G. Why dost thou rest? Art thou weary with thy progress?
T. I am not weary, friend, but my mind is lost in the grandeur.
G. Thou hast well said. Remember, now, that thy elevation to this position was not of thyself, but of that cloud of mercy which bore thee, and on whose bosom thou surveyest the pilgrimage thou has made. Thou wilt also remember, that thy servants from whom thou hast received instruction, have uplifted thee by their strength, so that thou mayest see what thou now beholdest. In due time, thou wilt be permitted to see other things.
Stooping down, he gave me a white stone with a new name therein, which, said he, “no man knoweth but he that receiveth it. This is thy passport, and unto whomsoever thou shalt go of thy circle, they shall bid thee welcome; and thou shalt not take with thee scrip, nor purse, nor two coats, for thy garments shall not tarnish, nor thy mind perish, because thou art denied sympathy and friendship.”
I received the white stone with the new name therein, and when I saw the name, I wondered at its meaning.
G. Thou needst not wonder, Thomas, for what was thy name in thy infancy, thou canst not bear with thee into these mansions of light and peace. Thou wilt, henceforth, answer to thy new name in this circle of wisdom. Thou wilt now return with me, and when thou returnest, offer this passport to thy Master, who will explain some things to thee why thy name should be changed.
We returned. The cloud of mercy shone as brightly and gloriously when I descended, as when I ascended. I then gave the Master the white stone, when he said: “Thomas was thy name in infancy. In infancy thou didst not remain. Thou hast grown to the stature of a man. When thou wast a child, thou didst speak as a child, and understand as a child; but now thou art become a man, thou shouldst put away childish things. Henceforth, let not thy name be called Thomas Paine; for thou wilt not answer to a name which misrepresents thy true character, since thou hast found favor which has instructed thee to call no mind, ‘common or unclean.’”
T. Am I then to be called by a new name?
M. Thou shalt be called by this circle a new name, which thou seest in the white stone thou hast received.
T. And wilt thou read the new name?