The period at length drew near when I was to return to the world; and the infants, their attending angels, and those who had been employed in the various scenes, were congregated together. They sung a soft and melodious hymn, during which they fixed their attention upon me. I felt more than ever their love, and the value of heaven and heavenly associations. At length the spirit who had kissed the Cross approached me, leading the two children, as on a former occasion, and addressing me, said, "Marietta, for a season thou art to leave us. We love and deeply sympathize with thee. Thou art beloved of all; but it is our Redeemer’s pleasure, and we cheerfully submit. Marietta, we joy in the precious promise of thy return at a time appointed."

"Yea, in this we rejoice," said the multitude.

"We rejoice also," continued the spirit, "because thou hast been permitted to visit, in spirit, these realms, and to behold some of the beauties, and to realize the harmony and divine order of paradisiacal abodes and of angelic worship. Yea more, we praise our heavenly Father, because thou hast been permitted to witness the mode by which infants are instructed in the great truths of man’s perverted nature, and also the means provided for his redemption. Moreover, it fills us with delight to know that thou hast not only been permitted to behold, but thou hast been received and blessed by the ‘Redeemer, in whom we have life, and through whom we obtain heaven. We will give thee our spirit of love, and, as one, we will embrace thee, and patiently wait the happy period when we shall hail thee at the gate of the Holy City upon thy return."

Then all arose and formed themselves into circles around me, and encompassed me as in a dome of spirits; and the spirit who had addressed me pressed me to her heart, when I felt their influences as the embrace of one. Present reflections upon that scene fill my soul with ecstasy, and to attempt its description is in vain. After this manifestation of love, the spirit led the two children to me, and they entwined their holy arms around my neck, and pressed kiss after kiss upon my lips, saying, "Marietta, when thou art again with those in the outer world who love us, and who have mourned our loss, tell them we are happy; that we have no sorrow; we are ever with our guardians; that we love all, and Jesus our Redeemer above all. Tell them we shall wait with patience their arrival here. We love thee, Marietta, and will meet thee again." They once more embraced me, and withdrew; and the spirit who led them to me said, "Marietta, trust thy Redeemer evermore. Relate on earth the story of Redemption. Do well thy work of love."

Then from a cloud Jesus descended, and placing his hand upon my head, addressed me, saying, "Child, for a wise purpose thou art to return. Be faithful to thy charge. Relate, as thou art able, what thou hast seen and heard. Fulfill thy mission, and, at the time appointed, angels shall meet thee at the gate of death, and bear thee to mansions in the kingdom of peace. Be not sad; my grace shall sustain thee. In thy sufferings thou shalt be supported." Then an angel gave him a golden goblet, and he placed it to my lips. As I drank I was filled with new life and fortitude to endure the separation, and I bowed and worshiped him; arid he with his right hand raised me up, saying, "Child of sorrow from a world of gloom, thou art redeemed, thou art blessed for evermore. Be faithful, and when thy course on earth is ended, thou shalt enter into the joy of thy Lord." Then placing in my hand an olive branch, he said, "Bear this to earth, as thou hast been instructed." Again he laid his hand upon my head, and light and love filled my spirit.

The time had come for my departure. I looked around upon the scenes of that lovely city and upon its happy inhabitants. I offered myself in thanksgiving to God for the blessings of immortality, and, above all, for the gift of grace in Jesus, who is the Redeemer; and before the multitudes I lifted to my Lord my hands and a voice in prayer for support in that hour, that I might be kept in his love who had blessed me. Then I was borne in the arms of angels to the gateway of the temple, where I first met the Lord; and from thence—while angels chanted praise to God and to the Lamb—with my former guide I descended to earth; and entering this room where my body lay I soon awoke.

Patiently I wait the hour which I know is determined, when I shall go hence and enjoy the fruition of those realms of bliss, where my spirit obtained its assurance of joys to come. I will praise my heavenly Father for my hope in Jesus, which is worth ten thousand worlds to me. And when I arrive in Paradise, free from mortality, I will praise him with an undivided and pure heart, and with holy lips. There I will, in loud anthems, exalt the name of my Redeemer while eternity endures.

THE END