I saw Jerusalem inhabited by happy multitudes. The children were playing in the streets, and old men leaning upon their staves. The curse brooded no longer over Judah's ancient land, for the midnight shades of sin and sorrow were replaced by the brightness of the Millennial morn.
Jesus had visited the earth again, and all nature smiled as if conscious of her Creator's presence. Myriads of noble beings came from tower and temple, and stood near the holy city. Then the Savior came forth, and every eye rested upon His glorious countenance, while every knee bowed in reverence. He raised His right hand, and, pointing to Calvary, thus addressed the mighty host which worshiped at His feet: "Two thousand years ago I died upon that Mount for the sins of the world, but now my Father hath given me the crown of universal empire. Thus shall it be known through all His vast creations that sacrifice and obedience bring forth honor and immortality."
Then I started as from a trance, and lo! instead of the palm trees and flowers of the "pleasant land," I was surrounded by the rocks and snows of the Alpine wilds. But all was not fled, for those words, "sacrifice and obedience bring forth honor and immortality," left a soothing balm upon my spirit which will never be forgotten.
Yours in the New and Everlasting Covenant,
Jabez Woodard.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Close of Mission.—Bids adieu to the Saints and scenes of his labors.—Poem, in which martial and ecclesiastical labors and honors are contrasted.—Lorenzo returns home.—Chosen Member of Legislature.—President of Council.—Reflections.—Joy and sorrow.—Vision.—A covenant.—Charlotte's death.—Singular manifestation.—A little prattler.—Quandary.—Solution.—Social party.—Storm.—Drenched.—Lorenzo decides to build.—A struggle.—Proves a success.
At length the time for his departure arrived, and Lorenzo bade adieu to the Saints in the "Old World," with all the attractions of nature and of art with which their countries are justly celebrated. Had his mission been one of ordinary character—one that pertained to earth and earthly things, he might have yielded to the power of fascination; but with him the worth of souls—the elevation, happiness and exaltation—the emancipation from the bondage of priestcraft and tradition of his fellow-men, was the great mission with which he was invested, and until honorably released, nothing—not even the endearments of home—would draw him from his post, nor divide his interest. But when released by the same authority by which he went forth, although his affections twined around the Saints from whom he soon would be separated by long distance; home, his wives and children, and associations with the Saints of God in the valleys of Ephraim, constituted a powerful magnet, which none but those who are husbands and fathers can realize.
Well may the fire of glory blaze
Upon the warrior's tread,
And nation's twine the wreath of praise
Around the hero's head;
His path is honored, and his name
Is written on the spire of fame.His deeds are deeds of courage, for
He treads on gory ground,
Amid the pride and pomp of war,
When carnage sweeps around:
With sword unsheathed he stands before
The foe, amid the cannon's roar.If such the meed the warrior gains;
If such the palm he bears;
If such insignia he obtains;
If such the crown he wears;
If laurels thus his head entwine,
And stars of triumph 'round him shine;How noble must be his reward,
Who, 'midst the crafts of men,
Clad in the armor of the Lord,
Goes forth to battle, when
The powers of darkness warfare wage,
And Satan's hosts around him rage.Who goes opinion to unbind
That reason may be free,
And liberate the human mind
From cleric tyranny:
Who severs superstition's rod,
And propagates the truth of God.Who wars with prejudice to break
Asunder error's chain,
And make the sandy pillars shake
Where human dogmas reign,
Who dares to be a man of God,
And bears the "Spirit's sword" abroad.Above all earthly his shall be
An everlasting fame—
The Archives of Eternity
Will register his name:
With gems of sacred honor rife,
His crown will be ETERNAL LIFE.