TO:         United States Spiritist Council
              Washington, D.C.

FROM:   Yvonne Limoges
              The Spiritist Society of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL

Although I am unable to attend your scheduled meeting, as a fifth generation Spiritist, I humbly submit some ideas for consideration by those present.  Your organization’s goals as stated in your letter are "preparation for a determined and focused dissemination of Spiritism", and, it is to this that I wish to address myself.

Before I get started just some words about myself and our Spiritist group. I am a 46 year old, college educated, married, mother of three, and, grandmother of two. I worked for the federal government for 26 years (recently retired) as a professional in the Social Security Administration. I was also very active in the union, and eventually became its president which provided me with the experience of running a large non-profit organization, assisting and providing service to others, conducting membership drives, negotiating contracts, organizing and conducting seminars, and, processing and adjudicating employee legal cases of various types. In 1982, my father, Ed Crespo, and I opened up our home (when I still lived there) to friends and relatives, to the practice, discussion, and study of the Spiritist Doctrine. This developed into The Spiritist Society of Florida. Our membership grew and we now rent space in a metaphysical church for our meetings. My father has assisted the Allan Kardec Educational Society in their  work on translations of Spiritist books into English. We correspond with many Spiritist organizations around the world. In addition, we feel honored that Janet Duncan, John Zerio, and Franco Divaldo have blessed us with their visits to our Group.

THE TIME IS RIGHT
In my opinion, the time is ripe in America for exposure to the Doctrine for several reasons:

1) best selling books by Gary Zukov (quantum physics and spirit evolution), Sylvia Brown (books about the spirit world and started her own religion with reincarnation), James van Praagh (medium who will soon have a movie of his life done), John Edward (medium, has his own show Crossing Over), Dr. Brian Weiss (past life regressions), Rosemary Althea (spiritual healing), and Donald Walsch (the Conversations with God  books, prayer circles), are working in parallel to us and all support mediumship and reincarnation;

2) these same people have exposed the general public to their messages via the media (Larry King Live, Oprah, etc.), the internet, and seminars and they have been well received;

3) the popularity of shows like Touched by an Angel;

4) the September 11th attack has made many people examine their priorities in life;

5) the aging US population has, and will continue to,  search for spiritual meaning in their lives.  I firmly believe these are not coincidences.

POSSIBLE OBSTACLES
But, we need  to acknowledge that currently most Spiritist groups are composed of Hispanics (myself included, 5th generation American) and/or Portuguese. Language and culture can be a barrier to dissemination and many of our groups seem to attract only others of the same ethnic culture who are already Spiritists or, those who are familiar with it. If we are going to spread the Doctrine to non-Hispanics, non-Portuguese, I believe we should be somewhat familiar with these popular author/mediums and what they are saying. Believe it or not, many of them are saying a lot of the same things that is in the Spiritist Doctrine.  Isn’t it wonderful that they now call themselves spiritual mediums instead of "channelers"! They are part of the Divine Plan, they whet people’s curiosity into the things their own religion has no answers for, and start many people on their search for the true meaning of Life.

Another issue that I feel needs to be discussed is, we must stop being afraid to say what and who we are, and, what we believe, out loud. As my long time friend and fellow Spiritist Jackie always says, "the Spanish Inquisition is dead"; there is freedom of religion in America. There is especially great hesitancy to speak of the practices of mediumship. Many people believe in reincarnation and communication with the spirit world. If we present ourselves in a professional manner, we won’t be taken for religious fanatics, or kooks. But, we should  not act like intellectual snobs either.

REGARDING TRANSLATIONS
I believe that the other Kardec books should be translated into English, especially Heaven and Hell. In addition, books by Leon Denis offers more of a narrative form of explaining the Doctrine, and, as the famous "Apostle of Spiritism", he deserves our serious attention.

Secondly, we should take advantage of the fact that most people enjoy reading personal stories, especially those with a moral to it, more so than reading what they may consider a philosophy, or religion book.  We want to appeal to the average person for the widest possible dissemination, not just the intellectuals. In addition, we should try to translate a diverse variety of Spiritist books from all countries; let us translate the best Spiritist authors from each. By the way, Jon Azipurua’s recent book is excellent and brings Spiritism up to date. Finally, duplication of translated works should be avoided, we really need to respect each others’ good efforts.

WHO ARE OUR TARGET GROUPS?
In order to have a more "focused dissemination", we need to try and target specific groups who are either open minded, of similar minds, or have somewhat been exposed to the basic ideas of reincarnation. Other than our own ethnic groups who are familiar with the Doctrine, I believe we should target members of metaphysical and spiritualist churches (most love to have guest speakers), students at universities, and the general public as scheduled ‘speakers’ in book stores (Barnes and Nobles, etc. which are in all major towns), or,  any other place where we can go to speak about the Doctrine (ex. here where I live, one can speak at our local museum) where it does not cost us. These groups are at places where we do not have to rent space.  In addition, we should write articles and send them to New Age type papers. Most cities have these and we need to reach out to them with our Spiritist viewpoint. Their audience would be receptive to our ideas.

IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS AMONG FELLOW SPIRITISTS
It would be wonderful that in conjunction with business meetings, The United States Spiritist Council, should sponsor and help organize a yearly American Spiritist conference (with assistance from each local Spiritist group in the location where it would be held). Volunteer speakers, selected by the Spiritist Council, from among our various Spiritist groups, could give lectures on various Spiritist topics, that Spiritist groups could attend. The meetings and seminars should rotate around each year to different areas of the country. This will encourage communication, a sense of Spiritist brotherhood, and provide for an exchange of ideas. Everything should be done in the English language. On one of the days of these conferences, we should invite local metaphysical and spiritualist groups.

ANOTHER IDEA
The authors Dr. Brian Weiss, James van Praagh, Gary Zukov, and Dr. Raymond Moody know each other and attend each other’s seminars. Dr. Weiss has recently lectured in Brazil and he even has tapes in Portuguese. Mr. van Praagh cites works by Allan Kardec in his books. It is very obvious that these individuals are familiar with Spiritist books and ideas. I think it would be wonderful if we could get an endorsement of Spiritism from one, or all of these gentlemen, which we could use to draw the general public to come hear us. They could do an introductory speech at an important Spiritist lecture, a book endorsement (we could put this on a published translated Spiritist book), or maybe they could start to mention us when they speak with the media. We could appeal to their spiritual goodness and put the rest in God’s Hands.

WHY DON’T WE WRITE CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN SPIRITIST BOOKS?
I am sure we have many Spiritists out there who are great writers and have experiences, or stories, they could share. We must start our own Americanized version of Spiritists writings. Newsletters are a start.

The Spiritist Council could start its own Newsletter and ask for submitted articles from our Spiritist groups around the county to publish. This would give a voice to those at Spiritist centers with no established newsletters of their own.

WHAT CAN INDIVIDUAL SPIRITIST GROUPS DO TO SPREAD SPIRITISM?
We should be in cordial contact with our local spiritualist churches who are more like minded and provide them with material, or put them on our mailing list. As I said before, we should submit articles to any New Age newspapers in our area. We should encourage our Groups’ membership to not be ashamed or shy, about bringing up our beliefs when the time seems appropriate, and in a diplomatic manner, with those aspects of the Doctrine that others might be receptive to, in their everyday life. We need to encourage children education in Spiritism. We need to pass on our beliefs. We need to encourage our members to bring in friends and relatives (non-Hispanic, non-Portuguese) into our Groups. We should conduct mediumship classes, discussion groups, study groups, and medium sessions, as appropriate. Provide speakers at various public facilities: colleges, book stores, etc.

AMERICAN SPIRITISTS AND DOCTRINAL PURITY
In my 20 plus years of studying Spiritism, visiting different Spiritist Groups, and, reading and analyzing Spiritist correspondence and literature, I have noted many Spiritist groups have their own interpretations of the Spiritist Doctrine. Some groups stress spiritual healing, some only address the intellectual aspects of the Doctrine, some want to preface "Spiritism" with a qualifier, some only emphasize spirit communications, some treat the doctrine mostly as a religious belief, and some groups are very Bible-oriented. Obviously, every group is handling things their own way and have members who have similar views. But in light of the United States Spiritist Council’s goals, if we become more organized and our Spiritists groups came together with frequency, we may be more successful in obtaining a more unified perspective, with similar goals and methods, and, which can relate to the American culture in a positive way, while retaining the purity of the Spiritist Doctrine as codified by Allan Kardec.
                                                                               Respectfully Yours,
                                                                                Yvonne Limoges

                                                             The Spiritist Society of Florida
                                                                        St. Petersburg, Florida
                                                                                   U.S.A.
 

A groundbreaking book is just out entitled The Afterlife Experiments, copyright 2002, which involves   current scientific experiments regarding the legitimacy of mediumship and scientific evidence of life after death. The spiritual mediums in these experiments provided specific details regarding the deceased relatives of  sitters unknown to them, with an accuracy rate on average of 83 percent, as opposed to the non-mediums average rate of 36 percent.

The author is Professor Gary Schwartz who received his Ph.D. from Harvard University and was a professor at Yale University and Director of the Yale Psychophysiology Center. He is currently a Professor of psychology, medicine, neurology, and psychiatry at the University of Arizona. He has published more than four hundred scientific papers and edited many books.

The significance of this book is that the current scientific community is beginning to show the courage in investigating those controversial subjects which form the foundation for the beliefs of the majority of the worlds’ religions. This can only open the door for further investigation. In the near future, the existence of the soul and an afterlife will be universally accepted as proven facts; it will be a milestone in the history of humanity.

(Communicated by Yvonne Limoges,  published in the newsletter of  THE SPIRITIST SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, March 2002)

http://wildcat.arizona.edu/papers/93/30/01_1_m.html

By Robert Matthews - Science Correspondent
http://www.telegraph.co.uk

3-4-1 A unique scientific experiment has produced startling evidence that some "spirit mediums" may indeed have paranormal talents. Scientists involved in the study at the University of Arizona say that the findings are so extraordinary they raise fundamental questions about the survival of consciousness after death.

Until now, the whole issue of the "afterlife" has been dismissed by most mainstream scientists, with spiritual mediums being regarded as either self-deluded or charlatans. Now the first serious laboratory study of a group of mediums has found that they share an uncanny ability to state facts about the deceased relatives of people who come to them. The experiments, details of which will be published this week, involved five mediums and two "sitters" unknown to the mediums, whose deceased relatives they were asked to contact.

In the first experiment, each medium spent an hour with one of the sitters in a laboratory, with a screen preventing visual contact. Under constant video surveillance, each began talking about aspects of the sitter's deceased relatives. The sitter was only allowed to respond to specific questions from the medium with the words "yes" or "no". At the end of each session, the information gleaned by the mediums was analysed for its accuracy. The transcripts of each session showed that the mediums typically produced more than 80 pieces of information about the deceased relatives, ranging from their names and personal idiosyncrasies to the precise circumstances of their death.When analysed for factual accuracy, the mediums achieved a success rate of 83 per cent, with one achieving an accuracy of 93 per cent. Similar success was achieved in experiments involving the second sitter, and even when the mediums were not allowed to communicate with the sitter in any way.

Sceptics have long argued that the success of mediums is due to so-called "cold reading", in which mediums make educated guesses about deceased people - such as asking if a husband died of heart disease, which is a common cause of death. The team claims to have dealt with this objection after a panel of more than 60 people was asked to supply the same information as the mediums about the sitter. The average score was only 36 per cent, with the most successful guesser achieving just 54 per cent.

Reporting their findings in the forthcoming issue of the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, the researchers conclude: "Highly skilled mediums are able to obtain accurate and replicable information." Professor Gary Schwartz, who led the team, told The Telegraph: "The bottom line is that there is a class of highly skilled mediums who are doing something extraordinary." The secret of their success is unclear: every precaution was taken to rule out unconscious cheating or outright fraud.

In one experiment, a medium claimed to have been in communication with the sitter's deceased mother three days before the meeting - and supplied a prayer that the mother used to recite for the sitter as a child. Prof Schwartz said such evidence is consistent with claims of mediums to deal directly with the dead, rather than merely with the minds of the sitters. He said: "All the data gathered so far is consistently in accord with survival of consciousness after death. Based on our data to date, the most parsimonious explanation is that the mediums are in direct communication with the deceased."

Sceptics said that while the results are intriguing, they leave many questions unanswered. Dr Chris French, a leading expert at Goldsmiths College, London, said: "Parapsychologists have become disillusioned with studies of mediums because the results are usually nothing more than you would expect by cold reading. This study has results that are so out of line that one would want to have a very close look at how it was done." The implications of the study are to be discussed at an international meeting in Arizona this week. Prof Schwartz admitted that the findings were likely to disturb many people. He said: "Some of our colleagues would like us to do this research elsewhere."
 

The Spiritist Group of New York (SGNY) is an organization dedicated to the study, practice and dissemination of the teachings of the Spiritist Doctrine in its triple aspects: scientific, philosophic and moral.

The Spiritist Doctrine contains a set of teachings dictated by Superior Spirits and codified by Allan Kardec in a work known as The Codification, which is comprised of the following books:

The Spirits’ Book (1857)
The Mediums Book (1861)
The Gospel According to Spiritism (1864)
Heaven and Hell (1865)
Genesis (1868)

 Aware of our responsibility as workers of the last hour, we are trying our best in order to work for the construction of a regenerated world, where we will live as brothers and sisters, under the rules of an Universal fraternity, respecting each other and free from any kind of discrimination be it of race, color, sex or religion.

“Spiritism is a science which deals with the nature, origin and destiny of Spirits, as well as their relationship with the corporeal world.”
Allan Kardec – What is Spiritism’s Preamble

“Spiritism realizes what Jesus said of the promised Consoler, by bringing knowledge of those things which allow Man to know where he came from, where he is going and why he is on Earth; so attracting mankind towards the true principles of God's law and offering consolation through faith and hope.”
Allan Kardec – The Gospel According to Spiritism – Chapter 6 – Item 4

“Spirits assure us that the time appointed by Providence for a universal manifestation of their existence has now come; and that their mission, as the ministers of God and the instruments of His will, is to inaugurate, through the instructions they are charged to convey to us, a new era of regeneration for the human race.”
Allan Kardec – The Spirits’ Book’s Prolegomena

All the activities of the Spiritist Group of New York are directed to the English-speaking world. More activities are being developed and will be available soon. Currently the activities of the group and the address where they take place are as follows:

CONTACTS:

Email: Este endereço de email está sendo protegido de spambots. Você precisa do JavaScript ativado para vê-lo.
Phones: Jussara Korngold –  (212) 828-7336-h (917) 797-0462-mobile
Antonio Leite – (718) 932-3138-home

Dear Ademir!

My site is finally ready - of course besides some things that will be updated later, but even in this state it's worth starting:

http://rassvet2000.narod.ru/

BTW, is your site working? I couldn't read it a week ago.

All the best,

Andrei Melnikov
 

The rich oppress the poor, and this is how it has always been. But more awareness of the injustices of man-against-man will appear.  This awareness will provide a movement across the world which will bring a redistribution of the resources of the earth. This will be accomplished with the divine intervention that is necessary. Mankind knows what is right and wrong in this matter and its unified consciousness will eventually force a change in events.

When a multitude is outraged and have feelings of sympathy, a call goes out to space wherein we hear the spiritual cry. Like attracts like, always, and when these good feelings of sympathy call out, those on earth will be invigorated by those in the invisible world, and action will be supremely empowered.  This process will be repeated, to the responses of concern, over all the inequities involving the many people who require the basic essentials to life.

Materiality is like a disease. It is contagious. The importance of wealth and of the acquiring of more and more useless items overwhelms the senses. The sensual feeling of acquiring wealth and material goods  intoxicates. It takes a strong and clear mind to see the reality that material things mean nothing. The spirit is weakened, not strengthened by this sickness.

The simple life that is not distracted by materiality is the more spiritual and the more valuable for the future of your soul. Buddha, Jesus, Gandhi, may be extreme examples to you, but, these souls spent their lives concentrating on the appropriate priorities in their material existence.

You are only on the earth a short time and you do not own anything. You arrive and leave with nothing but your good and bad deeds. Your body will turn to dust and your material possessions left to others who may care little for them. The time will arrive one day when it will be an embarrassment to possess so much.

Your people are starving yet there are people who spend millions on jewelry that will sit in a drawer. You pay millions to sports figures who glorify violence, yet your people have no money for medicine. Celebrities exhibit no shame parading before the masses in their expensive attire, while children go without appropriate clothing to protect themselves from the elements.  Everyone should be outraged! The time has come to reassess your values and change this world of yours!

Spirit communication received by Yvonne Limoges (Originally published in the newsletter of  THE SPIRITIST SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, March 2002)

(...) Certainly all the patrimony of the civilization was erected by creatures that used their freedom to exalt the good. However, in order to explain the realities of the free will we must look at the other side of the picture. (...) Let us consider the disappointment of those who hoard coins all their lives, at the cost of perspiration from fellow men, to satisfy their own avarice. When they feel the approach of death, they find themselves without a speck of light to ease their afflictions in the darkness. (...) Let us consider the remorse of those who surrender to delinquency, hypnotized by self-adoration. They wake up weakened and segregated in the bowls of prisons of despair. No one can deny that all of them, even tough confined to captivity on earth, were free. (...) In spite of the natural obstacles from the learning process, they were free to build, educate, understand, and serve. This is why the Spiritist Doctrine excites the human mind today, helping the discovery of the Divine Statutes. It works, in our consciences, so that we learn that, the freedom of doing what we want is conditioned to the freedom of doing what is right. (...)

Extracted from the book FRATERNAL MEETING KNOW THYSELF. Translated by: Elza D’Agosto, J. Korngold and M. Levinson. From the original Portuguese version of Professor Rodriguez Ferreira. Centro Espírita Vicente de Paulo- Mirassol- SP, Brazil.

SPIRIT WORD THE ASTRAL CITY - "Nosso Lar"

A story of a doctor's odyssey in the Spirit World By Andre Luiz, through Francisco C. Xavier

CHAPTER 17 & 18.

(Translated from the 25th Portuguese edition entitled "Nosso Lar". First Portuguese edition published in 1944 by Federação Espírita Brasileira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.)

Chapter 17 Lysias´ Home

A few days after my mother's unexpected visit, I was summoned to Clarence's office. Surprised, I followed Lysias, who had come to fetch me. I was kindly received by the generous minister, and awaited his orders with pleasant expectation.

"My friend," he said amiably, "you are henceforth allowed to pay visits of observation to all sections of our activities, except for the Ministries of higher spirituality. Henry de Luna has informed me that your treatment was completed last week, so it is only right that you should now employ your time observing and learning."

I turned to Lysias, eager to share my happiness and was met with an exultant glance. I was simply overjoyed. It was the beginning of a new life. I would be able to join different schools and to do meaningful work. Clarence, judging my happiness, added:

"As your stay in the Hospital Park is no longer necessary, I will study the question of your transfer to new lodgings. I will consult some of our institutions…"

"If possible," Lysias interrupted eagerly, "I should very much like him to share our home during his period of observation. My mother would welcome him as another son."

I looked gratefully at my generous companion. Clarence, in his turn, also gave him a look of approval, saying:

"Very well, Lysias. Jesus rejoices with us whenever we open our hearts to a new friend."

Unable to express my gratitude in words, I embraced my companion. Great joy can sometimes render us speechless.

"Keep this document," Clarence continued, handling me a small folder, "it will serve as a permit to admittance to the Ministries of Regeneration, Assistance, Communication and Elucidation for the period of one year. After that, we shall see what else can be done. Don't waste your time, my friend learn all you can. Remember that the intervals between earthly sojourns must be worthily filled."

I left the minister's office elated, arm in arm with Lysias.  After a few minutes' walk, we arrived at a graceful cottage surrounded by a colorful garden.

"Here we are," he announced. He rang a small bell, adding: "this is our home within the Astral City. A soft ringing was heard inside the house and pleasant lady opened the door.

"Mother," Lysias called out, introducing me, "here is the brother I promised you."

"Welcome, my friend," she exclaimed hospitably, "please consider this house your home."

Embracing me as if I were a true son, she added: "I understand that your mother doesn't live here. Therefore, you will have in me a sister, involved in maternal duties."

I did not know how to thank her for her generous welcome. I was about to try, when she quickly interjected:

"You are forbidden to mention thanks. Please don't, or you would force me to remember some long-forgotten conventional Earthly phrase for the sake of etiquette."

We all laughed, and I added:

"May the Lord receive my gratefulness and pour it on this house as renewed blessings of peace and joy."

We walked in. Everything was simple and comfortable. The furniture and objects were, on the whole, much like those on Earth. There were pictures of deep spiritual significance, an unusually large piano, and resting on it a harp of delicate design. Lysias, ready as usual to satisfy my curiosity, spoke:

"As you know, you were not met by harpist angels when you left Earth instead, the harp before you awaits our own abilities."

"Now Lysias, stop joking," his mother interrupted affectionately, "Do you remember that last year the Ministry of Divine Union invited some of the residents of the Ministry of Elevation to hear some master musicians who passed through our city?"

"Indeed I do, mother. I only meant to say that harpists really exist, but in order to hear them we must develop our sense of spiritual hearing by striving for the knowledge of divine things."

Later on, after giving some introductory information about myself, I learned that Lysias' family came from an old town in the state of Rio de Janeiro, that his mother's name was Laura, and that his two sisters, Yolanda and Judith, lived with him as well. I was delighted at my first experience of domesticity in the Colony. The home atmosphere encouraged a sweet and heart-warming intimacy, and the family's gracious welcome stirred deep emotions in my spirit. As I was filled with questions, my kind hostess showed me some wonderful books. Perceiving my interest, she informed: "As for literature, we have an enormous advantage here in the Astral city; All insidious writers, those who use their art to instill psychological poison, go straight to the Lower Zones, and as long as they persist in such a state they cannot stay here, not even in the Ministry of Regeneration."

I could not help smiling as I marveled at the beautiful specimens of photographic art in the books she showed me. Afterwards, Lysias took me around the house, calling my attention to the bathing chamber, which was filled with interesting fixtures – everything was so simple, yet so comfortable.

I had hardly gotten over my amazement, when Laura summoned us to prayer. We sat in silence around a big table. As she switched on a large screen, I heard soft music – it was the evening service. I saw the familiar image of the Government House, which had captured my attention so often in the Hospital Park. Now, however, a deep and mysterious happiness filled me as the blue heart appeared in the background, and my soul was filled with joy and gratefulness.

Chapter 18 Love, the food of souls.

As soon as the prayer was over, Laura invited me to the evening meal, which consisted of invigorating broth and flagrant fruits which tasted more like a delicious blend of concentrated fluids. I heard Laura remark genially"

"After all, our meals here are far more agreeable than they were on Earth. We have some districts which dispense with them together, but in the zone of the Ministry of Assistance we can't do so. Here the heavy tasks we perform consume a great deal of our energy. Hence, we are obligated to be continually making provisions of energy."

"That, however," added one of the young ladies, "doesn't mean that we who work at the Ministries of Assistance and Regeneration are the only ones to depend on food. The other Ministries, including Divine Union, don't dispense with it. The only difference in the food is the nature of its substance. In Communication and Elucidation, fruit is widely used, while in Elevation, juices and concentrated fluids are more common. As for the Ministry of Divine Union, the process of nutrition goes beyond the imagination."

Eager for immediate explanations, I shifted my gaze from Lysias to his mother. Everybody smiled at my natural perplexity, but Laura satisfied my curiosity:

"You may not be aware, my friend, that love is the major sustaining element for all creatures. From time to time, large delegations of instructors come to visit our city in order to convey the principles of spiritual nutrition. Love is the fundamental basis of all systems of nourishment in the different spheres of life. Physical diet, properly considered, is always a question of transitory materiality even here, as in the case of the earthly machines that need grease and oil. Love, and only love, is the source of sustenance for the soul. The more we ascend along the evolutionary plan of Creation, the more thoroughly we understand that great truth. Don't you think that Divine Love is the mainspring of the Universe?"

Those explanations comforted me considerably, and Lysias added:

"God's infinite love is the center is the center of equilibrium of all Creation; the more evolved the created beings, the subtler their processes of nutrition. The worm in the ground feeds mainly on earth. Larger animals find the necessary elements for nourishment in plants. Man gathers the fruits of these plants and prepares them according to his taste. We, who are already free of our physical bodies, need fluidical, juicy substances. The process becomes even more delicate as we advance in our ascent."

"But we mustn't forget the question of vehicles," Laura added, "for after all, worms, animals, man and ourselves depend exclusively on love. We all move about in it and no existence would be possible without it. Don't you remember the Gospel lesson which says: 'Love one another'? When Jesus taught this principle, he didn't refer only to charity in its strictest sense, for we shall all have to learn, sooner or later, that the practice of good is simply a duty. He meant us to understand His words in a broader sense, that is, to sustain one another through brotherly love and sympathy. Sometime in the future, man on Earth will discover that friendly words, mutual kindness and trust, understanding and fraternal interest – all fruits of deep love – are stimulating nourishment to life itself. When on Earth, burdened by a physical body, we are under great limitation. But on returning here we realize that lasting and harmonious happiness is a question of purely spiritual sustenance. Homes, villages, towns and nations are formed in obedience to such principles."

Instinctively I remembered the sex theories so widespread in the physical world, but Laura, recognizing my thoughts, remarked:

"You mustn't imagine that it is merely a sexual phenomenon. Sex is a sacred manifestation of universal and divine love, but it is only one of the many expressions of its infinite potential. With the more spiritualized couples, tenderness and trust, mutual devotion and understanding count far more than physical union, which is reduced to merely a transitory activity between them. It is magnetic exchange that establishes the necessary rhythm for the manifestation of harmony. The mere presence of the loved one, and sometimes a simple understanding is sufficient to nourish a feeling of joy.

Availing herself of a lull in the conversation, Judith added:

"We learn here in the Astral City that love is the hub of life on Earth; yet most people never realize that important truth. Twin souls, kindred souls, and sympathetic souls form numerous pairs and groups. By gathering together and assisting one another, they succeed in advancing along the road to redemption. When, however, help is lacking, a weaker person usually fails before completing the journey."

"As you see, my friend," remarked Lysias, "even here we are reminded of the Gospel lesson: 'Man shall not live by bread alone'."

At that point, the conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a bell. Lysias got up and answered the door. Two courteous young men came into the room. He greeted them cordially, introducing them as Polydor and Estacius, from the Ministry of Elucidation. Greetings and handshakes followed, and after a few minutes, Laura said with a smile:

"You have all worked hard today. You mustn't, therefore, alter your program on our account. It is time for you to set out on your planned excursion to the Music Park."

Noticing Lysias' perturbed look, she added:

"Go along, son. Don't keep Lascinia waiting. Our brother André will stay with me until he can accompany you on these excursions."

"Please don't let me keep you at home!" I exclaimed.

"I can't yet enjoy the pleasure of going to the Music Park. My grand-daughter returned from Earth a few days ago, and is still too weak to go out."

They left, chatting joyfully. Laura shut the door, then turned to me and said:

"They are going in search of the food we were talking about just now. The ties of love are stronger and more beautiful here. Love, my friend, is the divine bread of the soul, the sustenance of the heart.

Cosme D B Massi
Translation and figures by A L Xavier Jr
(Text originally written in Portuguese and published in "Reformador", July 1997, pp. 208 - 211)

"This book is the repository of their teachings.[of the spirits] Only the order, the methodical distribution of matters, a few  explanatory comments and the form of some of its parts are the work of he who was held  responsible for its publication."

A. Kardec [1]

Introduction

The highlighted words "order" and "methodical distribution" in the passage above are very suggestive. The codifier of the spiritist doctrine, appropriately called "the good sense incarnate" [2], had the care to present the fundamental work of the spirist codification within a systematic framework that was philosophically, logically and pedagogically well structured.

The main aim of this work is to provide resources for a correct analysis of the "Tableaux de Mattiers" or the index of "The Spirits Book" (SB), unveiling  the logic hidden in the order and methodical distribution of subjects of Kardec book.

We will present our analysis of the SB  in two steps. In the first step we will give a general view of the work structure, taking into account its four parts (or books). We will present an argumentation  that justifies its division into four parts. In fact, such division gives rise to the Spiritist five books. The four remaining works resulted as developments of each of the four separate parts of the SB.

In a second step, we will discuss each of the four parts, showing a way to visualize the structure implicit in each of them. Starting from this structure one can justify the order imposed by Kardec for the remaining chapters of the SB. Take, for instance, the second part "The spirit world or the world of spirits". How can we understand the order of its eleven chapters ?

We do not aim to convey the idea - in fact, we can not aim it at all - that the structure of the SB  was the one originally thought by Kardec. We only intend to unfold a few concepts formulated in the spiritist codification in the hope of contributing to the study of the logic structure tacit in this monumental work.

It is worth to remember Kardec´s statement:

"If a man judges his reasoning infallible, he is well close to error. " [3]

1st Step: The General Structure of the SB.

"In its route of elaboration, spiritism uses the same methods of the positive sciences, applying empirical methods. New facts are presented, which can not be explained by known laws; it watches, compares and analyzes them and, going from effects to causes, it comes to their governing laws to deduce their consequences and looks for useful applications."[4]

We do not want to discuss here the scientific method used by Allan Kardec. "A excelência metodológica do Espiritismo" [5]- the thesis on the perfect adjustment of spiritism to modern criteria characterizing a scientific undertaking was carefully explored by S Chibeni in several articles published in "Reformador".

The four phases highlighted in the quoted passage and used along the way of spiritism elaboration can be applied to extract the pedagogical form of presentation of a scientific doctrine.

From now on, it should be clear that we are not proposing  a scientific method of elaboration for spiritism. We are only suggesting a frame, pedagogically fitted to the presentation (or exposition) of the spiritist doctrine.

In fact the first phase, new facts, suggests that one must initially choose or define an object of study. We find the universe or domain subjected to examination. The science field of actuation is traced.

In the second phase, observation,comparison and analysis, a detail analysis of the domain or universe is proposed starting from the previous choice. In this examination, every fundamental concept is explicited for the sake of formulating the laws.

The third phase, formulation of laws, suggests that the regulating laws of the universe should be formulated by taking into account the analysis of the second phase. It is worth to emphasize that all the concepts required to a better understanding of the laws were already presented in the second phase.

The fourth phase, deduction of consequences and search for applications, indicates what can be obtained from the application of the laws ruling the domain elements.

Now we can make up the following image of the pedagogical structure of the SB:
 

Each part of the SB gave rise to the other fundamental works:

1st part: "Primary causes" - The genesis, the miracles and predictions according to spiritism. (1868);

2nd part: "The spirit world" - The book on mediums (1861);

3rd part: "Moral laws" - The gospel according to spiritism (1865);

4th part: "Hopes and solaces" - Heaven and Hell or the divine justice according to spiritism (1865)

2 STEP The pedagogical structure of each part of the SB.

2.1 The structure of the first part ,"Primary Causes".

God, "the primary cause of all things", gave birth to the two universal elements: spirit ("the intelligent principle of universe") and matter ("intermediary agent, upon which the spirit acts"). Creation is the result of the spirit action upon matter, according to the divine law. The creation of living beings is the result of "the action of an agent (the vital principle) upon matter". "Such agent, without matter, is not life in the same way as matter can not live without the agent." (SB questions, 1, 22, 23 and 63). See Fig. 1.

2.2 The structure of the second part, "The Spirit World".

The spirits compose the "spirit world or the world of the incorporeal intelligence". The corporeal world and the spirit world are "independent from each other, however, their relation is continuous because one acts upon the other continuously" (SB, question 86). As the spirit is the intelligent element common to both worlds, material and spiritual, it can be found in 6 different states:

1 - In transit from the spirit world to the material one, that is, in process of incarnation;
2- In transit from the material to the spirit world, that is, in process of discarnation;
3 - Living in the material world as an incarnate spirit (or soul);
4 - Being in the spirit world and interfering in the material world;
5 - Being in the material world and, at the same time, acting on the spirit world.

(see Fig. 2)

The spirit is the intelligent element that acts on the two sides of life (corporeal and spiritual), therefore, it should be studied first. The first chapter is entitled "Spirits".

The 1st state described above is studied in the second chapter "The incarnation of spirits".

The 2nd state is analyzed in the third chapter "Return of the spirit to the spiritual life upon the ending of the corporeal life".

These two processes, incarnation and discarnation give rise to the several lives of spirits. Next these lives are analyzed in the fourth chapter "The plurality of existences". Since the plurality of lives is one of the most basic principles of the spiritist codification, it is important to find a safe ground for its fundamentals, which is done in chapter 5 "Remarks on the plurality of lives".

The 3rd state, the spirit life in the spirit world, is studied in chapter 6, "The spirit life".

The 4th state, the spirit life in the corporeal world, is studied in chapter 7 "Return of the spirit to the corporeal life".

The 5th state, living in a body and acting on the spirit world, is the theme of study of chapter 8, "Emancipation of the soul".

The 6th state, living in the spirit world and acting on the material world, constitutes the subject of chapter 9 "Intervention of spirits in the material world".

These six possible states - incarnate, discarnate, to live in the material world, to live in the spiritual world, to have a body and, at the same time, actuates on the spirit world, to live in the spirit world and, at the same time, actuates in the material world, give rise to the missions and occupation of spirits presented in chapter 10 "Occupations and missions of spirits".

The continuos action of the intelligent principle on both sides of life, earthly and spiritual, demonstrates that "everything in Nature is connected by links that we cannot understand yet". "If one observes the plurality of beings, we conclude that they form an endless chain, from brute matter to the most intelligent man".(SB, questions 604 and "Introduction" item 17, respectively)

In order to show that this chain - as a result of a reciprocal action of both worlds, (or of the two principles, spirit and matter), goes beyond the limits of human beings in matter, Kardec presents the 11th and last chapter of the second part: "The three reigns".

"Have we already said that everything in Nature is connected and evolves to unity? In these beings, whose totality you are far from understand, the intelligent being is elaborated, becomes an individuality through little steps and prepares itself to life, as we have just exposed. It is a  kind of a preliminary work, a germination, through which the intelligent principle transforms itself and becomes a spirit". (SB, question 607)

2.3 The structure of the third part, "Moral Laws"

In this part, the following questions are addressed:

a) What are moral laws?
b) What are the moral laws?
c) How does one fulfill the moral laws?

In chapter 1, "The divine or natural law", the first question above is answered: "Among the divine laws, some regulate the movement and relation of brute matter: the physical laws whose scope is studied by science. Others concern man as a being in himself and as his relation with God and his fellow beings." They are the rules of life´s body as well as the soul´s life: these are the moral laws. (SB, question 617).

The answer to the second question "What are the moral laws ?" is found from chapter 2 to 11. The pedagogical form in which the moral laws were proposed is found in the highlighted passage above: moral laws are responsible for the people´s duties toward God, themselves and their neighbors. See Fig. 3 for a sketch of this relationship.

The duties of man in his relation to God are contained in the first two laws: Adoration (chapter 2) and Work (chapter 3).  Through adoration, "the elevation of thought to God", and work ("every useful  occupation") man approaches God. In a certain sense, work originates from adoration, since "God, model of love and compassion, is  active ever." (SB, questions 649, 675 and 21, respectively).

The duties of man toward himself are described in the following three laws: Reproduction, Conservation and Destruction (Chapter 4, 5, and 6, respectively).

Reproduction is responsible for the origin of life on Earth. This should be the first duty of man toward himself (or his species): to guarantee the existence of the body´s life. Then, he should keep his life through conservation. Conservation is followed by destruction "since the nourishment of the living beings depends on the destruction of others (...)". (SB, question 728 a)

The duties of man toward his fellow beings are described in the laws: Society (chapter 7), Progress (chapter 8), Equality (chapter 9) and Liberty (chapter 10).

From social life (only where fraternity is possible) there comes progress whose aim is equality and liberty. "From the point of view of its importance to social happiness, fraternity comes first: it is the base. Without it, there would be no equality, nor serious freedom. Equality comes from fraternity and liberty is the result of both".[7]

The nine moral laws enumerated by Kardec - Adoration, Work, Reproduction, Conservation, Destruction, Society, Progress, Equality and Liberty - sum up all the duties of man toward God, himself and his neighbors. The tenth and last moral law "The law of justice, love and compassion (charity)", chapter 11, contains all the other ones. God (Justice), for the sake of love, created man to live in good relation with his neighbors by the practice of charity (or compassion).

"The division of God´s laws in ten parts corresponds to that of Moses and essentially encompasses every little fact of life. The division is not absolute as any other classification system and one can adopt it surely. All these systems depend on the considered view point. The last law is the most important one, since it enables man to evolve faster in the spirit life, summarizing all the others." (SB, question 648).

The answer to the third question "How does one fulfill the moral laws ?" is given in the last chapter (12): "Moral perfection". In this chapter, we find one of the most beautiful studies about human personality. After a careful scrutiny of man (his virtues, vices, passions, selfishness and the character of a good person), the chapter presents the knowledge of oneself as a "key to individual improvement". "Examine your acts contrary to God, contrary to your fellow beings and against yourselves. The answers will set your consciousness free or indicate the existence of evil ready to be eliminated."(SB, questions 919 and 919a).

2.4 The structure of the fourth part "Hopes and Solaces"

Since the spirits act on both sides of life, the material and spiritual worlds, the consequences of the effective or defective fulfillment of the moral laws takes place in these two worlds. In chapter 1, "Earthly trials and joys",  the consequences for the spirit in the material world are presented.

In the second chapter, "Future trials and joys", the consequences for the spirit in the spirit world are presented. See Fig. 4  for an image.

References

[1] Allan Kardec, Prologue "The Spirit´s Book" . Original title: "Le Livre des Esprits".  
[2] According to the address by Camille Flammarion at Kardec´s grave. In A Kardec, "Posthumous Works". Original title: "Oeuvres Posthumes".  
[3] Allan Kardec, Introduction to the study of the spiritist doctrine. "The Spirit´s Book."  
[4] Allan Kardec, Character of the spiritist revelation. "The Genesis, the miracles and predictions according to spiritism". Original title: "La Genèse, les Miracles et les Prédictions selon le Spiritisme".  
[5] Silvio S Chibeni, A Excelência Metodológica do Espiritismo, Reformador , November 1988, p. 328 and December 1988, pg. 373.  
[6] "Can man understand the essential nature of God? No, human beings lacks a sense for that. (SB, question 10). "Man cannot search the essential nature of God. To understand him, a special sense lacks, which is only given after complete spirit purification.(Genesis, chap. II, 11th item)".  
[7] Allan Kardec, Liberty, equality and fraternity, 3rd paragraph, "The Posthumous Works".  
 

A new electronic book  in English was added to the GEAE site:

THE MYSTERY OF JOAN OF ARC by Leon Denis. This is the first  electronic edition.

"Heare and Hereafter" also by Leon Denis is under way.

Editors of GEAE
 

We are sending you information on the Spiritist Group of Baltimore. Please, publish this info, if possible.

The Spiritist Group of Baltimore was founded in October 15th 1998 in Baltimore, MD. Nowadays, we have two meetings:

1. Tuesdays from 8 PM to 9:30 PM at the University of Maryland
Estudo Sistematizado da Doutrina Espírita.(In Portuguese)
621 W Lombard St - Alumni Lounge room
Baltimore, MD 21201

2. Saturdays from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Ruscombe Mansion Community Health Center
Workshops on the Spiritist Doctrine and Integral Healing (In English)
http://members.aol.com/ruscombe/
4801 Yellowwood Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21209
Please, check on our attached program.

Any information, please contact Vanessa Anseloni at (410) 837-0991 or Este endereço de email está sendo protegido de spambots. Você precisa do JavaScript ativado para vê-lo..

Thank you.

Vanessa C. Z. Anseloni, Ph.D.
Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology
University of Maryland School of Medicine
685 West Baltimore St - HSF
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 706-8910
Fax: (410) 706-2512
Email: Este endereço de email está sendo protegido de spambots. Você precisa do JavaScript ativado para vê-lo.
 

(…) Sorrow can be compared to the pernicious rust that destroys the metal as it sets in. It usually settles in the recesses of a wounded self-respect. Gradually it develops into a sick process victimizing its host.

Easy to combat in the beginning, it can be obliterated by simple and noble praying. Nonetheless, it has the ability to invade the delicate fabrics of human feelings. It can reveal itself in diverse manners; it insinuates itself and overruns every subdivision of human emotion, creating irreversible moral cancers. Almost always, aversion and hurt appear in side by side, and stimulate hate, which is the next serious stage in the destructive of process.

Besides ravaging the person who nourishes it; hat launches truly morbid darts that reach their targets, the incautious victims; those who have unknowingly become the cause if its inception. Hate is a sordid tarnish that numbs the channels in which hope travels, obstructing its comforting ministry. It is skilled in disguising itself; it uses well-thought arguments to disallow forgiveness and escape the duty of forgetfulness.

Many organic disorders result from the venom of sorrow. It generates high toxic charges in the mental machinery, creates unbalance in the psychic mechanism, and grievous consequences to the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems.

Sorrow is capable of robbing ideals and spreading groundless suspicions. It can isolate the person suffering from resentment, undermining any cooperation with the help offered by others. You must pursue the extermination of these inferior qualities relentlessly, for they conspire against your peace of mind. The person who offends you deserves your compassion never retaliation. That person who pursues you suffers unbalances that you ignore. It is not right that you also lose yourself in a cesspool of animosity. Whatever the difficulty that predisposes you to sorrow, they must be resolved by reacting with the renewal of your goals, not giving into offenses and offenders.

If you already possess the characteristic of rational faith and follow programs for self-improvement, elevate your aspirations and do not allow yourself to be tormented. When you come in contact with inferior surroundings, ascend toward the good. Hurt by incomprehension, excuse. When wounded in your pride, forgive. (…)

(Joanna de Ângelis - Evangelical Flowers)

Extracted from the book FRATERNAL MEETING KNOW THYSELF. Translated by: Elza D’Agosto, J. Korngold and M. Levinson. From the original Portuguese version of Professor Rodriguez Ferreira. Centro Espírita Vicente de Paulo- Mirassol- SP, Brazil.

SPIRIT WORD THE ASTRAL CITY - "Nosso Lar"

A story of a doctor's odyssey in the Spirit World By Andre Luiz, through Francisco C. Xavier

(Translated from the 25th Portuguese edition entitled "Nosso Lar". First Portuguese edition published in 1944 by Federação Espírita Brasileira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.)

Chapter 19 THE NEWCOMER

"Doesn't your grand daughter come for meals?" I asked Laura, leading the conversation to more intimate channels.

"For the present, she takes her meals alone," she answered, "the poor thing is still nervous and run-down, and no one in that condition is supposed to partake of collective meals. Neurasthenia and anxiety emit dense, poisonous fluids, which blend immediately with the food. My granddaughter spent a fortnight in the Lower Zones, in heavy slumber, closely assisted by us. She should have been lodged in a hospital pavilion when she came here, but it was decided that she would be placed under my direct care instead."

I told Laura that I would be glad to visit the newcomer, and she willingly agreed. She led me to a spacious and comfortable room where a pale girl was lying in an easy chair. She was extremely surprised to see me as she looked up.

"Heloisa," Laura said, introducing me, "here is a friend who arrived from Earth a short time ago."

The young lady gazed at me curiously, and her tired, deeply shadowed eyes reflected her effort to concentrate. She greeted me with a wan smile as I introduced myself.

I asked if she was tired, but before she could answer, her grandmother, anxious to spare her any strain, explained:

"Heloisa has been restless and worried, and her fear is justified to a certain degree. Tuberculosis, which put an end to her earthly days after long suffering, has left deep traces on her astral body. Still, we must always be optimistic and courageous."

At this, the young lady opened wide her deep, black eyes as if to hold back her tears, but unsuccessfully. Then she covered her face with her handkerchief and began to sob.

"Poor little thing!" said the kindly grandmother, putting her arms around the tearful girl, "you simply must control yourself. These impressions are due to a deficient religious education, that's all. You know that your mother won't be long in coming, and that you can't count on your fiancée's fidelity. He is by no means prepared to offer you sincere spiritual devotion on Earth, for he is still very far from possessing that sublime spirit of illuminated love. He is sure to marry someone else, and it is better that you become accustomed to this idea. It wouldn't be fair to insist on his coming here prematurely.

"Suppose he did come, forcing the law. Wouldn't your suffering be greater? Wouldn't you have to pay a heavy price for any share you might have had in bringing about his passing? You won't lack devoted friendship and brotherly cooperation to help you acquire your spiritual balance here, and if you really love the boy, you must try to adopt a harmonious attitude to be able to help him later. Besides, as I have already said, your mother will soon be here."

The girl's tears filled me with pity. I tried to draw her attention to a different topic, leading the conversation away from this painful subject:

"Where do you come from?" I asked.

Laura, now silent, also seemed anxious to see her join in the conversation. After a long pause, during which she dried her tears, she replied:

"From Rio de Janeiro."

"You shouldn't cry so." I advised, "You don't know how lucky you have been. You passed over only a few days ago, and are already with your family. You didn't have to face any storms on the great journey…"

The girl seemed a little better, and said:

"You can't imagine how much I've suffered. Eight months struggling with tuberculosis, in spite of all the treatments… The sorrow of having infected my devoted mother… All that my poor fiancé went through on my account, it's really indescribable."

"Now, dear, don't say that," Laura said, smiling, "On Earth we always seem to labor under the illusion that no suffering is greater than our own. It is mere blindness – there are millions of creatures facing situations much harsher and more cruel than our little experiences."

"But grandmother, Arnold was so heart-broken and desperate…" she answered, "It's all so hard to understand."

"Do you really believe in your impressions?" Laura asked in a tender voice, "I observed your ex-fiancée several times during your infirmity. It was only natural that he should be so deeply affected at seeing the ruin of your physical body. But once more let me tell you, he can't understand pure sentiment, and will soon get over his sorrow. Remember, dear, that illuminated love is still above most creatures. Therefore, you must try to be of good cheer. No doubt you will be able to help him, but his being faithful to your memory is out of the question. When you are in a condition to visit the spheres of the planet, you will find him married to somebody else."

Wondering myself, I noted Heloisa's painful surprise. The poor girl did not know what attitude to adopt before her grandmother's serenity and common sense.

"Could that be possible?" she blurted out.

Lysias' mother, tenderly stroking the girl's hair, continued:

"Now, child, you mustn't be obstinate or try to contradict me."

Seeing that her granddaughter seemed to expect her to justify her words, she went on, speaking gently:

"Do you remember Maria da Luz, the college friend who brought you flowers every Sunday? Well, when the doctor declared confidentially that your physical cure could not be expected, Arnold, though deeply grieved, began to involve her in different mental vibrations. And now that you are here, they won't take long before coming to an agreement."

"Oh, grandmother! How Awful!"

"Why awful? You must become accustomed to considering other people's needs. Your ex-fiancée is an ordinary man, still unable to appreciate the sublime beauty of spiritual love. However great your love may be, you can't work miracles in him. Every creature holds the exclusive privilege of discovering his own self. Arnold will, one day, know the beauty of your idealism, but for the present he must be left to live through these necessary experiences."

"I simply can't get over it! Maria da Luz, whom I always considered a most faithful friend…"

Laura smiled and advised wisely:

"Won't it be better to entrust him to a friend? Maria da Luz will always be your spiritual friend, whereas another woman might, later, render the entrance to his heart difficult for your."

Heloisa started sobbing again. I felt greatly puzzled. The kind lady, sensing my perplexity, and eager to help me as well as her granddaughter, explained:

"I know the cause of your tears, little one, they are the result of centuries of selfishness and undying vanity. But remember that Grandma's words aren't meant to hurt you, but to open your eyes."

While Heloisa continued weeping, Laura invited me to go back to the living room, remarking that the patient needed her rest. We sat down to await the others' return, and Laura confided in a soft voice:

"My granddaughter arrived here extremely tired. She let her heart get entangled in the web of self-esteem. In fact, she should have been sent to one of our hospitals, but Assistant Couceiro thought that the home atmosphere and our loving care would be advisable in her case. I must say I was pleased at his decision, as my dear Thereza, her mother, will soon be here. A little patience and everything will come out right. It's just a question of time and serenity."

Chapter 20 NOTIONS ABOUT THE HOME

Eager to learn as much as possible from my well-informed hostess, I asked curiously:

"With so much to do at home, do you still go out to work?

"I certainly do. We live in a colony of transition, which has as its main purpose apprenticeship and work. Here feminine souls are assigned numerous tasks, in preparation for their return to the planet or their ascent to higher spheres."

"But is domestic organization in the Astral City similar to that on Earth?"

"It's the Earthly home which has, for so long, been trying to imitate our domestic institution. Married couples there, with rare exceptions, are still weeding the soil of their feelings, overrun with the bitter herbs of pride and infested with the parasites of jealousy and selfishness. The last time I returned from the planet I arrived here, as is natural, beset by deep illusions. But it happened that during my crisis of wounded pride, I was taken to a lecture given by a great instructor from the Ministry of Elucidation. Since that day, a new current of ideas has penetrated my mind."

"Could you tell me something of the lessons you received?"

The lecturer," she continued, "a great mathematician, made us realize that, on the plane of spiritual evolution, the home my be compared to a right angle. The vertical line is the feminine sentiment, always gravitating towards the creative inspirations of life. The horizontal line is the masculine mentality, always striving for achievements towards the common progress. The home is the sacred summit, the converging point where man and woman meet to bring about an essential understanding. It is the temple where creatures should reach for a spiritual communion, rather than bodily union.

"At present there are a great many people on Earth versed in social questions, who advocate various measures and call for a regeneration of domestic life. Some go so far as to state that the family institution is threatened. We must remember that the home is a sublime conquest which mankind is slowly achieving. But can one find, on Earth, the real family structure where all rights and duties are legitimately shared?

"Most earthly couples pass these sacred hours together in an environment of indifference and cruel selfishness. When the husband appears calm, the wife gives herself up to crises of despair; When the wife keeps humbly silent, her husband tyrannizes her. Neither does the wife attempt to encourage her husband along the horizontal line of his temporal fulfillment, nor does he try to follow his companion in her divine flights of tenderness and sentiment towards the higher planes o Creation. In their social contacts, both wear masks, but in the privacy of their home they strip them off, sadly exposing their lack of mutual understanding.

"As a rule, when one of them comments on his or her respective activities, the other's attention promptly strays far from the subject. When the wife discusses the children, the husband mentally turns his thoughts to his work. When the latter relates some business difficulty, the former's thoughts drift to the dressmaker's fitting room. In these circumstances, it's obvious that the divine angle is far from being properly traced. Two diverging lines are endeavoring in vain to form the sublime vertex, to ascend one more step up the glorious stairway leading to eternal life."

This new aspect of the responsibility of marriage ties struck deep into my spirit. Highly impressed, I exclaimed:

"What a multitude of thoughts this explanations is arousing in me! If we only knew all this while still on Earth!"

"A mere question of experience, my friend," she replied, "suffering and tribulations will slowly teach mankind these unavoidable lessons. At present, few realize that the home is a divine institution, within which one must live with all one's heart and soul. It's often said that all creatures are beautiful when truly in love. Indeed, this is true. During the enchanting period of betrothal, plain creatures display their most charming traits. Any subject seems enchanting even in the most frivolous conversation. Man and woman meet, radiating the full measure of their sublime forces. But when they enter wedlock, many rend the veil of desire and fall back under the influence of the old monsters that tyrannize weak hearts. Gone is all tolerance, and sometimes even brotherly cooperation. The luminous beauty of love gradually dies out, and the couple begins to drift apart, avoiding each other's company, losing the joy of friendly conversation. Henceforth, the well educated ones respect each other, while the ill-bred ones outwardly manifest their mutual animosity. They don't try to come to a conciliatory understanding; questions and answers are formulated in dry phrases. Physical intercourse may still be carried on, but the minds are already divorced and following opposite directions."

"How true your words are!" I cried out with feeling.

"But what can we do, my friend?" my kind hostess continued, "In the present phase of the planet's evolution, unions between twin souls are rare, and marriages of kindred or even sympathetic souls are tremendously outweighed by a remarkable percentage of 'probation ties'. Most human couples are made up, so to speak, of handcuffed prisoners." Endeavoring  to follow the trend of ideas suggested by my initial question, Lysias' mother continued:

"Feminine souls do not remain inactive here. They are trained to become worthy mothers, wives, sisters, missionaries. The woman's task in the home cannot be confined to a few idle tears of pity and many years of servitude. Of course, today's rash feminist movement is a grievous offense to the true attributes of the feminine spirit. Women aren't meant to set themselves up as rivals to men in offices, an in the different professions and business departments, which are adequate fields for masculine activities. Nevertheless, we are taught here in our colony that there are many dignifying tasks outside the home which are compatible with the feminine sensibility, including nursing, teaching, textile manufacturing, communications, and all kinds of occupations which require patience. Man should learn to endow the domestic circle with the fruit of his experiences, while woman should lighten the burden of man's hard work giving the home her sweetness and an inspiring atmosphere. Within the family circle, inspiration, outside it, activity. You can't have one without the other. How could a river feed its flow if it were not for the source? On the other hand, how could the water of the source flow on without the river bed?"

I couldn't help smiling at that question. After a prolonged pause, Laura resumed the conversation:

"Whenever the Ministry of Assistance entrusts children to my care here in my house, my working hours are counted as doubled. That will give you an idea of the importance of the task of motherhood on Earth. However, when I am not thus occupied at home, I have my daily tasks in the Nursing Department. Apart from my granddaughter, who is still recovering, there are no members of our family at leisure; they are all engaged in worthy activities. Eight hours of work per day is an easy program for anyone. I should feel ashamed if I didn't do my part."

As she fell silent for a few moments, my thoughts ran on the same interesting topic....

June 30th, 2002 will be remembered not only as the day Brazil conquered its 5th World Cup championship but also as the day Francisco Candido Xavier left the terrestrial plane to join the spirit world. Born in 1910, the medium was responsible for channeling almost 500 books from hundreds of authors as well as writing thousands of letters from the deceased. The message published in the British newspaper The Guardian gives us an idea of his importance not only for the Spiritist (and Spiritualist) movement but also for the Brazilian society as a whole.

In our next issue we will discuss the medium, his missions and his commitment to the Spiritist Doctrine's precepts in more detail.

GEAE Editors.
 
 

CHICO XAVIER
Brazil's leading medium, his many books were dictated by the dead

Alex Bellos
Guardian

Thursday July 11, 2002
 

On the day last month that the Brazilian football team won its fifth World Cup, one of the country's most famous religious leaders, Chico Xavier, died aged 92, of heart problems. Xavier had prophesied that he would die on a "day of celebration", so that the immense grief would be lessened by national happiness.

His prediction had been taken seriously. Xavier was Brazil's most respected medium, a position of great moral authority in a country where an estimated 20 million people believe in spiritism - a type of Catholicism based on telepathic communication with souls of the dead. Brazil has the world's largest spiritist population, and, in a career spanning 75 years, Xavier became its most important figure.

The information he communicated from beyond the grave was often regarded as fact. Once, in 1979, a man accused of murdering his best friend was set free because the judge accepted a witness statement from the dead friend which he had communicated telepathically via Xavier. The victim, said his friend, was innocent; he went on to reveal the identity of the real murderer.

Xavier was born into a poor family of nine brothers and sisters, in the suburbs of Belo Horizonte. By the age of four, he was hearing voices and having visions. His family thought he was possessed by the devil, and the local priest ordered him to say a thousand Ave-Marias, and to pay an additional penance of walking with a 15kg stone on his head.

But the voices continued and, as a teenager, Xavier began to study the teachings of Allan Kardec, a Frenchman whose spiritist ideas had already taken hold in Brazil. Xavier dedicated his life to using his aptitude as a medium to bring comfort to as many people as possible.

Even though barely educated, he published more than 400 books - the spirits of dead people dictated the texts to him telepathically. Poetry From Beyond The Grave (1932), for example, contained 259 poems revealed to Xavier by 56 dead Brazilian poets, including some famous ones.

Several people tried to prove he was a fraud, but no one succeeded. The widow of one of the poets even tried to sue him for royalties, but the court ruled in Xavier's favour, judging that "the [poet] is dead, and the dead have no rights."

The final word on the matter was given by the highbrow newspaper Estado de São Paulo. It observed that if the poems were not actually written by the dead poets, then, at the very least, Xavier should be sitting in the Brazilian academy of letters.

Even though the content of most of his other books was religious, Xavier also transcribed from the spirit world novels and works of philosophy and science. His books sold an estimated 25 million copies, the profits of which were all channelled into charity work. As a fingerprint expert with the Brazilian agriculture ministry, Xavier lived on meagre wages before drawing his state pension.

In 1959, he moved to the city of Uberaba, where he gave public telepathy sessions. His home became a pilgrimage site, and hundreds of thousands of Brazilians visited him, hoping to speak to someone in the spirit world. Celebrities often dropped in to see the medium, who always looked distinctive, with thick-lens glasses and a cap. He never charged for attending on the public. In 1981 and 1982, he was nominated for the Nobel peace prize. In recent years, Xavier's health began to deteriorate, although he never gave up meeting those who had travelled to see him. Among those who paid tribute to him were the Brazilian president and Islamic, Jewish and Christian religious leaders. For the two days of his wake, about 2,500 people an hour passed by his coffin.

Xavier's spiritual guide - his link with the spirit world - was called Emmanuel. According to the medium's writings, in Roman times Emmanuel had been Senator Publius Sentulus; he had been reincarnated in Spain as Father Damian, and later as a professor at the Sorbonne. Spiritists believe that Emmanuel is already being reincarnated into another Brazilian, to continue the spiritist mission.

· Francisco "Chico" de Paula Candido Xavier, medium, born April 2 1910; died June 30 2002
 
 

On March 31, 1848, in a tiny, wooden cottage at Hydesville in a remote part of New York State, the two Fox sisters broke the veil and communicated with Spirit. Now, NSAC President, the Rev. Barbara Thurman has announced that a topographic map and the first stage plans for the development of the site where Modern Spiritualism was born, have been presented to the NSAC Board.

The plan was presented at the Spring meeting of the NSAC Board in Lily Dale by Terry De Vries of Triangle Design and Drafting. "The plans delineate the remains of the Fox cottage foundation, a parking area, and the placement of the Cadwallader monument and the Drummond graves, as well as pathways and benches," said Mrs. Thurman. "The remains of the Fox cottage foundation wall will require special consideration for its preservation. At this time an acrylic cover for the remains will be designed to protect this original part of the cottage."

The Cadwallader monument has become an historical artefact. The monument erected on the site December 15, 1927 by Mrs. Mercy Cadwallader, editor and publisher of "The Progressive Thinker" in Chicago. Simply, it told the story: The birthplace of Modern Spiritualism. upon this site stood the Hydesville Cottage, the home of the Fox sisters through whosre mediumship communication with the Spirit World was established March 31, 1948. There is no death, there are no dead.

After the monument suffered some abuse, it was removed to the Mississippi Valley Spiritualist Association Camp at Clinton, Iowa for safekeeping, and is being returned to Hydesville. The Rev. Cosie Allen is proposing the placement of an additional monument with the wording: "Dedicated to all Spiritualists past, present and future who came Home March 31, 1998. National Spiritualist Association of Churches."

The site was acquired by NSAC on March 31, 1998 -- the 150th Anniversary of Modern Spiritualism. "Much has taken place since the time of that acquisition," says the NSAC President. The property was cleared of vegetation, but some of the large trees were left in place. The property was seeded with grass last year, and this has created a lovely park-like environment of trees and lawn.

From:

NEWS FROM NSAC
The National Spiritualist Association of Churches
Edition: 34 -- Friday, July 12th 2002
Events in Modern Spiritualism, at home and around the world.
 
 

The International Survivalist Society was founded last April to desseminate scientific proof of survival after death. For those interested in the latest events in research the Society's website presents a wealth of topics through letters, articles, tapes, photographs and documents. It also presents a newsletter for subscribers on the latest developments in survival research. The website is http://www.survivalafterdeath.org/home.htm. Even as we write this, we have just received word there is a new article on The Scole Experiment posted on the website, and if you want to see some interesting photographs of Katie King in spirit go to http://www.survivalafterdeath.org/photographs.htm.

From:
NEWS FROM NSAC
The National Spiritualist Association of Churches
Edition: 34 -- Friday, July 12th 2002
Events in Modern Spiritualism, at home and around the world.
 
 

The internet is an excellent opportunity to let others know about our belief. So, I am asking those who are our readers, if they are on the internet, can they pass the word about Spiritism?

When I visit a website that expresses similar beliefs as ours (i.e. communication with the spirit world, reincarnation, etc.)  I always introduce myself and ask them if they have heard of Spiritism codified by Allan Kardec. I also send them the principle Spiritist beliefs. The groups I have contacted have always responded politely. Some have asked further questions. For example, I contacted Beliefnet.com and they said they would research our belief and consider putting it on their website. As you may know, this is a popular website which describes many, many religious beliefs, including New Age beliefs. This website has been cited numerous times in newspapers and magazines across the country. Other sites have put me on their "emailing news list" and some organizations who have websites have asked for additional material and invited us to speak at their meetings.

Spiritist books are not in most book stores. We must get the word out as we can!!

Thanks - Yvonne

Edited by Yvonne Limoges
5042 22 Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL  33710
Email: Este endereço de email está sendo protegido de spambots. Você precisa do JavaScript ativado para vê-lo.

The Spiritist Society of Florida

To all Spiritist Friends

We would like to announce the address of the  web site of the first Spiritist group of Denmark. (GEEAK - The Allan Kardec Spiritist Group).

GEEAK Denmark
Att. Silas Villas-Boas
Skovsvinget 02
DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby
Denmark
Phone: +45 4084 8700
http://www.geeak-dk.org

"Only love can drive us from perturbation to harmony, from darkness to the light."

Emmanuel
 
 

The conqueror of bloody glories spreads terror and wreckage wherever he goes.
The astute politician sows seeds of distrust and doubts.
The unfair judge awakens destructive fears.
The rebel spreads clouds of subtle poison.
The blasphemer injects evil dispositions in the listeners, provoking pernicious chatter.
The slanderer extends threads of darkness on their paths.
The lazy person dulls the energies of those he encounters, injecting deadening energies in them.
The liar causes disturbances and insecurity along his own steps.
The joker inspires and encourages hilarious tales, simply by his presence.
All of us through our thoughts, words, and actions, create a distinct atmosphere that identifies us in
the eyes of others.

Simon Peter, who had accepted the Christ and consecrated himself to Him, had the sufferers and the sick seeking for his shadow for they found in it a special hope and relief, comfort and happiness. Examine the topics and the attitudes that your presence awakens in people. With careful observation you will discover the quality of your shadow, and if you are interest in acquiring the illuminative values with Jesus, it will be easy for you to find, your deficiencies and to correct them.

(Emmanuel - Our Daily Bread)

Extracted from the book FRATERNAL MEETING KNOW THYSELF. Translated by: Elza D’Agosto, J. Korngold and M. Levinson. From the original Portuguese version of Professor Rodriguez Ferreira. Centro Espírita Vicente de Paulo- Mirassol- SP, Brazil.

SPIRIT WORD THE ASTRAL CITY - "Nosso Lar"

A story of a doctor's odyssey in the Spirit World By Andre Luiz, through Francisco C. Xavier

(Translated from the 25th Portuguese edition entitled "Nosso Lar". First Portuguese edition published in 1944 by Federação Espírita Brasileira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.)

Chapter 21 INTERESTING CONVERSATION

"Your words, Laura, arouse many questions. If you will pardon my curiosity...."

"Please don't say that," she answered kindly, "go on asking. Although I am not in a condition to teach, I can always inform...."

We both laughed at her remark, and then I inquired: "What about the problem of private property in the Colony? Does this house, for instance, belong to you?"

She smiled as she answered:

"Private property is relative here just as it is on Earth. Our acquisitions are made on the basis of working hours. The "hour-bonus" is, so to speak, our money. It is earned by our own effort and devotion, and may be exchanged for any commodity. The buildings, in general, represent common patrimony under government control. However, each spirit family may obtain a dwelling house (never more than one) on the presentation of thirty-thousand hour-bonus, which may be obtained during a certain period of work.

My husband, who arrived here long before me, acquired our house through his persevering efforts. We were physically separated for eighteen years, though we remained united spiritually. Richard, however, didn't remain inactive. As soon as he was brought to the Astral City, after a period of extreme perturbation, he realized the necessity of active work, and set out to prepare our future home. When I arrived, we settled together in the house for which he had so lovingly labored, and we were truly happy. My husband then set out to teach me all that he had learned.

On Earth I was left a widow when I was still very young. With the heavy responsibility of several children to raise, my struggle was intense. Working incessantly, I gave my little ones the best education I could, although they, too, had to become accustomed to hard work at an early age. I understood later that strenuous life had sheltered me against many dangerous temptations, sparing me much suffering and anguish in the Lower Zone. Physical fatigue and a healthy occupation on the material plane are valuable means of protection and ascension for the soul.

Meeting Richard again and resuming our loving union in a new home made me feel as if I were in heaven. For many years we led a life on undisturbed bliss, growing closer and closer to each other, and working, not only for our own evolution, but also cooperating constructively for the progress of others. After some time Lysias, Yolanda and Judith came to join us, thus increasing our happiness."

After a short pause, during which she seemed wrapped in thought, she proceeded in a more serious tone:

"The Earth awaits us, however. Though the present is joyful, the past demands restitution in order for the future to be in harmony with the Eternal Law. We can't pay our debts to the Earth with hour-bonus; we have to do it with the sweat of our brow in the fulfillment of its work. Because of our good will, our psychic visions are becoming clearer about our grievous past. The Eternal Law with its unfailing rhythm renders our return to the planet an absolute necessity."

These elucidations impressed me deeply. It was the first time since my arrival in the Colony that I had heard such forceful references to the subject of former lives.

"Laura," I exclaimed; "pardon me for interrupting, but I really am curious to know why, to this point, I haven't found out anything about my spiritual past. Am I free from physical bonds? Haven't I crossed the river of death? Did you remember your former existences soon after your arrival here, or did you have to wait for the action of time?"

"I certainly had to wait." She replied with a smile. "First you must rid yourself of all physical impressions. The scales of inferiority are extremely thick, and you must have a good mental balance to be able to recollect constructively. As a rule, we all have made clamorous errors in the cycles of eternal life. He who keeps the memory of a crime committed considers himself the unhappiest creature of the universe. On the other hand, he who remembers having been a victim thinks his misfortune is the greatest. So only souls who are sure of themselves are endowed with such a gift as the power of spontaneous recollection. Others are duly limited in their reminiscences, and if they attempt to break this rule, they may incur spiritual imbalance and insanity."

"But did you remember your past in the natural course of things?"

"I'll tell your," she went on patiently, "As my inner vision became gradually clearer, vague recollections began stirring in the depths of my mind, causing me great mental anguish. It happened that my husband also shared my spiritual condition, so we decided to consult Assistant Longbard. After having examined our impressions thoroughly, he sent us to the magnetizers in the Ministry of Elucidation. We were kindly received, and were taken to the Recording Department, where we all have our private files. Specialists of that Ministry advised us to spend all the time we could spare from our work for two years there, reading our own memoirs which spanned three centuries. The director of the Recollection Service wouldn't allow us to go back beyond that time because the remembrance of those distant epochs would be too much for us."

"And were the memoirs enough to help you remember your past?"

"No, the reading gave us only facts. After a long period of meditation meant to arouse our own inner realization, we were submitted, to our great surprise, to a series of psychic treatments geared at penetrating deeply into the emotional field of our recollections. Specialists in the subject applied magnetic passes [6] over our brains, arousing certain latent forces in us. Only then could Richard and I fully remember over three hundred years and realize how heavy our debts to earthly organizations still were."

[6] - Magnetic passes is a method by which an operator using both hands, rhythmically applies stroking movements, slightly away from the body, to manipulate the subject’s magnetic field. (Translator’s note).
 

Chapter 22 THE HOUR BONUS

Perceiving that a sad expression had veiled Laura's face at the mention of her husband, I changed the course of our conversation by inquiring: "What about the hour-bonus?" Is it some kind of currency?" My hostess' vague expression vanished, and she replied graciously:

"It isn't exactly money – it's more of an individual service coupon with acquisitive value."

"Acquisitive?" I asked wonderingly.

"Why not?" she continued, "Here in the Astral City the production of food and clothing belongs to the community. The Government House runs distribution departments from which these commodities are sent to the different Ministries. The central storehouse is common property.

"Everyone cooperates for the prosperity of the public welfare, as we all depend on it for our sustenance. However, those who work are granted certain privileges according to their merits. Each of the City's inhabitants receives the strictly essential provision of food and clothing, but those who earn hour-bonus are entitled to certain prerogatives in the community.

"The entity who cannot work may find shelter here, but only those who cooperate for the Colony's welfare may own their own private home. The idle will be provided with the essential clothing, but devoted workers will be able to satisfy their taste in dress. You see, inactive entities may, through the influence of friends, be lodged in our rest-homes or hospital-parks; however, only hard-working spirits who strive to gain hour-bonuses may enjoy the company of those they love, and attend places of entertainment and the different schools existing in all the ministries where precious teachings are delivered by wise instructors.

"It is necessary for us to learn the price of each improvement in the scale of spiritual ascent. All of us on the working staff of the colony must contribute at least eight hours of useful service per day. But there is so much to be done in the different sectors that the Government House allows those who are really willing to cooperate to put in four extra hours a day. Thus, many people earn as much as seventy two hour-bonuses a week, not counting those earned in sacrificial missions when remuneration is doubled and sometimes tripled."

"But is the hour-bonus the only standard of remuneration?"

"Yes, it is the only one we have here, and it is applied to all workers in the Astral City, in both high and low positions."

Recalling earthly organizations, I inquired curiously:

"But how can you reconcile the payment with the nature of the work? If a minister, for instance, receives eight hour-bonuses in an ordinary day, what will a driver receive? The same compensation? Isn't the former work of a higher nature than the latter's?"

My hostess smiled at my question and explained:

"It all depends. In positions of responsibility as well as in humble ones, if the work requires self-sacrifice and abnegation, the corresponding remuneration is properly calculated. However, to give a more thoughtful answer to your question, it's first necessary to discard certain earthly prejudices altogether. The nature of work is a problem of the utmost importance, but only on Earth does its solution present such great difficulties.

"Most incarnate men are still trying their first steps in the spirit of service and learning simple, elementary lessons in the performance of their missions in the different walks of life. It's essential that earthly remunerations be fixed with scrupulous care. All material earnings are but transitory acquisitions. Yet we often see people obsessed by profit, who, on passing over, leave enormous fortunes to be recklessly dissipated by their heirs. Others accumulate bank accounts that become the cause of endless worries to themselves and a source of discord in their families.

"On the other hand, we must keep in view the fact that seventy percent of the earthly executives are still far from being conscious of the moral responsibilities inherent to their positions, and that the same may be said of an approximately equal percentage of those toiling under their direction. The majority of them spend their lives pleading lack of professional enthusiasm, yet it would never enter their heads to doubt their right to the remunerations corresponding to the positions they so inadequately hold."

Governments and firms employ doctors, who neglect their sacred duty, turning to other channels of activity instead. Workmen pride themselves in wasting the time for which they are paid. Where is the quality of work? In all sectors of public life, in both high and low positions, one finds experts who have never fully realized the responsibility of their obligations, and who, like poisonous flies on bread, avail themselves of magnanimous laws to claim all sorts of facilities, bonuses, and pensions. You may be sure, however, that they will pay a bitter price for their carelessness. The time seems to be still distant when the Earth's social institutions will be able to evaluate the quality of man's work, but in the higher spirit plane, work is never assessed without taking into consideration the moral effort exerted."

These words awakened a new train of thoughts in my mind. Seeing how interested I was in the subject, Laura continued to speak:

"The real profit must be of a spiritual nature, and in our organization the actual value of the hour-bonus varies according to the nature of the work performed. Thus, in the Ministry of Regeneration we have the Regeneration hour-bonus, in the Ministry of Elucidation we have the Elucidation hour-bonus, and so on. Spiritual merit is always taken into account, so our individual service files specify the essence of our work.

"Fundamental acquisitions include experience and education, an increase in divine blessing, and the extension of opportunities. According to that point of view, assiduity and abnegation are by far the most important factors. As a rule, most of us in this Colony of transition go through a time of preparation for our return to the Earth. Hence, it's obvious that a man who devoted five thousand hours to redeeming tasks should have achieved a great measure of sublime effort on his own behalf; one who worked six thousand hours in the Ministry of Elucidation will have become wiser. We may spend our bonuses as we please; however, our individual file with its record of the time we spend in useful service, is still a more valuable asset to us, as it entitles us to all sorts of privileges."

My curiosity seemed to know no bounds as I continued to ask questions on the subject:

"May we spend hour-bonuses on behalf of friends?"

"Certainly," she answered, "we may share the fruit of our efforts with whomever we please. It's every faithful worker's inalienable right. Thousands and thousands of people here in the Astral City have benefited from the fruits of friendship and brotherly devotion.

Lysias' mother smiled as she continued her observations:

"The longer our period of useful service, the greater the number of intercessions we are allowed. Here, we cannot help realizing that everything has its price, and that in order to receive we must give. Asking, therefore, is a most significant thread in the fabric of our lives, for only those who have attained a certain spiritual status are in the position to ask favors and dispense help."

"And what about inheritance?" I inquired abruptly.

"It's a simple matter here," she replied with a smile, "For instance, in my own case, the time is drawing near when I shall have to return to the physical sphere. Well, I possess at the present moment in my service account, three thousand Assistance hour-bonuses. I may not leave them to my daughter who is about to arrive, as they will have to revert to the community. The only thing my family will inherit is the home. However, my service record entitles me to intercede on her behalf, procuring work and friendly cooperation for her, and precious assistance for myself from our colony's organizations during my stay on the physical sphere. Besides, I shall return to Earth endowed with a higher degree of experience, acquired during my years of cooperation in the Ministry of Assistance, which should contribute to the hoped-for success of my new human existence."

I was about to express my admiration for the simple process of earning, profiting, cooperating and serving, in comparison with the prevailing principles on Earth, when I heard the low murmur of voices approaching the house. Before I could make my remark, Laura declared:

"Here are our dear ones back."

And she went to welcome them.
  

Truth cannot afford to be tolerant where it faces positive evil.

In our desire for eternal life we pray for an eternity of our habit and comfort, forgetting that immortality is in repeatedly transcending the definite forms of life in order to pursue the infinite truth of life.

This October we commemorate GEAE's 10th Anniversary and there are many reasons to commemorate. In the beginning of October GEAE launched its new page with improved graphical resources and a new distribution system.

GEAE also added two new editors into the Spanish and English sections of the website:  Edgar Crespo, who is the Director of the Spiritist Society of Florida and his daughter Yvonne Limoges, who is the coordinator of the organization and the editor for its newsletter. Both have been collaborators of GEAE and Spiritist enthusiasts for many years. Yvonne and Edgar have been a welcome addition to GEAE and they surely show the growth of GEAE towards better fulfilling its main mission, which is to provide quality Spiritist information.

Happy Anniversary to GEAE!

Let the light of the Spirits Benefactors illuminate all of us in our journey.

GEAE Editors.

Dear GEAE Readers,

We would like to express very warm congratulations to GEAE on its 10th Year Anniversary! This website has provided, and continues to provide its readers, with Spiritist news from around the world, interesting and educational articles, a Spiritist exchange forum, and all of which supplies a tremendous service for the discussion, study, and dissemination of Spiritism!  GEAE has done a tremendous job!

And it is at this momentous time, we would like to graciously thank GEAE, for their invitation for us to join their Editorial Board. We are both very honored to be a part of GEAE and we hope our contributions will be of value, to you the readers, and for the continued success of this website.

To give a little background about ourselves, Ed Crespo and I, are the founders of The Spiritist Society of Florida, in St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.A. My father is the Director and I am the editor of our newsletter. Our Spiritist center is also celebrating, it is our 20th Year Anniversary! We invite anyone who may be in our area to attend our center which holds services the last Sunday of each month, except in the month of December. In addition, we both were raised as Spiritists, my father has been studying and practicing Spiritism for over 50 years, and for myself over 30 years, if we don´t count when we were children. Besides the activities of our center, we have been active in translating Spiritist literature from Portuguese and Spanish into English over many years. Belief in Spiritism has been long in our family, my Great, Great Grandfather was arrested three times by the Spanish government for practicing Spiritism!  But, with God's blessings, he continued his works.

The spread of this beautiful Doctrine, with its compilation of the natural laws which govern the invisible world and the material world, with its serious and profound religious and philosophic ramifications, has been our life´s work: in its investigation, in its study, and in striving to put it into practice. Now, we appreciate the opportunity, and we look forward with great joy, to our new partnership with GEAE, which we feel will enhance our sincere endeavors.

May God bless all who work in the wonderful field of Spiritism!

Fraternally and Sincerely,
Yvonne Limoges and Ed Crespo
 
 

Our Society is extremely pleased to announce that The Advanced Study Group of Spiritism website at: www.geae.inf.br/en/  will have (as we edit and send them each chapter) the entire book of The Memoirs of Father Germain by Amalia Domingo Soler, translated from Spanish into English by our Director, Ed Crespo. The author of the book, Miss Soler, was a very famous Spiritist in Spain and her books are considered classics. Anyone will be able to read, access, and print the book for the first time in English. We would especially like to thank, Antonio Leite, from the Advanced Study Group, for acting as liaison and specifically working with us on this important project. Also, Ademir has done a beautiful job of putting the book on the site. In addition, we were very pleased to meet with one of the founders of their website, Jose Cid  from Brazil, who visited us here in St. Petersburg recently.

In addition, their Study Group invited our Director Ed Crespo and myself, to be on their Editorial Board. We were very honored to be asked and we have graciously accepted. The website has new articles each month relating to Spiritism, in three languages: Portuguese, Spanish, and English. We are very proud to be affiliated with such a wonderful forum for the study of Spiritism.

Yvonne Limoges
 
 

Hello people,

I have been a subscriber of this group for some months. Unfortunately there is never a message here. I also attend another group about
Spiritism. We have good threads and interesting topics.

If you want to subscribe, please send an e-mail to Este endereço de email está sendo protegido de spambots. Você precisa do JavaScript ativado para vê-lo.

Maurizio
 
 

By Antonio Leite & Renan Lacerda

 As we celebrate GEAE’s 10th Anniversary we would like to take advantage of this opportunity to make an inquiry regarding the first steps taken in establishing the Spiritist Movement in the United States of America.

 Among the information we found in regard to this matter we would like to describe what the Brazilian journalist Marcel Souto Maior writes in the book The Lives of Chico Xavier. (As Vidas de Chico Xavier): 1

 Before doing so, we would like to say that those might not be the only pieces of information related to the beginning of the Spiritist Movement in America. Our intent is actually to bring as much information as possible in this matter that we repute as very important for those who are engaged in this blessed task of spreading the teachings of Spiritism according to Allan Kardec throughout this country. Therefore, we will be glad to make available at GEAE’s page all the information regarding this subject that will be sent to us.

 Within the Chapter VIII of the above book, which has the title: The Dead are Alive (Os Mortos Estão Vivos), the following is written: 2

 "In May of 1965, the two (Chico Xavier and Waldo Vieira) had embarked for the United States. It was already time to introduce Spiritism to the Americans. Followed by two friends, Maria Aparecida Pimental and Irineu Alves, they had arrived in Washington on the afternoon of Saturday, May 22nd. In the following day they had visited a Spíritualist Temple in the city to thank the spiritual plane for the possibility of the trip. Without advanced warning, they headed to the Church of Two Worlds, which was directed by the medium Gordon Burrouhgs. It was 3:00 PM. They had sat down in the last row of seats and had remained in silence, following prayers, chants and commentaries on the doctrine. Nobody who was present knew them.

At the end of the meeting, one lady indicated the four "brothers of another country" present at the meeting and spoke about their task in the United States, which was to bring spiritual renewal and to stimulate a fraternal approach between the two nations. Promptly thereafter, in trance, she announced the presence of a "teacher" and a “doctor" close to the Brazilian visitors. Chico and Waldo were already aware of the presence of the spirits of Emmanuel and André Luiz.

In July, Waldo Vieira wrote a text message in the paper signed by the “doctor”: "Basic points for the spíritist in a trip". It was a guideline for the followers of the Spiritist Doctrine who would travel abroad for the first time. The advices, signed by André Luiz, seemed to have been written by Chico Xavier. These guidelines directed that the word foreign must be scratched from the dictionary. "The children of other homelands must be treated as true brothers". Besides prejudicial comparisons which would cause humiliation, it was necessary to refrain from being boastful, to be discreet and humble, to prevent from critique, quarrels, anecdotes and aphorisms of bad taste. In order to be more useful, one would have to study the language and the customs of the country that he or she visited.

For the quartet, there was much work to be done. Allan Kardec was an illustrious stranger (unknown) in the United States, even among the spiritualists. They accepted reincarnation, believed in spiritualistic phenomena such as materializations, but they were still unaware of the gospel 3 codified by the Frenchman in the previous century. Chico and Waldo then turned their attention to the second part of the plan: to establish a Spiritist Center. 4 They had already contacted a person in Washington: Salim Salomão Haddad and his wife, Phyllis. 5 The couple had known Chico Xavier in Pedro Leopoldo  (Brazil), 6 since 1956.

Chico chose the Turkish Salim, who spoke seven languages, to be the president of the Spiritist Center, which was named the Christian Spiritist Center. The address for the Center would be Salim and Phyllis’ house. For three weeks, the Brazilian visitor (Chico Xavier) was a guest there. As usual, he worked and he studied compulsively. In the morning he would be taught English by the couple’s oldest son. During the afternoons, Mrs. Haddad would be the English teacher and in the evening it was Salim Haddad who instructed him. For fifteen days Chico was able to learn what few would be able to learn in one year.

The pupil was a phenomenon, but according to his professors he didn’t have the required skills to write the texts, which in a few minutes was placed in the paper with the signature of a certain Ernest O'Brien. The English words flowed from his hand hastily, astounding even the Americans and left Mrs. Phyllis amazed. One of the articles, titled "Family", soon began with a description of the first impressions of the afterlife:

“Tremendous surprise takes place in our mind at the moment of death. Contrary to our own former opinions we are alive. The body came back to the inorganic Kingdom as subject of universal change and we recognize that death is rebirth.”

Waldo Vieira was not left behind and also would present texts signed by O'Brien:

“On what basis shall we localize the problem of death? Of course, there is no death. Life itself demands death as a rebirth.”

Suicide would be a pure loss of time. Life is inevitable.

Between a lesson and a "message", Chico Xavier would write books and he would occasionally take a walk with the hosts throughout the city. Mrs. Phyllis remembered two phrases of Chico during the sojourn:

“We must forgive seventy by seven times daily.”
“And a lot more patience every day.”

After Washington, they traveled to New York City. There, Chico met the doctor Eurípides Tahan, the companion of Maria Olina in the Sheila Spiritist Center. Tahan was studying for his MD in research for liver transplant and stimulated by Chico, both enrolled for an English course. For three weeks the mineiro7 of Pedro Leopoldo participated in the course. The teacher was impressed with Chico’s ability towards learning the English language.

At the end of one of the classes, a young man from Nicaragua approached Chico and Eurípedes and uttered in relief: he was facing problems with his wife and needed help. That same night, Chico decided to visit his house. The doctor followed him and was astounded by his behavior in the house of the Nicaraguan. Right after arriving in the man’s house he started talking with his wife in fluent Spanish. The conversation lasted for forty minutes. Chico seemed to be another person. When they left the house Chico explained to him: "It was her grandmother helping her and giving her advice..."

Afterwards, Chico and Waldo had left the United States and landed in France. Chico, indeed, embarked on a quest to visit Allan Kardec’s tomb, which is located in the Père la Chaise’s cemetery. There he prayed and wept. Before returning to Brazil, they had passed by Lisbon, where they left written texts in Portuguese. In one of them, signed by Emmanuel, 8 the following warning was issued.

“Let us take care of charity that suppresses the sufferings of the flesh, but do not diminish the aid to the necessities of the soul. Let us divulge the light of the Spíritist Doctrine.9 Let us assist our neighbor in helping him to discern and to think.”

 Chico would repeat the words of Christ:

“Learn the truth and it will set you free.”

 Emmanuel would complete with a firm statement:

“Free to be happy in our obligations and to be more responsible before God.”

 In this first trip, Chico and Waldo had launched the seeds of the Doctrine codified by Allan Kardec (Spiritism) abroad. In the following year, they would return to the United States in order to look after the plantation.

Chico Xavier has initiated this trip with the aim of taking an important step in the goal of disseminating the teachings of the Spiritist Doctrine in the United States and other countries abroad by launching the English version of one of his books: Ideal Espírita. To attract more readers, the book was translated into English with the title: The World of the Spirits and reached the stores with the label of the respected Philosophical Library. Chico was very excited and the trip was a success. Mrs. Phyllis Haddad had contributed to intensify the spiritist author’s optimism. Inspired she proved to be in tune with the beyond and touched in one of the most sensible points of Chico: she wrote in a paper a message signed by a certain Maria João de Deus. 10

The trip would be profitable. Books such as Christian Agenda and Our Home (The Astral City) 11 would be translated into English, Japanese and Czech. The Spiritist Doctrine would start cradling in the United States. A Spiritist Center named Centro de Sheilla would be inaugurated in Miami, besides two others Spiritist Centers. New York would soon host three spiritist centers, California would host two others and Philadelphia another one in the next thirty years.12 Statistically, it was not an exciting achievement. “The World of the Spirits" would sell 216 issues in the first year. Chico was happy and thought it was excellent, though."

As a result of this trip, Francisco Cândido Xavier and Waldo Vieira published a fascinating book in 1966: Entre Irmãos de Outras Terras (Between Brothers of Other Lands).13

The second part of the book is comprised of a number of messages that were dictated in English through the spirits Ernest O’Brien and Anderson. These messages are available at GEAE’s homepage.

Many spirits, one of which is a very dear and celebrated writer known to all Americas as William James 14, dictated one of the enlightening messages that comprise this very interesting book.

The message can be found on page 23 of the book and is titled: Vinte Assuntos Com William James (Twenty Subjects with William James). This message was already translated into English by A. L. Xavier Jr. (one of the members of GEAE’s Editorial Board) with the title: An Interview With William James and included in the newsletter Spiritist Messenger # 30.

The message will be transcribed below with few changes in regard to the first translation, which was permitted by the translator Ademir Luiz Xavier Jr.

1 As vidas de Chico Xavier by Marcel Souto Maior, Rocco, Rio de Janeiro – 1995. Translation of the excerpts by Antonio Leite & Renan Lacerda. 
2 Book mentioned above, pages 158 to 164. 
3 The Gospel According to Spiritism by Allan Kardec 
4 Place where the Spiritist Dodctine’s followers gather to study the Doctrine and to worship God.  
5 Salim Haddad was the first to translate Chico Xavier’s well-known bestseller from the André Luiz collection (Nosso Lar) with the title: The Astral City, which is available in its entirety at GEAE’s homepage. He passed away in 1991. His wife Mrs. Phyllis Haddad lives in Elon College, North Carolina, and directs the Christian Spirit Center. 
6 Town where Chico Xavier was born and lived for many years. 
7 Designation for people who are born in the Town of Pedro Leopoldo, Brazil, where Chico Xavier was born. 
8 Chico Xavier’s main mentor and spiritual guide.  
9 Charity according to the Spiritist Doctrine stands as one of the most important paths to be followed by humanity in order to achieve progress. It is the most practical way to attune oneself with Jesus’ maxim: Love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, one of the most efficient ways of practicing charity, according to Spiritism, is by disseminating its enlightening teachings.  
10 Chico Xavier’s mother, who had passed away when Chico Xavier was 6 years old.  
11 Book mentioned on the endnote # 5. 
12 Today the number of Spiritist Centers in America amounts to almost a hundred and in the year 2000 the first American Spiritist Congress in Miami was held, and approximately a thousand people from ten different countries were in attendance.  
13 Entre Irmãos de Outras Terras by Francisco Cândido Xavier & Waldo Vieira, Copyright by Federação Espírita Brasileira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1966. 
14 William James was a Professor of psychology at Harvard University, achieved his MD in 1869 and later taught physiology and philosophy. One of the founders of the American Society for Psychical Research - ASPR, president of the Society for Psychical Research - SPR in 1894-5, vice-president from 1890-1910. He wrote: The Varieties of Religious Experience; The Meaning of Truth; The Will to Believe”, among other interesting books. 
 
 

SPIRIT WORD THE ASTRAL CITY - "Nosso Lar"

A story of a doctor's odyssey in the Spirit World By Andre Luiz, through Francisco C. Xavier

(Translated from the 25th Portuguese edition entitled "Nosso Lar". First Portuguese edition published in 1944 by Federação Espírita Brasileira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.)

Chapter 23  THE ART OF LISTENING

I could not help feeling sorry that our talk was interrupted, for Laura's elucidations were most stimulating. Lysias had come back in evident good spirits:

"Hello! Haven't you retired yet?" He asked with a smile. While the two young men took their leave, he invited me cordially to come down to the garden.

"You haven't seen the moonlight from this side of town." He said.

While Laura talked with her daughters, I followed Lysias into the garden. It was really a magnificent sight. Accustomed as I was to the hospital grounds, which were secluded among large trees, I had not yet hat the opportunity to contemplate the wonderful spectacle of a moonlit night from the spacious quarters gloxinias of the Ministry of Assistance. Exquisitely colored gloxinias enhanced the beauty of the scenery and provided a vivid background for fragrant, snow-white lilies, which were slightly tinged with blue at the base of their cups.

I drew in deep breaths feeling a wave of new energy fill my whole being. In the distance rose the towers of the Government House, bathed in a beautiful display of lights. I was hushed into admiration and only after some time did I manage to speak at all:

"What a night! I have never experienced such peace!"

Lysias smiled and explained:

"All the well-balanced inhabitants of the Colony have pledged to avoid emitting negative currents of thought. Thus the effort of the majority merges into an almost continual prayer, hence the atmosphere of peace all around us."

For some time we gazed in wonder at the soul-stirring scenery, trying to absorb the night's opalescent light and soothing calm. Then we returned to the living room, where Lysias approached a small, radio-like apparatus. My curiosity was instantly aroused, and I wondered what we were going to hear. Messages from the Earth? My kind friend, reading my thoughts, explained:

"We aren't going to hear any voices from the planet. Our broadcasts here are based on vibratory currents far more subtle than those on Earth."

"But are there no means," I inquired, "of picking up broadcasts from Earth?"

"Of course there are, and they do it in all the Ministries. But in our homes we must concern ourselves only with our present condition and activities. After all, the work programs in the different departments, the tidings from higher spheres, and lofty teachings are much more important to us than any earthly problems."

The remark was just, but, still bound by domestic ties, I insisted:

"Do you really think so? What about our relatives left behind? Our parents? Our children?"

"I was expecting that question. You see, my friend, on the material plane, we often misinterpret situations. Most of us suffer from emotional hypertrophy. There on Earth we are slaves to exclusivism and inclined to limit our family to those bound to us by blood ties. We go through life heedless of the true principles of brotherhood, and although we preach them to everyone, when it comes to putting our beliefs into practice, nothing counts but our own flesh and blood. Here, however, life presents a different aspect. We have to conquer our old weaknesses and rectify injustices.

"We are told that in the early days of the Colony, every home possessed the necessary equipment to pick up broadcasts from the physical sphere. Everybody insisted on hearing news of his earthly relations, so that, from the Ministry of Regeneration to that of Elevation, the city's inhabitants lived with their nerves on edge. Disturbing rumors interfered with the good order of activities in general. Sometimes whole families were thrown into a state of utter confusion because of bad tidings from their dear ones still on Earth. When collective catastrophes on Earth in any way affected those lodged in the Colony, they assumed the proportion of public calamities. According to our records, the city was more like a purgatorial zone than the place of rest and instruction it was meant to be."

The late Governor was perhaps a little too tolerant, and, as you know, indiscriminate kindness engenders indiscipline and failure.  But two centuries ago one of the devoted Ministers of the Divine Union urged the Governor to change that deplorable situation. Supported by the Ministry, the Governor forbade the widespread communications with Earth. There was great opposition, but the generous Minister who had introduced the measure called to witness Jesus' teaching - let the dead bury their dead, and in a short time the innovation was successfully implemented."

"Still," I insisted, "It would be most comforting to have news of our dear ones on Earth. Wouldn't we feel more at rest?'

Lyaisias, who had been standing by the receiver without turning it on, continued his explanation:

"Now, take yourself as an example to see whether that would be wise. Would you be prepared, for instance, to hear that a beloved son was maligning another, or being maligned himself? Would you maintain the necessary serenity, waiting with faith and acting in accordance with the divine precepts?  If someone informed you that one of your brothers had just been imprisoned as a criminal, would you be strong enough to keep calm?"

I smiled disappointedly.

"We shouldn't try to look for news from lower spheres," Lysias continued obligingly, "except when we are able to render a just service. We must always keep in mind that no one can help justly and efficiently when under emotional or mental stress. So we have to go through suitable preparation before risking any new contacts with our earthly relations. If they offered an adequate field for spiritual love, the exchange would be worthwhile. But unfortunately the overwhelming majority of incarnate people has not yet attained even a moderate degree of self-control. Most of them lead haphazard lives, drifting with the high and low tides of their material conditions. In spite of our sentiments, we must avoid being drawn into low vibratory spheres."

Giving evidence of my stubbornness, I still argued the point:

But Lysias, your father is back on Earth. Wouldn't you like to communicate with him?

"Of course," he answered kindly, "whenever we deserve the joy, and the contact between us is considered opportune, we visit him in his new physical body. But we mustn't forget that we are fallible creatures, and as such should refer to the competent departments and let them decide about the opportunity and merit of such visits.

"That specialized work is done by the Ministry of Communication. Besides, it's well remember that although it is easier to descend from a higher to a lower sphere than the other way around, there are certain principles regulating communication between the different spheres that must be taken into consideration. They tell us that a through understanding of those sill in the lower zones is essential to render them adequate help. It's just as important to know how to speak as to know how to listen. This Colony was in a constant state of unrest because its inhabitants, not knowing how to listen, were unable to help efficiently. Thus, the spiritual atmosphere here was often sadly impaired."

At hose irrefutable arguments, I lapsed into a brooding silence, while Lysias turned on the receiver under my watchful eye.

Chapter 24 A SOUL-STIRRING APPEAL

Soft music floated into the room, soothing us with its melodious cadence, while on the screen we saw the announcer in his studio. In a few moments, he began to speak:

"This is Station Two, 'Residence'. Our colony continues to broadcast its appeal for peace on Earth. We urge all workers of good will to muster their energy to help maintain the moral balance on the Earth. Please, all who can spare a few hours to cooperate in the border zones that connect the dark forces of the Lower Zone to the human mind, help us. Dark bands of ignorant entities, after having left a bloody trail of war in Asia, are laying siege to the European nations, urging them on to new crimes. Our colony, together with all those dedicated to the work of spiritual hygiene in the spheres nearest to the Earth, denounce this onset of the concentrated powers of evil, and request brotherly collaboration and all possible help. Remember that the cause of peace needs defenders! Join in and cooperate with us to the best of your abilities. There is work for everyone, from the regions of the Earth to our very gates! May the Lord bless us!"

The voice silenced and again I heard the celestial melody. The impressive tones of that call stirred my very soul. Lysias hastened to my aid with his usual explanations:

"We are listening to 'Residence', an old colony closely connected with the Lower Zones. As you know, it is August, 1939. All the suffering you have gone through lately has left you little time to ponder the grave situation on Earth. But you can see that the Earth's nations are facing the eminent threat of a tremendous war."

"Really?" I asked, awed, "But wasn't there enough bloodshed in the last World War?"

Lysias smiled and looked at me in silence as if lamenting the gravity of the problem. It was the first time that he did not respond to my question. His silence was strange. The immensity of the spiritual services in my new plane of life overwhelmed me. Were there, cities of generous spirits asking for assistance and cooperation? The voice of the speaker was presented in the tone of an S.O.S. His run-down appearance showed on our screen, and his disquieted eyes betrayed his deep anxiety. And the language? I distinctly heard him speak in clear and correct Portuguese. I had thought that all the spiritual colonies communicated through thought vibrations. Were there, then, such great difficulties in the interchange? Seeing my bewilderment, Lysias explained:

"We are still far from the ideal regions of the mind. As on Earth, those who are in perfect harmony with each other may communicate through thoughts, without any of the barriers of speech; but generally, we cannot dispense with the linguistic form in a broad sense. Our area of battle is immeasurable. Earthly humanity, made up of millions of beings, is united with the invisible humanity of the planet, which numbers in the billions. It would be impossible to reach the more perfect zones, right after physical death. Our national and linguistic heritage remain with us, and our thoughts are restricted within our psychic borders. In different sectors or our activities there are a great number of spirits free from all limitations, but we mustn't forget that nothing escapes the principles of sequence at work in the laws of evolution."

Meanwhile, the music stopped and the speaker returned:

"This is 'Residence', Station Two. The colony continues to broadcast its appeal on behalf of peace on Earth. Dark clouds are gathering over the skies of Europe. Forces of darkness from the Lower Zone, attracted by the base tendencies of mankind are spreading in all directions. Devoted benefactors are stationed in political offices, struggling and making great sacrifices on behalf of international harmony. Some governments, however, are too centralized, and offer few possibilities for spiritual collaboration. These countries, deprived of serene and dispassionate counsel, are moving towards a great and terrible war. Oh, beloved brothers of the higher spheres, let us help to preserve peace on Earth. Let us help to defend centuries of experience of the numerous centers of Western Civilization! May the Lord bless us."

After a short silent, and I did not dare speak. After five minutes of the shooting music, the voice continued:

"This is 'Residence', Station Two. The colony continues to broadcast its appeal on behalf of peace on Earth. Fellow workers and brothers, let us invoke the protection of the powerful Fraternities of Light which preside over the destinies of America! Help us in the preservation of ancient rescue of the defenseless communities - let us sustain the anguished hearts of countless mothers. All our forces are concentrated on the tremendous fight against the legions of ignorance. Give us all the help you can! We are the invisible part of Earthly mankind, and many of us will soon return to the physical sphere to make restitution for past errors. Incarnate humanity is also our family. Let us all unite in one single vibration. We must check the advance of darkness with floods of light, and ward off the blows of Evil with the shield of Good. Rivers of blood and tears are threatening to flow over the fields of Europe. Let us proclaim the necessity of constructive work and expand our faith... May the Lord bless us!"

The broadcast was over, and Lysias turned off the receiver. I saw him discreetly away a tear which he could not hold back. With an expressive gesture, he exclaimed:

"What devoted workers our brothers of 'Residence' are. However," he added sadly with a pause, "everything will be useless. Soon Earthly humanity will be facing tremendous suffering."

"But is there no possibility of averting this catastrophe?" I asked, greatly moved.

"Unfortunately, replied Lysias in a grave tone of voice, "the general state of affairs is exceedingly critical. In answer to the appeals of 'Residence' and other colonies working in the neighborhood of the Lower Zone, several meetings were held here. But the Ministry of Divine Union has already warned us that war is unavoidable because incarnate humanity, taken collectively, is like an insatiable person who has overeaten at a banquet - the organic crisis which follows is inevitable. Various nations have had an orgy of criminal pride, boastfulness and ferocious selfishness.. Now they are experiencing the urgent need to expel these lethal poisons."

Anxious to drop the painful subject, Lysias invite me to retire.

Next chapters: 25 & 26.