Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 156 -
THE SUN-DAUGHTERS SUSPECT THE TRUE NATURE OF THE LORD. ARRIVAL AT THE PALACE OF THE SUN-DWELLERS. CHANCHAH'S AND GELLA'S ADMIRING WORDS.
1
(Say the three sun-daughters, now already close to their dwelling): "You loveliest sister, you speak about your Lord, Master and Father almost as if he were the Most High Himself and not only His messenger. Since you are so wise, we beg you to explain this to us."
2
(Says Chanchah): "Dear sisters, it is not up to me to speak about this, but solely to my Lord and Father. However, we are now quite close to your dwelling and there you will be told all that you want to know. So have patience until then."
3
With this, the three are satisfied and continue on their way. We now reach the enclosure where the first garden begins, which, in terrace-style, is followed by the second or central, and a third or uppermost, magnificent garden.
4
Catching sight of this magnificence and, finally, also of the huge dwelling resembling a temple, Chanchah and Gella are awestruck. After taking deep breaths, they say to the three:
5
(Chanchah and Gella): "But for the Lord's sake, is this the type of house you live in? We see nothing but gold and the largest, most precious gems! And what a daring and superb architecture! To be able to live in such dwellings with the knowledge that you do not have to die as long as you enjoy this life, must be bliss!
6
However, we also realize that it must be extremely difficult in such surroundings to live a life pleasing to God. For where everything is designed to appeal to the senses so mightily, surely no one would think of self-denial or self-abnegation, which is the only means of awakening the immortal spirit and being reunited with one's Creator.
7
O Lord, most loving Father, does this external magnificence please You in any way? Surely Martin's celestial mansion is of great splendor, but compared with this it would seem like a prison cell! And these gardens, these vast and glorious gardens - what an abundance of unbelievable works of art! No, this cannot be just a world; it must be heaven!"