Mystics at Prayer (1936).pdf

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Mystics at Prayer V

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First Edition, M a rch 1931 Seco n d Edition, M a y 1932 Third Edition. Septem ber, 1936

Printed in U . S . A . The R osicrvcian Press, Ltd. San Jose, C alifornia

C O M P IL E R ’S D E D IC A T IO N

I dedicate this book with the deepest and most respectful esteem to M rs. G la d y s R. Lewis, wife of the Suprem e Secretary of A M O R C o f N orth and South A m erica

MYSTICS

AT

PRAYER

T H E R O S I C R U C IA N L IB R A R Y

Volum e I.

Roslcrucian Q u e stio n s and Answ ers with C o m p le te

II.

R osicrucian Principles for the H o m e and Business.

H isto ry o f the O rd e r.

III.

The M ystical Life of Jesus.

IV.

The Secret Doctrines o f Jesus.

V. VI.

(In

preparation.)

"U n t o Thee I G ra n t." (Secret Teachings o f Tibet.) A

Thousand Years o f Yesterdays.

(A

Revelation

o f Reincarnation.) V II. V III.

Self M a ste ry and

Fate with the C y c le s o f Life.

Rosicrucian M anual.

IX.

M ystics at Prayer.

X.

Rosicrucian H e alin g. (In preparation.)

X I.

M a n sio n s o f the Soul.

(The C o sm ic C o nception.)

X II.

Lem uria— The Lost C on tin e n t o f the Pacific.

X III.

The Technique o f the M aster.

X IV .

The S ym b o lic Prophecy o f the G re a t Pyramid.

XV . X V I.

The Book o f Jasher. The Technique o f the Disciple. (O th e r volum es will be ad d e d from time to time. W rite for com plete catalogue.)

^

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JflpStics at draper V C o m p ile d b y

FR. M A N Y CIHLAR, F. R. C. V IE N N A . A U S T R IA

W ith Introduction by DR. H. S P E N C E R L E W IS, F. R. C .

R O S I C R U C I A N L IB R A R Y V O L U M E IX.

SUPREME G R A N D

LO DG E O F A M O R C

Printing and Publishing D epartm ent San Jose. C aliforn ia

This unique book contains a carefully selected gro u p of prayers found in the personal and private writings of many wellknown characters and in the liturgy o f various religious movements. They have been selected by M r. C ihlar after a careful study of the prayers of all peoples and all nations in relation to the processes o f mystical attunem ent and spiritual developm ent. M r. C ih la r is a Rosicrucian, a high officer in this tim e-honored and beautiful body of Mystics, adhering to and prom ulgating the divine principles of earthly life. From his sanctum in Vienna, Austria, his m anuscript was sent to A m erica that it m ight be published by the W e stern W o rld branch of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood and given to the people of this new world with the hope that it may lead to a greater desire to pray and a greater efficiency in the m anner of praying. W e trust that this hope will be fulfilled by the w ide-spread distribution of this book and the daily reference to the prayers contained in it. T H E P U B L IS H E R S .

I N T R O D U C T I O N V H O W TO PRAY

A n examination of the prayers which a p p e a r on the following pages reveals the fact that the great mystics of all age s understood the real processes of prayer and knew how to pray. Christians have the beautiful example o f the prayer given to them by Jesus, the Christ, as a standard; and it is a most beautiful standard. But, long before the Christian era, the Mystics, the Avatars, and those through whom the Light of G o d shone am ong men, knew by divine inspiration how to pray. Examples of their prayers contained in these pages prove this fact. The M ystic and those who were touched with the Light of C o sm ic C onsciousness had a very definite under­ standing of the processes o f prayer. In the W estern W o rld to day millions o f persons have digressed very greatly from these processes, and, making their prayers long and filled with personal petitions, are often dis­ appointed with the seem ing lack of efficacy in their prayers or the inefficacy of praying. It m ay be perm is­ sible, therefore, briefly to outline or review true processes of prayer as understood by the M ystics. A c c o rd in g to the mystical view-point, praying to G o d is based upon the conviction that G o d is om nipotent in power, present everywhere, and willing to listen to our sincere petitions. This is all that we should have in mind when praying. The a ve rage person in praying, however, has in mind some assum ptions which mislead him in w ording his prayers, and in approaching the very attitude o f prayer. H e assumes that G o d is not only om nipotent in power, omnipresent, and merciful, but that with all of H is power, with all of H is intelligence, with all of H is m astership and control throughout the world, and with all

H is attunem ent with the beings which H e created, H e is, nevertheless, ignorant of our wants and needs, and com ­ pletely unacquainted with what we require in life in order to live abundantly and secure our every day necessities. Very often, the prayerful petitioner also assumes that G o d has given no thought to the outcom e o f certain contests in life or struggles between various factions of human beings, and is incapable of justly deciding such contests or aw arding the victory to the right side. These false assum ptions are responsible for the mistakes that are m ade in prayer and for the failure o f prayers to be highly efficacious. To g o into prayer with the idea or belief that G o d does not know what we need or even what we want, or what is best for us, and that we must advise Him, argue with Him, stress our view -point and convince Him, or at least urge Him, to a d o p t our ideas and decisions and grant what we plead for, is to make the most serious mistake in the process o f praying. In the first place, the process of prayer is a transcen­ dent m ethod o f communion with G o d . If is the most intimate, personal contact that human beings can make with their Father, the C re a to r of all beings. This sublime period of com m union should be app roached with clean thoughts, but most of all with a clear understanding of our privileges and a total absence o f any feeling that we have any right to petition G o d to grant our wishes. The M ystics know, also, that true prayer is based upon a C o sm ic and Spiritual law. That law is this: "S e e k and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." The ancient mystical injunction was that you must ask in order to receive, that you must proffer your hand in o rder to have the token give n unto you, that you must express your desire before it will be answered. In all mystical processes, the expression o f a sincere wish or desire, opens wide the doorw ay to the reception of spiritual blessings. The asking in sincerity and the rev-

erenlfal expression o f such wishes attunes the person with the one who has the pow er to give and, unless there is a m eeting of the minds and a meeting of the conscious­ ness o f both persons, there can neither be attunem ent nor the passing from one to the other of the spiritual things desired. To the Mystic, therefore, prayer is a m eeting of the minds. it is not an occasion for personal petitioning, but for spiritual communion. It is a time when the soul within us and the deepest and most inner parts o f our being sacredly, sincerely, and quietly speak to G o d and express the deepest wishes of our hearts and minds. The belief, therefore, that our human conception of our needs must be outlined in minutest detail and expressed in great elaboration is also a misconception, since the thoughts m oving us to prayer are easily trans­ mitted to the divine consciousness during this communion, and the lips need only speak the fewest words of a p p re­ ciation and thankfulness. Prayers should not consist of a categorical represen­ tation of details or a long list of the things that we feel we want, but merely an expression o f a desire for divine blessings. H a ve we any right to com e before G o d in this privileged period o f com m union and demand, or even plead, that long life be given to us because we desire it and have com e to the conclusion that it is the thing we shoufd h a v e ? Is that not an indication that we have concluded that G o d m ay not have thought about our lives or m ay have ordained otherwise, or differently, and that we hope to change H is mind or set aside H is wise decree because of our petition? H a v e we any right to com e before the C re a to r of all, and say that we want this, that, or the other thing in a m anner which intimates that we have outlined and decided upon such things as being our judgment of what is best for us? if we lived in a g re a t kingdom under a m ost fust and merciful king, and were enjoying every benediction and blessing that the king could bestow upon the multitudes

who fived under him, and we were notified that we had the extraordinary privilege of com ing before this king in personal communion, and during this communion we m ight express our gre a t desires in some form of prayerful petition, would we not hesitate for a long time in form u­ lating our desires and arranging the expressions we would use? Undoubtedly, when the m oment came to face the Icing and be perm itted to open our lips and speak any words at all, we would first utter some words of pro ­ found thankfulness for the blessings we had enjoyed, and humbly add that if it pleased the king, we would be happy to continue enjoying the same blessings or possibly a few more. N o t one of us would think of attem pting to petition this king to grant us a long list of material things, nor ask him to give us victory over others, or to make any exception in the universal standard of living, that we m ight rise above all our fellow men in the king­ dom; nor would we ask for m any o f the things that were most desired. W e would be so hap py in the fact that the king had granted us the privilege of communion that we would be m oved to an attitude of thankfulness and an expression o f appreciation for what we had, rather than entering into a dem and for m any other things. H o w m any g o into prayer or com e before the con­ sciousness of G o d in H o ly C om m union in this attitude? H o w many cleanse their hands of debt by first thanking G o d for each individual blessing throughout the d a y ? H o w m any approach G o d in prayer in an attitude of profound appreciation for the very life and consciousness which anim ates their b e in g s? A fte r all, is not the gift of life the greatest blessing that G o d can give, and if we have it, have we not that which is greater than anything else we m ay d e sire ? To ask for other things than life o r to petition for anything other than the consciousness of G o d in our beings is to lift lesser things and insignificant things above the greatest.

From the mystical point o f view, our prayers should be expressions of desires for a continuation of the bene­ dictions G o d has already granted, and which He, in H is supreme wisdom, has seen fit to bestow upon us. Ever upperm ost in our minds should be the thought that, "T h y will, not mine be d one." The simple expression of, " M a y it please the Father of us all that health m ay return to my b o d y," is a more concise, honest, and worthy p e­ tition than one that dem ands or suggests that G o d change the law now in operation in our bodies, and set aside certain specific conditions and establish others, simply because this is the conclusion that we have reached, and is our greatest desire at the moment. A prayer for victory should not be asked by the vainglorious one who has reached the conclusion that he, above all others, should be the victorious one in a contest, and that G o d has m ade no decision and is waiting for man to present his conclusion. By examining the prayers we will find that the M ystics always assumed that whatever m ight be their lot in life, and however the state of their health or the condition o f the circumstances surrounding them, be they ill or fortunate, all things proceeded from G o d and were or­ dained by Him and, therefore, were fust and in a cc ord ­ ance with some law or some principle, merciful, and necessary to human experience. The fact that man in his finite and undeveloped understanding could not com ­ prehend the reason for these experiences, or believe them to be wrong, unnecessary, or undesirable, does not warrant man in com ing before G o d in the H o ly Com m union of prayer with the conclusion that his finite and undeveloped understanding is correct, and that G o d is in error or in ignorance of the conditions and needs to be advised and petitioned to make certain changes or to recall or undo H is decrees. A s we shall see in the following pages the M ystics approached G o d with the attitude that w hatever was

their lot in life would be gladly and silently accepted, and all pains and sufferings endured, if it be the will of G o d . W e find in m any of these prayers the thought expressed that even the sufferings and trials, and the tribulations in life, were appreciated since they were unquestionably the result o f G o d 's plan being worked out in the individual for some ultimate purpose unques­ tionably g o o d and profitable. The fact that we are not surrounded by any restrictions in regard to prayer and that G o d has given us the consciousness and ability, as well as the privilege, o f approaching H im in H o ly C om m union and of attuning ourselves with H im at any hour o f the d ay or any m oment in our lives, is in itself a divine gift or concession that the M ystics valued abo ve all things. Therefore, prayer was approached with thankfulness in every sense, and the first expression uttered by the lips was words of appreciation and thanks. Learn how to pray, and make prayer the real pleasure of your life, for it brings you in closer contact with the gre a t Ruler of the universe than you can ever a p ­ proach H im while living on this earthly plane o f existence. M ake your H o ly Com m unions frequent. Thank G o d for the breath of life and the return of consciousness when you arise in the morning. Silently thank H im for every morsel o f fo o d at meal-time. Express your appreciation for every pleasure, every worldly gift, every m oment of happiness, and every rich reward o f your efforts or the efforts of others. A t the close o f day, enter into H oly C om m union of prayer and express your faith and trust in H is divine gu id ance o f your soul and consciousness throughout the night, and again be thankful for the d a y and all the opportunities it contained to carry out your desires and ambitions, and to enjoy the divine blessings. M ake prayer the transcendental and sublime pleasure of your inner self— more important, more en­

joyable, more uplifting and benefiting to your entire being than any other of your earthly experiences. You will find many of the prayers on the following pages useful either in their precise wording, or as a guide and help in learning how to express the thoughts of your soul. The m ore you pray in the proper attitude, the more spiritually attuned you will becom e, and the richer will be the influx of the blessings from the C o sm ic through the gre a t love and m ercy of G o d . H. S P E N C E R L E W IS , F. R. C . Temple o f A ld e n Rosicrucian Park San Jose, California.

The Book of the Dead

A Babylonian Prayer

Psalm 1 9 : 14

Syrian Clementine Liturgy

O T H O T H , let, I pray, T H Y face be tow ards me. M a ke T H O U my word to be M a a t * against my enemies, as T H O U d idst make the word o f O siris to be M a a t against his enemies.

O L O R D , d o not cast T H Y servant off! In the deep watery morass he lies— take hold of his hand! The sin that I have committed, change to grace! The transgressions that I have committed, let the wind carry off!

Let the w ords of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in T H Y sight, O L O R D , my strength and my redeemer.

O G O D , W H O art the unsearchable abyss of peace, the ineffable sea o f love, the fountain of blessings and the bestower o f affection, W h o sendest peace to those that receive it. O p e n to us the sea of T H Y love and water us with the plenteous streams from the riches o f T H Y grace. M a ke us children of quietness and heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the fire o f T H Y love; sow in us T H Y fear; strengthen our weak­ ness by T H Y power; and bind us closely to T H E E and to each in one firm bond of unity. * M a a t is the E gyptian w ord for truth.

Prayer of Manasses

O L O R D A L M IG H T Y , which art in heaven, T H O U G O D of our fathers, O f A b ra h a m and Isaac and Ja cob A n d of their righteous seed; T H O U who hast m ade the heaven and the earth, W ith all the array thereof, W h o hast bound the sea by the word o f T H Y com m and; W h o hast shut up the Deep, and sealed it W ith T H Y terrible and glorious Nam e. Infinite and unsearchable in T H Y merciful promise. For T H O U art the L O R D M O S T H IG H , of great compassion, long-suffering and abundant in mercy, and repentest T H E E for the evils of men. T H O U , O L O R D , according to T H Y great go o d n ess hast prom ised repentance and forgiveness to them that have sinned against THEE, and in the multitude of T H Y mercies hast appointed repentance unto sinners, that they m ay be saved.

Pericles

G ra n t that no word m ay fall from me against my will unfit for the present need.

Emperor

Point me the w ay that leadeth upward to T H EE. For yonde r regions where T H O U dwellest are incom parably beautiful, if ( m ay divine their beauty that is at T H Y side from the pleasantness o f the Path which I have already traveled.

Julian

Zoroaster

W ith ben d ed knees, with hand out­ stretched, I pray to TH EE, my L O R D , O IN V IS IB L E B E N E V O L E N T SPIRIT! Vouchsafe to me in this hour o f joy, All righteousness of action, all wisdom of the g o o d mind, That I m ay thereby bring joy to the Soul o f Creation.

Zoroaster

A ll that I o ught to have thought and have not thought; All that I ought to have said and have not said; All that I o ught to have done and have not done; All that I o ught not to have thought and yet have thought; All that I o ught not to have spoken and yet have spoken; All that I o ught not to have done and yet have done; For thoughts, words and works, pray I for forgiveness, and repent o f with penance.

Socrates

G ra n t me to be beautiful within, and all I have o f outward things to be at peace with those within.

Jacobite

O G O D , the F A T H E R , O R I G I N of D IV IN IT Y , G O O D beyond all that is good, F A IR beyond all that is fair, in W H O M is calmness, peace and concord; bring us all back into an unity o f love, which m ay bear som e likeness to T H Y sublime nature.

Liturgy

O u r Father, W H O art in heaven, hal­ lowed be T H Y name, T H Y kingdom come, T H Y will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. G iv e us this d ay our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we ought to fo rgive those that trespass against us. Lead us when in temptation, but deliver us from evil. Am en.

Liturgy of the Greek Church

Liturgy of St. Mark

St. Ephrem the Syrian

St. C hry­ sostom.

St. Basil

That which we know not, do T H O U re­ veal; that which is wanting in us do T H O U fill up; in that which we know, d o T H O U strengthen us.

W e give T H E E thanks — yea, more than thanks — O L O R D our G O D , for all T H Y go o dn ess at all times and in all places.

T H O U hast quieted those which were in confusion. Praise to T H Y calmness, praise to T H Y reconciliation, O L O R D G O D .

Thanks be to TH EE, O G O D , fo r every­ thing.

Steer T H O U the vessel o f our life towards T H Y S E L F , T H O U tranquil H aven o f all storm -tossed souls. Show us the course wherein we should go.

MYSTICS

18

AT

PRAYER

St. C h ry­ sostom

Into T H Y guidance and care, O L O R D , T H O U L O V E R of M an, we entrust all our life and hope.

St. Patrick

M a y the Strength the Power o f G O D W isd o m o f G O D W a y of G o d direct

o f G o d pilot us. M a y preserve us. M a y the instruct us. M a y the us.

Synesius

O U N IT Y , T H E E 1 sing by voices or by silence; for both are alike significant to T H EE.

St. Biasius

M a y G O D , the uncreated A B Y S S , vouch­ safe to call unto H IM S E L F our Spirit, the created abyss, and make it one with H IM , that our spirit, plunged in the d eep sea o f the G O D H E A D , m ay happily lose itself in the Spirit of G O D .

Synesius

1 hymn THEE, O B L E S S E D O N E , by means of voice, and 1 hymn T H EE, O B L E S S E D O N E , by means of silence; for T H O U perceivest as much from silence spiritual as from voice.

Sarum

A L M I G H T Y G O D , we invoke TH EE, the fountain of everlasting Light, and entreat T H E E to send forth T H Y truth into our hearts, and to pour upon us the glory o f T H Y Brightness.

Breviary

Synesius

Behold T H Y suppliant attem pting to mount; enlighten me, enable my wings, relax m y fetters. M a y 1 escape from the b o d y to T H Y bosom w hence flows the Soul's source. Restore me to the Spring whence 1 was poured forth. G ra n t that beneath the ordering of m y SIRE, 1 may sing in union with the R O Y A L C H O I R . Let me mingle with the Light, and never m ore sink to earth.

Gelasian

O G O D of unchangeable Power, let the whole world feel and see that things which were cast down are being raised up, that those which had grown old are being m ade new and that all things are returning to perfection.

Sacramentary

Leonine Sacramentary

G ra n t us, O L O R D , not to mind earthly things but to love things heavenly; and even now while we are placed am ong things that are passing away, to cleave to those that shall abide.

Mohamm ed

O L O R D , grant us to love T H E E ; grant that we m ay love those that love T H EE ; grant that we m ay do the deeds that win T H Y love. M a k e the love of T H E E to be dearer than ourselves, our families, than wealth, and even than cool water.

St. Augustine

C om e, L O R D and work. A rou se us and incite. Kindle us, sw eep us onwards. Be fragrant as flowers, sweet as honey. Teach

20

MYSTICS

AT

PRAYER

St. Augustine

G ra n t us to know T H E E and love T H E E and, rejoice in T H EE. A n d if we cannot do these perfectly in this life, let us at least advance to higher degrees every day till we can com e to d o them to per­ fection.

St. Augustine

L O R D , teach me to know TH EE, and to know myself.

St. Augustine

W e seek T H Y face, turn T H Y face unto us, and show us T H Y glory. Then shall our longing be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect.

St. Augustine

L O R D , when 1 look upon mine own life it seems T H O U hast led me so carefully, so tenderly, T H O U canst have attended to none else; but when 1 see how wonderfully T H O U hast led the world and art leading it, 1 am amazed that T H O U hast had time to attend to such as 1.

St. Augustine

Take T H O U possession o f us. W e give our whole selves to TH EE, make known to us what T H O U requirest of us, and we will accom plish it.

St. Augustine

O G O D , where was 1 wandering to seek T H E E ? O most infinite Beauty, 1 sought T H E E without, and T H O U wast in the m idst of m y heart.

St. Augustine

O G O D , W H O dost grant us what we ask, if only when we ask we live a better life.

C op tic

G lo ry be to TH EE, P R O P IT IA T O R . G lo ry be to TH EE, U N D Y I N G O N E . G lo ry be to TH EE, K I N G of P E A C E . G lo ry be to TH EE, W H O was not born. G lo ry be to TH EE, the IN C O R R U P T IB L E . G lo ry be to THEE, K I N G of G L O R Y . G lo ry be to TH EE, the H E A D of the U N IV E R S E . G lo ry be to T H EE, H O L Y and P E R F E C T ONE. G lo ry be to TH EE, T H O U T R E A S U R Y of G L O R Y . G lo ry be to TH EE, T H O U true Light. G lo ry be to TH EE, D E L IV E R E R of the U N IV E R S E . G lo ry be to THEE, T H O U W H O art in­ deed the G O O D O N E . G lo ry be to THEE, A L P H A of the U N IV E R S E . G lo ry be to THEE, LIFE o f the U N IV E R S E . O SW EET N A M E . O T H O U , W H O art at the head o f the Universe. O T H O U Beginning and End o f every­ thing. A M E N .

Apocrypha

St. Anselm

O T H O U plenteous Source o f every g o o d and perfect gift, shed abroad the cheering light of T H Y sevenfold grace over our hearts.

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MYSTICS

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PRAYER

Collect -from the sixth century

of the night to clothe us in the glory of the day, chase from our hearts all gloom y thoughts, and make us g la d with the brightness of hope that we m ay effectively aspire to unknown virtues.

Alcuin

O E T E R N A L L IG H T , shine into our hearts. O E T E R N A L G O O D N E S S , deliver us from evil. O E T E R N A L P O W E R , be T H O U our support. E T E R N A L W I S D O M , scatter the darkness o f our ignorance. E T E R N A L PITY, have m ercy upon us.

John Scotus

O T H O U , W H O art the everlasting essence o f things beyond space and time and yet within them; T H O U W H O transcendest yet pervadest all things; manifest T H Y S E L F to us, feeling after THEE, seeking T H E E in the shades o f ignorance, yet seeking nothing beside T H EE.

Erigena

St. Ansefm

Pierce with the arrows of T H Y love the secret cham bers of the inner man. Let the entrance of T H Y healthful flames set the sluggish heart alight; and the burning fire o f T H Y sacred inspiration enlighten it.

St. Hilde-

O M N IP O T E N T F A T H E R , out of T H E E flows a fountain in fiery heat; lead T H Y sons by a favourable wind through the m ystic waters.

garde

MYSTICS

AT

PRAYER

St. Bernard

1 love T H E E because 1 love; 1 love that 1 may love.

St. Bernard

In what blaze of G lo ry dost T H O U rise, O S U N R IG H T E O U S N E S S , from the heart of the earth, after T H Y setting! In what resplendent Vesture, O K I N G of G L O R Y , dost T H O U enter a gain the highest heaven! A t the sight of all these marvels, how can 1 do otherwise than cry: "A ll my bones shall say, L O R D , who is like unto T H E E ? "

St. Bernard

IF T H O U , L O R D , art so g o o d to those who seek, what shall T H Y go o d n ess be to those who fin d ?

St. Thomas Aquinas

G iv e me, O L O R D , a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may dra g downw ards; give me an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can w ear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy pur­ pose m ay tem pt aside. Bestow upon me also, O L O R D , my G O D , understanding to know TH EE, dili­ gence to seek TH EE, wisdom to find TH EE, and a faithfulness that m ay finally em ­ brace TH EE.

St. Thomas Aquinas

G ra n t me fervently to desire, wisely to search out, and perfectly to fulfill all that is well-pleasing unto T H EE.

23

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MYSTICS

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PRAYER

St. Richard

M a y we know T H E E more clearly, love T H E E m ore dearly, and follow T H E E more nearly.

Dam e

O my G O D , let me walk in the way of love which knoweth not how to seek self in anything whatsoever. Let this love wholly possess my soul and heart, which, ! beseech T H E E m ay live and m ove only in, and out of, a pure and sincere love to TH EE. Let me love T H E E for T H Y S E L F , and nothing else but in T H E E and for T H EE. Let me love nothing instead of T H EE; for to give all for love is a most sweet bargain.

Gertrude More

Kashf Al-M ahjup

M ozarabic Liturgy

T H Y will be done, O my L O R D and M ASTER. O T H O U who art my Spirit's treasure M E A N IN G . O E S S E N C E o f my being, O G O A L of my desire, O my S P E E C H and H IN T S and my G ESTU RES. O all o f m y all, O m y H E A R I N G and my S IG H T . O my W H O L E and my E L E M E N T and my P A R T IC L E S .

D o T H O U meet us while we walk in the W a y and long to reach the C ountry; so that following T H Y light we m ay keep the W a y of righteousness and never wander away into the darkness of this w orld's nigbt.

O

T H O U who art my Soul's com fort in the season o f sorrow,

O T H O U who art my Spirit's treasure in the bitterness of death, That which the im agination hath not conceived; That which seen;

the

understanding

hath

not

Visited my Soul from T H EE. Hence, in worship, I turn towards TH EE.

JalaludDin-Rumi

O G O D , T H Y grace is the proper object of our desire; To couple others with T H E E is not proper. N othing is bitterer than severance from TH EE, W ith o u t T H Y shelter there is naught but perplexity. O u r worldly g o o d s rob us o f our heavenly goods, O u r b o d y rends the garm ent o f our soul. O u r hands, as it were, prey on our feet; W ith o u t reliance on T H E E how can we live? A n d if the soul escapes these great perils, It is m ade captive as a victim o f mis­ fortunes and fears Inasmuch as when the soul lacks union with the Beloved, It abides for ever blind and darkened by itself.

Dante

G iv e us this day the daily manna, with­ out which through this rough desert he backward go es who toils most to g o on.

Sufi

Praise be to TH EE, O H ID D E N O N E and M A N IF E S T E D O N E . Praise be to T H Y G lory, to T H Y M ight, to T H Y Power, and to T H Y G re a t Skill. O A L L A H , to T H E E all greatness be­ longs. O T H O U who possessest the Power and Beauty and Perfection. T H O U art the Spirit of All. Praise to TH EE, O S O V E R E IG N of all M onarchs; to THEE, O M A S T E R o f all affairs; to TH EE, O C O N T R O L L E R o f all things; to TH EE, R U L E R o f all B E IN G S . T H O U art free from death, free from birth and free from all limitations. O T H O U E T E R N A L O N E , T H O U art free from all conditions, pure from all things. O A L L A H , T H O U art the G O D of Souls on earth; T H O U art the L O R D of H O S T S in the Heavens.

Invocation

Ruysbroeck

O L O R D , I g a sp in my desire for THEE, yet can I not consum e T H EE. The more I eat— the fiercer is my hunger; the more 1 drink— the greater is my thirst. I follow after that which flieth from me, and as I follow, my desire groweth greater.

Ruysbroeck

O L O R D , T H O U desirest my spirit in the inward parts, that 1 m ay see T H E E as T H O U seest me, and love T H E E as T H O U lovest me.

MYSTICS

AT P R A Y E R

27

Tauler

A s the sun-flower ever turning To the m ighty sun, W ith the faithfulness o f fealty Following only one— S o make me, L O R D , to TH EE.

Tauler

W e honour and glorify T H Y unspeakable m ystery with holy reverence and silence.

Angela of

O S U P R E M E G O O D , T H O U has d e ­ signed to make us know that T H O U art Love, and makest us in love with that love; wherefore they who com e before T H Y face shall be rew arded according unto their love, and there is nothing which leadeth the contem plative unto contem plation sav­ ing true love alone.

Foligno

Suso

T H O U hast granted my heart's desire— M o st blest of the blessed is he W h o findeth no rest and no sweetness Till he rests, O L O R D , in T H EE.

Suso

It is m eet that 1 should be enam oured of TH EE, and w hatever 1 shall know to be T H Y dearest will that 1 will always do.

Suso

G entle L O R D , cause some sweet fruit of g o o d instruction to issue forth from our sharp thorns o f sufferings, that we m ay suffer more patiently, and be better able to offer up our sufferings to T H Y praise and glory. .

.

28

MY S T I C S AT P RAYE R

Andrewes

Unto all men everywhere give T H Y grace and T H Y blessing.

St. Catherine

O L O R D , 1 pray for all those whom T H O U hast given me, whom 1 love with a special love and whom T H O U hast m ade one thing with me. For they are my con­ solation and for T H Y sake 1 desire to see them running in the sweet and narrow w ay dea d to self and pure from all judg­ ment and murmuring against their neigh­ bour. M a y they all attain to TH EE, O E T E R N A L F A T H E R , to T H E E who art their final end.

of Sienna

St. Catherine of Sienna

Punish me for my sins in this finite Life.

St. Bernardine

O G O D , acknow ledge what is T H IN E in us, and take away from us all that is not T H IN E , for T H Y honour and glory.

Lady Julian

G O D , of T H Y G oodness, give me T H Y ­ SELF, for T H O U art enough to me, and m ay 1 nothing ask that is less, that may be full worship to T H EE ; and if 1 ask anything that is less, ever me wanteth,— but only in T H E E 1 have all.

of Norwich

Thomas a Kempls

Praised be T H Y name, not mine; m a g­ nified be T H Y work, not mine; blessed be T H Y H o ly Nam e, but to me let no part o f m an's praise be given.

MYSTICS

Thomas a Kempis

Thomas a Kempis

AT

PRAYER

G ra n t me, O L O R D , heavenly wisdom, that I m ay learn above all things to seek and to find T H E E ; above all things to relish and to love T H EE; and to think of all other things as being what indeed they are, at the disposal of T H Y wisdom.

O L O R D , T H O U knowest what is the better W a y , let this or that be done, as T H O U shalt please. G iv e what T H O U wilt, and how much T H O U wilt, and when T H O U wilt. Deal with me as T H O U knowest, and as best pleaseth TH EE, and is most for T H Y honour. Set me where T H O U wilt, and deal with me in all things just as T H O U wilt. I am in T H Y hand; turn me round and turn me back again, even as a wheel. Behold I am T H Y servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto T H E E ; and oh that I could d o it worthy and perfectly.

Savonarola

L O R D , we pray not for tranquillity, nor that our tribulations may cease; we pray for T H Y Spirit and T H Y love that T H O U grant us strength and gra ce to overcom e adversity.

St. Ignatius

Teach us, g o o d L O R D , to serve T H E E as T H O U deservest; to giv e and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we d o T H Y will.

Loyola

29

30

MYSTICS

Thomas a Kempis

The Friend of G o d

Theologica Germanica

Nicholas de Cusa

St. Teresa

AT

PRAYER

O L O R D , if only my will m ay remain right and firm tow ards TH EE, do with me whatsoever it shall please TH EE. For it cannot be anything but g o o d w hatsoever T H O U shalt d o with me. IF T H O U wiliest me to be in darkness, be T H O U blessed; and if T H O U wiliest me to be in light be T H O U again blessed. If T H O U vouchsafe to com fort me, be T H O U blessed; and if T H O U wiliest me to be afflicted, be T H O U ever equally blessed.

O L O R D , 1 wish for the love of T H E E to keep from all sin to-day. H e lp me this d ay to d o all 1 do to T H Y glory and according to T H Y dear will, whether my nature likes it or not.

1 would fain be to the E T E R N A L G O O D ­ N E S S what his own hand is to a man.

Restless is my heart, O L O R D , because T H Y love hath inflamed it with such a desire that it cannot rest but in T H E E alone.

G o ve rn all by T H Y wisdom, O L O R D , so that my soul m ay always be serving T H E E as T H O U dost will and not as 1 may choose. Let me die to myself, so that 1 m ay serve T H EE ; let me live to THEE, who in T H Y S E L F art the true life.

MYSTICS

AT

PRAYER

31

Erasmus

Vouchsafe to bestow upon us som e por­ tion of T H Y heavenly Bread, d a y by day, that the hunger and thirst for earthly things m ay diminish in us continually.

St. Ignatius

Take, O L O R D , and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. A ll that 1 am, all that 1 have, T H O U hast given me, and 1 give it back again to T H E E to be disposed of according to T H Y g o o d pleasure. G iv e me only T H Y love and T H Y grace; with T H E E 1 am rich enough, nor do 1 ask for aught besides.

Loyola

.:.

.:.

St. Teresa

Do not punish me by granting that which 1 wish or ask, if it offend T H Y love which would always live in me.

St. John

O sweetest Love o f G O D , too little known; he who has found T H E E is at rest. Everywhere with TH EE, O my G O D . O my Love, all for TH EE, nothing for me. O my G O D , how sweet to me T H Y presence, W h o art the S O V E R E IG N G O O D . O L O R D , 1 beseech TH EE, leave me not for a moment, because 1 know not the value o f my soul.

of the Cross

St. Francis de Sales

O G O D , how adm irable is that which we see; but O G O D , how much more so is that which we cannot see.

St. John of the Cross

Book of Christian Prayers

B.W hichcote

G O D of m y life! nothing can make me glad, For all my gladness springs from sight of THEE, A n d faileth me because I have T H E E not. If 'tis T H Y will, my G O D , I live forlorn, I'll take my longings even for my com fort W h ile dwelling in this world. W h e n shall there dawn that most delicious day, W hen, O m y Glory, I m ay foy in T H E E Delivered from this b o d y 's heavy lo a d ? Y e t if my life can bring increase of glory To T H IN E E T E R N A L B E IN G , In truth I do not wish that it should end.

O Light which does lighten every man that cometh into the world, without whom all is most dark darkness, by whom all things are m ost splendent; Lighten our minds, that we m ay only see those things that please T H E E and m ay be blinded to all other things.

O G O D of the spirits of all flesh, naturalize us to H eave n and reconcile us to all the things of that high estate, that so we m ay not dru d ge in the world, nor act in a slavish spirit in ways of Religion, but that we m ay serve T H E E with ingenuity of mind and with freedom of spirit, as those that are set at liberty.

John Norden

Sir Thomas Browne

Jacob Boehme

Jacob Boehme

Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor

We THEE daily THEE fields,

are forced, O F A T H E R , to seek daily, and T H O U offerest T H Y S E L F to be found; whensoever we seek we find THEE, in the house, in the in the Temple, and in the highway.

Defend me, O G O D , from myself.

In T H E E would we lose ourselves utterly; do in us what T H O U wilt.

O T H O U great incom prehensible G O D . W h o fillest all, be T H O U indeed my heaven. Let my spirit be indeed the music and the joy o f T H Y spirit. D o T H O U make music in me and m ay 1 make harmony in the Divine K ingd om of T H Y joy, in the great love o f G O D , in the w onders o f T H Y glory and splendour, in the com pany of T H Y holy angelic harmonies.

G u id e me, O L O R D , in all the changes and varieties of the world; that in all things that shall happen, 1 m ay have an evenness and tranquillity of spirit; that my soul may be wholly resigned to T H Y divinest will and pleasure, never murmuring at T H Y gentle chastisements and fatherly correction.

T H O U , O L O R D , art our Defender, T H O U art our W orsh ip , and the Lifter-up of our heads.

Richard Baxter

O T H O U Spirit o f Life, breathe upon us T H Y graces in us, take us b y the hand and lift us from earth.

N. Culverwel

O my G O D , I'll bless T H E E for those eternal treasures that are in T H Y self, though I should never taste o f them.

Thomas Elwood

O that mine eyes m ight closed be To what concerns me not to see; That deafness m ight possess mine ear To what concerns me not to hear; That truth my tongue m ight always tie From ever speaking foolishly; That no vain thing m ight ever rest, O r be conceived within my breast; That by each d ee d and word and thought G lo ry m ay to G o d be brought! But what are w ishes? L O R D , mine eye O n T H E E is fixed, to T H E E I cry; W ash, L O R D , and purify my heart, A n d make it clean in every part. A n d when 'tis clean, L O R D , keep it, too, For that is m ore than I can do.

T. Traherne

O give me grace to see T H Y face and be a constant mirror o f ETERN IT Y.

Mao'am Guyon

T H Y creatures wrong THEE, O T H O U S O V 'R E I G N G O O D . T H O U art not lov'd because not understood.

Molinos

G iv e me leave, O L O R D , to lament our blindness and ingratitude. W e all live deceived, seeking the foolish world, and forsaking T H E E W h o art our G O D . W e for­ sake TH EE, the Fountain of Living W aters, for the foul mire of the world.

Fenelon

A ll we ask is to die rather than live unfaithful to T H EE. G iv e us not life, if we shall love it too well.

Pascal

L O R D , I give T H E E all.

Fenelon

G iv e to us, T H Y children, that which we ourselves know not to ask. W e would have no other desire than to accom plish T H Y will. Teach us to pray, pray T H O U in us.

Fenelon

O m y G O D , preserve me from the fatal slavery that men madly call liberty. W ith T H E E alone is freedom . It is T H Y truth that makes us free. To serve T H E E is true dominion.

Fenelon

L O R D , I know not what I ought to ask of T H EE; T H O U only knowest what I need; T H O U lovest me better than 1 know how to love myself. O F A T H E R , give to T H Y child that which he himself knows not how to ask.

MYSTICS

36

AT

PRAYER

Fenelon

A L M I G H T Y G O D , grant me T H Y grace to be faithful in action, and not anxious about success. M y only concern is to do T H Y will, and to lose myself in T H E E when e n ga ge d in duty. It is for T H E E to give my weak efforts such fruits as T H O U seest fit; none, if such be T H Y pleasure.

Brother

O L O R D , the sense of T H Y love wellnigh overwhelms me. If it be T H Y will, bestow these many tokens of T H Y loving kindness on those who know T H E E not, to draw them to T H Y service.

Lawrence

Brother Lawrence

O Loving-Kindness so old and still so new, 1 have been too late in loving TH EE. O L O R D , enlarge the cham bers o f my heart that 1 m ay find room for T H Y love. Sustain me by T H Y Power, lest the fire of T H Y love consum e me.

Terstegen

Draw near to my heart and inflame if. Touch my uncircumcised lips with a burning coal from T H IN E altar, that 1 may not speak of T H IN E ardent love in a cold or feeble manner.

Ters+egen

Let T H Y love so warm our souls, O L O R D , that we m ay gladly surrender ourselves with all we are and have unto T H EE. Let T H Y love fall as fire from heaven upon the altar o f our hearts, and teach us to gu a rd it heedfully by continual devotion and quietness of mind.

MYSTICS

Benjamin Jenks

Blaise Palma

Melchior Ritter

John

AT

PRAYER

O L O R D , renew our souls and draw our hearts unto T H Y S E L F , that our work may not be to us a burden but a delight, and g iv e us such a m ighty love for T H E E as may sweeten all our obedience. O l let us not serve T H E E with the spirit of b o n d ­ a g e as slaves, but with the cheerfulness and gladness of children, delighting our­ selves in T H E E and rejoicing in T H Y work.

O A D M I R A B L E W I S D O M , that circlest all eternity, receivest into T H Y S E L F all immensity, and draw est to T H Y S E L F all infinity; from the inexhaustible fountain of T H Y light, shed som e ray into m y soul that 1 may more and more love whatever tends to T H Y glory and honour.

O souls THY have

G O D , in T H E E alone can our wearied have full satisfaction and rest, ana1 in love is the highest joy. L O R D , if we THEE, we have enough.

O L O R D , let us not live to be useless.

W esley W illiam Blake

Newman

37

Pour upon us T H Y Spirit of meekness and love. Annihilate selfhood in us. Be T H O U all our life.

1 am born to serve T H EE, to be T H IN E , to be T H Y instrument. Let me be T H Y blind instrument. 1 ask not to see, ask not to know; 1 ask simply to be used.

,

Collect from the 18th Century

G ra n t us grace to rest from all sinful deeds and thoughts, to surrender ourselves wholly unto THEE, and keep our souls still before T H E E like a still lake, so that the beam s of T H Y grace m ay be mirrored therein, and m ay kindle in our hearts the glow of faith and love and prayer.

Martineau

O G O D , W h o hast com m anded that no man should be idle, give us grace to em ploy all our talents and faculties in the service appointed for us; that, whatsoever our hand findeth to do, we m ay do it with our might. Cheerfully m ay we g o on in the road which T H O U nast marked out, not des/r/ng too earnestly that it should be either more smooth or more wide; but daily seeking our way by T H Y light, may we trust ourselves and the issue of our journey, to T H E E the Fountain of Joy, and sing songs o f praise as we g o along.

Holmes

L O R D , what am I, that with unceasing care T H O U didst seek after m e?

Tagore

If T H O U speakest not, I will fill my heart with T H Y silence and endure it. I will keep still and wait like the night with starry vigil and its head bent low with patience. The m orning will surely come, the darkness will vanish, and T H Y voice pour down in golden streams, breaking through the sky.

Whittier

Dear G O D and F A T H E R of us all, for­ give our faith in cruel lies; forgive the blindness that denies; forgive T H Y creature when he takes, for the all-perfect Love T H O U art, some grim creation of his heart.

Charles

Exalt us with TH EE, O L O R D , to know the mystery of life, that we m ay use the earthly as the appointed expression and type of the heavenly, and by using to T H Y glory the natural b o d y m ay befit it to be exalted to the use of the spiritual body.

Kingsley

Chr. G . Rossetti

O L O R D , make us we implore TH EE, so to love T H E E that T H O U m ayest be to us a Fire of Love, purifying and not destroying.

Chr. G . Rossetti

Love me in sinners and saints, In each who needs or faints— L O R D , 1 will love T H E E as 1 can In every brother man.

Tagore

G iv e me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows, G iv e me the strength to make my love fruitful in service. G iv e me the strength to raise my mind high a b o ve daily trifles, A n d give me the strength to surrender my strength to T H Y will with love. _

...................... .......................................... ...................

R. Kipling

F A T H E R in heaven, who lovest all, O help T H Y children when they call; That they m ay build from a ge to age, A n undefiled heritage. Teach us to bear T H Y yoke in youth, W ith steadiness and careful truth; That, in our time, T H Y grace may give The truth whereby the nations live. Teach us to rule ourselves alway C ontrolled and cleanly, night and day, That we m ay bring, if need arise, N o maimed or worthless sacrifice. Teach us to look in all our ends O n T H E E for judge, and not our friends, That we, with THEE, m ay walk uncowed By fear or favor o f the crowd. Teach us the strength that cannot seek, By deed or thought to hurt the weak; That under THEE, we m ay possess T H Y strength, to succor m an's distress. Teach us delight in simple things, A n d mirth that has no bitter stings; Forgiveness free of evil done, A n d love to all men 'neath the sun.

I. W r ig h t Beach

H eavenly F A T H E R , T H O U hast healed me through the sweet restoring influence of divine love and I feel T H Y rich, new life now coursing through my entire body.

MYSTICS

AT

PRAYER

K. Tingley

O my D IV IN IT Y ! T H O U dost blend with the earth and fashion for T H Y S E L F tem ples of m ighty Power. O my D IV IN IT Y ! T H O U livest in the heart-life of all things and dost radiate a G o ld e n Light that shineth forever and doth illumine even the darkest corners of the earth. O my D IV IN IT Y ! Blend T H O U with me that from the corruptible 1 m ay becom e Incorruptible; that from imperfection 1 may becom e Perfection, that from darkness 1 may g o forth in Light.

N. H. D. Golden

Let not my dream s of Things 1 hold most dear Tie me to earth, but with a vision clear, H e lp me to build this day, dear L O R D with THEE, The things which last through all eternity. Attune my ears to hear T H Y message, LORD; Inspire my lips to speak alone T H Y word. Veil T H O U mine eyes from things 1 should not see, H e lp me to leave my burdens all with TH EE.

W o rd s

Hindu Prayer

Hindu Prayer

They who never ask anything but simply love, T H O U in their heart abidest for ever, for this is T H Y very home.

O u t o f the unreal, lead me to the Real. O u t of the Darkness, lead me into the Light. O u t of Death, lead me to Deathlessness.

41

Gorsedd Prayer

Grant, G O D , protection A n d in protection, strength A n d in strength, understanding A n d in understanding, knowledge A n d in knowledge, the knowledge o f the just, A n d in the knowledge of the just, the love o f it, A n d in the love o f it, the love of all existences. A n d in the love of all existences, the love of G O D , G O D and all G O O D N E S S .

Earl

O G O D , I thank T H E E for all the joy I have had in life.

Brihtnoth

Sister E. T. Caw dry

O G O D , T H IN E is the kingdom, the pow er and the G lory, for ever and ever. Am en.

Sister E. T.

Let us g o into the silence; Oh, G O D , our H eave nly F A T H E R , before T H Y altar of love we com e and in praise and a d o r­ ation we lift up our voices unto TH EE. Oh, T H O U gre a t living light o f the universe, we T H Y children ask T H E E to grant unto us T H Y richest blessing and to rem ove all shadow of doub t from our minds as regards the life that awaiteth each one o f us when we too shall pass through the gates called death. But we thank TH EE, O G O D , that the light of heaven has illumined our Pathway and that T H O U hast given unto us this light that indeed is a living power to sustain and to uphold us at all times.

Caw dry

John W . Chadwick

Beatrice Colony

Dean Colet

K. S. Guthrie

I d o not pray because I would, I pray because I must. There's no beseeching in my prayer, But thankfulness and trust. A n d T H O U wilt hear the thought I mean A n d not the word I say, W ilt hear the thanks between the words That only seem to pray.

For health, prosperity and happiness To T H E E I pray, But most o f all a smile to greet The newborn day.

Let not our sins be a cloud between T H E E and us.

O H E A V E N L Y W I S D O M , W h o art the glorious fullness of the rays of Infinite Love and Righteousness, Piety and Justice, Ten­ derness and Stern Reproof, we supplicate for T H Y control. W e would not willingly continue stumbling on in our old way. O u r hearts are open to T H Y view; to the utmost are we willing to do Thy will. O that we m ight not be left unknowingly to leave the N arrow W a y ! N o t because of the suffering which we willingly accept from T H Y dear Hand, but the withdrawing of T H Y dear Face. W e will do our best; it shall be only for lack o f G u id a n ce if we fail to do T H Y W ill. Am en.

*

m* MYSTICS

44

W alte r D a Voe

W alter De Voe

Charles How

U

Lady M arge ry Kem pe of Lynn

Louis Lisener

AT

PRAYER

In divinest self surrender, 0 my L O R D , 1 com e to TH EE, All my life to T H E E 1 render; 1 will T H IN E alm oner be.

Sun o f my Soul, T H O U S A V I O R D E A R I It is not night if T H O U be near. O m ay no earth-born cloud arise To hide T H E E from T H Y servant's eyes.

M o st great and glorious G O D , be g r a ­ ciously pleased, 1 m ost humbly beseech TH EE, to make the stream o f my will per­ petually to flow a cheerful and impetuous course, bearing down pleasure, interest, afflictions, death, and all other obstacles and impediments whatsoever, before it, till it plunge itself joyfully into the un­ fathom able ocean of T H Y D IV IN E W IL L .

L O R D for T H Y great goodness, have m ercy on my wickedness, as certainly 1 was never so wicked as T H O U art good, nor never m ay be though 1 would; for T H O U art so g o o d that T H O U m ayest no better be.

H o ly Spirit! G iv e me a clear mind, A pure heart, A contrite spirit, A n d a healthy body. Am en.

Richard Rolle

Grenville Kleiser

Francis Rous

W h e n so it liketh THEE, love speaks send T H O U me; make mine heart all hot to be, burning in the love of T H EE.

If I can do some g o o d today, If I can serve along life's way, If I can som ething helpful say, L O R D , show me how! If I can right a human wrong, If I can help to make one strong, If I can cheer with smile or song, L O R D , show me how! If I can aid one in distress, If I can make a burden less, If I can spread more happiness, L O R D , show me how! If I can do a kindly deed, If I can help som eone in need, If I can sow a fruitful seed, L O R D , show me how! If I can feed a hungry heart, If I can give a better start, If I can fill a nobler part, L O R D , show me how!

Let my love rest in nothing short of THEE, O G O D . Kindle and inflame and enlarge my love. Enlarge the arteries and conduit-pipes b y which T H O U , the H e a d and Fountain of Love, flowest in T H Y m em ­ bers, that being abundantly quickened and watered with the Spirit I may abundantly love TH EE. Put T H IN E own im age and beauty more and more on my soul.

46

MYSTICS

Van. C oo pe rMathieson

G race B. Norris

AT

PRAYER

O grea t F A T H E R — M O T H E R G O D . T H Y eternal Life is my life. T H Y infinite W isd o m guid es me. T H Y wondrous Intelligence illumines my mind. T H Y glorious Substance feeds me. T H Y perfect Health is revealed in me. T H Y infinite Power upholds me. T H Y alm ighty Strength is my support. T H Y unchanging Love surrounds me. T H Y eternal Truth has m ade me free. T H Y perfect Peace broods over me.

D IV IN E LO V E , P R IN C IP L E , G O D of love, 1 pray; G u id e me in the way of Truth Tenderly, today. W e e d my heart o f weariness, scatter every care. Teach me how to know the truth: Love is everywhere.

F. W . Scott

T H Y glory alone, O G O D , be the end of all that we say; Let it shine in every deed, let it kindle the prayers that 1 pray; Let it burn in my innermost soul till the shadow of self pass away, A n d the light of T H Y glory, O G O D , be unveiled in the daw ning o f day.

Scupoli

Behold T H Y creature; do with me what T H O U wilt. 1 have nothing, m y G O D , that holds me back. 1 am T H IN E alone.

c. S. Tirpenting

A L M I G H T Y LIFE! T H O U F O R C E that bides with all, Aw ake my soul to see and use T H Y might, A n d give me strength to heed T H Y daily call, To walk with T H E E in paths o f truth and right. A b so lv e me from all vain and useless thought That clouds the vision o f my daily task, A n d help me labor in the field I ought Till I can do for self the things I ask. T H O U art my harbor and my fortress too. In T H Y strong arms support me on my way. If T H O U and I shall gu a rd the things I d o I know I shall be safe by night and day.

E. C . W ilso n

M . S. F.

Tom orrow I am content to leave with him W h o gives toda y For to d a y the sun smiles A n d the earth responds, A n d a twinkling, singing sea Forms lacy patterns on the sand. O, G O D , I am grateful For this day!

Dear F A T H E R , we thank T H E E for this beautiful world.

Henry Vaughan

T H O U S U N of R IG H T E O U S N E S S with healing under T H Y wings, arise in my heart; make T H Y light there to shine in darkness, and a perfect da y in the dead of night.

W alter

The Prayer o f faith shall heal the sick.

De Voe Michael W ood

G eibel

W ith in

T H Y Heart, O H O L Y O N E of GOD, M a ke us to rest; W ith in T H Y still and changeless Heart, O LO RD, N o t on T H Y Breast. T H O U wiliest It shall trem ble with our woes, Renouncing peace. Feeling our joys that we may find our home, W h e re dream s shall cease. W ith in T H Y H e a rt m ay we find earthly shows C lo se g a rn e r'd there by T H EE ; The saints we honour'd, sinners whom we lov'd W e in T H Y H e a rt shall see. W ith in the still and changeless Light of Truth, The W isd o m from above, W e shall give honour where we lo v'd and wept, A n d to the honour'd— love.

Strecke die H a n d nur em por im G ebet, G O T T fasst sie von oben, Und die Beruhrung durchstrom t dich mit geheiligter Kraft.

F A T H E R — M O T H E R — S O N in O N E , From our inmost hearts we plead For power to love unselfishly, For wisdom to perceive aright, For courage to pursue a righteous course, For determ ination o f purpose, and For will to act according to T H Y will.

L. O . S.

T H Y love provides for all T H Y substance feeds all T H Y Purify clothes all T H Y life preserves all Thanksgiving, honor, praise, and glory to TH EE, Evermore. Am en.

Anonymous

Universal G O D , O u r Life, O u r Light, O u r Power! T H O U art in A ll beyond expression and beyond conception. 0 N ature! T H O U som ething from nothing T H O U Sym bol o f W isd o m ! In myself I am nothing, In T H E E I am I. 1 live in T H EE ; 1, m ade of nothing; Live T H O U in me and bring me out o f the region of self Into the E T E R N A L L IG H T .

Emerson

Prayer is the contem plation o f the facts o f Life from the highest Point o f view.

1

50

MYSTICS

Edward Rowland Sill Belle-May

Lamartine

f

Jehudah Halevi

GOD

AT

PRAYER

be merciful to me, a fool.

Prayer brings us into harmony with the highest in nature.

Prierel 0 voix surnaturelle Q u i nous precipite a genoux; Instinct du ciel qui nous rappelle Q u e la patrie est loin de nous.

Incline Thou mine heart To do the service of Thy kingdom, A n d my thought M ake pure for knowledge o f Thy G odship. ..............

Solomon

R

ibn G abirol

Talmud

In the flood o f Thy love 1 have rapture eternal A n d prayer is but an occasion for praise.

M a y it be Thy will, O G o d , that we return to Thee in perfect penitance, so that we m ay not be asham ed to meet our fathers in the life to come. V

V

V

T H E R O S I C R U C IA N

Vol. f.

L IB R A R Y

Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Order

The story of the Rosicrucian ideals, traditions, activities, and accomplishments is told in terestingly in this book, and the scores of questions form a sm all encyclopedia of knowledge. Over 300 pages, printed on fine book paper, bound in green silk, and stamped in gold. P rice $2.00 per copy, postpaid. Vo). II.

Rosicrucian Principles for the H o m e and Business

A v ery practical book dealing w ith the solution of health, financial, and business problem s in the home and office. W ell printed and bound in red silk, stamped w ith gold. P rice $2.00 p er copy, postpaid.

Vol. Ill,

The Mystical Lite of Jesus

A rare account of the Cosmic preparation, birth, secret studies, mission, crucifixion, and later life of the Great M aster, from the records of the Essene and Rosicrucian Brotherhoods. A book that is demanded in foreign lands as the most talked-about revelation of Jesu3 ever made. Over 300 pages, beautifu lly illustrated, bound in purple silk, stamped in gold. P rice $2.25 per copy, postpaid. Vol. V.

"U n t o Thee I G ra n t . . ."

A strange book prepared from a secret m anuscript found in the m onastery o f Tibet. It is filled w ith the most sublime teachings of the ancient M asters of the F a r East. T he book has had many editions. W ell printed w ith attractive, stiff cover. P rice $1.25 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. VI.

A Thousand Years of Yesterdays

A beautiful sto ry of reincarnation and m ystic lessons. T h is un­ usual book has been translated and sold in m any languages and is u niversally endorsed. W ell printed w ith attractive, stiff cover. P rice 85 cents per copy, postpaid.

Vol. VII.

Self Mastery and Fate with the Cycles of Life

A new and astounding system of determ ining you r fortunate and unfortunate hours, w eeks, months, and years throughout you r life. No m athem atics required. B etter than any system of num erology or astrology. Bound in silk, stam ped w ith gold. P rice $2.00 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. VIII.

Rosicrucian Manual

Most complete outline of the rules, regulations, and operation of lodge3 and student w ork of the Order, w ith m any interesting articles, biographies, explanations, and complete D irectory of Rosicrucian term s and words. V e ry com pletely illustrated. A necessity to every student who w ishes to progress rapidly, and a guide to all seekers. W ell printed and bound in silk, stamped w ith gold. P rice $2.00 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. XI.

Mansions of the Soul, The Cosmic Conception

The complete doctrines of reincarnation explained. T his book makes reincarnation easily understood. W ell illustrated, bound in silk, stam ped in gold, extra large. P rice $2.20 per copy, postpaid.

Vol. XII.

Lemuria— The Lost Continent of the Pacific

A fascin ating revelation of the m ystics and m ysteries of a for­ gotten civilization. Read of the livin g descendants of these people, whose expansive nation now lies at the bottom of the Pacific. B eau tifu lly bound, w ell printed, and contains many il­ lustrations. P rice $2.20, postpaid.

Volume XIII.

The Technique of the Master

T he new est and sim plest explanation fo r attaining the state of Cosmic Consciousness— a m asterful w ork on psychic unfoldment. It is w ell bound in cloth, w ith deckled and tinted edged paper. Price, postage prepaid, $2.00.

Volume XIV.

The Symbolic Prophecy of the Great Pyramid

T his book is a vivid p ortrayal of one of the greatest m ysteries of the ages— The Great Pyram id. It is illustrated w ith draw ings and charts, w ell printed and beautifu lly bound. Price, postage prepaid, $2.00.

Volume XV.

The Book of Jasher

Here is a photographic reproduction of a sacred book which should have been included w ith the other books of the B ible but was withheld. Read its fascinating history. The book is bound in its original style and is priced at $2.00 a copy, postage prepaid.

Volume XVI.

The Technique of the Disciple

T his book contains a modern description of the ancient esoteric path to sp iritu a l illu m in a tio n and the method fo r a tta in in g a greater life taught in the m ystery schools. Handsom ely bound and stam ped in gold. P rice $2.00, postage prepaid.

INDEX { ‘ Indicates Rosicrucian authority )

Alcuin,* Archbishop, English Theologian. 735-804, A . D ..................................

22

Andrewes, Bishop of Frissli. 1302-1373, A . D —

28

Angela of Foligno, Blessed Mystic.

27

1309, A . D.

Anselm, St., Archbishop of Canterbury, 1033-1109, A . D .................

21-22

Augustine, St., Apostle of the English. 7-604, A . D.„......

19-20-21

Babylonian Prayer. From the Religious Beliefs in Babylonia and Assyria.................................. Basil, St., Christian Martyr. 316 A . D ..............

14 17

Baxter, Richard, English Nonconformistical Priest. 1615-1691, A . D ...........

34

Beach, I. W right, Author of "U n it y ".................

40

Bernard, St., Fr. Ecclesiastic.

23

1091-I 153, A . D.

Bernardine, St., of Sienna, Franciscan Friar. 1380-1444, A . D — ............ Blake,* William, English Artist, Poet, and Mystic. 1757-1827, A . D ................ Blasius, St., Bishop of Sebaste and Martyr. 316, A . D ............................ Boehme,* Jacob, Germ an Mystic and Rosicru­ cian. 1624, A . D.„........... Book of the Dead. O ld Egyptian Book of Mysteries............ Brithnoth, Earl, Mystic. Data unknown.............. Browne, Sir Thomas. English Philosopher. 1605-1682, A . D . „ ............. Catherine of Sienna, Christian Mystic. 1314-1380, A . D ............ Cawdry, Sister E. T. A n African M ystic Chadwick, John W ., Am erican Author............. Christian Prayers, Book of, 1566, A . D ............ Chrysostom, St., Greek Father of the Church, born in Syria, 347-409, A . D ................

28 37 18 33 14 42 33 28 42 43 32 17-18

Colet, Dean, Mystic. Data unknown................. Collect, from the 6th and 18th Centuries........ Colony, Beatrice, Author ............. .......... C o p tic Apocrypha. The Book of the Resurrec­ tion of Jesus Christ, by Bartholomew — Culverwel, R.t C am b rid ge Platonist. 16)8-1651, A. D ......................................... Cusa, Nicholas de, Cardinal, 1401-1464, A . D. Dante,* Mystical Poet. 1265-1321, A . D .......... DeVoe, Walter, American Mystic, Founder of the Eloist Ministry..................................... Elwood, Thomas, English Mystic about 1639, A. D ...... ....................................... Ephrem, St., The Syrian Teacher of the Church and Hymndfst. 306-378, A. D ..................... Erasmus, Dutch Scholar. 1466-1536, A. D ....... Erigena, John Scotus, Scot Philosopher in France. 875, A. D ........ ................. Fenelon, Francois de Salignac, Archbishop of Cam brai. Author. I 6 5 1-17 15, A . D .......... Francis, St. of Sales, Christian Saint. 1567-1665, A . D .............................. .......... Friend of G O D , * from the "O b e rlan d .” The un­ known chief of a religious union from the 14th Century............................................. Gelasian Sacramentary. Gelasius, Bishop of Caesarea, about 476, A. D ......................... Gabirol, Solomon ibn, Poet and Philosopher 1020-1070 A . D ................................ - ....... Golden W o rd of N. H. D ............. ................. G orsed d Prayer ............................................ Guthrie, Kenneth Sylvan, Modern Am erican Author and M ystic ................................. Guyon, M ad a m Jeanna M aria de la Motte, Mystic, one of the Founders of the Quietism. 1648-1717, A. D ......................................... Halevi, Jehudah, Hebrew Poet, 1085-1 140 A . D. Hildegarde, St., G erm an Mystic, died I 179, A. D. Hindu P ra ye rs................................................

Holmes, Oliver, American Physician and Author. 1809-1894, A . D .................. _ .....

38

................

44

Ignatius, St. Loyola. Founder of the Society of Jesus. 1491-1556, A . D ........................

29-31

How, Charles, American Author

Jacobite Liturgy. 3rd century. The Jacobites, a name of the Monophysites. Monophysites were those who maintain that there was but a single nature in Christ........... ............—

16

Jalalud din Rumi, an Arabian Poet and Mystic. Born 1270, A . D ..........................................

25

Jenks, Benjamin, M ystic from the 17th century.

37

Jesus Christ, The Messiah, The Saviour..........

17

John, St., of the Cross. Spanish Mystic. 1542-1591, A . D .............................. Julian, Roman Emperor, called "The A postate." Neoplatonist. 31 1-363, A . D ........................ Julian, Lady of Norwich. Mystic. 1342-1442, A. D ..................................... Kashf-Al-Mahjup. The oldest Persian treatise on Sufism.............. Kempe of Lynn, Lady M argery. Data unknown. Kingsley, Charles, English Clergym an and Novel­ ist. 1819-1875, A. D ................. Kipling, Rudyard, English Author. 1865-1936 ............................................. Kleiser, Grenville, Teacher of O ratory............. Lawrence, Brother, Christian Mystic. 1666-1691, A . D ............... Leonine Sacramentary. 5th Century. C itta Leonina, a part of the ancient Rom a........... Lisener, Louis, Am erican Author.................. Liturgy of the Greek Church, 3rd Century Liturgy of St. Mark, 2nd C e n tu ry..................... Manasses, King of Juda. H e reigned 697-642, B .C . (The Apocrypha of the O ld Testament.) Martineau, James, Unitarian Divine and M e ta ­ physician. 1805-1900, A . D ................

31-32 15 28 24 44 39 40 45 36 19 44 17 17 15 38

Mathiesen,* Veni Cooper, Australian

Author....

46

Moham m ed. Arabian Founder of Islam. 570-632, A . D ...........

19

M olinos.* Spanish Christian Mystic. 1640-1697, A . D ..................................

35

More, Dam e Gertrude, Christian Mystic. "The N un." 1256-1291, A . D ............................ M ozarabic Liturgy. Mozarab, a member of cer­ tain ancient congregations of Spanish Chris­ tians which existed under the M oors and had a liturgy o f their own ..............................

24

24

Newman, John Henry, English Cardinal and Author. 1801-1890, A . D ..........................

37

Norden, John, M ystic of the 16th Century

33

Norris, G rac e B., Author ...................... Palma, Blaise, Mystic of the 17th Century Pascal, Blaise, French Philosopher and M ath e ­ matician. 1623-1662, A . D ..................... Patrick, St., Christian Saint, Apostle of Ireland. Pericles, Athenian Statesman. 495-429, B. C Psalm. O ne of the O ld Testament Hym ns Richard, St., Bishop of Chichester. Died 1253. Ritter, Melchoir, M ystic of the 17th Century Rolle, Richard, Herm it of Ham pole..................... Rossetti, Christiana Georgina, Sister of Dei Grata. English Poet. 1830-1894, A . D Rous,* Francis, a Cromwellian M ystic.............. Ruysbroeck,* Jan van., Dutch Mystic. .... 1293-1381, A . D Sarum Breviary, 4th Century. O ld Sarum (Sordiodunum) near Salisbury, was the residence of the Saxon Kings ....................................... Savonarola.* Christian Martyr. 1452-1498, A . D. Scott, F, W ., English Author............................ Scupoli, Mystic, Da fa unknown.................... Socrates. Athenian Philosopher, 469-399 B .C . Sill, Edward Rowland, Am erican Poet and Author, 1841-1887, A . D ................

46 37 35 18 15 14 24 37 45 39 45 26

18 29 46 46 16 50

Sufi. Sufism, a system of Moham m edan mys­ ticism, developed especially in Persia Synesius, Bishop, Christo Neoplatonist, Friend of Hypatia. 370-415, A . D ........................ Syrian Clementine Liturgy.

26 18-19

1st Century..........

14

Tagore, Rabindranath, Bengali Poet and Mystic. Born 1861, A. D ..........................................

38-39

Talmud, Selection from....................................

50

Tauler,* John, Christian Mystic. 1290-1361, A . D.

27

Taylor, Jeremy, Bishop and Author. 1613-1667, A . D ......................................... Teresa, St., Christian Mystic.

1515-1 582, A . D.

Terstegen, Gerhard, Poet and Ascet. 1697-1769, A . D .............................. _......... Theoiogia Germ anfca,* a tractatus in 54 chap­ ters containing the teachings of the Friends of G O D ..................................................... Thomas,* St. Aquinas, Christian Priest and M y s­ tic, called "The Angelical Doctor." 1225-1274, A . D - .........

33 30-31 36

30

23

Thomas a Kempis,* Christian Mystic. 1380-1471, A . D ........................................ 28-29-30 Tingley, Katherine, President of the American Theosophical Society. 1930, A . D

41

Tirpenting. C . S., Author

47

- .......................

Traherne, T., C am b rid ge Platonist. 1637-1674, A . D .........................................

34

Vaughan,* Henry, Mystic ...................

48

Wesley, John, Divine and Founder of Methodism. 1703-1791, A . D ..................... Whichcote, Benjamin, C am b rid ge Platonist. 1609-1683, A . D ................. Whittier, John Greenleaf, American Poet Wilson, E. C., Am erican W riter and Philosopher. W o o d, Michael, English Poet and W rite r Zoroaster, Founder of Ancient Persian Religion, about 732, B. C ..........................................

37 32 39 47 48 16

M M