The Shaikh of Khircân spoke thus—an astonishing thing!—at the last moment of his life, when his soul was upon his lips, ready to escape: “Would to God that my body were opened and my burning heart torn from it; then let my heart be shown to men, and let them be told what my trials consist of, that they may know that the worship of idols is not fitting for him who knows the spiritual mysteries! Therefore act not crookedly: this is what the service of God consists in; all the rest is lust. This service consists in devotion—know this well, O useless servant! But thou settest
“thyself in the place of God, far from serving Him; how couldst thou devote thyself to Him? Give thyself up, and then thou shalt be a true servant; be a devoted servant, and live. Since thou wouldst be God’s slave, devote thyself to His service; be ambitious in the path of honour. If the servant disgraces himself on his way, the Sovereign will at once drive him far from His royal carpet. The sanctuary is forbidden to the dishonoured man; but if thou hast honour, thou shalt assuredly obtain the favour of being admitted there.”
“thyself in the place of God, far from serving Him; how couldst thou devote thyself to Him? Give thyself up, and then thou shalt be a true servant; be a devoted servant, and live. Since thou wouldst be God’s slave, devote thyself to His service; be ambitious in the path of honour. If the servant disgraces himself on his way, the Sovereign will at once drive him far from His royal carpet. The sanctuary is forbidden to the dishonoured man; but if thou hast honour, thou shalt assuredly obtain the favour of being admitted there.”