This recital I purposely have given as a lesson for you who so revolt against the Law of Re-embodiment.
Gentola—Certainly I do not desire to avoid learning any truth, however unpalatable it may be, but to one whose latest religious education has been thoroughly orthodox, the facts and statements of the Spiritual Philosophy are somewhat startling. I have outgrown some of my former beliefs, but I confess that I have not grown far enough to receive with equanimity a belief in Re-embodiment. Yes, I am aware that the belief did not originate in Modern Spiritualism, indeed it is only of late years that I have heard any Spiritualist advocate it. If it is a truth, why is it that most returning, perhaps I should say communicating Spirits are so reticent concerning it? During the twelve years of my Mediumship, to me it has not been more than hinted at. From your own story I infer that Re-embodiment is a matter of choice, yet clearly in order to progress of necessity one must yield to this law. When it may suit your inclination I should like you to more fully explain this very mystifying matter.
De L'Ester—To your quite reasonable remarks I cannot now reply, but at a more opportune time I shall do so. This much I may say, that although a willing consent to an unavoidable necessity is somewhat paradoxical, when there is a choice between a lesser and an infinitely greater good, even at cost of ease or inclination, one is apt to choose the greater good. As with most persons some of the experiences of your present Embodiment have not been so agreeable as to induce in you a desire for their possible repetition, yet I venture to predict that a time will arrive when, through your own desire, you again will take on mortal conditions.
Gentola—It may be as you say, but now I recoil from the thought of again passing through the sorrowful experiences that of necessity are a part of mortal existence. But come what may, in all sincerity I can say, "Thy will be done."
While we have been conversing I have been watching Inidora̤ and the kneeling girl and it seems strange that she does not perceive his presence, he who appears so real, so substantial. As he gently touches her hair, she thinks the breeze is toying with it, and with her shapely hand she smooths its rippling waves. He kisses her forehead over which flossy curls are straying; again she fancies that the breeze is playing with her tresses, and somewhat impatiently she tucks them under her jewelled fillet. Now she rises to her feet, raises her hands toward the golden Sun crowning the altar and silently, but with an expression of intense devotion on her lovely face, bows low, murmuring, "Oirah, oirah, oirah," and now with Inidora̤ by her side, quietly, serenely she passes from the Istoira̤. What a strange scene, but in keeping with all these strange experiences.
De L'Ester, all my preconceived ideas relating to spirits are vanishing. What were my preconceived ideas? I scarcely can say, but certainly I have not conceived it possible that such a scene as the one we have witnessed could occur. Like other mortals, in a sense, I have regarded Spirits as superhuman, and I confess that it is something of a shock to realize that you are as human as myself. Then again, as I believe that you would not mislead me, I am constrained to accept your declaration that Re-embodiment is a fact, and in my mind the question arises, why does not the Infinite Potentiality create humans so perfect as to preclude the necessity of their experiencing the many trials and sorrows incident to repeated Embodiments?
De L'Ester—Why the Infinite Duality does this, or does not do that, only the Infinite can reveal, but this we do know, that as Spirits in or out of the mortal body through high endeavor and loving service for others unfold their infolded attributes they grow into a clearer realization that whatever really is is right, and that in the Universe there is but one Principle which is wholly good, hence, logically, there can be no evil, and that so termed evil is a manifestation of unevolvement, which inevitably must yield to the divinity inherent in all that is real.
As to Spirits, the only difference between those in and those out of mortal bodies is the change in their environments. So termed death is the casting off of a coarse garment for one of finer texture, and a subsequent removal from one to another condition of existence, which in no way changes the higher emotions.
Why does not the Infinite Potentiality create humans so perfect as to not require added virtues? As well may we ask when, where, how, did the first humans of the universe appear, for neither we, or most exalted Spirits, or Angels of the highest Heavens know. The utmost that is known is that in the evolution of the human animal germs, of any planet, a period arrives when the evolved human animal becomes a conscious Soul, and in him the Ego, the Spirit entity, finds an instrument through whom it may express its God likeness or attributes. How do we know this? Because that on various planets we see it exemplified. Upon what basis do we declare Re-embodiment to be a fact? Because we constantly see its demonstration. Why do not all communicating Spirits declare this truth? May I ask why do not you speak Greek, Hebrew or Sanscrit? You may reply, because I have not learned those languages; besides, should I speak them but few persons would understand them. Precisely so, and it is quite as true, that only Spirits advanced to certain planes of Spiritual Being are learned in the Law of Re-embodiment, and equally as true that until of late comparatively few Occidentals have been prepared to accept a truth so repellent not only to orthodox Christianity but to the many whose minds reject all beyond the material plane of Being. Communicating Spirits may be ignorant concerning Re-embodiment, or too wise to offer that which might excite distrust or aversion. At times silence is indeed golden.