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394 CITY OF GOD
by rescuing these souls from his tyranny and conferring
on them the liberty of thy faith and true light."
442. The Lord answered: "My Mother, I grant thy
petition, for it is not just that, even were it
only in name,
this virtue of chastity, which was so ennobled in Thee
and is so pleasing to Me, should be ascribed to my ene
mies. But many of those counterfeit virgins are fore
known as reprobates on account of their abominations
and their obstinacy, and all of them will not embrace
the way of eternal life. Some few of them will accept
the faith, which shall be taught
them." At this juncture
saint John came to the oratory of the most blessed Moth
er ;
but he did not then know of the mystery She was then
engaged in, nor of the presence of her divine Son. But
the true Mother of the humble wished to join to her
prayers those of his beloved disciple. She therefos-e
secretly asked permission of her Son to speak to
him and said to him :
"John, my Son, my heart is
grieved on acount of the abominable crimes committed
against the Most High in the temple of Diana and my
soul desires to see them ended and atoned." The holy
Apostle answered :
"My Lady, I have seen something
of what passes in that abominable place. I cannot re
strain my sorrow and my tears, that the demon should
be there venerated and worshipped as is due to God
alone ;
and no one can put a stop to such great evils, unless
Thou, my Mother, wilt take this matter in hand."
443. The most blessed Mary then ordered the Apostle
to join Her in prayer for a remedy of these evils. Saint
John betook himself to his chamber, while the most
blessed Lady remained with the Savior in hers. Prostrate
before the Lord and shedding copious tears, She resumed
her prayers and petitions. She persevered therein with
most burning fervor and as it were in agonizing sorrow.
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