Chapter 13: What Brother F. suffered for indolence and want of submission— The efficacy of fervent prayer

As Gertrude prayed for a lay brother lately deceased, she saw his soul under a hideous form, as if consuming by a devouring fire. There appeared to be something under one of his arms which caused him excessive anguish, and he was bent down by an overpowering weight, so that he could not keep himself upright. She learned that he appeared in this horrible form because, although he wore a religious habit when on earth, he had failed to elevate himself to heavenly things. He was also suffering by fire for many other faults. The agony which he endured by what was concealed under his arm was a punishment for labouring to acquire temporal goods without the permission of his superior, and even concealing what he thus acquired. The weight which oppressed him so heavily was his disobedi ence to his superior.

On another occasion, as she read the Psalms and kept vigil, she asked our Lord what remedy could be applied to this soul. He replied : " Although the souls of the de parted are much benefited by these vigils and other prayers, nevertheless a few words, said with affection and devotion,

•"Inipeoiebufonis."

526 THE BEVEL ATION8 OF ST. GERTRUDE.

are of far more value to them." And this may easily be explained by a familiar comparison ; for it is much easier to wash away the stains of mud or dirt from the hands by rubbing them quickly in a little water, than by pouring a quantity of water on them without using any friction ; thus, a single word, said with fervour and devotion, for the souls of the departed, is of far more efficacy than many vigils and prayers offered coldly and performed negligently.