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 experienced 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 _now; 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?
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
being 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 cannot dwell minutely on
the sacred meetings with those who were ever nearest and dearest; those
of 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 possession.
“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 “_all there_.”
They would smile and seem to answer, “Yes, all here, in our own
particular states, and doing our own appointed work.”