1671

"How did that go", says Carl. "I was seated near the front, facing the high altar. Mass was over and I was the only person left in the church. Then he appeared, as though emerging from out of the high altar, and descended the steps and approached me till he stood before me. He was dressed in his usual simple attire and he looked at me with a radiant smile. I felt myself tremble and shake before him from the very foundation of my being. He stood before me, still smiling, then took both my hands in his own and said, "Do not be afraid. Yes, I know where you are going, and for what reason. Of course I cannot approve but I will still be with you, and I will turn your brass into gold." Then he vanished as though into thin air. I looked at my hands and realized there was blood on them, from the wounds of his own hands...