"To those who had hope and faith in a future life through any form of religious belief or philosophical reasoning, it has added knowledge, and to all have been opened the gates that materialism and theology had not even left ajar between the material and spiritual realms.

"It has removed the fear of death by knowledge immortal messengers have brought. It has proven in most wonderful ways the nearness of that so-called undiscovered country, where invisible hands have bridged the chasm and spanned the stream of death by an archway of love; rekindled the fires upon the altars of inspiration that for ages had been desolate. Ministering angels have attuned anew the voices of mortals to immortal songs. They have 'rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulcher' where numberless human hearts thought their loved ones were buried. But now we know they are not dead but live, and if we but listen, can hear their voices whispering sweet messages of love and a religion of joy, of hope, of happiness. The testimony of disembodied human souls is the only authentic source of information upon subjects pertaining to that state of existence beyond the grave. Its authority is Truth. Its creed is the unwritten law of love and wisdom. Its ceremonials are the service of noble lives.

Its altars the human spirit. Its temples the living souls. The Veil-springs of eternal life' are here, and Truth bids mortals drink from the inexhaustible fountain of Love. The 'bread of life' is here, and all are bidden to partake freely from the all-bounteous storehouse.

"From the rare vintage of the spirit her sacramental wine is distilled in living inspiration. Poets quaff as the enchanted goblet is pressed to their lips and they sing the songs of the spheres.

"Sages gather from its open treasure-house the wisdom of the skies. Seers and prophets, inspired anew, reveal again the immortal themes.

"The whole world touched, awakened, thrilled, arises from the lethargy of materialism and dogmatic assertions; from charnel houses of the senses; from tombs of death and despair; from sepulchers wherein their hopes and faith were well-nigh buried. But now at the dawn of a new day comes a Light which opens the eyes of thirsty and hungry hearts, starving in this world for a satisfying religion, turning away from traditional accretion and burdensome perplexities, eager to progress with the science of life.

"A great battle is raging in the orthodox church, between the old and the new thought. Truths are being preached from the pulpit today that only a few years back no one would have dared to utter.

"The message of those who have the moral courage, tells man he need no longer remain the creature of darkness and ignorance - if he but follow the light within your own soul. "The light that lighteth the path of every man into the Kingdom of God."

Millions that call themselves christians today, are led through life by blind faith. They fear the spectral shadow called - death! And when the inevitable transition takes place, know not that - blindfolded they have been ushered into the next world, until they stand before "Life's Mirror," "Face to face" with their own soul - presenting to them, their own created heaven! - or - hell!

At the bar of justice their own conscience passes sentence upon them, and that is the great - "Judgment Day." Then the cry of the soul is heard: 'Oh, if I had only known, how differently would I have lived my life!'

"With such remorse they implore us to tell their loved ones still in earth life, the anguish they suffer through - ignorance! And plead for us to enlighten every soul with the knowledge that when life's journey is ended, dear, familiar forms with outstretched arms, will stand at the portals to welcome their coming! How glorious is this knowledge, revealing - Life - beyond the grave."

"To have faith in truth, makes man wise - but to live the truth makes man Divine."

"Jesus said: 'I go to preach to spirits in prison.' Within the prison walls, I heard a Voice proclaiming: 'Truth shall make you free.' When I beheld the Vision and saw not chains to fetter, but wings to uplift us into heaven upon earth, then my soul longed for its freedom! My spirit became rebellious within the bondage of the church! I fought for my liberty - and prayed for strength to break the chains that bound me to human creeds and dogmas.'9

"My prayer was answered! Now I rejoice, that - Truth - has set me free!"

"Friends, I leave you - to fulfill a Divine command! The voice of my soul calls me to go out into the world and establish 'A Kingdom of God' in the hearts of man. Therefore - I must - violate man-made laws, to obey those created by God! Beloved brethren - farewell!"

•

A solemn silence reigned.

The eyes of each listener followed the stately form of their pastor descending the pulpit. So intense was the stillness succeeding his farewell words, that the chirping of a tiny bird outside the stained glass window fell sharp and clear upon every ear in that perturbed assemblage.

The shock occasioned by the pastor's announcement was stupefying for it had come without warning. The powerful message had wrought conflicting emotions in the heart of each man and woman. Amazement, incredulity, indignation and sorrow were expressed upon each face. Whatever they might think of his action, the fact that he was leaving them; that they were losing the leadership of one whose place it would be most difficult to fill, outweighed all else.

Slowly the large assemblage filed out of the church. Many lingered in the vestibule, eager to say something and to hear more. They crowded around Adoni, beseeching and imploring him to remain just a while longer with them. Men in whose hands the financial mangement of the church was entrusted, begged to be permitted to double his salary. All their remonstrance and persuasion was in vain. Women who had come to the service, radiant and smiling, appeared to be crushed with sorrow and disappointment. They looked upon his going as a tragic scene in the great drama of life. A few of the more courageous men and women did not seek to dissuade him but commended him for the courage of his convictions, assuring him that through his inspiring words they would be able to seek the Kingdom of God. Not one soul doubted his sincerity but honored and respected him for the radical position he had so strongly taken.

The Bishop was the last to grasp Adoni's hand. The tear-stained eyes betrayed his inward emotion, and with a slight tremor in his voice which became tender and compassionate, he said:

"My son, may the courage of your heart's conviction and your soul's ideals be crowned with the diadem of your holy achievement. Go, my son - let your light shine. The dreamers are the saviours of the world."