From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 1:
"The spirit-body has the same faculties as the natural, but, in addition, it has others which do not belong to your earth. Within the spirit-body dwells the pervading essence of Deity, and, by living much in prayer and meditation, and by the zealous discharge of active duties, the spiritual life may be developed, as that which is used becomes strong; this being universal law. The higher spirits can only exist for a short time in your atmosphere, and it is often difficult for us to approach you. I myself am far away from the medium, and unable to draw nearer to him, on account of his mental and corporeal conditions. When out of heath, I cannot approach him. Spirits recently passed from earth can more readily draw near to him, but we are able to influence from a distance-time and space not existing with us."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
"The spirit-body is the real individual; and, though for a time it is clothed with fluctuating atoms, its identity is absolutely the same when these atoms are dispensed with.
"To us the spirit-body is clear and plain. Our view is not hindered, nor are our movements impeded, by matter as it exists on your plane. What seems to you solid is to us pervious. The atoms which the spirit-body attracts to itself, and which it keeps in a state of perpetual change around it, are no real part of the personality. They are not even permanent for the time of existence in this sphere, and when they are replaced by others no change is perceptible to you. We see otherwise. To our eyes those atoms, accidents of earth existence, are no bar. We see the spirit-body."
"The spirit-body is enabled by a process of magnetic attraction, to attach to itself particles of gross matter from your plane, and so to render itself temporarily visible to your eye."
"The spirit-body is the real man; the earth-body being only its temporary clothing. The dead body of earth thrown aside leaves the real man with all his individuality untouched. The spirit-body, after leaving the earth-spheres, enters upon a course of purification, in process of which it passes through many changes analogous to death. Even as from the earth-body is eliminated a body more refined than it, but not dissimilar from it: so, from it again when the spirit has advanced sufficiently, is eliminated a more refined body; and so on, till the process of refinement has fitted it to enter the spheres of contemplation. At each successive stage the spirit accretes to itself a similar body, and throws aside owe which has become unsuited to it. Hence each change of state is accompanied by one somewhat analogous to death.
"Immediately on its release from the body, the spirit gathers a new body from its new surroundings, and is clothed with a refined substance like to the flesh it has cast off. The spirit is always encased in a body of matter, as you would say; but matter impalpable to your senses, though as perceptible to us as is the grossest material substance to yours."
"The spirit-body, your real self, has clothed itself for a time with atoms of matter which are in a state of perpetual change. When the process of earth education is complete, these changeful atoms are cast aside, and your resurrection takes place. The rising - an instantaneous vivifying of a confined individuality; a bursting of the bud, a releasing of a prisoned and hampered spirit - at no distant period, after a sleep in the unknown, but instant, immediate."
-Signed : Doctor (In earth-life the philosopher Athenodorus)
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 1:
"Life is unending and progressive. The soul never stands still; it must improve or retrogress."
"No one ever gets near to God; He sends spirits to act between Him and you."
"Spirit influence has more to do with our lives than we imagine. We are judged of by the spirits surrounding us.
"All material things have an aura round them. Everything has spirit underlying its substance. In the next sphere we are little changed. Animals are also there, as life, once created, never dies.
"The lowest spirits, hovering near earth, are the ones that most frequently manifest at circles, and simulate characters that do not belong to them."
"If men will put themselves in communication with the spheres under bad conditions, they do it at their peril. Evil influences are admitted, and danger arises. A circle should be composed of pure-minded people-seekers after Truth."
"Spirits need not to see you to influence you. You imagine sight connected with the eyes. We are cognisant of your presence without seeing you. The influence of spirit on spirit is magnetic."
"The birth of a spirit in the spheres is very like the birth of an infant in the world. The new-born spirit requires care and guidance."
"You must remember that those of us who operate on the plane of spirit rather than of matter, do so on your earth under conditions that are very delicate and precarious. Matter has faded from our gaze, and when we return to the material plane, we see nothing of it. All we see is the spirit. We could nor present ourselves for a photograph, but we might commission other spirits to present an image of us."
Of S. M.'s Guide, Mentor, it was said that in the spheres he was a great spirit, engaged in teaching, and controlling the powers of Nature. He had completed the work of education on which he had been engaged in the fourth sphere. "Such is the life with us ever learning, teaching others and progressing onwards and upwards."
"Our worship consists in doing His work and will, helping to raise and elevate man."
"You are surrounded by spirit life, and are never alone, never."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
"Does the spirit-body lead a separate existence? For instance in sleep?"
"Yes, at times it may. Its existence is independent; but without the earth-body it would live under different conditions. Generally during the sleep of the body the spirit-body rests, but does not sleep. The confused remembrances of incidents which the spirit does not fully recollect go to form what we call dreams. The spirit cannot recall all it sees, and the impressions, left on the mind are mixed with the impressions derived through the bodily senses, and so make the incoherent dreams.
"Dreams are sometimes accurate reminiscences of what has already occurred,
and may be prophetic or warning. Such are sometimes the suggested voice of the
guardian, who cannot approach the soul when in 
the
body through lack of power. It talks with the spirit during the sleep of the
body, and, by protecting from intermixture with surrounding bodily impressions,
leaves the remembrance clear upon the mind. In such cases the spirit can and
does faithfully remember; but, usually, the recollection is cloudy. In rare
cases the spirit-body is endued with separate vitality for a time. In such cases
the spirit may be conducted to the spheres; may be permitted to see somewhat
of its future home, and learn its duties. It may even drink in draughts of the
higher wisdom, and bring them down to earth."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
"The mediumistic aura to spirit gaze is of golden hue. The sympathetic tint is crimson, the colour of the affections. The tint of the learned and powerful agent for development of truth is blue, the colour of the intellect."
"What does the violet signify?"
"It would
indicate a progressive spirit who might be developed. The spirit that is hard
and unreceptive of sympathetic influence a green aura encircles, and we cannot
approach."
"To spirit eyes, does it declare the character?"
"To the more developed and progressed it does; hence, too, concealment
is not possible in our spheres. The spirit carries its character impressed on
the very atmosphere it breathes. This is a law of our being; a great safeguard,
knowing we are open to the gaze and knowledge of all."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
"Photographs of spirits are pictures of spirit substance, and not of the spirits themselves. They are moulded models, so framed as to invite recognition. For this reason, too, it is necessary that they be draped. It is not easy to keep the substance used in position and shape without that aid."
S. M. asks if the spirit substance used in photography is the same as, or analogous to, that generated in materialisation.
"No, it is of similar kind, but not so material. It is more akin to the light which is seen in the room during a sitting, and which is capable of more or less condensation."
"You say a recognised photo is no proof of the presence?"
"It is no absolute proof of the presence. Your ideas of presence are material. We have told you that spirits can operate from a distance, and though it is no proof of presence it is usually intended as evidence of the return of the departed friend to the earth-sphere. The photographs are pictures of spirit substance, made for the purpose of recognition. They would be made either by the spirit himself or by some spirits who are acting under his direction, save in cases where deceptive agencies are at work. We warn you again against deceptive agencies, which abound and will be increasingly active. You must expect many such assaults. Our mission is too important not to challenge envy and attack. We warn you."
"Our spirit dress would be imperceptible to you, and our spirit forms
unrecognisable; consequently, we array ourselves in such sort as you would expect
us to appear. If the spirit is showing itself to its own friends, it 
would
appear in the semblance of the dress it was in the habit of wearing in earth-life;
and would specially exaggerate, or draw attention to, any peculiarity of gesture,
dress or demeanour which would identify it. It is a bitter disappointment and
sorrow when a spirit is unrecognised by its loved friends to whom it has so
longed to manifest itself, and when it has so striven for success. It is one
of the sorrows which hang round the spirits who are attracted to earth by longing
desire to minister to loved ones left behind. They hover round them, tend and
care for them, yet they cannot communicate. They search around, and at length
find a medium through whom they can reach their friends. After infinite pains
they are enabled to show to them their real selves, to demonstrate their existence,
to show their love. Alas! What bitter pangs they suffer when they find their
efforts scoffed at, themselves unrecognised; and, possibly, the whole subject
of communication with spirit-land laughed at as an idle and baseless vision.
This is pain, corresponding to the intensity of joy with which a spirit finds
itself still loved and recognised."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
(A) friend describes Imperator:
"I thought it strange at first to see the shining garments in which the elevated spirits are clad. Imperator's robe now is of dazzling white, as though composed of purest diamonds lit up by rays of vivid splendour. Round his shoulders he wears a vesture of sapphire blue, and on his head is a crown of glory set in crimson circlet. The circlet indicates his love, the vesture of blue is his wisdom, and the brilliant robe his exalted state of purity and perfection."
"How magnificent! What is the crown like?"
"It is seven-pointed, and each point is tipped with a radiant star of dazzling brilliance."
....
"Spirits
grow in light and beauty as they progress in knowledge and love. The crown which
you see round the head of the Chief typifies his exalted state, his purity and
love , his self-sacrifice and his earnest work for God. It is a crown which
belongs only to the noblest and most blessed.
"The spirits of wisdom are typified by their robes and auras of sapphire blue in their appearance to other spirits; the spirits of love by the crimson which typifies their self-sacrifice and devotion. There is no power of disguise. All shams are stripped off. Hypocrisy and pretence are impossible. None can disguise his fault or merit; none can pretend to that which is not his. This is an inherent property in spirit existence."
(See also: "Visit to a higher sphere" in "Spirit-world".)
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
S. M. is reminded how people in the body are influenced by those with stronger wills, and told:
"When a spirit is disembodied the influence is far more readily exerted, seeing that projection of thought is the usual way of holding converse, and the recognised means of communication and intercourse. Bodily presence is done with. Soul can commune with soul independently of time and space, which are your human inventions."
S. M.: "It seems a spirit released from the body is carried whither its thoughts turn; that thought is motion; and that effects can be produced without the actual presence (as we understand it) of a spirit in the room; that manifestations may be directed without the actual presence of the spirit who purports to make them. Is this so ever? And in our circle?"
"Frequently in this way great spirits operate through inferior agencies without themselves being present, as you understand the term. This is very frequent, and directions are sent and acted upon without the presence of the controlling spirit. But in our circle, when certain spirits are said to be present, they really are. We do not leave our friends unguarded. But, in spite of all, the projection of thought does cause disturbance in the spiritual atmosphere. Not infrequently, it is from that cause we are unable to manifest successfully at a circle. We cannot approach you to convey information. We then advise you to leave off.
"Circles where many meet are more liable to disturbances from the adversaries gathering round, as well as from the efforts of the spirits to force an entrance."
"The majority have not yet reached the plane of knowledge where they can take in this truth. Hence it will come to pass that Spiritualism will be known as communing with devils, or as a curious form of mental or bodily disease, or as hallucination or fraud.
"There is another side, the esoteric, where far other evidence is had of the beauty of spirit communion, where two or three meet in faith and sincerity to receive the word that comes to them. Where such circles meet, where the mind is pure and sincere, the aspirations exalted, and the plane of thought spiritual - where due preparations are made to purify the atmosphere and provide conditions into which the higher spirits can come - then results are commensurate.
"Where the tone is one of pure affection, the friends who have gone before can oft return and identify themselves; or like-minded souls can come and speak words of consolation and good cheer. Or they who, like ourselves, are charged to enlighten and elevate the seekers after truth can come and instruct you in the science which crowns all other knowledge.
"With due care, such circles might be made the vehicle for much enlightenment. But alas for the frailty of man's purpose! The concentrated aspiration which is needed becomes irksome. The world engrosses, business presses, cares and troubles enter in, and the medium becomes worthless for our purpose; or friends soon learn all they can assimilate, and so our work flags. Hence it is that no circle can long endure, unless under circumstances rare to find. Development is slow, and many causes hinder. But so long as these sacred meetings are perpetuated among you, so long will there be an esoteric band, who know that the common notion, gained in ordinary circles, is not all the truth.
"We have spoken of the better side of Spiritualism as founded on the affections. In proportion as the affections are brought into play in pure and sincere aspiration, the best results are obtained."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 1:
"Can ideas become objective?"
"With us thought is substance, and that which we think takes form and
substance with you. Many of your most refined minds live in a world of their
own creation. The poet, the dramatist and the novelist do, in fact, create a
world for themselves. The projection of thought even with you is not so rare
as you suppose. With us it would be impossible for any spirit to live with those
for whose society it was not fitted. We see the nature and character of those
of those with whom we have to do. Place is nothing to us, state is everything.
Each character creates its own surroundings, and, in your probation sphere,
the character of the spirit is formed. Every act goes to build up the character
that is perpetuated and the home that you are hereafter to inhabit. In every
sphere of training duties are assigned, the right performance of which helps
the spirit to grow and develop. The processes of training in our sphere and
yours, though different, are yet analogous."
From "More Spirit Teachings", Part 2:
"You err in supposing it necessary for a person or an individuality to be present in order to affect your atmosphere. In the case of sensitives, such disturbance is frequently caused by the projection of thought merely. Thought is, with us, a mighty engine. It is in its various forms the instrument by which we work. Perception is our sense; will is our instrument."
These spirit- teachings are claimed to have been either written
or spoken through the English medium, Rev. Stainton Moses (1839-1892), by a
band of 49 spirits led by their chief, "Imperator".
