Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/107

 that such a light would come to me in the night-seasons!”

While she spake, some one who sought the disciple was heard calling him. John arose and went out, and Mary, whose spirit was now soothed, sank down to sleep.

Her sleep was calm, and it was midday ere she was awakened by some one whispering her name. She unclosed her eyes. The beloved disciple kneeled beside her couch, and lo! his countenance was radiant with joy, as if a light from heaven shined upon it.

“Is there joy for thee and me?” she cried.

He answered not, but pointed where one stood, who gazed upon them with a smile such as mortal eyes had never yet seen.

When Mary saw that it was Jesus, she believed that her sleep had been the sleep of death, and that the Holy One was about to lead her to the throne of Jehovah. Her burden of grief was cast away, and she felt as a spirit, while she looked for light which a spirit alone can behold, and hearkened for that voice which none but a spirit can hear and live.