MECHTHILD OF MAGDEBURG 



towards this end, and spent herself in conflict 

 between self-control and ecstasy, no words can 

 tell. It was only when Purgation's way was 

 partly trod, and she had " found in Pain the 

 grave but kindly teacher of immortal secrets," 

 that she could say, " Lord, I bring Thee my 

 treasure, which is greater than the mountains, 

 wider than the world, deeper than the sea, 

 higher than the clouds, more beautiful than 

 the sun, more manifold than the stars, and 

 which outweighs all the earth." Then asks 

 the voice of God : " How is this thy treasure 

 called, oh Image of my Divinity? " 



" Lord, it is called my heart's desire. I 

 have withdrawn it from the world, kept it to 

 myself, and denied it to all creatures. Now no 

 longer would I carry it. Lord, where shall I 

 lay it ? " 



" Nowhere shalt thou lay thy heart's desire 

 save in My own Divine heart. There only 

 wilt thou find comfort." 



Love and knowledge, the two aspirations of 

 the soul after ultimate truth, are her frequent 

 theme. Sometimes she contrasts Love with the 

 knowledge of the understanding : " Those who 

 would know much, and love little, will ever 

 remain at but the beginning of a godly life. 

 So we must have a constant care how we may 

 please God therein. Simple love, with but 

 little knowledge, can do great things " ; some- 

 times with the knowledge of the heart " To 

 the wise soul, love without knowledge seems 



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