and mysterious until the waning day seemed to be transformed into the
dying of the century. Then I saw, as "through a glass darkly," the
whole panorama of human life, with its painful pictures of sadness and
sin, and its blessed scenes of peace and righteousness. I also heard
the unmistakable wails of a suffering humanity and the turmoils of
myriad contentions, all strangely mingling with the songs of glory and
the shouts of spiritual triumph.
In deep silence I continued looking upon these endless confusions of
the church and the world as they still played their perplexing parts
in the fitful drama before me. All of this so preyed upon my mind that
I involuntarily cried out, in the anguish of my soul: "When will
confusion come to an end, and sweet peace cover the earth as the waters
cover the sea?"
"Will you wait for the winds to answer, or shall I?" replied a voice
so passing strange that I was startled.
I turned to see in whose presence I was and, to my horror, I beheld
a dark creature unlike any mortal being. He was without definite form
and not cumbered with any garments. His indescribable face was set
with two bright eyes, softened in expression until a slight halo
revealed to me a countenance half beautiful and half terrible. "Who
are you, and what is your mission?" I finally ventured to ask after
speech had found my lips, for I was altogether ignorant of his nature
or purpose.
"I am Blackana, from the lower world of spirits, and am commanded here
to stay until released."
[Illustration: Looking through the open door of the Twentieth Century.]
"Until released? What power binds you here, and how long will you
abide?" I asked in dread suspense. "I must remain, as your companion
and interpreter, until the vision is past."
I trembled under these announcements, but I was assured that underneath
me were "the everlasting arms" and, moreover, I heard a still, small
voice whispering within me: "Stand still, O mortal man! Neither Blackana
nor any of his horde shall do thee harm. He hovers before thee at my
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