I. All matter is divisible.

3
34 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
2. Every particle of matter is in a state of motion or vibra- tion.
3. Coarse particles vibrate slowly.
4. Fine particles vibrate rapidly.
All matter is, therefore, in a certain stage of refinement and is vibrating at a corresponding rate or degree, as it is called. To illustrate this principle the writer quotes from an article written by her instructor and published in November, 1894, in a leading magazine:
"Not only is the physical universe a universe of matter, but "the same is equally true of the world of spirit. Both are material "in the most exact and literal meaning of that word. The spirit "of an individual is as truly a material organism as is the physical "body which envelops it. Both are matter, the one physical and "the other spiritual. 'Physical material' and 'spiritual material' "are, in truth, the identical terms employed by the masters to "distinguish between the two worlds of matter.
"But if it be true that both are, in fact, material worlds, the "question may properly be asked : Wherein exists the difference, "and what is the necessity for any such distinction? The one be- longs to the world of purely physical things, and is, therefore, "designated by the very appropriate term, 'physical matter.' The "other belongs to the world of purely spiritual things, and is "therefore designated by the equally fitting term, 'spiritual mat- ter.' For a similar reason we designate that which belongs to "the mineral kingdom as 'mineral,' and that which belongs to the "vegetable kingdom as 'vegetable.'
"In this case, however, both belong to the world of physical "material, and are but subdivisions of it. ,
******
"There are certain distinguishable differences existing in phys- ical and spiritual organisms which enable the spiritual scientist "—or the master — to determine with equal accuracy to which "world of matter any given organism or body belongs. What "are some of these distinguishable differences?
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 35
"i. One which may be mentioned is, the degree of fineness, "or the relative size of the individual particles of which a body is "composed.
"Let me see if I can make this clear. Suppose, for illustra- tion, you take an ordinary gallon measure and fill it to the brim "with marbles of the ordinary size used by children at play. "Now, it is not difficult for you to understand that, although it "will hold no more marbles, the measure is not, in fact, full. "There are many vacant spaces between these marbles, which "may be filled in without running the measure over, provided "we select a substance, the particles of which are fine enough "to sift into these vacant spaces. Now, suppose you try number "six shot. You will find that you can put into the measure sev- "eral handfuls of shot without running it over. Why is this? "Because the shot are smaller than the vacant spaces between "the marbles. You have now poured in all the shot the measure "will hold, but you can readily understand that the measure is "not yet full. There yet remain smaller spaces between the shot "which are still vacant. Now put in ordinary white, dry sand, "and you will find that the measure, though full as it will hold "of marbles and shot, will still receive several handfuls of the "sand. Why? Because the vacant spaces between the shot are "larger than the grains of sand. But you have now put in all the "sand the measure will hold. Is it full? No. You may now pour "in over a pint of water. Why? Because the particles of which "water is composed are much finer than the vacant spaces be- tween the particles of sand, and the water has only run into "these vacant spaces.
"It now begins to look as if the measure were, in reality, full ; "but not so. Now take a very high grade of finely distilled "alcohol and you will be able to drop slowly in three or four "spoonfuls of the alcohol without overrunning the measure. "Why is this? Because there are still vacant spaces, even be- "tween the particles of water, large enough to receive the finer "particles of which alcohol is composed. But how now? Have
36 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
"we reached the limit? No. There is yet another fluid compound "known to chemists whose particles are so much finer than "those of alcohol that a teaspoonful or two of this may be added "without seeming to increase the aggregate contents of the meas- "ure, thus proving that even between the particles of alcohol "there are spaces unfilled. But what shall we say now? Is the "measure full? No; not yet. We will now turn into the vessel "a current of electricity, and we find that we still have room for "an amount sufficient to charge the entire contents of the measure. "But what is electricity? The finest and most subtle element "known to the physical universe. We are now just upon the "borderland of the spiritual universe. We have approached it "along the line of 'the degree of fineness, or the relative size of "the individual particles of which a body is composed.' The "next step takes us across the border line of purely physical ma- terial into the land of spiritual matter.
"2. Another distinguishable difference between physical "material and spiritual material is found in the rate of vibratory "motion of the atom in the compound.
"Let me see if I can make myself understood on this point. "Take a piece of granite, set it before you, look at it carefully "and see if you can discover any vibratory movement among the "individual crystals of which it is composed. No; you are ready "to declare that so far as you can discover they are absolutely "at rest; but not so. Science has discovered that the individual "particles of which a stone is composed are in a constant state "of vibratory motion, one upon the other. But this vibratory "motion of the atom in the compound is, in the case of stone, "at such a low rate that it is not perceptible to the physical sense "of sight, and as a result the piece of granite appears to be a solid, "immovable, impenetrable mass of dead matter.
"Now take a piece of growing wood. Examine it as carefully "as possible with the naked eye. You are still unable to observe "any movement among the particles of which it is composed; "but if you place it under a powerful magnifying glass you will
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 37
"be able to distinguish a very slight vibratory movement among "the individual cells of which it is composed. But notwithstand- ing that the rate of this vibratory motion is much greater than "that in the case of the stone, it is still not great enough to dis- turb the physical sense of vision. The result is that wood, like "stone, appears to the naked eye, a solid, dead substance.
"To save both time and space, we will now pass over several "intermediate substances, such as animal flesh, gelatine, etc., and "examine a drop of water. Here we find that the vibratory "motion of the atom in the compound is at a rate many times "greater than that in either stone or wood. The particles of "which water is composed move with such facility and rapidity, "one upon the other, that to a certain extent they elude the phys- ical sense of sight, and the result is that water is transparent to "the naked eye.
"Let us take another step forward and we come to the gases. "Here we find that the vibratory motion of the atom in the com- "pound is at a rate so much higher than in the water that the "physical sense of vision is entirely eluded. In other words, a "gas is invisible only because the atoms of which it is composed "vibrate so rapidly that the physical sense of sight is unable to "follow them. To make this fact so clear that none may mis- "understand it nor fail to grasp it as a fundamental principle in "science, why is it that when a gun is discharged we are unable "to see the bullet speeding on its way? It is only because its rate "of movement is so rapid that the physical sense of sight cannot "follow it. It has simply eluded the, eye. Again: Look at an "ordinary carriage wheel when it is at rest and you can see every "spoke with perfect distinctness; but place it on a spindle and "set it revolving at a high rate, and the higher the rate the less "distinctly you will be able to see the spokes, until they finally "disappear.
"We now come to the last and highest grade of physical mat- ter, viz., electricity. The vibratory motion of the atoms in this
38 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
"compound is at a rate higher than that in any other physical "substance.
"And here we stand again at the border line which bounds "the physical universe of matter and separates it from the world "of things spiritual. The only difference is that in this case "we have approached from an entirely different direction, viz., "along the line of vibratory motion. The next step takes us "beyond the physical into the world of spiritual matter. There "are other distinguishable characteristics of physical material and "spiritual material which enable the advanced scientist immedi- "ately to classify and locate in its proper world, any given ma- "terial organism, with as much certainty and precision as the "physical scientist or physicist of the great colleges of the world "is enabled to classify and locate the purely physical substances "with which his science has to do; but it is unnecessary to mul- tiply these illustrations. What I desire to make clear is the "fact that the physical scientist, or physicist, using only physical "means, is limited in his investigation and demonstration to the "world of physical matter. He stops at the border line between "the two worlds of matter and is forced to say: 'I can go no fur- "ther; the instruments at my command are not fine enough, "nor sufficiently subtle, to test the properties and qualities of "that which lies out beyond. It eludes the methods of physical "science and all the means at my command.'
"At this point, however, the spiritual scientist — the master — "takes up the thread of science and carries it forward past the "border line of physics into the land of Psychics. In his ability "thus to view the subject from both worlds, his great advantage "is inconceivable to one whose sense of vision is limited to the "world of purely physical things. At this line running between "the two worlds of matter, he sees every law of physical matter "joined to its correlative law of spiritual matter. The chain of "law is thus unbroken. It runs from one universe of matter "directly across into the other without interruption; and in
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 39
"this splendid continuity he recognizes the majesty, the power "and the glory in this, the universality of law."
The student of Natural Science undertakes his own develop- ment in conformity with the law of vibration. He undertakes it having in mind the triune nature of man. That is, he accepts as a working corollary a certain statement laid down by an in- structor.
He accepts the proposition that man is composed of body, spirit and soul. This means that man has a physical body and a spiritual body which are controlled and operated by the highest entity, the intelligent ego, the soul. Accepting this proposition as a working principle, he proceeds to demonstrate for himself by purely rational and scientific means and methods.
The law he evokes to carry out that demonstration is the law of vibration, that law which refines matter and increases its vibratory action. The physical body is composed of physical matter. The particles which are coarse in texture move at a correspondingly low rate of vibratory action. The physical body is provided with physical sensory organs. Nature conditions these organs to receive and register the vibrations of physical matter only. These vibrations are registered upon the physical brain, through which instrument they become cognizant to the intelligent soul.
The physical sensory organs are not adapted to all of the vibration of even physical matter. Their combined powers only embrace a limited range of vibration. This range includes only the vibrations of physical matter which lie upon the same plane of refinement and vibratofy action as the physical body itself. By aid of these organs the intelligent ego or soul becomes cog- nizant of different external physical objects, elements and con- ditions. The recognition by the ego of these external physical objects, elements and conditions constitutes what we term phys- ical sensation.
Each one of the physical organs of sensation receives and reg- isters a different range of vibration. The whole surface of the
40 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
physical body itself is so supplied with sensory nerves as to be- come a medium of vibrations. The general sense of touch is experienced when any portion of the physical body comes in con- tact with physical matter that is made up of the coarser particles moving at the lower rates of vibration.
The physical eye, on the contrary, is the most highly spe- cialized organ of physical sensation. When the physical eye is brought in contact with rays of physical light (which are, in fact, only fine particles of physical matter moving at a high rate of vibration), the individual experiences the sensation of sight. As with the eye, so with the ear, another specialized organ. When the physical organs of hearing are touched by physical atmosphere moving at certain rates of vibration, the individual hears physical sounds. As with the ear, so with the other special physical organs of smell and taste. Both of these organs repre- sent still other and differing rates of vibration which obtain in external physical matter.
Thus, in fact, every physical organ of sensation is an organ of touch. The general sense of touch that obtains upon the entire surface of the physical body differs from physical sight only in degree. The one registers the slow vibrations of coarse material particles, the other registers the rapid vibrations of finer material particles.
Through the operation of these several physical organs, each registering a different range of vibration, the intelligent ego is brought into conscious relations with a very wide range of vi- bratory activity of physical matter.
It must now be clear that the physical sensory organs and the physical brain are adapted to receive and register only the vibrations of physical matter. It must also be clear that they are adapted to receive only a limited range of physical vibra- tions.
This fact is proved by physical science.
For example, the animalculae that swarm upon the earth, in air, in water, and in all living bodies, are intangible and invisible
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 41
to the physical sensory organs. They affect neither the sense of touch nor of hearing, taste, smell nor sight. Except for the microscope, physical science would declare a belief in animalculae were a superstition. The recently discovered "X-ray" makes no impression upon the highest physical organ of sensation. None the less, the "X-ray" is a vibration of physical matter.
The photographer's art best illustrates the feeble powers of our highest physical organ of sensation, the eye. The sensitized plate reveals the existence of stars which the human eye, aided by the finest telescope, fails to discern. These vibrations from remote stars are, however, plainly registered upon the chemical- ized plate. Physical science accepts these photographs as pic- tures of realities. It thus accepts as a fact that which man can neither feel, hear, taste, smell nor see.
When one realizes the limitations of the physical senses in a physical world, it is easy to understand why these organs fail to report the vibrations upon a higher plane of matter. It is now comparatively easy to understand how the vibrations of an infinitely finer grade of matter must entirely elude these phys- ical organs which are intended for physical vibrations only.
For example, a physically embodied man cannot (by the aid of his physical sensory organs alone) in any manner "sense" the presence of a disembodied spiritual man. The spiritual man is neither physically tangible nor visible.
These facts of Nature, demonstrable to Natural Science, are already foreshadowed by modern physical science. The claims of the older school are substantiated by a current series of lessons in science written by Elisha Gray. Speaking of the physical sensory organs of sound and of sight, this recognized scientific authority says:
"While vibration ceases to affect our senses at 40,000 per sec- ond, as sound, we find ourselves conscious again of periodic mo- tion when it reaches 398 trillion times per second; then we hear with our eyes or see with our ears, whichever you choose. The sensation is, in all cases, the effect of motion."
42 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
Again he says:
"There is much food for speculation in the thought that there exist sound waves that no ear can hear, and color waves of light that no eye can see. The (to us) long, dark, soundless space between 40,000 and 398 trillions and the infinity of range beyond 764 trillions, where light ceases, in the universe of motion, makes it possible to indulge in the speculation that there may be beings who live in different planes from ourselves and who are endowed with sense-organs like our own, only they are tuned to hear and see in a different sphere of motion."
Once more the learned professor rises to the role of prophet without retreat from his scientific basis when he says:
"The eye is more perfectly developed, but it is capable of but comparatively crude photography. The red ray comes to the eye with the lowest number of vibrations — 398 trillions — four thousand billion. The eye cannot record anything with a less number of vibrations a second. The highest color visible is violet, with 764 trillion vibrations, beyond which the eye cannot vibrate in sympathy with color. But there are colors we cannot see. The universe is filled with things which to the human eye are invisible. In the same way there are things which we cannot feel, and odors we cannot smell, and flavors we cannot taste. For all that we know, this world may be the home of another race of beings who pursue their course unknown to us and perhaps we to them. It is the aim of science to come to the aid of man's imperfect organism and to lift a little the veil of mysteries."
The spiritual body of a man is composed of "spiritual ma- terial." That is, of matter much finer than the finest physical matter, and moving at a higher rate of vibration than the finest particles of physical matter moving at their highest possible rate. The spiritual body permeates the physical and constitutes the model upon which physical material integrates. The spiritual body, like the physical, is provided with five sensory organs. They are adapted to receive and register vibrations of spiritual
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 43
material only, that is, of matter lying upon the same plane of vibratory action as the spiritual body itself. By the aid of these organs the intelligent ego becomes cognizant of different external spiritual objects, elements and conditions. The recognition by the ego of these objects, elements and conditions constitutes what we term spiritual sensation.
Each one of the spiritual sensory organs receives and regis- ters a different range of vibration. The whole surface of the spiritual body is itself so constructed as to become a medium of spiritual vibration. The general sense of spiritual touch is experienced when any portion of the spiritual body comes in contact with spiritual material of the coarser texture moving at lower rates of vibratory action. On the other hand, the spiritual eye is the most highly specialized organ of spiritual sensation. When the spiritual eye is brought in contact with rays of spiritual light (which are in fact only particles of spiritual material mov- ing at a higher rate of vibration), the individual experiences the sensation of spiritual sight.
As with the spiritual eye, so with the spiritual ear, another specialized organ of sensation. When the spiritual organs of hearing are touched with spiritual atmosphere moving at certain rates of vibration, the individual hears spiritual sounds. As with the spiritual ear, so with the other specialized organs of smell and taste.
Thus every spiritual organ of sensation is an organ of touch. By use of these special organs, each registering a different range of vibratory activity upon the spiritual plane, the intelligence or soul is brought into conscious relation with a very wide range of the vibrations of spiritual material. These spiritual organs register the vibrations of spiritual material only. They are also limited in their capacity upon the spiritual plane in a manner analogous to the limitations of the physical senses.
However, the capacities and the limitations of the spiritual senses are not a matter of present consideration.
That which is important in this connection is the fact that the
44 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
spiritual sensory organs do not register the vibrations of physical matter. They are too fine, too highly attuned. The slow vibra- tions of physical matter fail to register through the spiritual organs of sense.
For example, a spiritual man (that is, a physically disem- bodied one) cannot sense the physical side of man by aid of his spiritual senses. The physical side of an earthly man is neither tangible nor visible (under ordinary conditions) upon the spirit- ual plane of vibration.
The seance room often illustrates these differing laws of sen- sation on the two planes of matter. For illustration, the phys- ically embodied visitors often experience peculiar thrills, pleas- ant or unpleasant, while they neither see, hear, taste nor smell anything unusual. This "thrill" (which is unlike electricity in that it conveys an impression of intelligence) is, in fact, the general spiritual sense of touch. It is touch with the lower vibra- tions of the spiritual plane. It is the touch of the spiritual or- ganism and not the physical.
On the other hand, the invisible "spiritual control" will ex- plain that he "senses" his earthly visitors spiritually and not physically. That is, as he explains it, he sees them only in their spiritual forms.
Thus, in fact, the two worlds of matter are separated only by difference in refinement of matter and in rates of vibratory action. When the physical sensory organs act independently upon the physical plane they sense nothing of the spiritual. When the spiritual sensory organs act independently upon the spiritual plane they sense nothing that is physical. They receive and register the vibrations of spiritual material only. Under these conditions nothing lying upon the physical plane is tangi- ble or visible to a liberated spiritual man. A liberated spirit on the other side of life is as completely out of touch with physical matter, or the earthly plane, as the earth man is out of touch with the spiritual plane.
Except under extraordinary conditions a "spirit" does not see
UFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 45
the physical side of matter even when he moves immediately upon the earth plane. What the spiritual man sees, ordinarily, is the spiritual side of physical matter. He sees only the spiritual models upon which physical matter integrates. He sees only that part of Nature which has vibratory correspondence with the spiritual organs of sensation.
This accounts for the fact that in mediumship the physically disembodied intelligences are usually as eager to come in touch with earthly friends as are the friends who seek the services of a spiritual medium to come in contact with the spirits. In the present state of development, mediumship offers the easiest line of communication between the two worlds. It is also the most hazardous method, involving many dangers to the physical, mental and moral nature of the medium.
However, with the law of vibration clearly in mind some of the mysteries of life are cleared up. It now becomes possible to conceive of two planes of matter, life and intelligence, cor- related yet separated by apparently impassable barriers. This knowledge explains how matter upon one plane is invisible and intangible to intelligence upon another. It explains how sound on one plane is silence on the other, how the light of one plane is darkness upon the other.
"The light shineth in the darkness and the darkness per- ceiveth it not" is a scientific fact upon which an ethical truth has been formulated.
The earth man is, therefore, the inhabitant and operator of two distinct instruments for the uses of his intelligence. One instrument is of coarse physical material whose individual particles move upon one another very slowly. The other instru- ment is of fine spiritual material whose individual particles move rapidly upon one another. Though interdependent the two bodies are not identical. Each performs functions peculiar to its own plane of matter. Neither body is more than a mere vehicle for the uses of the operating ego. Both are important. Both are in-
46 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
dispensable to the soul which is seeking knowledge of itself and of its environment.
These are some of the facts of Nature that are taught the would-be student of Natural Science at the outset of his under- taking. With certain definite instructions concerning this law of vibration he is now prepared to retreat or to intelligently enter the path of a personal self-development.
The preparatory work of every student's life may be said to be chemical. The chemical refinement of the physical body is the foundation upon which he builds. This refinement is brought about solely through scientific knowledge of the vibra- tory principles. Given a healthy body, a vigorous brain, a de- termined will and the proper instruction and environment, and the course of this self-development will increase rather than im- pair the physical strength. Unnatural and unscientific methods only do injury to either the body or the mind.
Ignorant experiment is always fraught with danger.
The chemical refinement of the physical body is brought about to a certain degree by a system of diet. Fine foods in limited quantities are substituted for coarse food in unlimited quantity. By fine food is not meant rich food, but fine natural food, as grain, fruit and nuts. Supplementing this dietary course is a systematic course of exercises which may be termed breath- ing exercises. This is a course of training analogous to our athletic exercises. It is, in fact, a purely physical training, hav- ing in view primarily an increased regular and rapid oxygenation of the body. Supplementing this chemical and physical course of development is a purely intellectual system of training. This is a course of instruction by which the mental powers and the will are trained to the knowledge and employment of Nature's finer forces.
This scientific course of self-development involves, as will be seen:
1. A physically refined body and brain.
2. The acquirement of scientific knowledge.
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 47
3. The exercise of power.
4. The right application of knowledge and the right use of power.
The chemical refinement of the body has a specific object. That object is to so refine the physical body as to permit the ego to exercise the spiritual organs and the spiritual powers independ- ently. This result is worked out through knowledge of and con- formity to the law of vibration. It must be explained that the spiritual body during physical life is conditioned by the vibratory action of the physical body. That is, physical matter is the dom- inant material upon the physical plane. The coarser the physical substance, the more it hampers and obscures the spiritual powers and the spiritual senses. The coarser a human body is in particle, the slower its vibratory action, and the coarser the physical or- ganism and the slower its vibratory action, the less independent is the spiritual organism. The vibratory action of the spiritual organism is ordinarily lowered or accelerated in just the degree that the physical body is coarsened or refined.
The independent use of the spiritual organs of sensation is measured (during earth life) by the degree of approach to spirit- ual material that can be obtained in the physical body. Fine food produces two mathematical results:
1. It reduces the size of the individual particles of physical flesh.
2. It increases the vibratory action of the atom in the com- pound.
This, as has already been shown, causes the particles to move upon one another more rapidly. This rapid vibratory action of the atoms in a compound when it has reached a certain rate pro- duces transparency. There are also important secondary effects following this physical refinement.
1. The vibratory action of the spiritual organism is cor- respondingly increased.
2. The ego is enabled to exercise the spiritual organs of sen- sation independently.
4» HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
Ordinarily, the physical body in its coarser state is opaque to its own embodied spiritual sensory organs. It has the effect of darkness to spiritual vision. When the physical body is refined to a certain stage under scientific direction, a remarkable thing occurs to the student. While still exercising his own will and rational powers he finds himself, as it were, in a house of glass. He finds that he is able to exercise independently first one, then another, and finally all of the spiritual organs of sensation. He does this independently of the material composing his physical body.
He finds himself now just as consciously and as rationally in touch with the spiritual plane as he is ordinarily with the phys- ical. He now feels the touch of spiritual objects. He hears spiritual sounds. He smells spiritual odors. He also sees objects which are reflected by the rays of spiritual light.
The spiritual plane is just as tangible and visible to a spiritual man as our physical plane is tangible and visible to the physically embodied man. The hand-clasp of two spiritual beings is just as real as, and far more magnetic than, that of two physically embodied individuals.
This free outlook upon the spiritual plane is the first great victory of the student.
Thus, by personal experiment under an exact scientific for- mula a man in the physical body proves the existence of a spiritual world inhabited by ex-human beings. This experiment involves the demonstration of the fact that there is no death.
This is the most important single discovery ever made by finite science. To prove that death does not end all has been the most valuable single achievement of man in the physical body.
While this is the most important single fact, it is not the greatest victory from the student's point of view. The triumph of the student's life is the hour when he clearly proves that he is a spirit inhabiting a physical body. His proof of this fact is the ability to entirely withdraw the spiritual body from the physical,
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 49
to stand apart from it, to travel at will, to collect rational knowl- edge, and to return again to the physical body. This he does as consciously, as intelligently, as independently as he departed.
This complete tempbrary release of the "spirit" from the body is the most difficult experiment known to a student of this phys- ical plane. It is a power attained only by the few. In fact, it should not be attempted except by such as expect to devote their lives to a practical teaching and demonstration of both the science and the philosophy of life. This experiment is not es- sential to an intelligent communication with the spiritual plane, nor is it necessary for the purposes of a practical human life.
It is, indeed, a dangerous experiment except under the per- sonal supervision of a master of the law.
The first mentioned experiment, however, is one involving no risk. It is indisputable proof of the spiritual side of Nature. It is indisputable proof of the fact of life after physical death. It is to this point of demonstration that the school of Natural Science is prepared to carry any man who possesses the necessary qualifications of body, mind, will and motive.
The complete mastery of Natural Science necessitates :
1. A physical organism that will sustain the proper refine- ment.
2. An intelligence which comprehends the philosophy as a whole.
3. The will to maintain self-control over every department of individual nature.
4. The moral courage to rightly apply and practice the knowledge and powers gained.
It is true that the student encounters difficulties. They are considerable in both character and number. They are not in- surmountable, however, or this science and philosophy had not been evolved by man.
It is true that there are certain other subtle and difficult ex- periments and processes known only to the few. The system which those few have followed, however, is opened to any deter- 4
50 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
mined intelligence just as our universities are open to all, viz., to such as have the necessary qualifications and to such as can make the right conditions for the prescribed course of study. The results which flow from a course of self-development under the prescribed scientific formula are as certain as those which flow from certain combinations of chemical substances. This is speak- ing as to general results. There are, of course, effects which are personal to the student. Those effects vary in character as to the individual bodies, minds and souls of the several students.
The results upon a group of students show all such varia- tions as occur when different proportions of the same chemical substances are subjected to the same conditions. The different results and effects upon individual students express the difference in their physical endurance, mental acumen, powers of will and purity of motive.
The law governing the relation of chemical particles is ab- solute. Each experiment, however, records the minutest varia- tions in the quantity, quality and proportion of the substances involved. So the principle governing self-development is uni- versal. The results, however, in each case are a record of in- dividual INTELLIGENCE, COURAGE and PERSEVERANCE. For
example, one student may incline to the life and the work of a cold scientist. The study and knowledge of material laws and the material forces of the universe may be his chief am- bition. Such a man would give himself up to the acquirement of knowledge and the exercise of power for the ethical pleasure which such knowledge and such power afford the individual.
Another student may incline to a deeper knowledge of the purely ethical significance of natural law, in which case the philosophic study of mankind becomes his greatest pleasure. Still another may be impelled to utilize his science and his phi- losophy for the practical benefit of humanity less developed than himself. He who seeks and obtains harmonious development on all planes of life is the most successful of students.
It is such as these who are rightly termed Masters of the Law.
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 51
Under proper guidance the chemical refinement of the phys- ical body is the natural foundation of increased mental and moral capacities. This diet of fine foods referred to rigidly excludes, for a time, flesh, stimulating drinks, narcotics and all highly seasoned foods. What is meant by fine foods are those which are fine in particle and high in vibratory action. Gradually the physical body is refined by this fine nutriment. It loses vibratory correspondence with coarse foods. It assimilates (and rises to vibratory correspondence with) the fine physical foods.
As a result the gross passions and appetites decline. Gross physical conditions are abnormal conditions. They are the re- sult of man's ability to experiment in nutrition and with the laws governing his physical body. Animals that depend upon in- tuition instead of independent judgment select proper foods. This scientific dietary system is, therefore, a simple process of correction. It is a restorative of normal human conditions. With the return to a normal demand for nutrition, gluttony and intem- perance die a natural death.
The return to normality is also the end of lust. It increases the powers to love just in proportion as abnormal and diseased conditions are eliminated. Gluttony, intemperance and lust, the lowest and coarsest of vices, are essentially human errors. They are the results of over-feeding, over-stimulating and over- indulging the natural physical functions.
The chemical refinement of the body, therefore, substitutes temperance for intemperance and thus restores normal physical conditions and removes all abnormal physical appetites and de- sires. Gradually those vices so largely dependent upon food and drink are eliminated. Temperance becomes natural, both as to digestion and to physical passion.
This course of development should not be termed the suppres- sion of the animal nature. It is simply the restoration of the human nature to natural conditions.
Xaturally the intellectual powers are benefited by this ex- periment. The physical brain is quick to respond to finer and
52 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
more normal conditions. Relieved from the congestion of over- stimulation it is free to exercise normally. The physical brain- stuff is refined in particle. Its vibratory action is increased. It becomes a finer instrument for the uses of the intelligent ego, or soul. As a result the intelligent soul of man is inspired to great- er activities, and the acquirement and application of knowledge become a delight instead of a task.
Thus the stores of knowledge are increased and the powers of the soul quickened after the student has been physically pre- pared for the highest exercise of his intelligence.
The moral effects of this course of self-development are equally great. When the physical body ceases its abnormal de- mands the natural tendency is temperance and chastity. When the mind becomes enriched with knowledge and the soul becomes conscious of the advantages of normal living, the desire is to so live as to enjoy Nature's beneficences. A calm, clean and philo- sophic life is the natural result of a scientific course of self-de- velopment.
It is, however, in his final use and application of all this knowledge and power that the student proves himself a worthy or an unworthy representative of this philosophy. In this he will demonstrate either the selfish inclinations of the school of Black Magic, or the altruistic principles which distinguish this school of White Magic.
"White Magic" and "Black Magic" have no meaning other than to signify the right and the wrong uses of spiritual knowl- edge and power.
Christ's life and philosophy typify the principles of the school of White Magic. Mohammed's life and acts, on the contrary, proclaim the method of Black Magic. Christ applied both knowl- edge and spiritual powers to save men from error. Mohammed used his knowledge and spiritual powers to control men in their temporal affairs. The one taught regeneration and development through love. The other taught conquest and domination by the sword.
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 53
A man trained under Natural Science, who is governed by the principles of fraternity, equality and love, becomes a Messiah (or messenger of truth) to the world. When, on the contrary, he is impelled by personal ambition and thirst for personal power he becomes a selfish priest and a scourge to mankind. The prac- tical results of Christian and Mohammedan principles may be read in the governmental character of the United States as com- pared with Turkey.
A man very highly developed under spiritual law is freed from the coarse temptations of the flesh. Such a man, however, is not above temptation. In fact, to such as these come the most subtle and powerful temptations that can assail the ambitious soul of man. To one equipped with great knowledge of Nature's finer forces and the power to operate and control them comes the strongest temptation known to man. It is no longer the clamor of the gross appetites and passions. It is an imperious demand for power, a demand that rises in the soul itself.
The desire for a personal, temporal supremacy and aggran- dizement is the most powerful temptation that can move an in- telligent being who is equipped with unusual powers. The de- sire to exercise sovereignty over the temporal affairs as well as over the minds of men has been the stumbling-block of most great men. Thirst for power causes greater suffering in the world than do the mere fleshly appetites and passions of men.
This is the temptation over which Christ triumphed. It is that to which Mohammed yielded. It is this which has been, and is, the fundamental error of Catholicism.
Bulwer was in a position to know when he said: "Rightly is the fundamental principle of our Order that we must impart our secrets only to the pure. The most terrible part of our ordeal is the temptation our power affords."
Given a healthy body, a normal brain and a determined will, and proper instruction will develop the use of the spiritual fac- ulties and establish control over spiritual forces. Except, how-
54 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
ever, such a man be deeply imbued with a sense of personal, moral responsibility for his acts he becomes a dangerous power in the world. Such a person actuated by selfishness becomes a menace instead of a blessing to mankind. For what incalcu- lable evil is Mohammed responsible? His terrible doctrine has almost entirely wiped out a great Christian nation. T
The misuse of spiritual power in another direction is leaving its impress upon our own civilization. It would require a volume to explain the dangers which lie in the modern practices of spirit- ual mediumship and of hypnotism. A large per cent of our insane are merely weak-minded and weak-willed individuals who have yielded to the control of vicious intelligences on the other side of life. Already a limited knowledge of hypnotic control has be- come a dangerous medical, commercial and social practice. These experimenters with unknown forces, whether they be physicians, showmen or entertainers, are exponents of Black Magic.
It is to be regretted that men destroy the body with narcotics. How much more to be deplored is paralysis of the rational will power such as occurs in hypnotism. No greater evil menaces modern society than this ignorant, experimenting with hypnotism. When once that danger is understood, the public will not con- demn the few who would guard the secret of such powers from the ambitious experimenters, the avaricious, the thoughtless and the ignorant.
True spiritual development involves correct knowledge and correct use of power. True spiritual development is, after all, merely an accelerated development obtained through a rapidly extended knowledge of certain principles and elements in Nature. In the course of time, by the very gradual steps of evolution, the whole mass of humanity will attain spiritual development now enjoyed by scholars only.
Even to-day the physical refinement of the western nations has brought upon us the dangers of mediumship and hypnotism. Nothing but a rational knowledge of the principles involved in
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 55
those practices will avert serious evils to large numbers of inno- cent people.
The past half-century has been a turning point in the his- tory of the highest races. Certain groups of the Anglo-Saxon race have reached that stage of physical refinement which makes access to the spiritual plane comparatively easy. To such as these the ancient rigors of Yogi are unnecessary. Nature has already done the greater part of the work.
There are, however, dangers to be encountered by reason of this near approach of the two worlds. The daily press is filled with accounts of hysterical mediums and hypnotic crimes. Everybody is investigating. Most of these investigators are walking blindly into danger.
The chief difficulties to be overcome by the student of Nat- ural Science are not dietary. He meets something more exact- ing than the mere demands of the physical appetites and passions. The intellectual and moral demands of this philosophy constitute the severest test to which he will be subjected.
Neither torture of the physical body, the renunciation of material comfort, nor the suppression of the affections is re- quired of the modern student. Holiness in the modern sense does not mean a life of isolation, introspection and subjective ecstasy. Instead, it means a practical life in the midst of men. It means a natural, wholesome, human life lived out in conformity to the spiritual principles in Nature and the requirements of an intelligent soul.
It means a practical share in the world's activities, benefits and accomplishments. It means an exemplification of natural, physical law upon the physical plane of life, as well as natural spiritual laws through physical conditions.
It will be observed that no attempt is made here to give the scientific formula for self-development. The underlying prin- ciple alone is given. There are good and sufficient reasons for this seeming oversight, viz.:
i. The writer is a student and not a Master of the Law.
56 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
2. The scope and purpose of this work exclude such dis- cussion.
3. The proper scientific course must be laid down and per- sonally directed by a Master.
4. The entire formula could not be put in books. General rules may be published, but individual cases demand individual treatment.
5. The instruction requires a personal and continued rela- tion between Master and student.
6. Were it now possible to publish this formula it would be a crime to do so. Formulas for extracting poisons and com- pounding explosives are not published in the daily press. Drugs and explosives have their uses only in proper hands. They be- come deadly weapons in the hands of the ignorant and the vicious. No man, except he prove his moral, as well as his physical and intellectual soundness, can become an accepted pupil in that school which primarily conserves the welfare of humanity.
To such a man as this, however, Natural Science opens the way to this formula far enough to demonstrate that this philoso- phy has a scientific basis. The individual may do this without detriment to health, to business, or to any earthly relation or am- bition. More than this, he is assured that he would be able to fulfill the last requirement of that formula without violating "his duty to his God, his religion, his country, his neighbor, his family or himself."
To such a man, having passed all tests, is finally awarded that degree which distinguishes him as a Master of the Law.
In summing up these propositions which relate to the demoii- strability of life after death, the writer turns to modern physical science for corroboration. Natural Science declares this demon- stration to be a scientific possibility. It declares that the prin- ciple involved is that which is known as the "Law of Motion and Number," and also as the "Law of Vibration."
This declaration is supported by the authorities of the mod-
LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH. 57
ern school of physical science. The principle involved in the scientific demonstration of life after physical death is the same principle to which Mr. Edison refers when he says: "As a mat- ter of fact, all matter is in a state of vibration, and any force con- taining the same vibration affects all classes of matter tuned to that particular key."
Thus, modern physical science recognizes and accepts that fundamental principle in Nature which guides the student in all his experiments and forms the basis of this philosophy. Upon this agreement of both the ancient and modern schools Natural Science declares:
1 . All matter is in a state of motion or vibration.
2. All matter is composed of individual particles of larger or smaller size.
3. Large particles vibrate slowly, small particles vibrate rapidly.
4. By a purely scientific process a man may obtain knowl- edge of higher vibrations than those received and registered by the physical sensory organs.
5. This scientific formula simply accelerates the natural proc- esses of evolution and is, therefore, a natural process.
6. The practical results of this formula are:
(a) To discover to man a higher plane of matter.
(b) To show that this higher plane is inhabited by ex- human beings.
THIS PERSONAL EXPERIMENT, GOVERNED BY EXACT RULES AND IN CLOSE CONFORMITY TO NATURAL LAW, CONSTITUTES THE SCIEN- TIFIC DEMONSTRATION OF THE FACT OF LIFE AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH.