Two sides to a picture: a revelation between two planes

Dedication

This work is dedicated to suffering humanity to relieve its mental depression and physical pain. It is sent out as a messenger between this world and the one that controls the results of its production, while time, the all healingelement, will bring together a knowledge that can and will liberate each one from present sorrows.

Contents

Chapter Page

I A Vision of the Continuation of Life 17

II Alice Moore Awakens in Her Grandparent's

Preface

Dealing with the circumstances that belong to the continuation of this life, requires a knowledge of the manner in which the experience of this life is linked to the continuation of results on a higher plane and then back to earth, and earth's producing causes.

In this life the external of all things is recognized. Here the body material is formed that identifies the casket through which life and intelligence manifest. Here the germ of all the millions is held and recognized to become the external realization of all the human race.

The higher plane to which this life is connected, is where the people of this life are attracted when they pass out through the change known to us as death. A plane where the higher intelligence liberates the people from the contracting influence of past results and present misunderstanding, and opens to them the realms of natural investigation, placing within their reach the knowledge that nature holds. The following pages represent a connection w 7 ith the highest or the twelfth division of this plane. Volumes could be written explaining the connection with the lower divisions

10 PREFACE

showing how individuals are attracted to a special division according to their natural place in nature and to the conditions controlling their stay on earth.

A knowledge of the systems of mental order is also required; through that we can clearly classify the earth's Astrology, her Astronomy, her Proportion and her Results, a knowledge however not to be gained through mathematics. The Mathematician of our age can calculate from the earth's center to the globe's circle, and compute through mathematical analysis the world's magnitude.

Man stands upon the mechanical side of natural genius. He represents the brain impulse that forms the designs that nature produces, while woman is the originator, the producer and the inventor that belongs to the sensitive side of human progress.

The poetry of her nature beautifies and ennobles the spirit of time, while her intelligence is far-reaching, and her genius will once more be recognized as the unfoldment of perfecting time dictates. The dictation of perfecting time will be the controlling power that governs the actions of mankind. Origination belongs to the mental part of human results. We have entered into the arena of perfecting time. What

PREFACE 1 I

the past has failed to accomplish the present and the future will fulfill.

The present forms the balance through which all changes will take place; changes that only recognize the equalizing of the human body and the human brain. The insanity of the past will cease to act upon the impulses of any individual. There will be no desire to change the conditions before their time. People will only think what can we do to better our condition and those around us so that happiness will be the inheritance of the present, while the future will manifest from the same cause ?

The day of progress is centering to humanity's relief and nothing can retard its invasion upon all retrograding conditions. The dark period that has overwhelmed the brain faculties will no longer affect any part of the human life, and will also cease to affect the manifestation that nature produces. All things will be imbued with a living energy that corresponds with what is to take place.

Woman, according to the motherhood of nature, attracts to herself certain qualities that perfecting time holds. Each quality will stand as a magnet to attract the continuation of her intelligence, her life and her education.

The education that belongs to the masses is

12 PREFACE

a knowledge of what continuation is to them; they are first to learn of themselves, a knowledge of the graded conditions that nature's intelligence recognizes, and how the plane of continuation controls the results of the future. The future is ever before us, the problem of life is the ground-work upon which humanity stands.

Our living here is the preface that belongs to the experience that continuation holds. Here is where the platform is united upon which the intellectual structure can be built, an intellectual structure that is broad enough to explore the realm of magnet power. When once we explore that realm we will find that it is ignorance that demands the sacrifice of our intelligence and our life, and learn that death begins and ends here, while life holds the continuous round of eternal manifestation.

As we unite with life and learn how to live we unite with intelligence and understand what the world of formations is to us ; we can blend with formation and see how origination performs her part. The mind can penetrate the vast arena of nature's cause until every faculty can harmonize with her immensity.

We can cross what is to us the dark stream of division and see the realities that nature has formed to meet the demands of our continua-

PREFACE 13

tion and our time. The world of space only holds what mind governs and matter forms.

As we introduce this little book we hope it will meet with the understanding that the time calls for. It has taken years of constant research in the laboratory from which cause, effect and result manifest to learn why every condition is the result of corresponding expression and experience; to gain the knowledge that one world stands for the result of another world; that one system stands for the result of another system and so on through the eternity of time and space; and that mind is the motive power through which all things take place and are experienced upon any world that space holds.

In uniting with the conditions of the continuation of this life, we find there, as here, all of the results that control the action of the individual.

Death does not divide the current of sorrow, but through the transfer of coercing changes each one is attracted to the same conditions that he or she left. The first plane of continuation holds the influx of criminal relations that have been an outgrowth of pervertions which were enacted here.

It is only nature and the knowledge of natural law that holds the power to liberate

14 PREFACE

each one from the thraldom of past experiences. Like ever attracts like, and vice like all else forms a magnet that holds its victims to its center.

We have been taught that to die was liberation, but as we explore the conditions of continuation we find that to live should be our aim and our ambition. We should ever seek for the greatest good that life holds ; we should fathom the selfhood of our own being and gather to ourselves the gems of intellect that control our life work; that life work being to perfect the scale of mentality, increase and increase the unfoldments of our inner life which belongs to happiness, to prosperity and to intelligence.

As the mists of the ages are cleared away and the cloud of superstition no more envelopes the reasoning faculties of mankind, there will be no mystery existing between us and those that have gone on before.

Science, the ever controlling power, will open up the way through which humanity can come together. There are no spirits, but identity is linked to identity, individuality to individuality, and we hold there, as here, the same purpose, the same ambitions, while the scale of unfoldment recognizes each one to

PRE! 15

liberate him or her from the past and its power to control.

Philosophy is the center through which investigation can take place. While science will open the door that superstition has closed, and intelligence will recognize the change that comes to all for their release and their progression.

In conclusion I wish to thank my friends and associates for the help they have given me in the preparation of this little volume. To Amy K. Cornwall, whose help in correcting and arranging the manuscript and in reading the proof has been invaluable, and to Harriet F. Wright, who designed the illustrations, my thanks are particularly due.

Mrs. C. M. Broghton,

Boulder, Colo.

TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE.

Chapter I. A Vision Of The Continuation Of Life

"Why! Oh, why must this great sorrow come to my heart and home?" was the thought of an anxious mother, while watching at the bedside of her idolized child.

Alice Moore was one of nature's rarest gems, beautiful in form and feature. She was the pride of her parents, and was highly esteemed and beloved by her companions.

It was at the close of a spring-time evening, and all nature seemed quietly sinking to rest, and there was nothing to mar the beauty of their surroundings. Without, earth was crowned with the spring-time of life; within, was the luxury of refinement and taste. Nothing that wealth could buy was spared to woo back to health and happiness their only child.

Quietly resting upon her downy pillow, with eyes closed, she seemed a marvel of exquisite workmanship. Her golden hair lay in wavy masses above a forehead of marble whiteness, but the hectic flush told only too well that life was slowly ebbing day by day.

Sadly the moments passed to the anxious mother, hoping, fearing, waiting, yet knowing that her child was drawing nearer and nearer to the realities of another life. Medical skill had failed to alleviate or check the progress of her disease. Consumption had blighted this fair flower, that now was past all hope of recovery.

As the quiet of the evening stole silently through her waiting senses, sleep seemed to hold control over brain and body, while a sweet smile wreathed her lips and she seemed communing with a presence unseen and unfelt by her mother, caused by a beautiful dream, such as come only to those who are drifting away from the scenes of earth. Thus the moments passed until a sound in the hall awoke her.

The physician entering, unannounced, crossed the room to her bedside and gazed upon her with a sad expectant countenance. Turning to the mother, he inquired, "How has my patient been to-day?"

"Not worse, as I can see, doctor," replied Mrs. Moore. "She has been quietly resting for the past two hours, while I have been taking the place of nurse and attendant, as they need rest for the duties of to-night."

"The medicine I left, has that been given according to directions? We must have no relaxation in the effects to be produced. This tonic I prepared to invigorate her wasting strength. This powder must be given to produce easy expectoration ; while this I am now preparing, must cause the sleep and rest most needed." Rising, he exchanged a few words with Alice and quietly bade them good-night.

Turning her eyes upon the array of medicine before her, the invalid exclaimed: "Oh dear ! O dear ! Why must I, with all the suffering I endure, be compelled to take those nauseating drugs? Consumption is sure to conquer. I feel life is ebbing slowly and surely away and nothing that skill can invent, or affection administer, can check its onward course."

"Oh, my darling! We must do all we can to prolong your life, hoping that we may find something that can and will restore you to us," answered her mother.

While speaking there was a ring at the door, and a lady entered with a seeming consciousness that to her a welcome would be given. She bade them a cheery good evening, inquiring at the same time of the welfare of Alice. Stooping, she imprinted a kiss upon her brow, saying, "I have come to sit with you awhile. Mrs. Moore, you look tired, and I feel you are in need of rest. If anything should take place, I will immediately call you."

"Thank you," said Mrs: Moore, "I know that I can trust her in your care, and with no one else could she feel more pleasure than with you."

"Yes, mother, go get the rest you need," urged Alice. "I have been wishing to see Miss Deorr, as I have something to tell her. It is no secret, mamma dear, yet I wish to speak upon the subject while I can."

With faltering steps Mrs. Moore slowly left the room, wondering what her daughter wished to communicate to her friend.

Turning to Miss Deorr, Alice said : "It seems as if you had brought me new life. Your bright and cheery smile has more healing than all that has been administered. Sit close beside me and let me feel your presence, and drink one consoling draught of reality. I feel my bark of life is surely drifting out upon the ocean of change. The inspiration of a new life that I cannot picture seems drawing me nearer and nearer; it is of this I wish to talk: While resting as the evening shadows crept In, I dreamed, or saw, such a beautiful vision. Can it be that there is something real that can come to us, to strengthen and sustain our departing spirits?

"What I saw was strangely beautiful, and it was in marked contrast to what I had been taught since childhood. There was a path leading from my bedside, flowers were blossoming and their perfume pervaded the atmosphere, while the rippling water of a silvery stream glided away, and upon the other bank a beautiful being, with outstretched hand beckoned me to come. These words seemed wafted to my hearing: 'Fear not, the path you will tread leads only to a brighter reality. Look and see.'

"Gazing beyond, I saw beautiful homes surrounded by nature's most harmonious relations. All things seemed pulsating with life, while the spirit of peace rested within my heart.

"Can it be that such a life awaits us, or was it only a phantom that blended with my prostration? It is so different from the teachings of those we have looked upon as guides and counselors.

"Prayer, we have been taught, is the beacon that guides us to our heavenly home. Two visions have arisen within my mind; one, the teaching of my daily life ; the other, O ! what can I say of it? Is it possible for the veil to be lifted? Can our loved ones and the beautiful and exalted beings that have gone before us cross the boundary and reveal to us the reality through our mental vision? If I could but know it was a truth fear, doubt, and all conflicting emotions would be removed. I have thought upon the question as far as it was possible for me to comprehend. At the hours when slumber should have visited my eyes, I have tried to solve the mystery of my being.

"Reared as I have been, in the lap of luxury, with loving parents to guide and counsel, they, ever watchful of my greatest and best interests, expressed a love as pure as the fountain from which it was drawn. Yet, why must it be? With all of association, with all of love and care, naught could stay the conqueror.

"Our reverend and esteemed pastor has prayed at my bedside, and counselled me according to his mission, picturing in glowing language the power, sympathy and love that the Father of all fathers holds for his children, and how the angels are watching and waiting at the bedside of the sick and the dying. How Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, came upon earth, assuming the conditions of this life, in order to be the savior of the fallen children of earth, so that the freed soul can enter into the scenes of eternal rest.

"I have listened, but a shadow would cross my mind and a doubt arise as to the truth of the picture.

"Expressing my doubt, I was answered in this way: 'You have failed to seek the faith that sustains the Christian. Your name is not upon the church record. The baptism that cleanses the stain has not been administered. Though you have been taught the religion of Christ and Him crucified, you have delayed to comply with its requirements. The sinful follies of this life have lured you on, and now I come to plead for your salvation, to ask that you be willing to be baptized, and unite with the holy church. I will read the parable of the prodigal son, which will apply to your case. Though the eleventh hour is reached, through the administration of the followers of Christ you can meet acceptance. May the Lord be with you is my prayer.'

"He read the parable, stopping to explain where he thought it most necessary for me to understand. With words of warning, he urged that Christ was my only hope, my only salvation ; then turning, he read of Dives and Lazarus, picturing in vivid coloring the condition of the two.

"A sickening sense of doubt and fear oppressed me, and he paused, as if waiting for my answer. Striving to overcome the feeling that controlled my brain, seeking, longing, for truth to reveal to me the answer that could sustain me, I gazed through the open window upon the picture of nature, blended into one great harmonious unity. Flowers were blossoming in rich profusion, birds were warbling their silvery notes beneath shrub and bower. I prayed, as only those can pray who feel their footsteps have reached the boundary of another experience.

"He seemed waiting, thinking his efforts and counsel would be crowned with success. 'Have faith, my daughter !' he exclaimed ; 'fear not to link your fate with the Father of all.'

"While he was speaking a silvery voice sounded in my ear. 'Child of earth, be true to thyself.' What could it mean. Had my fervent prayer been answered, and must I abide by its counsel ?

"Gathering strength, I said to him : 'I have prayed for light and this answer I received: "Child of earth, be true to thyself." Doubt of the truth of your teaching constantly arises before me. My education has followed the histories of the past; to me, a seeker after light, a student in the natural relations of life, your creed is only a repetition of mythical idolatry. It seems to me like worshiping at the shrine of an idol fashioned by the hands of man. Your interpretations are too narrow to encompass the realization of life and intelligence. Why is it you ascribe to God, your Creator, to Christ, your Redeemer, all there is of wisdom and power, while we as children of that creation, and controlled by that wisdom, are the only links in the chain of substance that must be condemned, unless we conform to the dictates of church and creed? Your Bible I have read. I have been taught from its pages, and lisped my childish prayer at my mother's knee. If justice is the fountain of mercy, why must I be condemned ?'

"He gazed upon me in utter astonishment. My mother wept in agony of grief, moaning in piteous accents, 'Oh my child! my child! Where have you gained those ideas to engender such a feeling? Your father and I have followed the dictations of the church, and we have taught you its sacred calling, and now doubt arises, and you express yourself with almost a measure of contempt. Pray for her as you never prayed before, and may your petition reach to the throne of mercy, and a voice, answer back her acceptance/

"I strove to answer, but a stupor of unconsciousness stole over me. Hours passed before restoration ensued. The doctor was called, nurse and attendants were summoned and all was confusion.

"Now I will give you a history of my experience while lying in that condition."

"My darling! My more than friend," interrupted Miss Deorr, "I fear you are exhausting yourself, and will be worse for the effort. Your history is awe-inspiring. I seem to be drawn nearer and nearer to the portals of a great reality. But rest a while, and take this cordial to soothe and strengthen you. Then you can recommence, and I will listen with rapt attention."

Her breathing came and went as if a struggle were taking place to determine which should sustain the mastery, life or death; but consciousness held the ascendency, and after resting for a time she recommenced.

"I feel as though I must finish, or my lips will be sealed from utterance, and to you alone can I give this history of my experience, while passing through those unconscious hours.

"I seemed separated from my material form, yet there was a connecting link that bound me to it. I seemed to be drawn away from earth and its scenes, yet a conscious identity remained. I was like one guided by a subtle essence of effect, not fearing, but being sustained and controlled by the attraction of

Stooping, I plucked a beautiful flower.

TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 2J

love. It was but a moment and all nature appeared to rise before me.

"Friends that I had known in childhood and the dear old grandparents were the first to welcome me. Greetings were exchanged and exclamations of joy were uttered. I stood amazed and wondering, as I recognized each one in the associations of my earth life, all beaming upon me the love and affection which was always manifest.

" 'My darling child,' said my grandmother, 'we have waited for your coming; it is best, and fear not. A lesson you will receive of the realities that lie before you, and memory shall connect the chain of transmission. You are not separated from your earthly form, only a suspension of the vital force of attraction sufficient to allow you to enter upon the scenes which to you soon will be home and happiness.'

"Stupefied with wonder, I could not at first reply; but as consciousness gained control I was able to express my feelings. Can it be that I behold the friends of my earliest recollection ? Can it be the ones held dear in memory are a reality before me? Stooping, I plucked a beautiful flower, inhaling its perfume, and looking inquiringly for an explanation; the answer came. 'Here, as there, the subtle law of cause and effect infuses all things with life.

The blossoming flower here, as there, attracts to itself its form and substance. Look around you and see the immensity of production ; witness the reality that comes through the change called death. It is but a short time you can remain with us, and we have much to impress upon your mind as regards the naturalness of our life/

"We were entering a vine-clad bower, and seats being in readiness, they all arranged themselves in groups before me. My grandparents were sitting on either side, holding my hands in a warm clasp of affection. Being weak, I could but listen to the messages they gave me.

"There was one, a lady, tall and commanding in form, and with an expression so perfect in its blending, I could but think that the ideal type of angel womanhood stood before me.

"She said, 'I, too, have a message. Fail not to repeat it to my darling child, Eemil Deorr, your friend. The same cause that is changing your relation in life, caused my death; it was when she was a wee babe, nestling in the fond embrace of her mother. Words cannot express how I longed to live to shield and protect her, and, as I gazed into the depths of her eyes of blue, it left upon my heart the impression of that scene, the parting from her, the idol of my being. It was I, in unison with the sympathies of earth and its sufferings, that called you to see the reality before you. Tell my child there is no death, only a change from one realization to another. Soon you must return to your anxious friends and weeping parents.'

''She then placed before me what seemed to be a mirror ; and I beheld the scene that was being enacted in my parents' home. My mother was bending over me, calling with fond, endearing names for one more look of recognition. My father, bowed like a broken reed, seemed powerless to act. The physician was placing his hand upon my heart to feel if pulsation had become extinct, assuring my mother that life still remained. The minister was seated by the side of my father, with the Bible in his hand, speaking to him the usual words of consolation.

"The scene faded slowly from my sight, and I became conscious again of my surroundings. What was the joy of my parents to see that recognition had returned. When I am called again, the subtle cord will be severed; and then, what then? Can you tell? Speak, I must hear your answer."

"What you have told me," said her friend, "surpasses my greatest imagination; the subject has been one of deep interest to me. The loss of my mother before my remembrance has been one of great sorrow. I have planted flowers on her grave, the willow's drooping branches are over her headstone, and that is all that is real to me. Yet what you have pictured must be the truth. The loving sympathy of those that we have known could only draw you away, and gladden your sight with what we have sought to learn. You have aroused within me many ideas, far beyond the teachings of books, or the experiences of man. It is a vivid picture, painted by the hand of a master artist, which only truth can support.

"My mind has been darkened, my comprehension clouded, for my only anchor has been the teaching of Christ and Him crucified. I must speak plainly; to you I could only be true in my assertions. You have been blessed beyond measure, your soul has been lifted above the experiences of this life, and the golden harvest has been the union with friends and happiness. While it is a separation from us, the same path is open for all to follow. I am more than grateful for the message from my dearest mother. It shall be a jewel more precious to me than any that graces a monarch's crown. There is one request I would like to make. After the call is made that we are all expecting, will you try to prove to me that you still live?"

"Yes," she answered, "if what I have seen proves a reality, and I still retain my memory of friends and home; if I meet those I have recognized in the beautiful relation that memory holds; yes, if possible, I will bring to you that knowledge. I will come to you when the twilight rests over valley and plain; these words will I whisper in your ear, 'All is well.' Then you will know that I have remembered and can fulfill my promise."

"Dearest Alice!" said Miss Deorr, "I am afraid you have overtaxed your strength ; perhaps I had better retire and leave you to the quiet of your nurse and attendant."

"Oh ! do not go," replied Alice, "but call my mother; I have a few words for her. The message from her parents was brief yet most precious. You can prepare her to receive it, knowing the circumstances as I have related. I wish to rest for a short time."

Miss Deorr stood hesitating, between the fear to leave her friend alone and the thought of how she could bring the subject within the mother's comprehension. Passing to Mrs. Moore's room, she gently rapped upon the door. A voice within bade her enter.

"How is Alice?" was eagerly asked.

"She has been resting between her intervals of conversation/' was the reply, "and she wished me to tell you of what we have been speaking." In as few words as possible, Miss Deorr related to the mother's astonished ear the history of her daughter's experience, adding the wish she had expressed for her presence.

Hurrying forward, Mrs. Moore reached the bedside of her child, exclaiming, "Alice! dear Alice! What is it you would tell me? Such conflicting emotions are more than I can bear."

"Be calm, dear mother, and sit beside me. The precious moments are passing away, and I must relieve my heart of its yearnings. The message from your parents was this : 'Wealth is not all of life, it does not fill up the measure of the heart's affection, but leaves a void that crushes the brightest hopes.' To you, my mother, I leave this legacy; surely you must understand its meaning. There is a void that nothing but sympathy, association and love can fill. The one that you have scorned and turned away from your home is the only one who could bring to me that measure of happiness. Before it is too late, would you, could you, grant me the dearest wish of my life? The presence of Harry. To him I would speak once more and take my last adieu. I cannot leave unsaid the words I have cherished for him; so deny me not, as I cannot rest."

A smile of scorn wreathed her mother's lips. "Can it be that my daughter so far forgets her pride of birth and of family as to place her affections upon one so far beneath her station ? Think better of it, my child. Cast from your heart his unworthy memory. Sooner would I lay you beneath the sod than witness such a mesalliance."