“This excellent book will commend itself to many a contemplativeChristian during hours of quiet communion withhis own soul and with God.”—Christian Commonwealth.
“A delightful book, and presents points of interest quitenovel.”—Rock.
“There are some exquisite sketches of the religioushistory of individuals who exerted a powerful influence intheir day, but of whom we know nothing now, which willbe highly appreciated by every spiritually-minded Christian.”—MethodistTimes.
“A deeply interesting book.”—Aberdeen Free Press.
THREE FRIENDS OF GOD.Records from the Lives of John Tauler, Nicholas of Basle,Henry Suso. By Frances A. Bevan, Authorof “The Story of Wesley,” etc. Crown 8vo, 5s.
“Fascinating glimpses of the strange religious life ofmediæval Europe. No student of history and humannature can fail to be interested by this book, while to piousminds it will bring stimulus and edification.”—Scotsman.
HYMNS OF TER STEEGEN, SUSO, AND OTHERS.Edited by Mrs. Frances Bevan,Author of “Trees Planted by the River,” etc.Crown 8vo, 1s. 6d.
“Some of the hymns are very beautiful, calculated tostrengthen the weary, comfort the sad, stimulate the down-hearted,and draw the soul nearer to God.”—Record.
“The literary quality of many of the hymns will bewelcome to many lovers of sacred poetry.”—ManchesterGuardian.
MATELDA AND THE CLOISTER OF HELLFDE
EXTRACTS FROM THE BOOK OF MATILDA OF MAGDEBURG
SELECTED AND TRANSLATED BY FRANCES BEVAN
AUTHOR OF“THREE FRIENDS OF GOD,” “TREES PLANTED BY THE RIVER,” “HYMNS OF TER STEEGEN, SUSO, AND OTHERS,” ETC.
London JAMES NISBET & CO. 21 BERNERS STREET 1896
Printed byBallantyne, Hanson & Co. At the Ballantyne Press
[v]
PREFACE
To most of us the Matelda of Dante has beenscarcely more than a shape existing in themind of a poet. It may be that she nowstands before us not only as a woman of fleshand blood, but as one who has for us in thesedays a marvellous message. One of the greatcloud of witnesses to the love and glory of theLord Jesus Christ, speaks to us in a GermanBéguine, who is now recognised by many asthe original of her who conducted Dante into“the terrestrial Paradise.”
Whether or no we regard her as the guideof Dante, may she be to us a means wherebywe “forget the things that are behind, andpress forward to those that are before.” Mayshe yet be to some sorrowful souls the guideinto the blessed Garden of God—the gardenno longer guarded by a flaming sword, butopened to the sinner who “has washed hisrobes, and made them white in the Blood of[vi]the Lamb.” May some to whom the futureis dark and fearful, and who c