Cayton's weekly. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1916-1921, 1918-06-01
FROM A DAUGHTER OF SOLOMON
Susie Revels Clayton

not OF the Dig Things winch L had met ana
conquered during the day but of the mani
fold little hinderances, and annoyances
which had Slapped much energy.
Moreover, l had also labored in men
tai conflict, the burden of which was still
with me as my eyelids closed.
Then it was, that | was conscious Of a
presence, near yet far removed; and in
some mysterious way this presence impaired
thoughts to me. Thus it was | became
aware that my time in the world of men
was ending: that soon | must stand before
my God. And | thought of all | would
yet like to do in the world of men; of
things | had hoped to accomplish, yea, of
my loved ones whom I would have to leave
behind. Vanly, [ sought for some means
or escape, OF even, postponement, yet L
felt the fnaity Of the impaired message.
''Those who trust in God should not meet
Him holding on to earthly ties impaired
the presence.
There was no need of meditation. Had
| not Truth s conviction? AS a warrior lays
down his trusted sword, surrendered, l. each
earthly ambition, every hearts desire.
Moreover, thereupon | at last placed the
severed ties which had so lovingly bound
me to each member of my family-save one.
And it so was, at this time I was conscious
that all life had left my limbs. 1 lay
trunk, head and heart. Then a pause,
as | waited further instructions. Soon l
knew why nothing else was imparted any
moment my soul might depart from it's
earthly home: | must not be earth-bOund.
Then with one heart -rending effort, laid [
upon my forsaken hopes and ties the golden
one which had bound me to the babe upon
my BOSOM.
Whereupon, I became instantly conscious
that the breath of life was fast leaving my
entire body. Finally l. or what had been
the best within me, existed in space, con-
nected only to some invisible substance;
vapory as floating clouds, frail as silken
threads, and insecure as ascending smoke
Wreaths.
And behold, so | was transported to
place far distant and | looked and behold.
| was located upon great and lofty emf
nence FAR Overhangng a caSm dark, deep
and wide: in darkness unbrOken in its
distressing blackness, and there was not a
sound in all that vast surroundings. Never
had | conceived that there could be such
isolation. Verify it were as if the entire
world had been swept from around me and
only | left of all things which once had
been.
Then l found that the presence was still
with me, speaking to me: 'Ime there is
if you wish to pray.'
Oh God, cleanse and accept my soul With
the whole Of my hearts strngth and with
confidence I prayed. And the answer
at once forthcoming Although the dark
ness remained just as impenetrable, the sill
ence no less intense, all fear had vanished
and willing acceptance came to me, OF the
great unknown. Fear was turned to I'M
dreampt Of courage; assurance where doubt
had reigned.
Thus [ waited; how long | could not tell
Enumerated time seemed to have passed
just as had all other things which I had
known. When, 10, suddenly, from out the
depths of that endless chasm came a sound;
low moan not unlike woman in long
travail, on the stiffness which surrounded
me it was startling in the extreme. Louder,
and yet louder still it grew until it became
a deafening roar of misery, and it ragged
and shook and tore. as does a turbulent sea
by tempest driven.
''You now" impaired the presence, ''get
IL.