Part 2 Chapter 1: The Cross Must Be Taken Up Without Delay

[尼古拉前执事]

Part 2 Chapter 1: The Cross Must Be Taken Up Without Delay

[Reader Benjamin]

Angel: ... A certain monk appeared one night after his death to his brother and associate, in great brightness. ... he showed him a large crowd of unnamed people, iluminated in inexpressible light clothed in white attire. They all walked in procession, carring on their shoulders beoutifully adored crosses, ...there followed another crowd ... in his hands before him, a cross adored more than the previous ones. Finally, there walked a third procession of youths ... Their crosses far surpassed the previous ones in looks and beauty; ... but the crosses were carried by an angel walking in front of them, ... "The first ones you saw took up the monastic life in their old age, but the last ones which you saw, being so joyful and bright, accepted the cross in their youth."

It is better to take up the cross sooner than later.