Page:The Praises of Amida, 1907.djvu/68

 says, "Only come, and I will protect you." How can we help following that gracious Voice, when once we understand its loving import? We follow it once, and lo! we find that we have gained a place of refuge, and an aim for our spiritual life. Our feet stand on a firm foundation of rock: how can we help being conscious of a great feeling of restfulness? 8. When the Voice makes itself heard, the winds do not at once cease, nor the rain clear off, nor does the black sky forthwith become bright again. The darkness lingers on for a little longer, and the wind and rain still vex us as they did before. Our eyes, moreover, are still holden, and we cannot see nor worship the Form of Him from Whom the Voice came, much less behold the Country wherein He dwells. All we can do is to hear His Voice, and hearing it, our hearts are at peace, and we can make progress. It is not for us, poor creatures, to behold the Form of the Tathāgata, nor the Paradise He has prepared: and, precisely for that reason, He