by Rebecca Springer Originally titled  "Intra Muros" Published 1922

"Within the Gates"    The Great Celestial Sea     The days lengthened into weeks, the weeks into months, and those in turn crept into years; the duties and joys of Heaven grew clearer with each passing hour. Our home life was perfect, though we looked forward with joy to the future coming of our son and his wife to make our ties complete. We had spoken often of going together to the great celestial sea, but the time never seemed quite ripe for doing so.         But one evening I said to my brother, "I have a strange desire to go out to the sea, if you think it is wise that we should do so."         "I am glad that it is your desire to go, as it is mine to have you. I was about to propose this blessed journey. I will not go at this time as it is best that you two should go alone."         So in the quivering light of the glorious morning we started, full of a holy joy that together we might make this special journey. We entered and passed through the great forest, where the golden light fell through the branches and birds of gorgeous plumage and song were darting everywhere. As we drew near the sea we could hear the regular dashing of waves against the shore. Now there came bursts of triumphant song and harmony of many instruments of music. At length we emerged from the forest, and stood mute and motionless before the overwhelming glory of the scene before us. From our very feet sloped downward toward the shore a golden strand many hundreds of yards wide and extending out beyond the limits of our vision.         And the sea! It spread out before us in a radiance that passes description in any language that I have ever known. The shining glory we caught in the roll of the waves, the blue tint of the waters of that sea which has no limits to its depths nor bounds. Upon its shining bosom we saw in every direction boats representing all nations filled with people looking with eager faces toward the shore, many in their eagerness standing erect and gazing with wistful, expectant eyes into the faces of those upon the shore.         Oh, the people upon the shore! A great mass of beautiful souls clad in the spotless garments of the redeemed. Many among them had golden harps and various instruments of music. Whenever a boat touched the shore and its inmates were welcomed by the glad voices and tender embraces of their loved ones in the throng, the harps would be held aloft, and all the golden instruments would sound. Then the vast multitude would break forth into the triumphant song of victory over death and the grave.         "Do these people stand here always, I wonder?" I asked softly.         "Not the same people," said a radiant being near us, who had heard my question. "But there is always a throng of people here, those who are expecting friends from the other life, and those who assemble here to share their joy. Some of the heavenly choristers are also continually here, but not always the same ones. You will notice that most of these who arrive are led quietly away by their friends, and many others are constantly joining the multitude."         He passed onward to the shore, and left us rapt in wonder. We soon became interested in watching the reunions and found ourselves joining with rapture in the glad songs of rejoicing. Now and then a face we remembered seeing on Earth would be among the eager faces in the boats, but none that had been especially dear to us; still it made us notice more closely and sympathize more heartily with those who welcomed beloved friends. Now we would see a wife caught in the close embrace of a waiting husband; now a little child with a glad cry would spring into the outstretched arms of the happy mother; friend would clasp friend in glad reunion, and here an aged mother would be folded to the heart of a beloved child.         As one more boat of strength and beauty came riding gracefully over the waves, we observed the tall figure of a man standing near the prow with his arms about a graceful woman who stood by his side. Each shaded with uplifted hand the splendor from their dazzled eyes, and scanned, wistfully and searchingly the faces of the crowd as the boat neared the shore. Suddenly with a great thrill of joy surging through my being, I cried out, "It is our precious son, and his dear wife! And they have come together!"         In an instant we were swiftly moving through the throng that parted in ready sympathy to let us pass. And as the boat touched the shore, with a swift movement they were both beside us, the dear daughter already closely clasped to the hearts of her own happy parents who were waiting near the water's edge, while at the same instant we felt the arms of our beloved son enfolding us; soon thereafter we were all in each other's embrace. Oh what a rapturous moment was that! Our home life in Heaven complete, no partings again forever! As we stood with encircling arms, scarcely realizing the unexpected bliss, the heavenly choir broke into song; and with uplifted faces radiant with joy, eyes filled with happy tears and voices trembling with emotion, we all joined in the glad anthem.         The song arose and fell triumphantly as the vast multitude caught it up, and the surge of the waves made a deep undertone to the melody that increased its solemnity, as with bowed heads and full hearts we passed onward hand in hand; and the light that fell about us was purer, holier, more divine, than it had ever been before.

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