Page:The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas.djvu/345

 Mygdonia, that nothing is to be gained from the sorcerer, and that he cannot do what he promises. But I do everything that I promise before thine eyes, that thou shouldest believe and endure my words and be toward me as before."

124. And coming near, he asked her again, and said, "If thou obeyest me, I shall have no more pains. Remember that day on which we first met. Tell the truth: did I not appear to thee then more beautiful than Jesus now?" And Mygdonia said, "That time required its own, and this requires its own. That time was that of the beginning, but this is that of the end. That time was that of the earthly life, this that of the everlasting. That was one of a temporary pleasure, this that of an everlasting. That was that of the day and of the night, this that of the day without night. Thou hast seen the wedding which passed over and remains here (on earth.) This wedding remains in eternity. That communion was that of destruction, this is that of eternal life. Those groomsmen and bridesmaids are temporary men and women; the present, however, remain unto the end. That wedding < is founded upon earth, in which oppression spread, this stands in the transition through fire, to which grace was sprinkled. > That bride-chamber passes away, but this remains for ever. That bed was covered with mantles, but this with charity and faith. Thou art a bridegroom, which passes away, and is destroyed, but Jesus is the true bridegroom, remaining immortal in eternity. That bridal present was