T. How then am I to understand this book?
P. Thou wilt understand, thy duty is not of thy own construction of what is required by the just rule thou hast received; for the book will serve thy harmony and peace far better without interpretation, than with it. Thou wilt see that angels do not need minds, who are lower than themselves, to interpret what is above themselves. When thou hast dispossessed thyself of errors forced upon thy mind by education, thou wilt not need a commentary to aid thee in thy duty. Hast thou not read, and dost thou need an explanation of what thou hast read?
T. I need no explanation of that passage.
P. Truly, and when thou wilt read other passages, as thou hast read that, then thou will say of such also, I need no explanation, because thou will be guided by such impressions as will unfold to thee the beauty thou seest in the pasage thou hast read. Thou seest the prediction verified in thy presence. Thou hast repented of thy sins, and thy repentance has brought thee to these courts to receive the joy of well done, good and repentant servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Master, and sit down with us to this banquet of good things.
T. I accept the offering, and trust I shall prove myself worthy of the society whose kindness is a sufficient protection against the sin of ingratitude. But will any mind go with me on my mission?
P. When thou goest, then thou shalt have company; but obligations are yet to be made known to thee. Thou will not depart until thou hast received thy passports.
T. And from whom may I receive what is lacking?
P. From the mind who has recorded thy works. The guide will now conduct thee to the inner court of this temple where thou wilt receive thy passports, and from thence thou wilt go on thy mission with thy companions, who will aid thee and co-operate with thee in doing good to thy fellow servants whom thou wilt bless with the blessing thou hast received from this visit.
The guide said, “Follow me.”
I went. He conducted me to a circle whose countenances glowed with continual brightness, and whose voices were sweeter than the Æolian harp. As I advanced into a large area in the center of a magnificent court, I saw a light streaming from heaven, and a cloud of wisdom broke upon me in ineffable glory. So great was that light, and so dense was that glory, that I was uplifted like a bark on a wave, but not to sink in despair. As I rose, I continued to rise till my soul was willing to view the height and depth of a mercy that never shuns misfortune, or conceals bread from the hungry. “Here rest, Oh, my soul!” I said to myself.