for me, chiefly because I prefer ter, and receive “ Communication” for the balance of to remain ignorant and continue to hope from month to twe twelve conseeutive monthly issues. Several important month that this is the end of high priees. continued series start in this number and you will not There is one way out of the dilemma, and I have set wish to miss any installment. my face in that direction: If I give you a magazine of “ Communication” will be mailed from our office here- real merit, as I have tried to give you right from the after around the first of each month, so that it should start, you will think of me as a friend who deserves more reach its several destinations in the United States and consideration than merely a kind thought. You will go Canada about the tenth of the month of current dating. to some friend of yours and get a subscription; maybe While we shall print a limited number of illustrations, to several friends and secure several subscriptions. « this is not presented as an illustrated magazine. There­ I am not cheating you on quality of eontents, quality fore, do not expect it to be as profusely illustrated as of paper or quality of typography. I am coming to you some of the populär fiction magazines. honestly with an honest article—and after so much pains- “ Communication” is not the organ of any eenter, taking labor, I think you will bear with me while I pre­ church or assöciation. The Spiritualistie Educational sent a few figures for your consideration. Association is a Corporation, organized not for profit This number of ‘.‘Communication,” and all subsequent meaning for religious and educational purposes under numbers until it has grown in the number of pages, con- the Illinois law, and this Corporation has no connection tains eighty per cent. as much reading matter as “ God’s with any other religious body. We shall welcome facts World.” Because “ God’s World” was a bound volume, relative to all associations, all spiritualistie churches and it was impossible to seil it for less than two dollars. This all mediums. Réserving the editorial right of selection, magazine costs you two dollars a year, or under seventeen we shall make “ Communication” the magazine of one cents a copy taken by the year. Therefore, you pay only church no more than another, and will treat all alike to eight per cent. as much as you pay for “ God’s World,” the best of our ability, and be good to them until they to get eighty per cent. the reading, which means that you see that we mean it, and they are good to us. get your reading for preeisely ten per cent. the cost of a Then we shall keep right on being good to them! bound book of the same eontents. As you glance at the calendar, please remember that, As the writer and Compiler of “ God’s World,” I think no matter how many days there are printed on it, the I am justified in saying that you get thè same quality here time to come in and help, for the joy of perpetuating that you received in that book, plus a greater variety. something worth while, is NOW! If you will buy a copy of “ Good Housekeeping, ” which Very sincerely yours, contains many more pages, and then count up the actual eontents, I think you will find that “ Communication” has just as much reading matter. The differenee is one of advertising, and while we should be delighted to have some of that advertising, we shall add pages as the magazine grows in eirculation and receives more adver­ tising patronage. ‘ ‘ Communication, ’ ’ That brings me to the point of the advertising policy: 9S1-991 Rand, McNally Bldg., Nb matter how much this work needs money, it would be Chicago, Illinois. 6 COMMUNICATION m m

Snowdrops Plucked by Showdrop

ROSES

Born in the morn on the hillside, You dreamily smile at the sea, And the sweetest perfume of your delicate blootn Bears the fragrance of incense to me. Man nursed you far back in the dawning, The Orient mothered you then, And Sharon you blessed, of all flowers the best, The nearest and dearest to men. You followed the ships of Phoenecia, With man toward the low, setting sun, Where he took up his home, there you, too, ceased to roam; Your life, with man’s life, was begun. You bloomed in the gar den of Caesar, Great and lowly drank in your perfume, And as man’s Ups would press you, his passions would dress you In the weave of your gowns on God’s loom; Wore red to reflect man’s mad wooing, And white to betoken chaste thought. In each delicate shade, mortal moods you portrayed, You aspired to whatever man sought. You’ve graced every page of earth’s hist’ry, You’ve followed and blessed man the while, You have sung for each bride, and wept when men died, You laugh for each sweet, childish smile. Though the gay Riviera might claim you, Or in France with the poppies you wave, Or bloom with the heather in burly Scotch weather, Or sleep on a brave soldier’s grave, Or color a hedge in old England, Or nod on some tropical isle, Wherever you grow, by your presence we know ’Tis a place that some man found worth while. God sent you front spirit to Eden, To brighten and bless mortal trails, And since time began, you’ve been comrades of man, And lightened life’s ceaseless travails. Look we east, north or south, or to westward, Fairest blossoms of earth, you shall know That of all blooms, apart, you’re the flow’r of man’s heart; In the pure light of spirit you grow. In Homeland, when earth trials are over, When mortals have come home to rest, Spirit gardens will bloom and your spirit perfume Will prove, of all flowers, you’re best. —Snowdrop. \ COMMUNICATION 7

I found her in the room that has the low window giving to the West. She was working at something— sewing, I think—so I slipped behind her. . . . But—she didn’t notice. lt wasn’t like Mother, who alivays played the game, ever since I was a lad.”

Illiistratrd by Mildrrd Lyon

The Broken Reed By OLLAH TOPH (Copyright, 1920, by Ollah Toph)

I which I do know—but which I translate with arduous THE VOICE research; a spirit who, in clairaudience and trance, through my organism, is speaking and singing and dancing the joy Several months ago I was awakened in the night by a of continued life, spoke lightly to him and drew him away. voice calling “ Mother, Mother!” I saw a form dimly—a Then, to explain her frivolity, she said to me that thus must man. she speak, to save his poor heart from breaking. My son had been seriously ill. My first thought was alarm Recently I was told that a spirit “ from the flames of for him. Then I remembered that he was safely asleep in war” would teil of the white light in which he now Stands. the adjoining room. When I asked Prudence Hopewell if she will speak for Again the voice cried out, “ Mother!” and then, bro- him, she says: “ Slipit mee the beit off the dure. Speken kenly, “ Oh, mother, I said I ’d come back, I said I ’d come hym for hiss ain. An’ thes troth!” (I slip the bolt of the back! ’ ’ From other inarticulate words I came to know that door. He speaks for himself. And this—truth!) something of the wreckage of the Bloody Sea had drifted I wait. I listen. It is Thursday, January 9, 1919. to my shore. His voice speaks. It is young, eager, broken as with joy A few nights after, a voice shot across the silence— that can not be restrained, as with tears that strangle joy. “ Walter Douglass.” Thereafter, at intervals, the voice ‘Will, Madam, Madam, someone teils me it is pos- tried to rivet my attention. sible----- ” (I am shaken with that vibrancy which is Once, Prudence Hopewell, the seventeenth Century spirit responsive to spirit presence. I feel that physical thrill like who speaks a beautiful, soft olden dialect—Northumbrian, an electric shoek or the convulsion of a chill, transmitted perhaps—a language which I do not know when it is first throiigh my being from the ground up; creeping, liashing, spoken—neither the words nor the archaic spelling of words whatever be the celerity of the transmission, from my feet 8 COMMUNICATION up. It is physical Sensation transrputed to spiritual eon- to the broken reed. I remembered a sermon the rector once seiousness.) preached when there had been a tragedy in the neighbor- He goes on----- hood. He said something about them1 that go down into the “ -----possible to go through all this, yet come out whole. deep waters and of the Hand that never looses hold on Once, on the banks of a river—Oh, it seems ages ago and them. I remembered, too, the choir sang about the Everlast- yet I am young in the world—I broke a reed in two and ing Arms. inade a whistle. I wondered, I remember, if Pan piped “ It was all clear. There was Mother, alive. Here was through one just like this. And then I got to wondering me, alive. Yet something had come between. But what if a broken reed could really pipe as well as one that just could come between Mother and me? I thought again of came softly and in its own fullness of time out of its place, the broken reed. Strange. On the banks of a river. And to the hands of someone who knew how to put breath long ago. through it. On the banks of a river long ago. So I ’m just “ Then someone stränge and very beautiful, stood beside like that broken reed. Well, say the stream was life. And me and said: ‘Suppose you come away with me a while?’ the hand that broke me was the red hand of war. It doesn’t “ Friendly, and fun in his eyes. But his mouth like that matter now—that part of it. A reed’s a reed. Here or of one of the pictures of the Christ I ’d seen somewhere. there. But someone has put the breath through me and I “ And say, Madam, I believe even Christ must liave fun pipe. in Hirn to help Hirn bear the bürden. I t ’s reasonable. The “ But Oh, Madam, first, if you don’t mind, I want dread- fellow that has no laugh in him goes down when it comes fully to get to my mother, to let her really know. You see, to bearing or doing things. It just seems to me that laughter she believes; religious, and all that; doesn’t doubt that we niakes a load lighter. That is, the laugh that keeps itself live again somewhere. She’s all right that way. And she’s inside. I say ‘fun,’ because that’s the word that comes not ugly abput this, you understand, about my getting in the first with me. I ’m young, you see. There was a fellow out way of one of those sweet little whizz-bangs. She knows there that took that damned business so serious you’d think I ’m kicking around somewhere, but I want to teil her how it was just his war and all the rest of us butters. He we live and that being a ghost outside is just as interesting never laughed at anything. Glowery. And at last it showed as playing a ghost inside. You know what I mean? No. why. He’d got all crooked with himself and God and the Well, Mother will. I t’s an illusion. Mother’s quick tq take country and his oath to do his damnedest to clean up that up things, quick at riddles, puzzles. Things of that kind. rotten muss, forgot all that and slunk. So it ended in a And games! Say, she can eheckmate every time. Funniest break-o’-day party for him and no ‘moaning at the bar.’ ” slow moving hand. Takes her time, and before you know it, (I put questions to him. Sometimes I have to check his sweeps everything her way and chucks you in a hole. Then volubility. “ Now, dear boy, try to answer concisely. About looks up and smiles as if she thought you liked it. when did you—go out? -Where? How may your Mother be “ She’s true-blue, Mother is. She’d fight for England reaehed?” ) herseif if there wasn’t any other way. And if you’ll just Again there is the eagerness that jeopards verity of say it this way—let me say it—that Walter Scott Douglass communication. Then, more steadily, as if w7eighing words: that went out with the Highlanders—from London, mind “ In the second year—I think. I was only in the thick you—calls back, “ Whoo-oo,” perhaps Mother will hear, of it a few weeks. Where? I can’t just say. I t ’s all somehow. Say that she’H remember when I came up to the smoky to me, like London in a fog. There’s a sound comes house I called that way—“ Whoo-oo”—and then a whistle. back to me like trams and trams over a cobble Street, great “ Mother’s people were far-fetched in their speech, eare- splits of sound, roars; gashes of red like great tongues lick- ful and stilted, you know, but father’s people were easier. ing up the fog; hard swallowings like a great throat swal- “ And so it happens I talk both ways. lowing all the men of the world. “ I went back once, after the call. I was to go back “ I remember there was a river, a woody place near, and again—it was when the traveler’s joy w’as blooming, I the ivaters of the river were roiled for some reason. remember—but something prevented. So I never saw home “ There was a town near, for we went there—some did—- again tili the night I walked up to the door—I don’t know for sweetmeats, such as we could get—biscuits, toffy balls, a how I got there—I remember leaning against something, funny sweet, sticky, with a string run through. You sucked tired, like I'd come miles—I called out, ‘Whoo-oo’ but no it down to the string. There w7as a girl there that had eyes one heard me. like stars when a cloud comes over. Brave! You wouldn’t “ When I went in—I don’t know how, I just was in—I think! With not a man of her people left, every one either smelled cake fresh in the air, and I feit all at once so alive. dead or still fighting for France. I remember how she Like something heavy had slipped off. Free, like when you twisted the English words and the boys would get her to strike water in swimming or when you slip your togs to say them just to see the fun of her face all breaking up get Teady for a raee. I thought I ’d slip up on my mother into dimples and smiling twists. A boy’s a boy even when and hide her eyes. I found her in the room that has the there’s bigger business on hand than laughing at a pretty low7 window giving to the west. She Was working at some­ girl. thing—sewing, I think—so I slipped behind her and clapped “ About that last question. Oh, dear, that’s the one I my hands over her eyes. But—she didn’t notice. It wasn’t want to answer most of all. like Mother, Tvho alw'ays played the game, ever since I was “ Well, then, there’s a road leading out of London a way. a lad. I want to be on that road, close, but not in the town. (He “ So I called out ‘Whoo-oo’ again, and w'histled. interrupts himself to ask, ‘You ever there?’ ‘No.’) “ That’s “ But she only got up in a stiff, sad way and went about not definite, of course, but I have to feel my way. The something eise. name slips. Things go. And I can’t get them back. I “ Then somehow, I was made to understand. I knew think you’d go from the heart of the town, or say, rather, about the broken reed. That was always the way with me. start at the Nelson monument, go west, then at the edge Things got all jumbled up, lessons or games or anything I turn north—that would be the road winds a little northwest, tried to think out. I just stumbled and got bewildered, and wouldn’t it?—past a ehurch with vines. There’s a coop- fussed. And then when I thought there never was such a erage, out a way. There’s a Margaret in my family; on dolt—others too!—why, there would come a still time when Mother’s side a Janet. On father’s side there was someone . things didn’t seem to matter, and suddenly it would all be that had lots of musie in him. My father didn’t always clear. Crystal. That way with me, then, when I got back agree with the Thunderer but he read it. The funny part COMMUNICATION 9

about bim is that he’s so very particular about the way the This is her word which is inexpressibly tender in the paper’s folded up when he’s through with it. speaking and which loses a little of its beauty in transla- “ I had a pally-mate that had been in longer than me. tion: “ Thank Him above us all, above the torn and wicked Shot through the throat. Jimmy Concannon. You’d guess world; even beyond us that dwell beneath His shining, that his forbears. Say to Mother about someone wearing the you are given such a sacred chanee to say to earth that beads for big neck.- But how to reach her? Death is just God’s jest to man, to help him laugh to this “ God! If a fellow only could! Wait...... side—forever!” There’s a George Enbright. There’s a man in Orders, that Then to herseif and to us, as though she folded something limps a little. Something in his youth.” infinitely precious in her sheltering arms: I say to him there are English papers that publish this “ Oh, I love the touch of a broken reed to my heart, dear truth about the dead—who have not died—that they can friends!” call back to their beloved. I suggest that if this word be sent to those papers, if this name and the attempt at iden- II tification, be printed by them, the mother of Walter Scott Douglass, killed in the Great War, may be found, I have THE CROSSING the faith that the needle in the haystack will leap to the Friday, January 10, 1919. magnet held above it. 11:30 A. M. Prudence Hopewell says: The wind today is like the tuning of a violin, ehanging “ Valters heem to thes vor thet thochts o’ harne gedder to new notes. But unlike an instrument in human hands, hiss strenth avay and binden hym ower fest to the erd Nature’s hands always bring forth harmonies; whispering aince mair. Bute vauntage hym aff knowleche here and or thundering waters; wind voices; singing leaves or grasses ahlins, vill verk cot the purpos aff hiss lif vram thes syde or swishing of grain in the fields. wi’ mor aff suete thone yeef Deth wenken hym nott to a That part of Nature which man permits expression in oder slepe. Yill speken hym off the vays aff here; or hcefen, and through himself, is harmony. It is when man, inven- or hei, ye zay, whech efre bee the feie o’ it, to ye—hcefen, tive or ruthless or ignorant, obtrudes unreasoning, subnor- ver that ye lern the use o’ thy soule’s wengs; or hei, ver mality on Nature’s sweet and calm reasonableness, that thet huiles to erd, ye tether ye wi’ the led off vikede dedes life deafens to discordance. an’ sinfu’ thochts. Bute my vord to the erd bee: Lufe ye thes suete new soule com to thy midst. Gif velcom to hiss But though dissonance threaten the music of life, har­ vord. And knowen threough hiss wee-lad knowleche, oder mony serene, untroubled, holds on, even though in under- grete and wisen, vill sift the gowd off knowleche mor sure tone. The birds have not forgotten to sing because wide- thone hiss. Threough ye mists an’ murks aff erd, vill eyed Grief lays its hand in the wounded side of France. Godde’s vowk (ye zay ‘angels?’—zay me, juist—'vowk’) The sun does not dim its shine because of blinded eyes in the world. The winds do not lose their sweetness because of sinnen the. licht of staren off troth. Cumfort heem, ablins, poure dere! and monv oder to the varld. Tay gif mee the moans of Belgium, chairge o’ hym. List to thet! Bee mee who cradlit nefre a No! And because jNature holds to /harmony, broken babby to my brest, a vvee moder.” souls somehow find their way out from the Place of Olives Which, authentieated by' careful research as a dialect of to the Mount of Transfiguration. Grief remembers that its early English forms, with a Scotch admixture, a border sister is Joy and fumbles an uncertain, shaking hand at tongue, translated, reads: the lock of the door which lies between; knowing that out of “ He falters to this, for that thoughts of home gather his the wound of Franee shall come balm for the world; that strength away and bind him over fast to the earth once out of the stink of a fester sore and the rotted deeadence more. But he profits him of knowledge here and perhaps of a nation there shall come moral sanitation and the spir­ •will w'ork out the purpose of his life from this side, with itual rehabiting of a shrunken and soul impoverished people. more of sweetness than if Death winked him not to another Every now and then this morning, after an interval of sleep. He will speak of the ways of Here. Or heaven or hush—a rest in a winter’s melody—love song or lullaby or hell, you say, whichever is the feel of it to you. Heaven, triumphal, as you interpret—there bursts an insistent motif. for that you learn the use of your soul’s w'ings. Or hell, The day is one of glorious sunshine, like the dream of a for that while to earth, you tether you with the lead of dead summer. The grasses are faded, to be sure, but that wicked deeds and sinful thoughts. But my word to the is only the mist of the dream. There is a reminder of June earth is: Love you this dear new soul eome to your midst. in the sapphire jeweis of sky pinning white clouds together. Give welcome to his word. And know, through his little-lad The window before which I write, frames a lovely picture. knowledg?, others, great and wise, will sift the gold of The evergreens are in faded green, their color has “ run” a knowledge more sure than his. Through the mists and little, through washings of summer dews and autumn mists, murkiness of earth, will God’s folk (you say ‘ angels ’? I the last exhalations of Nature’s growing things. The win­ say ‘folk’) shine the light of stars of truth. Comfort him, ter winds and rains have beaten the last leaves from the perhaps, poor dear! And many others to the world. They orchard trees but their gray branches are graceful reminders give me Charge of him. Listen to that! Me that cradled of vibrant, pulsing life beneath outer coverings. If vibrancy never a baby to my breast, a little mother.” is restrained, if pulsation is slow—well, the soul of things Her mood changes gaily. “ Well, weel, com here, ye lives on. grete lad,” sbe calls, “ and prey ye to thy moder’s knes?’ Sometimes, sitting alone before the pleasant fireplace with Then, seriously and sweetly she says to the “ grete lad’ the green wood trickling wordless songs and the dry wood Standing somewhere among the gray shadows v'hose silver orchestrating, I have heard a persistent melody running linings are turned to him: ‘ ‘ Thonken Hym aboon us alle; underneath what seemed at first merely happy harmoniza- aboon the tore and vikede varld; efen von us thet biden tion of wind sounds. There has been a' motif, insistent, neath Hiss shine, thet ye been gi’en sic a suete chaunce to recurrent, so that if my musicianly sense could hold it as speken the erd thet Deth been juist Godde’s jest to man to readily as my heart holds it, it could be reproduced at the holp hym lauch to thes syde—vor efre! ’ ’ instrument; not in its delicacy at the piano. It is a motif To herseif and to us: “ Oh, lufe mee the toche off a for stringed instruments, possibly for reed. It is haunting, breken rede to my hairt, suete vreends.” exquisite, with staccatos, Crescendos and emphasizing an-

4 ■ 10 COMMUNICATION dantes. But the tuning or the toning of me is inadequate, and said, ‘My, but that smells good,’ and always stayed tili imperfect. There is the musieian sense but not that divine she got a taste. Little things like that. touch which falls on a Master and enables him to interpret “ Funny you don’t forget little things, isn’t it? Now, the songs without words. some of the big things for me, like the end of it—that vomit I have come to know, tbrough a subtle delieaey of hear­ of hell that I wallowed in before I got Here, that’s all hazy, ing, intensified by cultivation of the psyebie gift, that there like a black dream. is a world of definitive location, between the world of physi- “ I was a cheer-up sort back there, so it sticks. Any- cal sense and that of spirit. Nature plays on muted strings. how, what’s the use now of grooching? There’s—Here!— The physieal sense of hearing is eognizant of the muted mel- and that’s enough for me...... Ladykin would love ody, delicate, exquisite, of swaying rhythm, clear toning, har- the flowers Here. She’d fill her skirt full and her hat mony. For the physieal plane, as the psychic, is a thing trimmed like she used to. [This plainly is an interpolation, of gradations. As I am sensitive to degrees of clairvoyanee for he says, “ Say, that wasn’t my word. I don’t know and clairaudience, my naturally keen physieal hearing any Ladykin. Sounds like a dog’s name. My dog once abetted by the musicianly hearing, makes me sensitive to was Bruce. But a fellow Here got his come-in on this and toning that you may not hear at all; or that you, having says someone will know. You ought to see them crowding more sensitive unfoldment, may hear more clearly than I about!—Here! Quit your jostling!—all anxious to get a hear it. You may travel through that world of song and word in.] But someone—the man with the fun in his eyes diseover another song world of still finer musie. You may and the Christ mouth, just puts his hands on their shoulders hear the fading reverberations of a tone struck from a and they quiet down. piano keyboard, while my ear hears it only in its first pro- “ All but one—young Jew—and he seems to think it’s a duetion. Tonal receptivity determines the degree. personal matter that the man looks like the picture I told It is not imaginative hearing, it is not vagary. you of. You ought to see him—the helping man, I mean— old and yet so young, like a fellow that’s lived thousands of The physieal plane as well as the psychic plane, implies years just because he’s lived through every youth that he’s gradations, degrees. ever touch ed. There are layers of sound; not eehoes, but finer expres- “ You can’t get away from his eyes that make you think sions. of earth—all the pleasant, funny things of it; and his mouth It is possible that one might have this eognition of hidden that seems to hold back something, always holding back, melodies on the physieal plane, yet be nonpereeptive, non- like there are things he can teil but won’t because we aren’t cognizant on the purely psychic plane. But for him who ready for the telling. Something like that. I go hook on possesses both spiritual pereipiency and physieal keenness, saying things inside out. But I do wish that bally Jew there is, indeed, a world of song builded about the duller would wake up. monotone of life. The last faint tone-material melts into “ The bloody sinn er’s in the sulks. Won’t see that Here’s the first expression of melody spiritual. As the last earthly like a new billet. You’ve got to look around a bit before exhalation blends with the first spiritual inhalation after you go to grooching. If you break camp at night you’re life’s uneertain dream has faded in the glorious awakening pretty lucky to strike a dry spot by morning, I think. Irri- to reality. The five senses uniting in the sixth, produce the tating. That Jew. When he really does wake up and knows seventh sense, which is that of spirit, of revelation. he ’s got to stay Here! Whew-ee! I ’ll lose myself a few Thus is clairaudience understandable; not one of the while he grounds his emotions. mysteries, but a revelation whose shining perhaps has not “ Now we seem to be alone, the man and me. yet fully fallen our way. “ He shows me the way to this. Oh, well, doesn’t show The world may shout and I do not hear; neither praise me—I ’m a dub—but tries to. Doesn’t seem to mind my nor blame, neither exaltation nor blasphemy. dullness. Patient. My soul whispers and I respond. And clearer than the “ Somehow, I think of w-hat the reetor said of the Way world’s shout is the voice of my friend who speaks with of the Cross. At Eastertide. Not Catholic, you know, but shadows over his mouth. he had a good deal of the mystic about him. He said that When a faltering touch sweeps the strings of my soul’s the Way of the Cross is the way of every soul that ever harp, I listen—until the harping is more eertain. really amounts to any thing; that it is only by carry ing what I stumble on, catching here at a tone to give me courage, life giyes you to carry like a man, and just going on the way, and here at a pause to gather confidence, out from the world not counting the steps, that you really reaeh eternal life. of glorious winter sunshine and singing winds, to the inner “ I didn’t think much about it then. The appeal of the world of melodies. sermon was in the bearing things like a man. I think that As the touch on the harp becomes surer, stronger, I know was the splendid thing about Christ-—that He was such a that the Wise Ones who mantle me with the grace of a finer man. • expression at times, are tuning my harp to new melody, are ‘ ‘ He didn ’t whimper. bringing coneord between me and another so that there may “ I teil you we cleaned whimperers out, there at that be at least suggested the music which beats all about us and door of hell. We just made them stiften up. One six-foot which we may dimly comprehend but never,—never!—unless leggy thing that had got into uniform by mistake, looked we be of the Masters,—quite hold. like a bag of ashes when he heard his first gun, but a five- I fare toward Quietude, my staff a prayer; Yea, an thou foot-four Sergeant—got seratched himself afterward and wilt. (clicks his tongue in a hole that used to be a part of his face There is the reed whistle, a boyish—“ Whoo-oo,” and----- map—tough on his people, poor devil!—just got behind that “ Oh, Madam, there are so many things I ’d like to say— bloody son of fear, and kicked him tili you didn’t know about earth, you know. There was the dog with the yellow whether ’twas ashes he was or sawdust. But he stuck! face and the duck that had the string around its leg and got And by George! you ’d begin to think maybe he ’d got a eaught. The time when Mother was so ill and we tiptoed little sand mixed in. West. But didn’t slink. That’s what about the house, and the smell of that drug all through I thought first time I went in: Lord, let me stand up like made you think of hospitals and apothecaries’ shops. Then a man, don ’t care how I fall. Queer sort of prayer. But there was the primrose that Mother loved for the smell and it boosted a lily-livered minute all right. color. A long time ago when she first knew father she had “ But about eternal life. That’s set me to wondering a gown the color of a primrose. That’s why. Here. Where does life begin and leave off? He says not COMMUNICATION 11 to worry. That life is just like love, that it doesn’t begin a star in a white mist. Or like a dead, very young child. or doesn’t end. It just is. But I like to get into things. Or like the boys in the choir when the sun came out and That’s what my Mother used to say. Sometimes sighed. touched up their surpliees tili they seemed white angels “ The thing I like about tbis plaee is, it’s comfortable. gathered about the throne and not just little rascals that in Out tbere we were eitber too cold or too hot or too tired or an hour’s time would be dirty fisted and squaking any- too sleepy or too anytbing tbat meant being uncomfortable. thing but Venite Adoramus. But Here you don’t think anything about whether you’re “ It hurt. The broken tree. More than when I saw one comfortable or not. You just are. of the fellows stretched out. I can’t explain and that “ Maybe it’s thinking about discomfort makes it. (That sounds brutal, materialistic. But it isn’t. I t ’s because damned Jew again! He keeps sticking his fingers in his over there life wTrote stories for me on the red page. More ears and swallowing like a gaffed fish.)” even than in the quiet time. I grew. I found meanings in [I say to him to be careful, to make every word eount. things. Talking of leaves. Stars, when we had to lie out. And he answers:] Fellows’ lives. Like I ’d begun to get ready. Whew-ee) “ I know. But there are so many things. And the fel- Well to be on time. lows keep calling out. He says tbat after while when “ I asked him—the man—about the Crossing over. I ’ve learned how better, I can be alone when I like to be “ He says it’s aeeording to your way of looking at it. alone. He says earth bas a hold on me yet, it bas on most Queer answer. That the soul part of you determines your at first. Tbat is,.the feeling of earth. He says you can’t Way of the Cross. And the way of Crossing. Some will think the earth away. You bave to live it away. Tbere or always teil of the shining bridge they tramped over. They Here. Seems to bave a meaning, for his eyes grow far, teil you they just suddenly found some of the Company when he says it and his mouth sad. But I ’m dull. And gathered together beside a stream they didn’t know, hadn’t too, I ’m young. Understand?” seen before, not so elear, but a stränge light in the waters— Tben, apparently striving for coneentration, be speaks luminous, that’s it—created its own light, shone itself out. more slowly. Like some things Here. Clothes and yes—faces. All shin­ “ He says the atmosphere to tbis side is ehanged for a ing bright, like the light comes from inside. Mostly light while; tbat so much young life spilled in is like when a strikes on a thing to make it shine.” « spring rain eomes to earth—there’s a fresher look to every- (His voice, running his words together frequently in his thing. Like when Windows are opened and fresh air comes eager friendliness, breaks on a cough. “ Not that I ’ve got into the room. (Oh, say, my Mother had the maid open one it Here,” he explains, “ but getting back elose to earth, you window up and one down—from the top, you know—when get the feel of things you used to have. And if imagina- she cleaned the rooms, brooms and rugs and dust, you know. tion’s a part of a fellow once, it stays, don’t it? ” ) But Here every thing’s opened up.) “ About the light. He says the soul makes its own light, “ He says that the youth of Jesus was the greatest asset that no soul can walk by another’s light or in another’s (his word, that) in the spreading of the gospel of love; that light. If you try to stand in another’s light, you get only if He had heen old and suffered and died, the world wouldn’t shadows. Grey. Or clouds. Black. That way. have cared so greatly, that it was killed youth that hurt. “ So they’ll teil you they came crowding across the shin­ Youth and its promise, its bloom, its fragrance, its morn- ing bridge, some not minding where they went or how. ing for the dusks of the evening to look back to and be Some weak, so the fellows had to help them, arm them, you glad and sad about all at the same time. But then, say, know, chuck hold the elbow and walk them on, like when a Judas was young, too, wasn’t he? No one seems to have fellow’s not hard hit but dazed, gone plunk. The bridge gone mad with grief over him. Bet- you what? Judas has all light, shining like when the sun used to eome in at the got mixed up with the Huns somehow. What you think?” vesper Service in the church and fall across the altar and (I laugh back, “ But you must weigh your words. There the white cloth with the gold threads working fiowers in it. is only so much strength at a time to this.” That is, to I remember how I used to love vespers just for that. Some­ communication.) times, when I got too close to myself over things like that, “ Well, Peter, now. Peter was a liar—at least along about I feit wicked, like I ’d exalted things of the flesh over things cock crow—wasn’t he?” And then, seriously: “ Tes, I of the spirit—gold lights and shadows that were grey eur- know, Madam. I ’ll be good.” tains in the eomers. Things like that. He goes on: “ He says it was the killed youth in the war that hurt. “ Once I asked the rector—somewhat slow, you know— “ That when the world loses youth it ’s like having a per- a hoy don’t like to speak out his inside seif—but the rector petual eloud over the sun. That it was the killed youth in understood. Jolly good sort. He’d been young. the war that made the wmrld’s heart so heavy, like when a “ So I always looked for a sunny afternoon, after that, storm cuts down grain in the ripening or trees or fiowers when I went to vespers. There’d sure to be the light across in the budding. So it was the youth, not just the bodies, the altar. you Understand, not just him standing there or him standing “ The rector laughed when I told him why I didn’t eome here; not that it’s a lord’s heir or a commoner’s son; not regularly. Then he sighed. And said something about a that it’s rieh or poor, or proud or humble, or even good man’s esthetie sense being maybe the index of his spiritual or bad—I ’d say different about that, wouldn’t you? but sense. that it’s youth all put together—the things it means ambi- “ But he sighed. tion and talent and genius and love. Love! He says that s “ After that I went once to vespers on a grey, misted the really dreadful thing about killed youth or lost youth. afternoon. Just to be square and even things up. The That love must be stayed for a while. His word, that rector was the squarest sport I ’ve ever known. stayed. It does just seem as if a big brutal hand had squeezed life dry and thrown it in our faces. “ That day he preached—Oh, no, just talked, like we were “ Once out there I saw a flowering tree cut down. All all brothers, and him the littlest of us all—about the steps misty-white like a soft veil over the thing that had been that lead down to hell. The altar cloth was like a white a living sign of new earth a little while before. ^ It hurt. splotch on a grey background. And the boys’ surpliees It made me think of communion when the little girls seem made me think of shrouds, where you lie with one hand over to walk in a place to themselves, like a garden all of sweet, your stomach, like your last hurting was there. Give me white fiowers. Or of weddings with the bride lookmg like sunshine! 12 COM M U\N IßATION

“ The Crossing over. Other fellows will teil you they\ candle stik, the glome off grey goons to the singers i ’ the dropped asleep between bullets and vvoke up Here. Then loft; the grey aff weerds, keeking the mists o’ tyme. drop off to sleep again. You can’t make them believe what’s “ But, suete vreonds, knowen ye thes: An so thy altar happened. They don’t want to believe, tliey're not inter- cluth bee huite, ye sali zee juist a slaunch o’ sonne— ested. They soak in the comfort. I t ’s fine to feel decent; hoefen ’s smile—shinen oot and glent the gowd threde twest- not caked in mud and sopped like a floor rag. ing flowren. “ One fellow told me he slid in on a star. Could you “ The temple bee thy soule; ye preest, thy seife; the come one better than that? Actually believes it. Says he altar cluth wha thy spindle and distaff weven wi’ the flax saw the star Corning his way. Someone yelled to him to look o’ life; and thy honds broider wi’ gowden smiles and silvern out—nowhere to look but out—and next thing he knew tearen.“ Here he was. And you can’t make him believe a German Which, rendered in modern English, reads: bomb hit him to the path of glory. “ I say of the bridge: Between heaven and earth there ‘ ‘ Another one, a soft-eyed ehap, says his mother saw he is a bridge, a stair, a ladder—what you will—whatever is was getting tired of all that mix-up and leaned down—this your soul’s Iure at the hour when the soul parts from the way!—and lifted him away. I don’t argue that. His body. You imagine that, only. If you are near to earth at mother was Here. the last breath, perhaps you go forth over a bridge. That “ Another one says quite as if he believes it and expects fits to your spent strength. Just to cross over and not feel you to, that he was out there on the ground, with a hole in the weariness of climbing. his side. And that while he was wondering how long it “ But if dream leads you gently on, then perhaps you would take to pour out all the blood in a chap’s body, from elimb a mount that shines you thé way—and up. Or a lad­ a hole in his side, and what would his people say when they der with rungs of light; or a stair with steps of gold. got word from the War Office, he saw Jesus bending over “ Some sleep to Here; some weep to Here; some just fold him. their eyes, like the little petals of a flower, drooping under “ Jesus! Think of that! the weight of a heavy dew. But to this side the crystal “ Then somehow, he got to thinking of the green pastures dews are fingers of light to warm those .petals to their wide and the still waters—thirsty, likely, poor chap!—and say, unfoldment. And sometimes the remembrance of a gray you ouglit to heaP the rectqr read that, the sheep psalm—• day while on earth, passes its gray hand over the face of and that Jesus just smiled him into sleep. And he woke up heaven, and then, for a breath, you think the stars hold Here. their torches light down [inverted]. You see, as saw the “ Strange!“ lad of this tale, gray shadows to the temple of your soul; (“ How did you cross over, Walter Douglass!“ I ask.) gray veils back of the holy candle-stick; the gloom of gray His tone is laughing. “ Well, I didn’t run. I droppéd.“ gowns to the singers in the loft; the gray of ghosts, peer- Then he goes on, more seriously: “ I remember the awful ing through the mists of time. noise and the red tongues licking up men. There were cries “ But, dear friends, know you this: If your cloth be and shouts and oaths and prayers—half prayers, maybe, white, you shall just see a slant of sun—heaven’s smile,— choked on oaths. A fellow isn’t too particular staging that shine and glint the gold thread, twisting flowers. kind of a show. “ The temple-is your soul; the priest, yqurself, the altar “ Then a red tongue licked me up and when I was vom- cloth what your spindle and distaff weave with the flax of ited back out of that hard swallowing throat, there I was life; and your hands embroider with golden smiles and silver with other fellows standing ’round waiting for something tears.” to happen, new Orders, maybe. But the officers I saw, The day is done. looked groggy. My harp is hung on the wall. “ Someone in this stränge new Company began moying The door is closed, but the Hand on the Other Side will and the others followed—most of them. I ’m one that not lose the key. tramped over the shining bridge. Someone says that bridge (To be continued.) was stars strung together. Such an absurd idea. The bombs don’t thread stars. They scatter ’em.” There are so many good things to teil about Spiritualism, And, if the concord between him and me was broken for and about those earthly instruments, the mediums, who have a time or if he willingly grew silent, I do not know. Only— brought it to its present high state, that we look forward to the strings of my harp were pitched to another key and the time when “ Communication“ will contain many more Prudence Hopewell said with authority: pages. You can help bring that period about, beeause every “ Zay mee aff the brig. Atween hoefen and erd, tare been time you get a new subscriber, you add to the strength of a brig, a stare, a ledder—vvha ye vill, wha efre bee thy this work. soule’s coax at the houre vone the soule dispairts vram the body. Ye image thet, onli. Yeef ye bee nere to erd at the We must not expect all humor to go out of life. It is good laist breth, ablins, ye furth-on ofer a brig. Thet fitten to to laugh, but one may laugh without ridiculing. There ,is a thy spent strenth. Juist to cros ofer and nott vele the heap of difference between the two forms of merriment. weari off clomben. Laughing about things, and at them, eomprise divergent “ Bute yeef dreme lede ye gyntly on, thone ablins, ye points of view. Laugh with your friends, but not at them. clomb a mont thet shinen ye the vay—and oop. Or a ledder When laughter takes on the form of censure, it ceases to. be wi’ rungs aff licht; or a stare wi’ steppes off gowd. luimor, and does you more harm than good. “ Som slepe to Here; some vepen to Here; some juist foulen tare yen, liken the wee petals aff a flure drupen onder “ The Bilde says, ‘Try the spirits,’ ’’ is the warning of the vate off a hevy dew. Bute to thes syde the crystal dews many who claim to be versed in Biblical lore. Then they bee vingres aff licht to varme tarn petals to tare sid unfould- quote one little verse of fifty words, out of a total of eight ment. And som tymes ye membrance aff a grey daye huile hundred thousand or more words eomprising the Bible, and on erd, passes its grey hond ofer the face off hoefen. and say, “ Behold, this verse is the Scriptures.“ Any one can thone, vor a breth, ye thinken ye Staren haud tare torches turn to several other verses that appear to be direct contra- licht doon. dictions of the one quoted. Until all related parts of the “ Ye zee, liken zawn the laddie off thes tayl, grey scha­ Bible are considered that cover one subject, no one has a dewes to the temple off thy soule; grey vales yent the holy right to say what the Scriptures mean. AFR 101920 ^ , / ©CLA578867 COMMU NI T I 0 N 13 Do "Ruling Passiöns” Survive Death?

By HARRY E. TUDOR (Copyright, 1920, by Harry E. Tudor)

In this—the first—publication of one of many instances of my personal experience of the truth of spirit communication and proof of the survival of human personality after “ the change ealled death,“ it affords me unqualified pleasure to pay a slight tribute to the personal eharacteristics and, moreover, to the supernormal gifts of Mr. Frank Montsko, Pastor-Medium of the First Spiritual Chureh of New York City. Three years of the most intimate acquaintance with Mr. Montsko—both in the exereise of his arduous and, at times, strength-exhausting ealling and in his day-by-day domestic life—has served to impress me with a deep regard for his steadfast truth-adhering observance, and his never-faltering apprecia- tion of the responsibilities entrusted to his keeping.—Harry E. Tudor.

Even though many of the more eminent men of the worlds wit, glib tongue and sympathetic (!) nature that constitutes of Science and thought have arrayed themselves on the side the stock-in-trade of the mediumistic charlatan. In several of the belief that human personality survives “ the change instances I noted a “ To-Rent“ sign in the Windows of called death,“ and that, in consequence, there is a universal houses where I had, a few days previously, sought to “ try vvidening of a conviction that communication with spirits the spirits.” It may be that the form of my inquiries and has assumed the character of an estab- my behavior during a “ sitting” gave lished fact, one hesitates betöre rise to a suspieion that my business “ rushing into print” with narratives may have been other than of its pro- of personal experience in directions fessed character. I may add that the where religious creeds—-in lesser or first months of earnest quest resulted greater degree—enter into controversy in aceumulation of material suffieient or discussion that must, inevitably, fol- to fill a dozen volumes on the subject low. of human gullibility. Insofar as my personal attitude It can be readily appreciated that towards communication with spirits is the revival of spiritualistic belief has concerned, I may say that there is nothing of the “ emotional“ in my widened the scope of the fraudulent temperament, and that, throughout my medium, and that the death-toll of business career, I have been engaged the war provided an asset of incal- only in activities of the most “ mate­ culable advantage for the ghouls who rial“ Order, and offering little time or fattened on the grief of mother-love scope for consideration of other than in the reported death of a son or the mundane aifairs. With the ending of anxiety where news was a-wanting of twenty-five years of world-travel, cir- the safety, or otherwise, of a well- cumstanees have permitted a settled- beloved. The works of Sir Oliver down condition, and, some two years Lodge, and of the many other scien- ago, occasioned an interest in the Prob­ tists who share the opinions of that lem of the after-life. After reading eminent mind of the thinking world, “ Raymond“—and with due apprecia- served other purposes than those in- tion of the standing of its author in tended, though these works, in every scientific circles—I determined, so far instance, warn readers against those as possible, to solve the psychic riddle who trade upon the widely-spread for myself. interest manifested in “ Raymond“ I may assert, unhesitatingly, that no JOHN GBNTNEH and similar publications. However, scientific or lay investigator of the (“Bonavlta”) charlatanism and fraud may be found occult has entered upon research into From a Photograph taken during the pan- —if sought for—in every profession American Exposition at Buffalo where he first this eomplex sub.ject with more and achieved fame as the most remarkable lion where human faith has to be mani­ trainer that ever lived in his educating- a deeper-rooted skepticism than myself. group of twenty-seven lions and, throughout fested, and my present intent is not Unbiased by the study of every au- their training and presentation, using only a in the direction of an exposé. bugg-y whip (to stroke them until having won thoritive work yet published, dealing their confidence sufficiently to permit his with psychic phenomena in its every using his hands for that purpose), and an It is merely coincidental that for, ordinary kitchen chair, the legs of which pro­ now, almost two years, I have been form, I prepared myself to condemn vided his only protection against being at- and expose the faintest suspieion of tacked by his carnivorous pupils. urged by many of my friends, to write fraud and imposture that I might come and publish the life-story of one of across in my quest. the most remarkable men of his time, Had I have exercised this, latter, purpose to the extent and between whom and myself existed a “ Dämon and that my experience warranted, I should have been as busy Pythias“ friendship for many years prior to his tragie death as the entire stafif of a District Attorney’s office, but, with no in 1917. Standing alone in his unorthodox and hazardous ambition to pose as a Public Prosecutor, contented myself profession, his admirers in the United States and Europe with warning many that had, palpably, fallen under^ the were numbered in the hundreds of thousands during the few spell of one or another of the “ chaveliers d Industrie to years of his Professional career, and that there would have be found in all large cities—that find exemption from the been an acceptable demand for the book was undoubted. necessity to “ toil or spin” beyond the exereise of the ready After several abortive attempts to, in my opinion, do justice 12 COMM U\N PATION

“ The Crossing over. Other fellowg will teil you they\ candle stik, the glome off grey goons to the singers i’ the dropped asleep between bullets and woke up Here. Then 'loft; the grey aff weerds, keeking the mists o ’ tyme. drop off to sleep again. You can’t make them believe what’s “ But, suete vreonds, knowen ye thes: An so thy altar happened. They don’t want to believe, they’re not inter- cluth bee huite, ye sali zee juist a slaunch o’ sonne— ested. They soak in the comfort. I t ’s fine to feel decent; hoefen’s smile—shinen oot and glent the gowd threde twest- not eaked in mud and sopped like a floor rag. ing flowren. “ One fellow told me he slid in on a star. Could you “ The temple bee thy soule; ye preest, thy seife; tbe come one better than that ? Aetually believes it. Says he altar cluth wha thy spindle and distaff weven wi’ the flax saw the star coming his way. Someone yelled to him to look o ’ life; and thy honds broider wi ’ gowden smiles and silvern out—nowhere to look but out—and next thing he knew tearen.“ Here he was. And you can’t make him believe a German Which, rendered in modern English, reads: bomb hit him to the path of glory. “ I say of the bridge: Between heaven and earth there ‘ ‘ Another one, a soft-eyed chap, says his mother saw he is a bridge, a stair, a ladder—what you will—whatever is was getting tired of all that mix-up and leaned down—this your soul’s Iure at the hour when the soul parts from the way!—and lifted him away. I don’t argue that. His body. You imagine that, only. If you are near to earth at mother was Here. the last breath, perhaps you go forth over a bridge. That “ Another one says quite as if he believes it and expects fits to your spent strength. Just to cross over and not feel you to, that he was out there on the ground, with a hole in the weariness of climbing. his side. And that while he was wondering how long it “ But if dream leads you gently on, then perhaps you would take to pour out all the blood in a chap’s body, from climb a mount that shines you thé way—and up. Or a lad­ a hole in his side, and what would his people say when they der with rungs of light; or a stair with steps of gold. got word from the War Office, he saw Jesus bending over “ Some sleep to Here; some weep to Here; some just fohl him. their eyes, like the little petals of a flower, drooping under “ Jesus! Think of that! the weight of a heavy dew. But to this side the crystal “ Then somehow, he got to thinking of the green pastures dews are fingers of light to warm those .petals to their wide and the still waters—thirsty, likely, poor chap!—and say, unfoldment. And sometimes the remembrance of a gray you ought to heaP the rectqr read that, the sheep psalm— day while on earth, passes its gray hand over the face of and that Jesus just smiled him into sleep. And he woke up heaven, and then, for a breath, you think the stars hold Here. their torches light down [inverted]. You see, as saw the “ Strange!“ lad of this tale, gray shadows to the temple of your soul; (“ How did you cross over, Walter Douglass?“ I ask.) gray veils back of the holy candle-stick; the gloom of gray His tone is laughing. “ Well, I didn’t run. I droppéd.“ gowns to the singers in the loft; the gray of ghosts, peer- Then he goes on, more seriously: “ I remember the awful ing through the mists of time. noise and the red tongues licking up men. There were cries ‘ ‘ But, dear friends, know you this: If your cloth be and shouts and oaths and prayers—half prayers, maybe, white, you shall just see a slant of sun—heaven’s smile,— choked on oaths. A fellow isn’t too particular staging that shine and glint the gold thread, twisting flowers. kind of a show. “ The temple-is your soul; the priest, yourself, the altar “ Then a red tongue lieked me up and when I was vom- cloth what your spindle and distaff weave with the flax of ited back out of that hard swallowing throat, there I was life; and your hands embroider with golden smiles and silver with other fellows standing ’round waiting for something tears.“ to happen, new Orders, maybe. But the officers I saw, The day is done. looked groggy. My harp is hung on the wall. “ Someone in this stränge new Company began moying The door is closed, but the Hand on the Other Side will and the others followed—most of them. Ihn one that not lose the key. tramped over the shining bridge. Someone says that bridge (To be continued.) was stars strung together. Such an absurd idea. The bombs don’t thread stars. They scatter ’em.“ There are so many good things to teil about Spiritualism, And, if the coneord between him and me was broken for and about those earthly instruments, the mediums, who have a time or if he willingly grew silent, I do not know. Only— brought it to its present high state, that we look forward to the strings of my harp were pitched to another key and the time when “ Communication“ will contain many more Prudence Hopewell said with authority: pages. You can help bring that period about, because every “ Zay mee aff the brig. Atween hrofen and erd, tare been time you get a new subscriber, you add to the strength of a brig, a stare, a ledder—wha ye vill, wha efre bee thy this work. soule’s coax at the houre vone the soule dispairts vram the body. Ye image thet, onli. Yeef ye bee nere to erd at the IV e must not expect all humor to go out of life. It is good laist breth, ablins, ye furth-on ofer a brig. Thet fitten to to laugh, but one may laugh without ridiculing. There is a thy spent strenth. Juist to cros ofer and nott vele the heap of differenee between the two forms of merriment. weari off clomben. Laughing about things, and at them, eomprise divergent “ Bute yeef dreme lede ye gyntly on. thone ablins, ye points of view. Laugh with your friends, but not at them. clomb a mont thet shinen ye the vay—and oop. Or a ledder When laughter takes on the form of eensure, it ceases to. be wi’ rungs aff licht; or a stare wi’ steppes oft gowd. humor, and does you more harm than good. “ Som slepe to Here; some vepen to Here; some juist foulen tare yen, liken the wee petals aff a flure drupen onder “ The Bible says, ‘Try the spirits,’ ’’ is the warning of the vate off a hevy dew. Bute to thes syde the crystal dews many who claim to be versed in Biblical lore. Then they bee vingres aff licht to varme tarn petals to tare sid unfould- quote one little verse of fifty words, out of a total of eight ment. And som tymes ye membrance aff a grey daye huile hundred thousand or more words comprising the Bible, and on erd, passes its grey hond ofer the face off hcefen.and say, “ Behold, this verse is the Scriptures.“ Any one can thone, vor a breth, ye thinken ye staren haud tare torches turn to several other verses that appear to be direct contra- lieht doon. dictions of the one quoted. Until all related parts of the “ Ye zee, liken zawn the laddie off thes tayl, grey scha­ Bible are considered that cover one subject, no one has a dewes to the temple off thy soule; grey vales yent the holy right to say what the Scriptures mean. APR 10 1920 ^ / / ©CI.A578S67 COMMUNI^ATION 13 Do ^Ruling Passiöns” Survive Death?

By HARRY E. TUDOR (Copyright, 1920, by Harry E. Tudor)

In this—the first—publication of one of many instances of my personal experience of the truth of spirit communication and proof of the survival of human personality after “ the ehange called death,” it affords me unqualified pleasure to pay a siight tribute to the personal characteristics and, moreover, to the supernormal gifts of Mr. Frank Montsko, Pastor-Medium of the First Spiritual Church of New York City. Three years of the most intimate aequaintanee with Mr. Montsko—both in the exereise of his arduous and, at times, strength-exhausting calling and in his day-by-day domestie life—has served to impress me with a deep regard for his steadfast truth-adhering observance, and his never faltering apprecia- tion of the responsibilities entrusted to his keeping.—Harry E. Tudor.

Even though many of the more eminent men of the worlds wit, glib tongue and sympathetic (!) nature that constitutes of Science and thought have arrayed themselves on the side the stock-in-trade of the mediumistic eharlatan. In several of the belief that human personality survives “ the ehange instances I noted a “ To-Rent” sign in the Windows of called death,” and that, in consequence, there is a universal houses where I had, a few days previously, sought to “ try widening of a convietion that communication with spirits the spirits.” It may be that the form of my inquiries and has assumed the eharacter of an estab- my behavior during a “ sitting” gave lished faet, one hesitates before rise to a suspicion that my business “ rushing into print” with narratives may have been other than of its pro- of personal experience in directions fessed eharacter. I may add that the where religious creeds—in lesser or flrst months of earnest quest resulted greater degree—enter into controversy in accumulation of material sufficient or discussion that must, inevitably, fol- to fill a dozen volumes on the subject low. of human gullibility. Insofar as my personal attitude It can be readily appreciated that towards communication with spirits is the revival of spiritualistic belief has concerned, I may say that there is nothing of the “ emotional” in my widened the scope of the fraudulent temperament, and that, throughout my medium, and that the death-toll of business career, I have heen engaged the war provided an asset of incal- only in activities of the most “ mate­ culable advantage for the ghouls who rial ’ ’ Order, and offering little time or fattened on the grief of mother-love scope for consideration of other than in the reported death of a son or the mundane affairs. With the ending of anxiety where news was a-wanting of twenty-five years of world-travel, cir- the safety, or otherwise, of a well- cumstances have permitted a settled- beloved. The works of Sir Oliver down condition, and, some two years Lodge, and of the many other seien- ago, occasioned an interest in the Prob­ tists who share the opinions of that lem of the after-life. After reading eminent mind of the thinking world, “ Raymond”—and with due apprecia- served other purposes than those in- tion of the standing of its author in tended, though these works, in every scientific circles—I determined, so far instance, warn readers against those as possible, to solve the psychic riddle who trade upon the widely-spread for myself. interest manifested in “ Raymond” I may assert, unhesitatingly, that no JOHN GENTMER and similar publications. However, scientific or lay investigator of the (“Bonavita”) charlatanism and fraud may be found occult has entered upon research into From a Photograph taken during the pan- —if sought for—in every profession American Exposition at Buffalo where he flrst this eomplex subject with more and achieved fame as the most remarkable lion where human faith has to be mani­ trainer that ever lived in his educating a deeper-rooted skepticism than myself. group of twenty-seven lions and, throughout fested, and my present intent is not Unbiased by the study of every au- their training and presentation. using only a in the direction of an exposé. buggy whip (to stroke them until having won thoritive work yet published, dealing their confidence suffleiently to permit his with psychic phenomena in its every using his hands for that purpose), and an It is merely coincidental that for, ordinary kitchen chair, the legs of which pro­ now, almost two years, I have been form, I prepared myself to condemn vided his only protection against being at- and expose the faintest suspicion of tacked by his carnivorous pupils. urged by many of my friends, to write fraud and imposture that I might come and publish the life-story of one of across in my quest. the most remarkable men of his time, Had I have exercised this, latter, purpose to the extent and between whom and myself existed a “ Dämon and that my experience warranted, I should have been as busy Pythias” friendship for many years prior to his tragic death as the entire staif of a District Attorney’s office, but, with no in 1917. Standing alone in his unorthodox and hazardous ambition to pose as a Public Prosecutor, contented myself profession, his admirers in the United States and Europe with warning many that had, palpably, fallen under the were numbered in the hundreds of thousands during the few spell of one or another of the “ chaveliers d ’industrie to years of his Professional career, and that there would have be found in all large cities—that find exemption from the been an acceptable demand for the book was undoubted. neeessity to “ toil or spin” beyond the exereise of the ready After several abortive attempts to, in my opinion, do justice 14 COMMÜNJCATION

“Bonavita's” favorite group-posing of the twenty-seven magniflcent jungle-bred South African lions whose training represented the most remarkable example of carnivorous wild animal subjugation ever known. to my friend’s qualities and memory, as a biographer, I “ Captain Bonavita,” and, under that name, was—if the finally deeided to abandon the work though its suecessful opinion of the foremost zoologists, and others whose pro- consummation would have given me the keenest of personal fession necessitated their being authorities on the subject, pleasure as a labor of love rather than as a medium of per­ can be accepted—“ the most remarkable lion trainer that sonal profit. ever lived.” Some few qualified this opinion by adding the In the same, palpably, eonfident spirit that Sir Oliver words—“ or ever will.” That, however, is for the future Lodge has acclaimed that he has established communication to decide. In the course of my fourteen years of intimate with his soldier-son, Raymond, I assert that—through the acquaintance with him—as director of the Bostock exhibi- mutual diseovery of what may be termed a “ spiritual radio- tion of trained wild animals—I was asked some thousands phone,” I enjoy frequent talks with my “ Dämon,” and, at of times as to what nationality the name and the man were times, in direetions that would seem to point to the possi- representative of. As a matter of fact, this “ nom d ’arene” bility that human personality survives death even to the was given him by the late Mr. Frank C. Bostock in simple extent of the predominating of a “ ruling passion” in the appreciation of his excellent and outstanding qualities. The after-life. Where there appears the elementals of discus- meaning of the word is apparent in its translation—- sion, on this point, for the more earnest students of psy- “ Bona” meaning “ good,” and “ vita,”—“ life.” chical researeh, I, personally, am content to follow the adviee John Gentngr was just “ plain American” and descend- of Sir A. Conan Doyle—eontained in his book, “ The New ant of one of the earliest settlers on the Pennsylvania farm- Revelation,” and to be satisfied with the knowledge that ing lands in the pioneer days. He was remarkable, as a communication, onee established, should be maintained only boy, for his being possessed—by some vagary of heredity— in application of reason and discretion. of an artistic temperament, and a marked love for, and The skeptical reader may say “ Proofü” To this I influence over, all dumb animals that came in his way—or can only reply by saying that there are from twenty to forty that he could find. The more ferocious canines of the farm- o'ther persons present in the “ radiophone booth,” and have yards were his firmest friends, and his power over them the privilege of “ listening in” on frequent occasions. At regarded as being of the uncanny order. With no taste times I resort to a “ private booth” in my home, and find for agricultural pursuits he, while in his teens, sought em- amusement in eonfounding my personal friends whose, ployment in Philadelphia and found scope for his ideas of in some instances, assertive skepticism is subjected to a art as an assistant to a photographer. Tuming his atten­ rough jolt. tion and talents to the more artistic side of his trade he became known by “ studies” in which wild animals were In order to better explain the extent of my friend’s “ rul­ his prineipal subjects and the Philadelphia Zoological Gar­ ing passion” in life—and which, eventually, brought about dens his source of inspiration. his death—it is necessary that, for the first time, I relate The “ tide in his affairs” came with the exhibiting of the story of the human side of his remarkable character- the Bostock Animals” in Philadelphia, and his acquiring istics and the course of events that brought about his de- permission from Mr. Bostock to devote his morning hours cease, and which, strangely enough, was in striet accordance in attempts to seeure “ time exposure” photographs of a with a premonition that he had and maintained would, number of magniflcent male South African lions that were sooner or later, be consummated—and which he could have avoided. eontained in the justly-famous collection. The light was of the poorest for his purpose, and the animals restlessly Without further concealment of the identity of “ Dämon,” resented the intrusion upon their morning siestas. Gentner’s in life, I may say that he was well and widely known as presence, at first, irritated them but, after some weeks of COMMUNICATION 15

Photo, Chas. Nesensohn. “A REHEARSAL IXTERVAL” (Frora left to right) ‘'Romeo,'’ “Pluto,” “Denver" (who attacked “Baltimore" during the fight in which “Bonavita” sustained injur- ies through which he lost his right hand), "Ajax,” “Baltimore,” and “Mars.” Though so badly handicapped in the event of trouble, “Bonavita” persisted in using only a buggy whip to direct the animals in their exhibitions. untiring patienee and his succeeding in “ making friends” be regarded as promising well for their behavior under a vvith the brutes, he expressed himself satisfied with the course of training. Bostock agreed to his, at least, “ try- results. On Mr. Bostock’s seeing the photographs, he as- ing“—under safeguarding conditions and which were soon serted that “ he must have hypnotized the lions,”—the found to be unnecessary. Without detailing his months of conditions would seem to point to there being some truth superhuman patienee and courage, and the matching of an in that opinion vvith the aehieving of the excellence of the indomitable will against the individual, and collective, fero- Photographie replicas of the “ Kings of the Jungle,“ copies cious tempers of the shaggy brutes, it is suffieient to say of which were given the place of honor in an exhibition of that he accomplished what the most experienced of the “ animal studies” held, subsequently, in Philadelphia. training staff (“ born in the business,“ in. their various That Gentner had become faseinated with the lions was European countries) had, long before, decided was both evidenced at the closing of the season in his approaching impossible and foolhardy. The “ gentleman-cageman,“ as Mr. Bostock with solicitations for employment. The genial he had been dubbed by his fellows in respectful and appre- “ Animal King“ promptly advised his abandoning so foolish ciative comaraderie, having accomplished this seemingly- an idea, and, on his persisting that he was in earnest, jest- impossible task, manifested an Oliver Twist appetite for ingly proferred him the position of a cage attendant, that “ more.“ In his artistic mind he saw visions of magnifi- had been dismissed, as being the only vaeancy on the staff. cent animals posed in classic living statuary and the reali- To Bostock’s surprise the öfter was accepted, but he insisted zation of the ideals of what could be accomplished without that Gentner—in whom he had become interested in their the lash and the prong of the stereotype “ lion tamer,”—at fellowship in animal interest—should arrange his business least, such was manifested in his Substitution of a buggy affairs only to allow his taking a month’s vacation. Bos­ whip and a short stick (to interpose between himself and tock estimated that, in less time, the aspiring cageman would animals at too close quarters), and the subsequent results of find the decidedly inartistic nature of the duties of a cleaner his humane methods of training. of animal cages anything but to his liking—and more than The opportunity offered Mr. Bostock to establish his exhi­ suffieient to dampen his interest in so close an association bition as the principal entertainment feature of the Pan- with carnivora. Gentner declined to accept higher wages American Exposition at Buffalo, representing the ever-inspir- than his fellow cagemen and, burning the bridges of bis ing Gentner’s ehance of realizing his ambition—and he former ambitions, donned the overalls of his new position solicited that he be given fifty lions to train in readiness and zealously carried out its duties. for the exhibition’s opening. Bostock demurred—the time Before the end of the preseribed month he had requested was too short—the danger, to Bonavita, too great, and the to be permitted to “ try his hand“ at training the worst- space required for the presentation of so vast a horde of tempered lions of the collection. That they were not units lions beyond the limits of the space allotted for the ereetion of one or another of the “ performing groups” was by rea- of the eolossal arena building. The ex-gentleman-eageman- son of their having acquired the reputation of being “ bad artist persisted that the first two obstacles did not exist, where attempts to train them, hitherto, had to be aban- and that the methods—that he had already planned—had doned and, in consequence, they had been relegated to the taken the third into consideration. “ cage animal dass,“ and worth their maintenance by rea- Within twenty-four hours every American and European son of their superb beauty. Bostock ’s experienced knowl- animal dealer and eollector, every public and private Zoo edge and eye had noted a change in their tempers under the director and every trader on the East Coast of Africä, knew Charge of the erstwhile art student, but such could scarcely that a prompt purchase awaited the finest fully-grown speci- 16 COMMUNICATION mens of “ leo Afrieanus” tliat could be shipped to the Bos- At the end of months of unflagging perseverance, untir- toek establishment within a preseribed time. Bonavita in- ing patienee, of denying himself proper rest in Order to sisted that, in every instance, the animals should be “ raw” sehool the animals in “ shifts, ”—to avoid tiring them—and and “ forest-bred” (i. e., born out of captivity), and so not a few ‘ ‘ coppings ’ ’ in separating the more quarrelsome retaining their natural instincts. His fellow-trainers, bear- of his pupils, Bonavita presented himself and his scholars ing the sears of, to apply the vernacular—“ being copped” at the Pan-American Exposition three days before its open- in the course of training from six to ten lions, shook their ing, and devoted that time to allow the animals’ acclimat- heads and unanimously agreed that Bonavita had seleeted ing themselves to their surroundings. Worn and haggard, a mode of hari-kari that only a victim of mental aberra- but triumphant, Bonavita presented the results of his self- tion should think of. imposed super-Herculean task as an item of the opening The supply was unequal to the demand, although an expe- ceremonies of the Exposition, and was accorded a reception dition had been fitted out to meet it. Some forty-odd lions that presaged his subsequent suceessful eareer and a world- wide celebrity. Modest, unassuming and retiring to a degree, Bonavita paid but little attention to the plaudits of an audience or the encomiums of the press. He made few intimate friends, and, wherever possible, had a connecting way built from the rear of the arena to his dressing rooms to avoid the “ felicitations” of those who wouid waylay him, or the Pro­ fessional interviewer. As embarrassed as any schoolboy wlien talking of his “ work,” but appreciating that Publicity was an essential asset in Bostock’s business, he finally agreed that. the press agent of the establishment should exercise a full play of his gifts of adjectives and elabora- tion so long as he, Bonavita, was not called upon to “ speak for himself,” and become the bane of the enthusiastie Pub­ licity man’s existence in deerying the result. The late Miss Ellen Velvin, F. Z. S., when editing “ The Training of Wild Animals,” by the late Mr. Bostock, “ gave him up as a bad job” following many vain attempts to “ draw” him for the purpose of writing her book. Bona­ vita wouid not admit that lions were treacherous and wouid

Photo. Chas. Nesensohn. ‘•M A RS” Whose ferocity and strength determined the "Presidency” of the “Republic of Twenty-seven Lions" in a score of arenic revo- iutions and battles. To prevent the animals, during these melees, from injuring one another “Bonavita” wouid exert his indomitable will to end the fighting,—not without, at Times, in- jury to himself and, finally, at the cost of his right hand.

resulted from the unique round-up, and Bonavita’s hyper- critieal inspeetion of the animals resulted in his seleeting Photo. Chas. Nesensohn. “BALTIMORE” twenty-seven that pleased his artistie ideas of leonine beauty, The lion to whom “Bonavita” owed the loss of his right hand, and embodied the essential variety of temperaments suitable —as described in the accompanying article. On the trainer's return to the arena—following the amputation and his deter- for his purpose. Recognizing that it was impossible to in- mination to continue his training—it seemed that “Baltimore” was constantly conscious of having “done wrong” and became crease the number, both by reason of even the size of the the most docile of the group. allotted arena space and that his group should have no blemishing disfigurement in the appearance of a single ani­ stoutly assert that his “ accidents” were purely the result mal, he professed himself as being satisfied. Accompanied of his own mistakes. He could judge by the “ set” of a lion’s by a devoted assistant and his huge mastiff, “ Pluto,” a jaws, on the entry of the animal into the arena, as to its tem- disused car-barn was assigned for his use and he “ started per, and wouid act accordingly in cajoling it to assist in in” upon the masterpiece of his ambitious eareer. At his observing due decorum. urgent request officials of the A. S. P. C. A. were invited to His most serious injuries resulted from his interfering be present at any hour during day or the night, for the between fighting animals to prevent their mutilating or dis- npholding of the prineiples of that admirable institution figuring each other. Such was on occasions when a peculiar (and of which Bonavita was a loyal member), and his invita- Situation arose—and which may be interesting in detail. tion was aceepted. (To be concluded.) \ COMMUNICATION 17 How I Get Messages for Others By MRS. CECIL M. COOK Pastor and Medium of the Stead Center

Now and then I find it possible to go out of Chicago, so come with it, watch it, know when it has reached Chicago that I may bring my mediumship to others, and wherever I and when it has been taken up for reply in my seance-room. go, men and women are sure They are in touch with it. To them, that letter is the same to ask, “ How is it possible, as an electrica! connection, and it would not be possible for Mrs. Cook, for you to get mes- our Secretary, Miss Horack, to pick up that letter without sages for persons who live at a sounding the alarm on the spirit-side of life. A real entity distance, and whom you have has been brought into existenee. That letter is like a battery. never seen ? ’ ’ The moment your letter is taken up, your precise condi­ Really, I am pleased to an- tion is feit by those in spirit. Just how sincere you were swer that question, because it when you wrote the questions, is known to them. If you gives me an opportunity to were insincere, they feel it. If you were honest in your pur­ impress upon students the pose, they feel that condition also. truth of the continuity of life, I can not impress too strongly upon men and women how and the fact that the spirit- cruel it is to consider that their loved ones in spirit would world is one. By that, I mean lie or ever think of lying to them. To start out by believing MRS. CECIL M. COOK that the spirit-world works that you must “ test the spirits,“ and that they are as likely much as one big, harmonious to be false as true, is the wrong way. Their world is not family. Also, it gives me an opportunity to explain how the like ours, because we can hide our lies after a fashion from Law of Attraction really operates. other mortals. In their brighter, more beautiful world, all Eaeh of you has his or her guides. These guides may be lives are open books, and what one thinks and is, must be loved ones you have known on this earth, but who have sensed by any spirit who is interested enough to find out. passed into spirit; as well as other dear ones whom you Over-anxiety is almost as bad as disbelief. It shuts off have attraeted, but whose identities you do not know. the forces. It disturbs the eonditions. Över-anxiety is a All of these dear ones in spirit are not with you eontin- barrier, and only love, confidence and sincerity will elear the uously. Some are with you at one time, and some at another way. If you have sent out the wrong condition, I have no time, but all are in touch with you—ean sense when you call power to overeome it. I am not bringing your dear ones. I to them, and know your heartaches and your happiness. am like the telephone wire, over which the messagë will come. You have decided to send to me for a message, and if your My instrumentality will respond precisely to the purpose purpose is pure, and you are not trying to use your spirit and the condition that are back of each request for a mes­ loved ones only as instruments of an experiment, you will sage, or each Visitation to my seance-room. send from your heart a sincere desire. It is sincere, because The messages are dictated not by me, but by one of my its purpose is pure. It is honest and clean. That is just Controls; usually Bright Face or Pink Rose. It is not I who like a elear wire for the sending of a telegram. You have delivers this message, but these guides—and they, in turn, no clouded atmosphere around you. Your vibrations are in are assisted by others on the brighter side. tune with the dear ones on the other side. You are asking The Secretary sits at a small table in the seance-room, with for them for some word, and you have no intention to test her note-book and peneils. She reads the request for a mes­ them. But if you intend to test them, the wire is no longer sage, ineluding the questions, while I am under control. elear. They will do their best, but they can do no better My guides do not bring the dear ones on the other side. than you permit them to do. The Obligation is yours, and The sincere desire, the wish for a message, is what brings not theirs. them. They come with as much strength as possible. That Not coming to my seance-room in person, you must send strength is not determined by them, but by the persons who something that rejfresents you, something that sets the forces ask for the messages. It is strength not as we understand into action. This may seem like a hazy sort of statement, museular strength.. I mean that these loved ones must come buf I shall explain it better: through the eonditions of communication, through the forces If you eome into my seance-room, no matter how much of that have been built up, and that these forces are elear or the forces the spirit-world draws from me in order to build clouded according to the mental attitude of the person up the eonditions that make communication possible, they asking for word from spirit. must draw something from you. If you have tightened up, My Controls see and hear, but if the eonditions are not as a skeptical person would do, or as one would do who did good, it is like seeing through a mist, or watching a picture not understand communication, that would be like holding that has been thrown upon a screen without being focused within yourself the very forces that are needed. You would properly. If there has been doubt or a desire to test on close the door, and your loved ones in spirit could not come the part of the questioner, my control sees the forms imper- so close to you. fectly, because she is in my body and is amenable to the But if you come open-mindedly, and believe that there are forces of the seance-room. She hears imperfectly, and may many things in heaven and on earth to be learned, you will err in receiving names. loosen up; you will give out these forces, and elear the wire You may ask, “ Why should this be? Is that control not for your loved ones. in spirit herseif? Why can she not see others in spirit, and Suppose that you are not present in my seance-room, but hear them clearly?“ It is not for you or for me to make have sent questions to me to be answered? You have sent the law for the spirit-world. Any communication is received these questions not as tests, but as self-starters. You send through “ Borderland” eonditions. In that Borderland, it them so that your own vibrations may enter my seance-room. is not entirely spirit and it is not entirely material. The You establish a sort of proxy for yourself. vibrations of the two planes have intermingled. It is a Your letter does not come alone. Some of your dear ones composite of both. i 18 COMMUNICATION

When I am not under control and see clairvoyantly and The more naturally we come to our spirit friends, the hear clairaudiently, I experienee similar conditions. If a more naturally they can come to us. They must use the person eomes to me in earnest seeking, as soon as that per- forces at their disposal, and our mental attitudes have much son enters the Center, I can see his or her friends, and hear to do with the nature of those forces. A strained condition them. Often I think that three persons have come, when means forces that are unnatural. A skeptical state of mind, there is but one. But if a person comes in doubt and skep- is like a short-circuit; it keeps the forces from building up. ticism, I feel agitated as soon as that person has come in, If you who read this had not seen your mother for many and often several minutes before he has come. Rarely, years, and she came to your home unexpectedly, you would under these conditions, do I see his spirit loved ones, or be overjoyed—or should be. Why should you not feel the hear them. They are there, trying to do their best. They same happiness in greeting loved ones in spirit? Why have love and faithfulness, but they are subjeet to the law treat them as though they were the dust of the Street ? Why of eommunication. That is natural law—as real as any of show them plainly that you believe that they are lying? Do the more widely recognized laws, or expressions of the you think that this would be fâir treatment even for a poor One Great Law. mortal—for a person whom you did not care about- very Considering the great variety of conditions that will much ? arise, it is not stränge that every message should not be We must learn to come to our dear ones in spirit naturally, just what eaeh person has expected. It is often that and they then can come to us naturally. The forces are expectation that retards the receipt of the message. The clear. There are no obstructions. There is nothing to over- remarkable thing is that all but a few messages come through come. The messages will be to the point; and théy will clearly, thongh those who have asked for them may live in bring far more tests than you have ever thought about. manv*parts of tbis continent. But it would be the same if Let us just look at this test proposition honestly: You thev lived in the Orient. Distance makes no difference to have some preconceived idea of some statement that would spirit. identify a loved one in spirit. You come to the seance-room, Even when messages are clear and convey precisely the or you send for a message by mail, and this preconception is Information that persons should have, they may not read in your mind. You say to youreslf that this would be an those messages correctly. What to them may seem of great admirable test. In the first place, setting your dear one importance, may be trivial in the estimation of their loved the task of meeting this test, is equivalent to saying that ones in spirit. Every message merits reading and re-read- your loved one is capable of an untruth. If you excuse ing. thinking about, studying, for those in spirit say much yourself by saying that you are not intending this as an in little. insult to a dear one in spirit, but as protection against lying As a medium who has had long experienee in public work, spirits in general, that amounts to admitting that you do I know how people come for messages. They will come into no believe that the spirit-world is honest and dependable. the seance-room with only one thought in their minds: to Yet you expect to find your loved one in those environments, have an 0. K. on something whien they wish to do. Maybe and 'believe that your dear one is honest and truthful. If that is the worst thing for them. Like children, they cry such is the case, why should that dear one be living in a for something that strikes their fancy. A married man may condition of dishonesty and untruth? What law would be in love with a young girl, and desire to have his wife compel an honest person to seek such questionable Com­ taken from him so that he may form a new alliance. That pany? We do not do so in this world. Why should they is what he has in his mind, and when he is reprimanded for do such a thing in spirit? his desire, he says that the spirit-world is narrow and unjust. Let us suppose that your loved one came through with He eomes not for a clean, honest purpose, but because he that particular test. For a time you would be delighted. seeks justification for that which he knows is wrong. Then you might begin to say to yourself, “ Oh, that was, only telepathy!” Your test would have crumbled by your own Another person has set her mind upon going to some dis- doubt, because your test originally was unfair, and out of it tant place, and wants to go; that is all there is-to it. She could not come that conviction you expected. You can not simply has her mind made up to go. She is not going to take a dishonest thing and ehange it into an honest one. receive with friendly welcome any Suggestion that she is When you come naturally, not seeking tests, not asking wrong. to have anything proved, you will find that tests come Mortais must learn that their wants and opinions, their through that are tests. Things you have forgotten will be likes and dislikes, often hinge on some material condition. mentioned to you. Facts will be given to you that are out They give in to that desire. It is not their spiritual desire, of your ränge of knowledge; facts that you will find.are but it is their material weakness. If someone comes along correct as time passes. You will have tests that can not and agrees with them, that person is a fine friend. Maybe be charged to telepathy or to any other cause, except the in a few years, weeks or days, conditions will ehange so Communications which they purport to be. that the thing wished for is proved to be the very worst There is another thing to keep in mind: If you went to thing that person could have. So long as the desire for it work in an office or factory, you would be confused the first was present, no other opinion is accepted by fiim. few days. Nothing would seem to be natural. You would The loved ones in spirit come not with that which we have to find your bearings. As time passed, you would would like to hear, but with the facts that we should hear understand the work better, and you would feel more at and heed. They love us not as an over-indulgent mother home in the place. It would be like moving to a new house pretends to love a naughty child; not by petting us and in a stränge part of town. For a while, the Street would giving in to us, but by reprimanding us, and pointing the look unfamiliar, and you would have to wateh your steps, in right road. That is not what we ask for, but it is what we Order to reaeh your home. should have—and until we can see that this adviee is given If you got up at night, you would be afraid to risk walk- to us for our own good, of what value is eommunication? ing in the dark. Possibly you would have some difficulty in If our dear ones in spirit must agree with us in our error, locating a light. But as the days passed, the neighborhood simply to keep on friendly terms with us, what shall we and the home would look more familiär to you, and you say to them when we enter spirit and see the true state of would find your way around the house more readily. affairs ? (Continued on page 57) COMMUNICATION 19 The Life of James Farmer” Riley

Born in the flesh in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug 18, 1843; Born in spirit at Marcellus, Mich., May 20, 1919.

ARTICLE I He comes to me, and every evening I sit from eight o ’cloek On the 20th day of May, 1919, at Marcellus, Michigan, to nine, and he raps on my trumpet loud enough to be there passed into spirit one of the most remarkable and heard all over the room. He says it helps him to come, and widely known mediums of the world, James Riley, fa.mil- also he likes to comfort me so that I may know that he is iarly known as “ Farmer” Riley. Mr. Riley’s two most close by. It is a comfort—the happiest time of all the day pronounced forms of mediumistie development were mate- to me. It is lovely to know this as I have no living relatives rializations and independent slate-writing, although his left on my father’s or mother’s side in the physical form mediumship ineluded many other types of manifestations. to live with me. My father was a great Spiritualist and Following is a letter that will prove did lots for the cause, and my mother of interest to every Spiritualist and was also a believer. She lived for thir- student of Spiritualism: teen years with Mr. Riley and me, and Marcellus, Mich., Dec. 22, 1919. passed out here just a year ago today. ’S**' Mr. Lloyd Kenyon Jones, Mr. Riley passed out May 20, 1919, Chicago, 111. on my birthday. On the Friday before, Kind Friend: we drove to town together, and Sunday I am sending some manuscripts con- he was taken. We had a large Com ­ cerning Mr. Riley’s mediumship which pany here for a seance, and he was talk- may give you some idea of his work. ing and visiting, apparently as well But these are only a trifle compared as ever. He came out into the dining with what he has done and accomplished room, bringing a large lamp to change for the cause of spiritual truth and good for a smaller one, to put on the organ, to humanity. as he wanted one of the ladies to play. The large photograph was taken in He stopped and looked at me and said, his younger days, and the other smaller “ I can’t talk. ” I thought at first it ones were taken along in 1917 and 1918, must be some control. when he was traveling on the shady We brought him in and put him in side of the hill, as he often remarked. his ehair, and he signalled for a pencil I wish you would have been able to and paper, and wrote: “ I am in no meet him while in the physical form. pain, but can not talk. You are too You would have liked hi in! Every- nervous. I—to—to—” and his hand body did. He was not a great talker shook so that he could not finish. as a general rule, but a great reader But he has since said that he intended and thinker. He left a nice library to write, “ I will be better by tomor- of spiritual works. He .had looked row.” He closed his eyes and we helped forward to your coming io Marcellus him to lie down. I asked him if he knew with great pleasure and often spoke JAMES (“FARMER”) RILEY AT THE AGE me, and he whispered, “ Yes,.” That of it. OF SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS was the last word he spoke. But I am He was a medium for many different forms of medium­ sure, from the motions he made, that he was conscious ship. He was a grand independent slate-writer. He might almost to the last. So he passed away to a brighter and be eating his dinner when he feit the forces, and would call pleasanter condition. He was a great sufferer at times—for for slates; and sometimes without touching them, and having weeks—with inflammatory rheumatism and asthma. them put on the floor, with the person for whom the writing His funeral exercises were conducted by Mrs. Anna Gilles- was intended touching them with his feet, and taking hold pie of Battle Creek, Mich. It was his request years ago, of Mr. Riley’s hand, the slate would be covered with a and he picked out his text also—the twelfth chapter of lovely message, with no pencil between the slates. He was First Corinthians, where it speaks of the different spiritual clairvoyant and clairaudient, and had beau'tiful dark cireles, gifts. Mrs. Gillespie was controlled, and went to the side with voiees coming through the trumpet, and singing, and of the casket, which was draped in the flag of the United beautiful lights. But materialization was his great gift. I States, which was also a request he had made to me. He have seen him, when the eurtain of his cabinet was pulled said to me, “ Clara,, can you hear me?” I replied in the back, sitting in his ehair with a full spirit form standing by affirmative. “ Well,” he said, “ I have kept my word. I his side. Also I have seen a spirit form come out into the am ,here, and will be gl ad when all the people are gone. I l’oom, go across to the light and turn it up, stand a full am so tired.” The Speaker said that she could see him minute and go back into the cabinet. All the others present standing, with one elbow resting on the casket, and looking saw the same thing. We always had a good, bright light at those gathered about. He always disliked a crowd of during these seances. people and show and fuss of any kind, and I can just Oh, yes, he was truly a wonderful man, and is now. We imagine the expression on his face. were married March 25, 1905, and have always been in per­ He was a Sergeant in Co. E, 42nd Illinois Infantry. He fect harmony in spiritual work as in material things. I was always a hard-working man, digging wells and Clearing think that is what helps him come to me now. He always land, and had a hard struggle to live and raise his family. would say, “ Clara, if I go first, I want you to stay here I have often heard him say that he did not know where his in our home for I will be here and I want to see you here.” next meal was coming from. He was always full of sym- So I would not live in any other place for worlds. pathy for anyone who sufifered, especially little children. 20 COMMUNICATION

He would give bis last dollar to anyone in need. it down, but it would move in spite of their weight. This By care he had our little home free from debt, and I caused no little comment, which led to excitement, and hold a life lease on it. Then it goes to the ehildren. It is finally resulted in the demand of the father that Jim cease really no farm at all, only a matter of 20 acres, which I his uncanny practices. let out on shares, as I have no one to help work it. I get a It is evident, by a study of these facts, that James Riley Pension of $25 a month, which by saving will help me, unless was a born medium. Nevertheless there was a long period I should be sick a long time, which I think will not be. You in his life between these early manifestations and his later know that Mr. Riley was not wealthy when I teil you that mediumship. Düring this period, Riley got out of touch a five-dollar bill was all the money he had when he passed with spiritual manifestations and appears to almost have out. I found it in his pocket. He was not in this great lost memory of them. work for money. When at home he never had any set priee By the time he was thirteen years old, he left home to for seanees. If people only paid him twenty-five cents, he earn his own living, and until the outbreak of the Civil War, never complained. He never charged. He had his pension, Jim Riley worked for different farmers in that portion of and if he had not, we could not have existed, as for years Michigan. With the beginning of hostilities, he enlisted in he was not able to do any manual labor, and I was sixty- the Forty-seeond Illinois Infantry, serving three years and one and not able to do much. But we never wanted very eleven months, and being engaged in the battle of Shiloh, often. Always a way opened for us if.we got stranded. the siege of Corinth, the battle of Stone River and Chicka- I am only waiting now to join my dear husband in his new mauga, at which place he was wounded in one arm; and condition of life. I enjoy reading your book, “ God’s the battles in the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta. world. ’ ’ He was under fire ninety days and ninety Mr. Riley had, or has, seven ehildren nights. He took part in the engagements in the flesh and two in spirit. Those in at Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, Franklin the flesh are Mrs. Chas. Rudd of Cas- and Nashville. In 1865, after his return sopolis, Mich.; Bert and George, and home, Jim Riley married Miss Martha A. Mrs. Chas. Sutton of Battle Creek, Mich.; Niehols. His wife passed into spirit in Mrs. Minnie Willmarth of Lawton, Mich.; April, 1903. Mrs. Ida Wolfe of Dallas, Ore.; and Fred Riley of Marcellus, Mich., whose Riley’s First Experience land adjoins mine. My maiden name In the summer of 1885, when James was Clara Marsh, and my home was in Riley was forty-two years old and a pro- Rochester, Mich. I first met Mr. Riley fessed agnostic, he attended a Spiritualist at Orion Camp. It was the first mate- jamp-meeting at Lake Cora, Mich. Riley, rializing seance I ever saw, and it was in a skeptical mood, asked some of his wonderful. friends to point out a real medium to I must close now or my letter will grow him, if one should chance to show up. tiresome. Exeuse its length. Düring the course of the noon meal, Wishing you a happy Christmas and which was partaken of underneath the a prosperous New Year, I am, trees, a eantrol mediipn named Charles Sineerely your friend for truth, Barnes, came straight' up 'to-Riley,. vyith , (Signed) MRS. JAMES RILEY. his eyes closed, and then straightened itp This letter has been presented to you and saluted Riley. This medium, under prior to any biography sketeh, because FARMER" RILEY a n d h i s w i f e i n control, gave Riley many tests, among it will give you a real human-interest THEIR RURAL, WORK-CLOTHES them being the na^ e of « J eff ßoyd,” of view of this remarkable medium who was known lovingly whom Riley had not thought for many months. Boyd, it to numberless friends as “ Jim ” Riley. seems, was a comrade of Riley who had been shot at Franklin, His Earlier Days Tenn. When asked where the bullet had entered his body, the control stated that it was in the forehead between the James Riley was born in Philadelphia, Aug. 18, 1843. eyes, which was correct. Also he gave many other true tests, His mother died while he was still a boy, and three boys including pulling an imaginary pack of cards from his pocket and two girls were left in care of the father. The elder and shuffling them. It appears that these tests deprived Riley was a boilermaker, and in pursuit of his work he went Riley of his appetite. to California, leaving the ehildren in care of a neighbor and Düring the afternoon, Mr. Riley witnessed other control paying a monthly sum for their upkeep. This neighbor manifestations which he styled as “ the worst of all damn moved to Michigan, taking the Riley ehildren with him. fool business that he had ever witnessed.” Jim was the eldest of the ehildren. They settled in Cass County, Mich. This was Riley’s introduction to the spirit manifestations. As the years passed, one of Jim ’s sisters was married. To trace back to his childhood days when he had a spirit The father, who had returned from the Coast, bought a farm playmate, and his earlier years as a lad when he could pro- in the same locality in Michigan, installing the married duce numerous remarkable physical manifestations, througb daughter and her husband. After rpturning from California the long lapse of time in which no interest in Spiritualism a second time, the elder Riley bought another farm, and was displayed, it will not be difficult to wonder how the seed on this installed his other ehildren, with the second daugh­ of mediumship could remain so long in Jim Riley’s System ter, still unmarried, as the head of the household. without germinating—but it did. Not only had Riley ceased It is evident that while still a small ehild; in fact, not to think about the unusual manifestations of his earlier days, over three years of age, Jim Riley was clairvoyant. In but he had actually become agnostic in his belief. There is these earlier days, this stränge boy had a little spirit play- reason to believe that the spirit-world was working about mate, a golden-haired ehild who had the disagreeable habit these slow-moving changes for a purpose. of vanishing when others came into the room. When Jim No matter what Jim Riley had to say about the foolish- was not more than eight years old, he could cause heavy ness of these control manifestations, the fact remained that tables to move, by simply plaeing his hands on them, and he could not get them out of his mind. Then Riley said what even a number of men would sit on a table to try and hold (Contimied on page 56) COMMUNICATION 21 Wanted : The Spirit of the Law

By LLOYD KENYON JONES

So long as the world searchers for evil, the world will fail promising business—and the evil that business sets into to lind that which is good. This is true in politics quite the motion, strikes back when the opportunity arrives. same as it is in character. Here is a high-minded business man, a member of a Bargaining and compromise, and the error of believing church, a personage in the social life of his town. He that favoritism can compete successfully with the eternal decries injustice. He calls lustily for the prosecution and justice of things, have made bad politics. Bad business has punishment of all wrong-doers. A day eomes when his fav- made bad politics. Playing inharmonious airs on the strings orite son is arrested for some crime, or perhaps for only a of legal technicalities, and overlooking the symphony possi- misdemeanor. What does this pillar of moral thought do? bilities of truth as truth is, have contributed to bad politics He begins to search for a "pull.” The law of justice must —but political error, of itself, is no more the disease than be vacated for his flesh-and-blood. The family eseutcheon any Symptom is disease. must bear no bar-sinister or other blemish. The poor boy The letter of the law responds to much misinterpretation, was deluded, the victim of a mental disorder. All the fine and so long as the letter of the law is permitted to spell out regard for the law that obtained once, fades into the mists the world’s moral code, that long will the spellers, in spirit, of yesterday. remain near the foot of the dass. Several corporations are charged with profiteering, and the business men who have not profiteered set up a loud protest If bad politics breeds political malpractice and treaehery against the immorality of their competitors. But let the and sedition, and encourages crime and scandal, then look law set its hand heavily upon them for some other breach of well to the condition that makes bad politics possible. faith, and see them fly to cover! No reform has ever come to the world until a suffieient Those who claim to be moral, and those who make no such number of individuals accepted that reform as part of their claim—each and all of us, impartially—-seek favoritism, own code of morals—as an essential part of their own favors, pulls. Thereby we perpetuate the lax methods of thought and action. law, which we deery so loudly. Bad laws, partisan, cunning, grafting laws, call for equal We, as a nation and as individuals, are not good enough cunning in their circumvention. Is that not true? And the to have the spirit of the law operative at all times, and to cunning that serves as an antidote for that which is evil, maintain clean politics. Whatever is evil in politics, is but becomes evil in its own right, and perpetuates the System. a reflection of that which is evil in ourselves. The house- If it is possible for grasping legislators to enact laws that cleaning should start in our own hearts, rather than in will make any business group a prey to those law-makers, it Washington, the State capitals, the county seats and the is because, in thè language of the Street, the legislators municipal buildings. "have something on” those upon whom they prey. At rare intervals, and quite through accident, men are Compromise takes place, and compromise means selling elected to ofiice free from political bargaining. Most can- one’s birthright. If any business must resort to bribery in didates who are elected, have accepted monetary assistance Order to eontinue to exist and make profit, then such busi­ and have made promises in return. Even with the exit of ness is afraid of some manner of exposure. the salöon, we have not escaped political bargaining. We The assumption of a erooked politician is that those have not overcome the faults that lie deep in the hearts of against whom he plots, have skeletons in their closets—-per­ all of us. sonal or corporate, or both. He assumes that he is attaek- The bad politician who is exposed, becomes a sort of ing something that is morally wrong and therefore is defense- national goat—and the rest of us, to hide and exeuse our less. If he is bribed to "lay off,” his assumption must own shame, heap vilification upon the poor devil who is have been nearly correct. worse than we are only in the degree of exposure. The man or Organization that is doing the right thing, and So long.as courtrooms will be crowded by the morbidly refusing to do the wrong thing, need not fear evil politics. curious who pretend disgust for the participants in a com- Only when bargaining and compromise creep in, does danger bined scandal and crime—when most of the spectators are result. almost equally guilty—that long will we have bad politics Many big business men will assert that this is not true, and bad business methods. that they are victimized by bad politics, and that if they Eifty-story buildings, subways, airplanes, motorcars and resort to bribery in any form, be it lobbying or the granting wireless telegraphy are not items of proof of human advance- of favors, it is only because they must seek an expedient and ment. They are epochs in the expansion of a commercial tide themselves over a period of piracy that is direeted spirit that has sought always for greater material conquests. against them. The conventions of society are not other items* of proof of The man who has done no wrong, need not fear the threats an advanced world, but rather of a corrupt cleverness that of blackmailers. Only the man with a past has cause to correspond with the invention of varnish and veneer. worry. Bad politics assumes that every man who has arrived Bad politics is but a Symptom of a condition that is found in the business or Professional world, has a past, qr a mul- in all business, in every profession, and in the hearts of tiplicity of pasts. most mortals. It is not the disease, but evidenee that the Having done wrong breeds cowardice, and bad politics disease exists and is widespread. could not progress one step except with cowardice as stock- What the world wants, and needs, is the spirit of the law. in-trade. So long as corporations will stoop to ruinous The spirit of the law begins with the clean thoughts of indi­ methods in dealing with competitors, those corporations have viduals. It is to be found in the secret places of the minds shaded pasts, and upon those pasts, bad politics fattens. of men and women; men more than women. Most women The business man or Organization that contributes to a feel intuitively the difference between right and wrong, and political campaign, has an axe to grind. Some favoritism is seek to follow their intuition because it is nearer their souls. expeeted in event of victory. The contribution becomes Most men are boys grown up—living the humor of their blood-money, and the purpose back of it, too often, is unholy. own false cleverness, and delighting in "putting it over” on Thus, the very sustenance of bad politics is given by* com- anything and anybody, but on themselves most of all. 22 COMMUNICATION

Unseating Senators and representatives, and members of and considerate of their friends. Ninety-nine out of every legislatures, is one way to cleanse politics, but the best way hundred deplore the System that makes them crooked. is to start with the spirit of trutb in the thoughts of per- If we purpose to continue our fights against individual bad sons, wherever they are and whatever they do. politieians, we may as well let things take their course. We Legislative halls are nothing but mirrors of the seeret per­ must strike at the System that makes these corrupt practices sonal practices of individuals—and the world still has to possible, and that means that we—each one of us—must learn that when the majority of folk think eonstruetively look to ourselves and begin the reformation in our own and honestly, it is impossible—in the light of natural law— hearts. for evil politieians to have any power over the public. We are responsible for bad politics. We are the cause of The worse we find politics, the less complimentary is that all that is evil in the management of the governments of this Situation to all of us as men and women. We are the causes. world. We are the foundation-stones, and no superstructure We set into motion, through our ovvn selfishness, avarice, of man-made law can ever be stronger than we. compromise and love of favoritism, the evil influences that There are times when the most corrupt of politieians, longs merely express themselves in the makers of our Statutes and for the clean things—is weary of the make-believe. But the ordinanees. System that perpetuates this evil, refuses to permit any wrong man to go straight! This may be an unpleasant thought, but it is truth—and Spiritualism eomes to mankind not as a religion of sweep- we may as well face the truth now as later. The kingdoms ing reform. Within the ranks of Spiritualists there is the that were, and that are no more, disliked the admission of same proportion of bargain-makers and special-favor-seekers, the truth, and they destroyed themselves by force of the 'as there is in or out of any religious body. But the spirit reaction of theif own corruption. of Spiritualism is the recognition of natural law, of God’s The letter of the law is based on teehnicality, and through law, of the spirit of the law-—and this must operate first of that teehnicality, we have bred a band of clever lawyers, all in the hearts of individuals. It matters not how many whose business it is to read into the Statutes anything that millions or tens of millions of persons there are in this or pleases them—and they are pleased according to the inter- any other eountry, purity must be found in individual hearts ests that employ them. If they win a case that, by all right, before it has a place in the public heart and the public con- should have been lost, they are looked up to in their elubs science. and their churches. They are bright, noble creatures, with If we would right the wrongs of humanity, we must right brains—oh, so big, so wonderful, the balance of humanity the wrongs of our own thoughts. If we would reform the looks like earth-worms in eomparison. world, we must begin by reforming ourselves. If we would That is the letter of the law—and the letter of the law is cleanse politics, we must cleanse our own hearts first of all spelled out by using the alphabet of wrong ideas. —and then we shall have contributed to the observance of The spirit of the law, like gravitation and the speed of the spirit of the law. light, needs no human Interpretation. It is over and above Let us spend less time and effort in decrying that which is any mortal interference. It is an expression of the Maker evil, and try as individuals to do that which is right. Let us of all things. And it is this spirit of law that always rules, have less thirst for the imprisonment of evil politieians, and that always does the reforming, though it must erush a more thought about correcting the fundamental wrongs to wrong thing, and give the seed of right another opportunity which we are all eontributing. Then we shall be reformers to grow. —not in a subjective sense, but objectively. So long as eaeh and every one of us refuse to reeognize If we loath the things that are wrong, let us think and do this law that rules, whether we see it or deny its existence, the things that are right. The trail may be long and the that long must we have bad politics, evil business methods, process may be slower, and unborn generations may reap the war and pestilence. mortal reward, but still that is a debt we owe to the plan in Some time—perhaps long after our days on earth are done its entirety—for always, liere and hereafter, we remain part -—the human kind will see, reeognize, admit and work in of that plan. harmony with this law that never needed a legislative body, and that operates unremittingly, whether we will or not. The time must come when the earth-folk will weary of “ It can’t be! It can’t be!’’ eackled the seif-satisRed their age-old battle against that which is—and without which critic, as he and his ilk have done since the birth of human­ naught eise eould exist—and when mortals will try seriously ity. They said of it Columbus—and he died in prison to live in harmony with the law that requires no Statutes in beeause oi his heresy. They said it of Cyrus Pield, but he its fulfillment. layed his Atlantic cable in spite of them. They said it of We may go gunning all we wish after evil politieians, and Edison, but his ridieulous talking machine is an institution impeaeh them, and imprison them, but so long as the under- today. They said it of the Wright Brothers, but they made lying cause remains undisturbed, we may as well save our heavier-than-air machines fly. They say it of everything that energy. So. long as our contributions send candidates to the world has not aecepted—but once a thing is accepted, conventions, pledged to seeret plans of unjust legislation, these same shallow-reasoning critics say, “ Why, of course, that long will we have the thing that is an exposure of our it’s true! My heavens, don’t you know that?” own thoughts and methods rather than an exposure of the weak individuals whose desire for fame forces them to lend Calliqg a man a lunatic and a liar, is not argument. But themselves to our politieal bargaining. —both distinctions are beaped plentifully upon those who So long as jurists sit on our benches, still wearing the will refuse longer to follow the bell-wether. partisan labels of those to whom they are beholden, that long may we expect unfair judicial decisions. So long as we go to the poliee for favors, when those “ Why,” says the orthodox one, “ the churches are all so officers of the law know that they must grant those favors or old and established, why go outside them for the truth?” be harassed in their endeavors, that long shall we have bad Well, thrones were older and more firmly established, if age poliee departments. does the establishing, but the world has arrived at the point The men who do these unjust things, in congress, in legis­ where thrones are not so populär as they were. A number latures, in city eouncils, and in poliee departments and on of ex-Monarchs will testify to the wisdom of this Observa­ the bench, are inherently just as good as we, and are as kind tion. COMMUNICATION 23 Spiritualism’s Seventy-second Birthday

ARCH, 1920, is the natal month of modern Spiritual­ today than it was then, we should be glad to have the evi- ism. Seventy-two years ago, in Hydesville, N. Y., dence. If God created mortals with “ two minds,” one M (to be exaet, in 1848), the Fox Sisters began to re- subconscious and the other conscious, if there is one mind ceive their famous rappings, whieh attraeted the attention “ that doesn’t think,” then we shall require much more eon- of thinking and unthinking alike, brought converts and vincing testimony than that furnislüd by “ Hudson’s Law enemies, and led to bitter persecution and an alleged con- of Psychic Phenomena.” fession. Intellectually, tilg world is unfathomally black today, but CONTROL was regarded as a “ secondary person­ it was much nearer the abyss of the dark ages then than A ality,” and results of brain lesions that brought about it is now. With few exceptions, all the modern inventions oblivion of one’s personality and the assuming of whieh man has at his command, have come into being sinee another personality (improperly called (“aphasia” ), has the Fox sisters reeeived the rappings that told the world been looked upon as prima facie evidenee that mortals are that the workers on the Other Side were breaking thröugh all two persons—or, as the rural student of psychology put the material wall, whieh mortals call “ the veil.” it, “ one what is and one what ain’t.” The rappings produced through the mediumship of the Despite the eiforts of these self-styled scientists, Spirit- • Fox sisters, answered questions, and also spelled out words, ualism became more and more interesting, and students as questioners would repeat the letters of the alphabet. The found, after years of investigation and thought, that there nature of the replies convinced many skeptics that the intél- could be no other hypothesis than that of discarnate Per­ ligence directing these sounds, was not the intelligence of sonalities, with their own eharacters and their own thoughts. But—we should not rejoice unduly, because the adher- the girls. ents of subconsciousness are many in this later day, and The rappings, so the eonfession stated, were produced by there are still millions who fear the devil. It is not quite so causing the joint of the great toe to crack—but that eonfes­ bad as it was when the Fox sisters, Davis and the others did sion is much like many made today under the inquisitorial their pioneering. It is better—by a degree or two, but only ‘ ‘ third degree ’ ’ of the police, who sometimes substitute force to that extent. for Cleverness, persecution for intelligence, presumably be- In the mid-reaches of the Nineteenth Century, other cause the world demands it. aehievements of thought were manifesting themselves. This was a golden era—when modern Spiritualism was In 1844, Dr. Horace Wells, an American dentist, demon- born. Those were the days when the mind of man began strated that the laughing gas (nitrous oxide) whieh Sir to grow restive under the restrietions of the materialistic. Humphrey Davy had believed, as far back as 1830, could be Intellect was asserting itself. Men were beginning to dare used as an anaesthetic; actually so used it in that manner. to think. Sulphuric ether also was brought into use as an anaesthetic, While these spirit manifestations were waking up Amer­ and its value was demonstrated by Dr. Crawford W. Long, ica, over in England (about eight years previously), Dr. of Georgia, who used it successfully in 1842 to prevent pain Baird began to demonstrate the truth of hypnotism, whieh during an Operation for tumor. Through the efforts of Dr. has been known as mesmerism, after its discoverer, Mesmer. Jackson and Dr. W. T. G. Morton, a Boston dentist, ether eame into general employment as an anaesthetic in 1846. RECISELY as the devil was seen working through the sisters in Hydesville, he was operating through Dr. HAT did the public say about the use of anaestheties? P Baird—but the more the fearful had to say against The pulpit decried them as an invention of the devil, these manifestations, the more firmly convinced the more W and—adhering faithfully to the belief that God is advanced mortals became that, so long as God gave them vengeful—said that pain was intended for mortals and that, brains, it was their right to exercise those brains. Opposi­ to attempt to escape it, was sinful. This was but three-score tion notwithstanding, the experiments eontinued. years ago! We have improved since then—somewhat, but In 1844, Andrew Jackson Davis, “ the Seer of Pough- not quite so much as most of us believe! keepsie, ” began to be entraneed, and in his tränce condi­ A few years prior to this time, Peter Cooper invented the tion, to diagnose cases with remarkable accuracy, and later first American locomotive, whieh he exhibited on the Balti­ to dictate his astral experiences. Tims we find that God more & Ohio Railway’, and most of his countrymen regarded was opening many avenues, in the realm of psychic knowl- him as a sad example of lunacy. In the lang^age of this edge, and was preparing the way for a Spiritual awakening, day and age, Peter was a “ nut. ” When he souglit to make that would come about the time when the world engaged in better time than the horse-drawn coaches—and failed—a its most fearful and destructive conflict. mighty wave of humor wafted over the land. In 1853, Judge Edmonds of the Supreme Court of New Today no minister of the gospel of our acquaintance would York, and Dr. George Dexter, a well-known and highly think of having an Operation without an anaesthetic, nor respected Citizen of New York City, puhlished a work relat- would one essay a trip across the continent in a horse-drawn ing to Spiritualism, that was a worthy companion of the vehicle—particularly if he had any regard for time and works of Mr. Davis. The purpose of their experiments was comfort. to ascertain if the phenomena were genuine. Not only were Hence, one mortal sin—the use of anaesthetic—and one they soon convinced of its truth, but they reeeived many mad folly, the locomotive, have come to be accepted. In the remarkable messages from Swedenborg and Lord Bacon. meanwhile, the world will teil us solemnly that anaestheties In commenting on the work of these two men, writers comprise one of God’s gifts to the human kind, and that have said, “ But the subject of secondary personality was the locomotive is so thoroughly accepted that we simply not understood in their time, and was not worked out until could not dispense with our modern railways. a generation later, when the result was to discredit the Other inventions and discoveries were beginning to attract spiritistic Claims of Edmond’s and Dexter’s work.’’ attention about the time gold was diseovered in California, If the “ secondary personality” is understood any better and the world was readjusting itself in eommercial ideas, in \

24 C O M M IJ'-N : C A T I 0 N ineans of eommunication and even in ethies, without know- nor shall be escape it hurriedly. But it is a privilege, truly, ing that such changes were linder way. to be numbered among that bright host of lunatics who had On May 24, 1844, Samuel Finley Breese Morse sent a mes- the courage to be true to their convietions, in Spiritualism, sage over the telegraph wires from the rooms of the United in Science and in inventive progress. States Supreme Court in the Capitol at Washington to Bal­ timore, and this is what the message said: ‘ ‘ What hath HIS month, which is the seventy-second anniversary of God wrought?” the birth of modern Spiritualism, finds the world will- Prof. Morse was accused, also, of consorting with the Ting to admit that which has been demonstrated, but devil. He was either evil or crazy, or both—but today the quite as averse as eyer to admit that which is being demon­ most devout church-member will not refuse to take advan- strated. Ask any number of persons if they believe in wire- tage of the reduced night-letter rates to send a message of less telegraphy, and their answer will be in the affirmative. importance or even a friendly greeting, to someone in a Ask them to explain wireless, and they will be unable, with distant eity. few exceptions, to give even a reasonable explanation. Ask them if they believe in radium, and they will say that they T will also be seen that the Fox sisters were not the only do. Request them to explain radium, and they are lost! otfenders against the stand-stillers of their day. There The time has not yet arrived when we can say that Spir­ I were fellow culprits, and had public opinion been eapable itualism is sufficiently established for the wörld to accept it of deciding the fate of any of these folk who stepped out as one of the religions. The time is near at hand when the of times as they were into days as they were going to be, we truth of spirit eommunication will be regarded by most should have no anaesthetics, no railway transportation, no persons as a fact, and then, in harmony with its fashion, telegraphy—“ no mithin’,” as the absolutist would say. the world will find an orthodox place for Spiritualism. But sinee those days, what marvels have eome to us ? The sewing machine of Elias Howe, embodying most of the fea- Spiritualists should not feel that they are only burden- bearers. Surely, they have an outlook on life that is suffi­ tures of the machines of today, appeared in 1846—in these halcyon days. But what did the critics say of poor Mr. ciently broad and brave to not permit adverse opinions to Howe? He was trying to upset the System of labor. He worry them unduly. In ä few years, Spiritualism will be was going to take work away from those who needs must established, will have its place among the religions, and open labor with their hands. That has been said of all other new channels for knowledge and progress in this earth-world. inventions of a labor-saving nature until reeently, and the That there should have been mortals brave enough to bear reason that argument is not used now is because the opera- the brunt of eritieism these seventy-two years, should tors today make much more money than the handcraftsmen encourage every person who has the courage to stand by his of a generation ago. own convietions, that the jest and scorn of the world today Other inventions of the devil, the telephone, the dynamo, will become the aeeepted truth tomorrow. and other electrical equipment, the reflecting telescope, wire- Those persons who are just inquiring, will find the suste- less, trans-oeeanic cables, the airplane, and so on beyond nance of thought in the undeniable fact that a great Spirit­ Science enumerating, are giving aid and comfort and a new Standard ual awakening had its birth at the very time that of luxury to the world today that our forefathers did not and invention were beginning to achieve their most remark- know. able tangible success. These discoveries of Science, and These, indeed, would have been the inventions of the devil these inventions, were destined to lead the world into an era of fast-moving material progress. But the tap-tap-tapping had it not been for one potent tru th : Just as these mod­ ern labor-saving and money-grubbing inventions were Corn­ received by the Fox sisters in 1848, provided the means that ing into their own, two girls—misunderstood, bullied and was to permit the intellect and force of spirit to break perseeuted—the Fox sisters, demonstrated that there is a through the barriers of the material, and halt the world from door opening between the liard Shell of mortal existence and its own material undoing. This seventy-second birthday the outer freedom of spirit existence. period gives much to be thankful for—much to think about, seriously. YN ’S temptation on the one hand was to amass wealth, build cities of such size, area, wealth and power as the AN APPRECIATION M world had never seen, form eombinations of Capital (Continued from page 25) and labor that were more far-reaching than the monarehical Mediums, through whom eome the comfort and help from alliances of old, and monopolize luxury-creating forces: and those who have gone before. on the other hand, man was beginning to be bold enough We eome to the world with no apology of the Mediums. to look beyond the gray wall of his brain into a clearer light, Many of the most orthodox in the world, for centuries have and ask, wUh Job, “ If a man die, shall he live again? all depended upon Communications with the spirit-world, the days of my appointed time will I wait, tili my change received through Mediumship. eome.” When Spiritualism has become thoroughly established, That was as far back as 1520 B. C., which made it the this faith, too, will be regarded as orthodox—so let us go more presnmptious of Job. This must be so, or otherwise slowly in expressing adverse opinions about orthodoxy, which why should it have been so unforgivable a sin for the Fox signifies nothing but recognized establishment. sisters to be so rash as to attempt to answer Job’s query But as truly as the facts of Spiritualism that “ Communi- only 3368 years later? They should have waited, if the cation” will give to the public, have eome through Mediums, aetions of their neighbors counted for anything. that truly will “ Communication” devote itself to their care Since their tear-dimmed time, Sir William Crookes, Sir —until they have eome into their own. This may be a long, Oliver Lodge, and a host of other men of Science have been long journey, but however long the trail may be, it is our so hasty as to teil the world that they, too, believed that trail, and we pledge ourselves to follow it. there is life beyond the change—the change to which Job Let us never forget that the Bible was the first beacon- referred: the change ealled death. They, and countless light of the world that Mediums lighted for God’s children; thousands of others have found the courage to say that and let us, in this day and age, strive earnestly to bring to they believe that it behooves man to think about his far jour- these servants of the Master, and the spirit-world, “ the ney, particularly as he is wont to make elaborate plans for Angels of the Lord, ’ ’ a fair measure of the appreciation that little earth-trips, which he may never take. by right is theirs, and has been since the first earth-dawn. We of 1920 have not escaped the lash of the persecutors LLOYD KENYON JONES, Editor. COMMUNfCATION 25 In Appreciation

x ‘ Communication ’ ’ is physical, visible evidenee of a work aged. If they have produeed phenomena that may be ques- dhat has been in progress for many years—for centuries, for tioned, let us leam what pressure has been brought to hear, ;time as long as the age of the human kind—of a dass of and what conditions have existed—for an interrupted mes- persons long misunderstood, long held in contempt and long sage often is as misleading as one that was born of fraud. perseeuted—the Mediums. We know of many big business and Professional men—of Through a bitter age of Superstition, these brave men and men and women who stand high in public favor—who seek women have battled against human ignorance and misunder- the Mediums and rely upon the information that eomes standing, have been the subjects of unceasing police attaeks, through from the Other Side—but who publicly deny that and of still more brutal unappreeiation on the part of those Mediumship can be a fact. whom they have served, as open doors between life in the The world of flesh is weak, and opinions influence too material and life in the ethereal. many mortals. We are afraid of being called insane. We Today, vve find many critics of Mediums averring that the are fraid of ridicule. We are ashamed of the loved ones in Professional Medium should be scorned—that the solution of spirit from whom we receive such wonderful guidance and rspirit Communications rests with the amateur, protected by such helpful information. That is the brand of Cain—for the love of family seclusion. it is no more wicked to strike a fellow dead than it is to such his strength and then damn him. But God gave talents according to His understanding— “ Communication” öfters to the Mediums of the world a and not as a recent photoplay would have us believe, in gathering place where they may come and find friendly harmony with the wealth and reflnement of an exclusive assistance. ;Soeial set. Indeed, wealth and refinement seldom know one “ Communication” will teil the stories of Professional .another; sometimes, but seldom. Mediums, and aid them in their upward struggle. It is their If we have a case at court, we do not seek the person who magazine—because they made it possible—and destined to reads law at home, nor yet the law student, but the lawyer progress only in proportion as it is fair and honorable in its who has had long and fruitful experience in court. If we dealings with the cause that gave it being. have toothaehe, we consult the best dentist within the scope ‘ ‘ Communication ’ ’ believes that it is folly to dare any one, of our knowledge. If we wish a beautiful painting, we seek or pick a quarrel with any one; but that it is a mark of the art of the Professional painter. And these things we do cowardice to not stand up for our rights when they are ;because we believe that long contact with any subject, attacked. insures development. ‘ ‘ Communication ’ ’ deplores the weakness of those who will There are, in this eountry alone, tens of thousands of seek the Mediums, and then feel ashamed of the spirit- ministers of the gospel, who are paid salaries, that they may world—whence all of us came, and whither we shall all go ■devote their time and thought to the preaching of the gospel. after the change called death. They are Professional ministers, and they are sought after “ Communication” will never lend itself, however, to any with large salaries according to their ability. Somehow, the attack on any religion. In all creeds, we see beauty—chan- •ehurch-member finds more helpfulness in the sermon of a nels that lead toward the same light ; and in all religions, we trained preaeher than in the rantings of a sincere, but find expressions of the same Great Truth, according to the mntrained, non-professional. understanding and experience of individuals. And so, in the distribution of talents, God decreed also We do not say that persecution is not directed against us that there be experience if there is to be any approach by other creeds, or by individuals who profess other creeds, toward perfection. but we believe that the person who is sincere in his own reli­ Secluded and shielded in the bosom of the family, a gion, is not moved to malice toward Spiritualism. Medium develops but little. Put that Medium out in the “ Communication” refuses to be an iconoclast. Its work 'highway of scorn, skeptieism and persecution and then let is not to attack or tear down. If Spiritualism is ever going her say that she is a hand-maiden of God. Until one serves to stand for uplifting thöughts, it must do so according to •God’s children, one is not doing God’s work. And to no our own conduct and our own regard for our fellow-mortals. ■one did the Maker give talent without imposing a duty. The If you are a Catholic, be a good Catholic, and you will be painter paints not for himself alone, but for the world. a good man or woman. If you are a Christian Scientist, be Talent earries with it an Obligation toward the public, and true to the teachings of that faith, and you will be a good • seclusion of Mediumship is equivalent to the hiding of one’s Citizen. If you are a good Seventh Day Adventist, do not worry about the Judgment Day, because that belongs to light under the proverbial bushel. Into the brains of the news-butcher, God had placed a gift God’s decision—and do not worry about evil spirits, but be that gave us, later on, the incandescent lamp, the talking a good Adventist and you will contribute to the world’s machine, the cinematagraph and other marvelous inventions progress. If you are a Spiritualist, be a good Spiritualist ■of Edison, the wizard. God did not select the pampered pet and do not condemn or criticise those of any other faith, and of some wealthy household, but chose the hardy boy who had you will take your part in the Great Work, and do your duty well. to work by sweat and perseveranee. God never distributes gifts according to human ideas. TV e Spiritualism is opposed to intoleranee—and, being opposed to it, must refuse to take part in its expression. do not make the laws of God, and seldom do we trouble our* We must not try to force our belief upon any one—and selves about learning or obeying them. So long as God gave certain mortals Mediumship, it is must neither condemn nor ridicule any of our fellows. This must be part of our faith, or we shall fail. evident that Mediumship can not be crushed out by legisla- tion or the petty hatred of the superstitious who are fearful Just as it is right and proper for members of orthodox churches to protect their pastors, so is it a mark of better that life immortal may be true after all. understanding on the part of Spiritualists to be kind and If Mediums stoop to anything that is wrong, let us seek considerate of their Mediums than it is to neglect those the reason. Let us study the cause. Perhaps persecution has been so bitter against them, they have become discour- (Continued on page 24) 26 COMMUNICATION

As a result, the Spiritualist is confronted by many con- tradictions. And out of the mass of testimony, he forms his own opinions. In time, Statements come before his attention that have emanated from other seance-rooms, The Magazine of Spiritual Education and if these Statements differ from his own conceptions LLOYD KENYON JONES, EDITOR in the slightest degree, he is one of the first to make charges of fraud. Vcl. 1, No. 1 MARCH, 1920 25c a Copy There is no other religious body in the world that dis- $2.00 a Year; Canadian postage, 50c extra; Foreign postage, $1.00 agrees more than Spiritualists. There is no other extra. Copyright, 1920, by The S-piritualistic Educational Asso­ ciation. church body in which little differences are permitted to Published Monthly by The Spiritualistic Educational Association, assume such momentous proportions. Until each Spir­ an Illinois Corporation Not for Profit, Suite 981-991 Rand, McNally Building, 538 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois. itualist comes to the same conclusion—that he must be slow in his judgment and charitable in his opinions— Address all eorrespondence to “Communication,” 981-991 Rand, McNally Building", Chicago, 111. No medical, tobacco, sex, invest- Spiritualism can not be built up to the point where it m entor other advertising- classed by our policy as “objectionable,” will be accepted. Advertising rates sent upon request, if accom- may occupy a place in the world’s religions. panied by copy. If we were to present our views only with the object "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in of salving and soothing, if we could not come out in us.”— R om ans 8:18. print with our honest convictions, then we would feel THE NEED OF CONCORD that we were not serving Spiritualists or Spiritualism. We ask the readers of “ Communication” to pledge to In this issue of' “ Communication, ’ ’ and in the num- the Truth, charity and breadth of opinion, and to look bers to come, will be found many of the tynical criti- for and think about only the best in the different cisms that are offered by the press, the pulpit, and other seance-rooms and churches. We ask our readers to outside agencies, against Spiritualism. Replies to these pledge themselves to search for and retain only the criticisms also will be noted. harmonious things, and to do their best from day to day It is a source of deep concern to many Spiritualists to refrain from baek-door gossip relative to their views that such injustice should have to be suffered by a of their fellows, De they in or outside of Spiritualism. truth that seeks only to bring comfort and assistance to We ask them further to do all they can; in a gentle, mortals. There is another view of the Situation which persuasive way, at least, to discourage this gossip and every Spiritualist must admit. When the garrison of a these criticisms among Spiritualists. fort fights as a unit, it can withstand many severe attacks of the enemy. But if the members of the garri­ So far as the mediums are concerned, it is our belief son should fight among themselves, then the concerted that the major portion of their jealousy and their attack of the enemy will mean the defeat of the uncharitable remarks about one another may be traced garrison. to the dishonest manner in which they have been It would not be an act of justice to Spiritualists to treated by Spiritualists. Every medium of long experi- sugar-coat the bitter pill and pretend that it was not ence knows that many persons have come to his or her bitter, or to give the pine of dissension the mahogany seance-room in trouble, in debt, and have sought for finish of sweet concord and pretend the result was and received advice from the spirit-world. Each one mahogany. There are bickerings and criticisms among of these mediums knows that ninety-nine out of a hun­ Spiritualists toward one another, and among mediums dred of these persons who have profited by this advice, toward one another, and among associations and organ • have repaid their loved ones on the other side by desert- izations toward one another. Today, Spiritualism does ing the cause that aided them. Many of them have even not stand as a unit, with one purpose. It consists of slandered the mediums through whose forees this assist­ groups quarreling mildly or violently with one another. ance has come. Every church organization, from the It consists of mediumistic jealousies, charges and coun- largest to the smallest, in the United States, Canada tereharges. Upon this dissension, it is possible for the and most other countries, outside of Spiritualism, takes critics of Spiritualism to make headway. better care of its ministers and priests than the Spir­ We must admit that in no other faith are there so itualists do when it comes to Support of their mediums. many isolated and widely divergent sources of informa- Let police officers arrest a medium, and most of that tion. We forget at times that those on the süirit-side of medium’s followers can not be found. The majority of life come with their opinions, and that these opinions Spiritualists are asking everything of the spirit-world, are not given as infallible fact—but as opinions. We but they are willing to give nothing in return. must not overlook the fact that many questions are The world is going to judge us by the way we live asked in seance-rooms, and that in answering these and act and deal with our fellow mortals. We can questions those on the other side can not enter into a preach and harangue until our earth-breath has gone, detailed discussion of the entire subject. Consequently, but if we do not attempt to put into practice that which there seem to be many points of contradiction. we pretend to believe, we have not earned the eonsider- Spiritualism is in its formative stage. The records of ation of the public. Communications have never been preserved and com­ When the legislatures of different States in the pared sufficiently to discover the points of similarity. A Union pass bills that become Statutes, striking at the Spiritualist attends the seances of one medium and right of Spiritualists to worship in their own way, it is forms his own conception of the information coming the beholden duty of Spiritualists to stand together through that mediumship. In his library he has a va- and demand their rights. Rarely do they sliow this riety of books dealing with the subject, and including moral courage. If Spiritualists are going to prove to many volumes pertaining to branches of the subject. the makers of these laws that Spiritualism is a jellyfisb COMMUNICATION 27 religion, and that Spiritualists are spineless creatures, for a family Conference that should discuss the ques- then these legislators and police officials are going to tion of religious liberty in the home. This is a problem hold Spiritualism and Spiritualists in contempt. Under that must be left to the tact and good judgment of no circumstances can we sanction attacks upon any every person concerned. other religion or upon any body politic. But there is a difference between attacking and defending our rights. INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE The person who says that he is a Spiritualist, and Much as the Teachers in Spirit desire to have mortals refuses to do anything for that which he Claims to study the philosophy of Spiritualism, it is not possible believe, is a hypocrite. We need concord between the to take away from men and women the desire df per­ various forces of Spiritualists and between the differ­ sonal experience. Until they have witnessed the pre- ent individuals in Spiritualism. That concord must nomena themselves, these persons do not feel that they Start with the' desire of fairness that is nurtured in the can say that they are sure of communication and that breast of each Spiritualist. These are facts and they they are willing to defend their convictions. can not be argued away. We must recognize them and be guided by a sincere desire to work in harmony, and As truly as evolution has brought about rapidly we must put that desire into Operation. increasing interest in the subject of Spiritualism, that truly will God’s law provide the mediums necessary to carry this personal experience to earhest seekers. SPIRITUALISM IN FAMILIES All mediums are not equally developed, Conditions are not always thè same in seance-rooms. It is impor­ In many households, we find divided opinions, and in tant that every seeker after the manifestations should some of them open rebellion, over the subject of Spir­ take all of these facts into consideration, should study itualism. In a family of four or five persons, one mem- the conditions and the law of communication, and ber may be a Spiritualist and the others may belong to should become determined to understand as well as wit- other churches, or to no church at all. ' The result is a ness these phenomena. split, not only in family opinions, but in family har­ It would be difScult to so much as estimate the num- mony. ber of men and women who are attempting to develop Sometimes this inharmony may be traced to the intol- some phase of mediumship. We believe that this grow- erance of some member of the family who has taken it ing desire is in harmony with the prophecy in the Book upon himself or herseif to translate the will of God and of Revelation. It is natural, no doubt, that some of to dictate the rules and laws of religious and moral these persons, in their development, should make claims conduct throughout the universe. Sometimes the difiS- that eould not be substantiated, and likely each will culty may be traced to the over-enthusiasm of the Spir- have to learn through experience. To the developed itualistic member of the household. medium, the shivers and shudders and wild guesses of Every household should be capable of governing the aspirants are as gall and wormwood. These devel­ itself, and of establishing a code of tolerance that will oped, experienced mediums often have as much eommis- permit each member to pursue his or her individual eration for those who are striving to develop as the old studies, but that will prohibit all members from thrust- practitioner has for the medical Student. Out of such ing their beliefs or disbeliefs upon one another. efforts, however, will develop many mediums of the This problem is by no means new in the world. Young future. Without the effort, there would be no growth persons are marrying who have different religious in mediumship. views. And after the halycon period of the-honeymoon Those who seek manifestations should be patient. has waned, these differences may become more or less The medium never lived who could satisfy all persons rasjnng. The wife who is a Christian Scientist, and coming to his or her seance-room. The seeker must whose husband is sufficiently tolerant to not interfer« become a Student, and must come to the conclusion that with her religion, is displaying poor .iuderment in pro- it is necessary to take ample time and to do consider- hibiting him from becoming a Spiritualist. The hus­ able thinking before he is in position to arrive at a con­ band who belongs to any orthodox church is breaking clusion. The manifestations of Spiritualism involve faith when he interferes with his wife’s inclinations to more than walking into the seance-room of a medium. study Spiritualism. Both are guilty of indiscretions Until there is knowledge of the governing conditions, and lack of judgment when they quarrel over their and until the seeker has become a Student who places religious views. ideas before conclusions in importance, there can not be Ever since there has been religion, there have been the satisfaction that these seekers so much desire. departures from a code of love and amity in households, because of differences in religious opinion. All mem­ bers of a family are not on the same plane of thought Hating people and things, is another way of taking poison. or development. All are not gifted similarlv. They are Hatred destroys digestion. breaks one’s rest, and brings on living together as members of a fundamental unit of disease. Of all ills to which man has made himself lieir, government known as a household, and they must hatred is the cause of the majority of them! divide and apportion the matter of rights. We believe that it is wrong for a Spiritualist member Millions of persons said that national prohibition never of a home to harp and harangue on the subject of his could be a fact—but it is; maybe not perfectly, but after a or her belief. No religious faith can be forced upon fashion, at least. And if the coming generation has never another by one who is a pronounced devotee of that tasted the cup that cbeers, they will not miss it. The world faith. Where Spiritualism, or any other religion, changes, evolution is a fact, and nothing remains as it was becomes a source of family differences, it is high time These are difficult lessons for most mortals to learn. ' 28 COMMUNICATION

WHY I AM A SPIRITUALIST By C. WRIGHT DAVISON

I have attained my alloted three-seore I believe that these qualities rather led years-and-ten. I have lived far beyond to misunderstanding on the part of some the average of this earth-life, and it has of the larger boys. Many times I had been my privilege to view life from many the breath nearly pounded out of me. different angles. Not many years ago, I Father tried to teach me to fight back, was nearly blind. I was in debt. I had but at that time, and in fact not until lost my bnsiness. Today my sight is as I had grown older, did I know what it strong and good as that of most men meant to become angry. I did not seem of forty. Each week-day I put in full- to have the fighting spirit. I became a time at my offiee. As earth-time is victim of bullies. As I grew up, my counted, I am an old man. As the Spirit observation seemed to teach me that counts time, I am young and I have a no one can be very smart without being brighter outlook on life and its possi- able to become very mad. And so, in bilities toda\r than I had during the my misguided way, I practised anger. It period of my youth. I am a success. was a habit easy to attain. That was My sV;ht, my health, my business, I the worst investment I ever made in my •owe to Spiritualism. life. I have been sorry times unnum- But there is no reason why you should bered that I ever acquired the needless he interested in my life-story, because and harmful practice of beeoming an­ every person has a life-story. Whatever gry. Anger at one time caused me the I teil you will be for the purpose of loss of over a half-million dollars. making elear to you the reason why I Through impatience, I passed one of the am a Spiritualist, and to show you how great opportunities of my life. my experiences finally led me to that When I was ten years old, I was point where I was given the oppor- placed with my grandfather who lived tunity of deeiding the balance of the on a farm—a good, old-fashioned Baptist eourse of my life. deacon—and he practised what he The prospect of life, however, through preached. Here, at the little country the eyes of most young people, is a schoolhouse, at the age of sixteen years, prospect filled with confidence. The C. WRIGHT DAVISON I graduated. The teacher told me that young man and the young woman see there was no use coming any longer, none of the shoals and none of the We h a d a te n - a e r e plot that helped eon- because I had acquired all the learning breakers ahead. In their misunderstand- tribute in a m e a s u r e to our Support. that the little Institution could give to ing, they are eonfident that their desti- My father was well versed in Biblical me. nies will be exceptions to the rule. Too lore, but I never knew him to attend It was in this same schoolhouse that I often they regard thought about their a ehurch, unless the occasion was the often listened to sermons preached by Maker as evidence of senility and weak- funeral of some friend. As an old- Eider Nichols, a good old farmer- ness. But as the years pass, and the fashioned Baptist, he would spare the preaeher. He talked from the heart and hurden of sorrow, failure and despair rod and spoil the child. My mother without price. He had faith in God rests more heavily upon them, when was not so robust as my father. To and in His ways. I may say here and loved ones are taken from them into me she was always a ministering angel. now that when the Lord ’s Prayer is sung the region that lies on the farther side Whenever she could, she attended the at the beginning of every seance at The of the grave, they begin to feel less cer- Methodist church and saw to it that the Wm. T. Stead Memorial Center, this tain—less eonfident. Their hearts mel- children attended church Service and Eider comes in and leads the singins low, and no longer do they find wicked Sunday school. She was faithful in and ministers unto me as one of my ■delight in viewing the trouble of others, every sense of the word. She was up- master guides. as though it were well-merited punish- right and she was righteous. I feel At the age of sixteen, I began to teach ment. More and more as the years pass that the greatest blessing God has ever school, receiving the remuneration of on, the children of men find that ther- given to man is the blessing of a good $6.50 a month, plus board. For five is much to learn, that after all they mother. Countless times, when the years I taught and clerked in a störe. are but infants in swaddling clothes who clouds of adversity have hung low, when Then the Wanderlust came over me and need fathering and mothering. pain has hurt my heart and when temp- I moved to the West. I worked from I believe that my boyhood days were tation has eome into my path, the sweet snnrise to sunset and I worked hard. very similar to those of most other reeollection of a mother’s love has given Then T worked in Kansas City and St. hoys. I was one of eight children, and me new hope, new courage and better Louis on city directoriès. I later went the eompensation earned by my father understanding. to Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Paul and as a earpenter was $1.25 a day. He was Both parents did their best to give all Minneapolis. a splendid man physically, very robust, of us an education. I had to work hard, I had saved up about $1,000. which very strong. He was a fine meehanic, and it seemed to me in my studies that I was induced to invest in a printing and indeed, an inventive genius. Yet when I had learned two lines, I forgot plant to publish a religious paper. I with all his ability and all our efforts, the first one and had to Start all over. thought that this would be most excel- it was diffieult to make both ends meet. I think I had grit and perseverance, but lent news to write home to my mother. COMMUNICATION 29>

When I had left home, she had said to not see it, but that they would be your credit to be paid to you whenever me: “ Wright, I have no money to assessed pro rata for the cost aceord- you place thirty thousand dollars’ worth give you, but I will give you some ad- ing to their holdings. They informed me of your stock in your bank to our vice that, if you will heed, will always that the stock was non-assessable. I credit.” guide you to suceess. You will always explained to them that this made no That meant the transposition from the find in your travels through life that difference, that if any of them were depths of despair to the heaven of new there are two roads before you: One is too poor to pay, I would pay for them, hope. On Monday I received the money. upward and one is downward. And you but that they would pay to the utter- I gave my friend eighty-five hundred, and will always know the road you are most for telling the banker that I was the inventor forty-five hundred. traveling by the Company you keep.” busted and a fool. They decided to My banker came to me and said, But in those days, I fear that I looked meet their assessments, so that I was “ What are you doing with your bank too much into the position of men and able to repay the banker. account?” I told him what I had done, not enough into the hearts of men. When the directors’ meeting was and he advised me to go to Denver to- I had put my savings into the religious called, they out-voted me and gave them- rest for a few days. I believe he thought publication at the solicitation of a Con- selves the authority for taking the ma­ I w-as unbalaneed! gregational minister and others who chine East and leaving me out of it. I The directors sold state rights for va- were men of position and trust. I had went to one of the directors, whose in- rious sums, and engaged an entire floor made a mistake. I had encountered terest with mine would have eontrolled, of one of the leading hotels of New wolves in sheep’s clothing. Penniless and told him that while the others called York for their Offices. They had the and newly married, I found myself with- him everything that was mean, I pur- financial editor of The New York Trib­ out employment. I was defrauded of posed tying to him, as I believed that he üne as their adviser. I knew that the my little nest-egg. I had courage, or at was the most honest of the lot. He President of The New York Tribüne was least at that time I thought it was grasped my hand and told me that I also President of an Opposition typeset- courage. Since then I have learned that would never be sorry, and èxperience ting machine Company, and this did not the willingness to try again, to start proved that I was not. I paid him fifty look any too good. Therefore, I decided anew, came as a blessed guidance from thousand dollars from my receipts for to send for my wife. She was a much bet- loved ones across the way. his faithfulness. ter judge of human nature than I. We It was a hard fight up to the time I The rest of them took the machine to invited this Promoter to lunch at the was nearly thirty-three years of age, and Boston, and I was obliged to send my Astor House, and after we had parted, I then came seven fat years, when every- family to Denver, due to my wife’s asked my wife what she thought of him. thing I touched seemed to turn to gold. asthma. I rented my home and boarded She told me that she believed he was the In 1887 I had so much money, my wife at a hotel. But after a time things worst rascal she had ever met. thought that we could retire safely. So began looking pretty black, because my I then found a man who was anxious I sold the control of my directory busi- money was running low and I did not to have control, and I sold him my stock ness, that had proved to be very lucra- know what the other directors were at par. After dividing with everyone tive. Apparently I had not reached the going to do. These directors found that who had been friendly with me, my wife end of my necessary experience, because it was necessary to have the inventor and I left for California, and turned our I became interested in a patent that was go East with them so that he could ex- backs on the rest of them. I had taken destined to revolutionize printing. In plain the advantages and Operation of in a total of about two hundred and 1888 I had invested so heavily in this this machine. He then told me that it forty thousand dollars. But these ma- patent that I was virtually ruined. was the purpose of the others to break chines were never put on the market. My banker sent for me, and when I me and to ruin me, and that at the first The crookedness that wfas back of the was shown into his office, he said to me, opportunity I should seil some of my entire operations had simply thwarted any success. ‘ ‘ The directors of your Company teil me stock. But I could never teil that he that they are all going on trips to Cali­ had given me the Information; that When a man steps from despair and fornia and Mexico for the winter, and would endanger him. poverty to success and riches, he is likely that you are busted and a fool.” Then one day I received a telegram to say that he did it with his brains. veplied that it was the truth, and that it asking me what I would take for thirty That is the trouble with most mortals. was the first time that they had told the thousand shares of my stock. I took the They know nothing of God’s law or truth so far as I knew. He asked me telegram to the other friendly director, spirit guidance. They do not know when what I was going to do, and I told him and he advised me to ask par for it. bv right they have earned and when by I was going to rebuild the machine, that This was about fourteen times what I right they have forfeited. the idea was good but that the machine had paid for it. Then they offered me For the second time in my life, I had was not quite right. He asked me how three-fourths of par. This friendly di­ in my possession suffieient money to be much money I would need, and I told him rector said, “ That is not an öfter, only called a foytune. But how little we that I thought ten thousand dollars would bait. They will think that if you take know which way we are to be ledJ do. that, you would accept less.” Feeling What is this thing, money? What is He said to me, “ But where are you that I was making a fearful mistake, I success? These are but other names for going to get so much money ? ’ ’ wired and told them that I was not sell­ experience. ing gold dollars at seventy^five Cents, If your soul needs a lesson, that les- I replied, “ From you.” son will come to you in the things that He looked at me intently for some and that my Option would' close that night. you live. You will receive in gladness or moments, and then said, “ I will back in tears that which you require. You you, but if you fail, I am ruined.’ My heart was heavy. The outlook held no promise. That night, without will pay, and you will be paid. Mortals I rebuilt the machine, with the expen- seldom remember pain when happiness diture of about seven thousand dollars, undressing, I lay on the bed and wept for three hours and prayed for deliv- has come to them again. They forget and by the time the directors returned in the hard lessons that they have learned. the spring, I had it completed and put erance. At about eleven o’elock I heard a rustle underneath the door. The Bible says that we are tempted, away. But I had left much evidence of but that is a misinterpretation of fact. it laying aröund the office. They spied Getting up, I found a telegram which said, “ Option not up. Have placed We are not tempted, but we are tested. this evidence. They wanted to see the (Continued on page 57) machine. I told them that they could thirty thousand dollars in the bank to 30 COMMUNICATION

A Layman’s Testimony scientific heresy to even assume. Ra­ dium, Becquerel rays and similar dis- As to the Practical Value of Spiritualism coveries have eompelled a readjustment of the possibilities of light, ether and By Henry Berend electrica! waves. The treatment of nerv- ous and mental maladies by Suggestion and hypnotism is now orthodox medical Some years ago, th'e reading of one or ers sound vibrations and binds them into practiee. Psychie Researchers have two books on Psychie Research aroused a harmonious whole, are all engaged with proved telepathy, clairvoyance and my interest in that subject. Through things of practical value, even though clairaudience. The age of “ the five the eourtesy of a member of the Society material results or rewards may not fol- senses” is rapidly disappearing. for Psychical Research I was directed, low. All investigators are willing to admit at my request, to a person who possesses We but dimly recognize that our real the existenee of both the unknown en- mediumistic powers. I knew nothing of life is not that of the physical senses ergy and the intelligence dictating the Spiritualism at that time, except that I but that of mind or thought. It is only messages, but some contend that both imagined in a vague, general kind of as we feel the physical part of our na- emanate from living bodies and minds way that it was more or less assoeiated ture or study animal life and that of and not from the dead. They balk at with ignorant Mediums, superstitious the man of early eivilization that we the theory of the dead being alive and persons, haunted houses and ghosts. see the life of the senses predomi- if their religious f'aith makes the living Düring the past few years I have had, nate. The higher we rise in men­ of the dead a primary requisite of their at irregulär intervals, probably forty sit- tal and moral culture the more does f'aith, they contend that if the dead are tings with the Medium—Mrs. S. My the sense life become subsidiary to that alive they cannot make this fact known interest in Psyehic Research and Spirit­ of the mind. to our conscious mind and that all good, ualism is eonstantly inereasing by rea- The first result of the generally much cultured and refined spirits would refuse son of the Information which I receive despised table-tilting or planchette-w'rit- to do it even if they could, on the through the sittings and the further ing’, consists in proving to our mind the grounds that it wras a sin or at the least, knowledge gained by reading the publi- existenee of an unknown force which very bad taste. At this point the Spir­ cations of the recognized authorities on the text books of Science have hereto- itualist parts Company with the Scientist Psychie Research, and the results of the fore ignored or denied. It will be un- who believes that only living earth minds investigations of other scientific or med­ necessary for me to state to anyone who can communicate and with the Orthodox ical men such as Crawford, Du Bois, had made only a cursory study and per­ Christian who believes that dead minds Boirac, Bramwell, Schrenck von Not­ sonal investigation of Spiritualism that cannot or will not communicate. zing and others. all manifestations have a natural phy­ Knowing and believing to the eon- sical force or power as their basis, even trary, I am therefore compelled to the It is not my purpose to present any though this force is more or less unde- horror of my orthodox friends, to call of the evidence which I received of su­ finable and cannot be expressed in ree- pernormal Information or of the survival myself a Spiritualist. My study and ognized terms of matter or energy. personal investigation have proven to of personal consciousness. The latter is Whether we call it vibrations of ether, no longer considered a hypothesis, but a me the existenee of personal conseious- thought waves, neutral radiations, psy- ness after deatli and that this con- recognized scientific faet admittéd by all chic power or any other term,'is imma­ who have studied the records of the So­ sciousness can and does communicate terial. Our minds can only be reached wdth living minds. The laws of nature ciety for Psychie Research and in addi- through the physical senses. What we tion thereto been competent and able to do not cease after death and the power see, hear, taste, smell and feel we be- of communication is latent or developed make sufficient personal investigation. I lieve exists, as without the senses the merely wish in this article, to answer the in every deeeased individual the same as mind would be practically dead so far it now is in every living body and mind. question which is so often asked me: as things of this natural world are eon- ‘ ‘ Assuming the facts to be true, what The practical value, in the sense I cerned. Hence the value of the mind’s have defined, of this knowledge and be­ has been the practical value to you of being forced to an admittance and ac- messages from the dead, table-tilting, lief has been to me of inestimable worth. knowledgement of the existenee of an planchette-writing, or any of those other On the religious side it has revolution- unseen force manifested by the tilting ized my religious conceptions giving life phenomena which are classed under the of a table or the moving of a planchette. general head of Spiritualism1?” to a dead faith, a more intelligent and This step having been accomplished, our comprehensive understanding of Christ’s If by the term “ practical value” is attention is next drawn to the fact that words, works and life, and a belief in meant dollars and C e n ts, or glory, honor, the force manifested is not simply a His miracles and acts of healing as hav­ prestige and reputation, I would form of energy per se, but that in back ing been accomplished aceording to nat­ promptly answer that Spiritualism has of the energy is an intelligence which ural law and not as a violation of it. It no value at all but is worthless, and is Controls and directs it and through it has opened my mind to a recognition of a loss and detriment both from the gives intelligent messages and answers. the fundamental truths underlying all monetary standpoint and probably that This admittance is just as compulsory religions and generated a tolerance of of reputation. as that which is forced upon us by see- their many errors. I contend however, that all things ing an object move. Through my physical senses I have which add to the sum of human knowl­ I am not here entering into the ques­ been brought to an intelligent belief in edge and make the life of man fuller tion of whether this intelligence is that the possibilities and actuality of being and happier, are of practical value. The of the medium, of the sitter or of both. able to havè “ personal conscious fellow­ scholar who takes a joy in deciphering The fact remains that it exists. To ap- ship with God,” words which heretofore cuneiform inscriptions, the explorer who ply a quotation of John Fiske, “ At this have been to me only an empty-sounding seeks to get to the poles, the seientist point matter ends and spirit appears phrase. My spiritual life has been stim- who spends years in apparently useless above the horizon. ’ ’ Scientists recognize ulated and quickened in a way which a experimentation, the poet who puts lan- and admit the existenee of many forms lifetime of the usual church attendance guage into song, the musician who gath- of energy which fifty years ago it was (Continued on page 56) COMMUNICATION 31 AVisit to the First Church of New York By Lloyd Kenyon Jones

If you live in New York City, or near that Nevernie is a very sweet little met others on the firing-line, others who it, or go there at times, be sure to visit spirit, whose wisdom is that of the ages. are meeting part of the inquiring, eager the First Spiritualist Church on Sunday After Mrs. Williams had completed world, and setting them straight along evening. You will find this church in her interesting, wholesome, helpful ser­ the right pathway of information and Renaissance Hall, 155 East Fifty-eighth mon, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Van Buskirk serious thought. Street, with a large auditorium, and a gave messages. This subject is so tremendously broad real welcome. Not only are they splendid mediums, and deep, there must be an army to do Düring our reeent visit to the me- but they are very sweet women, and the work that should be done right now. tropolis, Mrs. Jones and I attended a they have the power of drawing others These Spiritual churches are like light- Sunday evening Service at the First to them in a sympathy that only proves houses that dot a storm-swept coast. Church, and carried back with us many their sincere desire to help others. Mrs. They are shedding their beaeon rays to pleasant memories. They are all fine, Van Buskirk may tour the eountry, and those who are tossed in an uncharted splendid people—with hearts beating should you have the opportunity of hear- sea. They are bringing them safely to true, and in the right place; and they ing her, do so by all means. land—to something that they can stand do all in their power to make the Ordinarily, Mr. Frank Montslft) de- on and upon which they may find se- stranger in their midst feel welcome. livers messages, but a great loss has curity. Mrs. M. E. Williams is the principal come into the Montsko house—a beloved These churches of our faith are so Speaker—a woman who has been a me­ adopted son having passed out sudden- pitifully few, and the great edifices of dium the past thirty-five years, and who ly, just as he had found his place in the orthodoxy are so numerous, surely it be- is one of the best inspirational S p e a k e r s medical profession, and was scoring a hooves us in the faith to work together in the world. most remarkable success. When God and think together, and be fellows in Mrs. Williams has toured the world, calls, it matters not whom the call may fact, without respect to our allegianees. and has given seances for the erowned reach; for when there is more importnt My question is not, and never will be, lieads of many lands. Her mediumship work to do yonder, the worker is done “ Which association do you belong to?” embraces every kind of the higher types, vith this earthly life. I don’t care. It is all in the work, and and that includes materialization and the Mr. Monstko is a very spiritual man—- what is in the work is in my heart— direct, independent voiees. She still a man whose voiee has never been lifted and I wish I could boost for each and gives seances in her home on Central in jealousy or condemnation against any every one every day. Perhaps the way Park West, and is one of the most in- living thing. He lives the Spirituality will be opened so that I can boost—and teresting persons any one could meet. which he teaches. can send to these churches those men Mrs. Williams is a sincere, earnest I have heard many remarkable stories and women who are just feeling their talker,’ a clear talker, a clear thinker. about Mr. Montsko’s messages and way along the frontiers of this mighty thought. She knows her subject from the opening seances, and Mr. Harry Tudor has prom- sentence to the elose—and her sermon ised to teil our readers more about this Each day, thousands of men and carries straight home to the hearts and splendid man. women who never paid much heed be­ minds of the congregation. The First Spiritual Church is doing a fore to the teachings of Spiritualism, Some Speakers, in flights of flowery good work, and is doing that work ear- are asking about it—and if they ask all oratory, ean appeal to the heart, for the nestly and continuously. It is reaching alone, and think all alone, they may be- moment. Others, in dry logic, such as many who have just started to wonder come discouraged. Companionship in what this Spiritualistic faith could be— thought is as essential as companionship one might hear in the United States in business or in the arts or professions. Supreme Court, appeal to the intellect. and many a doubter, many a person who We all like to meet folk who have a Few Speakers can appeal to mind and has asked what life is all about, has common cause. We like to know them heart at the same time, but Mrs. Wil­ found the answer in Renaissance Hall. as real, living persons. We wish to liams is one of the rare exceptions. God needs many workers—and He needs earnest workers—and each Spir­ come closer to them, and feel eompassion What she says finds an abiding place, for them, and have them feel eompassion and the way she says it, carries eon- itual Church, in its sincere efforts to help mortals, should have the Support of for us. That is what the Church is for. viction. It is not merely a market-place for the All mediums have interesting guides, every true worker. There are many in the City of New York who would find dissemination of a doctrine. It is a but Mrs. Williams has some guides who meeting-place where kindred hearts may are so thoroughly schooled in the work that the First is their church, if they would just go and get acquainted. They commune, and where friends may be of message-bearers, they number their cultivated. friends by thousands. would find many high-minded, educated, wholesome men and women—and in the There are many good, earnest workers I have before me the card of “ Miss in the First Spiritualist Church of New Nevernie Pedro,“ and Nevernie has had sermons of Mrs. Williams and the mes­ sages of the message-bearers, they would Yrork City, and they merit the re ward of as her earthly pals, some of the most Support in every meaning of the word. prominent personages on earth. Her find a new avenue opening for them; a channel leading straight from their And this is true with relation to otlier card reads, “ Beaeon Light House, Ce- Spiritual Churches in New York and lestial Heights. “ and her business is hearts and minds to the tap-root of the Greater Truth. every where eise. ‘ ‘ Communication ’ ’ “ Co-operation. ” wishes to know them better and teil Nevernie Pedro, as her name indi- Impressions count a good deal, and the impressions I have brought back with about their work, and help them grow. cates, was Spanish, but lacking all the That is one of the big things which facts pertaining to her interesting his- me concerning the First Spiritual Church, are impressions filled with new “ Communication“ hopes to do, because tory, I shall not essay to teil all about if we can not be bis and broad enoueh her, because I can’t. I shall only say friendships, and new ideals. I have 32 COMMUNICATION. to find warm spots in our hearts for only the things that are sure to build. One insane woman, who prattled glibly those who are doing the work which we No man can build without feeling friend- about the spirits, was dissuaded finally love, we must make up our minds that ship first of all—and there are critics from meddling with Spiritualism, but no we have not arrived, and that something enough outside the pale, to make us wish sooner was Spiritualism out of the way, is fearfully and lamentably wrong with to have none inside the border of our than she was certain that her relations US. beautiful faith. were trying to kill her for her wealth— You will like the atmosphere of the As a stranger in New York, the First possessions she did not possess! First Church. You will like the musie. Church extended a hand of welcome to You will like the people. You will feel Says the Opponent of Spiritualism, the friendliness. You will be glad to go me, and I am pleased to extend a hand “ There are poor nuts in any asylum who again and again, and will look forward of welcome in return, and do my part see what you see. They see the spirits, to each Sunday evening—if you are in making the work of that church O r­ but still they have to be locked up.” ganization more and more successful. where you can go. And if you are not, But why does this apply to Spiritual­ then let our friends help us teil about May its membership grow rapidly and ists? Those poor unfortunates, whom all the churches—just their best points, solidly and its success be unbounded! the critic typifies as “ nuts,” are so bad off, they can not be trusted away from keepers—but there are thousands of bright men and women who are con- Does Spiritualism Cause Insanity? tributing to the world’s work, who be- lieve in Spiritualism. It would be remarkable if, among the religious fervor, that this lesion will It is as mueh an argument to say, insane, there are not some Spiritualists. oceur* But the fact remains that the “ You have no money. Go to any asylum There are plenty of priests and minis- normal, healthy person will not drop into and you will find poor nuts who Claim ters of the gospel, business men, house- the pit of despair, or be earried away to have as much as you.” Or, “ You are wives, doctors, dentists, Professional by any flight of fancy; that mortals have not making money; lots of liars claim folk generally, and representatives of lived so carelessly, so far from law, that the same thing.” Is that argument? all other walks of life among asylum there can be no perfect physical body. Does it deal with the specific facts? inmates. Each carries in it somewhere, some Can any statement be regarded as argu­ As a weapon against Spiritualism, the dregs of disease, malnutrition or other ment that does not deal with the specific Charge has been made frequently of late, impairment. facts ? that Spiritualism is causing insanity. In insanity, the maehine breaks down. And at this juncture, we beg to diifer The mind never breaks down. The mind Statistics can be builded up as evi- with the tradueers of Spiritualism, or can not funetion properly through a dence of any statement that one may wish to make. As the comedian said, any other religion. brain-mechanism that is impaired, and Religion never makes any person in­ no brain can be clear if the body is “ I have three ehildrett now, and I pray sane. It is not religion or hobby that unsound. that I shall not have a fourth, because causes insanity, but the religion or hobby It is as unfair to say that persons go statistics prove that every fourth child born in the world is Chinese! ’ ’ may make its appearance during the crazy over Catholicism, the Methodist process of insanity—and the insane per­ faith, or the creed of any other church, Statisticians will learn, if they wish son will grasp whatever seems para- as it is to say that Spiritualism is driv- to investigate carefully and impartially, mount at the moment, and hang to it. ing people to insanity. that all religions have their representa­ God never created any insane thing. But how about grief? the alienist will tives in asylums for the insane, in jails In spirit, there is neither insanity nor ask. If people knew the truth of Im- and in alms-houses. Yet that is no argu­ impediment. The normal state of being mortality, there would be little grief. If ment that religion is baneful. How can is one of health and mental alertness. we saw, in each death, the real home- these critics say that there would not be The earth-body alone is subject to coming of a spirit, we would look upon more insane were it not for religion, flaws, hurt and decay. The earth-body death as a reward. Grief can kill only which tries to teaeh people to live clean, alone can be dismembered and decom- when ignorance will permit grief to so normal lives? pose. In every second of our earth-lives, poison the physical body that it is no If these investigators will go further, we undergo a constant process of waste longer fit for the habitation of the soul. and traee the presence or remnants of and repair. There is one moment in our In ignorance, this world struggles to- venereal diseases, they will find those earthly lives, when each of us is at his ward the light. In ignorance, we form diseases responsible for more cases of best, physically. From that time on, our opinion—and we are afraid, not be- insanity than all the religion, politics, there is a gradual sinking. There is that cause we have a right to be, but because family differenees and money on earth. we deal with something that is unknown. one passing moment of “ primeness” It is unfortunate that any person and no other that will ever duplieate it. Whatever is unknown, is still know- should go insane, no matter what the But in spirit, there is not this transitory able. The mystery of the thing we fear, cause. . But to say that Spiritualism, or condition; there is unending, equal, un- would cease being mystery if we under- any other religion, is responsible, is to varying health in immortal normality. stood it. set aside all that medicine and surgery It is not the mind that goes insane; If Spiritualism is the cause of insan­ have discovered in their research. it is the physical Instrument of the mind ity, then other religions also are the that becomes impaired. cause of insanity, for in any institution Every genius is said to be mad, be­ Back of all insanity there is some •for the insane, we may find those whose cause he has specialized on some one brain-lesion. There is some injury or phobia is based upon some creed—and thing to the exclusion of all eise. This breaking down of the physical tissues. their relations say that they went crazy is called insanity, and there are folk There is some blood clot, or there is because of religion. who contend that all mortals are insane. some toxin in the System that causes If insanity is not the product of those As one humorist stated recently, “ I impairment. other religions, it is not the product of have heard that the other planets use Alienists may say that it is possible Spiritualism. If one^religion ca^ pro- this world as their insane asylum!” for a person to be so worried and so ap- mote lunacy, all religions can do the That would seem nearer the truth than prehensive, or beeome so worked up by same thing. to place religion as a cause of lunacy. COMMUNICATION 33 FRONSTROM

EDITOR’S NOTE: Who is ‘* Fronstrom?’’ We know him only by Ms manuseripts, that eame to us with Ms compliments,, and accompanied by a private mark, presumably for means of Identification—should he ever choose to reveal Ms identity. Whether ‘ ‘ Fronstrom ’ ’ is fietion or fact—a figment of the mind, or recital of truths that may be historic—we neither know nor care partieularly, because we believe that the Statements made in these manuseripts are within the realm of reason, and may have occurred. But—if they happened—where did they take place? “ Fronstrom” indieates neither loeality nor time. If “ Fronstrom” is an assumed name, and if his portrayal of these stränge characters is but a flight of Ms imagination, then at least we must say for him that he has deep insight into those forms of natural law that are not confined to the reeognition of material seience; expressions of law that many term supernatural. Is anything supernatural? If it oceurs, how can it oceur outside of Nature, when Nature is but a Creation of God? “ Fronstrom” asserts that he has proved that harmony with this unwritten law brings health, happiness and success, and that disregard for and a breach of this law, can result only in illness, unhappiness and failure. Let us now peruse the first installment of ‘ ‘ Fronstrom ’s ’ ’ narrative.

MANUSCRIPT I It was toward noon of the Eventful Day, with the dogs For many decades, I have been known as “ Fronstrom,” absent in their search for the stock, when my horse drew although that is not my name, but rather a nom de guerre. himself back suddenly on his haunches, nearly unseating I was born and reared in a Far Country, among ennobling me. Astonished at his action, I unslung my rifle and was environments. I had good parents—good but very narrow; prepared to eneounter some feroeious beast, when there creed-bound, I may say. came to my ears most weird and beautiful strains of song, I liked adventure—freedom from restraint. I disliked as though wafted some distance by the breeze. the petty, petted existence that was forced upon me—and Who eould there be in this wild region so filled with mad therefore, while still a youth, I left home. I ran away from folly as to sing? It was not one voice, or two, but a choir home, worked my passage to a stränge land, and after many of voices, well modulated and foreeful. The song evidently hardships, encountered The Great Adventure. was one of Triumph. Every note was fllled with glad tidings. Like many children of the rieh, I had no trade. My I pinched myself, fearful that I had sunk into the schooling was as useful as the deeorations on a wall that delirium of some fever. But, no! The song continued to must be replaeed in time with other designs. I was ordi- come, and with it the cadenee of equally beautiful instru­ nary. I am ordinary still, even in my advaneed years. My mental music. experience is extraordinary. This is the story of my experi- With my rifle ready for action, I urged my steed forward, enee. and we rode, I estimate, a full half mile, coming finally to Finding no hope of employment in the larger cities and the fringe of a forest, out of which the song issued with towns, I made my way inland, seeking the remote country growing force and fervor. places, thinking that agrieulture might ofifer me healthful Cautiously I rode through the thicket, bending low at employment and escape from evil assoeiations. times to avoid sweeping branches. I proceeded, I should The farmer for whom I worked had a tract of land on say, for six hundred yards, when I saw that the thicket was the edge of a great veldt or prairie, broken here and there Clearing, and beyond was a deelevity that broadened into a beautiful dell, or glen, well earpeted with a wealth of by thickets and shrubbery—and cut up with many ravines wild flowers. and dales. In the midst of this little vale, stood fifty, or maybe sixty, Wild animals infested this open country, and usually we strangely clad men, women and children. They were ar- went about armed, for there were frequent and disastrous ranged rather in a circle, and as I urged my Charge ahead raids upon stock, and at times upon humans. carefully, to gain clearer vision, I could see that in the Cen­ Much of the time, I tended the herds and floeks that ter of this circle, was a mound of flowers—heaped high. grazed over the open ränge—keeping with me two or three Near them stood a young woman of the rarest beauty—the faithful and well-trained dogs, and carrying a rifle, such as leader, I should judge. I could think only of the fairest it was, as well as a pistol and a knife. pictures of angels that I had viewed so often with incredul- Often, I took a pack-horse with me, because I would be ity in the art galleries in the Far Country, when my whim- out for days at a time, and needs must have food and clean sical aunt had taken me thither to spend what she called a raiment, as well as a störe of ammunition and tobacco. delightful afternoon. The time of which I write had been a season of heavy I am a poor hand at description, anything but poetical. raitts, and the stock had found shelter under trees betimes, I can say, though, that I never believed in heaven until I but had traveled far and had become scattered. These were caught sight of this wondrous maiden, with her golden hair trying times for me because I had no assistance, save the flowing to her waist. She was clad in a robe of Grecian cut, dogs, and my employer held me to strict aecounting for the and the color was a most remarkable blue. safety of all the herds and floeks under my'care. This was unfair, partieularly as wild animals often raided our floeks Emboldened and moved by curiosity, I eame closer, until by night and scattered them. I had ridden my horse beyond the protection of the trees, You may well picture my weariness and disgust after almost to the nearest members of the circle. having been in the saddle the better part of ten days and The singing had stopped, and the maiden tumed, smil- nights. I was weary beyond reckoning, and beside myself ingly, toward me. with disgust. “ Fronstrom,” she said to me, so suddenly I was too I venture that the nearest neighbor was fifteen miles dis- bewildered to wonder how she knew the name by which I tant, and that there were parts of this region over which a had gone in the Far Country, “ come hither and teil me white man had not ridden in a dozen years. what you see.” 34 COMM'UNICATION

I dismounted, and noted that my horse was unusually the halcyon days when all mankind saw and conversed will) nervous, considering his great fatigue. the hosts of spirit—-and as mankind again will do when the Awkwardly, I went to the center of the circfé, and could scales of selfishness have fallen from the eyes of the earth discern, beneath the flowers, the body of a ehild—a little children. girl not over four years of age; a beautiful ehild, with a “ We give our all to the work, Fronstrom. We obey smiling pout on her cold lips, like one who had been kissed blindly—doing that which, at the time, would be regarded much, bat never enough. by others as the maddest folly. But as we give, we reaeh “ I see a very beautiful dead ehild,” I replied. the touehstone of God’s Law, and the returns are so boun- “ No, Fronstrom,” the being eorrected me, “ you see only tiful, we keep agents in the eongested cities to disburse some the physieal remains of a dear one, but the spirit Stands nigh of our gain.” and joins us in our song. Come, carry this little body of I feit a light, gentle touch on my right shoulder at this clay to yonder grave. Remember, now that you are chosen juncture, and looked around into the beautiful eyes of the as one of us, at funerals we sing, for a soul has been re- maiden. leased; at births we weep, because a ehild of God has come “ We call her Immortelles,” the Patriarch told me. “ She into the earth environments to learn through the harsh liv- is with us on all festal or grave occasions. Returning, she ing of this world; at weddings, we pray that the parents becomes invisible to us, but her voice we hear often. She will so live that they will attract only the most beautiful is, Fronstrom, our Guardian Angel, in truth as well as in spirits as children.” beauty.” I shall not deseribe the funeral further. I was dazed. I And even as I looked into the depths of those wondrous, acted as pall-bearer, or hearse, and feit a stränge siekness heavenly blue eyes, the marvelous creature faded from my that struek at my stomach. I believe now it was the sud- sight, becoming more and more ethereal, until not so much denness of encountering so unusual a Company in so remote as a filmy outline remained, but her hand again touched me a place, coupled perhaps with my own fatigue. as flrmly as ever, and her voice, undimmed in clearness, bade Following the completion of the burial, there was a feast me follow the mandates of the Patriarch and give myself —and the food was mostly. fruits and nuts, with some over to the only true happiness in life. strangely palatable bread or cake—I know not which. There was no meat, for I learned that these people were vege- Ffer a young man to be east into such unusual Company, tarians. when he thought only of his harsh lot and the fate of his As often as good manners permitted, while I ate plenti- herds and flocks, was an unbalancing experience. It was fully of the food, I eyed this beautiful maiden, and noted like a dream suddenly thrust into the waking state, and I that she afe not at all, but regarded the others—many of confess that I was obliged to muster up all my courage to whom were gray and aged—as though they were all her continue with these remarkable folk, as we burdened the children. pack animals, and wended our way into the wilderness. After the meal, a man of massive build. but as grizzled When we were hungry, we found ample berries and wild as the gnarled trees about us, introduced himself to me as fruit, and betimes the honey deposited by the wild bees. I the Patriarch. He had a kindly face—but firm features. could not help remarking that the bees made no attack on He was a man to obey. That I noted well. those who did the gathering, and that while we eneountered “ Fronstrom,” he said to me, as we moved apart from the wild beasts at times, they looked at us indifferently and ■others, “ you may wonder well at this stränge sight, but went their way without so much as a snarl. The Community you are to be one of us. That was ordained. Two weeks owned no weapons. ago, our friends of the Unseen said that they would send The nights, I slept the slumber of the just, with a glad- you. No, do not worry about the herd and the flock. They ness in my heart that was beyond deseription. I am certain will return home safely. Hands that can guide much better that Immortelles took my weary spirit more than once out than yours will dispatch your dogs in the right direction, ■of my lethargie body, and accompanied me on excursions and bring the cattle and the she.ep back safely to their into the hidden places not only of the world, but of the owner. universe as well. “ We are mortals, Fronstrom; mortals just like you. My occupation may be described as that of a menial. I Some came from here and some from there, but all with groomed the horses and milked the cows, and did the heavy heartsickness over the frivolity of the world all anxious work—although three of the young men at times helped me to get nearer to the precepts of the Gentle Master. We gladly. I did not feel under restraint. No longer did I have banded ourselves into what we term The Homeland revolt against my lot, as I had done in my labors for the Community. We live yonder—many miles. But, as is our borderland farmer. I was satisfied—glad to be a servant in -wont, we journey into the wilderness. This time we went such Company. purposely to permit this little one to receive the call home, As we rode, I was usually beside the Patriarch and at in a place that our loved ones of the Unseen had selected. times he would give me short, lueid, simple lessons, which In time, Fronstrom, this spot where we have buried the I would ponder thoughtfully the balance of the day. earth form of this ehild, will be the heart of a great city—a At noon, usually, when we stopped to eat and refresh city that will bear this ehild’s name. It will be founded by the horses, there would be a lesson—so clear, so whole- thqse who know us not, but the sweet essence of this Visita­ some, so simple, it would sink deep into my heart—and be- tion will govern the founding and growth of this city, and fore many days, I began to regard the Great God as a close imprint in its every foundation and wall, a responsive note friend, and foujid myself eommitting my soul to His merey upon which the spirit hosts may play in their tireless efforts and goodness. to extricate the earth folk from their bondage of sin, pas- sion and error—three names for the same sad condition of I had been taught to fear God—and to me, to fear was ignorance. to hate. But now I was learning to love God—and loving “ Our ränge is broad, and as civilization, as man has my Maker as I had never learned before, I feit new strength clected to call his mistaken mode of living, moves outward, coming to me, and new happiness stealing into my heart. we continue to travel toward the frontiers. But as we go, The folk of the Community were plain people, but be­ as we obey the commands of the Most High, we leave our im­ neath their plainfiess was a beauty I can scarce deseribe. press, even as our forebears did in ages past. This, Fron­ After all, it is not the physieal form that is beautiful, but strom, is an order older than any of your ken. It dates to (Continued on page 59) COMMUNICATION 35 A Little Chat With Little Ones By Pink Rose Eaeh of you has a mamma and a say you are sorry, that makes it hard taller than you were yesterday. But papa, and you should lo've them dearly, for your Angel playmates to help you. you have changed just a little. You are with all your hearts. You should obey It makes them very, very sad, because a little taller, even though no one could them, too, because God meant that they they know that when you are bad and measure how mueh, because it is just a should guide your little feet over the will not not repent, that makes you sad. little. Maybe in a whole year, you will very rough, hard paths, until you leam Aou never feel good away down in your grow less than two ipehes, so that is not better how to live. t,r > hearts when you are wieked. It makes mueh eaeh day, but if you did not grow Eaeh of you, also, has a Heavenly you feel all choked up, doesn’t it? That just a little eaeh day, then at the end of Eather—the Father who has as his chil- is because you have driven your Angel the year, you would be no taller, would dren all the boys and girls, and all the playmates away from you, and you can you? grownup men and women, who have be happy only when they are near. They Eaeh day you have learned just a lit­ ever lived. And as truly as your own wish to come near to you all the time, tle. Maybe you feil down and got earthly fathers and mothers love you, but you invite them by your goodness bumped, and that hurt. Maybe you this Great Father loves you most of all, and happiness, and drive them away learned some new word that you never because He always understands you— when you are mean and pouty. knew before, or saw something you knovvs how sorry you are after you have Always think of these Angel play­ never knew about before. So eaeh day, been 'naughty, and how mueh you will mates near you, while you are awake you learn a little. Some of the things try to be better tomorrow. and while you are asleep. They are try- you learn at school, and others in your When you say your prayers at night, ing to keep you well and keep you from play, or just by watching things and God hears you and loves you better for harm, and help you grow up into fine thinking. Maybe you make some mis­ your prayers. And those prayers bring men and women, whom everybody will takes, and have to find out later why you mueh nearer your Heavenly Father love and respect. You wouldn’t want they are mistakes. so that He ean help you. And do you to grow up in any other way. You would Eaeh day is very precious to you if know how He does help you? not want to have people hate and fear you only knew it. Eaeh day, your mam- He sends Angels to watch over you. you, because that would make these An­ mas and papas are working hard to give They love you, because they love any gels sad and it would make you sad. you a good home and protect you, and task that God teils them is theirs, and When you grow up, remember that other get you ready to make your own living they love all children, because these An­ little boys and girls are going to be when you grow up. gels, just like you, are children of God. watching what you do and how you act, If you get into the habit of being Sometimes, in the broad daylight, lit­ and if you act bad, they will think that cross and mean, then tomorrow maybe tle children can see these Angels, and is very smart. They will think that a you will feel the same crossness that you those Angels seem just like other little grown-up person knows what he or she feel today. If you keep on this way, children. Mothers and fathers do not is doing, and if it is all right for big you have just carried that badness from understand always, and they say that people to be bad, why can’t little ones one day to another, and that may mean their boys and girls are playing make- be bad, too? from one year to another. And if you believe, but the boys and girls know You want to set a good example for try to be sweet and honest and thought­ better. others by the way you live, and you ful, tomorrow A will be easier to be Maybe you do not see your Angel are going to do only the things that von that yay. So you can see how you are playmates in the daytime, but only in think. If you think beautiful, helpful, going to make yourselves very good and your dreams. They are playmates, and honest thoughts, you will become beauti­ noble men and women if you think about they love you and try to shield you from ful and helpful and honest, and surely doing the right thing and being cheer- harm. They try to take the wieked you would not be any other way, would ful and kind. thoughts out of your mind when you are you? But there is something eise that helps angry. They try to make you feel sorry When you are angry, and are peevish you when you try to be nice, and that is for all the bad things you have done, and cry, maybe other people who are the help that comes from your Angel because these Angel playmates know older, will pretend that they are sorry, playmates. They are growing up like how harmful bad thoughts are to you, but when they get away from you, they you are. When you are young ladies and how mueh farther they put you will say, “ What a fretful child.’’ They and young gentlemen, those Angel play­ away from God. will not love you, and if everybody mates will be just the same—grown up stopped loving you, all the fun would go a little more, like you are. If little boys and girls are angry and will not mind their parents, they get out of life. These Angel playmates grow up with farther away from God, and then the All the thoughts that you think se- you, and become your real partners in Angels who are sent to help them have cretly, make your life what it is going life. They find many other beautiful to look through a thick eloud, and they to be. Hateful thoughts make hateful Angels to help you, when you find Prob­ cannot see very well through these thick lives. Big people are just like boys and lems. They take care of you just as clouds. They are not real clouds like girls. If they were lovable and thought- mueh as you let them, and that means you see in the sky, but they are the ful children, they grow up into lovable, that you must always try to do your clouds of your own naughtiness. thoughtful men and women. If they best and not eomplain. Not even Angels were hateful, spiteful, cross children, like people who whine all the time. They Everybody makes mistakes. Grownup they grow up that way. How, I am like brave people, who have courage to people make mistakes. That can not be going to show you why this is so: say, “ Oh, well, that wasn’t very good, helped always. When you have made a but it will be better next time, and it mistake, you should think about it, and It doesn’t seem so far back to yester- day. If you look at yourselves in look- might have been a lot worse!” That not refuse to say that you are sorry. helps your Angel friends to get closer You must try to never make the same ing glasses, you don’t seem to have kind of mistake again. If you will not changed at all, don’t seem to be any (Continued on page 59) 36 COMMUNICATION Baby Fingers By D. A. Reynolds

There haint no good use o’ grievin’ an’ Then followed the days o’ nursin’ in So we talked it over together, and try wishin’ ’er back agin, winnin’ ’er back to life— onee more to win, Fer I know the good Lord took ’er away Fer I know’d that Death was sneakin’ An’ vowed we’d make another start, an’ from this world o’ sin; round to rob me of my wife— try all over agin, Yet somehow or other I ’m thinkin’—ii' An’ the nights I lay with starin’ eyes as So we went way up in the coal fields, such a thing can be— the hours slowly ereep, with the remnant of our means, When I get over on t ’other side, I ’ll find As she lay’d in my arms like a tired On a God-forsaken patch o’ lajnd that ’er waitin’ fer me. child, a cryin’ ’erself to sleep. wouldn’t raise white beans. I don’t know much about heaven, though Fer I feit that the world was agin me, But we hadn’t more’n got settled, when I ’ve read a heap o’ late, an’ tryin’ to make me quake, a feiler dressed in style, An’ I ’ve done some pow’rful thinkin’, But I swore I ’d win the battle, if only Just wanted ter put a hole down in a-tryin’ to learn my fate; for her sake; hopes o’ strikin’ ile; But ’lovvin’ fer harps an’ music, an’ An’ if they thought they had me, I ’d An’ paid us fer feedin’ ’is workmen, an’ takin’ the lay o’ the ground, J show ’em, man to man, it wasn’t no small pay, I reckon she wouldn’t be happy, unless I could fight both God an’ the Devil, an’ So things got a lookin’ brighter, an’ I was hangin’ ’round. beat ’em even han’. brighter every day. iYou see we were t alers sweethearts, fer I reckon it were,the Devil what filled I never was much on preachin’ but let nigh on ter fifty years, my heart with hate, me say to you, An.’ shared our joys together, an ’ some- An’ I eussed the Lord what made me, When a man’s dead square with a times, bitter tears; an’ raved about my fate; woman, he knows just what to do; Fer it means a heap to a woman to Fer everything went cross-wise, at least An’ when the ile came gushin, an every­ cuddle her ev’ry day, i that,way it did„seem, . thing was astir, An’ I don’t object to it nuther, if a An’ in my.angry moments, I ’d take it Now meybe I wasn’t happy a makin’ it little comes my way. out on the team. up to her. I t ’s easy to fool a woman while courtin'’ But one day I was plowin’ an’ a cussin’ The years seemed ter fall from ’er ’er in your prime, it fer dear life, shoulders, her step grew light an ’ Fer yer on yer good behavior, an’ lovin’ When I came to the end o’ the furrow, free, ’er all the time; and right there stood my wife; An ’ ’er face shown fair through the But I reckon a place is waitin’—an’ As pale as a sheet of paper, a quiverin’ lines o’ care, that meant so much hotter’n all the rest— of ’er chin— to me. Fer the cuss what doesn’t keep it up An’ I kissed away the tear drop—but I Our home grew bright an’ cheerful, fer by tryin’ to do his best. never eussed agin. we thought ’twould always last, I teil yer I was happy when we started But it wasn’t all joy an’ sunshine then, A settin ’ our face to the futur, as we out in life, a clearin’ up the farm, tried ter ferget the past. With our future all afore us, an ’ my A choppin’ down the timber, an’ a An ’ so we lived fer each other, an ’ never sweetheart fer my wife; chinkin’ up the barn; a day apart, An’ the little bit o’ clearin’ round the But we worked and pulled together, an’ A feelin’ them baby fingers a twinin’ eabin, called a home we thought we’d make it pay, about the heart, Were a little patch o’ heaven, fer we But the mortgage kept a gnawin’—ye An’ they seeme

like a new boy at school. The others Is There One True Religion? will pay considerable attention to him until they understand him, and after that they will take for granted that he Just what is religion? Is it not a of that to which he prays. The training has a rightful place among them. He basis of belief that permits mankind of the Catholic has been along one line, belongs. Just now, Spiritualism has not to form some sort of conception of Im- and of the Protestant along another line. proved that it belongs, and the other mortality? If religion will respond to Each, in his own way and according to boys in school are trying to pick a few this definition, and if human experienee his own conception, worships God. Each quarrels to test the mettle of the new- is not all the same, then the artieles of may ereate a mind-made heaven that comer. This is natural. It is a process faith of one man, may not be the arti- bars out the other fellow, for the sake of as old as the human kind. When they cles of faith of another. disension. Each believes in the same feel that Spiritualism has been among There are folk in this world today who thing, but sees that thing through a dif­ them long enough to have found its hope for a unity of religious thought. ferent opening. place, then these other boys will not con- In a sense, that unity has been here for Religious belief is a growth. It is like cern themselves particularly about it. a long while. Persons who profess re­ education. It depends upon environ- To those who have grown to that point ligion believe in God, some believe in ments, and often on early impressions. where they wish to know that there is Jesus Christ, but all believe in some To take away that which brings faith life beyond the grave, and are no longer form of life-everlasting. to a person, and give him nothing that satisfied to take it for granted, Spirit­ Religionists dilfer in details. The can satisfy him, is cruel. It is needless. ualism comes as a new growth. Methodist believes in common with the In each of these Churches, be they Ro­ Regarding all religious thought in the Baptist that a person should be baptized man Catholic, Portestant or Hebrew, broadest toleranee, is a debt each of us in the name of the Savior, but tbe Meth­ Buddhist or Mohammedan, the tenets are owes to the world. We have no right to odist believes that the form of baptism good—and the follower who tries to live teil any man he is wrong, if he is satis­ should be sprinkling, and the Baptist be­ according to the moral Code of each fied with that in which he believes. But lieves that it should be immersion. church, has set for himself a high moral when he comes to us and makes inquiry, The Methodist is happy in his inter- task. then we should be glad and willing to pretation as the Baptist is in his—but He who, in his madness, would wipe ,place before him the evidence which we they differ in particulars. out of existence any creed, is reekoning regard as proof. Spiritualism differs in many respects If this world presented a perfect without reason. Why take away that which satisfies and try to substitute from the other religions, beeause Spirit­ agreement on all political and religious ualism is a religion of personal experi­ matters, what would be the effeet on that which does not satisfy? It gains one nothing; it profits the world naught. enee. Until each individual has come mortal experienee? If everyone agreed into possession of some evidence through on everything, this life would be a mono­ The New Spiritualism, to sueceed, experienee, that individual can not say tone. Most of the cause of experienee must grant to each person his or her that he believes or disbelieves. In other would be removed—and without experi- right to believe as he or she wishes. creeds, there is a concerted action based ence, of what particular value is this Spiritualism must be broad enough to upon artieles of faith, and each minister earth-life ? not lend itself to ridicule or attack. It or priest, while injeeting into his work The creeds are beyond numbering— must be tolerant enough to live the be­ something of himself, is a mouthpiece of but inside the creeds, there are as many lief that intolerance is the worst of all that centralized creed. But in Spirit­ different interpretations as there are in- earthly sins. ualism, through different mediums, come dividuals. Some believe without ques- There is reason to believe that, on spirits who must penetrate different tioning, and are happy; others believe, life’s spirit-side, there are spheres and forces. They come under various condi- but prefer to argue and reason out the planes, and that those on any one plane, tions. Some come with a smattering of thing in which they believe. are persons of similar development, who new experienee in the land they have One sect sees evil in another sect— live in amity and sweet aceord, beeause found beyond the grave—and the evi­ but both profess to believe in God and they have had similar experiences and dence often seems to be contradietory. in life-unending. Among a congrega- see the glints of the Great Truth through Raymond Lodge told his father that tion of ßve hundred persons, there are much the same vision. But in this earth- he saw men who actually smoked eigars five hundred different eonceptions of the world, we have different experiences, and and drank whiskey and soda. But older same faith. And what a man believes we ränge from the highest to the lowest spirits say that this is not true, that today may be tempered somewhat by his planes of development, and it is impos- what Raymond meant is that the spirit- views tomorrow. As he experiences sible for us to believe alike. world eased the way, naturally, for the more, his belief alters. But it is belief, As certainly as people live happily new-comers, and while seeming to give nevertheless. only in individual homes, so do people them what they wanted, really taught Says the Atheist, “ There may be a worship God best according to their own them the futility of trying to cling to God and there may not be, but I am in- likes. When any creed strikes down old earth-habits. These others, with clined to think it is just natural law, and deep in any person and satisfies that per­ broader experienee, say that many not God at all.” He has expressed what son, he has found the right creed for drunkards, in spirit, refuse to leave their others call a disbelief in God, but he has himself. It may not be the right one earthly haunts—and that, as ignorance said that he believes in natural law, and years hence, but for the time being, it is is contrary to progress, so is ignorance surely natural law is just another name what he needs. But if his professed equivalent to evil. for the Great Creative Something. faith gives him only misgivings and un- There is ample evidence that there is Viewed in one another’s eyes, Catho- easiness, then he is attempting to wor­ a state of existence beyond the grave lics and Protestants are bigots, hypo- ship on a plane upon which he does not that answers the Roman Catholic ideas crites, almost infidels. The Catholic belong, and he will keep on searching un- of purgatory, and that those in that kneels down before an image and prays, til he finds his own plane of religious plane of unrest and dissatisfaction, fie­ and the Protestant calls this idolatry. thought. pend upon their earth-experience and are But the Catholic says it is only some­ Spiritualism is not a disturbing ele- helped by prayers for the dead. thing to help him visualize the goodness ment in the family of religions. It is (Continued on page 59) N

38 COMMUNICATION

EDUCATIONAL

SEARCHING FOR YOUR OPEN DOOR These processes extend into the field in the sense that they would have seec of education. All business is transacted with their material eyes (except in rare This is the first of a series of educational articles that will appear in “Communica- with similar facilities and methods— instances), but in a new sense. They tion,” and that will deal with different forms of psychic development. To each mortal, with System and with material means will see that which mortal eyes do not God gave an open door, through which some to put that system into Operation. behold. Many blind persons have had form of manifestation may come from the world next-door. Just as a lifetime of in- If we turn to art, we find the same this sense of clear-seeing, but not under- activity will never bring muscular strength, although the muscles are ready to respond to truth obtains. If we scrutinize any of standing the law back of it, have not the proper exercise, so will psychic inertia the professions, we find further corrob- been able to repeat their experience. produce no psychic experience, although the psychic force may be called into activity oration of this fact. If we look into any Clairvoyance often is called “ the open under the proper development. Precisely as human nature varies, as characters differ field in this world in which intellect is eye.” This is a term that means that the from one another, so are there many differ- employed, we discover method or instru- clairvoyant person sees not only mate- ences between the psychic sense of different persons. To each door there is a key, and mentality, or both. rially, but spiritually as well. Many ani- once unlocked, the sense of psychic percep- Carrying our search forward to psy- mals have the open eye, and much ani­ tion will bring not only evidence. but proof, of spirit existence.—THE EDITOR. chic matters, why should we expect to mal terror is caused by seeing that which abandon all that pertains to everything most mortals do not see. eise in life? Do we develop any art, any I— CLAIRVOYANCE Clairvoyance has many manifestations. gift, without elfort ? Do we develop The clairvoyant may see spirit forms The telephone eonsists of just so many any talent properly without method? that seem as solid and real as the forms material things, properly fashioned and If singing, the playing of musical in­ of earth-persons. The form may be having the right relationship one to an­ struments, drawing and painting, the misty, and transparent. It may be dis- other. Those materials were in existence earving of stone and wood, acting and tant and indistinct. It may come as a in the beginning of this world, but it’ all eise in the realm of talent, depends pieture, ejther assoeiated with some sur- was left to eomparatively recent times upon method in its unfoldment, why face or with no visible surface. Eorms to.classify them in a manner that would should we expect any psychic gift to be may not be seen, but symbolical images carry the vibrations of the voiee and developed without method, without ef- may appear, such as letters, scenes, or other sounds to a distance. fort, purely as a surprise? events that are, or are not, literal. The needle is simple, but without it, Every person has an open door that The seeing may occur with the eyes the art of sewing would amount to noth­ leads to the realities of spirit, and were open, or with the eyes closed. The im­ ing. The thermometer does not ereate this not true, then the fact of Spirit- ages may come as a half-tone—a gray heat or cold, but it registers the degree ualism, or Spirit Communication, would or a brown—or with color. They may of temperature, and serves as a depend- reach but a limited number of persons, be clear, with sharp outlines, or they able guide for the maintenance of the eompared with the total population or may be partly hidden in a vapor, or in a proper temperature. even the total seekers. dark background. We need repeat no further instances To classify psychic powers, would be Clairvoyance may content itself with. of the need of instruments, implements, as great a task as attempting to classify lights and shadows and with colors, and devices and machines in the conduct of character, characteristies or Personali­ the interpretation may proceed from mueh useful labor. But we should not ties, or human experience. these. Or it may symbolize in the form stop with these material aids. There are certain fundamental elassi- of flowers, or in other well-known Just as devices or instruments may fications that pertain to many; not to shapes. help us to do certain things, so may all, but to many. Just why clairvoyance takes on so right methods also assist us. The house- We shall begin with those forms of many different phases, we do not pre- wife, in following her recipes, employs a psychic gifts that pertain to the larger tend to know. Perhaps it is because, to method. She uses the proper ingredi- number of persons, and in subsequent different persons, the same music has a ents, in the eorrect proportion, and in articles, take up the other classifications different meaning, or the same pieture a the right Order. The result is eulinary that pertain to a smaller number. different significance. It is, briefly, be­ skill. One of the most widespread gifts of a cause persons are different. Clairvoy- In language, we employ a System of psychic nature in the world is: anee may be the solitary gift, or it may putting sounds together so that these Clairvoyance, or Clear-seeing be developed in conjunction with other sounds have meaning, and this method Sight, like any other sense, is of the psychic gifts, such as clairaudience, or has given us a common basis of com- spirit. As mortals, we look through ma­ clear-hearing. It may be a step toward munication, one with the other. terial eyes, but these material eyes have other development. All psychic persons no sense of sight. They are like the are not certain of having clairvoyant Vis­ Chemistry depends more on methods, lenses in a camera or a teleseope. They ion, but they are likely to experience it, or formulas, which are other names for are mechanieal instruments, but sight is and clairvoyance probably will figure in methods, than it does upon mechanieal the intelligent seeing that employs these the plan of psychic unfoldment of most aids. But chemistry depends also on instruments. instruments and machines. persons who develop. In some stage of Impair or destroy the material instru­ their development, they are likely to ex- We find that method eo-operates with ment,. and blindness results, which does perienee some type of clairvoyance. material things, and that the mind di- not prove that sight is of the material Often, clairvoyant vision requires a rects the method and the instrument in eye only, but that, during this tenure of setting. It will focus itself on a sur­ producing results. This, we admit, per- life, we sense largely through our mate­ face, back of some surface or in front tains to all things which we do. rial bodies. of some surface. It may choose the fea- There must be method, or mechanieal Blind folks may develop their spiritual tures of some earth-person and clairvoy- assistance, or both. sight, so that they will see clearly; not ants often erroneously call this “ trans- (.. OMMUNICATION 39 figuration.” It is not transfiguration, which have special significanee. They own body, and probably something from because only the clairvoyant person sees describe those in spirit, and describe other objects, and from those on the it. Were it transfiguration, all persons them accurately. other side. They in spirit refer to it as present would see tbe same thing. There- Clairvoyance usually begins to mani­ spirit ehemistry. Some students call it fore, clairvoyance is not materialization. fest itself with clouds and shadows, and Vibration. The name is immaterial, but If it were, all persons present would see lights, and colors. This is not a law. It you should recognize the fact that what- the same thing. The fact that only the is merely a rule—a rule that has many ever this force may be, it is real. clairvoyant person, or several who are exceptions. Some psychics begin to see Passivity helps set these forces in mo­ clairvoyant, beholds the form or vision, clearly from the first. Some develop tion, and helps give them direction. A is proof that the vision itself has not rapidly and others slowly, but many of passive mind encourages unfoldment. taken material form. those who develop slowly, develop more An active, aggressive method of think- Platform mediums usually have clair- thoroughly. They become better clair­ ing, or too much questioning, or impa- yoyant sight. They see the spirit-forms, voyants. Some psychics have clairvoy­ tience, or too much curiosity, will retard and describe that which they see. Some- ant sight from childhood, and others un- the development. If you are skeptical, times their description is incorreet be­ fold it later in life. Many who are clair­ and can not sit open-mindedly, do not cause they have not described properly voyant in childhood, lose this psychic sit at all. If you are to be the gainer, that which they see. It is a common ex- sense as they grow older and associate then give yourself the opportunity. Give pression among them, and among me­ more with the material things of the that opportunity to your loved ones in diums, to say, “ I see so-and-so building world. spirit. up.” To the novitiate, this is mystify- This array of facts will serve as a If you do not believe firmly, do not ing. It is a term. Mediums have their guide for the next step of our study, disbelieve violently. Be of open mind. “ shop-talk” the same as other persons. which is: Do not expect anything the first time, or By building up, they mean that they see The Development of Clairvoyance the second or the third. Do not attempt the form or vision coming into focus. The best wmy to develop a muscle is to measure the time that will be required. A medium says, “ I see thé letter A to use.it, and think of it while you are Do not strain your imagination. Simply building up. ” She sees a letter A being using it, and enjoy the exercise. If you be satisüed to wait. Be happy if you get formed. Likely, on the spirit-side, cer- do not enjoy the exercise, you do not any manifestation. Remember that all tain ethereal particles are being drawn develop your muscle properly; perhaps development is growth, and that growth together to form the likeness of the let­ scarcely any. So it is with psychic un- can not be forced. You are the beggar, ter A, which is to be a means of identi- foldment: You must be happy in your and as the beggar, do not try to eom- fication. Sometimes entire words are exercise and think about that which you inand the forces that are ready to help built up in the same manner. do. There is another analogy: Just as you—that can help you only as you open A medium says,' “ I see a form build­ regularity is best for physical develop­ the door. If, after many weeks, no indi- ing up.” She sees a form coming into ment, so is it best for psychic develop­ eation of clairvoyant sight should eome the focus of her psychic sight. At first, ment. And here is one more compari- to you, be undismayed. The exercises it is not clear. It is much like adjusting son to take into account: Preeisely as you have taken, will form the ground- a telescope to your eyes. You may say, you would Start physical development in work for any form of psychic develop­ while the vision is still blurred, and you easy stages, so must you begin your psy­ ment that you may undertake. begin to get the proper focus, “ I can chic development in easy stages. You Think mildly, not violently, not with see a horse building up. ’ ’ can “ go stale” in a psychic sense the force, about—sight. Think about seeing Clairvoyance often focuses its vision same as you can in a physical sense. that which your eyes can not behold or- in a flower, or on any surface or in any Clairvoyance deals with sight, and dinarily. But do not concentrate over a depth. Sometimes it requires depth, or your exercises must pertain to sight; not prolonged period on your sight. Most of tbe Suggestion of depth. At other times, to sight-strains, but to sight develop­ the time sit passively, and remember a surface serves the purpose of a screen, ment. You should set aside about two that willy-nilly thoughts are only slight upon which is focused the psychic vis­ evenings a week, and for the first sev­ disturbances. Also bear in mind that ion. eral weeks, you should sit not over thirty many memories may come up, so do not Does the psychic person actually see minutes an evening, and less if you feel permit any of these memories to grip something which exists, or is the vision fatigued. your attention. Set it aside when it only a projection of some impression You should select the same time on eomes to you. If these memory-pictures that has touched the sense of sight in each of the two evenings. You should persist in coming too strong and fast, the brain? If the impression is due to set aside the same two evenings each then concentrate more on the thought telepathic communication (which is week. If you can not sit conveniently of sight—on your eyes—on your spirit­ more rare than most folk believe), then in the evening, then select some other ual vision. Keep light-hearted. Once likely the sense of sight in the brain has part of the day. Evening is the better you become lethargic or dull, you close been impressed, and the vision is pro- time, but many persons find that they the door. That is as bad as becoming jected, but has no reality. But if that can develop best in the morning hours, over-anxious. You may feel drowsy. which is seen has specific bearing to before they are fatigued. This is not unusual. Whenever you some facts pertaining to those who have Sit in a half-light. Sit correctly— develop, forces are built up, and the up- gone before, it is easier to believe that comfortably, with the feet on the floor, building of forces may cause one to feel the clairvoyant person sees that which and your arms resting at your side or on sleepy. the eyes of other mortals do not see. your lap. Keep the spine as nearly up- Nothing may come for weeks, or Are these visions illusory ? Are they right as possible. Breathe evenly. Re- months. If the prize is worth winning, due to imagination? If they have no lax. Get body and mind at rest. If you it is worth being patient to acquire. significanee, we may say that they are wish to set in motion new forces, you Think of those who study for profes- illusory. We may admit that it is pos- must clear the track for them. In any sions—year after year. They are pa­ sible for persons to imagine that they form of psychic manifestation, very real tient, for what? An earthly gift. Should see when they see nothing pertaining to forces are being brought into being. you be less patient for a heavenly gift? that which- they pretend to see. This These forces are not fancied, but real. Clairvoyance may not be your form does not lessen the fact that developed Their nature, we do not know. We know of development, but this regularity of clairvoyants say that they see things only that something is taken from your sitting “ in the silenee,” as it is called 40 COMMUNICATION often by psychie students, will open the When you begin to have visions, test TRUMPET DEVELOPMENT door for wbatever your gift may be, and yourself by seeing what comes to you for REVEALED if some other form of development man- strangers. You may have visions in res- The trumpet is one of the oldest auxil- ifests, then forget your elairvoyance and taurants, in trains, in the theatre. But iaries to the receipt of Communications from spirit, but like many other things in this pursue that other type of development. unless you “ read” for someone, for world, and psychic things particularly, it is understood imperfectly. The trumpet may Sitting for elairvoyant development is a some friend or acquaintanee, likely you be utilized to play an important part in fundamental psyehic exercise that sets will not know the value of that which many forms of development. It has its pe­ culiarities, and this series will deal with the body and mind at rest, and opens the you see. Be sure that you aetually see, trumpet and its various uses, not only as a door for news from over the border. method of securing the direct voices, but as that the vision is clear, and is not merely a means of other forms of communication.— If you begin to see, you may see forms a pieture you conjure up in your mind. THE EDITOR. If you have elairvoyant sight, you do not from the first, but likely you will see I—THE WHY OF THE TRUMPET clouds and shadows, meaningless maybe, have to strain your imagination to won- one pursuing the other, and then all of der if you do see, because the vision of For ages, artists have pictured the them leaving. You must try to see what clairvoyaney is as clear as anything you hosts of heaven as deseending to earth, comes with your eyes open—but not see. When you look around you, there with trumpets held to the lips of the strained and staring, just gazing ahead is no question as to the things you see. angels, and the assumption has been that in a sort of meditative way. You may There should be no greater question in these trumpets represent musical Instru­ try with your eyes closed. To some, elairvoyant sight. ments. Partly, this view has been cor- elairvoyant vision comes best in the Just as physical training permits you reet; mostly, it has been incorreet. For light; to others in the dark. If the dark to devote more time to your exercise, as there are trumpets in spirit, as well as brings the better results, then sit in you progress, so may you take more time trumpets in this world, employed for the pitch-blaekness. You may see lights— to developing elairvoyant vision, as time purposes of communication between phosphorescent, or very bright, but usu- passes. You may take three evenings a earth and spirit. ally fleeting. In time, you may see un- week, and then four, and finally every The trumpet itself is made in a variety defined forms, and ean deteet their day, and after some mohths, several of forms. Some trumpets are in a single movements. times a day, until the visions come at pieee, and others in sections. Some are You may see lights surrounding per- any time, without putting yourself in made of fibre and others of metal, pre- sons—sometimes bright, like the halos special condition to receive them. ferably aluminum. The average length pictured by artists, and sometimes duller. Do not boast to your friends that you does not exceed three feet. Often it is You may be able, in time, to analyze a are “ becoming a elairvoyant.” If you less. person’s mental or physical state by the beeome one, reveal your gift to them, The trumpet is conical, with the large color or intensity or dullness of these but be sure you have the gift first of all. end about ifive or six inches in diameter lights. Yisions may come in space, or Many persons bring ridicule upon them- •—sometimes slightly smaller or slightly they may come on surfaces—on walls, selves and upon Spiritualism by working larger—and the small end with a diam­ perhaps. No one ean foretell just how themselves into a state of nervousness, eter usually less than an ineh. The your visions will come, if you get them. and imagining that which is not theirs. trumpet should be round, and not ob­ That depends upon peculiarities all your This is not development, but quite the long at its ends and throughout its cir- own. opposite. cumference. It should be perfectly You may receive symbolical visions, Be patient. If you can not be patient, straight. that will bear Interpretation. You may do not Start. If you are going to begin by eommanding development in any cer- This is the accepted form of the trum­ have “ waking dreams.” You may see pet, but there are other forms. Some things literally. One lady saw a horse tain time or in any given manner, you will arrive nowhere. Thin as the veil are small at both ends and bulged in the —a white charger, standing through the middle, and are designed for the receipt dining table. On its back was a man. may be that separates earthly sight from spiritual sight, still it is a veil, and it of voices in the light, but a trumpet She described his stature and features made of the proper weight of alumi­ and dress. Then she saw him fall, and wears away gradually. You will be pre- pared fully by dear ones in spirit for num, and weighing less than half a perceived that he feil at the side of the pound, may be of the conical form first road and was killed. What she saw de­ each step of your development. That development comes in steps—in degrees described and serve for both light and scribed what had happened to a relation dark manifestations. There have been of a friend who was calling on her. She of the finest distinction. And if you still other forms, but, briefly, the chief saw a vision. This vision was shown to never have “ the open eye,” you will find some other open door—and to you purpose of the trumpet is to intensify her by guides in spirit, for purposes of sound. This is the prineipal purpose, identifying some spirit who wished to will come some manifestation, some but not the only purpose. In this re- make his presence known. But a similar form of message-bearing, that will vision might pertain to what was occur- reeompense you for your faithful devel­ spect, the trumpet serves as a mega- phone. It will intensify a whisper to ing at some distant place, or would oc- opment. cur at some future time. It might not (Next Installment: Crystal Clairvoy- an audible sound, and a low voice to a be literal, but could be symbolical, signi- ance.) loud voice. However, the voices from fying that some project or ad venture spirit, Corning through the trumpet, are would terminate disastrously. Don’t agree with everything you hear not whispers, and not of the quality of In time, through cheeking up on your or read. Consider the facts, and think whispers. They are voices, but they may visions—through keeping a record of about them. Turn them over in your be low. In spirit, they are spoken in a them and referring to them as you de- mind, until you begin to form your own natural tone, but they may not carry to velop—you will learn the kind of clair- conclusions—but form them always with our earth-vibrations in the same tone. voyance you possess. Your spirit guides the understanding that more facts may This, we say, is the chief purpose of will help you understand, and the mean- come to you later. In this way, you the trumpet, but its purposes do not end ing will be clear to you usually. Some­ learn—and with no individual ever there. And having set forth these facts, times it will not be clear, because the reaching the knowledge of God, it fol- more or less familiär to every Spiritual­ vision you see is for some other person lows that there is always something new ist, let us now go into other facts with present, and you teil only that which to learn. This is true in this world, and which Spiritualists as a whole are not you see. The other person understands it will be equally true in the spirit- familiär, but which are common knowl­ ' ;s vision perfectly. spheres. edge to most voice mediums. COMMUNICATION 41

We know that the patterns of different woven into a fabrie that ean be'handled out of the cabinet, in plain view of all artieles are essential to the utility of properly. We feel that these different present, and often in a strong light. these artieles. The tailor needs his pat­ definitions are necessary in order to con- In a voice seance, when the loved ones tem before he ean make a suit of elothes. vey the proper idea to you, but the idea in spirit step into these forces, and talk, He must have something to guide him, still is incomplete. we on the earth-side, hear their voiees, something that will determine the shape We have no right to say that we under­ and especially if they talk through the and form of the finished artiele. So it is stand these forces, any more than a trumpet. Sometimes, however, they talk in making machinery; there must be the chemist could say that he understands through the large end and hold the small pattem, and this pattem must be fol- oxygen, or an electrician could say that end toward us. Sometimes they talk into lowed faithfully. he understands electricity. We know the trumpet as it Stands on the floor, We know that a chisel is of a certain only that these forces exist, and we can without lifting it. Knowing that these shape, and has certain definite proper- deseribe them best by likening them to things oceur, we think of the trumpet ties. Were this not true, it would be of something which we do understand. not so mueh as an intensifier of the no use as a chisel, and as a chisel it From the body of the medium, a eer- voiees of those in spirit as an accu­ serves its special purpose. We know tain something is taken. We believe it mulator of the forces that will that automobiles are of a general simi- is ionic. We think that it pertains to make the voiees audible to us be­ lar shape, not becanse that type was the eleetrons, that in nature it may be cause the forces have been eoncentrated deemed stylish, but because the essen­ deseribed as energy. And we have rea- in a smaller area, or possibly have been tial parts, and Offices and funetions of sons for believing, without being able to given some definite action or motion the motorcar, determined its general prove our belief, that as these particles, which they would not have had, except form. Its motors and other parts must or this energy, proeeed from the me­ for the use of .the trumpet. be placed properly. It has various ap- dium, their rate of motion, or Vibration, The shape of the trumpet seems to purtenances, and they must have the is increased. count more than the material of which it right relationship to one another. Its Our belief goes further. We believe is made, because a make-shift trumpet objeet is to carry passengers, and their that similar particles are drawn from may be constructed of strong paper, comfort must be considered. Out of this the spirit-bodies of the loved ones who pinned to keep it in shape. multiplicity of requirements, has evolved wish to communicate with us, and that These observations we have been mak­ the automobile, which differs in appear- particles or points or streams of energy, ing for years, and they may have—and ance from all other vehicles, without are drawn from others present—others we believe that they do have—some spe­ eeasing to be a vehicle. And the loeomo- on ,both sides, and even from artieles cial scientific signifieance that will be tive is another example. The telephone on both sides. We have reasons for be­ recognized in time. is another. The typewriter is another. lieving this to be the ease. We think In all things, shape and properties were that the partieles, or foree-streams, from The Circle of the Forces determined by the various requirements the mortal- side increase in Vibration, Many Spiritualists will teil you that of manufacture and funetions. This, we and the corresponding forms or sub- there are no manifestations outside the admit, is not remarkable. It is quite as stances or energy from the other side, “ circle” of the forces, and in a consid- it should be. How many of us have deerease in equal proportion, until the erable degree, they are correct. But it stopped to consider the trumpet and its two kinds of energy meet and blend, is evident that these forces do go out­ reason for being as it is? In order to and form a medium through which the side the accepted circle, and in some understand it better and apply it to vibrations of voiees in spirit become per- instances operate for some distance. We different kinds of psychic development, ceptible to mortal ears. This is the way will not say that this distance is greater let us consider it, first of all, this wise: we view the Operation, but beyond that than a few feet, but it is possible that The Trumpet as a Battery we can give no clear explanation. We it may be. You may be familiär with storage bat- trust that this is clear enough to carry To illustrate, in table-tippings, a trum­ teries. You understand their purpose, the point, and the point is this: pet sat near a wall, some feet away; their funetions, the reason for their con- Whatever the nature of these forces about five or six feet distant from those struction. They are as they are, to hold may be, it is akin to electricity. It is at the table. No other persons were in a Charge of electricity that will be fed real, and not imaginary. Under certain the room. The room was darkened, but out as required; neither too fast nor too conditions it may be feit with the hands, there was sufficient light coming from slowly. You understand the horseshoe and often is feit by the flesh in a multi- outside to discern objects clearly. The magnet, perhaps, and know why it is a tude of ways. We know that if these trumpet could be seen standing near the horseshoe and is not a straight bar. You forces are broken suddenly, as by the wall—resting on the large end. The understand the compass, and realize that intrusion of light into a dark seance- forces, by all logic, should have been if it were not constructed that way, it room, these forces (or the most active eonfined to the circle, to the four persons would not be a compass, though it might part of them) snap back upon the me­ at the table. Düring the process of the have the same materials, in the same dium and are about as dangerous as a tippings, the trumpet feil on its side, and proportions. So it is with the trumpet, heavy electrical current. Sometimes this may have been caused by the thump- which is a kind of battery for “ the they are likely to be fatal. We know, ing of the table. The trumpet rolled to forces ’ ’ of voice communieation, and for further, in materializing seances (while the wall, and this may have been caused other forms of spirit manifestations. the ingredients or use of the forces may by the tippings of the table. What oc- Perhaps when we said that the trum­ differ somewhat from those of the voice curred next was due to some other cause. pet is a battery, we did not use the right seance), when those in spirit step into The trumpet righted itself, again resting word. Maybe we should have called it these forces, they attract to themselves on its large end, and the upper, or an accumulator or intensifier of the material particles, or particles or energy small, section feil, landing inside the forces. That may paint a clearer pic- that assumes a material form, and have others. ture in your mind. The trumpet is a bodies of flesh-and-blood quite as solid Here we find that the forces were oper- conduit, through or over which these to the human touch as earth-bodies, and ating outside the circle, and that the forces seem to flow, become intensified, that these forms are seen by all present trumpet was being used, in some man- and come under control. The trumpet and give ample evidence of their physi- ner, to help build up and direct the may also be likened to a loom, upon cal nature. We know, also, that these forces that were employed in the table- which the forces of mediumship are materialized forms will dematerialize tippings, some feet distant. 42 COMMUNICATION

Here is anotker instance: A person, trumpet,’ or between a person and any have been elear of these vultures, but developing with tke Automatagraph, had other inanimate object—and particularly let an animal be shot, and soon the dark a trumpet standing several feet away— one that comes within the scope of his spots appear on the horizon, and groiv perkaps seven or more feet distant. He frequent use. Very often, without visi­ in size until the buzzards are hovering paid no keed to tke trumpet, until a ble evidence, a surgeon can feel that about the carcass. Or let an animal or series oi' distinct, rkytkmic tappings be- someone eise has been handling his in- a person be injured, and the buzzards gan to come tkrougk tke trumpet, and struments, or a typist will know that put in their appearance. Why ? shortly afterwards,'ke received a written someone has been using her machine. We may say that this is a very finely message on tke pad of tke vvriting de- These folk think that the reason is be­ drawn sense of smell, but is it not as vice. cause some fine adjustment has been dis- reasonable, if not more reasonable, to We skall give anotker illustration: turbed. What they really feel is a dis- aver that it is not smell until certain Several persons were sitting for inde­ turbance in the Vibration. A foreign vibrations are detected and are inter- pendent slate-writing development, and imprint has been left, and there is no preted as odors? To others, these vibra­ tkere was a trumpet in a dresser drawer longer that even flow of Vibration be­ tions might bring clairvoyant pietures, some distanee away. Düring tke eourse tween the person and the article. and not manifest as odors at all. of tke sitting, tke trumpet moved in the So it is with a trumpet. In many This condition we may call rapport,” drawer, and ifinally many raps came seances, those in spirit will refuse to even though it be incorrect, for “ rap­ upon or inside it. A few minutes later, pick up and use a trumpet that has been port” signifies sympathy, and certain tkere was visible movement of the bit of brought in by some person other than vibrations may be sensed where there is slate-pencil between the slates. the medium. That trumpet, the one be- no apparent sympathy. But—there may The trumpet, therefore, has proper- longing to their medium, has her vibra­ be a form of sympathy that is foreign ties that make it a kind of laboratory tions in it. That trumpet is “ saturated” to our definition—a sympathy of mo- for the forees, and if this Statement be with her forees, and another earries with tions, such as those of the notes on a aceepted as fact (and it should be, be- it stränge vibrations that disturb the piano; and not a sympathy of tender eause numerous instances will be found forees of that partieular seanee-room. understanding. to fortify it), then there must be some To illustrate these subtleties of vibra­ partieular use to which the trumpet may tions, we may digress in giving these il- Now, to return to the object of these be put in various kinds of psychic de­ lustrations: In a mid-western city, illustrations: Between individuals and velopment. there was a girl of great reflnement who their trumpets, will spring a sort of But before we jump at conclusions, let had an exaggerated sense of smell. She sympathy—a kind of “ rapport,” a man- us go into another phase of the trumpet, knew her friends by their odors, just ner of understanding. Also, between all because if we overlook this series of as a bloodhound would know persons. members of a developing dass or circle, faets, we are likely to secure poorer re- She spoke of the odors frequently, and and the trumpet or trumpets used, a sults than we hope: was sorry each time, because she was similar harmonious condition will exist. With playing, a violin beeomes “ mel- chided unmercifully, and her enemies And to introduce the trumpets of others, low.” Its molecular construction, per- would refer to her in canine terms. or to bring in others, may upset these haps, readjusts itself to karmonize with One of her acquaintances we shall call finely-balanced conditions. Psychics the musie. It is known that a steel Jim. This young fellow had gone to often say that their trumpets have been shaft, ander continuous working strain Europe. He had been there over two ‘ ‘ magnetized. ’ ’ for hours, aetually undergoes a moleeu- years, and one day returned unexpect- Let the Trumpets “ Keep Company” lar strain, and must be given a rest, or it edly, and had called at her home. She If these Statements have weight, if will be likely to crystallize and break. was absent, but two other sisters and two they contain sense, which we believe, Knowledge goes beyond these facts. A brothers were home, and they and Jim they contain, it follows that in any form good psychometrist ean take any article went to a tennis court some blocks dis­ of psychic development, one’s trumpet which you have handled considerably— tant. Jim left his coat in the hallway plays a part. It follows, further, that and especially some close personal pos- of the home. It was a European-made one’s trumpet should be kept near one session, of yours—and by holding it in coat, and not one he had worn before during slumber—if not standing near his hands, can give you a wonderful he left America. About an hour after- the bed, then at least in some drawer or psychic reading, telling you fact after wards, this girl returned home. She had on a shelf not far from the bed. fact about yourself. heard nothing of the homecoming of Jim, Just as a storage battery absorbs elec- It would appear that every thought, but as soon as she entered the house, she trieity, so will a trumpet absorb certain and every breath and everything involv- said to her mother, “ Jim is home. I eonstituent parts of the forees. It gets ing energy, sends out vibrations, and smell him! ’ ’ “ in tune,” if you will, and the better it that these vibrations leave their records A gentleman teils the story that he, as is in tune, the more it helps one in one’s in all directions. Some persons are so a boy, had a similar exaggerated sense unfoldment. sensitive to these vibrations, they must of smell—if it really was smell. He The trumpet is like a keyhole between have their own chairs, their own dishes would be at the swimming hole, five or the two sides of the door separating and sooons and knives and forks. They six miles from home, and suddenly would flesh from spirit. If that keyhole is kept “ feel” the strangeness if they do not sav to the other boys, “ Mother is cook- open, in time the key can be inserled have these familiär articles. ing eabbage and ham hocks, and baking and turned, and the door will be opened. The Condition of “ Rapport” beans for suoper. ” But he would not It may be opened with the voices, or in The French have an expression which stop there. He would teil each of the some other manner. Of this mueh we means harmony. They say, “ En rap- bo'*s what his sunper was to consist of! are reasonably certain. We say reason- port.” It is pronounced mueh like this: Now, we say that this is smell. Per- ably, because there is always mueh to “ On rappore,” only with more of a haps it would be nearer the truth if we learn, and we have small patience with nasal sound than Americans can imitate. would say that these individuals had the the person who says he understands all This term is emploved ordinarily to indi- faeulty of sensing vibrations and inter- things: Having a trumpet near you cate the harmony between persons: that preting them as odors. Let us take an­ should never retard, but should aid, any is, persons in harmonious Vibration. It other familiär instance, known to all pre- kind of psychic unfoldment. If you has a deeper meaning. “ En rapport” sons who have lived in the “ turkey buz- have within you the mediumistic prop- may extend between a person and a zard” country. All day the sky may (Continued on page 58) COMMUNICATION 43 Press Comments and Criticisms

It is not possible to reproduee all of duce, under scientific conditions, ‘the basis and be made the subject of gam- the newspaper comments of the past few sliglitest tenable evidenee of eommuni- bling. weeks relating to Spiritualism. Indeed, cation with the spirit world or super- Thousands of persons who have at- a publication the size of The Literary natural feats of any kind. ’ He has long tended the materializing seances of Digest would not afford suflficient pages made a hobby 1 of such things; he was “ Farmer“ Riley, now in spirit, the fa­ to reproduee the articles appearing in formerly a member of the Society for mous medium of Marcellus, Mich., tes- the daily and Sunday newspapers of Psychical Research and a co-worker of tify to the fact that in perfectly clear America during the past month concern- Dr. Hodgson and Dr. Hyslop, whose in- light, many forms would emerge from ing this absorbing subject of spirit re- vestigations have received world-wide the cabinet and talk with and caress turn, Communications and manifesta- attention. their mortal friends, and would demate- tions. “ Dr. Hodgson has been dead several rialize in the open room before the vision We quote from a publication known as years. Dr. Hyslop Claims that he is con- of every person present. Similar testi­ “ The Pathfinder, ’ ’ which condenses stantly receiving messages from him mony can be given by many more thou­ comments of the press relative to the through a medium. Mr. Rinn says that sands who have attended the material­ Claims of a New York man, Joseph F. he was with Dr. Hodgson only seven izing seances of other mediums. Conse- Rinn. Mr. Rinn’s Claims have been fea- hours betöre his death, and that the dy- quently, the tricks of Thurston, the tured in most of the large daily newspa­ ing man gave him a seeret letter which magician, resemble the true manifesta­ pers in the United States, and some of he now has in his safe. He says he will tions of Spiritualism quite as much as them have devoted entire pages to illus- give an additional $5,000 if Dr. Hyslop the hand-spelling of a mute would re­ trations showing the tricks employed by or anyone eise can get Dr. Hodgson’s semble a song. Mr. Thurston is an ac- Mr. Rinn, in what he is pleased to term ‘ spirit ’ to teil the contents of that letter. complished magician, and we do not an expose of the manifestations of This, he says, will be a plain and con- question that many excitable persons in seance-rooms. vincing test. He is ready to believe in an audience would think that they recog­ The quotation from “ The Pathfinder“ spirits if any evidenee of them can be nize in his trick cabinet work, the mate- follows: brought forth under conditions which rialized forms of departed loved ones. “ All the world would be quick to ac- leave no room for fraud. Referring to It is surprising, however, that crities cept ‘spiritism’ if the Claims made for Sir Oliver Lodge, who has just come to of Spiritualism will grant to Spiritual­ it could once be established so as to sat- this country, Sir A. Conan Doyle and ists no degree of the sense of propor- isfy an impartial tribunal or any un- other great men who have ‘fallen for’ tions, and will assume that they are all prejudiced mind. People at first were spiritism, Mr. Rinn says: ‘It is not an neuro tics. skeptical about the X-rays, the wireless assertion, but a fact of history, that During the last forty years of his the airplane, the telephone, the tele- these great men of Science are the eas- earth-life, Sir William Crookes, in Com­ scope, etc., but as soon as the facts iest dupes in the world for clever fak- pany with other Fellows of the Royal were demonstrated there was no longer ers.’ “ Society—the greatest scientific body in any room left for doubt. If a psychie were to give to Mr. Rinn Ihe world—witnessed phenomena that “ The trouble with the Champions of the contents of the letter written by Dr. could not be explained away by trickery spiritism has been that they would never Hodgson, both Mr. Rinn and the Society or self-deception. During these forty submit to any genuine test. They keep for Psychical Research, with whom ap- years of Sir William’s life on earth, he always telling about pianos being raised parently he has had a split, would Claim contributed his greatest work to the field to the ceiling by bands of ‘spooks,’ ta­ that the message could be answered by of material Science. bles being tipped, messages being sent, telepathy. While the reading of this let­ And as truly as there is a law of com- pictures being painted, etc., but these ter might be convincing evidenee to Mr. pensation, that truly will the spirit- things are always accompanied by so Rinn, it would not be aecepted even as world see that Mr. Rinn pays his five much hocus-pocus that the presumption testimony by others as deeply interested. thousand dollars in some manner. He is they are done by the aid of trickery. What is proof to one man is drivel to has made his bet against the unseen They may be genuine phenomena, but if another. world, and the spirit-world is not obliged so they nevertheless have all the ear- Mr. Rinn can not reproduee any of the to be commanded, bullied or bossed by marks of fakery and they can all be truths of spirit eommunication through mortals. duplicated by Professional tricksters. trickery. Many Spiritualists of sound These folks who are raising such a “ Howard Thurston, the famous magi- mind have numerous records of accurate fuss and fume against Spiritualism, per- cian, in a magazine article, teils of 'ma- prophecy. We can produce at least haps have never asked whence they came terializing’ spooks by the aid of his trick thirty persons who were told, in the or whither they go. The spirit-world cabinet. He says that no less than three seance-room at the Stead Center in June, knows that every one of these opponents 1918, the day the world-war would end. different people in some cases would all in time will pass the great bourn and will Neither Mr. Rinn nor any other person recognize a spook as being a departed be numbered among the hosts of the un­ can bring the unmistakable evidenee of relative and would each call it by a dif­ seen world. Spiritualists should not fret ferent name, when in fact the ‘spirit’ identity of personaltiy that has been themselves about this newspaper agita- brought to thousands.of persons in dif­ was nothing supernatural but was admit- tion, because it is a much milder form tedly produced by mechanical means. ferent seance-rooms. of persecution than that which was This shows how easily those who are Mrs. John H. Curran of “ Patience heaped upon the early Christians or upon Martin Luther and his followers. anxious to believe can be fooled. Worth“ fame, of St. Louis, has ac- “ Now comes Joseph F. Rinn of New cepted Mr. Rinn’s challenge. But we If the public were not greatly concerned York, who öfters $5,000 to anyone who feel that Spiritualism is a religion and with the subject of Spiritualism, the can bring forth a medium who will pro­ that it should not be put on a race-track newspapers of the land would devote no 44 COMMUNICATION space to it. No such space was ever de- would not subscribe to them. But I am effort one gets divine inspiration. Prayer voted to Christian Science. Even the a great admirer of mental capacity in is the sending of a message to a higher Roman Catholic Church, with its well any form; regretting only that there is being. Direct thought transference from established press bureaus, is not getting so little of it manifested in these times the human mind to a higher mind is ac­ five per cent. of the newspaper space that (as well as others). And if I don’t un- cepted by religious people.” is given to Spiritualism. derstand their message—so much the Sir Oliver said further: “ I hold that And now let us see what the effect of worse for me. If I laugh, let it be at we can have communication with beings these attacks amounted to on the public myself. higher than ourselves, lower than the mind. Under the head of “ Materialism “ To all complacent eritics of what deity—in other words, with those who Stirs His Bile,” a writer who signs him- they do not and cannot comprehend I have passed behind the veil. We might self “ C. S.” sent in the following con- say, ‘go thou and do likewise.’ C. S. have survival without communication, tribution to the N. Y. Evening Telegram, “ Mamaroneck, Feb. 4, 1920.” but we can not have communication and it was puhlished Peb. 5: Here we find that a man who is not a without survival. If we can obtain mes- “ To the Editor of the Evening Tele­ Spiritualist, becomes disgusted with the sages from the departed, and are sure gram:—I seldom write to the newspa- materialistic attitude of the opponents that these messages are genuine, then pers, but others, who do, and even some of Spiritualism. But we would caution there can be no question but that their of those whose business it is to write for Spiritualists to not put themselves in a intelligences survive. But they must the newspapers, have foreed a word of fighting mood. The newspapers are giv- prove their identity and show us that protest from me. I refer to the current ing the public what the public desires. they have remained themselves. If their comment on the views expressed hy two If the public did not wish this sensation- memory has survived the shock of death, great thinkers—Maurice Maeterlinck alism, the newspapers would not print it. their character survives and their affec- and Sir Oliver Lodge—who are now in tion endures.” America. The frivolous nature of this Sir Oliver further touched upon an- comment—farther, the dense, black igno- The Visit of Sir Oliver Lodge other important point pertaining to rance displayed in it, is not creditable to Much of the newspaper space that is spirit communication. He said that per- the intelligenee of the newspaper reading being devoted to the subject of Spirit­ sons desiring to eommunicate with those public. ualism may be traced to the lectures be­ on the farther side should pursue a “ On the one hand, our friends the ing delivered in different American peaceful, quiet mode of living. “ The Spiritualists are sineere, beyond doubt, eities by Sir Oliver Lodge. Many of the discamate can not get at us if we eon­ but unquestionably too ready to accept newspapers have treated Sir Oliver centrate too much on mundane affairs. the evidenee of the ‘unseen,’ which Sir kindly, recognizing the fact that as a People who have the faculty of com­ Oliver talks about, without testing that man of Science he probably knows more munication should go to mediums. A evidenee as to its credibility. I have or less about his subject. discarnate person on the other side nothing to say in criticism of them, or Some professors of American Colleges makes use of the body of a competent of any others who sineerely believe, but eontend that while Sir Oliver may be a medium here. ’ ’ they must pardon me from aceepting keen thinker when it comes to material “ But,” said Sir Oliver,” good me­ their conclusions on their word alone. Science, this does not prove that he can diums are rare and valuable. Since the They are advocates, propagandists, and think clearly with relation to Spiritual­ war they have brought tremendous help their views lose in value in proportion ism. We feel that there are thousands and comfort to innumerable families and to their unquestioning faith. of Spiritualists, and perhaps tens of restored the link between the dead and “ But it is the Smart Alecks, the wise thousands, who. understand the subject the living.” boys, the sophisticated gentlemen who as well as, and some better than, Sir We would caution Spiritualists to not know it all—these stir my bile. From Oliver. We believe that his information attempt to force their belief upon any the towering heights of their ignoranee was reeeived through mediums not of the person. It is out of the question to be­ they think it tremenuously funny to hear highest development, and that eonsider- lieve that all people can accept Spirit­ the marvels of the invisible, the ‘un- able error crept in along with the “ evi- ualism. Certainly we find innumerable sensed,’ not in the spiritual, or spirit, dential matter” upon which he lays so grades of intelligenee and countless de- world, if you will, but in the physieal much stress. But we must all give Sir grees of character and experience in this universe, the earth on which we tread, Oliver Lodge the credit of having the world. If every person liked the same the soil which we tili, the oceans which courage of his eonvictions. Certainly it literature, the same religion, the same we traverse, the Chemical substances of requires much more moral stamina for a political creed, there would be no human which we and everything we can see, man of Sir Oliver ’s standing in the progress. As truly as this earth life is hear, feel, taste or smell is made. world of Science to take the leeture plat- given to us for the purpose of experi­ “ Talk to them of atoms, of molecules, form in behalf of Spiritualism, or at ence, then truly would there be little of electrons, of astronomieal distances least spirit communication, than it would experience without obstacles to over- so vast that they overpower human for an obscure person to proclaim his come. imagination—and hear them laugh. No, belief. indeed, you can’t teil them anything In the New York Tribüne of Jan. 27, about that nonsense, ’tis a waste of time. the following appeared in a two-column The Attack of a Priest “ I suppose it’s of no use, but who can article headed, “ Lodge Claims Com- In The Boston Post of Jan. 29, we be patient while watching a whipper- munion With the Dead Is Proved” : learn that the Rev. Jones I. J. Corrigan, snapper, oily haired, low browed nonen- “ Sir Oliver Lodge admitted that he S. J., professor of philosophy at Boston tity laugh—lâugh, mind you—at a man feit rather sympathetie toward the College, has come out in a spirited attack of the mental capacity of Sir Oliver skeptic. In the ’70’s he had been an on the subject of mediums and Spirit­ Lodge? Or to hear a mushy headed, out-and-out skeptic himself, he said. ualism. addle pated individual, man or woman, But when the chance came to him to He says: “ The distinction sometimes presume to pass judgment on the mystic study telepathy, he seized the opportun- made between ‘fake’ mediums and true, utterances of Maeterlinck? ity, and after several months’ inquiry, is unknown to Science. The registered “ I am a disciple of neither. I do not was eonvinced that thought-transference verdict of Science is that all mediums are know enough about their doctrines, in existed. Telepathy is accepted in re- 'fakes,’ if not consciously and deliber- the first place; and if I did, probably I ligion, he said. It is hy direct mental ately, at least uneonsciously. It should COMMUNICATION 45 be well considered that the majority of able to secure Information of events that can not be seen • with the eyes of the scientists and psychologists hold that in have not occurred! One hundred such body, but can Rev. Mr. Corrigan, or no case does the medium put the ‘ sitter ’ spies could not “ cover” all these “ pros- any leamed man of the elergy, deny my in communication with the departed; pects. ” Figure their salaries and ask statements when I say that 80 per cent. but, at most, the medium’s own sub- yourself if it is reasonable! of Catholics do believe in ‘survival’? conscious mind impersonates the one If the Rev. Father Corrigan had only That the spirit can be seen, has been that is loved and lost awhile.’ ” acquainted the United States government seen by the eyes of the body by thou- We should like to have the Rev. with this spy System, there would have sands of men, women and children ? Father Corrigan explain what the sub- been fewer explosions and ifires during Some have even held a long conversa- conscious mind is. Can the subconscious the recent war. tion with them. mind of a voice-medium, in the light, This is a type of the argument that is “ I myself and all members of our move several feet from her body and presented by ministers of the gospel who family and mostly all Catholics as far as speak through a trumpet, eonveying a seek to criticize Spiritualism. They do this is eoncerned have been brought up perfectly intelligent message? We know not know their subject. The Rev. with the understanding that there is that messages can be received in this Father Corrigan may be a very exeellent survival beyond the grave and that a way beeause we have received them, with teacher in his line, but in matters of spirit can be seen and talked to, and it the medium at least thirty feet distant. spirit communication, he is a lamentably is also believed by 50 per cent. of good The medium was not entranced, but poor amateur. He does not even employ Catholics that any ‘Priest’ can if he awake, conscious. common judgment, if he is properly wants to, speak to the dead—or to be We wish to present to the Rev. Father quoted by The Boston Post. more explicit, raise the dead, so why Corrigan, and others, the eontention that Following is what a Roman Catholic should Sir Oliver Lodge be ridiculed there is no subconscious mind, that what said of this priest in The Watervüle when he is only upholding the strong is commonly c.alled the subconscious (Me.) Sentinel: belief amongst Catholics throughout the mind is the reflex action of the nerve A CHALLENGE world? I ’ll wager with-Rev. Mr. Corri­ centers—and that intelligent messages gan or any other learned men that my “ Editor Sentinel. are conveyed by discarnate spirits who statement is true. If I lose I guarantee “ Dear Sir: There is much criticism to walk to Boston and back. If they certainly display a higher degree of in- on ‘Spiritualism’ to whieh all the news- telligence than that shown by mortals. lose they pay me one thousand dollars.— papers of the eountry are devoting much Alfred J. Poulin, 15 Oxford street, This priest further says: “ Mediums spaee. have their own methods of securing in- Watervüle, Me.” formation. Most of them have their “ Sir Oliver Lodge, the seientist, runners and spies, who busy themselves Claims that there is ‘survival’ beypnd A Presbyterian Divine Talks not only by talking about the mediums the grave and that he can communicate We must not imagine that the criti­ and bringing in business, but also by with*the departed spirits. cism of Spiritualism is confined to Mr. Unding out private facts in the lives of “ Now comes the Rev. Joqes I. J. Cor­ Rinn or the Rev. Father Corrigan. the possible clients.” rigan, S. J., professor of philosophy, According to The Easton (Pa.) Daily Even the Roman Catholic Church, with speaking before the young men’s Cath­ Free Press of Jan. 12, 1920, the Rev. Dr. all its wealth, could not afford such a olic associations at Boston College High John Fox gave a learned diseourse to the spy System. The average medium at School. students of Lafayette College on the best makes a living, and usually a very “ He said that contrary to the wide- fallacies of Spiritualism. He is quoted poor living. There is no spy System spread impression, the Consensus of as saying that Moses laid down the law, sufficiently subtle or extensive to carry scientific opinions is not with Sir Oliver “ Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,” out the System suggested by this priest. Lodge, but instead rejects his so-called and that the prophets regarded ‘witch’ He is quoted further as saying, ‘proofs’ as beyond the w&rrant of the as meaning the same as “ medium.” For a learned student of the Scriptures, ‘ ‘ When a complete stranger comes to a facts. medium, the result is usually a number “ He goes further and says that the we fear that this view of the Rev. Dr. of commonplaces. The medium feels records of Sir Oliver Lodge show in- John Fox shows unfamiliarity with the äbout to get a clue. ‘Come back again stances where he was very much im- Scriptures. Moses also gave to the world next week and I shall be able to teil you pressed by apparent marvels while others the ten commandments, one of which more. The conditions today are not more • conservative and less credulous reads: “ Thou shalt not kill.” In fact, quite favorable, ’ says the medium. The were not taken in, and the denouncement beeause he slew the Egyptian, Moses dient leaves the house and is followed showed Sir Oliver wrong, and that a was harred from the promised land! by the medium’s spy. Next time it is seientist is a mere child in the hands of The Rev. Dr. John Fox blushes to say worth while—‘the conditions’ are more a real sleight-of-hand performer. It that an American girl, named Margaret favorable and the sitting much more sat- takes a conjurer to catch a conjurer—in Fox, was one of the first proponents of isfaetory. The spy has done his work other words, a crook to catch a crook. Spiritualism. The Rev. Dr. Fox clears well.” “ What would Rev. Corrigan or Sidg- his skirts by saying that she was “ none Of all the inanity that has ever been wick have said had they been present at of his breed.” We do not believe that published regarding Spiritualism we are the marriage of ‘Canna,’ when ‘Christ’ Margaret Fox was of a breed at all. willing to give the medal to the Rev. turned the water into wine? The Rev. John seems to claim that he is. Father Corrigan! “ When Sir Oliver Lodge, the scien- We think that any minister of the gos­ The medium receives perhaps a dollar tist, Claims that the dead do come back pel who is so fearfully ashamed of any or two dollars for the sitting, and yet and speak to the living he is only up- of God’s children, must have lived. an this medium is supposed to employ a spy holding the strong belief of 80 per cent. extremely narrow life. He is ashamed who will not only find out about the life of good Catholics. to think that Sir Oliver Lodge should of the prospect on the speculation of his “ Rev. Mr. Corrigan says, as for sur­ for a moment think that he had com- returning, but will spend at least fifty vival. when all has been said and done. municated with his son, Raymond. dollars’ worth of time delving into that it will be found that St. Paul is the real However, after painting a doleful pic- person’s past record, and secure facts teacher of the truth in the higher knowl- ture to the students, the Rev. Dr. John that Dun’s or Bradstreet’s could not find edge, which is of faith not of sight. Fox comes forward with no assurance out. At the same time the spy will be “ The Bible does teach us that a spirit of immortality, which for many years he 46 COMMUNICATION preached as a pastor in the Presbyterian counter disappointment. No person the individual reporter, or editor, or edi­ faith. He talked about life after death. should be afraid of receiving falsehoods torial writer, is no more competent to Spiritualism deals with the fact itself; from any medium. If there be truth think than is any other mortal. News­ and when .the fact is brought home to coming through those forces, it will come papers have the advantage of puttin» some of these reverend gentlemen, it is unsolicited and in abundance. their thoughts into print—if it is an ad­ a terrible shock. It may be that not a vantage. Nevertheless eaeh man and few of them are worried lest their oc- The Boston Globe’s Great Grief woman will do his and her own thinking cupations be endangered if immortality independent of editorial views. be proved to the world as a whole. And The Boston Globe, in its issue of Sun- day, Jan. 11, is very much disturbed to One thing is certain: If the press and to add to their peace of mind, let us the pulpit will only attack Spiritualism assure the Rev. Dr. John Fox, and others think that people would turn from the magnificent cathedrals and follow such with enough severity, they will establish of his kind, that before many years have it very quickly as one of the foremost sped, the established orthodox ehurches a needless and senseless thing as spirit communieation. The editorial is signed religions of the world. will be loud in their acclaim that they Looking back over the records of the have always believed in spirit return and by “ Uncle Dudley,” and Uncle still*has very much to learn. Roman arena, St. Bartholomew’s Eve communication. Their faiths will be bet- and the Holy Wars of history, we be- ter when they have made the admission. In the course of the editorial, he says: “ The puzzle of life after death is being lieve that the world today is suffieiently studied by a remarkable array of distin- satisfied to coqtest religious matters Rev. Dr. Conwell Takes Different View guished men. But they find themselves through the proeesses of thought, and embarrassed at the outset by the misfor- that hundreds of millions of men and The Rev. Dr. Russell H. Conwell, a women in the world have arrived at the Baptist clergyman and President of tune of this once dignified and noble in- quiry—possibly of the rank of a Science point where they dem and the privilege Temple University, residing in Philadel­ of doing their own thinking. phia, presents a mueh different clerical —having fallen from the honorable es- viewpoint. The Boston Post, in a recent tate which it held among the ancients issue, contained a three-column story into the squalid regions of back-parlor Is Afraid of the Devil about his experience. \ seances, table-rapping mediums and all The Globe Democrat, of St. Louis, Mo., In a recent sermon, Rev. Dr. Conwell that most cruel and eynical of quackery of Jan. 26 publishes extracts from a said: “ There is no doubt in my mind —the quackery which preys upon the sermon preached by the Rev. C. G. Bel- that we live surrounded by an invisible aching hearts of people who are strain- lah, pastor of the Seventh-Day Advent­ world of spirits. They are cognizant of ing for some message from their dead ist Church of St. Louis, ivho is quoted our aets and thoughts, and ean, under children and their dead friends. So the as saying: “ One-third of the angels of certain conditions, communicate with us. scmntist has to begin by apologizing that heaven have fallen, and go about through They are the ‘ encompassing cloud of wit- he does not mean table-tippin^ and the world impersonating the dead. They nesses’ to which Paul refers.” ‘manifestations, ’ but a much less mate­ are the spirit mediums that Satan uses Rev. Dr. Conwell States that on twenty rial and more worthy thing.” in seditious seances, to inveigle humanity different occasions he was visited by the Uncle Dudley then proceeds to show into his mystic meshes. When Satan spirit of his departed wife. Then he that a girl under hypnotism recited succeeds in convincing people that they made an experimental test in which his pages of Sanskrit. And he adds, “ Our will be angels after they die, it is a very wife in spirit located for him a black subconscious memory infallibly registers easy matter to make them think they are lacquered box containing some missing every deed, every emotion of our lives. angels before they die. Christian po­ papers. But the best test involved the It is this which aecounts for many of ple, however good, are not angels now, hiding of a gold pen by, the maid during our remarkable dreams. For our sub- and never will be. In heaven there ’ll the Doctor’s absence from the house. conseiousness is a kind of storage ware- be more to do throughout eternify than When his spirit wife visited him, he house of the accumulated experience of merely to sit on a vapory cloud and play asked if she would submit to another ourselves and our ancestors which we an ethereal harp of some kind. The test. She consented to on the morrow. seldom tap, but which we could and can theory that heaven is a sort of spiritual The spirit came as usual the next morn- tap much oftener than we do.” atmosphere, somewhere away off beyond ing, preceded the doctor into an adjoin- Uncle Dudley is one of the adherents the bounds of time and space, is as thin ing room and indicated a cupboard or of the subconscious school. If this so- as the reality would be. Surely those closet in one corner. He opened the termed subconseiousness ean bring il- who expect to be ‘nothing’ over there, door and the spirit pointed to the upper limitable proof of the continuity of life can’t hope to be very much here. Such shelf. Mounting a chair, he reached his after death, then it is a much more valu- doctrine is but a delusive mist from the hand behind some medicine bottles and able thing than the poor, every-day befogged brain of those under the lethe found the pen. When Dr. Conwell brain that most of us use in this sorry of Satan. Heaven is a real place, and turned around, the spirit had disap- world of competition, pain and misun- we’ll be real people.” peared, and she has never reappeared derstanding. The Rev. Mr. Bellah has part of it again. But Uncle Dudley, like many of the right. The spirit-world is a very real Persons familiär with spirit return other editorial writers, is extremely dis­ place populated by very real people. If and communication know that the doubts turbed over the subject of spirit com­ God is the creator, then He must have expressed in the test just deseribed, munication, or he would not devote the created everything. If there were more closed the door. The fact that Dr. Con- valuable editorial columns of The Bos­ than one Creative force, there would be wejl’s spirit wife did not return should ton Globe to the expression of his views. lack of harmony—and we know that the be much more conclusive evidence to him The time long since has passed when the universe, from the eleetron to the might- than the fact that she found a concealed public permits newspapers to do the iest aggregation of suns and planets, article for him. thinking. Last year, when Mayor moves in rhythm. The idea of a Satanic Mankind goes through life looking for Thompson of Chicago was a Republican majesty sharing the universe with its lies, looking for tests. Man’s faith is nominee for re-election, every newspa- Creator is but a heritage of the dark less than the mustard seed. Let him per in Chicago, exeept one, fought him ages. And truly, so long as mankind search for truth and he will find truth. bitterly. Mr. Thompson was re-elected continues to believe in the devil, that Let him look for a lie and he will en- by a large plurality. People realize that long shall we be in the dark agea. C (^M MUNICATION 47

The New York Tribüne, in an editorial Dean Larned took up the matter of a live in the sunshine of it rather than appearing in its issue of Jan. 28, headed, recent interview with Bishop Gailor, be in bondage all our lives long, as many “ Scieneë and the Mediums,” presents head of the Episcopal Church in Amer­ good Christians are. to the fear of death an impartial view of the Situation. The ica, who said: and the hereafter. ” Tribüne says: ‘ ‘ The bulk of the seances “ Personally, I doir't want to know The editor of The Congregationalist are eondueted in an utterly unscientific what is going on in heaven. I take for has taken a very broad point of view. fashion by uncritieal audiences who are granted that the Lord is good. If I am We find that many of the members of most suseeptilple to deceit and trickery. good, the Lord will take care of me. If different creeds have become not only Most of those who eonsult mediums to- my dear mother, my little son who lies interested in spirit communication, but day have a hunger for communication over there, or my daughter who perished have experienced this communication. with the dead calculated to blind their in that awful epidemic in this country, Unfortunately, most newspaper edi- pereeption and dull their logie. On want to say anything to me, I know tors are unfamiliar with either materiali- the other hand, there is a distinct likeli- they would eome and put their arms zations or direct voices. Were they more hood that something less than justiee around my neck without my going to familiär with the subject, they would may be done to the faets by the general some pretender who Claims to have com­ not think of spirits discarnate as being public. Prejudice against all mediums, munication with their spirits.” with us only in thought. If they could a rejeetion of their evidence, however In other words, Bishop Gailor assumes experience the definite manifestations gained, is naturally common.” that every person can be a medium. If that have been experienced by almost In commenting upon the proposed Or­ this is true, then every person can be countless thousands of Spiritualists, if ganization of an institute for the study an artist, a seulptor, an orator, an aetor, they had seen their loved ones in spirit of spiritual phenomena, The Tribüne a statesman. Bishop Gailor further as­ and feit their touch and had talked with raises the question as to its practicabil- sumes that the medium brings the loved them, knowing that they were the same ity. Editorially, it thinks that such an ones. Like many other critics of Spir- individuals they knew on earth, with just institute would work very slowly in itualism, he shows deplorable ignorance as pronounced opinions and just as defi­ arriving at its opinions. of the facts. He does not want to know nite personalities, they would not regard The lay mind still has to learn that in anything about heaven. But if he were the manifestations of Spiritualism as be­ this inferior world of flesh-and-blood, going on a journey of fifty miles, he ing either emanations from the mind of any eifort to command or coerce the spir- would make preparations. The truth a medium or telepathic assurances of life it-world will be met by nothing but re- that he preaches out of the Bible came immortal. fusal. The question with Science is not through the mediumship of those to One evening shortly before a seance whether it will prove the existence of whom God had given the gift of medium­ given by Mr. Frank Montsko, the noted life beyond the grave. It is not Spirit- ship. New York medium, Mr. Montsko arose ualism that is on trial by Science. Sci­ .from his chair and went into an adjoin- ence soon will be placed on trial by Spir- Views of the Orthodox Press ing room. There were several persons itualism, because the truths that are C orn­ The following is taken from The Con- present, and the rooms were thoroughly ing through from the other side already gregationalist, published in Boston: illuminated. The chair in which Mr. are imperilling many of the most cher- “ So far as I know, the Christian doe- Montsko sat followed him into the other ished scientific doctrines as to the con- trine of immortality is not stated with room. There are persons who may say struction of the material and the suffieient explicitness in the Scriptures that this was a sort of magnetic influence ethereal. or in the historie creeds either to assure sent out by the medium. But persons ‘‘Is Mars on the Wire?” or to preclude the possibility of commu- present who had psychic sight could see A number of daily newspapers in the nicating with departed friends. We are, one of the spirit guides of Mr. Montsko United States have reported substan- therefore, not heretical if we believe, at grasp the chair and push it along the tially as follows: “ Marconi says that least tentatively, in the possibilty of floor. somèthing extraordinary is happening to such Communications. I would never bar Consequently, the views of The North­ the wireless. He doesn’t know what it the door to them or seek to discredit the western Christian Advocate, published in is. The messages are undecipherable. validity of such Communications as those Chicago, are the views of persons study- Signals are queer. New York gets them to which Dr. Conw'ell and Sir Oliver ing the subject at a distance. The edi­ and so does London, with equal intensity. Lodge bear witness. tor says: “ The slender messages Marconi believes that the origin might “ The spiritual virtue, if any, of such claimed to have got through are but the be at a great distance. ” Communications is doubtless more clear mental reflections of earnest, yearning These wireless disturbances have been and serviceable to those who allege that inquirers. If we can not base our belief credited to attempts to send Communica­ they have received them than to the Out­ on immortality on the very nature of the tions from the Planet Mars. Many per- sider. I do most strongly believe in the mind and the persistence with which we sons in the world are more concerned aetual presence with us of those who hope for a definite existence, Spiritual­ with life on Mars than they are with life have gone from sight. It is the sense of ism would not add appreciably to the on our own planet. The disturbances their nearness rather than anything that world’s happiness.” are not sun spots, and they are not mes­ we may think they are saying to us We admit that this is true—that any sages from Mars. As the days pass, which to my mind yields spiritual values. person who studies the very nature of scientists and unbelievers generally will I am glad this whole question is being the universe, or the laws of God’s uni­ have been gathering evidence that we raised. I would rather believe anything verse, must come to the conclusion that mortals are surrounded and guided by within the bounds of decency and com­ nothing can be destroyed, and that the sentient beings, living normally and in mon sense about our dear ones who have greatest of all is personality or the sense states of existence more solid than our left us, than to think of them as in the of existence. own, and yet unseen by our mortal eyes. cold ground or at some far comer of the The editor of The Protestant Episco- universe, unmoved by what we suffer pal Churchman says that “ while spirit An Episcopal Clergyman’s Views and enjoy day by day. The ordinary communication ought to be hailed joy- In The Albany (N. Y.) Times-Union of Christian death is so tinged with pagan- fully as proof of what heretofore we recent date, appeared an interview with ism, fear, regret and pessimism as to have held to be the goal of faith, the Dean Albert C. Larned of the Cathedral call for a fresh evaluation of the real evidence at hand is too slight to war- of All Saints of Albany, N. Y., in which Christian hope, in Order that we may rant any confident assertion, and it 48 COMMUNICATION would be unfair to those who are pio- immemorial relative to Science and in- toward Spiritualism, even in the past neers in this research to draw eonclu- vention. Notwithstanding the world’s year, is worthy of note. If there was sions from results that we can at present aehievements, the waming has gone at any time an effort by all the ortho­ observe.” forth time and time again to church dox churches to unite in combating Spir­ Nevertheless it depends upon the ob- supporters to beware of the things that itualism, that effort has been frustrated servations. If the manifestations ob- are not known. A similar Code of ethies by Higher Forces. The first thing that served are of slight moment and are would have kept this world of ours in these orthodox churches did in their sereened through partially developed me­ the stone age. Only as men have dared fight against Spiritualism, was to dis- diumship, then the eonclusions reached to examine the things they did not un- agree. For every minister of the gospel by the observers might still be neutral. derstand, has there been education or who preaches against Spiritualism, there The editor of The Friends’ Intelli- advancement in the world. The church is another minister who remains either gencer, of Philadelphia, a Quaker publi- as a whole for eenturies did its best to non-committal, or teils his flock, or at cation, says: “ I do not see how such retard education. The warning that is least his intimate friends, that he be­ experienees as are described in the ‘Life now sounded against Spiritualism, is the lieves in the truth of spirit communica­ of William T. Stead,’ or by Sir Oliver same warning that has been sounded tion and guidance. Lodge and William James, can reason- against every effort to advance. Christian Work, ably be ignored or regarded as mere The editor of of New Attack on the Ouija fiction or delusion. ” York, a Presbyterian organ, believes that owing to the fact that the mechanism According to The Chicago Tribüne of The Watchman-Examiner, of New Feb. 8, Prof. Joseph Jastrow, who York, a Baptist organ, says this: of contaet is as yet so imperfect, the subject had better be left to the seien- occupies the chair of psychology at the “ The world has yet to learn the first tists for a time and made a matter of University of Wisconsin, says: “ The new truth or to witness the first Illus­ scientific research rather than of attempt to demonstrate life after death tration of higher and hoher living from religious faith. This editor, Dr. Freder- by raps, and spirit forms and the reve­ these so-called spirit Communications. ick Lynch, seems to have overlooked the lations of mediums, is an American in- If we may judge from the nature of the fact that it is the Law of Love alone vention about seventy years old. Such ‘messages’ which are reported to us as that opens the door, and that love is phenomena have repeatedly been investi- eoming from the other world, that world not and never has been a subject for gated and have been universally found must be less intelligent than this, and laboratory experiment. The spirit-world to be steeped in fraud and the tricks of its inhabitants singularly lacking in the will not respond to the dictates of hu­ a dubious trade.” The professor con- appreciation of and the power to min­ tinues: ‘ ‘ The tricks and devices by ister in things really important. It man scientists. There the spirit of love has advaneed to a far more beautiful which tables may be moved and tambou- would seem as if there should be minis- degree than that of the earth-plane. rines rattled and slates written upon and tries for the spirits of the departed Only as earth-children learn more about sealed messages read, are common prop- more worth while than the tipping of the meaning of God’s love, and have erty of those who care to read how tables and the disclosure of the where- more eonfidence in God, will the gates be they are done. The tendency to accept abouts of lost articles, and the retailing opened. With the opening of these such performances as evidences of the of the puerile chit-chat which form the gates, mortals will receive more help in beyond, keeps the beliefs alive.” substance of most of these pretended their Science, in their arts and in their Those familiär with spirit Communi­ revelations. The ‘orchard test’ is valid cations are not familar with what the here as elsewhere: ‘By their fruits methods of living than they have known in the past. Spirit communication is in professor regards as manifestations. It shall ye know them.’ ” no manner dependent on Science. But is evident that the professor has never Like many other editors, this one ap- on the other hand, Science, and all other experienced direct-voiee Communications parently is without much personal expe- human achievement, must depend upon or materializations. Many of the inde­ rience of the higher manifestations, and spirit guidance. pendent slate-writings secured through we would inyite him to read “ God’s the mediumship of Mr. Keeler of Wash­ World,“ and ask him to judge if inferior The editor of The Universalist Leader believes that “ the material testimony ington, D. C., show identieal handwrit- intelligence dictated the beautiful teach- ing when compared with the writing of ings contained in that volume. so far adduced is crude and trivial, and yet in a way reveals the existence of a those from whom the messages purport The editor of The Reformed Church something beyond all we now know.” to come, and about whose existence Mr. Messenger (Philadelphia) says: “ Those Keeler knew nothing and wnose Person­ Says The Pilot, a Catholic organ: most actively interested in this Propa­ alities were not even in the minds of “ Spiritism is today not a scientific Sys­ ganda have not usually been known for the sitters. Further, a materialized hand tem. if we can predicate the word ‘scien­ extraordinary zeal in the development of offen is seen taking up the pencil and tific’ about a System which is founded Christ’s kingdom. In fact, most of writing. It is not a hand thrust from on such inconclusive evidence, but a them appear to have become victims of the cabinet, but a hand that materializes religious cult. As such it has come a fatal fascination which has rather in the open, free from any physical Con­ made them notorious for uncanny meth- under the eondemnation of the Church. nections. ods,- queer conduct, and the propagation Catholics are prohibited by a recent decree from dabbling in spiritism.” College psychology is a great deal like of trivialities than wholesome and help- an edition of an encyclopedia: It is ful as leaders in the upbuilding of a bet- Twenty-five years ago, Catholics were always about a generation behind times. ter world here and now. As seekers prohibited by a decree of the Church Thirty years after hypnotists had dem- after truth, we dare not reject any sci­ from dabbling in hypnotism, but they are onstrated that hypnotism was a fact, Col­ entific evidence; but I am inclined to now permitted to attend hypnotic exhi- leges began to inquire into it. And very agree with the Bishop of London that it bitions. Remove Spiritualism from the likely the universities will begin to admit is difficult to overrate the physical, men­ Catholic faith and what is there left? that spirit communication is a fact, some tal and moral danger that may be in- As a matter of fact, Catholicism comes time after the millennium is well on its volved in tampering with any form of closer to being a religion of Spiritualism way. spiritualism. ” than any of the other creeds. With milk-drivers receiving from $50 This is precisely the argument that the That there has been a marked change to $90 a week in the city of Chicago, orthodox church has advaneed from time in the attitude of the orthodox church and box-factorv girls making as high as COMMUNICATION 49

,£50 a week, it would appear as though days or weeks. Third, innumerable cases spiristie manifestation are above sus- the College and university kad failed as a of prophecy fall within the experience of picion, do they mean what the Spiritual­ means of Atting graduates for the strug- Spiritualists. Fourth, identification is ist Claims they mean? Are his infer- gle of life. Indeed, to the majority of of a nature beyond the possibility of any enees justified?” university students, such training be- trickery. Fifth, the communicating in- Rev. Williams says further that no comes a handieap that is not overcome telligences have brighter minds than any psychic has ever told him anything that for years. With due respect to the Pro­ person on earth. Sixth, the trickster could not be proved as already existing fessors of universities and Colleges, we never lived who could produce materiali- in his own mind. It is our opinion that must not overlook the truth that the uni­ zations such as those of Mr. Miller of Mr. Williams has not had access to versity here, as well as in Europe, has New York, or “ Farmer” Riley of Mar­ highly developed mediums. He is to be had more than a little to do with Bolshe- cellus, Mich., or any of the other well- commended upon the fairness of his vism. If Spiritualism requires the inves- known materializing mediums. Seventh, attitude. Like many others, he still tigation of scientists, it could never he persons aceustomed to the conditions of adheres to the idea of subeonsciousness, in any greater need of that fostering voice seances can get the voices in the which Science must soon admit is a con- care than our institutions of learning. light so that every person present hears fusion resulting from an Observation of Those institutions beeome simply amphi- them. Eighth, the nature of the infor- the reflexes of the body. theaters where credulous students hark mation coming through these voices, in Mr. Williams thinks that Spiritualism to the opinions of individual tutors. any language or dialect in the world, as it now Stands rests on uncertainties These professors express only their own could not be produced by the most elabo- and idealistie philosophies. In other opinions, and those opinions have about rate trickery. words, Spiritualism can mean nothing as much weight in the world today as If the Statements aecredited to “ Pro­ to a person who is not ready for it. We the individual opinions of editorial writ- fessor” Cunning are correct, does it not would say to Mr. Williams and to ers. The College professor, like the follow that he has labeled himself as a other ministers of the gospel, that the newspaper editorial writer, is a relie faker of the most miserable variety? purpose of Spiritualism is not to take which we tolerate largely because of Should he not be ashamed to show his away that which other people have need habit. face before his fellow men? Has he of, but it is to supply to those who are Dr. Edwin Burket Twitmyer, professor not ,tried and convicted himself in the ready to receive this truth the facts that in the Department of Psychology in the eyes of every clean-thinking person? are earefully colleeted and offered to any University of Pennsylvania, is another It would appear that such sensation- mind that will reason impartially. Spir­ of the learned doctors of education who seekers as Mr. Rinn and “ Prof. Cun­ itualism is not offered as the only re- is quoted as saying that everybody who ning” are either athirst for notoriety, ligion in the world but as one of the re- helieves in Spiritualism is self-deeeived. with which they are duping the news- ligions basing its belief on the estab- This professor likely has achieved that papers beautifully, or eise they are rep- lished faet of immortality as proved by point in his educational evolution where resentatives of Propaganda, the purpose spirit communication, instead of upon he is reading Hudson’s “ Law of Psychic of which is to discredit Spiritualism. idealistie forms that propound a truth Phenomena, ” and presumably teils the If the latter is the answer, we may be that always is to be, but never is, real- pupils in his classes that there is a sub- certain that the source of such efforts ized. Spiritualism brings the fact of im- eonscious mind. will be revealed in the very nature of mortal life to us here and now, and ap- . things, and that the propagandists, plies its lessons tö our conduct in this A So-Called Medium Teils His Story through their own insidious efforts, must world. It makes living this life an O b ­ In The Memphis Press of Peb. 6, Er- eome into disrepute before the judgment ligation that will have bearing upon our nest J. Hopkins, writing from San Fran­ of a fair-minded public. happiness and progress, in the continua- cisco, teils about Robert M. Cunningham, tion of this life after the change called known throughout the world as “ Profes­ death. Views of the Rev. L. 0. Williams sor Cunning, the Mystery Man.” The “ professor” says that every word The Buffalo Express of Dec. 29, 1919, Garrett P. Serviss Has His Say of the alleged Communications received quotes the Rev. L. 0. Williams, of the Garrett P. Serviss, who writes scientifie by Lodge, or anybody eise, has been the Church of the Messiah, North and Mari­ artieles for the Hearst newspapers and deliberate invention of faking mediums, ner streets, Buffalo, N. Y., who lectured who writes some very instructive and skillful dramatic artists whose secrets, on “ What Shall We Do With Spiritual­ valuable artieles, will have none of Spir­ though freely passed around in the “ pro- ism ? ’ ’ itualism. Mr. Serviss prefers to put fesh,” have been mystically guarded “ The need of Spiritualism is a cool everything through a test tube. He from the general public. He makes the head, a large outlook, and time that thinks that Sir Oliver Lodge has over- eonfession that he ‘ ‘ worked the suckers ’ ’ tests all things. With these, whatever stepped the bounds of scientifie reason- like the rest of them, and now begins our attitude or conelusion, there is little ing. to have qualms of conscience because so danger of damage to personality or of However, Mr. Serviss says: “ That many persons are seeking diligently for going far astray. I have no fear of something survives bodily death is cer­ the truth. Spiritualism so long as it is sane, sober tain, even on scientific grounds. This The “ professor” sets forth a line of and scientific. In an age given so certainty is assured by the doctrine of argument very much like Joseph F. Rinn largely to materialism as ours has been, the Conservation of energy. The energy of New York. The tricks which they it is a step in the right direction and, that activated the body while living can pretend to expose have absolutely noth­ rightly construed and integrated with be ehanged in form, but not destroyed. ing in common with spirit Communica­ the total of human knowledge, may be a On leaving the body it simply goes into tions. Those familiär with Spiritualism distinct asset in the thought of the another state. This energy is as invisible and who have access to highly developed future. The real question of Spiritual­ and intangible to our senses as ‘spirit.’ mediums, know that the following facts ism is not whether the phenomena be a It is also indivisible and continuous, i. e., are true: First, the Information that fraud, but whether the spiritualistic in- it flows from form to form, or state to comes to them is of a nature that could terpretation of the phenomena be cor­ state, without interruption. Now, sup- not be faked. Second, the purport of rect. Admitting that writing between pose that life is identical with this energy. the facts contained in these Communica­ slates, and automatic writing, and voice Life, or vital force, is surely energy in tions often does not reveal itself for mediumship, and a)l the other forms of some form, because evidently it alone 50 COMMUNICAT IO N supplies the body witb the ‘capaeity to fun with . everything and everybody ex- partieularly attacks. We invite the do work,’ which is the scientific defini- cept himself, is turning his attention to readers of “ Communieation” to send in tion of energy.” Spiritualism. clippings from newspapers. Mr. Serviss says that, however, while Mr. Thomas L. Masson, editor of Life, Fully ninety-five per cent. of the clip­ he feels that energy continuously enters New York, has grown exceedingly funny pings that have been sent to us have been and leaves the body, perahps we can not of late in his attack upon “ ghosts. ” without any marks of identification as to classify this form of energy with that Mr. Masson is quoted as saying, “ It the name of the paper and the date. If other form called life. He admits that should be presumed that any man, no you will be good enough to write the if life is the soul, and if Sir Oliver Lodge matter how bright and promising he may name of the paper and the date of the is right about the activities of disem- have been when alive, would have forgot- issue on the margin of each clipping, we bodied souls, then we can trace the life- ten everything he knew since he passed shall then have definite information in energy after it has departed from the over there—possibly eenturies ago. What quoting from these articles. he has learned on the other side may be body. Mr. Serviss thinks that Sir The gist of the criticism against Spir­ extremely hard to communicate. We Oliver Lodge eommits a grave error in itualism may be summed up as follows: must be patient with our ghosts and give not taking the question of the soul into First, all of the manifestations are them a chanee to develop.” the realms of religion and metaphysics, charged to trickery. Second, they are Some day, like other mortals, Mr. instead of attempting to keep it on a charged to illusion. Third, they are Masson will have a first-elass funeral, scientific basis. regarded as manifestations of what some and possibly his friends will remark on We should like to ask Mr. Serviss why people are pleased to call subeonscious- it is that he and other seientists, who how natural he looks, and maybe they ness. Fourth, they are the works of the will remember that he did not believe in seem to have solved the questions of devil. From all of these four viewpoints, immortality and is represented solely by matter, do not define the all-pervading every person who attacks Spiritualism the somewhat shriveled and bloodless ether ? • Why do they persist in referring argues. The same charges were arrayed to it as a vacuum? It is a vacuum only human form that lies in the casket. We against every advancement of Science, trust that his cap and bells be buried because it lacks our material atmosphere. medicine and the arts. Science long has been blind to the rela- with him, because evidently he will tionship of the gross forms of matter to reach the other shore entirely unpre- There is not one person out of one the finer forms of matter that are called pared. But it would be natural for him, hundred thousand who really has a ether; not just one ether, but degrees of and he will not be disturbed in conjuring working eonception of wireless teleg- ether, they will learn later! up ghastly jokes about life’s continuity. raphy, but the world accepts wireless Like other mortals, perhaps he will recall telegraphy as a fact. There is not one A British Clergyman’s Merriment some unpaid debts on earth, and he may person out of ten thousand in the world The Rev. J. A. Y. Magee, son of the even feel sad to think that it is rather who understands the airplane even re- late Archbishop Magee, last fall eaused difficult to repay those obligations when motely, but the airplane is accepted as a a great deal of merriment at the Church there is a great gulf between him and the fact. of England Congress at Leieester, by form of life he has led, which gulf has Every scientific discovery, and every projecting his alleged humor against the been created by his own views while on invention of merit, in its time has been thought that there could be survival of earth. derided. It has been the work of the Personality after death. The “ funny man” must not overlook devil. Therefore, the attacks against While this comment will not in all the fact that he oecupies the position Spiritualism are not new. They are cut likelihood reaeh Mr. Magee, we should of Professional fool who is supposed to out of the same cloth and fashioned ac- like to ask him if it is becoming to a eaekle about anything he does not under- cording to the same pattem that have churchman to find a source of ridieule stand—which means everything—and is typified the attacks that have been made and merriment in anything that deals expected to create endless, musty puns on everything pertaining to progress that with the Divine Intelligence and the im- that will give him the right to be known this world has ever known. mortal life which that Intelligence has by his fellow mortals as brilliant. Twenty-five years ago, every one of created. As a doctor of truth, does Mr. One of these humorists, notwithstand- the orthodox ehurches attacked hypno- Magee think that he is serving his ing his sad, lamentable avocation, has tism, and now in their press articles Master by presuming to ridieule any­ suceeeded in saying something. This is these orthodox ehurches accept hypno- thing that may pertain to his Master? B. L. T. of The Chicago Tribüne. We tism as a fact. Anaesthetics, when they Falling short of the knowledge which is saved a clipping from his column, “ A were first introduced, were attacked by of God, does Mr. Magee believe that he Line o’ Type or Two,” from the issue the clergy on the ground that God de- has attained the point of all-knowledge of Nov. 7, 1919. He said, conceming lighted in mortal pain, and that we had that is possible within the seope of hu­ Spiritualism, referring to a pastor who no right to make any attempt to assuage man intelleet? His “ shafts of merri­ had stated that there is danger in med- that pain. ment ’ ’ can bring no credit to the Church dling with what we do not understand: This, indeed, is the dark age. But of England. He is treading on sacred “ But if man, a curious animal, had been through the blackness of human igno- ground, and he has no right to make deterred by fear of the unknown, we rance come a few of the pure white light of that which he does not under- should still be lighting our fires by rub- rays of the truth of God’s law and God’s stand. It is no credit to his intellect. bing two pieces of wood together. ” goodness. Precisely as the world has So maybe, after all that we have said been taught to fear God, the world has The Braying of Professional Humorists about Mr. Masson, and the fraternity in distrusted God, because to fear is to Perhaps the saddest occupation in the general, God still wills that the light of hate. When the earth-children have world is that of public humorist, which reason shine at times through the merry come into a better understanding that is simply a left-over from the jester of wits of the jesters! the love of God means trust in God and old, with his cap and bells. The jester His works, and when mortals have come and the hounds, which vied in gambol- We Invite You to Send Clipping's to realize that the sum-total of their ing around the festal board of the lord While it is utterly impossible to take knowledge is insignificant, they will ask and master, were regarded as diverting up every newspaper article dealing fairly for more light and more guidance. And pastimes. Today, the Professional hu­ or unfairly with Spiritualism, we shall the coming of that day in truth shall be morist, whose purpose in life is to have attempt to take up the typical articles, the dawn of the millennium. COMMUNICATION 51 PSYCHIC EXPERIENCES

PSYCHIC EXPERIENCES seemed to sink down mentally, and an- ble between knowledge and ignorance, We Invite readers of “Communication” to send in their psychic experiences, either in other mind showed forth. It was not an meaning health and illness, and that or outside of seance-rooms. If they are ‘evil’ mind, but ignorant and foreign— seance-room experiences, mention the me- health finally conquered. diums and give their names and addresses. could not speak our language. In its Saw Accident Before It Occurred These experiences should be specific. Do effort to talk, it would bite the tongue. not attempt to make them literary produc- “ Early last December, one Saturday, tions. Teil them in your own way. We wish I did not use words, but talked mentally to have the full name and address of each I sat in an ice-cream parlor in a Posi­ person printed in conneetion with each ex- to it—told it to be careful, and explained perience. Where this is not desired, then we the trouble and the harm that could be tion that gave me a view of the sidewalk shall publish the Initials and name of the and the Street. Suddenly, in my mind’s city only. Therefore, be sure to specify if done to both of them. Then the foreign ou do not wish your name printed. Remem- eye, I could see an automobile accident. er that your interesting- experience may be mind seemed to sink down as the young the evidence that other persons are waiting lady had. Thus they would come and What was my surprise when a few min- for. It is not the purpose of “Communica­ utes later the accident occurred similar tion” to conflne this evidence to the experi­ go, struggling for place. I talked to ences of those closely associated with this each as they came. Finally, an under- to the aecount of it given in the enelosed magazine. Hence this invitation to readers clipping. In faet, the accident hap­ of this magazine to teil their most interest­ standing was reached, and the young ing psychic experiences.—THE EDITOR. lady was relieved. pened precisely where I had seen it but a few minutes previously, and it was An Interesting Healing Experience “ During the time I was working here, I often looked back to my home where carried out in every detail which my “ Mutual friends had told us of the my physical body lay on my bed, to see vision had foretold. pitiable condition of a young lady whom if it was as I left it. When through “ Miss Alice Hearsey, of Stow, Mass., they knew—but we did not. The M. D ’s with my work, I retumed to my physi­ drove over the square and hit the car pronounced her case* to be incurahle. cal body—I know not how. I awakened, belonging to Mr. Roberts. Miss Hear­ The mutual friend, suspecting the real consicous that I had been out in the sey’s car then backed into Mr. Wheeler’s cause of her trouble, advised her parents astral again. Whether or not I visited show window, and then drove into the to bring her to see us, believing that she the patient at other times—either before front of Dr. Hanlon’s Ford sedan. might be relieved. Prejudice and pub­ or after this experience—I do not know. “ While I perhaps can not prove to lic opinion were barriers. They did not “ Perhaps two or more weeks after anybody that I had prevision of this ac­ come. this oceurrence, I had gone to my room cident that took place, I know that I “ For a time the young woman was as- for the night. I had not yet gone to saw it. Many things I have seen hap­ sisting in the home of a lady who feit sleep. A young woman came into my pen, but usually it is from two to five much sympathy for her. Hoping to aid room, appeared natural as any mortal. years before they take place. I have her, she sent a lock of the young lady’s Smiling, she spoke to me and said: ‘Do been interested in Spiritualism for hair to one of the best doctors in the you not recognize me?’ I answered, ‘I twenty-two. years, and my experiences United States—a magnetie healer, one don’t believe I do.’ ‘I am Miss Blank’ have been largely along this line of who is well aequainted with what is (giving her name). ‘Do you see? I am having visions of events before they have occurred.”—(Signed) Miss Emily E. termed obsession, and asked for advice. well. ’ ‘The case is incurahle—too long Stand­ “ Some time after this happened, we Clements, Hudson, Mass. ing,’ was the reply. I have since heen were discussing our psychic experiences. Spoke With Loved Ones He Did Not told that the case was considered so I told this one of mine. One of the la- Know Were In Spirit hopeless that nothing more was done to dies present said, ‘Your description ex- “ After thirty years of a happy relieve the young lady. actly describes the actions of Miss home-life, my wife was called home—as “ Two or more years later, the follow------. ’ This Miss ------and Miss I now see—about two years ago. Last ing experience was realized. It occurred Blank are the same person. August I came to Cincinnati, ostensibly during the night. I can not say it did or “ To my knowledge I have never yet to spend a few weeks with my grand- did not begin with dreaming. I do not met this young woman. I have heard children before going, as I expeeted, to know how I came to go there, or how I that she got well, later was married and West Virginia to locate. On arrival went. I found myself in a home that was has a nice little family. here, my daughter was leaving, and I Strange to me. There were several per­ “ If in any way I have been instru­ took a room with some ladies who re- sons there, but I paid no attention to mental or a means of helping humanity, cently had lost their husbands, one a few any except a mother and daughter, who I am grateful to the One Great Source months, the other three or four years. were in a room hy themselves. The from which all healing comes. The “ In our conversation, these ladies told daughter was acting peculiarly. She power is from the Father of all. We, me of some wonderful experiences they watched me suspiciously, grimacing and His children, should better understand had had by being influenced by some biting her tongue until the blood ran His Will.”—(Signed) Oliver Shelden friends to go to a medium. Now, during from her mouth. The mother was wor- Mantor, Arkansas City, Kans. my sixty years of life, I had never, nor ried. In experiences of this kind, the mem- had my wife, given a thought to spirits or “ I asked the mother, ‘Are you will- ory of what occurred usually is sym- spirit-life, except as occasionally it ing I should treat her? Will you leave boiieal. Mrs. Mantor apparently visited would be spoken of in ordinary conver­ her alone with me in this room?’ ‘Yes,’ this young woman during sleep, or to sation. she replied. ‘Then you go out and see use the expression common among Spir- “ Having some idle time, I went to the that no one eise enters the room, ’ I said. itualists, she journeyed “ in the astral,” public library and read some hooks on it, ‘If I need anyone, I will call you.’ Therefore, if this young lady was in the both pro and con, amongst others being “ When alone, I said to the young astral, she would not be controlled by Sir Oliver Lodge’s ‘Raymond,’ and Mar­ lady, ‘You are not sick. This is caused another spirit. But the experience would garet Cameron’s works, and Prof. Leaf, through a misunderstanding. ’ She then indicate that* the symbol was the strug- and others. Among those against, I no- 52 COMMUNICATION ticed that they all praetieally admitted mother, Sister Mary Lennox, together Saw Her Daughter’s Spirit Depart that there was something they could not with my father, mother, another sister “ I wish to teil you of my experience. understand or define. and a grandehild and baby brother who About three weeks before my daughter’s “ I got more and more interested. died when quite small. I did not know death, or rather before her body ceased Finally, after seeing an advertisement of my oldest sister's death until she breathing, I was lying in my bed, wide- of a Spiritualist Service one Sunday, I came to me, but both hers and my moth­ awake; when all at once the ceiling and went. I must admit my first impres- er’s passing were verified by a letter re- room seemed to disappear, and I could sions were deeidedly against. I stayed ceived from my sister in California on see distinetly two spirit forms coming as I thought to the end of the Service, the 18th inst. My mother died in 1915, from my daughter’s room, and floating becoming more favorably impressed, and and my sister in 1916.”—(Signed) W. up through the most beautiful clouds. was about to leave. But I saw tbat tbe T. Hutchinson, Cincinnati, Ohio. One had her arm around the other as others were not leaving, so I waited, and This gentleman went into a circle they passed out of sight. I shall always the pastor said she would try for mes- where he was unknown. He was a believe it was another daughter of mine sages. Now this was entirely new to me, stranger in the city. He had been out in spirit who came for her sister. so I listened to a number of messages. of touch with his family, and had no “ The next morning, the nurse told me, Finally the pastor addressed me, and knowledge that his mother and sister ‘Pauline has gone into a state of eoma.’ asked if I knew anyone named Mary, had passed away from the earth-life. But I feel sure that her spirit had left and again William. I answered no, ex- And yet they came to him and spoke her body, although perhaps the Connec­ cept soipe friends on eartb of tbose to him. How will the critics answer this tion with it still remained. Her body names. However, she said, ‘You will experience—by telepatby? How can grew gradually weaker each day, and it hear from them,’ or something of tbat they answer it by fraud? It would have seemed to me that it was like a wheel sort. I left, very mucb puzzled, and the been impossible to read something out that kept going by its own momentum more I thought about it, the more I of a man’s mind that never had been and gradually slowed down. I have seen wished to find out. there. a number of persons pass out, but not one like her. While she was eonseious “ Finally I asked the ladies for the ad­ Some of the criticisms say that mor- dress of the medium they had been to. tals are too credulous. But this gentle­ during her illness, she seemed to have many stränge experienees. ”—(Signed) One night I went, and without being man did not go to this seance-room to Mrs. R. Popkiss, New Orleans, La. known by anyone, by name or otherwise, hear from his mother and his sister, be- I joined a circle of some thirty-two or cause he believed that they were in the The question is often raised, “ When does a person die ? ’ ’ thirty-three persons. Everything being flesh. Proof of this nature can be given new to me, I was somewhat nervous. in voluminous records. Proof of this Physicians recognize the fact that After a short time, the trumpet stopped kind has come to thousands. It is Corn­ after death has really occurred, there in front of me and said, ‘This is moth­ ing to hundreds in this country at least may be a spasmodic breathing that will er.’ I was speechless, but the voice kept every day. Those who teil us that we continue for minutes or even hours. saying, ‘My dear, dear boy,’ with such should not be deceived, may search for Communications from those in spirit in- intensity of feeling, I finally gathered an answer that is not in harmony with dicate that they do not always know just my wits together and answered. Among the facts. Why seek an explanation when they have passed out of the flesh. other things, I asked if Anna, my wife, that is unnatural and unreal, when we Many of them assert that death took was there, to which the voice answered, attempt always to answer our experi- place several hours before the physicians ‘Yes, and she is going to talk to you. ences in this life in accordance with pronounced them dead. Evidenee that She is such a good woman.’ judgment? Certainly judgment and or- has been eolleeted from many sourees dinary reason—the deepest and most and for a long period, and by many dif­ “ Now you can not imagine my per- profound reason—would point' to the ferent persons, indicates that there is a plexity, as I had not heard anything fact that this man received communica- cord eonneeting the spirit with the earth- about my mother since 1904. Unfortu tion from two loved ones who, he body, and that until this cord is severed, nately, through. family affairs, I had thought, were still in the flesh. death does not oecur. been eut off from my own people from that time. Now I knew my wife was Trumpets Employed in Spirit There are reasons to believe that the gone, but my mother—no. My first im- “ In August, four other! ladies and spirit may leave the body and be out of pression was to write and ask for proof myself formed a little circle for the pur- the body for hours or days before this But I decided to wait and see further. I pose of developing mediumship among Connection is severed. It is apparent have been to this same medium three us. Our meeting time is every Thursday that there is a point in mortal sickness times, and each time I have spoken with afternoon from two to four o’clock. We and pain beyond which the spirit refuses my mother, my wife, and also a sister have a trumpet, and also paper and pen- to endure, and that in delirium the who had been over there a long time. cil. But up to this time, the loved ones spirit in reality has withdrawn from the body, and that this condition gives “ Finally, I wrote to my sister in Cali­ in spirit have made use of neither. How­ ever, I can see some of those in spirit rise to confusion. There is also evidenee fornia, asking if mother was dead. In that some transitions occur so quickly, my own mind, I was satisfied that she using a trumpet which must belong to them, and I can hear the voices. Also, there does not seem to be a break be- was, but as my mother had told me I tween consciousness in the flesh and con- was the only one of the remaining chil- on one oceasion I read a poem that was written by a spirit who used his own sciousness in spirit. There is no reason dren she had spoken to, I was anxious to to believe that the process of death is a know positively before asking my pencil and paper. jHe was standing cause for fear or abhorrence of any kind, brother and sister to try to make mother about four feet from me, and I could that the change is a perfectly natural happy by giving her an opportunity to read what he had written. For years I speak to them. So I wrote my sister a have been able to describe those in spirit process and that it oecurs naturally and short letter, asking if mother was gone, almost at any time and in any place. without shock to the one who passes from this stage of existence to the next. not telling her why I wished to know. When at Camp Chesterfield, as I am sit- “ Later on, through another medium ting in the audience, I can see the Con­ Sensing Spirit Presence who had given me some wonderful mes­ trols of the different Speakers.”— “ Death has recently ealled home a loved sages at another church Service, I was (Signed) Miss Clara Puckett, Winches­ one, and I feel sure, while I am per- visited by my oldest sister and my god- ter, Ind. plexed at my change in belief from that COMMUNICATION 53

Leid previous to the Visitation of death, ers, there is a quality in spirit, a quality p. m. Mr. Wilcox since has said that that a great, sweet comfort has come in God’s Nature, that may be likened they were exceedingly happy together, into my experience, wLich has made it to a peaceful solitude. The soul, like the very eager to help humanity, and they less heartrending to gaze on the vacant clear waters of the lake, may he untram- would both soon send messages through pillow and long for the sweet smile and meled by fitful gusts or restive waves. this magazine to help in this great work. loving voice. I had hoped and believed It may be free even of the minor rif­ I speak of this as a test, for we all that my belief in the Resurreetion, as fles. In these days of haste and worry, know of the lovable and generous soul promised in the Scriptures, would bear when ambition of material gain and of Ella Wheeler Wilcox. me up when the casket was lowered and fame has gripped most mortals, the need covered, espeeially as an experience of ‘‘The serious illness of my beloved sis- of these quiet moments is feit more and ter, who was bedridden for years, was a ten years ago during my first study of more. source of supreme grief to me. An Oper­ Spiritualism left me tired and discour- There is a quality of the soul that ation was decided upon, but the doctors aged with it all, so that I simply refused makes this quietude possible. And when in the spirit-world advised against it. to mix with it. Yet today, through the we have learned how to turn our They said it was not a ease for an Opera­ reading of ‘God’s World,’ I have re- thoughts within ourselves, we are aston- tion, but extreme malnutrition. opened my inner sense to the ministra- ished to learn that there can be so much ‘‘My sister had a longing to go to Cal­ tion of unseen and unknown helpers who peaee and so much understanding. If I am convinced have sought to comfort ifornia, hut we despaired that her condi­ we did not possess this soul-property, tion would allow the trip. Dr. Senn, and me in my sorrow as no other faith or how long would we be able to battle the belief seems ahle to. That dear Pres­ other doctors in spirit, said that they obstaeles and eneounter the heartaches ? would help and do all they could so that en ces, come close—oh, so close—to me at Surely the person who admits that God different times in my home, I am posi­ she would arrive at the bungalow near must exist, that He existed before there the seashore. The day she left she was tive, though I neither see nor hear them, was aught eise, must realize that the only knowing them hy the wonderful supremely happy, but in a very weak- goodness of the Creator would leave a ened condition. She arrived at the bun­ feeling they throw around me and which clear wire eonneeting every ereature with I know is spirit presence. galow, but two days later answered her the Divine Intelligence. When we are Master’s call. Dr. Senn said that they “ Shall I shock you if I teil you that weary and heartsiek and turn from the loeked up in my dresser is plenty of mor- were afraid she would not arrive at her petty ephemeral conditions around and desired destination, but they did their phine, which I kept with the understand- about us, we then discover that there is ing, if my grief became unbearable, to best to grant her this last wish. an open channel hetween the Creator ‘‘She passed over on Thursday at five use it to ‘fall asleep’? After a study of and the ereature. In this solitude of the the sweet and inspiring words of ‘God’s o ’cloek in the moming, and the next day, soul when it is at peace with God, when Friday, at eleven o’clock, she spoke to World,’ the uplifting sense of which harmony has penetrated the disturbed seemed absent from all previously stud- me independently.”—(Signed) Amelia conditions of the earth-existence, then B. Clough-Ramar, Norwood Park, 111. ied research in the so-called philosophy understanding and proof come in abun- of Spiritualism, I find that I am still as When Mrs. Ramar turned this letter dance. And yet they come as individual in, the editor of “ Communication ” was desirous of entering the Beautiful Just possessions, not as Chemicals that repose Beyond to renew my walk and work with in New York City, and while there ar- on the shelves of a laboratory. They are ranged with a close personal friend of my loved one. And I have seen that not for profane hands. They are not in- self-removal to such a plane would ap- Ella Weeler Wilcox to secure some very tended for experimental purposes. They valuable manuseripts and letters that parently defeat its own purpose, and so helong to those sacred things that can I am trying to live tili the proper time later will appear serially in “ Communi­ be answered only by the assertion that cation.” eomes to go to the Homeland, and dur­ there are times when each soul can, and Until Mrs. Ramar reads this State­ ing the waiting to try to put no barriers does, commune with God. in the way of the dear Unseen Helpers ment, it is not likely that she will know whom the love of the Great Father seems Foretold the Death of Ella Wheeler the meaning of the message she received to have permitted to cheer and comfort Wilcox from Robert Wilcox to the effect that he and help me. ‘‘A wonderful test, among others, has and his good wife were going to con- “ I find myself sometimes wondering if been the visits to me of Robert Wilcox, tribute through “ Communication” to this eould only be taught me after death the husband of Ella Wheeler Wilcox. help mankind. Mrs. Ramar certainly had paved the way. I think your work Mr. Wilcox, in spirit, came to me last had no knowledge of any such plans, and in the Truth is a wonderful help to those Spring, before it was generally known this is the first intimation that has been who need it, and I am grateful that Love that Mrs. Wilcox was very ill. This was given that “ Communication” is to come does send someone here and there into while she was still in France. Mr. Wil- into possession of this valuable Informa­ this sad old earth-plane to voice the eox said. ‘She is far from well, and I tion concerni.ng the spiritual growth of comfort that so many sorrowing hearts am afraid she will not be in this world Mrs. Wilcox, and the Spiritualism, and need. May your work eontinue to bless by the end of the year.’ This was in in fact mediumship, of her husband. many, and in so blessing others may March. When I visited the seance-room Many instances have come to our at­ God’s sweetest blessing come into your alone, he would bring messages of im- tention where physicians in spirit have experience.”—(Signed) E. E. R., Mass. port. On the thirtieth of last October, advised against operations. But the ad- While the nature of this letter is such Mr. Wilcox sent greetings by my beloved vice has not been heeded, and in each that we could not publish the name and husband, who is also in spirit, and said the patient passed through the change full address, it is given to convey to he was sorry that he eould not be with called death. those seekers after truth an important us as Mrs. Wilcox was very low and Those who are familiär with the mes­ fact that long has been recognized by would soon pass over. My husband told sages given to mortals by loved ones in mortals. Sometimes when we neither me that he had never seen anyone so spirit, will admit readily that the ex- hear nor see the loved ones in spirit, we happy as Mr. Wilcox. A few minutes periences that have been published in know in some manner that they are near before I left the seance-room, Mr. Wil­ this number of “ Communication” may us. But we can not offer this as proof cox came in and said his wife was pass- all be classified as quite ordinary. Many oi evidence that we are not alone. Out­ ing over and he wanted to be with her. far more remarkable experiences come to side of the pale of the carping test-seek- Shè passed into the better life at two our attention, but there is a natural 54 COMMUNICATION hesitancy about seleeting those most pro- nouneed in character. The National Spiritual Alliance V. e wish to teaeh people that they must merit Information from the spirit- By Mary E. Page, Secretary side of life, that they must earn the right “Communication” invites all Spiritual or- ganizations to explain their creeds and pür- lily is our expressive emblem. Though to have it. We wish to teach people that poses through the columns of this magazine. it strikes its roots in the mud, sends its There are associations, alliances and inde­ it is eontrary to the law of experience to pendent organizations, but all are doing their shoots up through the putrid waters, and even expect that a person eould go into share of the work aceording to their own understanding. “Communication” is th« spreads its leaves over the green scum a seanee-room and be given something organ of no association, center or church, of the pond, yet it evolves purity, beauty but is open to all equally—not for the pur- that he had not earned. The more peo­ pose of contention, but for an explanation of and fragrance, and but dies tö live again. ple understand the inexorable law of life, their policies and their work. "Communi­ cation” is a rostrum for all, and invites cor- We believe this to be an apt ensign of the more willing they will be to study. dially, and without reservation, articies tell- our Alliance, and a eomposite pieture of Let us not forget that Spiritualism ing of the good work of all.—THE EDITOR. the world and humanity.” deals with religion, philosophy and Sci­ The National Spiritual Alliance was Dr. Thompson established the head- ence. Whatever is of life, falls within founded by Dr. G. Taber Thompson, who quarters of the Alliance at Lake Pleas- the domain of the true study of Spirit­ had long feit the need of putting Spir­ ant, Mass., whieh was his home after his ualism. It is not a subject that a per­ itualism on a religious basis. Coming marriage. A Constitution and by-laws son ean understand hurriedly. Many from the pulpit of a Baptist Church, the was adopted, of which the following is who have become convinced reeently of church which is conceded to be the best the preamble: the truth of spirit return and communi- regulated and governed of all Protestant cation and guidance, form the wrong “ For benevolent, educational, literary, denominations, Dr. Thompson was emi- musical, scientific, experimental and re­ ideas. In their well-meaning way, they nently fitted both to realize the need of harm the truth more than they help it. ligious purposes germane to the philoso­ Organization in Spiritualism and to work phy, phenomena and religion of a When we find that the press and the out its fulfillment. pulpit criticise and attaek Spiritualism, Church Alliance.’' we should be broad enough to study our- The creed of the National Spiritual Lake Pleasant was the old-time camp- selves, so that we may learn if we have Alliance, whieh has been pronounced by meeting ground, the meetings being held been guilty of indiscretions that would W. C. Coville to be faultless, was given through the month of August. The in vite such attacks. We must be broad to Dr. Thompson in the following man­ meetings of the Alliance are held enough to realize that we can learn from nen through July, making a succession of those who profess temporarily to be our While traveling with Mrs. Thompson meetings from July 1 to Sept. 1 each natural enemies. Our friends sometimes in California, and staying at the time in year, whieh attracts visitors from all cajole us, agree with us and soothe us. Los Angeles, the doctor was awakened parts of our own state and other States. Our enemies may bring pain and heart- one night by a Voiee which commanded A Memorial Building has been pre- aches to us, but by the very nature of him to “ arise, get pen and paper, and sented to the Alliance by Mrs. Thomp­ their attacks and their criticism, per- write.” At the one sitting, the follow­ son in memory of her husband, now in haps we shall find also that they bring ing creed was given to him: spirit. The building is equipped with an us food for thought. A rticlel: God: We believe in super­ audience room, eontaining a large pipe- Evolution proceeds in its own way normal personal or impersonal manifes- organ, a recreation hall, a kitehen and from cause to effect, and we can never tations, which may portend Deity. all conveniences, besides rooms for the hasten or retard it. Those who wish to Article I I : Salvation and Morals: direetors and officers of the Alliance, understand the reality of Spiritualism, We believe in salvation through the and it is our proud Claim that this Al­ must be willing to spend sufficient time development of personal character, and liance was the first organization to place studying its nature, to understand more in an evolving rational morality; so we Spiritualism on a religious basis. about the conditions under which com- engage to withhold judgement toward That there was need of such an organ­ munication is possible. those who may be “ elementals.” ization is shown by its steady growth. We shall be glad at all times to re- Article III: Christs, Bibles, Nature: Starting with twenty-three members, it ceive letters detailing experiences, and We believe that truth is eternal, and we now numbers nearly three hundred. This we request that the Statements be clear, seek to utilize it whether found in indi- does not include the auxiliary members. so that those who read these experi­ viduals, books, or nature. At this writing there are forty churches ences will understand at least that which established under the National Spiritual these letters are intended to eonvey to Article IV: Heaven and Hell: We believe that we reap as we sow; never- Alliance. These churches extend from the public. Maine to California, and new ones are theless all things are working together being established almost daily. This for good, and evolution obtains perpet- movement for bringing Spiritualism be- Read the advertisements in “ Commu- ually in all persons. nication. ” They are part of the read- fore the people as an organized religion, ing matter. They merit your thought. Article V : Phenomena: We believe is attracting the attention of leamed If one of those advertisements leads von that intercommunication between the men and deep thinkers all over the world, to something worth while, it has come denizens of different worlds is scien- and is rapidly growing in breadth and to you as a friend, whom you should tifically established, and it is a part of importance. our religion to multiply the evidenee. welcome—and we never have friends un- We regret exceedingly that Dr. til we eultivate their aequaintance. It is Article V I: Church Membership: We Thompson could not have remained with a good idea to eultivate the aequaintance believe that organized religious union is us in bodily presence, but we know that of the ads in “ Communication.” eonducive to the general good of human- his interest continues, and that he is ity, so we affiliate with this Church still working for the Alliance, inspiring Those who seek most earnestly after Alliance and agree to differ; pledging its Speakers, aiding its officers, and in development, will find it. Loud aeclaim, with each other to lovingly eo-operate many ways helping to prove that the pretense, sham, will never bring any with all who seek for immortality. National Spiritual Alliance is an organi­ kind of development. Search and you Dr. Thompson selected the pond lily zation which was needed to bring Spirit­ will find. There is no other way to do as the emblem of the Alliance, and rela­ ualism before the world as a religion, the finding. tive to this emblem said: “ The pond comparable to, and excelled by, no other. COMMUNICATION 55

norance. Equally eertain it is that Spiritual Stagnation countless thousands must follow them for the same reason. By William H. Burr Düring the past hundred years, Science The prophets of old, and the thought- than brains stood on the bank and has been trying to diseover the North ful and spiritual men of all ages, have sneered at the man who should have re- Pole of eternity. Countless thousands lamented the indifference and eareless- ceived their approval and eommenda- of faets have been established by thou­ ness of the masses coneerning the Prob­ tion. Science has fought its way against sands of investigators. Doctors, law- lems and truths of eternity and their ignorance and prejudice: no prejudice yers, ministers, scientists and men with relation to men. Mouth religions and is so hard to overcome as religions preju­ progressive minds, mediums of many meaningless ceremonies have rendered dice. Just why the clergy should not kinds have brought to the world fact no Useful end. In fact, it is eertain that grasp with eagerness the eertain proofs upon fact, proof upon proof, and evi- the average man gives mueh less serious of immortality, spirit return and condi- dence upon evidence coneerning the im- thought to these questions today than tions of life beyond the grave, no one, mediate future after death. did the so-ealled savages who dwelt in not even they, can truthfully answer. In spite of all this, loud-mouthed and the forest and wigwams before the white Whenever the prophet has sought to ignorant crities has denied, criticised man eame, notwithstanding all the time advanee, the priest has opposed him, and and condemned. Fossilized brains have and money spent for churches. sometimes crueified him. When Jesus refused to obtain knowledge, while a When the time comes that men are as became a prophet they killed him, be- commercialized press has negleeted, in interested in their immortal souls and eause they would not aceept the truths the main, to investigate or to publish the condition which awaits them beyond which the world today respects and bé- facts of the utmost importance to man­ the grave as they are in pieture shows, lieves. Whether the clergy conceive it kind. Their representatives have stood theaters, foolish novels and kindred to be their duty to ignore the demon- in the presence of marvelous demonstra­ time-wasting enterprises, then will the strated truths of immortality and the tions, and carried to the editorial rooms world begin to grow spiritually, our paths to real spiritual progress, they full accounts of life’s greatest truths; churches will become halls of learning, alone can say. They alone must bear the and yet not a word would appear in and all will be free to think as reason responsibility of ignorant tirades against their columns. dictates, and religion will become a part the same truths Jesus demonstrated Is the press coneerned with a desire of everyday life. Christian principles, while in the flesh. to know and disseminate the truth con- under whatever name they may be When the announcement was made cerning this great and vital subject, or known, will save the world from the that Peary had reached the North Pole, is it interested in the subject for revenue eurses of militarism and commercialism the public press proelaimed him the only? It has given wide Publicity to of the sort which has flourished in our great benefactor of mankind; public the writings and opinions of the Hughes age of golden opportunity for spiritual demonstrations were held, the govern- and Lewis brand and head-lined State­ growth and progress. But this can not ment richly rewarded him, and his name ments and opinions of which they will be so long as ignorance coneerning life’s will go down in history immortalized all be ashamed when they know more most important problem is fostered by and honored. To him concede all honor than they do today. Editors sit in their the supposed leaders of spiritual and praise merited by his courage, suf- easy chairs and write flippant and thought. That man should stand face fering and zeal. But what present or ridiculous editorials coneerning a sub­ to face with himseäf, and know the eternal good to the eternal progress of ject of which they appear to know noth­ knowable coneerning himself, is of the man has Peary’s discovery yielded to ing. “ Fools rush in where angels fear utmost importance to those who would man? Everyone knows that somewhere to tread,” and so they take the liberty play their part in this world and the in the iey wdlds of the North a place to critieise men of Science who have next. where chart and compass fail, has al- given many years of thoughtful, honest Experienee has taught me some les- ways existed. Peary and three or four and painstaking Service to humanity. sons coneerning men. I am more and other men have been in the Northland To discuss seriously what some of the more convinced that new truths, no mat­ and found a place where they think the wise (?) writers say would be but Cast­ ter how important, cannot be aceepted compass failed. They have brought ing pearls before swine, and easting that by mankind until they are ready to re- back with them eertain eharts, maps and which is holy unto the dogs. ceive them. Stanley teils us that while figures which they say they obtained at Until man is enough interested in this exploring the African wilds, he wrote the North Pole. That is all the world great question so that he is willing to a note to a friend and sent it by öne knows about it. That is all the good it search for truth through the channels of the barbarians of the jungle. All has done the world. That is all the where it can be found, how can he hope went well until the messenger found good it can ever do the world. No one to gain knowledge? The truth exists that that piece of paper had told some- has ever succeeded in getting there: no without regard to what carping critics thing to the man he went to see, and one probably will ever be foolish enough may say coneerning it. It may be found, then the savage became convinced that to go there again. In all seriousness, I and every intelligent man and woman that piece of paper was possessed of ask what lasting good to the world has may find a satisfying knowledge con- devils. He spread the alarm, and much the discovery of the North Pole done for ceming it if they will. They cannot find trouble was made on account of these the world? it by listening to their own pratings nor devil-talking papers. In the spirit-world countless hosts of to the brand of satisfied ignorance When Fulton appointed a day to take depraved and earth-bound spirits wan- which is most prominent in those who his trial trip up the Hudson River with der in darkness and despair, suffering are entirely ignorant. his first steam-boat, he issued invitations the curse of ignorance and its manifold Does not a man owe it to his day and to many to aecompany him. Many re- penalties in a purgatory, as it were, be­ generation to give it his best? No fused because they said it was impos- cause, and only because, in earth life knowledge can compare in importance sible; they did not desire to be found they were ignorant of nature’s unfail- with the knowledge of immortality and among the “ fools” with Fulton and ing" laws. I have said that there are the conditions which await us beyond his “ folly.” When the boat started, a countless thousands groping in darkness the grave. We are here but for a day: jeering mob of those with more egotism and despair in spirit life because of ig­ (Continued on page 57) 56 COMMUNICATION Life of James Farmer* Riley A LAYMAN’S TESTIMONY (Continued from page 30) (Continued from page 20) and sermons have failed to aceomplish. many others are saying today: ‘ ‘ If these Riley said that if the spirit of her My religious, moral and ethical Stand­ things can be done, I can do them my- brother, Ezra, who had been killed in the ards have been raised to a higher plane. self.” But Jim Riley was a born me­ Civil War, was present, would the table Far be it from me to advocate Spirit- dium. He had permitted his mediumistic move again in the first direction—and ualism for every individual. It may be gift to lie fallow until he was forty-two again the table obliged. Then the table years of age. Riley had what many aspir- showed an inclination to stand up on detrimental to many minds as its first ing persons lack—he had patience. He two legs, and it would rap on the floor effect is a shattering of the individual’s argued that if these things could be done, three times for “ yes,” and once for existing orthodox structure of faith and he could do them. His reasoning did not “ no. ” Then when they would go belief which have sheltered and har- stop there, or did not even pause. He through the letters of the alphabet from bored him in times of trouble and storm. reasoned further that if they could be A to Z, the table would thump when the done, perhaps there were conditions to right letter was reached, so that intelli­ On the ruins of our old beliefs we can, be eonsidered which he did not under- gent information came through. however, erect a far nobler structure stand. He was willing to bide his time It is quite natural that in a rural C om ­ which will harbor an equal and greater and supply all of the conditions that munity, neighbors would be taken into faith and olfend neither our taste nor might be required in the unfoldment of the confidence of this farm couple who intelligence. his gift. were receiving these messages. At first On the mental side, Spiritualism has The life of James Riley certainly must just a few neighbors would come in to given me an interest in that form of teach to every man and woman today who witness the manifestations, but later the Spiritualistic literature which is of a wishes to be a medium, the truth that countryside was aroused and the peeuliar high moral Order and alleged to be of mediumship must be brought about by happenings at the Riley home became a spirit origin. The possibilities of mueh of loved ones in spirit, but only when the matter of wide diseussion. Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and of mortal provides the right conditions, is Farmer Riley and his wife had demon- Shakespeare being of similar origin, has patient and has no commands or demands strated that, with patience and without been an interesting thought and made to make on the spirit-world. demand, critieism or urging, it was pos- pleasant research. It has made intelli­ The Rileys Begin Their Sittings sible to receive definite manifestations gent the Christian belief in the Divine inspiration of much of our Bible, not in When Mr. and Mrs. Riley returned from a souree other than their own in- tellects. At the age of forty-two years, a miraculous way but through the nat­ home from the camp meeting at Lake ural powers of the mind, and that such Cora, they talked over the problems of Jim Riley became a medium. But his mediumship as manifested by the table- inspiration did not cease 2,000 years ago spirit Communications. Finally they eame but is going on today. The Seers, to the conclusion that they would sit at tippings were only like the first letter of the alphabet of his marvelous medium­ Prophets, and Philosophers, religious the heavy oval dining-table, each at one and secular, Moses, Plato, Socrates, Joan end. They eoneluded that if the tahle ship, and in subsequent installments we shall teil the story of Jim Riley’s inde­ of Are and even the Witches of New would move for them, that movement England have taken on a new interest. would he caused by some force outside pendent slate-writings and materializa- tions. The speculations of philosophy, psychol- themselves. They could trust one another. ogy, medicine and physics in reference to Oceasionally they would talk, but most We now refer back to the letter from the widow of James Riley, who is now the unseen forces in man and nature, of the time they would be quiet, each have stimulated new thought. thinking about the possibilities of the living in Marcellus, Mich. Her husband manifestations of some extraneous force. gave his life to proving spirit communi- The life of the nations and men can- They would Start their sittings about nine cation and spirit return. And there are not be comprehended without a recogni- o’clock at night, and sometimes never thousands of persons who gladly would tion of the spiritual factors underlying leave the table until nearly daylight. testify to the fact that the materializa- their rise and fall. There is hardly a field of human achievement and effort As a boy, Jim Riley had been able to tions secured through the forces of which does not come into eontact with move a table with several men sitting Farmer Riley, demonstrated the truth of Spirit, in the larger sense and meaning on it, by simply placing his hands upon spirit return beyond question. Many of the Word. that table. But the battery of these forms would come out of the cabinet, forces had become concealed within him. and some of them would dematerialize On the side of my daily tasks work Layer after layer of agnostie thought before the assembled spectators in the and human relationships, it has caused had to be removed. The spiritual inac- full rays of a kerosene lamp. But we more sunshine, brightness and happiness. tivity of many years had to be overcome. shall not attempt to anticipate the re- Life is no longer comprehended as hav- At times, Jim Riley and his wife would cital of these manifestations. ing an impossible or ridiculous kind of decide that the task was useless, and they If those Spiritualists who feel, in read- hereafter or as existing only between the would declare that they were through ing this article and the articles that fol- cradle and the grave, but as showing vis- with their table sittings. low, that Farmer Riley contributed ma- tas of continuance which are not an After six months of this patience, one terially to establishing the truth of Spir- otfense to my taste or intelligence, but night when both Mr. and Mrs. Riley had itualism, care to show their appreciation enlarge and increase my faith. Death deeided that they could afford to eon- to the great pioneering work of this me­ has been robbed of its sting, and the tinue their sittings a while longer that dium by making small contributions to mystery, darkness and lugubriousness night, the table moved to one side a dis- Mrs. Riley, in Marcellus, Mich., and with which perverted ereeds and beliefs tance of about two feet. They knew that writing letters of appreciation, we would have surrounded it, has fallen away. their own physical strength had not pro- deem this action wholly in keeping with Yes, the value of Spiritualism when dueed the manifestation. They asked the appreciation that should be shown freed from its eheap stunts, signs, won- that if the spirit force moved the table, for the thirty-four years of mediumship ders and manifestations has been of the would it please move in the opposite of Farmer Riley. greatest practical value to my religious, direction—and the table obliged. Mrs. (To be continued.) mental and material life. COMMUNICATION 57

fail to speak it openly for selfish rea- How I Get Messages for Others sons. (Continued from page 18) If the good, the true and the pure are for any purpose, it is to make man and You send to me for a message, and my power to understand such information, if woman better here and hereafter. In forces are stränge to you and your loved it were explained, do no one any good, the light of science and truth, demon- ones. Both of you are dealing with some- but to the forces they do a great deal of strated in the life beyond the grave, he thing that is unfamiliar to you, and only harm. who denies the return of spirit is either ander good conditions can the message Our questions are reflections of our ignorant or false. He who affirms that come through clearly, or fully, or both. mental states. If we ask aimless ques­ only evil spirits commune with the liv­ As you eome again and again, you deal tions, we are in an unsettled state of ing, is both ignorant and false. with forces with which your loved ones mind. If we ask questions too deep for In the melting pot of eternity there is have become acquainted. To illustrate our own understanding, we are eonfus- no Jew, no Gentile, no Protestant, no this more fully, let us say that you have ing the forces, because we are eonfused Catholic, no Methodist, no Baptist or gone to a medium for years; possibly two in our understanding of the facts. We Presbyterian, but all must take their or three times a month, or oftener. Then have not gone beyond the intelligenee of place in the seale of spiritual progress you go to a stränge city, and learn of those in spirit, mueh as some investiga- according to their worth. This is jus- another medium. Going there, you ex- tors would like to have people believe. tice—eternal justice. This is natural pect your dear ones to come through as Our intelligenee is very small and weak “ and truth is of nature.” This is a quickly and as clearly as with the first and eramped compared with those in the truth to which every spirit bears wit- medium. You are disappointed, and you clearer life. ness after they have learned the errors may say, when you have departed, Only as we ask questions that we have of the flesh, and begun their progress “ Well, that medium can’t be mueh. a right to ask, and the answers to which toward the goal of peace and perfection. Trank eould not come through clearly at would be of some value to us, may we There are thousands of Pearys who all, and Ella never got in. I asked for expect to attract a reply. Many mortals have revealed truths of infinitely greater William and no one seemed to know any- ask questions that they have no right to importance to mankind. But before thing about him.” ask. They seek advice as to when some this truth shall shine forth in all its Instead of helping the Situation, you enemy, or even a dear one in the flesh, greatness and glory to this needy world, have injured it. You have asked your will pass into spirit. There are times the barriers of prejudiee and ignorance friends to use forces with which they when God is willing that mortals should must be broken down and the blind must were unfamiliar, and about which you have such information, but if the answer be made to see. knew nothing. Perhaps you did not give is contrary to God’s Will, no spirit can The inspiration and hope of the fu- out any of your own forces, or in very give or mortal receive the answer. ture lie along the path of intelligent stinted fashion anyway. It might be Purposeless questions are negative. understanding of man ’s relation to this weeks before you have establihsed a con­ They drive away the forces. They break hour, this day, and tomorrow. Without dition of harmony, so that your friends up the finely-balanced energy that has this knowledge, commercialism, selfish- can come through easily. If you do not been drawn from many sources and ness and ignorance will lead men and take these facts into consideration, not blended into the Borderland forces. nations toward the abyss. Knowledge only are you likely to be disappointed, They destroy that which they thought of the spiritual truths and laws by which but your dear ones will be even more they were helping to bring about. all men are counted and valued, is the greatly disappointed. I believe that we go to the spirit-world only guiding star, the only hope. I have heard people say in our seance- for information, first for the purpose of room, “ Why, you don’t come through Unding our loved ones who have passed WHY I AM A SPIRITUALIST as clearly as you did yesterday; what’s through the ehange called death; and (Continued from page 29) wrong?” Likely the loved one will re- next to have them help us in understand­ We must prove by that which we do ply, “ If you will decide just which me­ ing, in living better and doing things whether we are prepared to go ahead dium you intend to visit regularly, we can more in accordance with God’s Law. or must tarry a while longer and learn study the forces. But you are to one And I am satisfied that when we go out- through needful lessons. medium one time, and another the next side of these rightful phases, we are The man who has had suecessive fail- time, and a third one the third time; and only clouding ourselves and making the ures and success, who has learned to at home you are trying to become a mate- assistance of our dear ones in spirit that enjoy a life of ease only to be thrown rializing medium by sitting in a cabinet, mueh more difficult. back upon the commonplaces, who has and then you are working the ouija- We must learn the law of communica- learned to like luxuries and has been board, and after mixing up your forces tion. Once we have learned it, we shall glad later to have the necessities, will in this way, you expect the spirit-world find it very easy to follow. It is natural begin to appreciate the meaning of these to produce conditions just to suit you.” and not complicated. The dear ones in lessons of experience. Considering the fact that those in spirit are so willing to help us, we should Now, I do not feel that you are inter- spirit live in conditions different from learn how to do our part and make it ested in my success and failures except ours, that their part of the great uni- possible for them to assist us. Until we as this story serves to create a Situation— verse differs in essentials from ours, and have done that, we have not arrived at will paint a picture—that will bring that to come through to us and manifest the first grade in the school of learning home to you my reasons for being a for us requires great patience and many where we should know that the life be­ Spiritualist. As I proceed with this trials on their part, surely we on the yond and the life here, are but expres- story in ensuing installments, I shall try mortal side of life should try to do our sions of one great life—and that any to impress upon you that it is custo- best to make their work easier. Separation that may seem to exist is due mary for mortals to learn most lessons The nature of the questions themselves to mortal ignorance. in the hardest way, but that it is possi­ is of importance. Trivial questions are ble to extract from the experiences of like weak, interrupted currents of force. SPIRITUAL STAGNATION others the lessons that may guide us, Fortune-telling questions are too trivial (Continued from page 55) that may obviate many of the harsh ex­ to attract any guide. Questions that ask we can take nothing but ourselves with periences of life. for information beyond the reeipient’s us. Moral cowards who know the truth (To be continued.) 58 COMMUNICATION

EDUCATIONAL (Continued from page 42) How to Use the Ouija Board erties of voice mediumship, then this as- soeiation with your trumpet will bring By Frank L. Gaines about evidence of that mediumship. I£ God has not willed that you are to be, It is surprising the number of Spirit- should be no moving about among the or can be, a voice medium, then at least ualists who possess Ouija Boards but sitters. your trumpet will assist your other de­ who have made no serious efforts to use Try different combinations of couples velopment, because in your trumpet you this simple deviee in establishing com- until you have found a pair under whose have a battery, or accumulator, or what- munication with their loved ones in hands the table moves with the greatest ever you wish to call it. spirit. Many teil me that they have tried ease and certainty. Under no circum- You have something eise in your trum­ •it but “ eouldn’t get anything satisfac- stances should either of them watch the pet : A channel through which may tory. ’ ’ When I question them I in- board while the table is moving. To come the healing forces of spirit. In variably discover that they have neg- prevent their doing so unconsciously it healing seances, often there will come lected to try it under seance conditions, is best to blindfold them. This helps to through a trumpet, a tiek-tick-ticking or have failed to use it in the proper keep the operators from becoming posi­ mueh like the clatter of a Morse instru- manner. tive, and renders eommunieation easier ment. The forces are being directed It must be clearly understood that the by eliminating the possibility of their through the trumpet, and seem to gain Ouija in the hands of a mediumistic per­ thoughts influencing or interfering with in intensity as they come through it. son whose mediumship is of the auto­ the messages. The operators should let If the trumpet can serve as a healing matic type, is just as dependable an their finger tips rest lightly on the table. instrument in the hands of physicians in instrument as the trumpet in the hands Keep the hand, wrist and elbow re­ spirit, then it must have certain proper- of a voice medium. I have a very high laxed and responsive to the slightest ties for transmitting this energy, and and affectionate regard for the Ouija, movement of the table, but keep the fin- can aid in bringing the healing forces to because through it I have reeeived abso- ger tips always in firm contaet with it. yourself or to others, even though you lutely unquestionable messages from my No matter how tired the hand and arm are not a developed medium. loved ones “ over there.” The proofs of become, do not “ change hands.” When This brief study of the properties of identity given me in this way have been the table begins to move, allow the hand the trumpet may assist you in forming a overwhelming. Therefore, I feel that and arm to follow it freely. The Sen­ much different conception of the trum­ the success I have had warrants me in sation will be most peculiar;- each oper- pet than you have had in the past, and offering some helpful suggestions to ator will be willing to swear that his should aid you in formulating a clearer those who have not been so suceessful partner is “ pushing” the table! plan of how to use the trumpet for de­ with it. Do not become impatient. Sit quietly velopment work. I am confident that at least one per­ for thirty minutes. If there are no re­ Jtast as you depend upon a good watch son in every ten is gifted to some degree sults at the end of that time, abandon to keep you informed, at your will, of with this phase of mediumship. Only the effort, saying, “ Dear ones, we are the passing time, so may your trumpet by patient, repeated, intelligent trials sorry that we have not been able to become an instrument that will help you can this fact be ascertained. For ex- create the right conditions for you. We in your development, and give you evi­ ample, in an average family, comprising know that you have been trying to reach dence of how you are developing. This eight persons ranging in age from ten to us, and we shall sit again on ...... is true, because the trumpet may move, seventy years, I found that two were e vening. ’ ’ or tick off some sort of assurance to you, highly sensitive, three partially so, and At first the movements may be slow and prove to you that you are making three did not respond at all. Neither of and laborious, and only an occasional more progress than you had believed. the two most sensitive had previously word or fragment of a sentence will (Next Installment: Independent Trum­ given any thought to Spiritualism, and come through eorreetly. Do not be dis- pet Movements.) none had ever touched a Ouija Board. couraged or impatient. Your dear ones First, and by all means, get a copy of are learning, and as you continue to When you learn how to fall in love the Stead Center Table-top, “ Develop­ maintain good conditions for them, they with your work, you will learn how to ment of Mediumship.” Study it care- will soon master the instrument and be concentrate. The pupil who regards his fully and follow its directions implicitly. able to convey their messages with in- studies as an irksome duty, that must be If you are trying to develop your me­ creasing rapidity and aecuraey. Con­ met, finds concentration painful and dif- diumship, it is indispensable; if you are tinue the sitting only as long as intelli- fieult. When he falls in love with his not mediumistic, but attend seances, it gible words are reeeived. In all genuine studies, and enjoys them as thoroughly will enable you to get better results. I manifestations the spirits will indicate as he would a novel, he has solved the am glad to confess my indebtedness to definitely when they have finished; usu- problem of concentration, and needs no this valuable treatise for the success ally by pointing to “ Good-bye,” or by eourse of instruction in the art of con- that has attended my efforts along this spelling out an appropriate dismissal. centrating. line. When this occurs, the table immediately The seance must be conducted in a becomes “ dead,” and the sitting should “ Did you hear the latest?” is the room where perfect quiet prevails. It is be ended at once. open sesame of much destruetive gossip. best to have only a few persons in the Someone should be seated nearby If we can not say anything good, let us room besides those who sit at the board. where he can have a clear view of the preserve golden silence. ' Anger inflames Do not allow yourselves to become board. He should be provided with a the wrong opinions that have sprung up strained, anxious or impatient. You pencil and a pad of paper, and as the in our minds. Doing injustice works may talk, quietly, eoneerning your loved letters are pointed out he should write temporary injury to the ones whom we ones, or about spiritual subjects, and them down, one after the other. Let malign, hut it does us the most harm. at intervals it is good to sing religious him make no attempt to separate the let­ Every evil thought one thinks, belongs songs. Be natural. Allow mind and ters into words until the response is com- to one, and to no other person—and like body to relax. When the table begins plete. This is usually indicated by the chickens, that thought will come home to move under the hands of the opera- table running up to the top edge of the to roost. tors, all talking should cease and there board and pausing. Then the reporter COMMUNICATION 59 can study the long rows of letters and tain this new automatic writing device, “ Then what?” I queried further, half divide them into words, phrases and sen- which is much more satisfactory. in revqrie. tences. I have frequently had Communi­ “ You will see,” the Patriarch an- cations come through so rapidly that I CHAT WITH LITTLE ONES swered thoughtfully. “ I shall say only had to resort to shorthand in taking (Continued from page 35) that in a distant land, many of God’s them down! to you and help you grow up big and children will starve anon, and all that Let one person at a time speak or ask can save them will be the garnered har­ questions. These should be short, direct, strong and honest. Remember that there are lots of things vest that we shall send them—a harvest and elearly stated. Avoid silly, frivolous that we gather in its entirety for them— questions of the “ fortune-telling” type. in life that you can not see. You can not see any of your beautiful thoughts, a harvest that will be intrusted in your Remember, you are talking to your loved care. For today, wë shall say no more, ones, not to an inanimate piece of wood. but they are real just the same. You can’t see the air, but you breathe it— Fronstrom. Only, ponder well the mean- But why make a practice of plying your ing of duty, and the purport of trust- dear ones continually with questions? have to breathe it to keep on living. And you must think of Angels near you, worthiness—for he who is to serve well Talk to them in a simple, natural man- must be tested to the quick.” ner about things in which you know they even if you can not see them. must be interested. Their eager, ready When some little child’s mamma or (To be continued.) responses in a conversation of this kind papa dies, what do you think happens? will amaze and delight you. It permits That body that is put into the ground IS THERE ONE TRUE RELIGION? was just like some clothes they wore. a display of Personality that will be (Continued from page 37) more convincing and eomforting to you They themselves are near you, and they look just the same as you knew them, The deeper students of Spiritualism than any answers they might be able to find reasons for the tenets of every make to any “ test” questions you could and they love you as much as ever, and help you. They have become Angels, chureh in this world. Their creeds have possibly devise. some foundatipn of faet. This extends Sit regularly at the same hour and on and they never get very far away from you. They love you too much for that. even to the matter of hell—for what the same days of each week. To begin You just think of this little lesson I could be hell more than an accusing con- with, twiee a week is often enough. Sit- science, a memory awakened to the keen- ting too often will exhaust the forees. have given you, and remember that I am among the Angels. I am not a per­ est degree, and recalling every earthly When communication is established, eon­ son you can see, but I see and help many act? sult your loved ones as to the days and of you—all who try to be good and who The more deeply students of Spiritual­ hours that will be most convenient for ask me to help. If many call me at ism delve into the subject, the less in- them. They have their duties and ar- onee, I send others to them, so that no clined they are to scofl: at the religions rangements to consider as well as you little boy or girl will ever be without of the world—and the more readily do have. Angel help. And each day, many thou- they perceive that back of those relig­ Endeavor to get in touch with your sands of Angels ask God to help little ions, is some testimony that has come guides as soon as possible. Those of boys and girls like you—to help you to from the other side in substantiation of your guides who are not elosely related be good and clean and honest—because those beliefs. to you will naturally stand back and that brings you closer to God’s love and wait until your nearest kin have mas- If any mortal finds happiness and the tered the process, assisting them in do- to our love. source of progress and Spirituality through the doctrines of any faith, that ing so. Ask your guides to advise and FRONSTROM instruct you about your development, is far better than to leave that person and follow their advice and instructions (Continued from page 34) without faith. And as truly as we be- faithfully. If they teil you that auto­ rather the soul-light that shines through lieve in the Fatherhood of God, we must matic mediumship is not the proper the covering of flesh. If the spirit is believe that every child of God is a phase for you, and that you should sit pure and the thoughts are noble, then brother—no matter how little liking we for development along other lines, do Vhat matters the pattem of the f eatures ? have for him here. Though the experi- not be surprised; simply obey them; These men, women and children were ences of this world would indicate a they know what is best for you. become my brothers and sisters and I lack of equality, there is reason to be­ Never allow your Ouija to be used for loved and trusted them more with each lieve that, in the ultimate, there must be frivolous purposes—to entertain a passing day. To assist any of them, equality, and that to every soul has been given the same opportunity—the same curious visitor, or to amuse an evening even in the most menial way, was a party. Guard it as sacredly as you do privilege—so unlike the headstrong views inherent rights, which must include the right to believe as one sees the truth. the mementoes of your loved ones on the I had gathered in my pampered child- other side. hood, when a servant was a thing to The religions of the world are but The Wm. T. Stead Center of Chicago cleanse my dirty boots upon! branehes of the one mighty, enduring makes what it calls the Automatagraph, “ In another day,” the Patriarch in- tree of truth. The tree is beautiful only a new automatic writing device, details formed me, “ we shall be within our own with all its branehes. Mankind, at this of which were eommunicated by the domain—home in time to gather the har- stage of mortal progress, is served bet­ Teachers at the Stead Center. This de­ vest that Immortelles had informed us ter by a multiplicity of churckes than vice, which is different from anything would be waiting for us. ’ ’ by one chureh. Any change in religious of the kind so far invented, will enable “ What manner of harvest?” I asked, opinion is growth; it is evolution. It you to obtain written Communications, rather astonished that there should be must come to the individual. It can and with greater ease and speed than is agrieulture in the heart of this fast never be foreed upon him-—and as hon- possible with the Ouija or Planchette. wilderness. “ Grain, perhaps, or fruit, estly as Spiritualists believe that those It is especially recommended to auto­ or vegetables?” of any other faith have no right to con- matic writers who find it impossible to “ None of these,” the Patriarch an- trovert and harass Spiritualism, that prevent their own thoughts from diffus- swered, as we rode together over the honestly must Spiritualists believe that ing into the messages received with pen- trailless waste, through thiekets and out it is only right and proper, and showing cil and paper. If you are suceessful on plains, into glens and up onto the due respect to other children of God, to with the Ouija, you must be sure to ob- heights again. treat all religions with respect. 60 COMMUNICATION

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...... Mim im ...... Iilllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllll...... IIIIIIIMIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIII...... £ ji St"r*n ...... ■...... c THE GUIDING HAND THAT OPENS WIDE THE GATES “At the Third Sitting the Automatagraph Message Came

Quickly — Clear, Distinct and Unmistakably Correct: “IT WAS FROM MY BELOVED MOTHER!”

“I had never received automatic writings before; never could make the ouija move for me. Doubtfully —perhaps out of curiosity —I sent for an Automata­ graph. I tried it according to your illustrated direc- tions. The first week, I got nothing. The second week, my hand moved, leaving unintelligible markings on the pad. I thought it was due to over- anxiety. But at the third sitting, the message came quickly—clear, distinct and unmistakably correct: It w as from my beloved mother in spirit. This message revealed certain facts to me that were out- side my knowledge—and these facts, of purely a per­ sonal, family character, checked up accurately and straightened out what long had been a snarl of mis- understanding, May God bless your seance-room for this remarkable, spirit- given invention!” From a Statement re­ ceived from an Automata­ graph purchaser.

“As Far Advanced Over the Ouija as a Pipe Organ Is Ahead of a Flute”

A gentleman from the East stopped off to see us your hand, and how the Automatagraph, owing to the other day, and showed us a number of mes- its design and its copper bronze plating, acts as a sages he had received through the instrumentality battery for the writing forces and gives them of the Automatagraph. This man, it seems, had direction. Physical resistance is minimized, pas- been using the ouija for some years, and in mak- sivity is brought about, the forces are built up, ing a comparison between the ouija and the Auto­ and you get results! matagraph, he said, “The Automatagraph is as Until you become proficient in anything, you far advanced over the ouija as a pipe-organ is must have the right conditions and the proper ahead of a flute. There is no comparison. It can tools. The Automatagraph produces the right not be charged that my imagination is doing the conditions, and it is the proper instrument, be­ cause it eliminates all the deterrents incident to writing, because I write in the dark, and now attempts at writing without this device, and it I can feel the flow of the forces precisely as you gives the writing forces a definite flow. It Con­ illustrated them.” trols and directs them. The Automatagraph has The illustration to which he refers is printed made a tremendous impression on Spiritualists above. It shows how the spirit hand rests upon and others. COMMUNICATION

SIR OLIVER LODGE Says: “Perhaps the Commonest and Easiest Method of Communica- tion is What is called ‘Automatic Writing.’ ” *—New York Evening World.

Sir Oliver Lodge, as quoted by The New York without the presence of a medium other than Evening World, believes that the easiest method your own mediumistic forces; they bring messages of communicating with those on the spirit-side of privately—and they eliminate all question from your mind as to their source. You are taking life, is through automatic writings. Many promi­ nothing for granted. Again, no matter where you nent investigators feel that automatic writings are, you may receive messages. This is an im­ are most satisfactory because they bring messages portant point.

You May Send the Results of Your Automatagraph Writings to Us for Free Inspection and Suggestions To those who have purchased and are purchas- as you need help and suggestions, we shall be ing the Automatagraph, we send this message of pleased to help you. encouragement and co-operation: If, at any time, This is eqüivalent to giving you a FREE course you wish advice and suggestions regarding the re­ of instruction in automatic writing, and it certainly sults you secure, send us some of your writings, proves our desire to help you succeed. Once you and enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. get the writings, through the instrumentality of this device, you will feel an independence that you We will examine these Automatagraph writings, have never feit before in the matter of Communica­ and give you our opinion of them, will indicate tions. how much you have developed, and what you may Reports are coming to us from all parts of expect and what you should do. If there are ques- America that prove that many who purchased tions you wish to ask about the writings or the their Automatagraphs, but a few weeks ago, are device, we shall be glad to answer them for you. getting most dependable messages. Development does not move as rapidly in all persons, but by We place no limitation upon the period in which using the Automatagraph, you may be certain you may send these specimen writings. So long that your writing development will be correct.

Reservations to be Can- Automatagraph Now $5.00— Goes to Send At Once and You celled on Last of March $6.00 April Ist! Save One Dollar To those persons who If you send your Order m a d e reservations for Advancing material and labor costs, as for an Automatagraph at Automatagraphs and who once, while the thought is have not remitted, we wish well as increased costs of office mainte- in your mind, you will to sound this note of nance, coupled with the small margin save one dollar. We feel friendly warning: All res­ that in giving you ap- ervations that have not upon which we are selling the Automata­ been taken up by the last proximately two weeks be­ of March, 1920, will be graph, make imperative an advance in the fore advancing the price, cahcelled—and the reason we are doing our part. will be apparent by read- price of this automatic writing device, You will find a space ing what we have to say provided in the accom- about a necessary advance from $5.00 to $6.00 on the first of April, panying subscription-form, for your Automatagraph in the price of the Auto­ 1920. All Orders received, postmarked matagraph. Remittances Order. Remit $5.00 and must be postmarked not not later than that date, will be accepted this device, accompanied later than the last day of by .full directions, will March in Order to secure at $5.00. This means that an early deci- come prepaid and insured. your Automatagraph at All shipments are made by $5.00. sion on your part is suggested! parcel-post. • THE STEAD CENTER 533 Grant Place - - - Chicago, Illinois COMMUNICATION 64

Standard F O R SALE Three - Section Âluminum Trumpets BEAUTIFUL RESORT I N T H E HEART These light, s t r o n g aluminum trumpets are OF THE ROGKIES used and approved by MRS. CECIL M. COOK Pastor and Medium This resort is located in the heart of the Rocky The William T. Stead Mountains where some of the most picturesque scenery Memorial Center in America abounds. There is a wealth of pines, and running streams well stocked with mountain trout. Mrs. Cook, our famous, highly gifted medium, has Baltimore Resort is located on the famous Moffat used trumpets of numerous Road, within a short ride from Denver and is accessible types since she began serv- over splendid motor roads; near the city of Tolland and ing the public as a direct- only a few indes from Boulder, the seat of the Colorado voice medium many years State University. ago. The trumpet we now This estate consists of 100 acres, of which 30 acres are offering is the one se- are platted in blocks and lots. Improvements consist of lected by Mrs. Cook as the 10 cottages, a large boarding house, a störe building, a most desirable in every re- clubhouse, an ice-house, a barn, and a two-story build­ spect. ing equipped with stage and scenery for entertainments. The cottages are always occupied, and the demand These aluminum, three- section trumpets are recom- easily would fill 100 additional cottages. Cottages and mended especially to devel- larger buildings completely furnished for housekeeping. oping mediums. These trum­ pets may be telescoped and Prior water rights, and reservoir site surveyed for placed in a box or a drawer construction; a natural basin. Small lake on resort. when not in use. They do Adjacent to prosperous mining districts and the great- not rust. est tungsten field in the world. Tungsten and other minerals have been discovered on property. Construc­ Special price, securely tion of large lake, and stocked with trout, would make packed and prepaid any- this one of the most populär resorts in the Rockies. where in the United* States, only three dollars. Remit by Owing to advanced years, will seil at a price less Post Office or Express Money than cost of the improvements. Will consider part Order, Bank Draft, Cashier’s cash, balance in small suburban tract, or fruit farm, or Check— or the Currency in a other income property. Can deliver clear title. This registered letter. Write your name and address plainly. i esoi t must be seen to be fully appreciated. An excellent opportunity for paying investment. Tourists to Colo- A ddress: i ado are increasing rapidly in numbers each year. The Wm. T. Stead S Memorial Center Address: J. W. HATFIELD, Tolland, Colo. 533 Grant Place, Chicago, 111. >•< Churches, Centers and Mediums Co-Operation Means Two Pushes: One at Your End—the Other at Ours! fl These two pushes of Cooperation must be in the same direction —not against one another! There is no success without concerted effort—and “Communication” will do its share of helping your cause for these reasons: ff “Communication” will be nationally advertised, in full-page advertisements in newspapers and magazines. Each day, new interest is being created in Spiritualism. No other subject bas ever received more widespread Publicity. Certainly no other Religion has ever had so much newspaper and magazine attention showered upon it. For every criticism, there is an offset- ting endorsement. ff “Communication” is your missionary—the missionary for all Spiritual Churches, Centers and Mediums. Just as there had to be a first time in manifesting interest for every one who is now a Spiritualist, so must theie be a dawn of interest for each new-comer. f| Your Church, society or work will be represented; if not through your own interest and effort, then at least by some one associa^ed with you. ff “Communication” will send interested persons to you and will educate them in this Great Truth; will p rep are them an d make them real assets to you. f|“Communication” has come into existence for the good of the Cause—and now that it is here, why should not you, and those associated with your work, send in subscriptions? Why should you not represent Communi­ cation,” just as it is prepared to represent you and will represent }ou. f| “Communication” is a builder. Its mission is one of construction. It comes not as an intruder, but as a friend. Right purposes breed success. You know that. Honest, worthy efforts bring worth-while results. i hat which has merit, is honest and constructive, merits your thought, yom action, your co-operation.

of that pushing that will give Sp have— in the Family of Religions?

981-991 Rand, McNally Bldg., CHICAGO : : ILLINOIS Eternity’s Illusions: Time, Space and Death

So you believe? In what? In God? And think that life must perish at the grave? That God would give life—GIVE it—und er st and? Would GIVE us life and then would fail to save?

Where is your hope—your trust—your faith? Are soids that SENSE less precious than the sands? They change—aye, yes—they change, but perish not, And they—and we—are in our Master s hands!

What reckon you of TIME—God’s time? A past, a present, future too, you say? To God, all time is one unending NOW, The past, the present, future, all TO D AY!

And so, what IS must ALWA YS BE— It EVER WAS: Thoughts move but time Stands still A measure only for our waking souls— Like space, a fiat only of God’s Will!

Oh, hapless mortal, wake—oh, wake! And know that Life is endless, boundless, free, That all which lives, has lived, must live, does live, And lives and loves throughout ETERNITY! —Lloyd Kenyon Jones ühe Magazine of Spiritual Education

EDITED BY LLOYD KENYON JONES

APRIL, 1920

Features in This Numher:

The Broken Reed By Ollah Toph Do “Ruling Passions” Survive Death? ...... By Harry E. Tudor A Spiritual Easter Lecture ...... By Mrs. M. E. Williams The Law of Spirit Is the Law of Truth ...... By Mrs. Cecil M. Cook The Interchurch Movement ...... By D. A. Reynolds Press Comments and Criticisms “ Fronstrom”

A COPY PUBLISHED MONTHLY $2.00 A YEAR Eternity’s Illusions: Time, Space and Death

So you believe? In what? In Godf And think that life must perish at the grave? That God woidd give life—GIVE it—and er st and? Would GIVE us life and then woidd fail to save?

Where is your hope—your trust—your faith? Are souls that SENSE less precious than the sands? They change—aye, yes—they change, but perish not, And they—and we—are in our Masters hands!

What reckon you of TIME—God’s time? A past, a present, future too, you say? To God, all time is one unending NOW, The past, the present, future, all TODAY!

And so, what IS must ALWA YS BE~ It EVER WAS: Thoughts move but time Stands still; A measure only for our waking souls— Like space, a fiat only of God’s Will!

Oh, hapless mortal, wake—oh, wake! And know that Life is endless, boundless, free, That all which lives, has lived, must live, does live, And lives and loves throughout ETERNITY! —Lloyd Kenyon Jones.