« ^rafiitei HF :'■ I i\ ENPopLIPE i::::iT:iT-\ I ...yuwiMEmv'' ■EOIJK li Glocksin Li nke Book_.I_^5Tj1 Copyright N°_-L1^_L COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr. THE TREND OF LIFE Vd^a, the vif\^in bride who gave birth U?tto the Child of Knowledge to earth; The Child of Knowledge- Christ {Revelation)— Who was conceived when God' s medal was won. THE TREND OF LIFE (THE KEY TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT) OR, THE OLD CREED REVISED PART I A REHEARSAL BY THE SOUL BY y CAROLINE GLOCKSIN LINKE » CHICAGO, MDCCCCI THT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Two OOHifca Receiveo AUG. 31 1901 "JOPVRlQHT ENTRY CLAS'SC\,XXo. N* cepY a. Copyright, iqoi By CAROLINE GLOCKSIN LINKE W^^^m 1% ^/ht€re^€i ^ THE '- ^ i TREND o/'LIFE $ A BOOK FOR EVERY ONE \^ AGAINST NO ONE DEDICATED ^ TO THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE, M< w WITH THIS MOTTO: ^ There is naught in name ^ ^ or number just so the garb ^ ^ that you wear is kept spot- ^ ^ less, and therefore in name ^ ^ you need be nothing if in ^ ^ spirit or life you are good ^ ^ and true, for goodness lead- ^ ^ eth to righteousness, and ^ ^ truth to purity; while right- ^ ^ eousness leadeth unto God, ^ ^ and cleanliness is next to ^ ^ Godliness. ^ ^M¥^^^.^>K*^^^^^ Note: — It will be observed that all terms defined in " The Trend of Life " are defined by that which leads to what the terms signify, and in order to receive the benefit of its principles, " The Trend of Life " must be read from beginning to end. INDEX. Frontispiece ("Inspiration" Personified as "The Virgin Bride of Man's Soul") An Address to the Public - - - - 13 Serenade to Inspiration . . - . 17 Introduction to "The Trend of Life" - 27 The Revelation of the Six-Pointed Star, or the Great, Grand, Harmonic Plan of Eternity, and "The Machinery of Na- ture" 44 The Merry Xmas Time 62 Make All Time "The Merry Xmas Time." How? 65 The Explanation of the Workings of "The Machinery of Nature " - - - - 67 PART I. (A Rehearsal by the Soul) Invocation 69 In the beginning was God, with whom was the word, which said, " Let there be light, and there was Light." Why ? 70 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them." How is man the image of God? 83 Explanation 86 9 lo INDEX "And God called the light day and the darkness He called night." What is God's day and night? 90 "And God said, ' Let the waters be divided from the waters.' " Why did God divide the waters from the waters? 91 The dual-trait form of God .... 92 •• And God said, ' Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters.' " What is that firmament? 94 What is Strife? 95 What is Knowledge? 96 How does listing to God's word save? From what? Since death is but an incident (the change of life), while life is a complete circuit of existence, what is there to be saved from? - - - 99 The tenth Psalm of David interpreted - - 107 The tenth Psalm of David, written according to the needs of the day 109 "Ye cannot serve God and mammon " - - in Parable of the sower and explanation - - - 113 How can those who desire to do good, to-day, bring forth a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty? 115 Prayer 115 What is prayer? - - - - - - - 118 How does God manifest all in all? - - - 118 The revelation of God as a person as God exists - 119 An appeal from the soul unto man - - - 122 The revelation of God as a person as man has made Him - 124 "Ye have eyes to see, yet cannot see; ye have ears to hear, yet cannot hear; ye have minds to under- stand, yet cannot perceive." Why? - - 128 It shall be paid to the uttermost farthing. How? 130 Who are the teachers of God's plan? - - - 133 The fifth era of earth life. Its greatest gloom - 135 INDEX II A sermon from the mount of the olives of life accord- ing to the needs of the day - - - - 139 " For verily I say unto you, ye shall be born again." 142 Why? Love God above all and thy neighbor as thy- self 143 The lack of co-operation 144 "Christ is Truth," while "God is Love" - - 145 Life as a problem (End of Part L) - - - 149 The Close— a soliloquy of the soul; O yes, O yes, there is a God 150 AN ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC. Beloved Sisters and Brethren: For such you will ever be to one who has beheld the face of God (who is all in all) as the great, grand, harmonic plan of eternity, while the soul of man (God's cerebrum) as a onement from which floweth all that is good, pure, and beautiful, through which is expressed all that is immortal; to one who through inspiration and impression receives the "teachings of the soul." It has been the desire of the authoress to illus- trate, if possible, how beautifully the spiritual can be intertwined amongst the material, whether in thought, action or deed, all the professional duties of daily existence; to illustrate, if possible, how much more beneficial it would be if materialists and anamists would cooperate in bringing the existent truths of the day to the understanding of the masses, instead of taking advantage of every opportunity that may present itself to cast out criticism, prejudice, and ridicule against each other; how much better it would be if, instead of criticising each point of difference in doctrine or 13 14 AN ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC theory, they would blend them into something existent (since existent that something is), and thus in some way harmonize their daily discoveries by actual demonstration or co-mingling with each other, and take every chance that may lie open to express the highest thoughts possible, whether through word, action or deed. If materialists have the outward form to exhibit actual demon- stration of proof through substance, anamists have that greatest of all earth's power (perception) and greatest of all earth's gifts (inspiration) to prove through outward form outlined the highest princi- ples of mind or soul teachings. The authoress, desiring to reveal the knowledge of that greatest gift and power to the understand- ing of humanity, received as her crown a beautiful illumination, which revealed to her "God and Christ," as declared in the following pages, and the command to " Wave the banner of love and truth for all mankind, amen." For, being weary of the criticism and prejudice one denomination harbored against the other, she turned unto the soul within, just to behold a snow-white banner unfurled, which revealed to her God as a person, so constructed as to represent all in all, and as she AN ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC 15 looked upon His face (the great, grand, harmonic plan of eternity), realized that at least one child of earth and matter many, many years ago beheld God much as she did. This revelation lasted six days, from the 6th of December, 1899, to the 12th, while the 13th she heard and saw nothing, begin- ning to write as she was commanded on the 14th day of December, the result of which composes " The Trend of Life," or" The Old Creed Revised." SERENADE TO INSPIRATION. Inspiration, Inspiration! O, my love, my light, Sweetest strains of music pealing. Sending forth delight. Inspiration, Inspiration! Poetry, truth divine Centered in the soul, the onement, Soul of man, love's shrine. Inspiration, Inspiration! O, my love, my life, Speaking words of wisdom, telling Conquer self, thus strife. Inspiration, Inspiration! O, how could I be Without thy smiling face so pure, My bride through eternity. Inspiration, Inspiration! Virgin bride of all Who will but accept thy blessing. List unto thy call. 17 i8 THE TREND OF LIFE Inspiration, Inspiration! Light of earth and man, Revealing e'er a snow-white banner, God's great, harmonic plan. Inspiration, Inspiration! Nourishment of soul. Flowing from God's cerebrum To direct earth's whole. Inspiration, Inspiration! Answering man's call. Giving all to him by spoonfuls Until filled with all. Inspiration, Inspiration! Bride of soul divine, Vibrating all the chords of life Through thy strains sublime. Through thy voice of sweetest music, Through thy heavenly breath. Through the seeds of wisdom scattered. Through thee, conqueress of death. For thou dost speak to man thus : "Would you be a child of wisdom? Would you be a child of love? Then launch your boat on quiet waters. Where no turbulent waves can move THE TREND OF LIFE 19 To make life's pathway dark and stormy, But calmly steer your boat along, Holding the rudder, ever controlling, With a purpose, a will determined and strong. And know, It is not the action or deed in your being. It is not the impulse that prompts you to gain. That brings to your knowledge a clearer per- ception Of what dwells in plenty or what is inane. It is not the byword that gives to you pleas- ure, It is not the grasping to see what you hold, That reveals the truth of what is existing, Or showeth the blossoms as they grow, unfold. It is not the planting that brings forth a harvest. It is not the plowing that inters the seed, Nor the pushing and scrambling amongst one another Which shows but man's ignorance and mortal greed. 20 THE TREND OF LIFE Who, since he is living, should make his life worthy Of life and its calling, expressing the soul, Act out its impulse toward noble attainments. From which flows forth knowledge for him to enroll. He should know himself first, then look at his brother, Dig up his debris of time, and when com- plete See what lies buried within his scope's center — Wherein lies victory, wherein defeat. For in his scope's center there dwelleth perception. The power by which to conceive of, and sense. What is of quality, quantity, e'en emptiness. That which is lacking, or worth recom- pense. And if each will list to perception's vibra- tions, If each will analyze, apply them to self, Then will you know yourself better, and others, And knowing, will see self deceived by self. THE TREND OF LIFE 21 And when with this knowledge you view what you dug up, Dividing your debris into victory and defeat, That which oft seemed the greatest conquest Now lies vanquished under your feet. And that which oft seemed the most de- feated Rises in glory in victory's name; Thus doth the knowledge of self through perception Transpose the attributes, honor and shame. Yet not by the brightness or light of your visions, Yet not by earth's glory wherein you have reigned. Can you uncover what is hidden within you. Reveal what is real, or what is but feigned. For think not the pastime that gives to you pleasure Gives pleasure to all who have being in man. Think not there is gain in what you are holding. If you do not therewith the best that you can. 22 THE TREND OF LIFE And the seed that is planted can ne'er bring fruition If you foster it not nor help it to grow, But must be cultivated with the best intui- tion That may be exemplified for man to know* Look in this vast universe, museum of nature, The loftiest portals ever portrayed, Grand pillars of truth, expressions so tested That on them earth's all-knowledge funda- ment is laid. And there is no doorway, lock, key, or watchman To bar you from entering in for to view All that is molded, painted, e'en sculptured, For each is a stockholder, yea, even you. Of this great, grand structure, edifice supernal, Wherein dwell the living of all life and soul. Wherein is manifested such love and wisdom That each can aspire to the loftiest goal. And find there their teachings, If they will but perceive them, THE TREND OF LIFE 23 And find there the volumes of knowledge and light; Even the air is full of expression To illuminate earth's wanderer on his upward flight." To those heavy laden with the burdens of life thou sayest thus : "The heavier the cross the surer the crown, Though often in sorrow and grief bowed down, Though often the heart with sadness half broke, Yes, often in misery carrying a yoke. Yet there is an end to all sorrow and grief. And truth will reward you and give you relief. Yes, truth will repay you when clasped to its fold. With a crown that is far more precious than gold; Far more precious than diamonds, far more precious than all The jewels that earth or the seas could recall From their cells where they hide from human sight Until through some mission brought to light. 24 THE TREND OF LIFE For, yes, there are reasons, O, yes, there's a cause. For the hardships you meet and the little flaws That are scattered along the path of life, And make all life's troubles and worry and strife. And know, too, that not far from this earthly sphere There's a shore that shines with messengers near, Who are sent to bring you tidings of love, To give you assurance from our Father above, And to tell you that God will help one and all. No matter how great the mission or fall; That you'll be received on yon shining shore If you'll but do the best you can evermore. If you'll but pray, watch, and wait. For sweet is the hour of love and peace, When contentment reigns o'er all; When passions and trouble's heart-throbs cease, 'Tis then the soul hears a call THE TREND OF LIFE 25 That awakens the mind to higher thought, Makes the chords of life vibrate, 'Til you find through the mind greatest won- ders are wrought. You have but to pray, watch, and wait. To be frank and be truthful Is a saying to heed, For the aged, the youthful, For all have its need. And remember wherever Your footsteps may lead. Be frank and be truthful, Is a saying to heed. For truth may so deeply Be buried in dust. And covered yet thickly With lie's daubing crust, And tarnished o*er all With deception's dark rust, Yet truth's piercing ray Will shine through this crust. No matter how deeply. How dark in the night. Is a deed done to keep From the day and the light. 26 THE TREND OF LIFE And withheld yet so firmly With power and might, Yet the smoke of its debris Will kindle a light. It may be a day And it may be a year, Ere truth's piercing ray Cometh forth, shineth clear. Yet some time, somewhere. The light will appear And reveal all in all That was held dark and drear. For the earth as it turns Did upheave mountains high. And the sun as it burns Broke earth's crust when so dry. So with truth's light so piercing Will ne'er halt to try To upheave what is buried 'Neath the crust of the lie." INTRODUCTION TO THE TREND OF LIFE. Child of earth, O all humanity, I a revelation hold That has not been penned or whispered. That by lips has ne'er been told. Yet it was for me to see it. It was for me to understand That which is earth's whole creation. What the " Infinite " hath planned. Wilt thou believe me, sister, brother, E'en only but a child like thee, Struggling in earth's compass matter. That I have seen eternity? No, thou wilt not believe me, I know; Thou wilt say, "Ah, child, poor child. You have had a vain illusion — Allowed your forces to run wild." But all that thou mayst say can never Change what has been revealed to me; All that thou mayst think whatever Is but a flash in eternity. 27 28 THE TREND OF LIFE O, it is not what man most studied, But it is that which to-day moves the world, Which I have seen in that revealment. In that great banner unfurled. Yes, it is that which most beateth In the pulse of human life; Yes, it is the crime, all the mistakes, That which makes all human strife. And that which is so much misconstrued Unto man and unto earth, That which is called the failure, mistake, Of the " Infinite," the birth. Of the earth and all its children. While the brains that punctured are With life's power for fathoming matter Call it hallucination, air. But were it not for revelation. What would be man's plight to-day, Since all knowledge that hath e'er come Came through revelation's ray. Since the flash and glimmer precedes The true light that is revealed, So in all things, in all knowledge, Hath this fact been stamped and sealed. THE TREND OF LIFE 29 And the messenger must e'er precede The true one to make him known, And this, too, in all things shown is Since the one is a stepping-stone For the other to promote him. Just one step higher he begins, Yet it is all through revelation That the outs are turned to ins. But the child of earth will insist That each one alone hath done What has been by each accomplished Has been done by each alone. Yes, earth's child is much conceited. And will be until the "Infinite's" great prayer Will be fulfilled, then humanity Will know that each is but a tublet here Through which the power is e'er effused; O, it is immortal, for do not think That there is power not continually used E'en though the tublets ofttimes stink. Since we know not how to cleanse them, Since we know not just what we are Until the power that is pressing through us Will reveal a six-pointed star. 30 THE TREND OF LIFE And it is this fact at present That will help humanity out; Bring to it the needful knowledge Of what life is all about. Ah, it is not a vain illusion, Ah, it is not a powerless cloud That for a moment in vaporation floating Just forever to leave the crowd. Of human thoughts, human expressions. Human works, or labor wrought, To be scheduled as a mere nothing done Or a mere nothing thought. To be called the wildest ravings That earth's child has ever heard, To be clothed in superstition As the thought of an idiot's word. Such the fate of most revealments, Which in ages past were known. Where to-day each one that is mastered Is called earth's greatest stepping-stone. Yet the future holds stones far greater Toward which we will have to leap. Step by step we'll have to reach them; Ofttimes on our knees we'll creep. THE TREND OF LIFE 31 Just to gain a step, stride forward In that path which yet not known, Just to get a glimpse or vision Of a greater stepping-stone. Ah! the world hath gloated forward Toward the shrine of outward things, Toward what can be seen and heard of. Fostered by the sense it brings. While the power within that worketh, While the force that presseth out, All that is external, outward. All that man e'er thought about, Beateth morbid in life's pulses, Dwelleth as extinct with most. While the outward forms expressed are, Which are but the power's ghost. Ah! the world hath drifted forward Not to what is, but what is sensed, What has been revealed, misconstrued. At which point man's mind is fenced. But as fences decay, break down. Since they are but of matter made, So this fence, man's mind surrounding, Will, too, some day be waylaid. 32 THE TREND OF LIFE Yet it will not be in one day, E'en a week, a month, a year, Not until the most internal Can be revealed to man, made clear. Thus will revealments e'er be revealed Through the humblest of the aught. Through those who have pride's stiff-neck broken. Through those whom soul chastised and taught. Through the child of earth and matter. Who, in life's manger born to dwell. Who, through trials and life's hardships. Feels the soul's comforting spell. She will be the first to perceive What is revealed by the soul. Since she has perceived its workings She has turned unto its goal. And therefore faces ever toward it. Therefore will see what is revealed. Since she has felt its consolation, In time will know just how to yield Unto its force, to its great power. That is ever pressing out, E'en it finds the smallest puncture Through which it might be known about. THE TREND OF LIFE 33 And if in all many past ages Recognition it did not win, It was because the child of earth and matter Looketh outward, not within. For all succor, help, all earth's needs, For all the mind of man may know. Not thinking that it is from the within That the power of knowing doth flow. Now thou wilt ask, " How dost thou know this? That all floweth from within? What knowest thou of mind's great power? Where in life didst thou begin? " Ah! dear child of earth and matter. This, revelation hath me told. Just where I began and all earth's children, Who ever have life, are ever goaled. Ah, I know thou wilt not believe me. Since thou hast never believed What has been told in the past by others. What by others has been received. Just because their revelations Did not tally in each component part, Just because they mostly differed In the form, not in the heart. 34 THE TREND OF LIFE Since the soul will never express Two forms of life exact the same, Whether through mind or outward form, Thus each a separate place must claim. Now the first spiritual revealment To humanity, child of earth, Was the foundation for all such revealments, Was the soul's first outward birth. Now thou wilt say, "Soul is outward. Soul is outward in me born,** While it is but the knowing power raised By the soul flows through earth's form. Here again I hear thee ask me, "How knowest thou that this is true?" Ah! sister, brother, just through that power That floweth through me, floweth through you. Coming from within, it revealed How all that e'er was known by man; Coming from within, will reveal All that directed toward earth's plan. Thus will revelation follow Revelation through life's force; The first was basic knowledge of the outward To preserve the flowing course. THE TREND OF LIFE 35 Of that which giveth to the outward All its sustenance, its food, All that is external, much not sought for, Much that in life would do good. E'en though you may not believe it, E'en though you may not believe. But each act and each expression To the soul for power must cleave. Since it is through it that thou knowest All that thou dost know on earth. Since through it the power of knowing Gave to man his rightful birth. And it e'er will raise that power. And it e'er will press it through All the molecules of matter Through which the atom hath paid its due. Unto man, unto earth's children, Unto the form through which you breathe. Unto the nostrils ever inhaling The stench of earth to which you cleave. Since you will not turn from it To breathe a purer vitalized air, Since you will not accept the measure Filled by the higher atmosphere. 36 THE TREND OF LIFE And now I want to tell you, sister, brother, How I know there is a higher atmosphere, How it is it filled my nostrils While I'm yet on this earth's sphere. O, I have found the goal, the center, Unto that which I may turn In all problems that may efface me Where the answer I can learn. You may think that I am feigning To be great and tell you so; Ah, dear child, there is no greatness Centered in man's forms below, Except to manifest the attributes Of that which giveth all to birth, Germination, growth, unfoldment. All in life upon the earth. O, it does not give you mammon. Though you here it may obtain. It does not say go take the dollar. Since in taking is loss and gain. For then the soul would be partial To the gainer, while to the one Who did lose that mighty dollar Might be crushed, have fallen down. THE TREND OF LIFE 37 And the soul would not raise one And knock the other over, down, Would not give one a jeweled headgear, While the other a blackened crown. Ah, no; the soul doth see it all, It knoweth each pang of pain and doubt. "Why does it not, then, raise the fallen?" Just ope' the door, let it shine out. And you, dear children, you each must help it; Oh, you do think this is too vast a scheme To be wrought out in all its turnings. To overwhelming the very theme. Oh, no, it is not; it is the simplest Mechanism that e'er has been revealed. It need not take much search or learning, Since the power is within and thou art wheeled About by it in all life's turnings. In all that you may say or do; Why, e'en the most ridiculous bauble Is caused by this power pressing through. But it is not the soul's great failure That the power comes sputtering out. Since the tube must be clogged somewhere When force the power blusters about. 38 THE TREND OF LIFE And it is not the soul's partiality That some children here on earth Have more power than the others, Since through them it can ooze forth And be scattered, be embellished With what may on earth seem fit, Not with what is fit to decorate, Since without humanity's wit Will reflect the power's action On all what is outward seen, And draws within its scope's center What is unfit turneth green. But I must make haste and tell you What has been revealed to me; Seems I can not, so filled with compassion As man's great mistakes I see. How do I see them, sister, brother? Ah! I tell you, through the soul. I am but a simple child of earth and matter. Yet I have turned unto that goal From which floweth life's great power By which we all things see and know. Not because I have to, firstly, Not because it must be so. THE TREND OF LIFE 39 Not because within the pulses I felt ever in me beat, Not because I saw the outward sunshine beating Down on what did in me beat, But because I felt humanity's pressure That is ever beating down, One by one, its little children, With its staff, its thorned crown. I do not mean by little children Those who in babe's forms are ; Ah! no, those humble in spirit. Through whom the greatest of soul's power Has been revealed, and e'en in life Their acts were in accordance with What has been spoken by them, revealed; Yet humanity made all a myth Through misinterpretation, lack of perception, Until God's worship to-day is but a cloud. Is but a vapor clothed in prejudice. That His very being must feel as donned in a shroud. And all His power, and all His teachings, And knows humanity, child of earth, Is prejudiced against the knowledge That says, " Self-conquest is the higher birth." 40 THE TREND OF LIFE And though, dear child, though I'm no better Than any one on earth below. But let me tell you, child of matter, That all was, is, is not just so, Since the old must be a background On which the new might be shown plain; Thus will revelations follow. Revelations in one great chain, Each link being a little larger Than the one clasped on before, Each one having just enough its form changed. That it might just ope' soul's door For all forms of humanity; E'en though some are dark and bent It is left to revelation To straighten them, repair the dent, And pierce the darkness through and through, Bring forth the light into the gloom. Unveil humanity, that it might see its destina- tion and its doom. Since each child must go just one way. Not together in hand or mass. It meaneth naught just how he goeth. But through death's door will surely pass. THE TREND OF LIFE 41 Through the door? Ah, yes, 'tis so. Life's curtains then are drawn aside And are withheld forever more, As each perceives truth when o'er the tide. But we we must not speak of death now, As that would end all, materialists say, So let us return to life and learn Of a better, more excellent way Out of all weakness, mistakes, confusion, In which humanity is anchored just now. Making, preparing for greater encroachments On the soul's premises, blow after blow. See it in the Transvaal, by the Filipino, See it in all countries, preparing, for what? Not the soul's attributes to propel or show, But just to stain them with another blot Of human blood, since their pen is What the sword can to them bring. Since 'tis of gain, the external matter. Of which their voices in praises sing. Ah, but there will come a time When their sword will be laid low, When each child of earth and matter. Each their own field will plow and sow. 42 THE TREND OF LIFE And sowing will know where to lodge The seed where it will bestly thrive, And not be usurped by another, So that another he might deprive. For the soul will dictate to each one here. E'en though earth's children vary much, But it is not in quality, but quantity. Entirely in outward form or touch. And since it is the soul's power ever To dictate to each one alone, ** Why does not soul reveal the day, then, And not let bloodshed, warfare go on?" Ah, there it is, the soul doth say; E'en though the shadows of the night Have darkened into blackest gloom, Behind the gloom the moon shines bright. Ah, there it is, the soul doth say; Dear child, thou knowest when it is light. Thou knowest that night changes to day. Morn into noon, when the sun shines bright. And so it will be with earth's great gloom; Behind the light is ever shining; It is but the background and not the doom Of mortal man who is ever pining. THE TREND OF LIFE 43 Not for what the soul can through him do, But what the soul can to him bring. So he must bear the consequences Of usurped rights and selfish sting. For soul through spirit by substance fettered Donates as earth's life moves along; Through truth the needs of man, progression Upholds the right, discards the wrong. Thus helps propel its power outward. Helps man to do the best he can, Since he is the greatest outlet Of God's great, harmonic plan. Through all eternity, will you believe it? No, you will not; but let us see If aught can be made clear to any In what has been revealed to me. See if you can trace the picture. See if you can all connections make. See if you can perceive the purpose For which the outlet add to or take Aught from what will here revealed be Aught from this great, harmonic plan Which was placed before my soul's sight To be given again to mortal man. THE REVELATION OF THE SIX- POINTED STAR, OR THE GREAT, GRAND, HARMONIC PLAN OF ETERNITY AND THE MACHINERY OF NATURE. It was the sixth day of December, Eighteen hundred ninety-nine, I felt myself sink into a stupor. I was conscious there was no sign Of spirit's power, spirit*s entrancement, But my very self was lifted up, — Not the body, child — O, no, the spirit, — So I could take a sip from out soul^s cup, And I felt myself transcending All space about earth's sphere. And naught could I see as I was soaring, And naught could I hear, But higher, higher, more uplifting. Until launched beyond the very skies, And there enveloped, illuminated, I gazed upward with my eyes. Thou canst not think what I beheld there — It was a great, burning flame. It was so brilliant, so wondrous bright, That I cannot find a name That might e'er syllable to explain. 44 THE TREND OF LIFE 45 And that flame was so illuminating That it lighted all space around. I could not see what was feeding it — It was not coal, oil, gas, as here is found; It might have been electricity, yet I would not be bound. But that flame did leap and vibrate so That it thrilled me through and through, And I was filled with such compassion For the children of earth, for each one of you, No matter what being, what race, what hue. And I felt such wondrous power. Such love as I had never felt before. And I wanted each one of you endowered With just one thrill through an open door Which I beheld just for a moment, Then saw it no more. Yes, it thrilled my very being — I felt pierced through and through. Believe me, child, it is no illusion That I am now telling to you. Then I saw a monstrous boiler. Through which the flues extended were. Each one having a different destination. There must have been a wonderful power That was at work within this boiler, 46 THE TREND OF LIFE Yet I did not hear a sound. I simply felt such great vibrations; Then, as I looked again I found One flue was slightly extended outward Into a smaller boiler there. It was not placed on any ground; It was all in the atmosphere. The smaller boiler that I saw there Had flues within it much the same As machinery boilers I saw here. But there each flue had a different name, And as I closer to it came, Behold! through its exhaustion spout Earth or matter was pouring out. Then I saw a monstrous engine Turning a great fly-wheel, Which had five spokes within to uphold Its casting, that it might be real And not falter; as far as I could see. Receive, like earth, through change its seal. The engine had a reverse action. As its governor would first turn one way, Then the other, with equal rapidity. I knew not what to think or say. One thing that was conspicuous. The wheel's center — the hub, I mean, — It was very bright, as a flash of light THE TREND OF LIFE 47 Cast out by the burning flame Did reflect upon it through a door. I noticed it was the same door that I saw before; It was opened just for a moment And then it was closed again. But now I saw on this side a bolt Which I did not see on the side of the flame, And as I turned my gaze to its top, Lo! it was the door that led to the flame And its great boiler-shop. Connected to the great fly-wheel Were smaller wheels and belts. And now I could discern a sound; It was like footsteps and like pelts Beating away and marching on; I expected to see some one walk along. I felt my pulses beat and throb, And lo! the sound descended, And then I heard a sob. But I must here, also, tell you What I saw as the sound did descend. The little wheels and little belts Were connected to, yet did transcend, A great, huge sphere of matter That continually had poured out. As I told you, of that smaller boiler Through its exhaustion spout. 48 THE TREND OF LIFE And now I felt myself so placed That I with this sphere was effaced. This earth sphere seemed entirely wrapped in gloom, The darkness of night seemed everywhere, And I felt as though some terrible doom Was to be foretold, was to be man's share; That all for man there was to be Darkness and death through eternity. Then I looked up, preparing for prayer, And what do you think that I saw there? The first was a six-pointed star That brightly glittered from afar, For earth was so in darkness wrapped That I could not see what was on it. I even felt as though entrapped, And therefore turned my gaze from it, Just to behold the light from afar, The light of that six-pointed star. And that bright star did glimmer and gleam Until all earth by it was lighted. One ray was here, one there could be seen. At all points of the compass it could be sighted. And that dark gloom that had earth be- nighted Passed away like a passing dream. THE TREND OF LIFE 49 And now I looked on earth again; Just what there was, just what it held, Could by me, as I was placed, be seen. My eyes were attracted by a glittering sheen, Like most children, when they see something shine. Will go to it and think it is something fine, And think, as they its sheen behold, Because it glitters it must be gold. But lo! I looked and I saw there A cathedral of precious stones. Of gold and silver, it was so fair The sight must thrill the very bones Of its landlord on earth here. And as I looked closer I could discern The jewels spelled in every turn A name, — it was millionaire. I was so curious to look within, So with boldness did soar forward, And what do you think that there was seen? In one corner a board of trade, In another slaughter was going on. In another bribery, theft, deception. While in the fourth, clothed in earth's wealth, 50 THE TREND OF LIFE Lounging on cushions placed in each chair, Feasting on earth's sweets with lustful ap- petite, Was seen earth's ruler, a millionaire. I turned away from the cathedral's door And soared back unto my place, And lo! what I knew not did me efface. Since force and power, which not before Did I notice, yet now could easily trace Its motion and action o'er all earth's shore, And took its part even in all space. Ah, then again I descended below To see where this force and power came from, And see just how it could be so. And as I beheld, I was almost numb. For the little wheels and little belts Which, when descended, before I had seen. Had wrought through the earth, I heard the same pelts, The same little footsteps that before had been Sounds that were to me like the pulse's beat. Like heart-throbs and patter of little feet. And as I gazed what not before Was placed before my sight; Five monstrous pillars that braced earth's shore, A sixth one, just partly raised to its height, THE TREND OF LIFE 51 Then vanished; I saw it no more. And as I drew closer to behold just of what These pillars constructed were, I saw they were speckled with a kind of blot. And as I went nearer there, Behold! they looked like a picture of a candidate During election time, When the little boys of opponent parties Did make the picture shine In speckled form, with blots of mud. Yet I drew closer, and what did I discern? Ah, here, too, were clots of blood. It was all that I could see below. So ascended again to my place And perceived the power and force, pressing through, Moved little objects o'er all earth's face. Conspicuous those little objects were. Of all form or design, all color or hue. And I could see each one, no matter what kind, This power and force was pressing through. Some were tublets, it seemed to me, Which were standing straight on end; Some black, some white, as I could see, And all the shades betwixt the two That could be made to blend. 52 THE TREND OF LIFE Some were straight, while some were bent, While through some the force came sputter- ing out. I did not know what it might portend, I feared an explosion might be brought about. Some tubes were rusty while some were bright, While through some the power from its very core Seemed pressing out with all its might. And I saw that some were quite puffed up, Blistered as though the force was too great And could not be held within the tublet, So puffed it up and blistered its plate. And many more tublets I saw about, Some stationed quite densely in different light; Some seemed quite twisted in and out, While o'er some hung clouds like the darkness of night. So that the very force and power That through them was oozing out Was black in color, as I could see. Yet could not tell what it was about. O'er some I saw hung mists of light; It was as though the sun shines bright THE TREND OF LIFE 53 And pierces through the fog of day. And though some tubes were painted black, They did no more the brightness lack Than white ones, through this same shining ray. I could not see from where this light, Yet it was beautiful unto the sight. I felt my pulses beat and throb And felt I lived in truth, in love. Then I looked down on earth again And saw some tubes had fallen over. While the force pressed through in the very air, And then I saw the tublet no more. I gazed about, and behold! some chunks. Some very small, while some great big lumps Were moving about on the face of the earth. And I could perceive that power and force Were pressing through them, whatever their course. And I saw those chunks were of different hue. Yet force and power were pressing through, Through some with greater force than through some others. But I could not perceive so much power about. As through the tublets was oozing out. 54 THE TREND OF LIFE Now my gaze was attracted to another place, And what do you think did me there efface? Poles having force which no power pressed out, And I saw some sticks which the same did appear, Force within which no power made clear. And I saw so many different sticks, Little ones, tapered like a needle point, Yet force within did them all anoint. Again I turned and gazed into the air And saw a kind of network there Of force and power that had pressed through Where those tublets had fallen over, And which then I could see no more. This network was of changeable hue. I will halt for a moment to rehearse what I had seen. Beginning with the burning flame. The boilers, the engine, the big fly-wheel, The smaller ones by which I came Where I heard the sound of footsteps and pelts. The tublets, the chunks, the poles, the sticks. It looked like some great manufacturing plant THE TREND OF LIFE 55 Where the power was raised by the burning flame, While the force made all the machinery work. Connections were perfect, without a flaw; All went on smoothly, without a jerk. And I saw that naught was connected to The poles, sticks, chunks and tublets. As perceived before the power pressed through, So they must be the power's outlets. I drew still closer, and to my surprise The whole scene changed before my eyes. The tublets became the children of earth, The chunks became the animals, The poles and sticks became the trees. The flowers, the shrubs, e'en the grass was there. While all were wafted about by the breeze Of the very internal force and power. I soared quite near to earth again To look more closely at the women and men. Many were attracted by the cathedral there, The cathedral of precious stones. Some walked toward it bowing their heads, Some bent their knees as though in prayer. 56 THE TREND OF LIFE O, Mammon, for mammon was all they said, And I noticed six temples were built around This millionaire's handsome mansion. Some bowed their heads while walking to- ward them; Bowed heads seemed quite a fashion. I soared forward to see what these temples were for. Five of which were built of a grayish stone; The sixth was but poorly made of old wood, Which had hardly no color or tone. I went to behold what they could really mean, And there on each one a name was seen — Invention, Science, Poetry, Art, And Music; while the one that was made of old wood Was built for worship, for religion stood. And around this old building great numbers I saw Of men and women, e'en children, too ; Some on their knees in loud acclamation Poured forth their desires in greatest words That came to their knowledge, that e'er their thoughts knew. THE TREND OF LIFE 57 Some were standing in gorgeous attire, In a sociable manner were looking about, First nodding at one and then at the other. Some acquaintances, undoubtedly, whom they had picked out. While some, standing with bowed heads, Stood silent as in prayer. But they manifested a restlessness Which seemed to fill the very air Which they breathed while standing there, While at a distance, quite alone. Stood some each with bowed head. Their faces were serious, their lips did not move, Not a sound did they utter, not a word was said. But sometimes they would turn upward their eyes With tear-stained lids, their petition they breathed. Which surely pierced beyond the skies. So truthful, so earnest in what they believed, I looked beyond the temples of stone And behold! aught that was new to my sight. Five piles of huge stones placed in a circle. While a sixth seemed descending from above 58 THE TREND OF LIFE And dropped in the center of the five with a crash. I heard the sound, there was a great smash, For the five were crushed to the very earth. But then I saw the fragments appeared And to this sixth one in some way adhered, Except a few fragments which rolled away. I wondered what this could be about, So quickly soared forward to find out. The first I noticed the great sixth pile Consisted of seven stones whole, And I saw inscribed o'er all the surface "The teachings of the soul." And the fragments of each of the five great piles Spelled a name as they adhered To that sixth one of seven whole stones. And I read them as they appeared. Buddhism, Brahmanism, Mohammedism, Judaism, and, ah! Christianity. Surely Christianity will not be crushed; That is impossible, it cannot be. I turned about and saw five knights, Each seated on a viscious steed, Prancing about in wild confusion. No matter how much the knight would plead, THE TREND OF LIFE 59 While right opposite, placed in a row, Were five ladies, as I could see, Each seated the same upon a steed. But these seemed passive, quite calm to be, While between the rows of ladies and knights Were two more steeds that seemed quite calm. On one was a lady, on the other a knight; They seemed to be chanting a soothing psalm. I looked above the row of knights. And behold! what I saw there: A sword of flame was flashing bright. While its edge so sharp did flare and glare. I looked above the row of ladies, And behold! there a flaming pen. While o'er the couple who in the center were Between those rows of ladies and men. Something made me stare. A sword and pen were crossed o'er their heads, Flaming like those I had spoken of. And right at the point where they crossed were Had nestled a snow-white dove. And now again I saw the six-pointed star, Gleaming and glimmering near and far. 6o THE TREND OF LIFE Being placed over the lady and knight. Again it lighted all earth around, As before I could not hear any sound. Then all vanished and passed from my sight And I found myself again in my home, Just where I was before I had gone To take the trip beyond the skies. But now I heard a voice speaking in poetry — A voice distinct and audible; who could it be? I looked around to behold with my eyes; I saw no one, no one could I see. Yet I heard that voice speaking in poetry, Which said, " I (the Soul) doth thee efface, To give thee thy mission, to-day to command, That thou shalt a pen hold in thy hand And shalt this revelation before the world place." And the Soul said to me, "Thou hast seen the plan. That through that one flue is directed to earth and to man. And thou must describe it thus that each may behold Who may read thy description, that each may know That all was, is, is not just so; That everything progresses and doth unfold, THE TREND OF LIFE 6i Not only the flowerlet, the plant, the tree, Not only outward forms doth grow as we see, But the power that is pressing through all life; That each that holds individuality Must progress, strive on, until each will be Perfection, beyond all individual strife. For as the atom is pure substance alone, So "Soul Being," perfection's only zone, That ego from which all life, power and force, Soul being the offspring of God, Of " Infinite Wisdom," " Infinite Love," First generation of the " Sourceless Source." And the Soul said: " I, the Soul, will tell thee just what to write, For thou shalt declare the dawn of earth's night. As thy revelation doth its sixth era instill According to God's law, according to His will. For the fifth is nearing each day to its close, Yet ere it can finish, ere its truth onward flows, All connected therewith must be made clear. That the " Merry Xmas Time" may ever live near. THE MERRY XMAS TIME. The Merry Xmas Time, For each day bringeth its sorrows, Each day bringeth its joys. Each day reveals its sunshine, Each day breathes forth its sighs. Yet there is not any time in the year When there is so much gladness near As the " Merry Christmas Time." Each child waiteth with patience. With joyous, longing heart, While the parents behold the happiness That Santa Claus will impart. They can see before the look of joy That betokens Santa Claus in each child's eye, At the " Merry Christmas Time." Even the little orphans. The little ones who have no home. Look forward to Christmas with gladsome heart. As they through life in loneliness roam. For they know that Santa Claus remembers them. Even no one may all the year before then, But at the '' Merry Christmas Time." THE TREND OF LIFE 63 Each one inhales the odor Of Santa Claus's evergreen trees. Each one beholds their flaming tapers with joy, While their incense wafts forth a breeze Of joyousness to each and all, Who perceive therein love's, charity's call, Birth of the " Merry Christmas Time." And the five-pointed star, as the symbol of its light, Over nineteeen hundred years ago Reflected its five points in the darkness of night, Of humanity's superstition and woe. Its five points were charity, love and truth. Peace and good-will to the aged, the youth, Message of the " Merry Christmas Time." And He who was born as the child of its light, Jesus, whom all earth could not mar, He taught love, truth, not He was the might, That truth and love was the light of that star, But humanity hath His words misconstrued. While priestcraft has usurped and blackened their good. The teachings of the " Merry Christmas Time." 64 THE TREND OF LIFE But those five points will flash forth again Into earth's darkness, brighter than before; More children of light will be born unto men, Not the same ones who were here before, For they have completed their mission here. They have done all they could for man and earth's sphere, They have revealed the "Merry Christmas Time." Already is seen a six-pointed star; Its sixth point will harmony in all instill. Its messengers are already in the field To reveal its true light, God's will to fulfill, And its true light will bring peace to all, While its true child will just know earth's call. Will fulfill the ''Merry Christmas Time." And its true child will not say worship me, No more than the true Christ said it before, But accept my teachings, love, truth and charity; Let them pierce through to the very core And let each reveal the light near and far. Let each be the might of the six-pointed star, Thus make all time the "Merry Christmas Time." MAKE ALL TIME THE "MERRY CHRISTMAS TIME." HOW? By knowing the law of co-relationship, Not clinging to earth's cold etiquette's whip. Criticism, which hath prejudice installed, By which earth's child to-day is walled. Not because it must be so, But because man will not know That he is trifold being, doth live on, Discarding one garb just another to don. Will not know that he doth represent Earth's only form to which God hath lent His very likeness, but in miniature degree Of essence to wade through life's deep sea. Of essence to ether, and ether to earth, Wherein man finds his outward birth, Just to return to ether, again To essence, completing thus God's plan. 65 66 THE TREND OF LIFE Will not know by the plan of the outward we see Just what God's plan of the inward must be. And unless he discards his isms and creeds, Takes unto himself all the good that he needs, No matter from where its source, its light, Just so through his conscience he can say, " 'tis right." He can never behold the light of soul And climb the stairway that leads to life's goal, For kingcraft and priestcraft have so drawn man on Till veiled from soul's knowledge (the light of earth's dawn). THE EXPLANATION OF THE WORKINGS OF THE "MACHIN- ERY OF NATURE." The immortal burning flame of soul, raising the power of intelligence, through life or force pressing it through the vast channels or flues of the great boiler (the universe of things), to be propelled outward through the wonderful engine (mind) which possesses a reverse action, its governor (the will) at times turning to the outward to receive impression, so it may, through lubrication (truth of outward form), propel forth knowledge of outward form out- lined, at times turning to the inward, so it may, through inspiration (truth of inward form), propel forth, through perception of outward form outlined, the teachings of the soul. Being directly connected to the great fly- wheel (of time and sense), to its hub (percep- tion), which extends its five spokes (the senses), to uphold its casting (time or eter- nity). The power of intelligence, being propelled 67 68 THE TREND OF LIFE more outward by the smaller wheels and belts, or by being involved into germination, growth, unfoldment, has its outlet through the tublets, chunks, poles and sticks, or through man, the animals, the vegetation of earth. While the smaller boiler, toward which one flue is extended, is earth's laboratory of na- ture, ever changing essence into ether, com- pacting ether into substance, expelling through its exhaustion spout, earth (substance in its crudest form), which, through the great laws of vibration, cohesion, and attraction, forms the sphere on which man lives. And if man wishes to know why he lives on earth's sphere. The soul will tell, since conditions are here. " For verily I say unto you, ye shall be born again." — The Bible. PART I. A REHEARSAL BY THE SOUL. INVOCATION. Heavenly Father, Thy will be done, For Love and Truth and Thou art one, Help man to know Thy heart, Thy face. So he may find his dwelling place In Thee, all life and power combined, In wisdom his resurrection find. And know that all holds place in worth, And all that here hath form on earth, Is sent to ope' the door of soul, That the light of man's eternal goal May brighten all the paths of life And kill the germs of struggle, strife, The venomous poison of disease and sin, So that on earth new life may reign; So man may live a higher thought, The establishment of Thy law be wrought; 69 70 THE TREND OF LIFE So man may throw off the fetters of self As devouring life's bread upon time's shelf; May know that he hath power to kill All sickness, sin, through mind and will. " May know that as the individual is ever de- pendent upon the whole, so the whole is ever dependent upon the individual." THE REHEARSAL. In the beginning was God, with whom was the word which said, " Let there be light, and there was light." Why? Great, grand mind, that e'er expresseth What has not been seen or heard, That which cometh from within it presseth Outward; what is not, yet is preferred. Think not it is a vain illusion, Think not it is a powerless cloud That for a moment in 'vaporation floats. Just forever to leave the crowd Of human thoughts, human expressions, Human works, or labor wrought. To be scheduled as a mere nothing done. Or a mere nothing thought. THE TREND OF LIFE 71 For the world hath gloated forward Toward the shrine of outward things, Toward what can be seen, all sensed, Fostered by the sense it brings, While purpose of power within that worketh, Purpose of force that presseth out All that is external, heard of, sighted, All that man e'er thought about, Beateth morbid in life's pulses, Dwelleth as extinct with most, While the outward forms expressed are, Which are but the power's ghost. Not the pov/er is the ghost of What in outward form is seen. E'en though apparitions appear Mist of what the form hath been. Since the power within still worketh. Presses through with greater force Through the misty form of substance. Since through power is the source Of all form, class, and specie. Through attraction taking on Atoms, molecules, and we see Earth's completed form doth don. 72 THE TREND OF LIFE And we know that form could ne'er be If intelligence did not burst Into conscious concepts, thus outlining What was to be formed first. And the outward form must e'er be E'en more misty, till at last Power from itself the atom shaking, Losing thus its outward cast. For since the outward form we see here To the atom has been traced. As the atom is the unit On which outward form is based. And since conscious power molds substance, While its force propels it on; Then their course much must alike be Power by force the atom don. Thus the atom is first molding Of the power within that beats, While earth's outward form completed Must have many molds and sheets. Just to be again discarded. One by one progression's strides, When deposing its first molding. Closes in eternal tides. THE TREND OF LIFE 73 Of involution, evolution Thus soul through power eternally Exhales, inhales through the outward Forms of individuality. Thus the circuit is completed, The source swallowing the end, The great onement of existence, Toward which all in life doth trend. And the finer be life's casting, The finer that which lubricates, The greater is the force and power Pressing through the outward crates. While the thicker be life's coating, More glutinous smear may ensue, The more the form the ghost will e'er be Of force and power pressing through. And now if outward form can be traced To the atom unto its source. Then the power of intelligence Can be traced and all life's force. For since the atom is the unit On which outward form is based. Then the power of intelligence, concepts. Source of form can be traced. 74 THE TREND OF LIFE Having donned form for its coating, For its organ, instrument, Through which it voices all expressions, Through which it e'er sends forth the scent Of life's laws, natural forces, Through the great, vast universe. To be recognized through conception. Through revealment to rehearse. What is left to do, to express Through the cast of mind's great wheel, To reflect its power, action. That the inward might congeal With the outward and co-operate. That the twain onement instill Through conception, revelation. So that man may feel the thrill Of the depth of mind, perception, Hub of the wheel of time and sense. So that man may know conception Is not pastime, mere pretense. That man may know that it is conception Is the first outward expression of truth. E'en though forms be low or lofty. E'en through aged cast or youth. THE TREND OF LIFE 75 For mind's conceptions must e'er precede What is revealed through the mind, And if not for outward form expressed is, Then for the inward it we find. Since there is no thought expressed here. Not a sound made or disclosed, But it hath a purpose, meaning, Since by intelligent power disposed. In the great trail of time's events Following progression's course. We find revelation's conceived, perceived. Trials applied through all life's force. For is it not conception foremost That impels a theory out. Then by trying what is thought of Are discoveries brought about. Following all great discoveries Comes invention, science, art, Which are but matured revelations Given through man a body and heart. Yet, it is not by what matured are That we know what e'er may be. Since revelation liveth ever. Being the fruit of life's great tree. 76 THE TREND OF LIFE And as progress dictates onward, Widening all themes embraced, Since revealments through perception mature 'Tis through them progress doth grace. Man and all that man hath e'er done, All man was, is, e'er shall be, Since progression of evolution Sheds the natural decree. The result of involution All life's sense's tempting snare. Leaving each stride as a background, As step by step man climbs the stair. Wielded on by truth, progression, Unto the source from whence he came. Unto the great, grand, central onement, Lord of all, yet hath no name. For is there e'er a word can syllable. Can e'er express a onement whole. Of all life's scrollwork mind hath revealed. Of all that mind yet e'en must scroll, And all that is and all that may be, And all that e'er to knowledge came? Not but all sounds, not but all syllables Can e'er express so great a name. THE TREND OF LIFE 77 And now, since mind's conceptions precede What is revealed, then from where, Since to man there can be nothing that is Unless a source it must declare. And if man through thought perceiveth What is e'er revealed from aught, If thought is centered in earth's standpoint (matter) Then in matter all is sought. Which embraces all earth's changes, All that is, yet cannot be. Having its great scope so centered. Deathly, in decay eternally. Having for its guide the cloak, but While the true form is clasped to earth. That which hath true form and power. Dormant lives, cannot step forth, Since it cannot loose the fetters Which so strongly it hath chained. Since it cannot break the barriers In which it hath been ingrained. Step by step involved in substance, Step by step in time and sense. Just to express through strides progressive The force of change or incidents. 78 THE TREND OF LIFE Just to make the substance real, More pronounced with power and force, Just to pervade all with its knowledge Of love and wisdom the power's source. Infinite in power of wisdom, Infinite in force of love, Infinite in being central. Toward which all in life must move. Infinite in knowledge, presence. In time and sense, eternity, Within, without, above, surrounding Expressed through immortality. Can there, then, through death be ending, If the source from whence we plod, Infinite in scope, eternal, The Causeless Cause, or life of God? Can there, then, through death be ending, E'en of individuality? Though death may discard through earth's changes The outward cast that here we see. But what becometh of the inward? Oh, is there none? Ah, can it be? Is there no inward form or casting Of individuality? I THE TREND OF LIFE 79 Let us turn unto what earth holds, Let us turn to inward strife, To inward being as now projected Outward into human life. Knowing that at first perfection Must have been the source of all, Knowing, toward its great, grand onement It doth beckon us from earth's thrall. What is perfection? Love and wisdom, Truth all — knowledge — power and fate Possessed by infinite state of being, From which, toward which to immigrate. What is love? Pure thoughts, perception. What is wisdom? Just decree. What is truth? But action changing From a simple to higher degree. What is knowledge? Experience, trials. What is power? Dictating waves. What is fate? Inevitable outcome Of what in each being raves. What is lustre? Light and sunshine. What is joy? Sorrow and grief. What is hope? Yea, e'en repentance. What is faith? Human belief. 8o THE TREND OF LIFE What is fear? Distrust, superstition. What is greed? Envy and crime. What is peace? Co-operation Through soul-knowledge, power sublime. What is hatred? Misunderstanding. What is lust? Selfish desire. What earth's wealth? Naught but self-seeking, Self-gain for self to self-attire. What is doubt? Investigation. What deceit? But sham of truth, Deception's principles pervading Not only aged greed, but youth. What disease? But imperfection, Poverty? But ignorance. What is vice? Naught but selfishness Of human wants and human chance. What is chance? Self-power and forces Centered toward a perceived goal. What is want? But idle searching Amongst past stones that ceased to roll. But idleness in gain of wisdom. Idleness in gain of love, Idleness in grasping knowledge. Power and truth where'er we move. THE TREND OF LIFE 8i What is humbleness? Self-sacrifice. What is vanity? Self-pride. What is selfishness? But all drifting From perfection's goal and side. What is greatness? Timely seething. What is life? But strength and force. What intelligence? But influxion From that first and highest source. Through the soul, the ego, expressed; Through the organ (mind), the wheels Of time and sense, e'en germination To place its stamps receive its seals. Through traits of individual purpose, Through reflection from the outward in, Through impulsion from the inward outward. Just only to regain and win. All its power, force, and knowledge, Again unto its being's state Of love and wisdom, truth, perfection, Eternal goal, man's final fate. Can there, then, through death be ending Of individuality? Since the soul a onement knowing. All there was, is, e'er shall be? 82 THE TREND OF LIFE Knowest thou not what thy experience? Yet consciousness thou dost not hold Centered in that great, grand onement, Ego, of all that e'er is goaled. Bursting into power intelligence. Into concepts, source of form, Into life, laws e'er controlling, Into being, force, and germ. Just to express through revelation All there was, is, e'er shall be, Through conceptions revealed, revealments Applied, through all eternity. Can there, then, through death be ending Of inward individuality? Since perfection is first of being. While selfishness the state now we see? Is the circuit here completed? Or at the goal from whence we came. Is the sphere of life fulfilled here? Ah, then there would be much to blame. Infinite wisdom, Infinite love. Forcing consciousness into selfish tides Ne'er to behold truth's shining face again? If it were so, then blessed be the suicides. THE TREND OF LIFE 83 But what is death? But change external. E'en like birth an incident, The one discarding, the other donning A garb merely to place a print. Of individual form and being On the great sheet of existent life, Merely to wade through outward waters, Experience, all outward strife. The why and wherefore has now been answered Of individual being (light); The source perfection (central onement) Toward which, from which, life's day, life's night. * * So God created man i?i His own image, in the image of God created He him,, m,ale a?id female created He them.'' How is man the image of Godf INVOCATION. Wondrous Being, Trifold Onement, Love and Wisdom Infinite Eternity, thy watch and timepiece; Expression, thy Habeas Corpus writ. Shimmering shadows, thy representatives; Multitude, thy being's state; Essense, truth the lubrication Of thy form, the dual trait. 84 THE TREND OF LIFE THE ANSWER. Love and wisdom, dual nature; Wisdom, power pervading all, Having power of knowing inherent Masculine trait, father of all. Love and wisdom, dual nature; Love, the force pervading all. Having power of guidance inherent, Feminine trait, mother of all. Love and wisdom, dual nature; Mated into consciousness, Soul, the ego, being, offspring Of the first great cause causeless. Force and power, dual nature Of consciousness, the ego, the soul. Power of knowing, force of being. Traits of man's eternal goal. Force and power, dual nature Of God's brain, force of all life. Power of knowing, form, expression. Withdrawing from which, createth strife. Bursting forth in power, intelligence Into knowledge, dictating waves Into individual channels (concepts), Through which all power seethes and raves. THE TREND OF LIFE 85 Bursting into force or spirit Life, propelling, pressing through All expression, form, existence. Beast and plant, insect and you. Through all flora, vegetation. Through all fauna, animals. E'en through sun and solar system, Through progress, change, raises and falls. Through involution, evolution, Through compact substance, ether or space, Where'er the ear or eye may turn to, Force and power the senses grace. Involution, evolution, All expression's dual trait, Step by step the stairs descending Again upstairs to immigrate. By force and power, dual nature Of consciousness, the ego, soul. Having mated into concepts, atoms, Offspring of man's eternal goal. Concepts, onement of individual being. Atoms, unit on which outward form is based. Concepts molding, atoms forming, Thus individuality is placed. 86 THE TREND OF LIFE Involution, evolution, Mated into mortal sod, All concepts, all force and being, all atoms, all substance, Trifold onement, image of God. A concept involved, a body evolved, Through wondrous mechanism and plan The concept established, the body completed, Miniature image of God — man. EXPLANATION. The image of God existing in the trifold onement of Soul, Spirit and Substance is em- bodied by soul, through spirit, into essence, ether and matter, being expressed in different degrees, through all forms of life. Yet no form of earth life (except man) holds all the elementary ingredients of substance, can lay claim to all the gifts of soul, can inherit all the traits of spirit, thus by his great inheritance is created eligible to the state of perfection (which is the very likeness of God). Yet, before man can reach the state of per- fection, he must first attain the state of per- ception, which is the medal of God, the hub of the wheel of time and sense, the sight of THE TREND OF LIFE 87 the soul, the eye of the mind and the highest call of earth's life. Through which power, to- day, man can express the likeness of God according to the existent truths of the day as expressed through all forms of life, which as male and female express, according to the knowledge of the day, the dual trait of God (Love and Wisdom). Therefrom, If men possess more strength of wisdom, Women possess more force of love; And wisdom is not without love, Neither is love without wisdom. The one the other must endower. So each the other may have power. Therefore, is the marriage tie so prized; Therefore, what God has joined together Let not man rend asunder. So life's vast system may be equalized, And not in discord live on, Chained in the bottomless pit By horny demons reigning, holding sway, Piercing the heart with envy. Jealousy, crime, and vice, Clouding the light of soul's eternal ray. 8S THE TREND OF LIFE But clasp the hand of friendship, In co-operation to plod, Whether in church, the home, the street, the hall. Not one is more than another. E'en though it seems not true, Yet, some day we'll be reconciled to all. And most of all the fathers. The mothers here on earth, Could they but know, to live is to fulfill One law, 'tis God's, while being Bound by the marriage tie. Then home would be a perfume of good will. But ah! to-day the home air Is filled with discontent, Inharmony, impatience, hatred, lust; And why? Because humanity Each one lives to serve self, In sensuality's claim has placed his trust. And so the little infants Trusted unto our care Live but reflections here of circumstance. Live in conditions prepared. As time and tide flow on, And thus become the children of mere chance. THE TREND OF LIFE 89 But when earth's worldly parents Will seek to comprehend That they, as fathers, yes, as mothers, too, Must fill the home with harmony, That of their lives the trend Will teach the children what they ought to do. Then will the strength of wisdom, Then will the force of love Reveal unto the little ones its power, Teach them the way of duty To man and God above. So knowledge, truth, their lives here may endower. For as long as man and woman hold the marriage tie as one established to satiate their sensual desires, and, when satiated, they can be separated just to begin over again, just so long will there be burglars, pick-pockets, mur- derers, confidence-men, and drunkards. Just so long will crime, vice, all sin reign on earth. 90 THE TREND OF LIFE **And God called the light day and the darkness he called nights What is Gods day and inghtf INVOCATION. Infinite father, power pervading; Infinite mother, force of being; Infinite onement, knowledge, guidance Through perception ever seeing. ANSWER. Perception? Sight of soul, the mind's eye. Hub of the wheel of time and sense. Innermost power of outward knowledge, Lubrication of truth, essence. Innermost power of light or lustre. Innermost being of joy or life, Centermost center of all force and power, Recipient of experience, strife. Innermost sense of all man's senses. Outermost vision of soul, mind's eye. Recipient of human, experience, Expectorant of light and joy. Recipient of outward impression. Digested through the organ (mind). Expectorant of all intelligence Through inspirational force outlined. THE TREND OF LIFE Inspiration and impression, Dual trait of the organ (mind), Inspiration, soul's all-knowledge, Impression, outward form outlined. Inspiration and impression Mated into perception, soul's sight Unchained, infiniverse, fettered, the universe, Eternal day, eternal night. ^^ A?id God said: Let the waters be divided from the waters.'' Why did God divide the waters from the waters? an expression of perception unto god, answering: Heavenly Father, Thou, who art all-knowledge. Thou, who art all-being. Mother, Father — parent of all. Unto Thee we turn through all life's call. Be it for man or be it for beast. In greatest form or in the least. Though man, molded in thy likeness, God, Though beast not so, yet all is good. Thy waters are the sea of life, Through which thy concepts wade in strife. THE TREND OF LIFE Be they large or be they small, Yet all are good, since from Thee, all. For Thou dost make nothing in haste And thou dost let naught go to waste. Fettered in time and sense through eternity, The purpose for each will ever be. Until some day. Thou unchained realm Wilt dictate change, thus overwhelm All darkness, gloom on earth below. What thou wilt dictate, will be so. For progress, yea, doth e'er stride on Impulsion's garb from night to morn. Morn, which breaks into noon-tide's light Of eternal day, ending all night. Yea, thy waters are the sea of life. Through which thy concepts wade in strife. Division, sex-individuality To express the dual-trait form of Thee. DUAL-TRAIT FORM OF GOD. Dual-trait form, love and wisdom. Wisdom, power pervading all Love, the force from which all guidance. From which all life, in large or small. THE TREND OF LIFE 93 Wisdom, power, strength, perception, Expressed through life in outward form. Love, the force, mother of being. Expressed through the fructiferous germ. Love and wisdom, dual nature Of God, mother — father — parent of all. Expressing through the soul, the ego, His dual trait what e'er life's call. All birth life's state of muliebrity. All death life's state, the change of life, While perception is life's state virility. Attained by the sweat of God's brow or strife. The sweat of God's brow (the unprejudiced thought). Which ever drops forth in pearly beads Of truth unto the children of earth. Gathered by the child who seeks and heeds. ' ' Therefore, seek and thou shalt find, ask and to thee shall be give7i, rap and to thee shall be But as long as the thought of man is fettered by prejudice, criticism, and doubt, just so long will he seek and not find the bread of life 94 THE TREND OF LIFE (knowledge); will he ask and not be able to recieve the medal of God (perception); will he rap and not be capable of opening soul's door so he may enter the realm of love and truth. And God said: ''''Let there be a firmament in the midst of the watefs'' What is that firmament? That firmament is the change of life, That change that earth calls death, When the spirit is severed from the body of clay. When the soul withdraws life's breath, Just to express through another form That was formed in the ethereal sphere. Through the process of nature was ever effused From the material one we saw here. For the chemist in his laboratory to-day Changes matter into ether; Now, man does not do one stroke of him- self, But mimics what God does through nature. Thus nature is master, while man is the child, Who ever his master's apprentice must be. By attuning himself unto nature's laws. Thus only understand and clearly see THE TREND OF LIFE 95 That ether casts matter when made to blend, Where matter is formed as nature's stand- point, And nature's laws hath nothing e'er joined That cannot be separated, be it ever so faint. So as man etherealizes dead substance to-day, Nature has ever done it before, And not only the dead, but the conscious, too. Wherein is the new birth, when the spirit doth soar, Leaving earth's sphere for the ethereal realm To continue the expression there of earth life, For each living creation is a laboratory of nature. And earth's conscious desire makes there all strife. WHAT IS STRIFE? Strife? Experience, movement of progression, The language by which God doth dictate. Step by step each stride expressed is Word by word announced life's fate. Whether for individual being. Whether for country, nation, or race, Whether through peace or direful warfare, Yet all progression's path doth trace. g6 THE TREND OF LIFE What is progression? Grasping knowledge Of all that may in life's path be strewn, Investigation of cause and outcome, Till final result is clearly known. Final result? A matured concept, Revealed without a flaw or taint, Though modeled first in grossest substance. Embellished first with darkest paint. Yet knowledge ever nurtures progress. Which ever reveals a finer contour. Ever extends a refining power To all concepts till they are pure. To God's concepts (all life and being). To man's concepts (molded sod), God's being altered, while man's are chang- ing Through progress, knowledge, God's word, God's rod. Therefrom a proverb: Kjiowledge, the rod of God, ever giveth power ujito His word — Progress. What is knowledge? Knowledge, that all-expounding factor (both rod and wand of God), which cleanseth the THE TREND OF LIFE 97 channels of the mind, thus unfettering the per- ception of man, so that thought may be ex- pressed by taking its course forward into understanding and wisdom. Not, as many believe, are thoughts mere effervescent nothings, whatever their manifesta- tions, but expressions of reflection and impul- sion caused by aught that may exist in the pathway of life, being impressed upon the brain or the sensitive plate that has set in relief all that man to-day doth know. The depth of the impression is dependent upon the knowledge obtained; it is, therefore, advisable to seek for information and learn wherever man may be, or whatever may pre- sent itself (regardless of ist and ism), for knowl- edge strengtheneth the mind and bestows intelligent power. Intelligence (the power of God) is the foundation of life, the commanding force of humanity. By it life's pathways are marked, life's individual traits of character are molded, and the deeds or workmanship of man through life are dependent upon the power thereof. The workmanship of man is ever being swayed by the rod of God (knowledge). 98 THE TREND OF LIFE Since all-knowledge is man's final result, Be it obtained through darkness or light; Be it obtained through grief or sorrow, In day's bright sunshine or in the night. Be it obtained through deeds o'ershadowed With darkest crime, transgression, sin. Or following God's way, progression. Through truth, the medal of love to win. Yet, each action results in knowledge. If it dictates remorse or pain; A better, more excellent way will be sought for. And thus progression (God's way) doth gain. If it dictates love or gladness. Rejoicing, harmony, or peace. Then will contentment ever sustain it, And thus progression will stride on, ne'er cease. For progression is all goodness, harmony, Beheld through love or wisdom (love's mate), Comprising all the pure and beautiful. The work of the soul, man's final fate. But man's fate (personal), inevitable outcome Of what in each being raves. Fate? Result of individual progress. The listing to God's word which saves. THE TREND OF LIFE 99 How does listing to God's word save? From what? Since death is but an incident (the change of life), while life is a complete circuit of existence, finally resulting in the state of perfection, therefore no hell of brimstone and fire, what is there to be saved from? ANSWER. Since progress (God's word) is grasping knowl- edge. Investigation of cause and effect, Since knowledge nurtures, dictates progress, 'Tis with those two factors man builds erect. Upon life's rock (truth), firmest foundation, And the winds may blow and the floods arise. Yet life's tenement built on truth by knowledge Can never be wiped away from life's eyes. It may be altered, remodeled, embellished, Through progression reveal a finer contour, Yet the foundation on which 'tis erected Will e'er be the same, will ever endure. And by seeking knowledge or information. By trying to do the best that man can, By listing unto the voice of conscience, Through its convictions reveal his life's plan. loo THE TREND OF LIFE He will e'er be likened unto a wise man. Conscience? Dictation of truth from the soul, Recieved in full through perception (man's mind's eye), In minor degree, understanding's parole. While he who is idle, sluggish, e'en careless In accepting the touches of knowledge (God's wand), In following truth's movement (progression) Will find himself launched on faltering sand. Will thus be likened unto the foolish. For as soon as the voice of conscience is heard, That moment man is made responsible For every act of God's being interred In self, the you-man form of expression. Man? Coat for the ego, the soul (the true you), Who takes his place in God's plan through eternity, As a tublet through which intelligence is pressed through. And all that God doth ask of man here Is to keep himself clean in thought(the within), In body the outward, for if man will do that There will be no sickness, there will be no sin. THE TREND OF LIFE loi Since cleansing mind's channels within man's perception Will thus be unfettered, soul will through him see, Through inspiration can express it's knowl- edge Of what is best, what is best to be. Can reveal the right method of cleansing the outward, Can dictate correct forms of nourishment, food, Can express all that in life is needful For all in life, for man's greatest good. And thus man, through cleansing mind's channels, extending With knowledge, through progress their way to the goal Of perception, sublimest state of being, "!^In which man can see God's face as the whole Great, grand, harmonic plan of eternity, Can behold corelationship of each to aught. Can percieve formality, know what is real. What is born to live and what is not; 102 THE TREND OF LIFE Can receive the knowledge to foster the out- ward, Can interpret the voice of conscience within, Thus save himself by listing unto it, From all disease and from all sin. Then will man have pure thoughts, thus behold love In all its glorious, ecstatic state. Will understand that the material realm Is of an ethereal one, but the mate. And every laboratory that day on earth stationed Will prove that no matter is laid on earth's plate. But can through change become gas or ether. And thus be turned over to its feminine mate. And there is no move in the ethereal realm, But will that day demonstrate unto man's eye Just how ether is compacted into all matter, And through condensation doth cease to fly; THE TREND OF LIFE 103 Will bring to the understanding of earth's child, That force is concentrated by thought, That toward whatever point man excavates mind's channels, His goal will be achieved, his purpose be wrought. If man will be idle, not excavate any. Poverty, vice, crime, disease is the result, Thus man through not listing unto God's word Is launched in hell (all life's tumult). Enter ye in, therefore, at the straight gate, for wide is the gate (idleness) and broad is the way (want) that leadeth unto destruction (pov- erty, crime, vice, disease), and through idleness of grasping knowledge or listing unto God's word, many there be who go in thereat. Because straight is the gate (co-operation, God's law) and narrow is the way (progression, God's way) that leadeth unto life (perception), sublimest state of being on earth, that of brotherly love, manifesting itself in harmony with all expressions, but through idleness of grasping knowledge or listing unto God's word, clinging to ist, ism, and creed, few there are who have found it. I04 THE TREND OF LIFE For Earth, most entirely wrapped in gloom, The darkness of night seems everywhere, And it seems as though some terrible doom Is to be foretold, is to be man's share; That all for man there is to be Darkness and death through eternity. For the thief doth enter at the broad of day, Doth murder and rob whate'er in his way. While the father disowns his very child Because against his will a marriage hath filed. Thus the father rises against his son, And his son, that he might proclaim his own, Doth stab the father, killeth him dead, Placeth the mother on a sick bed. While most rich, the rulers of earth to-day, With their horded gain profess to say That they are progression, while their jeweled crowns Are being sustained by blackened ones. Yea, they worship wealth, their cathedral was seen With its outward jewels, its glittering sheen, THE TREND OF LIFE 105 While their methods of gaining tneir plenteous galore Were also revealed through the cathedral's door. Yet the children of earth do covet to-day That gain, with bowed heads on their knees they pray For all the luxuries that it doth bring To the body, but to the soul a sting. And the body returns to ashes and dust, While the soul lives on, devours each crust That may be placed upon time's shelf, Not resting until self conquers self. But man for ashes and dust doth pray. And not for truth, the eternal ray Of light that can all to man bestow. Knowing all whate'er there is to know. Yes, man bows his head to the temples of earth, Not knowing from soul they had their birth, By soul conceived, through spirit revealed. Through man expressed, God's concepts sealed. io6 THE TREND OF LIFE While part of humanity sees, perceives more Than others who have not yet beheld soul's door, Have not yet discerned it's wrappings to inter- pret, Through perception reveal what soul did beget. Thus humanity ever declares two decrees: The one is blindness, the other man sees. Ever lives through three states of earth life, The physical, mental, moral, all personal strife; Ever doth immigrate to another sphere. The mate of the one he lives on here, Just to complete what he has left undone. In personal being what he has begun; To rectify each and every act. For the pangs of conscience will hold him intact. For, as he here did plow what he here did sow, He will surely reap all and he will know Just what he did sow while plowing here. For the network in the air will make it clear THE TREND OF LIFE 107 That ether that man sheds, through thought, on earth, Through which the soul expresses in the spirit birth. Yet to-day man's thought is speckled with mud. Represented by the five pillars e'en blotted with blood. Speckled with criticism, envy, and vice. With jealousy, crime, life's barterer's price. Blotted with the blood of all warfare. With persecution, the poor man's share. The tenth Psalm of David: "Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Why hidest thou thy face in times of trouble? The wicked (earth's rulers) in his pride (greed) doth persecute the poor. Let them (earth's rulers) be taken in the devices that they have imagined. ' ' For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire (wealth), and blesseth the covetous (those who bring him gain), whom the Lord abhorreth. ''The wicked, through the pride of his coun- tenance (selfishness), will not seek after God; God is not in all their thoughts. His ways io8 THE TREND OF LIFE (vice and crime) are always grievous. Thy judgments (righteousness) are far above out of his sight; as for his enemies (those who ask for help), he puffeth at them. *'He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved (with compassion), for I shall never be in adversity Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up thine hand, forget not the humble. Wherefor doth the wicked contemn God? He hath said in his heart. Thou wilt not require it. Thou hast seen it, for thou beholdest mischief and spite (all crime and vice), to requite it with thy hand (experience). The poor committeth himself unto Thee. Thou art the helper of the fatherless. "Break Thou the arm (ignorance) of the wicked and the evil man (murderers, thieves); seek out his wickedness (faults) till thou find none (help him to perceive). The Lord is king for ever and ever; the heathen (those who have slain the martyrs of truth) are perished out of his land. Lord, thou hast heard the desire (prayer) of the humble. Thou wilt pre- pare their hearts (minds), thou wilt cause thine ear to hear, to judge (sympathize) with the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth (earth's rulers) may no more oppress. THE TREND OF LIFE 109 The tenth Psalm of David, written according to the needs of the day. Knowledge of soul, why so remote? Why so obscured from the view Of the children of earth, while thy beings float. Shedding tears like the glittering dew; Descending and resting upon each flower, Upon each plant and tree. To freshen and soothe the aerial bower. From languish and thirst to set free? So their tears like the dewdrops are shed For all on earth here below; They grieve for the wrongs, the hearts that are bled With the hardships of life and the woe, That overwhelmingly overtakes each one Through their course sometime, somewhere; They long to help see justice done. In readiness always stand there. Yet the poor too much grieved, and the rich will not hear The tale of the soul so bright. As its children stand in voices clear Through inspiration declare the light no THE TREND OF LIFE That bids them come out of darkness to light, And see where their footsteps go, Hear the voice of the helper, percieve the might That doth help life's ebb and flow. For the strong ever impoverish the weak. Yet, how can it be otherwise? Since e'en those who desire to do good Go at it blindly with closed eyes. They feel that life's pulses beat within, Yet, at the first sign of inward knowledge Think they possess all, God's medal to win. From a spoonful of truth make a scythe for life's hedge; A scythe of tradition and superstition, Smelted out of the past and gone. Not in accordance with the needs of the day, But modeled after some ancient morn. Not in accordance with life's pulse's beat. Not in accordance with what they meet. And because their teachings will not be heard, To prejudice and jealousy are stirred. Materialists call theologists fools. While theologists call materialists tools. THE TREND OF LIFE iii Not knowing it is by the outward we see, Just what the trend of the inward must be; That unless they both work hand in hand, They never can foster what God hath planned. Not knowing that each thought, each act Is given power and held intact By the soul (Cerebrum of God), And therefore all there is must be good. Yea, each name on earth is a needful one To perfect earth's life since it was begun, So God's great law may be fulfilled. And all know His way as God has willed. Yet materialists think that they possess The highest teachings mankind to bless. While theologists teach man to serve God With fear as each through life doth plod. While all who teach believe to take The mighty dollar for truth's dear sake. Thus serve two masters, God and pelf. Which ever worketh against truth's self. ' * Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. ' ' 112 THE TREND OF LIFE And yet the flesh needs nourishment, A place to shelter it From outward abuse material, For life's battles to outfit. Ah, yes, but here the soul doth say: If each one would dig out his way, Behold each pebble in life's path And turn it over in peace, not wrath. Behold just what its shape, its form. Discover from where its birth, its germ. If it holds worth, then pick it up And drop each one within life's cup. According to truth give credit deserved, For a purpose by it sometime will be served. And if it is not the one you seek, Do not tramp on it and make it creak With your criticism and prejudice, But let it live on ever in peace. For that pebble might be just the one That another is seeking under God's sun; Might add and fill another's cup To be drained, given for God to sup. THE TREND OF LIFE 113 Through the rays of the six-pointed star, Gleaming and glimmering near and far, Until all earth by it is lighted, Until at all points of the compass sighted. Through that wonderful pile of seven stones whole, On which is written the teachings of soul, Which did descend with a crash from above, To propel man onward to brotherly love, To unearth humanity's debris of time. As step by step earth's child did climb The mountainside of selfishness. Where anchored to-day near its height holding mass. Holding mass? For what? For God? Ah, no. To earthly gain their heads they bow, Some striving to harvest what others did sow, Most scattering seeds that will not grow. ** PARABLE OF THE SOWER." Behold, a sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside and the fowls came and devoured them up. 114 THE TREND OF LIFE Some fell upon stony places where they had not much earth, and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no depth of earth, and when the sun was up, they were scorched and, be- cause they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and when they sprung up the thorns choked them, but others fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, and some thirty. EXPLANATION OF THE PARABLE. When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom (truth) and understandeth it not, then Cometh the wicked one (some particular ist) and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. But he that received seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it, yet hath he not root in himself (perception), but dureth for awhile, for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He, also, that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word and he becometh unfruitful. THE TREND OF LIFE 115 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word and under- standeth it, which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, and some thirty. How can those who desire to do good, to- day, bring forth a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty? By entering their dark closet to pray. By shutting out the daylight's ray, So thought may be concentrated toward one goal, For thought is attraction's force of soul. With desire of truth requesting the soul To lead you on to your mission's goal. Requesting the Father, Lord, God of all. Presenting thus thy petition and call. PRAYER. Gracious Father, to thee we pray, Guide us along each hour, each day. Turn us away from the sins of the world Into the light where the banners unfurled ii6 THE TREND OF LIFE Wave in the breeze of brotherly love, Banners of truth in the light from above Float like a dove about to descend In purity's name, sin's courses to wend. O, guide us, we need a stronger hand To lead us on so we may not strand. Or be shipwrecked as life's ocean we sail, Braving the storms and beating the gale. Restrain us from vices, all selfish deeds. Teach us to minister unto the needs Of the poor and the wretched, the sick and the old; Teach us that all that shines is not gold. So that we may seek beneath the surface And give to each gem its appropriate place. How often offended, how often disdained, Is a fellow-being because he's not famed, As, holding a place, yes, deemed as high As another's, no question how hard he may try To work onward, upward with greater strides. No, he's trampled on as the world decides. THE TREND OF LIFE 117 So teach us to seek beneath the surface, Disperse the darkness, bring forth each trace Of goodness, of purity, love so divine. Help us on generous thoughts to dine. Let us stretch out a helping hand To those who are struggling hard for the land Of love, of truth, of righteousness; Teach us to judge not according to dress. And let it be known as well understood. No matter how bad, there is always some good; E'en though the coat be dirty and soiled, Yet the wearer's heart-strings might well be coiled With all that would brighten the soul's desire. E'en more than the one in costly attire. Who, with glittering jewels, earth's wealth adorned, For all we know his might be thorned. Make us acknowledge equality's name. For hast thou not given to us the same? The soul immortal, the breath of life. And will-power to manage life's battle and strife. ii8 THE TREND OF LIFE Yet oft Thy gift through faih'ngs and faults Lies hidden far down in earth's darkest vaults; Is spotted and stained through idle desire Of man's free will, fate's only attire. Teach us to seek Thy gift of soul, With deeds of goodness, with prayer enroll, All those who have stepped aside from the path Of truth, not beat them with earth's lath. So it may be known, as well understood, No matter how bad there is always some good. Teach us to brighten Thy gift till it's bound By love, truth, and charity, star of hope found. What is prayer? Is it merely a petition to some worshipped being to grant a desired re- quest? Ah, no. Prayer is more than that; it is every good thought, every good word, every good action or deed given in behalf of some one or something; therefore, prayer is good, and there is everything in anything that is good, for in goodness doth God manifest all in all. How does God manifest all in all? Through life's principle (source) no one knows Just what it is, just how God sows THE TREND OF LIFE 119 His seed of wisdom, his germ of love Propelling the light of truth from above; Though man is a concept of God's plan, Yet life's principle can ne'er be a conception of man. But God is a person, the ego his head. And now I will tell you as I was led Through soul's inner channels beheld through soul's sight How God manifests all in all (his might). THE REVELATION OF GOD AS A PERSON AS GOD EXISTS. God standeth with his two feet placed Upon earth's sphere, his footstool. His right hand wielding his mighty rod. His left hand swaying his scepter; God's head, the ego, source of form, Eternity, his brow. His face the great, harmonic plan. Smiling on those who bow Their head in love, whate'er life's call. Through soul. His cerebrum, donator of all. I20 THE TREND OF LIFE His cerebellum is consciousness, While nourishment, his throat; His lungs all individual being hold, Refined substance, his coat. Such substance is God's flesh and blood, While wisdom is his seed, Love his fructiferous germ of all, Whatever life's cast, life's need. God's stomach is the organ mind, His bowels earth's laboratory. His abdomen that one of all things Whiche'er excretes love, God's glory. His right leg is involution, His right foot is all birth; His left leg is evolution. Left foot death, the passing from earth. God's whole right side is black, darkness, Symbolic of race and night; His whole left side is whiteness. Symbolic of color and light. His mouth the sense of tasting. His nose the sense of smell. His right eye sense of feeling. His left is sight, all's well. THE TREND OF LIFE 121 His right ear sense of hearing, His left perception's light; His left eye-lid awakening, His right the sleep of night. God's right arm innocence, temptation, While his hand experience; His left arm self-conquest, purity, While this hand as the other is, Only the right hand wields his rod (knowledge), While his left, the scepter of truth, The crest of which is embellished With the jewels of love, God's youth. God's heart is nature, his heart-throbs joy, While natural laws, his veins, His arteries, the greater ones With which God sways and reigns. All being, life his spinal cord, Inspiration his breath. Progressive strides, his spine, back-bone. His dung (earth) the stool of birth and death. Yea, God's seed is wisdom, his germ love, Co-operation his law. Progression his way, progress his word, Ever dictating without a flaw. 122 THE TREND OF LIFE God's sash or garb, life's workmanship, While the state of perfection, his throne; His hair revelation, the light of the world, Declaring to man here earth's dawn. But man will cling to the stench of God's dung, And will not accept his breath, Will not inhale its lasting aroma, That which e'en conquers death. AN APPEAL FROM THE SOUL UNTO MAN. O man, O man, wilt thou never arise. Wilt thou never awaken and open thine eyes, And unto thee thy heritage take If not for God, then for thine own sake? Wilt thou never behold the light that doth shine From truth's goal, everlasting shrine? For what did God give to thee the earth But to discover through it the higher birth. So thou mayest breath the more vitalized air Of immortality while yet on earth here? While yet thou art placed in decaying sod, While yet in earth's outward form thou dost plod. THE TREND OF LIFE 123 That thou mayest know that earth is not end, But just where ether into earth doth blend ; And that before ether, essence must be E're thou canst go on through eternity. Again to essence thou must return, That while yet on earth thou first shouldst learn, Before taking thy place in the ethereal realm. That death cannot stupify or e'en overwhelm The consciousness, if thou wilt while here. Accept what is given by God to earth's sphere. O man, O man, wilt thou never arise. Wilt thou never awaken and open thine eyes And behold what thou dost see to-day? Not wait for the future or sluggish delay. Not cling to what tradition hath brought, Not cling to what superstition hath wrought Through misunderstanding, love misconstrued. Through lack of perception, God's wisdom sued. 124 THE TREND OF LIFE THE REVELATION OF GOD AS A PERSON AS MAN HAS MADE HIM. One night I was weary, retired to my bed, When lo! I looked and right over my head Appeared what seemed a massive pole. I did not sleep, but was clasped in soul, And lo! I saw a crossbar appeared. Which to this massive pole adhered. The two formed a cross, rough and bare. And I felt as though some terrible snare Was to be revealed, yet e'er I beheld I was hypnotized, by the soul was spelled. Thus held, I saw on the cross a man Exact in copy, perfect in plan, As the Christ crucified, as revealed to-day, I knew not what to think or say. There was the cross, the form upon it. There was the crown of thorns on his brow. There was the gash in his side, flowing from it The blood of the lamb, salvation's vow; THE TREND OF LIFE 125 There were the nails in his hands, bare and rusty, While his feet were coupled together below, And his sash or garb was stained with the bloodshed That ever from his side did flow. I arose ; and then I heard a voice, Which said, ** Child of earth, awaken, rejoice, And let this thy revelation resound. That the key to the bottomless pit may be found ; For the form you saw was God through man, Who was revealed before according to this plan, So that the child of earth may know That all was, is, is not just so; That the child of earth may see to-day How he, God and man doth crucify and slay Through selfishness, with the glaring sword; Through greed smiting God's very word; Through jealousy, vice, crime, all sin. Expecting thus God's medal to win. 126 THE TREND OF LIFE God's medal (perception), the sight of the soul, Through which earth's child beholds the whole. Great, grand, harmonic plan of eternity, And all there was, is, and e'er will be; Thus beholds the smiling face of God, Ever in brotherly love doth plod, Ever is turned toward but one goal. Receives * Inspiration,' the bride of man's soul; Yea, the virgin bride who gave birth Unto the child of knowledge to earth. The child of knowledge? Christ (revelation). Which was conceived when God's medal was won; Yea, the child of knowledge, begotten thus By the Holy Ghost (soul), humanity to bless With its teachings, man's highest moral prin- ciples. When personified ever to work miracles Through that power divine (the Holy Ghost), The soul, the cerebrum of God, Through co-operation healing disease, Through brotherly love life's pathway to sod. THE TREND OF LIFE 127 Revelation is prophesy, truth revealed, And he who will first impersonate such Is the voice crying in the wilderness (earth), ** Prepare ye the ways of the Lord," the first touch Of God's brush for a new era of earth, For the close of one of the past and gone, For revealing that which was true, yet is not Making the way straight for a brighter morn. Being the messenger of another one, Another impersonator, another son of man; So on, till man, through perception, will work miracles, And through perception will foster God's plan, Will reveal his inmost being (soul), Through self-conquest discard his selfish pride; Unprejudiced express his thoughts. Reveal the Christ personified; Through truth and charity, brotherly love, The step that proclaims universal aim, To 'establish a universal brotherhood To which each and all on earth may lay claim. 128 THE TREND OF LIFE Ah, when that linking of humanity takes place, Of which the six-pointed star is first sign, Love, truth, and charity, peace and good-will, Equality, the sixth, the wedding-feast's wine. Yea, when that great nuptial knot is tied. Then there will be a wedding feast for God, E'en though the first wine was selfishness. The last through perception is brotherly love. Yea, the nuptial knot of soul to earth, Bound to foster the higher birth, Working to cross the sword with the pen, That the white dove (peace) may descend unto men And light upon each and everyone Who proclaims love and truth under God's sun, Charity, peace, and good-will to all. Through perception, the highest state of earth's call." (The Rehearsal Continued.) *' Ye have eyes to see, yet cannot see ; ye have ears to hear, yet can7iot hear; ye have minds to understand, yet cannot perceive. ' * Why? Because man has made a cross and crown; The cross is crime and vice, all sin; The crown is criticism, prejudice. And with it can never God's medal win. THE TREND OF LIFE 129 Man made the cross, thus crucified God, By rejecting the touches of knowledge (God's wand), Fastened his right hand with the nail (selfish- ness), Placed sorrow and darkness o'er all the land; Fastened the other by rejecting truth, With the nail of greed, self-gain. Placed the crown of thorns upon his brow, By clinging to that which must wane. Prejudiced against the truth of the day. Criticising each new act or call, Believing that God spoke through but one son of man, Not knowing that God speaks through all. While those who believe that earth is end. Have coupled God's feet below. Have nailed them together upon the cross, So they more selfishly might sow. And not receive dictation of truth From a higher source than earth bestows, Not accept the touches of soul — knowledge. But that which is seen in the outward grows. I30 THE TREND OF LIFE While the rulers of earth with dire warfare Have cut the gash within God's side, From which flows the blood of innocence, For which they will retribute when o'er the tide. "// shall be paid to the uttermost farthing, ^^ How? They live in lust and luxury on earth. Know not the conditions of the higher birth. List not to the voice of conscience within, But ever turned toward what they may gain or win, Ever uphold the host of greed, The god of war, persecution's breed. But sometime their sword will be laid low. When they leave earth, then whither they go. The pangs of conscience will them overwhelm, Which is brimstone and fire in the ethereal realm, And the phantom of slaughter, bloodshed, warfare, Will haunt them, in their faces glare. (Yea, they will feel as though lost.) THE TREND OF LIFE 131 In forests deep, at still of the night, When all is dark and drear, And the busy world's extinguish the light In the depths of the darkness they'll hear The voices of nature whispering low, As if to tell their life's tale, And shadows like phantoms will float to and fro. Till away with death's zephyr they'll sail. Then in that terrible stillness so dark, They'll feel that a voice from within Communicates closely and kindles a spark, Of the presence of life that's akin To each and to all when nature is heard In the depths of the dark, still night. From the sounds they'll feel that beings in- terred Had arisen to put them to flight. And startled they'll stand as the darkness o'ercomes Their vision, blindfolded they'll hear Life's pulse will beat, they'll feel benumbed, In being they'll shudder with fear. 132 THE TREND OF LIFE For they cannot see one step ahead In the depths of death's forest so dark, They'll long for the light, would it once more o'ershed All about them, how gladly they'd mark Their pathway, so they would ne'er return In that terrible darkness so deep, But then they must strive until soul's ray will burn And awaken repentance from sleep. They see not the light that shines from above. Tries to cast out its rays o'er their path And beckons them on with a father's deep love To restrain them from evil and wrath. And oft when that light does kindle a spark To bring forth the good from within, They quench it quickly, return to the dark, Through greed evil deeds to begin. And so there will be no light to hail. When death's moment so dark and drear Effaces them so they can set sail From this earth for a brighter sphere. There will be no light to make them proclaim, As a conqueror, make them sing, **0 grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" THE TREND OF LIFE 133 For they have clothed God in a scarlet robe, Dyed red with the blood of warfare, That ever from his side doth flow From that gash that they have laid bare. They have even rent his vesture in twain. Cast lots upon his garb By persecuting the weak and poor, For what they may gain or grab. They have rent the veil of God's temple in twain, Co-operation (the mist of God's light). Thus brought unto man the curse of hell, Plunging him into darkness and night. And all this was done at the third hour. The third era of earth life, And though entering into the sixth to-day, Yet life's blood still flows by the knife. By the sword of steel, the weapon of greed. By the selfish desire of man. Which rejects the teachings of the soul And the teachers of God's plan. Who are the teachers of God's plan? For as the tide of time is flowing Into realms of thought unknown. Into the springtide of life's being. Where easter-lilies grow full blown. 134 THE TREND OF LIFE It is well to seek the teachers, Those who by the soul are bound Unto earth and all earth's children, Who with jewels of love are crowned, Who the pearls of truth can scatter Unto humanity, child of earth, Who, regardless of ist or ism. Can reveal the higher birth. For they only who salvation As a onement can behold. Are the children of the true light, Perceive all earth as Isreal's fold. And since onement is salvation, Creed and sect is selfishness Swaying e'er through separation The staff of criticism, prejudice. Holding e'er the thorny headgear Upon God's brow. His snowy hair (Revelation) the stone rejected, The light of the five-pointed star, Which the shepherds beheld while watching Their sheep (the children of all earth). The shepherds? (the teachers of God's plan). Who through soul perceived the higher birth THE TREND OF LIFE 135 Of the son of man through love and truth, Charity, peace, and good-will; The five-pointed star which was revealed The fifth era of earth to instill. The fifth era of earth life, its greatest gloom (the Bible or the teachings of the sons of man, the revelation of the trend of life according to St. John), misconstrued; so that God, through man (the son of man), having been crucified at the third hour (the third era of earthly exist- ence), still hangs nailed upon the cross. And ** Unless man will awaken, arise. Behold the truth before his eyes," The son of man will hang nailed upon the cross until the ninth hour (the ninth era of earthly existence), when the majority of human- ity will have entered into the spiritual state of earth life; giving up the ghost of selfishness or having conquered the physical and mental states, so that the son of man may arise in his glory the third day, or the spiritual state of earthly existence. So that the son of man may proclaim to his poor brother of earth or he who has not yet reached that state: 136 THE TREND OF LIFE O Lazarus, O Lazarus, Throw off thy deathly shroud, For most three days thou hast lain to stink 'Till thy stench hath formed a cloud; Hath enveloped thee in gloom, in want. Hath clouded life's light on earth's sphere, O Lazarus, O Lazarus, Step forth from out thy bier. So that thy sisters may cease to weep, Thy sisters (sympathy, grief) May cease to wail with sorrow, want. Step forth, give them relief; Step forth into the higher birth. Reveal thyself unto man And live thy life, thy only chance, According to God's plan. For it is but a day that a life from its birth To the close of its primal stage here To eternity ; 'tis but a day on this earth, Though man records time by the year. And twelve hours comprises the daylight's time, Twelve hours the darkness of night. The twenty-four elders before the throne Of God through time in its flight. THE TREND OF LIFE 137 Twelve hours of night (the first two states) Enveloped in the senses sight, Twelve hours of day (the spiritual state) Enwrapped in perception's light. Twelve hours of night (the old testament), Man's physical, man's mental state. Twelve hours of day the new testament Proclaiming man's final fate. Where life speeds on to the throne of God, Perceiving the elders' flames, The seven bright candles that through time will burn. Clothed by man in different names; Through the creed of the church, the ism of sect, Until the great onement takes place. When God will walk amongst man on earth. Through the son of man will life grace. When each will behold his shining face, The great, harmonic plan. Shining as bright as the rising sun, Smiling upon earth and man. When each one will have withdrawn the bolt That man placed at the top of soul's door — That bolt (prejudice) so truth's bright ray May illuminate man evermore. 138 THE TREND OF LIFE When each will behold the virgin bride No longer travailing in birth, When the children of knowledge have all come to man, When self has conquered all earth. When God's hair so white is beheld by each one. And His feet that are like fine brass, Will be known to be life's birth and death, Will be known as some mountain pass. The first leading to the selfish height Of which man most strives to know. The last leading to the Mount of Olives, Where the tree of life doth grow; Where an olive is ripening for each one (A revelation for man), With which he can foster himself and all earth And thus ever foster God's plan; With which he can speak words of wisdom and love. With which he can give life's account. Rehearse the existent truths of the day. Preach a sermon from that mount. THE TREND OF LIFE 139 A SERMON FROM THE MOUNT OF THE OLIVES OF LIFE, ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE DAY. O, son of earth, just know thyself, Just turn to the within, And know that thou art well equipped. Life's battles to fight and win. Whatever may be earth's call, earth's need, Whate'er may be effaced. For the power of God flows through thy form. And with knowledge thou canst be graced. If thou wilt withdraw from worldly lust. And enter thy closet to pray. Shut door and window that alone with your God, E'en withdrawn from the daylight's ray. So thought may be concentrated toward one goal. For thought is attraction's force of soul. Yes, you may bow to the temples of stone, Yet worship God in truth. Just so His principle dwells at home In your closet, for there, forsooth, I40 THE TREND OF LIFE Is naught to attract the eye or mind From thy aspiration's bright; Nothing to react the force of thought, Which reveals the inmost light Of soul, which to man can all bestow, Knowing all whate'er there is to know. But you need not list to another's words, Take for granted his knowing power And follow blindly within his steps. For thus you ne'er can endower Thyself with that which thou most doth need To behold the light of life, For self must take each step for self To conquer self, thus strife. And that which is thy most desire. As thou through life dost plod, Marks out thy path, dictates thy goal, Man's desire declares his God. And each may pray from morn to night, Influenced by creed or ist. Yet if earnest desire impels not forth The words that speak the request, THE TREND OF LIFE 141 The force of thought is lost to soul, Since its impulse is not there. Desire? (The impulse that excavates Mind's channels and ever lays bare) The depth or shallowness of life, As presented by man on earth. Desire? (The impulse for the soul) (The motive for the spirit's birth). So probe thyself and turn within, Know how thy pulse doth beat. Whether for the good of thy neighbor and self, As a sheep of earth thou canst bleat, And raise thy voice in praise for God, For his son, thy brother of earth. Through soul, the immortal flame of life. Which begets the higher birth Of the son of man, through the virgin bride, Until the great onement takes place. When life's principle (the Father) through soul (Holy Ghost), Through man (the son), will earth grace. Thus turn within and know thyself, Cleanse self in mind and heart. Reveal to man thy inmost light. Give soul's pulses a start. 142 THE TREND OF LIFE Then will the new Jerusalem In truth appear on earth, When self is cleansed, self-conquest scores Life's victory (man's higher birth). ^^ For verily I say untoyoUyye shall be born again. Not in the womb of mother-earth. Not by the flesh of man. But in the spirit the higher birth. Is held in power and plan. Not with the thought of selfishness, Blindly groping in dust. Blemishing all that is good and true With deception's tarnish and rust. Not by seeking earth's wealth, self-gain, Can we enlightened be. To behold the higher birth of man From earth's bondage ever set free. But purging self and self-denial. Aspiring to look above. The selfish state will surely launch Each into brotherly love. Where friendship's clasp securely bound In co-operation to plod. Serving to all pure love (life's cream), The higher birth, revealing God. THE TREND OF LIFE 143 For as man is ever the child of God, so God through man is ever the son of man; therefore, ''Love God above all and thy neighbor as thy- self." Therefore, Wield not thy staff of prejudice, Hold not the thorny crown Upon the brow of God and man With criticism weighted down. Push not away the pearls of truth, Whate'er their source may be, For they are sent to bring forth light To illuminate man to see. But rather seek attain the state. Where perception's light holds sway, Grasping the good from all that is, Casting the foul away. Each thought expressed, each phrase outlined, Is for earth, a message sent. Whether from the lips of a prattling babe Or a sire aged and bent; Whether from wise or learned source. Whether from simpler estate, For intelligence is the power of God, Which reveals the higher gate. 144 THE TREND OF LIFE Illumined by the virgin bride, By the birth of her children, through man (All time's revelations), whate'er be their name, In memory's glittering span. For each is born through brotherly love To behold the light of life; Co-operation (the veil of love's shrine), Which exterminates struggle and strife. Yet though man, a complete laboratory of nature in himself, stockholder in the greatest manufacturing plant in existence (the machin- ery of nature), co-worker with God and heir to the most glorious kingdom (the state of per- fection), yet, for lack of co-operation, there is misery, crime, want, where'er we go. For no one light yet shone with beaming strength Could pierce earth's darkness through and through, Lift off its weight from heart and mind, Teach man just what he ought to do. No one light sent rays forth bright enough So he could expel all doubt and fear. Convincingly point heavenward, In truth bring forth God's presence near. THE TREND OF LIFE 145 No one light so bright e'er came to earth That could reveal to personal self That each is to fulfill one law (Co-operation), and not serve pelf. Not that there is not light enough To illuminate e'en the darkest night; Not that there is not truth enough To reveal to man just what is right; But just because man will not grasp The touches of knowledge from each and all, But clinging unto his creed of the past. Refuses to listen to truth, Christ's call. For light is life and truth is light, Searchlight through all eternity. Savior of earth and all mankind, The illuminating power that makes man see. The spittal that openeth the eyes of the blind, Applied through the conscience convicting earth's clay, Ever sustaining the perceptive nerve. Proclaiming, declaring, the resurrection day. Therefrom, Christ is truth. While God is love. And we have both with us always. 146 THE TREND OF LIFE So man, O man, awaken, arise, Earth's dawn is being declared from the skies. Search out the truth, the eternal ray Of light which reveals the eternal day. Cast aside thy ism, thy ist, thy creed, Take unto thyself all the good that you need, No matter from where its source, its light, Just so through thy conscience thou canst say, " 'Tis right." For conscience is dictation of truth from the soul; According to thy knowledge (thy earthly goal), It will tell to each just what is right; In obeying its voice, each will walk in the light. For the soul is dictator, giving power to all, While the spirit impresses and answers earth's call, While knowledge leads onward into progress and light. Upholding the day, dispelling the night. THE TREND OF LIFE 147 And truth (the great Savior) is revealed unto man, Through all the creeds, isms, and ists in earth's plan. Each holding a spoonful, be it ever so small, For each has its mission and each has its call; For each is a pebble on the seashore of life. And while we are wading in struggle and strife We should try to behold each one that we can. Discover its form, applications and plan, Whether Pagan or Catholic, Roman or Greek, Or all nomonations the Protestants speak; Whether freethinkers, scientists, all sects that live. For each holds a spoonful of truth, man to give. Whether science, invention, poetry, art, For each does its duty, in truth holds a part. Therefore we should look at each one and ne'er shirk Our duty in co-operating in all good work. Our duty in taking all the good that we can. Thus discover the truth in God's great, har- monic plan. 148 THE TREND OF LIFE " For as the body has many members, so we are all one body in Christ " {Truth). And, though life is a problem difficult to solve, Such different conditions surrounding, No one system or method we find can involve, Its immensity so profounding. It faces each one as the days passing by. Through the changes of life in all stages; It reveals to the mind that a prejudiced sigh Only blots and discolors life's pages. Though often alone with life's problem im- bibed, While the mind trying hard to decide it. The tears come like friends who often have tried To console, yet too often belied it. And the sigh heaves the breast as if to relieve The spirit of weight and of burden. But the sigh lasts only as long as we breathe. There we stand face to face with life's prob- lem. Face to face with life's spirit, life's knowledge, life's soul. As far they extend is our workshop, Unfoldment life's figures of worth will enroll, While development holds forth the main prop. THE TREND OF LIFE 149 For 'tis the mind's spreading light, 'tis the intellect's ray, With the will in advance marching onward. Piercing into the channels, absorbing each day, That will solve all and bring forth truth's reward. (End of Part I.) THE CLOSE— A SOLILOQUY BY THE SOUL. Would each child of earth and matter attain to the state of perception, since each can by conquering self and accepting ** Inspiration" as his bride; then there would be truthful lov- ers, who would never prove unfaithful, but ever bound in the sublime onement of soul. Then would anamists and materialists sing one grand masterpiece, thus: O yes, O yes, there is a God, O yes, a source from whence we plod. E'en though things are not as they seem, E'en though earth is but yet a dream. Of darkness, misery, crime, want, To-day, where'er we go life's chant. Yet God doth see all things, doth know Just what man does on earth below. O yes, O yes, there is a God, Who sees just how his mortal sod 150 THE TREND OF LIFE 151 Is being grinded into dust; Knows just how man wields on by lust, Knows just how much each one can lift, Knows each impulse prompting each gift, Knows just how far to wield man on. Till each a higher garb will don. O yes, O yes, there is a God, Who sees just how each one doth plod; Just how each one doth plow and sow. How each one strikes, God sees the blow. And hears the wail of sorrow, grief. The storm of gloom, human belief. That man is master, not the child. So God says, "Go and thus run wild. Since thou wilt not list unto my voice, Preferest sadness to rejoice. For thou wilt learn e'er thou canst end That I am master, God, and friend; That I, thy Father— Mother art. And e'er through thee doth take thy part, Doth ever know what will be best. That but with me thou canst have rest." 152 THE TREND OF LIFE O yes, O yes, there is a God, Who ever tells us how to plod, Just how to sow that we may reap A harvest great enough to keep; Doth ever tell us how to grind The wheat so we may ever find The bread of life for nourishment, If we'll but go where we are sent; If we'll but list unto His voice, Apply His teachings and rejoice; If we'll but walk with opened eyes. Turned upward, looking toward the skies. O yes, O yes, there is a God, Whoe'er reveals through mortal sod. That man is now and ever blest With a magnificent, luxurious feast. But man will not turn to e'en smell the scent Of all the luxuries, but ever bent Toward mortal gain, his selfish self Until some day upon time's shelf Beholds what he has wrought by self. Perceives that he was but an elf. THE TREND OF LIFE 153 Beholds things then, not as they seem, But real, since life no more a dream. And says, '*0 yes, there is a God, Who sees just how his mortal sod Is being grinded into dust;" Beholds earth's life tarnished with rust. Which covers the soul's light within. Thus man a new leaf must begin By returning unto the Father's side. Praying, "God help me o'er the tide. That I may ever steer and float On life's great sea my little boat In knowledge, not ist, ism, creed. So I through Truth may e'er be freed. Help me, master, God and friend, Help me on unto the end, That I may thus with thee find rest In Thy home, Thy scepters crest. In love, highest, ecstatic state. In wisdom, power, strength, most elate, In Thee (all peace and happiness) Eternity ever to bless." " The Trend of Life " is to be presented to the public in three parts. Parts II and III, entitled, respectively, ''The Reward of Truth," and ''Prophecy," will be published as soon as completed. 154 PRINTED BY R. R. DONNELLEY AND SONS COMPANY, AT THE LAKESIDE PRESS, CHICAGO, ILL. aept lt> itk0ul AUG 31 1901