Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/34

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26
THE DEMON OF THE GREAT LAKE

to perform, being a captain in the grand army of our Prince, who commands us, and reigns over us for ever. By the Presence which you were allowed to feel while in the library, know that within three days a Review will take place in the Park of the River of Life, at the other side of the mountain, where will be assembled many millions of redeemed human beings, but you cannot be there. Know that in this city are everlasting joy, peace, purity, and love. Nothing coarse or brutal, nothing vile, offensive, or revolting, can enter here. We have no plagues, wild beasts, or noxious insects to trouble us. No evil passion, envy, hatred, jealousy, or avarice ever enters our hearts. No violence, secret assassination, or open murder; no wars, diseases, or death can separate us or make us miserable. The trees of our forests and gardens supply us with abundance of delicious food; we need never fear famine, or destitution. We enjoy perfect happiness in the service of our Divine Prince, who is not the prince of your world. Seek therefore to be united with us: the meanest of our servants is better and higher than an emperor of the earth. Do not fail or hesitate. Give your whole heart to the mighty Being who gave you life, and who offers to redeem you from the grave.'

He looked upon me with an unutterable expression of affection and anxiety. A wild thought darted through my brain. I recognised him and fell at his feet, clasping his knees and crying: 'My father, my dear, dear father, have I found you again?'

'Yes, son of my love,' he replied, raising me up and kissing my forehead, 'I am, I was your earthly father. You must now go hence, but we shall meet again; a few more years and all will be over. Beware of the world! seek no honour or fame or wealth amongst men, and thank God night and day who has preserved you from the temptations by which many who do seek such things are destroyed.'