Time Not a Factor
Time does not seem to be a factor in the realm of spirits except as related to people and events in the human state with which spirits have connection.
It was, however, a source of continual wonder and surprise to note the changing forms and atmospheres in the surroundings of those with whom I was brought in contact. I saw spirits who, when in Earth life had been in positions of external power—usually considered “exalted”—as of kings or rulers—the result of no “merit” or achievement of their own, but the “incident” or “accident” of birth, who were arrayed in their own thought-robes of power, but closer observation would reveal the poverty and meagerness of their “Robes of Royalty” and they were sometimes seeking somewhat with which to clothe themselves, something to conceal their paucity of raiment and surroundings. Most of those, however, who had held such positions as are the result of “titles,” “rank” and “castes,” seemed endowed with perception enough to know that those external conditions are not perpetuated in spirit states, unless one has become so imbued with the idea that “titles,” “wealth,” and outward “honors” are valuable in themselves. And that the “Divine Right of Kings” is indeed a “right” derived from Heaven.
The Truly Great Are Humble
I saw many of those who had been poor in worldly possessions, even despised and scorned among men or put to death because of their advocacy of an unpopular “cause” now radiant in their own spiritual brightness, unconsciously
“Wearing their sunbright thoughts
For Robes of Royalty.”
Ah! How beautiful were they! These of the shining faces and radiant hearts! Ever intent on trying to aid humanity, whether in shadowed spirit states or in Earthly conditions.
One may not give the names (even if one knew them) by which these in the various spirit states were known on Earth. I saw many who were known to be Great: Great in thoughts, deeds and words for the enlightenment of their fellow-beings. Ever were they humble, as ever are the truly Great. None in spirit life are outwardly adorned with the “honors” given to them or their “memory” by a tardy World. The truly exalted are far too intent on ameliorating the adverse conditions of spirit and human states to take note of the praise and pomp of Earthly “celebrations” in “memory” of them, sometimes tardily bestowed.
To be truly Beloved by an individual, a country or a world is indeed blessed, and exalted souls do know and understand the true meaning of being “appreciated and beloved.”