Chapter XXXII

At a subsequent visit to Simon's house in Bethany, where both Lazarus and Mary were present, Mary's eyes, looking alternately at her brother who had been restored to life, and at our Lord who had revived him, are "homes of silent prayer;" and one strong affection overpowers every other sentiment, when her "ardent gaze" turns from the face of Lazarus, "and rests upon the Life"--Christ, the author and giver of life. _Vita vera, vita ipsa._

Her whole spirit is then so "borne down by gladness," that

"She bows, she bathes the Saviour's feet
With costly spikenard and with tears."[24]

No lives are so blessed as those which consist of "faithful prayers:" no attachments so enduring as those which are based on the higher love of God.

But are there any souls so pure as to have reached this higher range of feeling; or, if there be, what blessedness can equal theirs?