creased, and
I could distinctly hear the cry for water, water, water. Coming now
to another gateway, and, passing through, I could hear, it seemed,
a million voices in the distance, and the cry was for water, water.
Presently another large door opened at the knock of my guide, and I
found that we had passed through the mountain, and now a broad plain
layout before me. At this place my guide left me to direct other lost
spirits to the same destination. I remained in this open plain for a
time, when a being somewhat similar to the first one came to me; but,
instead of a spear, he had a huge sword. He came to tell me of my future
doom. He spoke with a voice that struck terror to my soul. 'Thou art in
hell,' said he; 'for thee all hope is fled. As thou passed through the
mountain on thy journey hither, thou didst hear the groans and shrieks
of the lost as they called for water to cool their parched tongues.
Along that passage there is a door that opens into the lake of fire.
This is soon to be thy doom. Before thou art conducted to this place of
torment never more to emerge--for there is no hope for those who enter
there--thou shalt be permitted to remain in this open plain, where it is
granted to all the lost to behold what they might have enjoyed, instead
of what they must suffer.' With this I was left alone. Whether the
result of the terrible fright through which I had passed I know not, but
now I became stupified. A dull languor took fall possession of my frame.
My strength departed from me. My limbs longer refused to support my
body. Overcome, I now sank down a helpless mass. Drowsiness now took
control of me. Half awake, half asleep, I seemed to dream. Far above
me and in the distance I saw the beautiful city of which we read in the
Bible. How wonderfully beautiful were its walls of jasper. Stretching
out and away in the distance I saw vast plains covered with beautiful
flowers. I, too, beheld the river of life and the sea of glass. Vast
multitudes of angels would pass in and out through the gates of the
city, singing, oh, such beautiful songs. Among the number I saw my dear
old mother, who died a few years ago of a broken heart because of my
wickedness. She looked toward me, and seemed to beckon me to her but I
could not move. There appeared to be a great weight upon me that held me
down. Now a gentle breeze wafted the fragrance of those lovely flowers
to me, and I could now, more plainly than ever, hear the sweet melo