A.D. 119G.] THE SEOON'D PLACE OF REST. freed from all punishment was rejoicing in happy peace with the spirits of the just, in sure hope of the divine vision with which he was about to be. rewarded. In that same place too saw a priest, who having been possessed of the grace of preaching united to the example of a good life, bud reclaimed from deadly sin the people not only of the pari-hes of which he had the pastoral care, but also those who were at a distance from him, and by the J.erd's co-operation, an inexpressible glory rested on many by his means as on him self. Of the second place of rest, and the glory of those dwelling there. " As we proceeded from thence to the interior of this region of sweetness, the clearness of the light and the sweetness of the odour smiled on us more. Hut all whom this place contained were enrolled as inhabitants of the Upper Jerusalem, who bad passed through all their punishments so easily, since they had been less ensnared by the vices of the world. And what we saw as we went on, the tongue cannot reveal or human weakness worthily describe : for who by words could worthily explain bow, in the midst of blessed spirits of whom endless thousands stood round, as if present at the sacred solemnity of our Lord's passion, himself the pious Redeemer of the human race appeared as it were hanging on the cross, with his whole body bloody from scourgings, insulted by spitting, crowned with thorns, with nails driven into him, pierced with the lance, while streams of blood flowed over bis bands and feet, and blood and water dropped from his holy side ! Near him stood his mother, not anxious and sorrowful now, but rejoicing and looking with a most calm countenance on such an indescribable sight. Can any one indeed imagine with what eagerness all ran together to this spectacle, what devotion there was amongst those who beheld it, what a concourse of worshippers there was, how many were their indications of thanks for such great kindness? As I thought more profoundly of these things I know not whether it was grief or devotion which distracted my unhappy mind, but astonishment and admiration deprived me of sense. Hut « hat devotion is it, that the devil should be conquered by this contumely, and hell be defeated and robbed of its weapons and spoils, the lost man be recovered, and the prey of devils • VOL. II. M