bidding, and will leave thee only at my command. Ask him what thou
wilt, and he must answer thee, even to the limit of his knowledge."
At this juncture, and without a moment's warning, my vision was enlarged
and an unusual light flashed upon me. Quickly I cast my wondering eyes
all about me and saw that I was standing at the very threshold of a
great door. It was of such imposing dimensions and so magnificently
constructed that only the architects of Heaven could have designed it.
Instinctively I turned to Blackana, whom I could now face without fear:
"Where are we, and what is the meaning of this great door?" And as I
spoke unseen hands swung it open upon its hinges.
"We are standing at the open door of the twentieth century. You may
look out into the coming years as far as you wish," replied Blackana
in a cold, indifferent manner.
Thrilled by such an unusual sight, and the thought which his
interpretation and words suggested, I marveled at his sullenness, for
Blackana did not so much as lift his head to see the spectacle.
"O, Blackana!" I cried, "why are you so dead to such surroundings?"
"These are mere playthings," was his gruff reply. "To me the doors of
the centuries, which open and shut on the cycles of time, are as
trifles, neither lessening my misery nor adding to my pleasure."
During a brief, thoughtful silence I continued looking at him, as a
shudder swept my whole being. I then turned from this creature so
shrouded in mystery and, stepping forward to look through the open
door, I was suddenly overawed at the still greater scenes which spread
in wondrous panorama before my entranced vision.
Under the new light I beheld a marvelous sight, for I could distinctly
see the myriad millions of humanity moving on the paths of life toward
a common goal.
In the bright halo of the scene I saw the beautiful King's Highway,
on which were marching the hosts of the church militant, led
triumphantly by the Spirit of God to the very gates of the Celestial
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