M. “Contentment.” Such is thy new name, because such is thy condition. Thou hast sought for light and perfection in the degree of this circle, and as thou hast found, so thou art contented with thy finding. Thou wilt not answer to any other name, when thou respondest to the call of thy fellow servants. In thy infancy and childhood, thou didst call mind “common and unclean,” but now thou wilt do so no more. Thou hast seen that thy mind was as thy fellows, but wisdom has shown thee that what thou hast denounced as “unclean” in thy works and by thy words, is not as thou hast said. No unclean thing can enter here, because light and purity will cleanse the immortal mind from the impurities of worldly wisdom and ignorance.
T. But should I retain my old name when I converse with other circles?
M. Thou mayest answer, but when thou answerest, let thy signature be without dissimulation. Shouldst thy friend recognize thee by thy infant name, thou mayest respond; but when thou meetest a mind of this circle, thou wilt be hailed by thy new name, and respond to its announcement.
T. Then a new baptism may be necessary. When my infant name was bequeathed, I was baptized. Ought I not now to receive a new baptism?
M. Thou wilt proceed to the High Priest of this circle, who will answer thy question.
The guide conducted me again to the chair of the High Priest, who said:
“I heard thy inquiry, and thou wilt listen to my answer. Thy baptism was not of wisdom, but of water. When thou wast baptized, thy mind was not affected. The outward man only became the subject of purification. Now thou art introduced into this circle, thou wilt be taught to put away childish things, and consecrate thyself to the work of benevolence. To aid thee in thy work, I will impress thy mind with the spirit of this circle; yea, I will baptize thee in a fountain, which comes like a pure river of water from the throne of wisdom. Reach forth, oh, God! from courts of more than mortal glory, the oil of gladness, and let thy servant be washed in the stream of thy mercy.” Placing his hand upon my head, he said: “The wisdom of God be upon thee, and give thee peace.”
When his hand rested on my head, I saw a stream descending from wisdom’s holy court, gentle as the dew of evening, and clear as the mercy of God. It came like water in the rising tide, and overwhelmed my mind with a flood of living light. I saw the stream, and the stream carried away the question of baptism, and left me pure from all doubt of its character.
“Thou understandest,” said my guide, “that water baptism is for infancy, while the baptism of wisdom, which thou hast been permitted to receive, is for minds of understanding. This is the baptism of truth. This is the stream of divine grace. This is the water of life. This is the flood which shall never pass away. This is the sea without a shore; and Contentment will receive wages. Contentment is satisfaction with reward; and when thou goest hence, thy reward will be with thee forevermore. Thou wilt now rest with us.”
When the guide had ended his saying, there came a song of sweetness. The whole circle joined in one melodious anthem of joy, which was followed by an ode of order. The words were words of sympathy. They touched my feelings. I saw what was my delight, a society where brotherhood was no unmeaning expression. I had found a kindness which no mortal can understand while in the body. I found a society unlike any thing on earth. It was a society, linked in union by an immortal chain. It was a home, where there was bread enough, and to spare. It was a temple not made with hands. It was made by the Grand Master Builder of heaven and earth. Its pillars were holiness and truth, and its “chief corner stone,” wisdom without imperfection. I saw what no mind can see, and what no language can express, in this temple. There were emblems of order, emblems of honor, emblems of brotherhood, emblems of wisdom, emblems of peace, emblems of innocence, and emblems of victory.