God said, “All Heaven is one: nevertheless some parts are higher than
others; those who reach the higher may always go down to rest in the
lower; but those in the lower may not have strength to climb to the
higher; nevertheless the light is all one.”
And I saw over the bridge nearest me, which was wider than the other,
countless footmarks go. I asked God why so many went over it.
God said, “It slopes less deeply, and leads to the first heaven.”
And I saw that some of the footmarks were of feet returning. I asked God
how it was.
He said, “No man who has once entered Heaven ever leaves it; but some,
when they have gone half way, turn back, because they are afraid there
is no land beyond.”