I.

The little Pilgrim in the seen and unseen.

The little Pilgrim, whose story has been told in another place, and who had arrived but lately on the other side, among those who know trouble and sorrow no more, was one whose heart was always full of pity for the suffering.  And after the first rapture of her arrival, and of the blessed work which had been given to her to do, and all the wonderful things she had learned of the new life, there returned to her in the midst of her happiness so many questions and longing thoughts that They were touched by them who have the care of the younger brethren, the simple ones of heaven.  These questions did not disturb her peace or joy, for she knew that which is so often veiled on earth,—­that all is accomplished by the will of the Father, and that nothing can happen but according to His appointment and under His care.  And she was also aware that the end is as the beginning to Him who knows all, and that nothing is lost that is in His hand.  But though she would herself have willingly borne the sufferings of earth ten times over for the sake of all that was now hers, yet it pierced her soul to think of those who were struggling in darkness, and whose hearts were stifled within them by all the bitterness of the mortal life.  Sometimes she would be ready to cry out with wonder that the Lord did not hasten His steps and go down again upon the earth to make all plain; or how the Father himself could restrain His power, and did not send down ten legions of angels to make all that was wrong right, and turn all that was mournful into joy.

‘It is but for a little time,’ said her companions.  ’When we have reached this place we remember no more the anguish.’  ’But to them in their trouble it does not seem a little time,’ the Pilgrim said.  And in her heart there rose a great longing.  Oh that He would send me! that I might tell my brethren,—­not like the poor man in the land of darkness, of the gloom and misery of that distant place, but a happier message, of the light and brightness of this, and how soon all pain would be over.  She would not put this into a prayer, for she knew that to refuse a prayer is pain to the Father, if in His great glory any pain can be.  And then she reasoned with herself and said, ’What can I tell them, except that all will soon be well? and this they know, for our Lord has said it; but I am like them, and I do not understand.’

One fair morning while she turned over these thoughts in her mind there suddenly came towards her one whom she knew as a sage, of the number of those who know many mysteries and search into the deep things of the Father.  For a moment she wondered if perhaps he came to reprove her for too many questionings, and rose up and advanced a little towards him with folded hands and a thankful heart, to receive the reproof if it should be so,—­for whether it were praise or whether it were blame, it was from the Father, and a great honor and happiness to receive.  But as he came towards her he smiled and bade her not to fear.  ‘I am come,’ he said, ’to tell you some things you long to know, and to show you some things that are hidden to most.  Little sister, you are not to be charged with any mission—­’