Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/341

Rh their ways were gentle and kind. They spent their time more with God than with men, in prayer, reading, and reflection. What time they have besides they employ in teaching others, either generally in the assemblies or separately in private. Their hearers assured me, and I felt it also myself, that no one could listen to their preaching without inward emotion of the heart and the conscience, for the power of divine eloquence came from their lips. I saw also rejoicing and tears among the listeners, when the preachers spoke of the mercy of God, and of the ingratitude of the world; so truthfully, livingly [sic], and fervently did they preach. They would have held it a disgrace to teach others anything wherein they had not already set them an example; therefore one can learn from them, even when they are silent. I approached one of these preachers, wishing to speak to him. He was a man with venerable grey hair, and on his countenance somewhat of the divine incontinently appeared. When he spoke to me, his speech was full of a kindly severity, and it was in every way clear that he was God's ambassador; for he was in no way tainted by the smell of the world. When, as is our custom, I wished to address him according to his rank, he permitted it not, calling such things worldly fooling; it was a sufficient title and honour for him, he said, if I addressed him as "servant of God," or, if I wished it, as "my father." When he gave me his blessing I felt, I know not

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