They stood
beneath the altar, for they were living sacrifices. They were
clothed in white, and wore crowns of glory on their heads, and they
sang hallelujah to him who had been slain for them, and made them
kings and priests forever in his kingdom.
"While thus wandering among those holy mansions, I met a spirit
crowned with honor,--Mary, the mother of our Lord. She was specially
delighted at seeing me, saying, 'How glad I am that you, from that
erring people who trust in me, have found the right way to this
blessed place! Are there other sisters of like faith, who believe in
the only Mediator?' When I told her that there were, she embraced
me, and led me where I could see the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
They were all seated round their Master, just as they used to be on
earth; but no more debating who should be greatest, for now they
ascribed all greatness to their King, and dwelt in perfect love.
Among them I saw Peter, zealous still, but with a holy zeal. I heard
him ask, 'How long shall those precious souls, redeemed by thy
blood, be led astray? May I not fly on the wings of love, and
destroy that city of blasphemy on the seven hills, that the glory
may be thine?' But Jesus looked on him with an eye of love, and
said, 'Simon, son of Jonas, the time is not yet come.
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