Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 137 -
MARTIN IN A TEST MATCH WITH THE THREE SUN-MAIDENS. BETWEEN WISDOM AND LOVE.
1
(While Martin is still indulging in his reveries, the three maidens are beginning to smile, for they have read from his eyes and lips what he is mumbling. Now they speak to him): "Friend, we already know why you do not answer us. You are weak, still very weak, and your innate weakness cripples your wisdom and your tongue. Do you really find us so beautiful and alluring? If so, at least tell us that aloud."
2
(Martin is already at the point of dashing at the first of the three, but he pulls himself together and says): "Yes, glorious ones, you are perfectly beautiful. However, you are too wise, which to a certain degree covers up your beauty and makes it just about bearable for me. I am not too keen on excessive wisdom, and if you want me for your friend, you must talk to me out of love, and not wisdom.
3
You did bring a prize to award me with if you found me to be of great wisdom, but I must tell you that, notwithstanding your considerable wisdom, you are quite mistaken where I am concerned. I would never accept such a prize, for I know only one prize worth having, and that is Love personified in God the Lord, Whom you know as the Primordial Spirit Who has created all things. This alone is my prize, which I have already accepted forever, and I have no use at all for your wisdom-prize. Therefore, hand it to whomsoever you deem worthy of it, but leave me alone."
4
(Say the three): "Listen, glorious friend, so far we have not tested your wisdom at all, and seeing the spirit in you, this would be futile anyway. It surely would not be wise of us if we wanted to address any other spirit but the one we detected in you! You did mention the prize you already possess and which you are right to value above everything. However, to this we must point out the following:
5
"The primordial, all-creating Spirit is indivisible. No doubt, love is Its essence, but this love comprises also infinite wisdom. Praising this love, can you possibly separate from it wisdom, the light of lights? Don't you think, friend, it might be you who is mistaken with too rash a conclusion? Or how could you want the body alone, rejecting the head? Do explain this to us."
6
(Martin is rather stunned by this, and says to himself): "Just look at this, they have got me already! But now, back to full earnestness! If they only weren't quite as lovable, it would be much easier to deal with them. But considering their sweetness, it really requires extreme composure to be able to speak to them with at least some earnestness.
7
They are waiting for my answer with the most delightful expectancy and sweetest impatience. But what will I tell them? How could I tell them the truth without offending their ears which are used to the harmonies of heaven? Ah, I know what I shall tell them, in the most tactful manner of course, but it will make them think. So, courage, in the name of the Lord!"