In its contradistinction to our ordinary state the Superior Condition consists in a practical and conscious growth of intellectual and moral endowments. These faculties are opened and lifted to a higher degree of operation. They are then inspired by their own constitutional essences and next by contact with the life and principles of things. The result of such exercises is stamped upon the individual's character, the ultimate effects being interior elevation and education of the whole mind. The mediumistic state, on the other hand, while—as a condition—it tends to enlarge judgment and spiritualise character, is not necessarily beneficial individually to the medium. Those who receive the lessons and witness the tests of the higher powers are more likely to be permanently improved. The true mediumistic state is one of complete positiveness or isolation in respect of this world and of passive receptivity to the influences from exalted realms of intelligence and love. The faculties of the medium may be greatly excited and stimulated to extraordinary activity, but it does not follow that his mind will be developed thereby. At the same time no good-minded and loving-hearted person can exercise such gifts for a single year without experiencing considerable moral growth and intellectual refinement. On the other hand, it is possible for a medium to be a channel for the most exalted and glorious lessons and yet feel
nothing higher than any other stranger to the truth. This fact, which cannot be denied, is owing to the utter indifference of some mediums to the divine lessons of which they are the bearers.
In the Superior Condition nothing of this passivity or indifference is possible. The mind is not only exalted to the fellowship of eternal principles—where it can discern the essences and properties of visible bodies—but the faculties are active and conscious of inherent energy and truth. One who enters this state methodically is like an industrious student, whose mind seeks and finds the penetralia of things. The fruits are intellectual refinement and moral growth.