The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1884-04-19
A Wonderful Dream.

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A Wonderful Dream.
I sat in my room engaged in serious
meditation. 1 had been reading about
"the peace that passeth understanding, "
and right home to me had come the
question: "Why have I not that
peace?" was protesting Christian,
and tried to do my duty to God and
man. I prayed often and earnestly for
clean heart, and always gave my
goods to feed the poor. Then why
was it that could not be really
happy7
While puzzling my brain over this
momentous questions | fell into a
sound sleep, under the influence OF
which was favored with the followin G
wonderful dream:
l thought that 1 was lost in strange
country, and knew not where to go.
Finally i'll my wanderings 1 had reach
ed magnificent castle, built of the
whitest of white marble, and decorated
with gold and precious stones. Hun
dreds of persons were pouring into the
castle through the large front door,
which was wide open, and few were
emerging through the back door, which
was slightly ajar.
Observing these men and women
carefully I discovered that they who
were entering wore an expression of
hope and expectancy, while the major
ity of those coming out carried faces
depicting gloom and disappointment.
Occasionally one or two would appear
with contenances from which beamed
unutterable joy. But this happened SO
seldom that began to wonder why it
was, and what they were all seeking
that was obtained by such few. Then
immense window these words: "They
who are tried and not found wanting
shall receive the pearl of peace and hap.
piness." J." "Just what l require" wa:
my next thought; "I will follow thi:
vast company, and ascertain if I an
worthy of the treasure"
Accordingly, l joined the crowd
which was gradually gaining access tc
the castle. Then l found that the ex
ercise of great patience was necessary
for we moved so slowly that it seemed
that we were making no progress at all
However, I eventually arrived at the
door, and from that position beheld q
marvellous sight. Beyond the hall into
which we were passing l saw room ol
wonderful dimensions, and at one end
of this room golden throne whereon
sat the queen of Justice, for her name
blazed in diamonds from her crown
beside, all that is beautiful in the female
form and character seemed combined
in this one woman. In front of her
were seated many thousands of mortals,
who acted as witnesses against throw
who were being tried. On each side of
the throne were six tall men in long
black coats and high black hats. They
appeared to have the power of reading
the hearts of people; for if witness re-
fused to come forward at the proper
time, these men scanned the assembly
| with their sharp eyes until one of them
discovered the delinquent and brought
him at once to duty.
| could not hear much that was
spoken, but I saw the supplicants fall on
their knees before the queen, and l
knew for what they emplored. l under
stood when they were found wanting,
and l beheld them depart with forlorn
countenance. Most of the diSappoint-
ed candidates took a seat among the
witnesses, but a few retired immediate
ly from the castle. While stood wait
ing, there was only one person, wo-
man, who was made happy; no wit
ness could be found to speak aught
| against her, so she went on her way re-
joicing.
Ofthose that were refused, some were
charged with lying, some with stealing.
A few even with murder; but the ma
| jority were found guilty of simple,
everyday faults, triAes apparently, but
in reality, causes of great distress for
the ones upon whom they were prac-
| ticed.
After waiting what seems to me
many, many hours, 1 had an opportunity
of appearing before the queen. | SET
aside all anxiety, for felt confident
that nothing could be said to my de-
triment. Kneeling, as the others hac
done, began:
"Oh, most gracious queen, grant,
beseech thee, my request. Give me
this precious pearl of happiness"
Looking down on me kindly, sh'
asked:
"Thinkest thou that thou art deserv
ing of such gift?"
sI believe myself to be-" l replied
''I love God and my fellow men. Every
| de.y 10 but s...~si.~- - - -- 's''
my duty" -
"Thou art confident" returned he
majesty, ''but we shall see" =.
Then rising, she surveyed the multi
| tude that faced her, and with gentl
but firm accent issued this edict:
eff there is any person here befor
me who are acquainted with reasons
trihing or weighty, why this mort'
should not receive the inestimable pea
of peace and happiness, let them com
hither and testify or the curse OF II
queen of justice rests upon them nov
henceforth and forever.
A dreadful moment OF suspense, al
: then one arose and came forward.
Il I.-nxx ~