The chariot was now slowing its speed and such raptures of glory which filled my soul, I cannot describe them!  I was simply lost in wonder, while I kept saying, "Surely I am at home at last." The chariot seemed trembling as a thing of life and finally halted beside a beautiful grove of fruit laden trees.  The doors were opened and the angels stepped out.  I fairly sprang with one leap to the solid foundations of the heavenly kingdom.  For a moment I stood perfectly entranced as I saw so many happy souls clothed in white garments of lovely patterns, and all with such bright and happy faces beaming with perfect contentment and satisfaction.

I could contain my feelings no longer.  I fell on my face again beside the angel, with loud thanksgiving to God; and was in the act of worshipping the angel for his great care of and kindness toward me, when he said, "Worship God only, I am also a fellow servant of his and this is my joyous service." At that he beckoned to one nearby.  He came and was introduced as one of the elders of heaven, who gave me such a cordial welcome that my soul loved him intensely at once.

The angel now said, "I leave you in his care, but may see you again shortly."

I put out my hand toward him saying, "I am sorry to see you go, you have been such a friend to me.  What can I do for your great kindness to me?"

"Oh, you can soon help others," said the angel.  So waving with his hand, and with a lovely smile, he said "Good-bye," and his chariot was gone.

The elder now said: "Well, my son, you are now at home.  All that you see and infinitely more is the provision of your heavenly Father’s love and almighty power.  This is the borderland, my son, of the heavenly domain.  Your sacrifices on earth were little when compared to your great gains here."

"Oh yes, and they were really nothing," I said.  There comes to my memory a sweet passage of scripture which I never fully comprehend until now: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Corinthians 4:17)

"Sure enough," said the elder.  "You have only begun to comprehend the glory; the weight of it you will yet feel."

"The grandeur and beauty of everything excels my highest expectation.  Everything seems so real.  Do tell me if I only fancy or am I in a dream, or is it really true that I am in heaven?"

"Oh," the elder replied, "it is a common thing for souls when they reach the heavenly world to seem bewildered when first ushered into the presence of angels and the spirits of just men made perfect, and the glory of this kingdom.  It does, indeed, exceed the most sanguine expectation.  No, my son, you are not in a vision, you are really here.  Your body indeed is left behind you, and you will find that you have many things to learn ere you reach the throne in the Holy city.  But be content, for I see you have thoroughly washed your robes and made them white ere you left your earthly habitation." "Be perfectly free," said the elder, "in asking any questions you may like; for the knowledge of this world is acquired by investigation and inquiry as was our earthly knowledge.  Every desire you have will be fully met.  All your cravings, desires and longings after the knowledge of your everlasting habitation have been fully provided for here.  Your heavenly Father’s will will be your will and all that you see, and infinitely more, are yours to enjoy forever.  If you have made good use of your opportunities in your past life you have much treasure laid up in the city of which our Lord spoke while on earth and of which you will know more later on."

"I see," said the elder, "that yonder is another soul just brought from earth to paradise whom I must go and welcome." So saying, he went toward the chariot and there stepped out a lovely looking man, indeed, clothed in a robe of the purest white.  The elder beckoned me to him.  As I came near and heard this conversation I found he was from the opposite side of the earth from which I had come.  He spoke a different language from my own and yet I understood him well.  In a moment he lifted up his hands and clasping them together he said, "Oh, bless God forever," at which we both fell on our faces with adoring praise to our Almighty Father.  We continued long for our souls were overcome with the raptures of this place.

When we arose, another saint, apparently of ancient times, came to him, and said, "Let me assist you in the ways of the kingdom." I heard him ask after his name.  He answered: "I am Bohemond of northern Russia.  Only a few hours ago I kissed my wife and children good-bye and embarked on a vessel on the White Sea at Oneida bound for the North Cape.  I only remember that the vessel was sinking and we were many fathoms below the surface.  Oh, do tell me, is this heaven or is it but the mariner’s dream of home, when he is far away?"

"My son," said this venerable father, "You have safely landed, not at the North Cape nor in the bottom of the White Sea, but in your eternal home.  Your body no doubt is in the depths of the briny deep; but the angel was with you as the vessel went down and has brought you safely here.  Your body will be cared for in the resurrection day of rewards."

The elder who was with me said, "How rapidly we are gathering from all lands into our Father’s house.  This is only one of the many stations located in these distant portions of paradise.  To these stations all souls come for their introduction into this heavenly home."

"How is that, will you explain to me?"

"Surely," he replied, "you will more fully understand as we go forward.  You could not have endured the glory of the throne, without being prepared for it.  Even now you could not endure the light so abundant within the city."

Just at this moment I saw a woman step from a chariot.  She seemed to be so bewildered that she sank down as one of the attendants approached her.  She threw up her hands and cried out in amazement, "Oh, my God!  I am not worthy nor fit for this glory.  Oh, can I ever be made right with God?" She closed her eyes almost unconscious with bewilderment and it seemed she could not speak as her attendant kindly addressed her with most loving words.  At last she opened her eyes and looked about in wonder and amazement exclaiming, "Oh, these white garments, these golden goblets, trees of life and blooming flowers!  I am not worthy of them.  Have I really a right to be here and to all these beautiful trees loaded with such lovely fruit?  Oh, the mercy of God!  I was such a great sinner."

"Yes, indeed," replied her guide, "but your sins have all been forgiven.  The angels make no mistakes.  You have a right to these trees, for they are His on whom you have believed; yea they are yours, for you are His."

At this she arose to her feet and said: "But have I the wedding garment on?  I was earnestly trying when the chariot came for me.  I was in such deep distress and confusion of soul, knowing I had not been prepared for so great a change."

"You have been saved, my child." said her attendant, "so as by fire, you were not a faithful servant of God, you did not build with gold, silver and precious stones, but with wood, hay and stubble, which have been burnt.  God cannot reward you largely now.  These infinite blessings spread out before you in all directions may be obtained by and by, when you are prepared for them.  Be faithful to your present opportunities, for much is before you to be done.  Advancements which ought to have been made in the world will have to be made here, ere you can go on to the city gates, or see the shining glory of the Jasper wall.  Come with me and I will assist you in a further knowledge of Christ and His eternal salvation and kingdom."

I now said to the elder by my side, "Will you explain to me her great mistake?"

"Surely," he replied.  "She represents a very large class in the world who have not made good use of earthly opportunities, she was never deeply interested in her salvation till near the time of her death.  Do you not see how slim and lean she looks, and how little clothing she has, only a gown!  Her repentance has been genuine and her faith accepted the promises of eternal life in her Lord, and her forgiveness has been complete.  She has added but little grace and almost no growth to her soul.  She feels now, as all such souls do and must feel, her great loss.  She has no treasure laid up in heaven.  Paradise itself seems too good for her; but God in His great mercy will bring her on.  These trees are for her.  Their leaves are full of healing virtue.  No one who has not received the gift of eternal life and been born again will ever be carried by the angels to this glory.  Many, alas, perish from the earth in sight of the Redeemer’s outstretched arms of love and mercy, because they will not accept His gracious help; they love the pleasures of sin more than God or these everlasting joys and pleasures at His right hand here forevermore."

"Oh, blessed Christ," I cried, "filled with everlasting love and mercy for thy people, that even in the last moments of life, like the dying thief, may be snatched from the jaws of death!  But, oh, her great loss, how sad!"

A group of happy souls now came toward us.  The elder introduced us.  We were soon acquainted and conversed with each other with great freedom, although we had never met before.  We seemed perfectly acquainted in a few moments and the visit was very pleasant indeed.  One man fairly shouted the praises of God with loud hallelujahs, saying, "Oh, my God, I bless thee, I am in heaven at last!"

"Now," said Seneca, "I must leave you for the night.  You are weary and tired and must sleep.  I will see you again on the second evening from this," and he vanished from my room.
I sat musing.  Where has he gone?  Where does he stay?  What is his food?  Has he now no human association on earth?  Can he not reveal himself to others as he has to me?  When he comes again I must entertain him and find out, if possible, other secrets of his sojourn on earth.

The day with its busy cares was passed.  The evening was lovely indeed.  The stars had just begun to show their presence in the twilight and I was waiting in my library at the appointed hour.  The door opened and Seneca Sodi came in.  I arose to greet him, and said, "Good evening," and tried to clasp his hand in mine, but felt no touch of a material palm to mine as Is usual He replied: ‘7am glad to see you, my son.  Are you prepared?" I told him I was, but felt a strange feeling of awe mingled with fear.  His spotless purity seemed to come before me, and my own sinfulness and unworthiness was so apparent; but I summoned all my courage and said, "I am ready for your message." He asked me, "Have you faithfully transcribed the previous message?" I told him I had and showed him the manuscript He hastily looked it over with satisfaction and said, "You may now write," and he proceeded as follows:

It seemed most wonderful to me upon finding that I could converse with perfect ease and freedom with anyone I met, although we had been accustomed to different languages and tongues while on earth, and often had to speak through interpreters; but now I found, since I had laid aside the material for the spiritual, I could easily understand the thoughts of anyone.  As rapidly as he could think I could read his thoughts.  Matters of detailed explanation were not needed or required as I had been accustomed to while in the flesh, for if a subject was plain to any one with whom I was conversing, it seemed that at once it was just as clear to my own mind, so I was quite surprised to find how rapidly I could take in a knowledge of the spiritual realm, and yet a second surprise constantly met me: that of the great depth of divine truth.

For instance, many things I had learned from the Holy Scriptures, while in my flesh, were now opened with a depth of meaning I had never seen before.  I could compare it to nothing better than to great layer after layer and strata upon strata of precious mineral rock, so that the deeper down and the further on one went, the more precious became the ore and the finer the metal.  I said to the elder by my side, "How is this?" He quickly and smilingly replied, "God never gives the best He has to give; you will find later on, that truth is unfathomable." I now felt myself like a little fish just launching out from the mouth of a great river into a great and boundless ocean without a shore to be seen or depth that could be sounded.

My feelings were joyful beyond any power to describe to a mortal man of flesh and blood.  It seemed that my entire spirit was in a perfect rapture of delight.  I asked the elder, who seemed to take delight in remaining with me, how I was to account for this rapturous joy which was increasing so constantly in my soul, until I felt I would break out into shouting and hallelujahs.  He said, "The spirit of God is the atmosphere of heaven; His joy becomes ours on a larger scale than what we ever knew while in our flesh.  The great joy that you feel now is only a little foretaste of what you will feel when you are ushered into the city and about the throne."

Upon this I quickly remembered the Scripture where the prophet said: "In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)

A feeling of praise was continually crowding up in my soul for utterance.  I wanted to praise God, forever giving me an existence, and still more for my salvation from sin, for changing my heart and bringing me into this glory.  Nothing of an earthly character could have induced me to have gone back to the world.  I seemed to laugh at the thoughts of the fear of death, which fear belongs only to the impenitent and the unsaved.

The elder, who seemed perfectly conscious of my desire, said to me, "You need not fear of giving utterance to your feelings, for everyone praises God here.  Those praise Him loudest and most who have learned how to praise Him best while on earth,"

The elder, whom I found to be Joshua of olden time, and who had been taking such an interest in my introduction into the heavenly state, now said, "Let us go to yon cluster of trees and sit down a moment.  I noticed as we approached them that they were growing beside a great river whose waters were clear as crystal and sparkling with a light of which I had but a faint idea while I was in the flesh.  The trees were beautiful beyond anything I had ever seen.  Their form was so symmetrical and lovely, with no dead or withered branches.  The leaves had such an aroma that the fragrance spread over everything and to all parts of the kingdom of God as I was told.  Everyone was brought under its influence.  I had felt the power of this fragrance long before I knew the source.

The elder now said to me, "Look across to the other side of the river;" where I saw clusters and groves of these trees lining the bank as far as the eye could reach.  There I saw multitudes of redeemed souls clothed in the purest white and all of them seemed filled with the same spirit of praise which I had felt so constantly since entering the portals of the kingdom.

The elder again said to me, "Let us gather some of the fruit of these trees and then we will join that company yonder." I replied, "I would be quite glad to do so, for I have eaten nothing since leaving the body," and yet I felt no great sense of need.  My hunger seemed more like what I had often realized while in the flesh when I felt a longing to hear a good gospel sermon.  My guide now said, "What kind of fruit would you prefer?  You can have your choice of things here just as you used to in the earth.  If you feel faint or weary from your long abstinence from food, this kind (pointing to a certain pear- shaped and beautifully colored fruit) is what you need, for the tree has twelve kinds, as you see, upon it." I said with feelings of deepest praise, "Oh, how wonderfully God has provided for us!  Twelve kinds of fruit on each tree, ripening their fruit every month, and the leaves never withering!  Wonderful!"

"Here," said he, "pluck from the boughs on this side of the tree and eat." I did so, and much refreshing and enlightening grace as they imparted to me, it is beyond the comprehension of mortal man to know; it must be eaten to be understood.  The taste of the fruit was delicious indeed.  The earth never furnished anything like unto it for taste, not the orange, peach, nor melon.  Nor would the fragrance of the rose compare with it.  "When anyone eats of these trees," said the elder, "he can never die again, grow older nor feel weary; death hath no more dominion over him.  One of these trees grew in the Garden of Eden.  After our first parents had sinned against God, they thought to eat of the fruit of it also; but God said, "No," for had they eaten of it they would always have lived in that sinful, dying state.  So a flaming angel was sent to guard it, and so man never eats of it until he has passed the boundaries of his earthly life." 

"Now," said Joshua, "let us cross over." To my great astonishment I found we could walk upon the surface of the water, which seemed like a sea of glass, it was so transparent, and yet it was gliding and rolling along as beautifully as any stream I had ever seen on earth.  I quickly remembered the Word of God by His prophet: "But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby." (Isaiah 33:21)

As we walked along, I asked him, "How is it that we do not sink in the water?" He said, "You seem to have forgotten that you have left your body behind you, and that you are now ready to be clothed upon with a far more excellent body than you have ever known.  Your spirit cannot sink in these waters.  You will soon find that you can go from place to place at will either in the air or upon the solid foundations of the celestial country; but let us hasten," he said, for I was inclined to linger at every fresh object I came in contact with, "for I must introduce you to that great company you see yonder."

As we went on, I glanced up and down the river and saw many other spirits, still later arrivals than I, passing on toward the gathering legions of the blood washed.  Among them was my friend, Bohemond of Russia, whom I met as he stepped from the chariot only a short time before.

My soul was filled with such an inexpressible sense of praise to God for the unspeakable gift of eternal life and for such a rational sense that it was I, myself, who once had lived in a world of sorrow and death, the memory of which, with a conscious freedom from it, now filled my soul indeed with ecstasies of eternal joy.

"Now," said Seneca, "you are weary and need sleep.  May God’s good angel guard and give you rest." And so saying he vanished.

On the second evening again I was waiting for him, not knowing certainly, however, that he would come at that time.  But I hardly had my studio in shape for such a visitor until he was by my side.  His garments shone with a peculiar brightness and his face was all aglow with the light of heaven.  I said: ‘Seneca Sodi, do take a seat and explain to me the mystery of your body and your food.  Both your hand and the fruit of your basket evaded the grasp of my hand."

"At another time, my son, I will make it clear to you.  Are you ready for my message?" "I am," I replied.  He then proceeded as follows:

By this time we had climbed the eastern bank and were approaching near to a multitude of happy spirits.  Many of them turned toward me.  The elder now said, "You will feel yourself entirely at home with them." And after a brief word of introduction, he said, with a pleasant smile, "Good-bye, I will see you again," and he was gone.  Among the very first I met was the spirit of a dear man, an old friend of mine in Norway, and one whom I had known from his childhood.  I had said farewell to him at a foreign port nearly four years ago and had not heard a word from him since, till I saw him among this multitude.  We were soon face to face.  He looked bewildered and in wonder.  I said, "Truly, is this you, Mr. Hansen, the friend of my youth?" "Oh, indeed, and is this the face of Seneca Sodi?" and with that we clasped each other in our arms as redeemed souls only can.  "I was not looking for you now," I said to him, "you looked so well and strong when I saw you last." "Oh, yes, indeed, but I am here, and nothing could induce me to go back." He asked me, "How long since you came?" I was just proceeding to answer him when another stepped near to us whom I had known so well for many years.  She was a noble Christian woman and a faithful servant of Christ in His vineyard on earth, who had turned many to the Lord.  I had not heard of her departure from the earth, but here she was with such a halo of light about her head that at once I thought of the words of the Lord: "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)

I saw also among the great company the spirit of an infant which had so lately passed away.  The one having it in charge said its mother had wept and grieved much and many had tried to comfort her on the day of its death, but that her sorrow was too great to receive much consolation.  "Oh!" I thought, "if she could only see it now in this glory and with such care she would quickly brush away her tears and rejoice in the way God has provided for all His children." I at once began to think of many of my friends and dear relatives who had gone on many years before.  "Where are they now?" I wondered.  So I asked one of the earlier arrivals if he knew the system or order here, in reference to those who had left the world years ago.  "Oh," said he, "they have gone on to the city itself, of which you see the light yonder in the distance," pointing toward the source of the river.  "Shall we not go there soon ourselves?" I asked.  "Yes," said he, "as soon as our company is made up, which is now nearly full."

I looked across the river from whence I had just come, and saw quite a number gathering about the trees and could hear them most distinctly shouting, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul!" I saw others gathering from various points all of whom seemed to have escorts or ministering spirits to guide them in their first introduction into the heavenly country.  I thought again of that precious word of God.  Carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom.  Abraham’s joy is certainly come now, I whispered to myself.  Then I modestly and reluctantly asked, "Is Abraham anywhere about here?" and referred to that Scripture just quoted.  "Oh!" they said, "he was just here just a little while before you came, but was suddenly called into the city on some important errand, for everyone here is engaged in a joyous service for our Lord.  No doubt he will be here again soon as he or someone of the elders or ancients always guides these gathering hosts to the gates of the city."

I seemed now to be conscious that we were somewhere near one of the great entrances or gateways into the heavenly world, where all the souls from certain sections of the earth are brought and welcomed.  From the very moment of my departure from the body there was a constant and mighty drawing of my soul upward toward the throne of God.  It seemed scarcely possible for me to remain upon the earth even to take one last look at terrestrial things, for I knew I had passed beyond the limits of time into a boundless eternity, I wondered deeply why I felt that strange feeling and tendency to bound upward, and so I felt a freedom to ask one near me if he could give me an explanation.  "Oh!" said he, "we all felt just the same.  It is the law of spiritual gravitation which draws all beings, which have been purified and made holy, to this great kingdom where God is.  No doubt you have often felt something of it while yet in the flesh.  Sometimes you inwardly sighed and longed to be freed from your mortal flesh.  The drawings of this gravitation were such that during sickness or sore trouble you have often said, "Oh!  that I had the wings of a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest." It was that which made St. Paul say as you will no doubt remember, "It were better for me to depart and be with Christ." (Philippians 1:23)

"Ah, yes," I replied, "I see that now; but it is not the case, I am sure, with all souls when they leave the body without any regard to their moral or spiritual state."

"Oh, no," said my friend, "there are two great centers in the spiritual universe of God.  They might be compared to the two poles of a magnet with which no doubt you were acquainted while in your probationary state, the positive and the negative.  All souls are drawn toward one of these two places, according to their respective condition.  God’s throne is the great center of his everlasting kingdom of light; toward it, all gracious spirits, who are blood-washed, are drawn from the time they accept Christ and were born of him, with more or less conscious power according as they yielded themselves to His holy will, and were transformed into His blessed image."

"I understand fully what you mean," I replied.  "I knew something of it while in my earthly life and have often spoken of it to those around me; but will you tell me, in a word, more about those who chose a sinful life in the world?"

"Just the opposite," he replied, "they are drawn with a mighty force downward toward the pit of eternal death, where death shall always reign."

Just at this moment I saw one coming toward me whom I recognized as my old grandfather, who had been gone from the earth for more than thirty years.  He was a very faithful servant of God during his lifetime on earth.  He was old and gray when he left us; but here he was in the beauty and vigor of manhood.  "Oh, Seneca!" he said, "You are home at last."

"Indeed," I said, as I clasped him in my arms, embracing each other with a love-kiss earth never knew.  His words of welcome were so heavenly.  We both shouted out: "Bless the Lord, oh, my soul!" He asked many questions about relatives and friends; the condition of the church where he used to worship; how long since I left the earth, etc.; but I soon found that his questions were more like the queries of one of the elders of heaven when he asked the beloved disciple in Patmos: "What are these that are arrayed in white robes?  And whence came they?" (Revelation 7:13) The elder knew better than John himself.  I soon discovered his superior knowledge even of terrestrial things which had transpired long since his day on the earth.  I remembered then, oh how forcibly!  that in the blessed book it says that the angel which talked with John while in Patmos said, "I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book." (Revelation 22:9) I said to him: "How is it you know so much about the things of the world since you left it?" "Oh!" said he, "we have great liberty here in the vast domain of this great kingdom of Almighty God.  Many have come since I entered the portals of heaven whom you know well.  We have had many long and precious visits.  They have told me much." "I trust that in due time we can have such a visit," I replied, "for I am so glad to have met you." "Indeed we will," said grandfather, "but yonder comes Abraham and I want you to meet him." "Sure, I shall be gladdened beyond my power to tell you for I have read and heard of him all my life.  Oh, my soul!  So many wonderful favors are shown me."

Are you sure it was Abraham you saw?" I asked my grandfather.  "Oh, indeed!  I know him well." "Then," I replied, "I shall be quite glad to see him, for as you know, his name was a household word among us on earth.  Will you please tell me which he is, for there are so many saints in shining garments coming and going.  I was asking about him just before I met you.  I used to wonder very much what kind of looking man he was, and have often thought I would be delighted to see him.  I have greatly admired his faith that never staggered, and his obedience to go where his eye could not see.  How precious to us were the words concerning him.  "Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)

"I do not see him at present," said grandfather, "but he was among that group yonder that is coming along the bank of the river.  He has turned his course from us just for a little while, for I see he has gone to welcome a company of new arrivals, who have just crossed the river.  I see by his movements he intends to conduct this company to the city, where they will be introduced to the Lord Himself."

"But grandfather, if we go on to the city presently will I see you again?"

"Oh, yes," said be, "I shall be there quite often and we shall have much opportunity of talking on all past events, as well as what is before you.  I have many things I with to say to you.  After you have been recognized by our Lord Jesus and confessed before His Father and the angels, you will then have abundant liberty to go as you will.  I have just come from the throne itself and have left many that you will recognize when you are there.  Your dear mother, who has been gone from you for more than fifty years, is aware that you have entered the portals of the heavenly kingdom.  She would have come with me at this time for she is very anxious to see you; but she was detained on some very important matters for her Lord.  No doubt the will meet you ere you arrive at the city gate; but just now I must hasten on for there is an old friend with whom I was a playmate in earth, who has just arrived.  We were bound together like David and Jonathan.  When I left the earthly shores, he took it very hard, and now for many years he has been very lonely.  He has just been carried by the angels into this our glory and I am going now to give him my welcome and bring him to this great company.  There is an unusual stir about the throne today which Abraham can explain when you meet him.  He will introduce himself when he comes.  I hope to return in time to go with you up to the city," and waving his hand he said good-bye.

I watched my old grandfather as we used to call him in the earth.  He walked off so gracefully or rather bounding like a young man.  He used to be old and decrepit; but now his youth is renewed like the eagles’ and every expression of his face was joy.

At this moment I turned around and to my great joy a most lovely person was coming very near me.  He bore marks of great age, and yet for all that, he had an indescribable youthful appearance.  He was not like the other spirits that I was accustomed to seeing.  The elder that I first met and he were very much alike.

"Is this Abraham?" I said.

"It is," he replied.

"In the bosom of Abraham!" (Luke 16:22) I said softly, and began to bow myself down before him, for a certain feeling of awe filled my soul.

"Stand up, my son," he said, "we are all brethren here." Then he clasped my hand in his and with his other drew me close to him and gave me his kiss of welcome.  Oh, such a freshness of love and joy which burst upon my soul, so that I fairly shouted, "Hallelujah," and said again, "In the bosom of Abraham!"

"Dost thou remember that Scripture?" be said.  "Well, thou wilt realize its meaning more and more; but who is this by thy side?"

"Bohemond," I replied, "who also has just come from the world."

He then gave him his cordial welcome and said, "The great joy and gladness which you now feel has been mine during a hundred generations of earthly Lives.  Someday I trust I can introduce you to Lazarus, of whom it was said by our Lord, ‘He was carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom."  "I see," said he, "you have just arrived and have much wonder and many questions to ask about this heavenly kingdom of our Lord.  While we talk for a few moments let us be refreshed with a drink from this crystal river, for it flows from the great palace up at the throne.  Would you like to taste its waters?"

"Oh, indeed we would, I have sung hymns, and read in the Holy Scriptures concerning this very river, where the angel pointed it out to John, who in his vision saw it proceeding out of the throne of God and the lamb." (Revelation 22:1)

He now proceeded to the brink and with a golden goblet he dipped and filled the cup for me, and another for Bohemond, and said: "My sons, drink of this river and you shall never thirst again, nor be faint, nor weary for its lack, for its waters shall never fail."

As I drank from the cup I said, "Oh praise God for such a supply!  So sweet to the taste!  How full of invigorating power!  It makes me feel the joy and glow of youth."

"You never can feel old or weary again, after drinking of this living water," said Abraham, "for it is the water of Life.  I just now gave a drink to a company of fresh arrivals before coming to you.  Did you not hear them praising God?  They, with that great group near them, are now learning to sing together, in which you will join them, the song which we will all sing at the city gate shortly.  Some of them have it quite well now and others knew it when they came, for it is contained in the Holy Scriptures on earth.  God has revealed the order so that all might be familiar with it.  Do you remember the song?"

"Please repeat it for me," I said, "that I may know which song you mean."

He replied: "John was caught up in spirit so he heard the strains of this music and wrote: ‘I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia, salvation, and glory, and honor, and power unto the Lord our God: And God from the throne said, Praise our God all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying Alleluia: Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.’" (Revelation 19:1,5,6,7)

"Oh, yes," I replied, "I remember that song so well and can join with them singing it now." I said, "Father Abraham, shall we not soon go on to the throne?  I have such a desire to see my Lord Jesus, I have loved Him these years, and then I have many Loved ones beside that I feel sure are about the throne."

"Your desires, my son," he replied, "shall be fully met.  The patience you have leaned on earth is of great service to you here.  So I hope you will feel that restful, quiet trust in all God’s ways."

"Oh yes, my whole soul says, ‘Thy will be done.’"

"You will soon see the King in His beauty, and probably some of those who knew you best, may come out and meet us on the journey toward the city gates, for they certainly know you are here.  Just as soon as our company is full we will be off.  Twelve legions make the company, and you see they are gathering from all directions.

"Cast your eyes down the stream and you can see another company rapidly filling up.  Look across to the other side and farther up the stream and you see another.  The guides who welcome them soon know to what company and place each belong.  Some have made but little preparation for this glory en they left the world, and now the light is too great for them; and, as you see, they fall back into the rear and content themselves among the trees, waiting for a further preparation by an application of these wonderful leaves of the trees.  But all these companies you see will soon be gathering about the gates of the city."

At the appointed hour my silken bearded friend came in and with the usual greeting, I welcomed him into my studio, and said:  "Seneca Sodi, lam most deeply interested in your narrative, and was anxiously waiting your coming"
‘Are you ready?" he asked, I told him I was He then proceeded as follows:

By this time everything was ready and we were off.  Twelve legions of souls from various places had gathered in a very short time beside the river and all had come by the way of the cross.  It did not matter what language we had known on earth, we could fully understand each other there, and all were speaking, as we passed along, of the precious salvation through Jesus.  As I turned myself from the themes of my former conversation and began to mingle more freely with the group of joyous spirits, I met some whom I recognized as old friends.  One dear lady whom I had known as an invalid for many years, and yet a very spiritual Christian, was in the group.  She was rejoicing with exceeding joy.  I cannot tell how we recognized each other, but there is such a similarity of the spirit itself to the bodily features that we at once knew each other, and memory was so fresh that we seemed never to have forgotten anyone.  She seemed so well now, and her face was beaming with immortal youth.  As I drew near to her there was a halo of light and heavenly joy, beyond my power to describe to you, covering all her soul.  As I spoke to her, calling her by name, she at once seized my hand, exclaiming "Glory be to the Father.  Saved, saved, forever!  All sickness and suffering over!  Hallelujah!

"Yes," I said, "and how well you look.  Old things are passed away."

"Indeed, when you knew me I was a great sufferer.  I realize now Paul’s words, "For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (II Corinthians 4:17) My soul is so full of glory.  We are getting so near the King in His beauty.  Oh, listen!  What do I see and hear?  Oh, the chariots of God are coming!"

At this we fairly shouted, and could hear very lovely music in the distance, and looking in the direction from whence it came, we saw a great retinue of angels with flaming chariots of light coming toward us.  I cried out, together with many other voices, as we caught the first glimpse of them."

"Oh, Father Abraham, is this our Lord Jesus for whom we have been anxiously looking so long?"

Abraham lovingly replied: "These are the chariots of God under the conduct of angels.  They will soon be among you, bringing many ancient loved ones to greet you with a welcome en they carry you to the city and the throne itself.  You remember how it was on earth, when our friends came from long journeys, how we would go long distances to meet them.  I used to go far down from Hebron to welcome Lot and his children.  Isaac went a long way into the fields when he knew the camels and Rebecca were coming.  In your day you went to the railroad stations and the wharfs of the shores to meet your loved ones.  They keep up this custom in heaven."

In a few moments more — swifter by far than the fastest express trains of earth — they came nearer and nearer, and with a great sweeping circle they seemed to pass us by; but at Abraham’s suggestion the great legions now parted, standing in two long groups with an open space or aisle between, to give the chariots room to pass.  Soon, they began to slacken their speed and moving slowly but most graciously they passed between the long rows of spell-bound, anxious souls.  We all stood as in breathless silence not only spell-bound but in amazement and great wonder, at the marvelous sight.  The chariots and all within glowed with a brightness and glory which we knew were reflected from the throne itself.  So when they had finally halted, they gave one great shout of hallelujah to God, saying His redeemed are here.

No sooner were the chariots standing among us than we saw they were filled with happy, shining ones.  They soon sprang out and were among us.  They had come to meet and welcome us to these realms of everlasting light and day.  But who were they but acquaintances, friends and relatives whom we had known so well on earth, and who knew of our coming.  We used to have reunions on earth, but they could in no wise compare to the joy of this meeting.  Some of these had been there for many years.  In a few moments more, many were embraced in each other’s arms.  Oh, such joy I never knew before, and such welcome!  "Oh, blessed rewards!" I cried.

Among these was my own dear mother.  She had died many years ago.  How she knew me I cannot tell, nor how I knew her I do not know; but she rushed toward me and I knew her so well and said, "Oh, mother, is this you?" She was beautiful and lovely.  She embraced me in her arms and said, "I knew you were coming." The memories of childhood and all her wonted smiles and kindness which a mother’s love suggests, came back to me.  There were many others like myself.  Mothers and sons, fathers and children, old friends meeting again.  The glory and joy of the occasion excelled anything I had yet known.  The charioteers now kindly invited us all to take passage with them.  We accepted, of course, with thankfulness, their offers of kindness and were soon within the chariots and the whole multitude were praising God.  In a few moments we were flying with great speed toward the city gate, following the course of the river.

"The light toward the city which I had seen on my first arrival, grew more and more glorious as we neared the city.  We could at length see the shining of the jasper walls.  Although we were rolling along at such great rapidity the wheels were noiseless and the chariots without a jar.  The appearance of the landscape on either side seemed at a distance like a sea of glass mingled with fire; but on a closer examination it seemed that it was immortal.  Flowers of unfading glory, and with an endless variety of colors, many of which I never saw anything before to which I could compare them and their indescribable loveliness attracted universal attention.  We saw thousands of angels and happy spirits passing in all directions; but all I saw seemed very joyous and happy in their work.  I thought of the word of the Lord: "He maketh his angels spirits and His ministers a flaming fire."

I said to my mother: "Can you tell me why we were not brought directly to the throne at once when we departed from our earthly home?" "Oh," said she, "you could not have endured this glory, but would have been dazzled into utter confusion and unconsciousness.  Even now your expanding powers cannot take in all the glory and grandeur of the city until you are further prepared for it.  The same law prevails in heaven as on earth.  The Patriarchal and Jewish systems were very inferior to the Christian dispensation and the kingdom of heaven on earth was very inferior to the kingdom here, as you see, in point of glory and blessing.  So you could not be ushered in about the throne till you were graciously prepared for it.  But I am so glad you are here.  I had word of your coming ere you reached the portals of paradise, and I have often had word concerning you since I left you.  This very angel which you do not recognize, who is your charioteer, has often been to you.  Once when you were very ill and away from your home and came well nigh dying, he was by your bed all the night and laid his hand upon you and said you should live and finish your work.  He has told me how he saved you on the water once when you came near being drowned."

"Oh, mother, was he there at that time?"

"Indeed, my son, and his own hand righted your little boat when it was almost overturned."

"Well, mother, I always felt there was some mysterious Providence which saved us that day; but how little I knew this angel of heaven was with me then.  Oh, thank God for His wonderful care!"

"Yes," said mother, "at one time, he told me, he kept you from getting on a railroad train, which if you had, your life would have been lost, and your work not been done.  Do you not remember many times when strange Providence came into your pathway and you wondered and sometimes grieved at their occurrence?  He was guarding your life and shielding you from the stormy blasts of danger.  Some day you can ask him all about these times, and we ourselves will talk it all over, for we are just in the springtime of our eternal life.  But do you see we are nearing the golden gate, glistening with one great pearl, studdened with a thousand shining gems?  In just a little while we will all join in singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb?  Do you know it?"

"Yes," I replied, "for we have been singing it far back in paradise where this great legion was made up." I repeated it over in a subdued tone to my mother, but wanted to shout it out at the top of my voice.

"Here," said she, "take this harp I have brought for you." She loosened it from a golden girdle about her and gave it to me.  "See, I have one like it."

Seneca came as usual and proceeded with his narrative, as follows:

Just as we were coming near the great gateway one of the elders came and met us, saying: "All welcome, ye children of God.  Your Redeemer stands just inside the gate yonder at which you will soon enter." The elder made such a lovely bow and his words were so cordial and full of love it seemed to send a thrill of gladness over every soul.

I cast my eyes up at the majestic wall.  It was of great height and shone with a brightness I cannot describe.  Ii rested on twelve massive foundations, each having the name of one of the apostles above it, and so they decreased to the twelfth and presented the appearance of a majestic stairway.  The name of Peter was written on the first foundation, Paul on the second, John on the third, James on the fourth, and so on to the top.  From this topmost foundation, garnished with an amethyst, the wall rose to a great height.  The light streaming from these foundations was most precious.  Just here I noticed Abraham passing nearby, and I asked him the mystery of the wall and its foundations.

"Oh," said he, "this wall is the eternal security of God’s people.  As long as this wall shall stand they art’ eternally safe.  The mighty truths of God, promulgated by the apostles, as taught by our Lord Himself, is our eternal safety.  Certain of the angels many long years before my time on milk, abode not in the truth, and God cast them out and they hell into eternal darkness and shame.  But now this wall, of which you can see but a very little portion, entirely encircles this giant city, and within the truths suggested by these foundations we shall ever abide, going in and out and finding everlasting comfort, You see that great Judean gate yonder?  Its frame and hinges are of the purest gold and set with one great pearl.  This gate always stands open for there is no restraint in heaven Unbounded liberty is now yours forever.  And the wall has respect to these without as well as to those within.  The angel at the gateway is to give direction to all who may inquire.  You will further remember that there are twelve of these gates as well as twelve foundations and there are twelve angels as well as twelve gates.  No man can enter these gates not fully prepared.  Did you notice some who dropped back far into the rear?  In the world the truth had to be observed for any advancement.  This wall with its gates marks a definite experience in the career of the redeemed.  It is a fuller development of the great truths suggested by the ancient tabernacle, the holy and the most holy place; has reference to the saints on earth and in heaven.

Just at this time I noticed many happy souls with the glory of God upon them, coming through the gateway toward us.  They were all clothed in the purest white and each with a harp in his hand.  As they drew near us, there began to be a general recognition of each other.  These had been redeemed from the sections of the earth from which we had come.  Many of them were old friends who had passed from the earth many years ago, yet whom we had known so well in early life and, as soldiers in the Lord’s army many of us had fought His battles together.

The recognition was so full and memories so fresh it seemed as only yesterday when we had parted from them, when they said good-bye and sailed toward the harbor.  There was no attempt to restrain feelings for they could not be restrained.  It was one hallelujah to God.  They seemed as much delighted as we.  I thought again how faintly we had believed God’s word in the earth and yet how divinely true it was.  We spent a long time in shaking hands and in love’s embrace, with a conscious sense that we were now united in an eternal union.  I thought again of Paul’s words: "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face." (I Corinthians 13:12) Many angels were mingling among us and seemed in great delight at witnessing our joy.  One of them said to me: "We have been watching over you since your infancy in the world, looking forward to this very time.  We rejoice with you and have an increasing joy as we behold your own."

Abraham now stood up prominently before us all and with his hand beckoned for silence, and said: "I wish now to repeat to you all a portion of God’s Word which I know you will recognize: "But ye are now come unto Mount Zion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first born which are written in heaven; and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling which speaketh better things than the blood of Abel." (Hebrews 12:22-24)

Indeed it brought it fresh to all our memories; for our hearts were burning with great emotion; but scarcely did we know what to say, we were so over-awed at our surroundings, and the real consciousness that it was ourselves and our friends who had met in an undying state and in a sinless country, and in the presence of some who had lived thousands of years ago amid customs so different from our own, also face to face with the angels of whose birth we knew nothing, among all whom I saw none seemed aged or feeble.  Some that I had known in the earth as old men now seemed young and the very picture of health and enjoyment.  The angels also were clothed with youthful appearance and vigor.  I said to one of them: "How is it that lapse of years does not make its mark upon you here?" "Oh," said the angel, "one day here is as a thousand years of an earthly existence.  No one ever grows older in appearance or feelings in this world.  We are undying and un-decaying.  We are clothed only with immortality.  No one ever feels a pain or knows a sorrow here."

Just at that moment, a woman who had been standing near and listening to the conversation, clapped her hands with ecstatic joy and said: "Oh, blessed be God for such a deliverance!  I was greatly afflicted for thirty years before I was released from my earthly pain and sorrow.  I was reduced to poverty and want, often spending many days and nights alone and lonely.  My sickness was of long duration and my suffering was great.  Occasionally a passing neighbor would call in for a moment.  Sometimes leaving a bunch of flowers and sometimes a prayer that God would support me in my affliction.  One dark night there came up a very great storm of wind and rain.  The lightning flashed constantly and the thunder shook lily cabin until I certainly thought it would fall down.  Being all alone my fears were great.  But all at once a light, beautiful and soft, filled all the room, and I thought I heard a voice whisper saying, "Be not afraid, I am with thee, thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night." Suddenly I seemed to see the presence of shining ones in my room.  I sat up in my bed and said, "Oh, Lord, art Thou here?" and repeated a word from the prophet.  "I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song." (Isaiah 12:2) All the remainder of that night I was filled with praises to God.  My soul was exceedingly happy."

Just then the angel who had been talking with us, smilingly said: "I know all about that night and was present with you.  I was present also at your bedside the night you died and strengthened your soul that your trust might be perfect until you were released, and my co-charioteer yonder brought you safely to the portals of paradise." Just at this moment she began to praise God again for her great deliverance, and I said to myself again, "surely those who had the poorest and hardest fare in the world are happiest now."

We have lingered long enough just for a glance at the surroundings outside the city walls.  I must hasten on to what was within, for the great attractions were inside.

"But," said Seneca, I cannot describe to you these wonders tonight, for you are already weary." So saying, he bade me good night and was gone.

The sun was just setting when Seneca came again.  I was on my knees in prayer, and as I opened my eyes he was standing by my side. "I greet you again tonight, my son," he said, "and with God’s blessing upon you, we will now proceed with the narrative." He commenced by saying:

We were nearing the great gateway.  Every one of the new arrivals was filled with wonder and anxiety.  We had heard so much about the Holy City while we lived in the world, of its many mansions, its streets of gold, its gates of pearl, its transparent light without sun or moon, so that we all felt an intense yearning to enter in.  But the greatest attraction of all was to see Him whom our souls loved and by whom we had been redeemed and by whose blood we had been washed from our sins.  We had already been told that He was waiting near the gate in one of the mansions and that the great Book of Life would be near Him and be opened to the pages bearing our names.  This filled us with great anxiety; although we felt a sweet assurance that our names were there, and that we would receive His gracious welcome.  Yes we felt sure or we never would have been carried by the angels into paradise, were it not so.  For we had confessed Him on earth and we knew He had already confessed us before His Father and the angels.  This gave us comfort; and then we knew we had been eating of the tree of life and drinking of the crystal river, so with confidence we kept looking forward.  We knew we had been trying to please Him, and the conscious sense that all our sin had been forgiven and our robes washed and made white, was additional consolation to us now.  We felt we would soon stand before the judge of all the earth.

God’s Word seemed further comfort where He says, "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14) We felt such a comfort in this assurance, that if we had a right to the tree of life, and the fruit given us was by an elder’s hand, and that Abraham himself had refreshed and immortalized us from the river of God which came from the throne itself, that the angel at the gate would not debar us entering now.  Just at this time my mother, who had been busily engaged in conversation with others, came to me and said:

"You need have no fears.  It gave me much joy when many years ago I was passing near where the angel was recording the names of those who had been born again, and seeing your name I at once asked the angel who it was.  He called another angel who had just come from the scenes of earthly conflict, where they were having great religious awakenings, and asked him if he could tell who these were whose names were just written.  "Oh," he said, "I have just been among them," and described everything so minutely that I had all assurance it was you.  Then other names which I saw registered were from the same place.  My old home, our old home.  Indeed the memory of it is dear to me as I think of it now.  We will talk over the details of it someday; as things have been since I left you all.  My soul was filled with exceeding great joy when I saw your name.  Then the angel told me when he found I was your mother, that he went with you and your cousin, whom I knew so well, one night as you went from the scenes of prayer and stood by your side late at night, while you solemnly made a vow and pledged faithfulness to God and to each other, that he went and woke your father who was sleeping in another room and led him out to witness your covenant.  Oh, you may know that not only I, but the angels rejoiced with me when they brought me the tidings.  He also told me of the conversion of other members of our family, and many more in the neighborhood.

"Well, well," I said, "does heaven have such communications as these with the affairs of the world?" How little we seemed to know it!  Yet my mother’s words brought up all this past experience.  The scenes of my conversion, midnight prayers, earnest labor for others, the events she just alluded to with many others all came rushing through my mind and the memory was fresh as though but yesterday.

I said, "How blind I was not to see the angel who was with me.  The mighty veil of mortality, how it blinds the eye of man from spiritual beings and things!  How far away they seem to be and yet how very near!  I remembered how angels assisted Lot and his family from the condemned city of Sodom, and why should they not assist in the soul’s great struggle after salvation!  For I remember "they are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation."

By this time we were entering the massive Judean gateway.  Our hearts were all filled with joy in the expectation of so soon seeing Him whom our souls loved.  As we passed through the gateway the most beautiful scene met our gaze that we had ever witnessed before in heaven or on earth.  Human language cannot describe it.  To say the streets were pure gold or transparent glass would give the best idea by way of comparison of any object I know.  The great thoroughfares leading from the gate seemed to lead off toward the center of the Holy City.  On the right hand as we passed in were mighty, stupendous columns of precious stone shining with a brightness that heaven only knows.  Massive domes and great archways were overhead.  Nothing showed any signs of decay or age.  No rubbish or signs of wear.  The light toward the mansion was exceeding great.  Our Lord now came forward to meet and welcome us.  Twelve legions of happy souls had now filed in at the great gateway and stood before our King.  The glory and majesty of His being can never be described.  The beloved disciple on Patmos once tried to tell of His glorious appearance as He revealed Himself on earth; He was then clothed with a flowing garment down to His feet and girt about with a golden girdle; His head and hair seemed white as snow, and His eyes as a flame of tire; His feet were glowing like burnished brass; His countenance was like the sun at midday; a sharp two-edged sword was in his mouth and seven stars were in His right hand.  (Revelation 1:13-16) But when the disciples saw Him on the Mount of Transfiguration sixty-three years before, His garments then shone as the light and His face with the brilliancy of the sun.  On Earth He was called the fairest among ten thousand and altogether lovely.  But as He is now in His exaltation in heaven, the language is too tame to express His glory.  He bore the marks in His hands, and above His sandals the nail prints showed distinctly.  He was the very embodiment of light.  It was not dazzling to our eyes as was Moses’ face to Israel of old, for we were prepared for it; since the days of our conversion on earth until we passed through this gate we were being prepared for this vision of our Lord.  Oh, how forcibly were the words of Scripture as I looked upon His face and then glanced far into the city!  "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof." He was also the embodiment of love itself.  Every feature of His face spoke of love.  Indeed it was the reflection of His Father’s infinite love.  All the love in heaven or in the church on earth came from Him.  He bade us welcome to Him, and as we came, by one mighty impulse we all fell on our faces and began to worship Him with adoring praise, saying, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain and has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation." The angels and the saints who met us, also joined and sang some new songs which we had never heard before.  Our souls were in ecstasies of joy not to be described.

How long we remained upon our faces we could not tell for our gladness, joys and great satisfaction were so deep and blessed we took no note of eternity’s register.  He now addressed us in most loving words, giving us His cordial welcome and confessing us before the multitude of angels present, and to His Father’s face, and without further introduction we felt perfectly acquainted.

"Come," said He, "look into this book.  I have opened it to the pages most interesting to you."

We all gathered around Him in turns as closely as we could, to look upon the pages of the great book of books, the heavenly records of the past and future.

Not only were our names written, but underneath them were many things bearing upon our work for God while in the earth.  I then remembered what God had said by one of His prophets which I read a hundred times over.  That a "book of remembrance was written before Him for them that thought upon His name; and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels." (Malachi 3:16,17)

We only took time to read a tithe of what was written, for our Lord said: "You now have perfect liberty to go where you will and to read at your leisure the contents of this most wonderful book." In glancing over its pages we noticed the names of some who were with us when we first entered paradise, who had fallen back in the rear and remained far outside the gates of pearl.  Without any further words of explanation we knew that they were not prepared, but were like the ancient high priest when unsanctified, unworthy of the altar, so these could not serve around the throne.  Yet we knew they would be brought in, for they were somewhere along the river of life and among the trees whose fruit was their food and whose leaves were for their healing.  Their present reward was all that God could give them with their present stage of grace.  These leaves, we knew, were only for those whose names were in the Book of Life and that they have the same healing power in them that the sanctifying grace of God had in His kingdom on earth.  The remedy indeed was around them, but they would not receive it.  They never realized the deep meaning of the precious sacrifice for them; but how thankful to know that the efficacy of His blood availeth for those of His people on this side of the river as well as on that.  We knew also that much of our redemption is yet to follow and will be realized at the resurrection morning of the great day.

I had often wondered if we should have knowledge of the lost ones and should miss any of our friends from the Holy City, if we would not be filled with sadness and grief, although God had said, "All tears should be wiped away." (Revelation 21:4) But now I found it was all settled, I had been there long enough to pass the river of life, drink of its crystal waters, eat of the fruit of the trees upon its banks, and be greeted by thousands of the blood-washed from the chariots of God, beside entering in at the gates, and during all this time only the highest emotions of praise filled my soul.  I was so completely in God’s love, and my own will was so lost in the conscious will of my blessed Redeemer, that I had never thought once of weeping about anything.  In fact, I found that all my faculties and dispositions to sorrow and sadness were gone and I could see things as God sees them.

And then as I stood beside my Redeemer and Lord, and the great Book of Life lay open before me, and I could see far into the city and could see multitudes of happy souls Whom I had not met nor did I know who they might be, some I did not know, but some whom I had known on earth and had feared were among the lost might be here in the city, and especially since I had been greeted by some whom I never expected to see in heaven.  And in looking over the pages of the Book of Life I saw the names of many whom I thought would not he there, and I knew they must be somewhere in the great city or in the vast domains of the paradise of God.

I now felt anxious to go on and mingle with the happy souls which I saw passing in all directions.  The Lord had said: "You have entire liberty.  Go where you will." I turned to see the rest of our Legions, for I had been so enraptured by what I saw and heard, that I had tarried long; but to my surprise they had scattered in many directions; some had gone with their friends to quiet places, and beneath the trees, they were sitting on the upholstery of heaven in joyous conversation; others, meeting with old friends, had boarded the chariots and with them gone to distant places of the city.

My mother was still near me and beckoned me to come with her.  We walked only a short distance and sat down beside a stupendous column of what seemed jasper and sapphire, shining with the light which the eternal city only knows.  The cushions were of the finest fabric, and the upholstering had been done by the hands of saints and angels, for everyone is busily employed in heaven.  Compulsion is not known, but contentment of which we only knew the shadow while in our most restful moments in earth, seemed to clothe everyone here as a garment.

At this Seneca Sodi stood up and said: "My son, I will see you again at the appointed time.  The blessings of God Almighty be upon you, and among these blessings cause His face to shine upon you and give you rest" I looked up from my writing only to see him vanishing from my room.

My visitor was here on time and the following was his message:

I now turned to my mother and said: "I have been wanting a private talk with you for some time.  It does seem so good to be here with you.  It seems like a very short time since I sat upon your knee and you told me the story of our future home.  How little I comprehended the reality of it!  But we are safe in the city now and I want to ask you some questions about our home here, our privileges and duties."

"Be perfectly free to ask any questions you like.  We learn of the wonders of our Father’s house, just as we did on earth by applying ourselves to all the means and sources of knowledge."

"I want to know first what privileges we have here in heaven, both in the city and outside in paradise and elsewhere, and what are the laws that govern these privileges and our conduct?"

"I understand fully," she said, "what you want to know.  You have asked some very important questions and I am glad to assist you with any detailed explanations you wish."

"Your privileges, however, are unbounded.  Your capacities for pleasure and enjoyment are greatly enlarged since leaving the scenes of your earthly life.  Everything here invites the fullest exercise of every faculty of your soul.  Your conduct will be governed by a knowledge of God’s will, You will never wish to do anything or exercise yourself contrary to the will of God.

"The law of love and light is the law of the heavenly kingdom.  No one wishes to do anything here which would not be morally right.  There is no thought or suggestion by anyone, of himself or another doing anything morally wrong.  You have found, no doubt, ere this that you have no inclinations within yourself or temptation from without to do any wrong thing.  Everything that you feel inclined to do is right, so far as moral right is concerned.  Your knowledge is yet limited, Whatever God approves and your knowledge comprehends you will approve from the innermost depths of your soul.  His will becomes law to you.  He never charges guilt upon anyone here, for no one in all this heavenly kingdom has any feelings or wish to disobey.  Sin is not known here.  That great curse of the earth is entirely banished from these streets and mansions of the city; from the drives, walks and resorts of paradise as well.  No stain of sin has ever been here since God cast out the angels who sinned.  Every one of those thousands whom you see yonder coming and going are the image of God so completely that they have no desire to do otherwise than just to fulfill His will.  Our duty here is only a blessed privilege.  It is our great delight to do all we ought to do.  Restraint and compulsion, of which I remember we knew so much in the earth, are words which have no meaning here.  You have noticed, no doubt ere this, that everyone you have met or seen has been perfectly joyful and happy.  Discontent is unknown here.  Everyone is altogether satisfied and entirely at rest."

"Oh, how wonderfully grand this is!" I replied, "but I should like to know further, if I do not weary you with my questions, what privileges we have here in heaven, by way of going from place to place, and visiting among the beautiful mansions I see lining those great avenues and thoroughfares of the city.  Our Lord has said, "Go where you will, enjoy yourselves."

"Oh!" she said, smilingly, "go just where you please.  All that you see and infinitely more are yours — yes, all are yours.  Do you not remember that Scripture: "All are yours, and ye are Christ’s and Christ is God’s?" (I Corinthians 3:22,23) I have been here for over sixty years and I have gone multitudes of times to distant parts of the city, and yet I have seen but a little portion of my inheritance.  Speaking in language which you will better understand, the city is fifteen hundred miles each way and its height is the same as its length and breadth.  (Revelation 21:16,17) So its vastness is sufficient for you and you have the privileges of it all."

"Oh, my mother!  How wonderful are the works of God!  I am simply lost in admiration and wonder!"

"Indeed," said she, "your wonder will never come to an end.  Story upon story is built and the inconceivable height and glory and vastness can never be fully comprehended by us.  You see those fountains yonder gushing with their pure water of life?"

"Yes," I replied, "I have been noticing them for quite a while and wanted to ask you concerning them, for I see so many gathering about them and drinking from golden goblets.  I presume they are free for all?"

"Indeed, and they are throughout the city and even to the remotest parts of paradise.  Do you remember the Scripture which I used to read to you near seventy years ago, that the "Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters"?  (Revelation 7:17)

"Sure enough, I have read it hundreds of times since, but I never thought it meant so much."

"But when you get to the throne itself you will see the greatness of its meaning as you cannot now.  You have already eaten of the trees of life, and drank of the crystal river, I am sure, for you have that privilege immediately on coming into the border lands of heaven; but did you notice there were twelve kinds of fruit on each tree?" (Revelation 22:2)

"Yes, so the elder told me.  I have eaten only a very few times since entering paradise; and others have selected for me.  Those lovely trees in the midst of the street, how full of fruit they are!"

"They were all planted and are growing by the immediate direction of our Lord Himself," said mother.  "You remember His words while on earth "I go to prepare a place for you," (John 14:2) and here it is.  Those fountains and trees with all their blessing are forever yours.  One never tires of anything he has here, nor wishes for anything that he cannot have.  The varieties of food are so abundant you can eat and be wholly satisfied."

Just at this moment we saw one not far away, whom among the thousands we distinguished as one of the elders.  I said to mother: "Would he mind stopping for a short visit with us?  What do you think?"

"No doubt he would be pleased to do so." So she beckoned him to come to us.  As he was coming toward us she said: "Oh, it is Moses, sure."

"How thankful I am," I replied, "for I have been wishing to see him ever since we entered paradise." But as he came nearer I felt something of an awe coming over me as I remembered his greatness while on earth.  I also felt a fear that the questions which I wished to ask him might not interest him since, as I thought, he had been asked the same a thousand times.

"You need not fear," said mother, "to ask him any questions y