The laws of life

Preface

The following Inspired lessons on living were written by Mary Cole Oliver during a period of time covering several months. Coming slowly at first, perhaps only a few sentences at a time, which she was strongly impreftrsed to write, the inspirations soon followed closely upon each other and after the first month came at the rate of about two hundred words a day. They were not written in trance, nor were they dictated word by word, but the thought subjects were given in the form of impressions only, and, being phratsed in the simple words of the author, are even more powerful and impelling than if couched in deep, scientific terms.

Usually she sat alone in concentration in her own home. On other occasions psychic friends sat with her, to determine, if possible, the source of inspiration. At various times teachers from the higher realms were seen standing near, and often the author's sister, who passed to the Spirit World nearly twenty years ago, and who was identified by detailed descriptions given by those who were watching, was seen standing in the background while the messages were being written.

It is to the memory of this guarding angel sister, Irene May Cole, that this book is dedicated. It is the firm belief of the. author that the wonderful love of her sister and her never ending efforts and desires to help humanity, was the power that brought the teachers to her and impressed her so strongly to write the revelations.

Chapter I Life

The life of mankind is one long, winding journey thru the cycles of eternity. Years, centuries, ages, all are as one in the evolution of the spark of divinity. Truth is its mission, and Love the law.

The nature of your present existence is dependent on your inner development. Only thru a thorough understanding of self and your mighty power of advancement can you go forth, conquering by loving, the synonym of Brotherly Love.

Your spirit is the self of the soul, giving expression thru the flesh. Life in the flesh is to create for Truth. By experience and the experience of others, correct understanding is gained and justice meted out to all.

If you abide in Truth, harmony and Love will be the keynote of your success. To be wise as a serpent yet gentle as a dove is the work of a master. Be ye master of the life you are living, sending the thots of purity and teaching the law of Love. Solve the problem of destiny by the supreme test, self-knowledge. Seek ye first the God within, for in unity there is strength. The open door of the Christ principle faces the workers for humanity and universal Love becomes a realization.

You can and must realize that life is a part of the redemption of matter. You have risen from the elements even as the flower, a law unto yourself. To — 1 — give to the world the portion of divine inspiration through right living is the birthright of the soul and the leaven that raises the world's development.

Life is everlasting and perfection the goal. All that is not of Truth must be cast off, the work of the law of cause and effect.

Laws of life are true to nature, the nucleus of evolution. The basis of progress is action: in all things doth it abide. Success, failure, all are under one law, its justice charging the universe with eternal life.

The poise of wisdom and the humility of pure Love center their mighty force on the perfection of being. To triumph over matter, the mind is God's gift that you may understand Truth, and the heart that you may know Love.

Be not content with a little knowledge: the realms of wisdom lie deep. The price is diligent search in Truth's domain; the reward is peace and Love — the heaven within.

The gulf that lies between ignorance and Truth is only the darkness that precedes the day, and Love is the ship that brings in safety the child of darkness to the light of clear understanding.

The troubled waters that beset the workers for Truth bring closer home the knowledge of continuity. Cause and effect are collecting their toll, that harmony may reign supreme.

Where is eternity? It is the land of creation. Poets their message of Love have woven into the lines of Paradise mysteries too deep to fathom. Think ye that a Love so pure and sincere ever came to die again? None has come to tell the tale where the land of life shall end. Yet within the voice ye hear: "Love is everlasting."

LIFE

The breath of life is God, is you, creator and creation. A firm foundation, the staff of Hfe — Love — is eternity. You ask the reason why 'tis so: God's infinite wisdom has willed it so.

You have the will to send the Love of life into that vast eternal land. Purify, sanctify the spirit of Love in the heart of man. Then will you hear the answer loud and clear.

Spirit thou art and unto spirit thou shalt return, is the song of the soul. The cycle thru eternity is the circle of Love, no beginning and no end.

Life is the shadow of the soul in the current of creative force. Twixt life and eternity the chasm of reality is reached by the path of inward consciousness.

From the heights of divine knowledge into the realms of perfect being, is the crossing of the soul into infinity. Yonder lies the gate of greed, and within its realms the torch of material dominion beckons and tempts the seekers of selfish gain. Posterity wavers in the balance ; they hear the call, but would not heed.

Again it calls in the problems of daily life, only to be silenced until in some tragedy too great for mortal mind to bear, they enter the portal of inner consciousness and whisper a prayer for guidance.

Mercifully and tenderly the All-Wise One counsels and comforts, turning the light of understanding into the heart crushed with sorrow and the mind veiled with ignorance. The path of reason opens and the mind is cleansed, making it a mighty power for Truth.

Teach ye the children of the earth that the sin of omission is as great as the sin of commission. Work is the solace of the mind and a source of growth for the soul's attainment. Lowly or in the ranks of the nobility, the soul gathers unto itself the ripened grain, and contentment is the reward of work well done.

Law gravitates, Love permeates, and Truth evolves thru the unity of life. Man has proclaimed the word of God, but nature is left to swerve the multitude by her testimony of eternal existence.

The gift of elevating, transforming and creating is nature's divine heritage — and still man searches for the law of life. Look to the elements, the source of growth, and learn the lesson of super-life.

Surrounded by the cities of man, nature's call is seldom heard. Yet in the wilderness the light of wisdom gleaned from the silence of nature is calling to the inner man. None that listen shall be afraid or think that mortal can e'er be half so lovely as Mother Nature. Nature in her modesty is the fairest flower in the garden of Love. Entreating, creating, enchanting, expressing, life has no greater power than nature.

Sovereigns reign in earth's domain, but nature reigns forever. She does her work well and when it is finished she claims her own, an endless chain of life and Love.

Figuratively speaking, the life is the flower and the soul the seed. Perfect the flower and **corruption shall have put on incorruption." Death has no sting when life is sought in Love of humanity. Change is the element that reaps the harvest, separating the wheat from the chaff. For as much as the scales must balance, live by lifting and fulfill the law of Love.

Life is the creation of Infinite Intelligence. It is not all good that is stored away as knowledge. It is the sum and substance of ripe experience. Grains

LIFE

of sand are as mighty in their endeavor to lift the ocean as are deeds of kindness to lift mankind.

In all the worlds and all the ages life has been the force that lifts and generates into activity the spirit of the soul. The fall of spirit into matter is a natural function of enduring evolution. In the mind of man rests the seed of inherited Love, its perversion being brought about by the desire of the animal self to gain satisfaction. Gain of the desire world is part of the world's Karma that must be obliterated.

Clean, pure thots attract the elements of oneness and embrace the Love principle. It is this elevating principle that is the savior of mankind. All force is life, sending out myriads of infinitesminal feelers in search of a breeding place. Wherever it lodges there it will reap the harvest.

Life is vibration, constantly working, either consciously or unconsciously, to create harmony. Every good deed perfectly accomplished is a creation of the higher self and a step unto knowledge. The Love of creating is universal and eternal. It is the answer to the call of life.

Life is the expression of the soul within. When mortal mind controls, the expression is often the gratification of the lower self, and must be purified ere it can return to the soul as food for growth.

Nature's laws are the great cleanser and leveler for Truth. Obedience to the higher self means co-operation with God. Uproot all ideas of personal gain and in its place sow the seeds of Love and unity. You are limiting yourself by personality. All power lies within the soul. Every turn of the wheel of evolution is the soul's unfoldment, increasing^ in Love and wisdom.

The sustenance of all life is evolved from the soul, working in order and harmony. Cause and effect are the great adjusters at work in every stage of evolution. Spirituality is man's natural and highest state of existence. The lower, grosser qualities in man's nature are brot about by the will of man.

Predestination is not a law of the inevitable. Only as we know the oneness of all things and the ultimate end can we comprehend predestination. Many things could be avoided and the soul's unfoldment hastened if we would learn the laws of God, and work with them.

The power to will is God's gift to man, and deep within is the perfect understanding of right and wrong. God's laws are all just, and will, the highest power of man,. would not be given without its equivalent, the power of divine judgment.

The will in man is used freely and often works injury when the divine spark that opens the door to Truth is barred with ignorance. Direct the will to its task of conquering the lower self and when accomplished, will for good, and its power for attainment will be manifest daily. Will is a mighty factor in the drama of life and when used in the service of Truth is of God and is unlimited. Be up and working. Learn the power of good and step upward for humanity in God Love.

The destiny of all creation is eternal life. The power of creation is the spirit of Truth that must work for harmony. The law of cause and effect will often appear to work destruction, tho the destruction of evil, will never consume the good, but will give it greater chance to work for Truth. — 6 —

LIFE

Nature's laws are ever working for harmony. When the eyes are dimmed to the wonderful beauty of nature by selfish desire, be glad that your soul is calling you to a nobler Hfe, and stamp out the lower self. The mind has been falsely taught to obey desire, and is ever at work to appease that desire. As the inherent desire for materialism is deep-rooted, it is not surprising the cry for spiritual attainment is met with fear and trembHng.

The voice within has spoken the Truth and the awakening will ever be the facing of self. The most comforting and potent Truth of all ages is "God is Love." The creation of all good is God. Then as we are creators, a part of that Divine Intelligence, to work in harmony with His loving plan should be the sincere desire of all. Cheerfully accept the responsibility that is yours, and a life of service will lead to wisdom and peace. Pearls of Truth are the reward of an awakened soul, and Love will lead to the haven within.

All of life is not living, nor of death is dying. Life is immortal, and death is merely a beautiful change to a higher expression of life: fear it not. Life everlasting is here and now.

Seek the things that are lasting. Waste not your life's energy in satisfying your worldly ambitions. Unless they are character building and soul inspiring they are as nothing. Put aside those thots that bind you to worldly things and clothe your soul with divine knowledge. Teach your brother the Truth, for his growth is your growth, and by Love all must be reclaimed. Man's laws are built on the rights of the many, God's laws on Love and justice for all. By Love all men are created free and equal, and by

Love all must be saved. Call forth the Spirit of Truth, that the world may be enlightened and know God. Love is the dominating force of the universe, and Truth will prove it.

Faith is trust and is the first step toward knowledge. Knowledge comes from obedience to God's law and a sincere desire to know God. The Tree of Life can bear only good. Love and Truth are its fruit. Change and decay are not a part of good, but a part of the laws of evolution and compensation. To say evil does not exist would be to deny God's law. His laws are all the natural result of cause and effect.

We may work in opposition to God's law, we may build barriers to combat its force, but the law is not changed. His laws are of Love and Truth, ever working for peace and harmony. Seek the things of Love and Truth: make that great Brotherhood a realization. Step up to that higher life, that better self, and bring heaven here below. Why wait for death, that great change, to learn God's Truth ? Pave the way by a life of Love and understanding of Truth. Be ready when the Master calls, and the same Love and Truth that has worked for good here will go forth with you to glorify God.

The Truth of life everlasting is demonstrated daily, and in all things. What is there you can destroy? The fire can burn, but always the ashes remain, to return from whence they came. The mighty oak, once a tiny seed, was nourished by Mother Earth and fed by the elements that gave it birth. By that same law that gives back the tree the spirit of man returns to spirit, from whence it came.

LIFE

Know that you are spirit now and forevermore. Feed the spirit as well as the body. The soul growth is slow when the mind sees only the material needs. Find that higher self, the spark of divinity that is God's gift to all. Go into the silence with loving thots and aspirations for things eternal. Only by Love and concentration can self, that greatest Truth in the world, be unfolded. Think right and live with charity for all and malice toward none. Be true to yourself, and it must follow as the night the day, you shall abide in Truth and by your works you shall be known.

Chapter II Love

The light on the path is Love, the illumination of Truth. It permeates every atom of the universe, lifegiving and forceful. HumiHty, kindness, charity, all are characteristics of divine Love, the fount of wisdom. Let your smile and your deeds be a clear reflection of spiritual unfoldment. Forget the sorrows of yesterday, lest you hide your light under a bushel.

The sunlight of the soul shines steadily on, but the clouds of materiality have dimmed the mirror and a countenance of worldliness shows mortal mind is master. A willing heart and a cheerful smile make life worth living and death worth dying. If you have found the beauty in this great world, then priceless joys await you as you journey on.

Endurance is the test of material for eternity. Silver and gold may have precedence on this earthly plane, but only as they are used wisely and with a true knowledge of their worth can they stand the test. Better would you journey on with a heart of Love and a soul at peace, than mansions of beauty and a purse of gold. Seek the Truth in all things. Ask yourself the value of the life you are living and stand face to face with reason and Love.

Love is the law of progress and the vessel of eternal Truth. Sublime in its subtle strength. Love is ever visiting the self of life by nature and her chil- —10—

LOVE

dren. Fondly she wields the sword of justice, for life is not a thing to spurn, and the lesson of Love is yours to learn.

The sting of redemption is the recompense of justice. Arise to the Hfe of service for Love and the flame of sorrow shall be turned from darkness into the wisdom of eternal day.

Each in its place shall play the part of Love that life sustains. To one is given the fullness of Love, unconscious of the anguish-crushed heart that stalks the path of life. Yet each must learn the lesson for a greater day, and couched in gold the soul shall bare each deed well done. You cannot pass it by for greater goal until you pay the service to your soul.

Prosperity is only a word of worth according to its quality. Seek for the good and ye shall find prosperity means to you a life of Love for your fellowman. Pay the price the soul demands and enter into that peaceful land.

Patience is the voice of Love that speaks the tongue of every man. Mortal and immortal stand in the wake of Love so pure that patience leads to unity.

The glory of God is the emanation of Love, the divine gift to all. All power is given Truth, the manifestation of the divine principle, Love. Open the door of wisdom. The depths of the soul is the sanctuary, and Truth bids you enter. The dwellers in the flesh have only to go within, realizing the Almighty is every present, directing the unfoldment that brings peace and wisdom. Life eternal draws all in its course — you cannot escape.

The lesson you must learn is that justice will win; that Truth and Love, the goal of oneness, work in marvelous ways their miracles to perform. Cause —11— and effect are ever before you as a natural law of adjustment, bringing compensation to all.

With a perfect understanding of Love, all life takes its proper place and you no longer ignore the voice within, but become one with God. Henceforth you must abide in Love, demonstrating the Christ principle that is the Truth of Brotherly Love.

Creatures of Love destined to life everlasting are we. The breath of Truth is the force that penetrates all things, creating and in turn reincarnating the soul of life.

The journey thru eternity has many diversified paths, but the goal of Love and harmony must be attained. Just as the law of gravitation draws all unto itself, like attracts like, and the spark of divinity must surely return to the source from which it came.

You may wander from the main road, setting up barriers to curb the laws of nature, but the lifeline of Truth will claim its own. It is the inevitable law of nature that "time and tide wait for no man." Thus it is, you must either work with the law, carried forth on the tide of Love, or you are calling on the law of compensation to mete justice.

You are a law unto yourself, creating and bringing into play cause and effect, the arm of Truth and justice. Revolutionize your worldly life by living in Love and Truth. Let the God within work with and for you and you shall know the peace that passeth all understanding.

All things are possible with God. Know that you are a part of that divine Love, and that by working in harmony with His divine laws all things must work for good. Let wisdom and Love so fill your heart that God may shine forth in all His glory. As —12—

LOVE

we are made in the likeness and image of God, let His light so shine that all may know the Truth: we are one with God.

Love is the highest expression of God. Find that Love within, that you may know that peace and contentment that all seek. God has given his angels charge over you: deny them not. Know they are God's and as children of God we are one.

Christ Jesus taught the gospel of Love, not for the chosen, but for all. Spread His teachings; reach out for Truth and that thirst for knowledge shall be quenched. Let each day be a step up on that ladder of progression. Think right and you must live right; live right and know God; love God and do good.

Call forth the Spirit of Love to guide and direct your path. Trust and obey His teachings. Let Christ's teachings be yours. Make each day shine forth a lesson in Love to all who know you. Sow the seed of kindness. Christ taught: "Feed my lambs.". . . . "As you do it unto one of these you do it unto Me."

Remember that happiness is not measured by dollars and cents, but by a heart of gold. Do well that duty that is before you, be it humble or great. Know that God is ever present and just. Carry the message of Love to every walk of life and hasten the day of that great Brotherhood.

Let that great Truth of the continuity of life, that there are no dead, that we do not die, and that salvation is for all, ring forth and glorify God.

Let the path of Love lead onward and upward. Let your faith go hand in hand with Love and wisdom, for faith without works will perish. Lift up your heart, knowing that all things are possible with —13—

God, and you shall receive that spiritual awakening and come forth a messenger of Love and Truth.

Creeds may come and creeds may go, but Love will reign forever. Pin thy faith on Love, the Rock of Ages. It cannot fail, for God is Love, the essence of all things good, the firm foundation on which all may stand. Change and decay are ever around us, but Love and Truth, the gifts of God, will march forth victorious.

Open your eyes, that you may see the beauty of God everywhere. Then open your ears, list to God's message and voice the Truth to all who would know. Marvel not at God's wisdom. The mighty mountains so stately in all their majesty, the troubled seas so deep in mystery, forever the wonder of mankind, are only expressions of God's Love, as you and I. The infinite wisdom of God is no greater than His Love.

As you climb the ladder of progression, remember always that knowledge without charity must fail. Let each day be a lesson in Brotherly Love. Onward and upward, secure in the arms of Love and Truth.

Know that God's loving Presence in all things doth abide. From the mountains to the sea, from the infinitely small to the infinitely great, all are a part of God's wondrous plan. Tho all things are expressions of God, a part of His divine Love, still He is greater than all.

No beginning and no end, life everlasting is God. Work in harmony with His loving plan and all things are possible. All that has been and all that ever will be, God of Love has given us. Knowledge and Love are the greatest forces in the universe. Stand firm for Truth and let Love be the mediator. Love —14—

LOVE

calls forth the good in all. Know that God will never fail you when you earnestly seek the Truth.

When success comes from honest toil, grasp it tight, and forget not from whence it came. Just let it prove another opportunity to help a brother. Knowledge may bring success, but only when joined with Love can it give peace and contentment. From deeds in the past we have made our present: start today by right living and make that future just what you would have it be. "Day cometh after night, bloom after vexing blight; peace after pain and strife; rest, joy, eternal life."

Love is God manifest. Truth is the essence of God's laws. His laws are ever working and are just. Let Love lead, and the law of compensation will prove it is of God.

Toil and strife must vanish when Love and harmony are present. Let your work be from Love and all things will work together for good. When sorrow crosses your path, remember that "every cloud has a silver lining," and look for the sunshine of the morrow.

Changing, ever changing as time goes on, the toil of today will bear the fruit of tomorrow. In the heavens above, on the earth beneath, God's wondrous laws are ever working for Love and Truth.

Weary not of well doing. The source of Love is great, and eternity is ours. Seek diHgently for the Truth, that all things shall be made plain. Keep thy trust in His divine Love, knowing always that what is best for mine and me we shall receive.

Love is the force supreme. It is the noblest force in the universe. It is of God and is God. Keep in the path of Love and thy ways shall be ways of —15— pleasantness, and all thy paths shall be peace. It is only when Love is of God that the divine spark is touched. But Love of God is Love of thy fellow men. "As ye love one another, ye love me."

God is calling to all, that they may know that salvation thru Love is His promise. He will not fail, neither will be forsake you. Be wise and build thy home on a firm foundation. Let Love be the song of the soul and let it ring forth and glorify God. Children of Love, open wide the door. Let the divine knowledge fill your soul and peace will reign forever.

The road to heaven is Love. "The kingdom of God is within you." Let your body be the temple of God and Love and Truth reign supreme. The temples are many, but God is One. Temples may come and go, but "Truth crushed to earth shall rise again." Keep His dwelling place free from evil thots, that God may give you wisdom; His storehouse is abundant for all. Trust and obey. His Love is the light of the world, a beacon of Truth that all may know. Go into His presence with prayer and thanksgiving, for peace is the reward of the upright.

The Spirit of Love will conquer the world, and all shall know God. To know God is to understand His divine principles, and to live by them. Love and wisdom are the chief requisites of eternal peace.

Happiness comes from within, and conscience will show you the way. You may dull the sound of that wee small voice, but you cannot silence it. Sooner or later it will call for justice, and none can escape. Our loving Father has given us the greatest counsel in all worlds, conscience; that great judge will never fail you. God has given you work to do and conscience is keeping the account. Thine eyes shall see —16—

LOVE

and thine ears shall hear, but conscience shall speak the Truth. Obey the voice and drink of the cup of Love and Truth.

Rule by Love and return good for evil. Surely it is no test of character to return good for good. Only when we learn to draw all into the circle of Love can we know peace. Tho your burdens are heavy and friends forsake you, still can you go within and find that peace that passeth all understanding.

Time and Love are as the balm in Gilead to the bleeding heart and the hungry soul. Truth is stranger than fiction and must finally win.

You cannot change God's law; but the constant working in opposition to His loving plan can only bring destruction. Some way, somehow you must learn the law. It is just and will work good for all.

Learn the Christ principle, that ye love one another. Start today and find the good in all things. You will soon find a life of service, with no time to fathom the evil, "Be true to yourself, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man."

Love is the divine attribute of nature. It is manifest in every walk of life, attracting and drawing forth the deeper nature we would learn in no other way.

Commencing with the mother Love for her child, it works in a great circle in this life, just as universal Love was breathed forth by the loving Father of all to His children.