These are two workings that may be seen in this Vision: the one is seeking, the other is beholding. The seeking is common,—that every soul may have with His grace,—and ought to have that discretion and teaching of the Holy Church. It is God's will that we have three things in our seeking:—The first is that we seek earnestly and diligently, without sloth, and, as it may be through His grace, without unreasonable[6] heaviness and vain sorrow. The second is, that we abide Him steadfastly for His love, without murmuring and striving against Him, to our life's end: for it shall last but awhile. The third is that we trust in Him mightily of full assured faith. For it is His will that we know that He shall appear suddenly and blissfully to all that love Him.
For His working is privy, and He willeth to be perceived; and His appearing shall be swiftly sudden; and He willeth to be trusted. For He is full gracious[7] and homely: Blessed may He be!
[1] In de Cressy's version: "I saw Him and sought Him."
[2] The Handkerchief of S. Veronica.
[3] "so discolouring."
[4] i.e. according to.
[5] "for be that" = for by [means of] that; or possibly the Old English and Scottish 'forbye that' = besides that.
[6] "onskilful" = without discernment or ability; unpractical. S. de Cressy, "unreasonable."
[7] "hend" = at hand; (handy, dexterous;) courteous, gentle, urbane.