Chapter 38—The Saints’ Reward
Then I saw a very great number of angels bring from the city
glorious crowns; a crown for every saint with his name written thereon;
and as Jesus called for the crowns, angels presented them to him, and
the lovely Jesus, with his own right hand, placed the crowns on the
heads of the saints. In the same manner, the angels brought the harps,
and Jesus presented them also to the saints. The commanding angels
first struck the note, and then every voice was raised in grateful, happy
praise, and every hand skillfully swept over the strings of the harp,
sending forth melodious music in rich and perfect strains. Then I saw
Jesus lead the redeemed company to the gate of the city. He laid hold
of the gate and swung it back on its glittering hinges, and bade the
nations who had kept the truth to enter in. There was every thing in the
city to feast the eye. Rich glory they be held every where. Then Jesus
looked upon his redeemed saints; their countenances were radiant with
glory; and as he fixed his loving eyes upon them, he said, with his rich,
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musical voice, I behold the travail of my soul, and am satisfied. This
rich glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sorrows are ended. There
shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain. I saw the redeemed host bow and cast their glittering
crowns at the feet of Jesus, and then, as his lovely hand raised them
up, they touched their golden harps, and filled all heaven with their
rich music, and songs to the Lamb.
I then saw Jesus leading the redeemed host to the tree of life, and
again we heard his lovely voice, richer than any music that ever fell
on mortal ear, saying, The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the
nations. Eat ye all of it. Upon the tree of life was most beautiful fruit,
which the saints could partake of freely. There was a most glorious
throne in the City, and from under the throne proceeded a pure river of
water of life, as clear as crystal. On either side of this river of life was
the tree of life. On the banks of the river were beautiful trees bearing
fruit which was good for food. Language is altogether too feeble to
attempt a description of heaven. As the scene rises before me I am lost
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