TWO SIDES TO ....A PICTURE.... ;'. .; >' .;■:. .[:■ .4, f , <^.:^ f .|- zm&W mmifm MRS. C. M. BROGHTOX TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE A REVELATION BETWEEN TWO PLANES. BY MRS. C. M. BROGHTON. DENVER. 1903. THE LIBRARY OF CON (3 1 i OCT 16 CLA$S #*- KXc. Nu i t s 7 % COPY 3. 1 31 yj Copyright, 1903, By MRS. C. M. BROGHTON. DEDICATION. This work is dedicated to suffering humanity to relieve its mental depression and physical pain. It is sent out as a messenger between this world and the one that controls the results of its production, while time, the all healing- element, will bring together a knowledge that can and will liberate each one from present sorrows. CONTENTS. Chapter Page I A Vision of the Continuation of Life 17 II Alice Moore Awakens in Her Grandparent's Home 40 III The Sick Chamber of Harry Leroy 54 IV The Conflicting Thoughts of Mrs. Moore. . 64 V The Meeting of Harry and Alice 80 VI In Which Mr. and Mrs. Moore Have a Controversy 87 VII The Law of Transfer 94 VIII Alice Appears to Her Mother 100 IX Harry and Alice Exchange Ideas 106 X The Minister Calls upon Mrs. Moore 112 XI The Transfer of Intelligence from a Higher to a Lower Plane 120 XII Mrs. Moore Wins a Victory 124 XIII The Convincing Proof 128 XIV Phenomena and Its Power 137 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. page y^ Portrait of Mrs. C. M. Broghton "Stooping, I Plucked a Beautiful Flower" 27 "The Home of Harry's Parents" 58 * One Said: "My Child, I am Your Mother" "And I," said the Other, "am the Mother of Harry Leroy" 64 ^ "The Day of Recompense is Here" 78 S They had Just Arranged Themselves when the Two Stood Before Them 95 "' Alice, as an Individual, Stood Before Her 124 s PREFACE. Dealing with the circumstances that belong to the continuation of this life, requires a knowledge of the manner in which the experi- ence of this life is linked to the continuation of results on a higher plane and then back to earth, and earth's producing causes. In this life the external of all things is recog- nized. Here the body material is formed that identifies the casket through which life and intelligence manifest. Here the germ of all the millions is held and recognized to become the external realization of all the human race. The higher plane to which this life is con- nected, is where the people of this life are at- tracted when they pass out through the change known to us as death. A plane where the higher intelligence liberates the people from the contracting influence of past results and present misunderstanding, and opens to them the realms of natural investigation, placing within their reach the knowledge that nature holds. The following pages represent a con- nection w 7 ith the highest or the twelfth division of this plane. Volumes could be written ex- plaining the connection with the lower divisions 10 PREFACE showing how individuals are attracted to a special division according to their natural place in nature and to the conditions controlling their stay on earth. A knowledge of the systems of mental order is also required; through that we can clearly classify the earth's Astrology, her Astronomy, her Proportion and her Results, a knowledge however not to be gained through mathe- matics. The Mathematician of our age can calculate from the earth's center to the globe's circle, and compute through mathematical an- alysis the world's magnitude. Man stands upon the mechanical side of natural genius. He represents the brain im- pulse that forms the designs that nature pro- duces, while woman is the originator, the pro- ducer and the inventor that belongs to the sensi- tive side of human progress. The poetry of her nature beautifies and en- nobles the spirit of time, while her intelligence is far-reaching, and her genius will once more be recognized as the unfoldment of perfecting time dictates. The dictation of perfecting time will be the controlling power that governs the actions of mankind. Origination belongs to the mental part of human results. We have entered into the arena of perfecting time. What PREFACE 1 I the past has failed to accomplish the present and the future will fulfill. The present forms the balance through which all changes will take place; changes that only recognize the equalizing of the human body and the human brain. The insanity of the past will cease to act upon the impulses of any individual. There will be no desire to change the conditions before their time. People will only think what can we do to better our condition and those around us so that happi- ness will be the inheritance of the present, while the future will manifest from the same cause ? The day of progress is centering to human- ity's relief and nothing can retard its invasion upon all retrograding conditions. The dark period that has overwhelmed the brain facul- ties will no longer affect any part of the human life, and will also cease to affect the manifesta- tion that nature produces. All things will be imbued with a living energy that corresponds with what is to take place. Woman, according to the motherhood of nature, attracts to herself certain qualities that perfecting time holds. Each quality will stand as a magnet to attract the continuation of her intelligence, her life and her education. The education that belongs to the masses is 12 PREFACE a knowledge of what continuation is to them; they are first to learn of themselves, a knowl- edge of the graded conditions that nature's in- telligence recognizes, and how the plane of continuation controls the results of the future. The future is ever before us, the problem of life is the ground-work upon which humanity stands. Our living here is the preface that belongs to the experience that continuation holds. Here is where the platform is united upon which the intellectual structure can be built, an intellectual structure that is broad enough to explore the realm of magnet power. When once we explore that realm we will find that it is ignorance that demands the sacrifice of our intelligence and our life, and learn that death begins and ends here, while life holds the con- tinuous round of eternal manifestation. As we unite with life and learn how to live we unite with intelligence and understand what the world of formations is to us ; we can blend with formation and see how origination per- forms her part. The mind can penetrate the vast arena of nature's cause until every faculty can harmonize with her immensity. We can cross what is to us the dark stream of division and see the realities that nature has formed to meet the demands of our continua- PREFACE 13 tion and our time. The world of space only holds what mind governs and matter forms. As we introduce this little book we hope it will meet with the understanding that the time calls for. It has taken years of constant re- search in the laboratory from which cause, effect and result manifest to learn why every condition is the result of corresponding expres- sion and experience; to gain the knowledge that one world stands for the result of another world; that one system stands for the result of another system and so on through the eternity of time and space; and that mind is the motive power through which all things take place and are experienced upon any world that space holds. In uniting with the conditions of the con- tinuation of this life, we find there, as here, all of the results that control the action of the individual. Death does not divide the current of sorrow, but through the transfer of coercing changes each one is attracted to the same conditions that he or she left. The first plane of continu- ation holds the influx of criminal relations that have been an outgrowth of pervertions which were enacted here. It is only nature and the knowledge of natural law that holds the power to liberate 14 PREFACE each one from the thraldom of past experi- ences. Like ever attracts like, and vice like all else forms a magnet that holds its victims to its center. We have been taught that to die was liber- ation, but as we explore the conditions of con- tinuation we find that to live should be our aim and our ambition. We should ever seek for the greatest good that life holds ; we should fathom the selfhood of our own being and gather to ourselves the gems of intellect that control our life work; that life work being to perfect the scale of mentality, increase and increase the unfoldments of our inner life which belongs to happiness, to prosperity and to intelligence. As the mists of the ages are cleared away and the cloud of superstition no more envelopes the reasoning faculties of mankind, there will be no mystery existing between us and those that have gone on before. Science, the ever controlling power, will open up the way through which humanity can come together. There are no spirits, but identity is linked to identity, individuality to individuality, and we hold there, as here, the same purpose, the same ambitions, while the scale of unfoldment recognizes each one to PRE! 15 liberate him or her from the past and its power to control. Philosophy is the center through which in- vestigation can take place. While science will open the door that superstition has closed, and intelligence will recognize the change that comes to all for their release and their pro- gression. In conclusion I wish to thank my friends and associates for the help they have given me in the preparation of this little volume. To Amy K. Cornwall, whose help in correcting and ar- ranging the manuscript and in reading the proof has been invaluable, and to Harriet F. Wright, who designed the illustrations, my thanks are particularly due. Mrs. C. M. Broghton, Boulder, Colo. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE. CHAPTER I. A VISION OF THE CONTINUATION OF LIFE. "Why! Oh, why must this great sorrow come to my heart and home?" was the thought of an anxious mother, while watching at the bedside of her idolized child. Alice Moore was one of nature's rarest gems, beautiful in form and feature. She was the pride of her parents, and was highly esteemed and beloved by her companions. It was at the close of a spring-time evening, and all nature seemed quietly sinking to rest, and there was nothing to mar the beauty of their surroundings. Without, earth was crowned with the spring-time of life; within, was the luxury of refinement and taste. Nothing that wealth could buy was spared to woo back to health and happiness their only child. Quietly resting upon her downy pillow, with eyes closed, she seemed a marvel of exquisite workmanship. Her golden hair lay in wavy masses above a forehead of marble whiteness, but the hectic flush told only too well that life was slowly ebbing day by day. 1 8 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE Sadly the moments passed to the anxious mother, hoping, fearing, waiting, yet knowing that her child was drawing nearer and nearer to the realities of another life. Medical skill had failed to alleviate or check the progress of her disease. Consumption had blighted this fair flower, that now was past all hope of re- covery. As the quiet of the evening stole silently through her waiting senses, sleep seemed to hold control over brain and body, while a sweet smile wreathed her lips and she seemed communing with a presence unseen and unfelt by her mother, caused by a beautiful dream, such as come only to those who are drifting away from the scenes of earth. Thus the moments passed until a sound in the hall awoke her. The physician entering, unannounced, crossed the room to her bedside and gazed upon her with a sad expectant countenance. Turning to the mother, he inquired, "How has my patient been to-day?" "Not worse, as I can see, doctor," replied Mrs. Moore. "She has been quietly resting for the past two hours, while I have been tak- ing the place of nurse and attendant, as they need rest for the duties of to-night." "The medicine I left, has that been given TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 19 according to directions? We must have no relaxation in the effects to be produced. This tonic I prepared to invigorate her wasting strength. This powder must be given to pro- duce easy expectoration ; while this I am now preparing, must cause the sleep and rest most needed." Rising, he exchanged a few words with Alice and quietly bade them good-night. Turning her eyes upon the array of medi- cine before her, the invalid exclaimed: "Oh dear ! O dear ! Why must I, with all the suf- fering I endure, be compelled to take those nauseating drugs? Consumption is sure to conquer. I feel life is ebbing slowly and surely away and nothing that skill can invent, or affection administer, can check its onward course." "Oh, my darling! We must do all we can to prolong your life, hoping that we may find something that can and will restore you to us," answered her mother. While speaking there was a ring at the door, and a lady entered with a seeming conscious- ness that to her a welcome would be given. She bade them a cheery good evening, inquir- ing at the same time of the welfare of Alice. Stooping, she imprinted a kiss upon her brow, saying, "I have come to sit with you awhile. Mrs. Moore, you look tired, and I feel you are 20 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE in need of rest. If anything should take place, I will immediately call you." "Thank you," said Mrs: Moore, "I know that I can trust her in your care, and with no one else could she feel more pleasure than with you." "Yes, mother, go get the rest you need," urged Alice. "I have been wishing to see Miss Deorr, as I have something to tell her. It is no secret, mamma dear, yet I wish to speak upon the subject while I can." With faltering steps Mrs. Moore slowly left the room, wondering what her daughter wished to communicate to her friend. Turning to Miss Deorr, Alice said : "It seems as if you had brought me new life. Your bright and cheery smile has more heal- ing than all that has been administered. Sit close beside me and let me feel your presence, and drink one consoling draught of reality. I feel my bark of life is surely drifting out upon the ocean of change. The inspiration of a new life that I cannot picture seems drawing me nearer and nearer; it is of this I wish to talk: While resting as the evening shadows crept In, I dreamed, or saw, such a beautiful vision. Can it be that there is something real that can come to us, to strengthen and sustain our de- parting spirits? TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 21 "What I saw was strangely beautiful, and it was in marked contrast to what I had been taught since childhood. There was a path leading from my bedside, flowers were blossom- ing and their perfume pervaded the atmosphere, while the rippling water of a silvery stream glided away, and upon the other bank a beau- tiful being, with outstretched hand beckoned me to come. These words seemed wafted to my hearing: 'Fear not, the path you will tread leads only to a brighter reality. Look and see.' "Gazing beyond, I saw beautiful homes sur- rounded by nature's most harmonious rela- tions. All things seemed pulsating with life, while the spirit of peace rested within my heart. "Can it be that such a life awaits us, or was it only a phantom that blended with my pros- tration? It is so different from the teachings of those we have looked upon as guides and counselors. "Prayer, we have been taught, is the beacon that guides us to our heavenly home. Two visions have arisen within my mind; one, the teaching of my daily life ; the other, O ! what can I say of it? Is it possible for the veil to be lifted? Can our loved ones and the beau- tiful and exalted beings that have gone before 22 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE us cross the boundary and reveal to us the reality through our mental vision? If I could but know it was a truth fear, doubt, and all conflicting emotions would be removed. I have thought upon the question as far as it was possible for me to comprehend. At the hours when slumber should have visited my eyes, I have tried to solve the mystery of my being. "Reared as I have been, in the lap of luxury, with loving parents to guide and counsel, they, ever watchful of my greatest and best inter- ests, expressed a love as pure as the fountain from which it was drawn. Yet, why must it be? With all of association, with all of love and care, naught could stay the conqueror. "Our reverend and esteemed pastor has prayed at my bedside, and counselled me ac- cording to his mission, picturing in glowing language the power, sympathy and love that the Father of all fathers holds for his children, and how the angels are watching and waiting at the bedside of the sick and the dying. How Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, came upon earth, assuming the conditions of this life, in order to be the savior of the fallen children of earth, so that the freed soul can enter into the scenes of eternal rest. "I have listened, but a shadow would cross TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE *3 my mind and a doubt arise as to the truth of the picture. "Expressing my doubt, I was answered in this way: 'You have failed to seek the faith that sustains the Christian. Your name is not upon the church record. The baptism that cleanses the stain has not been administered. Though you have been taught the religion of Christ and Him crucified, you have delayed to comply with its requirements. The sinful fol- lies of this life have lured you on, and now I come to plead for your salvation, to ask that you be willing to be baptized, and unite with the holy church. I will read the parable of the prodigal son, which will apply to your case. Though the eleventh hour is reached, through the administration of the followers of Christ you can meet acceptance. May the Lord be with you is my prayer.' "He read the parable, stopping to explain where he thought it most necessary for me to understand. With words of warning, he urged that Christ was my only hope, my only salva- tion ; then turning, he read of Dives and Laza- rus, picturing in vivid coloring the condition of the two. "A sickening sense of doubt and fear op- pressed me, and he paused, as if waiting for my answer. Striving to overcome the feeling 24 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE that controlled my brain, seeking, longing, for truth to reveal to me the answer that could sustain me, I gazed through the open window upon the picture of nature, blended into one great harmonious unity. Flowers were blos- soming in rich profusion, birds were warbling their silvery notes beneath shrub and bower. I prayed, as only those can pray who feel their footsteps have reached the boundary of another experience. "He seemed waiting, thinking his efforts and counsel would be crowned with success. 'Have faith, my daughter !' he exclaimed ; 'fear not to link your fate with the Father of all.' "While he was speaking a silvery voice sounded in my ear. 'Child of earth, be true to thyself.' What could it mean. Had my fervent prayer been answered, and must I abide by its counsel ? "Gathering strength, I said to him : 'I have prayed for light and this answer I received: "Child of earth, be true to thyself." Doubt of the truth of your teaching constantly arises be- fore me. My education has followed the his- tories of the past; to me, a seeker after light, a student in the natural relations of life, your creed is only a repetition of mythical idolatry. It seems to me like worshiping at the shrine of an idol fashioned by the hands TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 25 of man. Your interpretations are too narrow to encompass the realization of life and intel- ligence. Why is it you ascribe to God, your Creator, to Christ, your Redeemer, all there is of wisdom and power, while we as children of that creation, and controlled by that wis- dom, are the only links in the chain of sub- stance that must be condemned, unless we con- form to the dictates of church and creed? Your Bible I have read. I have been taught from its pages, and lisped my childish prayer at my mother's knee. If justice is the fountain of mercy, why must I be condemned ?' "He gazed upon me in utter astonishment. My mother wept in agony of grief, moaning in piteous accents, 'Oh my child! my child! Where have you gained those ideas to engender such a feeling? Your father and I have fol- lowed the dictations of the church, and we have taught you its sacred calling, and now doubt arises, and you express yourself with almost a measure of contempt. Pray for her as you never prayed before, and may your pe- tition reach to the throne of mercy, and a voice, answer back her acceptance/ "I strove to answer, but a stupor of uncon- sciousness stole over me. Hours passed before restoration ensued. The doctor was called, 20 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE nurse and attendants were summoned and all was confusion. "Now I will give you a history of my ex- perience while lying in that condition." "My darling! My more than friend," in- terrupted Miss Deorr, "I fear you are exhaust- ing yourself, and will be worse for the effort. Your history is awe-inspiring. I seem to be drawn nearer and nearer to the portals of a great reality. But rest a while, and take this cordial to soothe and strengthen you. Then you can recommence, and I will listen with rapt attention." Her breathing came and went as if a struggle were taking place to determine which should sustain the mastery, life or death; but con- sciousness held the ascendency, and after rest- ing for a time she recommenced. "I feel as though I must finish, or my lips will be sealed from utterance, and to you alone can I give this history of my experience, while passing through those unconscious hours. "I seemed separated from my material form, yet there was a connecting link that bound me to it. I seemed to be drawn away from earth and its scenes, yet a conscious identity remained. I was like one guided by a subtle essence of effect, not fearing, but being sustained and controlled by the attraction of Stooping, I plucked a beautiful flower. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 2J love. It was but a moment and all nature ap- peared to rise before me. "Friends that I had known in childhood and the dear old grandparents were the first to welcome me. Greetings were exchanged and exclamations of joy were uttered. I stood amazed and wondering, as I recognized each one in the associations of my earth life, all beaming upon me the love and affection which was always manifest. " 'My darling child,' said my grandmother, 'we have waited for your coming; it is best, and fear not. A lesson you will receive of the realities that lie before you, and memory shall connect the chain of transmission. You are not separated from your earthly form, only a suspension of the vital force of attraction suf- ficient to allow you to enter upon the scenes which to you soon will be home and happiness.' "Stupefied with wonder, I could not at first reply; but as consciousness gained control I was able to express my feelings. Can it be that I behold the friends of my earliest recollection ? Can it be the ones held dear in memory are a reality before me? Stooping, I plucked a beautiful flower, inhaling its perfume, and looking inquiringly for an explanation; the answer came. 'Here, as there, the subtle law of cause and effect infuses all things with life. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE The blossoming flower here, as there, attracts to itself its form and substance. Look around you and see the immensity of production ; wit- ness the reality that comes through the change called death. It is but a short time you can remain with us, and we have much to impress upon your mind as regards the naturalness of our life/ "We were entering a vine-clad bower, and seats being in readiness, they all arranged themselves in groups before me. My grand- parents were sitting on either side, holding my hands in a warm clasp of affection. Being weak, I could but listen to the messages they gave me. "There was one, a lady, tall and command- ing in form, and with an expression so perfect in its blending, I could but think that the ideal type of angel womanhood stood before me. "She said, 'I, too, have a message. Fail not to repeat it to my darling child, Eemil Deorr, your friend. The same cause that is changing your relation in life, caused my death; it was when she was a wee babe, nestling in the fond embrace of her mother. Words cannot express how I longed to live to shield and protect her, and, as I gazed into the depths of her eyes of blue, it left upon my heart the impression of that scene, the parting from her, the idol of TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 20, my being. It was I, in unison with the sym- pathies of earth and its sufferings, that called you to see the reality before you. Tell my child there is no death, only a change from one realization to another. Soon you must return to your anxious friends and weeping parents.' ''She then placed before me what seemed to be a mirror ; and I beheld the scene that was being enacted in my parents' home. My mother was bending over me, calling with fond, en- dearing names for one more look of recog- nition. My father, bowed like a broken reed, seemed powerless to act. The physician was placing his hand upon my heart to feel if pul- sation had become extinct, assuring my mother that life still remained. The minister was seated by the side of my father, with the Bible in his hand, speaking to him the usual words of consolation. "The scene faded slowly from my sight, and I became conscious again of my surroundings. What was the joy of my parents to see that recognition had returned. When I am called again, the subtle cord will be severed; and then, what then? Can you tell? Speak, I must hear your answer." "What you have told me," said her friend, "surpasses my greatest imagination; the sub- 30 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE ject has been one of deep interest to me. The loss of my mother before my remembrance has been one of great sorrow. I have planted flowers on her grave, the willow's drooping branches are over her headstone, and that is all that is real to me. Yet what you have pictured must be the truth. The loving sympathy of those that we have known could only draw you away, and gladden your sight with what we have sought to learn. You have aroused within me many ideas, far beyond the teach- ings of books, or the experiences of man. It is a vivid picture, painted by the hand of a master artist, which only truth can support. "My mind has been darkened, my compre- hension clouded, for my only anchor has been the teaching of Christ and Him crucified. I must speak plainly; to you I could only be true in my assertions. You have been blessed beyond measure, your soul has been lifted above the experiences of this life, and the golden harvest has been the union with friends and happiness. While it is a separation from us, the same path is open for all to follow. I am more than grateful for the message from my dearest mother. It shall be a jewel more precious to me than any that graces a mon- arch's crown. There is one request I would like to make. After the call is made that we TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 31 are all expecting, will you try to prove to me that you still live?" "Yes," she answered, "if what I have seen proves a reality, and I still retain my memory of friends and home; if I meet those I have recognized in the beautiful relation that mem- ory holds; yes, if possible, I will bring to you that knowledge. I will come to you when the twilight rests over valley and plain; these words will I whisper in your ear, 'All is well.' Then you will know that I have remembered and can fulfill my promise." "Dearest Alice!" said Miss Deorr, "I am afraid you have overtaxed your strength ; per- haps I had better retire and leave you to the quiet of your nurse and attendant." "Oh ! do not go," replied Alice, "but call my mother; I have a few words for her. The message from her parents was brief yet most precious. You can prepare her to receive it, knowing the circumstances as I have related. I wish to rest for a short time." Miss Deorr stood hesitating, between the fear to leave her friend alone and the thought of how she could bring the subject within the mother's comprehension. Passing to Mrs. Moore's room, she gently rapped upon the door. A voice within bade her enter. "How is Alice?" was eagerly asked. 32 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE "She has been resting between her intervals of conversation/' was the reply, "and she wished me to tell you of what we have been speaking." In as few words as possible, Miss Deorr related to the mother's astonished ear the history of her daughter's experience, adding the wish she had expressed for her presence. Hurrying forward, Mrs. Moore reached the bedside of her child, exclaiming, "Alice! dear Alice! What is it you would tell me? Such conflicting emotions are more than I can bear." "Be calm, dear mother, and sit beside me. The precious moments are passing away, and I must relieve my heart of its yearnings. The message from your parents was this : 'Wealth is not all of life, it does not fill up the measure of the heart's affection, but leaves a void that crushes the brightest hopes.' To you, my mother, I leave this legacy; surely you must understand its meaning. There is a void that nothing but sympathy, association and love can fill. The one that you have scorned and turned away from your home is the only one who could bring to me that measure of happiness. Before it is too late, would you, could you, grant me the dearest wish of my life? The presence of Harry. To him I would speak once more and take my last adieu. I cannot leave TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 33 unsaid the words I have cherished for him; so deny me not, as I cannot rest." A smile of scorn wreathed her mother's lips. "Can it be that my daughter so far for- gets her pride of birth and of family as to place her affections upon one so far beneath her station ? Think better of it, my child. Cast from your heart his unworthy memory. Sooner would I lay you beneath the sod than witness such a mesalliance." "Your will is law, my mother. I will seek to gratify my wish no further. Yet I shall bear my love beyond this veil of sorrow. The spirit that pervades all sympathy will lead me to him then, though now separated by the false education which regards wealth as a barrier between myself and that true worth and manly principle that can be felt, though he does not possess his thousands. Where is Miss Deorr? I have one more request for her. A subtle change is creeping over me. The outlines of the future that I am to meet are faintly drawn upon the horizon of my destiny. It is not a sorrow, but a joy. Not the patriarchs of old, not the angels of which we have sung, not the God or Christ you have worshiped, but the parents that gave you life, are waiting to give me welcome. My hours are numbered. 34 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE Gather around my bedside after my one wish, the presence of Miss Deorr, is granted." Sadly Mrs. Moore retraced her steps, with a heart laden with remorse, for she knew she had denied the expressed wish of her only child. Feeling of caste, not truth, was the conflict that held possession of her mind. "Why! Oh, why must I drain this bitter cup to its dregs ? Mercy, the law that crowns the salvation of mankind, has failed to teach me the lesson of submission." As she entered the room she met the in- quiring look of Eemil. "She wishes your presence alone. Go, and may your words of sympathy heal the wound that circumstances could not set aside." Like a ray of sunshine piercing the gloom of a clouded sky was the presence of Eemil to Alice. "Hold your ear close to my lips. Tell Harry my last memory was for him. My last wish was that I might carry with me the image of his expressed affection. Fate, cruel fate, has been unrelenting; but the eye that sees no death has within it a prophetic vision. This is to you dear, a secret. He soon will follow, and together in spirit we can realize the asso- ciation that earth has denied us. See" — as the red stream oozed from her lips — "my time has TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 35 come. Call " These were the last words uttered by the loved one. Father and mother, nurse and friends, watched with bated breath the receding tide of life. When all was over, the father prayed in a broken voice, "Thou, in Thine infinite wisdom, hast seen fit to take from us the jewel Thou hast given us ; we humbly bow in submission to Thy will. From Thee alone did the jewel come ; to Thee alone must it be returned. Thy will be done, now, as ever. Amen." Silently, with grief portrayed in every move- ment, the father and the mother left the room to seek the seclusion of their own apartment, there to pour out their pent-up feelings in a flood of tears. To Eemil was left the sad office known to all. She, with the faithful nurse and attend- ant, robed with tender hands the form of Alice. "Go, gather the sweetest flowers as an em- blem of the purity of the life that has fled. Wreathe them in fitting symbols of her life and her virtue. Pure was the stream that fed the fountain of her mind. To her the unknown is a reality." Thus speaking, Eemil placed the flowers above the brow and arranged others within her clasped hand as a token of the truth she had revealed. Beautiful was the picture in 36 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE death as in life, and now all that she could do for the loved, but not lost one, was done. She felt that time would bring the promise that Alice had so faithfully made her. "When the shadows rest upon the valley and plain, I shall listen for the message." Taking one more look, she turned from the room, not a sadder, but a wiser woman. She retraced her steps to her home, and in the privacy of her own room pondered over the message she had received from her mother, she wrote in glowing words the history that Alice had given her. To-morrow the last rites would be performed. The narrow bed, the mound of earth, would be left as a monitor to others. While pondering upon this experience, the door bell sounded with alarming distinctness. "Who can it be?" thought Eemil. "Perhaps it is Harry. Poor boy! How I pity him." A servant entered the room and presented a visiting card. Glancing, she read his name, and beneath, in penciled words, "Will you grant me an interview?" The maid was await- ing her mistress' decision. "Go, Kate, and say I will be down immediately." Entering the room she was met by Harry; his face pale, and voice trembling with emo- tion, as he exclaimed: "Can it be that fate TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 37 has been so cruel ? You know all, Miss Doerr ; to you I can speak with confidence. Alice was dearer to me than life, but now she is lost, and I can see her no more. I waited, hoping that I would be called to her bedside; but that precious boon was denied me." He reeled, then fell forward upon the floor. Startled beyond measure, Eemil rushed from the room calling upon her servants for assist- ance. One was dispatched for a physician, while others raised the prostrate form and laid it upon a couch. Life seemed to have given away. Restoratives were applied, yet to no avail. Hurriedly the physician entered. After placing his fingers upon the pulse he looked startled and perplexed. "Why is this, and what could have caused such utter prostra- tion?" he inquired. "I fear that he may never be restored, but I will do all I can, though no sign of life is visible." They worked diligently, chafing the cold hands and applying the different remedies used in extreme cases. When hope had almost fled, a shiver ran through the inanimate form, a moan, piteous to hear, escaped his pallid lips. "He is returning to consciousness, but I cannot answer for such an attack; the conse- quences, I fear, will be most serious. His 38 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE friends should be summoned to his assistance before delirium takes control of his reason," said the physician. "Friends he has none," said Miss Deorr. "Harry was an only child. Both parents are sleeping in yonder churchyard. I have known him since a wee boy. I shall take the responsi- bility of his care and comfort upon myself. The cause of his attack is best known to me. No one can sympathize with his misfortune or understand the nobility of his nature better than I. Let us hope that his illness will not be protracted, but whatever it may be, we were friends in childhood and his friend in mis- fortune I remain." Turning to a servant in waiting, she said, "Go prepare a room and have all in readiness for his comfort." After a short time the maid returned, announcing everything in order. "Peter, call assistance, then carry Mr. Leroy and place him in bed. You, doctor, do all that is within your power to assist my friend. You asked the cause of this sudden prostration. I have but one answer, — Alice. They were be- trothed, but their engagement was not ap- proved by her parents, whose proud spirits could not sanction their daughter's marriage to a poor mechanic. To-day she is lying in death, while he, poor boy, is trembling upon TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 39 the verge. What the end will be, only time can reveal. To you, doctor, I give the secret, hoping it will touch your sympathies for this, your second patient." "I will do all that medical skill can accom- plish," replied the doctor," yet I have my doubts, for certain symptoms are most alarming. With your permission I will see him again." Peter and his assistant had disrobed and placed in bed the half-conscious man. 40 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER II. ALICE MOORE AWAKENS IN HER GRAND- PARENTS' HOME. The picture of life has many colorings. Here, in a world of sorrow, the hand of time blends together many a scene. Hearts to-day are pulsating with glad realization, and to- morrow their idol lies shattered at their feet. Hope, the ideal phantom, seems the only com- fort to the wounded spirit, and at the bedside of the suffering, it ever whispers, "They will be better tomorrow." When death robs us of our friends, hope tells us, "They are happy ; their sorrow and suffering is over. Change has wrought with them a miracle of results." But we will trace with a painter's hand the reality that comes to all. While the funeral rites are taking place, we will seek the other side of the picture. Once more we will visit the home of the grandparents of Alice. In a curtained alcove on a couch of snowy whiteness lies the material form born to recog- nition through the change called death, that has taken place. Beside her with watchful tenderness, are the friends she saw in her vision. She seems unconscious, yet her breath- ing is measured and regular. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 41 A woman stands watching the process of nature's restoration, knowing that life is con- centrating in heart and brain. In waiting ex- pectation, the mother of Eemil sits at the foot of the couch. Well she knows the crisis is past, and with health again restored, the vital current will be no more disturbed by the action of discord. Health and happiness will be the sure reward. There is no weeping over the birth of Alice, no sadness over the few days that must intervene before she will be able to take her place among the scenes and associations of her new home. No shadow can darken her on- ward progress, but to her will come the gradual recognition of the destiny of human events. The grandparents converse quietly while watching the scene that is being enacted in the home of their child, as seen through a sensitive reflector. Within their room are the parents of Alice, the mother draped in the habiliments of mourning. Weak and trembling, she falters the few words that necessity compels her to speak. The hearse is at the door, and carriages stand in waiting. Friends are in readiness to accompany them to the church, where the funeral service is to take place. While they are on the way, we will precede them. Here, too, have loving hands expressed the affections of the heart. Beautiful flowers 42 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE decorate the altar ; bouquets, arranged here and there are fitting symbols of the springtime of life. The minister, the Rev. Holden, awaits their coming. His Bible lies open before him, the choir is arranged in position, and all things are covered with a mantle of gloom. Slowly comes the measured tread of those bearing the casket, which is gently placed upon the rest. The mother and father take their places at the head, while those nearest in friendship are seated at the foot. When all is in readiness, silence prevails, and in measured tones the funeral service is read, followed by a song appropriate for the occasion, and accompanied by the deep toned organ, whose notes accord with the feelings of friends and mourners. As the last strain ceases to echo through the church, a prayer is offered to Him, the Father of the fatherless, and the comforter of those that mourn, asking that he will receive the quickened spirit into the arms of His great love. Words of consolation by the reverend speaker are offered to the weeping parents, re- peating these words : "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth; blessed be the name of the Lord." Invoking a blessing upon all, they prepare to consign the form of the loved one to her last resting place. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 43 While the grandparents were .watching this scene of earth the subtle elements of effect were operating through the frame of Alice. Moving, she uttered the word, "Harry." The quiet is broken. "The scene is over, the drama played and, now for the sequel," said Mr. Layton. Then turning to the woman who had her in charge he asked, "How is our little pet progressing?" "It will require one more magnetic thrill to arouse her to the consciousness of her sur- roundings," she replied. "She has spoken the name of him that was last in her thought as the vibration of effect receded to its center. Within this result is embodied one of the grandest problems in nature. Here we see a representation expressed, not a death, but a perfecting individuality, a continuation of the life begun on earth. Soon memory in all of its varied measures will pulsate through the harmony of inspiration's change; nothing lost, but all to gain. "Time, the all conqueror, will change the order of cause and effect, so that a rational understanding can be brought to bear. It is the desire of the heart, and of all progressive intelligence to attract to its center the people and friends in earth life, reaching out into the depths of change sufficiently to draw an ob- 44 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE ject to its control. There they are covered with a mantle of superstition, giving to an idol the praise due to common humanity; but the spirit of truth must exercise its power, and unveil the clouded reason of mankind. Then the scenes we have witnessed to-day will cease to take place. Not clad in the habiliments of mourning; no weeping, no pointing to a God, a Christ or a Heaven, but a confidence in the power that is expressed through invisible cause to guide, govern and control each change as it takes place in the order of time." "My daughter is bowed in grief," said Mr. Layton, "and has nowhere to look for com- fort, no reality to control the measure of effect to balance the reason, and reveal the truth. She looks upon her separation from Alice as a void that cannot be filled. Her teaching has been what so many others have received, that her child is separated beyond the power of recognition or return. Death they look upon as an enemy that takes their loved ones through the silent portals, where no voice can answer back in response to their wails and tears of mourning. "It has been said and oft repeated, 'They have passed to that bourne from which none can return/ Death leads out into the darkness, no ray of light penetrating its gloom to show TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 45 the path which their feet have trodden. This picture has been impressed upon the human mind from pulpit and stage ; it has been taught in the family circle, and portrayed in vivid colors from generation to generation, until death is counted the greatest disaster that can occur." "Yes," said the healer, "through the influ- ence of the teachings of the past, death is so regarded, but the reality is beautiful to con- template. We see here to-day a representa- tion of the power of nature's law, and how this bud of promise came to bloom in the garden of nature's repose. Her life will be filled with the measure of almost sublime reality. A few more notes of discord, then the instrument can be tuned to perfect harmony." Placing her hand over the region of the heart, a subtle thrill infused the vital centers, the effect being to restore Alice to a more natural condition. Seeing this, the healer withdrew. Her eyes opened, and recognition rested within their depths. A faint smile wreathed her lips, while a pleased expression passed over her face. "You are here. It must all be true," she said in a satisfied tone. Mrs. Deorr came to her side and looked down upon her in glad recognition; stooping, 46 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE she gently kissed her brow, saying, "I will leave you now to the care of your grand- parents." Days passed away and each one brought to Alice a measure of restoration. In the associ- ation of friends, in the contemplation of the life before her, and in the memory of the past, her time was filled and her senses quickened. Turning to her grandmother one day she said : "Would it be possible for me to see the scenes of earth, the home of my parents, and to know what has become of Harry? My past experience has not been a dream. Its reality is vividly impressed upon my mind. While restoration is assuming control, it teaches me I am the same. Death, or what they call death, has only broken the union of association there, and reunited here the former ties of affection. Would that my parents could know the truth. Yet, I feel that the seed was sown, an impres- sion made, and that to them can come the knowledge. What say you?" "My child," was the reply, "you have di- vined the truth. The superstition of your parents must be overcome through the changes that time is constantly producing. Instead of darkness they must seek the light. When that takes place, the veil will be lifted, the same cause will reach each one and every household. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 47 Joy will take the place of sorrow, and reason must overcome the false teachings that an all powerful Being rules and guides the destiny of time. "You will visit the home of your childhood, and there unite the chain of loving association ; and by your presence, remove all doubts." "That will be an object worth striving for," answered Alice. "I know they consider my loss beyond reparation. Being their only child, they centered their more than affection upon me, and the possibility of the blending of association will brighten each coming hour." "Do not think, my child, that you can win that victory without a struggle," impressively said Mrs. Layton. "There is much for you to learn before the object can be accomplished. You understand the prejudice of your parents against the idea of any communication between the two planes. The church holds the ascend- ency of power through all branches of control, and its effect is to crush and mislead all thought of such a possibility." "Yes," slowly replied Alice, "I understand that is the case. Whenever this subject was discussed at home, my parents would express themselves most emphatically as opposed to the truth of such a communication. Yet I feel that great as the obstacle may be, there is power in the intricate resources of nature that 48 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE can overcome it. When and how, is more than I can tell." "You are a child, controlled by natural in- spiration that impresses upon your sensitive brain what is termed the spirit of prophecy," answered her grandmother. "Your thoughts reach out and unite with the chain of cause and effect. The result to you will be a wide range of observation and power to execute." "My first ambition is to witness the scenes that are transpiring in the association of home and friends," said Alice. "Home, I say, for to me it is hard to realize that the boundary has yet been crossed that will hold me here; I cannot feel that the chain of sympathy is broken. It is more like taking a journey to, and witnessing the scenes of, a tropical clime. Here, as I sit, I can look out and witness the varied expressions of nature, as they change according to light and shadow produced. The busy hum of voices are within hearing, and the warbling of the feathered songster is the same that greeted me that last morning in my own home. My coming is to me a mystery. My mind is crowded to overflowing with what has taken place." "You have entered the arena of a broad ex- perience, my dear child," replied Mrs. Layton, "but recuperation must be perfected in all of TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 49 its relations, e'er you will be equal to the efforts before you. The time that necessitates your restoration will be passed to-morrow at 10 o'clock; then you can visit the gardens with me, also take a short drive in the country." "Oh!" said Alice, "that will be a pleasure indeed. I feel as a little child just entering a school to learn the first a, b, c of life." "This is a school where the law of nature and intelligence can be analyzed," was the reply. "Labor is one source of physical satis- faction. Here is blended the association of natural research. A practical test of an in- vention will be made to-day, which we will witness as soon as you are able." "Invention !" exclaimed Alice, "can it be pos- sible that inventions are produced here?" "Why not ? Is there not as much intelligence expressed here as there? Have not the capa- bilities of natural inventors of your plane been intensified by their change from that life to this? Yes," continued Mrs. Layton, "inven- tions take place here as well as there. The only difference is that here woman takes an active part in the finer complications of the machinery. The one that we shall visit I am associated with, giving one-hundredth part of its proportion. It belongs to the mental, colos- 50 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE sal form, that requires thirty-six operators, or inventors." "Why ! grandmother, you astonish me more than I can express. If memory serves me right, you manifested no such genius in your earthly home." "That is true," was the sad reply, "for there I was bound by the fetters of mental control. I thought that all such things belonged to man and his Maker. If my mind had been free to act, my natural inspiration holding control would have produced a full measure of results. Thus my life would have been prolonged, and there, as well as here, I should have been recog- nized as one of the inventive geniuses of the age. "Through the influence I have just men- tioned, we lose the best part of our intelligence and design, thus a vacuum is caused, the result of which is to produce sickness of two classes, one debilitating the body, the other the mind. As you unite with the association here, it will enable you to understand my meaning. We have lectures upon the philosophy of life, and the science of nature. We have the privilege of general discussion, also demonstration, por- traying the exact representation of the evolu- tion of form." "Evolution!" interrupted Alice, "Do you TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 51 recognize that as a science? Why I attended a lecture upon that subject, which seemed in- comprehensible to me, it failing to leave any impression of truth upon my mind." "The reason of that, Alice, was, the subject under control had only an indistinct idea of the question and its magnitude. It will be more thoroughly understood in time.' , "Hark!" exclaimed Alice, "I hear voices." "Yes," was the reply, "there are some guests expected at this hour, Mrs. Deorr and the parents of your betrothed, Harry Leroy. They are coming to make your acquaintance, know- ing that you will be able to receive them. Be- sides, you need the strength of the association that they will bring." The silvery chime of the door bell was heard, and Mrs. Layton arose to give them welcome. Social greetings were exchanged as she led them to her grand-daughter. Introductions were given, and an hour was spent in pleasant conversation. As they arose to leave, Mrs. Leroy said, "We are glad to receive you in our midst, and will expect you to return our call as soon as you are strong enough." "Certainly," answered Alice, "I anticipate great pleasure in your acquaintance." Mr. and 52 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE Mrs. Leroy then withdrew, leaving the three ladies together. "My coming to-day, dear Alice, has not been altogether without a necessity," remarked Mrs. Deorr. "There is something I wish to show you respecting your earth-friends." "I would be only too glad to receive any news of them," was the reply. "In order that you may more fully under- stand, I will now show you a scene that is transpiring there." Rising as she spoke, Mrs. Deorr took from the table an instrument and placed it in front of Alice, who exclaimed, "Oh, this is the same! Then I do remember correctly !" Mrs. Deorr adjusted its magnet, united the chain, and the scene was before her. "This is the home of Eemil, my daughter. Now we will enter." Passing through the hall, a door at the right was standing ajar. "Oh, oh, what suffering ! Can it be that that emaciated form is Harry Leroy? What de- vastation a few days have accomplished!" she murmured, as she bowed her head and the im- pulse of loving association was produced. By the bedside sat Eemil, watching with tender care, anticipating the wants of the suf- fering man. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 53 "Listen," explained Mrs. Deorr, "in a short time he will be with us, so you may prepare to meet him. He will be received at his parents' home, they being aware of his coming. With my best wishes I will now leave you, as I have an engagement for the evening." Alice sat in wondering silence, conning the incidents of the past and wondering what that experience would bring to her. She could not feel the sadness that pervades the mind of those on earth who witness the suffering of friends. A sweet sense of peace blended with hope infused her being; while she anticipated once more meeting the idol of her affection, and realized that no obstacle would intervene between them. All of pain that she felt was in the knowledge of the suffering he was passing through. To-morrow, she thought, the neces- sity for my seclusion will be overcome. I know my strength is increasing. My mind be- comes clearer and clearer. "Only a little longer," a voice whispered, "and all will be well." 54 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER III. THE SICK CHAMBER OF HARRY LEROY. The physician, followed by Miss Deorr, entered the room to which Harry had been carried. Bending over him, he carefully noted the rapid beating of the pulse, while the swollen veins seemed almost ready to burst with their pressure. Looking up, he said, "Brain fever." There was no recognition expressed by Harry; only a moan told of his suffering. "I fear," said the doctor, "we have a case which will require our strictest attention and most careful management. I would advise a professional nurse to assist you, and will leave a soothing draught that you may give him as often as once in every half hour. The utmost quiet must be observed. Use your own judg- ment as far as care and nursing are concerned. You must have assistance at your command, as delirium probably will assume a violent form." The hours came and went, and days passed, while Eemil watched the fluctuating tide of life. Not once had Harry recognized her, or any of his attendants. He constantly called the name of Alice, and begged to see her once TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 55 more. At other times he would rave in wild- est delirium, living over the scenes of the past, in which the parents of Alice were most deeply censured. With Eemil there was no hope of his recovery. She remembered the dying words of Alice, although not then realizing they would so soon be fulfilled. This was the tenth day since prostration took place and his symptoms were most alarming. His delirium had given place to a glimmer of reason. "I hope consciousness will return long enough for me to repeat the message of Alice," mused Eemil. "Poor girl! Poor boy! A sad scene in the drama has been played. False teaching as to what constitutes true nobility has been the cause. Soon the closing scene will be enacted, as the physician has certainly given up all hope of his recovery." While thus pondering she was startled to hear her name pronounced by Harry. "Is there anything I can do ?" she answered. "Yes ; can you answer the question I asked ? Did she ask for me in the last moments of her life and did they scorn my presence, and refuse her last request?" "Do not talk," said Eemil, "you are weak. You have had a severe illness, and have been unconscious for days. I think you have not at any time realized your situation." 56 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE "My last memory was of our meeting in the parlor," returned Harry. "My first thought was of the question then asked. Knowing that my hours are numbered, I would express my last wish, and what I say must be said at once. I am alone, with but few friends to mourn. Place me beside my parents and commend my soul to the Father of all." "There is one thing," quietly responded Eemil, "a message was left you by Alice. She said, Tell Harry he was last in my thought and memory/ There was much in the ex- perience of her last sickness that was a proof positive of a future existence. The veil was lifted while the beautiful beyond was portrayed to her vision. I will, through sympathy, com- mend you to the care of your parents, and the loved ones that await your coming." "Can that be so ?" exclaimed Harry. "Does my Alice stand at the portal ? Do the parents that memory holds dear await to welcome me? And you, my more than friend, have you proof that this is a truth?" "Yes, Harry, my full confidence is centered upon that reality. Soon I shall expect the re- turn of Alice to verify my belief." "Return!" interrupted Harry. "Can that be?" "Yes," was the reply. "There is no road TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 57 which our footsteps tread but admits of a re- turn. Obstacles there may be, though none so great but they can be overcome. Love, the magnet that attracts friends, will bring her back to me, not to dwell as in the days that are past, but to prove she has a thinking, reason- ing existence." "A beautiful light has dawned. The burden is lifted, and I rejoice to go," said Harry. "There is nothing to lose but all to gain. Fear of what we call death has always haunted my mind. It seemed like stepping out of light into a dark abyss, with no one to guide the freed soul in its wandering. What you have said has bridged that gulf and taken away the feeling of loneliness. As you have said before, a road which we travel should also admit of re- turn. If that is so, we will watch over your welfare, and guide your feet into paths per- fumed by the essence of affection." "I fear you are exerting yourself too much," anxiously said Eemil. "Rest, and then if there is any wish you feel like expressing, tell me, and it shall be granted." "There is one. It will require the assistance of legal counsel. To you I owe all. To you my all shall be given. Would it were more." "What I have done for you," she answered, "we owe to each other as brother and sister in 58 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE this great world of sorrow. Have you no rela- tives?" "I have only one," was the reply, "a distant cousin. She is a widow, living in the far West." "Do not think that I fail to appreciate your intentions," said Eemil, "but I have plenty and shall never know want. What I have done for you will ever be a source of satisfaction, and it will help to cheer my hours of waiting before I, too, am called to meet my loved ones. Leave to your widowed relative what you would bestow upon me." "Your wish is law," replied Harry. The twilight was resting upon the valley, and the silence of repose seemed to infuse all sur- roundings. A few friends had called and were watching the ebbing life of their young companion. Sadness pervaded every heart. The light was fading from his eyes, and the form once so active, was fast becoming still. Soon the narrow bed would be all that was left to them but memory. While the subtle cord is being severed, and the vibration receding to the balance of form, we will precede the result, and visit the home of Harry's parents. It is situated at the base of a low range of hills, in a little sequestered nook and is a veritable paradise of peace. A The Home of Harry's Parents. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 59 little brook sings its daily song as its rippling waters glide away in the distance. Within friends are assembled waiting for the advent of the dear one, whose earth-scenes are closing, and whom nature will soon place within their midst. A cot is placed in the center of the room; around it a curtain is drawn, which completely hides it from view. One of the number is directing the object to be attained. Seats for the ladies are ar- ranged in a half circle, and opposite for the gentlemen a like position. While the one stands with a hand resting upon the table near by, silence pervades the room. The ticking of the clock gives the number of passing moments. A slight sound is heard; the director stepping forward, parts the curtain, and ex- claims, "He is here." The ladies arise and withdraw, leaving Harry to the care of the gentlemen. "We must now proceed to the work of res- toration," continued the one who controlled the result to be accomplished. After drawing the curtain aside, he places his hand over the region of the heart, and also upon the vital center of effect, which is at the base of the brain, and feels a slight thrill that pervades the form of Harry. "Nature is answering to the touch," he announces. 60 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE Thus they watch each passing change, noting the measure of respiration, also the increase of pulsation while the natural warmth is in- fusing body and brain. "This utter prostration denotes the suffer- ing that the physical body has passed through, and the chemical effects that are produced in the oft repeated changes in the medicine given," explains the director. "It will require twenty days of seclusion, with only a few friends ad- mitted, for the full measure of restoration to take place." Once more placing his hands upon Harry, a greater effect is produced. Motion is thus established. "The next will be to unite the vibration of sound," he says. "Now we have motion which produces warmth, pulsation, cir- culation, vibration and life; and the union of vibration will produce the sound desired. The first word he utters will be the last one ex- pressed in earth-life." Silently they watch and wait for the incom- ing tide of life, that life being the power brought to bear to restore their child to health and gladden their home with his presence. Years have passed since the change was made that placed them beyond the power of caring for their little one. They know his memory of them is only from that which TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 6l friends have related to him, he being too young to retain their image. His education has been such that it has debarred the inclination to seek to prove the possibility of a return. Often have they sought to reach him, yet ever failed, as through the influence of unbalanced control strangers received the message, not knowing where to place it, or to whom it belonged. Through this result, darkness obscured the way, and blindness has failed to perceive its truth. Whereas, by the recognition of the continuation of life, the burden would have been lifted for many a suffering one and the current of all sorrow been changed to joy. Bitter, sometimes, had been the experience of Harry; but now not the "king of terrors," but a law, natural in its results, has placed him within their house and home, where their watchful tenderness can bring to him the soothing balm so sorely needed. Restoration was steadily increasing through the ministra- tions of natural effect. His lips move, and he faintly utters the name of "Alice." "This is as it should be," says the director. "The union of assimilating relation on this plane is made. What pride and position sepa- rated on earth, change will unite here in the harmonies of life. As soon as consciousness is fully restored, it will be necessary to sum- 62 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE mon the young lady to his bedside. This asso- ciation will do much toward perfecting the change." The sound of voices seems to arouse Harry. Opening his eyes, he gazes in wistful expecta- tion from one to the other, sighing, "Not here?" The director, divining his meaning, quietly answers : "Not here, but waiting." "Where am I?" questions Harry. "You are in the home of your parents," is the reply. "This is the father that waited to receive you ; and your mother is near to claim your recognition." Harry gazes upon his father as if trying to recall his image to mind, but fails, as his parents had passed away when he was too young to remember them. His strength is rapidly in- creasing as the vital current pulses through heart and brain ; a conscious realization of those around him becomes more and more apparent, though weakness admits only of broken sen- tences. Placing his hand in that of his father, he breathes a deep sigh of content as he says : "We are united and the continuation of the blessing of life is for all." "Yes, my son," is the answer, "the blessing of life is for all." TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 63 "My mother, where is she?" is the next question. "She is waiting in the next room, and will immediately come to you," said he. There is a light footstep and his mother is bending over him, her face illuminated with love, and he meets her look with one of happy contentment, saying, "It must be so ! Father, mother and Alice. How could I ask for more ?" "I will now retire and leave him in your care," said the director to Mrs. Leroy. "All is done that necessity requires. Such a scene is not new to you, nor are its results a mys- tery. Admit a few friends whose associations will be beneficial. As his strength increases, and mind becomes more active, let your con- versation be such that it will prepare him for the realities before him." Bidding them a kind adieu he departs. Note — This scene is an outline of what takes place with the millions who awaken to the consciousness of the change they have made. It is a problem that only science can fathom. There is no mystery too deep for the human mind to penetrate, and what is known upon the next plane of progress can also be taught and understood here upon this plane. It will be to every one a stepping stone that will take them away from dread and fear; they will know when longevity is filled, — the birth of continuation is their law, and the awakening is their inheritance. 64 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER IV. THE CONFLICTING THOUGHTS OF MRS. MOORE. After the death of Harry Leroy the broken- hearted Eemil went to her room and gave vent to her pent-up feelings. Life to her had been one of sunshine; naught had come to mar the aspirations of her mind, but now she had been called upon to part with two of her dearest friends, Alice Moore and Harry Leroy. Drawing toward her the record she had transmitted to paper, she read again the mes- sage from her mother. Sweet, indeed, were those cherished words. A thrill of light seemed to penetrate her whole being. Raising her eyes, she discovered two forms standing before her. With faltering voice she asked, "Who are you?" One said, "My dearest child, I am your mother." "And I," said the other, "am the mother of Harry Leroy. I come to thank you for your kindness to him, and also to unite the blessing of human relations. My time is brief; what I say must be said at once. My child, my treas- ure, is a member of our house and home. Safe within our care, he soon will be nursed back to health and happiness." One said, "My dearest child, I am your mother." "And I," said the other, "am the mother of Harry Leroy." TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 65 While speaking the form faded from Eemil's sight, but her mother still remained. She tenderly said, "To you, my child, I come. I watched over your childhood with a mother's loving care, yet ever failed to reach your plane of life, so that you could recognize me. My time, too, is short, and what I say must be said quickly. Tell the parents of Alice Moore it is not far distant when they can see and understand her position, and to you, my child, the promise she made shall be fulfilled. "Tell your father what you have seen and heard. It is necessary that he, too, should understand there is no death, no darkness, only that which veils the perceptions of mortals. " Like a vision she faded from sight. Stunned, bewildered, Eemil exclaimed: "Could I have been dreaming? No, that is impossible. My senses were only quickened by their presence. Each sentence is stamped upon my brain, while memory holds it fast. Can it be the veil of uncertainty is being lifted, and the gulf spanned by friends, anxious through the love they manifested in earth-life towards us, their children? What a beautiful light has dawned from that other side, filling my soul with a peace that never rested there before, and inspiring me with the longing to 66 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE seek farther into the realities that I know exist. Why have our lives been clouded with so much uncertainty ? Why have the mists of past ages shut from our sight the visions of that far off shore? Yet, can I say it is a far off shore when its inspirations filled the soul of Alice with its beautiful realizations, with the picture of home and friends, breathing within her sensitive being the love that each one mani- fested ? "The message for the parents of Alice, how can it be delivered? The obstacles that in- tervene seem greater than can be overcome, yet I will be true to the trust, for through it I see a great good can be accomplished. True it will arouse a spirit of antagonism at first, but in union there is strength, and those that have intrusted me with the message can and will assist me to accomplish it. It has lifted a burden from my heart, a doubt that has rested there from childhood. Though never expressed by me, this thought has often arisen within my mind: 'Can this be all there is of life, all there is of intelligence, and all there is of happiness ?' But time has brought many changes, and, through those changes, taught me the most beautiful lesson of my life; and willingly will I impart it to others. When the last sad rites are performed for Harry, then TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 6? all will be done that friends and sympathy can accomplish. Yet I know that added work will follow the return of Alice to me. I shall listen at the appointed hour with full expectation, feeling confident her message will be received. What heart history it will reveal to Alice and Harry. Death uniting what life had separated. Oh ! could my soul but be lifted into the realms of inspiration, so that I could breathe forth the intensity of my feelings !" Thus Eemil pondered, until a low rap upon her door warned her that some one sought ad- mittance. Opening the door she beheld the mother of Alice, pale and trembling with the emotion she could not conceal. Sobbing, she moaned, "Can it be, can it be? Oh that I could call back those fearful hours! Would that I could undo what fate seemed to compel me to perform. But it is too late, too late! I have come, dear Eemil, to see if you could breathe into my saddened heart one ray of con- solation." "Let me assist you to a seat, Mrs. Moore, and while you are resting perhaps we can find the silver lining to this cloud of sorrow." "Oh Eemil ! Dear Eemil ! How can you be so cheerful under this weight of affliction? You look as if an angel had visited you and revealed to you the pearly gates of Paradise. 68 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE Would that I could see my Alice once more! Yet that can never be. 'The cup is drained to its dregs,' and I am left alone." "Be calm, Mrs. Moore," replied Eemil. "Drink this wine, and I will tell you my ex- perience, and why I cannot feel like mourning for those who have so silently left us. Do not think I rejoice, do not think I do not miss their presence. They were the dearest friends of my childhood, and the nearest to me in our social relations. The die is cast, and we must submit to the inevitable, yet this great sorrow can bring to us some beautiful lessons." "Oh, Eemil!" returned Mrs. Moore, "what can you mean? Surely you do not place any confidence in the delirium of the last hours of my child. Do not be misled. It would be like building your house upon the sands to believe the delusions of a dying girl. Do not lose sight of our anchor of hope — Christ, and His redeeming grace. In Him alone can we hope to receive pardon for our transgressions. Faith in Him is all that I have to sustain me." "I know we have been taught as you have said," replied Eemil, "yet it seems like placing our confidence in a phantom that is always fleeing before us, ever keeping beyond our reach. To me it is a vague, uncertain picture ; revealing nothing, yet asking all. You speak TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 69 of the delirium of Alice. Why so call it? Reason remained as long as there was life to express it, and what she saw and revealed to me had truth stamped upon every line. If we look for happiness, must not that happiness come to us through a real existence, — exist- ence being governed and controlled by natural law the same as we see expressed here ? What else could form those beautiful homes ? What else could originate the bosom of earth for them to rest upon? What else could call to- gether the loved ones she saw? Her picture was vivid, her ideal a satisfying reality. Yet, that is not all ; more has been added to strength- en the foundation of my structure. Since entering my room, and while reading over the message from my mother, I realized that some one was standing near me. Looking up, two forms met my gaze, one claiming to be the mother who gave me birth, the other — can you bear it? — was the mother of Harry Leroy! Do not think they were phantoms produced by my watching over his sickness and death. There was no sadness in our parting. He fully realized the call and waited calmly for his re- lease. Here is where we must seek for the silver lining to this cloud of sorrow. First, in realizing they live and hold a conscious exist- ence; second, in understanding the home they 70 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE have reached is filled with the full measure of their happiness that is as real to them as ours is to us, such as is natural to our being. The association of friends, the union of parents, and still more, a broad field of useful endeavor lies before them. "To me, what I have gained is more precious than words can tell, but the best of all is the promise made to me by Alice. If what she saw proved a truth, she would come to me at the twilight hour, and whisper these words, 'All is well.' Also my mother bade me repeat to you these words, The time is not far distant when you can see and understand the position of Alice.' And I would add, what the change from this life to that has brought to her." "Mystery upon mystery!" gasped Mrs. Moore. "Why have you revealed to me this delusion? Surely you place no reliance upon such an unreal representation? I fear me, Eemil, you are losing your senses. Your days of watching have unbalanced your sensitive brain and caused you to see what you saw, and feel as you do. It would be no joy to me to know that my early teachings were false. The inheritance of my forefathers is mine! As they believed so do I." "It is well, Mrs. Moore," returned Eemil. "Yet I feel that the past and what it has re- TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 71 vealed, the future and what it will reveal, will cause you to look upon this subject in a dif- ferent light, and enable you to welcome your daughter in all the wealth of a mother's love. "What greater proof," she continued, "could we have than to see and recognize the ones that death has called away from us? There is no beauty to me in the picture of a Christian heaven. There is no grandeur in the idea of a golden prison. There is no happiness in the thought of one eternal sameness, and no no- bility in the abject worship that is demanded of us. The light that has dawned has filled my soul with a desire to fathom and unveil the future and bridge the chasm that has been, and is the barrier between them and us. Of what that barrier consists is more than I can tell, but truth, and truth alone, can win the victory. It seems as if I could look forward with prophetic inspiration and see the brighter day that is dawning for all humanity." "My dear, your silver lining has only brought to me confusion," replied Mrs. Moore. "It is my prayer that you will soon be made to see the right again." Rising, she made a motion as if to go, yet looked wistfully at her friend. A half-formed sentence was upon her lips. Divining ner 72 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE meaning, Eemil asked, "Would you like to see Harry?" Leading the way, they reached the room wherein lay the form of the once strong, joy- ous, active youth. Passing to his side, Eemil drew the covering from off the face. Peace was written upon it, and a smile had left its impress, as if only sleep held him within its embrace. Kneeling, Mrs. Moore gazed and wept in an agony of grief, uttering a plaintive prayer for forgiveness; not to him, the one who has suf- fered, but to the Father that she deemed all powerful. Rising, and taking a last look, she left the room, and returned to her home, where, in the seclusion of her own apartment, she could give vent to her overcharged feelings, and re- view her conversation with Eemil. Many were the thoughts that passed through her mind, as she weighed in the balance the ideas that were so much at variance with the church and its teachings. While thinking, a subtle change came over her; its meaning she could not understand, yet it lifted the burden of gloom, and left her free from the fetters that bound her. Light seemed to pierce the darkness, and joy unex- pressed pervaded her being. "What can it TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 73 be? What can have the power to so change my feelings?" she exclaimed, "unless it is the loving sympathy of those that are watching over me? Can it be that the words of Alice are true, and the vision of Eemil a reality? If so, the subtle cord must be touched, and their loving sympathy overcome my sorrow. Yet, how can I give up the teachings that have seemed so grand and beautiful ? Never before has my faith been shaken. I will ponder it well, trying to analyze the problem of life. I surely have a right to know if my child still lives. "Eemil I can trust. Whatever idea she ex- presses will accord with her firm convictions of right. Her explanations stunned and be- wildered me. I feel that I was abrupt in my answer, but fears for her sanity possessed me; but if it is possible for me to receive my child back from those echoless shores, may time speed the day that will bring her to me. Thoughts crowd my brain that never found a resting place there before. From whence does this inspiration come? Not from the teach- ings of the church, for in them we find no such comfort." Thus she lived over the incidents of the past, uniting them with the present. Hope whispered to her heart, "Perhaps all wrong can be righted. The spirit of con- 74 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE demnation does not blend and unite with the terror that I felt. Fear, cruel fear, has per- vaded my mind. Fear that I had sacrificed my acceptance, and been condemned for my error. "Eemil, if she could but know the peace that has come to me. From calm contemplation I too feel as though I had found the silver lin- ing." Glancing at the little clock, she thought, "This is the hour I was to meet the Rev. Holden. He was coming to pray with me in my great sorrow. What can I say?" A ring at the door bell announced his arrival. Silently she entered the room where he was seated, and gave him a quiet welcome. "I have come to talk with you, my sister, and also to ask our heavenly Father to support you in this, your great affliction," was his answer to her greeting. "I know your faith is founded upon a rock, and Christ is your anchor." "I understand your meaning," replied Mrs. Moore, "but many conflicting thoughts have come to me since parting with my only child. As you have said, I thought my faith was founded upon a rock, but this blast that has swept over me has aroused a spirit that I did not know I possessed. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 75 "One question I wish to ask you. Why was it necessary to take my child from me? She had all that could bring her happiness as far as it was possible to realize according to her circumstances; parents, friends, loving associ- ations. All of beauty and intelligence were hers. Yet the specter, death, must claim its victim. "Governed and controlled as you would say by the wise direction of an overruling Power, we have been taught that that Power extended towards His children a depth of love that we mortals cannot understand. Then why take my child, and leave many suffering ones to live out their days of poverty and toil ? I have asked the question. Can you, will you explain why it is so?" The minister gazed upon her in blank amazement. He strove to answer, but his lips seemed sealed. "When or where did you gain these ideas?" he finally asked. "Are they an outgrowth of those expressed by your daughter, on her deathbed, or has some one else been instilling into your mind these rebellious feelings? Think well before you allow yourself to ques- tion the wise dispensation of Him who governs all things. Do not allow the serpent to poison 76 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE your mind and lure you away from the holy sanctuary." To this Mrs. Moore replied : "I looked upon the ideas expressed by my child as something nearing the verge of insanity, thinking it was her disease and weakness that produced that effect. Since then, however, I have had a con- versation with Eemil Deorr, and her experi- ence has been such it could not but impress upon my mind a truth revealed. I will give you the history of her experience, if you care to hear it." "I doubt not the circumstance would be most interesting," coldly answered her pastor, "but I cannot listen to anything that would con- flict with my sacred calling, and to you, my dear sister, I would say, beware of the tempter." "You are a parent !" responded Mrs. Moore. "Loving children adorn your home. If your daughter were taken away from you, and the opportunity offered, would you not seek to understand to what she would be attracted; whether to the heaven you have pictured, or to be received by those who are nearest and dear- est in family relation ? Surely you must under- stand something of the yearnings of a mother's heart. "If light breaks through the darkness, TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 77 should we not receive it? Mystery, like a pall, has covered our exit from this life. Intelli- gence solves many a problem. Why can it not reach and solve the problem of death as it comes to us and ours?" Rev. Holden hesitated for a moment, then said : "The solution has been given through the sacrifice of Him who came to yield His life, so that redemption might be reached, un- less we deny the faith, and turn away from Him and His pleadings." "Oh would that I could reach the truth and have that truth supported by a fact discerned," exclaimed Mrs. Moore. "It seems as if I were another being; why it is so, or what caused the change in my feelings, is more than I can explain. A light seemed to reach me such as I never experienced before. A burden was lifted, while my soul expanded to the change. Firmness is a part of my moral code; I have never wavered in what I deemed right, and that is why I explained to you my feelings. I could not unite with you in prayer and receive your counsel, until I had relieved my mind." "Mrs. Moore!" ejaculated the minister, "I feel you are treading upon dangerous ground. Do not let the wiles of Satan overcome you. The holy scripture holds the warning; think well of it, and when you have returned again 78 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE to your Father's house, I will meet you in prayer, and plead for your forgiveness. Seek no further to solve what is not for us to know. God holds the key to all ; to Him must we turn for help and guidance. I will retire to my study, there to prepare my sermon in fervency and prayer. Do not fail to attend our service, for I feel that I can overcome the doubts to which you have succumbed. Your faith has been shaken by affliction. Farewell for the present," and he turned away. As he passed out a white shadow seemed to glide before him. Mrs. Moore looked with wondering astonishment, and recognizing an early companion, she held out her hands and exclaimed, "Mabel! Mabel!" The figure turned and cast one wistful glance toward her, and she heard a soft whisper saying, "The day of recompense is here." Mrs. Moore sank back in affrighted amazement, as the past came to her with overwhelming conviction. "It was my pastor, then, that crushed and blighted that beautiful flower, until it went down into an early grave," she exclaimed. "In what has prayer ever availed the human race or relieved the miseries of mankind ? And yet the church spires are pointed upward all over the land, and praying Christians are pleading for special favors. Away with such cant and 'The day of recompense is here." TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 79 such hypocrisy ! I am a free born woman, and the realm of nature is my storehouse of knowl- edge. My soul seeks for the grandest un- foldment of human power. No prayer shall ever again pass my lips. No slavish bigotry shall ever invade my consciousness. I will look to nature for my guide, and to eternal truth as my control." Note — As the reader will recognize the almost in- stant change upon Mrs. Moore, it is necessary to under- stand through what cause that change could take place. Reconstruction has been undermining the power of su- perstition for many years, and every individual stands as a magnet for its control. This is to show how the millions will change as their reasoning faculties re- turn to them. Every faculty of their being will be touched through the keynote of their intelligence and language will become to them a spontaneous effort. As nature controls the verbal forms they manifest, the scale of language will revert to its natural channels. People will be attracted to origination and to con- centration, while the home center will be the place where the union between this life and its continua- tion can take place. The mother will stand as the magnet of the house and home, the healer of the house and home and the controller of the house and home, and her life work will be to unfold the beautiful process through which na- ture multiplies the millions. 80 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE I CHAPTER V. THE MEETING OF HARRY AND ALICE. Quietly the hours passed, while nature was equalizing every function of body and brain, subject to natural control and individual power. The mother watched her sleeping boy, while her heart beat with gladness over his restoration to her. She knew that the world of mind held greater things for him to ac- complish than the world of matter under present conditions could realize. She thought upon the happiness which his association with Alice would bring to him, where no barrier of wealth could exist between them, and no false teachings mar their unfoldment, while each one would become a student in nature's school, and learn to comprehend the natural conditions that exist between man and woman. In this way her thoughts wandered from one plane of experience to another. She compre- hended the struggle of his earth-life, his long- ing for home and parents, and how often he had rebelled at the hand of fate that deprived him of his mother. She knew, too, there was much for him to accomplish before nature could fully recognize the transfer from the world of mind to the world of matter. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 8 1 Alice would also pass through the same range of repeating experience, both being recognized as natural born children, forced out of life before their time. As her mind wandered from one condition to another, she realized more and more of nature's immensity; and as the opposite, she realized more and more of the perversion that held sway over the minds of the millions upon the earth-plane. "When, oh! when, shall humanity be liber- ated, and nature stand as a balancing power to hold mankind to the right?" she exclaimed. "Then there will be no death, while nature's birth will open the door through which life can unite and liberty become a law. "How little the world of people comprehends the condition of those that are forced through death into the first range of experience here. When we look upon their condition, we long for the power to break the barrier which exists between us and them ; but ages have turned the scale, and through that, forced upon them ignorance, superstition, and the loss of self- control." Through her intense musing, she did not notice Harry's eyes resting upon her until he spoke in accents more clear and natural. "Mother! Oh what a world of meaning comes to me through my knowledge of you; 82 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE and that we should meet again upon a plane unknown to me!" "My child, the world of mind has vast re- sources," was the tender reply. "You are now free from the environments of circumstance, and will live to overcome what was forced upon you, while the mental field is for you to ex- plore. Your inspiration will return to the earth you left to invigorate human minds, and raise them above the thraldom of slavish in- tolerance. "Fear not, for when the days of your seclu- sion are over, you will meet the friends and co-workers in the great field of reform. Your mind will drink from the fountain of knowl- edge, while your associations will be such that it will develop every faculty of your being." As the days passed by, Harry realized more and more the beauty of his surroundings; yet there was one wish ever with him, and that was for the companionship of Alice. "I see, my son, the dearest wish of your life has not been granted," remarked his mother one day. "To-morrow you and Alice will meet while your father is attending a lecture upon the wdrld^ formation." "What joy that will bring to us, after pas- sing through this sorrowful experience, and to know there will be no parting save to meet TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 83 again," replied Harry, his face beaming with anticipation. "I am surprised at one thing, mother. I hear among you nothing of what the church teaches. Philosophy and science hold your interest, while nature's revelations are a daily companion. Why is this?" "You ask this question," said his mother; "I will answer. We have passed beyond the darkness of superstition. We have united with the plane of intellect that belongs to nature and nature's intelligence. Our minds must harmonize with the circumstances of her control. To be intelligent is our ambition, and to be natural is to be well. "Here no sickness invades the conditions of our lives, and you will stand out free upon a platform of an eternal experience. You will pass from plane to plane, from cycle to cycle, from center to center, as one among the myriads that inhabit the world of space." "Dear mother," answered Harry, in an awed tone of voice, "your words overwhelm me. Can it be that I have stepped out into the great arena of life's results? That I am a part and portion of the manifestation of human intel- lect, and a necessity in the eternal principle of change?" "It is even so, my son," was the reply, "and while you are pondering upon this fact, I will 84 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE go to prepare refreshments to correspond with your condition. My own hand will be guided through the mother love that belongs to you." "To-morrow," thought Harry, "I am to see Alice; can I realize the anticipation? It will be far different from the cold scorn I met with in her parents' home. Yet they had wealth and position, while I was young and inexperi- enced. It seemed as if my brain would burst and my heart would cease to beat when I knew that she was soon to leave the world, to be forever separated from me, and beyond my recognition. "How could I realize the grandeur of this sublime reality ? Shut out from all correspond- ence, the darkness that veiled my perception made me feel as if she were lost to me forever. I will rouse myself to meet her as best I can. How far has she recovered from the prostra- tion she endured? And I, how little there is left of the once strong man in earth-life ? Yet I feel the life currents pulsating through my .brain and body, and that nature is restoring all that disease destroyed." As the hours passed, and the to-morrow came, one faculty after another began to assert itself, and one condition after another to mani- fest, and he listened for the voice that held within itself a measure of power. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 85 As the sound of voices reached him, his mother said : "They are coming, and may you realize all that you anticipate. I will go and bring her to you. Through companionship you will be strengthened and through the ex- change of experience you will comprehend what each one has passed through. But do not fail to remember, my son, your days of pain are over, and your continuation will be cen- tered to useful work." Alice was sustained through a consciousness of self-control, and she entered the room and greeted Harry according to her natural self, while the mother left them, as we will do. She went to join the others and listen to the conversation of women from different depart- ments of art and literature. Their discussion was upon the power of transfer from a higher plane than they inhabited. Those who were connected with art, discussed the merits of their productions as they received them from the outline relations of other worlds. In listening to the varied conversation, one could but see that the knowledge expressed upon the earth-plane was far from being sci- entific. Yet the vibrations that carried their conversation to the earth's center became the inheritance of the human race there, and as 86 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE the balance of reproduction united, human progress became the result. In linking the two planes together, one could but see the result of nature's forces as she formed the conditions of intelligence for each one to attract from, until the world of mind encircled the world of matter, and mystery was overcome. As the conversation progressed, Alice entered, and joined them as a listener, until each departed for her separate home. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER VI. IN WHICH MR. AND MRS. MOORE HAVE A CONTROVERSY. The sad ceremonies were over, and two young lives had ceased to manifest. The home center was left desolate and alone, while the mourning parents failed to be comforted save through Eemil and her companionship. As Mr. and Mrs. Moore were seated in their spacious library, Mr. Moore, in his despair, said, "Why was our darling taken from us?" "I have thought much upon that question, dear husband!" said Mrs. Moore. "I have traversed the ground of right and wrong as far as my fettered mind can reach, and I have tried to fathom the conditions of the real and the unreal, of justice and injustice. My thought has been invaded by many conflicting emotions; and you will be surprised, perhaps angry, over the conclusions I have reached." "What is it, may I ask, that you have an- alyzed so completely that you could form a definite conclusion upon so important a mat- ter?" asked Mr. Moore in a curious tone. "Im- portant to us because our souls are weighed in a balance to see if we fail to reach the ultimate TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE of our Christian duties, and what we owe to our Maker and to the church." "That is one thing that I have been analyz- ing," said Mrs. Moore. "What is our duty to our Maker, to the church, and to ourselves?" "Self, my dear wife, is not to be considered," he replied. "We must bow in humble submis- sion to Him who doeth all things well !" "And so you are satisfied that the best that could have been was the loss of our darling child ? That the fatal disease that undermined her young life was sustained by the God you worship?" questioned the mother of Alice. Mr. Moore looked upon her in amazement. "What sacrilege ! How dare you utter such rebellious words!" he angrily replied. "I have always known you were strong in your convictions, and fearless in your assertions. I thought the loss of our child would bring you nearer and nearer to the Christian faith and make you stronger in the love of your Re- deemer." "I have tried," said Mrs. Moore, "to be reconciled to the one thought as you express it; but my soul rebels at the injustice. I have looked for truth and failed to find it. I have looked for justice and failed to see it mani- fested. I have looked for Christian faith and TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 89 found but a mess of pottage that savors only of deceit." "Woman! My wife, and the mother of my child, you alarm me ! Can it be that grief has turned your brain until reason has forsaken you? Think well upon the step you have taken. Repent before it is too late, and come back to our faith and to me," he commanded. "That," she replied, "can never be, as far as my association with the church and its teach- ings is concerned. The minister was here to- day, and I revealed to him the state of my feelings. I asked some questions and I had a right to their explanation. He could only warn, not explain. "As my brain awakens to the consciousness of my ability, it seems as if my eyes pene- trated the veil that hides the unseen world from us. To me, that world is one imbued with intelligence, and is an abode for progres- sive human beings. There is no city with streets of gold, that my perception can reach; there is no God that my conscience can accept ; but there are homes where the loved ones dwell, and there they study the conditions of life, and learn of nature's vastness and power. "You, too, my dear husband ! when the veil is lifted, will comprehend the same grand scene, and learn of the home that our child 90 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE united with, and you will learn of your parents, and their circumstances, and how they care for our one darling. I feel as if my mind could penetrate the vastness of the universe; and it has united with the realms of intellect to sus- tain me in this hour of my greatest grief." Mr. Moore was shocked beyond measure, and could scarcely refrain from interrupting his wife before she had finished speaking, when he exclaimed, "Wife, who has taught you these things?" "No one has taught me these lessons," was the reply. "They are mine, as an inheritance from the realm of intelligence that belongs to me. There is not one thought but what my inmost soul sanctions, and I look forward to the time when our child can return to us, and prove the continuation of her life, and her experience with those she loves as companions." "My wife, you alarm me! What am I to think? What am I to do? Where is our minister? He must come to you at once!" was all Mr. Moore could say in reply. "No! I say no!" firmly answered Mrs. Moore. "As he passed out of the room to- day, I saw Mabel Harris walking with him. She turned at my exclamation. She looked at me with her wistful eyes and whispered, The day of recompense is here/ You know TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 91 what that means. It means a life stained with the blackness of deceit and crime. It means another young life crushed and an early grave. It means her return to witness a recompense for the loss of life and self-respect. Could I listen to a prayer uttered through lips like his ? No! a thousand times no! I will go to the flowers, and, watching the unfolding process of nature's work will there read the lesson that she imparts. I will search for the great truth that will reveal to me my own life work. "Do not fetter me," she pleaded, "but leave me free to be your companion through life. Aid me in seeking for what my soul craves and my heart longs." "I must leave you now," said her husband. "I am more distressed than words can express. Give me time to think, and later you shall have my answer. Something has wrought this change in you. If your words are true, then all else is false, and we are groping in the depths of ignorance, while our lives have been shadowed with a haunting specter that only misleads and overcomes." As he left the room she sank into a chair and sobbed bitterly. She was awakening to the consciousness of the position she had taken, and knew that the church would con- demn her every movement. 92 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE While weeping thus, a voice said to her, 'Tear not, my child, you shall be sustained. Knowledge has reached you and the truth has taught you a lesson. Though the world scorns, ignorance will be vanquished, while reason will be your platform, and inspiration your guide." She looked up and a woman stood before her, with eyes that were filled with intense pity. She was tall and perfect in form, while her face beamed with intelligence. Her dress shimmered with lustre, surpassing anything that she had ever seen. Almost overcome, Mrs. Moore whispered, "Oh, Angel of light! Have you come to me?" "No, sister! I am only mortal," was the reply, "but the home and surroundings on the plane of which I dwell are called truth and knowledge, and the atmosphere is filled with the life principle that brings understanding. You, too, dear sister, shall dwell in the realm of progress, where you can beautify your being through the companionship of intelli- gence." As the last words were spoken, she van- ished and Mrs. Moore was left alone. "One more proof of the truth of my po- sition. While the beautiful, the grand and the intelligent come to me, and sustain what my TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 93 mind has conceived, I will never falter," said Mrs. Moore. "I will go and tell my husband of this last experience, that he, too, may learn through knowledge of the broad foundation nature has built for the progression and im- provement of all humanity." 94 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER VII. THE LAW OF TRANSFER. As the days passed by, Harry regained his self-possession, and united with his self-con- trol, which aided by his nobility of character, enabled him to stand as a man among men. He stepped out into nature and drank deep draughts from her inspiring fountain, and felt that it was a blessing to live. Though sadness had marred his earth-life, future joy could obliterate all the pain through which he had passed, and bring back what belonged to him. While pondering upon his restoration, to his surprise he saw two of his most intimate earth-friends approaching, Maud Leland and Mary Estella Powers. He greeted them with a warm welcome, while they manifested much delight in their meeting. After a few words were exchanged, they made known their er- rand. "We have come to ask you and your parents to a little social gathering at our home to meet the friends you have known, as they all wish to bid you welcome. There will also be a discussion upon different points pertain- ing to the change the world is passing through. The magnet power that we possess will hold speakers from a higher plane than ours, a lady They had just arranged themselves when the two stood before them. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 95 and gentleman of rare ability. We think you will enjoy the lesson, though it will be some- what in advance of your present experience." Turning, they entered the house and made their errand known to Harry's parents. "We will gladly meet with you," they re- plied. "It will be an interesting experience for our son, and he can begin to comprehend the vastness of the universe of mind and the power of human intelligence." "Harry not being very strong, will you all accompany us in our carriage?" requested his young friends. They were soon on their way to join those who were waiting in anxious expectation to receive them. "Oh, what glorious realizations!" was the thought of Harry, as he met them in the realm of peace and quiet, where health was mani- fested through every action, and intelligence was pictured upon every face. "The dream of my life is being fulfilled." They entered a hall of large proportion, and arranged themselves in what is called "a geo- metrical angle." The women stood for the return of the lady, the men standing for the same purpose in regard to the gentleman. They had just arranged themselves when the 96 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE two stood before them. Harry uttered a sound of amazement. The gentleman looked upon him, saying: "Fear not, my child, you are only learning the lessons that the book of nature holds. I am human and once lived upon the plane of sorrow that you have just left, three periods earlier than yours. I have made the journey through different ranges of education, and I come to you all to-day to make known what a higher realm and a more advanced plane has revealed to me, and the transit of what I have received must repeat to earth, and hold humanity until they comprehend their position, and the con- dition of their world, and what has caused it. "We all recognize the darkness of the past. We see what rules the comprehension of the masses, and through that comprehension only can we reach their understanding. "I received this dictation : The world you once united with, has reached the crisis of an absolute change. Watch, and see the concen- tration that will unite to make the change. While you, holding a magnet connection with that plane, must stand for the result that will take place. " The first condition to be recognized will be when two extremes meet. One we call life, while the other is designated as death, and it TWO .SIDES TO A PICTURE 97 has so ruled the results of inhuman measures, that it has become a power greater than life. " 'You will be called upon to center here, and, to center there, and you will be called upon to change the relation of your correspondence until you generate a force strong enough to counteract the ultimate from day to day until their liberation becomes a law/ "I have given you the first message which I received, and as time passes one transfer after another will unite for us to act upon. "I have come to you through a cause while you will be called upon to receive through the next scale what natural results recognize. "You must meet the magnets that will center to receive you, and repeat to them what I have expressed to you, with this added understand- ing; that they too must be received upon the plane that connects with theirs. This result must take place from plane to plane until it reaches the outer expression of the world of matter, and unites with the individual magnets that will center to receive the first to come to them. "Nature will unite with us and them. Through the vastness of her control, planets will vibrate in unison with planets, worlds with 98 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE worlds, and systems with systems, while the central sun will control nature's construction. "The dark era is closing its measures, and the sorrow that envelopes individuals will change, and joy, such as they have never known will be realized. It will be a joy such as intelligence perfects, and it will be a joy that fills every measure of their being. It will vi- brate from heart to brain and there unite the sensations that belong to human happiness and human life. What is experienced here will be repeated there. As the dark cloud disappears, and the light of aspiration fills their soul with the desire for good, pain will disappear, and prosperity such as nature recognizes will be- come their inheritance." They all listened with wrapt attention, and saw what a great work was before them. They were illumined with an intense desire to as- sist struggling humanity, and help them to live to be what health and knowledge together can produce. Silence reigned for a moment, and then the figures disappeared, not to return again until another lesson was received by them to be imparted. Note — The law of transfer is a condition that has just dawned upon the perceptive faculties of the stu- dent. It is the avenue through which nature reveals her most perfect work. It makes it possible for the TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 99 higher or more educated people to pass from one range of experience to another and impart their intelligence to those that inhabit a scale of conditions less favored than their own. In following the varied conditions that transfer rec- ognizes we see how it is possible for one condition to change another from wrong to right and from right to wrong. The more advanced, controlling the lower plane, can purify the atmosphere of that plane and make it possible for people to progress and round out of what controlled their earth-life. Here they were linked to sorrow, insanity and pain. There they rep- resent the continuation of that cause, and the multi- plicity of inhuman ills is represented. • " 100 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER VIII. ALICE APPEARS TO HER MOTHER. As Mrs. Moore entered her husband's room, she saw him seated at the table with bowed head, and an expression of sadness upon his face. Placing her hand upon his shoulder, she said: "Dear husband, arouse yourself. Do not think that I am following something that has no foundation. I have just been in conversation with a beautiful being from what we call the other world, a woman almost beyond description in form and intelligence. Yet, she stood before me as one in flesh and blood. I was not afraid of her presence, but felt awed and inspired as she revealed to me her message. "I know now that our Alice lives, ,, continued Mrs. Moore; "that she, too, is one among the millions that inhabit a grander world than this. That she, too, has the world of intelligence before her, and that one continuous round of unfolding progress is hers; and O, if I could but know that she is happy and in the com- panionship of those she loves. But the veil is lifted. The seen and the unseen have come together; the known and the unknown will TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE IOI soon unite; while time will heal the wound, and you and I can receive our own." Raising his face he looked upon her with an amazed expression, and exclaimed, "Wife! wife! Have you lost your senses, that you come with such a story to me ? All seems dark. The last hope has died out and you are drifting away from the one anchor that holds humanity to Christ and Him crucified. Is there nothing that will call you back to your faith and to your belief ?" "No ! I say a thousand times no !" she em- phatically replied. "The cloud that has en- veloped my brain has cleared away. Through that I see what superstition has brought upon humanity. It has crushed them down with an avalanche of persecution, and forced them to accept a belief in the place of a reality. The reality I have seen, in the form of the beautiful woman that stood before me, and as the future reveals the continuation, more will come to bear witness of their circumstances and of their lives. "If those who pass from this life can cross the line into a real existence, the same law will permit their return to us. Why should we shrink from that one great truth? Why should we fear those who were so dear to us? I can never again return to your faith, or to 102 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE your belief; but you, too, will see and know what I have seen, and through that the truth will come to you, and you will be happy. "There was no sadness upon the face of the one that came to me. There was no fear, but the light of intelligence beautified and ennobled every feature. I am waiting and wishing for the return of those I love, with a hope that a reunion will again take place between our- selves and those we have known. "Eemil Deorr is upon this plane of under- standing, and she also will listen for a mes- sage from Alice, while Harry will remember her and her great kindness. As my mind be- comes clearer I see the mistake that our preju- dice forced us to make, and how pride alone prompted the errors that we made. The past cannot be changed, but the future holds its redeeming cures. "Can you forgive me," she pleaded, "and will you be the same companion, knowing that I am changed but in one way? I have ac- cepted a reality in place of a belief. Will you answer me?" Doubt and fear were stamped upon his fea- tures. Faltering, he replied: "My hope is as I have said ; that you will come back to my belief, and to my Christian faith. I will give you time to ponder well upon my meaning; TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 103 so good night, and may you feel differently to-morrow." As he left her a wave of grief swept over her. "Must I," sobbed Mrs. Moore, "in accept- ing one be separated from the other? My husband seems almost relentless. Full well I comprehend his meaning; yet I feel that the light will come, and he, too, will know the truth as it exists." Seating herself she felt the utter loneliness of her situation, and she cried, "Oh Alice! Alice!" Looking up, she saw her daughter before her. The outlines were like a misty veil, while the form was the one she knew so well. Gazing, she waited for one word, but no sound broke the silence. Leaning forward, Alice looked upon her mother and faded away. "Can it be that my wish was answered? I know that it was she. Yet why could she not speak to me? But it is stronger proof that my daughter has heard the wish of me, her erring mother, and she will come again and be able to talk through better conditions. The law that holds the secret of her return will be revealed, while time will make the change and bring back to me what disease and death have overcome. "I will go to Eemil again to-morrow, and 104 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE will tell her all I have seen and heard. She will comfort me, and we can talk over the full result of the past few hours. I know she will be my friend. She has the message her mother sent her, and she is looking for the dawn of a brighter day, when truth will take the place of ignorance, and right will gain the ascendancy. "These thoughts come to me, their source I cannot tell, but my brain seems full to over- flowing. The inspiration of ages seems to crowd upon me; and yet I cannot fathom the conditions, but time, the healer, will turn the scale, and show to all the world that faith is false, and truth must ever live." Note — The law of materialization is as broad as mind and matter can control. Worlds are brought into existence and held together through materialization and proportion. The student has many avenues to explore. A conclusion cannot be formed in regard to the immensity of nature's plans. Life attracts life and people attract people; while a yearning expressed through the intense wish of another can become a magnet strong enough to reinstate the form of one that has made his or her change. Through the law of materialization all uncertainty is overcome, and as the conditions unite that control the return of people, certain magnet students will re- ceive the education necessary to impart to others the principle that governs their return to us. The law of correspondence must be recognized and through the recognition of that law we will find what degree of suffering we have reached through the divis- ion that prevents the manifestation that naturally be- longs to them and to us. Life is a philosophy, and TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 105 living is a science. There are no isms that can ex- plain the connection between them and us. We will find that through double acting measures, their return is just as necessary to our existence as our going is to theirs. The book of nature is open for all, its pages hold all that humanity needs. There is no illustration, there is no demonstration which it cannot explain ; there is no phenomena which mankind can experience but nature holds the duplicate. 106 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER IX. HARRY AND ALICE EXCHANGE IDEAS. As the days passed by, each one was filled with a sense of enjoyment and occupation. Both Alice and Harry realized the liberty that change had brought, and to them life opened one broad field of perfecting cause. They found that natural life was the ground- work upon which all conditions united, while humanity controlled the impulse of each indi- vidual. They understood that to cultivate self was what fitted them to correspond and connect with the events that belonged to them and their companions. Superstition was a thing only remembered, but not felt, while selfish greed was not known among them. There was no want, for poverty was overcome, while nature and intelligence, through genius, blended to- gether for each one's support. They were sitting in the garden surrounded by living, moving objects, and were filled with admiration, as they beheld the sublime reali- ties. In the distance were low rolling hills, while a hazy atmosphere blended with nature's picture, and a river whose depth reflected the beauty of nature's origin completed the land- scape. They looked with wonder upon nature, TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 107 striving to realize something of the vastness that she controls. Turning to Harry, Alice said : "This is more than heaven. This is the result of the grand universe of mind, as the teacher said to us. O, to think that one plane can yield its knowledge to another, that one world can unite its intelligence with another, until every- thing vibrates with a living motion and a living sensation. ,, There was a pause, and with a thoughtful look she said : "There is one thing that puzzles me beyond measure, and that is this : What is death and through what cause did it come?" "That is more than I can answer/' he re- plied. "It has been the subject of my thoughts many, many times, but each day has revealed to us as much as our minds could comprehend, while the inspiring flights of others have led us on and on, until we know that knowledge is the eternal principle of life. "You see, dear Alice, that one channel after another manifests a problem from hour to hour. As we meet together to-day the subject will be The World's Analysis, and How Germination Forms the First Condition That Controls Matter Through Mind.' Not one mind, but the untold millions of minds that 108 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE inhabit the different worlds that the universe contains. "Here we can grasp much, ,, continued Harry, "for through our recuperation, we are divided from past connections, and are linked to nature and nature's cause, while the effort has been, as the teacher says, to centralize a condition that does and will control every brain faculty, so that each one will harmonize through all associations, and through that make us students in the great school of nature's power. Her laboratory is one vast domain, while her resources are what link immensity together." "Yes," was the response of Alice, "that is what links immensity together, and holds the diversity of everything that worlds and hu- manity experience, and to think that we are standing upon what to us is our first plane of education. To-day we will read the lecture that explains through what power we can re- turn to earth, and our friends. "I must give you my experience, Harry dear," continued she. "Last evening I was sitting in my room; a drowsy sensation stole like a vague memory these words came back to me : Tear not, mother ; all will be well, for reason will gain the ascendency, and through TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 109 that each one's mind will change and unite with knowledge as it exists.' "I could not say that I saw my mother, but the day will come when she will know that life unites with life, and that children and parents will come together through the one great cause, — nature's law." "I do not doubt, my dear one, that you re- turned to your mother," said Harry. "The over me. Lying down, my consciousness seemed to leave me for a time, but in arousing, I felt as though I had seen my mother, and grief of parting will arouse a different feeling within her. She will call to you, as many others call for their loved ones that cruel fate has separated from them." "To-day we were told to again expect the teachers who represent the higher planes," said Alice. "Through our days of experience in minor lessons, we can better comprehend their subject; yet I feel that something was gained; a desire awakened, to be one that forms the center to hold control over the equalizing of our earth-home. "It is a dear old world, the one that gave us birth into the consciousness of eternal life. If it did not exist we could not be here. It is the door through which material results con- 110 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE centrate, and through which material life ema- nates. It has been marred and blotted through- out the ages of persecuting control. Blind fanaticism has torn down the moral structure, and built upon the plane of its dissolution a creed more disastrous than we can compre- hend. The result envelopes the human race like a vast cloud of perverting blindness, forc- ing it to worship at the shrine of the dead past, and ignoring the living present. But the time is here when the fetters will be broken, when the world of mind and the world of matter will unite. The cloud will disappear, and hu- manity will be rid of the condition that en- slaves them. ,, "You are right in your conclusion," said Harry. "As the inspiration of that change reaches us, we will know that a greater reality is being experienced, and that mankind is being aroused to the knowledge of what has been the cause of our sorrow, pain, and sepa- ration. A few more lessons, and I will be fitted to take my place in the great arena of natural education, and you will stand upon the broad platform of woman's greater achieve- ment. You belong to the literary side of mental unfoldment, your aspirations will be attracted from the higher planes, and you will realize the law of transfer, while your nature will be TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE III expanded through the diversity of your life work." "I can say the same to you," said Alice. "You will stand where nature places you, and since no discord will mar the success of your position, your association with people will en- noble your character and bring out the best that you attract. "We have not the turmoil of earth to meet. We have passed beyond the boundary of its sorrow, and can look back upon the conditions that hold sway over the actions of the people there. In that is our field of work ; to liberate, to educate, and control the changes that will force upon them a greater degree of happiness. We have been shielded from the shadow of that condition, and lifted above the sorrow that controls them; yet we know through past ex- perience that a change must come, and that change pertains to everything that makes and mars the results of human enterprises, until monopolies of all kinds will cease to rule the intermediate, as well as the world itself. "I see, Harry, that our teachers have ar- rived, and the pupils are coming together. I feel that our interchange of thought has brought much pleasure to us, and that it will lay a foundation for a broader field of ex- panding ideas," continued Alice, as they arose to join the class. 112 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER X. THE MINISTER CALLS UPON MRS. MOORE. SET* **'■■ The morrow dawned, and with it brought an added experience to Mrs. Moore. Meeting her husband, she gave her good morning salu- tation, expecting his usual greeting, which was an affectionate embrace, but nothing seemed to move him. He stood indifferent and neg- lectful. They entered the dining room, and found breakfast waiting. He bowed his head and thanked God that he was free from temptation, while she, in the bitterness of her sorrow, only responded through silence. When the meal was over he requested her to adjourn to the library. She knew that the time had come when she must renounce the truth and accept what to her was false in order to hold her husband's love. The thought vibrated through her brain, "Is there no way that I can convince him? Is there no proof that can come to me that he can recognize? My home has been my heaven; to be separated will be more than death. Is there no power greater than the one he recog- nizes ?" Seating herself, she waited to hear what he had to say. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 1 13 "My wife! as I still will call you," began Mr. Moore, "I have thought deeply upon the subject that you introduced to me. I remem- ber the martyrs of old, how they renounced life, liberty and happiness, and clung to Him who died to save them from eternal punish- ment. I give you one more chance to overcome your folly. If then you still cling to your in- sane beliefs, our roads must separate; our life work must be in different channels. I will fol- low my Redeemer, while you can go down with your folly." He turned and walked away, she listening to his footsteps as he passed down the hall and out into the street. "And I have come to this!" she said, "be- cause I. a woman, dare to assert a truth, and reveal to him my opinion. What the end will be only time can tell, but I will never turn from the course that my conscience dictates for me to follow. I will go to Eemil Deorr! She is true to all of her convictions, and to her I can pour out the bitterness of the present; for she is clear sighted, and will help me in the way I am to go." Dressing herself for the street she passed out of the house, winding her way to Eemil's home. As the bell rang, she heard footsteps 114 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE approaching. The door opened and Eemil stood before her. "I have come to you, dear Eemil," began Mrs. Moore, "as the only one who can under- stand my position. Can I see you in the privacy of your own room, as I must tell you of the experiences of the last few daysr" Eemil led the way, and soon they were quietly seated in her own apartment. "As I said before, I have come to you for comfort, for advice, and to tell you what I have received." Mrs. Moore then narrated all that had transpired since they had last met. She explained to Eemil her firm determination to hold fast to the truth as it had been revealed to her. "Yet to separate from my husband and home will be more torture than I can bear," sobbed Mrs. Moore. "He said, The martyrs of old gave up all.' Must I be a martyr and give up my home, and all of the joy of its possession?" Eemil sat in thoughtful silence and then said : "A little more time, Mrs. Moore, will right your wrong. I, too, have a revelation to make. Since the departure of Harry, I have sat silent and alone to hold communion with those who come to me. It has been a time of great promise, and as the future fulfills what they have said, bigotry will cease to hold control. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE II 5 Then husbands will cease to dictate, as one revelation after another comes to prove the reality of continuation. They tell me, 'We are coming nearer and nearer, and soon the veil will be parted, and the living and the living will come together!' "Say nothing to your husband for a time," said she, "but do as I have done. Meet your friends for counsel, and they will help you in your darkest hour." She then related all of her minor experiences until their conversa- tion drifted into other channels, when they saw to their surprise that the dinner hour was ap- proaching. Mrs. Moore, feeling much re- lieved, arose to bid her friend good-by for the present. She pondered well upon what Miss Deorr had told her. "I will follow her instructions, and through that, I feel sure that I can con- vince my husband of the truth of our child's return." Entering her home she found Mr. Moore awaiting her, apparently nervous and ill at ease. She gave him her usual greeting, and passed out of the room in order to gain composure to meet whatever he had to say. As the din- ner hour was announced she approached the table, to be seated in her accustomed place. Looking at her husband, she said : "I have Il6 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE been to call upon Miss Deorr. She is one of nature's noblest characters, and her presence seems to illuminate the atmosphere around one, while her intellect is beautified through the intelligence that controls her." He looked up and slowly said: "You use very strange language. Miss Deorr is an un- believer, and one with whom you can not as- sociate with my consent. Instead of purifying the atmosphere, her unbelief overcomes your faith, and makes it harder and harder for you to come back into the fold." Thus the con- versation ended, and Mr. Moore arose to go. With the same stern, unrelenting face, he left the house for his place of business. While pondering upon his relentless words, the door bell rang, and the servant announced the coming of the pastor. "May the grace of our heavenly Father be with you," he said. "I hope I find you well, dear sister." Rising, she met his greeting and extended her hand, then led the way to the parlor. She bade him be seated, waiting for him to make known his errand. "I have come to see you in accordance with your husband's wish," was the explanation of the Rev. Holden. "He is much distressed over your ideas, and I have come to labor with you TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 117 for our great cause, and, if possible, to undo what the loss of your child has accomplished." A sudden light passed over Mrs. Moore's face. Rising, she said : "I have not lost my child. She lives as I live, only she has changed from one scene to another. She will come back to me as a fulfillment of her mother's wish. "Your death will cease to be victorious, while my life will hold control and power. I shall never renounce the truth I hold. I shall never return to your church, to your creed, or to your teachings. The very atmosphere is infested with the death penalties of the past. The river of blood is rolling on, while you stand upon the rostrum, dictating a greater downfall. You say 'through death all things are accomplished/ while I say, through life all things can be overcome. I will follow the path of right. I will seek the greatest good that can come to me, and my kind. I will go to nature and there learn what law governs life and me. "Do you remember the once beautiful Mabel Harris? Why was it she passed into an early grave? Can you come to me with a soul stained with deception, and claim to be one fitted to guide and counsel? "I saw her as you passed from the room on Il8 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE your former visit. I held out my hands, and exclaimed, 'Mabel ! Mabel !' She looked upon me with the sadness of old, and whispered these words, The day of recompense is here/ "Do not come to me again with your sophis- try or your delusion, but try to rid your own soul of the dark stain upon it, and when you censure others, think of yourself and what the past has been to you. Do not think the wrongs we accomplish can be forgiven, unless we, through our efforts, undo the wrong and unite a recompense. A little prayer can never stand as a relief for human woes. The whole world is praying; and yet the vices grow greater, and the virtues less, while the spirit of Christian duty has ever been persecuting and unrelent- ing. As I said before, do not come to me with any idea of overcoming my opinions. They are founded upon a truth revealed, and I look forward to the time when I can show to you the falsehood of your position." He gazed upon her in blank surprise ; while anger was depicted upon every feature. He almost hissed these words : "You will repent of your rash assertion. You will stand con- demned before the world; and I will see you meet what you deserve. No prayers shall be uttered for your forgiveness. You have sinned away your day of grace, and the power of TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 119 forgiveness. I will leave you to your bitter reflections and to meet your fate, knowing that no punishment is too great to overcome your sin. May your retribution be all that you de- serve." He angrily left the house, while Mrs. Moore conscientiously reviewed all that she had said to him, and felt that she could not withdraw a single statement. 120 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER XL THE TRANSFER OF INTELLIGENCE FROM THE HIGHER TO THE LOWER PLANE. When Alice and Harry joined the other stu- dents, they found the subject for the lesson was to be magnet centers, how they are formed and to whom the work is to be appointed. The magnet center was composed of twelve conditions, with the center balancing magnet and the intermediate. The center balancing magnet is one that holds the manifesting con- dition, and stands for the object to be received, while the intermediate holds the manifesting condition to its center. Each one present held a program, specifying what was to be received. One received a mag- net for locating minerals; another a model showing how to connect one planet with an- other for communication, called a sensitive telephone; another one received a historical record of the past, going back to the time when the Christian era commenced; another some diagrams in astrology to reproduce in lace form the patterns for which perfecting time calls; another received independent writing through three phases, in the form of dictations in regard to aerial navigation ; while still an- TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 121 other received vocal centralization in regard to natural chemistry to be used in the subjuga- tion of ores. After receiving what belonged to them, which included the formulas relating to the work in which they were engaged, they listened to conversation on natural chemistry, deriving much benefit from the verbal illustrations given. The voice was one that was centralized from the domain of science, where nature's labora- tory is situated. This is a center where philos- ophy, science and individuals meet. It requires the continuation of many ranges of intelli- gence before a mind is able to connect with this center, and take up the multiplicity of sub- jects that nature reveals, as the inheritance that belongs to the world and her people. When the meeting closed, they returned to their own places of business to perfect as far as possible the work to be accomplished. The work is so arranged that the utmost genius of each individual is required. When they have reached their greatest possibility another meas- ure is added to their experience, which gives them the power through perception to go on with their occupation, and finish what is to be done. The graded intelligence of the ages has been filled in this way. Yet people Only saw one i 122 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE side to the picture of life, and they received from what they saw, never going beyond the result to comprehend the cause. So it is upon the world of mind; people come together im- bued with the desire to accomplish a success in both fields of enterprise — the intellectual and the mechanical. The intellectual calls together the composer, the historian and the correspondent; the me- chanical brings together the inventor and the invention, while nature, through her produc- tions, reveals to humanity the vastness of her resources. Here is where the geologist and nature meet. Astronomy reveals to the as- tronomer the vastness of space and the eternity of matter, and astrology unites with the cor- responding intelligence that constellations of human beings hold in relation one to another, and so on through the diversified power that rules the conditions of all, the mind keeps pace, while through mind motion is maintained, and human action gauged to occupation that is as broad as a world of people accomplish. The center of occupation is formed through heredi- tary causes ; one world inheriting the result of another. Through that the constellated ener- gies of life expand, contract, and change, while the constellation of human impulse keeps pace with the condition that belongs to it, and to TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 1 23 the coming ages. Thus the school of the races is centered, laboratories are built, and archi- tecture becomes a master design. As they looked upon the vastness of Nature's workshop, they saw why humanity is com- pelled to labor, and why demand and supply unite to meet its necessity. Whenever a phase is divided, there a propagation is produced. A propagation is what preys upon the life scale of the higher form, and only through the results of the dark period can propagation be- come a power. To overcome that cause is re- construction's perfecting work, while equaliza- tion will balance the scale, until freedom will be the power, and humanity a living truth. 124 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER XII. MRS. MOORE WINS THE VICTORY. As the days passed by, corresponding meas- ures united, so that the maternal line linked to the daughter's condition sufficiently to attract her to her earth-home. "I will go to my room," was the thought of Mrs. Moore, "and there await the coming of my child. It is all that will save me from what they would call 'the wrath to come.' " The sun is just sinking beneath the western horizon, and all Nature seems in a peaceful, glorious rest. Entering her room, she seated herself with anxious expectation, saying, "My child, come to your waiting mother!" As the words were spoken, she saw before her the outline of Alice. She knew that her child had come to answer her call. As the vapor seemed to concentrate, Alice, as an in- dividual, stood before her. "I have come, my mother, once more into the home in which I should have lived many years. I have come to the parents that were mine in childhood, and are still mine in love and affection. I can only remain a few mo- ments, but will return when you and my father Alice, as an individual, stood before her. TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 125 can meet me together. There must be no sepa- ration," said she, "no breaking up of home ties. Ignorance must be overcome, and truth too grand for ages to complete must com- mence. In ten days I will again be with you at the same hour to remain ten minutes, which will give me time to say many things. Before that, however, my father will be willing to accede to your wishes. Adieu, dear mother! until we meet again." As Mrs. Moore sat pondering upon the re- sults of her daughter's words, a burden was lifted, and a light illumined her whole being. She saw the future ; the world of mind and the world of matter linked together. She saw the unfolding of human intellect, and she saw her- self by her husband's side standing upon the rostrum with people in dense masses listening to her words. She saw the mysteries disap- pear, and the bigotry of past ages give place to the intelligence that belongs to humanity as their birthright. She saw the mists of the ages disappear, and the whole world of mankind liberated through that cause, while freedom was emblazoned from the earth's center to the world's circle. Freedom, that links the soul's relations to- gether. Freedom, that forms the intelligence of the human mind. Freedom, that covers the earth and envelops humanity in its mantle of 126 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE inspiration, so that all can become self-con- trolling, and subject to the change that belongs to them as a recompense for past sorrows. For a moment she looked out upon the re- alities of her one vision, and exclaimed, "Can it be ? Can it be a truth, that so great a thing is coming to humanity?" And a voice an- swered, "Yes, my child; all this you see be- longs to the human race — and more — a thou- sands times more. Your day of sorrow will soon be over. The right will prevail over the wrong. Your home is yours and all errors that have been forced upon you will cease to control ; while you belong to the magnet power that emanates from natural sources. "Reveal to your husband what you have seen, what you have heard, and what you know. He is now wavering between two opin- ions. The groundwork of belief is receding, while a truth, too great to be overcome, is uniting. Farewell, my child; do not be sad, but look forward to the great joy that the future holds." "And does the grand universe contain such beings as this?" was the exclamation of Mrs. Moore. "I will go to my husband and will re- peat to him what has been said to me." As she reached the library, she saw him in an attitude which betrayed the thoughts that were passing through his mind. Looking up, TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 127 he met her with a faint smile, saying : "I know your firmness, my wife. To whatever are your convictions of right you will strictly adhere. Teach me as you are taught. I will listen, and if possible I will be convinced. You are the light of my life. Without you my home would be a dreary waste, and the world would be dark and desolate. Let us talk it over." Seating herself, she related to Mr. Moore her recent experience, what Alice had said to her, and what the voice had explained. 'They are cognizant, then, of what we are doing here?" asked Mr. Moore. "Yes, according to the knowledge that they both held of our condition, it must be so," replied his wife. "If they can know the good, they can know the ill. In ten days from to- night our child will return to us, and wishes to meet her father." "I will be with you," he answered, "and may a truth be revealed to us and a knowledge gained that falsehood can never reach." As their hands met, they heard a voice say- ing, "As the mind awakens, the human intel- lect will expand until it vibrates from center to center, from circle to circle, from system to system, and from world to world; then an eternal truth will stand pre-eminent over fic- tion and every folly that exists." 128 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE CHAPTER XIII. THE CONVINCING PROOF. As the days passed, Mr. and Mrs. Moore were drawn nearer and nearer together. They looked forward to the time when Alice was to meet them. The father wavered between doubt and hope, while the mother stood firm, fully expecting the realization of the promise given. When the time came they arranged them- selves to meet their loved one according to ap- pointment. There was no fear in Mrs. Moore's mind, but her husband trembled, and doubt was impressed upon his face. "Be calm, dear husband, fear not." As she spoke they heard footsteps approaching, and Alice stood before them. "Dear father and mother, I have come to redeem my promise," she said in the sweet voice that was one with her presence, "and to bring you good tidings. A grand and noble life awaits you. All is real and nature's unfold- ment is a continuation of what you see around you. The most beautiful of all is the associ- ation of friends, while every faculty of our being expands to meet the progress that be- longs to our life work. My love for you is in- TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 129 tensified through the change I have made. We are taught how the errors of this earth-plane became so intense that they blind the percep- tions and make humanity cruel and unrelenting. "I have met the companion that should have been mine in earth life. I request that you sanction what should have taken place here; there is no division according to wealth ; each one stands for what he merits and what he ac- complishes." She paused for their answer, and it came as with one voice, "My child, you have our full sanction, and as your life work goes on from day to day, may you both return to us and impart the lessons you have learned." Thanks were expressed in the look of joy that she gave them as she said, "There are many things for all to know, the most import- ant is to understand the problem of return, and how each one can become a magnet to at- tract his own. The isms must all pass away; not one will be left to mar the pages of future history, while all mysteries will be overcome, until a full understanding is reached according to continuation, its life, its law, and its power. The next time I return another will be with me, and thus one after another will stand upon the threshold of life's platform and give you greeting. Adieu." Silently she faded from their sight and they 130 TWO SIDES TO A PICTU1E were left alone, each one absorbing the lesson that Alice had imparted, while memory held the words she had uttered. "There is no death/' said Mr. Moore; "all is life, and through life we can look forward for others to return and to give their experience and teach us what is best for us to know. Thus a grand result will be accomplished." "Yes, the best," answered Mrs. Moore. "Our life work, our living, and our experience must be blended and interblended so that reason can encompass the vast domain of human power. I am anxious, yes, more than anxious, to re- ceive the knowledge that continuation holds. We can look over the past and see how narrow our pathway has been; it was hedged with doubt and fear, and continuation was to us a dreaded result. It seemed like stepping out into a dark expanse with no light to guide us, while now we know that continuation is for all the human race, that life is one eternal prin- ciple, and that everything moves according to the magnitude of its control. We will live to perfect ourselves here; this is the platform where our unfoldment must begin. "We have come to a time when an undoing process is taking place; the past to me is like one grand parorama, my vision can penetrate its depths; it is like a cloud, with its billowy TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 131 waves scattered, while the light of an eternal truth will become the inheritance of those that live." "My wife," said Mr. Moore, "you astonish me; can it be that an education that requires years to attain has become yours in a few short days?" "It is not an education," she replied, "but an inspiration. It seems as if every faculty of my brain is in harmony with natural law, and that nature holds the real education that be- longs to us. We have theories and beliefs taught us, yet we are given to understand that we must not rely upon ourselves, but upon something that holds a greater knowledge than we are allowed to possess." Rising, she said, "We must go to Eemil Deorr; she has been my one true friend, and to her we owe the history of our experience." "Yes," said Mr. Moore, "we will go and repeat to her the words of Alice, and the promise we have of meeting her again. There is no wealth equal to the comprehension of real things, and our daughter was as real to us as in earth-life. If humanity could only know the truth, how much sorrow would be over- come! As you said, a weight has been lifted and I feel free to express my convictions and sanction your previous experiences." 132 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE They were soon on their way to Eemil Deorr's, who met them with a pleased expres- sion, exclaiming, "How glad I am to see you ! I have something to tell you. You remember the promise that Alice made me? It has been fulfilled and I am so happy; besides, my mother came to me with words of wisdom; she scattered the gems she had gathered while their radiance illuminates my mind, and fills my soul with a longing for greater knowledge." Leading the way to the parlor, she bade them be seated, feeling that something more than she knew had brought them to her. "We have come, dear Eemil," said Mrs. Moore, "to thank you for your wise counsel in behalf of my husband and myself, and to tell you of the great joy that has come to us. Our daughter returned to us with these words." She then repeated to Eemil what Alice had said, with the added information that others were to come and impart their experience so that each one could become educated in what life holds for humanity there as well as here." "Yes," said Mr. Moore, "our daughter came to us and we fully realized her presence as an individual; she expressed herself in language as we do, and there was no difference in her or her looks; she was a natural human being, TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 133 and to you we owe the knowledge that made it possible for her return." "I am glad," answered Eemil, "that you can receive the truth and know that to return is natural, and also that the love that one bears to another forms the means by which to meet those they have been separated from. As I was saying to you, my mother came and told me of many things that the future holds. She said that our world was passing through a change that will liberate each one from sorrow, from insanity, and pain ; that there will be no death, but nature's birth will make the change that time will bring to all. She said that a reve- lation was passing from plane to plane that held within itself only the bettering of all things, and that knowledge will become pre-eminent, and through knowledge humanity will become just and natural; they will be freed from all the penalties placed upon them, and each one will be liberated from the tortures of memory, and become intelligent, natural and progres- sive. One thing she was most anxious to im- press upon my mind : 'Do not wish to be di- vided from your earth-life until nature recog- nizes the time to go. Seek rather to live and fit yourself through development of every faculty you possess to be ready to make the change and meet the ones awaiting you.' So 134 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE you see we must all strive to do the best we can, — 'that knowledge is our inheritance, and through that we can recognize the good and learn what controls the evil, and in what way justice turns the scale so that each one can become free from turmoil and live true to nature/ "That was the substance of mother's mes- sage, with the understanding that more lessons were in store for each one." "Yes," said Mrs. Moore, "while you have been talking it seems that the future opened before me. Why I see these things I cannot tell. Yet time will reveal what the faculties are that gives one the power to penetrate the past and unite with the future. What I see I have no language to explain, but I feel as though there was something that can fill the measure so that I will be able to express what is revealed. "There is one thing more. When Alice re- turns again I wish you to meet her. I think Harry Leroy will be with her. She said an- other would accompany her, and who could it be but he?" "It would be most natural," answered Eemil, "that he should be her companion. I feel that through their return many a problem will be TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 135 solved freeing our brains from mystery and doubt. What a great reality that will be to us." Bidding Eemil a kind adieu, Mr. and Mrs. Moore returned to their home, feeling they had gained much through the interchange of ideas. "There is one thing that we failed to ask," said Mrs. Moore, as they entered their own home, "Alice did not give us the time of her next return." "Yes, dear wife, for some reason we neglect- ed to ask her. What will we do? Perhaps some way will suggest itself to you." As he spoke she laid her hand upon the table and a motion responded to the contact. She studied the motion carefully and saw that her hand and forearm oscillated rythmi- cally in two and three oscillations to the meas- ure. She called her husband's attention to the difference in the two measures, saying, "Can it be that the three oscillations mean 'Yes,' and the two 'No'?" "Suppose you ask a question," suggested he, "that must be answered either by yes or no." Pausing a moment, she asked, "Alice, when will you return to us ?" "Do not word your question like that; ask it in this way," exclaimed he, "Alice, in how many days will you return?" They watched her hand attentively as it os- 136 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE ciliated twelve times. "Can that mean twelve days?" said Mrs. Moore. The hand oscillated three times. "Is that yes?" and again there was the same response. They looked at each other in amazement. "Here is a revelation," said Mrs. Moore, "that will link the two planes together through con- scious motion; we will bide the time that it designates." TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 137 CHAPTER XIV. PHENOMENA AND ITS POWER. As the days passed on Mr. and Mrs. Moore repeated the experiment through different chan- nels and found that natural law was a supreme educator, while pulsating intelligence stood as an intermediary between them and the law of transfer. The twelfth evening found Mr. and Mrs. Moore and Eemil awaiting the coming of Alice. They told her more of the education that had come to them through the new method of transfer, and spoke of what they looked forward to. "It seems," said Mr. Moore, "that our world is passing through a momentuous change, while the intelligence that we receive far sur- passes anything that the past has ever re- vealed. It claims no monopoly, it claims no 'ism,' but is one expanding measure that will encompass all mystery so that our education can be free and untrammeled." The clock in the hall struck eight. "This is our time," said Mrs. Moore. "Let us enter the parlor. I have prepared every- thing for their reception." Entering the room Eemil glanced around 1 38 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE and saw the decorations that loving hands had arranged. Flowers adorned the table, they being the most perfect representation that fond affection could picture. Two chairs were placed side by side, while another was ar- ranged according to her impression a short distance from them. Seating themselves, only a few moments elapsed before Alice and Harry greeted them. "We have come, dear parents/' said Alice, "so that a perfecting realization can be made between you and us. To-morrow we will come together through the process known to us as mate and mating. There will be friends to meet us, besides we expect one from a higher plane to do honor to the occasion. I am dressed in what you would call my bridal robe. It is a symbol of the position that I am about to assume." "Can this be and is there another way to understand the association that we call mar- riage?" said Mr. Moore. Rising, he extended his hands and grasped those of Harry and Alice. "I give you all that words can express or that a father's affection can dictate." "And I," said Mrs. Moore, "give you all that a mother's love can fathom or a mother's heart desire or control." "It is well, dear parents; we can go back TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 139 i to our home and know that nothing mars the union between Harry and me that nature recognizes. We will go back to our home through a process of change of which you have no present knowledge, and in ten days we will meet you again with others. Then a council will be held and instructions given that will guide you in the pathway you have chosen." Turning to Eemil, she said : "To you, dear one, only time can give recompense for what you have done. To be human is the brightest jewel in the crown of human acts. To be just, metes out to humanity the inheritance of each one. The memory of this visit will be re- tained as we unite with the circumstances and people that attract us to them." The parting filled them with conflicting emotions. "Let us go to the library," said Mrs. Moore, "and discuss the different questions that may come to us. I have an experience to relate to you, the nature of which is more than I can comprehend. Its truth has been verified but its connection I have yet to learn." She then related to Eemil what had transpired through automatic motion and magnet transfer, the two laws being parallel with one another to convey the intelligent thoughts of others. Here is where the philosopher and philosophy becomes a teacher to the human race." 140 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE As the changes came from day to day, each one brought them nearer and nearer to the ap- pointed time of Alice's return, and their minds were infused with a well defined purpose. They felt that every act was the result of a natural cause to fit them for thei£ life work, so that when earth's experience closed they would be ready for nature's birth, and the continuation. When the evening came the three were wait- ing for the hour that would bring their ex- pected guests. As before, the room was ar- ranged according to the requirements of each condition to be recognized. Seating them- selves, the veil between this life and its con- tinuation was parted and several persons stood before them living realities. There was one that seemed to demand attention and upon whom all eyes were centered ; a perfect woman- hood stood before them. Alice stepped for- ward and introduced the stranger as one who held control of the Temple of Power, while another represented the Transcendent plane, or the Realm of Beauty. "We have come to you," said the first, "through the consciousness of our ability to control, not the elements, but the conditions that intervene between you and us, conditions that have formed a barrier strong enough to separate each one as he or she passes into the TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 141 land of continuation. The first lesson that humanity must learn is the reality that exists between it and us; how all things that belong to the changes that humanity meets are the unfoldment of every faculty that each one pos- sesses. As we learn our lessons of experience we know that an advanced intelligence must govern us. Our minds are ever turning to the unfoldment that education brings to us. We know that life is an eternal problem, and that each is an actor in the drama of experience to solve that problem. Through it those that are advancing in the different grades of mentality will attract to themselves the inspiration of that control. Do not think that we control you as people. As the orbit of intelligence forms, it attracts its resources from the results that have taken place. To-day the veil is lifted and we understand one another. The ages past will yield up their treasures, while the present will unite the continuation that belongs to life and life's purpose. Nature's labora- tory is ever before us and her workshop is our place of research. You see what that work- shop produces. The vernal kingdom responds to nature, while nature, through intelligence, produces the results that meet the demands of the living masses. You look around and see the variety of nature's production and know 142 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE that through each formulating process life perfects what you see, while knowledge per- fects what you know. Each day will bring you nearer and nearer to the great truth, origination. As you solve the problem you will know that the cycles of eternal motion ever pulsate through the rotations of time, — time that holds within itself worlds and sys- tems of worlds, while continuation of minds mold the destiny of human achievement, and through human achievement eternity moves; while the mind molds the continuation that controls the transit that constitutes the evolu- tion of space. Space that is ever with us, time that must ever control us, while our ambition will reach the zenith that belongs to continu- ation. There is no beginning, there will be no end. Nature is one conscious unfolding pro- cess. It goes on and on, while millions of years are not a drop in the ocean of time that belongs to worlds, to humanity, and to life. "Be steadfast in your investigations and learn that knowledge is life, and the power to live. Through knowledge the sorrows of each one will be overcome, while phenomena — Nature's most colossal result — will be to you an every-day experience. "The magnet life center will be the ruling power that overcomes death until there is no TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 143 cause to control it As the different planes unite, men and women will become the living masters over false belief, while woman alone will stand as the balancing power that unites continuation. No more will the black cloud of past control darken the perceptions of mankind and divide them from an ever living truth, a truth that stands as a control over the countless millions that inhabit the worlds of space. "To you and to all the world of humanity, and to humanity's needs will come the force of intelligence that belongs to reconstruction's effort, while the diagram that will control is justice and equality." [the end.] s OCT 13 1903 T**!*%:%k PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township. PA 16066 (724)779-2111