MEETING WITH CAMARISSA.
De L'Ester--We salute you, and are gratified to find you prepared for
our flight to Ento. As Inidor[a:], Genessano, and their mother await
us at Camariss[a:] we will journey quickly. George, allow your sister
to merely rest on your arm; thus she will grow stronger and more
self-reliant. Yonder is ruddy Ento, glowing and palpitating like the
heart of some living creature. Now glance backward at our own distant
planet. Yes, its radiant envelope differs in color from that of Ento.
What occasions the difference in the atmospheric coloring of the two
planets? Qualities of atmosphere, reflection and refraction.
Yes, it is difficult to realize that on our Earth world myriads of
creatures, humans and animals each in accordance with their inherent
qualities are reaching out toward the light which lighteth, not only
every man that cometh into the world, but which shines for the Earth
worm as well as for the angel. You think that a very comprehensive
statement? So it is; but is not the Infinite, Omni-present Spirit in
the atom as well as in the universe? Aye, and spirit is the one light,
and there is no other.
The beautiful city Camariss[a:] lies below us, and we will now descend
to our friends who await us in the arbor.
Genessano--Loh[a:]û ēmentos. We have been watching and welcoming your
approach. Gentol[a:], allow me the pleasure of making known to you our
dear, our honored mother.
Camarissa--At last I meet you, of whom I so often have heard. You have
given my sons a place in your regard, may I hope to also be so favored?
Gentola--It is I who am the favored one, and I shall esteem it a
privilege and a pleasure to number you among my friends. Your sons have
promised a relation from your own lips, of events occurring during your
mortal existence; so aside from the pleasure of mutual acquaintance
with much interest I have looked forward to your coming.
Camarissa--To recall events of my mortal existence will be like
recalling a not very well remembered dream. It may surprise you to
learn that not since my dear sons entered our spirit world, nearly four
centuries ago, have I visited Ento's physical plane. To explain why I
have not, would not suit the present occasion.
I perceive that since last my eyes gazed upon the once familiar face of
Ento, marvellous changes have occurred; not the least noticeable is the
educational institution erected near the site of my former home.
Long ere our departure into the world of spirits, my dear husband,
Genessano Allis Immo, and I were engrossed with the anticipation
of at some not far future time rearing a great Galarēs[a:], which
should not only serve to perpetuate our memory, but also should serve
the nobler purpose of educating future generations in science, art,
industries, and gentle modes of living. Other important interests so
occupied our time and attention that the fulfillment of our cherished
plan was delayed and the years passed, and still we found no time to
devote to the achievement of a work so dear to our hearts. At last a
period arrived when we felt that we might arrange for the erection
of the Galarēs[a:], but suddenly and most unexpectedly I passed into
our spirit world, and ere long my husband followed me. Age and most
arduous duties had brought him quite beyond the years of middle life,
but a still vigorous manhood gave promise of many years of usefulness;
but so stricken was he that I who had so long worked by his side,
who had been to him as the heart of his heart, the life of his life,
sharing with him the joys and sorrows of our mutual existence, that I,
his adored wife and the mother of our two sons had forever gone from
his sight, that he had not courage to long survive so great a calamity.
Realizing that he too was about to pass in to the silence, calmly he
arranged his affairs, and instructed our dear sons as to his wishes.
Then with the fortitude of a just man he yielded to the inevitable,
and passed, not into the silence, but into a glorious spirit realm,
where I awaited him. Soon our beloved sons, one by one, came to us;
but ere they came, they had well begun the work which their father
had delegated to them as a sacred trust, but which was to be left for
other faithful hands to complete. Now, as I gaze on yonder grandly
beautiful structure I am grateful that the Infinite One, who directs
the ways of his children, has made of me and mine instruments for the
good of others. Since passing into our spirit world my husband and I
have been informed as to events and affairs occurring on Ento, and our
satisfaction over the beneficent results of the introduction of the
irrigating and waterways system, which obviously is of incalculable
benefit to Ento, is inexpressible.
Changes which impress me with a sense of strangeness relate to this
plateau which, as I remember it, was considerably loftier than now,
and where in former times was an abrupt declivity, is now a gentle
incline eastward to the level of the waterway. I perceive too that
the massive seawall, built during the lives of my husband and myself
has disappeared beneath the waves of Indolois[a:], whose waters have
greatly encroached upon the land. At the time of my departure from
Ento, between Indolois[a:]'s eastern shore and the western face of
this plateau, there was a broad stretch of land, many dwellings and
other structures. Now I perceive that they and the great stone piers
and seawall have disappeared beneath the restless waves which have
so encroached upon the land as to threaten to wholly engulf it. None
too soon is yonder massive barrier being constructed as a protection
against further destruction of the greatly narrowed shoreland. As I
look about me I find it difficult to realize the many changes which
have occurred since I, a proud and happy wife, came to the home of my
adorable and adored husband. The winged years fled away, and our two
sons came to enhance our felicity. Other years added their days to
those of the past, and troublous forebodings, like creeping shadows
drew nearer, ever nearer. As you already are aware of the deplorable
conditions at that time prevailing throughout nearly all of Ento's
central regions, you will understand that finally the situation became
alarming, and one day, hand in hand, my husband and I walked to the
margin of the declivity, which abruptly fell away to the plain, and
as we gazed afar eastward over the dry and arid lands our eyes filled
with tears, and our hearts were sorely troubled. Imperceptibly, but
gradually, the fleeting years, nay, I should say ages, had brought
about a condition of such extreme aridity that the lands refused to
longer yield sustenance to the people, whose minds became filled with
despair, and a sense of enmity against those in authority over the
Provinces of the central regions. Like children deprived of proper
nourishment they grew fretful, rebellious and unreasoning, demanding
relief where more than temporary relief was unattainable.
For years my husband and I had vainly, incessantly striven to
alleviate the general distress and consequent discontent of the people
of our province, and now in silence we stood thinking, thinking.
Presently my husband, sighing heavily, said, "Camariss[a:], my dearest
one, I fear that my days are well nigh ended. The want and despair of
the people weighs so heavily upon me, that I stagger, and grow faint
under the burden. I know of no means by which we may afford them
prosperity and happiness. Have the pitiful Gods put into your mind
any thought that may serve to direct our future course?" After some
hesitation I replied, "Lord of my life and love of my heart, I know
not if in my slumber some God may have spoken to me, but I have had a
singular, and what your wisdom may deem a foolish dream. Shall I relate
it to you?" Smiling tenderly and sadly, he said, "Perchance in our
extremity, Andûman[a:] may have sent a messenger to whisper to your
sleeping senses. Tell me your dream. At least it will serve to occupy
the passing moments."
I then related that while I slumbered I dreamed that standing by his
side, just as we then were standing, we looked far eastward, and from
the base of the plateau, abounding streams flowed in that direction,
while at intervals other waters flowed from the north and from the
south, and borne on the bosom of a great waterway, huge vessels laden
with people and the products of many lands passed to and fro, and
that like some great bird with wide spreading wings, a beautiful city
seemed as though brooding upon the shining waters. It was a grandly
beautiful scene, and the wonder of it still remains in my memory.
"Heart of my heart," I said, "I have told you my dream. How shall it
be interpreted?" Silently, but with earnest attention my husband had
listened to the recital of my dream, and as I proceeded, his flushing
face, beaming eyes, and hurried breathing gave evidence of intense
emotion. Clasping me to his heart he cried, "Surely, Andûman[a:],
through His messenger has spoken to you, showing us a possible means
whereby our unproductive lands may be reclaimed, and the impoverished
peoples rescued from their present lamentable state. Camariss[a:], my
dearest, we will strive to understand the full meaning of the message,
and may Andûman[a:] and the pitiful gods aid us in our loving endeavor."
Days and nights of closest consideration, of closest calculation as
to adaptation of means to ends followed. So absorbed were we with the
tremendous problem which so suddenly had presented itself that we
scarcely ate or slept. At length greatly wearied I one day threw myself
on my couch and slumbered. Again the scene of my dream was before me,
but some years seemed to have elapsed since first I had gazed upon
it. How my vision was very far reaching, and I beheld fruitful lands
richly clothed with verdure. Cities, towns and villages adorned the
landscape. Want and discontent had disappeared, and prosperity like a
gracious ruler smiled upon the people. From overhead the fleecy clouds
dropped into the chalices of myriad, many-hued blooms, their sparkling
treasures. Among the spreading tree branches sweet throated birds sang
their love notes. Everywhere the shining waters gave drink to the
thirsty lands, and everywhere all things seemed to be breathing praise
and thankfulness to Andûman[a:], their creator.
After awaking, my dream remained a vivid, pleasant memory, but fearing
that my husband might think me grown fanciful, I shrank from speaking
of it; but as our thoughts and experiences ever were mutually shared,
I at length made my dream known to him. As before, he considered
it a message given not only for our guidance, but also for our
encouragement. "Ah, heart of my heart," he said, "your dreams may
yet become realities;" and my thoughts grew full of hope and eager
anticipation of some great good which might come to the suffering
people. Very soon afterwards, my husband proposed that we should go
to the capitol to lay before the supreme ruler, Tyvon Oiranz[a:], our
plans whereby we hoped to at least reclaim a portion of our unfruitful
lands, and thus rescue the people from their pitiable condition. But I
entreated that I might remain at home with our children, and he went
alone. With the result of his interview with Tyvon Oiranz[a:], you
already are acquainted.
Before the conclusion of our mortal existence the vast enterprise had
progressed far beyond our original plans and most sanguine hopes, and
my dear husband and I passed to our spirit world, fully assured that,
even as the arms of the loving mother encircle her child, so in coming
time would the beneficent system encircle Ento's entire central regions.
Ere meeting you, Gentol[a:], I with my sons surveyed the length and
breadth of the system, and my gratification that the great work goes
forward toward completion is beyond expression. My joy too, that the
time approaches nearly when Ento's sorrowful peoples shall rejoice
in the knowledge that life is continuous, is boundless. To you who
are devoting toward its accomplishment your time and very life force
will come your reward. That I may not by one hour retard the glorious
mission I shall for the present leave you, but not for long; for I
shall, from time to time, give myself the pleasure of meeting you and
these friends, and also of witnessing the progress of the children of
Ento out of darkness into the light of spiritual knowledge.
De L'Ester, I owe you more than thanks for your patient attempt to
translate into Gentol[a:]'s language my poorly expressed words, which
have at least made us better acquainted with each other. With loving
thoughts for all, I regretfully hid you Info oovistû (adieu).
De L'Ester--We now will proceed to the Galarēs[a:]. Ah, seated under
yonder vineclad arbor are two of our student friends, Prince Dano and
the Quend youth, Favēon. They very earnestly are discussing some topic
which may interest us. We will draw nearer.
Dano--Favēon, you are quite mistaken in your conclusions. Only
yesterday I had a demonstration of this not at all understood law.
After classes I as usual retired to my apartment where I amused
myself by sketching whatever for the moment caught my imagination.
Now it was a fragment of a half-remembered scene, anon it was a dream
face or some grotesque fancy, and thus in an idle fashion I whiled
away the moments. Presently, in some unremembered manner and through
what means I know not, I seemed to drift into an unknown country
where, through some unrecognized agency, I moved from one locality
to another beholding unfamiliar scenes, while beings of surpassing
beauty greeted me exchanging with me such kindly courtesies as one
stranger offers to another. Amazed, I asked myself can it be that the
gods have transported me to Astranol[a:] that I may behold the glories
of their blest abode? Although I felt exceedingly curious as to how
I had arrived in this strange country, it did not occur to me to
question any one; but as I stood musing over my perplexing position I
was amazed to see approaching me one whom in my childhood I had known
well, and whose surprise appeared to equal my own, as with extended
hand he hastened toward me, exclaiming: "Dano, Dano, son of my dearest
friend, Basto Andûlēs[a:], I give you a loving welcome to our world
of living ones, our world so beautiful, so glorious." For the moment
I seemed too shocked, too overwhelmed to reply, then collecting my
senses, I evasively answered: "My father often recalls the memory of
Iklos Mûyt[a:], and mourns that no more shall he behold your beloved
form or feel the warm clasp of your ever generous hands." Then I cried:
"Has not death claimed you? Do you indeed live here in Astranol[a:]?
I remember the lamentations of your family and friends over your dead
body and urned ashes, and I doubt the seeming evidence of my confused
senses. Tell me truly, do I behold Iklos Mûyt[a:]? Do I hear the
well-remembered voice of my father's honored, well beloved friend?
Surely, surely, I dream or my mind wanders, and I grow afraid, I grow
afraid," I tremblingly cried.
Taking my hands in his own he gently, soothingly said: "Dano, Dano,
dear youth, be not alarmed, calm your agitation, and listen to what I
shall say. As all of Ento's children have been taught, so was I taught
that only for Andûman[a:] and his messengers was immortality possible.
That when breath, the life of the body ceased, endless silence was the
fate of all. Ah me, I yet remember the bitter, hopeless anguish that
filled my mind, my heart, my days, when death came and I was bereft of
my dear ones. I only recall such sorrowful memories that you may be
reminded that the belief that death ends all of existence still holds
in bondage the heavy hearted children of Ento; and that you may be
assured that this dread belief is untrue let your visions wander over
the marvellously beautiful scenes of this world, which far exceed aught
that you may behold on Ento, and over these multitudes of happy men,
women and children who once lived, loved and labored and then passed
into this world of living ones, and who, with myself are taught that
through earnest striving to fulfill the law of love we all shall attain
to other realms far exceeding this in the glory of their inexpressible
beauty, and a happiness so exalted that I can neither comprehend or
realize it."
He further said that when death has stilled the activities of the body
the living principle, the real self, invisible to limited physical
vision continues a conscious, individualized existence in realms suited
to the requirements of the changed condition of the self. "This, dear
Dano," he said, "is not Astranol[a:], the fabled abode of fabulous
gods; it is but one of the realms surrounding Ento, as its petals
surround the heart of the rodel."
With profound attention I listened to this strange speech which so
moved me that I cried: "Oh, Iklos Mûyt[a:], tell me, I implore you,
will my dear ones, will I, continue to exist after passing into the
silence?" Releasing my hands, he, with a dignity, a majesty and a
tenderness of manner inexpressible, said: "There is but One Infinite,
Eternal, Intelligent Life Principle, and all things are partakers
of _it and cannot cease to exist_. Your body and the bodies of all
creatures must return to the elements from whence they originated;
but the self, the indestructible principle, will continue to exist in
the world of the immortals, and to the children of Ento this glorious
truth shortly will be revealed. Throughout our realms of the living
ones there is one thought, one resolve, one expectation, that but
little longer shall darkness and despair, like evil birds, brood over
your lives, turning your smiles into weeping, your joys into hopeless
sorrow. In this grand work I, alas, have no part. Not yet have I grown
strong enough to enter the repellent atmosphere surrounding Ento's
peoples; but in higher realms there are those who are as gods, and
they long have been striving, through such means as they command, to
penetrate this atmosphere; and to all who dwell in highest or lowest
realms the glad tidings have been heralded that soon the children of
Ento will emerge from the shadows of their cheerless beliefs into
the light of a joyous truth. I am not fully informed as to how this
glorious event is to be brought about. I only know that the means will
be equal to the desired end and I and all await with eager anticipation
the consummation of our dearest wishes. Dano, you now will return to
Ento, but remember that surely you will again come to this realm of
living ones, and I, Iklos Mûyt[a:] will be but one of many friends and
loving ones who will give you greeting."
Suddenly I awakened and found myself still seated by the table, pencil
in hand, and strangest of all this strange experience, as I slept and
dreamed, I had written all, and more than I have related. In what
manner can you account for this unusual dream, if dream it was?
Faveon--My dear Dano, I shall not attempt to account for your singular
dream further than that I presume that your waking thoughts and
imaginings were so impressed upon your mind that during sleep they
assumed familiar shapes, one of which appeared to utter unheard of
mysteries. I pray you, put away further indulgence in such misleading
fancies which may harmfully excite your too emotional nature. Through
our Holy Writings we are taught, and all experience confirms the fact,
that only Andûman[a:]'s Messengers dwell above yonder fleecy, floating
clouds, which, like a mistlike veil hide the glory of their shining
faces, which, as we know, sometimes irradiates the sky reminding Ento's
children that their sleepless eyes ever observe our good or evil deeds.
Always has it been and always must it be that when the breath of life
ceases the dead go into perpetual silence. Ah me, scarcely do we learn
to live, to love, to enjoy, ere death tears us from the embraces of
our loved ones, and naught is left us save a handful of ashes to be
cherished, to be ceaselessly wept over.
Dano--Think me not impious that I question _why_ Andûman[a:] has so
decreed that a life full of good deeds, of noble aims and achievements,
shall end as ends the life of the animal; shall suddenly, in the full
tide of a glorious career, cease to live and be no more. That we
now exist, and are conscious of the fact, is to my mind, as great a
marvel as that, in some unimagined state, we may continue a conscious
existence. Aye, a conscious existence in which to unfold our highest
abilities. You are aware, Favēon, that I am betrothed to Vallo[a:],
daughter and only child of our supreme ruler, Omanos Fûnh[a:], whose
wife, Sēlon[a:], died in giving birth to their only child. Emerging
into womanhood, Vallo[a:] displays such beauty of character, such
elegance of manner, such loveliness of face and form, such intelligence
and vivacity, that she enthralls me beyond expression, and I love her
with adoring tenderness. When I think of the possibility of death
approaching this charming, this adorable woman, stilling the breath of
her life, closing her luminous eyes and ending the music of her gentle
speech, I am filled with unutterable anguish. Oh, Favēon, if I sin, may
Andûman[a:] forgive, but to me it seems cruel that he permits the dread
Messenger Phra to take our all without making us, his children, some
recompense for the agony of bereavement, for the sorrowful certainty,
that we, and our dear dead shall meet no more.
Faveon--Dano, Dano, you shock and alarm me. No longer am I surprised
that your waking thoughts fill your sleep with strange, if not with
impious, dreams. I implore you to restrain your thoughts, your vivid
imagination, lest some harm come to you. You well know that your ideas
are contrary to the teachings of our sacred priesthood, who are the
expounders of our Holy Writings, which declare that in the beginning
Andûman[a:], through His love for His ignorant children instructed the
gods to commune with them, that thus they might gain knowledge, but as
they grew wise they also grew so arrogant and impious that they sought
to wrest from the gods the secrets pertaining to sacred things. Then
Andûman[a:] wrathfully forbade His Messengers to hold further communion
with His sinful children. In the beginning there was no death, but for
their sins Andûman[a:] decreed that henceforth death should serve as
a constant reminder that the Creator is greater than the created. We
being the created cannot, without sin, question Andûman[a:]'s laws,
hence, dear Dano, we should not only willingly submit to the will of
our Creator, but as obedient children, we should humbly revere the hand
that smites us.
Death having come to the children of Ento because of their impious
desire to obtain a knowledge of sacred mysteries, it does not appear
reasonable that even you, our beloved prince, may have been admitted
into Astranol[a:], and the Holy Writings mention no other realm of
living ones. To my mind, your dream partakes of the nature of the
hallucination which recently possessed you in the lecture hall. You
then insisted, and still insist, that a foreign-looking woman spoke to
you, and even touched you, yet no one save our fanciful friend, Lēta
Verronadas, imagined that they saw or heard aught. Certainly, it was
nothing more than the effect of a too highly excited imagination, to
which, I confess, I, too, occasionally am a victim. It appears that
Lēta is becoming subject to these annoying seizures, and his friends
are somewhat anxious for his health, which really appears excellent.
If my very practical remarks have served to becloud your usually serene
countenance, you will forgive me, and may Andûman[a:] forgive if I,
too, am sometimes filled with fear and bitter regret that inevitably
death is drawing near, that even in my youth I may pass into oblivion.
Were it not impious, gladly would I welcome a belief in a possibility
of a continuity of existence. Alas, we have no hope, or slightest
indication, that after death has seized the breath of our life, we and
our beloved ones ever shall meet again. So, my friend, it will be well
for us to strive to be thinkers and workers, not dreamers of dreams
which have no foundation in realities. Your heavy sigh finds an echo in
my own heart, and I fear that my face like your own tells the secret of
our sorrowful thoughts, so the signal for our return to study comes in
good time to end this profitless conversation.
De L'Ester--You perceive, Gentol[a:], that a spiritual force is
agitating the minds of some of Ento's people. All through the
centuries of their established religion there have been minds more
or less illumined by gleams of Spirit Inspiration, but necessarily
they have been so faint, so uncertain, so quickly repressed as to
have made but slight impression upon the masses of the people. Always
the priesthood of Ento have been an impregnable barrier between the
darkness of superstition and the light of Inspiration. That generally
they have been, and are sincere, we do not question. Sincere, or
otherwise, everywhere and always the priesthood move forward only
when the spiritual unfolding of a people obliges them to yield to an
irresistible pressure. Largely it was through the spiritual growth of
the people that, some centuries ago, Ento's priesthood were obliged to
discontinue human sacrifices, and it is through their further spiritual
evolvement that the densely positive barrier which ever has enfolded
them at length is yielding to forces from the spirit worlds. We rejoice
that now, as never before, spirits from Ento's and other spirit worlds
can penetrate and come en rapport with the consciousness of many
of the people. True we cannot, as you can, approach them directly,
but soon conditions will become changed and we too, will be able to
communicate with many sensitives.
We have shown you that all organisms throw off certain emanations,
the condition of the organism determining the quality of the
emanation. In their activities these emanations are either centrifugal
or centripetal. The centrifugal or positive being forceful, the
centripetal, or negative being passive, but, if I may use a paradoxical
term, energetically passive, and they form about inhabited planets
like, or similar to, Ento and Earth, a spiritualized atmosphere,
which, to freed spirits, is as palpable as is a stone wall to physical
touch. The positive atmosphere enveloping the peoples of Ento is very
repellent; but you, who are yet connected with a physical body, are
not so etherealized as we are, hence we can use you as a means of
communication with persons upon whom we can make no impression.
No, this spiritualized envelope is not what some of Earth's people term
the astral sphere, but it is a constituent of the first or so-called
astral sphere, within whose limits abide spirits not sufficiently
evolved to gravitate to a higher plane of being. In a sense such
spirits are _confined_ within the limits suited to their several
conditions. Confined, not through the arbitrary sentence of a just or
an unjust judge, but through an inevitable process of Natural Law,
which is God's Law. Around all planets inhabited by Spiritualized
humans and other organisms, the first Spirit Sphere, so to say,
materializes. As ages pass and humanity evolves to higher Spiritual
Planes other and in all directions greater, grander spheres, suited
to the requirements of more highly evolved beings are formed, each
succeeding sphere surpassing the preceding one.
Gentola--Do you know if there is a limit to the number of spirit
spheres surrounding any or all inhabited planets?
De L'Ester--I know there is no limit to the questions you can ask, and
for the present I must end our conversation by saying that we know of
no planet having more than seven spirit spheres, and by the time you
or we shall have arrived at the highest, Ento and Earth will have been
added to the list of dead worlds, and we may have become archangels.
Gentola--Please allow me to ask one more question. Am I to understand
that there is a law compelling spirits to abide in certain spirit
spheres?
De L'Ester--Spirits freed from the physical body, each according to
his or her evolvement inevitably go to "their own place," the only
place they are fitted for. No spirit can long remain in a sphere
with whose _vibrations_ he or she is not in harmony. Spirits from
the higher may, and do, enter the lower spheres, but, speaking from
experience, not with pleasurable sensations. You once were adventurous
enough to descend to the lowest level of one of the deepest mines on
your continent. You may recall the sense of oppression and difficulty
of breathing which nearly overcame you. Well, that is the best
illustration I can offer of the sensations experienced by spirits of
higher spheres who, for instance, enter our Earth's First or Spirit
Sphere. Why, then, do we return to mortal environments? Oh, my friend,
you yet must learn many sad lessons. You, whose destined work is to
serve as a teacher to spirits in darkness, will find the answer to your
query. You will learn, as we are learning, that only through loving,
unselfish service for those more needy than ourselves do we find the
stepping-stones by which we shall ascend to the heights where are the
exalted ones, who, through self-sacrifice and deepest self-abasement,
have attained knowledge and bliss unspeakable. It is they who inspire
us to strive for a like beatific state of being.
It occurs to me that of one feature relating to emanations I have
not informed you. I have stated that all organisms throw off certain
emanations, hence animal emanations are constituents of all First
Spirit Spheres. After physical death the myriad forms of animal, indeed
of all organized forms of life, for a time continue to exist within
the limits of the First Sphere. Then, through the activity of natural
law they in a sense become reincarnated, but not on the same plane of
existence as before, but a step higher, and always in a species of
their own order. That is to say, the soul of the horse never reappears
in the form of an ox, or the soul of the ox in the form of the dog, and
so on. No expression of life is ever lost. Thus the endless movement of
evolution is continuous, and the bird of prey swooping down upon the
finned beauty of lake or stream is quite oblivious of the fact that he
desires to dine off a distant relative of whose family he is a highly
evolved representative.
Genessano--With interest I have heard De L'Ester's lesson, and it
reminds me of an experience of Inidor[a:]'s and my own. When we passed
to the spirit side we were not sufficiently evolved to continuously
exist in a sphere higher than Ento's first Spirit Sphere, and for
more than half a century of earnest striving, assisted by the loving
devotion of our parents and dear friends who were more highly evolved
than were we, we were dwellers on the threshold of our second Spirit
Sphere.
During this period of instruction and progress our condition was far
more agreeable than that of mortals, but through brief visits to other
spheres, we soon learned that the degree of happiness we were enjoying
was but a promise of a more exalted state, and naturally we aspired,
not only to greater joys, but to higher attainments, through which we
might find closer association with our adored parents.
No, this period of instruction and progress did not appear to pass
slowly. You do not yet realize that to freed spirits time and space
are mere terms possessing neither value or significance. With us is
only an ever present now. The terms past and future involve an idea of
a beginning and an ending, and, as our friend Humboldt has stated, we
cannot conceive of either a beginning or ending of what is termed time
or a limit outside of which is nothing. No spirit of highest spirit
spheres claims to have a realization of either time or space or a
conception of the Infinite One, who ever has been, is, and ever must be
the dimensionless, unthinkable all.
De L'Ester--To-day we will see and hear what may transpire in the
classrooms. First we will observe what we may designate as an
astronomical lesson. The apparatus which the young, intellectual
looking instructor is arranging is unlike anything you have seen, and
I imagine that the lesson will be quite as unique as the apparatus. I
shall not attempt to give you more than a mere synopsis of it. Now he
calls the attention of the class to the well known fact that Ento is
not a perfectly globular body, but a somewhat elongated sphere, deeply
depressed at its extremities and revolving in space as Andûman[a:] in
the beginning decreed, that thus life giving beams of his abode might
vivify all portions of the home of his children. He alludes to the
Sacred Writings, which declare that in a very remote time Andûman[a:]
revealed to certain holy men an account of the creation of Ento and of
the living creatures who came into existence through the exercise of
His Will, and that later, when Ento was prepared for their reception,
He created His children, who should dwell upon it, and be the
recipients of His bounteous provision for their happiness. Evidently
this Instructor has no knowledge of the revolution of Ento around the
Sun, for he talks of the marvel of atmospheric pressure holding Ento in
position and also supporting the fair regions of Astranol[a:], beyond
which is the shining abode of Andûman[a:], which, with its foundations,
fill all outer space. It would not serve a useful purpose to further
speak of his lecture to his deeply attentive pupils, but it will please
us if you will attempt a brief description of this scene.
Gentola--Around a massive table, on which is an object suggesting a
globe, a number of boys and girls are assembled. The globe, if it may
be so called, is quite elongated, and, as you have said its ends are
deeply depressed. In the centre of the depressions are pivots which
rest in sockets in the ends of two upright supports. The surface of
the globe is divided into spaces by metal bands suggesting latitude
and longitude. Midway between the extremities of the globe is a broad
band with three narrower ones on either side of it. Extending from
the central band at intervals are seven metal rods tipped with what
appears to be diamond stars. Now the Instructor attaches to the ends
of the two protruding pivots flexible wires covered thickly with some
dark substance. The globe begins to revolve and now its velocity is so
great that the star tipped rods appear to form a luminous, iridescent
band about it, but I do not perceive what force makes it revolve. How
beautiful it now appears. All the bands are luminous, and I now see
that they are incrusted with different colored small jewels, and there
is a soft singing sound, like the notes of some musical instrument. I
do not understand where the sound comes from, and I cannot describe
the scene intelligibly.
Bruno--Be at peace, Gentol[a:]. We have neither anticipated or desired
that you should more than offer your impressions of the scene and of
this object which the Entoans believe represents the form of this
planet. The seven diamond stars symbolize the seven divisions of
Astranol[a:], but the Entoans do not venture to conjecture as to what
the abode of Andûman[a:] or those of their deities may be like.
Presently we will show you a marvellous piece of mechanism which is
an embodiment of vibratory energy. These wires form a connection
between it and this globe, and through its measureless energy this
and all the mechanical apparatus of the great Galarēs[a:] may be
set in motion. On Ento, for many purposes, vibratory energy has
superseded electrical energy, yet, in a sense, vibratory energy is an
expression of electrical force, which is the basic principle of all
energy. It permeates every atom of the universe, and its expressions
are so manifold that, though its presence may not be apparent, its
ever present energy is a fact. Ento is but one of many planets whose
inhabitants understand and apply both electrical and vibratory energy,
and, ere long, in the advancement of civilization on our own planet, it
will become a tremendous factor.
The Ento name for this object is esploin[a:], and it conveys the
Ento idea of latitude, longitude, the equator and zones. The colored
outlines indicate the natural divisions of land and water, which, as
you perceive, are not nearly equal. The revolution of the planet on
its axis is recognized as producing day and night, but the idea of a
very pronounced concavity at its extremities, or, as we would say,
at its poles is, of course, a conjectured absurdity. How did such an
erroneous idea originate? Inidor[a:] says that in the Sacred Writings
there are intimations of the form of the planet, and it would be a bold
adventurer who would dare to dispute such infallible authority.
I grow impatient for the ushering in of the coming revelation when this
grand civilization shall leap to the level of its evolution. And it is
coming, it is quickly coming. Even these youths and maidens shall share
in the splendor of Ento's religious freedom, which, like a radiant sun,
shall dissipate the shadows of its long Spiritual night. When that
long-hoped-for period shall have arrived, and Ento's peoples shall dare
to investigate in all directions, they soon will arrive at correct
conclusions concerning two sciences which to them are as unread books.
Of astronomy they are ignorant, of geology nearly so, their religious
beliefs deterring them from arriving at logical conclusions, lest they
might incur the displeasure of Andûman[a:] and His Messengers. You may
recall the Professor's dilemma over the fossilized saurian, and in the
record of the rocks they yet will learn equally startling lessons.
Yes, we are informed as to all important affairs of Earth, and we are
aware that daring minds contemplate the possibility of establishing
communication between Earth and Ento. Altogether a futile idea, as you
now must perceive. Why, the Entoans do not even dream of the existence
of a world other than their own. Inidor[a:], is not this true?
Inidora--Quite true. Ento's Sacred Writings, which are believed to be
infallible, make no mention of Andûman[a:] having created any other
world than Ento, but historians have written that antecedent to the
establishment of Ento's Religion there was a powerful nation south of
the equator which was in a very advanced state of civilization. This
nation was known as the Avalano nation. Zēnon Avados, one of their
learned men, who at this time is a Teacher in one of our Spirit
Realms, declares that he and other scientists of his time demonstrated
to their entire satisfaction that Ento was but one of many similar
worlds. They also made other astronomical discoveries, all of which
they made known to the people. Unfortunately, this nation grew very
rich and consequently very corrupt, and an inevitable decadence came
upon them. Their civilization lapsed into chaotic conditions, their
learned ones passed away, and thus to the Entoans a knowledge of facts
was lost, which, when again presented, they will be prepared to accept.
Bruno--Already you have learned that in many directions Ento's
scientific discoveries equal or surpass those of our own Planet. That
art, in its various expressions, has attained surpassing excellence.
That the luxuries and refinements of living are within the reach of
all. That constant and untiring effort is being put forth to elevate
the entire peoples. And that want and crime are so nearly minimized as
to seldom demand attention. Thus the soil is prepared to receive the
seed which soon will be sowed, and which surely will yield a bounteous
harvest. Ah, the demonstration is concluded and the Instructor is about
to address the class.
Instructor--This lesson demonstrates that as a cherished child rests
upon the bosom of its mother, so Ento, beloved of Andûman[a:], rests
upon the bosom of space. Afar off, in Diafon Evoih[a:], is the glorious
abode of Him who is the Creator of all things. When we, His children,
have done well He smiles, and Diafon Evoih[a:], golden and glowing,
sheds its life-giving beams over our beautiful world. He smiles and
fruits and grains multiply, that His children may have sustenance. He
smiles, and bûd, bloom and verdure cover as with a mantle the home of
all His creatures, for are not all living things precious in the sight
of their Creator? From the lowest to the highest expression of His love
all find their allotted places. All act in accordance with His Divine
Will. This esploin[a:] not only conveys a correct idea of the form of
Ento, but also it illustrates how we are encompassed by the abodes of
Andûman[a:]'s Messengers, whose ever-watchful eyes discern our inmost
thoughts, our most secret acts. Even as the Divine Ones guard the
Sacred Mysteries may we, O Andûman[a:], guard ourselves against wayward
thoughts and unhallowed desires and may we ever reverently adore Thee
that Thou didst create this World so fair and a people so blest as are
the children of Ento.
De L'Ester--Leaving this Instructor and his pupils to a discussion of
their odd mixture of science and religion, we will ascend to the second
floor. Yes, truly their religious beliefs dominate the lives of the
Entoans. Fear of consequences, quite as much as love of Andûman[a:] and
His messengers, occasions in them a constant watchfulness. Genessano
has related a droll occurrence which illustrates this very point. Once,
in his childhood, a falling meteorite attracted his attention, and he
ran to his parents shouting: "A god has fallen out of bed! a god has
fallen out of bed and broken his lamp." Both father and mother were
horrified at his irreverent exclamation, and in terror, lest harm might
befall their thoughtless lad, they hastened with him to the Istoir[a:]
to lay upon the altar a propitiatory offering.
Gentola--Genessano, you will pardon me for saying that the contrast
between the advanced civilization and the peculiar religious beliefs
of your people still surprises me. That they are intellectual and
generally highly cultivated is very apparent, and it seems remarkable
that they yield obedience to a creed so utterly at variance with
common sense. Have they never believed in a continuity of existence?
Have they never had clearer conceptions relating to the ego than they
now have?
Genessano--Since passing to our spirit world we have learned that long
previous to Ento's ancient written history, which antedated the Sacred
Writings, there were those who, through many embodiments, on various
planets, retained overlapping, partial consciousness of previous
states of existence. Through this consciousness, which is a feature
of so-called intuitive perception, such persons more or less clearly
realize the indestructibility of the ego, hence the continuity of
perhaps conscious existence. But, through natural causes too complex
for present consideration to the consciousness of the masses of Ento,
no idea of a continuity of existence ever has occurred.
When through repeated embodiments and attendant experiences humans
of any planet have evolved to a certain plane, conditions being
propitious, they unfold Intuitive perception, or more correctly Soul
consciousness. Evolvement and unfoldment proceeding the Soul faculties
tend to become dominant, and the Human seeks to discover the causes
of phenomena. He theorizes, he analyzes, he dogmatizes, and grows
presumptuous, and if unwisely, he ignores his inner consciousness,
the real spirit self, he is likely to stultify himself, and conclude
that there is no other than a physical existence, and no intelligence
higher than his own. Conditions favoring, soul consciousness may
become en rapport with the inner or spirit consciousness, and despite
intellectual materialism, which ever clamors for dominion, the human
may evolve a recognition of Spirit, hence a realization of the One All
pervading Spirit known to you as God.
Though their history cannot be traced back to their earliest appearance
on our planet, we know that inevitably the Entoans, like the humans
of other planets, have passed through all the phrases incident to the
onward and upward progress of humanity.
Since the establishment of the national religion, and consequent
ecclesiastical oppression and repression, which ever have been so
absolute that they have not dared to think for themselves, their Soul
consciousness has found expression in ceaseless prayers that death may
not seize upon their lives, or those of their dear ones.
As the bud, infolding flower and fruit, is quickened by the breath
of spring, so Ento's peoples will be spiritually quickened by the
effulgence of the coming revelation, and then they joyfully will claim
their birthright of ever increasing happiness and life eternal.
De L'Ester desires me to relate something I once read in an ancient
record now stored in the Library of this Galarēs[a:]. It states that
immediately succeeding the Establishment of the national religion
certain fanatics held peculiar beliefs. They asserted that Andûman[a:]
had spoken to them, assuring them that they were possessed of an
Essence, or Principle, which was the life of the body, and that this
Essence, or life Principle, after death of the body continued a
conscious, happy existence in a world unseeable by physical eyes. They
also asserted that Andûman[a:] revealed to them Laws which commanded
them to refrain from all evil conduct. To love one another. To act
justly, and to be merciful to all living things. Other Laws relate to
the duties of parents, of children, of those in authority, and so on.
Certainly they were of a character indicating a Law Giver of a high
order of intelligence. The record further states that this fanatical
sect for a time increased prodigiously, but persecution and other
causes finally led to its extinction.
Another historian relates that during the third century of the
Established Religion one Mēro Kalmon invented an instrument through
which he daringly and impiously gazed toward Astranol[a:]. He not only
declared that Astranol[a:] did not exist, but that there were other
worlds than Ento. He went so far as to declare that these worlds moved
through space, and he even made drawings and calculations relating
to these fanciful Worlds, which misled many into a belief in his
reprehensible teachings. Not content with filling the minds of people
with these vain imaginings he also hinted that these newly discovered
worlds might be peopled as was Ento. So eager is humanity to indulge in
new fancies that ere long he made many converts, and the Sacred Faith
was seriously menaced. Word of Mēro Kalmon's proceedings was brought to
the Supreme Ruler Mostēnû Stoiv[a:], who directed that he be admonished
to cease teaching fancies so pernicious, so sacrilegious, so devoid
of intelligence. He was admonished, but being either very perverse
or very much in earnest, he continued to teach his senseless ideas.
Gentle admonitions failing to correct his heterodox opinions, severer
measures were exercised, but still he held to what he pretended to, or
did believe, and it became necessary to offer him as a Sacrifice to
appease the righteous wrath of Andûman[a:]. The historian also relates
that as he was about to be Sacrificed, suddenly the sky became overcast
with threatening clouds, and partial darkness reigned, but that at the
moment that the priestly knife reached the heart of the blasphemous
Mēro Kalmon, Andûman[a:] smiled, and Diafon Evoih[a:]'s golden beams
gladdened the hearts of the assembled multitude. And thus, adds the
historian, was demonstrated the truth of our Holy Religion. At this
time _Mēro Kalmon is a re-embodied spirit_, and amid the galaxy of your
inspired, scientific minds he shines as a star of the first magnitude.
Nay, Gentol[a:], it would not be wise to divulge the present name of
the re-embodied Mēro Kalmon; but from this recital you will perceive
that notwithstanding opposing influences at various periods, light
from Inspired minds has striven to dissipate the spiritual darkness
overshadowing the lives of the Entoans. Yes, Mēro Kalmon was a
sensitive, as he now is.
De L'Ester--In this well lighted and well appointed room Dano, Favēon,
and others are engaged in microscopical studies. We desire, Gentol[a:],
that you shall become en rapport with Dano, but so absorbed is he in
his investigation that we doubt if you will succeed. We will wait for a
less positive condition of the youth's mind. In the meantime you will
please attempt a description of this scene.
Gentola--Seated around a long table are five young men, and two dark
skinned, handsome girls in the bloom of early womanhood. On the table
are instruments of a kind, quite unlike any I ever have seen, through
which all are intently gazing. All are taking notes, and making
drawings, and a most animated conversation is being carried on, in
which the young women take part. You say that those instruments are
microscopes, but they are quite unlike any microscopes I have ever
seen. There are five convex lenses, one above the other, but slightly
apart, and they are suspended between two slender rods, a few inches
in length. Above each microscope a tiny, blindingly brilliant light
is suspended, above which is a reflector which seems to focalize the
light and reflect it downward through the lenses, onto some odd looking
object. You say it is the eye of some small animal? Oh, I never could
have imagined that the eye is so complex, so wonderfully beautiful.
Yes, I now see it very clearly. Through the glasses it appears greatly
enlarged. Describe it? No, indeed, I am not so presumptuous as to
attempt it. You clever ones should describe things of which I am quite
ignorant.
De L'Ester--You have said all that we really have desired you to
say. Should a competent person give a technical description of these
instruments, and object under investigation, your caution would take
alarm, and you would become too positive for our purposes, one of which
is to inform the peoples of our planet that the Entoans are very like
themselves, and that their methods of acquiring knowledge are somewhat
similar to those of the neighbors who are so curious about them.
Gentola--Now that I better understand your motive in asking me
to describe various things I shall feel less sensitive over my
incompetence, and you may rest assured that after this microscopic
observation I shall set a higher value on my own eyes.
De L'Ester--I thought you might, and it is high time you should, for
you not only use, but you abuse your eyes. The controversy over the
lesson grows very animated. Be attentive, and I will interpret what may
be said.
Faveon--Nitana, both you and Dano certainly are mistaken in your
conclusions. Our Sacred Writings distinctly declare that Andûman[a:]
is Infinite in all His attributes. That He creates and destroys as He
Wills, but nowhere is it written that He modifies any creature in order
to fit it to changed conditions. To my mind it savors of impiety to
question the accepted interpretation given our Sacred Writings by our
scarcely less Sacred Priesthood.
Dano--I do not doubt but that Andûman[a:] is Infinite in all His
attributes, and I do not question but that He creates in accordance
with His own purposes, but I do not believe that any _one_ living
creature is a special act of His creative Will, but that through His
fixed purposes or Laws, which are a part of Himself, all things
come into existence. If each living creature is a special act of
His creative power, logically one must infer that all creatures are
perfect expressions of His Will. Yet it is an indisputable fact that
if animals of any species are for a prolonged period kept in darkness,
their organs of vision will become modified to fit them for their
environment. I cannot but think that our Priesthood misinterpret the
meanings of portions of our Sacred Writings, and that they are prone
to cling too closely to ancient interpretations. May Andûman[a:]'s
Messengers understand that I do not desire to offer my immature
ideas as infallible truths, and I pray that they may direct my ever
questioning thoughts.
Nitana--Ever our scientific investigations oppose themselves to the
teachings of our Holy Religion, occasioning in our minds unrest and
dissatisfaction with our conditions. Though our devoted Priests
continually admonish us against an indulgence in profane imaginings,
our truant thoughts go far astray, and we grow bewildered and afraid
lest the justly offended gods may visit upon us dire punishment. Even
while we strive to learn the complex meanings of life, we are shrinking
from death, and crying to Andûman[a:]'s messengers to bear to Him our
unceasing prayers for release from the dread God Phra (death), whose
dark form overshadows all our days.
Scientific research has reached a limit where boldest and most earnest
minds pause uncertain and appalled. They cannot turn backward, and
they dare not go forward. Oh, that Andûman[a:] may as in ancient times
hearken to the prayers of His sorrowful children, and grant to them a
clearer understanding of truth.
Faveon--Nitana, it is not we alone whose minds are full of unrest, for
alas, the people too are questioning and doubting, and none too firmly
are the priesthood opposing themselves to the further advance of
skepticism. I fear that we too indulge in too free thought and speech,
and are becoming dreamers rather than thinkers. Dano, your example is
contagious. I pray that I may not find myself also dreaming strange
dreams, or yielding to baseless imaginings.
Dano--And yet it may come to pass. Truly, it has not been through my
desire that recent strange experiences have come to me. May the Gods
pardon my presumption, if I sometimes dare to hope that they in their
own way may, through me, convey some new Revelation of Andûman[a:]'s
love for His sorrowful children, whose entreaties for release from
death, ever are the burden of their prayers.
If Mylta, Vērian, and you, dear friends, may not consider me of lost
mind, or altogether given to preposterous fancies, at least I may amuse
you by a recital of what you may regard as merely a dream. To Favēon I
have related a former experience, and his incredulous smile assures me
that he yet remembers it.
Yesterday after classes I laid on my couch to meditate and rest. I did
not at all feel inclined to sleep, but soon a semi-conscious state
stole over my senses. At the moment my gaze was resting on a great
cluster of tēmos blooms sent me by Vallo[a:], my betrothed, to whom
my tenderest thoughts, like bright plumaged song birds, were flying.
Presently the tēmos blooms were blurred from my sight by a shining
vaporous cloud, from which emerged a female form, so wondrously
lovely that I was overawed and amazed. The form was tall, and of
proportions suited to the form of a Goddess. Over her shoulders her
hair fell like a golden mist, and her eyes blue as the azure floor of
Astranol[a:], gazed tenderly, smilingly into mine. Rodels, floating on
Naro's gleaming waters are not whiter than was her face, which shone
with an indescribably strange, luminous glow. Floating rather than
walking toward me she extended her hands, and in a voice so gentle, so
tender, so mellifluous that it yet lingers in my memory like strains of
sweetest music, she said, "Dano, Dano, my brother, do not you recognize
your sister Ont[a:]? I am not dead, I live, and love you, my brother
Dano. It was but my physical body that died. I, the real Ont[a:],
am as alive as when hand in hand we strayed by Naro's waters. Dano,
believe that I am Ont[a:], for I shall again and again come to teach
you the mystery of life after death of the body. Happily you possess
clear seeing vision, which perceives the real, Immortal Self, and you
are to be a Teacher of our people, who through you will attain to a
higher conception of divine things. Already you begin to apprehend
the oncoming glory of a New Revelation, which will bring to the heavy
hearted children of Ento gladness immeasurable. Fear not, my brother,
your message of joy will not fall upon deaf ears, for the way is being
prepared, and the invisible ones, who possess the strength and wisdom
of the fabled gods, will not fail you in your hour of greatest need. I
know that already they have spoken to you through one of another World,
and soon your vision will grow so strong and clear that you will be
able to perceive them, as you now for the first time perceive me. I can
remain no longer, but soon will come again," she said, and as she came
she went.
As I dreamed I seemed to weep for joy that my beloved Ont[a:] still
lived, and as she ceased speaking I strove to clasp her to my heart,
but she eluded me, and ere I more than realized her presence she
vanished from my sight, and I sprang to my feet, not in fear, but in a
state of trepidation indescribable.
Mylta--But, Dano, do you believe that you really saw your sister
Ont[a:], or do you consider it all a vivid dream? Of course, as your
sister has long been in the Silence, it could have been naught else
than a dream. Favēon, be quiet. Yes, I am excited. Oh, how I should
like to have such a dream; and only think, if it really might be
true! It is so dreadful to die, to leave all that one loves, and more
dreadful still to lose one's loved ones, knowing that the utmost one
can do is to mourn until we too shall pass into the Silence. Ah, my
Vērian, our tears will not ward off----
De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], quickly draw near to Dano. Touch his head
with your finger tips. That will suffice. Drowsily he leans back in
his chair, and passes his hands over his forehead and eyes. Now in a
startled manner he whispers, "Ont[a:], Ont[a:]; nay, it is not Ont[a:].
Ont[a:] has golden hair, and this woman's hair is dark hued, and she is
of a strange race. Ah, I now see her clearly, and it is the same woman
who twice has appeared to me. Speak, I pray you, that I may know who
you are, and why you come to me."
De L'Ester--Follow closely my dictation.
Gentola--Though I am not of Ento I have been named Gentol[a:]. Twice I
have been made to speak to you, and now I shall say that which you are
to remember for it relates to gravest interests.
I have come from a world closely resembling Ento. It is far away in
space, and by its inhabitants it is known as Earth. I have been brought
to you by persons who once lived on either Earth or Ento, but death
of their physical bodies having freed the imperishable, intelligent
Principle, they are known as Spirits and may go from World to World. I,
too, am a spirit, but, like yourself, am yet connected with a physical
body, to which I shall soon return. Through the activity of a wonderful
natural sense you are enabled to perceive me and to hear my words; and
later on, when your Spirit senses shall have grown clearer, you also
will see and hear Spirits who are wholly freed from the physical body.
Already you have perceived freed Spirits and your quickened senses are
unfolding, as unfolds a flower. Two of the Spirits accompanying me
are of Ento's Spirit World. During their mortal lives they were known
as Inidor[a:], and Genessano, sons of Genessano Allis Immo and of his
Wife Camariss[a:], who long have existed in a World invisible to your
mortal vision, but which is as real as is Ento. As I am unacquainted
with your language I speak from dictation of a Spirit who, from time
to time, will reveal to you truths which will bring to you and to
your people joys unspeakable. This spirit bids me say to you that in
boundless space there are countless Worlds inhabited by beings like
yourself. That all are Andûman[a:]'s children, and all, like yourself,
are immortal. That when, through death of the body, their spirits
become freed, they continue to exist in worlds' far more beautiful
than Ento, whose peoples now are on the eve of a revelation which, to
them, will be as the dawning of a day of supremest joy. But for you,
dear youth, will come a sorrow so overwhelming, a grief so poignant,
that it will well nigh rend you from your body. But courage, courage,
sufficient for your days will be your strength. You have chosen and are
being prepared to give to your despairing peoples a message so glorious
that its Divine effulgence will dissipate the shadows of the hopeless
beliefs which so long have held them in Spiritual bondage. Already
in the minds of many of your people there is a sense of unrest and
discontent with old beliefs and forms of worship. It is a premonition
of wonderful events which ere long will occur, for spirits of Ento's
and other Spirit Worlds have combined their forces to awaken the inner
consciousness of your peoples, and they feel the quickening impulse but
are unaware of its significance. Many are prepared to receive the glad
tidings that existence is continuous, and when this knowledge shall
have been revealed to them quickly they will emerge from the depths of
perpetual sorrow into the radiance of a consciousness of immortality.
You would know the nature of the sorrow that is to come into your life?
I shrink from saying that it has become necessary to inform you that
your betrothed, Vallo[a:] Fûnh[a:], slowly but surely is releasing
herself from her frail physical body. Slowly but surely, like some
sweet flower of an untimely season, she droops and fades away, and ere
long she will be your Spirit, not your Mortal Bride. Her father does
not realize that her days are nearly ended or even that she is really
ill, else ere now he would have called you home. You are to await his
or your father's summons, and you are not to speak of this or of aught
I have said to you. Soon again I shall be with you to further reveal to
you that which concerns yourself and others, and now, Info oovistû.
De L'Ester--Favēon, Nitana and the others are greatly amazed and
alarmed at Dano's strange condition, but as he breathes and moves they
know that he has not swooned, so silently they await his awakening, and
now he is arousing from his partially submerged state. He is so highly
sensitive that while en rapport with you he is almost wholly conscious
and fully remembers all that you have said to him, and though as yet
he does not comprehend his condition, in time he will do so. It is to
be regretted that such a heavy sorrow must fall into his young life,
but when finally he shall realize that his adored Vallo[a:] will not be
forever lost to him, with his sorrow will be blended joy inexpressible.
Dano--Have I again been dreaming? Surely it was more than a dream.
Heard you no one speaking? Saw you no form, dear friends? Yet truly
I again have seen a fair-skinned, dark-haired woman, clothed in
strange, shining garments, who has spoken to me of marvellous things.
If what she has said may be true, ere long into my life will come
a heavy sorrow and a great joy. But Andûman[a:] alone knoweth all
secret things. Through His love He created me and patiently I shall
await whatever of good or ill He may send to me. You, my friends, will
pardon me if I cannot now relate what this woman, who calls herself
Gentol[a:], has said to me.
Faveon--Dano, I pray you compose yourself. No, we heard nothing,
saw nothing, but I confess that I so sympathized with your abnormal
condition that for a moment I experienced a most peculiar sensation.
I seemed to feel some invisible presence near me, but soon I realized
that it was the merest foolish fancy, and quickly I aroused myself to a
sense of my surroundings.
Vērian, sweet cousin Vērian, your pallor betrays your perturbation, and
Mylt[a:]'s humid eyes evince a lively sympathy if not a positive belief
in Dano's hallucinations. Come, friends, we will walk abroad and soon
these baseless, idle fancies to which, I fear, we all are inclined,
will be dispelled.
Nay, Dano, you shall not be left to yourself to brood and dream. Too
close study and a natural inclination toward Mysticism are misleading
you, and we, your devoted fellow students, will be doing less than
our duty if we do not endeavor to induce you to yield to lighter,
pleasanter veins of thought.
De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], to you this demonstration is little more than
curious. To estimate its meaning and value you would have to realize
what we and many other spirits long have been striving to bring about.
This we cannot now make plain to you, for could you fully realize its
significance it would so overwhelm you as to unfit you for the work
you alone can accomplish. This much I may say, that now as never before
we feel assured of the success of our mission.
Favēon felt not only your presence but also the wave of Magnetism
we passed over him. He is very sensitive, and when the time of his
enlightenment shall have arrived he no longer will imagine that Dano is
afflicted with morbid fancies, for he too shall stand as an Inspired
Teacher of his own people.
In the adjoining class room other students are engaged in Microscopic
examination of Crytogamic growths. For a short time we will observe
them. We perceive that the specimens are of various species found in
moist localities, or in ponds or other sluggish waters. That their
sporules, wafted by winds or through the agency of aquatic fowls, are
borne from one locality to another. That some are known to be inimical
to health, even to life, but that science has found means to oppose and
render ineffectual their virulence.
Yonder dark-skinned intellectual maiden is strongly inclined to
skepticism. Not perceiving the utility of these growths she contracts
her pretty brows, and, after some moments of inconclusive thought, she
turns her large, luminous, questioning eyes on the stately Professor
who stands near her, regarding her attentively, and says: "Professor
Doiko, will you inform us as to why Andûman[a:] has created these, so
far as science has discovered, worse than useless growths, and also
the parasites which infest the bodies of His children, and of all
creatures?"
Professor Doiko--Our purpose is to study the structure and habits of
these growths, not to question the purpose of their Creator. When we
shall have grown wise enough doubtless we will understand the mystery
of many things which now are obscure. As to parasites which infest the
bodies of living organisms science regards some of them not as enemies,
but as scavengers of refuse, which, when not speedily removed, generate
diseases of various kinds. Through our lack of knowledge we count as
foes many forms of life which probably, in time, we will come to regard
as friends. Andûman[a:], Creator of all things, makes no mistakes. It
is His children who err in questioning the results of His infallible
wisdom.
De L'Ester--The maiden looks rather discomfited than convinced. To
the quiet girl on her left, in a low tone she earnestly says: "One is
ever asking questions to which our learned ones give but half replies.
Always within me something cries out for a fuller knowledge of things.
If I question our Instructors or our Priests, or if I search written
authorities, the answer is ever the same, 'Andûman[a:] knoweth,
Andûman[a:] doeth according to His will,' and our Priests say that we
sin when we question the meanings of mysteries. Tonēne, what is that
within us which ever is impelling us to search into forbidden things?"
Tonene--Could I answer your query, Cassa, I should perhaps be wiser
than our Instructors. I know not why you are so perversely inclined,
but I think it may be well for you to defer to the opinions of those
who at least are far more learned than are we.
Cassa--But, Tonēne, it is said that Prince Dano believes that we are
more than we appear to be; that when the body dies the breath of life
does not die; that the real self is invisible, but that it possesses
intelligence and memory and speaks and moves about. I cannot quite
remember what else it can do. What perplexes me is, how can the breath
of life speak and move about without a body? I know not how Prince
Dano explains that. We all know that he is wise and learned beyond his
years, and there are those who regard him as one whom Andûman[a:] has
specially endowed, but others fear that overmuch study and thought
render him visionary.
Tonene--Any one hearing this inconsequent conversation would probably
consider us as visionary as is Prince Dano, and we will serve ourselves
better by attending to our lessons.
De L'Ester--In Cassa's somewhat rash remarks we find further evidence
of the unrest stirring the minds of the people, and it augurs well for
the success of our Mission when, despite their fears, even youthful
minds are questioning old beliefs.
Should we attempt further notice of the students and studies of this
class room it would oblige us to exceed our purpose, which is to simply
record sketches of people and things. You will bear in mind that in
calling your attention to apparently trivial matters we do so that you
may perceive that ideas and pursuits of the Entoans are noticeably like
those of Earth's peoples. Again we are holding you too long and must
immediately return you to Earth. Three days hence we will come for
you. George and Bruno will attend you. Until we all meet again, Info
oovistû.