any power or resistance."(315)

Looking upon the picture which thou hast sent caused great delight, joy
and fragrance. God willing, thine actual picture (or form) will also
become present (here).

When thou wert present at Acca, the seeds of the love of God were sown in
thy heart, through the power of the Spirit. At that time they were not so
much manifest. Now that pure seed is growing more verdant and refreshed,
day by day, and becometh more manifest. This is why thou findest thyself
possessing more and more spiritual sentiments.

"The contents of thy last letter were extremely rejoicing,..."

(316) The contents of thy last letter were extremely rejoicing, for they
were a glorious evidence of the glowing of the fire of the love of God, of
attainment to the gift of God and of the spiritual connection of the
spirits. Forasmuch as hearts are like unto mirrors, when the light of the
love of God is enkindled, brilliant rays will reflect and merciful
phenomena become manifest and clear. Physical nearness or remoteness is of
no importance; the essential fact is the spiritual affinity and ideal
nearness. Judas Iscariot was for a long time favored in the holy court of
His Holiness Christ, yet he was entirely far and remote; while Paul, the
apostle, was in close embrace with His Holiness. The Egyptian carrier of
glad-tidings was the bearer of the garment of Joseph, yet he could not
inhale the fragrance of the garment. His holiness Jacob, in Canaan, longed
for meeting (Joseph), yet he was near and inhaled the fragrance of the
garment. Consequently, it is evident that one can certainly and surely
inhale the perfume of affinity even from a far distance. I beg of God that
He may strengthen and solidify such connections between the friends
(believers), so that the spiritual unity may become a manifest light and
the earthly world may become a camping-place for the heavenly hosts.

O thou dear maid-servant of God! Be thou aglow and illumined and be thou
enkindled in soul with the fire of the love of God in every assemblage. Be
not quiet for a moment and do not seek composure even for an hour (i.e.,
be active in spreading the light). Be thou a cause for the illumining of
hearts and spiritualizing of souls. Always communicate about this (truth)
with that great personage in France and write to him: "No matter how
clear, pure and polished a mirror may be, not until it is turned unto the
Sun of Truth will it find glorious bount