Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-05-02
A Strange Vision.

hONS ohN ebi%0Sa fu'So "~~~Sf -
where the rolling river swept by the
foot Of lofty mountain. Knowing
the grand view of surrounding coun-
try to be seen from 30 lofty n point,
/ began to ascend and presently
found myself seated beneath the
branches Of a ssrub-oak, on the very
summit of the mountain. Grand in
deed was the view. Above, light
clouds occasionally drifted along,
casting hurrying shadows upon the
earth beneath. Below, the land in
all the gorgeous apparel of summer,
looked temptingly Eden-like; and
the cleaning river within banks lin
ed with brushwood and waving trees,
wound its course, in curving, ziz-
gag way to the far away bay. Twas
deeply wrapped up in the scenes be-
low and above, Occasionally, the
soft summer wind moaned through
the mountain defiles and bee and
bird. with hum and song, took away
whatsoever Of hardness there might
be in my nature, and left the heart
pensive and sad.
As / sat there, alone with nature,
a strange sensation came over mc--a
deep sense Of half-unconsci~ .,noss I
tried to move, but found / had no
control over my limbs; | endeavor-
ed to hollow, but my voice was no
longer audible. My whole body APP
peared to be in dormant condition,
and slight pains shot through my
frame. | was, however, conscious of
everything going on about me, al
though my sight was gone. Grad
ually the body lost all feeling ofpain
and spirit of contentment re-
faced anxiety. The air around me
was heavy with smoke the rocks of
the mighty mountain quaked, and
noise like the peal of deep thunder,
ever and anon broke upon my ear.
This lasted short time, and then
something touched my eyes and
linbs. As by magic, my old bodily
self-control came back and / arose to
sitting posture. 1t was night
calm and beautiful. Myriads ofstars
kept vigil in the arched armament.
The earth beneath was still ana ST.
lent, except when night-hawks, whip
poor-wills and hooting owls uttered
their awssome night calls in the dark
woods. As / noted these things,
for the first time became aware of
another's presence. BY my side sat
an angel-white as driven snow and
as beautiful as Venus or Beatrice. A
hand, airy ~ the touch Of Oberon's
fairy wand, touched me, and soft,
sirene-like voice spoke to me: "Mor-
tai, be not afraid, but watch" Hark!
What was that? Lookl Through
the sparkling bosom Of the heavens
narrow flood Of light broke-gold-
en- and steady, and through the daz-
cling brightness, the City Of the New
Jerusalem arose, with walls ofjasper,
sapphire, chalcedony and emerald;
with gates Of pearl and streets of
pure gold. The river Of life flowed
through it from the throne Of God.
There came strange sound, and out
from the pearly gates few beautiful
angels, blowing long golden trum-
pets, and, behold, the night became
as day. Below, the whole earth was
covered by rushing, excited mortals.
"Look !" said the angel. A bright
star dropped from its place, with
long flames shooting from its side,
and shot earthward. The earth ig-
nited and the wild flames roared
loudly. "Lookp The golden en-
trance to heaven widened and great
white throne descended, with the
Son of Man seated thereon. HE
garment fell to his feet, and about
His waist was golden girdle. His
head and hair were white "like wool,
his eyes wers as flame Of fire, his
feet like brass and his voice az the
sound of many waters" The sea