The Cleansing Laver

Then did the faithful ones who had escaped, begin to prepare for those who should afterward escape. Sisters Mercy and Hope took up their position just above the mist line on the road that led up from the valley, and there they set up a little laver in which the escaped ones could wash. Now the reason for this was that as many had descended to the valley, not through any bad motive of their own, but because they had been told by their shepherds that they would sin to separate themselves from the camp by not descending, and so they, thinking it their duty to listen to these false shepherds, had descended into the mist. Now, in this valley are many defilements that are hidden from the eyes of the inhabitants, because of the thick fog, which in time forms as scales over their eyes. Therefore unless a very strong light is turned upon them, they can never by any means be persuaded that they are at all changed from what they were while on the mountain top. So, when upon hearing the trumpet, they undertake to escape, after a difficult climb upon their hands and knees up through the mist, they come to daylight point. There the sunlight breaks upon them. Just at that point is also a mile-post with the following inscription written upon it: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”* (Psalm 24:3-4) Upon seeing this sign they proceed to take out their mirrors (James 1:23), which they have carried with them all the time but had not been able to use to advantage, owing to their partial blindness. There in the light of the Sun shining upon their mirrors, they are able to discern many spots and blemishes upon their person; and then are they much disheartened because they had allowed themselves to be so deceived, and would scarcely have courage to proceed further, were it not for Mercy and Hope who then appear upon the scene, to refresh them and help them to the laver, where they can wash and be clean and sent on their journey. Also, those whose eyes have been very badly affected, become healed by the waters of this laver, so they can see the way clearly.