I dreamed of seeing a temple to which many people were flocking.
Only those who took refuge in that temple would be saved when
time should close. All who remained outside would be forever lost.
The multitudes without, who were going their various ways, were
deriding and ridiculing those who were entering the temple, and
told them that this plan of safety was a cunning deception, that,
in fact, there was no danger whatever to avoid. They even laid
hold of some to prevent them from hastening within the walls.
Fearing to be laughed at and ridiculed, I thought best to wait
until the multitude were dispersed, or until I could enter unobserved
by them. But the numbers increased instead of diminishing, and
fearful of being too late, I hastily left my home and pressed
through the crowd. In my anxiety to reach the temple I did not
notice or care for the throng that surrounded me. On entering
the building, I saw that the vast temple was supported by one
immense pillar, and to this was tied a Lamb all mangled and bleeding.
We who were present seemed to know that this Lamb had been torn
and bruised on our account. All who entered the temple must come
before it and confess their sins.
Just before the Lamb were elevated seats upon which sat a company
of people looking very happy. The light of heaven seemed to shine
upon their faces, and they praised God and sang songs of glad
thanksgiving that seemed to be like the music of angels. These
were they who had come before the Lamb, confessed their sins,
been pardoned, and were now waiting in glad expectation of some
joyful event.
Even after having entered the building a fear came over me and
a sense of shame that I must humiliate myself before these people.
But I seemed compelled to move forward, and was slowly making
my way around the pillar in order to face the Lamb, when a trumpet
sounded, the temple shook, shouts of triumph arose from the assembled
saints, an awful brightness illuminated the building, then all
was intense darkness. The happy people had all disappeared with
the brightness, and I was left alone in the silent horror of night.
I awoke in agony of mind and could hardly convince myself that
I had been dreaming. It seemed to me that my doom was fixed, that
the Spirit of the Lord had left me, never to return. My despondency
deepened, if that were possible.
Soon after this I had another dream. I seemed to be sitting in
abject despair, with my face in my hands, reflecting like this:
If Jesus were upon earth, I would go to Him, throw myself at His
feet, and tell Him all my sufferings. He would not turn away from
me, He would have mercy upon me, and I should love and serve Him
always. Just then the door opened, and a person of beautiful form
and countenance entered. He looked upon me pityingly and said:
"Do you wish to see Jesus? He is here and you can see Him
if you desire to do so. Take everything you possess and follow
me."
I heard this with unspeakable joy, and gladly gathered up all
my little possessions, every treasured trinket, and followed my
guide. He led me to a steep and apparently frail stairway. As
I commenced to ascend the steps, he cautioned me to keep my eyes
fixed upward, lest I should grow dizzy and fall. Many others who
were climbing up the steep ascent fell before gaining the top.
Finally we reached the last step and stood before the door. Here
my guide directed me to leave all the things that I had brought
with me. I cheerfully laid them down; he then opened the door
and bade me enter. In a moment I stood before Jesus. There was
no mistaking that beautiful countenance. Such a radiant expression
of benevolence and majesty could belong to no other. As His gaze
rested upon me, I knew at once that He was acquainted with every
circumstance of my life and all my inner thoughts and feelings.
I tried to shield myself from His gaze, feeling unable to endure
His searching eyes, but He drew near with a smile, and, laying
His hand upon my head, said: "Fear not." The sound of
His sweet voice thrilled my heart with a happiness it had never
before experienced. I was too joyful to utter a word, but, overcome
with ineffable happiness, sank prostrate at His feet. While I
was lying helpless there, scenes of beauty and glory passed before
me, and I seemed to have reached the safety and peace of heaven.
At length my strength returned, and I arose. The loving eyes of
Jesus were still upon me, and His smile filled my soul with gladness.
His presence filled me with holy reverence and an inexpressible
love.
My guide now opened the door, and we both passed out. He bade
me take up again all the things I had left without. This done,
he handed me a green cord coiled up closely. This he directed
me to place next my heart, and when I wished to see Jesus, take
from my bosom and stretch it to the utmost. He cautioned me not
to let it remain coiled for any length of time, lest it should
become knotted and difficult to straighten. I placed the cord
near my heart and joyfully descended the narrow stairs, praising
the Lord and joyfully telling all whom I met where they could
find Jesus. This dream gave me hope. The green cord represented
faith to my mind, and the beauty and simplicity of trusting in
God began to dawn upon my benighted soul. -