“Thou hast new life already! Hail with joy the Universal Good, and feel and affirm its presence now!”
A tiny flame had been lighted in the darkness which surrounds the tomb. May it increase! As Serenus took his leave, Amabel showed unwonted calmness and brightness.
The day following witnessed a marvellous gain. The change was so great as to cause rejoicing and wonder in the palace. Amabel had remained free from unconscious intervals, and though yet weak, was calm and cheerful. Serenus came, and was warmly greeted.
“O Serenus! I am filled with new hope and joy that I cannot understand. A voice within me seems to speak words of life and strength. I have unwonted peace, yea, even joy! Whence cometh it?”
“Dear Amabel! the belief in the power of death hath been vanquished. Life is thine, and an overcoming faith hath quickened and filled thee.”
“Cometh it from the God of Israel, Serenus? Behold, I saw thee bowed in silence yesterday, though I heard [pg 188]no words. Didst thou call upon him, and he send down an answer?”
“Thou speakest of the God of Israel; but behold God is the God of all peoples, and the whole earth. I made no request that he should become more willing, for nothing is lacking on his part. But I realized for thee, that he, being perfect Goodness, hath already answered every desire for help. All change and conformity must be within ourselves. They who are unbelieving, ignorantly pray for that which is around them as free as the air of heaven. The Father’s table is loaded for his children, while they turn their backs upon it, and beseech him for bread.”
“But, O Serenus! while I feel new life, I cannot understand how it can come unless it be sent.”
“God is Spirit, and his tabernacle is not far away, but within his children. He is their Life, Love, and Strength, and is in them, and they in him. When thou dost understand the laws of thy being, behold these things are multiplied, and thy soul and body have nourishment.”
“What a mystery that I had new strength yesterday, before thou mad’st known these things to me!”