ould not
pray; breathless expectation and eager curiosity banished all devotion
and composure. Occasionally was heard, amid the silence and darkness,
a deep sigh, a suppressed groan, or a shriek, which died away in
the murmuring of prayer. Suddenly a strange music broke the
stillness--sharp, piercing tones, resonant as bells, and increasing in
power, sometimes as rich and full as the peals of an organ, then gentle
and soft as the murmuring wind, or a sorrow-laden sigh. Then, human
voices joined the music, swelling it to a wonderful and harmonious
choir--to an inspired song of aspiration, Of fervent expectation, and
imploring the coming of him who would bring glory and peace, filling the
hearts of believers with godliness. The chorus of the Invisibles had not
ceased, when a strange blue light began to glimmer at the farther end
of the room; then it shot like a flash through the dark space. As their
dazzled eyes were again raised, they saw in a kind of halo, in the midst
of golden clouds, a tall, dazzling figure, in a long, flowing robe,
sparkling with silver. The lovely bust, the beautiful arms and
shoulders, were covered with a transparent golden tissue, over which
fell the long, curly hair to the waist. A glittering band, sparkling
like stars, was wound through the hair, which surrounded a feminine face
of surpassing beauty. Perpetual youth glowed upon her full, rosy cheeks;
bright intelligence beamed from the clear, lofty brow; peace, joy, and
happiness, were revealed in the smile of the red lips; love and passion
flashed from the large, brilliant eyes. The choir of the Invisibles now
sang in jubilant tones: "The eternal Virgin, the everlasting, holy, and
pure being, greets the erring, blesses those that seek, causing them to
find, and partake with joy."

The heavenly woman raised her lovely arms, extending them as if for a
tender embrace. A captivating smile lighted up her features; a fiery
glance from her beautiful eyes seemed to greet every one, separately,
to announce to them joy and hope. While they regarded her entranced with
delight, the golden cloud grew denser, and covered the virgin with her
luminous veil. It then gradually disappeared, with the golden splendor.
The chorus of the Invisibles ceased, and the music died away in gentle
murmurs. Upon the spot where the beaming apparition was visible, there
now stood a tall priest, in a long, flowing black robe; a pale-blue
light surrounded him, and rendered the d