Author: Carl Ludwig Walger Title: Spirit-Materialization Format: Book Collection: Opus On-line Library (http://www.opus-net.org/) Publication Year: 1923 Digitizer: Bufo Calvin Material loaned or donated by: Bufo Calvin Comment: Paragraphing formatting, hyphenation, and indenting has been changed to make the text file more legible. ======================================================================= I know that joy and happiness await me in the here-after, yet I shall not possess such a happiness which will cause unhappiness to a single soul. C. L. Walger. Spirit-Materialization at Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp and at Indianapolis, Indiana; also "Conversation" with the so-called "Dead", held at Public and Private séances for Trumpet-Speaking "Visions" seen, and some other Psychic Phenomena experienced, by the Author of this book CARL LUDWIG WALGER living pro tempore at HAGERSTOWN, IND. Published and printed by HEISS PUBLISHING HOUSE Jamaica-New York Copyright 1923 To Monica Shod with the sandals of fearless progression Onward I journey through billows and deep, Upward, through mortal affliction's duration, Arms everlasting my compass and keep; Trav'ling as One over lands dry and even, Guided by love's fadeless, luminous star, Not, till the pilot's commands have been given Anchors my ship at the coast, seen afar. Forth from the heart throbs of cosmic pulsation, Swept by the currents of preordained fate, Drawn by the whirl of my spirit's vibration Camest Thou, my Monica, finding Thy mate. Facing the brink of love's realization Worship together we mankind's ideal, Holy perfection our joined aspiration, Patiently waiting, harmonious and feal. Soon shall we enter with holy emotion Portals, where wisdom and knowledge await, Jewels we'll gather in cheerful devotion, Gems of "The Mind", that no pen e'er portrayed. Searching the source of two beings' completeness, Scanning the pathway to zones high and low, Joining in songs of celestial sweetness, One be the thought and two hearts e'er aglow. Richmond, Ind., 1921 Carl L. Walger. From the tree of life, once planted In the seed-time of my days, Precious fruit my heart demanded, Ripened in love's sunny rays. Now to Thee my hands are bringing Kindliness, nobility, And to Thee my lute is singing Love of justice, liberty. Songs of rapturous emotion I have gathered from life's tree, Wreaths of evergreen devotion, Golden apples, gleaned for Thee. Gems of wisdom I am reaping And a crown for Thee I twine, Thoughts of Thee, that never sleeping, Bind my heart to One with Thine. Memory returns sad moments, Yearnings, soul-calls unperceived, Were they not of Thee sweet omens, Now in ecstasies retrieved? Preface Most people on earth do not as yet believe or know, what the spiritualistic literature is able to bring to man. They have no idea that the spiritualistic philosophy embraces all sciences and arts, "all things", neither do they know that this philosophy transforms faiths and beliefs into knowledge. It is extremely difficult, though not impossible, to teach the truths of spiritualism, unless demonstrations can be given at the same time. Lectures and books on spiritualistic science are useful and helpful principally to those, who have seen and experienced psychic phenomena. I have tried to convince some people of the truth of spiritualism. It was in vain, and finally I told them "Go, seek and get the demonstrations of the phenomena." True it is, that this advice is often difficult to be followed. Thus it was impossible for me in the city of London, where, as a rule, everything is obtainable for money, to find a materializing medium, to attend a séance for materializations, or find a trumpet-medium. At the headquarters of the society for psychic research I was told, that the only materializing medium known was too old and ill to hold séances. I could only obtain a list of trance and clairvoyant mediums. There have been mediums for physical demonstrations, but they have passed on. Visiting mediums from other countries have given demonstrations in London, but few people know of them, and few take the trouble to find and read the records of those demonstrations, and if they do, they may or may not believe them. One of the most stupendous books: "Rending the Vail", published by the Hudson-Kimberly Publishing Company, at Kansas City, Mo., is a comparatively unknown book to non-spiritualists, and would not be appreciated nor understood by readers, who have never witnessed phenomena similar to those described in that book. There may be exceptions, but broadly speaking, only persons who have "seen and heard" do understand and appreciate such an excellent book, from which I have gathered some definitions and explanations, which I thought necessary to bring before my reader. Being in the possession of mediumistic gifts myself, such as clairvoyance and clairaudience and capable of receiving inspirations from the angel world, I am all the more able to understand and appreciate. A powerful band of spirit-guardians and guides, foremost amongst whom my spirit-mate, have been developing these gifts, and whilst cooperating with me in many ways, do not interfere with my will power and freedom of action, leaving many things to be found out by myself. It is the desire of the angel world, that I should write the following pages. To my future readers, who might want to know, why they should believe what I am going to describe and say, and how they might find out, whether I speak the truth, or whether I am only romancing, I would say: "Many persons in the past and at the present time have made and do make the same or similar experiences and have witnessed and do witness the same or similar phenomena. Those of my readers, who have "seen and heard" will know, that I speak the truth, because they cannot help it. To those, who have not "seen and heard" I would say, seek until you find psychic demonstrations, and compare my descriptions of phenomena with those made by others. The rich spiritualistic literature contains an abundance of descriptions of psychic phenomena, and a number of authors, by their written word, or orally, bear witness to the truth and nature of such phenomena. An unbiased and open mind may indeed accept the attestations of the same or similar facts, made by a number of authors, scientists and eminent men. Xmas day, 1918. Carl L. Walger. Explanation 1. On Mediumship To those readers, who wish to get minute information on the subject of Mediumship the following books may be recommended: 1. "Mediumship and Its Laws", by Hudson Tuttle (an excellent book). 2. "Mediums and Psychics", by B. F. Austin, Editor of Reason, The Austin Publishing Company, Los Angeles, California. 3. "Mediumship", with its various phases explained by Mrs. Cora L, V. Richmond, Mrs. Mary Longley and Oscar A. Edgerly, to be obtained from the Progressive Thinker, 106 Loomis St., Chicago, Ill. ------------------------------ A few remarks on Mediumship will not be out of place. In all countries persons have been found with a peculiar sensitive organization, that strange phenomena have occurred in their presence. The Bible and other sacred writings, as well as the history of every nation, record the existence of such sensitive persons and of marvellous occurrances, caused by them. To-day, such persons are called "Mediums". Certain phenomena are observed only in the presence of a subject endowed with special faculties, at a time when this subject is placed in a condition other than normal, viz. trance. Sometimes it is necessary for the medium to receive the cooperation of other persons. He, or she would appear to act as an accumulator of a force, which he or she possesses in a high degree, but which sometimes can be supplemented by drawing from other organisms. I have observed that a photographer for spirit-photography--who must be a medium for that phase--obtained better results, when a materializing medium was present, though I believe, the spirit-persons, willing to be photographed, bring with them other spirits, who lend their forces to those to be photographed, in order to bring about a certain degree of materialization, invisible to the ordinary eye, yet recorded by the sensitive plate. On one occasion my spirit-mate Monica and myself had arranged to be photographed at the studio of one of the photographers at Chesterfield Camp. Before I received the proof, Monica at a private séance told me, the photo would be a failure, because the spirits, who had come to help her, were themselves eager to be on the plate, and the photographer was so quick that instead of her, the assisting spirits were found on the plate. This was quite true, and Monica asked me to tear up the photo, as my own likeness also was not good. Spirit is force, mental power is force, and mind the greatest force in the universe. Thoughts, sent forth, cause vibrations of the spirit ether, which probably is oxygen, and which fills the universe. Thoughts may be transferred by atmospheric vibrations, caused by the intensity of thoughts, sent forth and received by the cells of the brain. The strings of a well tuned violin, tuned to the pitch of a piano vibrate in perfect accord to the stricken notes G, D, A, E, of the latter. The violin, when played, sets into vibrations the same notes of the piano; with other words, the notes of the piano respond in vibrations to those of the violin. This illustrates mediumship. A medium is a human instrument which sends forth vibrations, harmonizing with those of other human instruments, with which it is in tune. Spirits are excarnate human instruments, sending and receiving vibrations, and thus mediumship is the bridge, that unites the seen and the unseen worlds, the spirits and the medium being "en rapport." The latter may be likened to the violin, the spirits to the piano. Radium sends out rays which are a force, likewise do human bodies send forth rays, which form, what is called the aura. Some human auras are especially suitable for spirit auras to attract and blend together, which enables a spirit to come so close to a human being on earth, a medium, and to control the same and speak through the vocal organs of the medium, thus controlled. The scientist von Reichenbach discovered what he calls the Od-sphere which every human, being possesses and which I believe is the same as what is meant by "aura". The Od-sphere is also called magnetism, which envelopes a human being. My medium and dear friend, Miss E.--, told me, she felt the strong magnetism emanating from me. I have heard spirit Monica say "I could not get through the aura of such and such a medium", referring to some other medium, with whom I had a sitting. - If on finding elements in the mortal constitution of a man or woman, peculiarly adapted and requisite to the application of the laws of spirit-return, such a person may be chosen by a spirit-scientist or band of spirits, and developed into a medium. My trumpet-medium, Miss E. was developed by an excarnate Doctor, who during his life-time was a friend of her family. The development of this trumpet-medium took eight years to accomplish, and this spirit-doctor, Doctor C., is her principal control. Mediumship depends more upon the magnetic conditions of the body that enable it to vibrate in perfect accord with higher forces, than on any peculiar mental capacity. The more perfect the instrument, the better the work. - 2. Spirits, Angels. All human beings are spirits, whether in or out of the physical body, but as a rule by "spirit" is meant an excarnate man, woman or child. Or, the conscious identity of a human being, who at some time existed on earth in the mortal body and, after having made over the garment of clay to the old rag and bone woman "Mother Earth" still lives and preserves identity of being in self-conscious personality. Not one embryonic human life goes from the planet, that does not eventually secure the sustenance which it should have obtained by earthly development. If children are sent to the spirit-side prematurely, the laws of organic development must be obeyed. Thus still-born children and all children and all people are under the inexorable law of progression. The denizens of the higher spheres of the spirit-world are called "Angels." They are advanced human beings, and also all spirit-children are angels. Angels are not made in heaven, they grow on the earth and are transplanted to heaven. Jacob saw the angels ascending and descending, which means: "They go up, to come down." 3. Circle, Séance. By "circle or séance" is meant a meeting of persons, incarnate or excarnate, assembled for the purpose of witnessing, studying and waiting for demonstrations of psychic phenomena. Spirits present in the séance room are often seen and heard. At materialization-séances, spirit-artists, spirit-chemists, spirit-doctors, spirit-colloquials and spirit-students are present. A "private" séance, sitting or reading is a tete-a-tete between two people, one of which is a medium. 4. Phenomena. There are a) mental phenomena-thought-transferrence from spirit excarnate and uttered by the medium. Thoughts, inspirations, impressions, may also be received by the brain cells of a psychic or sensitive person, who need not be a medium. The psychic, as distinguished from a medium, does not become an instrument of another will and intellig- ence, but unfolds his or her own soul powers and spiritual faculties alone, or with the help of spiritguides, with whom he or she may enter into a beautiful partnership of usefulness, and in the spread of truth. b) Automatic phenomena-use of the medium's physical organism or part thereof (vocal organs etc.) by spirits. c) Physical phenomena„ which are produced by partial or entire materialization, or by electric concussion, or by will power, exercised by the unseen forces. Such phenomena are raps, spirit photography, independent slate-writing. NOTE:-The mental phases are the result of spirit-hypnotism. 5. On Séance-Rooms, in which Materializations take place. While circles for spirit-messages can be held in the open, materialization-séances are held indoors. I may here mention, that the sitters are as essential as the medium, and the more harmonius the circle, the better the results. Many mediumistic and intellectual persons congregate at spiritualistic camps, such as Chesterfield, Indiana. These more or less psychic persons help to make good conditions at séances at which they attend. On the other hand, curious, more than anything else, and frivolous sitters, or such as are eager to discover fraud, are also to be found at public séances, for which reason, the materializations are sometimes unsatisfactory. Besides, the mediums often are overworked and their forces more or less exhausted, hence the results are not always the best, though the spirits always do their best. The small houses or cottages of the mediums at Chesterfield Camp are furnished scantily. They contain what is necessary for a stay of two months, the time, the camp is open. The rooms, in which the séances are held, are on the ground floor, with doors straight into the open. These rooms are empty, with the exception of chairs for the sitters, and perhaps a table in a corner. From July 20th to September 1st, 1918, the séance-room of the medium Mrs. Alexander was in an empty cottage. The door was open day and night, anybody could walk in and examine the whole place. The production of a single form, as seen at materialization-séances if produced by an expert artisan for the purpose of fraud, would require a workshop, tools, masks, plaster of Paris, dresses, etc. The production of a dozen forms would require the paraphernalia of a theatre, clothes, trappings, ornaments, crowns, frock coats, white ladies dresses, wigs, etc. In those séance-rooms nothing but emptiness stares you in the face. There are no mirrors, no wires. No electric light, no secret doors or openings. To disguise a medium at séances into a man, woman or child for the purpose of fraud, would require servants or helpers. To transform a big medium like Mrs. Alexander into a little boy or girl is an impossibility. All mediums on the camp have been subjected to test conditions, and no medium, guilty of trickery, would be allowed on the camp grounds. The sitters always are invited by the medium to examine the rooms, walls, etc. The "Cabinet". A recess, alcove or niche, or a corner of the room by a dividing curtain. This space is called the "cabinet", just large enough to hold a chair for the medium. In the cabinet the forms are manipulated and put together by spirit artists, and out of this cabinet the life-size forms step into the circle, unless they rise out of a little cloud of smoke before the curtain. Opposite the cabinet on the wall hangs an oil-lamp in a wooden box, which may be covered with a handkerchief or tissue-paper, to allow a dim light only, just enough light for the sitters to see each other. In the room near the curtain of the cabinet stands a person, viz., the husband of the medium or a friend. His office is to see that the sitters, when called to the cabinet by a spirit form, do not touch the latter. This person also helps to catch the utterances of the spirit forms, asks them for their names and which of the sitters they want. The séance opens with the Lord's prayer and a hymn. The singing of hymns and other songs is kept up by the sitters during the whole séance, and singing or instrumental music plays an important part in the formation of the materializations. Spirit-persons in the cabinet at a séance are: the cabinet-control (or controls) or colloquial controls, who using the medium's vocal organs, are always ready to give to the circle instructions and explanations, and also entertain the séance at intervals, or before the forms appear. These colloquials are also able to manifest to the circle in full-form materialization and complete independent voice. By independent voice is meant the conversation, talk and speech of a spirit through temporary constructed vocal organs. Other spirit-persons are the chemical and intellectual control, the trance-control, scientific controls, vocalization control, artistic control and spirit-students. 6. On Materialization The word "materialization" means the making up of a human form, which a spirit uses to exhibit some phenomena, or all, of the physical body, during life on earth. A spirit, using such a form, which is exceedingly frail, is a great marvel. The most difficult and highest phase of spirit-manifestations is that produced by means of a spirit-artificial body, commonly called spirit-materialization. This artificial body is of course not flesh and bone, but is made up of particles from the air, the circle and the medium. Out of these particles, the spirit-artist and specialist forms that artificial body, held together by a spirit magnetic force; or by his help, knowledge, wisdom and skill enables a spirit to form a temporary body, which can only be held until the vitality of the magnetism, used for the purpose, is exhausted. This body is so easily destroyed, that any adverse wave or loss of chemical cohesion destroys it. As our physical bodies are held by chemical action, gathered by chemical process and are dissolved when the chemical conditions are broken, so are these artificial bodies. They are held for a time by the will of the chemist, but when the chemical action is exhausted, the will no longer holds it, but the form must dissolve. Spiritual chemicals from the mortal plane must necessarily be used by the spirit-scientist to make the spirit-form perceptible to the senses of spirit, while in the mortal. Mortals giving off or radiating certain suitable spiritual chemicals are called "mediums". Their emanations are used by the spirit-scientist. The material, of which the form is constructed, may be used again for successive forms, when the magnetic conditions will permit. The form must partake of the intellectuality of the circle. If the circle is composed of high intellectuality, spirits can construct instruments (forms) by which to express greater degree of intellectuality, than when the circle is otherwise. To produce vocalisation, which is oral speech of a materialization, the spirit exerts itself to form a larynx, and to hold it for a certain length of time is exhausting to the spirit and modifies his ability to give utterance to thoughts. To keep the form compact, is another requirement for speaking. Darkness is necessary for materializations. Light has a tendency to and does destroy these temporary forms on the same principle that it instantly destroys the sensitive film of the photographer's plate. As the photographer requires proper conditions of light to prosecute his work with success, so do spirits in materializations. In photography the sensitive plate is the medium and is acted upon by light or darkness much as the medium for materialization. Light is positive, darkness negative. There are two conditions of elementary substance, positive and negative, male and female. The affinity of the one condition for the other produces motion, motion is force and creative energy. The law of materialization is the law of chemical and spiritual affinity, which again is the law of positive and negative, seeking companionship. Inharmonious soul-vibrations in the circle make draft on medium more burdensome. For this reason more or less forms are produced. Materializations are actual spirits, transfigured from spirit to physical senses. A transfiguration, as it is generally understood, is a presentation of the medium, of which an excarnate spirit takes possession. These presentations of the medium are often brought forward as materializations, and though the excarnate spirit undoubtedly is present, cannot be called genuine materializations. Materialization takes place by a certain law, that is found in the universe. By that one law is produced every organic form in existence. This law is very little understood by man in the physical. One never fully comprehends this law until one gets to the spirit-side of life. NOTE:-The law of vibration, to increase or diminish the number of vibrations, to heighten or to lower the same. Vapour is water in the atmosphere. When the vibrations of the vapour decrease, the latter becomes rain, at still lower vibrations snow or ice. Spirits lower their own vibrations by will power for the purpose of materialization. The medium or psychic increases his or her own vibrations in the trance condition. Hence the spirits become visible to the psychic. In this way the weeping Mary Magdalene (John 20, 2, 11-18), who by running and excitement had increased her vibrations, saw Jesus. At séances I have seen many lady-spirits dressed in white, whilst the medium, entranced in the cabinet, was wearing a dark skirt. The changing of the skirt if done for deception, would have caused commotion in the cabinet, noticed by the circle. The process of disguising a woman-medium into a gentleman-spirit even more. I have seen spirit-men and women following each other rapidly enough, as not to allow any time for changing of dress. At a few occasions two or three spirit-forms were noticeable in the cabinet, and what about spirit-children, who like children in the mortal, seem to enjoy "pretending and acting"? To these spirit-children materializing must mean "pretending" to be children in the mortal. At all séances, I attended, small children appeared, prattling like ordinary children and making funny remarks to their mothers, aunts, sisters, or fathers, present in the circle. Every medium for physical manifestation is accompanied by a special artist. Medium, circle, atmospheric conditions are not enough to produce manifestations. There must be a spirit-artist, who can manipulate the necessary elements into, physical form and pattern, to suit the spirit, using the latter. If all conditions are good and the artist imperfect, the results must be imperfect. In addition, the spirit who by the help of the artist is manifesting, must be sufficiently artistic him or herself in order to perfectly manifest his or her individuality. The best materialization, I have seen, was that of the late Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, the great violinist. The cultivation of the highest, purest art on earth is having an immortal destiny. I remember several occasions at which the cabinet-colloquial control was heard tittering and making funnny remarks about the forms refusing to stick together, and at a materialization of Dr. Joachim, subsequent to his first one, his beard threatened to dematerialize before the rest of the form, and the great violinist had to hold his beard with his hand, and I could perceive that he himself realized the fun of it. =Effect of light= upon a materialized form is the same as with the sensitive coating of a photographic plate. The chemical effect of light is to destroy the chemical film of the plate. Thus light, pure white light, falling upon a sensitive materialized body, destroys the chemical affinity of the particles of the form for each other, and also severs the affinity of the particles for the spirit, and the effect is that the form is instantly destroyed, and the magnetic elements, taken from the medium, suddenly return, and in case the medium be disposed to heart-failure, an extreme case might terminate in severing the medium from his or her body and he or she be thus left on the spirit-side. Hence too much caution cannot be used, concerning the light in a materialization séance. Sunlight, or artificial, is a disturber, so to speak, of the atmosphere. Light is of rapid vibration, it causes the elements of the air to keep in motion, thus displacing and to an extent wasting certain atomic concretions, which although invisible to the physical eye, are realities, that are necessary for the work of the spirit-artist. Sensible spirits protect their mediums. If the spirits would operate in the light, the mediums would lose too much of their vital forces. Hence the spirits work by following nature's example. In germinating and producing the foundations of wondrous sentient active life, nature works in the darkened laboratories of the matrix or of earth's secretiveness.-To spirits, who leave their beautiful summerland, and come to our séances, the process of materilization must be undesirable and highly unpleasant. They come, actuated by their love, devotion and sense of duty, to demonstrate to us the continuity of life and the law of spirit-return. The floor of a séance room is holy ground. NOTE:-The scientific explanations in this article on materialization have been gathered principally from the book "Rending the Vail" and are the utterances of excarnate spirits. 7. Etherealizations On one occasion at a trumpet-séance, when Mrs. Langley, the materialization-medium was a guest of Miss E., I saw some beautiful etherealizations, which are self-luminous materializations. Whilst spirit Monica's head and arms were dark like a negro's, her apparel was covered with sparkling, glittering lights. As it was a trumpet séance, the room was absolutely dark. Etherealizations are only visible in complete darkness. Some other etherializations were produced by several Red Indian chiefs, the guides of some of the sitters present at that séance held at Miss E.'s house. 8. On Spirit-Mates or Guardian-Angels. NOTE:-" Spirit-mate," "soul-mate," "soul-companion" are expressions for the same spirit person excarnate or incarnate, viz. the three words mean the same object. "He is the half part of a blessed man Left to be finished by such as she, And she a fair divided excellence, Who's fullness of perfection lies in Him." Shakespeare. Turning from Shakespeare to the book of Tobit and the Apogrypha is quite an unusual performance of the mind, and a thought-journey on the wings of imagination from Stratford on Avon to the town of Ecbatana, and to a generation living about 2500 years ago, rivals spirit Monica's velocity in travelling from England to the United States of America "in the twinkling of an eye," according to her positive declaration. She, Monica, my soul-companion, is with me now, and smiles at the rapid changes of my thoughts, which revert from "Hamlet, addressing his father's ghost" and from the "gentle babes, girdling one another within their alabaster innocent arms", smothert in the Tower of London, to the Jewish maid, who's seven husbands were smothered by Asmodes, an evil spirit. Now my fanciful opinion will have it, that this sorely bereaved woman, Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, is young Tobias' real spirit-mate. The story tells us, that she was appointed to him from the beginning. That she also belonged to him by right of inheritance may be a coincidence. Monica, who so often impresses me, does not seem to give me any help, and I am wondering what Dr. Peebles or Mrs. Mary T. Longley would have to say in the matter. My speculation is occupied for a moment with the risk of a possible second subjection to the process known as "reductio ad absurdum," inflicted upon me by a certain reverend gentleman and contributer to a weekly paper, entered as second class matter anno-at the postoffice X. This gentleman ridiculed a short letter in which I had given expressions to a few thoughts in connection with his previous article. The editor had added a superscription to my letter, which he published in his paper, and it was this superscription, or title, which was smashed to atoms by the flashes of lightning, meant for me, and proceeding from the cranium of the reverend modern Jupiter. It is possible that the vibrations of so many secondclass contributors to that paper are in accord with the reverend gentleman's sensorium and vibrate in harmony with those, emanating from his instrument of thought-production. This would explain the second class character of the reverential rejoinder which piece of literature might very well be relegated to the Apogrypha, though Jupiter wanted his two last contributions to be preserved by his readers. My suggestion, to have them hung in gold frames over the piano was too sacrilegious in the opinion of the editor, and the readers were left in ignorance of my appreciation of the jovian forces of mind.-I do not wish to press the question of spirit-mateship between Sarah and Tobias too far, and touching upon the law of cause and effect concerning treasures laid up in heaven, I wish to point out how almsgiving and kind deeds induce the angels to come down the shining highway, bringing their help and blessings to the benevolent children of man. Raphael, the guardian-angel of Tobit brought healing to the eyes of the son of Naphtali and wealth and a good wife to young Tobias. - The assemblage of wrangling, illiterate and crazy bishops at the council of Nicea, when establishing the canon of the bible, rejected the book of Tobit and assigned it to the Apogrypha, though other much less beautiful stories and books were deemed worthy to adorn the sacret canon of the holy scriptures. The Romanists retain the Apogrypha as such in their bible, because the book of Tobit and another or two show forth the blessedness of almsgiving as well as of giving dues to the priests, whilst Luther, upholding the doctrine of justification by faith and not by works, looked askance on the Apogrypha and thus the majority of protestant bibles do not contain them. To those Spiritualists and others who wish to learn something about guardian-angels the book of Tobit might be recommended. It certainly is infinitely more spiritual and inspiring than the book of Joshua, which is full of murder and rapine. In the book of Tobit mention is made of dead and killed people whom Tobit secretly buried. The only murder which stands out prominently is that of the seven husbands committed by an evil spirit, to whom we may forgive his lack of better manners, and his brutality to which he was prompted by his own `devilish nature. The fate of the husbands must rouse our indignation. We become in a way reconciled by the happy ending of the whole story, Sarah finding in young Tobias her real and appointed companion and solace for her sorrows, whilst we hope that the law of compensation will be found operative in the case of the seven husbands. The book of Joshua with its story of the stoning of Achan and his innocent sons and daughters, the displeasure and vindictiveness of the Jewish Deity and the cunning device of Joshua for discovering the culprit is very undesirable reading, especially for the young, but the beautiful story of Tobias and his journey and return under the guidance of the angel, when read after the book of Joshua, is like sunshine after a severe spell of cold. As the book of Tobias has undoubtedly been treated with injustice and neglect by Christians and Jews of the past generations, the old writer of the book, whoever he was, should after so many days of waiting, see the return of the bread which he threw upon the waters, and be honored by having his book newly edited and included in the catalogue of valuable literature of the Progressive Thinker. If the psychic law of spirit-mates is a fact-and so it is-for a statement to this effect has been made by my spirit-brother Eduard, by my own spirit-mate "Monica" herself, acknowledged as truth by other members of my spirit-band and corrobo rated by writers such as Dr. Peebles, Mrs. Marie T. Longley and others, this law must have operated even in the days of Niniveh, and the idea of Sarah and Tobias being spirit-mates perfectly feasible. Adam and Eve were spirit-mates, for it is unthinkable that the other half of Adam and Eve should have floated as unindividualized soul-germ-halves somewhere in the universe upon the currents of spirit-ether, the female half in the case of Adam, the male in the case of Eve. The mere fact that Eve was made out of a rib of Adam is sufficient proof, and the spiritual meaning of this story is, that they were originated of one soul-germ and represent its two halves. Adam did not get a divorce because of his wife having plunged him into trouble and disgrace. He probably did not want to go to the divorce court and rather preferred to leave Paradise, because he must have felt the inexorable law of spirit-mateship, compelling him to put up with his wife's frailties. His was a marriage made in heaven, preordained by God and could not be broken asunder. Perhaps he also was impressed by higher forces to set a good example of conjugal love. Up to these days he and his wife symbolize the truth that all human beings originate from the Deific source in pairs, male and female. What we term nature is the eternal associate of Deity-one living in and through the other,-the Deific nature is dual, infinite love and wisdom, and male and female represent the union of love and wisdom, one living in and through the other. Spirit-mates are eternal associates, are preordained and their union are the marriages, made in heaven. The psychic law of spirit-mate:; is not much n by the public, especially not in Great Britain, where the people have accorded to a woman just one seat out of 700 seats in the English parliament. It is just as well, for a time at least, that the election turned out as it did, for if they had elected 350 women, many a member of that worthy assemblage, including Mr. Lloyd George might be claimed as soul- or spirit-mate by a fellow member of parliament, and the work of legislation might be seriously jeopardized. Maybe a lady-member of the labor-party might bring forward the claim of affinity with a gentleman of the Tories, or a lady-member of the Irish nationalists and the Archbishop of Canterbury might be seen hugging each other in the lobbies, or an infatuation of the members toward the opposite sex might result in a complete soul- mate craze. The whips in summoning members to an important division might find that there was no division any more and that the whole house was unanimous under the sway of Cupid. Shocking, would it not be?-Per adventure the Shulamite in Solomon's song was that king’s soul-mate, and if so, the headings of the book's chapters, describing the love of Christ to the church and vice versa are all wrong. When a man has so many wives he might have found his soul-mate amongst them. Many people experience a feeling of affinity towards a person or persons of the opposite sex, but that does not mean that they have found their spirit-companions. The writer of these lines has found his, or rather was found by her, though he also thought of the wrong person being his spirit-mate. His real spirit mate: "MONICA" announced herself as such at his first private trumpet-séance in America. She was not known to him in her earth-life. As a little girl of 8 years she ss . out nt spirit-life, when he did not know anything of her existence, nor of her parents. She, however, managed to find him, attracted by his magnetism recognizing their mutual soul-affinity and guided by higher intelligences. She brought about a friendship between him and her parents, in whose house he clairvoyantly saw her once, she appearing like her picture, hanging on the wall. He felt love for her as soon as he knew something of her. Her mother, a medium, received and wrote many messages by a spirit, who controlled the writing, which means, a spirit controlled her brain and thus her hand, which wrote. This controlling spirit was her own child Monica. A number of Monica's messages have been collected, which reveal a singular beauty of soul as well as high spiritual attainment and progress. He, her spirit-companion did not know what a devoted friend and guide she would be to him. She is the star of his life, and reads and knows all his thoughts. Often during his daily work he can sense her presence and then her hand rests on his forehead. The touch of her hand resembles the sensation caused by putting a piece of lace across his brow, or to that of a number of flies settling on his head without causing unpleasant itching. Or it is like a vapor with a certain degree of pressure round his head, but always welcome to him. She too throws little blue lights on his work, when writing, or upon the music on his music stand, when he plays Violin or Piano. These lights, almost tangible, appear as forget-me-nots in day or artificial light, and dark blue at night. When Monica throws these forget-me-nots, a slight noise is noticeable sometimes, as if grains of sand or small seeds were thrown upon a table or sheet of paper. Often he sees this dark blue light, resembling a dark sapphire, thrown upon his path at night-time, a sign, that she accompanies him. According to her own most emphatic declaration she is always with him, and invariably before he goes to sleep she blesses him, putting her hand on his brow and showing her blue light. He has seen her clairvoyantly a number of times and converses with her verbatim, orally, verbally every week at a private trumpet-séance. Monica has repeatedly materialized at séances at Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp and at Indianapolis and also allowed herself to be photographed with him; her soul-companion. In Monica, he, her soul-mate, received his crown of life, a priceless pearl, even now during the days of his earthly pilgrimage, and stupendous privileges have come to him. The effect of Monica being known by him has been to change his whole life by infusing an aspiration for spiritual attainments, whilst all earthly duties are scrupulously performed. The companionship of Monica has created a longing after things and truths superior, an attraction toward that which is in store for the soul, an earnest wish to harmonize his love and mental desires throughout and thus create that beauty full of symmetry and regular conformation which will prove a joy eternal. As the most discordant manifestations of character are engendered and fortified in the strong entrenchments of political, ecclesiastical and social institutions, he kept aloof and remained independent and free from those institutions as much as possible, and his ideal is the elevation and expansion of man's affection into universal love, as the perfect fruition of the tree of life, the result of perennial growth in love and wisdom. It is the rarest occurrence that married people are spirit-mates. In the spirit-world every human being will find his or her spirit-mate, sooner or later, a fellow traveller on the journey, of progression ascending the heights toward spiritual purity and beauty and angelic powers. Married people if love exists between them, will always remain in close relationship and will be known and loved by their children as their parents. House-keeping, banking accounts, cares for a livelihood, toils, sickness are only remembered, but are of no weight in the summerland, neither is there propagation of children. People can travel on the electric currents of spirit-ether with the velocity of thought, and there is no real separation, if love exists between two people. At a private trumpet-séance I asked a departed friend, whose wife is also in the spirit-world, if they both were spirit-mates. They had lived in very happy conjugality on earth. He said: "No, we are not spirit-mates, but until we find ours, we have agreed to live as such." Amongst the inhabitants of the higher spheres there is no selfishness. The serene happiness of one is enjoyed by all, and the happiness of each is because of the happiness of every other. ============================== Full form risible Spirit-Materializations, seen at séances at Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp, Indiana and at Indianapolis, Ind. The following short reports concerning séances were written down into my notebooks there and then, viz. on the clay of the occurrence. I attended these séances a s a member of the circle. I did not write down these reports with the intention tothem for publication otherwise I should have given more time to them. I just give what I find in my jottings and not more. séance at Mrs. Murphy's Cottage, Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp. August 1, 1916 at 8:15 p. m. A corner of the séance-room, just large enough for a chair, was closed by a dividing curtain. This corner was the cabinet. The medium, Mrs. Murphy, in a short speech, asked the circle, twelve persons in number, not to touch any spirit-forms, that might step out of the cabinet, on account of the danger to the medium. Mrs. Murphy went into the cabinet, where she was quickly entranced on the chair. We, the circle, sang hymns and songs during the whole séance, which lasted over two hours. During this time fifteen to eighteen fully developed spirit persons stepped out from the cabinet into the séance-room. These spirit-people, materialized, in made-up-forms, were relations or friends of members of the circle. The forms, make-ups, talked in a whisper, some louder than others, yet each one could be understood. They gave their names and pointed out which person in the circle they wanted to come forward, close to the cabinet. Some of the forms stepped out, and returned to the cabinet, to get more strength from the medium, and came out again. They were encouraged by persons of the circle, to come forward and show themselves to the whole circle. The lady-spirits were dressed in white. Their dresses were beautiful and modest, without showing bare necks or arms. The greetings between children and parents, or husbands and wives, viz. of persons from the two sides of life, meeting at the séance, were in some cases very touching, although the persons from the spirit side of life did not behave as if a real separation had taken place. All spirit-persons told their relatives or friends of the circle that they were often with them and helped them in many ways. Even spirit-children seemed to know how their parents on earth were getting along. The spirit people appeared to be anxious to show love and sympathy to their loved ones who remained behind in the physical, while some persons of the circle did not show much emotion, and only would call out: "Hallo father, is that you, how are you?" On the other hand, mothers in the circle would speak very endearingly to their spirit-children, who appeared. The spirit-persons like to be asked questions, and to be spoken to. They put their hands upon the heads or shoulders of their friends, one or two even walking around the circle in this manner. One lady-spirit with beautiful long hair came and addressed a young man of the circle, saying that he would know her by her long hair. He, however, did not recognize her until she told him she was his aunt Stella and one of his guides. One of the spirit-children, Mrs. Murphy's little girl, persistently called for little "Maryland", her sister in the mortal. Maryland wanted to attend the séance, but her mother did not allow it, and the spirit-child was told that Maryland was absent. My sister Rosa came materialized, put her hands round my head, without touching it, and asked me to look at her crown, and said: "The stars in our crowns are our good deeds." She was beautiful and went back into the cabinet and came out again. I asked her if she could talk German, and she said "Ich kann auch Deutsch sprechen, mein lieber Bruder", and this remark was repeated by one of the members of the circle, who understood it. Monica, very beautiful to look at, came in materialized form and embraced me, put her hand on my head, knelt down and asked me to pray with her. I knelt down, and we both prayed the Lord's prayer together, to the great astonishment of the circle. I had often mentally or verbally asked Monica to pray with me, before going to sleep. Now it was her turn to ask me to pray with her. She allowed herself to be well seen, and said she was my soul-companion, and asked me to tell her mother that she came to me in materialization. When she retired she said "Waiting for you." =============================== séance at Mrs. Murphy's Cottage, Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp. August 2, 1916 at 4 p. m. About twelve to fifteen spirit-people materialized. Monica appeared with a luminous crown on her head and, as on the previous day, knelt down and asked me to pray with her, and we both again prayed the Lord's prayer. Sunflower, the cabinet-colloquial materialized, also, wearing a crown. I asked her who gave her the crown, but she simply said: "This is my crown." "Sunflower" is an Indian girl and one of Mrs. Murphy's guides. She showed black hair-plaits. Mrs. Jacob, a famous medium during her earth-life, materialized for her husband, a soldier of the civil-war, and member of the circle. Mr. Jacob, his daughter and grand-children are known to me, and he gave me much information concerning his wife's psychic gifts and brilliant demonstrations, in the time of her life on earth. Mrs. Cr's mother too appeared with a luminous crown. Mrs. Murphy's little spirit-daughter again appeared, and this time her sister "Maryland" was in the circle, and the two children prattled together just like any two children would on meeting each other. Monica did not say anything, besides praying the Lord's prayer. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Murphy's Cottage, Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp, on August 3, 1916, at 4 p. m. The atmospheric conditions were not very favorable, the séance-room being very hot and stuffy. About twelve to fifteen spirit-people materialized, all lady-spirits, except one man. My sister Rosa appeared in a transfiguration of the medium. A woman, in her arms a baby, of whom she seemed to be very proud, also materialized. ================================= séance at Mrs. Langley's Cottage, August 3, 1916, at 8 p. m. Mrs. Langley, the medium. The circle was composed of fifteen to eighteen persons and about thirty-five forms, or make-ups, appeared, mostly men. One Hindu-guide of one of the members of the circle, two Indian chiefs, several fathers of lady-members of the circle, also other friends connected with the circle, several spiritchildren, grandmothers, and a doctor with his medicine-box materialized. My sister Rosa and my mother appeared, either as transfigurations of the medium, or had taken on conditions of the medium, as it often happens. After the séance, when saying good-bye to Mrs. Langley, she said to me: "Oh, there is your brother standing close to you, is it Theodor? She did not know that I have a brother Theodor in the spiritworld, I had no conversation with her about my relatives or friends whatever. She saw him clairvoyantly and somehow could read his name. SpiritRosebud Kennedy, the cabinet-colloquial, entertained the circle. She is a little girl and very witty. Mrs. Langley informed me that a spirit-doctor always is with her during a séance.-The forms disappeared, dematerialized, not returning into the cabinet, but just sinking into the ground before the curtain. (The names of Indian chiefs who appeared, are Eyebrow and Blackfeather.) ================================= Séance at Mrs. Alexander's Cottage, August 4, 1916, at 8 p. m. Mrs. Alexander, the medium. Among others a woman with a baby in her arms, an Indian chief, an old woman, who said she was 103 years old, when she passed out, materialized, the latter not stepping out of the cabinet, but building up before the curtain in the séance-room. Rosa, my sister, and Monica with her hair down, appeared. Monica said to me: "Look at my hair, you never saw me with my hair down." She covered her face with her hair and said: "That is how my mother described it to you, I told you (at previous trumpet séance) I would do my best." Then a gentleman-form beckoned me to the cabinet, and I exclaimed: "Is that you Herr Professor?" It was the late Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, the great violinist, my teacher. This was the best materialization I have seen. He appeared in the prime of life, as I often had seen him. He imitated the movement of bowing with his right hand and shook his left forefinger, as if he wanted to say: "You do not practice enough". Monica appeared in a transfiguration of the medium, but her spirit was there, as the medium could not have known anything of Monica's mother ever having described to me her child's habit of covering her face with her hair when receiving a scolding. Rosa, my sister, spoke a few words. She looked something like a vision of her, in which I saw her clairvoyantly. Several gentleman-friends of members of the circle materialized also. ================================= séance at Dr. C's house, August 7, 1916, at 8:15. Mrs. Murphy, the medium. Circle of fifteen persons, ladies and gentlemen fairly equal in number. Conditions good. Hearty singing was kept up during the séance. Hymns "Nearer my God to Thee", "Shall we gather at the river", "What a friend we have in Jesus", and songs "I have a sister, brother, mother in the spiritland," "May I call you sweetheart", "Tipperary" etc. Amongst others, the mother of a lady, member of the circle, materialized. The daughter recognized her mother immediately and was so overcome, that she broke down with tears for joy. From the cabinet the lady's spirit-father could be heard saying: "Don't cry, darling, we are always with you." There are a number of spirit-people present, in the cabinet or in the circle, even if they do not appear visibly. Monica materialized and knelt down with me, and we both prayed the Lord's prayer together. Monica was wearing a luminous crown, and bowed her head, that the crown could be well seen by the circle. She blessed me and embraced me, and on my asking to whom I had written on the same day, she pointed upon herself and made a graceful little bow with her head.-I had written her a birthday letter and sent it to her mother in England. My own little mother materialized and called me "Guter Bub" (good boy) and said a few more words in German. She dematerialized into the floor of the cabinet, just sinking down, which I could well perceive, as I stood close to the cabinet. A former black slave, a woman belonging to an ancestor of Mrs. Cr-, materialized and said: "My skin is black, but my heart is white." "Eyebrow", an Indian-chief and guide of Dr. Cr-, etheralized after the room had been made completely dark. Mrs. Murphy's little spirit-girl materialized and said: "Mother is asleep," seeing the latter entranced on the chair in the cabinet. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Alexander's Cottage at Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp. August 15, 1916, at 8. p. m. Mrs. Alexander, the medium. Circle of sixteen persons. Very brilliant materializations appeared, several forms rose in front of the curtain and built up out of a little cloud of smoke. Two children, girl and boy, materialized. A lady-spirit materialized for her husband's second wife who was a member of the circle, and the two ladies spoke in very affectionate terms with each other.-A Hindu Professor, guide and medical adviser to a member of the circle, materialized. A red Indian chief: "White horse", a colored woman, a gentleman, being the father of a member of the circle, and other friends of members of the circle, materialized. A gentleman of the circle asked the materialized colored woman to hit him on the head, which she did. Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, the great violinist, again materialized, and with his finger beat time to the tune of Beethoven's string-quartet No, 1, which I sang. Monica appeared last with her hair down, and a hair-band, or ribbon round her fore-head. Again she knelt down and prayed with me the Lord's prayer. I heard her say every word of it. She blessed me and again said: "Waiting for you". After the prayer I asked her whose birthday wouldbe in three days, and she pointed upon herself. Dr. Joachim and Monica both said: "Good bye Carl, take care of yourself." They may have seen that I was slightly indisposed. Several spirit-people, viz. several forms, conversing with their friends, spoke of the beautiful heaven. ================================= séance at Miss E's house. October 4, 1916, at 8.15 p. m. Mrs. Langley, the medium. The cabinet-colloquial Rosebud Kennedy chatted a good long time, entertaining the circle. She allowed all the persons of the circle to approach the curtains, between the two parts of which she was standing materialized, swinging her body slightly backward and forward, holding the dividing curtain with both her hands. She said to several persons of the circle "you may come and look at my `feets' (feet) ". Most members of the séance talked to Rosebud, who knew them all. She also knew me and called me a nice man. About eighteen forms appeared, among them a woman with a baby. "Redfeather," a red Indian chief, materialized and pointed to me to come to the curtain. He came for me, but I did not know that he was going to be one of my guides, as I learned later during the year. My sister Rosa appeared with a luminous crown, spoke some endearing words, and in taking leave said: "Gott segne Dich." (God bless you) . My mother also materialized and spoke in German, calling me "mein guter Bub." (My good boy). *** séance at Mrs. Murphy's house, December 1, 1916, at 8.30 p. m. Mrs. Murphy, the medium. Among others, my sister Rosa materialized and on retiring to the cabinet opened the curtain wide, and asked me to look at the medium sitting on the chair, while Rosa was standing by my side. My sister evidently wanted to show me that her's was a genuine case of materialization and not a transfiguration of the medium. ================================= séance at Miss E's house, December 7, 1916, at 8.15 p. m. Mrs. Langley, the medium. A large number of spirit-people materialized. Monica appeared with a lovely luminous crown and star on her head. Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, my sister Rosa and my brother Eduard appeared in good materializations. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Langley's Cottage, July 31, 1917, at 8.15 p. m. Mrs. Langley, the medium. Monica with crown and star on her head, Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, my mother and sister Rosa materialized. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Alexander's Cottage, August 1, 1917, at 8.15 p. m. Mrs. Alexander, the medium. Circle of ten persons (eight men and two women). Very brilliant materializations appeared. Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim's was again a very good materialization. He was very pleased that I recognized him at once. Monica with lovely curly hair was a charming and graceful materialization. She again prayed the Lord's prayer with me at her own request. A voice from the cabinet announced itself as Professor Herrmann, who said he could not materialize, but wanted to speak to me at my next private trumpet séance. He is one of my guides, as I learned afterwards. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Alexander's Cottage, August 2, 1917, at 8 p. m. Mrs. Alexander, the medium. Professor Dr. Joachim and Monica materialized as on the evening before. Monica again asked me to pray with her the Lord's prayer. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Murphy's Cottage, August 4, 1917. Sister Rosa, and Monica materialized. Monica showed me her ring, but both girls seemed to be scared. They had been seeing horrible scenes on the battlefields in France. Monica prayed for peace. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Alexander's Cottage, August 5, 1917. Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, Monica and sister Rosa materialized. ================================= séance at Miss E's house, December 4, 1917, at 8.15. Mrs. Langley, the medium. Monica, sister Rosa and brother Eduard materialized. Monica and Rosa teased me by going back into the cabinet, as if wanting to take their leave, and unexpectedly returning into the séance room, while I thought they had dematerialized. Monica did this three times and the circle understood the fun. At times several forms were visible in the cabinet, viz. two or three spirit-persons were materializing at the same time. This happened two or three times during the séance. ================================= séance at Mrs. Murphy's house, December 28, 1917 at 8.40 p. m. Mrs. Murphy, the medium. Circle of sixteen persons. Singing was good. It took rather a long time for the first form to appear. Then about fifteen forms came out of the cabinet at intervals. Spirit-ladies, dressed in white, several gentlemen and one spirit-child appeared. The séance lasted from 8.40 to 11.50 p. m. The materializations were good. The spirit-people spoke in a whisper to their friends in the circle, and remained standing and talking before the curtain for a longer time than I observed at former occasions. The spirit-child, a little girl of seven years old, had passed into spirit-life as a baby less than one year old. Her aunt, who sat next to me gave me this information. Aunt and little niece conversed quite a long time, and the child's prattle was very pleasing. The child's parents both were as yet on the physical plane, and the little girl told her aunt that her grandfather was her daddy in the spirit-world. She also said that she was often with her mother in the kitchen, watching the latter making cakes. The aunt spoke very endearingly to her little niece. My sister Rosa appeared and spoke to me, but I could not understand all she said. I was very anxious to get information about my daughter Lillie, who was very ill with double pneumonia in England. I asked sister Rosa where and how Lillie was. Rosa pointed upon her chest and said Lillie was better, but still very ill. Rosa, and afterwards Monica, tried to explain where Lillie was, but could not express themselves very well. I had to help them in finding the word "sanatorium," which word they wanted to say. The two spirit-girls, knew how anxious I was to obtain information, having had no letter from home for four weeks. Two letters were lost as I learned afterwards. The girls, were too anxious to give the information, which therefore became confused and uncertain. Monica appeared in a nurse's dress and with a cap, and said she was one of Lillie's spirit-nurses, and that Dr. Adolf, my brother-in-law, was watching the case. The latter passed into spirit-life a few years before the war. Both Rosa and Monica urged me not to worry, and Gertrud my wife was not to worry either. Monica also said that peace was near, and a reunion of myself and my loved-ones in England would take place after the declaration of peace. She also told me that Lillie was at a place where my wife could visit her. I observed that the medium was wearing a dark dress, while the materialized spirit-ladies appeared in white. Mrs. Murphy had nothing on her head, while Monica came with a nurse's cap on her head. The top of the cap was square, like a cap, made of card-board, or other stiff material. I think, however, Rosa and Monica both came in transfigurations of the medium, or had taken on conditions of the medium. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Langley's Cottage, August 16, 1918, at 8.15 p. m. Mrs. Langley, the medium. Monica, sister Rosa and Violet, a little spirit-girl attached to me, materialized. Violet is a messenger-child and belongs to my band of spirit-guides. I have seen her clairvoyantly several times and spoken to her verbally at private séances. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Murphy's Cottage, August 18th, 1918 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monica appeared and spoke about an accusation of being pro-German, which had been brought against me at a small place called Frugality some time before. She said I was not a pro-German, but a peace loving man, who thought well of and loved all men. I could not understand all she said, nor why she said it. It was inconsistent with her usual tact, and I felt surprised and somewhat annoyed that she thus endangered me to become a possible subject of talk on the camp grounds, especially as Mrs. Murphy's second husband, who assisted at the curtain, spoke of me as "the German gentleman,"though I am a British subject. The trouble at Frugality arose from the fact that I refused to believe the station master's assertion that nurses whose tongues had been cut out had been seen at the neighboring town. My disbelief was considered an act of disloyalty by the uneducated, prejudiced and fanatical descendant from the first homicide, who was coward enough not to appear before the council of defence, when called to give evidence. I told the council, my beliefs or disbeliefs were nobody's business, and this worthy gentleman could not bring a case against me. Abel's body was not slain, but his good name was killed, and the sign by which the Lord has marked the slayer is a big nose. The day after this materialization séance, on August 19th at a private trumpet-séance, Monica, without asking, was very anxious to explain to me the unfortunate speech the day before. She said it was not she who spoke, and that her message had been wrongly given. I could see that she understood the embarrassment which I felt under the existing strong feeling of. the Americans against German-born persons. The medium formerly lived at Frugality for a time and some people from that place might have told her what rumors had been spread about me. I saw a person from Frugality on the camp grounds during the week of my visit at the Camp. Monica wantedto appear but could not "get through" the medium's aura. The medium came forward as Monica, but even as a transfiguration it was a failure, though I am certain the medium did not want to deceive. It was interesting even as a failure which taught me the possibility of a blending of the medium's thoughts and ideas with those of the controlling spirit. A medium entranced is able to receive the thoughts of spirits, and in less profound approach to the trance, the medium is conscious and the thoughts received take form and expression in her or his own mind. Several men and children appeared as good materializations at this séance. ================================= Séance at Mrs. Alexander's Cottage, August 23, 1918, at 8.15 p. m. Mrs. Alexander, the medium. Grandfather Dr. Theodor Schacht of Darmstadt announced his name after having beckoned me to the cabinet. I thought at first it was my Grandfather Walger and asked him: "Are you Grandfather Walger?" He said: "No, grandfather Schacht." He spoke a few words in German and expressed pleasure that he could come and materialize for me. He did not look exactly as I remember his face as that of 83 years old. He came as a man of about 70 years old, and I reminded him of the beautiful books he used to give me for Christmas presents. He was very pleased at this remark. His was a very good materialization. Rosa and Monica too materialized, also some men and children. *** NOTE:-1. At every materialization séance, of which I gave a short report, about fifteen to twenty or even more forms appeared. Thus I have seen about three hundred appearances. Many materializations were recognized as striking semblances of departed friends or relatives, by members of the circle, although it must be said, that the forms do not nearly come up to the real beauty of the denizens of the spirit-world. Monica on her two photos of 1917 and 1918 is far more beautiful than any of her materializations. If a circle of highly advanced, intellectual and harmonious members could be convened for a number of séances, the results would be better, and more beautiful forms would be obtained. The spirit-friends always did their best, and materializations must be considered not only as highly interesting, but as truly wonderful performances of the spirit-intelligences, undreamed of and unbelievable by those mortals, who have never seen them. May the spirit-friends, who by their efforts at the séances, witnessed for the truth of the law of spirit return, be conscious of my gratitude and of that of every member of the circles. NOTE:-2. I often noticed, that cobwebs hanging on trees or in corners of rooms were made visible by the dust which had accumulated upon them. I have in a vision clairvoyantly seen bare parts of a spirit's body, which seemed to be made of the finest filigree or lace work. Spiritual substance, of which the spirit-body consists, is ever so much finer than a spider's web and therefore invisible to the ordinary eye.-Formerly people used strew-sand instead of blotting-paper, and the sand was contained in a sand-box. If with the use of such a sand-box luminous substance, visible in the dark, could be strewn upon a spirit-person, it would render the latter visible to the physical eye. It seems that a similar process takes place in the cabinet at materializations, a process, to render spirit-bodies sufficiently luminous, to make them visible to the ordinary eye. Spirit forms, materializations, rising out of a little cloud of smoke, in front of the curtain, I have also seen. Such forms, or make ups, were accomplished in a second. How these were made luminous and thus visible to the eye, is difficult to understand We shall find out by and by. The ticket-collector on the railway between Richmond and New-Castle, Indiana called out "Allaville," and ten minutes later "All the warble," and as I wanted to know what he meant, I had to find out. The former meant "Olive-Hill", the latter "Walnut Level".--- I wanted to go to No. 606, south 13th street at a certain town in America. The numbers of the houses are placed, where one cannot see them, or where one does not look for them, and at night-time it is impossible to discover them. What could I do? Ring the bell at some house, and ask and get the information that I was to walk seven blocks and one half north, when I should find the house on the westside of the street.-Knock, ask, find out! All through life we have to be inquirers, if we want to get at something. My spirit-brother Theodor knocked at my bed-room door a number of times to get my attention. There are many good people, who perhaps have read one smashing article on Spiritualism, or heard a sermon against it, or a story of a fraud, committed by some fortune-teller or palmist, and here ended "their first lesson." They have finished with spiritualism and know all about it. Another good man tells me he has read about fifty books on spiritualism, and that atheism is a cleaner thing than spiritualism. Atheism is neither clean nor unclean, it is just a temporary freak of mind, a whim, and it is quite possible that an atheist may have laid up treasures in heaven and find a beautiful and clean home in the spheres, while an orthodox believer may arrive on the other side of life, clothed in a thick coat of superstitions and prejudices, which will prove to be very hot and inconvenient to the wearer, as it will shut out the light, and pure air, and be of such a tight fit, that it will be extremely difficult to take it off. People may have finished with spiritualism, but spiritualism has not finished with them. A time will come, when they must ask the questions "Whence, what, whither, what our origin, what are we, what destination?" These are questions, which the spiritualistic philosophy is able to answer, and all human beings become spiritualists and inquirers on the other side of life. The old tight coat must be discarded before, or after, though the old mantle woven of superstitions and prejudices, may be very dear to its wearer. Superficial and popular authorities ought not to be consulted by the inquirers, but the everlasting and unchangeable teachings of nature, reason and intuition. There are some good people who think they have nothing more to learn, when they get to the spirit-side of life, or rather to their orthodox heaven. They will fall from one surprise into the other. Others receive passports, to St. Peter by the priests, licences, indulgences, and receipts for donations to the church, assignments for seats in heaven. These people, too, will get a surprise. Another sort of people are afraid of confronting their Bible-Deity, or Lord of their church at the last judgment. They may be confronted by departed loved ones, but by no God or His Son, or Vicar of the latter. There will be no future judgment for everything will be "Now", and every man or woman will be his or her own judge, and executioner as well. "Add to faith, knowledge," was written by the apostle. This can be done now. It is surprising what a help in acquiring knowledge the sixth sense of intuition will be, when once awakened. I have learned much by intuition, which is simply the inspiration from the higher spheres, which reaches my sensorium. The cobwebs of superstition and prejudice had been cleared out by myself.-When the angels knocked-and I did hear them knock-I opened the door and bid them welcome. Great has been my reward. The subsequent conversations with my departed loved ones and friends may give an idea of the fact, that constant love induces the angels to come down the shiny highway, bringing blessings, strewing flowers on the path of our earthly pilgrimage, guiding us step by step, protecting us, and filling our hearts with trust and love, that casteth out all fear. The reader may learn that it is possible to cultivate and renew friendships, and form new ones between dwellers on the physical and those on the spirit-side of life, that the veil between the two can be rent. The key of love opens all doors, and with tanks filled with love we can storm the kingdom of heaven, and the angel-world will be in league with us. Very dear persons on this side of life are positive in asserting, that the spirit intelligences, who converse with me, are not my departed relatives and friends, but simply impersonating demons. The Bible in which these dear persons and friends believe implicitly, speaks of demons and angels, but as to the creation of these antagonistic forces we have no record. My friends refuse to give an explanation of what they mean by "demons". They also believe that angels are a specially created race of beings, and repudiate the use of the word "angels" in relation to our departed loved ones. Under the designation of "demons" my friends perhaps mean the creatures evolved in the four kingdoms of fire, water, air and earth, and called salamanders, sylves and gnoms, or fairies, dwarfs, kobolds, brownies, etc. Or they may mean the disembodied souls of the depraved. Why all these should be able and permitted to impersonate our departed loved ones, while the latter should be barred from having communion with their kindred and friends on earth, is one of the theological absurdities. I tell these dear friends of mine, that I have no reason to doubt whatever, that the spirit intelligences, who talk and have communion with me, are the very same entities, they were, when walking on the earth-plane. My strong band of spirit-guardians and guides will not allow any impersonating, frivolous, undeveloped spirits to play tricks. "We are all here" or "we were all there" has often been told me by Monica, who is my guardian-angel, and all new-comers viz. spirit-people, who talk to me for the first time are known to my band of guardians. ================================= At the first "quiet hour" or private séance in England with Monica's parents and sister, Monica's mother clairvoyantly described the spirit-people present. One spirit showed the name of "Wilhelm Walger", and on my objections, that the only bearer of that name was my brother, living in Germany, she, Monica's mother, the medium, insisted that the name was correct. Afterwards at home I opened my bible and read the names of the members of the family, inscribed on a fly leaf, and found that my grandfather's christian name was Wilhelm. He had passed into spirit-life when I was quite a little boy, and I had forgotten his christian name completely.-The medium obtained the names of my spirit-brother Theodor, spirit-sister Rosa and spirit uncle Carl. The latter showed the name of the Swiss town "Interlaken" indicating by this, that he was my uncle who lived in Switzerland. The spirit friends could be questioned and they spoke by nodding or shaking their heads. Thus I asked who for a considerable number of times used to knock at my bed-room door in the depth of the night, which nobody ever heard but myself. Grandfather pointed to brother Theodor. Other questions were thus asked and answered, viz. if that powerful being called "Satan" existed, if the christian religion was taught in heaven, if my own religious views were erroneous, if there was a place called hell, if everlasting damnation was a truth, if the dogmas of the church were true, and others. I also learned that grandfather was in possession of a secret of mine of which I was sure nobody knew anything about. I asked him how many persons in connection with my secret were taking a journey, and he counted his fingers, one, two, three, four. The number four was correct. He showed the name of "Frankfurt," and Monica's mother thought, I was going to that town to play at a concert, while I knew better why the name of Frankfurt was given. I knew that this town was the first stopping place of those four travellers. Grandfather also imitated the playing of a violin, which was responsible for the idea of the concert at which I was to play. The real interpretation, however, was an invitation with my violin to the country mansion of the travellers after their return, and a little scheme formed by one of the travellers for that end, and that the fair schemer was at Frankfurt at the time. I asked grandfather if the journey of my travellers was taken by railway, and he nodded, but also showed a steamer, and I understood that my travellers, of whom Monica's mother knew nothing, were going to cross the sea for their destination. Algiers, where I knew the winter was to be spent by them. Of course spirits can read thoughts but even then grandfather's knowledge of the scheme was startling. Monica's mother described correctly what she saw, she could not have invented it, and I was able to interpret the meaning of what she saw and described. The spirits were seen smiling and looking happy, perhaps at my surprise and also for having obtained their end bringing about my first private séance and my realization of their existence. Spirit Monica and sister Rosa were seen to bring and strew spiritual flowers and roses upon me. Monica was seen to kiss me and to dance for joy. She also put little lights in my hands. Of course I had no reason to doubt what Monica's mother said. She had been recommended to me as a trustworthy and honest medium. I myself could see with my physical eyes that my hands were covered with slight luminous matter, which was in fact spiritual substance of Monica's ethereal body. I had a number of "quiet hours" in Monica's "sanctum", her mother being the medium. On one occasion my friend, Mr. Moon, was invited, he being a spiritualist without any mediumistic gifts. The spirits caused a half moon to be seen to the ordinary eye, and I exclaimed: "Look at the moon over there." At another occasion a piano was shown me, and a hand playing. This vision I saw with my physical or spiritual eye, and it meant that the spirits wanted me to practise the piano during the remaining time before my journey to America, as I undoubtedly should want to teach that instrument. I had neglected my playing on the pianoforte, and the admonition of the spirit-friends had a good reason because I have now in America a number of piano-pupils. At another meeting I saw the formation of a face, which was my spirit mother-in-law's, and finally I saw also the full form of Monica, the child, as she appears on the photos, hanging in her parent's drawing-room. Other spirits, viz. Nana, Kate, and friends of Monica's parents appeared, too, at some of these quiet hours. Once I felt someone pushing my back with a finger. On my asking, the medium told me, it was done by my uncle Carl. At the first quiet hour I could see nothing but a few lights and slightly discernible columns of light, but I soon began to see more. I commenced to sit alone in my darkened bed-room at regular times for development.-At one of the quiet hours at the medium's house I asked the spirit-friends if I should develop clairvoyance, and received the answer that I was clairvoyant already. This was true. At my sittings in my own bed-room at home I noticed dark silhouettes of the spirits moving round me, and their rapid movements caused a draught or current of air similar to that caused by a wind wheel. This draught was so strong sometimes, that I was obliged to shut my eyes. The silhouettes seemed to have light edges, and I could distinguish noses, hair and hands. (I see the silhouette of Monica every night.) I saw clairvoyantly my brother Theodor, sister Rosa, mother, Monica, Nana, Edith and other relatives and friends. These spirit-persons for the purpose of showing themselves to me, paid me a visit once, while Monica a number of times and during the hours of the night, not in my dreams, but when my mind was passive, being awake. I learned to render my mind passive before going to sleep and always obtained visions. My uncle from Switzerland, when in the physical body, inculcated a disbelief in a future life to his daughter Emy, still living in Switzerland. At "the quiet hours" he showed himself very concerned to correct his wrong teaching and wanted me to write to his daughter, telling her the truth. He was very anxious that she should hear me. Every day I see a small light fluttering about me. It reminds me of the lights I liked to throw on some object or into a window, when a boy, by means of a bit of mirror, with which I reflected the sunlight. I had heard of a sign, representing a circle and a cross, which had been made upon a windowpane in the house of Monica's parents. The little drawing of the sign upon the glass was in such a position that it could not have been drawn by any of the inmates of the house. The matter had been investigated without results. One night, July 9th, 1914, when not asleep, a circle was drawn across my forehead repeatedly from left to right and right to left. It felt as if done with the fingernail. The following night, July 10th, 1914, a cross was made upon my brow in the same manner, the pressure of the performance causing a slight pain. Both, the circle and the cross were made by a spirit hand. On the following Sunday, when speaking about the two phenomena, Monica's mother informed me, that I had been chosen to be a member of "the band of the circle and the cross". This band, or company of persons, has members on both sides of life, and mutual help for its object.-Spirit Monica occasionally indulged in playing harmless and amusing tricks to her parents. She also did this with me. One night I experienced the sensation of a sawing movement on my leg, as if done with the edge of a square-ruler or with the finger-nail. It was one of Monica's pranks. On Saturday evenings I used to play string-quartetts with three friends at the house of one of them and after returning to my own home, prolonged the soothing charm, which music exercises over the savage breast, by having some refreshments and a pipe, sitting up late by myself in the dining-room. It was by a tremendous bang upon the sideboard, which caused a rattle of the silver-spoons and forks kept in a receptacle of that piece of furniture, that on one of these nights I was startled and roused from my reverie in the beauties of Beethoven's quartet No. 7, lingering in my consciousness. Though the bang might be explained in a physical way, I must say that the sideboard never before behaved in such a strange manner. Later I was informed that Monica had been playing another of her pranks, with the intention of rousing me to arrange a time for my first quiet hour with her mother. I had promised to ask for and arrange a sitting but postponed.-Before my journey to America the spirit-friends promised to visit me in the new world. They were seen smiling, because they read my thoughts. I did not realize that distance was no object to my volatile friends' capacity of rapid locomotion. During my trip from Liverpool to New York I felt the presence of Monica every night before going to sleep, and the touch of her hand upon my head, though I thought it was grandfather's. Later in America Monica told me that it was her hand, blessing me every night, and that she was the star of my life. Names of spirit-persons, who during my residence in Indiana talked to me verbally by means of a trumpet in the presence of a trumpet medium at private and public séances. Monica, my guardian angel. Grandfather Walger and Grandfather Dr. Theodor Schacht of Darmstadt, Germany. Father and mother. Brother Theodor, principal guide, passed into spirit-life about 37 years ago. Sister Rosa and brother Eduard, passed into spirit-life as babies, before I was born. Brother Julius, passed into spirit-life recently. Uncle Carl Stephani of Switzerland. Doctor Adolf, brother-in-law and Doctor Otto, cousin, both medical men. Aunt Ottilie, aunt Rosa and aunt Emilie, sisters mother. Aunt Loulou. Uncle Dr. Moldenhauer. Cousin Dr. Fritz. Sister-in-law Kate. My mother-in-law. Cristoph, Kate's brother-in-law. Nana, my children's nurse. Jessie Wells; a friend. Passed into spirit-life as a little girl, is now a beautiful young woman on the spirit-realms. Redfeather, my red Indian guide and protector. Mr. Box, a friend. Mr. M. K. and Mr. Justus Ulrich, friends of my parents and of myself. Henry, Fairfax Seddon, a friend. Fritz Weingdrtner, workman at my father's factory. George Crossmann, my father's coachman. Mr. W. I. Stead, was drowned with the "Titanic". Justus Seeger, a school-friend. Dr. Abram, doctor of music, a friend. Aime H. and Maggie E., mother and daughter, friends. John, a young English officer and Arthur, a young English soldier, killed in France. Dr. Joseph Joachim, the great violinist, one of my guides. Mr. Hart, a coachman, and friend of Nana. Dr. Thurston, possessor of a picture made by spirit-hands through the mediumship of the Banks' sisters at Chicago. Dr, Thurston passed into spirit life recently. Violet, a messenger girl, belonging to my band. Dr. C., Miss E.'s control. Snowdrop and Yellow Flower, Miss E.'s colloquials. Dr. Green, Mrs. Murphy's control. Sunflower, Mrs. Murphy's colloquial. Jennie Lind, the Swedish nightingale. Ole Bull, the great violinist. Sims Reeves, the famous English singer. Professor Frederick Herrmann, one of my guides. Mr. F--- a friend. Mr. Bauer, a friend. Mrs. Fr-, a friend, Mr. F.'s mother-in-law. Friends, unknown to me during their life on earth, viz. spirit-persons, with whom I have formed friendships: Emma Abbot, a friend of sister Rosa. Monica, my guardian angel. Violet, the messenger girl. Freddrich von Schiller, the great German poet, consented to become one of my guides. Jennie Lind, the great Swedish singer. Redfeather, my red Indian guide. Ole Bull, the famous violinist. Frederick Herrmann, one of my guides. Spirit-sister Rosa and spirit-brother Eduard, who passed into spirit-life before I was born, are very warm friends of mine and very often with me. The spirit-controls, and spirit-colloquials of my mediums may also be counted amongst my friends. ================================= The following reports of verbal conservations with spirit-friends, by means of a trumpet, and in presence of a trumpet-medium, were mostly Written down at the time of occurrence, viz. the same day. Those of the last two years are more elaborate, while those of 1916 are mere jottings without details. I give what I find in my note books. When I report that such and such a spirit came and talked to me, I want the reader to understand, that the spirit mentioned announced his name, spoke words of love and greetings, expressing pleasure to talk to me, and on my asking would say that he or she was happy and progressing. The spirit-friends, as a rule, had more to say than my meagre reports convey. When I could not remember the exact words I preferred to jot down rather less than too much, and often put down the name of the spirit only. Spirit people, who for the first time talk to a mortal through the trumpet, seem to have to learn it. It is a new experience to them, they may be perplexed, and in the excitement, like we mortals sometimes, do not know what to say. When we meet a friend or acquaintance here on the earth-plane we can shake hands, invite him to tea, make an appointment for a meeting, ask where he has been, how he is getting on, etc. Spirit-people like to be asked questions. I myself when talking to them, sometimes was at a loss what to ask at the spur of the moment. As I could not invite them to tea, nor shake hands, nor plunge into a theological discussion immediately, the short conversation which ensued, would be of an ordinary kind, just like people on earth would talk, and on account of the shortness I would not remember much of what was said. My first two private séances for trumpet-speaking took place on January 5th and January 25th, 1916, Mrs. Murphy being the medium. These two meetings are important because of Monica disclosing her relationship to me, as my spirit-mate, and her role as guardian-angel. It was on January 28th, that she most emphatically repeated her statement: "I am your spirit-mate." As such she is known, seen and heard by my other spirit-friends, some of whom corroborated her statement. In addressing me, they would speak of her as "your lovely Monica," "your beautiful angel," "your beautiful guide." The first meetings were commenced by short addresses from the control, Dr. Green, and by Sunflower, saying a few kind words to me and to the medium. Later, at subsequent meetings, the first place to speak was accorded to Monica, she generally taking up most of the time.-At the meetings I sit opposite to the medium, the trumpet standing on the floor between us. The trumpet soon is suspended over our heads by spirit-hands. The spirit-friends take it in turns and speak through it. Often Monica would touch my head, arms or hands with the trumpet. Later I often encouraged new coming spirit-persons to touch my head with the trumpet, because they derived strength from doing so, and I could understand better what they said. I can remember an instance when Monica with materialized hand touched my hands. These private séances are held in complete darkness, and at the end of each meeting the trumpet is thrown down upon the floor, and it never fell upon me, or the medium. Of the first four private séances I only find a summary written in a letter to one of my brothers. I kept a copy of that letter. These four meetings took place in the morning from 9.30 to 10.45 at the medium's lodgings. The medium, living in the country, came to the city once or twice each month, and as a visitor stayed at a friend's house for a couple of days. These friends of the medium allowed her to hold private séances at their house. We opened the meetings with the Lord's prayer and with the hymn "Nearer my God to Thee." At the first sitting I was startled by the voice of a girl, who after our hymn began to speak by wishing us a good morning and expressing pleasure to make my acquaintance as well as of those spirit-friends who came with me or were coming to speak to me. She, Sunflower, remarked that I was on a high plane. Spirits can see if one is spiritually minded, advanced, if educated and refined. At the second meeting Sunflower told me that a great musician was endeavoring to impress me and that he had just arrived while I was kneeling before my chair in prayer. The medium answered: "But, Professor Walger did not kneel." I corroborated Sunflower's words. The medium could not see me in the perfectly dark room, while Sunflower could see. At the third meeting she told me, Monica, who was a beautiful spirit, was present. Of course, Monica was present each time, but Sunflower evidently wanted to bring me the glad news. After Sunflower's few words to me and the medium at the first sitting, I was still more startled when a strong manly voice began to speak, wishing us good morning and expressing pleasure to make my acquaintance. It was Dr. Green, the medium's spirit-control whom the medium introduced to me. He gave us an address on charity, with the friendly advice to assist the poor and to lend a helping hand to the downtrotten ones. He explained that words of sympathy, even kind thoughts, were conferring a benefit, and that the giver was a receiver of blessings, every kind thought becoming an ornament of his or her future home. Dr. Green also expressed the opinion that it was beneficial to him to come in contact with me. I did not understand why he said this, but I know now, that the progress of spirit-people is advanced chiefly by the aid or advice rendered to mortals, by promulgation of spiritual truths, by the work, spirit-people voluntarily perform on the earth plane, prompted by their sense of duty. At the end of the first sitting Dr. Green again spoke and explained that I was spiritually on such a high plane that it would be easy for me to overcome anything that was an obstacle to the realization of high aspirations and to the acquirement of spiritual attainments. After Dr. Green's first discourse Nana announced her name. She spoke in a whisper, and we, the medium and myself, encouraged her to speak more loudly. I understood what she said. She expressed her love, and happiness to talk to me, said she would carry me in her arms when I should cross the waters of death, which however, would not happen for a long time yet. I asked her, if she knew what excellent girls I possessed in my daughters, and she said "yes," and it was no wonder that they were such excellent girls, for they possessed a noble father. I asked her, if one day I should arrive in the spirit-land in shabby and poor garments, and she reproachfully answered: "You know you won't." I mentioned a vision which I had seen a few days before the private séance, and she explained that it had been brought to my view for my instruction. After Nana, sister Rosa gave her name, called me "schoner Bruder" (nice brother) and commenced to speak German. The medium, who does not understand German, asked Rosa to speak English. I asked her if she could talk English, which question she answered affirmatively. On my asking where she learned it, she answered: "here". I said I was not beautiful, to which remark she replied that I could not see my own spirit. I inquired of my parents. Rosa answered: "They send their love to you." At the second private séance Rosa corroborated Monica's statement of being my spirit-mate, and said that she and Monica were great friends. Before my journey to America I had a private séance with a London medium, whom I had never seen before. That medium spoke of a beautiful spirit, and said that this spirit was my soul-mate. She did not give me the name "Monica", but on my asking and speaking of Monica she seemed to be convinced, that Monica was the name of the beautiful spirit, whom she described as my soul-mate. I did not say anything to Monica's mother about this matter, but at a quiet hour with her asked Grandfather mentally, if what the London medium said was true. He seemed to deny it, but I had the impression there and then that he wanted to conceal something from me. I reminded Rosa of this incidence and she explained that Grandfather did not deny that Monica was my spirit-mate, but did not want me to know it, as he was afraid it would make me vain. Monica's mother had seen him shaking his head, but perhaps it was a refusal of giving an opinion at that time. Monica spoke after Rosa. Amongst other things said she would help me to adorn my spirit-home with spiritual flowers. She spoke of my crown, which she was holding over my head. I was then wondering why she could speak of holding my crown, but did not ask any question about this matter. I asked her if her parents had received a present from me, which she answered affirmatively, and said it had been much appreciated. At each of those four séances I asked questions as to her being my spirit-mate and she spoke about it each time, explaining also that my wife would find her spirit-mate on the other side of life viz. in the spirit-world. We talked of Monica's parents and sister, and of my children, just in the same way people talk to each other on the earth-plane. After Monica, brother Theodor announced his name and addressed me with "lieber Bruder", (dear brother) spoke English, however, perhaps because I spoke English. I also asked where he had learned English, and he like Rosa said "here". ("here" meant to them the spirit-world.) We two brothers discussed the war, and Theodor said, that if a material hell did exist, it could not be worse than the condition Germany was in. We spoke of our brothers living in Germany and agreed that they were good, worthy and righteous men.Brother Theodor expressed satisfaction that we brothers, still on the earth, were united in the bonds of love, but he did not approve of the religious views of the brothers in Germany and of their way of thinking. We spoke of our youngest brother, and Theodor explained that he was very anxious to get closer to him, but could only do so through me, as conditions were too unfavorable. Rosa in speaking of the religious views of my brothers expressed the opinion that they would turn later on, and Monica made a remark about their "book" meaning the bible, to the letter of which they were clinging. I discussed with Theodor some of the Christian dogmas, the truth of which he denied.-Grandfather Walger spoke German and addressed me with the words "hubscher Bub", (beautiful boy) which he repeated, as he evidently could read my astonishment at this expression. He spoke of the "liebe Frau", (dear wife, meaning my wife in England,) said she had been ill, but was better again, promised that they all-my band of guardians and guides-would help me and mine, and also mentioned grandmother sending her love.-Brother Eduard, who was announced as being a tall man by brother Theodor, said that he would be recognized by us, his brothers, (myself and the three in Germany) through the existing family likeness and he also promised help. The emphasis which brother Theodor put on the word "tall man" was probably due to the habit of us brothers in the physical, of speaking of Eduard and Rosa as our "kleine Geschwisterchen"-our small brother and sister-,not realizing that the latter would grow in the spirit-world just the same as on earth.-Father Walger also announced his name, spoke only a few words, expressed hope that peace would soon be brought about, and with it better conditions in Germany, and said that he often is with "his boys" there. The talking through the trumpet seemed to prevent him from saying more, as he was not used to it. Dr. Green said, with regard to me, the curtain between the two sides of life was very thin, even rent already and I could look through, and across to the spirit-side of life. He also gave a short explanation on the affinity between good spirits, that like attracts alike, and that evil spirits were not attracted by good spirits, and vice versa. ================================= Of a private séance with Mrs. Murphy on February 25th, 1916, at 9:15 A. M., I find only a short notice. Dr. Green and Sunflower made the remark that it was a fine morning, and brother Theodor said the air was fragrant. I did not understand why they made these remarks, as it was a cold morning and snowing. But on later reflections I came to the conclusion that they meant my attitude of humility and prayerfullness, and good thoughts. I had brought a present for Mrs. Murphy, and the spirit-friends had heard the kind words I spoke when giving her the present. Spirit people like generosity. I prayed with Mrs. Murphy the Lord's prayer and asked blessings for the spirit friends, and for me the grace of humility. The spirit friends could read my thoughts, and the spirituality of the latter was the cause of their remarks. Monica, when promising her help to adorn my spirit-home with flowers added the warning that I was to take care to keep the home clean and pure, as otherwise she could not always stay with me, or would have to leave me. But at this meeting she expressed confidence, that at the end of my earth-life I should arrive in the spirit-world with white and beautiful garments. These words she said in answer to my question as to my prospects of progression. Note 1. Monica does not seem to favor reliance on faith in priestly absolution or in the atoning blood of Jesus, but evidently thinks that I have to do the washing myself. She was educated at a Roman Catholic convent-school and partook of the Eucharist, though a mere child when transmuting her physical body into more airy and ethereal garments, and exchanging the cloister for the glorious freedom of the celestial spheres. In the numerous subsequent conversations with her I noticed an entire absence of ecclesiastical opinions. She never upheld any tenets of the church as authoritative and never mentioned the latter. Brother Theodor never pronounced religious opinions, unless asked by me. He and the other spirit friends always showed tact by not hurting feelings with regard to religious tenets. Though Theodor knew that I had discarded superstitions and prejudices, he waited until I asked him for his opinions. He thinks, a man cannot act rightly, when he acts on a belief which is false but which he believes is the truth. The lamentable error of belief that the Bible is the infallible, unerring word of God has caused humanity infinite oceans of misery. Because the Bible says: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," historians tell us that not less than nine millions of persons were put to death, and the greatest portion of them burnt alive as witches during the Christian era. Those persons were burned alive for a crime, for a supposed crime, that according to law now has no existence. The crime of witchcraft is not now recognized or known in the annals of criminal jurisprudence. And all that human slaughter, all that burning alive of persons was done because a falsehood was taken for a fact. Yet the upholders of ecclesiasticism with it's despotism believe and proclaim that the ecclesiastical rulers are guided by the holy ghost, that the church cannot err and is the sole and rightful interpreter of holy writ. Brother Theodor does not upbraid me for holding my own opinion superior to that of Moses, or for asserting to possess a better understanding of the divine mind than the writer of the Pentateuchs. Neither does he censor me for thinking that all theology is a despotic theory, an opinion, -nothing more. I believe I am not far wrong if I imagine that the auto da Fes, hypocritical parades, Corpus-Christi processions, celebration of the mass, usages of the inquisition, auricular confession, tortures inflicted upon heretics, antics, such as those of Billy Sunday and salvation army adherents, are put before the spectators by the celestial moving picture shows with the superscription: "Incredible monstrosities, committed on earth by the followers of Jesus of Nazareth." ================================= Note 2. Hearing that at the séances the spirit people as a rule promise help to their friends on earth, the reader might wish to know, how spirits can help us mortals. The angel-world is anxious to bring about conditions of things, that would enable men and women to better utilize their time for the requirements of both, earth and spirit life. To this end the angel-world is trying to roll back the dark clouds of ignorance and selfishness that overshadow the way for us mortals. The angels know, that the science of "life on both sides" is the hope of the world, that the prevailing opinion, called "theology" is false from bottom to top, that the church is one of the greatest hindrances to progress, and a barrier to felicity in the spirit life. Good and advanced spirits know that for 1900 years the minds of men have been overspread with a gloomy, destructive superstition, that the Christian dogmas have enveloped the people with the grossest and darkest of ignorance, and that the priests, by a system of barbarous superstition and the enforcement of tyrannical customs and laws prevent their people from becoming enlightened. The angels therefore wish and labor to free the minds of men and women from all the evils which are engendered by ignorance and superstition, and to try to cultivate the heart, and sow therein the seeds of love, truth and justice toward one another. They wish us to live a life of peace and harmony, and to attend to the cultivation of that immortal principle within, the Divine soul. To give instruction is the chief object of the angel-world. For this end spirits return. Spirit-return is a psychic law. Spirits are attracted by the loved ones whom they left behind. Love and sense of duty urge the spirits to return. The smartest men, that are gone, return in spirit, and they can do more good for the World from the spirit-side, than they could from the mortal side. Great spirit-scientists, who gathered from all sources, took their garnerings with them, of which they can dispense to the needy, and feed the famishing, and by so giving, increase the treasures of their own garners. Great spirit-minds, who have gathered on earth, utilize their accumulated jewels for the benefit of themselves and the hungry souls of earth and sky, their stores eternally increasing. These are they who in reality make our inventions of to-day, but they make them for the benefit of man, not for the sole benefit of financial slave-drivers. Spirits have the power of transfer of thought. By this power they impress and inspire mortals, viz. inventors, poets, musicians, painters, legislators, doctors, chemists. Spirits can impart knowledge in all science, and those mortals, who want to accomplish much in scientific research must be aided by spirits. Spirits act as our guardian angels. Every man, woman or child has appointed to him or her some spirit, who is ever watchful over their charge. It may be some relative or some ancient spirit, or other competent one. If relatives are not competent, they are not made guardians. (The contents of Note 2 so far have been gathered from the book "Rending the Veil.") Spirit-doctors or spirit-nurses do duty at our hospitals, the former impressing and inspiring their colleagues in the mortal. Hosts of spirits do work on the battlefield. There thousands of ministering spirits with kind words and helping hands are assisting any who would listen or look into their faces. Spirits can offer consolation in hours of grief or can suggest solutions in solving problems. They can discover and reveal opportunities for success in the business world. They can diagnose and suggest treatment for internal and other diseases. They can strengthen our will to resist temptation, give us warnings, protect us and modify calamnities. In numerous ways they can render services to those they love and who desire aid. ================================= Help Accorded to Me by the Angel Friends Monica and others of my spirit-band provided visions for my instruction. Spirit Jennie Lind inspired me when I was giving singing lessons. Dr. Joseph Joachim and my whole band were present when I gave students' recitals, imparting strength to me and to the pupils to conquer stage fright and helping, by impressing and inspiring the performers. A constant toothache, arising through dentistry, viz. through bridge-work which had been made for me, was cured effectively by a spirit dentist. Monica had promised me they would do their best. The toothache arose through a certain tightness, which my dentist, whom I consulted several times, could not detect. I clairvoyantly saw the spirit dentist working at my teeth. The angel friends, by their care and watchfulness kept me in good health. Red-feather, my Indian guide, repeatedly rendered harmless various falls on the frozen snow or icy sidewalks, and prevented my being run over by automobiles. Spirit doctors Adolf and Otto rendered timely help in a severe and sudden attack of sickness, which, as they informed me afterwards, might have landed me on the spirit side of life, as the poison, Which caused the violent sickness, and the great summer heat of Indiana in 1918 had affected my heart. Monica and Friedrich von Schiller inspired me in my poetical and literary work. Spirit Theodor directed the attention of people to my teaching capacity, by impressing them, continually found new pupils for me, and thus providing for me and my loved ones. From my early childhood I can recollect a marvellous protection and prevention from falling into an open and deep cesspool of a drain. Heedless as children are, I was walking and skipping backward and stopped only at one foot distance from the foul receptacle in which I should have perished unnoticed, had I fallen into it, as no earthly help was present. My daughter during a severe illness of double pneumonia was rescued from death and restored to health by the co-operation of the spirit-doctors Adolph and Otto, and spirit-nurses, viz : Monica, Nana and my spirit-mother, and their colleagues in the mortal. The recent spiritualistic literature and newspapers report many instances of spirit protection accorded to fighting-men on the battlefield. Private séance with the Trumpet-Medium, Mrs. Anna Throusden at Chesterfield-Camp, August 1st 1916, at 11 a. m. This medium was an entire stranger to me, and I did not tell her anything of my own friends. I was polite, but reserved toward those spirit-intelligences, who talked to me. I thought that the latter were impersonating spirits, but owing to subsequent experiences was induced later on to discard the suspicion, I had there and then. Mrs. A. Throusden is a very trustworthy medium, who is aided by a beautiful and lovable spirit guide, and colloquial. Mrs. Throusden is in possession of a picture representing her beautiful guide and spirit-friend, painted by spirit-agency through the mediumship of the Banks sisters of Chicago. Ole Bull, the great Violinist talked to me quite a long time, was complimentary to my own musical abilities, promised his help in my profession and spoke of Dr. Joachim, who he said was here. Jennie Lind, the great singer announced her name, asked me to sing a song with her, and I joined her in singing a German song. She also sang a song alone. As I remembered her in prayer subsequently, she has several times been attracted to me, so that I could realize an extraordinary help and inspiration in my imparting instruction in singing. Sims Reeves, the great English singer announced his name and sang the song: `The Holy City." One of my brothers talked to me, but when I asked which brother there was no reply. Mother announced herself, but when I asked if she remembered who was with her at the hour of death she did not give me an answer. A spirit talked to me, who said that he or she kissed my eyes every .night, blessing me and watching over me, but I did not receive the spirit's name. The colloquial too talked to me very kindly, but I did not put down what was said. I have no reason to doubt, that brother Theodor, my mother and Monica talked to me through the spirit-control of the medium, but could not "get through" the aura of the latter on account of different vibrations. It often occurs, that spirits seem to be dazed, or surprised by an unexpected question and momentarily forget their own, or other names. It seems that newcoming spirits, :whose vibrations are not in accord with those of this medium are unable to give names, as I found out at subsequent private séances or public circles. This condition may be likened to a Piano, of which the strings of one note, or one hammer are broken, and of which that one note therefore cannot be sounded, whilst all the other notes can be played. ================================= Private séance with the trumpet-medium, Mrs. Murphy, at Chesterfield Camp, on August 1st, 1916, at 4 p.m. Sunflower and Dr. Green greeted me and spoke as usual, kind and encouraging words. Sister Rosa, Nana, Monica and brother Theodor announced their names in turns and talked to me. I do not know why I did not ask them if it was they who spoke to me at the previous séance with Mrs. Throusden, but in the excitement and eagerness to hear the spirits talk one forgets important questions, which one might ask. Rosa and Monica spoke about my spiritual unfoldment encouragingly and approvingly. Monica referred to her parents, who had ignored my spiritual relationship to Monica, though her mother writes to me from time to time, in answer to my letters to her. Monica said her father in England did not want to believe in our spiritual union, while her mother was prevented from believing it by jealousy. Monica explained that her mother thought it quite natural that the little girl Monica was always with her. Monica also pointed out that her mother did not know anything of the psychic law of spirit-mates and considered the matter quite in the way of earthly mothers, thinking that I was ever so much too old for her daughter. Monica referred to my poems being printed and expressed the thought that I should be able to render great services to mankind by my abilities and spiritual understanding. She spoke of the visions, which I had seen previously and, which she helped to bring before my eyes. She promised to do her best and materialize for me, when I told her I would attend Mrs. Murphy's materialization séance that same evening at 8 o'clock.-I asked Nana if she loved me -I had many angry words with her during her life on earth at my house-and she said: "Yes with a divine love, which will never cease." Rosa and Theodor referred to my brothers in Germany and to my wife in England and spoke of the difficulty of reaching them, on account of their religious opinions. Theodor also spoke of the help, derived from me, and wished that my wife could see my spiritual development. (Note: Monica has been throwing an unusual large number of blue lights and forget-me-nots upon my writing of these last pages, and made her presence very much felt by me.) Date of writing: Feb. 16, 1919. ================================= Private séance with the trumpet-medium, Mrs. Alexander at Chesterfield Camp, on August 4th, 1916, at 1p.m. The meeting with the spirit friends was splendid. After the opening prayer, Mrs. Alexander asked me if I could sing, as she could not. I sang two verses of "Nearer my God to Thee" and two spirit-voices joined in the singing. Dr. Brown, the spirit-control of Mrs. Alexander opened the conversation with a few words of greetings, after which sister Rosa announced her name. She verified having materialized three times for me, and on my asking why she appeared, differently each time, explained that it was on account of the different ways of the makeup, of which however, she was not the cause. I made the remark that she had not worn her crown at her last materialization, to which she answered "Here it is," showing a crown of shining metal with a beautiful star upon it. Though she of course was invisible to me the crown was not. She spoke words of love to me, extolling the beautiful heaven at the same time. After Rosa, father took the trumpet, and at first in German, then in English quite distinctly spoke of his own beautiful home and also of mother's. A little afterwards I saw the badge of the Freemasons shining like polished silver, suspended in the dark before my eyes. When I asked who showed the badge, father said it was he, "my Papa." Father was a Freemason. An uncle, Heinrich, probably a relative of my wife, announced himself, mentioned his wife Marie, spoke of the beautiful heaven, and made an attempt to explain his relationship to me. He spoke in German, but not much, because he failed to enlighten me who he was. I had the impression that he was a relative. Monica announced her name next, sang a beautiful song, and we had a delightful chat together. She spoke of my home in heaven, and said I was sending out every day material for building my heavenly mansion, and that I was radiant with love. She also verified having both materialized and prayed with me the Lord's prayer twice. She brought me a white rose, which shone like burnished silver. The rose was suspended before my eyes in the dark. Monica said: "Be as pure as this rose." She asked me to stay for another materialization séance, as she wished to materialize again for me. I therefore arranged with Mrs. Alexander for a seat at her materialization séance at 8 o'clock that same night. Monica said: "I shall wait here for you." Speaking of herself again as being my spirit-mate, Monica said her mother did not understand but would know some day. Upon my asking she said, her mother was not very well at present. I asked Monica if she chose me and whether our spiritual union was providentially ordained. She answered: "I chose you because I love you, but our union is also ordained by God." I pointed out the ignorance of many spiritualists concerning spirit-mates and Monica replied: "It is because they have not yet found their mates." She again said: "Your wife also will find her mate over here on the spirit-side of life." I spoke with exultation of the fact that I had become acquainted with my soul-companion already here on earth, which fact was a glorious and stupendous privilege, to which remark Monica said: "Yes, indeed". I further asked if my religious views were right, and she answered: "Yes, live up to them." She admonished me to live a pure and good life, and remarked that people who go to church and pray, think they will go to heaven and walk on the golden streets of the heavenly city but will find very different conditions. She evidently intended to point out that religion is being and becoming, is life and love. Monica kept on chatting and did not want to leave off, but was interrupted by the Medium's words: "Here is Professor, what is his name?" It was Professor Dr. Joseph Joachim, who announced his name, and it was he, whom the medium saw first, without obtaining his name. Dr. Joachim said he was pleased to meet me. In talking to him I expressed my unworthiness of his love, not having been one of his best pupils, nor having ever practised enough. The Professor answered that my talent would have been sufficient, but I had not been sticking to it. He promised help and said: "Good-bye Carl." He never had called me by my christian name, and now by so doing, intimated love and friendship, which I could discern in the warmth of his words. After the Professor, Monica sung another song, and closed the meeting with the remark that the medium's forces were exhausted, and finished by speaking a few words of exhortation and love. NOTE:-At this meeting I could see two forms in the dark, Mrs. Alexander is a materialization medium. Using her powers, the crown, the white rose, the Freemason's badge were materialized by the spirit friends for me to see. I once more wish to point out that all the spirit-speakers said much more, than what I jotted down shortly after the séance, and generally this was the case at subsequent private-séances of which I shall give a report. ================================= Private séance with the trumpet-medium, Mrs. Alexander at Chesterfield Camp, on August 15, 1916, at 4 p. m. At the opening of the meeting some male spirit-voice again joined me in singing "Nearer my God to Thee," and a female spirit-voice was heard singing "Beautiful Hands Beckoning". Spirit Theodor talked to me and told me the names of the spirit people, whose faces were on the photograph which was taken on the camp grounds a week ago. The photo is not a particularly good one. Sister Rosa spoke and referred to the last materialization séance at Indianapolis at which she did not appear, but only Monica. We chatted about my loved ones in England. Of my wife, spirit Rosa remarked that she was a very worthy and noble woman, and that it was right and my duty, to love her and care for her, who was my mate on earth. Rosa also warned me never to lose my temper. This warning is a proof that the spirit friends know what we mortals are doing and thinking. I was in the best of temper during my visit at the camp, but a little time ago I lost my temper at home in an argument which I had with a lady-friend of my landlady. I also was impatient with Mildred, my colored violin-pupil, who is very dense. After Rosa, my wife's mother came and talked in German. I asked her, if she could talk in English and she answered: "Yes with the help of the control I can talk in English." We chatted together and she told me my wife had not been very well lately. I answered, that my wife's weak health was partly accountable for her not being with me in America, that she could not be left alone in England, for which reason my daughters were remaining with their mother. My mother-in-law admitted that, although I was separated from my family until the war would be over, I loved my wife and provided for her and the daughters, to the best of my ability. She also affirmed that her face was on the second photo which was taken on the camp-grounds a few days ago, and thought, my wife would recognize her. I recognized her face on the photo without a doubt, though it appeared somewhat coarse, but it must be understood, that spirit-photos easily assume conditions from the medium-photographer or other persons, if everything is not just as it ought to be. My wife, to whom I sent the photo, would not admit that the face was her mother's, and I had to explain matters. It was the same with a photo of spirit Monica, of which Monica said it was only a "suggestion" of her. Her pose and hair were beautiful, her face was that of a middle-aged man or woman. After my mother-in-law, spirit Monica took up the trumpet and we again had a delightful chat together. She sang two songs, the second one about Jesus. She said that Jesus had indeed died for us, but had progressed so far that he could not be seen, nobody in fact could stand before his face. Monica produced a star under a circle, a symbol of purity and love, and a little later she also showed a beautiful silver-burnished flower. Both, star and flower were suspended before my eyes, and I could see them exceedingly well. Father once more produced the Freemason's badge, but did not speak. Professor Herrmann came with Dr. Joachim. Professor Herrmann said he had been my guide for a long time, before Dr. Joachim passed into spirit life. The latter then spoke very lovingly. He, Dr. Joachim, told me, my prayers for him had been a great help to him, and he would help me henceforth. (He soon became one of my guides). I spoke about my nervousness, when his pupil, which he admitted. This condition he attributed to the magnetic influences of the constellation or star under which I was born. He spoke of Monica: "Your lovely spirit Monica," and said all would be well. The past would be forgiven because I now was doing my best to eliminate everything unworthy of myself, or detrimental to my progression. Monica, at the conclusion of the meeting sang two little songs: "Never Good Bye in Heaven" and "We Will Never Give Up Jesus". ================================= NOTE:-While in England I had read "Letters from Julia." Julia suggests "praying" for our departed loved ones and friends, as well as for those still with us on the earth, for which purpose she advocates the compilation of the names of those whom we wish to bring before the throne of the heavenly Grace. This compilation might be used as a bead-less rosary. I followed her suggestion, and the name of my dear Professor Dr. Joachim is contained in my rosary. This my rosary has been the means of acquiring a host of friends in the spirit-world. Many of these friends found an opportunity of showing themselves to me in unexpected visions, either before going to sleep, or in dreams, or when travelling in railway-compartments, or cars. A few sent characteristic messages through the message-bearers at spiritualistic church-meetings at Indianapolis. Thus I received the following message: "A man comes to you, I sense the smell of horses. He wants to shake hands with you with his left hand, and brings his greetings."-The spirit, who wanted to be recognized, was my father's coachman, who taught me to drive, and with whom I, when a boy, was very chummy. He was left handed, and his nickname was "Linker"-the left handed one-. Another message: "A man wants to come to you and brings his greetings. He has a peculiar walk, I see books, he must be a teacher, he must have had an accident to his hands, for he has not all his fingers." This spirit was my teacher at the school of my birth-place. His name is Philipp Bitsch. He had two finger-stumps, the upper part of these fingers had been amputated at the middle-joint. We schoolboys often imitated that teacher's peculiar walk and made fun of it. His deformed hand was not wanting in making itself felt on our ears or heads in an unpleasant manner occasionally, when we deserved it. ================================= Private-séance with Mrs. Murphy at her home on October 5th, 1916, at 10 a. m. The medium had a bad cold, and spirit-doctor Green, her control, chatted with her quite a while and advised her to steam her throat with hot water and vinegar before going to bed. NOTE:-The spirit friends, whose names are already known to the reader, spoke quite a long time. My jottings do not contain anything of particular interest, wherefore this report is cut short.-An acquaintance and member of a developing class, which I attended, received continued advice and treatment by one of his guides as well as by another spirit-doctor. ================================= Private-séance with the trumpet-medium Miss E. at her home, on December 21st, 1916, at 10 a. m. At this meeting Monica surprised me by singing in German the first verse of "Ach, wie ist's moglich dann"-How Can I Leave Thee. Melody and words were perfectly correct. She explained that my spirit mother in the summerland had taught her this song in German. The medium does not understand a word of German, nor her mother and sister. Nobody else lives with them. This song Monica called "our song", and we two sang it at many subsequent private séances. She could not have learned it from me, because I never sang it in America. Because Monica loves this song, I frequently play it now on my violin in double-notes, and Monica tells me, that she always hears it and sings it, when I play it. Spirit Rosa spoke on the works of angels at Christmas-time, and thus gave me the inspiration to two of my German poems: "Angels", and "Christmas Eve in America".-John, the young English officer announced his name, expressed great pleasure of meeting me, said my angel-friends came from high spheres and asked me to write to his parents, and gave me a message for them. Concerning his death on the battlefield he said it was best he went to his sphere of light, for had he lived, he would only be a cripple. On my asking, John said he was in the light and enjoyed the beautiful summerland, and that there was nothing of importance in his past life which would require atoning for and that he therefore was very happy. I asked John to come again, which he promised to do. I then had a conversation on reincarnation with Miss E's. control, spirit Doctor C. He explained that spirits never return to earth for reincarnation, but only to control certain mediumistic persons, of whose organs they make use, viz : to talk, or heal. Thus Elijah controlled John the Baptist. A spirit, Mr. W. T. Stead, who went down in the ill-fated ship Titanic, suddenly joined in this conversation. Mr. Stead said he was attracted by our conversation and was pleased to make our acquaintance. He then related to us how those who went down with the Titanic, at the critical moment and in the extremity of facing death, knelt down and sang: "Nearer My God to Thee." ================================= NOTE:-The story of the singing of the hymn was known to me, but it was highly interesting to hear it again verbally from Mr. Stead himself. ================================= Private séance with Miss E. at her home on January 18, 1917. Cousin Otto announced his name and talked to me. Spirit Rosa informed me of two persons in the spirit-world, who took a great interest in me. One was her friend Emma Abbot, a good singer, the other one was Jennie Lind, the Swedish nightingale. Dr. Joachim also spoke. A lovely chain of precious stones was shown to me. It hung before my eyes, as if suspended from the ceiling. It was brought or produced by mother, who spoke and said every jewel was a symbol, and represented one of my spiritual qualities. Brother Eduard also spoke. ================================= Private séance with Miss E. at her home on May 24, 1917, at 10 a. m. At this meeting I was completely taken by surprise when a male spirit voice sang in German the first verse of the choral "Grosser Gott wir loben Dich." I could not have sung it with a stronger voice myself. It was Grandfather Walger. Melody and words were correct. Nobody was in the house except the medium and myself and the medium's mother. I may mention that I had not heard this choral for many years. It is not one of my favorite ones, and was completely absent from my consciousness.-Spirit Eduard sang with me: "No Never Alone," and we had a good laugh over it as Eduard sang out of tune. We sang it three times, and the last time Eduard succeeded in singing it fairly well. He remarked Monica was laughing while he was singing. Eduard considers this song "his song", and at almost every subsequent meeting we sang it together. After my conversation with brother Theodor I generally commence this song, and Eduard joins in the song immediately. Cousin Otto, sister Rosa, father, aunt Rosa, Mr. Box, Mrs. Aime, and Monica spoke. Aunt Rosa was worried over war conditions at Munchen, which adverse conditions caused unhappiness to her two daughters, my cousins living at that place. The difficulties of living probably caused the distress.-Mr. F. an old friend announced his name and was profuse in thanking me for my help. He had committed suicide, and said my prayers for him had greatly helped him to come into the light and to be now on the road to progression. If I understood it rightly, it seemed my friendship was his only avenue to find help in his distress. We had a friendly talk, and he subsequently came again to the meetings, each time thanking me afresh. According to his information his mother-in-law, Mrs. Fr--- was in great trouble in the spirit-land. She had deprived her only daughter, Mr. F's wife, of an income by allowing a legacy-sneaker, a young woman, to get hold of her fortune. By making over her money to her young friend with whom she lived, Mrs. Fr--- caused great consternation and grief to her only daughter. The latter with three or four children was reduced to almost poverty by the unwarranted and unintelligible action of her mother. My prayers for the distressed spirit have been helpful to her and I shall write to the daughter, living in Germany, when the war is over, and letters are again permitted. I will try to obtain the daughter's forgiveness for her mother.-- ================================= At a private séance with Miss E. at her cottage, Chesterfield Camp on