Daily Republican., 1878-10-26
nreshsr nsssher,s preasa,

Henry Ward Bescher has lately had
dream which will probably canse hin
to again revise his opinion In regard
Ito hell. One night, profound slsup hail
overcome the great Brooklyn clergyman
and he dreamed his last days had come.
Finally the moment arrived when thr
spirit stood outside the tenement Of
clay. There came up very gentle
manly man who said:
"Mr. Beecher, have been commits
sioued by his majesty 70 conduct you
into the kingdom and royal city, where
a palace has already been prepared for
you.
"And who are you :"
IL am Dives, Of whom you have ne
doubt heard"
But" said Beecher, where are you
going to to take me p
"ro hell, Of COURSE"
II had come TO believe there was nc
hell, and so preached. II was terri
bic mistake" said Beecher, somewhat
frightened.
"Come," said his companion, as a
magnificent carriage, drawn by four Of
the most splendid horses Brother Beech
or had ever seen, was halted near them;
this Is TO take US to the depot at the
border of the kingdom. We will then
proceed to the imperial city by rail. A
special coach has beea provided for
you
They got In, and II the outside of the
carriage was attractive, the inside sur
passed anything OH earth for luxurious
appointments.
The horses pranced over q road psv,
cd with ivory. The sky was clear, and
the air was balmy. The ride was ex
hilerating, and Brother Beecher said:
Friend Dives, you are deceiying me-:
this cant be he'll. .
10, yes, this can bs hell.
"Well, IL it's hell, it's good enough
for me. It's ahead OF earth."
After q few hours drive over the
road, along which the scenery was Of
the most enchanting beauty, they ar
rived at the railway station construc-
ted Of the purest white marble, and
which was a model of architectural
beauty. At the rear Of II was q lovely
grove Of tropical trees. There was
sweet music in ths air, and millions OF
birds Of the most brilliant plumage
were warbling their notes in the trees.
Dives took Beecher out into the
grove and rspast such as only kings
can sit down to was spread before him.
The ride had whetted his appetite and
he ate heartily. After the repast the
rarest OF wines were set out before the
Brooklyn preacher, and he drank
freely. .....
"That wins," said Dives, "is Of the
vintage of the year after the flood, and
was manufactured by old Father Noah"
II don't blame the old fellow for get
ting little set up oil suuh wine as that.
II this is hell it's good enough for me-.
said Beecher.
The train was soon ready TO start
Beecher was lifted upon litter by four
slaves and carried into special coach
provided for him. The train moved out
to country that was of unsurpassed
loveliness. The mountains and hills
were covered with verdure from base
TO summit. Lordly palaces reared their
turrets, anu castles their battlements,
above the orange and palm groves.
There were no large towns, but mum
erous residences, belonging to his ma
jssty's creditors. Formerly the land
was parcelled out among the people,
bu, the celestial power made war upon
his majesty, and he was obliged to
raise money to carry it on.
He was shown the palace set upon
for him. 1t was more magnificent than
the residence OF earthly royalty. There
was a cathedral close at hand for him
to preach in whenever he should de-
sire. There were troops OF servants to
do his bidding, gold and silver and
precious stones in abundance, downy
couches ottomans and divans--every-
thing, in short to captivate the senses.
"Well, well, said Beecher, "if this is
hell, it is certainly good enough for
me-
For several days he enjoyed himself
far beyoni his expectations, and
thought he would rather be in hell
than ON earth or in heaven. On the
fourth day, during very pleasant in
terview with his Satanic majesty,
Best her observed that it was very singu.
lar TO him that the women were not al
lowed to minsle in society, as he had
seen none since his arrival.
'Sir," said his majesty, women are
not allowed in this kingdom. They
have a kingdom for themselves. No
man is allowed to go there, and no wo-
man is allowed to come here. ..
Then, indeed this must be hell"
said Beecher, and he awoke.-Bmling.
ton Hawkeye.