Matelda and the cloister of Hellfde : $b extracts from...

We have the same history, the same “pilgrim’s progress,” given to us in another form. Matilda calls it “The Path of Love.”—It is her own story, the years of dreary penance, followed by the revelation of Christ to the soul.

“O thou that lovest, wouldst thou know

The path wherein thy feet should go?”

“Yea, teach it, Lord, to me.”

[57]

“Through drear repentance leads the way,

And the shame of sin confessed—

And when thou hast trod on the world’s display,

And on the devil’s behest,

And on the flesh in its haughty pride,

And on thy helpless will,

That holds the soul of the chosen bride

In bonds and slavery still,

And when the enemy conquered lies,

And weary art thou and athirst—

Then to Him whom thou lovest lift thine eyes,

To Him who loved thee first.”

Then shall He speak and say—

“I hear a voice that calleth amain,

A voice of love and tears;

I have wooed, and I have listened in vain

Through long, long years—

And it speaks to-day.

My heart is troubled, and I must haste

To the sad sweet voice across the waste.”

. . . . . . .

And in the morning, when the dew is sweet,

She hears the gentle music of His feet—

She hears Him speak and say, “I heard thy voice.”

The glorious One draws nigh;

Amidst the dew when all the woods rejoice

With gladsome melody.

And she arrays herself in fair attire,

In raiment of a bride;

Her mantle is the holy judgment fire

Wherein the gold is tried.

Of meek humility her stole is spun,

Her robe is white as snow,

For unto Him, the High and Holy One,

She fain would go.