S. Thou seest, then, that I will go.
C. Thou hast wisely answered. Thy companions will go where they wish, and thou wilt consult their wish. When thou findest one who will do wrong to obtain a right, pass on; and when thou findest one who will only do right to obtain a right, and who will sacrifice his own for another’s good, thou wilt write the name in the Lamb’s book of life, which thou wilt take with thee; and the scribe whom we send with thee. When thou returnest, report thy success.
He went with the scribe. On their return, they brought in the book the names of four and twenty elders, and an hundred and forty and four thousand, who came with them, saying, “Blessed is he who hath part in the first resurrection; for lo! these many years have we sought and not found; but now the light shineth, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
S. I have brought with me a hundred and forty and four thousand, who have resolved to worship no more in this castle, but go with thy companions where thou wouldst lead; albeit, where reigns the principles thou hast taught unto us. Thou wilt see these four and twenty elders, who came to thy hearing, have joined the great congregation, and are ready to live in peace, as thou hast taught.
C. Thou wilt form a circle that I may address them when we reach the arch-way of the temple, whither thou goest, I have a few words to say to them, which will need be required before they enter therein.
S. We will obey thy commands.
The new song was now sung, for the year of Jubilee had come to these emancipated minds. They sang in the spirit, and with the understanding, the words painted in gold colors on my banner. The great congregation then moved straightway for the temple. On nearing the arch-way, a circle was formed, and the Commander addressed them as follows:
“Friends: Thou wilt suffer no more from the ills to which thou hast been exposed in thy pilgrimage. Thou hast not known thy misfortune, because thou hast verily been unable to compare thy condition with that which thou art now prepared to realize. Thou hast hitherto considered thy own wisdom above the wisdom of thy superiors; but when thou seest what remains for thee, thou wilt know thy condition was wretched, when compared with it. Before thou enterest this temple, each mind will cast his crown into the treasury of reform, and when thou seest the standard enter the arch-way, thou wilt follow in the order of thy conductors, and receive such lessons as thy need may require from thy seniors. Be wise not in thy own conceit, for there are none too wise to unlearn his wrongs, nor too good to neglect improvement, save Him whom we serve. Let no wrong follow this company into these courts, for shame will hide no guilt from the inspection of this circle.” The whole company were conducted in order, and received the lessons which appertained to their progress, and which have been recited in another place.
CHAPTER VIII.
FOURTH VISIT TO THE CASTLE.
Mission of Thomas and the elders—The king and guard—The elder addresses the king—Conversation with him—He refuses wisdom—A dialogue with a mind on fear—Calls a great multitude to hear the elder—Address of the elder—Conversation with the circle—Imputed righteousness—A thousand times ten thousand converted, and received into the temple.