Chapter CLXI. That which the Lord promised to him instead of his infirmities

212. It was wonderful that his strength held out to bear the sufferings in every part which had so exhausted him. But these, his distresses, he described by the name not of pains but of "sisters". There is no doubt that they proceeded from many causes. Verily, to the end that triumphs might increase his renown, means whereby he might triumph were now being afforded to the tried veteran to whom even when a recruit the Most High had committed difficult tasks. Herein also his followers may take example by him, for age did not make him any more sluggish nor infirmity any more self-indulgent in all he did. Nor was it for nothing that his purgation was completed in the vale of tears; for thus he might give account even to "the uttermost farthing "in case anything that might be burned * yet remained in him, and so at last, having been perfectly cleansed, he might take his flight to heaven without delay. But the strongest reason for his torments I take to be that (as he himself used to say concerning others) in the bearing of them "there is great reward".

213. For one night when he was more wearied than usual by the different grievous pains caused by his infirmities, he began in the depth of his heart to feel some pity for himself. But (lest that ready spirit should in anything yield carnal consent to the flesh¹ even for an hour) by praying to Christ he preserved the shield of patience unmoved.

And at length as he prayed amid the conflict, there was vouchsafed to him from the Lord the promise of eternal life under this similitude: "If the whole bulk of the earth and machine of the world were gold beyond price, and if in exchange for the heavy sufferings thou art enduring all thy pain were removed, and there were given thee for a reward a treasure of glory in comparison whereof the aforesaid gold should be nothing, and unworthy even to be named, wouldst not thou rejoice and gladly bear what thou art bearing now?" "I should rejoice indeed," said the Saint; "yea, and above measure I should rejoice." "Exult, then," said the Lord to him, "for thy sickness is the earnest of My kingdom, and do thou, secure and confident through the merit of patience, await the inheritance of that kingdom." But with what exultation, thinkest thou, did the man rejoice who was blessed by so happy a promise? With what patience, nay more with what love, believest thou that he welcomed bodily sufferings? He now knows perfectly; but then it was impossible for him to utter it. However, he did tell some little of it, as he could, to his companions. Then it was that he composed certain "Praises concerning the Creatures," inciting them in some sort to praise the Creator.