Lumen de Lumine

There is a mountain in the middle of the earth, or centre of the world, both small and great. It is soft, yet exceedingly hard and rocky; near to everyone and far away, but invisible by God’s counsel. The greatest treasures lie hidden within it, more than the world can count. Through the envy of the devil, who always obstructs God’s glory and man’s happiness, this mountain is surrounded by fierce animals and other birds of prey, which make the way difficult and dangerous for man. For this reason, and because the time has not yet come, not everyone has hitherto been able to seek or find this way. Now, however, the worthy must find it, each through his own labour. Go towards this mountain on a certain night, when it is longest and darkest, and prepare yourselves through faithful prayers. Enter upon the way where the mountain is to be found; ask no one where to find the way, but faithfully follow your guide, who will present himself and meet you on the journey, though you will not recognise him. At midnight, when everything is still and dark, he will bring you to the mountain. You must arm yourselves with a great and heroic spirit, so that you do not fear what you meet and turn back. You need no bodily sword or other weapons: only call upon God sincerely and from the heart.