The One Great Voyage of Life

From time immemorial mankind has been familiarized with a number of similitudes derived from the comparison of the incidents and progress of human life to a voyage on the sea.

Numerous metaphorical allusions appear both in ancient and modern literature—as well as in the Scriptures—which are drawn from such a source.

The trials and afflictions of life are constantly likened to the storms and tempests of the ocean and the perils of the deep; while rocks, shoals, and quicksand afford familiar metaphors of moral danger and sources of ruin, which are frequently used both in sacred and profane writings.

Sacred poetry and hymns especially abound with such figurative allusions to the sea and sailing thereon, which are familiar to every one; while the popularity of some of the latter is, in a great measure, due to the comparison of life to a voyage on the mighty deep.

There is therefore nothing new in the idea that serves as the metaphorical foundation of this allegory, or in the specific use and application that is made of such metaphors.

The work is rather an endeavor to enlarge the scope and give a wider field of application to this class of metaphors, by throwing them into the form of one consecutive history of a human soul, during its progress through this to the eternal world, somewhat after the manner of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.

In making use of the metaphorical method of setting forth the truth, we have, moreover, the Divine sanction, in the example of our blessed Lord Himself, whose favorite mode of teaching was by metaphor or parable.

Nothing, for example, that was ever written could for a moment be compared with the beautiful, instructive and touching “Parable of the Prodigal Son,” which may be as appropriately designated a short allegory as a parable.

The important truths of Scripture more especially intended to be illustrated in these pages may be briefly summarized under three divisions in the following order, as they are set forth in the work:

1. The delusive fascinations, together with the unsatisfactory nature and danger of carnal pleasures and worldly pursuits; the numerous snares and temptations of this life; the sad depravity of the human heart; the universal prevalence of sin and opposition to God’s ways; and the awful end of all who will not repent and turn to God, through Jesus Christ.

2. Christ’s gracious and perfect work of redemption—the foundation of all blessing to mankind. The way of salvation: repentance, faith in Christ, forgiveness of sins, conversion, and eternal life of all believers.

3. The renewed Christian life. Progress in spiritual attainments; growth in grace; godly and holy living in separation from the world, and righteous testimony to the truth of God: together with the trials, troubles, temptations and failures, as well as the consolations and triumphs of the Christian life, and the final reception of the believer in heaven.

These leading subjects of Scripture and many other collateral truths (also referred to, and illustrated in the work) are doubtless well known, and indeed familiar to all who carefully read their Bibles; but it has often been found that this very familiarity has tended to lessen a practical and saving interest in them and thus break their spiritual force and influence.

In view of this fact, and the universal attractiveness of the narrative style of teaching, it is hoped that this re-setting of these all-important and vital truths, in the form of a simple parable or allegory, may be instrumental in attracting renewed attention to them and in awakening a fresh interest therein; so that many precious souls may be thus aroused to flee to Christ for life and salvation: who alone is “The way, the truth, and the life.”

And, furthermore, that the children of God may be cheered and encouraged by the perusal of these allegorical illustrations of the incidents and experiences of Christian life, while passing through the numerous trials and perils of their life’s voyage; and above all, that the wisdom, justice, righteousness, love, and abounding grace of God may be more clearly seen and ever magnified by all His saints.

J. A. S.

Moreton Lodge, Tunbridge Wells

Chapter 1

Bright celestial beings from a distant sphere had come to mingle their voices with the saints redeemed from the earth, in the glorious anthems of praise that rose perpetually throughout the heavenly courts of the Paradise above.

In their far distant home, they had heard somewhat of the fame of this terrestrial world and the strange history of its inhabitants. And being now in the company of some of the redeemed who had once lived on this earth, they desired one of their number to enlighten them further concerning the marvelous events that had transpired on the earth and the mysteries that were involved in the progress and duration of its time history.

To this, one of the redeemed saints replied: “To unfold, and adequately explain, all the history of that remarkable world, would indeed far exceed the knowledge and powers of the highest angel. One alone, the all-wise and infinite Jehovah, could fully disclose the secret purposes and all the deep mysteries wrapped up in that world’s strange history. But as a former inhabitant, and one who had experienced most of the vicissitudes incident to a sojourn in that wonderful land, the recital of my own brief history—showing especially my journey thence to this celestial home—may help to throw some little light upon the remarkable history of its former inhabitants, and the character of some of the great events which took place during these long and extraordinary ages, known as the ‘Course of Time.’”

With one consent, the spirits who had come from a distant orb then expressed their earnest desire to hear this narrative.

Whereupon the redeemed saint recounted to them, as follows, the story of his eventful life on the earth and his one momentous voyage through time into eternity.

On the farther side of a great ocean—the Ocean of Time—lay the much-renowned Land of Mortality, a land enveloped in deep shadows, over which the sounds of sadness and sorrow floated perpetually.

A land, too, where everything bore the stamp of change and uncertainty, and where there was no abiding place, or rest, for anyone in all its borders.

Yet there had been a time when it was otherwise: when the pure light of heaven shone brightly over it, and joy and happiness rested upon everything therein, and “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.”

But the sad disobedience of its first inhabitants marred that once-beautiful land, and brought down the dark clouds of judgment, sorrow, and suffering that ever afterward remained upon it, until the “times of restitution.”

Then it was that the great King Elohim decreed that all its inhabitants should leave this ruined land forever, and pass over that turbulent Ocean of Time to the far off, and to them unknown, shores of the Eternal World.

Once, and only once, could they cross this ocean; for none of all the numerous voyagers who crossed it were ever permitted to return from the other side. This was the one, the all-important, Voyage of Life that all were destined to take to a better land indeed, if they would but heed the King’s messenger—but to certain and inevitable destruction if they heeded not.

Vast multitudes of mortals, each in his own frail bark, launched forth continually to encounter the perils of that stormy sea on this momentous voyage—yet scarcely knowing whither they went.

Some indeed with fair hopes of safely reaching the haven of rest on the other side, provided by the good King Elohim for all who would come by the King’s own appointed way.

But the greater portion, alas! with reckless unconcern as to the object or end of their voyage, and heedless of the King’s directions, drifted heedlessly along; vaguely, and often delusively, trusting that in the end all would be well.

Like many others, our little vessel, the Wanderer—in which it was my lot to embark—sailed forth cheerfully on her one great and important voyage, with at first little or no purpose in view, save to enjoy the scenes and incidents of the voyage itself.

Captain Will, who had the command, took his directions mainly from Mr. Heart, the owner, who had his berth in the chief cabin.

The Captain was also assisted by an able pilot, a Mr. Conscience, who was our sailing master, and a very valuable officer. Besides, we had two very active and energetic mates, Mr. Thoughts and Mr. Feelings, who were always ready to obey the Captain’s orders and to please Mr. Heart the owner.

As chief clerk, it was my duty to assist in keeping the ship’s logbook, and a record of all that took place on board, while our purser, Mr. Understanding, acted both as instructor and keeper of the stores.

We also had a lively crew, who were often most unruly and mutinous. They were all nearly related to one another, and bore the family names of Sentiments, Affections, and Desires. Most of them were also closely related—either brothers or cousins—to our active, but very impulsive boatswain, Mr. Emotions.

Though in starting on this momentous journey we were all wholly without experience of the navigation of that great ocean, the Wanderer, with all sails set, was soon gliding along boldly and carelessly in the midst of fleets of others on the same voyage; as inexperienced and as careless as ourselves.

Fair laughs the morn, and soft the zephyr blows,

While, proudly riding o’er the azure realm,

In gallant trim the gilded vessel goes—

Youth on the prow, and Pleasure at the helm;

Regardless of the sweeping whirlwind’s sway,

What, hushed in grim repose, expects his evening prey.”

Gray

After we had been thus icily tossing about the waves for a while, Mr. Heart and the Captain began to consider the places whither we should go and the course we should now steer.

So, we had the ship’s charts brought out for examination and guidance. These charts—which were very old and much worn—had been furnished to us by a dealer, well known in those parts, whose name was Mr. Way-of-the-world, from whom also we had our telescopes, compasses, and other marine instruments.

From these old charts it was discovered that stretching far out into the Ocean of Time were three famous islands called Pleasureland, Wealthland, and Fameland. These islands were described as most grand and beautiful places sought out and visited, if possible, by all the voyagers who ever sailed on that great ocean. Moreover, that it was the set purpose—yea, the one sole object of all who would be happy—to visit these desirable and pleasant lands, where, it was said, everything in the richest abundance was provided for their enjoyment. And that all the desires and aspirations of the human heart would find the fullest gratification in those delightful isles of the great sea.

Such were the glowing accounts in Way-of-the-world’s directory that they quite enraptured both Mr. Heart and Mr. Feelings who, the more they pondered thereon, the more ardently they longed to be there. “In those charming islands,” remarked Mr. Thoughts, our first mate—who was also much taken with these accounts— “It is evident we shall have everything we could desire: and if these accounts be true, we shall find safe shelter in their beautiful and commodious harbors, while we enjoy the many pleasures awaiting us there.”

“Aye, truly,” said Mr. Heart. “Nothing could be more delightful than to visit those famous islands, where so much happiness (which we all desire) awaits us. For my part I only wish we were there already.” And so said all on board, from the Captain downwards, in response to the welcome words of Mr. Heart.

The Captain was then directed to shape his course for those desirable lands and to use all the means in his power to reach them as speedily as possible.

So, with all our sails set, we were soon hastening on and steering directly towards the much-lauded Pleasureland—the nearest of those famous islands according to our charts.

One day about this time, while our Pilot, Mr. Conscience, was pacing the deck and looking out over the broad expanse of waters, he observed that all our fellow-voyagers were sailing exactly in the same direction as ourselves, and that a very strong current in the ocean seemed to help us along rapidly in the course we were now steering for the islands. To this he drew the attention of the Captain and others, and the old charts were then again examined to see if this current was noted thereon; when we found that the current was indeed duly marked on the charts, and briefly described as, “A natural stream that had ever existed in this ocean, which all sensible mariners had always considered a most serviceable and pleasant current, seeing that it helped them onwards to the lands whither they would go.”

Whereupon, Thoughts observed, “That being so, let us make the best of it, to help us on our way.”

“If,” said our Pilot, “we may not be drawn by this great speed into danger or disaster.” For he had noticed how rapidly we were already rushing on with this strong current.

“We have no danger to fear,” replied Thoughts. “For see, these charts show us that the coasts around those islands are all clear, while their harbors are safe, and the anchorage good. And as this convenient tide seems designed to bear us pleasantly thither, what harm could befall us, if we take advantage of it?”

Just then the watch on deck was heard announcing that a sail was in sight, bearing down towards us; which, on drawing near, proved to be the Glad Tidings, commanded by Captain Evangelist, one of the King’s messengers.

As soon as the Glad Tidings was near enough to hail us, Captain Evangelist kindly inquired whither we were bound.

“To the great islands of the sea,” promptly replied Captain Will.

But Mr. Heart, who was naturally very reserved in his manner, and much disliked his real intentions being known, wished he had rather said that we were merely on a short cruise.

“Ah, truly to the islands, as I thought,” said Captain Evangelist. “But know you the dangers that await you there?”

“No” replied Thoughts. “How should we, seeing that no dangers whatever are laid down or mentioned in the good old charts—so much used by all mariners on this ocean—which we got from that respectable and trustworthy dealer, Mr. Way-of-the-world.”

“And,” chimed in Mr. Feelings, “we neither believe in nor wish to hear of dangers awaiting us in those delightful lands whither our owner, Mr. Heart and all of us, are bent upon going: and where, we are told, we shall find all we need to make us truly happy.”

“But,” said Captain Evangelist, “the charts you depend upon for navigating this dangerous ocean were prepared by an old purblind mariner, willfully ignorant of the true state of things; and they are, therefore, wholly incorrect. As you truly remarked, no dangers are marked thereon; for the good reason, that Way-of-the-world never saw, or cared to hear, of such dangers. Still, you will find the shores of those enchanted islands thickly begirt with the most dangerous rocks, treacherous shoals, and quicksand, upon which thousands of time-bound mariners have been hopelessly shipwrecked. You have no doubt observed the rapid current in the ocean that flows in the direction of those islands.”

“Oh yes,” said Thoughts. “We certainly have, as our Pilot, Mr. Conscience, pointed it out to us. We find it very easy work—and most convenient besides—to sail along with it, as it appears to help us on most pleasantly towards those desirable islands.”

“But whatever you may think,” answered Evangelist, “of the pleasantness and convenience of this current, it is no other than the great Gulf stream that rushes on with ever-accelerating speed to the breakers on the shores of those dangerous islands (where so many have been wrecked) and directly down to the terrible maelstrom, or whirlpool, on the nether side of this ocean from which none escape who are once drawn into its fatal whirl. For it is thereby they are carried down into the unfathomable abyss and forever lost. This strong current, moreover, is the outcome and consequence of the first great disobedience and rebellion against the good King Elohim. And the direction in which it flows to those islands—which continue to be the very seats of that rebellion—serves but to keep alive and give force to the opposition to the King. It is to those islands all the voyagers on this ocean desire to go, so as to be away from the King’s authority—to be free from all restraint and to do as they please in their state of rebellion.

“In your present condition, you doubtless find it easy and pleasant to sail along with this treacherous tide, seeing that it accords with the natural outflow of your own corrupt desires in opposition to the King’s commands. But the end thereof must assuredly be judgment and death upon all who willfully refuse to listen to the King’s merciful invitation and turn from their evil courses into the way He has prepared for their escape. For the gracious King, be it known unto you, moved by great compassion, sent His own Son, the blessed Prince Emmanuel, on a voyage across this ocean for the express purpose of preparing a way of deliverance for all who sail on these perilous waters from the dangers to which they are exposed.

“This, the Prince at infinite cost, and by the sacrifice of Himself, has fully accomplished and has, moreover, graciously prepared a new home for all who will accept it, on the other side of this ocean, even in His own palace and presence. Listen now to my counsel. Change your course at once, and strike right across this current. Yonder, not far hence, you will find a narrow passage, which is called the Strait-of-the-Cross at the entrance to the way of Life; the only channel through which voyagers can ever hope to escape from the destruction to which the strong current must inevitably carry them down, if they turn not in thither.

“Besides, the charts you depend upon are wholly false. If followed, you will be led further and further astray, and in the end, to utter ruin. But I have here the only true charts ever prepared for the use of the voyagers who cross this ocean.

“They were prepared under the express direction of the King Himself and bear upon them the Royal Seal of His Divine authority. In these Royal charts may be found all the instruction you will need to guide you safely throughout your voyage through the Strait-of-the-Cross, to the haven of rest on the other side.”

So saying, Captain Evangelist kindly supplied us with these Royal charts.

But instead of desiring to listen to the wise counsel of the King’s messenger (for in truth we did not believe a word of that which he had told us), we were by this time becoming very impatient to be sailing on our way, as Pleasureland was now fully in view, and we could think of nothing else just then—in our blind infatuation—but to enjoy its pleasures at all hazards.

“Before parting,” continued Evangelist, “I would further warn you against a most dangerous and subtle foe, who is continually cruising over this ocean, and most of all in the neighborhood of those islands, where at present, he holds a princely sway. This enemy is the terrible Abaddon, the prince of pirates (for he has legions in his service) who, in his ship, the Destroyer, flying the black flag, his true color, is always lurking in these waters to allure unwary mariners on to the rocks and shoals of those islands, so as to accomplish their destruction by hurrying them down this rapid current into the dreadful abyss below.

“Beware, for he generally sails under false colors, and most frequently appears with a snow-white flag flying at his main and the name of Angel-of-light displayed on his quarter. Turn at once and escape for your lives by the Strait-of-the-Cross—the only way of safety from all these dangers—and which is, moreover, the channel that opens out and leads to the Port of Paradise on the Celestial Shores.”

Chapter 2

Now these strange words of Captain Evangelist—though we did not fully believe them then — disconcerted us not a little, and were specially unwelcome to us just at that moment, for by this time we were making directly for, and about to enter, what our charts described as the fair Mirth Harbor of Pleasureland, where the most fascinating sights and sounds appeared to greet us on every side.

Moreover, the mood we were in at that time, we were not in the least inclined to look at the new charts given to us, even for a moment; so we had them quickly stowed away out of sight, and tried to forget all we had heard from Captain Evangelist. His words were to us as idle tales, for we heartily desired not to believe them.

“Why should we trouble ourselves about these vague reports,” said Captain Will. “There may not be a word of truth in them, for we see nothing around us to show that they are true. Besides, I shall take good care to steer clear of all dangers, if indeed there be any.”

“I am right glad to hear you say so, Captain,” said Mr. Heart. “I must confess it made me somewhat ill to hear such disquieting tales; and as we are in this charming harbor, let us banish them from our minds.”

Now in looking around this broad Mirth Harbor of Pleasureland, we beheld vast numbers of mariners, in decorated barges, rushing to and fro in a wild chase after some dim phantoms that appeared to be incessantly floating ahead of them. Colorful banners at various points bore the attractive names of Amusement, Gaiety, Fashion, Conviviality and such like, and waved invitingly to attract and urge them on in the wild chase; for all seemed to be eagerly engaged in this pursuit. It was indeed the sole business of the place. We, too, like all around us, soon joined in the giddy race after those fleeting phantoms; while the sounds of revelry, and of music and dancing, rang through the air.

Hither and thither we wildly went, frequently coming into frightful collision with one another; so that many sad disasters followed in consequence. Many, too, in the reckless haste of that maddening pursuit, ran on the hidden shoals and rocks that abounded in that dangerous harbor (as Captain Evangelist had told us) and were hopelessly wrecked; while we ourselves but narrowly escaped destruction.

On the numerous quays that extended along the whole length of that wide harbor, where the colorful banners were always floating, a perpetual world’s fair was kept up—the great Vanity Fair—where all the peculiar merchandise of that fallen world was being retailed to the thousands of exuberant and thoughtless mariners—the votaries of pleasure—who thronged those busy marts.

There it was that such commodities as lust, self-conceit, vain-glory, self-will and pride, decked in their most fascinating forms and colors, were offered for sale, and largely patronized. There, too, were to be found the common wares of folly, idle-fancies and vanity in endless varieties; and many other articles of worldly merchandise, in such great profusion, that they were to be had for the mere asking.

There also were to be found the famous apples of Sodom in great abundance, in all their enticing beauty, by which so many poor mariners were being perpetually deceived. They found when they partook thereof—though beautiful and tempting to the eye—nothing but dust and ashes within.

It was there, too, that all the voyagers became so heavily laden with those worthless wares of the world, that ever after they endangered their safety, by reason of the overpowering weight, which rendered them liable at any moment to founder and go down to destruction. Whole fleets, indeed, perished in consequence of being thus overlade.

We also, like others, foolishly burdened ourselves with a heavy cargo of those worthless wares of the world, by which our progress was greatly retarded, and which, afterward, became a source of great trouble and sorrow to us. That swift current likewise, which we had thought so helpful and pleasant, seemed now to bear us and all our fellow voyagers down with headlong speed towards the awfully dangerous breakers that lay so thickly in our course, and at times we were wholly at its mercy. Sudden gusts of wind would also catch us unawares and drive us in a moment into positions of the utmost peril.

After thus restlessly tossing about in those uncertain and dangerous waters, in hourly peril of being wrecked, we began to discover that the accounts we had received of the delights of Pleasureland were far from being true. For in all that exciting chase and the world’s great glittering fair—in which so many appeared to take such intense delight—we never could find that real satisfaction and happiness we had been longing for and expecting to find.

It was nothing but a perpetual round of excitement and unavailing toil: always ending in sad disappointment, and at times, in downright misery. Truly we had now begun to realize the truth of the words of the wise man who had said, “All is vanity and vexation of spirit.”

Besides, it was sad and most alarming to witness at times so many fair voyagers suddenly and hopelessly wrecked, and all their fond hopes extinguished forever.

Strange, and most unaccountable, too, was the spectacle, that with such disastrous shipwrecks incessantly occurring around them, none of all those lively seekers after pleasure seemed to consider themselves in any danger whatsoever. On the contrary, all appeared to be elated with an exuberance of careless mirthfulness, and utter indifference as to their fate; while the burden of the songs of the most reckless was, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Yet some of them, in their quieter moments, would tell us that in all that excitement they never could find the rest and happiness their souls so ardently longed for. In their experience, which was similar to our own, they always found that at the moment when they seemed about to secure the coveted prize of happiness, it eluded their grasp and entirely vanished.

Anchorage there was none—nothing but shifting quicksand everywhere; nor was there any shelter from the pitiless storms which ever raged all around the coasts of that much-frequented, but delusive Pleasureland.

In consequence of all this, it came to pass that Mr. Heart and some of our officers fell sick: while all on board began to grow weary of that profitless pursuit of mere shadows.

“Such was the shadow fools pursued on earth,

Under the name of Pleasure; fair outside,

Within corrupted, and corrupting still.

Ruined and ruinous, her sure reward,

Her total recompense, was still, as he

The bard, recorder of earth’s seasons, sang,

‘Vexation, disappointment, and remorse.’

Yet at her door the young and old, and some

Who held high character among the wise,

Together stood, and strove among themselves

Who first should enter, and be ruined first.”

Pollok

In our restlessness and irresolution, we now drifted about heedlessly, seeking rest, but finding none; and soon found ourselves in the midst of a vast fleet, going downwards towards the lower end of that great Mirth Harbor, from which extended the wide and alluring Bay of Wantonness. Into this enchanting, but most treacherous bay, untold numbers of heedless voyagers were being incessantly drawn by the smooth but overpowering eddies that whirled perpetually therein; enticed moreover by the soft seductive songs of the bewitching sirens on their rocky isles, which had lured so many unsuspecting mariners to their destruction. There in that broad, inviting bay they sped round and round those furious and irresistible whirlpools, until drawn into their awful vortex and swiftly carried “down to the chambers of death.”

Now about that time, as Mr. Heart lay sick in his cabin, he began (either from curiosity or to ease his troubled mind) to look over the Royal charts and soon after told us that in the solemn silence of the night a “still small voice” often whispered in his ear the significant words, “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live.” And at other times the voice kept on repeating, “Why will ye die? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn and live.”

On hearing this account, Mr. Conscience remarked that he and Mr. Understanding had also been looking over the Royal charts and found it stated therein that all who came to these parts were sailing with the King’s enemies in regions that were under the tyrannical rule and dominion of the wicked Abaddon who, by usurpation, was at present the god of this world. This giddy race after pleasure was mainly kept up by him and his emissaries to divert and draw off the King’s subjects from their rightful sovereign. By thus encouraging them in their disobedience and rebellion, this cruel destroyer sought to drive them on the hidden rocks that abounded in these quarters, and then hurry them down into the bottomless abyss, which is his own dark abode.

And, further, judgment and desolation are determined upon all who are given to these vain pursuits: who thus forget their sovereign, cast off all restraint, and willfully disobey his laws.

“But,” said Mr. Feelings, who was much annoyed by these words, “for my part, I like this pleasant isle right well, and this fair harbor. The excitement of the chase, too, is certainly very enjoyable; and as Way-of-the-world says, ‘What would life be worth, if we did not enjoy all the pleasures provided for us here?’ Besides, Mr. Way-of-the-world, who ought to know, also says that all the rich, the noble, and the great of every clime come here to seek enjoyment: and why should not we do the same? We are certainly in the best of company, and plenty of it.”

“Yes, it may be so,” said Mr. Conscience. “But if the Royal charts be true, it is here and in this manner that the inhabitants of the Land of Mortality are ever showing their opposition to the Almighty King of the Universe who has made us, and all things, and therefore has a right to our allegiance.

“By coming here, say the charts, all seem to forget the King in the midst of their pleasures, slight His authority, and refuse to hear the kind messages He has been sending to them by His messengers for many centuries. Moreover, it makes one tremble to think what the end of all this may be. Common prudence surely tells us that it would be well to consider the end of all these things. Even old Way-of-the-world says, ‘All is well that ends well’; and we certainly know that we cannot always abide here, but must pass over to the other side, sooner or later.”

“Well, whether these things be so or not,” observed Mr. Heart, “we certainly have not gained much by coming here: not as much as one grain of real comfort that I can see; while this giddy race and these vain pursuits have made me ill and very weary.” Just then a sharp squall came down suddenly upon us, (for such storms were frequent in those parts) and no one being at the helm, we began to drift rapidly towards the rocks nearby on which we were in imminent danger of being wrecked.

But by the promptness of Captain Will (who was a resolute mariner) in taking the helm, we fortunately managed to escape.

It was then resolved that we should quit this dangerous Mirth Harbor, and seek some better and safer haven where we could be more at ease to enjoy ourselves: but with no thought, however, of following the good counsel given to us by Evangelist.

Now altering our sails and veering around, we essayed to sail in the opposite direction, but we found, to our dismay, that going against the current was a very different matter from going with it. At first it seemed impossible to make the least headway; so, we set to tacking hither and thither across the current. Yet, after many a weary day of such fruitless toiling, we made no progress: but on the contrary, found ourselves drifting back continually with the stream. Moreover, we were laughed at and jeered by some of our fellow-voyagers—who were rushing gaily down with the stream—for our folly in attempting to go up against such a head wind and strong current. Mr. Thoughts and the Captain then set themselves to make some paddles, which they had contrived, to help us on our way.

But being made of very frail wood, from a tree known by the name of Human Effort, these paddles had no strength whatever and continually broke in the using. Besides, when plunged in that rapid stream against which we were striving, no hold could be got whereby to work ourselves onward, because they were immediately drawn away with the force of the current as soon as applied. Therefore, they could not afford us the slightest assistance.

After much sore toiling, however, with contrary winds, we at length rounded the headland known as the Cape-of-good-resolves, but it did not much improve our position by getting there. For by still coasting along the treacherous shores of Pleasureland we were always in great danger of drifting with the tide upon the rocks of a perilous lee shore.

It was while thus laboriously toiling on our course that we came in sight of a long line of black, rugged-looking rocks, against which the wild surf of the turbulent ocean was dashing most furiously.

Then, to our astonishment, we beheld crowds of vessels sailing recklessly close to the very edge of those terrible rocks: and, ever and anon, many of them were driven down by the current with frightful speed directly upon those rugged breakers and dashed to pieces, so that the whole line of that black coast was littered with wrecks. Frequently, too, these reckless mariners came into fearful collision with one another through sheer madness, and, in consequence, they suddenly foundered.

While gazing on this strange scene, one of these vessels happened to pass near to us, and we beheld her frantic crew running to and fro in wild frenzy with no one at the helm. As they hurried rapidly by, they burst into a loud bacchanalian song, the refrain of which was, “A short life and a merry one.” Then with maddening speed they rushed down upon those dreadful rocks, where, with an awful crash, they quickly perished.

A King’s messenger bearing up towards us at that moment to warn us of our danger, we desired to know the reason of this strange and reckless conduct of so many voyagers. Whereupon he replied, “That long line of black and dismal rocks you see yonder on the coast of Pleasureland are known as the open Roads of Intemperance, which are exposed to the full force and fury of all the storms that rage on this dangerous ocean, and where this swift current breaks with most destructive violence.

“That unfortunate craft that passed a while ago was the Inebriate, late from Drunken-man’s Creek, close by. A furious demon called Vile-appetite (one of Abaddon’s crew, who is ever busy in these quarters) got on board and induced the crew to rise in mutiny. The Captain was put in irons below, their pilot, Mr. Conscience, was thrown overboard; and an old Boatswain, one Drink-hard, the chief of the mutineers, took the command. Then, despising all warnings, and being made delirious by the demon, they madly rushed—like many others of the same class—straight on to the breakers below, where Abaddon’s wreckers await to hurry them down into the great Abyss by a near passage therefrom.”

The wild and reckless frenzy of those deluded mariners, who could thus, in the full light of day with those terrible rocks of ruin plainly before them, rush with such deliberate and maddening speed to certain destruction, greatly amazed us. For many a day afterward, we wondered what strange infatuation it was that thus impelled them willfully to wreck their all, for time and for eternity. It was one of the many mysteries of that strange period of Time history.

Now as we thought on these distressing scenes, we trembled for our own safety; and Mr. Heart grew faint as he contemplated those dread rocks and the numerous wrecks that were strewn all around them. So we hastened on, with all speed, to clear that perilous coast, and then changed our course for the famous island of Wealthland—so much commended by Mr. Way-of-the-world—hoping, as Mr. Heart said, to find things more to our liking. For as yet, in our folly, we paid no serious attention to the Royal charts, nor heeded the warnings of good Captain Evangelist. Mr. Conscience, too, was quiet and growing careless, though at times he would mutter in our ears some of the words of the King’s Directory he had been reading: such as, “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy”; and “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?”

Still we heeded not, for Way-of-the-world’s sayings were far more agreeable to us. So we began with great ardor and enthusiasm to look out, with the aid of our telescopes, for the much-desired Wealthland; which we had resolved to visit, if possible, in spite of all warnings.

Now at that time we knew not that the glasses of old Way-of-the-world were so extremely faulty. The lenses, as we afterward found out, were wholly “uncorrected” (as the opticians would say) and so retained all the aberrations that naturally belonged to them. Consequently, in looking through them, all the objects we beheld were much distorted or unduly magnified, and sometimes they appeared turned upside down.

Everything, indeed, appeared in some unreal or false position. Moreover, whenever we looked in the direction of the three noted islands, everything there appeared clad in very brilliant, but false colors, which gave them a most beautiful and inviting appearance.

But when we attempted to look upwards towards the heavens with these glasses, all was darkness itself, and nothing could be seen.

Still, in our foolishness then, we were greatly pleased with those illusions; and it was our chief employment and delight to gaze incessantly on the scenes presented to our view, in those islands of the world, with such wonderful but deceptive glasses of old Way-of-the-world, which we greatly prized at that time.

Chapter 3

With the help of these telescopes, we were not long in discovering the lofty mountain peaks of Wealthland, though yet afar off, glittering in a flood of strange light that looked like burnished gold. Even the air all around those towering mountains seemed to our perverted fancies full of gorgeous castles and palaces, glowing with the most brilliant colored lights, but afterward we found this was only an illusory mirage that always hung over that land of enchantment.

At the sight of these we were all in ecstasies, and for many days and nights we could do little else than talk together of the good things in store for us when we reached the much-desired haven called the Bay-of-ease, that lay at the base of those mountains. There, Way-of-the-world’s directory informed us we should find plenty, ease, and security and all that our souls could desire.

Not long after this, we were joined by a fellow voyager bearing the name of Demas, who offered to pilot us to the nearest port of Wealthland. Thankful for this help, we were both soon making direct for a spacious bay that opened out before us called the Gulf of Speculation. This broad gulf we found full of busy craft, of all descriptions, actively engaged in making preparations for getting to the Golden Mountains some distance off. Many and various were the plans by which they were endeavoring to secure a safe passage and find the easiest and quickest way thereto. For it transpired that there were many different routes (all, however, beset with danger) by which the voyagers sought to reach the much-coveted Bay-of-ease.

Wishing to rest a while and consider our plans, we desired our companion to direct us to some safe anchorage, as we noticed already that many of the busy craft around us, in their tremendous haste to push on, were rushing to their destruction on the sunken rocks that were thickly scattered all through that wide Gulf. “Keep full sail on,” said Captain Demas, “for there is no good anchorage here; be on the move, and the quicker you sail the better. Then be sure to keep well to windward, or you may drift on that dangerous lee shore yonder.”

So saying, he quickly drew ahead, remarking as he passed, that we were far too slow for him, and was soon out of sight. Afterward we heard that, like a great many others, he, too, was wrecked on those treacherous rocks.

Many pilots were industriously plying about, offering their services to guide the numerous voyagers, who were eagerly striving to hasten on to the charming Bay-of-ease (as they called it) which was at the foot of the Golden Mountains.

One of these, coming alongside, very courteously offered to pilot us through the quickest route to that far-famed haven.

“There are,” said this pilot, “many ways to get there: some long and some short, but whichever way you may choose, I can safely take you through, as I know them all.”

“But which is the safest?” inquired our Captain.

“Well, there is that long roundabout passage called Policy channel, which some prefer. It may be the safest, but it is very tedious and full of shallows, where many get aground and remain.

“But just over there, where you may see several vessels now entering, there are some near channels, or short cuts, leading directly to the Golden Mountains.” On looking in the direction pointed out to us, Mr. Conscience exclaimed in great alarm, “Why those passages are full of the most terrible rocks; and see, some of those vessels have even now, at this moment, struck upon them with a fearful crash and are beginning to break in pieces!”

“Aye, occasionally that may happen,” said the strange pilot, “but it only requires some sharp and skillful maneuvering, as well as good steering, to pass down those channels without any mishap. Then, when once through, you are straightway in the delightful Bay-of ease and at the palace of the great king of Wealthland.”

Our mate, Mr. Thoughts, whispering to the Captain that there was something suspicious about this strange pilot, we declined his services, to the great relief of Mr. Conscience, whose excited manner somewhat alarmed us when he then reminded us of what we had heard about Abaddon the great pirate. And well it was that he had thus alarmed us, for truth to say, we were much taken with the fair speech of the pilot and disposed to go along with him.

That night the voice Mr. Heart had been hearing spoke again in his ear, much louder than it had ever done before. He even heard it in his dreams and was much troubled thereby. The words of the voice that night were, “He that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent,” and “They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.” Then, as he recited these solemn words to us in the morning, he trembled much for fear. Still, by endeavoring to forget these warnings, he hardened himself in his purpose to visit Wealthland at all hazards and tried to shake off his fears by gazing continually on the distant Golden Mountains and the illusory castles in the air.

Shortly after Mr. Heart had recited to us the words of the voice, and his visions of the night, a vessel called the Watchman, commanded by another of the King’s messengers, came near and hailed us, whom we mistook for one of the many pilots of that great gulf. So, we asked him to direct us into the nearest and safest way to the Golden Mountains. “I am sent here,” he replied, “by the good king Elohim, to warn you against the danger of attempting to visit that dangerous region, where the great rebellion against the King is most obstinately kept up.

“For it is there, even in that fair-looking land of the Golden Mountains (as it appears to all through old Way-of-the-world’s deceptive glasses) that a rival king reigns, who exalteth himself even as a god to be worshipped by all who visit his dominions.

“This is that usurper King MAMMON, who, by his great power and many allurements, causes all the voyagers who go there to become his slaves and to worship him, for he is withal a most despotic tyrant.

“It is thus, by his many wiles and promises of treasure from the Mines of Lucre, that he draws away the King’s subjects and gets them to serve him instead of the good King Elohim, who is the only true Sovereign of all down here, and of the whole universe.

“And as they cannot serve two masters at the same time, it is evident that all who will be slaves of King Mammon, and friends of his servants, must be enemies of King Elohim. Furthermore, King Mammon is in league with Abaddon, the great pirate, whose purpose it is to secure, in the end, these devotees and slaves of Mammon and hurry them off by a back passage which runs directly from Mammon’s palace into the bottomless abyss.

“As to the ways of getting to the Golden Mountains which you inquire about, there are certainly a great many of them, all, however, beset with innumerable snares and perils—some, it may be, more than others—while all are only so many ways of leading poor erring mortal, who have to pass over this ocean, away from their gracious King, into the paths of disobedience and destruction.”

“A pilot,” said Captain Will, “pointed out to us Policy channel and some nearer passages to the Bay-of-ease, by yonder beautiful mountains, and much commended the latter channels to us.”

“That smooth-looking Policy channel (or as some prefer to call it, Honesty-the-best-policy),” replied the Captain of the Watchman, “is certainly one of the numerous ways to that port, but vast numbers run aground on some of the sandbanks and remain there to be buffeted by the winds and waves until they, at last, drift helplessly down into the whirlpool, at the lower end of the channel.

“As to those nearer passages, there are, I regret to say, a great many of them, crowded every one of them with the most terrible breakers from beginning to end, short as they may seem.

“The three most noted of those short channels that are supposed to lead to the coveted dominions of King Mammon are: Chance Inlet, Fraud Passage, and Crooked Creek. These are often chosen by the most headstrong and deluded mariners to their utter destruction. For many of them never reach the places to which they would go but are either suddenly overwhelmed by tremendous storms or dashed in pieces on the hidden rocks, which, as I have said, abound in those passages. He that offered to pilot you through those most dangerous channels could be no other than Abaddon himself, or one of his wicked crew.

“If you would avoid destruction, change your course immediately; keep clear of all those channels, and steer directly for the Strait-of-the-Cross: the only safe channel in all the King’s dominions.”

Thanking the captain of the Watchman for his kind advice, and promising to attend to it at some other time, when more convenient, we, nevertheless, hastened on towards some of those short channels as Mr. Heart—in spite of all the warnings of the King’s messengers—had secretly determined to reach, by any possible means, the Golden Mountains which he so ardently longed to visit: though as usual, in accordance with his natural disposition, he tried to conceal his real intentions. And as Captain Will was ever ready to carry out the intentions of the owner, the Wanderer was soon rapidly making headway towards one of those dangerous short passages, according to the private instructions of Mr. Heart.

Now whilst we were thus pursuing our course, often wistfully looking at the distant hills and hoping soon to be there, Mr. Conscience came suddenly on deck and demanded to know if the Captain was, indeed, determined to risk our destruction by attempting to navigate those perilous near passages. To this the Captain rather tartly replied that he knew perfectly well how to take care of the vessel and to steer clear of all dangers if, indeed, there were any to be feared. “But see,” said Mr. Conscience, “what the Royal charts say about the perils that all are exposed to who are thus determined to visit the shrine of Mammon and become his slaves: ‘They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.’”

These startling words came upon us like a thunderclap, and Mr. Heart was sorely troubled and annoyed by them; while the Captain immediately ordered Mr. Conscience to be confined below and not to be allowed again to unsettle all on board with such unseasonable words. Then driving swiftly ahead with the current, which now appeared to move with greater rapidity than ever, we soon found ourselves in the midst of crowds of vessels, jostling in disastrous collision with one another—striving in a fierce and selfish race to outrun each other in their eager haste to be the first to reach the Bay-of-ease, at the base of the Golden Mountains.

Innumerable wrecks were constantly occurring, causing such untold suffering and misery that it would fail me to recount. Often the sudden gales, the strong trade winds, and storms of business swept down upon us and tossed us about in the wildest way. What with these driving tempests, and striking on hidden rocks at one time and grounding on treacherous shoals at other times, we were in greater peril than we ever had been on the dangerous coasts of Pleasure-land: and we now began to realize the force of those warning words uttered by Mr. Conscience.

This was that world’s notable and all-absorbing “Race for Wealth,” in which such countless multitudes of misguided mariners flung away their precious souls, to grasp at fleeting shadows, and thus make shipwreck of everything, as the dark records of time could disclose.

“Gold many hunted, met and bled for gold;

Waked all the night, and labored all the day.

And what was this allurement dost thou ask?

A dust dug from the bowels of the earth,

Which, being cast into the fire, came out

A shining thing that fools admired, and called

A god; and in devout and humble plight

Before it kneeled, the greater to the less;

And on the altar sacrificed ease, peace,

Truth, faith, integrity; and good conscience, friends,

Love, charity, benevolence, and all

The sweet and tender sympathies of life;

And signalize their folly, offered up

Their souls and an eternity of bliss

To gain them—what?—an hour of dreaming joy,

A feverish hour that hasted to be done,

And ended in the bitterness of woe.”

Pollok

Being now somewhat alarmed for our safety, Mr. Heart desired to know from the Captain if it would be wise to continue our present course.

“I see no reason why we should not,” replied Captain Will, in his usual self-confident manner, “for it only requires tact, a little careful maneuvering, and good steering, to keep clear of whatever dangers may be in our way: and surely you can trust me for all these.”

“No doubt,” said Mr. Thoughts, “we shall soon pass over these difficulties and then find the rest and happiness we desire, in the charming Bay-of-ease by the Golden Mountains.”

“But suppose,” shouted Mr. Conscience—who would still be heard from his confinement below— “we did arrive there, which of us would then be able to answer the great question, ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’”

A deep and painful silence fell upon us all on hearing, at such a moment, this solemn and momentous question, for we could not deny that it was indeed unanswerable; as Mr. Heart thought thereon, he was sorely perplexed and cast down. Captain Will, however, who felt indignant at this interruption, on recovering himself, ordered Mr. Conscience to be put in irons and more closely confined in his cabin, so as not to again be permitted to discourage the officers and crew in the difficult work to which they had set themselves.

But Mr. Heart being now very much disconcerted by the words of our imprisoned Pilot—agreeing as they did with much of what the voice had recently whispered in his ear—besought the Captain to try some other safer channel.

For though much alarmed, he still was very loath, notwithstanding these numerous warnings, to give up all thoughts of going to the Golden Mountains; such was his perverseness then.

Chapter 4

After escaping these perils, by changing our course, and while sailing somewhat more easily in the broad Policy channel, we were overtaken by a well-appointed bark, which desired to keep us company. Then learning from us our purpose and destination, the commander of the Lacking (for that was the name) said, “I have long resided by the famous Golden Mountains, and am now homeward bound to those regions.

“While at home there, a short time ago, I became alarmed at the instability of everything, and the suddenness with which many were called away forever, being thus compelled to give up, in a moment, all their precious treasures.

“And as I greatly longed for some more enduring home, and a life (full as it is of so many precious hopes) that could not be so suddenly quenched, I hastened forth to inquire the way by which I might find it.

“And meeting with one who was reputed to be a great Teacher and Prophet, I asked him what I should do to find this lasting or eternal life.

“His strange answer was, ‘One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come ... and follow Me.’ At this saying I was sadly grieved, and turned away much disappointed; for how could I give up my luxurious home down yonder, with all its precious treasures?

“The price was too great, so I am now returning to my old home.” Then, evidently wishing to hasten his return, he hoisted more sail and quickly drew ahead, and he was soon out of sight, on his way back to his great possessions.

Shortly after this, another vessel, very much battered and weather-beaten, was seen coming from the opposite direction to meet us, with all sail set, beating up against a strong wind and heavy tide; and evidently striving to hasten on their way out of that channel.

When abreast of us, we hailed them and inquired the reason of their unusual conduct in sailing in a direction away from the Golden Mountains, and against such a strong current. “Oh,” said the alarmed pilot of this battered-looking boat, “we have long been the slaves of the tyrant Mammon, down yonder in the so-called Bay-of-ease by the Golden Mountains, and we have long toiled and reveled in the Mines of Filthy Lucre.

“But when we beheld the dread uncertainty that hung over everything there, and the hourly changes that were occurring, we became greatly concerned and alarmed. For every day some of the worshippers and slaves of Mammon—while in the midst of their fleeting enjoyments—were snatched away—never to return, and without carrying even the smallest fragment of their treasures with them. One of these who had gathered plentifully there and had built great stores in which to bestow his goods, was saying to himself, just as they were finished: ‘Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’ He heard that very night a terrible voice—even the voice of the Almighty—saying, ‘Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’

“Another, who lived in a grand palace (hard by the castle of King Mammon himself) and fared sumptuously every day, for he was very rich, was quickly taken away from all his wealth: carrying nothing whatever away with him. Then the next we heard of him was the awful tidings that ‘in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments,’ calling for a drop of water to cool his tongue, and saying, ‘I am tormented in this flame.’

“Beside all this, a dark and dreadful cloud hangs, like a funeral pall, perpetually over the whole place; which we were told was the precursor of a sweeping storm that would ere long descend upon its doomed inhabitants: because of their being gathered together there to serve the usurper Mammon, and thus continue in rebellion against their rightful Sovereign. And yet, though that dark and ominous cloud casts a most gloomy shadow over everything there, the slaves of Mammon never seem to see it, by reason of the blindness which has fallen upon them, while gazing so intently and constantly upon the treasures they are heaping together: only, in many cases, to look at them for a few brief moments, and then suddenly leave them forever.

“So, being in great fear,” continued the alarmed voyagers, “we resolved to leave forthwith, and seek the way of escape from these impending judgments, which we have been told might be found by a channel called the Strait-of-the-Cross—if perchance we may find it.”

On this they braced up their sails and passed us, striving to go ahead against the current, though evidently laboring heavily as they went on their way.

Not deterred, however, by these startling accounts of Wealthland, nor by the many warnings we had received, we still continued to sail on with our utmost speed to the port for which we had set out, regardless of all consequences.

But in spite of all our reckless efforts to hasten on, we found ourselves continually drifting, and before we had proceeded far, we ran aground on a hidden sandbank when the strong swell of that terrible current (growing stronger and stronger every hour) began to break heavily upon us, so that we were now in a very sorry plight indeed.

At this trying juncture, Mr. Heart was again seized with one of his fainting fits and became very ill. Mr. Feelings, too, was more depressed than he had ever been before: while great fear fell upon all on board.

Even the Captain’s resolution (headstrong and stout-hearted as he was) began to fail him, and he seemed for a while at a loss what to do. Our fears were also much intensified by the deep groans of poor Mr. Conscience in his prison below, at the same time that the solemn voice, so often heard before, kept ever repeating in Mr. Heart’s ear, “Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for why will ye die?”

Then in our alarmed condition, a council of all the officers was held to consider what we should now do; at which our imprisoned pilot was allowed to be present. After much discussion—in which our two mates had sundry objections to offer, as they were loath to give up all hope of reaching Wealthland—it was resolved that, as soon as we cleared the sandbank, we should change our course again, give up the vain and weary search for happiness in the devious channels that led to Wealthland, and endeavor to find the way of escape that had been pointed out to us—if indeed such a way could be found.

But how to go about this we knew not, in our sad state of ignorance, fear, and confusion. The charts of Way-of-the-world, on which we had hitherto entirely relied, could afford us no assistance whatever in the direction we now wished to steer, as they showed us nothing but the crooked ways to those perilous Isles of the World, and even these were falsely described, as we had found out to our sorrow.

Neither could our compass, which we had from the same dealer, be at all depended upon, because of its uncertain and changeable movements: it would at times suddenly swing round in all directions, seemingly without polarity, or any fixed point to turn to. Our chronometer, too, being set only to the changeable standards of that disordered world, was sadly out of time and order and could afford us no help as to our whereabouts—and our telescopes were no better, as I have already said.

We, therefore, got out the Royal chart (which had been so hurriedly stowed away) in order to seek for guidance in our extremity.

Both Mr. Understanding and Mr. Conscience (now liberated) helped the Captain and Mr. Thoughts in their search through these neglected and hitherto much-despised charts.

But after being so long engaged in vain and foolish pursuits, according to the blinding and depraving fashion of the world, and being naturally very dull and slow in our perceptions of everything, save what we had learned from Way-of-the-world’s teachings, we could not comprehend the King’s charts. They seemed like strange mysteries to us then.

Even Mr. Heart and Mr. Understanding, as well as our otherwise quick-witted first mate, Mr. Thoughts, had become so dull and gross that they could not perceive nor understand the clearly defined way of escape provided by Prince Emmanuel, although so plainly laid down and described in the charts.

Mr. Conscience, too, after his long confinement, had become very feeble and depressed, as well as blunted in his perceptions (though at times his wild mutterings continued to alarm us) and, therefore, could render but slight assistance.

Then in our great perplexity as to the course we should steer, and when we found it more difficult than ever to make any headway against the strong current, a dark mist enveloped us, shutting out the lights of heaven and everything from view, while the sea rose in mountains high and tossed us about helplessly. Strange, lurid lights flitted here and there through the darkness, as if to terrify and bewilder us, or to lure us on to the breakers—which seemed by the roar of the billows to surround us on all sides.

But having been warned by the King’s messengers to be on our guard against Abaddon’s wreckers, who were probably lurking about in these quarters, and bent on our destruction, we gave no heed to those false lights.

While groping our way in the obscurity, and when the storm was at its height, Mr. Conscience broke out again in sharp rebuke, saying that through our wicked disobedience of the King’s commands, and refusing to attend to the warnings and directions of His messengers, we had brought ourselves into this strait: as the words in the King’s Directory declared, “I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.”

Such words at such a moment filled us all with consternation, especially as we could not help feeling the truth and justice of the accusation. And Mr. Heart remembered now only too well the many words of the Voice that so often spoke in his ear in the silent watches of the night, to which he had not given the slightest heed, and as he thought thereon, he could not refrain from crying aloud in his distress.

Shortly after, the watch on the deck called our attention to a faint light in the surrounding gloom that appeared more fixed and steady than any we had seen before, so we steered directly for it, hoping to find some assistance. On drawing near, we were glad to make out a light ship at anchor there, and in answer to our inquiries, a voice, hailing us through a speaking trumpet, kindly invited us to come alongside.

We were then told that this was one of the King’s light ships, called the Helper, stationed there to warn mariners of their dangers, and especially to help such as desired to escape from the perils of that stormy ocean.

“Where are you bound to?” inquired the Commander of the Helper.

“We scarcely know,” said Captain Will in his bewilderment, “except it be to escape from the dangers that beset us everywhere on this ocean.

“Having been recently overtaken by a dark mist, and in great fear of being lost in the darkness through the violence of the waves and the strong current, we have hastened on here to ask for guidance to the channel that leads (as we have been informed) to the haven of rest on the other side.”

“Then,” said the voice from the Helper, “If you would indeed escape from these perils, I shall be most happy to direct you into the right way, seeing that it is for this very purpose I am sent here by the good and gracious King Elohim.

“If you will now look in the direction where the light from my lantern is reflected, you will see a dark, rocky prominence known as the Rock of Repentance: the turning point around which you must sail, to clear the difficulties and dangers of this terrible sea.

“Then just around that point, you will find a short and direct way to the Strait-of-the-Cross, the only safe channel in all this ocean, which has been opened out by the blessed Prince Emmanuel Himself.

“Moreover, there is no other way to the Prince’s channel but around that rocky point. Be sure you steer direct for the dark-looking rock; for many, alas! either from fear of that point, because of its somewhat gloomy and forbidding appearance, or from not believing the directions given to them, have avoided it altogether; and then hurrying by, have ultimately perished in the great whirlpool lower down, to which all inevitably sail, when once they have passed that point.

“Be not afraid of the seeming darkness of that rocky promontory, for the moment you round it you will find a high tower with light thereon, just on the other side, where one of the King’s watchers will be ready to lend you a helping hand and show you the way to the Strait-of-the-Cross. Cry earnestly to the gracious King Elohim for assistance—without which you cannot make the least headway—for He is ever near and ready to help the needy and those who seek His ways. Now hasten on without delay to round that point.”

Chapter 5

Then hoisting all sail and putting our helm about, we prepared to strike across the current for the rocky prominence pointed out to us—which was now plainly in view—hoping and praying for a favorable wind to help us on. No sooner, however, had we started on our way, than a light skiff suddenly crossed our bows, and coming near enough to hail us, their chief officer shouted, “Wherever are you going?” And before we could reply, he continued: “You surely are not going to venture near those dismal rocks, at the point of the headland up yonder: for if you do so, you will assuredly come to grief, and be sadly bruised, if not broken to pieces. Now look astern for a moment, and you will see a much safer and pleasanter course by which to proceed on your voyage. For, only a short distance off, you will find the smooth and beautiful channel that leads directly to the renowned island of Fameland, which is, as everyone knows, the most glorious and elevated place in all the world. You can, even now, with the aid of your glasses, see the grand and lofty pinnacle of that famous isle, towering up to the clouds, bathed in perpetual sunshine.

“It is from that high mountain ‘that all the kingdoms of the world can be seen, and all the glory of them.’

“Put up your telescopes for a moment, and behold the beauty and glory of that lofty pinnacle. There on that eminence you may discern at this moment the vast crowds of happy mortals who have been fortunate enough to climb to its summit, basking in the serene glory of it, and looking down with supreme delight upon the whole world beneath them: while they are being admired, and even adored, by the multitudes below, who aspire to reach in like manner that commanding height.

“Think of the intense satisfaction enjoyed by those favored mortals who have gained that high and charming position, incessantly praised and admired as they are by their fellows.”

Looking now through our telescopes, (Alas! we had already forgotten the words of the Helper, and that we had set out for the way of deliverance) we beheld truly what appeared a glorious spectacle, and were all charmed with it. There we saw—as the stranger had told us—the so-called great ones of the earth, basking in the sunshine of that lofty pinnacle; as they were being admired by the crowds beneath, who were continually shouting and singing their praises.

“That must be delightful,” exclaimed Thoughts and Feelings in the same breath; while Mr. Heart was quietly enjoying the sight and was even ready at once to accept the offer of the stranger to pilot us towards that great mountain of Fameland.

Such was his fickleness and perverseness, notwithstanding all the solemn warnings we had received and the trying experiences through which we had recently passed.

But Mr. Conscience, though still very feeble, on turning to the Royal charts (as he had begun to lose confidence in Way-of-the-world’s maps by this time) to see if aught might be found therein concerning this wondrous Fameland, remarked, “Mr. Heart, see, here I find it written, ‘Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.’ and, ‘for men to search their own glory is not glory.’”

“But that,” said Thoughts, “may be no reason why we should not go and see that grand mountain, though we may not attempt to climb it.”

“Truly,” said Feelings, “and for my part I do not see why we may not even strive to gain the summit, and like so many others enjoy, for a while at least, the glorious sights to be had from that lofty pinnacle.” In this our boatswain, Mr. Emotions, and the rest of the crew heartily concurred.

“Then,” added Captain Will, “if we do go that way for a short cruise we can easily return this way, or find some other good, navigable channel, direct to a safe haven somewhere on the other side of the ocean.”

“Well, but hearken,” replied Mr. Conscience, “to what Prince Emmanuel Himself says concerning the danger of visiting that region.

“‘How can ye believe, which receive honor one from another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?’ Thus it would appear that by shaping our course for Fameland, we should be going in the very opposite direction to the way of safety pointed out to us. Moreover, from these and other words of the Royal charts, I gather that in Fameland, as much as in the other isles of the world, the words of the great King are wholly disregarded, and where indeed deliberate rebellion against His authority is persistently maintained. Consequently, nothing but shame, disaster, and it may be utter destruction, awaits us there—however fair and beautiful the place may appear to us now.”

On hearing these words, poor Mr. Heart trembled like an aspen leaf; and we all became silent with fear. To our companion, who still followed, urging us to go with him, we replied—in our great fear—that just then we would not accept his offer. And well it was, indeed, that we were preserved from going with that plausible pilot, for afterward we learned that he was the wily Abaddon himself: and that of all the places in those islands, the lofty heights of Fameland were about the most dangerous. Later, too, we learned that innumerable hosts of infatuated mortals, in their frenzied attempts to climb that giddy height, had fallen headlong down its slippery sides, and had thus perished miserably.

To catch a few faint fleeting sounds of praise,

The muttered adulations of the crowd;

The breath of mortals, fickle as the wind,

Which in some fitful moments may be changed

To execrations loud and deep, and wild,

What will not erring mortals do and dare?

Through dang’rous climes, and deserts wild they’ll roam,

Or climb foolhardy up earth’s highest peaks,

Or at the cannon’s mouth in battle fierce,

They’ll stare grim death himself full in the face.

Anon, they’ll soar in wild aerial flights

Among the clouds, swung in a frail machine,

Madly to catch the sounds of praise, or die.

But of this craze for fame, what tongue could tell

Of all the daring deeds of reckless man?

Who risks his all, yea, his immortal soul!

With all its splendid destiny and hopes,

To climb that dang’rous pinnacle of fame;

And on its top, just for an hour to stand,

To be admired; then in a moment slide

Down to the depth of darkness and of woe.

Like one, who when he heard the shouts of praise,

Rise from a crowd of foolish, thoughtless tongues,

“It is the voice of God and not of man,”

Became inflated, and to himself then took

The weed of praise, due but to God alone:

And when vile worms upon his body fed,

Struck by an angel, then his spirit fled

To outer darkness, ‘neath the stroke of God.

Now owing to all this reckless hesitation, while gazing upon and admiring the giddy heights of Fameland—our sails meanwhile flapping idly in the wind, and our helm neglected—we found that we had drifted considerably out of our course and by this time had entirely lost sight of the rocky point to which we had been directed.

Then in our perplexity Mr. Thoughts, as well as our Pilot, began to look over the Royal charts again, as we had purposed to abandon, if possible, those perilous islands altogether (more, however, from fear than any desire to please or serve the King) and shape our course for the safest port we could find on the other side.

After a while, Mr. Thoughts tried to cheer us by saying that we need not give ourselves any further trouble about the rocky point, (around which we were to sail for the Strait-of-the-Cross) as he had found from the King’s charts another easier and shorter channel, by which we could safely reach the Port of Paradise itself.

“I am truly glad to know that” said Feelings, “as I must confess I did not altogether like the look of that dark rocky point and thought we might have been misinformed at the light ship.”

“Now it would appear,” continued Thoughts, “that there runs a channel at some little distance windward of this called Well Doing—or Good Works, as some call it—which is laid down and clearly defined in the King’s charts, in these words: ‘To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.’ And in another place, ‘Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith.’”

“Being thus distinctly marked out for us in the Royal charts, with the authority of the King, it must be a perfectly safe channel by which we shall in due time, and without fail, reach the port of everlasting rest, on the other side of this ocean.

“It may be a somewhat difficult passage to navigate (as I find it elsewhere described) on account of a strong head wind that generally prevails there, while having at the same time to sail right against the tide.

“But we are told in the charts that we must by our own diligent and persevering efforts work our way steadily through it (which I presume we are well able to do); for thus is written, ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.’”

Both the Captain and Mr. Heart were well pleased with this discovery of Thoughts, for neither of them liked the appearance of the rocky promontory, and so wished to avoid it, if possible. Nor did they fully believe what had been told us by the King’s messengers about the Strait-of-the-Cross.

Acting now in accordance with the information supplied to us by Thoughts, we set out with all haste to reach this Good Works channel, and then found we had again to sail directly against the strong current, which, as before, proved extremely difficult, and indeed impossible without assistance.

Then we had recourse to our old paddles again: but as it always had happened before, they broke at every turn, owing as I said to the extreme rottenness of the wood of which they were made. And not being able to gain any firm hold on the stream, by reason of its force and swiftness, we continued to drift downwards with the tide, far more than we gained by our own hard and fruitless efforts.

While thus painfully toiling, and all hands (even Heart and Conscience) being vigorously engaged— for we greatly longed to find some place of rest and safety—the heavens became suddenly overcast with dense black clouds, and a dreadful storm burst upon us. The vivid flashes of lightning, and the loud roar of the thunder that followed, filled us all with terror and alarm, as we had never before experienced such a tempest.

Overcome with fright, Heart hastily retreated to his cabin below, saying as he went that the lightning shafts seemed specially directed towards him, for his neglect of all the King’s warnings. And he had no sooner reached his cabin than the solemn voice, in louder tones than he had ever heard before, added to his terror by uttering the words: “Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”

Mr. Conscience, who was now greatly agitated, also declared that in the roar of that terrific thunder, he heard the strange words of an awful voice saying, “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” And again the thunder uttered, “Without shedding of blood is no remission. It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul.”

Though we did not then comprehend the full meaning of those mysterious words, we saw that by foolishly choosing our own way we had exposed ourselves to the righteous judgments of heaven, as expressed in those awful thunders and lightnings.

Then, as the heavens grew darker and darker, and the lightning and thunder became still more terrible, while wind and tide and everything appeared against us, we fully expected to be overwhelmed by the storm and totally lost.

“Thoughts,” exclaimed Mr. Conscience, “has evidently misunderstood the charts; and we have been led into a course that is displeasing to the King: whom we have wickedly offended by our repeated disobedience.”

“No doubt,” said Mr. Heart, “and we have behaved foolishly in not following the directions of the Helper at the light ship: for it was through the goodness and mercy of the King He was put there to guide us, and other mariners, to the way of Repentance, that leadeth to the Strait-of-the-Cross—the only way (as we have been often told) by which we can hope to escape from all these troubles. Now we have lost sight of it and may never find it again.”

“Then,” replied Feelings, who was more overcome than any one, “we had better send up signals of distress, and cry for help as we were told to do at the light ship: seeing we are so utterly helpless and have neither strength nor the slightest ability to move in the right direction.”

To this proposal we all readily responded with a loud and earnest cry to Heaven for assistance, and Mr. Heart, for the first time in his life tried to pray, though all he could utter was, “Mercy, help O Lord!” to which Conscience added a deep “Amen.”

Almost immediately after we had thus cried, the rocky prominence we had lost sight of began (much to our relief) to loom up through the darkness, and at times became plainly visible as the lightnings flashed upon it. But now for the first time since we started on our voyage, we began to realize fully that we had no power whatsoever to move forward, or indeed to do anything to help ourselves.

When thus brought to see our state of complete impotence, and the end of ourselves and all our resources—for we could do nothing but hoist our sails and continue to cry for assistance—the kindly winds of heaven suddenly veered round in our favor, and we were quickly borne forward, and thus enabled to pass round the point for which we were making, though much terrified by the blackness and the awful thunderings and lightnings. The moment we gained the lee side of the dark headland—while still sending up our signals of distress—a lifeboat shot out to our rescue, and a line was instantly thrown out to us. A strong voice shouted to us to hold fast for our lives. Eagerly we grasped the proffered line, and held as firmly thereto as we were able, but with much fear and trembling.

Chapter 6

At this critical moment, when our lives seemed to hang as in a balance, the clear voice we had just heard saluted us again in kind and cheering tones, saying: “You have done well in thus turning aside from your downward course to the great Maelstrom, by running here for shelter; though you will find no safe anchorage or resting place anywhere in the turbulent waters around this dark headland.

“It is but the turning point round which you are to find your way to the Strait-of-the-Cross, where you will find rest and perfect security, while passing through on your way to the Port of Paradise on the Celestial Shores.” He then told us that he was a Watcher, placed there by the King to look out for the reckless mariners who were continually rushing down the stream to destruction, to warn them of their danger, and to direct them to the way of deliverance.

Perceiving our inability to see clearly the dangers we were passing through, the Watcher remarked, “Your vision, which was always defective, has been sadly impaired by gazing on the dazzling glare that always surrounds those isles where you have been wandering so long in disobedience.”

Then stepping on board he gently touched our eyes with eye salve, and bade us look around for a moment. With startling clearness we now saw our perilous position, and wondered much how we had escaped destruction—the dark, frowning rock we had rounded, the lightning still darting across it, the black clouds hanging overhead, and the heavy roll of the surf from the ocean breaking on the rocks around us.

And as we thus looked with a clearer vision, we held with a tighter grasp the line that had been thrown out to us. We were also greatly surprised to see how defiled and filthy all on board had become.

Naturally unclean, even from the first, we had become still more so, through contact with the foul and polluting atmosphere of the islands of the world, where we had so long sojourned. Ashamed at the sight of our vile appearance, and writhing under the stinging rebukes of Mr. Conscience, we were completely overcome and could only find utterance in sighs and groans.

Even Captain Will was now silent and more subdued than ever before.

As for Mr. Heart, he was fairly broken down, saying that he had been the chief cause of all this evil: and then in his great distress he breathed again a deep and most fervent prayer to the Almighty and gracious Elohim: “Be merciful to me a sinner.” The cheering voice of the Watcher then told us to lift our eyes and look upward, away from ourselves.

On doing so, we beheld to our surprise close in front of us, and on the side of the rocky point near to where we were holding on, a high and beautiful tower, rising up even to the very heavens: from which a clear, steady light poured down upon us.

Inscribed on the tower in golden letters we read the words, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

“This,” said the Watcher, “is the Tower of Mercy, set up by our gracious Sovereign, to show the way of deliverance to all distressed mariners who run in here for refuge: for the King delights to show mercy, to pardon, and to save all who will turn from their evil ways.

“Here for centuries, the light of that high tower has been streaming forth across the ocean of Time, to attract the thoughtless voyagers, who are rushing down to destruction; to induce them to turn in hither for safety, and to find the way of life. Here as the King’s Watcher, I am ever on the lookout for any who thus turn aside, and the moment they round the point, I hasten forth directly to help them on their way to the Strait-of-the-Cross.

“But of the vast multitudes who pass by, only a few, alas! turn in here for refuge.

“The greater part never see the light of this tower, by reason of the thick darkness that envelopes them, which they prefer to the light, for they deliberately shut their eyes so that they may not see it. The warnings and counsels of the King’s messengers they heed not; that rocky point they greatly dread, on account of its apparent gloominess; nor will they believe that a clear and safe passage to the haven of rest on the other side of the sea has been provided for them by Prince Emmanuel, who is ever entreating them to avail themselves of it.

“By those faint-flickering lights out in the darkness yonder, whole fleets of deluded voyagers may be seen, even at this moment, passing downwards, with loud and merry shouts, for they know not whither they are going in their blind unconcern.

“Once they pass this point, there is no hope of their ever recovering themselves, or finding their way to the channel of safety.

“Some indeed have come thus far, have held on for a little while to the line thrown out to them, and have even desired to be shown the way of escape, but in a moment of unbelief, of temptation and irresolution, have let go, and have fallen back into the stream to perish.”

“Then,” said Mr. Heart, who was by this time becoming very anxious, “what shall we now do to find the way of deliverance you speak of?”

“With every sail set, and without a moment’s delay, direct your course into the Strait-of-the-Cross, which now lies open before you and close at hand, and then you will be safe.

“If you lift your eyes again, and look forward a little space, you will perceive the two great lighthouses, which stand at the entrance to the Strait, one on either side of it. They are the towers of Grace and Truth, placed there by Prince Emmanuel, which not only mark the entrance, but also clearly light up the whole way into the Strait.”

On raising our eyes and looking forward, as we were told, we now beheld right ahead and very near to us, the two grand and very high lighthouses that the Watcher called Grace and Truth, sending forth a beautifully clear and soft light, which brilliantly illuminated the whole passage.

But as we were about to hasten on to enter the Strait, being the meanwhile greatly awed by the brilliancy of those lights that shone down upon us—showing us still more plainly our defiled and miserable condition—we hesitated to proceed.

We feared to enter because of our utter unfitness, now made so manifest by the flood of light from the towers of Grace and Truth. Moreover, Mr. Heart and both our mates had some misgivings as to the channel being so near, and so easy of entrance; because they had supposed that we should have had a long and hard passage before we could reach it, with much tacking against head winds and the strong current: as we had when making for Good Works passage.

They therefore began to question and doubt among themselves if it were, indeed, the right way after all; because it appeared so much nearer and easier of access than they had expected.

“Then,” said the Watcher, “why do you doubt and hesitate? It was expressly for such as you—defiled and unworthy though you may be—that the blessed Prince Emmanuel prepared that bright and open channel, into which you are freely invited.

“Yea, a direct message comes from the Prince himself, entreating you to enter in without delay, that you may find rest and security, and a perfectly free and open passage to Paradise.”

“Well,” said Captain Will, taking the helm himself, while all hands stood ready to help as well as they were able, “let us make the attempt and strive to enter in; for certainly there appears no other way of escape from the perils of this ocean, and the awful maelstrom to which the great gulf stream rushes down.”

Still, with all our best intentions, and with every sail set, we could not move a yard, if the favoring breezes of heaven did not come to our aid.

But it so happened that just at the moment we essayed to go forward, a most propitious gale filled our sails, and quickly wafted us onward between the two light towers, directly into the smooth and tranquil Strait-of-the-Cross. The next moment, after we had entered, every eye was turned to a most wondrous sight. It was a tall cross, which stood out clearly upon a high rock before us, lit up by the brilliant light that shone upon it from the lofty towers of Grace and Truth. We had now mercifully arrived in view of the sacred spot to which the King’s messengers had so often directed us; and delighted we all were to behold it.

Then, immediately drawing near to the place where the cross stood, and fixing our earnest gaze upon it (as we had been directed), we there beheld by faith—amazing sight!—the spotless Lamb of God who had been slain for the sin of the whole world, and who had thus borne “our sins in His own body on the tree.” And as we continued to look in simple, confiding faith on that crimson stream that had flowed from His sacred veins—when full atonement for all sin was made—we were, by the perfect efficacy of that precious blood, cleansed at once, and forever, from all our sin. Whereupon a voice of heavenly sweetness—such as had never fallen upon our ears before—said, “Be of good cheer, your sins are all forgiven.” So perfectly cleansed indeed were we at that happy moment that not one spot remained upon us, for we were as white as snow.

With abounding joy we thereupon burst forth into a song of heart-felt praise:

“Oh, for this love let rocks and hills

Their lasting silence break;

And all harmonious human tongues

The Savior’s praises speak.

“Angels assist our mighty joy,

Strike all your harps of gold;

But when you raise your highest notes,

His love can ne’er be told.”

As our little hymn of praise floated upward towards heaven, we seemed to hear the echo of it wafted back from the skies in a rich stream of celestial music that filled us all with still greater wonder and delight.

“The angels above have caught up your song of praise,” said the Herald (who was sent to meet us), “and are now rejoicing over you with great joy.”

All the clouds had now entirely cleared away from the heavens, and the most delightful serenity pervaded everything around us.

For the Almighty One who “stilleth the waves of the sea,” and “gathereth the winds in His fists,” had said, “Peace be still, and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

The channel, too, was as smooth as glass, and, like a bright mirror, reflected the cloudless serenity of the heavens above.

And as we continued to gaze on that marvelous cross—for our eyes were riveted thereon—with wonder, and a deep sense of unspeakable joy and happiness, such as we had never experienced before, Mr. Heart in adoring praise exclaimed:

“O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!

Our load was laid on Thee;

Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead—

To bear all ill for me.

A victim led, Thy blood was shed;

Now there’s no load for me.

“Death and the curse were in our cup—

O Christ, ‘twas full for Thee!

But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,

‘Tis empty now for me.

That bitter cup—love drank it up;

Left but the love for me.

“Jehovah lifted up His rod—

O Christ, it fell on Thee!

Thou wast forsaken of Thy God;

No distance now for me.

Thy blood beneath that rod has flowed;

Thy bruising healeth me.

“The tempest’s awful voice was heard,

O Christ, it broke on Thee;

Thy open bosom was my ward;

It bore the storm for me.

Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred;

Now cloudless peace for me.

It was now we began, in some measure, to understand the meaning of those terrible utterings of the thunder in the storm: “It is the blood that maketh atonement for sin,” and such like words. For it was on that cross we now by faith could see the precious life of Prince Emmanuel poured out to make atonement for sin; when all the righteous claims of God’s holiness were fully met, divine justice vindicated, and a way thus opened out for sinful rebels to come into the presence of their Saviour, to be freely pardoned, justified, and blessed with eternal life.

Our eyes were also opened to see the folly of attempting to find a way of deliverance of our own, by Good Works channel, and the reason too we were driven back by the storm, seeing that the gracious Prince, at infinite cost, had provided this, the only way of escape that could have been provided.

Now, as we lingered near the sacred spot where the cross stood, a Royal barge with a special Herald from the King came quickly forth to meet and welcome us, at the sight of which we were much astonished, as we had never expected such a gracious reception.

Both Mr. Heart and Mr. Feelings were wholly overcome at this and could not find words to express their joyful surprise. Then, while we were attempting to express, with stammering tongues, our utter unworthiness of all this gracious condescension and kindness of the King, the Royal Herald saluted us with many words of comfort and encouragement, and presented us with four most precious gifts, which the Prince Emmanuel had sent expressly for us. These priceless gifts were Salvation, Peace, Rest, and Eternal life; and in the presentation of them the Herald told us they were the most costly that could be furnished from the Celestial treasury above; the cost of them being indeed so great that it never could be counted up, even by all the angels of heaven together. “They are,” said he, “the fruit of Infinite Love; and are as enduring as they are priceless, for they are now your possessions to enjoy to the endless ages of eternity.”

Chapter 7

By this time we had passed into the quiet Port of Peace, whither the Herald was conducting us to the King’s Pavilion, where a Royal banquet was prepared for us. As however we had no raiment fit to appear in such Royal company, we were now clad with pure white robes of perfect beauty, prepared expressly by the King for us. These were the spotless robes of righteousness presented to everyone who came in by the Strait-of-the-Cross. So marvelous was the change in our appearance when thus clad that we scarcely knew each other.

Furthermore, the gracious King had not only commanded to put the best robes upon us, but that rings also should be put on our hands, and shoes on our feet, the fatted calf killed for the feast, and that all should rejoice and be merry; “For,” said the King, in the amazing tenderness and loving kindness of His heart, “This My son was dead, and is alive again; He was lost and is found.”

The bounteous feast was then spread, such as only the good King Elohim and Prince Emmanuel could provide; while everything was suited to our need as those who had been just brought to life. And the fullness of joy and gladness we then enjoyed will ever be remembered by us. Then we sang again—

“The Wanderer no more will roam,

The lost one to the fold hath come,

The prodigal is welcomed home,

O Lamb of God, to Thee!

“Though clothed in rags, by sin defiled,

The Father did embrace His child;

And I am pardoned, reconciled,

O Lamb of God, in Thee!

“It is the Father’s joy to bless;

His love has found for me a dress,

A robe of spotless righteousness,

O Lamb of God, in Thee!

“And now my famished soul is fed,

A feast of love for me is spread,

I feed upon the children’s bread,

O Lamb of God, in Thee!”

As we thus joyfully sang, a sweetly tender voice whispered in our ears, “Henceforth it will be your happy privilege to call the King your Father, for He hath received you into His household, adopted you as His children, and made you heirs of a glorious inheritance with Prince Emmanuel Himself.”

The time had now come when we should make an entirely new start and proceed on our voyage to the Celestial Shores, as we had mercifully found the right channel that led directly to those happy regions. But before setting forth on our new course, we were taken to the King’s refitting dock in the Port of Peace, to be equipped for the rest of our voyage.

Conducted then to the refitting station, we were ushered into the presence of a venerable personage of the most dignified bearing, who in the King’s court was Chief Counselor, and whose name was Wisdom.

In a kind and gentle voice, we were asked to show the charts and instruments we had hitherto used on our voyage, whereupon we produced the things we had from old Way-of-the-world.

Looking gravely and sadly upon these, Wisdom remarked: “No wonder you wandered so much out of the right course, and encountered so many perils, with nothing better than these old charts and these defective instruments to guide you. The charts, as you must know by this time, are wholly incorrect and intentionally false, and therefore misleading; while these instruments are of the basest materials, and utterly worthless.” So, with His wise counsel, we were induced to throw them overboard—not, however, without some sighs of regret from Mr. Thoughts, by whom they had always been greatly prized.

“Now,” said our venerable Counselor, “I have, first of all, to present you with this most precious gift from the King—a compass of celestial make, that is perfectly true in all its parts and movements, and by which alone you are now to steer on your new and heavenward course.

“Without it you cannot safely steer for one moment.

“The pole of attraction to which this your faith compass ever turneth is the blessed Prince Emmanuel Himself; and while one point of the needle pointeth backwards to His wondrous cross, where He bare your sins in His own body on the tree, by virtue of which you are cleansed and saved, the other—the steering point—ever turneth forward to your Prince where He now is, at the right hand of the throne of God on high.

“Ever bear in mind that it is only while keeping your eyes steadfastly fixed on Him to whom the needle of your compass always points you can possibly keep a faithfully true and straight course to the Port of Paradise.

“Another most valuable gift from the King is this celestial Chronometer, which I have also to present to you. And you must know that it infinitely surpasses the unreliable instrument you got from old Way-of-the-world, whose varying motions were regulated only by the ever changing and uncertain moods and beats of the fickle world. But this is a perfect instrument, set and kept in motion by the King Himself: whose infinite Love is the mainspring and regulating power of every holy impulse in the universe.

“To your special care, Mr. Heart, the keeping of this priceless instrument is now entrusted.

“Constantly will you have need to consult it, that you may at all times know your whereabouts and how to regulate all your movements aright across this pathless and perilous ocean: for it is only by so doing that you can pursue the right course marked out for you on the Royal charts, and thus moreover enjoy continually the favor of the King and Prince Emmanuel.”

Pointing now to a strong Anchor among his treasures, Wisdom directed us to hoist it on board, saying as we did so that it had been forged in the King’s own foundry, of the truest and strongest metal, and that we should ever find it both sure and reliable; so that by holding firmly thereto, we should always be safe in all emergencies. “But be sure,” added our Counselor, “in all your trials and difficulties to secure a firm hold upon this your new anchor of hope, which will never fail you.”

“As, moreover, all mariners who cross the trackless deep need to take their observations from the lights of heaven, in order to know their position, so will you continually need to take your sights from the ‘Sun of Righteousness,’ that you may always know your state and progress, and thus be able to preserve a correct course throughout all your voyage.

“For this purpose,” said Wisdom, “this valuable Sextant is now given to you.

“Its constant use you are ever to consider an important duty as well as a most blessed privilege, for it is thus you will be enabled to proceed on your way with joy and confidence—guided by the clear light of the brightest of all suns, the ‘Sun of Righteousness’—realizing and enjoying an abiding sense of Prince Emmanuel’s presence and help throughout all your course; whereby alone you can hope to succeed in making a useful, happy, and prosperous voyage.

“Remember also,” continued our divine Instructor, “that your whole course, even to the very Port of Paradise, is clearly marked out on the Royal Charts. You should therefore diligently search and consider them, and that continually, so that you may never for a moment lose your way.

“Beware of being misled by ignorant and crafty voyagers, who, being out of the right way themselves, and not knowing the King’s counsels, endeavor to lead others astray by wrong and deceitful interpretations of these most perfect charts.”

We were then taken into the King’s Armory to be furnished with a complete set of armor, so as to be duly equipped for the conflicts we might have to encounter on our new course.

While admiringly scanning the rich stores of armor laid out before us, our Counselor observed: “All over this wide ocean which you have yet to traverse, innumerable enemies of the King are constantly prowling, ever seeking to turn the King’s servants from their proper course, and thus seeking to accomplish their destruction.

“Abaddon that mighty chief of the pirates, and his vast host of piratical followers, are—as you will find—most terrible foes, who persistently attack all the voyagers on this ocean with the most malignant cruelty.

“You will, therefore, need to ‘put on the whole armor of God,’ so as to be able to withstand their fierce attacks. Here then is the golden girdle, to gird up the loins, and preserve truth in the inward parts; the strong breastplate to safeguard the seat of the affections, in the maintenance of righteousness; the feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; the indispensable shield of faith wherewith to ‘quench the fiery darts of the wicked’; the head protecting helmet to preserve the full consciousness and certainty of your salvation; and this mighty ‘sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God’ of pure celestial temper, which is ‘quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,’ before which none of your assailants will be able to stand for a moment, when rightly used. It was with this very sword that Prince Emmanuel utterly defeated the prince of darkness.

“To your particular care, Mr. Conscience, this trusty weapon is now committed; and it is hoped that you will always be ready to use it valiantly in resisting the assaults of the pirates, should they ever attempt to board you.

“See to it also, Captain Will, that all your men are well exercised in the use of your valuable shields, as the fiery darts of the enemy will often be hurled upon you like showers of hail, and the only way to ward them off will be by the skillful use of the invulnerable shield of faith.

“‘Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.’ ‘Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.’

“On all occasions, too, let your banners be fully set up and unmistakably displayed, so that all may know that you are the loyal servants of Prince Emmanuel. Your ensign, bearing thereon the Cross of Calvary, ever hoisted at the peak; while your pure white flag, bearing the emblem of the harmless dove of peace, should always appear on your main.

“Another very important matter I would impress upon you,” said our sage Counselor, “seeing that Prince Emmanuel has specially mentioned it in His instructions to all His followers who have escaped by the way of the cross, and have entered into His service: It is that your lights should be always kept clearly burning, so that your fellow voyagers may be enabled to see your correct navigation, and thus be helped to steer in the right course to the Celestial Shores; and, moreover, be led to give praise to our gracious King for His great goodness and loving kindness in having provided such a gracious and wonderful way of life.

“Furthermore, for your own comfort and stability, as well as for a testimony to others, you will also need to have before you on all occasions the records of your full assurance—your properly attested credentials and passports—showing your changed condition and acceptance at the cross, your new relationship and standing by faith in the presence of the King your Father, the new course into which you have been enabled to steer, your sailing orders, and whither you are bound.

“Through the marvelous grace of the good King Elohim these precious assurances are now presented to you as prepared by the King Himself, to which He has, in His amazing condescension, affixed His Royal Seal: to the end that you may never doubt or question, for one moment, your perfect acceptance with the King, your being now in the right course for the Port of Paradise, or your eternal security.

“Moreover, they are already recorded in the archives of Heaven, and thus preserved in safe keeping of Prince Emmanuel Himself, from whose custody they can never be removed.

“Your final and eternal condition of safety—the fruit of the new life you have now obtained—is therefore securely kept in the hands of the Prince, until that day when you shall be called above to be in His presence forever.

“With these duplicates of the heavenly records in your possession you should always be confident of your acceptance and place as children in the King’s family; and of the glorious inheritance reserved for you in the future. Be sure to preserve them with the utmost care, for should Abaddon the great pirate, or any of his crew, ever manage to get on board (which it is hoped you will never permit) their first effort would be to steal these valuable title deeds, and thus lead you into sad perplexity and doubt as to your course. Many who have thus been robbed have ever after, even to the end of their voyage, sailed on their way in sad bewilderment, fear and uncertainty, like mariners in a perpetual mist.

“Now, as befitting the great change through which you have passed, and the new course upon which you have entered, you are no longer to retain your old name of Wanderer, but, in lieu thereof, be henceforth known as the Christian Believer.

“Have this your new name ever clearly displayed in the plainest characters, that all your fellow voyagers on this ocean may know your changed condition and that you have entered the service of the blessed Prince Emmanuel.”

Then our divine Counselor, with an expression of the deepest reverence, and a grave and solemn voice, spoke again, and said, “Last of all and most important, I am commissioned to tell you that the invisible and Holy Presence of the King Himself will ever remain on board with you, even to the end of your voyage, to comfort, instruct, counsel and guide you in all your ways. His presence moreover will always be to you an earnest (as well as the source of all your present peace and happiness) of your blessed inheritance hereafter. Strive ever to remember this; above all, be sure not to grieve the Holy One by any waywardness, or a desire to wander out of the right course, as you used to do before you came in by the way of the cross.”

When Wisdom had thus kindly concluded all his gracious directions, and was about to bid us farewell, as the time for departing on our voyage had come, he said, “Remember, you can do nothing of yourselves—not a furlong can you move without help—but you can hoist your sails and brace them up to the winds of heaven, and if by constant prayer you will seek assistance, the celestial breezes will speedily waft you onward to your desired haven.

“Be on your guard against Abaddon, for there is not a spot on all this ocean where he, or some of his crew, are not lurking to allure unwary mariners out of their course to utter ruin. Remember also to set your watch regularly, to look out continually for Prince Emmanuel, who may possibly come and call you at any moment into His Presence above.” So saying he commended us to God and said, “May the Lord who is faithful establish you, and keep you from evil.”

Then unfurling and hoisting all our sails with alacrity, and with our banners floating aloft, we proceeded on our voyage with much rejoicing, shaping our course directly for the Port of Paradise, as pointed out to us on the Royal charts; being favored with a most delightful and propitious gale, we soon had full way on, and made steady progress.

The marvelous change through which we had recently passed, and the princely way we had been equipped for the rest of our voyage, they were now our constant themes of conversation and delight: and for the abundance of our joy we could scarcely think of aught else by day or night. Mr. Heart, now fully recovered, was most bright and happy, directing every movement on board. Captain Will and our excellent Pilot, Mr. Conscience, no longer opposed to each other, were cordially uniting all their energies to navigate our little boat aright. Conscience was also frequently at the helm, and the Captain, with his two active mates, was carefully seeing that all his orders and the directions of Mr. Heart were promptly carried into effect.

As for Mr. Feelings, he was so overcome with delight that he almost wept for joy and could not find language to express the happy state he was in; while Mr. Thoughts occupied us for hours together by repeating the kind and gracious words of Wisdom, and by dwelling on the delightful prospect of meeting the blessed Prince, and being forever in His Presence.

The exuberant joy, too, of our boatswain, Mr. Emotions, was also most refreshing and cheering to us all, for he skipped about like a young hart, asking all to join him in singing the praises of the good King and Prince Emmanuel. Most gladly did we all respond to the invitation of the joyous boatswain, and then, led by Mr. Feelings, we heartily sang:

“Endless praise and adoration,

Be to Thee our gracious King,

Who did’st thus provide salvation,

To Thyself our souls to bring.

“Glory, glory everlasting

Be to Him who bore the cross,

Who redeemed our souls by tasting

Death, the death deserved by us!

“His is love, ‘tis love unbounded,

Without measure, without end;

Human thought is here confounded;

‘Tis too vast to comprehend.

“While we tell the wondrous story

Of the Saviour’s cross and shame,

Sing we, ‘Everlasting glory

Be to God and to the Lamb.’”

We were, indeed, most truly happy then, exulting in all the freshness and joyousness of the new life that had been imparted to us; which, like a rich fountain, filled our souls to overflowing.

Besides, we had now found the only true resting place for the weary, in the Lord of life and glory; and knowing that we had come into all this favor and blessing by the King’s own appointed way (the Strait-of-the-Cross), that we had been forever cleansed at the Cross, and sealed with the seal of eternal life by the Holy Spirit, while our prow was turned towards the everlasting hills of the Celestial shores, with the prospect of being soon in the presence of Prince Emmanuel Himself, we could but rejoice, and that continually. Still, we might not for a moment relax our vigilance in the navigation of our boat, for the great current in the ocean was running as strongly as ever against us, so that we had unceasingly to strike across it, and sometimes to sail in the very teeth of it. But the winds of heaven being strongly in our favor, we were kept from drifting with the tide, and thus enabled to hold on our course steadily for some time, at least after our new start.

Chapter 8

Soon afterward we came in sight of a spacious and open port, called the Assembly Harbor, that lay directly in our course, where a large fleet of vessels was then collecting to celebrate the Feast of Remembrance, to which we were invited.

When in the midst of the fleet, we were delighted to find that all appeared to be voyagers like ourselves, who had come into the right course by the Strait-of-the-Cross, and were bound to the Celestial shores, and who were now gathered together to remember that most sublime and yet most awful event that ever transpired on the earth—the amazing work of redemption accomplished by Prince Emmanuel on Mount Calvary.

All bore the same banners, and most conspicuous of all on every peak was the Prince’s Ensign, having the cross of Calvary thereon—such as had been given to us—floating high in the balmy and refreshing air of that serene and lovely haven. After an interval of the most solemn silence, and a burst of heartfelt praise and thanksgiving, and many prayers had ascended up to heaven, the simple emblems of bread and wine appointed by Prince Emmanuel Himself as memorials of His death on the cross—and the accomplishment of His glorious work of redemption—were reverently partaken of by all; we thus adoringly remembered Jesus. Passing then in retrospective vision before us, we beheld the gloomy garden of Gethsemane, the agonizing prayer, the drops of blood, the mocking and the scourging, the crown of thorns, the awful hill of Calvary, the cruel crucifixion, the darkness that was dreadful, the terrible cry that pierced that midnight gloom— “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me!” which made the earth to tremble and the sun to hide his face, and the last triumphant cry of “It is finished,” that rolled and reverberated through all the lofty vaults of heaven, till all the angels, wondering and adoring, caught up that victorious cry in their highest songs of praise: the echoes of which still continue to roll on and on forever and ever, through the countless ages of eternity.

Then another hymn of holy praise ascended from the whole assembled fleet, that rose in rich harmonious strains to heaven, and gladdened every heart.

“Almighty Prince our Saviour,

We praise and worship Thee.

Compassionate Redeemer,

We do remember Thee.

“Thy sacred body hanging,

On the accursed tree,

Thy precious life thus given,

We do remember Thee.

“For Thou didst bear the bruising,

The shame and agony

For sin, by us deserving,

We should remember Thee.

“And now we wait Thy coming,

And long Thy face to see;

Until that grand appearing,

We will remember Thee.

“Through all the countless ages

Of vast eternity,

We’ll sing aloud Thy praises,

And ever worship Thee.”

As we thus sang, the heavens appeared to open, while streams of golden light illumined this sublime and most impressive scene; for the glory of the Lord—the Divine Presence—was there and pervaded the whole fleet.

Sailing on now in company with the great fleet—as we were all bound to the same port—we derived much comfort and encouragement in the pursuit of our voyage: in happy fellowship, taking sweet counsel together with our fellow voyagers; often recounting our merciful deliverance at the cross, the rest and happiness we found there and at the Port of Peace, and the precious instruction we had received from our divine Counselor, Wisdom.

But we had not proceeded far before disputes arose among the fleet as to the order of sailing, the different modes of navigation, the directions given in the charts, the appointment of commanders (or Vice Admirals) to direct the movements of the fleet, and many other matters not mentioned in our sailing orders.

After a while, these unseemly controversies became so heated and bitter as to greatly interfere with the regular sailing of the fleet together in proper order. Then some of the mariners began to appoint their own commanders, and separate into small squadrons, calling themselves after the names of their respective chiefs, or by some other particular names. Adopting various colored and distinguishing flags of their own devising, upon which their adopted names were boldly emblazoned, each squadron drew apart to sail in its own course, and thus be independent of all the others of the fleet.

Some of the commanders, and their squadrons also, claimed superior powers and authority from the Prince to rule over or direct their fellow voyagers, though it was clearly laid down in the charts that the Prince had very distinctly forbidden the exercise of such power.

Many were the sad results of these contentions, for that grand fleet was now divided, the strength of that noble union broken, and much discredit brought upon the testimony of the Lord’s truth, which they, in their united condition, were enjoined to set forth. And then, instead of helping one another, as followers of the same Prince, and mariners bound to the same port, they often, in mistaken zeal and rivalry, hindered one another, and frequently came into serious collision. The Prince of peace and love looking down upon that sad scene was much grieved, for He had earnestly desired that those voyagers, whom He so much loved, should always continue united, and in the strength of that happy union bear testimony to all on the Ocean of Time of His heavenly mission on the earth. But, sad to tell, that noble fleet was never again united on the earth. At the end, however, in the infinite grace and compassion of the Prince, all those voyagers—notwithstanding their numerous failures—were gathered together in one great company in the celestial courts above, never to be again separated: though some had suffered loss, while many, on that memorable day of gathering, were not a little surprised, as they looked back on those unhappy divisions of the fleet (whereby the truth and testimony of our chief Captain had been so sadly marred) and wondered that they should have ever taken any part in them.

The evil influence of these sad controversies, which were such a willful departure from the expressed will of our divine Head, had most injuriously affected us all; for a spirit of strife and an unhappy desire for pre-eminence had been engendered thereby, which it was not easy to eradicate.

And this spirit of rivalry and contention extended to all our officers and crew, causing us at times much deep sorrow and trouble.

Although we had been truly changed in all our inclinations and desires, as well as in the inmost thoughts and purposes of our hearts, yet we had not got rid of our old human nature, which clung to us to the very end of our voyage, producing at times sad conflicts with the new nature that had been given to us. This inward conflict was a source of sore trial and perplexity to us for many a day: for we cordially hated our former thoughts and ways, while we delighted in the blessed things of God into which we had been recently introduced; yet when we would do that which was right and good, according to the new dispositions given to us, the evil promptings of our old natures would suddenly rise up to hinder and disturb us, and thus greatly interfere with the navigation of our boat by causing strife and disorder among our officers. At such times, our very active mates, Mr. Thoughts and Mr. Feelings, would suddenly assume the command, and take upon themselves the authority and control that properly belonged to our Captain and our Pilot, Mr. Conscience.

Beside all this, the ease and sense of security we had lately enjoyed appeared to beget in us (in as yet our very imperfect condition) feelings of pride and self-confidence that tended very much to retard our progress. Still we strove to hold on our way, with full sails set; though our steering at times was somewhat wild and unsteady. Consequently, we often lost headway, and drifted with the current by neglecting to keep a steady eye on our compass, already forgetful of the wise counsel we had received from our divine Instructor.

Looking out one day over the wide waters, as we thus slowly glided along, we suddenly espied at some distance to leeward, in the direction to which the current tended, a tall red beacon indicating imminent danger, on which were painted in large characters the words, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The rocks thus marked were some very dangerous reefs called Worldly Pride.

Seeing the danger, our Pilot instantly sprang to the helm, and then putting our head to windward we narrowly managed to keep clear of those perilous reefs. At least we were not wrecked thereon, though we sustained some damage. Almost immediately afterward, we sighted ahead of us, directly in our proper course, a large white buoy: and by the time we were well nigh up to it, we very unexpectedly, and, to our great surprise, ran aground. Looking more closely at the white buoy before us, we discerned written thereon, “Before honor is humility,” and then we wondered much why this strange buoy had been placed there, and still more, why we had so suddenly run aground, when we thought we were well out on the deep ocean, and fairly proceeding on our way. Thinking we might have mistaken our course, we immediately called a council of all our officers to consider the matter, and the Royal charts were produced for examination. On carefully searching the charts, Mr. Understanding pointed out to us the white buoy plainly marked thereon; and, moreover, explained that it was put there to indicate the channel known as the Shallows of Humiliation.

We found, too, that this channel was directly in our course, so that we must needs pass over those shallows to reach the Celestial Shore.

“It is plain enough we are in the right way,” said Thoughts, “but of what use may it be to know this, if the channel is too shallow to float us, and we are held fast aground, so that we cannot proceed on our way.”

“Yes indeed,” said Feelings, “and suppose a storm was to catch us here; we might be broken to pieces and lost, as vessels have often been wrecked on treacherous shallows like these.”

“Do you think, Captain Will,” said Mr. Heart, “in some alarm, that we might sail around these shallows, and yet keep to our course?”

“Perhaps we might,” replied the Captain, willing to please the owner, “and if you wish it, I am ready to try; but not knowing how far these shallows extend, it may be dangerous to attempt it. Judging, too, from my last observations we shall, I think, have to pass over these disagreeable banks, in some way or other.

Then Mr. Conscience, who had sat in silent thought for some time, remarked, in his usual earnest and solemn manner, “There is but one way for us to pass over these shallows—for over them we certainly must go, to be in the right way—and that is, we must lighten our ship. We are much too heavily laden, much too deep in the water, and have therefore run aground.

“Remember what a heavy cargo we took in at Vanity Fair, beside what we have brought with us from the Land of Mortality, the bulk of which, as you are aware, is nothing else than the dross and rubbish of this world: and the time has come when we should throw it all overboard, so as to be able to rise and float over these shallow banks, and continue our voyage.”

Then before we could recover from our astonishment at this unexpected and unwelcome suggestion, Mr. Conscience rose, took his lamp—the lamp of Self-examination—and proceeded below into the hold, asking the other officers to follow him.

Flashing his searching light quickly over all parts of the dark hold, Conscience exclaimed, “See, here are huge, unsightly bales of Pride carefully stowed away in those dark recesses, heavy boxes of Self-Conceit further down, and many large packages of Covetousness besides, none of which are fit wares to be seen in the Celestial land.

“Hoist away and overboard with them,” said our stern monitor, “otherwise we shall never clear these trying shallows.”

None daring to disobey, we applied ourselves reluctantly to our painful task, and amid many groans and sighs, much of what we had hitherto esteemed as valuable cargo was then thrown overboard.

Now greatly lightened, we expected to float away immediately, but to our surprise we still remained aground. “Ah,” said Conscience, “I fear some of our officers have private property hidden in their cabins that is still weighing us down.

“Come, Captain Will, let us have a look in your cabin first.” So saying, the Captain very reluctantly accompanied Mr. Conscience to his cabin, where they quickly discovered many heavy parcels of Self-will, Willfulness, Obstinacy and such like things, which the Captain had now to part with.

Turning then to Mr. Thoughts (for our sharp inquisitor would make a thorough search) he said, “Suppose we now examine the contents of your cabin.” Thoughts protested that he had nothing whatever of weight in his room: for he always greatly disliked inspection. But on going there, Mr. Conscience found, as he had suspected, a large and varied collection of old books, and ponderous volumes, some of which were entitled, Vain-imaginings, Foolish-fancies, Idle-and-fickle-thoughts, Airy-castles and other works of like character, which Mr. Thoughts had treasured up with great care, and in the perusal of which he used to spend much of his valuable time. Now, however, with many twinges of regret, he had to help Mr. Conscience in throwing them overboard.

Meanwhile, Mr. Feelings, who had been watching these proceedings with much fear and trembling, had locked his cabin door, and he hoped Mr. Conscience would spare him the pain of a search. But with a stern look, Conscience demanded the key, and forthwith a close search was made of our second mate’s cabin, when to the distress of Mr. Feelings, sundry cases of Worldly-desires, Sentimentality, Bitterness, Wrath, Malice, Touchiness, and Temper were discovered, and were also ordered to be thrown overboard.

Being now very much lighter we began to float a little, but were soon aground again, and very near to the white buoy. “What now,” exclaimed Mr. Feelings, “aground again? I fear we shall never clear these dismal shallows.”

“Drawing too much water still,” replied Conscience, “for we have not yet, I suspect, sufficiently searched all the cabins and dark recesses below, so as to clear out the weight that is keeping us stranded here. Moreover, I am afraid our much-respected owner, Mr. Heart, may have some heavy goods stowed away in his cabin that are still keeping us down, though I know he does not wish to think so.”

Hearing this, poor Mr. Heart was thrown into a great state of trepidation, for he had his misgivings on the subject; after a while—though with much effort and many a sigh of sadness—he consented to have his cabin examined.

Then it was discovered, to the surprise of all on board, and to Mr. Heart himself, that his, more than any of the other cabins, was lumbered with piles of heavy articles, such as Vain-glory, Covetousness, Pride, Inordinate Affection, Concupiscence, and the like.

Besides these, we found in some very curious drawers with false bottoms a large quantity of base coin, stamped with the image and superscription of the makers: Deceit and Dissimulation. These base coins, it should be stated, were most carefully secreted in those intricate drawers; so much so, indeed, that even Mr. Heart himself was scarcely aware of their presence there. Now, when all these things had been opened out, and thus brought to light, Mr. Heart hung down his head and felt much grieved and ashamed.

He had never supposed it possible that such quantities of these disreputable wares could have been secreted in his cabin, and especially all that base coin, so that, while being greatly distressed at the discovery, he most willingly helped in having as much as could be laid hold of cast overboard.

But hidden away in many a dark corner there was still much of the world’s dross and rubbish left that never could be got at, which had therefore, to our great sorrow, to remain there.

As it was with Mr. Heart’s cabin, so it was with all the other cabins, as well as the hold, while the greater portion of those things that weighed us down was cleared out, after this searching ordeal. Still we never could get rid of it all, as long as we remained in our boat on the Ocean of Time.

Now after this partial clearing of ourselves, we began, to our delight, to float again; and then quickly passing over the shallows, we discovered that this channel of Humiliation had been marked along its whole extent with a succession of buoys, having inscribed thereon respectively the words, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” “Humble yourselves in the sight of God, and He shall lift you up.” “He that shall humble himself shall be exalted”; and many other words of like import.

The sight of these directing buoys cheered us greatly, as we now saw we were in the King’s highway with the smile of His approval upon us. Besides, the voice of the Holy Presence was heard distinctly by all on board, saying “The humble shall see this and be glad.”

Although Mr. Conscience’s searching examination had cost us no little effort, and much deep sorrow, yet it had been a most salutary and blessed lesson, by which all were greatly benefited. For our little bark, being now lightened, we glided pleasantly and swiftly over the waves; while the health of all on board was much improved, and, indeed, better than it ever had been before, as we were now relieved in a great measure from the evil odors that used to come up from the hold at times, and made us very ill.

The pleasure, too, of knowing we had the approval of the Holy Presence, and the prospect—now nearer and brighter than ever—of soon meeting our beloved Prince, filled us all with a holy glow of intense delight.

Then I was directed to enter the following record in my Logbook:

“Salvation at the wondrous Cross we found,

The precious gift of boundless love and grace;

Secured forever on the changeless ground,

Of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

“And though the world we then had left behind,

Freed from the guilt and burden of our sin,

We had by sad experience yet to find,

How much of fleshly evil lurked within.

“So to those humbling shallows we were brought;

That by the lamp of God’s own searching ray,

We might discover every worldly weight

That stayed our progress on the heavenly way

“Thrice happy then, when helped to lay aside,

Sin’s heavy load, that weighed and kept us down;

That with rejoicing we might onward glide

Along our heavenly course, to win the crown.

“And blessed, too, that holy, humble place,

Where self is judged, with broken, contrite heart;

Our Father meets us with a smiling face,

The highest joy and comfort to impart!”

Chapter 9

With fair and most refreshing breezes, a clear sky overhead, and a smooth sea, we now continued for many days to sail onwards in the most happy mood.

Our chief employment during those pleasant days of our voyage, and, indeed, our greatest pleasure as well, was to search and ponder over those marvelous Royal charts, wondering much how we could ever have considered them dull and uninteresting, and surprised at our folly, too, in stowing them away so long out of sight. They were now to us our most sweet and precious treasures, while the more we looked into them, the more we admired their exquisite beauty and the depth of their infinite wisdom.

Much of our time, too, was occupied in listening to the edifying discourses of Mr. Thoughts and Mr. Understanding. One day we well remember when Mr. Thoughts, with holy enthusiasm glowing in his eyes, began by saying, “Will our beloved Prince really come again in person to this world?”

Understanding. “Assuredly, for He has said so Himself, ‘I will come again and receive you unto Myself’; and two angels have also testified: ‘This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.’”

Thoughts. “How and in what particular manner then will He come?”

Understanding. “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God.”

Thoughts. “Then what will take place?”

Understanding. “The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Thoughts. “But when shall this grand and marvelous coming be?”

Understanding. “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

Thoughts. “But did not the Prince say, ‘Behold I come quickly’?”

Understanding. “Yes, truly, and furthermore, that we are, therefore, to be continually on the watch for him, so as to be ready when He comes.”

Thoughts. “But hundreds of years have passed since those words were uttered, and yet the Prince has not come.”

Understanding. “The duration of time is not computed in the Heavenly Courts above as we compute it by our limited standards down here. For what is time when compared with eternity? A mere speck or moment, and thousands of years are as but a day.

“Hence, many, in looking at these words from their own narrow point of view, have sadly erred and become scoffers, saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation,’ forgetting the answer given in the Word, ‘Be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.’”

Thoughts. “Well, but as hundreds of years have already passed, may not many hundreds more elapse before the Prince comes?”

Understanding. “We have no authority for saying so; for the King has had a gracious purpose in permitting the delay, and that purpose may now be well nigh accomplished: especially as we are all those hundreds of years nearer to the time of the end: ‘The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’”

“Besides, it is the express desire of the Prince that His return, or coming again, should be an ever-present thought to all His followers, so that they might always have His personal presence before them as their blessed hope (instead of looking for death) and thus be ever waiting for Himself in person; even though they may have to pass over to the other side of this ocean before He comes. For it is written of certain disciples, ‘Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.’ The Prince hath also said, ‘Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.’ Then again, nothing can be so cheering to us as to be ever thinking of our beloved Lord and Prince, and on the lookout continually for His coming to receive us unto Himself.

“It is indeed a most delightful and animating prospect, and all who have such a blessed hope will assuredly strive to keep themselves from the defilements of this wicked world, so as to be ready at any moment to meet their glorious Prince.”

Thoughts. “Ah well, I think I see it more clearly now. Truly the beauty and sublimity of these bright prospects far surpass our highest efforts of expression. But what say you of all this Mr. Heart?”

Heart. “Even, so come, Lord Jesus”; to which all on board with one accord immediately responded with a deep and solemn “Amen.”

“Now, in view of all these grand anticipations,” said Mr. Feelings, “what should we now be doing?”

Understanding. “Let our lights be more brightly burning, and a close watch be set to look out continually for the coming of our Prince, that we may be like unto the wise virgins—not only ready, but waiting to meet the Bridegroom.”

The Captain then had our lamps carefully trimmed and lighted afresh, and a special watch sent aloft to keep a constant lookout for the coming day. And as the days of our waiting and watching were prolonged, and our yearning desires to meet the Prince increased, we often sent up the cry, “Watchman, what of the night?” When the watchman would answer again and again, “The morning cometh.”

Thus waiting for the morning, the glorious resurrection morn, we frequently cheered one another with our happy songs of the night, in prospect of that bright morn.

“The night is now far spent,

The day is drawing nigh,

Soon will the morning break,

In radiance through the sky:

O let the thought our spirits cheer,

The Lord himself will soon appear”

It was while we were thus rapidly progressing on our way (happily meditating on the amazing love of our adorable Prince, and considering Him in all His perfections, as they were unfolded to us by the Holy Presence) that we sighted an immense shoal of icebergs floating down with the tide, and to our dismay, we soon found ourselves surrounded by them. At the same time, we all felt suddenly chilled by the frigid blasts of cold air that seemed to come from them. Collision, too, with some of these gigantic ice blocks was now imminent, and we noticed that numerous other vessels were in the same plight, so we had to steer with the utmost caution to avoid them. Some of our officers—particularly Mr. Feelings and the Boatswain—were so chilled by the cold currents of air from these dangerous icebergs, as to fall ill and become for a time incapacitated for service.

Shortly afterward, to our astonishment, we saw several vessels running alongside some of the largest and most formidable looking of them; and then throwing out their grapnels—they actually endeavored to hold on to those slippery and ever-shifting ice-mountains.

These mariners appeared to be attracted, and indeed quite fascinated, by their tall, stately and sparkling appearance, looking as they did like floating castles of crystal, flashing with all manner of peculiar colors.

And strange to say, these fascinated mariners seemed to be quite heedless, or unconscious of the great peril to which they were exposed by getting into close proximity to such dangerous objects.

Even some of our own officers (particularly Mr. Thoughts) were at first much taken with these attractive ice crystals, and with their dazzling play of colors, and would fain have drawn near, through foolish curiosity, to inspect them. As it was, we lingered far too long in their presence, until we all shivered with cold and began to feel very heavy and drowsy, like travelers in the Arctic regions, who, when benumbed by severe cold, fall into a profound and fatal sleep.

We were, however, warned in time of our danger in keeping so near these frigid blocks by Mr. Conscience, who said, “Beware of these fine looking but most dangerous objects, which have not only chilled many precious souls to death by the cold blasts that always proceed from them, but have, in the end, proved their utter destruction.

“These chilling icebergs,” continued Conscience, “that rush down from the Frigid Zone of Intellectuality, and the regions of Vain Philosophy and False Science, have always been great obstacles in the way of voyagers on this perilous ocean, causing incalculable mischief by the chill atmosphere they always bring with them, and the destructive energy they possess in crushing all with which they come in contact.”

No sooner had Mr. Conscience uttered these words of warning than we beheld several of the largest icebergs suddenly topple over, crushing and carrying down with them into the depth of the ocean those reckless vessels that happened unfortunately to be moored to them. Alarmed at the appalling sight of destruction before us, but thankful that we had escaped through the timely warnings of our good Pilot, we now struck out vigorously in an opposite direction, to give these formidable icebergs as wide a berth as possible.

As we were getting clear, we noticed, to our further amazement, a great many more vessels attaching themselves and clinging to some of the larger ice blocks, notwithstanding what had happened, all proceeding together in a great flotilla down the stream, towards the terrible maelstrom. But they were soon out of sight, and we saw no more of them.

“Yon crystal mountains, with their lofty peaks,

Seen floating smoothly down with wind and tide,

Aglow with flashes of reflected light,

May to the eye be fair and beautiful:

And with their brilliant play of rainbow hues,

May fascinate the passing voyager.

Or by their gorgeous tints and stately size,

Excite his admiration and surprise.

But by the frigid blasts, that come there from,

And icy currents which they thus create,

They’ll chill and freeze all hapless mariners,

Who sail within their icy atmosphere;

Or maybe crush them, ‘neath their pond’rous weight.

Like such the coldly intellectual souls,

Who pride themselves upon their brilliant thoughts,

Their ample learning, or their cultured tastes;

And all that constitutes the “pride of life.”

But in whose chilly breasts, there never glowed

A higher spark of love than earth bestows;

Nor pure devotion’s flame had ever burned.

These are the moral icebergs of the world,

Whose cold indifference, pride, and unbelief,

Surround them ever with an icy breath;

That chills all pious souls well-nigh to death.

Their brilliant intellect, their sparkling wit,

And polished ways, may win and fascinate;

But every thought of heaven, and holy things,

Is by them quickly frozen and benumbed,

And in their presence all devotion dies.

Beware, O Christian mariner, beware!

For this their chilling cold, and deadening power,

Doth not go forth in loud and obvious storm;

But like the keenly quiet, gentle frost,

Performs its stealthy work insidiously.

It may be by a simple smile, or nod,

A playful laugh, in friendly bant’ring mood,

Or quiet word, that marks the cold proud sneer;

A doubting question, or a scoffing jeer,

Their chilling blasts may do their work of death.

And thus more dang’rous, like the subtle wiles

Of Satan’s power, that steal the heart away

From God, from faith, from heaven, and all that’s true.

Then of these chilling icebergs, aye beware,

O Christian mariner! and steer thy boat

To give them on this sea the widest berth.

Although we had escaped the awful fate of those admirers of the destructive icebergs, still we suffered for many a day afterward from the ill effects of the chilling blasts that came from them. For a while some of our officers fell sick in consequence of these chills, as I have already said, a strange feeling of torpor or lethargy came over all on board.

Even Mr. Heart and Mr. Conscience were also affected with this depressing torpor and spent much of their precious time in deep sleep in their berths.

Then as a result of this state of general drowsiness, the navigation of our boat was much neglected. Our sails often flapped idly in the wind from inattention, our officers neglected to take their sights regularly as they used to do, our lights burned feebly. Frequently, too, there was no one at the helm, while the watch were fast asleep at their posts; and in consequence of this sad negligence we unsuspectingly drifted considerably out of our course. Our Captain and first officer also seemed faint and irresolute in all their movements, and if they had been asked where we were at that time, they would have found it difficult to give an intelligible answer to such a question, as they had lost their reckoning. It happened likewise that the wind failed us altogether, while a thick fog gathered around and involved us in dense darkness.

Now, as we lay thus becalmed, and somewhat bewildered by reason of the darkness that enveloped us, we suddenly found one night, to our surprise, a huge bark drawn up close alongside, and heard a loud voice hailing us through a speaking trumpet, inquiring who we were, whither bound, and so on. But before we had time to answer these inquiries, the Captain of the big vessel jumped on board, and with a low bow asked for our Captain. Immediately, Mr. Thoughts and Captain Will met him and desired to know his business. “Well,” replied the stranger, “I must first apologize for making so sudden a visit, but finding that we were both in a dead calm, and lying idle here, I thought it might be well for me to come on board without further ceremony (as we are fellow voyagers, probably to the same port) to compare notes, and consult together as to our whereabouts, and the navigation of these seas.

“Besides, I am an old cruiser in these waters, and hold a commission from the King, to help and direct any mariners who may have lost their reckoning and gone somewhat out of their way. And it will afford me very much pleasure indeed if I can be of any service to you in these matters.”

Thanking him for his kind intentions, and seeing that he was polite and courteous in his manner, he was invited into the saloon to confer with Mr. Heart and the other officers.

“May I ask the name of your vessel, and of the Captain who commands her,” inquired Captain Will.

“My boat,” replied the stranger, “is the well-known cruiser, called the Angelico, and I, who have the honor of being Commander, am known all over these seas as Captain Brightness.

“Am I right,” he continued, “in supposing that you have set out on a voyage to the Celestial Shores?”

“Certainly,” said Mr. Heart, “and we have come hither by the proper channel marked on the King’s charts and known as the Strait-of-the-Cross.”

“Ah,” said Brightness, “and by that ugly rock of Repentance. Well, there are many other shorter and easier routes than that; you might have saved yourselves much trouble in selecting one of the nearer passages, instead of going that round-about way: for it strikes me you have encountered some difficulties, and have had hard times of it in these parts.”

Heart. “But all we passed through there was more than a thousand times made up to us when we got to the Cross, and the Port of Peace hard by. What other channels are there, pray?”

Brightness. “Why there are several good ones, all deep and broad, and easy of navigation; such as Natural-Goodness, Honest-Life, Never-wronged anyone, Lean-on-mercy, Good-works, Religiousness, and many others; and your going that round-about way accounts for your being now so much out of your course.”

“Surely,” said Thoughts in alarm, “we are not out of our course.”

Brightness. “But when did you take your last observations?”

Thoughts. “Not for some days now, I must confess—we have been rather remiss in this matter; but then the sky has been so overcast with clouds of late, that we have not been able to get a good sight for some time.”

Brightness. “That clearly shows you have gone out of your way and have been drifting down the stream considerably; but let me have a look at your compass.”

While examining our steering compass, Captain Brightness, with something in his hand, made a few rapid passes over it in a very peculiar way; then we noticed that the needle quivered and swung round from side to side greatly disturbed. “Here, see,” said Brightness, “how unsteady and wavering your compass is; besides it is out several degrees, and needs adjusting.”

Heart. “But we got it from the King’s own stores, stamped as you see, with the Royal Seal of King Elohim Himself.”

Brightness. “There are many imitations now-a-days, and nothing is easier than to counterfeit the King’s seal and pass it off as genuine. It may be, too, that you have not got a correct and authentic copy of the true charts of this ocean, or a proper navigating directory.”

As soon as our charts were produced, Brightness remarked, “I can see at a glance that you have a most imperfect copy, full of errors and contradictions; no wonder that with such charts and with such a defective compass you should be so much out in your bearings. Had you not Way-of-the-world’s at one time?”

Heart. “Yes, but we threw them overboard.”

Brightness. “That was a great loss, for though by no means perfect, there was much in them that would have been of good service to you in crossing this immense ocean, so full of rocks, shoals, and quicksand. Probably your other instruments are no better. May I just see your sextant?”

In taking it out of its case, where it had lain for some time unused, Captain Will could not disguise an expression of shame for his neglect as he showed it to the strange Captain.

“Why,” said Brightness, “its mirrors are, I see, quite dim and sadly blurred from want of proper attention, and the instrument in all its joints has become so rusty as to be almost unfit for use.”

This remark gave both our mates and the Captain a deep pang of sorrow, for it was but too true that they had sadly neglected to keep it bright by constant use, as counseled by our sage Instructor at the Port of Peace.

“What sort of chronometer have you?” continued Brightness. “Perhaps you have forgotten to wind it up.”

“No, indeed,” said Mr. Heart, with much earnestness. “It is going as correctly as ever,” as he opened it: for the power that set it going at first will ever keep it in motion.

This was perfectly true, though Mr. Heart should have consulted it more frequently and kept it free from the dust which had somewhat obscured it. Looking at it for a few moments and comparing it with a small chronometer in his hand, Brightness exclaimed, “It is entirely too slow, and must have been losing time for a long while; if indeed it were ever correctly set. You will need to put into the nearest port, so as to have your instruments adjusted, and to procure better and more trustworthy charts, or you may drift still further out of your course and never reach the place to which you are bound. Now there is a port, not far hence, called Worldly Prudence, into which I can safely pilot you, where you may have all these matters put right, and then take a fresh start on your voyage.

“But, pardon me, may I further inquire to what particular port in the Celestial land you are bound?”

Thoughts. “We have never heard of but one, the glorious Port of Paradise, to which, of course, we are bound.”

Brightness. “But have you ever been there, or have you ever seen anyone who has visited that port?”

Astonished at such a strange question, several officers exclaimed at once, “Why, no,” and Thoughts added, “Everyone knows that voyagers on this ocean can take but one voyage; for none are ever permitted to return.”

“Just so,” said Brightness, “and that is why I thought you should be sure there is really such a place in existence; for you must know, as well as I do, that all the information we have about it is from simple hearsay—in fact we have only mere rumors concerning it, handed down from generation to generation, and it may therefore be all a myth, as indeed many say it is.”

By this time, we were fairly stunned by the overwhelming audacity of the strange Captain and this daring onslaught upon all our most cherished hopes. Then a sickening sense of oppression crept over us, so that, for a moment or two, we were silent and wholly unable to utter a word. Taking advantage of our consternation, Brightness broke out again in a louder voice, saying, “Probably you have no sailing orders, or any documents to show whence you have come, or whither you are going, nor a certificate of your rating.” At this mention of our papers, our precious passports, both Thoughts and Feelings looked meaningfully at Mr. Heart, who then (suddenly remembering what had been told us by our wise Counselor) went towards the strong box in which they were kept, to see that it was locked; for the bold Captain was looking in that direction, as if he intended to pounce upon, and then attempt to seize, our precious records.

But before Mr. Heart had time to see that the strong chest was secure, the wicked Captain suddenly rushed forward and seized our valuable papers and was making off with them, to the horror of all our frightened officers.

The agitation that then ensued awoke Mr. Conscience, who all this time had been fast asleep in his cabin, and who, just as he was about awaking, heard in his dream the voice of the Holy Presence, saying, “Awake thou that sleepest,” “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

So, springing into the saloon and accosting Brightness, he said, “I know thee who thou art, thou emissary of darkness and all mischief; how darest thou intrude upon one of the King’s vessels—begone instantly!”

At this, the strange Captain changed countenance and assumed the most terrible and diabolical expression we had ever beheld, standing the meanwhile as if he intended to do battle, while most of our officers fell back cowering with fear.

Whereupon Conscience rushed into his cabin and fetched the sharp sword which had been given to us at the King’s Armory, at the very sight of which the intruder hastily fled, throwing away in his fright the passports he had just stolen, and was soon back in his own vessel again. Then with all haste we put about, to sail away and escape from our foe, for by this time a strong wind had sprung up.

But before we could get quite clear of our terrible enemy, red hot bolts were shot after us, wounding some of our officers, though not fatally.

Chapter 10

Darkness, thick darkness, then fell upon us, and by the heavy inky clouds hanging overhead, we saw that a storm was portending.

Nothing could we see through the impenetrable gloom that surrounded us. The sky was entirely overcast, and the light of the sun well-nigh obscured. Then as the wind increased to a tornado, lashing the billows furiously around us, which seemed ready to engulf us at any moment, dismal and weird sounds greeted us from all sides out of that awful gloom. But the storm was unlike the one we encountered before we entered the Strait-of-the-Cross, for there was neither lightning nor thunder nor the voice of words, as on the previous occasion.

The deep darkness and the tossing of the waves that rolled over us incessantly filled us all with intense distress and alarm, especially as we remembered that it was through our own negligence we had drifted so far out of our course and had allowed an intruder and enemy of the King to come on board to beguile us with his wiles.

Furthermore, when we attempted to steer our bark through the darkness, we found that our hitherto steady compass wavered from side to side in the most erratic fashion; at times almost going entirely round. It had been evidently much disturbed and injured by the touch of the evil Captain. Now, having neither the light of the sun nor a reliable compass, we could but toss helplessly on those tempestuous billows, without making the least headway: fearing, meanwhile, we might be overwhelmed by that raging storm.

Mr. Heart became so sick and faint that he had to be carried down to his cabin, and could do nothing but weep and moan all the day long. At the same time we were alarmed in seeing that our able first mate, Mr. Thoughts, wore a wild and bewildered expression like one bereft of his senses, and when he began to talk incoherently, we plainly saw that he had been quite upset by the subtle insinuations of the arch enemy who had boarded us.

Mr. Feelings, too, was somewhat similarly affected, and went about moaning dolefully as if deprived of all hope; while Captain Will showed sad signs of weakness and irresolution, and a lack of that decision and promptness that were his wont.

Then, while the storm was still raging, Thoughts suddenly exclaimed, “Perhaps, after all, what we have experienced lately may have been but a pleasant dream, and there may not be such a place as the Port of Paradise, or even any Celestial Shore.” Then he went on repeating over and over again, “Can it indeed be all a delusion?” Thus, our terror and alarm were greatly intensified by the strange condition of our chief officers, and we deeply regretted ever allowing that evil one to come on board.

At this juncture Mr. Conscience was fairly roused, and demanded with a loud voice to see the documents that had been given to us at the Port of Peace, as he appeared to have some misgivings as to their safety, fearing they might have been stolen by the piratical Captain.

When they were produced, he was much relieved, and on opening them out requested us all to look intently upon them—even poor weeping Mr. Heart.

“There,” said Conscience, putting his finger on the Royal Seal and signature of the King, “how can that be a delusion that is thus attested by the King Himself and bears His own signature?

“Can the Almighty—the infinitely holy King Elohim—be charged with falsehood? Away with the abominable thought forever. Such a thought could only come from the wicked enemy of all mankind; and that it could be for one moment breathed here shows that it was an evil day indeed when you allowed that vile deceiver (who is no other than the father of lies) to put his foot on board. You now see the sad consequences of not being more strictly on the watch, and of the false step you have taken in this awful darkness that has come upon us. We are now made to lament with the prophet of old, ‘Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.’ As to the reality of all that transpired at the wonderful cross and the Port of Peace, have we not—in addition to the priceless credentials still in our possession—the Holy Presence with us bearing witness to, and confirming every hour, the truth of all that marvelous grace then shown to us? How deplorably ungrateful and wicked then, to allow such unbelieving and dishonorable thoughts to find a place amongst us.”

Abashed and humbled at these faithful words of our good Pilot, no one durst say a word. For we now clearly saw our error and were all truly penitent and ready to confess our fault; while Thoughts admitted that he was the chief offender, saying how greatly ashamed he felt for allowing the wicked suggestions of the intruder to influence him as they had done.

As the storm still continued, and there was no sign of the clouds dispersing, it was resolved that Mr. Feelings should join Mr. Heart in his cabin, to pray continually for deliverance; while the Captain set a double watch to look out for the first gleam of light or rift in those dark clouds by which we might be guided out of the storm.

Again and again Mr. Heart prayed confessing his fault, saying also, “Hide not Thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble,” when Mr. Feelings added, “Lord lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.”

After we had thus continued in prayer for a season, the Holy Presence—whose voice had not been heard for some time—whispered in Mr. Heart’s ear, “In a little wrath I hid My face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.”

Encouraged by these gracious words, we began to be more hopeful, and as we thus continued earnestly praying and looking up to the heavens, we were glad to perceive the clouds beginning to break; though still dark, they seemed to have bright “silver linings.”

This greatly cheered us and revived our flagging spirits, but we ceased not to pray.

Directly after, a faint light was seen far out on the dark waters, and we hastened towards it, as the wind was now more steady and in our favor. As we approached the light, the clouds gradually melted away, and a convenient little harbor opened out before us, into which we sailed with all due speed.

This we found to be the safe and well-sheltered haven of Restoration, provided by our good King as a harbor of refuge for mariners who, like ourselves, might have strayed or missed their way. At the further end of the haven we beheld a high and beautiful castle, standing out prominently before us near the water’s edge: whose lofty turrets glistened brightly in the brilliant sunshine that now illumined the whole of that calm and inviting harbor.

From the towers we saw that signals were hoisted inviting us to draw near to the castle, to which we gladly responded; and as soon as we were drawn up alongside the landing stairs, a person of most benevolent countenance and gentle manner came down to welcome us, saying as he did so, “Give all praise to our good King Elohim, who hath brought you safely out of the storm into this safe and quiet haven: for He hath heard your supplications in your distress, your confessions have reached His gracious ear, and He hath brought you out of darkness and the shadow of death, into the glorious light of His Presence again.”

Then we learned from the attendants that this was the Castle of Consolation, and the kind person who addressed us was the Governor of the Castle, and a high Commissioner of the King, whose name was Restorer.

Seeing our haggard and half-famished looks—for we had fasted long during the storm—the Governor ordered an abundant supply of refreshments to be brought us, and kindly remarked that he would sup with us that day.

When the beautiful repast was spread, and the kind Governor had taken his place among us, Mr. Heart, in giving thanks, remarked, “We are indeed wholly unworthy of this gracious mark of the King’s favor, and the presence of his high Commissioner with us today to assure us of the King’s forgiveness; for we had grievously offended through gross negligence, forgetting to take our daily sights, and sleeping away our precious time—going so far out of our proper course. But above all, by admitting a vile impostor and enemy of the King on board—even for one moment—to beguile us from our faith and thus grieve the Holy Presence in our midst.

All this, too, was much aggravated by the circumstance that we had been so fully forewarned by our kind Counselor at the Port of Peace. “The greatest blame should be laid to my charge,” said Thoughts —and so said Feelings and the Captain, for all were now truly humbled, on account of their transgressions.

“Truly,” said the Governor; “but your first fault was going so near and staying so long in company with those chilling icebergs, and then indolently drifting so far out of your way, as alas! many do. Thus you fell into the snare of the enemy, and were overtaken by the storm which marked the King’s displeasure. But where there is true penitence and sincere confession, the King delighteth to pardon and to restore such to the light of His countenance.

“But who did the enemy that came on board say he was?”

Thoughts. “Captain Brightness of the Angelico.”

Governor. “Ah, Brightness truly at one time; for his real name was Lucifer, the ‘son of the morning.’ “But oh, how fallen! For now what is he but darkness itself? while his fell mission is to throw doubt and darkness upon everything he approaches. The boat he sails in is the Doubting Demon; though he always assumes some other fine name in order to deceive, and Angelico is one of his favorite names, by the use of which he hopes to give the impression that he comes as an ‘Angel of light,’ to render some good service. But how came he to injure your compass so seriously?”

Thoughts. “By first questioning its correctness, and then, when permitted to examine it, rapidly passing his evil hand in a strangely dexterous manner over it, causing the needle to quiver and fly from one side to the other, much disturbed and agitated, as if it had entirely lost its polarity.”

Governor. “I thought so—that is his usual way of proceeding; for by adroitly concealing a very powerful magnet and passing it quickly over the compass, he contrives either to injure it seriously or destroy its polarity altogether; then he pretends or insinuates that the compass is itself defective.

“That strong magnet, which was forged in the fires of the first great rebellion of the fallen angels, is his favorite instrument, and is compounded of pride, lies and doubt, with which he has wrought incalculable mischief.

“Many poor mariners whose compasses he has thus mysteriously injured (but who knew it not at the time) have sailed wildly hither and thither, first in one direction, then in the opposite, tossed about with every wind and wave in great perplexity, by reason of the unreliableness of their wavering compasses. Aye, thousands of those who have not found their way into the Strait-of-the-Cross have thus been shipwrecked and lost forever. But what else did the enemy do unto you?”

Then we recounted to the Governor all that transpired during the time the pirate Lucifer was on board, and how he precipitately retreated at the appearance of Mr. Conscience, armed with the sharp sword.

“You had indeed a fortunate escape,” said the Governor, “for he might have done you much further mischief; especially if he had managed to get possession of your valuable records, which he was particularly bent upon securing.

“How much you owe to the Holy Presence (to whom all praise be given) who aroused Mr. Conscience at that critical moment to expel the vile intruder.”

Now when the banquet was concluded and we had been much cheered and refreshed, we sang a hymn of thanksgiving to our blessed Lord, who had thus so graciously restored us.

“The Lord is our Saviour our helper and friend,

Who lovingly watches our souls to defend;

And ofttimes when tempted through folly to stray

He tenderly leadeth us back to His way;

E’en when by the tempter we’re sorely beguiled,

With terrible doubts, and are sadly defiled,

For a moment in anger He hideth His face,

But restoreth our souls in His infinite grace.”

Then the Governor conducted us over the castle to show us the beauties and comforts of the place, directing us the meanwhile to readjust and tighten on our armor. “For remember,” said he, “you have to ‘Wrestle against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,’” then adding with great earnestness, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” He also gave us a phial of precious cordial, called Spiritual Meditation, instructing us to take it whenever we felt weary or drowsy, so that we might not sleep again on our midnight watches.

He then took us up to the top of one of the highest turrets of the castle, where a large telescope was placed to view the distant prospects that were to be seen from that high position.

Not being accustomed, however, to take in such an extensive range of view as was presented to us, we at first saw but dimly.

But when our eyes had been again anointed with another wonderful eye salve, called Spiritual Discernment, our vision was marvelously cleared and strengthened, so that we now beheld some most glorious sights, and were, moreover, enabled to “see the things that are not seen, even the things which are eternal.”

“It is the good and gracious King Elohim,” remarked the Governor, “who now giveth you this blessed faculty of vision, as it is written: ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit.’”

Then for a while we contemplated—though as yet afar off—with silent admiration, that beautiful land of the blest, “Where the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary be at rest.”

And as we continued to survey, through that wonderful telescope, the magnificent prospect before us, unwilling for a while to take our eyes away from the enchanting scene, sweet soft strains of music floated upwards and resounded through all the great halls of Consolation Castle, and when we turned to listen, we heard:

“There is a land of pure delight,

Where saints immortal reign,

Infinite day excludes the night,

And pleasures banish pain.

There everlasting spring abides,

And never fading flowers;

Death like a narrow sea divides,

This heavenly land from ours.”

“Now,” said the Governor, “you have divinely imparted evidence of the ‘things not yet seen,’ of the reality of the blessed home that awaits you on the other side; and you can surely now say with all confidence, ‘We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’”

“Aye, truly,” remarked Thoughts, (who now remembered what he had said after the tempter had disturbed his faith), “and I trust we shall never again for one moment question the reality of that eternal habitation prepared for us on the other side.”

Our injured compass was then restored to its former condition, set and regulated by the King’s standard; our sick officers were restored to health, and all the damages we had sustained repaired, so that we were now fully prepared to resume our voyage.

When about to depart, the kind Governor presented us with a new telescope like to the one we had been looking through, and giving us his parting benediction, said, “The God of all grace who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

And the attendants waved their kind farewell with the encouraging words:

“Launch thy bark, Mariner! Christian, God speed thee!

Let loose the rudder-bands! Good angels lead thee!

Set thy sails warily; tempests will come;

Steer thy course steadily! Christian, steer home.

“Slacken not sail yet at inlet or island,

Straight for the beacon steer—straight for the high land;

Crowd all thy canvas on, cut through the foam—

Christian! cast anchor then—HEAVEN IS THY HOME.”

Mrs. Southey

Chapter 11

Then with all our sails set again, and everything taut and trim, we started afresh on our important voyage, and were soon hastening on over the ocean with greater speed than ever; for the winds were most propitious, while everyone on board was intensely longing to reach the haven of rest—the glorious city of God—of which we had just seen a faint glimpse.

We were also more than ever vigilant in setting our watches and in our guard against any sudden surprises from our enemies the pirates.

After we had been thus sailing on our way for some time, greatly rejoicing as we went, we descried one day an immense fleet of various sorts of vessels bearing down in full sail towards us, and rushing down the stream with tremendous speed.

As they appeared likely to cross our bows, we kept a sharp look out and steered carefully, so as to avoid a collision; and when they approached near enough for us to make them out, we were able to read the names of some of the most prominent on their huge and brightly colored flags; the largest and most easily distinguished being Rationalist, Positivist, Secularist, Spiritualist, Agnostic, Free-thinker, Infidel, and Atheist. This great fleet of skeptics—whose name might have been Legion, for they were very many—kept together as closely as they could, and bore down in full battle array, determined, apparently, to run down everything that came in their way.

We then noticed that the van was led by a huge unsightly vessel, which seemed to be the flag-ship of their Admiral; and on more closely observing this strange looking monster with our new telescope, we recognized at once the big ship that had suddenly drawn alongside of us on that night of the calm, and whose wicked Captain boarded us, and did us such mischief. This was indeed no other than the formidable Doubting Demon, whose Commander was the crafty pirate Lucifer. But as usual these names did not appear, for he, like all Abaddon’s captains, always sailed under false colors.

This time he had hoisted a large blue flag bearing the name of Honest-doubt; and we were told afterward that he was known to all that great fleet of deluded skeptics as their leader, by the fair name of Admiral Reason: a name under which he had ruined countless millions of the human family.

Whilst watching the movements of the fleet, and reflecting on the sad spectacle of such a vast multitude of voyagers hastening down the stream with such frightful speed, led by the great deceiver, the cruel adversary of the whole human race, they approached us with a furious rush, and it was with no little difficulty we managed to keep clear and avoid being run down by them.

Shouting through their speaking trumpets, they railed at us for crossing their path; and when they discovered our name, they vied with each other in calling us all sorts of ill names, such as fools, fanatics, superstitious simpletons, and canting hypocrites.

One more bold than the rest drew near and essayed to go with us for a short space, with the hope, it would appear, of inducing us to join the fleet.

We then immediately sounded the alarm, buckled our armor on, and cleared the decks for action, resolved to resist any attempt that might be made to board us. As soon as he had ascertained that our destination was the Celestial Shores, he scornfully assailed us with the question, “What mortal ever saw the place you speak of, or can positively say that such a land exists, in any part of the Universe?”

Mr. Thoughts, who now stepped boldly forward to reply to this impious skeptic, answered, “We have the truth of its existence established on the sure word and authority of the Almighty King Himself, who made the Universe and everything in it, which is far better testimony than the word of any mortal that ever lived. For the Lord and Prince of all the worlds hath said that in the world to come we and all who believe shall have everlasting life, even in the Paradise above, which He has prepared for such.”

Skeptic. “But whence have you that information?”

Thoughts. “From His own word, the Holy Scriptures.”

Skeptic. “Well, that’s easily said; but is it not well known that all those writings, or Scriptures as you are pleased to call them, are a mere collection of ancient traditions, vague reports, and historical myths; for who ever saw the King or heard His voice, or are sure that He ever commanded such words to be written?”

Thoughts. “We have the best of reasons for believing the truth of those written reports, and are certain that holy men of God wrote and spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit of God; because: Firstly, the whole Book of God’s revelation to man bears the impress of His own infinite wisdom on every page. Even the learned of all ages have been compelled to admit that no mortal could ever have indited such wonderful and unparalleled words of wisdom and power. Secondly, because of the powerful hold these Writings have always had upon the minds of men in all ages and the marvelous influence they have exerted over the whole world; as well as the undeniably good results their teachings have invariably produced in every land where they have been received and believed, showing their inherent power to be of God, and not of man. Thirdly, because their teachings perfectly agree with all the positive facts around us: of things in the heavens above, and things on the earth, and things under the earth, notwithstanding all the caviling of would-be philosophers. Fourthly, because their teachings also fully correspond with all the thoughts, feelings, emotions, desires, and aspirations of our own minds; which we could no more deny than we could deny our own existence: and that too in an authoritative way, that the teachings of no other books in the world pretend to do. Moreover, they clearly describe the source, nature, and power of the evil that is ever present throughout the whole world, and manifestly displayed before the eyes of everyone, even in our own hearts. Nor is your own reckless and wretched condition omitted, rushing madly down this swift current, as you are now doing, to certain destruction.”

Skeptic. “What absurd credulity you display in all this talk; ‘tis nothing but the rant of ignorant ecclesiastics and fanatics. I wish our noble Admiral Reason was on board for a few moments, for he would show you there is neither sense nor logic in what you say, and that you have not given a reasonable answer to any of my questions.”

Thoughts. “We are not led by perverted reason (though our position and service are the most reasonable in the world) but by faith, through which we understand all things, and can even now rejoice in the certainty of the happiness that awaits us in that glorious land on the other side of this ocean, prepared for all true believers. Yes, and we can moreover see by faith the dreadful gulf to which you and all that fleet are now hurrying, led as you are by that wicked pirate Lucifer, of the Doubting Demon.”

At this the Skeptic got into a towering rage and shouted furiously, “What an absurd notion to be sure: why we are taking the grand tour of the whole world, under the guidance of our excellent Admiral Reason; for we intend to visit all the famous islands of the ocean, to enjoy their pleasures to our heart’s content: and shall afterward settle down in that magnificent and delightful Fame-land, whose glorious pinnacles stretch up into the infinite expanse; and whose connections lead on to the eternal, where we shall continue to improve and rise forever, until we become as gods.”

While these words were being uttered, we observed the crew of the Skeptic collecting together and arming themselves with darts and bows and arrows; apparently with the intention of attacking us. So, we immediately gathered in line, headed by Captain Will and Mr. Conscience, having our armor on, and our shields in readiness, to be prepared for any attack that might be made upon us.

Seeing our determined attitude of defense, the Skeptic, with a yell of execration, veered round to depart and join the fleet again.

We then discovered that his name was Questioning; or rather, (as we found later on) his full name was Doubtful-Questioning; the first part of the name being painted over and hidden, so as to deceive.

“Ah,” said Mr. Understanding, “that subtle questioner must be another of Abaddon’s crew; and if my memory serves me right, one of his most trusty Captains; indeed, the very one who so insidiously and fatally assailed our mother Eve in the garden, with this deadly weapon of Doubtful-Questioning, when he asked, ‘Yea, hath God said?’”

“Doubtless you are right,” said Mr. Heart. “What a mercy we have been delivered from his insidious wiles. I have now to thank all the officers on board for being so well on their guard, and for so promptly preparing such a resolute defense.”

Going aloft with our telescope, we watched the great fleet now receding in the distance, while its speed down the stream appeared to be accelerating every moment.

We could still faintly hear their merry thoughtless shouts as they hurried along, little dreaming whither they were going.

Looking still further beyond, we now observed that they were rapidly approaching the dreadful Gulf of Gehenna, where inevitable destruction awaited them, and whence none ever returned to tell the sad tale of their hopeless ruin.

The Doubting Demon still leading, they quickly drew near to the fatal Gulf, when their cruel Admiral rapidly went ahead, and then suddenly appeared to be transformed into a flaming fiery spectral ship, suspended in the air just above the terrific cataract to which the fleet was hastening. Still allured by the demon in the air, and with such tremendous way on, it was too late for the fleet to stop in their mad career, even if they had wished it.

So, on they dashed straight into the very rapids of the terrible falls, and with one fearful plunge down they went, one after another, into the unfathomable depths of the awful abyss; and were thus forever lost to sight. As they went over, we could see some of the crews throwing up their arms in despair, but their cries we could not hear, by reason of the distance between us. Then a dark impenetrable cloud enveloped the whole scene.

Heartrending were their cries (as we were told afterward) when they discovered their terrible mistake and found that by “strong delusion they had been led to believe a lie”; and when all their brilliant imaginings and false hopes were quenched in an instant, and forever!

“But,” said Mr. Conscience, “they had willfully allowed themselves to be deceived; nay more, they had deliberately chosen error and darkness, in preference to the abounding light that shone around them; and that will ever constitute the sting of their unutterable woe.”

“They sought for truth, they said, in everything,

In rocks of earth, or in the ocean’s depths,

Or in the heavens, and all its glorious orbs;

Whence ever came the answer to their quest,

We are the handiworks of the Almighty God;

Fashioned in every atom by His hand,

Bearing the stamp of infinite design,

Yet though this voice of truth came clear and loud,

From every form in heaven, and earth and sea,

The doubters never heard, nor cared to hear

These sounds so plain, to every honest heart.

Of nature’s laws they prated much and loud,

And dared to see what angels never saw,

The power of life in things inanimate:

And in their impious folly dared to set

The laws of nature in the place of God!

Though none could tell how smallest flower grew.

Yet when they deigned to glance at God’s own Word,

(Which bore the stamp of truth on every page,

The very thoughts of God himself displayed

In living power, which only God could trace)

They naught could see, but points to cavil at;

And in their willful blindness cast aside,

The very source of truth, because forsooth

It did not tally with their puny thoughts!

As if the circle of infinity,

Could e’er be squared by finite theories.

Thus in their mantle of delusion wrapt,

—Which in the end became their funeral shroud—

Alone they stepped into the dark unknown:

And when that cloak was suddenly withdrawn,

The look they gave, the agonizing shriek!

No tongue could e’er describe; as then they found

Their dread mistake, and their eternal doom.”

Chapter 12

With saddened feelings we turned from the contemplation of this painful scene, thanking our gracious Father again and again for delivering us from the dreadful delusions of the Doubting Demon.

A few days later we sighted a couple of curiously rigged barks, going apparently in the same direction as ourselves, but whose motions seemed peculiar and somewhat erratic.

As they progressed but slowly, and appeared to tack about a good deal more than was necessary with the wind then blowing, we soon caught up to them; and when we had approached near enough, we saw that one of them had just run aground. From our charts we then found that we had come to the great shoals which extend thence for many a league, and in a certain direction even to the other side of the ocean, and known as the Proving Shoals. They lay directly in our course, and all voyagers to the Celestial Shores must needs pass over them.

Now as soon as we were perceived by the crew of the stranded boat, they quickly ran up their colors, when we were particularly struck with the profusion of flags that were hoisted, all bearing the symbols of the Christian profession.

Thinking that a brother voyager might be in difficulties, we hastened on to offer any assistance we might be able to render; and as soon as we were within hailing distance, our Captain inquired, “Whither bound, comrade?”

“To the Celestial Shores,” was the prompt reply, “whither we presume you are also bound, judging by your colors.”

“But you are aground, are you not?” said Captain Will.

“Oh yes, but that has often happened to us before, when the tides are low, and the current drives us upon these disagreeable sandbanks.”

We then noticed they were very heavily laden and drawing much water, which was evidently the real cause of their grounding.

To this our Pilot directed their attention and advised them to throw some of their cargo overboard, so as to lighten their vessel.

Stranger. “Oh no indeed, we could never think of doing so, for we are only just properly ballasted; and could not venture to throw anything overboard, lest we become top-heavy, and be capsized in the first stiff breeze.”

Pilot. “But may I ask by what channel you came hither?”

Stranger. “By the well-known channel of Good Works, marked in our charts, and recommended by all good pilots as the nearest and best way.”

Pilot. “But know you not that our gracious King has directed that all who would reach the Celestial Shores must pass through the all-important Strait-of-the-Cross, so very prominently and distinctly pointed out in the Royal charts; and that all who attempt to get into the King’s course by any other passage are presumptuous intruders, who cannot in any wise reach the Port of Paradise?

“Besides, it is plainly recorded in the charts that no one can possibly enter into the Port of Paradise who has not received his proper credentials or passports, prepared expressly by Prince Emmanuel (secured by the efficacy of His atoning work) and given to all believers who enter into the right course by the Strait-of-the-Cross.”

Stranger. “We have often heard people talk a great deal dogmatically about that channel, but never could see why it should be necessary to go by such a strange and out of the way passage, and round that ugly rock which they say leads to it, when we have a much more obvious and nearer way, such as that by which we have come. Besides, are we not clearly told in the King’s Directory that, ‘To fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man’? Are we not also told to, ‘Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling’?”

Pilot. “Truly, those instructive words are given to us by the King, but in your application of them you put them quite out of their proper order, like the man who places the cart before the horse.

“How can those who are dead in trespasses and sins (as all the unconverted are) fear God and keep his commandments? They must first have life, and then it will be their duty and privilege to keep the commandments of God. Furthermore, how can we work out that which we have not?

“We must first possess salvation before we can work or carry it out into our lives: and be it remembered those words are addressed not to sinners but to saints, who are enjoined to exemplify in their daily conduct the salvation already wrought in their hearts by the power of God, and thus be consistent Christians in all things. Our blessed Prince Emmanuel has also told us to ‘Strive to enter at the strait gate and the narrow way that leadeth into life.’ This is the first starting point of the new life; and it is therefore absolutely essential that we should enter in by this channel, (in which alone we can receive our necessary certificates attested and sealed by the King) in order to obtain eternal life, and find our way to the Celestial shores.

“All who thus fairly start by the divinely appointed way do no doubt ever after strive to keep the commandments of God, from a principle of love to their deliverer, which constitutes the second, but certainly not the first part of the Christian’s life.”

Stranger. “Well, but does not that come to the same thing in the end as keeping the commandments and attending to all necessary good works? agreeable to the saying of one of the Apostles, ‘What doth it profit though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? and ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.’”

Pilot. “Very true again, these are indeed the words of Holy Writ, and words of the highest wisdom; in perfect keeping, moreover, with every part of the sacred Word, when rightly understood and put in their proper order, as the Apostle puts them.

“For is it not evident that the Apostle would show us that there may be a kind of faith—such as the devils have, who ‘believe and tremble’—which is mere head knowledge, that affects neither the heart nor the life? And, moreover, that the true or genuine faith by which we are brought into the way of salvation always manifests itself by good works—not that we are saved by those works (which would be impossible), but by faith, which cometh first; then do works follow and show that the faith by which we are saved is the true or genuine kind: as the same Apostle says ‘Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone’; because such a faith as is not followed by works, is clearly not true faith at all, but a dead intellectual belief. Besides, another Apostle tells us very plainly, ‘By grace are ye saved through faith; [that is, the genuine faith that shows itself by works] and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.’

“Furthermore, as a fruit of that true faith, we are brought under the power of God, by which alone we can perform any works that are pleasing in His sight: ‘For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’”

Stranger. “Still, if we do keep all His ordinances and the rules He has given to us, may that not be as good a way as the one you speak of?”

Pilot. Permit me to ask, did you not in passing through Good Works channel encounter a great thunderstorm, and did you not hear the awful words of a great voice saying, “Without shedding of blood there is no remission,” and such like words?

Stranger. Yes, we certainly did meet with a rather severe storm there; the roar of the thunder too was loud and terrible; and if there were utterances in that roar, they were to us like the sounds of a foreign tongue, which we understood not, and so passed on our way.

By this time the officers and crew of the stranger were toiling heavily to get their boat over the shoals, and when they happened at times to float a little, as the tide rose, they seemed to be busily engaged in striving to work on their way by means of paddles, oars, and such like contrivances; while they strangely appeared to pay much less attention to their sails than to the display of their banners.

Seeing we could not be of any service to them, nor induce them to retrace their steps and enter by the right channel, we hastened on our way, leaving them still stranded and vainly striving to move on.

Then, on looking forward, we perceived that the companion vessel had also run aground on the shoals, some distance ahead.

On drawing near we saw that they too had hoisted the Christian colors, but were, like their companion, heavily laden and very deep in the water.

In answer to our inquiry if they had come through the Strait-of-the-Cross, they replied, “We have come by the Eastern passage, the good old way of true religion, known to all the prophets and fathers of old, even from the beginning of all things. That anciently appointed way of the King, through which so many voyagers have found their way to the Port of Paradise, is the first great passage, out of which the narrow channel—the Strait-of-the-Cross—proceedeth, and then runneth parallel to it, for they are in reality but one channel. Then from this most ancient passage, through which we have come, the sacred cross is always full in view, though at some little distance off. We have therefore all the comfort of it, without going out of our way to reach it. In order, however, that we might have the image of that holy cross in remembrance and constantly before us (to look upon in times of trouble or distress) we have brought with us these sacred models of it, which we purchased in the great Sacerdotal mart, established for ages in that holy channel of Religion, through which all good and pious pilgrims pass.

“There, too, we bought our various vestments and other holy things, without which no voyager can hope to make a happy and successful voyage across this perilous ocean.”

Then we observed in the bow of this singular looking craft a huge gilt cross, another near the stern, and many other crosses displayed in rich colors upon their numerous flags.

In addition to these, a great number of curiously wrought utensils of ecclesiastical make were being arranged for some great ceremonial display. Suddenly the sound of tinkling bells was heard, and clouds of perfumed smoke arose, amid the blaze of huge candles and gorgeous lamps, though it was high noon at the time. Apparently to give further effect to all this, loud strains of music and some strange monotonic chants burst forth, and were continued for some time, while all on board seemed in a state of great activity. Standing before their great crosses and gazing intently thereon, they reverently bowed, then turning round they bowed again and again, a number of times, while many words in some foreign tongue were being rapidly muttered or chanted.

Wondering what connection these extraordinary proceedings could have with the navigation of their vessel, as it appeared to us at the time that, instead of all this, they should have been exerting themselves to clear the shoals by lightening their boat and hoisting their sails to catch the favorable wind that was then blowing, we made inquiry. After we had waited awhile until they had finished their performances, one of the officers replied by first expressing his surprise at our ignorance, and then remarked: “Are not these the rites and ordinances of an ornate service appointed by the good King Elohim, to be observed by all mariners who cross this ocean; and is it not by thus keeping the commandments of the King and following all His directions, we are to work our way safely and surely to the Celestial Shores? Is it not further said, that ‘We have an altar’? And have not our forefathers, even all the holy saints and prophets for many centuries, worshipped the great King by presenting costly gifts and sacrifices on their altars, while clad in their beautiful and becoming robes: strictly in accordance with the commands of the King Himself?

“Even the illustrious King Solomon appointed (under divine direction) the courses of the priests; and we are informed that those priests who served in his grand temple ‘were arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, and stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets’; and, furthermore, that ‘when they lifted up their voice, with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord.’ You see, therefore, from these sacred references that we are but following the example of the good and wise King Solomon, who, in all these holy observances, acted according to divine instruction. Besides, it is by these ornate and beautiful services (in which the King has always taken great delight) that we show our submission and allegiance to His Majesty, and thus obtain His blessing, the forgiveness of our sins, and help to pursue our voyage aright; so that we may be sure of a safe landing in the haven of rest on the other side. By having also the holy symbol of the cross on board (which we perceive you have neglected to display) and always before our eyes, we are still more sure of securing the favor and protection of the mighty Prince Emmanuel, in all emergencies, and especially when we come to the end of our voyage.
“For is it not the symbol of His passion and holy work, and the visible sign and proof that we are His followers? And as they said so, they all made rapid and curious passes with their hands across their bodies and foreheads, keeping their eyes intently fixed upon their crosses and images.”

Judging from their statements and strange observances that these unfortunate mariners were laboring under some sad delusion—as not having entered by the right way they could not have found the needful cleansing and deliverance, secured only at the true Cross—we remarked to the officer who had addressed us, “You have surely mistaken the grand purpose of the King and Prince Emmanuel in the great work of redemption, accomplished on Calvary, and consummated in the triumphant resurrection and ascension of the Prince. For by that glorious work all the ancient types and shadows have been fulfilled and no longer needed; the ordinances and services of a former dispensation superseded; and all the modes of worship and approach to the King entirely changed by the appointment of ‘a new and living way.’ Therefore in the book to the Hebrews we are told how all this marvelous change has been accomplished.

“For it is written, ‘The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.’ And again it hath been said of the King, ‘In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.’

“Now the time of this reformation has come; for our adorable Prince by His death and resurrection has brought it to pass: and ‘after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; for by one offering, he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.’”

Scarcely had we concluded these remarks before several of their officers, dressed in richly colored robes, hurried off to the performance of their ceremonies again. Then followed louder strains of music with more incense burning, and many more bowings, crossings, and various singular genuflections.

Meanwhile they were still aground—their sails flapping idly in the wind—while they apparently made no effort to move on their way. So, we addressed them again: “If a storm should arise while you are still aground, you may be wrecked on these dangerous shoals.”

“Aground!” indignantly replied their chief officer. “Why, no we are not; you are quite mistaken. Sometimes indeed we do lightly touch, as all must do at times, in these shallow waters; but with the aid of the full tide, and strict attention to all our holy services (as we are commanded) we are soon off again: and so we work our way onwards slowly but surely to the better land.”

So there we left them, still struggling, and exhibiting immense activity in their own strange deluded way, but without making the slightest progress; and as there seemed very little hope of our being able to help or lead them into the right way, we sailed on our course, with a fresh pleasant breeze that helped us on apace.

Chapter 13

While pondering on the condition of the two strange vessels we had left on the Proving Shoals, and wondering much at their sad delusions, we descried a fine-looking ship with all sails spread, rapidly approaching us.

When overtaken and we had exchanged signals, we found to our delight that this swift boat was the well-known Mentor, commanded by Captain Faithful, one of the King’s most devoted pilots.

“Very glad to have fallen in with you,” said Captain Faithful, “and I hope it has fared well with you during your voyage hitherto.”

After thanking him for his kind wishes, we recounted our varied experiences: our many wanderings among the islands in the vain search for happiness, our happy deliverance while passing through the Strait-of-the-Cross, the Port of Peace, the new equipment, the counsels of Wisdom, and the many other incidents of our voyage since we started on our new career.

“Well,” said Captain Faithful, “you have indeed much reason to be thankful to our good King for the gracious way in which you have been led; and should ever say with the Psalmist, ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.’”

“Aye, truly,” said Mr. Heart, “we never cease to give praise to our gracious King for leading us in the right way, and delivering us from the strange delusions by which so many of our fellow voyagers appear to be led astray and shipwrecked.

“But what may those two vessels be, which we have just left aground on the Shoals down yonder? Perhaps you may chance to know them.”

Faithful. “Oh yes, I know them well, and often have I visited them there, to try and persuade them to abandon their delusive notions and seek the only true way of deliverance prepared by our blessed Prince. But being wise in their own conceits (and you know what is said of such) they hold to their delusions and will not heed what any of the King’s messengers say to them.

“The first boat you came up to is the Formalist, commanded by Captain Self-righteous, and the second is the Ritualist, commanded by Captain Ceremonial. The Captains are first cousins, and both are from the same town of Vain-conceit, in the land of Mortality.

“Being ‘heady and high-minded’ they greatly disliked going round the Rocky Point of Repentance, and through the narrow channel that leadeth to the Cross. In the pride and blindness of their hearts, they have deemed the Prince’s own appointed channel too humiliating and self-denying. So they and their false teachers, blind leaders of the blind, aided by Abaddon the pirate, disguised as one of the King’s pilots, have sought out many devious ways of their own finding, by which in their presumptuous folly they expect to reach the Celestial Shores: even without going by the King’s appointed course—the only way, as you know, by which any mariner can ever hope to reach those happy shores.

“But there they are, stranded on those shoals, where they have been for many a day. And the most extraordinary part of their delusion is that they fancy they are moving steadily onwards all the while, by means of the peculiar efforts they are making, although they are fast aground most of the time, except when the current bears them downwards.

“And there they will remain, unless they change their tactics, until in one of the awful storms that frequently sweep over those testing shoals, they will be carried down (accelerated by the force of the strong current) into the great whirlpool below, and lost forever.

“It is of these our righteous Prince says, ‘Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven,’ and again, ‘This people draweth nigh unto Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.’

“Now if you will just look for a moment through your telescope across those great shoals, you will see many other vessels of the same class stranded there. Yonder you may see the ‘Foolish Virgins,’ the ‘Man-Not-Having-a-Wedding-Garment,’ the ‘Stoney-Ground-Hearer,’ the ‘Sandy-Foundation’; and further down the stream the ‘Scribe’ and ‘Pharisee,’ the ‘Clouds-Without-Water,’ the ‘Wandering Stars,’ the ‘Spots in Your Feasts,’ and many others of the same sort.

“Sometimes, I regret to say, many true followers of our Prince may be seen keeping company with such as the Ritualist, and joining with them in the observance of their antiquated ceremonies; being deluded and fascinated by those showy performances, the decorated vestments, the rich ornaments, the high music, the apparent zeal and self-denial, the ‘voluntary humility,’ and many other such sensuous attractions.

“Thus they often drift far out of their proper course and suffer loss; but through the abounding mercy and goodness of our gracious Prince, they are rescued in the end, and taken out of the scene, and finally saved; for you must know that our Prince never loses even one of His true followers.

“At the same time,” continued Captain Faithful, “it is one of the most distressing sights on all this broad ocean to see such hosts of self-deluded voyagers, whose sole trust is in their self-righteous performances, stranded upon those shoals and shifting quicksand, every moment in danger of being swept away by the fury of the storms and the rapid current into the maelstrom below; while, in their superstitious blindness and delusion, they know not—or do not realize—their danger.

“But now turn your glass in the opposite direction towards the way in which you are to proceed on your voyage, and you will see another sort of vessel.”

“Ah,” said Mr. Thoughts, who had quickly turned his glass in that direction, “I see a somewhat weather-beaten vessel with torn sails and rigging sadly out of trim, making very slow progress and taking short tacks as if laboring in distress: what may that vessel be?”

Faithful. “Well, that is the Never-Sure, under the command of poor Captain Weak-faith.”

Thoughts. “Indeed, but has he come by the Way-of-the-Cross?”

Faithful. “Oh yes, for he is certainly a true believer, and when passing through that channel and in the Port of Peace, there was not a happier crew to be found anywhere, or a boat in better trim. But soon afterward, as they were happily sailing on their way, they fell among the pirates, by whom they were shamefully handled and robbed. The pirates were led in the attack by the Doubting Demon; and the wily Captain Lucifer, getting on board, did them much mischief, maltreating their officers, seriously injuring their compass and other instruments, and causing them to lose their ship’s papers, their precious passports. Ever since then they have been in great perplexity and doubt and are never sure of anything. They are not even sure that they ever came through the strait at all, or were cleansed there; and their officers often question one another on the subject in sad confusion, as it seems to them more like a dream than a reality. Besides, there is much discord among the officers and crew, in consequence of this doubt and confusion, and they are perpetually wrangling with one another. I have often tried to help them out of their difficulties, but it is hard to cure them of the injuries inflicted by the robbers: as most of their officers have been frequently sick and laid up, and sometimes quite unfit for duty. Now steer in that direction and join yourself to the Never-Sure, hear what they have to say for themselves, and see if you can be of service to poor Weak-faith and his unfortunate crew; while I go yonder to the aid of another vessel, that appears to be putting up signals of distress.”

We then put on more sail and hastened on to overtake the Never-Sure, and in a very short time we were near enough to hail them.

But as we drew near, they tried to avoid us, and we could see by the commotion on board that they appeared to be afraid of us, suspecting doubtless that we were pirates.

After the exchange of many signals we were, however, permitted to draw up alongside, and we then inquired for the Captain.

One of the officers replied that he and the first mate were below and had been confined to their cabins for some time through ill-health. We also ascertained that the owner, Mr. Faint-heart, was likewise ill, and had been in a low condition for a long while; and further, that their pilot, Mr. Sore-conscience, had unfortunately become somewhat deranged, and was at times so wild and violent as to keep them in a great state of fear and alarm and this, he added, had happened to him ever since he had been ill-treated by the pirates, who had boarded them.

The second officer then told us that in consequence of these troubles he had been compelled to assume the command.

Just then, on hearing this parley, the owner and the Captain, Mr. Weak-faith, struggled on deck, both looking very weak and faint.

“We are glad to learn,” said our Mr. Thoughts, “that you, like ourselves, are on the way to the Celestial Shores.”

“Well yes, we hope so,” said Mr. Sad-feelings, the second officer then in command. “We certainly set out with that intention, but I am afraid we have wandered out of the right way—if indeed we were ever in it—and may therefore never get there.”

“But you came by the Way-of-the-Cross,” said Mr. Thoughts, “and found deliverance there, did you not?”

“Ah, that is a sore point with us,” said Sad-feelings. “Some of our officers think (but are not sure) that we did come that way, but others think we did not, and that we have only been dreaming about it.”

“But I sometimes think,” joined in Mr. Faint-heart, “that we did come by that channel (though I would not presume to be certain of it) for I do seem, at times, to remember something of the high tower of Mercy at the Rocky point, and the two grand lighthouses of Grace and Truth, at the entrance of the Strait, as well as the joy we experienced at the Cross. But still, how can we be sure of anything, when our worthy pilot, Mr. Sore-conscience—on whose judgment we have always relied so much—questions, doubts, and finds fault with everything.”

“I cannot but doubt and question,” broke in Mr. Sore-conscience with much severity, “when I see the navigation of our boat so mismanaged by those who have forcibly taken the command—when, moreover, I see our second mate, Mr. Sad-feelings—who is as changeable as the wind—assuming the direction of everything, while he is being looked up to by nearly all on board; even by our poor sick Captain, as well as by the Owner himself. And then, with no better assistants than our restless first mate, Mr. Anxious-thought, and Mr. Fickle-emotions, the boatswain, tacking about in such an uncertain and hesitating manner—showing that neither of them have any confidence in what they are doing, which is more than enough to try the temper of anyone—I cannot but think that we may never have got into the right way, nor have been properly equipped for this important voyage. Their behavior is surely unlike what might be expected from heaven-bound mariners; and all our past experience too is entirely against us, for it has been nothing but failure hitherto. Then again, look at our steering compass suddenly flying round from one point to another, and quite unreliable. Surely such a changeable instrument could not have been a gift from the King, as we have been told! Besides, what does the sickness and debility of our Captain, and indeed of everyone on board, mean, if we have been, as you say, renewed and strengthened for this voyage. Moreover, where are the precious records you speak of—our credentials, in fact—which were always to be to us an indisputable assurance of our deliverance and acceptance by the King?”

Here the accusing pilot was interrupted by Mr. Faint-heart—who was much affected by this last remark—saying, “Those important records, I am sorry to say, cannot at present be found for in the fright and confusion occasioned by the visit of those dreadful pirates, they were hurriedly stowed away; and unfortunately no one knows where they were put.”

“Just so,” said Sore-conscience. “They are lost, and so we have nothing to show who or what we are, or whither we are bound. How then can we be sure of having been directed into the right course, or of ever reaching that Celestial land, where all the good and pious find a haven of rest? Those who are in the right way show it by their right behavior. For is it not written in our Directory, ‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God’?”

Thoughts. “All very true no doubt, but these facts looked at from another point of view do bear another application. Now it is certainly evident, from all that you have said, that you take no pleasure in evil, but on the contrary hate it; that you always desire to do that which is right and good, and are not like those to whom ‘wickedness is sweet in their mouths, and who hide it under their tongues’; that you are rather like the man in the seventh of Romans, who ‘delights in the law of God after the inward man,’ (a sure sign of his being a true believer) but who at the same time lamentingly says, ‘For that which I do, I allow not; for what I would, that do I not, but what I hate, that I do,’ and ‘When I would do good, evil is present with me.’”

Faint-heart. “That exactly describes our condition.”

Thoughts. “Well, then let me ask, Do you believe that Prince Emmanuel has prepared a way of deliverance for all who believe?”

Weak-faith. “Certainly we do believe that great fact generally, but we are not sure that our belief or faith is of the right kind; indeed we fear it is not, and it is that for one thing that gives us so much anxiety.”

Thoughts. “But mark this, you are not asked to believe or trust in your own faith (which would be trusting in yourselves, in whom there is no good thing) but to believe and trust in the declared word of the blessed Prince Himself. Now hear what He says: ‘He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.’ To have the right kind of faith, is to have confidence in the right person; that is, not in ourselves, nor anyone like ourselves, but in the adorable person of the Son of God.

“All who take Him at His word, and thus simply believe or trust in Him, have at once, as He says, ‘Everlasting life:’ and it is their happy privilege ever after to know they have this life; as the beloved Apostle says, ‘These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life.’”

Weak-faith. “That is all very beautiful, and no doubt true, and I wish we could realize it as you do. But is it not presumption to be so sure of these things; especially when we remember the many admonitions we have in the Word to ‘take heed lest we fall and become castaways’?”

Thoughts. “But it is not presumption to believe what God Himself says: indeed, not to believe His Word is to commit the dreadful sin of making God a liar! as it is written, ‘He that believeth not God, hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.’ Now what is this record of God? Is it not that all who believe have eternal life? ‘And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.’

“We may, it is true, through negligence, wander out of our course on this broad ocean, and bring upon ourselves much sorrow and loss of communion with our King, which we should ever strive to avoid; but the words you quote do not imply that a true believer could finally be castaway and lost forever. That is impossible, for God Himself says so: ‘Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to the hope set before us.’ Thus you see our consolation—our assurance of eternal safety—does not rest on our own thoughts, feelings or emotions, which are as changeable as the wind, but on the solid rock of God’s own word, confirmed to us even by an oath.”

Weak-faith. “True, no doubt, and very beautiful again; it cheers one to hear such words, but may not those who have once believed, ‘fall from grace’ and be lost after all?”

Thoughts. “Those words, so often misapplied, do not teach that doctrine, but give us quite another line of thought. Those who have ‘fallen from grace,’ are those to whom Christ has become of no effect, because they have fallen or gone back from the way of salvation by grace in Christ, to seek for justification by the law (as some of the Galatians did by going back to Judaism); that was, to work out their salvation by trying to keep the law, instead of solely depending upon the grace and righteousness of God in Christ: as we are told elsewhere, ‘For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.’”

Weak-faith. “Well, but in the book to the Hebrews, are we not told that it is possible for those who have been once enlightened to fall away, and never be renewed again?”

Thoughts. “Very solemn words indeed, but often sadly misinterpreted, in the way you now present them. Many, alas! who have been enlightened, who have tasted—only tasted—of the heavenly gift, and of the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come; and who, as mere professors in the assemblies of the saints (where the Holy Spirit abides) may have been thus made partakers of His Presence, yet may nevertheless fall away, and never be again renewed unto repentance. Repentance, bear in mind, not salvation, for such were never truly saved. Like the stony-ground hearers who hear the word and straightway with joy receive it, but endure only for a while, because they have no root in themselves; and when tribulation or persecution arise, they are offended and fall away. These are the voyagers who in momentary alarm for their safety have gone as far as the Rocky point of Repentance, (as the Watcher there told us) have held on there for a brief season, and then, through fear of man and unbelief, have let go their hold, and have gone down again into the world’s great stream, whence it would be impossible ever to bring them back. But they never reached the wondrous Cross, where full deliverance and eternal life are given to all who find their way there; for if they had, they never would have thus finally fallen away.

“Hear what our blessed Lord says: ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.’

“These assuring and comforting words of the Lord forever settle everything as to Salvation and eternal life; and though heaven and earth shall pass away not one of His words shall pass away. Let me also remind you that the life of all true believers is ‘Hid with Christ in God,’ and well indeed it is that this precious treasure is not entrusted to their own care and keeping, and thus be liable at any moment to be lost; but is securely treasured up in heaven, even in the safe keeping of the ever faithful Prince Himself.
“Moreover their names are written in the ‘Book of Life.’ Can they ever be blotted out from that Book of Heaven? Never, it is utterly impossible, seeing that the One who inscribed them there never changes, whose decree altereth not. And though unfortunately you have lost for a while your precious rolls, and the comfortable assurance they gave you, remember they were recorded in heaven on the very day you came to the Cross and were saved, for it is graciously written that you and all true believers are ‘Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.’”

Weak-faith. “Most beautiful again and most consoling indeed, if we could only be sure that we were among the happy number of those whom you describe, but how are we to know it?”

Thoughts. “By taking God at His word and simply trusting in Him; for His word—and not your own poor thoughts and feelings—settles everything, and never can change.”

Weak-faith. “Still are we not told to ‘work out our own salvation with fear and trembling,’ to fight our way to heaven, and that it is only those who ‘overcome’ that ‘shall inherit eternal life?’”

Thoughts. “Very true words, and needful too when rightly understood, but which are also often sadly misapplied in the manner you have now used them. They are never addressed to unbelievers, but ‘To all the Saints in Christ Jesus,’ who have already obtained salvation. These saints, or believers, are therefore admonished to work it out practically, into their daily walk and conversation; because ‘It is God which worketh in you both to will, and to do of His good pleasure.’ In other words, show outside in your lives, what God is working within you. You see, they are not told to work for their salvation, but to work it out (because they already possess it) into every detail of their daily life; and thus be ‘lights in the world.’ Then again, it is surely not sinners or the unconverted that are told to fight the good fight of faith, and to overcome. Unbelievers are ‘dead in trespasses and sins’; how then could the dead fight such spiritual battles? Moreover, who is he that overcometh, or gains the victory over the ‘rulers of the darkness of this world and the wicked spirits in high places,’ but he that by faith takes hold of the arm of Omnipotence, whose ‘strength is made perfect in weakness:’ as it is written, ‘For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith, Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the son of God.’ Thus you see that these words again are exclusively and appropriately addressed, not to impenitent sinners, but to those who by coming in by the way of the Cross have been eternally saved, born again, and made the children of God; and who are therefore exhorted again and again in the Word, to ‘walk worthy of the high vocation wherewith they are called’; to advance steadily in their career, to grow in grace and in the exhibition of all the virtues, so as to please and glorify the gracious King, and thus bear a holy testimony to the truth, and to the righteousness and goodness of all our holy King’s ways.”

Faint-heart. “These precious words of truth do greatly cheer us, and I for one begin to see that we have been sadly mistaken, ever since we were injured by the pirates, in looking at ourselves so much, instead of looking above to our chief Captain: and remembering all that He has accomplished for us, and what He ever is to us, as our Saviour, guide, and protector.”

Thoughts. “Truly, our eyes should ever be lifted up to Him for everything; in all our progress as voyagers over this dangerous ocean.”

By this time it was becoming evident that the light of truth was beginning to brighten the countenance of all on board the Never-sure; and they at once began to trim their sails, and attend to their steering, so as to improve their hitherto uncertain sailing. And we had the pleasure of seeing them now making some little progress on their way.

Still, as their movements were yet somewhat slow, and land appearing in sight ahead, we prepared to hasten on. Before parting company however, our Pilot, Mr. Conscience, kindly admonished them by saying, “Earnestly pray that the Holy Presence, whom you have so much grieved by your dishonorable doubts and fears, may restore your confidence, re-adjust your faith-compass, and enable you to fling all your doubts and misgivings to the winds; so that you may henceforth sail steadily onward in your heavenly course. Ever bear in mind these three things:

“First. That the certainty of your eternal salvation wholly depends upon the accomplished work of the blessed Prince Emmanuel. And to think of adding one thought, feeling, or action to that work is to discredit it, and thereby dishonor the Prince. You have only to accept it by faith, as an absolute gift.

“Second. That the assurance of it depends entirely upon the unalterable word of Jehovah Himself (and not on your own feelings or emotions) who hath said, ‘Whosoever believeth in Him shall never perish, but have everlasting life.’

“Third. That your enjoyment of it now, whilst on your voyage to the haven of rest on the other side, will depend in great measure on your correct behavior as becometh saints, and on not grieving the Holy One, who is ever with you.

“Spread all your sails to catch the faintest breath of heaven, have your helm firmly in hand, your eyes fixed on Him, the pole of attraction to which your compass ever pointeth, and steer right across this strong current, on your appointed course; strictly charge the watch to be ever on the lookout, and let your lights be always brightly burning. Forget not to take your daily sights from the Sun of Righteousness, and be especially attentive in listening to the gentlest whisper of the Holy Presence, and be always guided thereby. For many, by neglecting these important matters, have drifted sadly out of their true course, and then have found themselves enveloped in bewildering darkness, the sun hidden by dark clouds from their sight, and they have thus been deprived of the enjoyment of that happy assurance as to their safety, with which they started. Lift now your drooping heads, look up to the heavens above, and try with confidence to sing:

“‘Our life is hid with Jesus,

Safe in the heavens above;

Who gave His life to save us;

How can we doubt His love?

His Word that never faileth,

Seals our security;

He that on Him believeth,

Shall endless glory see.’”

Then bidding them farewell, with the hope of soon meeting again on the Celestial Shore, we proceeded on our way.

Chapter 14

As we still continued to sail over the great Proving Shoals, we passed through vast fleets of vessels that had run aground, struggling in their own poor deluded way, yet unconsciously drifting all the while nearer and nearer to the great Whirlpool; while here and there only a few well-appointed barks could be seen briskly sailing on their way, evidently bound to the Port of Paradise.

Busily engaged among these stranded fleets we could see Captain Faithful and several other King’s pilots, striving to afford assistance by directing those mistaken mariners into the right course.

When we had sailed on some distance towards the land we had recently sighted, a bold rocky coast gradually loomed up before us, stretching along the horizon right across our course, with apparently no opening or channel through which we might pass; and the nearer we drew thereto, the darker and more forbidding did this high rocky land appear.

Hesitating for a while as we surveyed the long coast in front of us in search of some opening, we at length deemed it prudent to lay to, rather than run the risk of going on the rocks. While thus standing still in some perplexity, we were much relieved in seeing the Mentor making for us; and soon had the pleasure of hearing the cheery voice of our friend saluting us again.

“Why do you hesitate to proceed?” inquired Captain Faithful.

“Because we see nothing but a high rocky coast before us, with no opening whatever in view.”

“Look again carefully with your glasses, further to windward,” said Captain Faithful, “as you have been making a little too much lee way of late, and you will see a narrow channel between two high cliffs, through which you will have to pass.

“Some parts of that channel you will find very narrow and difficult of navigation, so that you will need to look up continually for help to thread your way through it.”

Thoughts. “What then may this gloomy looking land be, to which we have now come?”

Faithful. “Gloomy looking it certainly is, and many wish to find some way round it, so as to avoid that trying channel, but if you steer carefully you will realize while passing through it a rich store of happy experience and blessing, such as you have never yet known; for it is the King’s appointed way, although it looks so narrow and forbidding.

“That much dreaded land consists of two islands known as Trial and Tribulation, and the narrow channel between them is called Conflict Channel, which lies in the direct course of all voyagers to the Celestial Shores.

“Two pillars mark the entrance, and if you will look up your Directory you will find full particulars of the channel, and how you are to pass through it. But see, yonder comes the Never-sure, now pressing on more steadily than formerly, and improving his navigation wonderfully. Your talk with them the other day seems to have done them much good; for ever since then, their steering has been much better, and their movements not so irregular and uncertain as they used to be. As we passed a while ago, we heard them loudly repeating: ‘He that believeth hath everlasting life and shall never perish’; and the ‘Word of the Lord is sure,’ for ‘God is not a man that He should lie, nor the Son of Man that He should repent’; and Mr. Faint-heart actually told us that they were now thinking of changing their name to that of Humble-confidence.”

We then told them we were delighted to hear it. “But they may get alarmed again at the sight of the dark-looking land ahead, so we will hasten to cheer and direct them, as they approach the narrow channel.”

Now after beating up to windward for some time (for we had somewhat unsuspectingly drifted with the tide), we came at length opposite the channel pointed out to us by Captain Faithful. Two high somber cliffs now stood before us, and we made out the two peculiar pillars that marked the entrance into the channel. “It will be difficult to enter in there,” said our Captain, “and those dark rocks on either side forebode trouble and danger, I fear.”

“I wish,” said Mr. Feelings, “some other way had been presented to us, by which we could have gone round those dreary looking islands. I certainly do not like the look of that intricate channel, fringed as it appears to be with such ugly cliffs;” and in fear we again hesitated to go on.

“Come,” said Mr. Conscience, “let us draw nearer in, the Captain and myself will take the helm, and by steering carefully we may find the channel not so difficult as it appears; moreover, we may be guided as we proceed, for certainly it is the course marked out for us on the Royal charts.”

Then cautiously approaching the two pillars, we saw that they were directing posts, placed there by the King to point out the channel.

The pillar on the right side, which stood on a projecting rock on Trial Island, had inscribed thereon, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you”; and that on the left side on Tribulation island had the words, “We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God:” and “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

“Ah,” said Mr. Heart, with a tremulous voice, “those are indeed words of solemn import; but let us remember that we have neither the power nor the skill to direct our own way; therefore it is that our wise and gracious Father hath appointed our way for us.”

Fixing our eyes on those two pillars and considering attentively the startling words thereon, a silent feeling of awe, not unmixed with fear, came over us all as we slowly advanced towards the dark opening before us.

But before essaying to enter the channel, we endeavored to cheer one another by heartily singing our well-known Mariner’s Hymn:

“Why those fears! Behold ‘tis Jesus

Holds the helm, and guides the ship;

Spread the sails, and catch the breezes

Sent to waft us through the deep,

To the regions

Where the mourners cease to weep.

“Led by faith, we brave the ocean;

Led by faith, the storm defy;

Calm amidst tumultuous motion,

Knowing that the Lord is nigh:

Waves obey Him,

And the storms before Him fly.

“Rendered safe by His protection,

We shall pass the watery waste,

Trusting to His wise direction

We shall gain the port at last;

And with wonder,

Think on toils and dangers past.

“O what pleasures there await us!

There the tempests cease to roar:

There it is that those who hate us

Can molest our peace no more:

Trouble ceases

On that tranquil happy shore.”

Just then the voice of the Holy One was heard very distinctly in the saloon, saying, “When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.”

“Have you heard that?” exclaimed both Mr. Heart and Mr. Feelings at the same moment. “How delightful!”

“Aye, indeed,” said Mr. Conscience, “they are full to overflowing of consolation.”

“How sweet the music of that voice,

That cheers, and makes us all rejoice.

Gives courage to the fainting heart;

And bids our fears at once depart.”

Fresh life and animation were infused into all on board by these cheering words. All hands now went to their work with alacrity and stood ready to obey the Commander’s orders with the utmost promptness.

Glancing astern for a moment, as we were passing between the two pillars, we beheld a large number of vessels in the offing that had sailed near enough to make out the channel and had then quickly turned back in alarm, to seek some other passage. But we were glad to see the Never-sure venturing forward, under the guidance of Captain Faithful.

Now, as soon as we got fairly into the channel, we saw that it was extremely narrow, as Captain Faithful had told us, and that certain parts were shrouded in darkness, owing to the projection of the high rocky cliffs on either side. Looking forward along the channel, as far as we could see with our telescopes, we also discovered that on the shore of Trial Island to our right, a number of rocky headlands jutted far out, apparently closing the channel altogether in those parts; while on our left, on Tribulation Island, there appeared several formidable-looking forts on the heights above, extending along the whole coast of that dreary island, and fully commanding the channel in every part. These discoveries at first caused some little flutter of excitement among our officers, but when we remembered the cheering words of the Holy Presence we calmly and quietly sailed on our way.

The shades of evening now closing around as we entered the Strait—the heavens above however being all clear and the stars shining brightly—we noticed that strange flaring lights and unearthly forms seemed to be flitting incessantly over those dark cliffs, which, with deep hollow sounds (such as sometimes precedes a catastrophe), had the effect of depressing our spirits not a little, in spite of all our efforts to bear up.

This depression was more especially observable in Mr. Heart and Mr. Feelings, who retired together to the saloon for prayer, where they continued for some time in earnest supplication. Then later on, as we were with solemn silence threading our way through the intricate Strait, we heard as it were voices below in quiet conversation, and on listening attentively we distinguished the clear sweet voice of the Holy Presence replying to Mr. Heart, “Fear thou not for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”

Our sad depression, our fears and anxieties, now vanished; the vague terrors that haunted us were gone, and we calmly rested in a quiet state of simple trustfulness.

On the morrow, we sighted on a rugged prominence close to the edge of the channel one of the large forts of Tribulation Island and were soon abreast of its grim-looking battlements. This we found to be the much-dreaded fort and castle of Persecution, in charge of a most cruel and relentless giant, whose name was Intolerance, who had imbrued his hands in the blood of thousands of saints, and was moreover the terror of all those regions. As soon as we had drawn near to the towers of this fort, the giant, surrounded by a troop of retainers, demanded in a gruff voice who we were, whence we came, and then asked us to produce our passports.

Not fully understanding the purport of his demands, we desired to know expressly what was required of us.

“Know you not,” said the giant, in an angry tone, “that all who pass this way are required to show that they have been fully accredited as loyal and true servants of the King, by the duly constituted authorities, whom the King has regularly appointed to see that all the rules of His Majesty’s service are correctly observed?”

“We have,” replied the Pilot, “come hither by the King’s own appointed way, the Strait-of-the-Cross; and there received our commission direct from the King Himself, sealed with his own Royal Seal: and were moreover there and then accredited as the true servants of the ever-blessed Prince Emmanuel: yea, we were even admitted (through the amazing condescension of the King) to the high privilege of being considered not only loyal subjects but members of the King’s household, and thus to be forever known as His children.”

“That may, or may not be true,” said the giant, “but we have only your word for it, and that is no proof of the truth of what you say. You should therefore know that the King has appointed high commissioners and ministers of state as His deputies down here to testify to the truth of all such professions, and to give proper passports, signed by them in the name of the King, to all who desire a passage this way to the Celestial Shores.

“But it is evident from the colors you are now flying that you have neglected to procure the required credentials and passports from the properly constituted authorities, for they are not the true regulation colors.

“You are thus showing your deliberate disobedience of such high authorities, and I must therefore demand of you to haul down your colors forthwith and adopt such as we are authorized to furnish you with.”

“Our colors, as well as our credentials,” replied our Captain, “we received direct from our Prince at the Port of Peace; and I trust we shall never be induced to haul them down or hoist any others in their place: neither do we intend to acknowledge any other authority than that of our chief Captain, Prince Emmanuel.”

On hearing these words, the countenance of the giant changed, and in great wrath he ordered his chief Captain to prepare his forces to attack us. This officer was the well-known Captain Bigotry, a fierce and most unmerciful creature who had grievously maltreated and slain many of the King’s servants on their way through this passage.

But before attacking us, the giant, changing his voice, accosted us again in a milder and more persuasive tone, saying: “If you will but turn aside into this wide and safe creek, and place yourselves under my orders, it shall be well with you. In here you will find many voyagers like yourselves, who have found it both safe and convenient to turn in hither.

“In them you will also find good companionship, and you can together take many delightful excursions to Pleasureland and the isles of the sea, which are not far off; and afterward at your leisure—as others do —journey on to the better land on the other side, by a much easier and safer passage, that leads out of this creek on the further side.”

Looking for a moment in the direction pointed out to us, we saw a long and very crooked creek extending far inland, crowded with vessels of every description at anchor, and flying a variety of strange colors.

Then, turning to proceed on our way and get clear of the fort, as our Captain and Mr. Conscience had resolved not to give any heed to the giant’s enticing words, we were immediately attacked by the forces under Captain Bigotry, and a shower of arrows was rained down upon us, causing much alarm on board. Then, as we still held on our way, they redoubled their efforts to stop our progress and induce us to strike our colors. Though this sudden and unexpected onslaught was very trying to us all, we still kept our colors closely hauled up and flying bravely in the wind: nor did our enemy ever succeed in touching them. Several of the boats which had been anchored in the creek now sallied forth to pursue and attack us also, and did all they could to hinder and annoy us.

Meanwhile, as the fire became hotter and hotter, and some of our officers were trembling with fear at the fierceness of the assault, we began to gain a little courage when we heard Mr. Heart engaged in fervent prayer again.

This was all our defense, and we needed no other, as we were at such times enabled to say, “If God be for us, who can be against us”; and we remembered as well the encouraging words, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Moreover, when our fears were at their highest, and Mr. Heart was saying in his distress, “Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from them that persecute me,” we heard the voice of the Holy Presence comforting him with the words of our Prince, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

This sent a fresh glow of energy through every one, and even Mr. Feelings, who before had been the most distressed, could now say, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear.”

Having sailed some distance past the great fort, our enemies still continuing to pursue and harass us persistently, we discovered, to our dismay, that we were approaching three other smaller forts or batteries that were in communication with the larger fort or castle of Persecution.

The first of these was Derision battery, to which we now became fully exposed; and as soon as we were under its walls, we were challenged as before, but this time by two diminutive, ill-natured, and very surly looking officers, named Contempt and Scorn, who had charge of the battery.

Seeing we paid no attention whatever to their insolent speeches, but kept straight on our course, they pelted us vigorously with very sharp stones, that fell as thick as hail around us. Though no one was very much hurt by this fresh attack, yet these sharp stones flying so continuously in our midst caused us much pain and annoyance, and we were sadly tried while striving to ward them off with our shields.

Trying however as all this was to everyone on board, it was not without advantage to us, as we now began to learn some of the salutary lessons spoken of by Captain Faithful—such as being patient in tribulation, earnest in prayer, and even taking pleasure in persecution for Christ’s sake; which by heavenly assistance we were enabled to do.

A little further on, just as the fire of sharp stones began to slacken, we came directly in front of the second battery, which was called Fort Slander, commanded by a black-visaged and most villainous-looking officer, who went by the name of Captain Falsehood, a leading chief in the service of Abaddon the great pirate.

This hideous monster was also the commander of a notorious company of desperate ruffians, known as The Black Band of Liars, who had done incalculable mischief over all parts of that ocean, and had caused many heartrending shipwrecks.

As soon as Captain Falsehood caught sight of us, he shouted out, “I know who you are, rebels and impudent imposters, who dare to disregard the legally constituted authorities of these realms.” And, without giving us a moment’s time to reply to his false accusations, he ordered his company to assail us; which they did most furiously, sorely wounding some of our officers with their keen arrows.

They also with their catapults flung much filthy mud and slime upon us, so as to bedaub us therewith, and thus make us, if possible, odious in the sight of all who beheld us.

This was a grievous trial that saddened us all greatly, especially Mr. Heart, who hastened below, much distressed and sickened by the filthy odors of the slime heaped upon us by that cruel band of liars.

The channel, too, was so narrow that we could not escape out of the reach of their diabolical assaults, so that, as we hurried on, they persistently pursued us along the cliffs and in their boats, pressing us sorely on all sides.

Thus they continued to harass us until we got close under the ramparts of the third battery, and then joined their forces with our other enemies there, to persecute us with increased fury. By this time we had come in front of the much-dreaded fort Hatred, in charge of a most bitter enemy of the King, and of all who set out in earnest for the Celestial shores, whose name was Hate-Good.

The sight of our colors, still flying as plainly as ever, greatly excited his ire, for he and all his crew detested everything that bore the marks of the King. He then forthwith ordered his trumpeter to summon all our foes from the other forts and the boats in pursuit, to unite their forces in tormenting us, and crushing us altogether if they could.

As we watched these astounding efforts of our enemies to hurt and annoy us, we could not help wondering at this display of their implacable hatred towards us; and Mr. Feelings, who was almost overwhelmed with fear, exclaimed, “What have we, inoffensive mariners who are peaceably sailing on our way to the heavenly land, done to provoke such cruel hatred and furious wrath against us? For we injure no one, but simply declare ourselves to be the servants of our good and gracious King—the omnipotent Creator and Ruler of the universe—and followers of our adorable Prince Emmanuel.”

“It is indeed marvelous,” said Mr. Understanding, “that we and all the true servants of the King should thus be so bitterly hated and persecuted; but it has ever been so since the day that the wicked Cain killed his own brother. Our blessed Prince Himself—the only perfect Man that ever lived on the earth—endured all this, and much more, when He made His ever-memorable voyage across the Ocean of Time, and through this very channel too.

“The naturally depraved human heart is ever opposed to the King, as well as to all who bear His name, and indeed to everything that bears the stamp of divine goodness and piety; because its own innate wickedness is thereby reproved, by coming in contact with the light.

“Then behind all this—ever prompting and urging on—stands the great adversary of souls, the “god of this world and prince of the power of the air,” who is the avowed enemy of the King.

“He and his legions are the ruling spirits of all our foes at the forts, and of those who have pursued us in this channel.

“All this antagonism is, moreover, but a part of the great conflict between the powers of light and darkness, that was begun (as far as this world was concerned) in the Garden of Eden, some thousands of years ago, and which has been uninterruptedly continued ever since. But we know—and are exceedingly glad to know it—that our blessed Prince shall in the end be completely victorious: for He shall put all foes under His feet.”

While still pondering over this strange opposition to the good King Elohim and His servants, our enemies renewed their attack upon us, surrounding us on all sides to try and stop our progress or turn us back.

Greatly alarmed for the moment, and scarcely knowing what to do, though we still managed to ward off their arrows with our excellent shields, we again listened for the encouraging voice of Mr. Heart in prayer—our only resource in all these times of trouble. For it always came to pass that whenever our eyes were thus “lifted up to the hills from whence came our help,” we could rest in quiet and happy confidence; being perfectly assured that though our foes might even destroy our frail vessel, they never could touch or destroy any one on board.

At this trying time, we not only heard Mr. Heart earnestly asking for help, but soon afterward we heard him as if calmly engaged in discoursing with the Holy Presence, while the storm of persecution was still raging around us. Mr. Heart had been saying, “How long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things; and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage.” Then in reply we heard the gracious and reassuring words: “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” “Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the arrow that flieth by day. A thousand shall fall by thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee.”

Though we had been much cast down on account of the severity of our persecutions—most of our officers being very faint and depressed through fear—the renewal of strength and animation imparted by these repeated assurances was quickly felt by every one: and our Captain was more than ever resolved to hold on his way with full sails on, and with all our banners flying as heretofore.

By this time, we were drawing near to a high projecting rock that jutted out into the channel, which if we rounded would somewhat screen us from our foes.

So with all speed we drove on to reach this welcome refuge; and with a strong wind blowing, we succeeded in passing quickly round the point, and then found ourselves in a quiet, sheltered cove on the other side.

Now, after resting awhile, we began to look around us, and on the face of the high rock that sheltered us, we discovered, painted in large bright letters, the words: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil things against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven.”

Great indeed was our rejoicing that day, as we feasted our eyes upon those precious and charming words of our blessed Prince Emmanuel. We felt now more than amply compensated for the hardships we had endured and began to realize the blessedness of that experience which Captain Faithful had mentioned to us.

Then on that happy and memorable day, we entered this record in our logbook.

“How sweet to mortal ears the sound of praise,

That men to fellow men are wont to raise,

Who seek by numerous plans, this praise to win,

In arts of peace, or in loud battle’s din;

And chase that shadowy phantom night and day,

The breath of man, that flits so soon away.

But richer, nobler far, supremely good,

The honor and the praise that come from God.

‘Tis highest joy on earth to hear His voice,

Which says, ‘Be glad, exceedingly rejoice’;

For great indeed is the reward in heaven,

That shall to suffering saints at last be given.”

This then was our abounding joy in that day of deliverance, as we happily rested for a while beneath the shelter of that high rock.

Chapter 15

Now when we had somewhat recovered from the fiery trial through which we had lately passed, and had put ourselves in sailing trim again, we continued our voyage; having still further to go through the difficult and trying Conflict channel.

We had not however proceeded very far, before we observed that the channel appeared to widen before us into two distinct passages; the wider channel on our left slightly diverging from the narrower one straight before us.

At the point where the two channels diverged, there was a small porter’s lodge, by the front door of which stood an aged porter. Hailing him, our Captain desired to know which of the two channels was the right course that led to the Port of Paradise.

“Both,” replied the porter, “lead directly to the Celestial land. But this on the left, as you may perceive, is by far the widest and most pleasant of the two. The other channel is rough and very narrow; and moreover studded with troublesome shoals and rocks, that make it very difficult to navigate. All who attempt it find it extremely trying—even if they ever manage to get through it at all. Indeed, very few ever choose to pass that way, while thousands take the smoother channel, as you may observe by the numerous boats down yonder at the present moment, pleasantly sailing on their way.

“My master too, the lord of the manor, has his beautiful palace only a little way off the shore of that smooth channel, in the midst of the most-lovely scenery. If you will but call in passing at the palace pier, where you may see a number of vessels moored just now, my lord will be glad to receive you as guests at his mansion; as he loveth to entertain strangers, peradventure, as he says, he may thereby ‘entertain angels unawares.’”

Looking down the broader channel, we now perceived that it was skirted on either side by most beautiful landscapes of green fields and woods and mossy banks; while the palace of the lord of the manor stood on a rising ground, embowered in fine shrubberies and flower gardens of the richest hues.

The sweet singing of many birds also seemed to enliven the enchanting scene; and all, except Mr. Conscience, being tempted by the attractiveness of the place, were inclined to proceed at once by that channel.

“If it goes exactly in the same direction as the other channel, as the porter says it does,” remarked Mr. Feelings, “we may as well go by it; for it certainly appears far easier, and more pleasant to navigate than the other.”

“Truly,” said Thoughts, “we need not put ourselves to unnecessary troubles if one channel is as good as the other; and we require to take it somewhat easier now, after all the trials we have lately encountered.”

Most of the officers concurred in the views of the two mates, while all the men of our crew, led by Mr. Desires, were most clamorous for proceeding by the smoother and more inviting channel. “But,” said Mr. Conscience, “let us beware lest we fall into the snare of the enemy again; for it is written, ‘Man also knoweth not his time; as the fishes are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in a snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.’ And are we not strongly admonished to be on our guard, ‘Lest any man should beguile us with enticing words.’ You see moreover we are not yet out of Conflict Channel, for here on our right hand and on our left are the two great islands of Trial and Tribulation between which we have still to pass. Surely this fair enticing channel cannot therefore be our way.”

“But perhaps,” said Thoughts, “our good King has provided this fair and easy channel to give us some rest and quietness after our severe trials.”

“No,” replied Conscience, “it cannot be our holy King’s way, for He provideth rest and quietness by giving us a deeper sense of His own Divine Presence and nearness to us; and not by the beauty of things external and temporal that quickly fade away, and that only minister to the flesh. He would never tempt us to proceed by a way that is contrary to all His own appointments.”

Just then we caught sight of what appeared to be a dilapidated beacon or sign post, standing on the point where the two channels diverged; when Thoughts exclaimed, “Let us draw nearer and see what may be written thereon; perhaps we may find something there to guide us.”

This we did, but on carefully looking at the beacon through our glasses we could not discern any writing whatsoever; and as no words of warning appeared there, it was thought that we might safely go by that way. Mr. Heart was then consulted, who timidly replied that he would leave it all to the good judgment of the Captain; for though it was evident he had his misgivings as to the fair channel being the right one, he secretly wished to go by it, to enjoy for a little while the many beauties that had attracted his attention.

As the Captain and both the Mates were strongly in favor of going that way, and all the crew being in favor of it too, our good Pilot Mr. Conscience was silenced; and then left the deck sadly grieved, saying as he went, “The minding of the flesh is death.”

Immediately as we entered the broad channel, a number of small disreputable looking pilot boats rushed out to meet us to offer their services; and though we declined assistance, several of them persistently went ahead to lead us down the channel.

When we had gone a short distance down, we noticed that the channel appeared to expand into a very wide sea, in which we now saw countless numbers of vessels, sailing hither and thither from one side of the channel to the other, apparently engaged in enjoying the fascinating scenes around them; while none that we could see were proceeding on their voyage.

Whole fleets were also moored round the palace pier, and thousands more seemed to be riding at anchor in the stream.

Forgetting in our excitement and folly that we had renounced all these worldly attractions, we for a while foolishly joined those votaries of pleasure in their vain and reckless pursuits, to the great dishonor of our Lord and Master.

But after a while the whole scene vividly brought to our minds what we had witnessed in the great and dangerous Mirth Harbor of Pleasureland. And we then began to think we had made a sad mistake, and that our faithful Pilot was, as usual, right. In this we were soon confirmed, when we beheld dark, heavy clouds rapidly gathering around us; and when Mr. Heart went below, as he was wont, to join with Mr. Conscience in seeking for guidance from the Holy One, no voice was to be heard, while the darkness of night began to overshadow us. Greatly alarmed, we instantly resolved to retrace our steps. But when we altered our sails and put our helm about in order to do so, we were astonished to find how far we had already run down with the current, which was extremely rapid in that broad channel. And now in attempting to return we found to our sorrow how difficult and trying it was to make any progress against such a strong tide; at the same time our sorrow and perplexity were greatly intensified by the dreadful darkness, and the total silence of the Holy Presence, whom, it was evident, we had sadly grieved.

Yielding in a moment of weakness to temptation cost us now many a weary and sorrowful day of toil in working our way back. And it was not until Mr. Heart, with many tears and a full confession of our transgressions, had entreated for forgiveness that we were happily relieved by hearing again the welcome voice of the Holy Comforter, saying, “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for My own sake; and will not remember thy sins.”

The clouds now began to clear away and the sky after a while became serene again, when we found ourselves back at the point where we had seen the dilapidated beacon. Then we discovered that this beacon had been turned completely round, with its face looking down the channel; and it was therefore only the back of it we had previously seen, on which no words of warning appeared.

Now, too, we saw that its face (which we should have seen at the first) was so much battered and smeared as to render the words painted thereon almost illegible; but we found, after some difficulty, that the words it bore were, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God:” and “Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”

While looking at the beacon, and considering these important words—which, if we had taken the trouble to find out, might have saved us from the sad mistake, as well as the sorrow and shame, of going down the wrong channel—Captain Faithful in the Mentor suddenly met us again.

“Why, where have you been all this time?” inquired the Captain. “I thought you would have been further on your way.”

With shame and much confusion we then confessed our faults to our kind friend. How we had been deceived and enticed by the aged porter at the lodge; and how in spite of the faithful remonstrances of our good Pilot, we had, in much willfulness, sailed down the broad channel, because it appeared so smooth and beautiful. How also we were brought to see our mistake by the darkness and the storm that overtook us, and the silence of the Holy One whom we had so much grieved; and how, after many wearisome days of toil and sorrow, we had been enabled to work our way back.

Faithful. “Like many others, alas! who have come this way, you have, I perceive, yielded to temptation, and turned aside out of the right course, to your hurt. If you had carefully consulted your charts you would have known that here, where the two channels diverge, is Temptation point; where the utmost caution is needed. Besides, did you not see the beacon which the King has ordered to be placed on that point, to caution his servants as to the dangers of that enticing channel?”

Thoughts. “Yes, we certainly did, but when we examined it, we saw no words written thereon. Afterward, on returning, we saw that the beacon had not only been much battered and defaced, but also turned round the wrong way. Then it was we read the words of warning which had been placed there for the guidance of mariners.”

Faithful. “Ah, that old gentleman, the porter at the lodge, has been at his mischievous work again; though no doubt he was very bland and engaging in his manner towards you.”

Thoughts. “He appeared, indeed, remarkably kind and obliging in his manners, and so natural and simple withal; which put us off our guard, and we were therefore deceived by him.”

Faithful. “Truly, it is by that winning manner of his that he deludes so many mariners. But with all that, you should know that old Mr. Flesh—for that is his name—is one of the most deceitful, crafty and dangerous of all the servants of our great adversary, who has led untold multitudes to endless ruin.

“It is this wily and plausible Mr. Flesh who is continually trying to batter and destroy that important Beacon; and because he cannot altogether destroy it—which he would gladly do—he turns and twists it about in all directions to hide and confuse the meaning of the words thereon. And though the King’s messengers have, times without number, repaired and set it right again, yet as soon as their backs are turned, he resumes his old work again, aided by his troop of wicked sons. Perhaps you may have met some of them, for they run pilot boats in that channel.”

Thoughts. “Just as we were entering the channel, a number of ugly disreputable looking boats rushed forward to offer their services as pilots; and then several of them led the way down the channel. Were they the pilots you speak of?”

Faithful. “The very same, and they do all the pilotage of that broad enticing channel.

“There are no less than seventeen brothers of them, and they are every one of them notorious leaders in the service of Abaddon, the prince of pirates. They are, moreover, the most villainous and abominable ruffians that have ever brought disgrace, misery and destruction into the fair domains of our King. For centuries they have been carrying on their diabolical work, and no one could ever compute the vast number of unfortunate voyagers they have sent to destruction.

“The old porter, no doubt, had something also to tell you about his lord—or lord of the manor as he calls him—and his fine palace.”

Thoughts. “Aye, that he had, and said he was a most kind and hospitable gentleman, who would be glad to receive and entertain us at his palace.”

Faithful. “In that statement there was certainly some measure of one-sided truth, inasmuch as his lordship does indeed entertain strangers; but to their utter ruin. Lord of the manor he truly is, exercising unbounded sway over all the regions round about that broad channel; and he likes to be known by the name of my lord Natural-enjoyment, though his real name is Mr. Love-of-the world; and a most plausible and subtle enemy of our King he is withal. He is twin brother of Way-of-the-world, whose charts you once used, and like him is very much looked up to and followed by time-bound mariners.

“That smooth looking channel into which you were beguiled by old Mr. Flesh, on the borders of which Love-of-the-world has his great mansion, is known by the name of Worldly-desires, appearing as you enter only a narrow strip of a channel, but which afterward widens rapidly into a boundless sea. It is about the most treacherous and dangerous of all the channels connected with this Ocean of Time; because it is so fair and beautiful to look upon, while it leads only to certain ruin and death. The delusive charms of enchantment seem to pervade its whole atmosphere, and the seductive songs of the sirens are perpetually heard on every side, in the midst of the most captivating sights and sounds; while, silently and imperceptibly, that fatal tide of human depravity rushes onward with the impetuosity of a torrent directly down to the terrible maelstrom.”

Thoughts. “How fearful in the end! but what were all those fleets we saw sailing to and fro, and at anchor?”

Faithful. “The greater part of those vessels are manned by thoughtless mariners who have gone down there simply to enjoy the pleasures of the place; who never for a moment consider what the end of those things may be, or that a day will come when they must inevitably leave for the other side of the ocean. Others are voyagers who profess to have started on their way to the Celestial Shores, but being only professors, they soon forget, amidst the allurements of the place, all about their voyage, and, indeed, never care to think seriously of it.

“Furthermore, all those mariners are so incessantly occupied and entertained by Mr. Love-of-the-world in various pursuits, and by a perpetual round of amusements, that they have no time to think of anything else (as they say themselves); forgetting even the very purpose of their existence, their destiny in a future world (to which as you know this is but the vestibule) and every thought of preparation for it, during the very short time they have to remain on this ocean. But in the midst of those infatuated fleets there also sails—silently and mysteriously—a grim spectral ship, having on board his dread majesty the ‘King of Terrors.’

“Day by day, and hour by hour, he steals among them unperceived, and they think not of his terrible presence until the moment he draws alongside and delivers his unwelcome summons, ‘Depart hence!’ a summons which none has the slightest power to disregard.

“Sometimes, when in the height of their all-absorbing enjoyments, under the guidance of Love-of-the-world, the spectral ship suddenly and unexpectedly heaves in sight, and his dread majesty delivers his stern and solemn mandate, with an authority that demands instant obedience.

“Oh, the anguish that then follows! who may describe it? when in a moment they must leave—aye, and leave forever!—their friends, their possessions, and all their pleasures, as they are towed down the dark stream by the phantom ship, not knowing what awaits them in the terror of that awful hour of darkness.

“A plunge or two on the swift torrent that bears them downwards, and they are quickly hurried into the vortex of the great maelstrom that carries them down to everlasting destruction.

“Most marvelous it is too, that while not a day passes without some of their number being thus carried away, the rest, who remain for a little while longer, are not moved in the least to mend their ways, or to seek a way of escape from their perilous position, or make any preparation for the future world. But on and on they heedlessly go, with their pursuits and pleasures, as if destined to abide there forever, until each one in his turn is visited by the grim inexorable monarch, and quickly borne away to oblivion and eternal perdition.

“Thus generation after generation of untold millions pass away, and yet those who remain, for the most part, take it not to heart, nor become any the wiser for these repeated warnings.”

“In addition to these mariners,” continued Captain Faithful, “a few servants of our King, I regret to say, may be sometimes seen among those fleets, who, beguiled by old Mr. Flesh and his wicked sons, have turned aside into that most dangerous channel. There they may be seen for a while going with the multitudes in their vain pursuits and pleasures (forgetful of their past deliverance) to the great dishonor of their Lord and Master. But through the never failing mercy of our King, and the gracious warnings of the Holy Presence, they are at length awakened out of their sinful slumber and led to see their great mistake, when they hasten to escape with all speed from the snares of the enemy, as you have done: and so resume their voyage.

“Now, as you have lost much valuable time in wandering out of the way, strive to make up for it by improving your sailing, and by greater vigilance in resisting the wiles of the enemy; always remembering the solemn lessons you have learned by your late experiences. And that you may better remember some of these lessons, enter in your log book this day these precious words, and often repeat them one to another, to strengthen your faith and good resolutions: ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.’

“See yonder, the course which you should have taken when you turned aside, is now straight before you; and though you will find it the narrowest passage you have ever been in, with here and there a few trying shoals and rocks, be not afraid; as special provision is made to help and comfort those who pass through it: for it is written, “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in time of trouble:’ and if you steer aright, you will find a further store of valuable experience and blessing awaiting you there.”

Captain Faithful then bidding us Godspeed, said he would go down to the Points and see what could be done in setting that important beacon right again; and wait there a while till the Never-sure and some other vessels—which were near at hand—came on, so as to guard them against the deceptions of the plausible old porter at the lodge, and his wicked sons.

As our kind friend moved off on his noble mission, we resumed our voyage, by making directly for the very narrow passage pointed out to us.

Chapter 16

Now, after we had proceeded some distance into the Strait, it appeared to grow narrower as we advanced; and the high projecting cliffs on either side that hemmed us in this cavern-like passage presented another gloomy prospect before us. Some of our officers then began to think we had again missed our way, Mr. Heart, too, fancying we were led into this trying channel on account of our late wandering—especially as Mr. Conscience was continually chiding us for our weakness and folly in turning aside into the alluring channel of Worldly-desires, while none of us dared answer him a word.

When we got into the narrowest part, where the high dark cliffs nearly shut out the light of day, we oftentimes struck against the rocks, not seeing how to steer in the midst of such perplexing gloom. Vague terrors also took possession of us, while strange unearthly sounds seemed to reverberate among the rocks and deep caverns around us; and dreary birds of the night flapped their heavy wings in our faces.

Greatly afraid, we began to doubt as to whether we should go forward or turn back, when Mr. Feelings startled us by exclaiming, “Can this be our Father’s way?” and the wild birds in their loud screams seemed to echo back the sounds of his voice, as if in strange mockery.

Our faith being now sorely tried, by reason of the extreme narrowness of the channel, the beetling rocks, the partial gloom, and the murmuring sounds of our own voices echoed back to us, we lay to for a while, afraid to venture further, not seeing our way, or knowing what was before us.

But on consulting our charts and finding that we were now passing through the Narrows of Trouble and Adversity, and, furthermore, that many encouraging promises of divine help and comfort to all that passed that way were also recorded, we began to regain confidence. Happily, we had learned by this time whence help could always be found in every time of need; so we all united our voices with Mr. Heart’s in fervent prayer, “Give us help in trouble, for vain is the help of man.”

No sooner had we thus cried—yea while we were yet speaking—than the voice of the Holy Comforter rose again like sweet music to cheer and comfort us, saying, “I the Lord will hold thy right hand...fear not I will help thee.” Then we calmly passed on through those most trying narrows, gently conducted by the invisible hand of our Almighty Father into a wider space, where light and joy awaited us.

Thus we found again, as on former occasions, that notwithstanding all our weaknesses and failures, and our sad murmurings too, our gracious King made every experience—even our passage through those gloomy narrows—a fruitful source of blessing and joy direct from Himself.

Again it was given us to sing our happy songs of deliverance, saying, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret tabernacles shall He hide me.”

“What though it be a narrow way,

With rocky cliffs on either side,

And foes harass us day by day;

While tossing on that stormy tide.

“What though around us troubles close,

And darkest shadows cloud our way,

When thus our Heavenly Father shows

Himself so near, to give such joy.

“Then welcome trials, coming thus,

Laden with blessings rich and rare;

Fresh from the King in plenteous grace,

With which none other can compare.”

Though now sailing on in happy trustfulness, the presence of the high cliffs of Trial and Tribulation on either side reminded us that we were still in Conflict Channel, and that further trials might be in store for us before we finally got through.

Remembering, however, how we had always been so mercifully helped, and relying on the many faithful promises of our good King and Prince Emmanuel, we kept our sails full to the wind in humble confidence, Mr. Heart repeating to us the meanwhile that most comforting promise which the Holy One had taught him: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.” This was our watchword for the day, that inspired us with fresh strength and consolation.

Although the channel was now somewhat wider, it was beset with numerous rocks; and our lookout soon announced some dark breakers ahead. When we had cautiously approached these breakers, that lay directly in our course, we observed several intricate passages between them which, it would seem, led to the same point on the other side.

A number of buoys were also placed along these passages with directions thereon to serve as guides to all who passed that way.

One of these buoys marked an extremely difficult passage, on which we read, Job’s Strait, on the one side, and Patience on the other; in passing through which, an ancient mariner had been most wonderfully preserved from shipwreck. Another buoy had inscribed on it the Sorrows of David, a third the Afflictions of Paul; and several others marked the passages through which eminent saints and servants of the King had passed during their one great Voyage of Life.

We now became aware, according to our charts, that we had come to the trying Straits of Affliction; where many servants of the King, from time immemorial, had been severely tried; being tossed about by overpowering tempests there, and sometimes thrown heavily upon the breakers, and much bruised; as they wearily toiled through those intricate passages.

Fierce storms usually swept over these parts, (coming from the high mountains of pride and disobedience) and the roar of the great waves as they broke on the rocks was enough to alarm and terrify the stoutest hearts, when once they had fairly entered the straits.

When we had been carried by a strong wind into one of the straits, and saw the huge breakers close to us on the right hand and on the left, while the swelling billows dashed against us, and sometimes over us, we began to be much afraid again; and then loudly cried for help. It was indeed a trying moment, and we thought it might prove our last, and that our dissolution was near at hand.

By this time however Mr. Heart was again closely communing with the Holy Presence, and saying, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee,” while both the Captain and our worthy Pilot were in charge of the helm and steering steadily, and all hands were on the watch, ready for any emergency, so that we continued to pass slowly onward, by threading our way most circumspectly.

Still, with all our care, as the channel became so extremely narrow, we could not avoid running aground; and being thus suddenly brought to a stand still, the terrifying waves rolled over us again and again, producing much further distress on board.

“What can we now do,” inquired Mr. Feelings who was greatly depressed.

“Be still,” answered Mr. Conscience, “and wait to hear again what our divine Helper may have to say to us in these fresh trials of affliction; for we have surely learned already that it is our ‘strength to sit still,’ and that the ‘Strength of the Mighty One, is made perfect in weakness.’”

Then, in the midst of our distress, when it seemed as if we should be broken to pieces by the violence of those billows, we heard again that most blessed voice which had so often cheered us in previous trials, saying in more emphatic tones than ever before, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee, surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh thee.”

Thus it came to pass in this our most trying hour of need, while helplessly stranded on those dark breakers, with the heavy billows surging around us, we were enabled to realize a more delightful sense of nearness to the Divine Presence that we had ever experienced during all our previous voyage.

Our thanks, our praises and adoration then ascended up to heaven, as one and all united in saying “Glory to God in the highest”; while Captain Will, now wholly subdued, added in broken accents “Thy will be done.”

The gentle touch of our Father’s hand was upon us, and we all felt its marvelous power; while the quiet rest, and perfect assurance of safety that followed, made us forget for a while the breakers and the billows around us.

“‘Tis when we’re at our lowest,

We find our sweetest rest:

‘Tis then our souls are brightest,

The lowly place is best.

“‘Tis there our Father’s presence,

Is felt so very near;

Diffusing love’s bright radiance,

The stricken heart to cheer.

“When trials are the hardest,

In sad afflictions’ strait,

‘Tis then His voice is softest,

In whispers of delight.”

Being still aground, we began to consider by what means we might be enabled to clear the banks and proceed on our voyage.

Casting our eyes around for a moment, as the waves had now considerably subsided, we were attracted by a very tall pillar standing out clearly against the bright blue sky in the center of the Straits. And from our charts we found that it was Prince Emmanuel’s Column, erected there by the King to commemorate the passage of the Prince through these Straits; and it bore the remarkable words: “In all their afflictions He was afflicted.” “A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

The sight of this wonderful column, and those amazing words, had a most happy effect upon us at such a moment; for it further consoled us with the cheering reflection that our blessed Prince could fully sympathize with us in every difficulty we encountered while passing through those trying Straits; because He Himself had passed that way, and had endured all the trials and difficulties connected with the place.

With all these comforting assurances, we could now calmly wait for heavenly assistance.

In the meantime, we took soundings to try the depths of the stream around us, hoping soon, with the help we were waiting for, to float again and proceed onwards.

But we found that the stream was the shallowest we had ever been in.

Thereupon, Mr. Conscience remarked, “It is evident that we must lighten our vessel yet more, so as to pass through these shallow Straits, for I perceive we are still too heavily burdened with the things of earth to pass over in a safe and satisfactory manner.”

Without further ado, our stern Monitor then took his lamp again, and bade us follow him below to help in a still more thorough search than we had made on the Shallows of Humiliation.

After we had carefully examined our hold and found in some of its dark recesses many more things that should not have been there and had them cast overboard, we turned our special attention to our officers’ cabins, where we suspected the chief hindrance to our progress lay. And though a most patient and diligent search was continued for a long while, we failed to discover anything that appeared bulky or heavy enough to weigh us down or hinder our advance. But on consulting our directory, we were led to examine a peculiar material that had hitherto escaped our scrutiny. This was a bright, glittering substance that we had considered a necessary part of our equipment, and which was highly prized by Mr. Heart and our first and second mates. For it was with this material that those officers made their fine polished mirrors, to behold and admire themselves withal; and sundry decorative ornaments to be admired by others. This showy and much esteemed substance was known to all on board by the beautiful name of Spirituality: but it had not the true stamp or quality expressed by that heaven-born word. It was indeed nothing more than a spurious and ingeniously contrived imitation of that holy attribute, known to all saints as True Spirituality, with which we had been amply provided by the presence of the Holy One; though it was often confounded with the spurious, and thus sadly marred. But this was a specious counterfeit that had deceived thousands by its attractive glitter, which could not for a moment bear the light of heaven. So we found it was called in our Directory Spiritual Pride, and described as a most loathsome thing in the eyes of our holy King; and further that it had its origin in the breath of the serpent in Eden, when he said, “Ye shall be as gods.”

We learned, also, that the presence of this hateful thing on board had proved a sad snare and hindrance to many heaven-bound mariners, inducing them to waste their precious time with their sinful self-admiring mirrors and proud ornaments to secure the praise of their fellow voyagers. In this way it had caused vast numbers to be stranded on these and other shallows for many a long day, when they should have been steadfastly holding on their way, and in active service bearing a true and faithful testimony to the praise and glory of our King and Prince Emmanuel. It was on account of this very thing that a noted servant of God was brought here and buffeted on these shoals, that he might be cleared and delivered from it; and fortunately at the end of his trial he could happily say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmity, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Now in striving to rid ourselves of this odious thing called Spiritual Pride, we encountered greater difficulty than with any other of the encumbrances, that had weighed us down and hindered our progress. Because our chief officers, who esteemed it so highly, were very loath to part with it, and who were—in spite of Mr. Conscience’s remonstrances—continually hiding it in the secret corners of their cabins. Consequently, we were detained for many days on these shallows, to our sorrow and the great grief of our good Pilot. At length however we were enabled to throw overboard sufficient to lighten our boat and float again; but we were never able, alas! to dislodge the whole of it.

Having now got under way again, with all our sails unfurled to the freshening breeze, we hopefully passed on our course, winding our way cautiously through the remaining portion of those trying Straits; when the help we were waiting for came at length, and we were borne along safely and quickly through those narrow passages, into a clear and open sea on the farther side.

As we passed the Prince’s tall and remarkable column, (which reflected a soft and mellow glow of light over all those Straits of Affliction), we saw on what now appeared to be its pedestal the marvelous words in bright golden letters: “Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

“See,” said Mr. Heart, “in those golden words, the crowning joy and glory that are ever connected with all our trials and afflictions; and the amazing goodness of our gracious King in turning everything we have had to encounter, while passing through the trying Channel of Conflict, (so much feared by us all on entering it) into the richest and most precious of blessings.”

“Aye indeed,” said Mr. Feelings, with much emotion, “turning bitterness into sweetness, sorrow into gladness, fear into courage, trouble into comfort, and changing even weakness itself into strength. Who but the Almighty One could do this?”

“Herein,” remarked Mr. Conscience, who now looked in the best of health and spirits, with sunshine beaming in his countenance, “we have for ourselves proved beyond all doubt the truth of those excellent words of the great Apostle, and can confidently say with him, ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.’

“This day let these priceless words be recorded in our logbook, as a memorial of the many happy deliverances we have experienced during our late trials and conflicts.”

“Yes, and to these we might assuredly add,” said Mr. Thoughts, “the saying of God’s people of old, ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,’” which was also gladly recorded.

Chapter 17

When we had fairly cleared the Straits of Affliction, and had entered the calm and beautiful sea already mentioned, we found the air most balmy and exhilarating, the sky exquisitely clear, while the sun with his bright cheering rays beamed softly upon us. All on board being now in good spirits and much invigorated, we strove to set everything in good trim, and glided smoothly onwards, cheering one another with many songs of praise and rejoicing as we went.

We had now entered the delightful Sea of Tranquility: a sea unruffled by storms and tempests, whose calm and peaceful waters stretched onwards to the very shores of the Celestial Land.

Immediately before us, and but a little way from the point where the narrow Straits of Affliction emerged into this open sea, we beheld a lovely island richly clad with the most beautiful verdure. And on this island there stood a stately palace, whose lofty towers rose majestically by the margin of an inviting harbor; where we found many voyagers, on their way to the Celestial Shores, resting awhile and taking in fresh supplies.

As we entered this rest haven, a heavenly psalm of praise burst forth from the assembled fleet that thrilled us with delight.

The holy Feast of Remembrance was again being kept; and the burden of their glorious song, that rose in sweetest strains to heaven, was:

“Worthy of eternal glory,

Lamb of God, slain on the cross;

Heaven and earth repeat the story,

Of His boundless love for us.

“Louder yet shall be our praising,

In yon heavenly courts on high;

With angelic hosts uniting,

Songs of praise shall fill the sky.”

Here we had the happiness of meeting our friend Captain Faithful again, with other well-known and trusty servants of our King, such as Captains Piety, Devotion, Heavenly-minded, Great-grace, Hopeful, Steadfast (as well as the Captain of the Humble Confidence that was formerly the Never-sure) and many others: with whom we took sweet counsel concerning our voyage, recounting our various trials, the happy deliverances we had experienced, and the glorious prospects before us. Thus, we enjoyed many pleasant hours of most profitable fellowship together.

The Governor of the palace, whose name was Godly Experience, then sent an invitation to all the fleet to come to a banquet which was prepared according to instructions from the King; who had commanded that a sumptuous feast should be provided for all true voyagers that came thus far on their way to the Port of Paradise.

A goodly company then assembled in the banqueting hall of the palace—brave and faithful servants of the King, many of whom could tell of the hard battles they had fought and the struggles they had passed through; while others bore not a few marks of the maltreatment they had received at the hands of the King’s enemies; but all now wonderfully revived and most happy.

With much gladness and rejoicing we sat down together in the King’s palace, which was called the Palace of Delight, to enjoy this royal feast which our good King had graciously provided for us.

“These,” said Mr. Experience, in opening the feast with thanksgiving, “are the rich and health-giving viands which the King and Prince Emmanuel in their loving kindness have been pleased to provide for you, to refresh and strengthen you by the way: so that, with renewed health and vigor, you may pursue the rest of your voyage, to the joy and honor of your glorious Prince, and the praise and glory of the King’s most holy name.”

Though this royal banquet was in some measure like the one which we had enjoyed in the King’s Pavilion at the Port of Peace, it was however much richer; the refreshments provided being more varied, so as to suit our improved tastes and appetites, and our need of stronger nourishment.

While thus seated, sweet and delicious odors pervaded the great halls of this pleasant Palace of Delight, cooling fountains played around us, the singing of many birds cheered and enlivened us, and the “voice of the turtle was heard in the land.” Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord had truly come; and we could say, “The lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places; yea, we have a goodly heritage.”

Spread out before us in the richest abundance, we had the “Bread of Life” sent down from heaven, the “hidden manna,” the “Living Waters springing up into everlasting life,” “all manner of pleasant fruits,” “the wine that maketh glad the heart of man,” with “milk and honey” also; while the delightful voice of the Master of the feast—even of the Holy One whose presence filled the place—was heard in sweetest accents saying, “Eat friends, drink, yea, drink abundantly O beloved.” “And let thy soul delight in fatness.”

Like the Israelites under Joshua, who, after they had entered the land of Canaan, encamped in Gilgal and then partook of the “Old corn of the land,” so we in the same manner spiritually were now privileged thus to eat and be satisfied.

All the guests were remarkably invigorated by these most nourishing viands of the King—so suitable to the requirements of our souls at that time—and greatly refreshed, too, by the rich dainties so bountifully provided.

This was indeed our happy Gilgal of higher spiritual enjoyments; of a deeper insight into the marvelous thoughts and ways of God, of a fuller realization of nearness to our Divine Lord; and our high place and standing with Him in the heavenlies.

“You have now come spiritually,” said Godly Experience, “‘unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the Covenant, and to the blood that speaketh better things than the blood of Abel.’”

In such a place, and in the presence of such glorious company, we could not but “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory”; for our place and privileges now were infinitely higher and more glorious than we had ever anticipated, even after we had found the way of life.

In the midst of the feast, and when our joy was at its highest, Captain Piety exclaimed, “How excellent is Thy loving kindness O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings; they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house, and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.”

The company at the feast were then drawn into godly discourse by Captain Faithful observing, “What think you brethren of the place to which our good King has now brought us?”

“‘Tis the highest, happiest and most privileged spot,” replied Captain Heavenly-minded, “on this side the glorious Port to which we are sailing; though we know it by faith at present. For it is here, in the infinite grace of our glorious King, that He ‘hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.’ As our blessed Prince rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, so by faith are we risen with Him in our thoughts and affections, and in the joy and power of holy living, above the things of this world, into the high and holy place of blessing and privilege in His presence; waiting for the yet fuller redemption, when we shall be translated into His immediate presence above; and when ‘He shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body.’”

“Here too,” added Captain Hopeful, “we are well within sight of, and very near to our Celestial home; while at any moment the Prince Himself may come forth to meet us and conduct us to His Celestial palace.”

Faithful. “Seeing then that we are thus exalted into such a high and privileged place of nearness to our Prince, our chief thoughts and affections should ever be centered on things above— ‘being dead to the world, and our life hid with Christ in God’ —so that our walk and conversation should be such as becometh those who are thus seated in the heavenlies; and who wait for their Lord.”

Devotion. “Perfectly true indeed, Captain Faithful, and exactly in accordance with our holy instructions; then we should, moreover, always bear in mind that all our movements, henceforth, should be strictly in keeping with, and worthy of this high and honorable place to which we are raised; and that we be no more ‘tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine:’ but being sincere ‘may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.’”

Great-grace. “Progress, heavenly progress, should now be our watchword. Babes we were at one time, needing the ‘milk of the word’; but now having been nourished with ‘strong meat,’ it becometh us to advance in spiritual growth, ‘Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’; and thus ‘go on unto perfection.’”

“As breaks the morn from shades of night,

With first a few faint gleams of light;

That as the sun mounts up the sky,

Bursts forth unto the perfect day:

So shines the path each day more bright,

Of all true saints, who walk in light.

Or when like infants newly born,

They things divine begin to learn;

Though feeble then, they grow at length,

And onward ‘go from strength to strength:’

Until to manhood’s state they rise,

Prepared for mansions in the skies.”

After the banquet the Governor conducted to the high towers of the palace, where the King’s Observatory was placed, for the convenience of all mariners on their way to the Celestial Shores.

In the clear and serene atmosphere of that highly favored place, and with our vision marvelously improved of late, we could take in wider and far more extensive views from these lofty towers than any we had previously seen.

Pointing in the direction we had lately traversed, “See,” said Mr. Experience, “the way you have been conducted hither; and admire the mercy and the goodness that have brought you safely through such perils.”

Looking backwards over the wide expanse of waters towards the far distant horizon, we could still see crowds of vessels stranded on the Proving Shoals, struggling with fierce storms, that were sweeping them down, one after another, into the great maelstrom.

Many could also be seen sailing up towards the entrance into Conflict Channel, and then hastily bearing away, to seek in vain some other passage.

A few could, however, be seen entering the Narrow Channel; but, as Experience observed, even some of them, at the very first attack from the forts, struck their colors and yielded: and then quickly turned into the long creek, into which we were asked to turn aside by the giant Intolerance. These it should be known had never passed through the Strait-of-the-Cross, but were mere imitators and followers of others, appearing as celestial voyagers, when it was the worldly fashion to do so, by falsely hoisting the Prince’s colors.

“That creek,” continued Mr. Experience, “is known by the attractive, though misleading, name of Morality; and runs into the long and winding passage of Self-deception, which, though it be a long and crooked way, leads ultimately, like all those devious channels, down to the Great Abyss.”

As our eyes were directed further on to the porter’s lodge at Temptation Point, Captain Faithful inquired: “Well, Captain Steadiest, how fared you with the old gentleman at the lodge?”

Steadfast. “By a careful study of our charts, with constant prayer and watchfulness, we got to know all about him and his wiles beforehand; so we were thus somewhat prepared and on our guard. But we did not get off without a severe struggle with that most crafty foe.

“And though he sent some of his wicked sons after us, to persuade us to enter the tempting channel, whose persistent efforts tried us not a little, we gave them no heed whatsoever, but pushed on directly into the right channel before us. But we were much pained at the easy manner in which some, calling themselves servants of our King, were allured by that old deceiver, and the speed with which they hurried down into the smooth but fatal stream.”

“A sad sight truly,” said Mr. Experience, “which we often witness from these high towers; and for one who escapes as you have, we see thousands passing into that ruinous channel.”

Still gazing for a while down upon that great channel of Worldly-desires—or rather broad sea as it now appeared to us—we were amazed at beholding such a countless number of vessels collected together therein.

Some were rushing to and fro as if in hot pursuit of some invisible objects, which they never seemed to secure; for these shadowy forms, which neither we nor they themselves could see, perpetually eluded their grasp. Others appeared to be moored at the numerous quays that ran along the whole coast, but were most restless, and jostling one another incessantly; while others were unsuccessfully striving to ride at anchor—all presenting a scene of indescribable restlessness and confusion.

A mysterious glary light of strange enchantment seemed to pervade the whole scene, which was rendered awfully weird and appalling in contrast with the dense black clouds that hung perpetually over the place like a gloomy funeral pall.

“You will observe,” said Mr. Experience, “that there is no rest to be found anywhere down there among those busy fleets; though, strange to say, it is soul rest they all ardently desire, but which they, in their strong delusion, vainly imagine can be found in the gratification of their worldly desires, as it is with all the frequenters of Pleasureland: with which indeed the channel down there is connected on the farther side.

“Although assisted by all the arts and devices of Mr. Love-of-the-world, the lord of the manor, who strives to entertain them in every variety of way, they never can find true rest down there. Their anchors are cast in nothing but sand and slime; hence it is you see them drifting every moment, and carried into the numerous eddies and whirlpools with which the channel abounds; where they are whirled round and round, until drawn in and lost: or are driven by violent tempests down the stream and miserably wrecked on the rocks below.”

As we were listening to these awe-inspiring words, we caught sight of the terrible Phantom ship, moving stealthily in the midst of the fleets, about to snatch some unfortunate vessel away. “Ah,” said Mr. Experience, “there goes the King of Terrors, to perform his dread work again. Not an hour passes that someone does not hear his awful summons; and see now, in a moment they have to leave all, and that forever, too. Yet those who are left for a while longer take not the slightest heed to what is transpiring every hour, till in their turn they also are snatched away by the irresistible monarch, when it is too late to escape.”

“But why,” inquired Captain Piety, “are they so reckless as to visit, and above all to continue in a channel beset with such awful dangers.”

Experience. “As Captain Faithful could tell you—for he has conversed with many who have been down there—those infatuated mariners think, and loudly persist in saying, that it is only in that channel that true happiness can be found! Excitement and the gratification of their fleshly desires, they foolishly think are the only ways in which happiness can be secured. And though they are themselves the constant witnesses of so many sad disappointments and heartrending shipwrecks, and the sudden disappearance of their comrades at the dread call of the King of Terrors, they obstinately refuse to attend to or even believe the warnings and friendly counsels of the numerous King’s messengers, who are sent to them from time to time.”

Faithful. “Yes, and more than that—in their blind folly they will stoutly contend that the narrow way appointed by our King is a gloomy and miserable way, from which all joy and happiness are banished!

Mr. Heart. “A most astounding delusion, as I have proved and can truly testify from happy experience.

“In the excitements of Pleasureland where we first sought for happiness, we found nothing but continual disappointment and sickness of soul; but ever since we sailed through the Strait-of-the-Cross, abounding joy and rejoicing, as well as real solid happiness, have been the portion of our lot.

“Truly pleasantness and peace have ever attended us in all our course from the Cross thus far.

“We have had, it is true, to encounter some storms, trials, tribulations, conflicts and afflictions; but none of those did we ever pass through that were not made the immediate occasion of increased joy and happiness to us, through the blessed nearness of our loving King and Father, which was so specially vouchsafed unto us during all such seasons. So that our severest trials were always made to us our highest times of enjoyment and blessing.”

Experience. “Then you, with thousands of other saints, have proved beyond question the truth of that inspired saying, ‘Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.’”

Faithful. “Never was a truer saying than that, yet, though an angel came down from heaven, or a returned spirit from the other world, to proclaim it to those unhappy and mistaken mortals down yonder, they would not believe it; so persistently do they cling to their fruitless and fatal pursuits in search of happiness.”

Steadfast. “And can it be true, that some believers, who have strayed out of their course, may be found among those deluded mariners, joining with them in their vain pursuits down in that channel?”

Experience. “Alas! many, I regret to say, to their sorrow and hurt; and to the great dishonor of their Lord and Master; as Captain Faithful here can tell us. And a most distressing sight it is to see at times some of these unfaithful ones, when they find out their lamentable mistake, slipping their cables in the greatest alarm, and hurrying with all speed to escape for their lives from the dangers around them. Then in their trepidation and fear, they run into all sorts of dangers and difficulties upon the rocks on the one side, or sandbanks on the other; and to the end of their voyage have a sad and miserable time of it: being harassed by awful fears and doubts all the rest of the way. Moreover, having spent so much of their valuable time in worldly folly down there, they have no time—even if they had the inclination—to call in here, to be refreshed as you have done. So they rush by in a most wretched and crippled condition, all on board being sick and feeble from inhaling the pestilential atmosphere of that deadly region. Thus, they may be seen fleeing for their lives, often in great terror, and ever haunted with the impression that they are being pursued by the grim Spectral Ship, seeking to hurry them down to the doom of the unbelievers. And though finally saved—it may be—on reaching the other side, (through the abounding mercy of our beloved Prince), it is but a very narrow escape; and while they suffer much loss, they win not the crown that awaits the faithful, who run their course correctly, without turning to the right hand or the left.”

Directing now our gaze further along the intricate Conflict Channel, particularly to the Narrows of Trouble and the Straits of Affliction, reminding us of our many struggles there, Captain Faithful remarked, “Many voyagers wonder why the way to the Port of Paradise should lead through such a difficult and trying channel.”

Experience. “To many, no doubt this is a great mystery, and will continue to be so in some measure until they see in the light of the Prince’s presence above the wise and most gracious purpose of our King in the appointment of such a way.

“You have doubtless observed the light cloud that spreads over the whole length of Conflict Channel, by which it appears to be continually overshadowed.”

Faithful. “Yes, truly, and there it still remains; but though a cloud, how very different it is from the heavy black cloud that always hangs so gloomily over the channel of Worldly-desires down yonder.”

Experience. “Aye, indeed, very different! one the dark symbol of impending judgment, and the other full of the richest blessings, like the precious rain clouds, that pour down their fertilizing showers upon the earth, or like the refreshing dew of Hermon.

“Now take your telescopes and carefully look again on that remarkable cloud that hangs so lightly over the rough and narrow channel, which has ever been such a mystery to many mariners.”

After looking intently for some time, as we were directed, we beheld a bright rainbow stretched across the center of the cloud; and in the many bright colors thereof we could discern, in letters of light, the wonderful words: “That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

“In those heaven-sent words, on that bright bow of promise that spans the whole cloud, you have revealed to you somewhat of the gracious purpose of our King in the appointment of such a channel.

“And when you consider the glorious end your loving Father hath in view, in leading you through the trials and afflictions of that narrow channel, even ‘Praise and honor and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ,’ you cannot but be constrained to say: ‘O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!’

“Besides, that very necessary Channel of Conflict, beset with trials and difficulties as it appears, is your Father’s special training school, to prepare you for His holy presence in the Courts of Paradise above.

“‘Tis there His children are chastened for their profit, and ‘tis there they learn such heavenly lessons as never could be learned elsewhere—no, not in Paradise itself. For it is there and by those very trials, too, the saints learn the precious lessons of faith and holy confidence in their Heavenly Father: humility, patience, subjection, self-denial and every virtue, whereby they are made partakers of His holiness.

“Therefore it is that all true saints can, and do, rejoice in trials and tribulations.

“Now turn your telescopes,” continued Mr. Experience, “and look in the opposite direction, towards the land whither you are journeying.”

As soon as we had turned to look, a flood of glorious light burst upon us, the splendor of which dazzled us for a moment and rendered us mute with delightful astonishment. The light of the Holy City, the Port of Paradise itself, came now within the range of our vision from those lofty towers; and the rich glow of golden light reflected therefrom brilliantly illuminated everything around us, as well as the whole extent of the quiet Sea of Tranquility, over which we had yet to sail, before we arrived at our desired haven.

Before, at the Castle of Consolation, we had but a faint and distant glimpse of the Holy City; but now we could trace more distinctly, with the aid of our telescopes, the brilliant outlines of the Golden City with the jasper walls, and were enraptured with the glorious sight.

Glancing backwards again for a moment (by way of contrast with the vision before us) on the narrow Conflict Channel, and especially the Straits of Affliction, through which we had recently toiled, we now saw how insignificant all our late trials had been, in view of the grand prospect before us: whereupon Mr. Heavenly-minded exclaimed with great rapture: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory:” to which Captain Hopeful immediately added, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Absorbed in contemplating the exquisite vision of the Golden City—apparently but a little way off— upon which all eyes were riveted, we now ardently longed to resume our voyage, so as to reach our glorious home on the other side of the Ocean of Time, of which we had so often heard.

Before leaving the Palace of Delight, however, the Governor led us to a large fountain or laver of water, clear as crystal, in which we were directed to bathe ourselves, so as to wash away (as he remarked) the defilements we had contracted by the way, during our many trials, temptations, and wanderings.

This needful washing being accomplished, whereby all were much refreshed, Mr. Experience then presented each of us with a new bright banner, having inscribed thereon the cheering words, “The Lord Is Risen Indeed,” saying as he did so, “Let it be your constant pleasure as you now sail onwards to display most prominently with your other flags this distinguishing banner—a further and most valuable gift from your Prince—as a witness of His triumphant resurrection; which is the consummation of the great work of redemption, and the completed foundation upon which your noble faith and all your bright hopes are forever securely established.

“It is, moreover, to be displayed as a perpetual testimony of the marvelous fact that you are now by faith risen with Him in the heavenlies, in all your thoughts, affections and aims, preparatory to being actually raised after the similitude of His own resurrection, to be forever in His Presence, as was truly remarked by Mr. Heavenly-minded at the feast. Now trim your lamps afresh, and remember to keep them always burning brightly, in readiness to meet the Bridegroom, when He goeth forth to call His Bride. And never forget His words, ‘Surely I come quickly,’ and ‘Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.’”

After thanking Mr. Experience for his kind instructions, and when about to depart on our voyage, he further admonished us by saying: “Though you have but a short distance now to sail, over a smooth and tranquil sea, you will still need to exercise the greatest vigilance, as your great adversaries the pirates can find their way even to this quiet sea, to allure voyagers out of their right course.

“With the glorious light of the Holy City fully in view, and the blessed hope of soon meeting your beloved Prince, you should now, while ‘Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are before, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Farewell.”

Chapter 18

In company then with our much-loved friends, whom we had met at the palace, we started again with greatly increased vigor on our heavenward voyage, with every sail set and our banners flying; all vying with one another in running the glorious race set before us for the “prize of the high calling,” of which we had been reminded by Mr. Experience.

But we were soon outstript in the race by some of our companions, especially Captains Heavenly-minded, Piety, and Devotion; who by their superior seamanship rapidly drew ahead, and left us far behind.

When however we had sailed briskly on for some distance, we very unexpectedly, and to our great surprise, gently grounded upon a soft sandbank, and were thus brought to a standstill again; while all our companions passed lightly over, and were soon out of sight.

Though not in any real danger, for the sea was as smooth as glass, and the heavens as clear as usual since we had left the palace, yet we could not help feeling grieved at being thus retarded in our progress while so earnestly desiring to hasten on; seeing, too, that all our companions had passed quickly onwards without the least difficulty.

Wondering much and being greatly perplexed at this sudden stoppage, Mr. Feelings at length broke the sad silence into which we had been thrown by observing, “What can this mean? Here on this tranquil sea, after the enjoyment of such high and blessed privileges, and when all dangers and trials seemed forever past, that we should be thus stranded again, in full view of the Golden City, whose celestial light now shines so clearly upon us!”

“Strange indeed, though sadly true, nevertheless,” said Mr. Conscience, “we are evidently at fault again. Something has gone amiss with us, and we must diligently search it out forthwith.

“You may remember how the valiant army, the mighty warriors of Israel in the days of Joshua, were lamentably overthrown at the city of Ai by the enemies of the King. And how the Captain of the host fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the Lord, to find out, and cut off the one who had taken of the accursed thing, and had thus brought disgrace and disaster upon the people of God. So in like manner we have I fear, transgressed, or have brought on board something offensive in the sight of our King; which must be discovered and thrown overboard, ere we can expect to clear this sandbank and happily continue our voyage.”

Then it was resolved that a further and closer examination should be made in all our officers’ quarters, as it seemed evident that whatever it was that now retarded our progress was closely concealed in those cabins.

But before proceeding to search, we immediately resorted to prayer for help and guidance, (which had now become our constant habit in every emergency) as we had never failed to receive the needed assistance from our Heavenly Father, when we sought it by sincere supplication. Very soon after we had all thus united in earnest prayer, the voice of our Holy Guide was heard again, in very solemn tones, communicating the cause of our stoppage to Mr. Conscience. Our faithful Pilot then informed us that as we had been highly favored of late through the abundance of the revelations and privileges vouchsafed to us at the Palace of Delight, we had become unduly elated thereby; and that in consequence of this, we had brought away more of that odious thing we had previously discovered and known as Spiritual Pride, which had given us so much trouble at the Straits of Affliction.

We were also informed that this fresh supply was acquired and brought on board whilst partaking of the King’s bounties, so liberally provided for us, and by our making a sad misuse of His many gifts and favors.

Thus we found those very blessings were often made the occasion of that pride and vain-glory, so hateful in the sight of heaven, which grievously offended the Holy Presence, brought dishonor on our seamanship, and kept us frequently stranded on the shoals of this dangerous ocean.

“Search again,” said Conscience, “and you will find it in every cabin; and let us put away the evil thing.”

True, indeed, for as we looked again more carefully, we found this mysterious and soul bewitching material closely concealed from view in many dark corners of our cabins, but more abundantly in Mr. Heart’s than any of the others: wondering the meanwhile how it had been brought on board from that holy and delightful palace, where we had enjoyed so many of the King’s favors.

Casting overboard as much as we could discover (though as stated before we never could lay hands upon it all) we instantly floated, and then bracing up our sails again, we soon gained a steady way on, and quickly drew ahead.

When Mr. Heart had fairly recovered from his great surprise at this latest discovery, he quietly remarked, “How lovingly and tenderly our gracious Father shows us our many defects, and gives us to know His holy mind concerning them; that we might be delivered therefrom, and thus become daily more pleasing and acceptable in His sight. Surely it now becomes us more than ever to be, ‘Clothed with humility: for He resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.’”

“How strangely subtle seems the human heart,

With all its curious windings of deceit;

How deeply laid are all its hidden springs,

That work mysteriously beyond our ken;

And baffle every effort of our search,

To find the secret power that works within.

Yea, even Conscience, with his searching lamp,

Doth often fail to find the motive springs

That prompt the actions of the Christian life,

Amidst such divers thoughts of good and ill:

Of zeal for God, vain-glory, and self-praise,

By which e’en saints of God are often swayed.

How little dreams you minister of God,

While holding forth with zeal, on things divine;

Declaiming loud against the sin of pride—

That ‘neath the many folds of his own heart,

There lurks, meanwhile, that very worm of pride,

Prompting vain thoughts of self and human praise—

Which spoils the pious fervor of his soul,

And makes him odious in the sight of heaven.

That pride of holy things, in pious garb

Of humblest form, that hides it from himself:

And turns the very gifts derived from God

Into th’ occasion of that subtle sin.

How numerous, too, the forms ‘neath which it hides,

Of hooded monk, in coarse and humble dress,

Or pensive nun, veiled in her somber robes,

Or lonely hermit in his gloomy cell;

And many others of ascetic mood,

Whose pride is their assumed humility.”

To sail a straight and steady course—turning neither to the right hand nor to the left, so as to bear a true and faithful testimony to all the truth revealed to us and the honored place of privilege and blessing into which we had been brought, and thus glorify our gracious King and Prince Emmanuel—was now our constant concern, though, alas! we often failed to realize all that our hearts desired. Wishing to forget the past, we earnestly pressed forward, availing ourselves of every breath of heaven; and with the eye of the helmsman steadily fixed on his compass (that ever pointed to our risen Chief) we rapidly advanced on our way.

Many were the happy songs of heavenly joy and praise we sang, as we glided onwards over the calm sea of Tranquility, while the glorious light reflected from the Golden City grew brighter and brighter every day, as the prospect of soon being in the presence of our adorable Prince became a more abiding reality to us.

Then, in our happy leisure and freedom from storms, we all—officers and crew—assiduously set ourselves (under the guidance of the Holy Presence) to learn more perfectly the precious lessons set forth in the King’s instructions.

The more we learned, the more we desired to know, and thus to apprehend more fully the glories of our divine Prince, and the “power of His resurrection,” so as practically to realize our holy union with Him; and the excellency of that knowledge of Himself, which was now infinitely more precious to us than everything else.

Several bright little sun-lit islands now lay in our course, where rich orchards had been planted, bearing all manner of pleasant and nourishing fruits, for the refreshment of the numerous voyagers passing that way to the Port of Paradise. Clear crystal fountains also played continually there, in which the voyagers were invited to perform their ablutions, and thus be cleansed from any defilements which they might have gathered while passing through the contaminated atmosphere that ever hung over the Ocean of Time. Here, too, the richest of all perfumes, the exquisite fragrance of the “Rose of Sharon,” filled the whole air with its refreshing effects. It was the characteristic odor of all those islands.

Into the havens of these delightful and convenient isles we often turned for a little while in passing—where we were not only purified and much refreshed, but where we also renewed our strength from time to time.

There, too, we enjoyed the happy company of many dear servants of the King, who, like ourselves, were bound to the Celestial Shores and who were helping and encouraging each other forward in every possible way.

Chapter 19

Resting beneath the cool and quiet shade of the trees in one of those pleasant gardens, near to the fountains where they had been attending to their ablutions, we found a company of heaven-bound mariners happily discoursing on the great truths of God, so precious to them all, when Captain Love-truth observed, “Some voyagers whom I met a while ago desired me to explain to them how it was that believers, having been so perfectly cleansed from all sin at the Cross by the precious blood of the Redeemer, and thus forever made as ‘white as snow,’ should still need the further and continuous cleansing by the washing of water: which was a subject that presented some difficulty to their minds. Especially as others said it was the blood alone, and not the water, that could cleanse from sin; and therefore whenever any saint transgressed, he should seek the application of the blood again and again, for his cleansing, as at the first, for every such newly committed transgression. Can any here who are deeply taught in these divine mysteries, throw light on this matter?”

Then Captain Discernment, who was a veteran in the service of the King and well versed in the deep things of God, replied: “Many saints have indeed misunderstood this important subject and have sadly perplexed their fellow voyagers with reference thereto. Yet the Lord our Prince, on that most memorable last night, showed the matter plainly to Peter and the other disciples, when he poured water in a basin and washed their feet. For He said unto them, ‘He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean.’

“Thus it appears they were ‘clean every whit,’ not a spot or stain remained upon them, because they had believed on the Lord Jesus; and they would ever be considered as spotless in the sight of God from the moment they believed on Him. They only needed the feet washing, which the Lord applied in order to show them by a practical figure that they would need continually that washing of the feet in a moral sense, as long as they remained down here; and that He, as their intercessor, when He ascended into heaven, would ever enable them to do. At the same time, he most impressively taught them the heavenly lesson of brotherly love, saying unto them, ‘If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ Chiefly, of course in a moral way, by the application of the Word.”

Love-truth. “Well, but if they were ‘clean every whit,’ what need of this further washing?”

Discernment. “Because they, in common with all believers, having been already perfectly purged in their consciences from all sin, by the blood of the Redeemer (which alone could wash away sin from the soul) it necessarily became them, on that very account, to cleanse their walk or daily lives—represented by the washing of the feet—from every defilement of sin which might cling to them by the way, like the mire gathered by the feet of the traveler on his journey.

“As all the sins of our whole lives have been laid on the blessed Saviour, who made full atonement for them all, so that our righteous and yet gracious Father could say, ‘Their sins and iniquities I will remember no more,’ how very needful, therefore, and most becoming in us it must be to mark our holy detestation of that which crucified the Lord of life and glory, by cleansing away the first touch of the accursed thing from our daily walk and conversation, as we are enabled to do by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of our High Priest above.”

Love-truth. “True, and indeed most necessary that we should thus cleanse our way; and by these words, touching the sins of our whole lives being laid on the Saviour, I am also reminded of another difficulty experienced by some much troubled and untaught believers, who have remarked to me, ‘We found salvation at the Cross, and rejoiced greatly then in the forgiveness of our sins through the cleansing efficacy of the blood of the Redeemer, but after that, as we sailed on our way, we alas! under the force of temptation, committed many other transgressions. Now how can we obtain cleansing and forgiveness for these fresh sins? Are we to go back to the Cross and the blood, as we did at the first, for the cleansing of every new transgression, or is there no hope of further cleansing for us?’”

Discernment. “A common case, doubtless; for many such unhappy believers may be met with, who, through defective teaching and a sad misunderstanding of the perfect work of redemption wrought by our beloved Prince, have been thus made very miserable, and much hindered in their important voyage over this ocean.

“Now a moment’s reflection will show us how far such believers are from rightly understanding the way of salvation, as revealed in the Scriptures. For, in the first place, it should ever be remembered that in our Lord’s perfect work, full atonement was made for all the sins of our whole lives, past present, and future; indeed, when that complete atonement was made, all our sins were future, He having died for us hundreds of years before we were born. Yea, more, the divine purpose thus to save us from all our sins existed in the mind of God ‘before the foundation of the world,’ and when, too, in His infinite foreknowledge, all the sins of our whole lives were before Him.

“As it is therefore evident that all sin—(that is, sin as a whole as to its nature), which has been, or may be, committed from the creation even to the end of the world, has been already atoned for—and the penalty due to it fully met—we have full and complete salvation from all our sins who have once trusted in “the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.”

“If sin had not been so met, the washing of water—that is, the application of the Word—could never wash away a single sin; for it ever remains true that ‘The Blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.’

“Then as to the other point, of going back to the blood for the cleansing of every newly committed transgression. As at the first, we find that it was just what the Israelites, in olden time under the ordinances of the law, had to do whenever they transgressed; for it was so ordained that for every defilement of sin they should resort to the blood of bulls and of goats for their cleansing; and that repeatedly, as often as they sinned; according to the Word which saith, ‘As almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission.’

“And in the Scriptures we are told very distinctly the reason why it was necessary they should look to and apply the blood of sprinkling again and again in their numerous sacrifices and offerings, which had to be continually offered: ‘For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged, should have no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.’ But now, in this new dispensation, all this is changed, because the one great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Himself has fulfilled all the types and shadows of the law, and has fully satisfied all the righteous claims of Divine justice; as it said, ‘By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’ And again, ‘But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.’ Then as a blessed result of this glorious plan of redemption we read, ‘How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?’

“Then it follows as a consequence that this one sacrifice being a perfect offering for all sin, the believer needs to come but once to the blood for the cleansing of his soul; for when he truly accepts and trusts in that sacrifice, he is at once perfectly freed forever from the guilt, the condemnation and consequences of his sins; as it is written, ‘For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified,’ or set apart by believing.

“To go back to the Cross and the blood of that one perfect sacrifice for every newly committed offense (by which it has already been cleansed from the conscience) would be to cast a doubt upon its efficacy, and place us, as it were, in the sadly dishonoring position of saying, in effect, that the blood of Christ could only cleanse us from some of our sins—such as we committed before conversion—and not from all, as the Word plainly says it does; and therefore not much more efficacious than the blood of bulls and of goats, which could never permanently take away sins, and had on that account to be repeated continually.

“Besides, for a true believer, who by faith in Christ has been perfectly cleansed from all his sins at the Cross, to go back and appeal to the blood (though of course it is the foundation of all cleansing and forgiveness, because it alone gives efficacy to the washing by water), as he did at his conversion, for every newly committed offense, would be, seemingly, to make it necessary for Christ to come down and offer himself as a sacrifice again and again for every such transgression; which of course is as impossible as it is obviously unnecessary: and as it is written, ‘Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once, in the end of the world, hath He appeared to put away sin, by the sacrifice of Himself.’

“It is the one perfect offering, once offered, and once applied to the believer’s conscience, that makes him perfect forever.

“Any thought of repetition here is a dishonor to the Lord and questions the efficacy of His most perfect and complete work.

“But the ‘washing of water by the word,’ or the putting away of our pollutions (the conscience being already fully cleansed by the blood) has necessarily to be repeated as often as they occur in our daily walk.

“Then see, moreover, how explicit the Word of God is with regard to the blessed results of this one perfect sacrifice, which judicially removes every stain of sin from the conscience and gives complete deliverance from all its consequences, and that forever; so that, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus:’ and, ‘Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.’

“Wonderful thought, ‘No condemnation,’ and no sin ever imputed by God to the believer.”

Here the Captain of the Humble Confidence (which had been formerly the Never-sure) feelingly remarked, “How happy we should have been to have learned these most precious and comforting lessons, as soon as we started on our new career, which we now see so beautifully and clearly set forth in the Word. How much fear, uncertainty and misery, bordering on despair, that characterized our wretched movements for many a weary day, they would have delivered us from. Oh, what quietness and assurance they would have imparted to us!”

Discernment. “Now as to the ‘washing of water by the word,’ I would further remark that water here stands as a figure for the Word of God, which the believer is to use by applying its principles, precepts, and admonitions to his conduct or daily life, so as to cleanse himself from every moral impurity, and that continually as he proceeds on his way.

“This is the believer’s side of the work, that which he has to do (not of course to secure salvation, but because he has it already: ‘Clean every whit’): the first is the Divine side, the cleansing of the soul by blood once and forever: for it is God alone who can cleanse the soul, the heart and the conscience; but the second is our part, as we may (with Divine assistance, which is always given when asked) cleanse our ways by the application of the Word: and this, be it ever remembered, solely on the ground and by virtue of the first cleansing by the blood of the Redeemer; which is the foundation of everything—of life, peace, holy living, and heavenly glory.

“Then how reasonable, how truly becoming, and how suitable our answer to what our heavenly Father has so marvelously accomplished for us, that we should ever strive to clear our ways from every stain of sin, (so hateful in the sight of our holy God); while not forgetting what it cost our Lord and Prince to ransom us from all these pollutions.

“This washing of water is spoken of in type as the ‘Water of Separation,’ and is put in connection with the ‘Ashes’ of the burnt offering, thus signifying that in view of the completed sacrifice of Christ (the burnt ashes), we are directed to separate ourselves from all evil.

“The blood of Christ purges our souls within, and we are consequently to purify ourselves outwardly (as to our motives and actions) by the water of separation. Hence the many admonitions we have in the Word to that effect. The first is the Divine work once done forever, because perfectly done; the second, the human work, to be repeated as often as the offense is committed.

“Furthermore, see what a wonderfully gracious provision is made to meet the case of any saint who might unfortunately fall into sin: ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,’ and, ‘If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.’ Yes, not only merciful, but faithful and just to forgive, in view of the claims of the one perfect offering and full atonement made for sin by our blessed Lord. Confession here being a necessary part of the washing of water by the Word: that we who through transgression have lost communion with our Lord might be restored to the light of his countenance and ‘have part with Him,’ again, in holy fellowship and companionship.”

Love-truth. “How sublime and unspeakably grand are these wonderful facts, and how immeasurably above every conception of man.

“But now favor us with yet one more word, as to the way in which we are to wash the feet of our brethren, in a moral sense, as you have said.”

Discernment. “When a brother offends or commits sin—as alas! he may do through the power of temptation and the wiles of the devil—then his Christian brother should, by applying the admonitions of the Word to his brother’s wrong conduct, in a kind and affectionate manner, lead him in the presence of God to see his fault, to repent of his sin, and put away or separate himself from the evil and return to the paths of rectitude. He would be thus morally washing his brother’s feet; which, in all faithfulness, we are all commanded to do. The Apostle Paul performed this washing of the brethren’s feet when he applied the truth of God’s Word to Peter and other brethren.”

Chapter 20

Being greatly edified and refreshed by these instructive expositions of the Word, we all hastened to proceed on our voyage; remembering the parting words of our kind instructor, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

One day shortly afterward, when sailing off one of those pleasant sunny isles, we overtook another sadly weather-beaten vessel, steering very unsteadily and apparently in great distress.

As we drew near, they hailed us with the inquiry, “What may be the right course to steer now for the Celestial Shores?”

“To what point is your compass now directed, and how are you steering at present?” asked our Captain.

“Our compass, we fear, is spoiled,” replied their chief officer, “for it suddenly flies around in all directions, from one point to another, as if it had lost its polarity: and is therefore quite unreliable: even if we could, with our very imperfect vision, see it properly.”

Thoughts. “Then do you not see the bright light right ahead, that is now reflected upon us, even from the Golden City itself?”

After gazing awhile, as they had been directed, they said they could see nothing, except a few hazy clouds. Then we perceived that their vision was indeed greatly impaired, so that they were almost blind. Having further discovered that this unfortunate bark was the Unstable, commanded by Captain Wavering, we asked them if they had passed through the Strait-of-the-Cross.

“Oh yes,” exclaimed Captain Wavering, with much enthusiasm, “for it was there, while passing through that blessed channel, and especially at the Cross, that we enjoyed so much true peace and happiness, such as we can never forget. Never since then have we been so happy, and we could wish it were possible to be back there again.”

Thoughts. “But how has it come to pass that you are now in such a sorry plight, as you appear to be?”

With many deep sighs, Captain Wavering tried to explain to us, by saying, “Soon after we left the Strait we unfortunately fell in with a great shoal of icebergs; and being foolishly attracted by their many bright colors and imposing forms, we alas lingered in their company for a long while until we were nearly chilled to death.

“All our officers fell sick, and then being unable to manage our boat properly, we drifted helplessly with the tide, for some time afterward.

“When after a while however—through the goodness and mercy of our King—we began to recover a little and were enabled to pass onwards through a part of the trying Conflict Channel, and beginning to hope that we were now in a fair way to continue our voyage successfully, we came to the lodge that stands at the entrance to the channel of Worldly-desires.

“There, alas! we listened long to the enticing talk of the old Porter, who shamefully deceived us; and in the end were induced to accept the services of some of his vile sons, the pilots, to escort us down into that treacherous channel.

“At first we were so carried away with the novelty and excitement of the place, in the midst of such crowds of vessels running hither and thither, that we forgot for a while all about the important voyage on which we had set out. But when we began to find out the character of the place, and its vain unsatisfying pursuits that always ended in dire disappointment, we became sick at heart, and deeply regretted having turned out of the right course. And when, moreover, we saw so many dreadful disasters and shipwrecks occurring around us incessantly, and especially the awful havoc committed by the dread King of Terrors among those pleasure seekers—so suddenly snatched away in the midst of all their worldly amusements—we became greatly alarmed; and then hurrying away with all the speed we could command, we left the place, trembling lest the spectral ship might be in full chase of us, to carry us down to the abode of death and destruction.

“But we have never been well, or at ease since then, owing to the severe chills we caught while in the company of the icebergs, and the maladies we afterward contracted in the impure atmosphere of that deadly channel. Our Captain has been laid up as a confirmed invalid for many months, and our pilot is quite paralyzed. Our sight too is so impaired that we can scarcely see anything; while vague and distressing terrors haunt us by day and by night.” No sooner had he uttered these words, than he shouted in much terror, “Ah, there comes our foe, the Phantom ship to hurry us away,” and when he had so said, they slipped away with the tide in great consternation.

As we were reflecting upon the distressing tale we had just heard, one of our late companions came alongside, to whom Mr. Thoughts remarked, “What a striking confirmation of the words of Mr. Experience we have in those wretched mariners of the unstable—now hurrying away in fear—as to the terrible consequences of being drawn aside into the ways of sin and folly, down in that channel of worldliness.

“Yes indeed, a sad spectacle to men and angels is that unfortunate vessel the Unstable, commanded by Captain Wavering, who has spent most of his precious time down in that soul-destroying channel of Worldly-desires, where he has been reduced to the miserable condition in which you found him. The officers and crew are all crippled for life; and though they may be saved in the end, it will be as by a miracle of grace. Certainly they will never realize the full blessedness of that glorious entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our exalted Prince, which shall be “Ministered abundantly” to all the faithful overcomers.”

Setting a stricter watch than ever, and applying ourselves with greater diligence to sail and steer our bark aright, (in view of the solemn lessons we had recently learned) we now kept our eyes more steadfastly fixed on the grand point of attraction before us—our risen Lord—and along the line of golden light that came from the Holy City; thus animated more and more every day by the blessed hope of soon beholding our beloved Prince and of casting anchor in the glorious Port of Paradise itself.

We had not been sailing many days in this happy mood of expectation—with all our sails fully expanded, and filled with the balmy winds of heaven, steering solely by “the bright and Morning Star,” that shone so brightly in the heavens before us—when our lookout shouted the welcome news of land ahead.

The long-desired shores of the Celestial World were in truth gradually looming up above the horizon, and every eye was instantly turned in that direction, to catch the first glimpse of the heavenly land.

The announcement of the lookout had sent an intense thrill of joy through all on board, not unmixed however with feelings of deep solemnity and even awe, as we thought of the impending change, now so near at hand.

We had nearly crossed the perilous Ocean of Time; our one important voyage was drawing near to its close; the great problem of life was about to be solved; and some of the deep secrets, which had been hidden for centuries from all the voyagers on that ocean, were about to be unveiled to us in the eternal mansions prepared for us, and all believers, in the land of the blest.

Looks of much concern and not a little agitation were plainly visible upon the countenances of every one, such as had never before been experienced, as we began to realize our solemn position; in view of that most momentous crisis of our existence, which was now approaching: the step from time into eternity.

“Oh, how profoundly solemn, that great change,

From transient time to the eternal state;

The short swift flight, the momentary plunge

Into the vast and hitherto unknown:

Whence none have e’er returned to tell

The thrilling tale of that one final move;

Which once ‘tis done, ‘tis then forever done,

And seals the spirit’s fate eternally.

Who can conceive the horror of that hour?

When first an unbelieving, Christless soul,

Whose sins unwashed, and spirit still unchanged,

Takes that one final leap, while all alone;

Down into darkness, dreary and profound;

A naked helpless spirit, there to find

None to receive or cheer him, in that gloom—

Save vengeful demons, from the great abyss,

Who rush with speed to seize his wretched soul

And hurry it away to endless woe.

How sad his fate, how awful his surprise!

To find that all is lost, forever lost!

When all his fondly cherished hopes have fled,

And vanished then, forever out of view.

But mark the contrast in that dying saint,

The humble Christian, who on Christ relies—

Whose happy spirit wings its joyous flight,

Straight to the realms of bliss, and endless day:

And whose short passage, o’er the bar of death,

Is but a gentle sleep, his last sweet sleep:

Like infant nestling in its mother’s arms,

Who wakes to find itself enfolded there,

In perfect sense of safety, and repose.

So sleeps the saint, in Jesus’ arms secure,

And wakes at length, with infinite delight,

To find himself transported to the skies.

Borne by the angelic messengers of heaven

With shouts of welcome, and celestial songs,

Before the presence of the Lord Himself,

In Paradise, the center of all bliss.”

The many past scenes and vicissitudes of our eventful voyage now flashed upon us with wonderful vividness; and with overflowing gratitude we praised our Heavenly King and Prince Emmanuel for the many merciful deliverances we had experienced and the marvelous way we had been led throughout our whole voyage.

It was a calm and lovely evening (that will ever be remembered by us) as the day was gently declining, and a soft mellow glow of golden light fell serenely on everything around us, when we quietly drew near to the mysterious land, whence none had ever returned to tell the tale of their entrance therein.

The glorious Port of Paradise, and the Golden City, now gradually opened out before us; and as we gazed intently on the unfolding vision, we were filled with unutterable ecstasy.

All recollections of the trials and difficulties we had encountered by the way seemed to vanish forever like a transient dream of the night, in view of the sublime prospect before us.

But between us and the port, we found a shallow bar, stretched entirely across the entrance thereto, over which we must pass before we could enter into that Port of rest, our long-desired haven.

Upon that bar the rolling surge of the great Ocean of Time broke incessantly with a deep and mournful roar, that for a moment inspired some of our officers with fear, though it was but for a moment.

Both our Mates and Mr. Heart were deeply affected as they listened to the sad moaning of the surge and gazed upon the shallow bar, over which we had now to pass.

“‘Twas the mournful wail of a fallen world,

Thus telling its tale of sorrow and crime;

Of sufferings and wrongs unnumbered it told,

Which ever rolled down on the Stream of Time.

“The groans of creation finding a voice,

In the sullen roar of that moaning surge;

Repeating the woes of the human race;

And chanting the world’s sad funeral dirge.”

The tempestuous ocean over which myriads of immortal souls had passed, for weal or for woe, was now forever behind us.

And as we reflected on the stupendous fact that the eternal destiny of all those voyagers hung upon the issues of that one short voyage, which never could be repeated, we were well-nigh overpowered with the thought of the, momentousness of that one brief passage of life; so lightly regarded, frittered away, and trifled with, by the hosts of thoughtless mariners whom we had seen on our voyage.

Just over the bar which separated us from the Port of Paradise, there hung a peculiar cloud, which at first appeared to cast a gloomy shadow over its whole extent, imparting to it a somewhat dreary aspect.

But as we continued to look thereon, it began to glow with a soft beautiful light, reflected from the celestial city, that instantly dispelled its gloominess. And then we seemed to hear the sound of many voices in the cloud, like the rush of mighty waters.

With our eyes attentively fixed on the brightening cloud, wondering and waiting to know how we should cross this, the last barrier that stood between us and our desired haven, one of the voices in the cloud, like the clear sound of a trumpet, saluted us by saying, “Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.” Then another voice immediately responded, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

The precious Cross, at which we had been forever cleansed and saved, instantly flashed upon us again, and we now realized more fully than ever the divine purpose, value, and blessedness of that wonderful act of “Washing our robes,” which had been accomplished for us as we came in by the Strait-of-the-Cross.

It was indeed the efficacy of that one perfect offering of the blessed Son of God that was to be our sole passport to glory.

Gethsemane and the hill of Calvary were once more before us, in all their solemn grandeur; and again we seemed to hear the loud cry of “It is finished,” that kept on reverberating through all the ages, telling out the blessed assurance of man’s redemption having been fully and forever accomplished, on that day of days, when the angels

“Clapped their triumphant wings and cried,

The glorious work is done.”

It was wholly by virtue of the work done on that ever-memorable day, and by nothing that we had ever done, that we had been “Made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”

After pausing for a while in silent contemplation on the delightful words of heavenly assurance we had just heard, Mr. Heart (who had continued in devout prayer and communion with the Holy Presence, from the moment we had come up to the bar) was heard expressing, with holy enthusiasm, the happy confidence with which he had been inspired, at that supreme moment, saying, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they shall comfort me.”

Whatever thoughts of fear we may have experienced for a brief moment on first sighting the bar, and the light shadow thrown across it, they were now forever gone; and no tongue could ever tell the deep stream of real joy and comfort that flowed out to us, from those surpassingly gracious words out of the cloud, and the happy assurance derived therefrom, as expressed by Mr. Heart.

Chapter 21

At this juncture we were directed to be ready to cast our anchor (the one we had received at the Port of Peace) finally within the haven of rest into which we were now entering and secure it firmly therein. This being promptly responded to by Captain Will and his men, we were then gently and happily borne over the dread mysterious bar by an invisible power, to the inexpressible joy and delight of everyone, Mr. Heart shouting, as we passed, with a triumphant voice, “Oh death where is thy sting?” A voice from the light cloud then quickly answered, “The Lord your Prince ‘through death hath destroyed him that had the power of death, that is the devil,’ therefore, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’”

Often and often had we heard of the appalling nature of that much dreaded Bar; indeed it had been the terror of most time bound voyagers throughout all their voyage; and well it might be to such as were in the power of the terrible King of Terrors, and who by him were towed across, in his grim and ghostly ship, down to the regions of eternal death.

But to us, as to all true believers, it was the happiest moment of our existence, when we glided smoothly over that surging bar; for it was but the blessed portal by which we passed, as in a moment, from the sorrows and trials of time, into the eternal felicities of Paradise.

“The scenes of earth now fading,

Forever from our view:

Its turmoil now all ending,

Heaven’s glory full in view.

“No more shall storms assail us,

Or trials more annoy;

Nor sore temptations try us,

To turn us from God’s way.

“For there in yonder glory,

No sound of earth is heard;

Sweet rest awaits the weary,

Forever with the Lord.”

The instant we had crossed the bar, the full effulgence of the glorious city burst upon us; and immediately a royal barge, which had the appearance of burnished gold, with a retinue of heralds from the King arrayed in pure celestial garments, of surpassing beauty, came forth to welcome and convey us up into the holy city.

Leaving now our frail bark, in which we had crossed the great ocean, stranded and dismantled upon the shallow bar, we were taken on board the golden barge, with the sound of many trumpets and much rejoicing.

Voices of welcome greeted us on every side from those bright angelic messengers; whose countenances beamed with light and love, and whose highest pleasure was to impart joy and gladness such as were never known on earth.

Passing onwards in royal state, our eyes rapturously fixed on the superlatively glorious Paradise before us, that seemed to extend upwards and upwards into the infinity of light and space, our barge was suddenly changed into a flying chariot that flew upwards into the boundless expanse with the speed of light.

As we rose higher and higher, borne by those grand angelic bands, the sounds of innumerable voices and of “harpers harping with their harps” fell upon our ears, in the sweetest and most sublime strains of music, such as mortals in the world below could never hear.

Grand anthems, of the loftiest praise and adoration, rolled on and on continually, in marvelous waves of richest harmony, through all the wide ethereal vaults of heaven.

Loud Hallelujahs rang from side to side of the vast expanse, as the sublime and harmonious choirs of heaven answered one another unceasingly, while the chief burden of all their holy praise and worship seemed ever to be “Glory to God in the Highest,” “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”

We, too, endeavored to join in the heavenly chorus, but were so overpowered with the sublimity and grandeur of everything around us, and the thrilling strains of those celestial anthems, that we could but admire in silent wonder and adoration.

Now swiftly approaching the pearly gates of the heavenly city (which opened of their own accord) we were ushered into its golden streets, that looked “like unto clear glass,” with the sound of many trumpets; and then a clear angelic voice, still louder than any voice we had ever heard before, addressed us with the words, “Come ye blessed of the Lord, who have washed your robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” “enter into the joy of your Lord:” and the whole heavens seemed to resound again with the echo of that mighty voice and those graciously significant words of celestial welcome.

Then as the exceeding brightness of the glory of God fell upon us, we beheld a throne in the midst thereof, and “the Lord sitting upon the throne high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.”

And there, too, in the center of all that ineffable glory, we beheld our adorable Prince Emmanuel “seated on the right hand of the Majesty on high”; while all around the throne innumerable hosts of angels, cherubim and seraphim, and living creatures, were continually saying in the most profound and solemn tones, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

And oh, most wonderful of all, and beyond all power of expression, we poor, frail things of earth—the puny and once sinful denizens of that little world below—were borne forward in the midst of all that sublime grandeur and excellent glory, even into the very presence of our beloved and glorious Prince. And when our eyes fell on that benignant, that transcendent countenance of majestic sweetness, now radiant with a heavenly smile of welcome, such as He alone could express, and when His gracious voice assured us with the loving words, “Come beloved and blessed of My Father, into these mansions prepared for you and all who believe,” our whole being thrilled with intense emotions of delight. Our bliss was now complete and perfect. This was indeed the Heaven of Heavens, in the very presence of the blessed Lord Himself, where perfect rest and happiness ever abide; we could desire no more.

Then, when our Lord had uttered those welcoming words, and had given us a “White stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it,” He further added, “Wait yet a little while till all your brethren are gathered in, to enjoy together the yet higher and fuller adoption, the redemption of the body.”

“Oh, the strange wonders of that happy day,

When having loosed the bonds of mortal clay,

We first were introduced to heavenly joys;

The pure and blissful rapture of the skies.

No mortal eye had seen, nor ear had heard,

Nor heart of man had ever once conceived

The glorious things prepared by God above,

For all true saints, the objects of His love.

Excelling all terrestrial things as far

As day’s bright orb, outshines the faintest star.

For all earth’s highest joys could not compare

With one celestial thrill experienced there.

The heart’s deep yearnings now all satisfied

And every aspiration realized;

Yea, more than realized a thousand fold,

In heartfelt bliss, that never could be told.”

Here the narrator paused; the tale of his one eventful voyage was finished, and the happy spirits from a distant sphere bowed their heads in grateful thanks; while they pondered in silent astonishment on all the wonderful scenes and events that had been rehearsed to them.

With unbounded admiration they dwelt upon the marvelous work of man’s redemption and all its glorious consequences; while they were lost in amazement at the thought that any of the children of men could be found so depraved, and so lost to sense and reason, as to despise, and even willfully reject, the gracious way of deliverance and everlasting salvation provided in infinite love by the good King Elohim and the blessed Prince Emmanuel.

Then with celestial fervor they joined with the happy redeemed saints from the earth in singing the heavenly song of glory to the Lamb, saying: “Blessing and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever.” Amen.