I read a lot. Do you? Recently I read a version of "The Song of Roland", telling how the legendary Roland finally was betrayed by Ganelon. This started me thinking about how often it is true that self-seeking people wickedly betray and seek to supplant people more honorable than themselves, behaving falsely, lying to achieve their own purposes. Absalom is a biblical example of this.

Suddenly my understanding was opened and I seemed to see how all such schemers will be dealt with after death. It was a great relief to me to realize perfect justice finally will be served in each individual case.

In the version of Roland that I read just the other day, the betrayer, Ganelon, was killed by King Charlemagne on the battlefield in the midst of the slain heroes of France.

I tried to picture in my mind what it would be like in the spirit world as Ganelon appeared in the midst of Roland, Oliver, and the other peers of France.

It began to dawn on me. Ganelon now was powerless to scheme against Roland, and Roland and his comrades were powerless to harm Ganelon. There they stood in the spirit world looking at each other.

One aspect of life on earth followed them into the spirit world—their reputations, the knowledge of how they had behaved under the pressures of various temptations and trials.

What would or could Ganelon do? Absolutely nothing except slink away in shame. Roland and his warriors were honorable, courageous, trustworthy men. Ganelon had a cause against Roland and lied to Charlemagne, causing the death of the flower of Charlemagne's army, including Roland and Oliver.

The spirit world knew of the behavior of Roland and Oliver, their loyalty to their king, their honorable actions. The spirit world knew of the treachery of Ganelon, forcing him to flee to the company of people like himself.

How much of the story of Roland is true must remain in doubt. He is a legendary figure on the same order of King Arthur of England. But treachery and supplanting appears throughout the accounts of history so many times that only the Lord Himself knows the truth. It still takes place today, and the reader may have a story of his own to tell.

I have heard of more than one instance in which someone has deceitfully taken credit, or sought to take credit, for the hard work of another individual. Also in our government today there is a great deal of suspicion concerning the actions of well-known people. Yet they are so skillful they manage to cover their tracks so no one is really sure what took place.

Although wicked schemers are often found out, there obviously are a number of instances in which they carry the truth to the grave. They managed to conceal their actions. They died in triumph.

Or did they?

Christians often warn the wicked of the fires of Hell. I think sinners sometimes figure they will take their chances on there not being a Hell, or that life in Hell will be bearable. "I'll see you in Hell," the angry man yells. This bravado may not be based on reality, however.

To be continued.