The Journey through the Wilderness.
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Mechthild, of Magdeburg and Bevan, Frances
A “Reunion of Christendom,” which would have as its object to form into one mass the living and the dead, can be but a denial of the great truth that “there is one Body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.”
Matilda, in a parable, describes the true Church of God as a beautiful maiden standing upon a mighty stone, which was as a mountain of spices, and the name of which was Christ, [65] her feet adorned with a jasper stone, which is Christian faith; and in her hand a cup, of which she drank alone “in unspeakable blessedness,” for the angels in heaven might not drink of it—it was “the Blood of the Eternal Son.”
Matilda knew, and rejoiced to know, that she was one with all the saints of all the ages, and she tells us her experience of it also.
As Mary, she said, she knew how the sword had pierced through her own soul also, because so many who seem “religious” are lukewarm and undecided for Christ.
As John, “I know what it is to rest in the unspeakable love upon the bosom of Jesus Christ.”
And as Paul, “Yes, Paul, I was caught up with thee, and I saw so marvellous a place, that thenceforth I could but long ever to be there. And I drank of the wine of which the heavenly Father is the cup-bearer, and Christ is the cup, and the Holy Ghost the pure, clear wine, and love is the plenishing. And love invited me and welcomed me to drink thereof, so that now I am well content to drink gall and vinegar here below.”
And further, “Stephen, I kneel beside thee before the Jews who hated thee, amongst the [66] sharp stones, which fall upon me, great ones and small ones, all my days. Those who seem to be good people stone me in the back, and run away, for they would not have me know it was they who did it. God, however, saw it.”
“Mary Magdalene, I live with thee in the wilderness, for all is sorrow to me except my God.”