The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart

THE PILGRIM RECEIVES CHRIST AS HIS GUEST

{Our Illumination cometh from on High.)

I NOW devise of this with myself, and wait what will further befall. And behold, a clear light appeared on high, and raising my eyes towards it, I see the window above me full of brightness, and from out of that brightness there appeared One, in aspect, indeed, similar to a man, but in His splendour truly God. His countenance shone exceedingly, yet could human eyes gaze at it, for it caused not terror; rather had it a loveliness such as I had never seen in the world. He then — kindness itself, friendliness itself — addressed me in these most sweet words :

{Wherein the Source of ah Light and all foy lieth.)

2. " Welcome, welcome, my son and dear brother." And having said these words, He embraced me, and kissed me kindly. There came forth from Him a most delightful odour, and I was seized by such unspeakable delight that tears

flowed from ray eyes , and I knew not how to 280

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respond to so unexpected a greeting. Only sighing deeply, I gazed at Him with meek eyes. Then He, seeing me overwhelmed with joy, spoke thus further to me : '' Where, then, has thou been, my son ? why hast thou tarried so long ? by what path hast thou come ? what hast thou sought in the world ? Joy ! where could thou seek it but in God ; and where couldst thou seek God, but in His own temple ; and what is the temple of the living God, but the living temple that He Himself has fashioned — thine own heart ? I saw, my son, that thou wentest astray, but I would see it no longer. I have brought thee to thy own self, I have led thee into thyself. For here have I chosen my palace and my dwelling. If thou wishest here to dwell with me, thou wilt find here, what thou hast vainly sought on earth, rest, comfort, glory^ and abundance of all things. This I promise thee, my son, that thou wilt not be deceived here as thou wert there in the world."

{The Pilgrim gives himself over entirely to Jesus.)

8. Hearing such speech, and understanding that He who spake was my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, of whom I had indeed heard somewhat in the world, but superficially only, I folded my hands, and then stretched them out, not, as in the world, with fear and doubt, but with full happiness and complete faith ; then I said : " I am here, my Lord Jesus ; take me to Thee. Thine I wish to be, and to remain for ever. Speak to Thy servant, and

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permit me to hear Thee ; tell me what Thou desirest, and grant that I find pleasure in it ; layon me what burden Thou thinkest fit, and grant that I may bear it ; employ me for whatever purpose Thou desirest, and grant me that I may not be found wanting ; order me to act according to Thy will, and grant me grace to do so. Let me be nothing, that Thou mayest be everything."