As I again sought our home, forgetful of everything but the benefit I had conferred by my journey, I glanced behind me, and saw a shining light, and afar off, in dim outline, the group of beings I so strongly desired to escape. Unconsciously I had performed an act that had placed a light between me and them. Rejoice with me, dear friends, I am enabled to be unselfish. Then the elder said: “Our brother adds to his other good qualities, that of humility.” * * * * * “The angel-life became more complete and perfect as year by year the loved ones came up from the shadows of earth, until our family circle was almost restored. After a time its old members will take their new places, and when my earth-friends are all here, there will be little attraction for me in the old life. “It is yet new and strange, and cannot be described to mortal comprehension. Language itself must be spiritualized, and words given a new meaning. “I have mingled tears of pity with those who have been bereft, at the same time knowing that their loss was gain to the departed ones. “Activity is our happiness, and thinking right and doing our very best are the gateways to heaven. Earth-life is a joy only when the end is known. Here its infinite possibilities are realized. Not in a year or a century, but in the fullness of time can all this come. Weep, for it is human, when your loved ones pass the shadowy portals, remembering, however, that the spiritual sun on the other side will, by comparison, make your brightest day on earth a rayless night.” FROM EARTH TO THE INFINITE. The mists are falling on the purple sea, The sun is sinking in the clouds aflame; For many a day the far receding sea And melting sky have seemed almost the same. At first we met the bitter storm and cloud, With little sunshine on the darkling mere, The waves were high, the icy winds were loud; The days were dark, the nights were full of fear. By every trial having gathered strength, And hopeful conquered every adverse gale, We now have reached a calmer sea at length, And with full hearts unbend the flowing sail. Behind, the sinking sun reveals no shore Illumed with glory of his purple light; The land we left has passed forever more Beyond the reach of longing mortal sight. A boundless sea on every side expands; We’re drifting slowly toward the glowing east; In faith expecting yet more welcome lands, When toiling care, and mortal life have ceased. Behold, it comes in robes of azure light! As sinks the sun behind the sullen waves, And on the pearly shore, enchanting sight, Are all the friends we thought within the grave. And now, oh ship, your weary pinions fold, And rock to sleep upon the harbor’s breast; This is the home, by faith our hearts foretold, Where we shall find activity and rest. INDEX. After death, 215