In Both WorldsHolcombe, William H. (William Henry)
Religion
In Both Worlds
Holcombe, William H. (William Henry)
Lazarus, of Bethany, Saint -- Fiction
Let not the scoffer or unbeliever suppose that a stronger mind, a firmer
reason, a clearer light, are the cause of his incredulity. He will
disbelieve and repudiate what I am about to narrate, only because, in the
progress of development, his own spirit has not yet reached that stage
when he can comprehend and receive the most beautiful and holy truths.
We had been walking in an easterly direction during the latter part of our
conversation. Suddenly there appeared before us a vast golden-colored
sheet or blaze of light in the east. It was exceedingly brilliant, but at
the same time inexpressibly soft and beautiful. In the centre of this
great luminous field there was a snowy dove with outspread wings, bearing
an olive branch in her mouth.
“The sphere of the Lord in the world of spirits!” exclaimed my companions
in a breath; and they knelt with bowed heads and reverent faces at the
approach of the resplendent symbol.
“This was the sphere which I saw,” said John, “at the baptism of Jesus. My
spiritual senses were partly opened, and this golden light which surrounds
the Lord, appeared to encompass his natural body; and the dove, which
represents the Holy Spirit of love and peace, rested upon Him; while a
revelation was made to me, that this man whom I had baptized, was truly
the Son of God.”
I scarcely heard these words, nor did I understand them; for my mind was
in a state of great agitation. I had never been pious: I was scarcely even
religious in an external sense. I knew little or nothing of conviction of
sin, penitence or repentance. I was, therefore, amazed at the new
sensations I experienced. There was a painful sense of my own unregenerate
condition; a terrible self-reproach, self-loathing, self-abasement; and
with tears of contrition and humility I prostrated myself on my face. It
was the sphere of the Lord, the light of heaven, the Spirit of God
penetrating my soul and revealing me to myself.
My father now raised me from the ground, and fell upon my neck weeping.
“Be not astonished,” he said. “These are tears of joy! You have been
tested by the divine light. There are remains of goodness and truth in
your soul. You will be saved. Heaven is yours.”
This was more incomprehensible to me than anything yet, but I said
nothing; for a sweet calm overspread my senses, and I became aware of the
proximity of holy and august presences. I looked around me. I saw a great
multitude of good spirits before us. All faces were directed to a group of
figures which occupied a little knoll in their midst. In the centre of
that group, I recognized Jesus of Nazareth!
His face shone as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Dazzling as his form appeared, his features were perfectly familiar, but
etherealized and glorified, Moses and Elijah stood by him, one on his
right hand and the other on his left. I recognized them at once; for every
Jew has seen the statues and pictures of those national worthies.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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