Life Of Joyful Praise

City Eternal

Tuesday, May 10th, 1921

We have sailed all day on the smoothest sea of our entire trip.  The slightly undulating waves have been so free from even signs of unrest that the slight ripples discernible appeared on the surface like millions of little squares - plaided cloth with the design of the same deep blue material as the body.

  About 5pm, we sailed between the large island, Savaii, on our left and two smaller islands on our right - Apolima and Manono.  Upolu lay on our right farther ahead.  With the aid of glasses, we saw the spouting horns on the western coasts of Savaii and caught glimpses of the little village nestling safely in the mouth of an extinct volcano on the little island of Apolima.  The reflection of the afterglow of sunset upon the peaceful surface of the sea this evening was most splendid.  The sky was tinged with pink, and the clouds lingering around the horizon were fringed with various hues of crimson and purple, while the heavy cloud farther to the west was somber purple and black.  These various colors cast varying shadows on the water.  Those from the cloud were long and black, those from the sky, clear as a mirror, while those from the rose-tinted reflected a faint pink that merged into the clear blue of the ocean.  Gradually the shadows became deeper, and heavier, and all merged into a beautiful twilight which made the sea look like a great mirror upon which shone the faint light from the crescent moon.  But heavens, these colorless words and sentences are so lifeless that I make a beautiful south-sea twilight picture look like an American sign board!  Why attempt to describe the indescribeable?
  The doctor and other officials came aboard, and everybody who wished to do so was permitted to go ashore.
  The Tofua was anchored in the harbor, and those who landed were taken to the wharf in rowboats or launches.
  The prettiest welcome given any of the passengers was expressed by twenty-five Samoan girls, dressed in white, sitting in two rows in a boat, and each using a short oar and rowing as she sang.  They had come out to greet their teacher, a European woman who was just returning after a short absence.
  Pres. John Q. Adams, with Elders Gilbert R. Tingey, George W. Robinson, Walter J. Phillips, Cleon J. Wilcox, [and] Chauncy L. Witbeck, met us but expressed satisfaction when we told them we would remain aboard for the night.  It was then nine-thirty.  He said, "We were not sure whether you would land tonight or tomorrow morning, so we have the band and all the Saints waiting on shore to greet you, but they would prefer to give their welcome in the morning."
  "That suits us fine.  Good night."

Wednesday, May 11, 1921

A beautiful vision suggested, no doubt, by the scene last evening - city - multitude led by savior - while radiant sign or motto: "These are they who have renounced the world - who have truly been born again."

"“Toward evening, the reflection of the afterglow of a beautiful sunset was most splendid! … Pondering still upon this beautiful scene, I lay in my [bed] at ten o’clock that night...I then fell asleep, and beheld in vision something infinitely sublime. In the distance I beheld a beautiful white city. Though it was far away, yet I seemed to realize that all trees [were covered] with luscious fruit, shrubbery with gorgeously tinted leaves, and flowers in perfect bloom abounded everywhere.

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  The clear sky above seemed to reflect these beautiful shades of color. I then saw a great concourse of people approaching the city. Each one wore a white flowing robe and a white headdress. Instantly my attention seemed centered upon their leader, and though I could see only the profile of his features and his body, I recognized him at once as my Savior! The tint and radiance of his countenance were glorious to behold. There was a peace about him which seemed sublime – it was divine!

 
The city, I understood, was his. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness. But who were they?

  As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words:

These Are They Who Have Overcome the World –
Who Have Truly Been Born Again!

7. A fuller account of McKay's vision can be found in Middlemiss, Cherished Experiences, 

101-2.  McKay explained that, as he approached Apia, Samoa, he fell asleep in his berth pondering the blessing of family and friends.  Then, in his sleep, he "beheld in vision something infinitely sublime."  He could see a "beautiful white city....Trees with luscious fruit, shrubbery with gorgeously-tinted leaves, and flowers in perfect bloom abounded everywhere."  As great throngs of people approached the city, he saw their leader.  In his words, "though I could see only the profile of his features and his body, I recognized him at once as my Savior!  The tint and radiance of his countenance were glorious to behold!  There was a peace about him which seemed sublime-it was divine!  The people were following Jesus Christ to live with him in the city "in peace and eternal happiness" and, turning to McKay, the Savior pointed to a sign that read "These Are They Who Have Overcome the World-Who Have Truly Been Born Again."  When he woke up, the sun was rising over Apia.

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