Bright celestial beings from a distant sphere had come to mingle their voices with the saints redeemed from the earth, in the glorious anthems of praise that rose perpetually throughout the heavenly courts of the Paradise above.
In their far distant home, they had heard somewhat of the fame of this terrestrial world and the strange history of its inhabitants. And being now in the company of some of the redeemed who had once lived on this earth, they desired one of their number to enlighten them further concerning the marvelous events that had transpired on the earth and the mysteries that were involved in the progress and duration of its time history.
To this, one of the redeemed saints replied: “To unfold, and adequately explain, all the history of that remarkable world, would indeed far exceed the knowledge and powers of the highest angel. One alone, the all-wise and infinite Jehovah, could fully disclose the secret purposes and all the deep mysteries wrapped up in that world’s strange history. But as a former inhabitant, and one who had experienced most of the vicissitudes incident to a sojourn in that wonderful land, the recital of my own brief history—showing especially my journey thence to this celestial home—may help to throw some little light upon the remarkable history of its former inhabitants, and the character of some of the great events which took place during these long and extraordinary ages, known as the ‘Course of Time.’”
With one consent, the spirits who had come from a distant orb then expressed their earnest desire to hear this narrative.
Whereupon the redeemed saint recounted to them, as follows, the story of his eventful life on the earth and his one momentous voyage through time into eternity.
On the farther side of a great ocean—the Ocean of Time—lay the much-renowned Land of Mortality, a land enveloped in deep shadows, over which the sounds of sadness and sorrow floated perpetually.
A land, too, where everything bore the stamp of change and uncertainty, and where there was no abiding place, or rest, for anyone in all its borders.
Yet there had been a time when it was otherwise: when the pure light of heaven shone brightly over it, and joy and happiness rested upon everything therein, and “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.”
But the sad disobedience of its first inhabitants marred that once-beautiful land, and brought down the dark clouds of judgment, sorrow, and suffering that ever afterward remained upon it, until the “times of restitution.”
Then it was that the great King Elohim decreed that all its inhabitants should leave this ruined land forever, and pass over that turbulent Ocean of Time to the far off, and to them unknown, shores of the Eternal World.
Once, and only once, could they cross this ocean; for none of all the numerous voyagers who crossed it were ever permitted to return from the other side. This was the one, the all-important, Voyage of Life that all were destined to take to a better land indeed, if they would but heed the King’s messenger—but to certain and inevitable destruction if they heeded not.
Vast multitudes of mortals, each in his own frail bark, launched forth continually to encounter the perils of that stormy sea on this momentous voyage—yet scarcely knowing whither they went.
Some indeed with fair hopes of safely reaching the haven of rest on the other side, provided by the good King Elohim for all who would come by the King’s own appointed way.
But the greater portion, alas! with reckless unconcern as to the object or end of their voyage, and heedless of the King’s directions, drifted heedlessly along; vaguely, and often delusively, trusting that in the end all would be well.
Like many others, our little vessel, the Wanderer—in which it was my lot to embark—sailed forth cheerfully on her one great and important voyage, with at first little or no purpose in view, save to enjoy the scenes and incidents of the voyage itself.
Captain Will, who had the command, took his directions mainly from Mr. Heart, the owner, who had his berth in the chief cabin.
The Captain was also assisted by an able pilot, a Mr. Conscience, who was our sailing master, and a very valuable officer. Besides, we had two very active and energetic mates, Mr. Thoughts and Mr. Feelings, who were always ready to obey the Captain’s orders and to please Mr. Heart the owner.
As chief clerk, it was my duty to assist in keeping the ship’s logbook, and a record of all that took place on board, while our purser, Mr. Understanding, acted both as instructor and keeper of the stores.
We also had a lively crew, who were often most unruly and mutinous. They were all nearly related to one another, and bore the family names of Sentiments, Affections, and Desires. Most of them were also closely related—either brothers or cousins—to our active, but very impulsive boatswain, Mr. Emotions.
Though in starting on this momentous journey we were all wholly without experience of the navigation of that great ocean, the Wanderer, with all sails set, was soon gliding along boldly and carelessly in the midst of fleets of others on the same voyage; as inexperienced and as careless as ourselves.
Fair laughs the morn, and soft the zephyr blows,
While, proudly riding o’er the azure realm,
In gallant trim the gilded vessel goes—
Youth on the prow, and Pleasure at the helm;
Regardless of the sweeping whirlwind’s sway,
What, hushed in grim repose, expects his evening prey.”
Gray
After we had been thus icily tossing about the waves for a while, Mr. Heart and the Captain began to consider the places whither we should go and the course we should now steer.
So, we had the ship’s charts brought out for examination and guidance. These charts—which were very old and much worn—had been furnished to us by a dealer, well known in those parts, whose name was Mr. Way-of-the-world, from whom also we had our telescopes, compasses, and other marine instruments.
From these old charts it was discovered that stretching far out into the Ocean of Time were three famous islands called Pleasureland, Wealthland, and Fameland. These islands were described as most grand and beautiful places sought out and visited, if possible, by all the voyagers who ever sailed on that great ocean. Moreover, that it was the set purpose—yea, the one sole object of all who would be happy—to visit these desirable and pleasant lands, where, it was said, everything in the richest abundance was provided for their enjoyment. And that all the desires and aspirations of the human heart would find the fullest gratification in those delightful isles of the great sea.
Such were the glowing accounts in Way-of-the-world’s directory that they quite enraptured both Mr. Heart and Mr. Feelings who, the more they pondered thereon, the more ardently they longed to be there. “In those charming islands,” remarked Mr. Thoughts, our first mate—who was also much taken with these accounts— “It is evident we shall have everything we could desire: and if these accounts be true, we shall find safe shelter in their beautiful and commodious harbors, while we enjoy the many pleasures awaiting us there.”
“Aye, truly,” said Mr. Heart. “Nothing could be more delightful than to visit those famous islands, where so much happiness (which we all desire) awaits us. For my part I only wish we were there already.” And so said all on board, from the Captain downwards, in response to the welcome words of Mr. Heart.
The Captain was then directed to shape his course for those desirable lands and to use all the means in his power to reach them as speedily as possible.
So, with all our sails set, we were soon hastening on and steering directly towards the much-lauded Pleasureland—the nearest of those famous islands according to our charts.
One day about this time, while our Pilot, Mr. Conscience, was pacing the deck and looking out over the broad expanse of waters, he observed that all our fellow-voyagers were sailing exactly in the same direction as ourselves, and that a very strong current in the ocean seemed to help us along rapidly in the course we were now steering for the islands. To this he drew the attention of the Captain and others, and the old charts were then again examined to see if this current was noted thereon; when we found that the current was indeed duly marked on the charts, and briefly described as, “A natural stream that had ever existed in this ocean, which all sensible mariners had always considered a most serviceable and pleasant current, seeing that it helped them onwards to the lands whither they would go.”
Whereupon, Thoughts observed, “That being so, let us make the best of it, to help us on our way.”
“If,” said our Pilot, “we may not be drawn by this great speed into danger or disaster.” For he had noticed how rapidly we were already rushing on with this strong current.
“We have no danger to fear,” replied Thoughts. “For see, these charts show us that the coasts around those islands are all clear, while their harbors are safe, and the anchorage good. And as this convenient tide seems designed to bear us pleasantly thither, what harm could befall us, if we take advantage of it?”
Just then the watch on deck was heard announcing that a sail was in sight, bearing down towards us; which, on drawing near, proved to be the Glad Tidings, commanded by Captain Evangelist, one of the King’s messengers.
As soon as the Glad Tidings was near enough to hail us, Captain Evangelist kindly inquired whither we were bound.
“To the great islands of the sea,” promptly replied Captain Will.
But Mr. Heart, who was naturally very reserved in his manner, and much disliked his real intentions being known, wished he had rather said that we were merely on a short cruise.
“Ah, truly to the islands, as I thought,” said Captain Evangelist. “But know you the dangers that await you there?”
“No” replied Thoughts. “How should we, seeing that no dangers whatever are laid down or mentioned in the good old charts—so much used by all mariners on this ocean—which we got from that respectable and trustworthy dealer, Mr. Way-of-the-world.”
“And,” chimed in Mr. Feelings, “we neither believe in nor wish to hear of dangers awaiting us in those delightful lands whither our owner, Mr. Heart and all of us, are bent upon going: and where, we are told, we shall find all we need to make us truly happy.”
“But,” said Captain Evangelist, “the charts you depend upon for navigating this dangerous ocean were prepared by an old purblind mariner, willfully ignorant of the true state of things; and they are, therefore, wholly incorrect. As you truly remarked, no dangers are marked thereon; for the good reason, that Way-of-the-world never saw, or cared to hear, of such dangers. Still, you will find the shores of those enchanted islands thickly begirt with the most dangerous rocks, treacherous shoals, and quicksand, upon which thousands of time-bound mariners have been hopelessly shipwrecked. You have no doubt observed the rapid current in the ocean that flows in the direction of those islands.”
“Oh yes,” said Thoughts. “We certainly have, as our Pilot, Mr. Conscience, pointed it out to us. We find it very easy work—and most convenient besides—to sail along with it, as it appears to help us on most pleasantly towards those desirable islands.”
“But whatever you may think,” answered Evangelist, “of the pleasantness and convenience of this current, it is no other than the great Gulf stream that rushes on with ever-accelerating speed to the breakers on the shores of those dangerous islands (where so many have been wrecked) and directly down to the terrible maelstrom, or whirlpool, on the nether side of this ocean from which none escape who are once drawn into its fatal whirl. For it is thereby they are carried down into the unfathomable abyss and forever lost. This strong current, moreover, is the outcome and consequence of the first great disobedience and rebellion against the good King Elohim. And the direction in which it flows to those islands—which continue to be the very seats of that rebellion—serves but to keep alive and give force to the opposition to the King. It is to those islands all the voyagers on this ocean desire to go, so as to be away from the King’s authority—to be free from all restraint and to do as they please in their state of rebellion.
“In your present condition, you doubtless find it easy and pleasant to sail along with this treacherous tide, seeing that it accords with the natural outflow of your own corrupt desires in opposition to the King’s commands. But the end thereof must assuredly be judgment and death upon all who willfully refuse to listen to the King’s merciful invitation and turn from their evil courses into the way He has prepared for their escape. For the gracious King, be it known unto you, moved by great compassion, sent His own Son, the blessed Prince Emmanuel, on a voyage across this ocean for the express purpose of preparing a way of deliverance for all who sail on these perilous waters from the dangers to which they are exposed.
“This, the Prince at infinite cost, and by the sacrifice of Himself, has fully accomplished and has, moreover, graciously prepared a new home for all who will accept it, on the other side of this ocean, even in His own palace and presence. Listen now to my counsel. Change your course at once, and strike right across this current. Yonder, not far hence, you will find a narrow passage, which is called the Strait-of-the-Cross at the entrance to the way of Life; the only channel through which voyagers can ever hope to escape from the destruction to which the strong current must inevitably carry them down, if they turn not in thither.
“Besides, the charts you depend upon are wholly false. If followed, you will be led further and further astray, and in the end, to utter ruin. But I have here the only true charts ever prepared for the use of the voyagers who cross this ocean.
“They were prepared under the express direction of the King Himself and bear upon them the Royal Seal of His Divine authority. In these Royal charts may be found all the instruction you will need to guide you safely throughout your voyage through the Strait-of-the-Cross, to the haven of rest on the other side.”
So saying, Captain Evangelist kindly supplied us with these Royal charts.
But instead of desiring to listen to the wise counsel of the King’s messenger (for in truth we did not believe a word of that which he had told us), we were by this time becoming very impatient to be sailing on our way, as Pleasureland was now fully in view, and we could think of nothing else just then—in our blind infatuation—but to enjoy its pleasures at all hazards.
“Before parting,” continued Evangelist, “I would further warn you against a most dangerous and subtle foe, who is continually cruising over this ocean, and most of all in the neighborhood of those islands, where at present, he holds a princely sway. This enemy is the terrible Abaddon, the prince of pirates (for he has legions in his service) who, in his ship, the Destroyer, flying the black flag, his true color, is always lurking in these waters to allure unwary mariners on to the rocks and shoals of those islands, so as to accomplish their destruction by hurrying them down this rapid current into the dreadful abyss below.
“Beware, for he generally sails under false colors, and most frequently appears with a snow-white flag flying at his main and the name of Angel-of-light displayed on his quarter. Turn at once and escape for your lives by the Strait-of-the-Cross—the only way of safety from all these dangers—and which is, moreover, the channel that opens out and leads to the Port of Paradise on the Celestial Shores.”