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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
MY EXPERIENCES WHILE 
 OUT OF MY BODY 
 
MY EXPERIENCES WHILE 
 OUT OF MY BODY 
 
 AND 
 
 My Return After Man>> Da>>s 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. CORA L. V. RICHMOND 
 
 jNHj[ 
 

 Copyright, igis 
 By Rev. Cora L,. V. Richmond 
 
 Christopher Press 
 Boston 
 
 ©GI.A416890 
 
 .** 
 
DEDICATION 
 
 Primarily 
 
 To My Heavenly Guides: 
 
 Those Teachers and Inspirers who, in early 
 childhood, awakened and have unfolded the Spir- 
 itual gifts that were mine, and have borne forward 
 to the present hour the work appointed me to do; 
 and 
 
 To Those Beloved Friends 
 
 who, having received the ministration through my 
 humble instrumentality have constantly given from 
 hearts and hands the sympathy and aid needed to 
 perform that work — and during the feebleness of the 
 body have sent strength and succor; and especially 
 to the beloved and loving friends: Dr. Chas. H. 
 BUSHNELL, whose skill, healing power and faith- 
 ful attendance were given without stint or measure 
 
DEDICATION 
 
 and most lovingly, Sarah J. AsHTON, co-worker 
 for more than a quarter of a century, Assistant Pas- 
 tor of my Congregation and, above all else, faithful, 
 devoted friend, without whose unfailing care and 
 constant helpfulness for long months my spirit could 
 not have returned to its human habitation to take 
 up its assigned work, 
 
 This imperfect record of experiences is most lov- 
 ingly and gratefully inscribed. 
 
 Cora L. V. Richmond. 
 
MY EXPERIENCES WHILE OUT OF MY 
 BODY AND MY RETURN- 
 AFTER MANY DAYS 
 
 h 
 REV. CORA L. V. RICHMOND 
 
 The Release 
 
 It was true then: I was suddenly and finally 
 released from my body; "this time," I said, or 
 thought: "I will not have to return." 
 
 Many times, almost numberless, I had experi- 
 enced the wonderful consciousness of being absent 
 from my human form, of mingling with arisen 
 friends in their higher state of existence, but, until 
 this time I had always known that it was only for a 
 brief season and that there was a tie — a vital and 
 psychic tie — binding me to return to my earth form. 
 But norv; now; could it be true? Was I set free 
 to live and work with the Beloved — the dear ones 
 — in this their higher, more perfect state? 
 
8 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 The Best Beloved, those who had preceded me 
 into this wondrous life, came thronging around, by 
 degrees, to welcome me: not all at once, but first 
 those who were by tenderest ties the nearest and the 
 dearest. 
 
 They did not answer my question: "Have I 
 really come to stay'*? 
 
 The Guide — the Guardian, took me gently in 
 charge that I might not even think of the form I 
 had so lately left. A great sense of relief; of be- 
 ing set free from the limitations of the body, filled 
 me, far greater than I had ever experienced before. 
 A feeling pervaded me that all of me was released. 
 It surely seemed that my work in the human body 
 was done: that the last word was spoken, the last 
 pen-stroke made. 
 
 O, the wonder, the unspeakable joy of thus being 
 united with the Beloved — those whom I knew had 
 never died, but had thrown off their garments of 
 dust for the more beautiful raiment of the spirit! 
 
 In a narrative written for others to read one can- 
 not dwell minutely on the sacred meetings with 
 those who were ever nearest and dearest; those of 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 9 
 
 the household, related by ties of consanguinity and 
 those who were kindred in spirit, united to one in 
 thought and aspiration. All that such reunion 
 means, more than can be dreamed or imagined 
 where one is in the human state, was now my pos- 
 session. 
 
 "Turn away, turn away from all thought of the 
 Earth-form;" said the one appointed to lead and 
 guide me in this newer, grander flight. 
 
 One by one — or in groups — the dear ones of the 
 Earth-home joined us, welcoming me ever, yet ever 
 evading the oft recurring question, "Am I really 
 here to stay?" 
 
 My attention was continually attracted to some 
 group or company that had not been seen by me— 
 always a surprise to find them "a// there." They 
 would smile and seem to answer, "Yes, all here," 
 in our own particular states, and doing our own 
 appointed work." 
 
 The Vastness of the Spirit Realm 
 There was a perception of great Light, a con- 
 
10 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 sciousness of Illumination, an awakening to the vast- 
 ness, the unlimitation of this Realm of Spirit. 
 
 O how often, when in "dreams" or "visions" I 
 had been permitted and aided by my Guides to visit 
 the Spirit States, this inner and higher Realm, I had 
 longed to remain! But ever willing to answer the 
 call of duty, of added work to be performed by me, 
 I would return to fill my place at the appointed time. 
 Now; Now? — 
 
 All else was swallowed up — eclipsed by the 
 wonderful experiences that came — the Beloved 
 Presences — the vistas of luminous Spirits! This 
 was a state of Super-Consciousness; the awakening 
 of faculties and perceptions before unknown, of be- 
 ing atvare, almost without limitation: of KNOW- 
 ING. Whatever is the nature and state of the real 
 Ego this seemed as near to the Absolute as one 
 could well conceive! There was so much of me! 
 There was so little of me! There were so many 
 and such surpassing Spirits! How one shrinks in 
 the presence of the mighty ones ! How one expands 
 in the Knowledge of the Infinite: His Image! 
 
 Often in approaching a transcendent Light there 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 1 1 
 
 would appear an atmosphere of ensphering tints — 
 there would also seem to be a sphere of sound, of 
 surpassing music. On being admitted to that sphere 
 it would prove to be a group of spirits who thus in 
 accord are Light and Harmony. Where one can 
 enter such an "atmosphere" communing with such 
 a group it is because one has need of and is in har- 
 mony with the spirits of that group. 
 
 Senses Merged in Perception 
 
 Objective scenes seemed ever to be adaptations 
 to my state, and would often vanish as I became 
 aware of the minds or spirits suggested by the 
 scenes. 
 
 "All human sensations, as sight and hearing, are 
 readily perceived by one awakening to spiritual 
 states to be but manifestations of consciousness 
 through the physical limitations to which the spirit 
 in its mental states of earth becomes accustomed. 
 But here all is merged in perception — where one 
 perceives and understands," thus said the Guide. 
 
 This added consciousness — uniting or releasing 
 
12 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 the faculties — is not all at once: I found myself 
 thinking in the accustomed channels, in words as 
 well as thoughts, listening for replies instead of 
 knowing that the answer had been thought to me, 
 really was there before I had questioned; of look- 
 ing for beautiful forms and scenes instead of per- 
 ceiving the Soul of Beauty which was (is) every- 
 where. 
 
 I became more and more aware that the whole 
 of me, released from the fetters of the bodily senses, 
 could perceive and receive more perfectly the an- 
 swer to every question, even before its formulation 
 in thought. 
 
 "Formulation is a process of limitation, sometimes 
 of hindrance," said the Guide. "A feeble com- 
 parison of what 'perception* really is may be found 
 in an artist (of Earth) whose prepared mind (and 
 therefore vision) sees the beauty in a landscape, a 
 sunset sky that another sees not at all, or dimly. 
 Prepared senses are the result of prepared minds, 
 of being pervaded by the awareness of the Spirit," 
 said the Presence. 
 
 It is of little avail, however, to attempt to bring 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 13 
 
 into outward forms of thought and expression the 
 perceptions one is aware of while one is in that inner 
 state, excepting that they relate to conditions under 
 which those loved and loving ones in that state can 
 reach and change for the better the sorrowing hearts 
 in human life, the shadowed conditions of earth 
 existence. 
 
 The Body in Charge of Guardians 
 
 After a time (I did not know it as time) I be- 
 came aware of being led to where the earthly form 
 was still breathing, being cared for and imbued with 
 breath by a beloved Guardian spirit and by devoted 
 friends in human life. I was to return after all ! It 
 was necessary to keep my spirit en rapport with the 
 body as the Psychic Cord was not severed that con- 
 nected body and spirit. But not at once was I to 
 return. 
 
 These periods of calling my attention to and visit- 
 ing the body were brief — just enough to keep the 
 "vital spark" alive, and aid the dear attendants in 
 both worlds to prevent the complete separation 
 which for many days seemed imminent. 
 
14 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 A Vast Congregation 
 
 It is well known to those who may be interested 
 in reading these pages that during all the years of 
 my mortal life (since the age of eleven) I have 
 been brought before audiences and assemblies of 
 people — many thousands; among them were hun- 
 dreds who became friends — some of them life-long, 
 some of later years. I had known of the "passing 
 on" of very many who had been members of those 
 audiences and of my own "Flock," but I was not 
 prepared for the vast congregation that came out of 
 their respective groups composing a still greater con- 
 course to meet me, nor was I prepared to realize 
 that I knew most of them as friends on Earth! 
 
 There were those who had heard the utterances 
 of my Guides through my lips when I was a child; 
 those who had attended and were my personal 
 friends when I was "still in my 'teens"; and those 
 who in later years had been of the audiences in 
 many places; and those of my own beloved Con- 
 gregation ! 
 
 How difficult to realize that they were all gath- 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 15 
 
 ered into the larger "Congregation of the skies." 
 Each and all unfolding, working in whatever line 
 of knowledge and work was theirs to attain and 
 achieve! And to find all the treasured jewels of 
 friendship more bright in the added lustre of the 
 larger life; the flowers in the Garden of true Affec- 
 tion growing more and more transcendently fair! 
 
 This is indeed Heaven! Next in blessedness to 
 the Homes of the Best Beloved which are the very 
 Kingdom of Heaven! 
 
 Ministrations of Spirits 
 
 It was wonderful to note the ministrations of 
 spirits to those in other less fortunate states — espe- 
 cially to those in Earthly forms. Wherever the ties 
 of consanguinity were also of real affection the 
 spirit guardians of the household responded to the 
 "call," perhaps only a thought, a longing, or a silent 
 prayer for aid and strength, or a need unknown to 
 the one ministered unto. 
 
 Time is not a factor on the spirit side, the re- 
 sponse to a need — an aspiration, a prayer is instan- 
 
16 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 taneous. Where there seems to be delay, and often 
 doubt in the minds of those on Earth as to the 
 presence and ministration of the loved one who has 
 been summoned, it is because of Earthly barriers, 
 because those in the human state cannot perceive — 
 and many, alas, are not willing to receive the spirit 
 friend. I saw that the usual barriers are: Uncon- 
 trolled, selfish grief — mourning for the one who has 
 "passed on" and often forgetting the other dear ones 
 of the household who are left ; seeking for the com- 
 munion to forward a purely selfish purpose; and, 
 in general, the obstruction of false education, theo- 
 logical and material, through which the spiritual 
 faculties have been closed for generations. 
 
 When human hands and hearts, even though the 
 latter is wrung by pain, seek to help others who are 
 in sorrow or need, then the way is opened and the 
 helpers are helped by the ministering ones. 
 
 To mourn the friend as utterly "gone" who has 
 only dropped the outer garments of the dust is to 
 close, for the time, the avenue of communication or 
 ministration. Long must the spirit helpers work and 
 wait for people to be ready to receive their response 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 17 
 
 to the call for aid. So many did I see who could 
 not reach the recognition of their loved ones that I 
 wished over and over again that there were more 
 real "Message bearers" more to give comfort to 
 those that mourn! And then the Presence an- 
 swered: "Not all are ready to whom the Messages 
 now are given, nor are those protected adequately 
 who are the chosen Instruments for Message bear- 
 ing, but the seed is being sown and will take root 
 in thousands of lives.'* 
 
 Thought-Forms 
 
 I was shown those who existed in the thought- 
 forms and scenes of their recent human states: Such 
 as these were surrounded with the "things" (forms 
 of things) familiar to them on Earth, and appar- 
 ently necessary to their happiness even in the new 
 state of existence. These scenes illustrated that our 
 lives even in the human state, consist largely of 
 "states of mind" that we see the things we are ac- 
 customed to see, or have trained our minds or wishes 
 
18 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 to see omitting many and sometimes most of the 
 things of beauty and of import that we might see. 
 
 The spirit-states that are "exactly like the scenes 
 of Earth" are composed of the thought forms of 
 the spirits' imaging or reproduction, and are the re- 
 ality to them. I recalled the weaving of a web that 
 I had once seen an industrious spider perfect and he 
 was afterward caught in his own web. I wondered 
 if we are not often in human life — and the states 
 that immediately follow the weavers of many such 
 "cobwebs"? These thought-webs seemed to pro- 
 ceed from the minds of the spirits fashioning them 
 and in which the spirits seemed to be ensphered, 
 sometimes enshadowed. Before my questionings 
 had taken form in my mind the answer came from 
 the Presence: "No, they are not enmeshed by the 
 thought- f orms ; their creation is the result of the 
 present condition; remove the power to produce 
 thought- forms, i.e., to create ones ow T n environment 
 and you remove all activity of mind. As the Spirit 
 unfolds the thought-forms change and then disap- 
 pear as perception takes the place of limitation by 
 the senses." 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 19 
 
 With the almost axiomatic proposition that "our 
 world of life is what we make it" our spirit-sur- 
 roundings and conditions the result of our states of 
 unfoldment, it became less difficult even when re- 
 turning to the limitations of human organism to un- 
 derstand the conditions of existence in the "next 
 stage" of personal experience beyond the "transi- 
 tion" misnamed "death." 
 
 Spirit states are as varied as are the personal 
 states of those composing them; the knowledge — 
 or lack of it — possessed by the person IS the spirit 
 state, i. e., £non>/eJge of spiritual principles. 
 
 Oh, if one could coin new words, or new under- 
 standings, in order better to express that which one 
 knows w T hen set free from Earthly environment! 
 Yes, the New Understanding; that is the great 
 need; and that must really be attained by unfold- 
 ment, jgrowth from within, the pervading all illu- 
 minating power of the spirit. 
 
 Those in the spirit states who were reproducing 
 the familiar scenes of their recent Earth conditions 
 were satisfied and even very happy — especially 
 when the scenes so reproduced were of a nature 
 
20 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 that had brought comparative happiness in Earth 
 life — in their ability to make things seem "exactly as 
 they did in Earth life," not even knowing that this 
 similitude was the result of their own thought-forms 
 instead of being inherent or organic in the "spirit 
 land." 
 
 Interesting and absorbing as were these lessons 
 of observing, the process of weaving their thoughts 
 into the forms most desired or needed by the spirits 
 producing them, there were many whose reproduc- 
 tions were of the shadowed kind and were not vol- 
 untary, but results of the deep impress that the shad- 
 ows of Earth-experiences had made upon their 
 minds. No one illustration could serve — but all 
 states and conditions that I could realize were 
 shown. 
 
 Time Not a Factor 
 
 Time does not seem to be a factor in the realm 
 of spirits except as related to people and events in 
 the human state with which spirits have connection. 
 
 It was, however, a source of continual wonder 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 21 
 
 and surprise to note the changing forms and atmos- 
 pheres in the surroundings of those with whom I was 
 brought in contact. I saw spirits who, when in 
 Earth-life had been in positions of external power — 
 usually considered "exalted" — as of kings or rulers 
 —the result of no "merit" or achievement of their 
 own, but the "incident" or "accident" of birth, who 
 were arrayed in their ovjn thought-rohes of power, 
 but closer observation would reveal the poverty and 
 meagerness of their "Robes of Royalty" and they 
 were sometimes seeking somewhat with which to 
 clothe themselves, something to conceal their pauc- 
 ity of raiment and surroundings. Most of those, 
 however, who had held such positions as are the 
 result of "titles," "rank" and "castes," seemed en- 
 dowed with perception enough to know that those 
 external conditions are not perpetuated in spirit 
 states, unless one has become so imbued with the 
 idea that "titles," "wealth," and outward "honors" 
 are valuable in themselves. And that the "Divine 
 Right of Kings" is indeed a "right" derived from 
 Heaven. 
 
22 my experiences 
 
 The Truly Great Are Humble 
 
 I saw many of those who had been poor in 
 worldly possessions, even despised and scorned 
 among men or put to death because of their advo- 
 cacy of an unpopular "cause" now radiant in their 
 own spiritual brightness, unconsciously 
 
 "Wearing their sunbright thoughts 
 For Robes of Royalty." 
 
 Ah! How beautiful were they! These of the 
 shining faces and radiant hearts! Ever intent on 
 trying to aid humanity, whether in shadowed spirit 
 states or in Earthly conditions. 
 
 One may not give the names (even if one knew 
 them) by which these in the various spirit states 
 were known on Earth. I saw many who were 
 known to be Great: Great in thoughts, deeds and 
 words for the enlightenment of their fellow-beings. 
 Ever were they humble, as ever are the truly Great. 
 None in spirit life are outwardly adorned with the 
 "honors" given to them or their "memory" by a 
 tardy World. The truly exalted are far too intent 
 on ameliorating the adverse conditions of spirit and 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 23 
 
 human states to take note of the praise and pomp of 
 Earthly "celebrations" in "memory*' of them, some- 
 times tardily bestowed. 
 
 To be truly Beloved by an individual, a country 
 or a world is indeed blessed, and exalted souls do 
 know and understand the true meaning of being 
 "appreciated and beloved." 
 
 The Light of the Shining ones, the Great ones, 
 is not dimmed in the brightness of the higher spheres, 
 for they are of its light a part. 
 
 Spirit Groups and Inspirers 
 
 It is because of the spirit possessions that those of 
 kindred thoughts, perceptions, aspiraitons are at- 
 tracted to each other and form groups — not con- 
 ventional or arbitrary — interchanging ideas — pur- 
 poses — and working together for others. I saw 
 them "moving upon' the minds of those in Earth- 
 forms whom they could reach, sometimes singly, 
 sometimes in groups, as the conditions might require. 
 The Student in his library, the Inventor in his "work 
 shop" or laboratory, the "Discoverer" in his Ob- 
 
24 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 servatory searching for new worlds or on ships of 
 "exploration" sailing for Unknown lands, more par- 
 ticularly those who are seeking to solve the vexed 
 "problems" of human life. 
 
 Ah! It was indeed a scene of wonder to see 
 each and every spirit thus intent on doing good to 
 his kind, imparting some needed thought, some 
 "clue" or "thread" of an intricate proposition that 
 would solve the whole! Long are these "Inven- 
 tions" and "discoveries" known in Spirit states be- 
 fore the one is "born" into human life that can give 
 them outward Expression. How luminous seemed 
 the Atmospheres of Spirit thus surrounding those in 
 Earth life when the Heavenly presences were near! 
 And such lives are always luminous in their own 
 brightness or the Higher ones could not "draw 
 near" and inspire them. 
 
 The people know the names of some of those 
 now on Earth whose "discoveries," "inventions," 
 and works have transformed the world! Those 
 arisen ones who aid in bearing forward the Works 
 Beautiful, direct their thoughts to such as are ready 
 in Earth life. Here are the "Thinkers," whose 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 25 
 
 knowledge of the Truths of the Universe constitutes 
 the source of all power, Ideas that born of those 
 Truths reach the minds prepared to receive them 
 and move the world. We saw and paused among 
 assemblies, groups pursuing their usual course of 
 conferring, interchanging of ideals and preparing to 
 impart more and more the knowledge that is theirs 
 — as minds are prepared to receive. 
 
 Knowledge is imparted by adaptation. 
 
 All such imparting of knowledge must be by 
 adaptation. The Spirit is attracted— would be 
 from the very nature of the Spirit — to the one best 
 prepared to receive from that Spirit. Thus the sub- 
 tle law of imparting knowledge by adaptation gov- 
 erns the realm of spirit and constitutes the basis of 
 deciding concerning "Guides," "Guardian Spirits," 
 and all "ministering ones." Affection determines 
 the intimate personal guardians. 
 
 From Spirit to Spirit 
 
 It was most interesting and enlightening to see 
 — as I was permitted to witness — a number of 
 
26 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 those who are in human states receiving from lu- 
 minous and illuminating spirits some new applica- 
 tion of science or art, some new presentation of 
 Truth! The minds of Earth so impressed are not 
 narrowly questioning "from whence do the ideas 
 come"? Fearful, if from another mind that those 
 receiving them may "lose their Individuality/' 
 Such minds know that Truths belong to minds — 
 and that somewhere are greater minds than one's 
 own — who can impart knowledge. Truth is the 
 common heritage of souls; of Intelligence; and 
 happy is the mind, spirit or Angel that can perceive 
 or receive it from any source. Intelligence alone 
 perceives and imparts Intelligence. 
 
 The process of imparting knowledge from spirit 
 to spirit (whether those imparting and receiving are 
 in spirit states or still in Earth forms), grows ever 
 more and more interesting as one passes into greater 
 awakening and perception of the realities, the veri- 
 ties of spirit. "Teaching," "Education" (in the 
 human sense) only exists in those states or condi- 
 tions in the spirit realm where the human methods 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 27 
 
 and forms of thought still govern the minds of the 
 spirits. 
 
 Love is the great Illuminator in all realms and 
 worlds, and thus adaptation of Teacher and the one 
 to be taught must be the keynote to all reception of 
 knowledge. 
 
 One would like to say so much while comparing 
 the "Educational" process of spirit states with the 
 methods of Earth (excellent as some of the latter 
 have become) ; but one must hasten to record added 
 experiences while they are near to the outward con- 
 sciousness from within. For when one enters again 
 into the daily life of Earth, even although it is ever 
 pervaded by those surpassing scenes, the vividness 
 of the higher state becomes dimmed by the neces- 
 sary veiling that human conditions bring. 
 
 There is an Answer for Every Question 
 
 Everything that I wished to \noxv found ready 
 answer; even before the wish was formed into 
 thought. I could realize that the answer came from 
 the Guide, who was my teacher by adaptation. I 
 
28 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 could realize that for every real aspiration there is 
 ever an answer; in fact that the answer from within 
 and above prompts the aspiration, the wish to know. 
 That there is a solution for every so-called "prob- 
 lem"; for, in the final analysis, there are no "prob- 
 lems" — except states of non-perception. 
 
 All this and a thousand times more of inward 
 awakening came to me as I grew in the perception 
 of the Knowledge of the Spirit. 
 
 "Those Who Love Their Fellow-Beings" 
 
 I saw a countless multitude growing brighter, 
 more resplendant, as I was led nearer. Among 
 them were those more radiant than the others — 
 greater, it seemed, in the scope and power of their 
 spirits. 
 
 I recognized — not always from personal knowl- 
 edge on Earth — some of the individuals who were 
 there, centers of groups of radiant ones, those who, 
 when in Earth life "loved their fellowmen"; and 
 who, by word and deed had sought to overcome the 
 errors and abuses heaped upon humanity. Their 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 29 
 
 battles with tongue and pen (no armaments or 
 weapons of war), their shining armors of Right- 
 eousness — were finally known and appreciated by 
 many minds (souls) on Earth. 
 
 One whom I had known from early childhood 
 came toward me with the group of his friends and 
 relatives, whom I had also known. He greeted me 
 as he was ever wont to do when we both were in 
 Earth forms. Though advanced in years before he 
 left the form, he was ever youthful, ever calm and 
 peaceful; yet firm and forceful in his advocacy of 
 his convictions of Human Brotherhood, and the 
 final triumph of the spirit over errors of human con- 
 ditions in Time and Sense. By those who knew his 
 life and works he was considered a "leading and 
 inspiring mind" ; to many he was a Prophet of the 
 "Good time Coming." How my spirit thrilled with 
 this meeting with him and his household and the 
 group of friends who were with him. One question 
 I had often asked in mind, or had wished to know 
 concerning it: 
 
 Had he — this friend with whom I was then con- 
 versing, met in spirit states the one who in a distant 
 
30 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 land of Earth had said: " is the 
 
 greatest man America ever possessed"? 
 
 The one who said this to a prominent writer was 
 also a "lover of his fellow men," but the two had 
 never met in Earth life. The question was not 
 asked; before it could be formulated the answer 
 came: "Yes, we have met and often confer to- 
 gether. In all essentials relating to the Supreme 
 Realities of life and the growth of human beings 
 toward perfection through knowledge of Divine 
 Truth and Love we are in perfect accord." I then 
 perceived from among that goodly company the 
 one approaching of whom we had been speaking; 
 our thought of him and our appreciation had at- 
 tracted him to us. Long and earnestly they spoke 
 of the things to be when the children of Earth shall 
 be set free from the shadows caused by ignorance. 
 I more and more perceived some of the personalities 
 of those illuminated ones, and more than once was 
 I surprised that those who had been of such widely 
 different conditions, environment, education, habits 
 of mind, and, one would think, opposite spiritual 
 states could be together! 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 31 
 
 The Presence aware that the surprise would ex- 
 ist, said: 
 
 "As you already know, differences of birth, na- 
 tionality, outward rank and even of education, are 
 not real differences in spirit. These are (and were) 
 all lovers of their kind — lovers of Peace through 
 Enlightenment and Righteousness, and they are 
 now, as they were when on Earth constantly seek- 
 ing through interchange of high Ideals, to find the 
 best means for helping others — to lift the clouds of 
 ignorance from the minds of earth; even now one 
 is within your vision whose presence here will sur- 
 prise you." I saw a stately form and recognized 
 the one who, as the head of a great Ecclesiastical 
 organization had in the "Prayer for Peace" issued 
 a short time before he had passed from his Earth- 
 form given the following significant sentence: 
 
 "May They (the Nations) Remove the 
 Causes of War." 
 
 As a lover of humanity, a promoter of Peace, he 
 seemed to stand near these shining ones, many of 
 
32 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 whom when on earth (and now) have never recog- 
 nized any Ecclesiastical Authority. Of course, I 
 knew that all such lines, barriers, and human stand- 
 ards are removed — or rapidly vanish — in spirit 
 states among Enlightened minds. And that they 
 realize, as this one must have realized, that the 
 Earthly "Office" and all its outward symbols and 
 adornments cannot continue in a realm where the 
 real nature stands revealed — the nature of the 
 spirit. 
 
 All these composing this radiant assemblage were 
 intent on reaching and for their good, acting upon 
 the minds of those on Earth for the "Promotion of 
 Peace on Earth and Love to All." 
 
 Alas and alas! "Those engaged in actual war 
 — the war raging between one-half the nations of 
 the Earth that call themselves 'enlightened' cannot 
 be reached until the leaders and rulers have learned 
 the lesson taught by bitter experience." So the 
 Presence said, and so I had perceived, saddened by 
 the thoughts of the awful human suffering that must 
 ensue. 
 
while out of my body 33 
 
 The Shadows of the Conflict 
 
 Then I was shown the dense Shadow — the awful 
 darkness that seemed an engulfing abyss : the scenes 
 of the conflict now raging on Earth. That which I 
 saw (then just begun), seemed, however, more to 
 represent the spiritual and mental states of Rulers 
 and Leaders than the physical scenes of battles. I 
 saw the bright spots where the ministrants of mercy 
 were rallying, regardless of nationality or "class," 
 to aid those physically wounded, to breathe a word 
 of comfort to those injured mortally who were 
 "passing on." 
 
 Above the terrible scenes of battles I saw those 
 in the "rank and file" of the armies and navies who* 
 were so suddenly wrenched from their bodies. 
 Their first thoughts (as their last thoughts had 
 been), were of those loved ones from whom they 
 were suddenly parted when ordered "to the front." 
 They were aided to find the dear ones (alas where 
 were the "homes"? now desolate. Many of the 
 families scattered and in deepest suffering, great 
 physical want, and greater grief.) 
 
34 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 They tried, often without avail, to comfort and 
 aid the dear ones, their own states of mind and 
 grief over the separation preventing them from ef- 
 fectively ministering to their loved ones. They soon 
 became aware that the aid could not be material, 
 that spiritual strength and consolation must be from 
 spiritual sources and that they might, if themselves 
 strong in spirit, move upon the minds of others in 
 human life to aid those dear to them. 
 
 It was a wonderful sight to behold the minister- 
 ing spirits succoring, comforting, instructing those 
 thus suddenly thrust into spirit states ; none but those 
 endowed with the Divine Gift of loving compassion 
 — like a Florence Nightingale or a Clara Barton — 
 could so successfully aid those spirits thus ruthlessly 
 torn from their human ties and forms. It is an aw- 
 ful sight! Yet the spirit "Rescuers" are there! 
 The "Red Cross" of the skies finds its way to those 
 who need the help and guidance. 
 
 In a measure the Soldiers, all who must go to 
 war on land or sea, are better prepared for the 
 sudden change than those hurled into spirit life by 
 "accident" of shipwreck or other disaster, or by 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 35 
 
 volcanic or earthquake shock. The Soldier £non>s 
 that he is to confront possible and even probable 
 physical death — and being thus prepared often is 
 less surprised and shocked when he finds himself 
 "out of his body." Yet, wherever the need may be, 
 the "strong helpers" are there: above every scene of 
 human sacrifice, whether Cataclysmic, "natural 
 causes" or the result of human ignorance and ne- 
 glect, or the self-seeking aggression of war, there are 
 they — the dear ones, the strong ones, the saving 
 ones! 
 
 All cannot be aided to at once perceive the new- 
 found condition : everything must depend on the de- 
 gree of spiritual preparedness, which is often greater 
 among the humble and lowly — who have a line of 
 simple life, simple love, simple duty to follow than 
 among the more complex mental and moral states 
 of the "leaders." The real state, spiritually, deter- 
 mines the "condition" of the spirit in spirit life. 
 
 Nor were the "clouded" and "shadowed" scenes 
 of Earth life found alone above the lines of battle. 
 There were sometimes deeper shadows among the 
 scenes of "pleasure" and "mirth," mocking splendor 
 
36 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 of wealth and its opposite of want, squalor, misery, 
 the toll of human sacrifice is not always in the 
 "death" of the body. There are vortices more ter- 
 rible than the volcano's fiery breath or earthquake's 
 yawning mouth; the palace often seemed more 
 densely shadowed than the hovel; while the dwell- 
 ing, though a cottage, brightened with Love shone 
 out like a star of splendor. 
 
 "Spiritual knowledge, the unfoldment of the 
 highest from within, this alone can change the 
 "shadowed states" of Earth into brightness. Every 
 life must be reached; every mind touched and 
 awakened by the spirit; the "good" that is within 
 each must be brought forth." 
 
 Turning for Respite 
 
 From the storm-scenes of contending forces, from 
 the darkness of Spiritual night, from the uncertain 
 states, like dim twilight, one ever turns in spirit to 
 the Beloved, to the groups of loved and loving ones 
 that constitute the "Home of the Spirit." "Spiri- 
 tual rest is change," respite from witnessing the un- 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 37 
 
 happy conditions, the shadows of spiritual states 
 that one cannot at once remedy. "Rest" is not idle- 
 ness: communion, companionship, "Working together 
 for those who can be aided — this is rest. The 
 "Home Group" ever intent upon ministering wher- 
 ever and whenever needed, afforded the respite 
 sought. Such memories of Earth-experiences as 
 had been kept alive in the sacred altar-flame of 
 true affection and home ties; such interchange of 
 Ideals and experiences as the later years had 
 brought; such knowledge of the blending of the 
 spirit and the mortal states, the guardianship and 
 ministration of the loved arisen ones over those in 
 Earth- forms, this was rest. Blessed respite ; blessed 
 communion; one would never be ready, it would 
 seem, to part with such companionship. 
 
 Nor do we ever "part" with the truly loved. 
 Whatever duties we must perform for those in spirit 
 or human states, those most in accord, those nearest 
 and dearest are ever with us "whether in or out of 
 the body." 
 
 Our human phrases, and even our usual thoughts 
 seem superficial, weak and puerile when endeavor- 
 
38 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 ing to describe the divine realities of the Spirit. 
 We never "part"; we can never be "absent" from 
 the Beloved. Yet the shadows of human exist- 
 ence: "time and sense," and outward "change" and 
 "circumstances" are upon those who make "the 
 house of clay" the limit of their mental and spiritual 
 possessions. 
 
 Reunion with Lovers of "Peace" 
 
 Returning again and often to the bright sphere 
 composed of "those who love their fellow-beings"; 
 from among them came those whom I had known 
 — with whom I had, as a humble worker labored 
 for some cause — this time a few, especially two or 
 three last seen in Earth life at the Hague Peace 
 Conference (1907). "Ah, how well we then knew 
 — as well as even now when the conflict rages — 
 that the nations (44 in number) were not all, in- 
 deed but few of them, seeking for 'peace* ; the per- 
 manent establishment of a Court of Arbitration for 
 the world! Each was there to 'test' the others; 
 nearly all endeavoring to gain some concession from 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 39 
 
 the others to aid in their own selfish future aggres- 
 sions"! Such was the thought flashed from my 
 friend of the brilliant mind and noble heart who 
 came with others to greet me. And the dear lady 
 who took me in her arms and kissed me when we 
 parted there at the Hague even as she did now, 
 said: "We meet again, and here there is sweet 
 Peace — but O, the horrors of the war! And you, 
 you will return to Earth for further work" She 
 gave me her blessing with such love as her grand 
 soul can give. 
 
 The other one, he of the brilliant mind and facile 
 pen, he of the awakened and illumined spirit, said: 
 "Yes, you will return to Earth for added work 
 (even after those many, many years of work al- 
 ready performed) , we will aid you, we all must aid 
 those who are working to enlighten the minds, to 
 awaken the spirits of those immured in the ma- 
 terialism of Earth. How dense we all are until 
 awakened ! Sorrow smites us, then the fountains of 
 the Soul come forth; our spiritual Guardians can 
 help us then, and we begin to know. That was my 
 case on Earth. Now I realize how little I did 
 
40 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 know, but I am grateful that I was not an entire 
 stranger to this realm of spirits, and there is all etern- 
 ity in which to grow in knowledge." 
 
 Messages from Friends 
 
 From those whom I met in their homes of peace 
 and love and work were many messages to be de- 
 livered in person by me to the dear ones on Earth — 
 messages that might be of interest here to show that 
 true affection and personal watchfulness are more 
 manifested from the spirit side of life than people 
 know; even those accustomed to spirit communion 
 and ministration do not realize all that they might 
 of this nearness. 
 
 These messages are too intimate and sacred, how- 
 ever, to be given here, and they breathe all the fer- 
 vor of the real life and love of the Spirit. I shall 
 communicate them to those to whom they were sent. 
 
 The Spirit-Home of the Children 
 
 But O, the Children! the Children! What can 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 41 
 
 one write or say? What words adapted to tongue 
 or pen can convey an adequate idea of the spheres 
 in which my spirit has often met those darlings of 
 both worlds? My own baby girl, who passed on 
 many, many years ago and who has grown to 
 womanhood in her spirit state, has ever been my 
 constant companion, as a guardian spirit, during my 
 busy hours of Earth life, as a pilot and gentle helper 
 when through sleep or trance-control my spirit was 
 set free to join her and visit the realm of the chil- 
 dren. 
 
 These "little ones" are often wiser in knowledge 
 of the spirit than mortals of more mature years. 
 
 Blessings ever attend the presence of a babe in 
 the home of love on Earth and, in the highest sense, 
 doubly blessed are those who having possessed such 
 a treasure know that if the babe passes from mortal 
 sight the treasure is still theirs, a babe — growing 
 among the flowers of the gardens of spiritual life 
 is as 
 
 "A light within a light, 
 A joy ensphered in joy." 
 
42 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 Such a child becomes a sacred guardian unto the 
 household. 
 
 It was indeed an enchanted realm into which we 
 now entered. Although visited many times during 
 many years it now seemed more real, more beauti- 
 ful, more perfect. 
 
 As far as vision (perception) could reach — as 
 vast as the mind could compass or conceive there 
 were children, children everywhere! Sporting in 
 the light of their own brightness and joy; they 
 were embodied sunbeams, weaving rainbow tinted 
 thoughts into forms of beauty; flowers, flowers ev- 
 erywhere; songs of birds and child voices mingling 
 with murmuring waters amid scenes of rarest beauty. 
 Ah, the spirit realm of childhood; the playgrounds 
 of the skies! 
 
 Not only children, but "those of larger growth,'* 
 parents, teachers, friends were there to teach, to aid, 
 and to grow in greater knowledge and usefulness. 
 Sometimes the children are the teachers to those 
 older in Earth years. 
 
 Isles of light, radiant with flowers and verdure 
 and surrounded by iridescent waters! Could one 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 43 
 
 ever picture the thought- forms of these lovely ones? 
 
 "Let us make rainbows," exclaimed one fairylike 
 child among a group of playmates, some of whom 
 were new in that realm. A questioning look came 
 into the eyes of those addressed: "How can we 
 make rainbows?" A child-teacher drew near and 
 said: "I will show you; come with me." 
 
 The five or six eagerly responded. 
 
 "Take hold of hands," the Teacher said, "and 
 have no fear, there can be no rainbows without 
 clouds and light." 
 
 I was permitted to follow, with sight or ken, as 
 the Teacher led them away, away from those en- 
 chanting scenes to where the clouds and shadows 
 hung dark beneath and around them. 
 
 They had drawn near a large city of Earth. 
 
 "O let's not go here," said one, "it seems so 
 dark." But the others urged her on. 
 
 Soon one little boy among them said, "See, there 
 is a little girl. She is cold and is crying on the 
 street; she is hungry too, let us help her." They 
 drew near, and the child, feeling comforted (she 
 knew not why), sobbed more softly and prayed: 
 
44 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 "O, my mamma in heaven, can you hear me and 
 send help to brother and baby — you loved us so?" 
 Then the spirit children saw a man approaching; 
 they fairly pushed him toward the weeping child 
 to whom he spoke kindly asking: 
 
 "What is the matter my little girl?" 
 
 "O, sir, my mother is dead, and my brother is 
 sick and the baby has nothing to eat. We're so 
 cold in that room." 
 
 "Can you take me there?" asked the man, and 
 he held out his hand for her to lead him. She 
 clasped two of his fingers with her tiny hand and 
 led him through the dark streets to a narrow alley 
 and up some dark, creaking stairs. Yes, there was 
 little brother crying for "mamma," for "sister," and 
 the baby asleep but sobbing. 
 
 The kind-hearted man saw everything at a 
 glance. 
 
 "Don't cry, my little man. I'll be back in a few 
 minutes. Take care of them, little lady, until I 
 come." 
 
 The spirit children had helped, and helped ; they 
 saw the spirit mother looking very sad, bending 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 45 
 
 above the baby, and then above "little brother." 
 They also tried to comfort him and help the little 
 girl. They saw the man go to a telephone and talk 
 with some one and they could see and feel the light 
 of kindness with which he spoke and in which the 
 answers came. How quick he was! He found a 
 place to buy food. He came back soon, built a 
 fire, warmed some milk, gave the other children 
 something to ease the worst pangs of hunger. Pres- 
 ently a woman came — such a kind heart! She too 
 worked fast. She gave the baby some food pre- 
 pared in the milk, helped the little sick boy, who 
 was more in need of bodily comfort than anything 
 else, soothed and fed the little girl who, little mother 
 that she was, at once aided in caring for the baby. 
 How the spirit children worked too! They had 
 made the man see and hear the little girl, had aided 
 in guiding her to the dismal room called "home", 
 had helped him find the telephone and the place to 
 buy the food, had helped the woman to find the 
 place, had helped take care of the children and 
 comfort them and the spirit mother. 
 
46 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 "Now," said the Teacher, "we will return to 
 our beautiful home." 
 
 One little boy whispered to the Teacher: "I 
 know there are more children and people who need 
 help down there. Can we go again and help?" 
 
 "Whenever you choose to make rainbows or 
 flowers or other beautiful things we will go." And 
 they rejoiced. 
 
 Lo! As they passed through the encompassing 
 clouds circles of rainbows o'er-spanned them and 
 paths of rainbows guided them to their spirit home. 
 When the other children saw them approaching they 
 sang, "O, the rainbows! O, the rainbows! When 
 you dry the tears of sorrow and help those in need 
 you make rainbows." 
 
 All spirit children are taught to visit the scenes 
 of Earth life. The home and its loved ones, where 
 they are missed, ever attracts them and they are 
 taught to minister, to aid, to guard. If they had 
 no home on Earth they try to aid those who still 
 remain in the "orphan" realm of human life. 
 
while out of my body 47 
 
 There are no Orphans in the Spirit 
 Realm: 
 
 Mothers whose babes are in the Earth life help 
 to care for those "little waifs" thrust out of human 
 existence — and for spirit children that pine for 
 Mother love. 
 
 Children whose parents are in Earth life are 
 taught to aid and comfort those in the home as well 
 as those who have no home. Especially cared for 
 are the little "waifs" who were not welcome in the 
 Earth-forms — even those who have not seen the 
 light of earthly day — not always from among the 
 poor of earth were they driven, especially those 
 abandoned by the unfortunate or misguided mothers. 
 These and all are "mothered" by the spirits whose 
 hearts are filled with mother love. And here it is 
 well to note that not all who are earthly parents 
 are real fathers and mothers, and many who are 
 childless — work night and day in the "asylums" on 
 earth to save some neglected, forsaken, child. 
 These are real parents. 
 
 What greater "punishment" could there be than 
 
48 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 when the human mother has turned away from the 
 sacred gift of motherhood, she meets, on entering 
 spirit life, her own neglected babe who welcomes 
 her there? "Coals of fire!" 
 
 It is not always to visit scenes of sorrow and want 
 that the spirit children are led to the earth : Houses, 
 schools, playgrounds, "Lyceums" where the little 
 ones of earth are taught, places of entertainment and 
 amusement where they play, and sing, and grow; 
 there also are the playmates of the spirit home 
 mingling with them and endeavoring to impress them 
 with thoughts and deeds of loving kindness with 
 things of beauty. 
 
 Returning to the Realm of Spirit Children one 
 finds such respite from care, such constant sources of 
 happiness, such fashioning of forms of beauty. Oh, 
 that all could know! Knowledge of all this has 
 reached but few on Earth ; yet more and more will 
 human minds be pervaded by the methods of the 
 Skies. 
 
 Those who have given new methods of "Edu- 
 cation" to the people of Earth have been in- 
 spired somewhat by these Teachers in spirit states. 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 49 
 
 Froebel, whose "Kindergarden" system was in- 
 tended for "children" of all ages; A. J. Davis, 
 whose "Progressive Lyceum" system was not in- 
 tended exclusively for Sunday training of children 
 but in its inception was a reproduction of the "teach- 
 ing" in spirit states (as far as his mind and inspira- 
 tion could reproduce such beautiful methods.) 
 Even if one could give in human language the form 
 of teaching (or methods) of the spirit states, the 
 law of adaptation prevailing in the higher realms 
 might not always be available in human life. 
 
 How beautiful to know that growth — and the 
 best opportunity for the highest unfoldment with 
 most loving teachers and Guardians surround the 
 darlings who have passed from the households of 
 Earth. 
 
 Here then, O human parents, O sisters and 
 brothers, you who miss the bodily presence of the 
 one who occupied the "vacant chair," you who feel 
 the pervading sense of the absence of the loved 
 children: here they are; bringing to your very 
 homes and hearts, could you but realize it, the love, 
 the knowledge, the wisdom, the beauty of the skies. 
 
50 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 Beauty and Harmony 
 
 Ever from childhood through all the years of 
 Earth-life beautiful scenery, tints of earth and sky, 
 music, in fact all beautiful sights and sounds, 
 strongly appealed to me. In the spirit states I noted 
 that harmonious colors, beautiful scenes, and often 
 exquisite music greeted me as we approached groups 
 of radiant atmospheres, encircling spheres of light; 
 such exquisite sounds of harmony as one dreams 
 must be the "Music of the Spheres." On approach- 
 ing nearer I would perceive that the tints and sounds, 
 as they reached me, were the radiations of thought, 
 the spirit activities of these thus ensphered who have 
 attained real harmony. They were not MAKING 
 beautiful colors and music, but LIVING them. 
 
 The "Artists" 
 
 Perhaps I have elsewhere written that music in 
 spirit states does not always accompany the one 
 who was a "musician" on Earth; and harmony of 
 color, beautiful surroundings may ensphere one who 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 51 
 
 never thought of being an "artist." Their lives 
 have been interwoven with sweet and loving 
 thoughts and deeds. 
 
 That which would have been a source of surprise 
 had I not previously known it was that "artists," 
 "painters," "sculptors," "musicians," and even some 
 of the "poets," known by those names on Earth, are 
 not fashioning landscapes, portraits, or carving from 
 stone the images of lovely forms, nor are they fash- 
 ioning or weaving into music or verse some classical 
 or other theme: All of those who were "geniuses," 
 all who were Idealists, true lovers of their £iW, find 
 here (in spirit life) their highest happiness in minis- 
 tering to others, in moving upon the minds, hearts, 
 spirits of those to whom they are adapted, until they 
 perceive the Soul of Beauty and fashion it into their 
 lives. The "Masters" of art: painters, sculptors, 
 builders, construct their temples and adorn them 
 with lives — the true images of beauty in thought, 
 feeling, aspiration, achievement. 
 
 Music is perfect Harmony, of one life with itself 
 and others, of many lives in all their highest pur- 
 
52 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 poses. Such are the creators of the "Symphonies of 
 the Skies." 
 
 Those who had "Talent," hoping to achieve the 
 works of "Genius" — sometime, somewhere, are still 
 intent on fashioning reproductions or imitations of 
 natural objects and scenes, or impressing art stu- 
 dents of Earth to produce such effects. But these 
 are not the creators — every "creation" is from 
 within and must live" said my Teacher. 
 
 One wishes for a magic pen, or for a perfect 
 Gift of Expression, to convey in language the subtle 
 consciousness of the Beauty and Harmony that meet 
 one as one is led to the "Atmospheres" of some of 
 the 
 
 "Creators of Beauty." 
 
 More wonderful than all else was the knowledge 
 that many who had never painted, carved, builded, 
 or traced the "score" of musical composition were 
 surrounded and pervaded by such ineffable loveli- 
 ness that one could Tveep for ven; /op on per- 
 ceiving it. 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 53 
 
 "Art is Great, but the perception of the Soul of 
 Beauty is Life! Love!" said the Guide. 
 
 One perceives in such states as were there re- 
 vealed that the true "artist" has not always been 
 known among his fellow human beings, moving 
 upon the world of thought, influencing other lives 
 by the beauty and harmony of their own natures, 
 these seem, when viewed from the spirit, to consti- 
 tute the real artists. 
 
 "Is not the Temple of the Soul a Living Tem- 
 ple, is not the art of molding the mind to perform 
 the mandates of the spirit more to be sought for 
 and greater when attained? "Eternal in the 
 Heavens" are the Temples "not made with hands," 
 so said the Guide and so I perceived more and 
 more clearly. 
 
 In marked contrast to the foregoing were the 
 thought-forms surrounding some of those who had 
 been "artists" on Earth: broken lines, inharmoni- 
 ous colors, discords, sharp and jagged corners — 
 all portraying disturbed conditions of the unruly 
 thoughts and impulses that had possessed them in 
 Earth-life. 
 
54 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 I had interesting glimpses of those who were 
 "working with themselves." One who was consid- 
 ered "eminent" in art on Earth was cutting, carving, 
 breathing upon an image of himself. 
 
 "What is he doing?" I exclaimed, now really 
 surprised. 
 
 "Removing the angularities and errors of his own 
 nature: jealousy of other artists, the deepest scar; 
 selfish love of human praise — that overweening de- 
 sire for adulation; unwillingness to accord to others 
 appreciation of their true merits," replied the Guide. 
 
 Later, I saw that artist self-renovated, and one 
 whom he had envied derided and scorned, when 
 both were in Earth life, working together, produc- 
 ing, through artist minds on earth, works that pos- 
 sess the merits of both with the added tone of har- 
 mony; the strength of one being merged in perfect 
 accord with the grace and loveliness of the other, 
 blending in wondrous works of Beauty. 
 
 This was a wonderful lesson, serving to illustrate 
 that at first, and possibly for some time after enter- 
 ing spirit life one's chief occupation is — or should 
 be — removing one's own limitations; but this can- 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 55 
 
 not begin until one is aware that one has the im- 
 perfections; to be conscious of one's faults is half 
 the remedy. 
 
 Bodily imperfections, infirmities and disease, un- 
 less retained psychologically by having constantly 
 encroached upon the mind, or deformities that are 
 dwelt upon mentally, are dropped with the body; 
 but such infirmities of mind as are born of an undue 
 "egotism," undue self love, (the capital "I" around 
 which the universe revolves), must be removed be- 
 fore the spirit can enter upon real "work- As with 
 artists so with those eminent in science or any de- 
 partment of human thought and endeavor ; the truly 
 Great are ever the most humble ; realizing that how- 
 ever much they know, and however clearly they 
 can think "the universe is full of things we do not 
 know"; as one of the great ones aptly said. 
 
 I had met one — a brilliant mind — who in Earth 
 life was gifted in many ways, chiefly mathematics. 
 He had breakfasted on billions, dined on duodecil- 
 lions, supped on sepdecillions, he wrote to the rythm 
 of "logarithms," and worshiped at the shrine of the 
 calculus! I tried to imagine what he might be do- 
 
56 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 ing. Perhaps he was measuring the immeasurable 
 or calculating the uncalculable ! I saw him! 
 Where was his Observatory? Where his maps, 
 charts, instruments? The answer swept over and 
 through me with a great thrill. 
 
 "The knowledge that comes to the spirit is in- 
 stantaneous — if one is ready — how can one use 
 even the most perfect instrumentalities and methods 
 when time and space are eliminated? Truth is per- 
 ceived: in homely phrase "No ladder for the air 
 men," "no mathematics for the soul!" I never could 
 have imagined how quickly he would "perceive." 
 He had attained the real knowledge of wisdom and 
 love. 
 
 The poet-prophets of the world, those who have 
 sung in immortal verse the Truths of the Skies: 
 Truths of Freedom, Justice, Love, Spiritual Exal- 
 tation, moved by the theme of their songs, using 
 their art as a setting to the Jewel of Truth, these 
 endowed ones knew that without the inspiring 
 theme, the words, the rythm would be empty bub- 
 bles, glittering nothings. 
 
while out of my body 57 
 
 All Are Teachers 
 
 All exalted lives (spiritually) moving and living 
 in similar planes of thought — born of their spiritual 
 states — are attracted to each other in spirit life for 
 the interchange of perceptions of Truth and bear- 
 ing forward the work of illuminating such minds on 
 Earth as are ready to receive along the lines of 
 human progress and unfoldment, imparting "the 
 things they are ready to know." 
 
 Spirits, the wise ones, do not make the mistake, 
 as many do in human life, of trying to force upon 
 the minds of those whom they teach the truths or 
 knowledge for which those minds are not prepared: 
 "Arithmetic first, after that geometry and higher 
 mathematics," is the rule in Earth schools. So in 
 the instruction by spirit Teachers there is adaptation 
 to the pupil not only of the Teacher but of that 
 which is to be taught. There are "ministering spir- 
 its" adapted to every condition. 
 
 I could but marvel at the wonderful workings of 
 these principles that govern the influence of "mind 
 upon mind" — really spirit upon spirit; so much 
 
58 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 more complex yet more potent than the "forces" 
 and operation of the "laws" of the material universe 
 — "laws" so little understood, "forces" so dimly 
 perceived. 
 
 "Most of the people on the Earth-plane know so 
 little even concerning the things and forces most 
 intimately connected with their bodily existence: 
 the sunshine, the air they breathe, the earth beneath 
 them, the sea, and the heavens of Stars; we must 
 not wonder over-much that they know little or noth- 
 ing of this inner, though more real, realm of Spirit." 
 
 This was from the Guide. Anticipating the 
 question that was welling up from the mind: "Why 
 do not those on Earth know more of these spirit 
 states, more of their own conditions spiritually?" 
 The answer had already been given, and as we 
 passed on the Teacher said: 
 
 "Growth, unfoldment, waiting, working." 
 
 Co-Workers 
 
 Among the groups and assemblages whom I met 
 and with whom I was most frequently in communi- 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 59 
 
 cation during this surpassing sojourn were the arisen 
 co-workers in the "Movement" with which my life- 
 work has been most identified: 
 
 "Spiritualism" 
 
 In the work of a life-time as a chosen "instru- 
 ment" to bear "glad tidings," to promote the knowl- 
 edge of spirit existence here and beyond the change 
 called death, and the ministration from and com- 
 munion with the arisen ones, I had met in outward 
 existence every leading mind and every worker 
 (medium) known in the Spiritualistic movement. 
 
 We were always friends, always co-workers, sis- 
 ters and brothers bearing forward a great Truth. 
 Very frequently during this wonderful visit in the 
 realm of spirit I saw them — either alone or in 
 smaller or larger groups, renewing the companion- 
 ship that had been so beautiful and delightful when 
 we had worked side by side in human forms. 
 
 In your memory, dear reader, or in your reading 
 scan the list of names who were first known as "In- 
 vestigators" then as "Spiritualists," and the names 
 
60 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 of those known as MEDIUMS (there were no "Psy- 
 chics" in those days.) I knew and loved them all. 
 I met them all. Each one in spirit life is still en- 
 gaged in imparting this knowledge — most import- 
 ant of all that human beings can receive — concern- 
 ing Spiritual Truth. Existence, life, love, work 
 beyond the change called death; 
 
 Spiritualism as a Movement, 
 
 I had ever been instructed by my Guides, was 
 given to the world when needed, and when there 
 were those upon the Earth who were ready, when 
 the "ages were ripe" for its coming. 
 
 In spirit states of Earth and in the realms far be- 
 yond were those who knew the "day and hour" had 
 come for "moving upon the minds of Earth with 
 this new illumination." 
 
 There was from the "smallest" to the "greatest," 
 from the seemingly "least" to the "most important" 
 of the manifestations a concerted action. The 
 "rappings" at Hydesville were no "accident," the 
 visions of Clairvoyant and seer, the writings and 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 61 
 
 trance utterances (phenomenal) were all a part of 
 this Stupendous Movement. All, all, under guid- 
 ance of those wise Spirits who knew what the 
 people of the world needed and gave it to them 
 according to their needs. 
 
 Necessarily many extremists and "imitators" 
 would be attracted to the subject — like driftwood 
 following or borne upon every new current of 
 thought — but it is safe to say that Spiritualism dur- 
 ing the sixty-seven years since the "Rochester 
 Knockings" has attracted the attention of more emi- 
 nent minds in every department of human research 
 (and convinced them too) and given knowledge 
 and consolation to a greater number of people than 
 any movement or system of knowledge in ancient 
 or modern times. With those who are willing and 
 anxious to be classed as Spiritualists it is knowledge 
 of life beyond death — and of the presence and 
 ministration of the beloved arisen ones. 
 
 So spoke my Guide to me and to the group of 
 co-workers who had come forward to meet and 
 greet me. How young and beautiful they were. 
 Always I had noted in earth life how beautiful the 
 
62 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 dear ones are when one has been for a time absent 
 from them — and here, in this realm of perpetual 
 youth, with the freedom from human pain and cares 
 that some of them had so bravely borne, I could but 
 note the beauty that is theirs. 
 
 In the interchange of thought and experiences 
 with these arisen co-workers I could readily under- 
 stand that being brought into direct personal rela- 
 tionship with their "Guides," "Inspirers," "Teach- 
 ers/* "helpers" and with each other, they had be- 
 come more and more aware of the true meaning and 
 nature of the gifts (mediumship) that were theirs 
 when in the form, and they realized that even those 
 "Inspirers" and "Teachers" were also the instru- 
 ments of higher and wiser Spirits. 
 
 One sister worker said to me "I always wanted 
 to see my Guides, as you did, but I could not, for 
 the gift of spirit vision was not mine. Now I un- 
 derstand what it means to 'see with the eyes of the 
 Spirit' and I am satisfied." 
 
 Those who had been my most intimate co-work- 
 ers had many things to tell me of their "awakening" 
 into added perception of spiritual things and of the 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 63 
 
 work assigned them in their new state of existence; 
 still ministering, still trying to lift the veil, mostly of 
 ignorance, that divides mortals from their arisen 
 ones. Many were the loving messages sent to 
 friends and loved Companions still in Earth life. 
 
 "Tell them you sarv me here in spirit life, and I 
 am ever near them, in response to a thought, or wish 
 or especially a need, guiding, guarding, aiding." 
 
 It seems better to receive a message from one 
 who has "been there," who has actually seen and 
 conversed with one's friends "face to face" and 
 "spirit to spirit." So, in the treasure house of my 
 spirit are stored those messages to be given when- 
 ever I meet any of those loved ones in human life 
 to whom I was so fortunate as to bear a message. 
 It is to them alone that the message for them can 
 be given. 
 
 The transcendant brightness and spiritual beauty 
 of that assemblage of spirits — from guardian spirits 
 of relatives and friends to the wisest and most ad- 
 vanced that one could see, are beyond my power 
 of language to express. 
 
 There is no formal taking of one's "place" or 
 
64 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 ''position," no ceremonious "assigning" of "duty" 
 or "work," but in groups and larger companies, as 
 well as in personal ministrations, a mutual under- 
 standing of purpose, according to adaptation. If 
 a united or concerted action upon earth-minds 
 for any given purpose is needed it is readily per- 
 ceived and entered upon by all who are in accord, 
 and is performed by such methods as enlightened 
 spirits readily understand. 
 
 Human minds are better prepared to comprehend 
 the methods of spirit communicating with spirit 
 since "wireless telegraphy" and other recent scien- 
 tific wonders have been achieved, not that the proc- 
 ess is similar in any degree, but being prepared for 
 the new revealments in science also prepares impar- 
 tial minds to know of the more subtle powers of the 
 spirit. "Volition" in its highest analysis is the one 
 attribute of the spirit by which other spirits know 
 — through perception, what is being imparted, but 
 there must ever be accord, sympathy, adaptation. 
 
 From some of those who had been my friends in 
 my early life and who were "leading minds" in this 
 cause, and in other subjects of human interest, I re- 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 65 
 
 ceived many thoughts and suggestions concerning 
 the present status of the "movement" (Spiritualism) 
 and what they now think of the possible and de- 
 sirable results of "united action," — "organization" 
 for the work and the workers. These and many 
 other themes must be left for opportunity, time and 
 strength to reveal, as my work goes on in human 
 life. 
 
 One notes the same minds and spirits in many 
 assemblages of the different branches of all pur- 
 poses for aiding humanity. Even as when on earth 
 the "Pioneers" in "Anti-slavery," "Equal Suf- 
 frage," "Temperance," were the same staunch 
 body of men and women, ready now as then to re- 
 spond to the call to give a voice to Truth. In the 
 assemblies for promoting "peace" by "those who 
 love their fellowmen," there was the universal senti- 
 ment: "Peace must be born of Justice and Justice 
 can only come by true Fraternity." 
 "My country is the world; 
 My countrymen all mankind." 
 
 This is the standard extending to include "All 
 Souls." 
 
66 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 "It seems to inhere in the very nature of human 
 life that men will fight for: (1) Personal liberty: 
 freedom from physical bondage and involuntary 
 servitude; (2) For defence of those nearest and 
 dearest enshrined in the "home"; (3) For country 
 when it represents the "home" and those "Ideals" 
 to which the heart ever clings." 
 
 To "remove the Causes of War" all selfish seek- 
 ing, all aggression by any nation upon the rights of 
 others must cease, "and this must come by growth, 
 by enlightenment in the cardinal principles of jus- 
 tice, love and truth." These and many other 
 thoughts were given forth in that assembly. 
 
 *A great wave of uprising among the women of 
 all nations was predicted in favor of conditions that 
 would "make for peace" leading to united efforts 
 between the most enlightened men and women of 
 all nations to the establishment of "Peace born of 
 Right — Not Might." The Peace foretold by 
 poets and sages of all time. Yet all agree in that 
 wonderful assemblage, that "treaties of Peace" are 
 without avail unless the moral force of the nations 
 
 * This was before the Woman's "Peace Congress'* had been 
 thought of by Earth minds. 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 67 
 
 — among their leaders, rulers and a majority of 
 their people — is sufficient to dominate; and make 
 just treaties binding. 
 
 As individuals are now expected to adjust their 
 difference in Courts of Law (often misnamed jus- 
 tice), and it is the aim of a majority of citizens not 
 to encroach upon the real rights of others, so the 
 time must come when nations will agree to a similar 
 method in adjusting possible differences that may 
 arise; and this much can come even before the real 
 millenium of "Peace on Earth and Love to all 
 Mankind." There must be some other Interna- 
 tional Tribunal than the battlefield! Earth, sea, 
 and air, must not be held in bondage for physical 
 carnage ! 
 
 In the final "Day of Peace" even Peace Tribu- 
 nals will not be needed, but now — "may Angels 
 speed the Day of Peace born of Justice." 
 
 In most instances I could tell the personality, or 
 human name, of each one giving forth a particular 
 thought, and all were in accord. Alas, I could also 
 perceive that they saw, in viewing the conditions of 
 Earth that "the end is not yet." 
 
68 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 I cannot mar this wonderful visit — this respite 
 from pain and cares of Earth by dwelling too long 
 among the shadows, warclouds and darkened states 
 of Earth life. As beyond the storm clouds of 
 Earth's nearest material atmosphere the sun always 
 shines glorious and with resplendent brightness, so 
 beyond the horrors of war the desolation and rav- 
 agement of nations incident thereto, beyond the 
 storms, earthquakes, and cataclysmic throes of na- 
 ture, the Sun of Spiritual Hope and Love ever 
 shines surpassing fair, and all the Angelic and 
 Spiritual Hosts are ready to aid, strengthen, succor 
 the spirits enshrouded in time and earth conditions. 
 
 The Return 
 
 More and more frequent were the summons and 
 the visits to my mortal body, to reimbue, as it was 
 now found possible, with my spirit, to restore with 
 the personal presence, the body within which the 
 vital spark had been kept alive by blessed Guardian 
 Spirits and devoted friends on Earth. 
 
 More and more the spirit "Home friends/' the 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 69 
 
 Best Beloved, and the Guides encouraged the 
 thought of my return to fulfill the appointed work 
 on Earth. I had prayed to be allowed to remain, 
 to let the body pass; but now, gradually it is true, 
 the idea of resuming the human habiliments, the 
 garb of the material body, became less repugnant, 
 and I finally freely said: "Yes, I will go as that is 
 the appointed way." 
 
 Have you, dear friend, who may be reading 
 these imperfect fragments of a perfect experience, 
 (as any narrative must be) ever visited some fair 
 garden, some sequestered home of dearest friends, 
 a place radiant with beauty and enchantment; 
 where there were flowers massed in rarest combina- 
 tions of color and fragrance, fountains murmuring 
 in answer to the summer winds, music, such as 
 seemed a part of the enrapturing scene; have you 
 enjoyed this with the chosen friends that alone 
 could make the scene sacred, the Best Beloved? 
 And have you known the reluctance to return to 
 the "outer world" of daily routine of care, perhaps 
 of pain? Ah, then you know in the smallest degree 
 what it meant to me to return to my bodily form! 
 
70 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 Yet even now the soul of all that was mine in 
 that wonderful, surpassing state is ever with me; 
 nor will it again be absent from me — since it is en- 
 folded in my very being. I am more complete now, 
 even in the body which ever divides us from the 
 Soul of Life. 
 
 "You will be with us again and often," they 
 said; the Guide said no formal "farewells," no 
 "leavetaking," but everywhere from every Dear 
 and Blessed one "Blessings, Peace, Joy, and Love 
 go with you into added Strength and Work." 
 
 And here I am : ready to help the body to grow 
 stronger, and to willingly, joyfully, in the future as 
 in the past, perform the work assigned me — until — 
 they — call — me — Home. 
 
 Cora L. V. Richmond. 
 
An Added Word or Two 
 
 The possibility of the spirit "leaving the body" 
 for a time and then returning and resuming its usual 
 activities has been demonstrated many times. In 
 some instances the temporary separation was caused 
 by accident, illness, states of coma induced by an- 
 esthetics, trance, either of spirit control or hypnosis, 
 and sometimes a voluntary absence or activity not 
 suspending the vital functions of the body. It is 
 also undoubtedly true that during sleep — especially 
 that restful, dreamless sleep that betokens a normal 
 state of mind and body, the spirit avails itself of 
 the opportunity of restoration by spiritual methods 
 and activities not possible while urging the body to 
 do its bidding. Not only Spiritualists, Psycholo- 
 gists and Psychic Research students have well 
 authenticated cases of the undoubted activity of the 
 Spirit apart from the body, but many prominent 
 physicians have recorded their experiences with pa- 
 tients whose bodily functions were suspended, even 
 to seeming dissolution, and upon the unexpected re- 
 
72 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 suscitation of the subject there would be a vivid 
 account of active experiences in spirit — usually 
 pleasant scenes and meetings with friends long 
 passed into spirit life. These visits to "heaven** 
 would be sometimes tinged with the religious bias 
 of the subject, but this is not strange in view of the 
 fact that spirit states are conditions of the mind and 
 spirit experiencing them. 
 
 Among the most familiar popular illustrations are 
 those narrated by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, espe- 
 cially by "Gail Hamilton" who, being thought 
 "dead*' returned to her body, narrated to her 
 pastor the experiences she had during that period of 
 suspended animation and resumed her pen, remain- 
 ing in mortal life a considerable time thereafter. 
 
 Although not usual, this class of experiences is 
 not so unusual as many imagine or assert. And 
 the writer having been from childhood accustomed 
 to the "other state" ("Inner,** "higher'*), of con- 
 sciousness can distinctly trace her experiences in 
 that inner realm as forming fully a third if not one- 
 half of her life-experiences. 
 
 The "realm of spirit*' in which she has so often 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 73 
 
 found herself a participant is, therefore, no unfamil- 
 iar realm; in fact if called upon to decide which 
 state is the reality — the life, she would unhesitat- 
 ingly say : the inner state, the super-mundane realm. 
 
 Of the many eminent men of Science in both 
 Europe and America who have come to a knowl- 
 edge of the truths of Spirit existence, continuance of 
 life after transition, — and the writer has known 
 them all personally, except the one she is about to 
 mention, — probably Sir Oliver Lodge has ap- 
 proached the subject of "psychic Research" (Spir- 
 itualism) with a mind the best prepared to receive 
 (perceive) Spiritual Truth. I say this with the ut- 
 most reverence and admiration for the long list of 
 names — eminent alike in their personal qualities 
 and scientific attainments, whose lives have been 
 made brighter by a knowledge of demonstrated fu- 
 ture existence and a belief in the Immortality of the 
 Soul. Shall I name some of them? Hare, Mapes, 
 Denton, Wallace, Crookes, Varley, Zollner, Flam- 
 marion — the list is almost endless. 
 
 Sir Oliver Lodge has not only recently, and very 
 publicly, announced his full belief (knowledge) of 
 
74 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 continued personal existence beyond the change 
 called death, but the possibility of communion with 
 those "gone before" and the certainty that he had 
 personal evidence beyond cavil or doubt, proofs in- 
 dubitable, of the presence of and communication 
 with his particular friends, but — and this is the point 
 I wish to emphasize — in his earlier utterances on this 
 subject he said in effect: "When I become aware 
 that the human spirit while still animating the body, 
 or not released by death, has such surpassing pow- 
 ers, 'telepathy,' Voluntary action' apart from the 
 body, showing conclusively that the activities of the 
 mind are not dependent upon the physical organism 
 — I concluded there must be evidence to show that 
 the spirit can and does survive the body." This 
 and much more was in his published statements con- 
 cerning his investigations in connection with Psy- 
 chic Research — showing that he approached the 
 subject not only from the "effect to cause" line of 
 usual scientific investigation, but had already in his 
 quickened perception the vivification of a-priori 
 knowledge leading from "cause to effect" 
 
 One would like to accumulate and set down in 
 
WHILE OUT OF MY BODY 75 
 
 condensed manner all the available evidences of 
 "absence from the body" — of which the writer has 
 a large and increasing store, but this writing is more 
 distinctly in the form of a message for this particu- 
 lar time. 
 
 With our own "other world" within and about 
 us, moving "like wings of light on dark and stormy 
 air," with such unused, wonderful powers, what 
 wonder that one having partaken of the bounties of 
 that inner realm longs to awaken the "sleeping" 
 spirits of those in human life — or, more correctly 
 speaking, tear aside the veil and show how wonder- 
 ful are the dormant powers within each person: 
 Soul-powers more active, perhaps, than any are 
 aware! Who can tell, until the film of mental 
 blindness is removed, how great may be the works 
 accomplished by the spirit when the body sleeps, 
 when one is "absent minded," or when thinking in- 
 tently of a particular friend, one finds at that very 
 day and hour the friend had "passed away"? 
 
 It is of the "Substance that dreams are made" 
 that we shall ultimately find our divinest realities, 
 our verp lives are fashioned. 
 
76 MY EXPERIENCES 
 
 This narrative of "experiences while out of my 
 body" is only a prelude to those vaster heights, 
 those more inner scenes, that I hope sometime to be 
 able to record: The Symphony is Life itself whose 
 theme of Love is Endless, Endless, Endless. 
 
 — The Author. 
 
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