Annie Somers and Bessie Arundel were neighbors, but although they lived close to one another, attended the same school, and were of the same age, they were rarely seen together.
The fact was, Annie shunned Bessie because, to use her own expression, Bessie was one of the “goody-goody” sort—she always closed her eyes during prayers at school, and reproved Annie when she made fun with another schoolmate over a verse in the Bible, in her hearing; and once when they did walk home together from school, she had asked her if her sins were forgiven and she were ready to go to heaven!
Annie was so indignant, muttering something inaudible, she quickly ran up the path indoors, declaring to herself she would have nothing more to do with Bessie.
A few weeks later she had a dream in her dream she found herself before the pearly gates of heaven. She knocked for admittance, and slowly the gates opened, disclosing the dazzling glories within, with a great throng all wearing white robes, and one of many angels came to her and said, “Who are you and what is your name?”
For once in her life Annie felt afraid; somehow she knew she had no right there, the angel looked so beautiful and so pure in a spotless robe.
“I’m Annie Somers,” she faltered.
“Annie Somers,” repeated the angel after her, and then added, “we do not know you.”
And slowly the beautiful gates closed again, and Annie was left outside.
Then in her dream she saw Bessie Arundel go up to the pearly gates and knock timidly. Again the gates parted, again the glory shone forth, and the beautiful angel bent down and asked the same question.
“I’m Bessie Arundel; Jesus is my Saviour,” was her reply.
“Come,” said the angel, and taking Bessie by the hand, he drew her in, and as the gates closed, Annie saw her dippearing up the golden street, the angel leading her to Jesus.
She wakened to find it was a dream, but God had spoken to her through it, and not long Afterward she could say Jesus was her Saviour.
She and Bessie became fast friends, and helped one another to serve their Lord.
What about you, dear reader, is He your Saviour, too? Is your name written in the Book of Life? If so, He has prepared a place for you, and one day the pearly gates will open, and He will receive you unto Himself, but “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth.” Revelation 21:2727And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27).
ML 09/02/1945