Beginning of Public Labors
27
all my sufferings. He would not turn away from me; He would have
mercy upon me, and I would love and serve Him always.
Just then the door opened, and a person of beautiful form and
countenance entered. He looked upon me pitifully, and said: “Do you
wish to see Jesus? He is here, and you can see Him if you desire it.
Take everything you possess, and follow me.”
I heard this with unspeakable joy, and gladly gathered up all my
little possessions, every treasured trinket, and followed my guide. He
led me to a steep and apparently frail stairway. As I began to ascend
the steps, he cautioned me to keep my eyes fixed upward, lest I should
grow dizzy and fall. Many others who were climbing the steep ascent
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fell before gaining the top.
Finally we reached the last step, and stood before a door. Here my
guide directed me to leave all the things that I had brought with me.
I cheerfully laid them down. He then opened the door, and bade me
enter. In a moment I stood before Jesus. There was no mistaking that
beautiful countenance; that expression of benevolence and majesty
could belong to no other. As His gaze rested upon me, I knew at once
that He was acquainted with every circumstance of my life and all my
inner thoughts and feelings.
I tried to shield myself from His gaze, feeling unable to endure
His searching eyes; but He drew near with a smile, and laying His
hand upon my head, said, “Fear not.” The sound of His sweet voice
thrilled my heart with a happiness it had never before experienced.
I was too joyful to utter a word, but, overcome with emotion, sank
prostrate at His feet. While I was lying helpless there, scenes of beauty
and glory passed before me, and I seemed to have reached the safety
and peace of heaven. At length my strength returned, and I arose. The
loving eyes of Jesus were still upon me, and His smile filled my soul
with gladness. His presence awoke in me a holy reverence and an
inexpressible love.
My guide now opened the door, and we both passed out. He bade
me take up again all the things I had left without. This done, he handed
me a green cord coiled up closely. This he directed me to place next
my heart, and when I wished to see Jesus, take it from my bosom, and
stretch it to the utmost. He cautioned me not to let it remain coiled
for any length of time, lest it should become knotted and difficult to
straighten. I placed the cord near my heart, and joyfully descended
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