I should like my readers to understand that I consider these messages not at all personal in an exclusive sense. On the contrary, what urges me to publish them is my very sincere conviction that they are typical of what many others would say to their loved ones on earth if they had the opportunity.

I know that millions have had experiences identical with mine. I know that the shock of death and subsequent grief to my family and myself have been no greater than to others. We are all bound by common sorrow—then let us also rejoice together!

It is not at all necessary for me to detail the circumstances of my brother's passing. Suffice it to say that it was very recent. We all know only too well the horror of the shock, the relief of tears, then the determination to be brave and to live for others, and finally the settling down to the daily routine, (as though that routine could ever be the same!)

But there is one step beyond this—to forget? Nay, memory of the one in the Beyond is our dearest blessing. But there is an upward and onward step—communion, reunion, and final restoration of the loved one. I believe that in this and in this alone lies our comfort.

The prologue which follows is written as my brother gave it to me by means of automatic writing, as are all the following messages. When he learned of my intention to compile his messages in book form, he expressed the wish to write a prologue. I feel that he has succeeded in introducing himself far better than I could have done for him, for his very soul is in that letter. This book is offered with one purpose only—to endeavor to add what I can of comfort and assurance of the unreality of death to all who have passed through the Valley of the Shadow.

Dorothy Pierce.