chapter headpiece
CHAPTER VI.
“And God will make divinely realThe highest forms of their ideal.”—Chapin.
“And God will make divinely realThe highest forms of their ideal.”—Chapin.
“And God will make divinely realThe highest forms of their ideal.”—Chapin.
“And God will make divinely real
The highest forms of their ideal.”—Chapin.
Ruth was a lovely, tall, dark-eyed, Southern girl. Her family and most intimate friends called her Dolly. She had heavy, light brown, long, curly hair, that hung below her waist in six perfect curls. Doll was very slender and graceful, her mouth a perfect cupid’s bow, her head well poised, and small. Her most charming feature was her large, wonderful, soft brown eyes. Everyone loved those lovely eyes. The soul seemed to express her thoughts, and yearnings through those eyes. Ruth was a lovely Christian and inherited her mother’s sweet, cheerful, sunny disposition. She also was an exquisite violinist, and could paint, sketch and cook. Our heroine is just sweet sixteen. Ruth is sitting by a big window watching an awful southern storm rising from the Gulf of Mexico. She and her young companion, Cathy de Bathe had been dear friends and schoolmates. The girls were now visiting Ruth’s grand parents in Mississippi. It had been raining for days in Escawtawpa,—a small country town on the Escawtawpa river. The Indians and darkies called this strange river haunted; this is a fact too. Every night weird music came from the river bed. The ghostly musicians had chosen the large hollow reeds for their musical instruments. It sounded as if they were practicing the scales on a golden, magical, flute. This weird music would often end at sunrise in a low, sad funeral dirge. People came from all over the world and hired darkies to row them out at night to hear and investigate these strange magical sounds. The music became more weird and much louder about midnight. Ruth and Cathy often wondered if the river was truly haunted.
One calm, beautiful night, while she was sleeping soundly, Ruth dreamed her soul was transported to another world.She dreamed this beautiful world was Mars. It was a world of love and romance instead of war. The dream seemed real as life. At first she was surprised to find herself carried as if by magic so quickly and safely through space to this lovely new world,—it seemed like a lover’s paradise. This strange new world was the world of the soul. Ruth wondered how she came there. As she looked around she saw a tall, dark, handsome young stranger, who spoke, smiled, and bowed to poor little surprised Ruth. He was very courteous and gently told her that once, he was an ancient Indian prince. He said an old Indian living near her grandfather’s home would tell her the same truth, and this would prove that all he said was true, and no dream at all. “Remember, Ruth, many dreams are true and real—soul facts. A wicked Black King drove us away from India many years ago and captured my son with his lovely bride, and took all our wealth except a few jewels. Mara was then my princess yet did not belong to me, and is now happy with her twin soul. They are now wealthy and live in Neptune. We made a mistake then, as many do now in marrying the person not intended for us. In India we taught the immortality of the soul. This wicked and powerful King Pootana did not believe in the Communion of Saints or would not permit it to be taught, if he could help it. We taught one God, one love, one wife; he had many wives in those days. He killed good priests. His soul now suffers in Purgatory, and will for some time. My tribe and myself were drowned in a terrible storm on the river Escawtawpa.”
“O! Prince Cresto, an old negro we call Aunt Mary told grandma this same story. She said it was all true, but we all laughed at her. Is it a real fact?”
“Yes, child. I can remember the storm, and the rain pouring down on us, how terrible it seems now. The old raft sank slowly down, down, to our death. On that very spot where our ship sank these magical reeds grew. In love and immortal sympathy and pity they sway, they sing their sad doleful hymns. These musical sounds are the sobs and groans of a great tribe mourning for their Prince and loved ones.”
“I have often dreamed of you, Prince Cresto, and now I see you face to face. Are you truly alive?”
“Yes, I am a real live man; asking you if you would like to visit some of the scenes and wonderful sights in Mars, would you, Ruth?”
“I would love to!”
Cresto (they have no titles in Mars) sent a mental wirelessmessage, and soon a boy came with a lovely little airship called “The Golden Butterfly.”
“Oh! how lovely! We are sailing far above the Martians,” Ruth cried. The air was pure and bracing, the ride very exhilarating. They descended slowly—for Ruth was afraid to descend; the lovely little airship alighted in a public park. Many little children were playing here. She saw lovers strolling down the walks in perfect peace and happiness. There were lovely beds of flowers everywhere. They soon came to a beautiful blue lake. On this lake they saw pretty, tiny boats with large white swans, beautifully carved, in front. These little boats, at a distance, looked like graceful, white swans; couples that row in these boats seemed to be lovers.
“O! Cresto, what perfect little love-boats!”
“Ruth, the couples in the boats are soul-mates, they have been married for years, and will always be lovers.”
The longer they had lived together the more devoted they seemed. Many were swimming; all seemed very fond of the water. Cresto took her to the immense bath house, hired suits; they went into the plunge first, then to the lake outside. No one called him Prince Cresto over there. No one can take a title or any money to another planet. They are all brothers and sisters, all one big family, all humble and Christlike, yet they seem to have plenty to live on. They are very busy and happy; they all play as much as they work, and study. Ruth could swim well and gracefully on earth, so it did not take her long to swim there.
“Ruth, when we learn to swim or dance well on earth, we can do the same on any planet. If we can learn to sing and become great musicians on earth we never forget it. We begin here just where we left off on earth. We never go backward, but forward—unless we are punished for some sin.”
“Cresto, I wish we could go and visit other places of amusement?”
They walked on and on, each spot seemed a garden of Eden. They often saw lovely angels—always two together.
“Ruth, these couples are spirit mates. I suppose they look strange to you, for they do not fight or get divorces here; they are contented and are industrious.”
Ruth soon learned that they carried on their daily conversation by thought transference. They also talk the same as we do and sing the same as we do when together, when parted they use thought transference—for husbands go to work there and wives attend to the home as on earth.
“If our loved ones visit another planet we can send them messages quickly, by thought transference. This can be done on earth or anywhere. Ruth, thought transference is only reading another’s thoughts and answering mentally.”
“Cresto, what a wonderful fairyland Mars is! I hear beautiful music everywhere, everyone singing in perfect love and harmony, their sweet, dear voices are soft, tender and melodious. Oh, I am in a magic world of love, music and beauty. Mars is a world of love and peace instead of war.”
“We think too much of our lives and sweethearts to ever go to war. War is a sin. All trouble could be settled by arbitration on earth. We only fight to protect dying souls on your planet. This is a mental fight to protect our loved ones from enemies. Ruth, my dear child, can you guess who I am? After seeing all you have just seen?”
“No, Cresto, I can not!”
“You are only a child, but so highly educated you can understand, you are my other half, my twin-soul, my very own. I have watched over you and protected you since your birth. Darling, I would not have been parted from you so long, if I had not married poor Princess Mara for her wealth and caste. I have suffered a thousandfold for my ignorance, selfishness, and sin. It is a sin to marry without love. All true marriages must be founded on love and honor. Love without honor and respect is only misery. Ruth, my darling child, do you trust me now?”
“Yes, I do Cresto dear, I love you, for you seem to be the soul of honor. You are my ideal of a gentleman. I never have had a lover in all my life. I don’t like the young men on earth. I do not know why.”
“You are only a child and are too young yet.”
“Cresto, I long to give up my life to good, instead of accepting the attentions of admirers as other young women do. I don’t care for society, it is only wasting my time away.”
“Please make me one promise, in answering this question, I know you will not break your word. Which will you choose: Society and idleness, or doing good and hard study? Please do not let me influence you, do as you please. There is no sin in going into the social life if you do not wrong any one.”
“I choose to do good. I long to develop my mind and help others.”
“Dear, if that is your choice, we will begin our good work now. My darling doll if you will fast and pray for a few days I will take you to Purgatory. I only take you so youcan prevent others from going there. Just so you can save lost souls. I take you only to show you how cruel, wicked, heartless, souls suffer. My dear, pray sincerely and try to fast until I see you again. There are no children in Purgatory, love. I will protect you and keep you close to my side. Many saints will go with us,—for it is not safe to go alone. Darling, if you see the underworld as it is, you will be better able to do good and prevent others from going there. First, my pet, promise to forgive me for taking your pure, sweet soul to such a place? O! you don’t answer me? I will keep you here in Mars until you do, love.”
“Yes, I forgive, I want to go. It will be a wonderful new lesson for me to go. I can hardly wait for the time to come. Please take me now.”
“No, dear, you must fast and pray first. I will get angels to protect us. I must make everything safe for our visit there. Please light all your candles after I take you home. Pray, go into the silence; later I will return for you.”
chapter headpiece
CHAPTER VII.
“Then star nor sun shall waken,Nor any change of light;Nor sound of waters shakenNor any sound or sight.Nor wintry leaves or vernalNor days nor things diurnal;Only the sleep eternalIn an eternal night.”
“Then star nor sun shall waken,Nor any change of light;Nor sound of waters shakenNor any sound or sight.Nor wintry leaves or vernalNor days nor things diurnal;Only the sleep eternalIn an eternal night.”
“Then star nor sun shall waken,Nor any change of light;Nor sound of waters shakenNor any sound or sight.Nor wintry leaves or vernalNor days nor things diurnal;Only the sleep eternalIn an eternal night.”
“Then star nor sun shall waken,
Nor any change of light;
Nor sound of waters shaken
Nor any sound or sight.
Nor wintry leaves or vernal
Nor days nor things diurnal;
Only the sleep eternal
In an eternal night.”
Ruth had fasted for three days. All she drank was a cup of warm milk twice a day—and drank this very slowly. The third night after saying her prayers she fell into a sound sleep. It was darkest midnight when Cresto, with many of his friends, came to protect Ruth. All were dressed in disguise—in long black robes. Ruth gradually felt her soul gently and silently carried away in space to the underworld.
“Cresto, dear, were you ever in this awful, dismal, dark, place before?”
“Yes, dear, all souls from earth are taken here at death and judged. I was here a few days until I was judged for every act I ever did. No soul can escape this court. Darling girl, when you are taken here, I will come with you. I beg you to live such a perfect Christian life that our dear judges will not keep you long. Some stay thousands of years in this one place, others, only a few days. Christ descended and remained here two days Himself. He was perfect. The third day Our Lord ascended up to Heaven. He rose in great power and glory. Dear Ruth, if you follow in His footsteps, you need not fear to go where He has been. Jesus has surveyed the narrow road that leads to the gates of Heaven. He is the one who will light the way for us. Here our Lord and His hosts of angels, judge the living and the dead. Christ and His own followers have been judged here, so that they may be just to the wicked. He obeys and keeps all lawsthat He commands us to keep. This is Divine justice to all. Praise His Holy name. He is most Divine! We are one universal family and every soul is treated alike. We all get our reward here, whether it is good or evil. Hades is surrounded on all sides by awful, grim, ghastly, rivers of woe. Millions upon millions of firm, silent boatmen carry the dead here to be judged. They row you safely and silently to the great wide gates of Sheol, these cold stone gates are broad and high. Justice alone holds the keys. Souls at death cannot fly—they gradually learn to later. Those living here are all earth-bound. Sin has weakened their souls to such an extent that they cannot fly, and have not life enough to try. Constant sin is slow death to the soul. Here life has death for a neighbor. The great gates of Purgatory are daily and nightly thronged with millions and millions of angel guests. Just as the earthly prison should be thronged to see that justice rules! It is our business to see that no innocent soul stays in prison on earth. No one should be cast into prison on circumstantial evidence; this is an awful crime. The prisons on earth should be as good and just as the ones are in Purgatory, but they are not. You can change the laws and make them so in time if the people of earth all work hard. To understand Heaven and Hades we must study the last two chapters in the Bible. Read Revelations 22:15. Study all of Revelations.”
They walked on deeper into the woods of lonely darkness. It was misty. The angry dark gray clouds above them would not admit a ray of sunlight. We saw great monsters among the cold gray rocks; in the wide crevices were huge, long, green serpents, with mad, fiery red eyes. These snakes were the companions of low men and women, of drunkards, gluttons, and former prostitutes. Snakes and all ugly animals have ugly thoughts. They are on a low mental plane.
“Ruth, dear, your sweet disposition, your constant prayers, have made your face beautiful. Some of these poor, ill, low, ugly, fallen women tried to console themselves with ugly dogs and cats on earth. There were no babies, or children in Hades to pet, and as these poor, half clad, half starved women would try to pet these dogs, they would growl and snarl and bite them. All animals were cross; there was no love or harmony there.”
“Cresto, why are these hungry dogs and snakes with these poor, sad, ugly men and women?”
“Dear, like seeks like; love attracts love; enemies that hate each other most, must live together. The wonderful power of gravitation draws them together. Look well, dear, andremember the result of hate. It is as strong to attract as love is. All animals have souls and thoughts the same as we have, only they are undeveloped. Men and women having the same thoughts as animals and snakes are attracted to each other; here is another lesson on the law of gravitation. It develops the soul more to adopt children instead of dogs or cats. The soul of a child is Divine. Every one must live in the soul world or live in this underworld to suffer with dangerous animals in Purgatory, until developed out of this state. It takes intelligence, strength and energy to get out of Purgatory. Science proves this. You see, dear, how easy it is to get here? How hard to get out?”
As they went deeper and deeper into the lonely forest they saw a large, filthy, dead sea covered over with green slime. The odor from this stagnant water made them all ill.
“The only fish here is the ugly octopus. These poor, weary, tired men and women catch them and cook them on the rocks and eat them.”
They did not see any fruit in the forest. These folks were too angry and lazy to cultivate the ground or make the most of their punishment. All they wanted was revenge and an excuse to get out of work. They all seemed to be cowards and indolent. The awful rivers and lakes were green and slimy. The air was cold, misty and damp all the time. No stars or moon mingled in the dark gray clouds above. There were no flowers or birds or lovers here. The land was full of muddy green swamps. They saw them bare-footed, walking in the mud up to their knees. Some took on each other’s conditions; all looked mean, blue, cross and ugly; they would fight, groan, swear and curse one another. We could not find any real love there. It was all cruel hate. Angels often came down when they were fighting to part them. Then some would cling to their robes and hold on like mad men. An electric shock from these high angels’ minds would throw them onto the ground again. O! the power of mind or soul! Every time they would hurt or abuse another, they were forced to stay another day in Purgatory. Men or women who had tortured or helped in any way to torture any prisoner or helpless child or insane person, or any one in their power on earth, were tortured seven-fold there; their innocent victims were permitted to come here and torture them. This is a just law and is followed out to the letter in the underworld. One cannot escape justice any more than they can escape life. We all live on and on whether we go to Heaven or Hades.
“Ruth, here is another proof that the wicked are punishedjust as the Bible teaches. Here in this underworld the souls of the wicked groan and moan and are tormented day and night. Here the awful blackness seemed touched and blended with green and blue fire, the air was poisoned with awful furies. Ugly long, yellow and black, fiery-eyed, serpents are everywhere driving the inhabitants here and there, ‘there was no rest for the wicked.’”
The serpents were even climbing the trees. The trees all looked dead, old and withered. All the men and women seemed lost; not one could find their loved ones. All were parted! All lonely! Their only companions were those they hated most. Many had been in this awful place for years and years. Many would stay years longer, because they had made slaves of lovely young girls. These poor, helpless girls had gone on to Heaven, and the men that ruined them were still suffering here. They suffered more than their former victims ever did. Ruth was so glad to see these men suffering. Young girls have a right to honor and sacred love and homes. These men and women that once sold sweet, lovely young girls for money, prayed for death; but there is no death in Hades! It was awful to see these souls live on and on to suffer and groan from remorse of conscience. There would be no justice without this great mighty underworld court, or Purgatory. The sins and crimes of darkness, of all the universe, are concentrated here. This is a terrible and dismal region of darkness, misery, despair and sorrow! Hades is a place in space down in the opposite direction from Heaven. It is God’s mighty Court of Justice. There is no money or bail given there. You cannot bribe the Judge or jury. Their souls are laid bare! Their hearts and very thoughts are judged. All their past acts are recorded. Justice reigns supreme. Every act and thought is pictured in space. Every sound ascends and is recorded by our angels. Science is a perfect photographer. All acts and thoughts are retained on the lens of the mind.
“Cresto, is that why these men and women seem so insane?”
“Yes, dear, their minds are all darkness from sin and ignorance.”
“Cresto, please take me home out into the fresh air, I cannot stand their awful looks and misery.”
“Come, we will go at once. I should have taken you back sooner.”
“O! what happiness to fly from darkest Purgatory, out into God’s lovely star light. To soar like a free bird in the sweet, pure fresh air. What a contrast from that awful place!”
“Ruth, are you not glad you have chosen missionary work instead of idleness?”
“Yes, dear, from now on I shall be perfectly happy in doing good. I must commence my work at once. Now is the time. How lovely it is to float like this among the stars. Away in space! To float like a bird among the stars and clouds is perfect ecstacy! Each star looks like big, bright double balls of light; one was blue, one was white. Cresto, this is a heavenly sight!”
“My darling, I will hold you closer to my heart and fly on and on with you just to please you. My greatest happiness is in seeing you happy. All you need to do is to put your lovely head on my breast, and take long, deep breaths.”
“Darling, how grateful I am to you, Cresto, dear, to be able to float as the angels do with you, just for tonight. O! this lovely, perfect night. Cresto, I love you!”
chapter headpiece
CHAPTER VIII.
“All night she dreamed and wondered with the lightHer lover came—and then she understoodThe purpose of her being. Life was good,And all the world seemed brightAnd nothing was, but right.”
“All night she dreamed and wondered with the lightHer lover came—and then she understoodThe purpose of her being. Life was good,And all the world seemed brightAnd nothing was, but right.”
“All night she dreamed and wondered with the lightHer lover came—and then she understoodThe purpose of her being. Life was good,And all the world seemed brightAnd nothing was, but right.”
“All night she dreamed and wondered with the light
Her lover came—and then she understood
The purpose of her being. Life was good,
And all the world seemed bright
And nothing was, but right.”
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
The next morning, early at dawn, she saw this Indian prince clairvoyantly. At first she could not believe her eyes! She thought the trip to Mars and Purgatory only a dream.
“Cresto, are you a true, living soul? Was my awful dream last night all true?”
“Yes, poor child, your dream was all more than true. Our souls often travel together. It is a fact that our souls can travel, while our bodies sleep. Love, there is no limit to the soul’s flight. Our souls are made in the image of God. Doll, long ago I was once a real, live Indian prince. I came from another star to watch over you and protect you, dear. Dreams are often true. I have given you many facts in dreams. I will also develop you to a higher degree clairvoyantly. You hear me now, love, clairaudiently. True visions from the other world will often be revealed to you. Ruth, please remember all that I reveal to you in visions, dreams, or strong impressions will be real facts,—soul facts. I develop you to help you make poor, sorrowing humanity happy and teach you to help others to higher planes.”
“Cresto, why do you spend so much time with me?”
“Dear, I will always be with you. I am your twin-soul—your soul-mate. I am your other half. Darling child, without you there is no life or happiness. You are all my very own, my twin-soul. God has made us one. I love you with all my heart and life! I will often take your soul away in vision to visit and enjoy other planets. Souls from other stars will come to teach you and reveal beautiful facts toyou. We will help you to keep busy, happy and content, dove. Ruth all things are dual—all souls dual. My darling, do you love me?”
“Yes, dear, I love you. I do not know why this new love is so strange to me, so different from anything I ever heard of or thought of. Cresto, am I the first mortal ever loved by a spirit? Is this a real fact or am I still dreaming? Please, dear, tell me?”
“Ruth, do you hear me?”
“Yes, I do?”
“Are you sure?”
“I am positive, Cresto.”
“Now, do you see me?”
“Yes, I see you.”
“My own darling little angel, kiss me.”
Ruth felt his warm kisses on her lovely red lips.
“Now, dear, if you hear me, and see me, and feel my kisses, don’t you know that I live?”
“I know now that it is true!”
“Doll, you are all my very own. You are the complement of my self-love. Dearest, there is no individual spirit, male or female, exists without its one eternal complement. The law of attraction will sooner or later bring them together. Our souls have always been brought together. According to science we were once two tiny flames of light. You were a dim, tiny, soft, white light. I was the stronger and brighter one. We could not be parted then. Your soul was then effeminate, my own always masculine. Dearest child, you will always be a lady, I a gentleman—man through eternity. We had no bodies then, we were all soul, dear. Just two little lights, imprisoned with a tiny globe of light, floating in a circle near the lovely, bright Pleiades. So the dear angels could watch over us and protect our souls. They have protected us ever since and always will, dear. Some day, darling, we will protect others. There is lots of work to do in our Master’s vineyard. We will love to work together; all angels do. In Heaven and all other stars where true soul-mates are united in holy marriage, they are called angels. In Mars we almost always see the two together. Sweetheart, our souls were living and shining in space together for centuries. All others are the same. God loves us more than we love Him. Our souls are very dear and can never, never be lost—that is an impossibility. We are one with Our Father in Heaven. Love, He has made us one for our immortal happiness. Our souls crave and constantly pray for eternal loving companionship. You are mine, for you andI, dear, were in embryo in a globe of light, blended in harmony, and kept together by magnetism for our own protection; until the angels were sure our souls were perfect and would be immortal. Our immortality is very expensive, let us prize it and be grateful, prayerful and always happy. After our souls become very sensitive, strong, and highly magnetized, we are carried to earth and become human for the first time. All the rest of the time, our souls have been taking on immortality, and gradually growing. God created us, then magnetized us, in the beginning so we could find each other, and be united now. I have found you again, love, by the law of attraction. Dear, I will explain more clearly that angels send these sacred little twin-souls encased in globes of light to your earth by electricity on waves of ether through the heavens, down, down, safely to earth to live in mortal forms in order that we may obtain experience and knowledge. You are my immortal wife, my only love from this day on. Your dear guardian angel left you in America and me in India. Dear, angels sent the stork from door to door with you; mothers were all too busy to keep you long, they did not know your value. Your mother longed and prayed for a child just like you. She has loved you and kept you close to her loving heart for sixteen years. Dear, I can see a light around your sweet, pretty head. Our minds or souls are still light. If mortals could only see the light. Many can see it clairvoyantly. Good night.”
chapter headpiece
CHAPTER IX.
A year has passed away. Ruth has not heard from Cresto, or even dreamed of him. All this time she has been doing all the good she could with her pen and dear old violin. Cathy de Bathe had gone to California to study music. Aunt Mary had just brought Ruth a letter from Cathy.
“Here, honey, is a fat letter from youah sweetheart, Miss Ruth.”
“Thank you, Aunt Mary.”
“My Own Darling Ruth:
I was so glad to get your last letter. I am very sorry you do not have any more visions. I do. I keep it a secret, for my husband and his folks are all Adventists and do not believe as you and I do.
Forgive me, dear, for not telling you of my marriage before. I married for love and money; all California girls do. We are not so sweet and good as you are. My young husband is tall and handsome, with brown eyes, light curly hair, and weighs over two hundred pounds. You see, my dear, he is a dainty little California boy. His name is Addison MacRay. Addison gave me a lovely, modern bungalow. We have a smooth, velvety lawn in front. A great variety of hanging ferns on our large stone front porch; around this porch are many kinds of lovely roses, violets, ferns and other plants. There are two broad stone steps; on either side of the steps are massive square pillars on each of which is a drooping tropical plant. There is a great, large oak door, with four pretty, small windows. We have a long living room, with a sturdy old mission fireplace. Addison bought beautiful furniture for every room. There is a large dining room, and a cute little breakfast room. Our room is a dream—all in blue and white. Off from our little breakfast room is a large, sunny aviary filled with canary birds that sing all day long. My husband bought the birds in Paris. We have fruit, flowers and vegetables growing the year round back of our home.We gather fruit and flowers every day. We have imported chickens, doves and horses. We drive in the country every day. Please come and visit us for a few months. I want you to enjoy our new home. Ruth, come and see it for yourself, I haven’t time to tell you how beautiful it is. My dear, I have a few friends that come to our home twice a week, just to investigate the immortality of the soul. The name of our class is ‘The Divinity Club.’ I have two new angels in my band, Asa and Ione. Asa said he used to weigh two hundred pounds; now he only weighs seventy-five pounds. Now he and Ione have a lovely home in Mars. His twin-soul, Ione, is sweet and just as pretty and young as you are, Dolly dear. They both worship each other and look alike; only Asa is much taller. Ione told me a man on Mars would be eighty-three times stronger than a man on earth. And she said there was plenty of water from the wonderful canals to supply every one. The red planet, Mars, is very interesting to me. Do you know much about it? Please tell me all you know about it, will you, dear?
Lovingly,
CATHY MACRAY.
P. S.—Please write soon, love.”
Addison and Cathy MacRay were the happiest couple in California, they were going to visit friends on Catalina Island.
“Darling Addison, I hate to leave our new bungalow even to visit our best friends.”
At San Pedro they found passageway on the boat Cabrillo. The water was calm and brilliantly blue. They enjoyed watching the silvery flying fish on the way. Their friends were at the pier to meet them, Artemus Dawson, the inventor, Lemanuel Schwarze, Flora Thurston and her daughter and son were in the party, Ana Marie Thurston was pretty, lively and full of fun. Mr. Dawson drove slowly up the steep hill to his quaint little home. All were tired and retired early. All of the guests were up early the next morning and ready to view the submarine gardens. Mr. Dawson owned a wonderful glass bottom boat—his own invention. Artemus used electricity as motive power. By touching a key the boat shot forward through the foam, producing strains of music.
They looked down through the glass and saw every variety of fish—even gold fish. It was a fairyland of beauty, and we wondered if these fish had intelligence. These gardens are wonderful. They enjoyed their beds of stone and lovelygreen, lacy blankets of soft, fluffy moss. Long, hanging ferns grew from their castles of rock. God has made a beautiful world for the fish to live in. The fish enjoy their wonderful homes. They obey the laws of Nature, hence they still live in the garden of Eden. The ugly fish were not jealous of the beautiful gold fish. They seemed to enjoy each other’s society and live in harmony. How could they fight in such beautiful gardens? They enjoyed viewing these lovely gardens of the sea until nearly sun down. By the time they reached home they were all tired out.
Ana Marie Thurston was a sweet, cheerful little blonde. She resembled her father, who was killed for the money he possessed when she was a small child. Albert Thurston was a psychic before he was killed. Ana Marie had a beautiful sister, who died in New Orleans at the age of fourteen. Eva Thurston was dark, tall and beautiful. Eva and her father developed Ana Marie until she was a wonderful psychic. Mrs. Thurston and Ana Marie were broken hearted when Eva died.
Her friends began to plead with little Ana Marie to go into a trance, or see clairvoyantly for them. “My father and Eva tell me I can go into a trance and then I must retire.”
All wrote down everything she said. Ana Marie was controlled by her sweet, pretty sister Eva. “I am Eva, and my little sister will not remember a word I say, so please tell her all I say?”
“Eva, dear, we will write every word and show her the notes.”
“Thank you. Please tell my little sister that my father and I love her and mamma more than ever. My father and I live in Mars now. I died a true Catholic. The first angel I saw was my father and his sweet companion. Mamma in a few years you and sister will get married and be happy. Mamma, please don’t cry so; it hurts us and ruins your own health. We are with you the same as ever, and are not dead at all.
“Mr. Dawson, your mother, Mary Dawson, is here and sends you all her love.
“Mrs. Schwarze, your son George is here. He says he is in a fine school at Lastriste, a large city in Mars. He loves his school and companions.
“Dear Cathy, I see many angels, with bright lights, around you and your husband. Eno, Cresto, Daisy, Asa and Ione are here. Daisy is a lovely blonde, with very large blue eyes; she has charge of many circles in California. Daisy is bright and cheerful, and does a great deal of good in the world. Shelives with her grandparents in a lovely home in Mars. This home is a wonderful mansion, all stone, and furnished elegantly. She is a wonderful little artist. Her home is filled with beautiful paintings that she has produced by herself. She inspires many slightly talented people on earth to paint wonderfully. Daisy used to visit Cathy often. Once she gave Cathy a lovely pearl ring. Cathy saw this lovely ring, clairvoyantly.”
“I do not know how to thank you for that beautiful ring, now, Daisy dear, please keep it for me until I go over there.”
“I will, dear Cathy. Cresto wants to talk to you now.”
“Cathy, it will pay you to go home in a month. Pack your trunk again and visit your friend, Ruth. In a few months she will be killed by fear or lightning, in a terrible storm. The child needs you there, later you will need her; then she and I will come back and protect and help you. Can she go, Addison?”
“She may go as soon as we get home. I must go and look after my mines, anyway.”
“Addison, you will find a rich gold mine, one mile east of the one you own now. Keep that mine all for your own. I give that to you for your kindness to Ruth.”
“O, Cresto, I thank you with all my heart! I promise to go to Ruth as soon as you want me to.”
“Enjoy your visit here first.”
As Daisy loved painting, Ione loved poetry. The poetess began in stately verse,
“I have fed upon manna from heaven above;Have tasted the fruit of a wonderful love;I have looked on a land where the sun ever beams,And talked with the angels in mystical dreams;And though some visions may die in their birth,They still leave the trail of their glory on earth.”
“I have fed upon manna from heaven above;Have tasted the fruit of a wonderful love;I have looked on a land where the sun ever beams,And talked with the angels in mystical dreams;And though some visions may die in their birth,They still leave the trail of their glory on earth.”
“I have fed upon manna from heaven above;Have tasted the fruit of a wonderful love;I have looked on a land where the sun ever beams,And talked with the angels in mystical dreams;And though some visions may die in their birth,They still leave the trail of their glory on earth.”
“I have fed upon manna from heaven above;
Have tasted the fruit of a wonderful love;
I have looked on a land where the sun ever beams,
And talked with the angels in mystical dreams;
And though some visions may die in their birth,
They still leave the trail of their glory on earth.”
Ione read us other poems she had composed. Daisy asked if any of the clairvoyants could tell the color of their new dresses? Cathy could see that Daisy wore a pale blue silk, with fine lace trimming; Ione a light yellow silk, trimmed in heavy, rich lace. Both wore rich jewels and golden sandals. The maidens from Mars were beautiful, and had long heavy golden hair. They wore lace undergarments of almost cobweb-like delicacy, so very fine that it cannot be pictured or imagined. Long white opera cloaks swept from their dresses. Their snowy, soft white veils looked like floating clouds inthe sunshine. Daisy wore daisies in her golden hair and at her waist. She was a perfect saint and did all the good she could on earth. We all adored her. Daisy said there are no hats in Mars, to make the hair come out; they never wear or make corsets or high heels. There are no shoes there. They dress beautifully, with long robes, jewels, crowns, laces and sandals. They do not wear stockings. There are no fat, ill men or women there. They only eat one meal a day, and have not time to grow stout. Cresto now told Addison MacRay all his past. Addison was converted that night. He saw many bright lights.
“Now that I have told you facts about your past, I will tell you some facts about Mars: Mars is a land of beauty—a land of love and sunshine, and music and flowers. We have two softly lighted moons, and many large, bright stars. We have no dark nights, our nights are only soft twilights. Our planet appears red from the earth, for we have more sunlight, more moonlight and electricity. We have our seasons the same as you have, but our days are longer than yours. Many of our flowers and vegetables are red in color. Our wonderful electric lights appear red from your world—they are all colors.
“I weighed over two hundred pounds on earth, now I weigh seventy-five. We do not need any superfluous fat here. We must be very light and intelligent in order to fly. We float in the clouds and swim in real water; dance, laugh, ride, talk, and sing in the same manner as you do. As a soul advances from star to star, each one has a grand surprise awaiting them. I was surprised and happy to find out I could learn to float after my resurrection, and to know God has made an immortal companion for each one of us. Think of such infinite love! Adam and Eve were soul-mates. I soon found out here there was no eternal Hell. Some of the places in Purgatory are as terror-striking. After death, if one has lived a life of sin or idleness, he is cast into prison in Purgatory and bound and chained down for years away from all his loved ones. No one is kept in prison after death unless that person deserves to suffer.
“Many of my old friends are now living happy with their twin-souls in Venus, Mars and other stars. I love to hear them tell me of their homes and work. Gentlemen in other planets never wear beards, as it takes their mental strength; but they can send their double—a picture only—and appear with beards the same as in earth life. We have about one thousand wonderful canals, and over one thousand oaseswith little farms on them. Our great canals all have wonderful, large stone gates about every one thousand miles, so we can control the water. After harvest is over we let the water go back to the poles. The snow in winter keeps the beds of the canals pure. In this way we can live in Mars over one thousand years before we are transferred to a higher star. We must take good care of our health. We pray and keep in harmony with Our Creator’s Divine mind as near as possible. Our minds rule our physical condition. ‘As one thinketh, so is he.’ We are eighty-three times stronger than our loved ones on earth. Our atmosphere is pure and bracing and adapted entirely to our use. It is hard work for us to breathe on your earth. Eva has gone home to rest, while others take her place. All the conditions must be perfect for us to converse with you. Earth-bound spirits can talk longer, but they do not often give truths. It is a fact, we have all the water we need. We have all the wealth and land we can use. We do not use money, but give checks which amounts to the same thing. Every person gets full wages for their work. There are no peculiar vegetables or men on Mars, as has been stated in your papers. No immense eye grows to watch over us. God rules all worlds with His mind and with the help of His Holy angels. There is nothing crazy or odd where God rules. All insanity, all strange vegetables and trees, etc., are in Purgatory, or on earth. Awful things happen where ignorant souls disobey Our Lord and sin. Good night.”
chapter headpiece
CHAPTER X.
“I heard one night a whisperOf an angel, sweet and fair,Of a glorious, beautiful treasure,Of a lovely child of care.She was mine, so the angels told me,I knew it over there;I heard it once in eveningSo gentle and so rare.”
“I heard one night a whisperOf an angel, sweet and fair,Of a glorious, beautiful treasure,Of a lovely child of care.She was mine, so the angels told me,I knew it over there;I heard it once in eveningSo gentle and so rare.”
“I heard one night a whisperOf an angel, sweet and fair,Of a glorious, beautiful treasure,Of a lovely child of care.
“I heard one night a whisper
Of an angel, sweet and fair,
Of a glorious, beautiful treasure,
Of a lovely child of care.
She was mine, so the angels told me,I knew it over there;I heard it once in eveningSo gentle and so rare.”
She was mine, so the angels told me,
I knew it over there;
I heard it once in evening
So gentle and so rare.”
—Frank Burke.
Addison and Cathy were at home, having just returned from their trip, when both heard this song in the air close to them.
“Cathy, dear, I hear the song, but I do not see the singer.”
“I saw Cresto singing near us.”
“Addison that is a song I composed for Ruth. Cathy, please do not wear black at her grave, or mourn for her; she will be so happy with me. Please try to remember this little verse:
“There’s no destroying death frost here,To nip the hope buds ere they bloom;The bridal tour is through the spheres;Eternity the honeymoon.”
“There’s no destroying death frost here,To nip the hope buds ere they bloom;The bridal tour is through the spheres;Eternity the honeymoon.”
“There’s no destroying death frost here,To nip the hope buds ere they bloom;The bridal tour is through the spheres;Eternity the honeymoon.”
“There’s no destroying death frost here,
To nip the hope buds ere they bloom;
The bridal tour is through the spheres;
Eternity the honeymoon.”
Addison, you will be too busy to get lonely while Cathy is gone. Your new mine will keep you very busy, and in time will make you a very rich man.”
“I will give one-half of all I have to my Cathy to do as she pleases with.”
“You will both put the money in a good cause.”
A week later Ruth was holding Cathy in her arms. “O! Cathy, do you love me so much as to leave your husband and lovely new bungalow, just to visit me, dear?”
“Yes, Doll, I love you just that much, and a thousandfold more. Ruth, dear, let’s spend a month in talking and laughing our heads off? I have been so busy the rest and fun will do me good.”
“Cathy, I wish I could tell you how happy your visit has made me.”
“You dear little sweetheart, I love you!”
“My sweet Cathy!”
“Here is a letter, honey, for Mrs. Cathy MacRay.”
“O! thank you, Aunty Mary.”
“Ruth it is from my husband. I will read it to you, dear.”
“Please do if it is a love letter.”
“My Dear Cathy, my own darling wife:
I was very anxious to find out if Cresto knew about that mine. So after I kissed you good bye I took the next train out to hunt up the mine. I found it just where he said I would. I find the mine very rich. All he said is true. Finding this mine is a wonderful test for me. Please have a good time and enjoy your old friends. I will send you five hundred dollars to enjoy with Ruth. So go where you please and be happy. I am very busy now. I will write more next time. Please write soon. With love and a thousand kisses,
Your husband,
ADDISON.”
“Ruth, isn’t he a darling to send me so much money without my ever asking for a cent? We will spend this money together, my sweet Doll. Tomorrow we will go to New Orleans and buy some pretty dresses and get some new books. I am so tired I must go to sleep now.”
Ruth was only partly asleep when she heard this song in her room. Ione had taught the sweet song to Cathy and she was now singing it softly. The sweet tune was more beautiful than the words. She never had heard such wonderful music: