I trembled under these announcements, but I was assured that underneath me were “the everlasting arms” and, moreover, I heard a still, small voice whispering within me: “Stand still, O mortal man! Neither Blackana nor any of his horde shall do thee harm. He hovers before thee at my bidding, and will leave thee only at my command. Ask him what thou wilt, and he must answer thee, even to the limit of his knowledge.”
At this juncture, and without a moment’s warning, my vision was enlarged and an unusual light flashed upon me. Quickly I cast my wondering eyes all about me and saw that I was standing at the very threshold of a great door. It was of such imposing dimensions and so magnificently constructed that only the architects of Heaven could have designed it.
Instinctively I turned to Blackana, whom I could now face without fear: “Where are we, and what is the meaning of this great door?” And as I spoke unseen hands swung it open upon its hinges.
“We are standing at the open door of the twentieth century. You may look out into the coming years as far as you wish,” replied Blackana in a cold, indifferent manner.
Thrilled by such an unusual sight, and the thought which his interpretation and words suggested, I marveled at his sullenness, for Blackana did not so much as lift his head to see the spectacle.
“O, Blackana!” I cried, “why are you so dead to such surroundings?”
“These are mere playthings,” was his gruff reply. “To me the doors of the centuries, which open and shut on the cycles of time, are as trifles, neither lessening my misery nor adding to my pleasure.”
During a brief, thoughtful silence I continued looking at him, as a shudder swept my whole being. I then turned from this creature so shrouded in mystery and, stepping forward to look through the open door, I was suddenly overawed at the still greater scenes which spread in wondrous panorama before my entranced vision.
Under the new light I beheld a marvelous sight, for I could distinctly see the myriad millions of humanity moving on the paths of life toward a common goal.
In the bright halo of the scene I saw the beautiful King’s Highway, on which were marching the hosts of the church militant, led triumphantly by the Spirit of God to the very gates of the Celestial City, which, though distant, I could yet see under the dazzling light radiating from the central throne of glory as from untold suns.