Question. “While ruling Egypt of old, you were much honored and revered by your subjects. Why, then, did you decide to change your mode of existence?”
Reply—
“The boast of Heraldry, the pomp of Pow’r,
And all that Beauty, all that Wealth e’er gave,
Await, alike, th’ inevitable hour;
The paths of Glory lead but to the grave.”
“Do you receive the same reverence and homage now as when you occupied the throne of Egypt?”
“No; in the world of departed spirits, where I now dwell, there is no difference between prince and peasant.”
“What! Did not your title and regal attire secure you a seat of honor?”
“Ah! no. Purple robes and jeweled crowns are no passport to honor here. The robe of Christ’s righteousness is the only garment that admits one into the presence of the pure.”
“But is the robe of righteousness you speak of a sure guarantee of Divine favor?”
“Never yet has it failed. In your world, a man may live in poverty and die in distress; yet, when he comes into this world with that spotless garment on, all the fiends of hell shrink back in horror at his approach, and all the angels of Heaven greet him with shouts of joy and anthems of praise. The Master places a crown of gold on his brow, and silver slippers on his feet.”
“But I see you have great riches in your coffin with you; could you not bribe the doorkeeper, and buy your way in?”