What is the deeper meaning of eternity?

 

A Letter from Spirit Philander to Julia

In the regions of eternal bliss—of never-ending joy—your remembrance, Julia, steals on me, as in the happy hours, when rich in mutual love, we knew no dearer hope than the contemplation of our approaching union. 

Yes, Julia—

Even in heaven my thoughts revert to you—

I anticipate the time when we shall be re-united. 

Here alone your unobtrusive virtues and patient suffering will meet their due reward. 

Envy and malice find no place here—

Piety and resignation rest in their destined home.

Do you remember, Julia, that day we thought so happy, when sanctioned by your parents, I sought you in the grove? 

I found you seated beneath a spreading tree—

The branches formed a friendly shade from the rays of the meridian sun—

Your golden locks glittered, and your eyes of liquid blue were raised contemplative to the wide-extended firmament.

A tear hung on your cheek—

A volume of Milton was in your hand. 

The seductive strains of the poet raised our thoughts to heaven and sublimed every sentiment—

At length, I informed you of the application I had made to your parents, and with trembling hope, entreated your consent. 

Blushing in sweet confusion, your timid eye met mine—

That glance was sufficient—

Thousands of words would not have expressed so much—

I received the silent assurance, and was happy. 

We traced our path through the new-mown field—

Your respected parents met us, and we knelt before them, and received their blessing. 

The wished-for day arrived—

It was ushered in with joy—

The sky was unclouded—

All nature seemed gay, as if to hail our nuptial morning. 

Suddenly, a langour stole over me and obscured my faculties—

I fainted, and on recovering, found myself laid on a couch—

You were kneeling before me, bathed in tears and pale as the parian marble. 

I would have risen, but my strength was unequal to the effort. 

I suffered for three days—

I felt death's foreboding, but did not fear it—

To the virtuous, death appears only in the bright semblance of an angel. 

But I grieved for you, Julia—

I mourned your blasted hopes—your already altered form. 

Your parents called me their son—

They wept, and seemed, also, to anticipate the loss of their daughter. 

Two hours before my spirit was released from its earthly tenement, my senses seemed absorbed in stupor, but a foretaste of bliss was presented to me—heavenly radiance seemed to encircle the bed and celestial music cheered my parting agony. 

The last convulsive throe recalled me for a moment to the world, and faltering the name of Julia, I expired. 

What a scene then burst on my wondering sight! 

Myriads of beings—more glorious than the sun—hailed my newborn state. 

Ravishing sounds broke on my ear, and those glorious inhabitants of heaven greeted my release from the earth in songs of joy. 

Light and aerial, I mounted on the wings of the wind—

A tumult of joy pervaded every sense—

The angels bore me to the throne where was seated the Majesty of Heaven—

I fell down and worshipped, penetrated with gratitude and delight! 

The souls of many of my departed friends hailed my arrival—

In particular, the companion of my youth, my much-lamented Erasmus—

I instantly recognised him, though the dazzling lustre of his beauty surprised and delighted me.

A hitherto unknown melody was communicated to my voice—

I joined the angelic choir in hymns of praise to the Creator and Giver of our happiness. 

Oh, Julia—! 

Description has no powers to portray the joys of heaven! 

Every sense gratified—

Every feeling lapt in bliss! 

The beauty and glory of the celestial world surpass the most brilliant idea you can form!

Prepare, my Julia, prepare for this world of joy. 

I am permitted to give you warning of your approaching dissolution. 

Do not start at the prospect of the tomb—

It is only a receptacle—

Then—

The spirit—

Re-united to its fondly-beloved companion—

Will imbibe—

From the immortal radiance of the Redeemer—

A resemblance to His own celestial purity and beauty. 

I will entreat permission from the Almighty to welcome you to this abode of bliss—

My happiness can receive no other addition. 

Then—

Inseparable in time and to eternity—

Together, we will offer up our praises and thanksgivings before the Throne of Grace. 

Until that happy period arrive—

Farewell, my Julia. 

Letters from the Dead to the Living, and Moral Letters