Again I was touched with a stream of light, by which I was enabled to discover those infants as a complex and exceedingly delicate instrument unstrung. Each separate or distinct portion had movement, but not determination; and appeared separately to lie in a sort of spasm-like action. I addressed my guide, saying, "At first I saw in the angel’s arms the life-germ of an infant form. This germ was so delicate, that I could not comprehend how its guardian spirit could save the flickering taper. Then I saw descending from above a light which encompassed and pervaded the spirit. Then it moved as if receiving life and energy. Again I saw the separate tissue, apparatus, and system of organs of that infant, and lo! all were dissevered. Tell me, how shall these so varied, complicated, and deranged unite in harmony?"

Again light encompassed my spirit, and its brightness penetrated the secret chambers thereof, in which perceptions most exquisite were awakened, and a new being of my own appeared to arise and look out upon the scene. Here I saw that numberless spirit functions responded to the touch of some invisible power so that each harmonized in perfect adaptation; and as they embraced, they coalesced and were lost in, identity, until I could perceive them as one; and this moved as a being distinct, full and perfect. Then each organ and function of the infant I had seen encompassed within the light of the three angels above arose, and, in like manner, corresponding to the separate organs of these, embraced each other, and so coalesced that distinction was lost; and then my soul uttered unconsciously, "Praise him for his mighty works,"—for my spirit looked upon an infant in all the perfection of angelic life; yes, an infant restored. I had perceived it a flickering taper; then as a complex instrument unstrung; and then encompassed and pervaded by the sphere of life from the angels above. I had scanned each organ as it tremulously moved while being operated upon by the spirit of life. I had despaired of its restoration.

I now beheld that which was before dissevered from its associate, and discordant, a well-tuned instrument, in form and being an angel spirit; and as it looked up into the face of the angels, it smiled. Truly I thought here is the exposition of that text, "Marvel not that I said unto you, ye must be born again." And from what had passed before me, I felt the force of that beautiful expression of David when he said, "We are fearfully and wonderfully made." And turning to my guide, I inquired, "Is this real? Is this a spirit redeemed?"

"Truly," said my guide, "what thou hast seen is real. It is the unfolding to thy understanding the movement and power of grace upon the spirit that has been rendered discordant by sin, which is the violation of the law,the law of being and the law of God. The light descending from angels, Marietta, could not restore, and the music could not harmonize, nor could the maternal guardians supply that which was lost. Theirs was to support the external, while this dissevering process succeeded, and the components were restored and fitted for proper use by Him who is the Redeemer, and who hath power to tune each fibre of the being, and purify and inbreathe the life of holiness into the soul, giving new life; tone, energy, inclination, and love; then to order their reunion unto perfect life in the infant form. And now thou beholdest a spirit in the consummation of the redemption. This spirit is now prepared to rest in the soft and balmy bed of repose, whence thou hast seen others arise to higher life, Marietta, treasure this in thy soul; but learn while this has passed before thee, it is but one of all this nursery of infant life which thou hast seen.

"And now the scene changes, and another approaches. Listen, Marietta. The melody of angels moves upon the holy atmosphere of the city. They chant praises to God and the Lamb for their redemption; for great is the number of these spirits restored to the harmony of perfect beings. And thus, Marietta, are thanksgivings offered to our Heavenly Parent at each closing scene, which brings the newborn spirit into the harmony and the possession of heaven."

Oh! how my spirit caught the heavenly flame as it rose, volume succeeding volume, in ascending praise, adoration, and glory, inexpressible and divine! As said the Revelator, "It was the voice of many waters."

It appeared that the whole city resolved itself into the voice of praise. "Oh! is this heaven?" I said. How blessed it is to be accounted worthy to enter the city of God. And if this is only the Infant Paradise, if this is the song uttered in view of the restoration to harmony and heaven of this class of infant spirits, though great their number, how vast and incomprehensible must be that expression of thanksgiving when redemption is complete, and the Bride, the Lamb’s wife, shall touch the golden harp as they arise from the marriage supper, in that great day when God shall make up his jewels?

The bliss was so entrancing in its effects upon me, that I felt like ascending with the divine aspirations: but reflections upon my unfitness overcame me, and I fell into the holy arms of my guide.