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SomeonecompltiinotltoMoistorEckhartthatnoonocouldunderstandhissermons.Tiesaid,Toiindorstandmysermonsamanrequiresthreethings.HomusthaveconqueredstrifeandboincontemplationofhishighestgoodandbosatisfiedtodoGod’sbiddingandbeabeginnerwithbeginnersandnaughthitnsolfandbesomasterofhiinsclfastoboincapableofanger.

Cod.Monac.Qerm.y3G5,Eol.1926.

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THISISMEISTERECKIIAllTFROMWHOMGODNOTPIINGHID

DummediumsilentiumtenerentomniaetnoxinsuocursumediumHerhaheretetc.{Sap.18,4).‘Forwliilcallthingswerein

quietsileneeandthenightwasinthemidstofher(bourse,etc.’HereintimewemakeholidaybecausetheeternalbirthwhichGodtheFatherboreandbearsunceasinglyineternityisnowbornintime,inhumannature.StAugustinesaysthisbirthisalwayshappening.Hutifithappennotinmewhatdoesitprofitme?Whatmattersisthatitshallhappeninme.

^Veintendthereforetospeakofthisbirthastakingplaceinus:as[)eingeonsummatedintht‘\irtuoussoul:foritisinthe])erfectsoulthatGodspeakshisWord.WhatIshallsayistrueonlyofthe[)erfcetedman,ofhimwhohaswalkedandisstillwalkinginthewayofGod:nototthenaturalundisciplinedmanwhoisentirelyremotefromandunconsciousofthisbirth.

Thereisasayingofthewiseman:‘WhenallthingsJayinthemidstofsilencethenleapttheredownintomefromonhigh,fromtheroyalthrone,asecretword.’Thissermonisaboutthisword.

Concerningitthreethingsarctobenoted.Thefirstis,where-aboutsinthesoulGodtheFatherspeakshisWord,wlieresheisreceptiveofthisact,wherethisbirthbefalls.Itisboundtobeinthepurest,loftiest,subtlestpartofthesoul.Verily,anGodtlicFatherinliisomnipotencehadendowedtliesoulwithastillnoblernature,hadshereceiva‘dfromhimanythingyetmoreexalted,thenmusttheFatlierhavedelayedthisbirthforthepresenceofthisgreaterexcellence,'fhesoulinwhichthisbirthshallcometopassmustbeabsolutelypureandmustliveingentlefashion,quitepeacefulandwhollyintroverted:notrunningoutthroughthefivesensesintothemanifoldnessofcreatures,butaltogetherwithinandharmonisedinhersummit.Thatisitsplace.Anythinginferiorisdisdainedbyit.

Thesecondpartofthisdiscoursehastodowithman’sconduct

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inrelationtothisact,thisinteriorspeaking,thisbirth:whetheritismoreprofitabletoco-opcrateinit-perhapsbycreatinginthemindanimaginaryimageanddiscipliningoneselfthereonbyreflectingthatGodiswise,omnipotent,eternal,orwhateverelseoneisabletoexcogitateaboutGod—sothatthebirthmaycometopassinusthroughourownexertionandmerit;orwhetheritismoreprofitableandconducivetothisbirthfromtheFathertoshunallthoughts,wordsanddeedsaswellasallmentalimagesandemptyoneself,maintainingawhollyGod-receptiveattitude,suchthatone’sownselfisidlelettingGodwork.Whichconductsubservesthisbirthbest?

Thethirdpointistheprofitandhowgreatitis,whichaccruesfromthisbirth.

NoteinthefirstjilaeethatinwhatIamabouttosayIintendtoavailmyselfofnaturalproofsthatyeyourselvescangrasp,forthoughIputmorefaithinthescripturesthanmyself,neverthelessitiseasierandbetterforyoutolearnbymeansofargumentsthatcanbevc^rified.

Firstwewilltakethewords:‘Inthemidstofthesilencetherewasspokeninmeasecretword.’

—13ut,Sir,whereisthesilenceandwheretheplaceinwhichthewordisspoken?

AsIsaidjustnow,itisinthepurestpartofthesoul,inthenoblest,inherground,ayeintheveryessenceofthesoul.Thatismid-sileneeforthereintonocreaturedideverget,noranyimage,norhasthesoulthereeitheractivityorunderstanding,thereforesheisnotawareofanyimagecitherofherselforanycreature.What-everthesouleffectssheeffectswithherpowers.Whensheunder-standssheunderstandswithherintellect.Whensheremembersshedoessowithhermemory.Whenshelovesshedoessowithherwill.Sheworksthenwithherpowersandnotwithheressence.Noweveryexterioractislinkedwithsomemeans.Thepowerofseeingisbroughtintoplayonlythroughtheeyes;elsewhereshecanneitherdonorliestowsuchathingasseeing.Andsowithalltheothersenses:theiroperationsarcalwayseffectedthroughsomemeansorother,lintthereisnoactivityintheessenceofthesoul;thefacultiessheworkswithcTuanatcfromthegroundoftheessencebutinheractualgroundthereismid-stillness;herealoneisrestandahabitationforthisbirth,thisact,whereinGodtheFatherspeakshisWord,foritisintrinsicallyreceptiveofnaughtsavethedivineess:*nce,withoutmeans.HereGodentersthesoulwithhisall,notmerelywithapart.Godentersthegroundofthesoul.NonecantouchthegroundofthesoulbutGodonly.Nocreatureisadmittedintoherground,itmuststopoutsideinherpowers.Thereitseestheimagewherebyithasbeen

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drawninandfoundshelter.Forwhenthesoul-powerscontactacreaturetheysettotomakeofthecreatureanimageandlikenesswhichtheyabsorb.Byittheyknowthecreature.Creaturescannotgointothesoul,norcanthesoulknowanythingaboutacreaturewhichshehasnotwillinglytakentheimageofintoherself.Sheapproachescreaturesthroughtheirpresentimages;animagebeingathingthatthesoulcreateswithherpowers.Beitastone,arose,aman,oranythingelsethatshewantstoknowabout,shegetsouttheimageofitwhichshehasalreadytakeninandisthusenabledtouniteherselfwithit.Butanimagerceeiv^cdinthiswaymustofnecessityenterfromwithoutthroughthesenses.Consequentlythereisnothingsounknowntothesoulasherself.Thesoul,saysaphilosoplier,canneithercreatenorabsorbanimageofherself.Soshehasnothingtoknowliersclfby.Iniagesallenterthroughthesenses,henceshecanhavenoimageofherself.Sheknowsotherthingsbutnothcrsell’.Ofnothingdoessheknowsolittleasofherself,owingtothisarrangement.Nowthoumustknowthatinwardlythesoulisfreefrommeansandimages,thatiswhyGodcanfreelyunitewithherwithoutformorsimilitude.ThoucaiistnotbutattributetoGodwithoutmeasurewhateverpowerthoudostattributetoamaster.Thewiserandmorepowerfulthemasterthemoreimmediatelyishisworkeffectedandthesimpleritis.Manrequiresmanyinstrumentsforhisexternalworks;muchpreparationisneeded(‘rehecanbringthemforthashehasimaginedthem.Thesunandmoonwhoseworkistogivelight,intheirmastershipperformthisveryswiftly:theinstanttheirradianceispouredforth,alltheendsoftheworldarcfulloflight.Moreexaltedarctheangels,whoneedlessmeansfortheirworksandhavefewerimages.TliehighestSeraphhasbutasingleimage.lieseizesasaunityallthathisinferiorsregardasmanifold.NowGodneedsnoimageandhasnoimage:witlioutimage,likenessormeansdoesGodworkinthesoul,aye,inIiergroundwhereintonoimagedidevergetbutonlyhimselfwithhisownessence.Thisnocreaturecando.

—Howdo(\sGodtheFathergivebirthtohisSoninthesoul;likecreatures,inimageandlikeness?

No,bymyfaith!Imtjustashegiveshimbirthineternityandnootherwise.

—Well,buthowdocshegivehimbirththere?

See.GodtheFatherhasperfectinsightintohimself,profoundandthoroughknowledgeofhimselfbymeansofhimself,notbymeansofanyimage.AndthusGodtheFathergivesbirthtohisSon,intheveryonenessofthedivinenature.Mark,thusitisandinnootherwaythatGodtheFathergivesbirthtohisSoninthegroundandessenceofthesoulandthusheuniteshimself

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withher.Wereanyimagepresenttherewouldnotberealunionandinrealunionliesthywholebeatitude.

Nowhaplythouwiltsay:‘Butthereisnothinginnateinthesoulsaveimages.’No,notso!Ifthatweretruethesoulwouldneverbehappy,forGodcannotmakeanycreaturewhereinthoucanstenjoyperfecthappiness,elsewereGodnotthehighesthappinessandfinalgoal,whereasitishiswillandnaturetobethealphaandomegaofalkNocreaturecanbehappiness.AndhereindeedcanJustaslittlebeperfection,forperfection(perfectvirtuethatistosay)resultsfromperfectionoflife.Thereforeverilythoumustsojournanddwellintliyessence,inthyground,andthereGodshallmixtheewithhissimpleessencewithoutthemediumofanyimage.Noimagerepresentsandsignifiesitself:itstandsforthatofwhichitistheimage.Nowseeingthatthouhastnoimagesaveofwhatisoutsidethee,thereforeitisimpossiblefortheetobebeatifiedbyanyimagewliatsoevcr.

Thesecondpointis,whatitdoesbehoveamantodoinordertodeserv'candprocurethisbirthtocometopassandbe(*on-summatedinhim:isitbetterforhimtodohisparttowardsit,toimagineandthinkabout(hxl,orshouldhokeepstillinpeaceandquietsothatGodcanspeakandactinhimwhilehemeretywaitsonGod’soperation?AtthesametimeIrep(‘atthatthisspeaking,thisact,isonlyforthegoodandperfect,thosewhohavesoabsorbedandassimilatedtheessenceofvirtuethatitemanatesfromthemnaturally,witliouttheirseeking;andabovealltheremustliveinthemtheworthylifeandloftyteachingofourLordJesusChrist.SucharepermittedtoknowthattheverybestandutmostofattainmentinthislifeistoremainstillandletGodactandspeakinthee.Whenthepowa‘rshav('allbeenwithdrawnfromtJieirbodilyformsandfunctions,thenthis\\ordisspoken.Thushesays:'inthemidstofthesilencethesecretwordwasspokentome.’Themorecompletelythouarta})lctoin-drawthyfacultiesandforgetthosethingsandtheirimageswhichthouhastakenin,themore,thatistosay,thouforgetlcstthecreature,thenearerthouarttothisandthemoresusceptiblethouarttoit.Ifonlythoucouldstsuddenlybealtogetherunawareofthings,aye,couldstthoubut])assintooblivionofthineownexistenceasStPauldidwhenhesaid:‘WhetherinthebodyIknownot,oroutofthebodyIknownot,Godknoweth!’Herethespirithadsoentirelyabsorbedthefacultiesthatithadforgottenthebody:memorynolongerfunctioned,norunderstanding,northesenses,noreventhosepowerswhosedutyitistogovernandgracethebody;vitalwarmthandenergyw(‘rearrestedsothatthebodyfailednotthroughoutthethreedaysduringwhichheneitheratenordrank.EvensofaredMoseswhenhefastedfortydaysonthemountand

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wasnonetheworseforit:onthelastdayhewasasstrongasonthefirst.Thusamanmustabscondfromhissenses,inverthisfacultiesandlapseintooblivionofthingsandofhimself.Anentwhichaphilosopherapostrophisedthesoul:‘Withdrawfromtherestlessnessofexternalactivities!’Andagain:‘Fleeawayandhidetheefromtheturmoilofoutwardoccupationsandinwardthoughtsfortheycreatenothingbutdiscord!’IfGodistospeakhisWordinthesoulshemustbeatrestandatpeace;thenhespeaksinthesoulhisWordandhimself:notanimagebuthimself.Dionysiussays:‘Godhasnoimagenorlikenessofhimselfseeingthatheisintrinsicallyallgood,truthandbeing.’Godperformsallhisworks,inhimselfandoutsidehimself,simul-taneously.DonotfondlyimaginethatGod,whenhecreatedtheheavensandtheearthandallcreatures,lYiadeonethingonedayandanotherthenext.Mosesdescribesitthusitistrue,never-thelessheknewbetter:hedidsomerelyonaccountofthosewhoareincapableofunderstandingorconceivingotherwise.AllGoddidwas:hewilledandtheywere.Godworkswithoutinstrumentandwithoutimage.Andthefreerthouartfromimagesthemorereceptivethouarttohisinterioroperation;andthemoreintrovertedandobliviousthouartthenigherthouartthereto.DionysiusexhortedhisdiscipleTimothyinthissensesaying;

‘DearsonTimothy,dothouwithuntroubledmindswingthyselfupabovethyselfandabovethypowers,aboveallmodesandallexistences,intothesecret,stilldarkness,thatthoumayestattaintotheknowledgeoftheunknownsuper-divineGod.’Allthingsmustbeforsaken.Godscornstoworkamongimages.

Nowhaplythouwiltsay:‘WhatisitthatGoddocswithoutimagesinthegroundandessence?’ThatIamincapableofknowing,formysoul-powerscanreceiveonlyinimages,*theyhavetorecogniseandlayholdofeachthinginitsappropriateimage:theycannotrecogniseabirdintheimageofaman.Nowsinceimagesallenterfromwithout,thisisconcealedfrommysoul,whichismostsalutaryforher.Not-knowingmakesherwonderandleadshertoeagerpursuit,forsheknowsclearlythatitisbutknowsnothownorxvhatitis.Nosoonerdocsamanknowthereasonofathingthanimmediatelyhetiresofitandgoescastingaboutforsomethingnew.Alwaysclamouringtoknow,heiseverinconstant.Thesoulisconstantonlytothisunknowingknowingwhichkeepsherpursuing.

Thewisemansaidconcerningthis:"Inthemiddleofthenightwhenallthingswereinquietsilencetherewasspokentomeahiddenword.’Itcamelikeathief,bystealth.Whatdoeshemeanbyawordthatwashidden?Thenatureofawordistorevealwhatishidden.Itappearedbeforeme,shiningoutwith

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intenttorevealandgivingmeknowledgeofGod.Henceitiscalledaword.Butwhatitwasremainedhiddenfromme.Thatwasitsstealthycoming‘inawhisperingstillnesstorevealitself.’Itisjustbecauseitishiddenthatoneisandmustbealwaysafterit.Itappearsanddisappears:wearemeanttoyearnandsighforit.

StPaulsaysweoughttopursuethisuntilwcespyitandnotstopuntilwegraspit.WhenhereturnedafterhavingbeencaughtupintothethirdheavenwhereGodwasmadeknowntohimandwherehebeheldallthings,hehadforgottennothing,butitwassodeepdowninhisgroundthathisintellectcouldnotreachit:itwasveiledfromhim.Hewasthereforeobligedtopursueitandsearchforitinhimself,notoutsidehimself.Itisnotoutside,itisinside:whollywithin.Andbeingconvincedofthishesaid,‘IamsurethatneitherdeathnoranyafflictioncanseparatemefromwhatIfindwithinme.’

Thereisafinesayingofoneheathenphilosophertoanotheraboutthis,hesays:‘Iamawareofsomethinginmewhichsparklesinmyintelligence;IclearlyperceivethatitissomewhatbutxsihatIcannotgrasp.YetmethinksifIcouldonlyseizeitIshouldknowalltnith.’Towhichtheotherphilosopherreplied:‘Followitboldly!forifthoueanstseizeitthouwiltpossessthesum-totalofallgoodandhaveeternallife!’Stx\ugustineexpresseshimselfinthesamesense:‘1amconsciousofsomethingwithinmethatplaysbeforemysoulandisasalightdancinginfrontofit;werethisbroughttosteadinessandperfectioninmeitwouldsurelybeeternallife!’Ithidesyetitshows.Itcomes,butafterthemannerofathief,withintenttotakeandtostealallthingsfromthesoul.13yemergingandshowingitselfsomewhatitpurposestodecoythesoulanddrawittowardsitselftorobitandtakeitselffromit.Assaiththeprophet:^Lordtakefromthemtheirspiritandgivetheminsteadthyspirit.’Thistoothelovingsoulmeantwhenshesaid:‘MysouldissolvedandmeltedawaywhenLovespokehisword;whenheenteredIcouldnotbutfail.’AndChristsignifieditbyhiswords:‘Whoso-evershallleaveaughtformysakeshallberepaidanhundredfold,andwhosoeverwillpossessmemustdenyhimselfandallthingsandwhosoeverwillservememustfollowmenorgoanymoreafterhisown.’

Nowperadventurethouwiltsay:‘But,Sir,youarewantingtochangethenaturalcourseofthesoul!Itishernaturetotakeinthroughthesenses,inimages.Wouldyouupsetthisarrangement?’

No!ButhowknowestthouwhatnobilityGodhasbestowedonhumannature,whatperfectionsyetuncatalogued,ayeyet

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undiscovered?Thosewhohavewrittenofthesoul’snobilityhavegonenofurtherthantheirnaturalintelligencecouldcarrythem:theyneverenteredherground,sothatmuchremainedobscureandunknowntothem.‘IwillsitinsilenceandhearkentowhatGodspeakethwithinme,’saidtheprophet.IntothisretirementstealstheWordinthedarknessofthenight.StJohnsays,‘Thelightshinesinthedarkness:itciimeuntoitsownandasmanyasreceiveditbecameinauthoritysonsol‘God:tothemwasgivenpowertobecomeGod’ssons.’

MarknowtliefruitanduseofthismysteriousWordandofthisdarkness.InthisgloomwhichishisowntheheavenlyFather’sSonisnotbornalone:thoutooartbornlliereacliildofthesameheavenlyFatherandnoother,andtotheealsohegivespower.Observehowgreattheuse.Notruthh‘arncdbyanymasterbyhisownintellectandunderstanding,orevertobelearnedthissidethedayofjudgment,hastwerbeeninterpretedatallaccordingtothisknowh^dge,inthisground,(allitantliouwiltanignorance,anunknowing,yetthereisinitmorethaninallknowingandundc'rstandingwithoutit,forthisoutwardignoranceluresandattractstheeiromallunderstoodthingsandfromtliysclf.ThisiswhatChristmeantwlieiihesaid:'Whosoeverdeniethnothim-selfandIcavethnotfatherandmotherandisnotestrangedfromallthese,heisnotworthyofme.’Asthoughtosay:hewhoaliandonsnotcreatunlyexternalscanneitherbeconceivednorbornintiiisdivinebirth.Ihitdivestingthysell'ofthyselfandofevery-thingexternaltheretodoesindeedgiveitthee.Andinver}^truthIbelieve,nay1amsure,thatthemanwhoisestablishedhereincaninnowisebeatanylimeseparatedfrom(xod.Iholdhecaninnowiselapseintomortalsin.liewouldrathersufferthemostslianicfuldeath,asthesaintshavedonebeforehim,thancommitthel(*astofmortalsins.1holdthathecannotwillinglycommit,noryetconsentto,evenavenialsin,whetherinhimselforinanother.Sostronglyishedrawnandattractedtothisway,somuchishehabituatedtoit,thatheeouklne\erturntoanyother:tothiswayaredirectedallhissenses,allhispowers.

Maythe(iodwhohasbeenbornagainasmanassistusinthisbirth,continuallyhelpingus,weakman,tobebornagaininhimasGod.Amen.

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UbiestqiiinalusestrexJud(voruni?(Matt.2.2).WhereishewhoisbornKingoftheJews?Nowconcerningthisbirth,markwhereitbefalls.IsayagainasIhaveoftensaidbeforethatthis

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birthbefallsinthesoulexactlyasitdoesineternity,neithermorenorless,foritisthesamebirth:thisbirthbefallsinthegroundandessenceofthesoul.

Certainquestionsarise.GrantingthatGodisinallthingsasintelligence(ormind)andismoreinstinctinthingsthantheyareinthemselvesandmorenatural;andgrantingthatGodwhereverheisisinoperation,knowinghimselfandspeakinghisWord,thenmarkinwhatrespectsthesoulisbetterfittedforthisdivineoperationthanotherrationalcreaturesGodexistsin.

Godisinallthingsasbeing,asactivity,aspower.ButheisprocreativeinthesoulaloneforthougheverycreatureisavestigeofGod,thesoulisthenaturalimageofGod.Thisimageisperfectedandadornedinthisbirth.Nocreaturebutthesoulissusceptibletothisbirth,thisact.Suchperfectionasentersthesoul,whetheritbedivinelight,graceorbliss,mustneedsenterthesoulinthisliirthandnootherwise.Dobutfosterthisbirthintheeandthoushaltexperienceallgoodandallcomfort,allhappiness,allbeingandalltnith.\Vhatcomestotheethereinbringstheetruebeingandstabilityandwhatsoeverthoumaystseekorgrasp,withoutit,perishes,takeitIioavthouwilt.Thisalonegiveslife;allelseeorru2)ts.Moreover,inthisbirththoudostj)articipateinthedivineinlluxanditsgifts.ThisisnotreceivedbycreatureswhereinGod\simageisnotfound:thesoul-ideabelongstotheeternalbirthaloneandthishappensonlyandsolelyinthesoul,begottenoftheFatherinthegroundandinnermostrecessesofthesoulwhercintoneverimageshonenorsoul-powerpeeped.

Anotherquestionis:Ifthisbirthbefallsinthegroundandessenceofthesoul,thenithappensalikeinsinnerandinsaint,sowhatuseorgoodisittome?Thegroundofnatureisthesameinboth,nayeveninhellthenobilityofnaturepersistseternally.—Itischaracteristicofthisbirththatitalwayscomeswithfreshlight.Italwaysbringsgreat(mlightcnmenttothesoulbecauseitisthenatureofgoodtodiffuseitself.Inthisbirth(iodpoursintothesoulinsuchabundanceoflight,thegroundandessenceofthesoularcsoHoodedwithit,thatitninsoverintoherpowersandintotheoutwardmanaswell.ThusitbefellPaulwheniqionhisjourneyGodtouchedhimwithhislightandspaketohim:thereflectionofthislightshowedoutwardlysothathiscompanionssawitsurroundingPaullikethesaints.Thesujjerfluitvoflightinthegroundofthesoulwellsoverintothebodywhichistilledwithradiance.Nosinnercanreceivethislightnorisheworthyto,beingfullofsinandwickedness,ordarkness.Ashe(John)says,‘Thedarknessneitherreceivesnorcomprehendsthelight.’Becausethe

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avenuesbywhichtheli^^htwouldenterarechokedandobstmetedwithguileanddarkness.Lightanddarknessareincompatible,likeGodandcreatures.EnterGod,exitcreatures.Manisquiteconsciousofthislight.DirectlyheturnstoGodthislightbeginstoglintandsparkleinhim,tellinghimwhattodoandwhattoleaveundone,withmanyashrewdhinttobootofthingshehithertoignoredandknewnothingof.—IIowdostthouknow?—Supposethyheartisvehementlymovedtoretirefromtheworld.IJowcouldthatbeifnotbythislight?ItissocEarming,sodelightful,itmakesothertbingssotiresomewhicharenotGodorGod’s.ItattractstheetoGodandthouartsensibleofmanyavirtuousimpulseall)cituncertainwhenceitcomes.Thisinteriormoodisinnowiseduetocreaturesnorisitanyoftheirbidding,forwhatcreatureseffectanddirectcomesinfromwithout.Butthygroundaloneisstirredbythisforceandthefreerthoudostkeepthemoretruthanddiscernmentarethine.Nomanw^aseverlostsavefortbcreasonthatoncehavinglefthisgroundhehaslethimselfbecometoopermanentlysettledabroad.StAugustinesays:Manytherebethathavesoughtlightandtruthbutonlyabroadwheretheyarcnot.Theylinallygooutsofarthattheynevergetbacknorfindtheirwayinagain.Neitherhavethesefoundthetruthforthetruthiswithinintheirground,notwithout.SohewhomeanstoseethislightandfindoutthewholetruthmustfostertheawarciK^ssofthisbirthwithinhimself,inhisground,soshallhispowersallbelightedupandhisoutermanaswell.I)ire(dlyGodinwardlystirshisgroundwiththetruthitslightdartsintohispowers,andlo,thatmanknowsmorethananyonecouldteachliim.Astheprophetsays,‘IknowmorethanIwasevertaught.’Itisbecausethislightcannotlightenandshineinsinnersthatthisbirthcannotoccurinthem.Thisbirthisinconsistentwithdarknessandsinthereforeitbefallsnotinthepowersbutinthegroundandessenceofthesoul.

Thenconu'Sthequestion:IfGodtheFatherlaboursonlyinthegroundandessenceofthesoul,notinherpowers,whathavethepowersgottodowithit?Howdotheyhelpbybeingidleandtakingholiday?Whatistheuse,seeingthisbirthbefallsnotinthepowxrs?—Itisw(‘llasked.Butconsider.Everycreatureworkstowardssomeend.Theendiseverthefirstinintentionandthelastinexecution.AndGodtooworksforawhollyblessedend,towit,himself:tobringthesoulandallherpowersintothatend,intohimself.ForthisGod’sw^orksarewrought,forthistheFatherbringshisSontobirthinthesoul,thatallthepowersofthesoulmayendinthis.lieliesinwaitforallthesoulcontains,allarcbiddentohisroyalfeast.Here,thesoulisscatteredabroadamongherpowersanddissipatedintheactof

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each:thepowerofseeingintheeye,thepowerofhearingintheear,thepoweroftastinginthetongue,andherpowersarcaccord-inglyenfeebledfortheirinteriorwork,scatteredforcesbeingimperfect.Itfollowsthatforherinteriorworktobeeffective,shemustcallillallherpowers,recollectingthemoutofextendedthingstooneinterioract.StAugustinesays,‘Thesouliswhereshelovesratherthanwheresheanimatesthebody.’Onceuponatimethci’cwasaheathenphilosopherwhostudiedmathematics.Hewassittingbytheembersmaking(‘alculationsinpursuanceofhisartwhentherecamealongamanbrandishingasword,who,notwittingthatitwasthemaster,criedout,‘Quick,thyname,orIshallslaythee!’Themasterwastoomuchabsorbedtoseeorhearhisenemyandfailedtocat(‘hthethreat.Soafterhailinghimseveraltimestheenemycutoffhishead.Andtliistoacquireamerenaturalscience!Howmuchmoredoesitbehoveustowithdrawfromthingsinordertoconcentrateourpowersonperceivingandknowingtheoneinfiniteandimmortaltruth!Tothisenddothouassemblethyentiremindandmemory;turnthemintothegroundwherethytreasurelieshid.Hutforthisthoumustdropallotheractivities;thoumustgettounknowingtofindit.

Thequestionis,Wereitnotbetterforeachpowertogoonwithitsownwork,thennonewouldhindertheotlursintheirworknoryetGodinhisVCantherenotbeercaturelyknowledgeinmethatisnohindrance,asGodknowsallthingswithouthindranceandsodothesaints?—1answer:ThesaintsbeholdGodinasimpleimageandinthatim.agctheydiscca’nallthings;andGodhimselfsecshimselfthus,perceivingallthingsinhimself.Heneednotturn,aswcdo,fromonethingtoanother.Supposingthatinthislifew(*werealwaysconfrontedwithamirrorwhereinweseeandrecogniseallthingsataglanceinonesingleimage:neitheractnorknowledgewouldbeahindrancethen.Atpresentwemustturnfromonethingtoanotlua’:wecanonlymindonethingattheexpenseofalltlicothers.AndthesoulisboundsostraitlytoherpowersthatwheretheyHowshemustflowwiththem;thesoulmustbepresentateverythingtheydo,andattentivetoo,ornothingwould<?omeoftheirexertions.Thedrainofattendingtoexternalactsisboundtoweakenherinterioroperation.ForthisnativityGodwants,andhemusthave,avacant,freeandunencumberedsoulwhereinisnothingbuthimselfalone,w^hichwaitsfornaughtandnobodybuthim.AsChristsays:‘Whosolovcthaughtbutme,whosoeleavethtofatherormother,ormanyotherthings,heisnotworthyofme.Icamenotuponearthtobringpeacebutasword;tocutawayallthings,toparttheefrombrother,child,motherandfriend,whicharereallythyfoes.’Forverilythycomfortsarcthyfoes.Doth

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thineeyeseeallthingsandthineearhearallthingsandthyheartrememberthemall,theninthesethingsthysoulisdestroyed.

Amastersays,‘Toachievetheinterioractonemustassembleallone’spowersasitwereintoonecornerofone’ssoul,where,secretedfromimagesandformsoneisabletowork.Wemustsinkintooblivionandignorance.Inthissilence,thisquiet,theWordisheard.ThereisnobettermethodofapproachingthisWordthaninsilence,inquiet:wehearitandknowitarightinunknowing.Toonewhoknowsnaughtitisclearlyrevealed.

Haplythouwiltobject:‘Youplaceoursalvationinignorance.Sir.Thatseemsamistake.Godmademantoknow:“Lordmakethemtoknow,”saystheprophet.Wherethereisignorancethereisdefectandillusion:heisabrutishman,anape,afool,andsoremainsaslongasheisignorant.’Butthisistransformedknowledge,notignorancewhichcomesfromlackofknowing;itisbyknowingthatwegettothisunknowing.Thenweknowwithdivineknowing,thenourignoranceisennobledandadornedwithsupernaturalknowledge.Theninourpassionwearemoreperfectthaninaction.Accordingtooneauthority,thesenseofhearingismuchnoblerthanthesenseofsight,forwelearnwisdommorebycarthaneyeandlivethislifemorewisely.Wereadaboutaheathenphilosopherwhowaslyingatdeath’sdoorwhilehispupilswerediscussinginhispresencesomenoblescience,that,liftinguphisdyingheadandlistening,heex(;laimed,‘OteachmeevennowthisartthatImaypractiseiteternally!’Hearingdrawsinmore,seeingleadsoutmore,theveryactofseeing.Ineternallifewearefarmoreha})pyinourabilitytohearthaninourpowertosee,becausetheactofhearingtheeternalWordisinme,whereastheactofseeinggoesforthfromme:hearing,Iamreceptive;seeing,Iamactive.ButourblissdocsnotconsistinbeingactivebutinbeingreceptivetoGod.AsGodexcelscreature,soisGod’sworkmoreexcellentthanmine.ItwasoutoflovethatGoddidsetourhappinessinsuffering,forweundergofarmorethanwedoandreceiveincomparablymorethannreturnwegive;moreover,eachdivinegiftisthepreparationforsomenewandrichergift,eachgiftincreasingourcapacityandourdesiretoreceiveagreaterstill.SometheologianssaythatthesoulissymmetricalwithGodinthisrespect.ForasGodisinfiniteingiving,sothesoulisinfiniteinreceivingorconceiving.AndthesoulisasprofoundtosufferasGodisomnipotenttoact,hencehertransformationbyGodintoGod.Godmustactandthesoulmustsuffer;forhimtoknowandlovehimselfinher,forhertoknowwithhisknowledge,lovewithhislove;andsincesheisfarhappierinhisthanhersitfollowsthatherhappinessdependsuponhisworkmorethanonherown.

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ThepupilsofStDionysiusaskedhimwhyTimothyoutstrippedtheminperfection?Dionysiussaid,‘TimothyisaGod-receptiveman.Hewhoisexpertatthisoutstrippethallmen.’Inthissensethyunknowingisnotadefectbutthychiefperfection,andsufferingthyhighestactivity.Killthyactivitiesandstillthyfacultiesifthouwouldstrealisethisbirthinthee.TofindthenewbornKingintheeallelsethoumightestfindmustbepassedbyandleftbehindthee.MayweoutstripandleavebehindsuchthingsasarenotpleasingtothenewbornKing.SohelpusthouwhodidstbecomethechildofmanthatwemightbecomethechildrenofGod.Amen.

HI

THISTOOISMEISTERECKHARTWHOALWAYSTAUGHTTHETRUTH

Inhisyqueepatrisrneisunt,oportetmeesse(l,nc,2jy).‘Imust

beaboutmyFather’sbusiness.’Thistextisopportunetowhatwehavetosayconcerningtheeternalbirthwhichtookplacehereintimeandisstillhappeningdailyintheinnermostrecessesofthesoul,inherground,remotefromallcomers.TobecomeawareofthisinteriorbirthitisaboveallnecessarytobeaboutourFather’sbusiness.

WhatispecxiliarlytheFather’s?PowerisascribedtohimbeyondeitheroftheotherPersons.AndItellyou,noonecanexperiencethisbirthwithoutamightyeffort.Nonecanattainthisbirthunlesshecanwithdrawhismindentirelyfromthings.Anditrequiresmainforcetodrivebackallthesensesandinhibitthem.Violencemustbeofferedtothemoneandallorthiscannotbedone.AsChristsaid:‘Thekingdomofheavensufferethviolenceandtheviolenttakeitbyforce.’

Regardingthisbirththerearisesthequestion,Doesithappencontinuouslyoronlyatintervalswhenoneisdisposedforit,whattimeoneisexertingoneselftotheutmosttoforgetthingsaltogetherandbeconsciousinthis?

Hereletusdiscriminate.Manpossessesanactiveintellect,apassiveintellectandapotentialintellect.Activeintellectiseverinact,everdoingsomething,beitinGodorincreature,tothehonourandgloryofGod.Thatisitsprovinceandhenceitsnameactive.ButwhenGodundertakestheworkthemindmustpreserveastateofpassivity.Potentialintellectagainhasregardtoboththese,totheactionofGodandthepassionofthesoul,toitsactingpotentially.Intheonecasethemindisactive,whenitisfunction-ing,towit;intheotherreceptive,whenGodtakesuptheworkand

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15

thenthemindought,naymust,remainstillandallowGodtoaet.NowerethisisbegunbythemindandlinishcdbyGod,thespirithasprevisionofit,potentialknowledgeofitshappening.Thisisthemeaningofpotentialintellect,which,however,isoftenneglectedanddoesnotbearfruit.Whenthemindisexertingitselfinrealearnest,Godinterestshimselfinthemindanditswork,andthenthesoulsecsandexperiencesGod.Butsincetheun-interruptedvisionandpassionofGodisintolerabletothesoulinthisbody,thereforeGodwithdrawsfromthesoulfromtimetotime,asitissaid,‘Alittlewhileyesecme,andagainalittlewhileandyedonotseeme.’

WhenourliordtookhisthreediscipleswithhimupthemountainandshowedthemthetransfigurationofhisbodybyunionwiththeGodhead,whichalsoweshallhaveinourarchetypalbody,straightwayPeter,beholdingit,wasfaintoremaintherealways.Verily,whereweAndgoodweareloathtoleaveit,insofarasitisgood.Whereintuitionfinds,lovefollowsandmemoryandallthesoultoboot.Andourl.ordknowingthishideshimselfsometimes;forthesoulistheimpartibleformofthebody,sosheturnsasawholetowhateversheturns.Weresheconsciousofgood,Godtowit,immediately,unintermptedly,shewouldneverbeabletoleaveittoinfiuencethebody.

ThusitbefellPaul:hadlieremainedahundredyearsthere,whereheknewthegood,hewouldneverhavereturnedtohisbody,hewouldhaveforgottenitcompletely.Seeingthenthatitiswhollyforeigntothislife,andinconijiatibletherewith,thegoodGodveilsitwhenhewillandunveilsitagainwhenhechoosesandwhenheknows,likeatrustyphysician,thatitisbestandmostusefulforthcc.Thiswithdrawalisnotthine,buthiswhoseisalsothework;lethimdoitornotashewill,heknowswhatisgoodforthee.Itisinhishandstoshowornotaccordiiigasheknowstheeabletoendureit.Godisnotadestroyerofnature,heperfectsit,andthisGoddoesevermoreandmoreasthouartfittedforit.

Haplythouwiltobject:Alas,Sir,ifthisrequiresamindquitefreefromimagesandwithoutactivity,albeitbotharenaturaltoitspowers,thenhowaboutthoseoutwardworkswemustdosometimes,worksofcharity,externalones,suchasteachingandcomfortingthoseinneedthereof:arewedebarredbythese?thingswhichsooccupiedourLord’sdisciples,notablyStPaul,whoenduredafather’scareonaccountofotherpeople:arewetobedeprivedofthisgreatgoodbecausewearcengagedincharities?

Theansweristhis.Theoneisperfect,theotherveryprofitable.Marywaspraisedforchoosingthebest,butMartha’slifewasveryuseful,servingChristandhisdisciples.8tThomassaysthe

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activelifeisbettertlianthelifeofcontemplation,sofarasweactuallyspendincharitytheincomewederivefromcontemplation.Itisallthesametiling;wchavebuttorootourselvesinthissamegroundofcontemplationtomakeitfruitfulinworks,andtheobjectofcontemplationisachieved.True,thereismotion,butnomorethanone;itconicsfromoneend,God,andgoesbacktothesame.AsthoughIwentfromoneendtoth«^otherofthishouse;thatwouldinsoothbemotion,butofoneinthesame.EvensointhisactivitywcareinthestateofcontemplationinGod.I'heoneiscentredintheotherandperfectstheother.God’spuqDoseintheunionofcontemplationisfruitfulnessinworks;forincontemplationthouservestthyselfalone,butthemanyingoodworks.

HeretoChristadmonishethusbyhiswholelifeandthelivesofallhissaints,everyoneofwhomhedroveforthintotheworldtoteachthemultitude.StPaulsaidtoTimothy,‘Beloved,preachtheWord.’Didhemeantheoutwardwordthatbeatstheair?Nay,surely!Hemeantthein-born,hiddenWordthatliessecretedinthesoul;itwasthisthatheexhortedthemtopreach,totheendthatitmightbemadeknowntoandnourishthepowersofsuchasspendthemselveswhollyintheexteriorlife.Thatwhattimethyfellow-manhathneedoftheethouniaystbefoundreadytoservehimtothebestofthyability.Itmustbewithinthee,inthought,inintellectandwill,andshineforthinthydeeds.AsChristsaid,‘Letyourlightshinebeforemen.’Hewasthinkingofthosepeoplewho(*areonlyforthecontemplativelifeandneglectthevirtuoususesofit,which,theysay,donotconcernthem,theyarepasscxlthatstage.NotthesehadChristinmindwhenheobserved:‘Theseedfellupongoodgroundandyieldedfmitanhundredfold,’butthesehemeantwhenhedeclared:‘Thetreethatbcarethnotfruitshallbecutdown.’

Thoumaystobject:‘Hut,Sir,whatofthatsilenceyousaidsomuchabout?Thismeansimagesgalore.Everyoneoftheseactshasitsayjpropriateimage,betheactinternalorexternal;whetheritbeteachingoneorcomfortinganotherorarrangingthisorthat,sowhatquietcanIgetwithal?Ifthemindseesandformulatesandthewillwillsandmemoryholdsitfast,doesnotallthisnecessitateideas?’

Letmeexplain.Wewerespeakingjustnowoftheactiveintellectandthepassiveintelle(!t.Activeintellectabstractstheimagesofoutwardthings,strippingthemofmatterandofaccidents,andintroducesthemtothepassiveintellect,begettingtheirmentalprototypestherein.Andthepassiveintellectmadepregnantbytheactiveinthisway,knowsandcherishesthesethingswiththehelpofactiveintellect.Passiveintellectcannotkeepon

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knowingthingsunlesstheactiveintellectkeepsonenlighteningit.Nowobserve.WhattheactiveintellectdoesforthenaturalmanthatandfarmoredoesGoddoforthesolitarysoul:heturnsoutactiveintellectandinstallinghimselfinitssteadhehimselfassumesthedutiesoftheactiveintellect.

Whenamanisquiteidle,whenhisintellectisatrestwithinhim,thenGodtakesupthework:hehimselfistheagentwhoproduceshimselfinthepassiveintellect.Whathappensisthis.Theactiveintellectcannotgivewhatithasnotgot:itcannothavetwoideastogether,butfirstoneandthentheother.Whatthoughlightandairsliowmultitudesofformsandcoloursallatonce,thoucanstonlyobservethemoneafteranother.Andsowiththyactiveintellect,whichresemblestheeye.ButwhenGodactsinlieuofthyactiveintellectheengendersmanyimagestogetherinonepoint.SupposeGodpromptstheetosomeonegooddeed,thypowersareallprofferedforallvirtuousthings,thymindbeingstraightwaysetongoodingeneral.Allthypossibilitiesforgoodtakeshapeandcomeintothymindcollectively,focussedtoonepoint.Clearlythisisnottheworkofthineownintellectwhichhasinnowisetheperfectionnorplenitudeforit;ratherisittheworkandproductofhimwhohasallformsatonceinhimself.AsPaulsays:‘Icandoallthingsinhimwhostrengthenethme;inhimIamundivided.’Knowthen,theideasoftheseactsarenotthineown:theybelongtotheauthorofthynaturewhohasplantedthereinboththeirenergyandform.Laynoclaimthereto,foritishisnotthine.True,thourcccivestittemporally,butitisgottenandbornofGodbeyondtime',ineternityaboveimages.

Thouwiltsay,perhaps:Fromthemomentmyintellectisdivestedofitsnaturalactivityandnolongerhaseitherformoractionofitsown,whatispreservingit?Itmusthaveaholdsomewhere;thepowers,whethermemory,intellectorwill,areboundtohavesomelodgmentsomewhere,someplacetoworkin.

Theansweristhis.Intellect’sobjectandsustenanceisessence,notaccident,justpureunadulteratedbeinginitself.Ondescryingsomethingrealtheintellectforthwithrelicsuponit,comestorestthereon,pronouncingitsintellectualwordconcerningtheobjectattained.Aslongasintellectfailstofindtheactualtruthofthings,doesnottouchbedrockinthem,itstaysinaconditionofquestandexpectation,itneversettlesdowntorest,butlaboursincessantlytotracethingstotheircause,thatis,itisseekingandwaiting.Itspendsperhapsayearormoreinresearchonsomenaturalfact,findingoutwhatitis,onlytoworkaslongagainstrippingoffwhatitisnot.Allthistimeithasnothingtogoby,itmakesnopronouncementatallintheabsenceofexperimentalknowledgeofthegroundoftruth.Intellectneverrestsinthis

2

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life.HowevermuchGodshowshimselfinthislifeitisnothingtowhathereallyis.Truthliesintheground,butveiledandconcealedfromtheintellect.Andmeanwhilethemindhasnosupporttorestonasonsomethingpermanent.Itgetsnorestatall,butgoesonexpectingandpreparingforsomethingstilltocomebutsofarhidden.ThereisnoknowingwhatGodis.Somethingwedoknow,namely,whatGodisnot.Thisthedis-cerningsoulrejects.Intellect,meantime,findingnosatisfactioninanymortalthing,iswaiting,asmatterawaitsform.Asmatterisinsatiableforform,soisintellectunsatisfiedexceptwiththeessential,all-embracingtruth.Onlythetruthwilldo,andthisGodkeepswithdrawingfromitstepbystep,purposingtoarouseitszealandlureitontoseekandgrasptheactualcauselessgood:that,notcontentwithanymortalthing,shemayclamourmoreandmoreforthehighestgoodofall.

Butthouwiltsay;‘Alas,Sir,youlaidsomuchstressonourquietingourfacultiesandnowthiscalmresolvesitselfintoyearn-ingandlamenting:toamucklemoanandclamourforsomethingnotpossessed,whichputsanendtopeaceandquiet.Thismaybedesireorpurposeorpraiseorthanksgivingoranyoftheirbrood,butitisnotperfectpeaceandabsolutestillness.’

Ianswerthat,whenthouhastemptiedthyselfentirelyofthineownselfandallthingsandofeverysortofselfishnessandhasttransferred,unitedandabandonedthyselftoGodinperfectfaithandcompleteamity,theneverythingthatisbornintheeorthatentersintothee,externalorinternal,joyfulorsorrowful,sourorsweet,isnolongerthineownatall,butisaltogetherthyGod’stowhomthouhastabandonedthyself.Tellme,whoseisthespokenword?Hiswhospeaksitorhiswhohearsit?Thoughitfalltotheheareritreallybelongstothespeaker,tohimwhogivesitbirth.Thesun,forexample,throwsoutlightintotheairandtheairreceivesthelightandtransmitsittotheearth.Now,althoughthelightseemsintheair,itisreallyinthesun:thelightisactuallyfromthesun,originatinginthesun,notintheair:theairentertainsitandpassesitontoanythingthatcanbelightedup.Andsowiththesoul.Godbegetsinthesoulhisehild,hisWord,andthesoulconceivingitpassesitontoherpowersinvariedguise,nowasdesire,nowasgoodintent,nowaseharit}^nowasgratitude,orasitmaytakethee:Itishis,notthineatall.WhatisthuswroughtbyGodtakethouashisandnotthineown,asitiswritten,‘TheHolyGhostaskethinuswithunutterableyearnings.’Hepraysinus,notweourselves.StPaulsays,‘Nooneisabletosay.LordJesusChrist,exceptintheHolyGhost.*

Aboveall,laynoclaimtoanything.Letgothyselfandlet

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Godactfortheeandintheeashepleases.Thisworkishis,thisWordishis,thisbirthishisandallthouarttoboot.Forthouhastabandonedthyselfandartgoneoutofthyfacultiesandthypersonalnature.Godinstallshimselfinthynatureandpowerswhen,self-bereftofallbelongings,thoudosttaketothedesert,asitiswritten,‘Avoicecryinginthewilderness.’Letthiseternalvoicecryonintheeatitssweetwillanddothoubeadesertinresj^ectofselfandcreatures.

Maybethouwiltsay:‘But,Sir,whatmustonedotobecomethisdesert,voidofselfandcreatures?ShouldonestaywaitingforGodallthetimeanddonothingoneselforshouldonedosome-thingbetweenwhiles,suchasprayingorreadingorsomegoodoccupationlikegoingtochurchorstudyingtheBible?Not,ofcourse,takingthingsinfromwithout,buteverythingfromwithin,fromone’sGod.Besides,istherenotsomethingwemissbyneglectingthesethings?’

Myansweristhis:OutwardworkswereinstitutedandappointedforthepurposeofdirectingtheoutermantoGodandtraininghimtoghostlylifeandvirtueslesthaplyheshouldstrayoutofhimselfintoineptitudes:toactasacurbuponhisinclinationtorunaw’'ayfromselftothingsabroad;sothatwhenGodshallchoosetoworkinhimheshallfindhimcloseathandandnotfirsthavetofetchhimbackfromthingsgrossandalien.Thegreateristhe]3leasurcinexternalthingstheharderworkitistoleavethem;thestrongerthelovethesharperthepainwhenitcomestoparting.

Allpiouspractices-])raying,reading,singing,watching,fasting,penance,orwhateverdisciplineitbewerecontrivedtocatchandkeepusfromthingsalienandungodly.SupposeonefeelsGod’ss]3iritisnotworkinginone,butratherthatone’sinnermanisGod-forsaken,thatisthepropermomentfortheoutwardmantoexer-cisethepracticalvirtues,andparticularlysuchasarcmostfeasibleandusefultohim;notforhiso\vnselfishends,butthat,respectfortruthpreservinghimfrombeingledawaybywhatisgross,hemaystickstraitlytoGodwhowillnotneedtoseekhimfarafield,butwillfindliinithereathandwhenhechoosestoreturnandcarryonhisownworkinliissoul.Butgiventhatamanhasgenuineexperienceoftheinteriorlife,thenlethimboldlydropalloutwarddisciplines,eventhosepracticeswhichthouartvowedtoandfromwhichneitherp(3penorprelatecanreleasethee.FromvowsmadetoGodnoman(Nanexcusethee:suchvowsareabondbetweenthyselfandGod.Butsupposingonehastakensolemnvowsoffasting,say,orprayerorpilgrimage,thenonenteringsomeorder,oneisreleasedfromthemforthwith:intheorder,obligationistogoodnessasawhole,toGodhimself.

AmisoIsayhere.Whateverone’svowstomanifoldthings,

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MEISTERECKHART

initiationintotherealinteriorlifereleasesfromthem.Whiletheinteriorexpei'ieiicclasts,maybeaweek,amonth,ayear,nohoursarcneglectedbythemonkornun,forGodwhooccupiesthemwillalsoanswerforthem.Onreturningtohimselfthereligiousshallperformhisvowsforthetimepresent,butthetimeelapsedandlost,asthoudostthink,’tisnobusinessofthinetomakegood.Godmakesgoodanytimehetakesup.I'hinknottomakeitgoodbyanyactofcreature,forthesmallestactofGodoutweighsalltheworkofcreaturesputtogether.Iamspeak-inghereofclerksandthoseenlightenedsoulswhoareilluminedbyGodandbythescriptures.Butwhataboutthepoorprofanewho,ignorantofcorporaldiscipline,hasassumedsomevoworother,prayingorthelike?Myviewisthis.TfhefindsithamperingandthathedrawsmuchnighcrGodandmuchmoreeasilywithoutit,lethimboldlygiveitup,forwhateverbringsnearesttoGodisthebest.Paulimpliedthiswhenhesaid:'Butwhenthatwhichisperfectiscome,thatwhichisinpartshallbedoneaway.’Vowstakenbeforepriests,vowsofmarriage,forexample,arcverydifferentfromtheseotherobligationswhichamounttosolemnpromisesofoneselftoGod.VowstakenwiththelaudableintentionofbindingoneselftoGodareforthemomentthebestway.Butsupposingthatwefindabetterway,awaywefeelandknowtobemuchbetter,thenthefirstmaybedeemednullandvoid.

IV

THEETERNALBIRTH

EtcumfacUisessetJesusannorumduodecimetc,{Luc,2j,).WereadinthegospelthatwhenourLordwastwelveyearsoldhewentwithJosephandMarytoJerusalemintothetemple;andwhentheywentout,Jesusremainedbehindinthetemplewithouttheirknowingit.Andwhentheyreachedhomeandmissedhim,theysoughthimamongaequaintan(‘esandamongstrangers,amongtheirkindred,andamongthemultitude,andfoundhimnot;theyhadlosthiminthecrowd.Sotherewasnothingforitbuttoreturnwhencetheywerecome;andwhentheygotbacktotheirstarting-point,intothetemple,theretheyfoundhim.

Ifthouwiltfindthisnoblebirth,verilythoumustquitthemultitudeandreturntothestarting-point,intothegroundoutofwhichthouartcome.Thepowersofthesoulandtheirworks,thesearethemultitude:memory,understandingandwill,thesealldiversifythee,thereforethoumustleavethemall:sensibleperception,imaginationandeverythingwhereinthoufindcst

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thyselfandhastthyselfinview.Thereafterthoumayestfindthisbirth,but,believeme,nototherwise.Hehasneverbeenfoundamongfriends,noramongkindrednoracquaintances,thereratherdocsonelosehimaltogether.

Nowthequestionarises,whetherthisbirthistobefoundinanythingwhich,albeitrelatingtoGod,isneverthelesstakeninfromwithoutthroughthesenses,inanypresentmentofGodasgood,wise,orcompassionate,orwhateverintellectcanconceiveofdivinity:whethertJiisbirthistobefoundinanysuch-likethings?Intruth,no!for,althoughgoodandgodlike,theyareneverthe-lessintroducedfromwithoutthroughthesenses;allmustwellupfromwithin,outofGod,ifthisbirthistoshinewithareallyclearlight,andthyownworkmustlieover,everyfacultyservinghisendsnotthineown.Ifthisworkistobetlone,Godalonemustdoit,andthoumustundergoit.Wherefromtliywillingandknowingthoutrulygoestout,Godwithhisknowingsurelyandwillinglygoesinandshinesthereclearly.Where(xodthusknowshimselfthyknowledgeisofnoavailandcannotstand.DonotfondlyimaginethatthyreasoncangrowtotheknowledgeofGod;thatGodshallshineintheedivinelynonaturallightcanhelptobringabout;itmustbeutterlyextinguishedandgooutofitselfaltogether,thenGodcanshineinwithhislightbringingbackwithhimeverythingthouwentestoutofandathousandfoldmore,besidesthenewformcontainingitall.

Ofthiswehaveanallegoryinthegospel.WhenourLordhadtalkedsofriendlywiththeGentilewomanatthewell,sheleftherpitcherthere,andrunningtothetownannouncedtoherpeoplethatthetrueMessiahwascome.Thepeople,notbelievingherreport,wentoutwithhertoseehimforthemselves.Thensaidtheyuntoher,‘Nowwebelieve,notbecauseofthywords,butbecausewchaveseenhiminperson.’Verily,neitherbyanycrcaturclysciencenorbythineownwisdomcanstthoubebroughttoknowGoddivinely.ToknowGodGod-fashion,thyknowledgemustchangeintodownrightunknowing,toaforgettingofthyselfandeverycreature.

Nowhaplythouwiltsay:‘Prithee,Sir,whatistheuseofmyintellectifithastobeinertandaltogetheridle?Isitmybestplantoraisemymindtotheunknowingknowingwhichobviouslycannotbeanything?ForifIknewanythingitwouldnotbeignorance,norshouldIbeidleanddestitute.MustIremainintotaldarkness?’

—Aye,surely!Thoucanstdonobetterthantakeupthyabodeintotaldarknessandignorance.

—‘Alas,Sir!musteverythinggothen,andistherenoreturn?’

—No,truly!Byrightsth^cisnoreturn.

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—‘Butwhatisthisdarkness?Whatdoesitmean,whatisitsname?’

—Itcanonlybecalledapotentialreceptivity,which,however,isnotaltogetherwantinginnorindigentof(real)being:themerelypotentialconceptionwhereinthoushaltbeperfected.Hencethereisnoreturnfromit.Anthourctiirnestitisnotbecauseofanytruth;itiscitherthesenses,theworldorthedevil.Andpei\sistinginthisturningback,thoudostinevitablylapseintosinandartliabletobackslidesofarastohavetheeternalfall.Whereforethereisnoturningback,onlyapressingforwardandfollowingupthispossibilitytoitsfulfilment.Itneverrestsuntilfulfilledwithallbeing.Asmatterneverrestsuntilfulfilledwitheverypossibleform,sointellectneverreststillitisfilledtothefullofitscapacity.

Concerningthisaheathenmastersays:‘Naturehasnothingswifterthantheheavenswhichsurpassallelseinswiftness.’Butsurelythemindofmanoutstripsthem.Giventhatitretainsitsvigourandstaysundemeanedandundisinemberedbywhatisbaseandgross,itcanoutstriphighheavennorslackentillthesummit,whereitisfedandcherishedbytheArch-Good,byGodhimself.

How'profitablethento(.‘iisiiethispossibility,forbykeepingthyselfemptyandbare,merelytrackingandfollowingandgivingupthyselftothisdarknessandignorancewithoutturningback,thoumayestwellwinthatwhichisallthings.Andthemorethouartbarrenofthyselfandignorantofthingsthenearerthouartthereto.OfthisbarrennessitiswritteninIlosea:‘Iwillleadmyfriendintothedesertandwallspeaktoherinherheart.’Thegenuine\VordofeternilyisvSpokenonlyineternity,wheremanisadesertandalientohimselfandmultiplicity.Forthisdesolateself-estrangementtheprophetlonged,saying:‘Whow^illgivemethewingsofadovethatImayflyawayandbeatrest!’WhereshallIfindpeaceandrest?Verilyinrejection,indesola-tionandestrangementfromallcreatures.WhereforeDavidsays:‘IhadratherbeanabjectinthehouseofmyGodthanhavehonourandrichesinthetabernaclesofsinners.’

Nowhaplythouwiltsay:‘Alas,Sir,afterall,isitnecessarytobebarrenandestrangedfromeverything,outwardandinward:thepowersandtheirworks,mustallgo?ItisagrievousmatterforamanthustobeleftbyGodwithoutsupport;forGodtothusaugmenthismisery,neitherenlighteningnorencouragingnorworkinginhim,forthatiswhatyourteachingmeans.Forapersoninsuchdownrightnothingnesswoulditnotbebettertobedoingsomethingtobeguilethegloomanddesolation;toprayorreadorgotochurchorelsemakeshiftbyworkingatsomeusefuloccupation?’

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No,besureofthis:absolutestillness,absoluteidlenessisbestofall.Knowthatthoucanstnotwithoutharmexchangethisstateforanyotherwhatsoever.FainwouldstthoupartlyfitthyselfandletGodpartlyfitthee,butthatcannotbe.Artneversoquicktothinkofthisfitnessanddesireit,Godforestallstheealways.Butgranting,whatisimpossible,thatitisshared:thatthepreparationforthisworkingorinfusionisjointlyhisandthine,knowthen,thatGodisboundtoact,topourhimselfout(intothee)assoonaseverheshallfindtheeready.ThinknotitiswithGodaswithahumancarpenter,whoworksorworksnotashechooses,whocandoorleaveundoneathisgoodpleasure.ItisnotthuswithGod;butfindingtheereadyheisobligedtoact,tooverflowintothee;justasthesunmustneedsburstforthwhentheairisbrightandclear,andisunabletocontainitself.Forsooth,itwereaverygravedefectinGodif,findingtheesoemptyandsobare,hewroughtnoexcellentworkintheenorprimedtheewithgloriousgifts.

Inthesamesensephilosophersdeclarethattheinstantthechild-stuffisreadyinthemother’swomb,Godpoursintothebodyitslivingspirit,thatis,thesoultheformofthebody.Itisoneflash,thebeing-readyandthepouring-in.Naturereachinghersummit,Goddispenseshisgrace:theinstantthespiritisreadyGodenterswithouthesitationordelay.InthebookofMysteryitiswrittenthatourLordoffershimselftomen;‘BeholdIstandatthedoorandknock,waitingforsomeonetoletmein,withhimwillIsup.’Thouneedstnotseekhimhereorthere,heisnofurtheroffthanatthedoorofthyheart;therehestandslingering,awaitingwhoeverisreadytoopenandlethimin.Thouneedstnotcalltohimafar,hewaitsmuchmoreimpatientlythanthoufortheetoopentohim.Helongsfortheeathousandfoldmoreurgentlythanthouforhim:onepointtheopeningandtheentering.

Thouwiltsay,perhaps:‘Howcanthatbe?Ihavenoinklingofhim.’—Know,thattofindhimisnotinthypowerbutinhis.Hediscovershimselfwhenhechoosesandhehideshimselftoowhenhewill.ThisiswhatChristmeantwhenhesaidtoNicodemus,‘Thespiritbreathethwherehewill;thouhearesthisvoice,butknowestnotwhencehecornethnorwhitherhegoeth.’Thisisacontradiction:‘Thouhearestbutknowestnot.’Byhearingweknow.Christmeantthatthroughhearingitisimbibedorabsorbed;asthoughtosay:thourcceivestitbutunawares.Forknow,Godcannotleaveanythingvoidandunfilled;thataughtshouldbeemptyorvoidisnottobeenduredbynature’sGod.Anthouseemest,therefore,nottofindhimandtobewhollyemptyofhim,yetthatisnotthecase.Forwerethereany

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emptinessunderheaven,whateveritmightbe,orgreatorsmall,theheavensmusteitherdrawituptothemor,bendingdown-wards,fillitwiththemselves.God,nature’slord,onnoaeeountpermitsofanythingremainingempty.Whereforestandstillandwavernot,lestturningawayfromGodnowforthemomentthouneverturnbaektohimagain.

Peradventurethouwiltsay:‘Well,Sir,sinceyouarealwaysassumingthatsomedaythisbirthwdllhappeninme,thattheSonwillbeborninme,canIhaveanysignwherebytorecognisethatithastakenplace?’

Yes,surely!Therewouldbethreesigns.1willtellyouoneofthem.Iamoftenaskedwhetheritispossibletoreachthepointofnotbeinghinderedbyanythingintime,citherbymultiplicityormatter?Indeeditis!Ifthisbirthreallyhappensnocreaturecanhinderthee,allpointtheetoGodandthisbirth.Wefindinlightningananalogyforthis.Whateveritstrikes,whethertree,beastorman,itturnstowardsitselfwiththeshock.Amanwithhisbacktoitinstantlyfiingsroundtofaceit;allthethousandleavesofthetreeturnovertofrontthestroke.Sowithallwhomthisbirthbefalls,theyarcpromptlyturnedtowardsthisbirthwitheverythingpresent,beitneversoearthly.Nay,evenwhatwasformerlyahindranceisnownothingbutahelp.Thyfaceisturnedsofulltowardsthisbirth,nomatterwhatthoudostseeandhear,thourceeivestnothingsavethisbirthinanything.AllthingsaresimplyGodtotheewhoseestonlyGodinallthings.Likeonewholookslongatthesun,heencountersthesuninwhateverheafterwardslooksat.Ifthisislacking,thislookingforandseeingGodinallandsundry,thenthoulackestthisbirth.

Thoumayestquestion:‘Oughtanyonesoplacedtopractisepenance?Doesheloseanythingbydroppingpenitentialexercises?’

Penitentialpractices,amongotherthings,wereinstitutedforaspecialobject.Fasting,watching,praying,kneeling,scourging,wearingofhairshirts,hardlyingorwhateveritmaybe,wereallinventedbecausebodyandfleshstandeveropposedtospirit.Thebodybeingfartoostrongforit,thereisalwaysbattlejoinedbetweenthem,anever-endingconflict.Herethebodyisboldandstrongforhereitisathome;theworldhelpsit,theearthisitsfatherland,itishelpedbyallitskindred:food,drink,ease—allareopposedtospirit.Thespiritisanalienhere,inheavenareitskindred,itswholerace;theredwellitslovedones.Tosuccourthespiritinitsdistressandtoimpedethefleshsomewhatinthisstrifelestitconquerthespirit,weputuponitthebridleofpenitentialpracticestocurbit,sothatthespiritcancontrolit.Thisisdonetobringittosubjection;buttoconquerandcurbit

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athousandtimesbetter,putthouuponitthebridleoflove.Withlovethouovercomestitmostsurely,withlovethouloadestitmostheavily.Godliesinwaitforusthereforewithnothingsomuchaswithlove.Forloveislikethefisherman’shook.Tothefisher-manfallsnofishthatisnotcaughtonhishook.Onceittakesthehookthefishisforfeittothefisherman;invainittwistshitherandthither,thefishermaniscertainofhiscatch.AndsoIsayoflove:hewhoiscaughttherebyhasthestrongestofallbondsandyetapleasantburden.Hewhobearsthissweetburdenfaresfurther,gelsnearertherewiththanbyusinganyharshnessj)ossiblctoman.Moreover,hecancheerfullyputupwithwhateverbefalls,cheerfullysufferwhatGodinflicts.NaughtmakestlicesomuchGodnorGodsomuchthineownasthissweetbond.Hewhohasfoundthiswaywillseeknoother.Hewhohangsonthishookissofastcaughtthatfootandhand,mouth,eyesandheartandallthatisman’sisboundtobeGod’s.

Sothenthoucaiistnot,betterthanbylove,prevailoverthyfoeandstophimdoingtheeamischief.Whereforeitiswritten:‘Loveisstrongasdeathandhardashell.’Deathseparatessoulfrombody,butloveseparatesallthingsfromthesoul;shewillnottolerateatanycostwhatisnotGodnorGod’s.Whoiscaughtinthisnet,whowalksinthisway,whatsoeverheworksiswroughtbylove,whosealonetheworkis:busyoridleitmattersnothing.Suchanone’smosttrivialactionismoreprofitable,hismeanestoccupationismorefruitfultohimselfandotherpeopleandtoGodisbetterpleasingthanthecumulativeworksofothermen,who,thoughfreefrommortalsin,arcyetinferiortohiminlove.H(^restsmoreusefullythanotherslabour.

Awaitthouthereforethisliook,sothoubehappilycaught,andthemoresurelycaughtsomuchthemoresurelyfreed.

Thatwemaybetliuscaughtandfreed,helpus()thouwhoartloveitself.Amen.

V

DEUSCHARITASEST

Deuscharitasestetquimanetincharitateindeomanetetdeusineo(JJoh,4jq).‘Godislove,andhewhodwellsinlovedwellsin

GodandGodinhim.’ThisistheepistlewereadatMass,anditisStJohnspeaking.

Taketheopeningwords:‘GocLislove.’Thatisso,inasmuchasallthatcanlove,allthatdoeslove,hecompelsbyhislovetolovehim.Godislove,secondly,inasmuchaseveryGod-createdandlovingthingcompelshimbyitslovetoloveit,willy-nilly.

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Godislove,thirdly,inasmuchashislovedrivesallhisloversoutofmultiplicity.TheloveofGodinmultijDlicitypursuesthelovewhichishimselfrightoutofmultiplicityintohisveryunity.Godislove,fourthly,whobyhisloveprovidesallcreatureswiththeirlifeandbeing,preservingtheminhislove.Thecolouroftheclothispreservedinthecloth:evensocreaturesarepreservedinexistencebylove,thatis,God.Takethecolourfromcloth,itssubsistenceisgone:sodocreaturesalllosetheirsubsistenceiftakenfromlove,towit,God.Godislove,andsolovelyishethatloversalllovehim,willy-nilly.Nocreatureissovileastolovewhatisbad.Whatwelovemustbegoodormustseemtobegood.Butcreaturelygood,alltold,isrankevilascomparedwithGod.StAugustinesays,‘Love,thatinmeditatinglovethoumaystprovidethewherewithaltosatisfythysoul.’Godislove.

Mychildren,markme,Iprayyou.Know!Godlovesmysoulsomuchthathisverylifeandbeingdependuponhislovingme,whetherhewouldorno.TostopGodlovingmewouldbetorobhimofhisGodhood;forGodislovenolessthanheistruth;asheisgood,soisheloveaswell.Itistheabsolutetruth,asGodlives.TherewerecertaintheologianswhomaintainedthatthelovewhichiswithinusistheHolyGhost,butthisisfalse.Forthebodilyfoodwetakeischangedintous,butthespiritualfoodwereceivechangesusintoitself,hencelovedivineisnotpreservedinus,otherwisetherewouldbetwo.Divinelovepreservesusinitselfasoneinthesame.

‘Godislove,andhewhodwellsinlovedwellsin(iodandGodinhim.’Thereisadifferencebetweenghostlythingsandbodilythings.Oneghostlythingdwellsinanother;butnothingbodilydwellsinanother.Theremaybewaterinatub,withthetubroundit.Butwherethewoodisthewaterisnot.Inthissensenomaterialthingdwellsinanother.Butspiritualthingsdwellineachother:eachseveralangelwithallhisjoyandhappinessisineveryotherangelaswellasinhimself,andeveryangelwithallhisjoyandhappinessdwellsinme,andGodtobootwithhisentirebeatitude,thoughIdiscernitnot.

IfanyoneshouldaskmewhatGodis,Ishouldanswer:Godislove,andsoaltogetherlovelythatcreaturesallwithoneaccordessaytolovehisloveliness,whethertheydosoknowinglyorunbeknownst,injoyorsorrow.Instancethelowestangelinhispurenature:thesmallestsparkorlove-lightthateverfellfromhimwouldlightupthewholeworldwithloveandjoy.Seehisinnateperfection!Moreover,asIhaveexplainedatvarioustimes,theangelsarenumerousbeyondnumber.—Buttoleaveloveandcometoknowledge.IfonlyweknewGoditwouldbeeasytoforsaketheworld.AllthatGodevermadeorshallyetmake.

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allthis(Isay),ifGodshouldgiveittomysoulwithouthimself,hestaying,sotospeak,ahair’s-breadthoff,wouldnotcontentmysoulnormakemehappy.IamhappywhenallthingsareinmeandGod,andwhereIamGodis,andwhereGodisIam.

‘HewhodwellsinlovedwellsinGodandGodinhim.’SupposeIaminGod,thenwhereheisIam;andifGodisinme,then,unlessthescriptureslie,whereIamGodis.Itistheabsolutetruth,asGodisGod.

‘Faithfulservant,Iwillsettheeoverallmygoods,’ix.themanifoldgoodnessofGodincreatureswillIsettheeover.Secondly,‘Iwillsettheeoverallmygoods’means:atthesourceofcreaturehappiness,inthepureunityofGodhimselfwhereinhehashisownfelicity.Inotherwords:Godbeingthegood,inthatsensewillhesetusabovehismanifoldgoodness.Thirdly,hewillsetusoverallhisgoods,means:aboveallname-ables,alleffables,allso-calledgoodthingsandallintelligibles.Thushesetsusoverallhisgoods.

‘Father,Ipraythee,makethemoneasIandthouarcone.’Wheretwogrowone,onelosesitsnature.Ergo,forGodandthesoultobeonethesoulhastoloseherownliicandnature.Theyarconeasregardswhatisleft.Hutforthemtobeone,onemustloseitsidentityandtheothermustkeepitsidentity.Thentheyarcthesame.Now,theHolyGhostsays:‘Ipraythee,letthembeoneasweareone.Ipraythee,makethemthesameinus.’

WhenIprayforaughtmyprayergoesfornaught;whenIprayfornaughtIprayasIought.WhenIamonewiththatwhereinareallthings,past,presentandtocome,allthesamedistanceandalljustthesame,thentheyareallinGodandallinme.ThereisnollioughtofHenryorofConrad.PrayingforaughtsaveGodaloneisidolatryandunrighteousness.Theyprayarightwhoprayinspiritandintruth.Whenprayingforsomeone,forHenryorConrad,Iprayatmyweakest.WhenprayingfornooneIprayatmystrongest,andwhenIwantnothingandmakenorequestIamprayingmybest,forinGodisnoHenrynornoConrad.TopraytoGodforaughtsaveGodiswrongandfaithless,and,asitwere,animperfection..FortosetupsomethingbesideGodis,asIlatelysaid,buttomakenaughtofGodandGodofnaught.WhosoisfarandforeigntohimselfasthechiefangeloftheSeraphimisfarfromhim,thatmanownsthatsameangeljustasGoddocsandisGod,andthat’sthenakedtruth,asGodisGod.‘Godislove,andhethatisinloveisinGodandGodinhim.’

MayallofusattainthislovewhereofIspeak.SohelpusourLordJesusChrist.Amen.

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VI

JESUSWENTINTOTHETEMPLE

IntravitJesusintemplumdeietejiciehatomnesvendentesetemeyitesetc.(Matt.21WereadinthegospelthatourLordwentintothetempleandcastoutallthemthatsoldandboughtandsaidtothemthatsolddoves:‘Takethesethingshence!’Itwashisp\irposetohavethetemplecleared,asthoughhesaid:ThistempleisbyrightsmineownandIwantittomyselftobelordtherein.ThistemplethatGodmeanstoruleinisman’ssoulwhichhehasmadeexactlylikehimself,assaiththeLord,‘Wewillmakemaninourimageandlikeness.’Whichhedid.SolikehimselfGodmademan’ssoulthatnothingelseinearthorheavenresemblesGodsocloselyasthehumansoul.Godwantsthistempleclearedofeverythingbuthimself.Thisisbecausethistempleissoagreeabletohimandheissocomfortableinthistemplewhenheistherealone.

Nowconsiderwhotheywerethatsoldandboughtthereinandwhotheyarestill.Markmewell:1namenonebutthevirtuous.Yet,evenso,Icanpointoutwhothemerchantswere,andstillarctothisday,thatthusbuyandsell:thosewhomourLorddroveforthandcastout.Hestilldoessotothosethatbuyandsellinthistemple:hewouldnotleaveasingleonetherein.Lo,theyarcmerchantsallwho,whileavoidingniorhdsinandwishingtobevirtuous,dogoodworkstothegloryofGod,fasts,forexample,vigils,prayers,etc.,allofthemexcellent,butdothemwithaviewtoGod’sgivingtliemsomewhat,doingtotheinsomewhat,theywishforinreturn.Allsucharcmerchants.Thisisplaintosee,fortheyreckonongivingonethingforanotherandsotobarterwithourLord,thoughtheyaremistookastothebargain.Foralltheyhaveandhavethepowertodo,theyhavefromGodanddoeffectbymeansofGodalone.Godhasnocalltodotothemorgivetothemanythingunlesshechooseto.ForwhattheyarctheyarefromGodandwhattheyhavetheygetfromGod,notfromthemselves.Godisinnowiseboimdentorequitetheiractsorgifts,excepthecaretodosoofhisownfreewill,apartfromwhattheydoorgive;fortheygivenotoftheirownnordotheyactoftheirownselves,asGodsays,‘Withoutmeyecandonothing.’TheybesorryfoolswhobargainwithourLordlikethis;theyknowlittleornothingofthetruth.Godcastthemoutofthetempleanddrovethemforth.Forlightanddarknesscannotdwelltogether.Godisthetruth,heisthelightitself.WhenGodentersthetemplehedrivesoutignoranceanddarkness,revealinghimselfinthelightoftruth.Merchantsgowhenthe

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truthappears,forthetruthneedsnotnerchanting.Godseeksnothisown,heisperfectlyfreeinallhisacts,whichhedoesintruelove.SodoesthemanwhoisatonewithGod:heisperfectlyfreeinallhisdeeds;hedocsthemoutofloveandwithoutwhy,justtoglorifyGod,notseekinghisowntherein,Godenergisinginhim.

MoreoverImaintain:aslongasweworkatallforgain,whilewedesireaughtGodmayhavegivenormaygive,werankwiththesemerchants.Woiildstthoubefreefromanytaintoftrade?thendowhatgoodthoucanstanddoitsolelytoGod’sglory,asexemptfromitth3^selfasthoughthouwertnot.Asknothingwhateverinreturn.Sodone1hyworksareghostlyandgodly;themerchantsaredrivenfromthetem])leandGodistherealonewhenonehasnointentionbutGod.Beholdthytempleclearedofmerchants.ThemanwhoisintentonGodaloneandonGod’sglory,verilyheisfreefromanytaintofcommerceinhisdeeds,norisheinanywiseself-seeking.

ThaverelatedfurtherhowJesussaidtothemthatsolddoves:

‘Takethesethingshen(*e!’Thesepeoj3lc‘hedidnotdriveforthnorrebukedthemharshly:hesaidquitemildly:‘Takethesethingsaway!’Asthoughtosay,itisnotwrongalbeitahindrancetothepureandsimpletruth.Thesearevirtuousfolk,workingforGodimpersonallythoughsubjecttopersonallimitations,totimeandnumljer,tobeforeandafter.Theiractivitieskeepthemfromthehighesttruth,frombeingabsolutelyfreelikeourLordJesusChristwhoisreceivinghimselfafreshincessantlyanda-temporallyfromhisheavenlyFatherandinthatsamenowisbornebackagainunceasinglywithpraiseandthanksgivingintotheFather,perfect,vicingwithhiminhismajesty.Evenso,tobereceptivetothesovrantruth,amanmustbewithoutbeforeandafter,withoutthehindranceofanyactsorimagesthatarewiihinhisken,butfreelyreceivingthedivinegiftintheperennialnowandbearingitbackunhinderedinth(‘liglitofthesamewithpraiseandthanksgivinginourLordJesusChrist.Thenthedovesarcgone,towit,theobstacleofownershipinactions,goodinthemselves,wdicrcinonehasanyself-interestatall.‘Tak(‘thesethingshence!’saidourLord,asthoughtosay,theyareblamelessbuttlieyar(‘intheway.

Whenthetem])leisfreefromobstructions(possessionsandstrangerstowit),itlooksrightbeautiful,shillingoutbrightandclearabovecver^dJiingGodhascreatedandthrougheverything(iodhascreated,sothatnone(*ancomparewithitbuttheuncreatedGodalone.Inverytruth,thereisnonelikethistein]JcbuttheuncreatedGodhimself.Nothingbelowtheangelsistheleastlikethistemple.Theveryhighestangelsarcthesameasthis

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templeofthehumansoulinmanyways,butnotentirely.Thispartiallikenesswiththesoultheyhaveinloveandknowledge.Butthereisalimitsetthemwhichtheycannotpass.Thesoulgoesonbeyond.Supposethesoultobeidenticalwiththehighesthumanbeinghereintime,nathelessthatmanhasthepotentialfreedomtosoartountoldheightsabovetheangelsinthenowofeach,newwithoutnumber,thatis,withoutmode:abovetheangelicmodeandeverycreatedintelligence.Godwhoaloneisuncreatedishersolepeerinfreedom,thoughnotinuncrcated-ness,forthesouliscreated.Emergingintotheuncloudedlightsheinhernaughtleapssofarintohisnaughtthatsheishelplesstoregainthestateofhercreatedaught.Godwithhisuncreatednesssupportshernothing-at-all,preservingthesoulinhisall-in-all.Thesoulhasdaredtocometonaughtand,failingbyherselftoreachherself,sheswoonsawayereGodcomestoherrescue.Itmustneedsbeso.^

Jesus,as1said,wentintothetempleandeastoutthemthatboughtandsoldandhebegantocommandtherest,‘Takethesethingshence!’ThewordsIhavehereread,^Jesuswentinandbegantosay,“Takethesethingshence!”’Observe,therewasnoonetherebutJesuswhenhebegantospeakinthetenij^lcofthesoul.Besureofthis:whileanyoneelseisspeakingii^thetemple{i,e,thesoul)butJesus,Jesusissilent,asthouglihewereaway,norisheathomeinthesoulwhileshehasstrangegueststotalkto.ForJesustos])eakinthesoulslicmustbeallalone,andshehastobequiettohearwhathesays.VV(*11then,hecomesinandstartsspeaking.Whatisithesays?Hesayswhatheis.Whatishe,then?lieistheWordoftheFather.InthissameWordtheFatherspeakshimself,allhisdivinenature,allthatGodis,justasheknowsit,andheknowsitasitis,forheisperfectinknowledgeandj)ower.Itfollowsthatheis])crfcetins])eeehtoo.InpronouncingtheWordheuttershimselfandallthingsinanotherPersontowhomhegivesthenaturethathehashimself,andspeaksallintelligencesinechooftheactualWord,accord-ingtotheindwellingimage;likethesun-raysshiningforth,soeach(intelligence)isawordinitself,notthesameinallrespectsastheWord,but:theyhavethepowertoreceivebygracethesamenatureastheactualWord,andthisWordasitisinitselftheFathersj)okeentirebytheWordandeverythinginthatWord.

IfthisiswhattheFathersaid,thenwhatisJesussayinginthesoul?AsIhavetold:theFatherspeakshisWord;hespeaksinthisWordandnootherwhere,andJesusspeaksinthesoul.HismannerofspeakingistorevealhimselfandwhattheFathersaidinhim,sofarasthesoulisabletoreceiveit.Herevealsthe

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Fatherinthesoulininfinitepower.ExperiencingthispowerintheSonthesoulwaxespowerfulinlikeemanationtillsheisthesameinmightandvirtueandeveryperfection,sothatneitherjoynorsorrownoraughtthatGodhasmadeintimeavailstodestroythatsoul,shestandingstaunchasitwereinthisdivinepoweragainstwhichallelseisinsignificantandfutile.

Secondly:Jesusrevealshimselfinthesoulininfinitewisdom,himselftowit,thewisdomwhereintheFatherknowshimselfinfullpaternalpower.TheveryWord,whiehiswisdomitself,andallthatistherein,is,atthesametime,onealone.Whenwisdomisinunionwiththesoul,doubt,errorandillusionarcentirelyremoved,sheissetinthebrightpurelightofGodhimself,assaiththeprophet,‘Lordinthylightshallweseelight.’ThenGodisknownbyGodinthesoul;shediscernswithhiswisdombothherselfandallthings.Sheknowsnotthissamewisdomwithherself,butwiththiswidsomshediscernstheFatherfruitfulintravailandhisrealbeinginimpartibleonenessvoidofalldistinctions.

Jesusmanifestshimselffurtherininfinitesuavityandfullnessinallreceptivehearts.WhenJesusrevealshimselfinthisplenitudeofsweetness,unitingwiththesoul,thenonthisamiabletidethesoulfloatsintoherselfandoutofherselfandbeyondthethingsofgrace,backinunmitigatedpowerintoherfirstsource.Thustheoutwardmanisobedient,evenuntodeath,totheinnermannowestablishedinpeaceintheserviceofGodforever.

MayJesusenterintousandclearoutandeastawayallhindrancesofsoulandbodytotheendthatwearconewithhimhereuponearthandthereinheaven.SohelpusGod.Amen.

VII

THESONSOFGOD

Videte,qualemcharilaiemdeditnobispater,utJiliideinominemuretsimus(/Joh.Itmustbeunderstoodthatthisisallthe

samething:knowingGodandbeingknownbyGod,andseeingGodandbeingseenbyGod.WeknowGodandseehimbecausehemakesusknowandsec.Evenastheluminousairisnotdistinguishablefromitsluminant,foritisluminouswithwhatilluminesit,sodoweknowbybeingknown,byhismakingusconscious.Christsaid,‘Againyeshallseeme.’Thatistosay:bymakingyouseeImakeyouseeme,whereat‘yourheartshallrejoice,’rejoiceinthevisionandknowledgeofGod,and‘yourjoynomantakethfromyou.’

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StJohnsays:‘BeholdwhatmannerofcharitytheFatherhathbestoweduponusthatweshouldbecalledandshouldbethesonsofGod.’liesaysnotonly‘shouldbecalled’but‘shouldbe.’NowImaintainthatwecannomorebewisewithoutwisdomthanSonwithoutthefilialnatureofGod’sSon:withouthavingtheverysamenatureastheSonofGodhimself.WouldstthoubetheSonofGod?Thoucanstnot,withouthavingthesamenatureastheSonofGod.Butthisishiddenfromushero,asitiswritten,‘Beloved,nowweareGod’ssons(anditdothnotyetappearwhatweshallhe),butweknowthatheisourexemplarandweshallbelikehim.’Thatis,thesameasheis:samelifeandenjoymentandunderstanding:exactlythesameasheis,whenwcseehimasGod.Isay,GodcannotmakemetheSonofGodwithoutIhavethenatureofGod’sSon,anymorethanGodcanmakemewisewithoutmyhavdngwisdom,"riioughweareGod’ssons,wcdonotrealizeityet:‘itdothnotyeta]3pear’tous,butthismuchwcdoknow,hesays,‘weshallbelikehim.’Sundrythingsinoursoulsoverlaythisknowledgeandconcealitfromus.

Thesoulhassomethinginher,asparkofintellect,thatneverdies;andinthisspark,asattheapexofthemind,weplacetheparadigmofthesoul;andthereisalsoinoursoulsknowledgeofexternals,sensibleandrational])erecption,presentthereasimagesandwordswhichobscureitfromus.ITowareweGod’ssons?Byhavingonenaturewithhim.Butanyrealizationofthis,ofbeingGod’ssons,issubjectivenotobjectiveknowledge.Theinnerconsciousnessstrikesdowntotheveryessenceofthesoul.Notthatitisthesoulitself,butitisrootedthereandisinameasurethelifeofthesoul,herintellectuallife,thelife,thatis,whereinamanisbornGod’sSon,bornintotlu'eternallife,forthisknow-ledgeisa-temporal,unextended,withouthereandwithoutnow.Inthislifeallthingsarcthesamethingandallthingscommon;allthingsarcallinallandallatoned.

Iwillgiveyouanillustration.Inthebodythemembersareunitedsothateyebelongstofootandfoottoeye.Couldthefootspeak,itwoulddeclarethattheeyeseemsratherinthefootthaninthehead,andtheeyewouldsaythesametheotherwayabout.Accordingly,ItrowthatthegracewhichisinMaiyisreallymoreanangel’sandismoreinhim(yetbeinginMary)thanifitwereinhimorinthesaints.ForeverythingthatMaryhasbelongstoeverysaint,sothegraceinMaryishisownandheenjoysitmorethanifitreallyworeinhim.

Butsuchasimileistoogrossandcarnal,dependingasitdoesonbodilyimagery.Iwillgiveyouanother,therefore,moresubtle,lessmaterial.Iassertthatinheavenallisinallandallone

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andallours.ThegraceourLadyhasexistsinme(whenIamyonder),notaswellingupinandflowingoutofMary,butasinmeasmyownandnotofforeignorigin.Icontendthattherewhatonehasanotherhas,notasfromanothernorasinanother,butinitsownself,sothatthegraceinoneissimultaneouslyinanotherashisowngrace.Thusspiritisinspirit.AndthatiswhyIsayIcannotbethesonofGodunlessIhavetheverynaturetheSonofGodhasthere;andthathavingthissamenaturemakesusthesameasheis,weseeinghimasGod.‘Hutitdothnotyetappearwhatweshallbe.’Meaning,Itakeit,thatthereisthennolikenordifferent,but:whollywithoutdistinctionwearethesameinessenceandinsubstanceandinnatureasheishimself.Thisisnotapparentnow:itwillbeobviouswhenweseehimasGod.

Godmakesustoknowhim,andhisknowingishisbeing,andhismakingmeknowisthesameasmyknowing,sohisknowingismine:justas,inthemaster,whatheteaehesisthesameas,inthepupil,thethingthatheistaught.Andbe(*auschisknowingismine,andhisknowingishissubstanceandhisnatureandhisessence,itfollowsthathissubstanceandhisnatureandhisessencearemine.Andhissubstance,hisnatureandhisessencebeingmine,thereforeIamtjieSonofGod.Behold,brethren,whatmannerofloveGodhathbestoweduponusthatweshouldbecalledandshouldbetheSonofGod!

MarkwherebywearcsonsofGod:byhavingthesamenatureastheSonofGod.--HowcanonebetheSonofGod,orknowit,seeingthatGodisnotlikeanybody?—True,Isaiassays,‘TowhomwillyelikenGodorwhatlikenesswillyecompareuntohim?’SiticeitisGod’snaturetobenotlikeanyone,wemustneedsnotbesotobethesameasheis.AVhenIcontrivetoseemyselfinnaughtandtosccnaughtinme;whenIsucceedinrootingupand(tastingouteverythinginme,then1amfreetopassintothenakedbeingofthesoul.LikesmustbeoustedereIcanbetrans-plantedintoGodandbethesameasheis:samesubstance,sameessence,samenatureandtheSonofGod.Onc;cthishappens,thereisnothinghidinGodthatisnotrevealed,thatisnotmine.Iamwiseandmightyjustasheis,andoneandthesamewithhim.ThenSionisatruebeholder,trueIsrael,aseer:God,sincenothingintheGodheadis(concealedfromhim.IManisturnedintoGod.Liltthatnothingmaybeconcealedfromme,everythingrevealed,theremustappearinmenolike,noimage,fornoimagecanshow'isGod’snaturenorhisessence.WhilethereabidethintheeanyimageorlikethouartneverthesameasGod.Tobethesameas^odtheremustbenothinginthee,latentordefined,nothingCoveredintheethatisnotdiscoveredandcastout.

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Markwliatsinis.Itisbornofnegation.Negation’sbroodmustbeexterminatedinthesoul;whilethereisnotintheethouartnottheSonofGod.VVeweepandlamentforwantofsome-thing.Theminusquantitymustgo,becancelledout,ifmanistobecometlieSonofGodand\veepandwailnomore.Manisnotwoodnorstone:impcrfeetioiiandnaught.WeshallnotbelikehimuntilthisminusismadegoodandweareallinallasGodisallinall.

Therearetwobirthsofman:oneintheworld,theotheroneoutoftheworldandghostly,inGod.VVouldstknowifthychildisbornandifheisnaked?Whether,thatistosay,thouhastbeenmadeGod’sSon?Ifthyheartisheavy,exceptforsin,thychildisnotborn.Inthineanguishthouartnotyetmother;thouartinlabourandthinehourisnigh.Doubtnot,ifthouarttravailingforthyselforforthyfriendnobirthhastakenplacethoughbirthbecloseathand,'fhebirthisnotovertillthyheartisfreefromearc:thenmanhastheesseneeandnatureandsubstanceandwisdomandjoyandallthatGodhas.ThentheverybeingoftheSonofGodisoursandinusandweattaintoactualDeity.

Christsays:‘Ifanywillcomeafterme,lethimdenyhimselfandtakeuphiscrossandfollowme.’Thatis:eastawaycareandletperpetualjoyreigninyourheart.Thusthe(^hildisborn.Andwhenthechildisborninme,thesightoffriends,offather,deadtherebeforemyeyeswillleavemyheartuntouched.Weremyheartmovedtherebythechildwouldnotbeborninme,thoughperadventurcitsnativityisnigh.ImaintainthatGodandhisangelslakesuchkeendelightineveryactagoodmandocs,thatthereisnojoylikeit.Andaccordingly,Isay,thebirthofthischildintheebringstheemostkeendelightinallgooddeedsdoneinthisworld,thyjoybeingsocontinuousastobenever-ending.Hencethewords:‘^'ourjoynomantakethfromyou.’WhenIamtransportedintoGod,thenGodismineandallhehas.

‘IamtheLordthyGod,’hesays.ThenIhaverealdelightwhichneitherpainnorsorrowcantakefromme,forthenIaminstalledinCiodwheresorrow^hasnoplace.WeshallsecthatinGodisnoangernorsadness,butonlyloveandjoy.Thoughheseemsometimestobewrathfulwithsinnersitisnotreallywrath,itishiskindness,theeffectofhisgreatlove:‘Whomhelovethhechasteneth,’forheislove,theHolyGhost.God’sangerspringsfromlove;hechidesuswithdispassion.Whennothingisgrievousorhard,whenallispurejoy,thenverilythychildisborn.Strivethatthischildshallbenotnascentmerelybutbeborninthee,evenasinGodhisSoniseverbeingbornandiseverborn.Maythisbetide,SohelpusGod.Amen.

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VIII

THECASTLEOFTHESOUL

IntravitJesusinquoddamcastellumetmulierqiuedamexcepitiliumetc,{Luc,10.^^).IquotefirstinLatinthistextfromthegospel.Thetranslationreads:"OurI^ordJesusChristwentupintoacertainfastnessandwasreceivTdbyaoerlainvirginwhowasawife.’

Marktheterm.NeedsmustitbeavirginbywhomJesusisreceived.Virginis,inotherwords,apersonvoidofalienimages,freeushewaswhenheexistednot.Itmaybequestioned;Manbornandlaunchedonrationallife,howcanhebeasfreefromimagesashewaswhenhewasnot,heknowingavarietyofthings,iinagt'Sallofthem:howcanhepossiblybevoidthereof?

Ianswertliat,wereIsulfieientlyintelligenttohavewithinmeintellectuallythesumofalltheformseoueeivedbymanaiidwhichsubsistinC«odhimself,IhavingnoprojxTtyinthemandnoideaofownership,positiveortiegative,pastortoeome,butstandinginthepresentfioro])erfectlyfreeinthewillof(h.)danddoingitperpetually:thenverilyIwereavirgin,unlumdleappedbyforms,justas1waswhenJwasnot.

Further,Tholdthatthefactofbeingvirgindoesnotdepriveamanatallofworksthathehasdone:heisuntrammelled,virgin-freeoftheminthesovrantruthsevenasJesusisabsolutelyfreeandvirgininhimself.Accordingtothemasters,likeness,likenessonly,isthecauseofunion,somanmustbemaiden,virgin,torcceiv^ethevirginJesus.

Nowlaythisfacttoheart:theevervirginisneverfruitful.Tobefruitfulthesoulmustbewife.Sj)ouseisthenoblesttitleofthesoul,noblerthanvirgin.Foramantorec(‘iv'eGodwithinhimisgoodandinreceivingheisvirgin.IhitforGodtobefruitfulinhimisstillbetter:thefruitsofhisgiftbeinggratitudetherefor,andinthisnewbornthankfulnessthespiritisthespousebearingJesusbackintohisPrather’sheart.

Manygoodgiftsreceivedinmaidenhoodarenotbroughtforthinwifelyfruitfulness,reborninpraiseandthankstoGod.Suchgiftscorruptandcometonaught,manbeingnobetterandnohappierforthem.Inthiscasehisvirginityisuselessbecausetohisvirginityhedocsnotaddtheperfe(*tfruitfulnessofwife.Thatisthemischief.Hencemytext,‘Jesusascendedtoacertainfastnessandwasre(?eivedbyacertainmaidwhowasawife.’Itmustbeso,asIhavesaid.

Weddedfolksyieldlittlemorethanonefruityearly.ButitisotherweddedonesthatIhavenowinmind:thosewhosehearts

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areweddedtopraying,fasting,vigilsorotheroutwarddisciplineandmortilicationsofthei’esh.Apredilectionforthissortofthing,involvinglossoffreedomtowaitinstantlyonGodinthehereandnow,andfollowhimaloneinthelightwhereinhewouldfainshowtheewhattodoandwhattoleaveundone,momentbymoment,freshandclearly,asthoughthouhadstnaughtelse,norwouldnorcouldnot:anysuchproclivityorpreoccupationwhichconstantlydeprivestheeofthisfreedomIcallhereayear,andthysoulyieldsnofruittillsheisdonewiththisworkofthyaffectionnorhastthouanytrustinGodorinthyselftillthouhastfinishedwiththypredilection,*inotherwords,thouhastnopeace.Thereisnofruittillthyownworkisdone.1reckonthisayearandonewhoseyieldispoor;theproceedsofaffectionnotoffreedom.AndthesefolksIcallwedded,yolkedtotheiraffections.Theircropissmallandundersizedatthat,soIsay,inGod’ssight.

Thevirginwife,freeandunboundinheraffectionsiseverasnearGodastoherself.Sheaboundsinfruitandbigwithal,nomorenorlessthanGodishimself.Thisfruit,hisbirth,doesthatvirginbearwhoisawife;dailysheyieldsherhundredandherthousandfold,nay,numberlessherlaboursandherfruitsinthatmostnobleground,theveryground,tospeakmoreplainly,whereintheFatherisbegettinghiseternalWord:theresheisbigwithfruit.ForJesus,lightandshineofthepaternalheart(accordingtoStPaulheisthe‘lightandsplendour’oftheFather’sheart),thisJesusisatonedwithherandshewithhim,sheisradiantwithhimandshiningastheonealone,asonepurebrilliantlightinthepaternalheart.

ElsewhereIhavedeclared,thereisapowerinthesouluntouchedbytimeandflesh,flowingfromtheSpirit,remainingintheSpirit,altogetherspiritual.InthispowerisGod,eververdant,floweringinallthejoyandgloryofhisactualself.Suchdeardelight,suchincon-ceivabledeepjoyasnonecanfullytell,forinthispowertheeternalFatherisprocreatinghiseternalSonwithoutapause,thepowerbeingbigwithchild,theFather’sSonanditsownselfthisself-sameSonwithal,intheuniquepoweroftheFather.Supposeamanabsolutemonarch,thesole])osscssorofallearthlygoods;supposehegaveupallforGodandwasthepoorestofthepoor;andthatGodlaidonhimtobootaburdenbigaseverhedidlayonmortalman,allwhichhebaredowntohisdeathandthenGodgrantedhimonefleetingvisionofhisbeinginthispower:sovehementwouldbehisjoythatpovertyandsufferingwouldbewipedout.Aye,thoughGodgavehimneveranytasteofheavenbutthis,yetwouldhehavetheguerdonofhispassion,forGodhimselfisinthispowerasintheeternalnow.Ifaman’sspiritwerealwaysjoinedtoGodinthissamepower,hecouldnotage

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ForthenowwhereinGodmadethefirstmanandthenowwhereinthelastmandisappearsandthenowIspeakin,allarcthesameinGodwherethereishutthenow.Beholdthismanin,thcsamelightasGodhavinginhiriihopastnoryettocome,onlyonelevelofeternity.Thismanintruthhasmotiontakenfromhimandallthingsstandintrinsicinliim.Nothingnewconu'Stohimfromfuturethingsnoryetbyaccidentforhedwellsinthenow,evernewandunceasinglyrenewed.SodominantisGodinthissamepower.

Thereisanotherpower,immortaltoo:proceedingfromtheSpirit,remainingintheSpirit,altogetherspiritual.IntliispowerGodisfiery,aglowwithallhisriches,withallhissweetnessandwithallhisbliss.Aye,intliispowerissuchpoignantjoy,suchvehement,immoderatedelightasnonecantellnoryetintruthreveal.Isay,moreover,ifonceamaninintellectualvisiondidreallyglimpsetheblissandjoytherein,thenallhissufferings,allGodintendstliatheshouldsuffer,wouldbeatrille,amerenolhingtohim;nay,Isaymore,itwouldbepurejoyandpleasure.

WouldstthouknowforcertainwhethertliysufferingsarethineowporGod’s?Tellbythesetokens.Sufferingforthyself,inwhateverway,thesufferinghurtstheeandishardtobear.ButsufferingforGodandGodalonethysufferingInirtstheenotnordocsitburdenthee,forGodbearstheload.Believeme,iftherewereamanwillingtosufferonaccountofGodandofGodalone,thenthoughhefellasuddenpreytothecollectivesufferingsofalltheworlditwouldnottroubleliimnorbowhimdowji,forGodwouldbethebearerofhisburden.IftheburdentheyputuponmyneckisforthwithshoulderedbyanotherIwouldasliefahundredpoundsasone,fornottomeisitheavyanddistressful.Inbrief:man’ssufferingsforGodandGodalonehemakesbothlightandpleasant.

Iprefacedthissermonwiththewords:‘Jesuswentupintoafastnessandwasreceivedbyavirginwhowaswife.’Why?Shemustneedsbevirginandwifetoo.HowJesuswasreceivedIhaveexplained.1havenottoldthemeaningofthisfastnessandthatIwillnowproceedtodo.

FromtimetotimeItelloftheonepowerinthesoulwhichaloneisfree.SometimesIhavecalleditthetabernacleofthesoul;sometimesaspirituallight,anonIsayitisaspark.ButnowIsay:itisneitherthisnorthat.Yetitissomewhat:somewhatmoreexaltedoverthisandthatthantheheavensareabovetheearth.SonowInameitinanoblerfashionthanbeforeasregard-ingrankandmodewhichittranscends.Itisofallnamesfree,ofallformsvoid:exemptandfreeasGodisinhimself.ItisoneandsimpleasGodisoneandsimple,andnomancaninanywise

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beholdit.ThissamepowerIamspeakingof,hereinGodbloomsandthrivesinallhisGodhoodandthespiritinGod;inthisverypowertheFatherbearshisonlySonnolessthaninhimself,forverilyhelivethinthispower,thespiritwiththeFathergivingbiiththereintohisverySon,itselfthisselfsameSon,forinthislightwliichisthelightoftruth,itistheSonhimself.Couldyeseewithinyheartycwouldunderstandmywords,butitistrue,fortruthitselfhassaidit.

Soom'andsimpleisthisfastness,frowningaboveallways,ofwhieh1mindmeandamtellingyou,withintlicsoul,thatthishighfacultyIspeakofisnotAvorthyevenofafleetingglam^etherein;noristliatotherpowerGodglowsandburnsin,itdurstnotpeerineither;sooneandindivisiblethisrefugeis,soway-andpowcr-transeeiidingtliissolitaiyonethatnevermodenorfacultyhasanyinsightthere,noteven(h)dhimself.Neverforaninstant,asGodlives,docsGodseeintothis,nordidheeverlookinhisconditionednature,inhisgnis(.‘ofPerson.Notewell,this()7ie(doneislackingineverymodeandquality.ItfollowsthatforGodtoseethereinwouldcosthimallInsdivinenamesandpersonalproperties:alltliesehemustforgotolooktherein:onlyasoneandindivisible,havingnojotofmodeor(piality,notFathernorSonnorHolyGhostassm^h,canhedothis;assome-what,yes,butnotastliisorthat.

AsoneandimpartiblebeholdhimenteringthisonethathereIcallthefastnessofthesoul,butinnodifferentguisecanhegetin:thusonlydoesheenterandsubsistinit.InpartthesoulisthesameasGodbutnotaltogether.—ThisthatItellyouistrue:truthismywitnessandmysoulthepledge.MaywebeasthisfastnesswhereintoonascendingJesusisreceivedtoabideeternallyasIhavesaid.SohelpusGod.Amen.

IX

THEETERNALBIRTHS

Toreturntothesubjectoftheeternalbirth.Thereistheques-tionwhetherthesoulbringsforththeeternalWordinimagesorimagcless?Rememberthis.WhentlicsoulresignsherselftoGodandisatonedwithhimandGodundertakesherwork,sheisreceptivemerelyandleavesGodtoact.Herethesoulispregnantwithoutformorimage,foranythingconceivedinformorimagetrenchesupontimeandplaceandisakintocreatures;whenceitfollowsthatthemoretheworkisofthesoulthelessitisofGod.

^SoePfeiffer,Deut,Myst.,vol.i,p.2G.

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Thesoulconceivesmoretrulywithoutimagesthaninthem,forthisbirthismorebywayofGodhoodthanofselfhood.Butwemaystillenquire,inwhichimagedoesthesoulbestsucceedingivingbirthtotheeternalWord?Therearethreekindsofimages.Thellrstthesoultakesinfromwithoutthroughthesenses.ThesecondthesoulconjuresupfromwithinbythinkingonthechildhoodofourLordoronhismartyrdom;butallimagessogottenarccalleddivinebirthsinthesoul.ThethirdkindofimagesisgiventotliesoulbyGoddirect.Itisintheselastthatthesoulconceivesthebest.Accordingtoanothergloss:thishappenswhenthemindengenders,feelsandknowstheeternalWordinitsproperimageasgottenbytheFatherinhimself,supposingthesoulabletoattainthereto;or,intellectfailingherforthis,when,faringforthinbiithandlove,hereachesouttothissameimage:forinthisfinalimagetheeternalWordisbornmostperfectlyofall.

Another(juestionis,whetherthebirthoftheeternalWordisfleetingoressential?Nowyoumustunderstandthatitisthisbirthwhichunifiestliesoul,andinthisrespectitisintrinsicandpassesnotawayunlessamanshouldfallintomortalsin.Butashappeninginthesensiblepen^eptionsandinthediscursivemindthisbirthisfugitive.

Further,itisasked,inwhatparticularplacedoesthesoulbringforthorseektheeternalWord?Mark.ItisintheFatherastheintellectualimageofhisdivineessenceandisthereflectionofhisdivinenature,sothatitembodiesbothhisessenceandhisnature.ItiswiththeFatherasthefilialPerson.ItisintheHolyGhostastheexuberanceoftheireternalsatisfaction.ItisinthesoulasthelikenessofGod’sequalforms(orPersons).Itisinallcreaturesasthepreserveroftheirbeing.ItisherethesoulmustseektheeternalWord,hereintheseplaces,andChristsays:‘Seekandyeshallfind.’Maywesoseekastofindeternally.SohelpusalmightyGod.Iwillsaynomoreatthiscollation.PrayGodtofitmeforthisblessedmoment.Amen.

X

MANHASTOSEEKGODINERRORANDFORGETFULNESSi

ManhastoseekGodinerrorandforgetfulnessandfoolishness.Fordeityhasinitthepowerofallthingsandnothinghasthelike.Thesovranlightoftheimpartibleessenceilluminesallthings.

^Josios,No-3.

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StDionysiussaysthatbeautyisgoodorderwithpre-eminentlucidity.ThusGodisanarrangementofthreePersons.Andthesoul’slowerpowersshouldbeorderedtoherhigherandherhigheronestoGod;heroutwardsensestoherinwardandherinwardonestoreason;thoughttointuitionandintuitiontothewillandalltounity,sothatthesoulmaybealonewithnothingflowingintoherbutsheerdivinity,flowinghereintoitself.AsStDionysiussays,Bypurityshehasdiscoveredhercapacityandonlyhersuperiorpowersareinoperation.

Ithasbeensaidbyonephilosopherthatassoonasthechiefpowertakescominandtheothersallrunintoit,leavingtheirownwork.Thenthesoulisinorderandinherpurenature,inhersupernallight-naturewhereinallthingsarepotential.Aheathendoctorsays,Ifthesoulknewherselfshewouldknowallthings.DeityflowedintotheFatherandintotheSonandintotheHolyGhost:ineternityintoitselfandintimeintocreatures,toeachasmuchasitcanhold:tothestoneitsbeing,tothetreeitsgrowth,tobeastssensation,totheangelsreasonandtomankindallthesefournatures.WhenGodwasmademanhetookuponhimselfbygrace,intime,thenatureofallthings,whichineternitywashisbynature.AsStPaulsays,‘TomeC'hristisallthings.’Hereitwasamatterofthelightandreflectionofhisownnature.God’sbeingisfontal:flowingandfixed,finalaswellasthefirst.Frombeingpowerflowsoutintowork.InthissensethethreePersonsarethestorehouseofdivinityandthethreePersonsarepouredforthintotheessenceofthesoulasgrace,God’sbeingintheessenceofthesoulistheimitationofthePersonsandonebeingpermeatestheother.HerchiefpowerflowsfromtheessenceofthesouljustasthethreePersonsissuefromtheGodhead.AndwhenGodpourshisgraceintothesoulitisintoheressencethathepoursit.Forintothesoul’sessencenospeckcaneverfall,doherpowerswhattheymay.Thechiefpowerofthesouldrawsitsvirtuefromthegraceexistingintheessenceofthesoulandthishighestpowergoesoutintothelowerones,intotheiressence.Thecrescentsoul,thespiritreceptiveofGod’snature,istheimitationofChrist’sPersonandman’snature.Thesoulwhenshereachesdivinenatureisdeprivedofalldeficiencyandimperfection;shesuffersdeathindivinenature,gettingGod’snatureinherselfastheFatherdoesinhim.Shetakesitnotfromherownnature,shereceivesitfromGod’snatureintohernature;shereceivesperfectionandpoweraccordingtothewordsofStPaul,‘Icandoallthingsinhimthatstrengthenethme.’Thewisdomthencearisinginhermindbeginsinunder-standingandisperfectedinwillandithasneitherheartnorthought.StDionysiussays.Asthesoultakestheoutgoingtide

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41

tojourneyineternityandtimeandinherownintelligence,soontheebbdoesshereturn;asGodthesoulHowsbackagain,withoutexertion.Godreturnstohimselfaslittlemindfulofhisownasthoughtheyworenot.Andthesoulshalldothesame.SheshallgraspwithhermanhoodthePersonoftheSon,andwiththePersonoftheSonsheshallapprehendtheFatherandtheHolyGhostinboth,andthembothintheHoly(ihost;andwiththePersonoftlieFathersheshallapprehendhissimpleessence,andwiththeessencetheabyss,andshallsinkintothevoidwithoutmatterandwithoutform.Matterandform,beingandknowledge,shelosesillthisunity,forsheherselfhascometonaught.Goddoesallherwork,hepreservesherinhisbeingandleadsherinhispowerintohisvery(GodheadwheresheHowswithdeityitselfintoallGodHowsinto.Sheisallthings’placeandhasherselfnoplace.Thisisthemosteternalwisdom,whichhasneitherheartnorthought.SonighsoulHo\vstoGodthatmanyaredeceived;butwdiatsheissheisbygrace,andwheresheissheisbyanother’spower.Yetsheapproachesnearenoughto(xodtobe,inthepoweroftheFather,investedwithdivinitybygracethesameastheFatherisbynature.StPaulsays:‘Inthesameimageweshallgofromoneglorytoanother,’meaning,weshallreceivedivinityinitsperfectionandallthatisconsequentthereon.ThereinsheshallconceivedivinityasitconceivesitselfandherwillandGod’swillshallbeone:whateverGodmaybewcshallbewithGod.Noonecanattainitinthisbody,butwhen(Jodgivesthesoulhisfinalgift,thevisionofhisGodhead,thesoulisraisedupintheTrinity.Maywcattaintothis,SohelpusGod.Amen.

XI

THEHOURCOMETHANDNOWIS

Mulier^venithorncinunce.st,quandoveriadoratoresadorabuntpafreminspiritiietveritaie(Job,ThiscomesfromSt

John’sGospel.Itakeonesentencefromalongdiscourse.OurLordsaid:‘Woman,thehoureomethandnowis,whentrueworshippersshallworshiptheFatherinspiritandintruthandtheFatherseekethsuch.’

Takingtheopeningwords:‘Thehoureomethandnowis.’HewhowouldworshiptheFathermustbetakehimselfintoeternityinhisdesiresandhopes.Thereisone,theloftiest,partofthesoulwhichstandsabovetimeandknowsnothingoftimeorofbody.Thehappeningsofathousandyearsago,daysspentmillenniumssince,areineternitynofurtheroffthanisthismoment1ampassingnow;thedaytocomeathousandyearsaheadorin

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asmanyyearsasyoucancount,isnomoredistantineternitythanthisveryinstantIamin.

Hesays,‘trueworshippersworshiptlieFatherinspiritandintruth.’WhatistrutJi?Thetruthisamostnoblething.Tf(iodwereabletobackslidefromtruthTwouldfainclingtotruthandletGodgo.Hut(iodistruth,andthingsintime,thethingsthat(xodcreated,arenottruth.

Hesays,‘theyworshiptheFather.’Alas,howmanyworshipcrealurcsandsaddletlKanselv^eswiththem,foolsthattheyarc.AssureasthoudostpraytoGodforcreaturesthouprayestforthineownundoing,fornosooneriscreaturecreaturethanheyfortroubleandbitterness,Avronganddistress.Theygettlieirdeserts,dotheselolk,withtheirwrongsandtheirbitterness.Forwhy?Theyprayedforit.

Ihavesonudimessaid,whosogO('ssechingGodandseekiiigaughtwithGoddocsnotiind(md;buthewhoseeksGodbyhimselfintruthdocsnotlindGodalone;allGodaffordshefindsaswellasGod.ArttlioulookingforGod,sc'ekingGodwithaviewtothyjiersoualgood,thypersonalprolit?ThenintruththouartnotsethingGod.'TrueAvorshippersAvorshiptheFather,’hesaA^s,andhesaysrightwell.IfaAirtuousmanisasked,‘Whydostthouseek(xodV’heansAvers:‘BecauseheisGod.’-AVhydostthous(‘ektruth?’-^Beeauseitistruth.’—‘Whydostthouseekright?'‘Jh'causeitisright,’andAvith

suchallisaa'cII.Thingshereintinuihaveeachtlieircause.Askamanwhyheeats?‘Forstrength,’hesays.Whyhesleeps?

‘Fortileverysamereason.’AndsoAvitheverythingintime.Butaskagoodman,"hydostthoulo\^eGod?’-Hesays:

‘IknoAvnot;forGod’ssake.’‘WhydostthoulovethetruthV—‘Forthetruth’ssake.’—‘Whydostthoulo\cright?’—‘Forrighteousness’sake.’‘WhydostthouloA^egood?’—‘Forgood’ssake.’-‘Whydostthoulive?’—‘I’faith,IknoAVnot!1likeliving.’

Aphilosophersays:‘HeaaIiohasoncebeentouchedbytruth,byright,bygood,thoughitentailedthepangsofhell,thatmancouldncA^erturntherefrom,notforaninstant.’Theman,whoe’erhebe,nioAxdbythesethree—truth,righteousnessandgoodness—cannomorequitthesethreethanGodcanquithisGodhood.

Aphilosophersaysthatgoodnesshasthreebranches.Thefirstisuse,thesecondisenjoymentandthethirdissecmlincss.Con-cerninghisAA^ords,‘theyAA^orsliiptheFather.’Whydoeshesay‘theFather’?SeekGodaloneandthoushaltfindwithGodallthathegives.ItisthepositiA^etruth,trueofnecessity,aAvritteiiaxiomthoughnolesstrueuiiAvritten,thatifGodhadmore

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hecouldnotkeepitfromthee,hewouldhavetosliowitthee,togiveitthee,and,asIsoinctinu^ssay,hegivesittotheeasabirth.

Philosopherssaythesoulisdouble-faeed,herupperfacegazesatGodallthetimeandherlowerfac’elookssomewhatdown,informingthesenses;andtheupperface,whieliisthesummitofthesoul,isineternityandhasnothingtodowithtime:itkno\vsnothingoftimeorofbody.Kls(‘whercThave(‘xplaiiu'dhowinthisli(‘Shidllu*fountasitwereofallgood,asashininglightthatisalwaysshining,aburningbrandthatisalwayshairning,whichbrandisnoneotherthantheJloiyGhost.

Philosopherssaythatoutofthesummitofthesoultheretlowtwinpowers.Theoneiswill,theoilierintiHeet,andher])owers’jierfeetionliesinthesovran})owerofintellect.TJiisne\'crrests.Itwants(xodnotasHolyGhostnor3'etasSon;it(leestheSon.ItwantsGodnot.as(iod.Andwhy?Heeansethushehasname;\vereth(*reathousand(»odsyetwoulditpenudratethemallinthedesiretogettowherehehasnonameatail:itwantsanobler,betterthingthan(iodashavingnanuxWiiatAvonldit,tlien?Itdo('Snotknow:itwouldhavc‘JiiinKiithca*.‘Lord,show"usthePatiier,’Pliilij)erics,‘and\V('shallbecontent.’Itwantshimasthequickofkindness;itwantsliiniasthemiirrowdrippingfatness;itw^antshimastheroot,themainofgoodness:thusheissimplyFather.

OurLordsays:‘Nomanknow^eihtheFatherbuttheSon,nortlicSonbuttlicFather.’Intruth,toknowtliefatherwemustbetheSon.Ihavelaiddowmtliesethree'maximswdiichtakelikethreebadgra])esanddrinktb(‘reafter.First,ifwciarcSon,wemusthavetheFatlier:nonef'ansaylieisiisonunlessliehasafather,norfatherunlesshehasason.Hisfatherdead,hesays,‘hew’asmyfather.’IIissonbeingdeael,hesays.

‘hewasmyson.’Theson’slifehangsupontlu‘father,andthefather’sontheson,andthendbrenonecansay:‘1amtheSon’unlesshehavetheFatlierandheisintruthSonwhoseeveryworkiswroughtforlovetherein.Secondly,thatwhichmostmakesmanSonisequaliility.lleingsickliewouldassoonbesickassane,assaneassick.Hisfritnddits,‘InGod’sname!’Hehasaneyeout,‘InGod’sname!Fhirdly,itbeseemstheSontobowtheheadtonoonesavetheFather.Truly,aroyalpowerthis,transcendingtimeandw"ithoiitplace!Andbythefacdofitstranscendingtimeitbothcontainsalltimeandistlu?w")iolcoftime,andtheleastjotofthatwhichtranscendstimemakesamanrichindeed,forthingsattheantipoilcsan^nomoredistanttothispowerthanthosepresenthere.Itisofthesehesays,‘theFatherseekethsuch.’

Lookyou,Godlovesusso,Godimportunesusso,becauseGod

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cannotworktillthesoulisshelledandtrimmedofcreatures,andtheplaintruthisthatofnecessityGodisboundtocherishusjustasthoughhisGodhoodwereatstake,asinfactitis.Godcannomoredowithoutusthanwecanwithouthim,nay,evenifweturnedfrom(loditwouldbeimj^ossibleforGodtoturnhisbackonus.Ivow1willnotpraytoGodforgiftsnorworshiphimbecauseofgiftsbestowed,butIwillentreathimtomakemeworthytoreceiveandworshiphimforbeingoftheessenceandofthenaturethatmustgive.liewhowouldspoilGodofthiswouldspoilhimofInsveiylife,ofhisverybeing.ThatwemaythusintruthbeSon,helpusthetruthofwhichIspeak.Amen.

XII

CONTEMPLATION,HINTSANDPROMISES'

Whenamandelightstoreadorh(‘artellabout,Ciod,thatcomesofdivinegraceandislordlyentertainmentforthesoul.ToentertainGodinone'sthoughtsissweet(‘rthanJioney,buttobesensibleofGodisteemingconsolationtothenol)le‘soul,andunionwithGodinloveiseverlastingjoywhichwerelishhereaswearcfittedforit.

TheyarcalltoofewwhoarefullyripeforgazinginGod’smagicmirror.Preciousfewsin^ecedinlivingtliecontemplativelifeatallhereuponearth.Manybegin,butfailtoconsummateit.BecausetheyhavenotrightlylivedthelifeofMartha.Astheeaglespurnsitsyoungthat(cannotgazeatthesun,evensofaresitwiththespiritualchild.

liewhowouldbuildhighmustlayfirmandstrongfoundations.ThetruefoundationistheverywayandpatternofourLordJesusChrist,wholiimsclfdeclared:‘Iamtheway,thetruthandthelife.’

Dionysiussays,‘ThesoulshallfollowGodintothedesertofhisGodhead,sofarasherethebodyfollowsChristinoutwardwillingpoverty.’—‘Butthatsoulisidle.’TowhichStBernardanswers:‘WaitinguponGodisnotidlenessbutworkwhichbeatsallotherworktooneunskilledinit.’InordertofindGod,wemustseekhiminhisGodhead.Christsays,'Iffatherandmotheroranythingelsebeahindrance,quitthemforgoodandserveGodunhindered.’Thephilosophersays,‘Thesoulwhichismov^edbythepowerofthePrimeCauseneedseeknocounselfromanyhumanwisdom;heisobeyingwhattranscendswisdom,forlieisniovx*dbythelatentprimitivetruth.’

ThoughwemeditateupontheblessedworksofourLord’spovertyandhishumility,yetcovetingthemnotourselves,the^SeePreger,Zeitschr.f.hist.Theol.,Bd.36.1866.(Twoversions.)

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thoughtsareuseless.Andtocov’-etthemisuselesstoo,unlesswcdiligentlyseekhowwemayacquirethem.

Wewouldfainbehumble;butnotdespised.Tobedespisedandrejectedistheheritageofvirtue.Wcwouldbepoortoo,butwithoutprivatioti.Anddoubtlesswearepatient,exceptwithhardslupsandwithdisagreeables.Andsowithallthevirtues.

Thewillingpoor,imsolaccdbycorru[)tiblcs,descendintothevalleyofhumility.Theyarcpursuedbyinsultandadversity,thebestschoolofself-knoAvledge.Andself-knowledgegetsGod-knowledge.

Mychildren,yewhosufferinsult,iftheworldrejectyou,doyetherewithlikewiseassailyourselves,helpingtorejectyourselves.OurLordJesusChristsaid,‘Theservantisnotgreaterthanhislord.Iftheworldhateyou,knowyeithatedmebeforeithatedyou.’

WeoughttorecompenseourLordforallthathehasdone.ThereareplentytofollowourLordhalf-way,butnottheotherhalf.Theywillgiveuppossessions,friendsandhonours,butittouchesthemtoocloselytodisownthemselves.

Sometherebe,neitherwantingnorlookingforhonours,yet,chancingtocometheirway,honoursaffectthem.

StLernardsays:‘Whenasoulcomestowantingwhatfewdesire:tobenam<*lcss,outcastanddisgraced,andmakesallwelcomeequally,thensheattainstopeaceandthetruefreedomneededforrealvisioninthemirrorofdivinity.’

Perfectrestisabsolutefreedomfrommotion.OurLordsays,‘Continueinmywordandthetrutlishallmakeyoufree.*Freedomofsoulconsistsinthis:infindinginhcrs(*lfnosin;intoleratinginherselfnospiritualimperfection.Sheismorefreelackingallholdonwhatpossessesnameanditonher.FreestofallwhenshetranscendsherselfhoodandHowswithallsheisintothebottoml(*ssabyssofherprimordialmould,intoGodliimsclf.

OurliordJesusChristexhortsustorenounceallthingsthatwemaybelesshindered.StBernarddeclares:‘AllthetimethouoceupiestnotwithGodisaccounteduntotheeforlost.’Andagain,‘Themostsubtletemptalionthatcanbesetusistooccupyourselvestoomuchinoutwardworks.’Furtherhesays,‘Thebestpreparation1knowforheavenishavingnohomeamongexternals.’

Ourleastinterioractishigherandnoblerthanourgrandestoutwardone,andyetourloftiestinterioracthaltsinGod’sunveiledpresenceinthesoul.

TheverybestworkthatwccandoistoprepareforunionwiththepresentGodandwaitforthiswithfixedintention.

StPaulsays,Optimumesseuniredeo:Bestofallistobeone

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withGod.Inthisunionthesoulisdead,notonlytoalloutwardbutalsotoallinwardghostlyacts.Godoperatesunhindered,andthesoulbearshisgodlyoperationtowhichsheyieldsobedientlyenoughforGodtobringtobirthhisonlySoninhernolessthaninhimself.Thisistheatonementwherein,inthetwinklingofaneye,thesoulismademoreonewithGodthanbyherdoinganyact,bodilyorghostly.TheoftencrthisbirthhappensinthesoultheclosergrowsherunionwithGod.

Godisbornintheemptysoulbydiscoveringhimselftoherinanewguisewithoutguise,withoutlightindivinelight.

StAugustinesays,‘Thesoulbeingaflamewithdivinelove,Godisborninthesoul,theHolyGhostbeingtheenkindleroflove.’

Godhasvouchsafeddivinelighttothesoulthathemayblithelyworkinhisownimage.

Nownocreaturecandowhatisnotinitspower.Hencethesoulcannotactaboveherself,notevenwiththebridalgiftthatGodhasgivenherintlieshapeofhermostexaltedfaculty.Thislight,albeitdivine,isstillcreated.Thecreatorisoneandthelightanother.SoGodcomestothesoulinlove,purposingthatloveshallraisehertoahigherpower,toafunctionsuperiortoherown.Butlovefailstotellunlessshemeetsormakeshermatch.AsfarasGodfindshislikenessinthesoul,sofarisGodinoperation.Ifherloveisboundless,Godactsasboundlesslove.

Amanmightliveathousandyearsandgoongrowingallthetimeinlove,justasfirewillburnsolongasthereiswood.Thebiggerthefireandthestrongerthewind,themorefiercelyit^burns.NowputloveforthefireandtheHolyGhostfortheIwind:thegreatertheloveandthestrongertheinspirationoftheIHolyGhostingrace,thequickertheworkofperfectionisachieved.Yetnotsuddenly,butbythegradualgrowthofthesoul.Itwouldnotbewellforthewholemantobeconsumedatonce.

ThesoulbecomessoonewithGodthatgraceconfinesher;sheisnotsatisfiedwithgrace,forgraceiscreaturcly.Thesoulissocuriouslyglamoured,shedoesnotrealisethatsheexists:shefanciesherselfGod,soutterlyshehasescapedfromself.Butbesheneversofargonefromself,shegoesonbeingcreature.Pouringadropofwaterintoavatofwinedoesnotdestroyit.Seeingherselfthesoulseesspirit;seeingtheangelssheagainseesspirit;butGodissuchpurespiritthatsoulandangelarenighbodilycomparedwithhim.AportraitofthehighestseraphlimnedinblackwouldbeabetterlikenessfarthanGodportrayedashighestseraph:thatwereapre-eminentunlikeness.

NowinthecontemplativestateweareconsumedbyfieryloveintheHolyGhost.Soonerthanknowinglycommitasin,venialormortal,weshallprefertosuffereveryimaginablemartyrdom.

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Ifbyonevenialsinwewereenabledtoreleasefromhellsoulswithoutnumber,wewouldnotransomthem.SuchlovetoGodmustamanhavetobefamiliarwithhimincontemplation.Moreover,hemusthaveamindatease;andinpreparingforit,anundisturbedretiredspotisnecessary.Thebodyshouldberestedfrombodilylabour,notonlyofthehandsbutofthetongueaswellandallfivesenses.Thesoulkeepsclearbestinthequiet,butinjadedbodyisoftenoverpoweredbyinertia.Thenbystrenuouseffortwetravailindivineloveforintellectualvisiontill,clearingawaythroughrecollectedsenses,werisepastourownmindtothewonderfulwisdomofGod,thoughthisisquitebeyondthegraspofanycreature.Werisetodivineheights.Davidsays:Accedathomoadcoraltumetexaltahiturdeus,thatis,ManrisingtothesummitofhismindisexaltedGod.Fromthisdivineeminenceweseethelownessandinsignificanceofcreatures.Wefeelaninklingoftheperfectionandstabilityofeternity,forthereisneithertimenorspace,neitherbeforenorafter,butevcrytliihgpresentinonenew,fresh-springingnoivwheremillenniumslastnolongerthanthetwinklingofaneye.Andwewinparticipationinthemanifolddelightsoftlieheavenlyhost.SogreatthejoyofMaryQueeninheaven,thathavingbutathousandthpartofit,eachmemberoftheheavenlycompanywouldtastefarmorethanevertheyhaveearned.Thereeveryspiritrejoicesinthejoyofeveryother,relishingiteachinhisdegree.Everycelestialhabitantis,knowsandlovesinGod,inhisownselfandineveryotherspiritwhethersoulorangel.Andthedistinctiveconscious-,nessofoneGpdinthreePersonsandtheThreeoneGodgivessuchineffable,amazingsatisfactionthatalltheirpassionatelongingisfulfilled.Andjustwhattheyarefulloftheycraveunceasingly,andwhattheycraveisalltheirowninnew,fresh-springingjoyfulecstasy,theirstoenjoyinallsecurityfromeverlastinguntoeverlasting.

Thereafterwepressonintothetruth,intothesimplicityGodishimself,notseekingwhatishis.Sowefallintopeculiarwonder.Inthiswonderletusremain,forhumanwitispowerlesstofathomit.Plumbingthedeepsofdivinewonderbutstirsfaciledoubt.

XIII1

INTHISWASMANIFESTEDTHELOVEOFGOD

Inhocajpparuitcharitasdeiinnobisetc.‘Inthiswasmani-festedtheloveofGodtowardusthathesenthisonly-begottenSonintotheworldthatwemightlivewiththeSon,’thatis,1SeealsoWackeraagel,No.Ixv,p.172.

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‘inandthroughtheSon.’ThosethatlivenotthroughtheSon,verilytheyerr.

Ifamightykinghadabeautifuldaughterandgavehertoapoorman’sson,everymemberofhisfamilywouldriseinrankandbecomeennobled.Thusonelearneddoctorsays:‘ByGodbecomingmanthewholehumanracehasbeenennobledandexalted;whereforeitbehovesustorejoicegreatlythatChristourbrotherhaswithpeculiarpowerascendedupabovethechoirofangelsandsittethontherighthandoftheFather.’Thisiswellsaid,thoughIsetbutlittlestorebyit.WhatprofittomethatmybrotherisrichifIampoor,orwiseandIafool?

Isaysomethingmoreandmoresignificant:Godnotonlybecameman,heassumedhumannature.Doctorsagreethatallmenareofequalrankbynature.ButImakeboldtosaythateverygoodthingpossessedbythesaintsandbyMary,God’smother,andChristinhishumannature,isalsomineinthissamenature.Haplythouwiltaskme:‘IfalreadyIpossessinthisnatureallthatChristdoesinhishumanity,howcomewetosetChristsohighandhonourhimasourLordandGod?’—BecausehewasamessengerfromGodtous,bringingusourhappiness.Thehappinesshebroughtuswasourown.WhentheFatherbegetshisSonintheinnermostground,whatmovestherehasthisnature.Thissamenatureisoneandindivisible.Anythingdistinctinitorconnectedwithitisnotthisone.

AnotherthingIsay,stillharder.Tosubsistimmediatelyinthispurenatureamanmustbesowhollydeadtopersonthathewillsaswelltooneacrosstheseaswhomhiseyeshaveneverseenastohisownpresentandfamiliarfriend.Whilethoustillwishestbettertothineownpersonthantothatmanwhomthouhastneverseenthouartbesidethemark,norhastthouevenforaninstantseenintothissimpleground.Haplyinsomefar-fetchedsymbolthouhastbeheldthetruthasinanimage,butitwasnotthebest.—Secondly,thoumustbepureinheart;andonlythatheartispurewhichhasexterminatedcreaturehood.Andthirdly,thoumustbefreefromnot.

Itisaquestion,whatburnsinhell?Doctorsreplywithoneaccord:‘self-will.’ButImaintain:notburnsinhell.Asimile1SupposeItakeaburningcoalandputitonmyhand;thenifIsaythecoalisburningme,Idoitgreatinjustice.Todefinepreciselywhatitisthatbumsme:notdocs;becausethecoalhasinitsomethingmyhandhasnot.Observe,itisthisverynotthatbumsme.Didmyhandcontainwhatthecoalisandcanafford,itwouldpossessthefire-naturealtogether.Inwhichcaseallthefirethateverburnedmightbetakenandheapeduponmyhandwithoutitsburningme.Likewise,Iaverthat

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becauseGodandthosewhoareinsightofGod,haveinthemsomethingpertainingtorealhappinesswhichthosewhoareapartfromGodhavenot,thereforethisnotalonetormentsthesoulsinhellmorethanthepersonalwilloranyfiresoever.InsoothIhold:asfarasnotinheresinthee,sofarthouartimperfect.Tobeperfect,then,thoumustbefreefromnot.

Further,mytextsays:‘Godsenthisonly-begottenSonintotheworld,’bywhichyearetounderstandnottheexternalworld:itmustbetakenoftheinnerworld.AssurelyastheFatherbyhissimplenaturebegetstheSoninnately,sosurelyhebegetshimintheinnermostrecessesofthemind,whichistheinnerworld.HereGod’sgroundismygroundandmygroundGod’sground.HereIliveinmyownasGodlivesinhisown.Toonewhoevenforaninstanthasseenintothisground,athousandducatsofredbeatengoldareworthnomorethanafalsefarthing.Outofthisinnermostgroundthyworksshouldbewroughtwithoutwhy.Indeed,Iholdthataslongasthoudoestthyworksbecauseofthekingdomofheaven,orGod,orthineowneternalhappiness,fromwithout(thatistosay),allisnotwellwiththee.Itmaybetolerablebutitisnotthebest.HewhofondlyimaginestogetmoreofGodinthoughts,prayers,piousofficesandsoforth,thanbythefiresideorinthestall:insoothhedoesbuttakeGod,asitwere,andswaddlehisheadinacloakandhidehimunderthetable.ForhewhoseeksGodundersettledformslaysholdoftheformwhilemissingtheGodconcealedinit.ButhewhoseeksGodinnospeeialguiselaysholdofhimasheisinhimself,andsuchanone‘liveswiththeSon’andisthelifeitself.Wemightquestionlifeforathousandyears:‘Whydostthoulive!*Itwouldonlysay,ifitrepliedatall,‘IlivebecauseIlive.’Forlifelivesinagroundofitsown,wellsupoutofitsown.Itliveswithoutacauseforitlivesitself.Andifanyoneaskedaproperman,onewhoworkshisownground,‘Whydostthouwork?’hetoowouldsay,ifhetoldthetruth:‘IworkbecauseIwork.’

Wherecreaturestops,thereGodbegins.AllGodwantsoftheeisfortheetogooutofthyselfinrespectofthycreaturelinessandletGodbeGodinthee.ThesmallestofcreaturelyimagesthatevertakesshapeintheeisasbigasGod.—‘Howso?’

—ItshutsoutthewholeofGod.AssoonasthisimageappearsGoddisappearswithallhisGodhood.AsthisimagefadesoutGodcomesin.[Notemporalimageissogodlybutthriceharmsthesoul.First,itvexesspirituality;next,ittarnishesherpurity;andthirdly,itdisturbsdetachment.

—‘WhatdoesGoddotomymind?’

—Transcendthyselfandrepresscreatures:Goddoesthattothymind.]

4

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Godlongsasurgentlyfortheetogooutofthyselfinrespectofthycreaturelynatureasthoughhiswholefelicitydependedonit.Why,man,whatistheharmoflettingGodbeGodinthee?GocleanoutofthyselfforGod’ssake,andGodwillgocleanoutofhisforthysake.Bothbeinggoneout,whatremainsissimplytheone.InthisonetheFathergivesbirthtohisSon,inhisinner-mostsource.ThenceblossomsforththeHolyGhostandthenceoriginatesinGodthewillbelongingtothesoul.Thewhilethiswillremainsunmovedbycreaturesandbycreaturehood,thewillisfree.Christsays:‘Nonegoestoheavenbuthewhocamefromheaven.’Thingsareallmadefromnothing;hencetheirtruesourceisnothing.ThisnobleAvill,asfarasitinclinestocreatures,withthemelapsesintonothing.

Thequestionis,Docsthewilllapsesofarthatitisneverabletoreturn?Doctorsreplywithoneaccordthatitdocsnotreturnsofarasithaslapsedwithtime.ButImaintainthatifthiswillturnsback,evenforaninstant,fromitsoAvriselfandthingscreatedandralliestoitssource,thereinitsownfreeoriginthewillisfreeandinthisinstanttimelostisallrecovered.

Peopleoftensaytome:‘Prayforme.’AndIthinktomy-self:Whyeverdoyegoout?Whynotstopathomeandmineyourowntreasure?Forindeedthewholetruthisnativeinyou.

Maywebeapttostaythusinourselvesandtopossesstheentiretruthimmediately,impartibly,inrealhappiness.SohelpusGod!Amen.

XIV

LIKEAVASEOFGOLD

Quasivasaurisoliduniornatuinomnilapidepretioso{EccLSO^q),MyquotationwillapplytoStAugustineortoanyvirtuoussoul,suchbeinglikenedto‘agoldenvessel,massiveandlirm,adornedwitheverypreciousstone.’Becauseoftheperfectionofthesaintswehavenolikenesstoexpressthem,andwethereforesymbolisethembythetrees,thesun,ormoon.SohereStAugustineiscomparedwithachaliceofgold,solidandfirm,allsetwithpreciousstones.IndeedIhesamethingmaybesaidofanysaintlyvirtuoussoulwho,leavingallthingshere,enjoysthemyonderwheretheyareeternal.Whosorenouncesthingsintheircontingentsensepossessesthemasabsoluteandeternal.

Everycuphastwothings:itreceivesandholds.Thespiritualvesseldiffersfromthephysical.Thewineisinthecup,notthecupinthewine,thoughthewineisnotinthecupasitisinthebody;ifitwereinthecupasitisinthebodyweshouldnotbeabletodrinkit.Itisdifferentwiththespiritualvessel.Every-

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thingreceivedinthisisintheeupandthecupinitandisthecupitself.Allthisghostlycupreceivesisitsownnature.ItisGod’snaturetogivehimselftoeveryvirtuoussoul,anditisthesoul’snaturetoreceiveGod,andthiswesayreferringtothesoulinherloftiestcapacity.TherethesoulbearstheimageofGodandisgodlike.Noimagecanbewithoutlikeness,butlikenesscanbewithoutimage.Twoeggsmaybebothalikewhite,butoneisnottheimageoftheother:foronetobetheimageoftheotheritmustproceedoutofitsnatureandbebornofitandbelikeit.

Animagehastwoproperties.First,itrcccivesitsbeingfromthethingwhoseimageitis,immediatelyandabovewill,foritisanaturalproduct,sproutingoutofitsnatureasabranchdoesoutofatree.Anyfacethrownonamirroris,willy-nilly,imagedtherein.Butitsnaturedoesnotappearinitslooking-glassimage:onlythemouth,noseandeyes,justthefeatures,areseeninthemirror.Godreservesittohimselftodisplayinhisreflec-tions,atoncehisnature,allIn^isandallhecan,andtliisabovehiswill.Hisimageispriortohiswill,willfollowingtheimage,foroutofhisnaturethereleapsfirsthisimage,focussingintoitselfthewholepromiseofhisnatureandliisessence,allhisnaturepouringoutintohisimagethewliih'itabidesintactwithinitself.NowthemasterslocatetliisiiiiagenotinflirHolyGhostbutinthemiddlePerson,fortheSon,beingtheearliestissueofhisnature,isthereforecalledhisFather’sexpressimage,andnottheHolyGhost;heissimplythefloweringoftheFatherandtheSon,andhasonenaturewiththemboth.Willisnotameanbetweenthenatureandtheimage,nor,forthatmatter,canknowledgeorper-ception,nay,norwisdom,comebetw’^een,forthisimageofGodistheimmediateproductofhisfecundnature.Ifthereismeansofwisdomhereitistheimageitself.ThustheSonintheGodheadiscalledtheWisdomoftheFather.

Know,thisimpartibleimageofGodwhichisstampedinthesoulissealeddirectinherinnermostnature;thismostfunda-mental,mostnoblepartofhernature,isreallywhattakesthissoul-pattern,andthatnotbymeanscitherofwillorofwisdom.AsIremarkedjustnow,ifwisdomcomesinhereatallitis(as)thepatternitself.GodexistsinthisimagewithoutanymeansandtheimagesubsistswithoutmeansinGod.But(iodismuchmorenobleintheimagethantheimageisinGod.TheimagereceivesGodnotasbeingthecreator;itconceiveshimintheguiseofunderstanding,thesummitofhernatureactuallytakingonhisform.ThisistheinnatedivineimagewhichGodhasstampedineverysoulbynature.Idurstnotgivemoretothisimage;togiveitmorewouldmakeitGodhimself,whichitisnot,orGodwouldnotbeGod.

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Thesecondcharacteristicofanimagewenoteinitslikenesstoitsobject.Andhereobserveespeciallytwothings.First:animageisnotitself,neitherisititsown.Soanimagereceivedintotheeyeisnottheeyeitselfnorhasitanyrealexistenceintheeyebutismerelysuspendedfromandtetheredtothethingitistheimageof,wheretoitentirelybelongsandwherefromitgetsitsbeingandisbeingthatsamebeing.Notewellmydefinitionofanimage.Therearefourpointstobearinmind,andhaplyotherswilloccurtoyou.Animageisnotitself,neitherisititsown:itissolelythatthing’swhosereflectionitis,anditisduetothisalonethatitexistsatall.Thingsapartfromthethingwhoseimageitis,itisnotanddoesnotbelongto.Theimagetakesitsbeingdirectfromthethingwhoseimageitis,havingonenaturetherewithandbeingtheverysamebeing.Thisisnotasubjectfordiscussionintheschools,thoughonemaywellpropounditfromtheprofessorialchair.

Yearealwaysaskinghowyeoughttolive.Laythentoheartthisanswer:Justastheimageisheresaidtodo,evensoitbehovestheetolive.Behisandbelongingtohim,notthineownandbelongingtothyselfnorwithaltoanyone.Whoeverhasawell-belovedfriendholdshisbelongingsdearandanythingagainsthisfriendhewillobjectto.Take,forexample,thedog,anirrationalbeast.Sofaithfulishetohismasterthatheresentsthethingshismasterhates,whiletohismaster’sfriendsheismostfriendly.Nocounttakesheofpovertyorwealth;weresomeblindbeggarhismaster’sbosomfriend,hewouldbemoreaffectionatetohimthantothekingoremperorwhowashismaster’senemy.Itrowifitwerepossiblethedogshouldbehalffaithlesstohismaster,itsotherhalfwereboundtohateitself.Butthensomefolkscomplainofhavingnointeriorlife,nodevotion,nosweetnessnoranysuchlikegodlyconsolation.Marry,thesefolkareallunrighteousstill,andthoughtheysufferitisnotthebest.VerilyIsay,aslongasanyimageformsintheewhichisnottheeternalWordnoranyshadowingforthoftheeternalWord,beitneversogood,insoothitiswrong.Thatmanaloneisrighteouswho,havingnaughtedallcreatedthings,standsfacingstraightalongtheunswervinglineintotheeternalWord,where,intheright,heisidealisedandtransformed.ThatmanisgottenwheretheSonisgottenandistheSonhimself..

Accordingtothescriptures,‘NomanknoweththeFatherbuttheSon,’andhence,ifyedesiretoknowGod,yehavetobenotmerelyliketheSon,yehavetobetheverySonhimself.SomepeoplethinktoseeGodwiththeireyesastheywouldseeacow,andtheyexpecttolovehimastheywouldloveacow.Thisthoulovestforitsmilkandforitscheese:foritsprofittothyself.

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EvensodotheywholoveGodwithaneyetooutwardrichesorinteriorconsolation,notrightlylovingGodbuttheirowni)ersonaladvantage.Itrowthatanyobjectthoushaltsetbeforethymind,exceptGodinhimself,howgoodsoeveritmaybe,isnothingbutabarriertotheabsolutetruth.AsIsaidjustnowthatStAugustineiscomparedtoagoldencup,closedontheundersideandopentothesky,evensoitbehovestheetobe:ifthouwouldststandwithStAugustineandinthecommunionofsaints,thenclosethyhearttoeverythingcreatedandbeopentoGodasheisinhimself.

Menarecomparedwiththehigherfacultiesbecausetheyalwaysgobareheaded,andwomenwiththelowerbecausetheheadisalwaysveiled.Thesuperiorpowerstranscendtimeandspace,springingstraightoutoftheessenceofthesoul,andtheyresemblemeninalwaysgoinguncovered.Accordingly,theirworkingiseternal.Thephilosophersaysthatallthepowersofthesoul,inasmuchastimeandspaceaffectthem,havelosttheirvirginpurityandcanneverbesothoroughlyabstractednorsofinelysiftedastopassintothehigherfaculties.Albeittheyarcstampedwiththesameimage.

Dothoube‘firmandsteady,’thesame,thatistosay,inwealandwoe,infortuneandmisfortune;and‘setwithallthepreciousstones,’atreasury,towit,ofallthevirtueswhichcomenaturallypouringoutofthee.Traverseallthevirtuesand,transcendingthem,tapvirtueonlyatitssource,whereitisonewiththedivinenature.AndinsofarasthouartmoreatonedthanaretheangelswithGod’snature,tothatextenttheymustreceivethroughthee.Maywebeone,SohelpusGod.Amen.

XV

THEDIVINE.BEING1

Nomancantellof(iodexactlywhatheis.AccordingtoStDionysius,Godisnotanythingwecansayorthink.StAugustinecries:‘1whohaveeverbeeninGodandevermoreshallbe,wouldsoonerIhadneverbeenandnevermoreshouldbethanthatwefoundasinglewordthatwecouldsayofGod.Werewecompelledtosi)cakofGod,inthatcaseIshouldsay:Verily,innosenseisGodcomprehensiblenoryetattainable.Godiswhatthoughtcannotbetter.’Nay,IdeclareGodbeggarshumanthought;hetranscendsallhumanconception.NomanknowswhatGodis.AughtthatamancouldorwouldthinkofGod,Godisnotaj^ll.Itisthenatureofthesoulnottobesatisfiedexcept'SoeSpamer’sTexte,B.1.

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withGod.Butallthatheartcandesireissmall,isinsignificantcomparedwithGod.Yetman’sthoughtmaybeneversorichorsorarebuthisdesireoutstripsit.Sohetranscendsman’sdesireaswellastranscendinghumanthought.

StDionysiussays,Godi§^naught.MeaningthatGodisasincomprehensibleasnaught.StBernardsays,Iknownotwhat;Godis;butwhatIknownotthatheisthatsameishe.Aheathen^philosophermaintainsthatwhatweknowoftheFirstCauseisratherwhatweareourselvesthanwhattheFirstCauseis.Forthatpassesunderstanding.Andinthisstraintheheathendoctorarguesinhisbook,IVieLightofLights,thatGodissuper-essential,super-rational,super-intelligible,i,e.beyondthenaturalunder-standing.Ispeaknotofgraciousunderstanding.BygracemanmaybecarriedtothelengthofunderstandingasStPaulunderstoodwhowascaughtupintothethirdheavenandsawunspeakablethings.Hesaw,butwasnotabletoexpressthem.Forwhatamanknowsheknowsinitscauseorinitsmodeorinitseffect.ButintheserespectsGodremainsunknown,forheisthefirst.Further,heismodeless,i.e.undetermined.Andheiswithouteffect,tliatis,inhismysteriousstillness.Hereheabidesapartfromthenamesthataregivenhim.Mosesaskedhisname.Godanswered.He-who-ishathsentthee.Otherwisehecouldnottellit.Godassimplybeing,inthatsensehecouldnevergivehimselftobeknowntocreatures.Notthathecouldnotdoit,butcreaturecouldnotunderstandit.—IhaveoftenlaiditdownthatGod’slordshipdoesnotliemerelyinhislordshipovercreature;hislordshipconsistsinhispowertocreateathousandW'orldsanddominatethemallinhisabstractessence.Thereinlieshislord-ship.DionysiusandGregorybothteachthatthedivinebeingisnotcomprehensibleinanysense:nottoanywitnoranyunder-standing,poteventoangelicunderstanding.Itssimplicityandtriplicityisathingnottobegraspedbythehumanmindevenatitsbest,norbytheangelicmindevenatitsclearest.Itwassaidbyaphilosopherthatw’^hosoknowsofGodthatheisunknown,thatmanknowsGod.Foritistheheightofgnosisandperceptiontoknowandunderstandinagnosiaanda-perception.Toknowhimreallyistoknowhimasunknowable.Asthemasterputsit:IfImustspeakofGod,thenIwillsay,Godissomethingwhichisinnosensetobereachedorgrasped;andIknownothingelseabouthim.AccordingtoStAugustine,whatwesayaboutGodisnottrue;whatwesaythatGodisheisnot;whatwesayheisnotthatheisratherthanwhatwesaythatheis.NothingwecansayofGodistrue.God’sworthandGod’sperfectioncannotbeputintowords.WhenIsayinan,Ihaveinmymindhumannature.WhenIsaygrey^Ihaveinmymind

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thegreynessofgrey.WhenIsayGodyIhaveinmymindneitherGod’smajestynorhisperfection.DionysiusinsiststhatthemorewecanabstractfromGodthebetterweshallsechim.Godissuchthatweapprehendhimbetterbynegationthanbyaffirma-tion.HencethedictumofonemasterthattoargueaboutGodfromlikenessistoarguefalselyabouthim,buttoarguebydenialsistoargueabouthimcorrectly.Dionysiussays,writingaboutGod,Heissuper-essential,lieissuper-luminous;heattributestohimneitherthisnorthat.Forwhateverheconceives,Godfartranscendsit.Thereisnoknowinghimbylikeness.Ratherbyattributingunlikenessmaywemakesomeapproachtounder-;standinghim.Takeanillustration.SupposingIdescribeaship\tosomeonewhohasneverseenone,thenonlookingatastonehewillplainlyseethatitisnotaship.Andtheplainerheseesthatitisnotship-like,themorehewillknowaboutaship.Itisthejsamewith(iod.Themorewecanimputetohimnot-likeness,>thenearerdowegettounderstandinghim.HolyScriptureyieldsjusmerelyprivatives.ThatweshouldcreditGodwithmatter,|formandworkisduetoourgrosssenses.WefailtofindGodone'becausewetrytocomeathimbylikeness.Dionysiuscries,

‘FriendTimothy,ifthouwouldstcatchthespiritoftruthpursueitnotwiththehumansenses.Itissoswift,itcomesrushing.’Godistobesoughtinopposites;inunknowingknowingshallweknowGod;inforgetfulnessofourselvesandallthingseventothenakedessenceoftheGodhead.Dionysiuswasexhortingoneofhisdisciples.‘Friend,’quothhe,‘ceasefromallactivityandemptythyselfofselfthatthoumaystcommunewiththeSovranGood,Godnamely.’PrayGodwcmayseekhimsothatwcshallfindhimnevermoretolosehim.Amen.

XVI

THESIXTHBEATITUDE

Beatiquiesuriuntetsitiuntjustitiaiii(Matt.5g).Jesuswentupamountaintoavalley,intoafield,andpowerwentoutofhimpreachingtothemultitude:‘Blessedaretheywhichdohungerandthirstafterrighteousnessfortheyshallbefilled.’

Methinksthistextisapttomydiscourse.Blessedaretheythathungerforrighteousnessandendureworkandpovertyhere,forthisisbutamomentandwillsurelypass.Theyareblessedthoughnotmostblessed.BlessedaretheythathungernottobedeprivedofGod,albeitthewonderisthatmancanbewithouthimwithoutwhomhecannotbe.StAugustinesaysitisamazingthatanyoneshouldliveapartfromhimapartfromwhomhecannot

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liveatall.Theyareblessedandyetnotmostblessed.MoreblessedthosewhosohungerthattheycannotlivewithoutGod;thatisafieryaffectionwhichtransformstheirnature.Thewhileamanyetfindsinhisdesireorinhishopeorhisaffectionanythingimpermanent,heisnotmostblessed.Heisblessedbutnotmostblessed.Blessed,supremelyblessed,aretheywhoarcinstalledintheeternalnow,transcendingtimeandplaceandformandmatter,unmovedbywealorwoeorwealthorwant,forinsofarasthingsarcmotionlesstheyarelikeeternity.

[Theheavenadjoiningtheeternalnow,whereintheangelsare,ismotionless,immoveable.Buttheheavennexttothatwhichtouchestheeternalnow,whereintheangelsare,andbetwixt(thatand)theheavenwherethesunis,issetinmotionbyangelicforce,revolvingonceineveryhundredyears.Theheaventhesunisin,movedbyangelicforce,goesroundonceayear.Theheaventhemoonisin,again,isdrivenbyangelicforceandgoesroundonceamonth.Thenearertheeternalnowthemoreimmoveabletheyare,andthefurtheroffandmoreunliketotheeternalnowtheeasiertomove.Theheavenofthesunandmoonandstarsismovedbytheimpulseoftheirangel,sothattheyarcspinninginthistemporalnow;andtheeternalnowimpartstheirmotion,thatbeingsoenergeticthatfromthemotiontheeternalnowimparts,allthingsderivetheirlifeandbeing.Nowthelowestpowersofthesoularcnoblerthanthehighestpartofheaven,whereitadjoinstheangelsandtheeternalnow.Moreover,allthingsgettheirlifeandbeingfromthemotionthereimpartedbytheeternalnow;andifthatissonoble,thenwhatwouldyeexpectwherethesoulinhersuperiorpowerscontactsthegroundofGod?Howexalted,thinkye,thatmustbe?—Followthenafterthisnow,andreachthisnowandpossessthiseternalnow.Maywestandnexttheeternalnowandsobeinpossessionofit.SohelpusOdivinepower.]

[Onemastersays:GracespringsfromtheheartoftheFatherandflowsintohisSonandintheonenessofthemtwainitproceedsfromtheWisdomoftheSonintotheGiftoftheHolyGhostandintheHolyGhostissentintothesoul.GraceisthefaceofGodwhichisclearlystampedinthesoulwithoutanymeansbytheSpiritofGod,givingthesoultheformofGod.StDionysiussays:Theangelsarethedivinemind.MoreoverStPauldeclaresconcerningthosewholivetheangeliclifehereintheflesh,thatintothemthereflowsthemindofGodasitdoesintotheangels.Healsosaystheintellectuallight,Godnamely,hasgivenlikenesstotherationalsoul.QuothStPaul:HewhocleavesuntoGodwithhiswholebeingbecomesonespiritwith(iod.SohelpusGod.Amen.]

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XVII

INPRINCIPIOERATVERBUM

In'principioeratverbum{Joh>Ij).TheologianstalkoftheeternalWord.Godneverspokebutoneword,andthatisstillunspoken.Theexplanationisthis.TheeternalWordisthelogosoftheFatherwhichishisonlybegottenSonourLordJesusChrist.Inhimhepronouncesallcreatureswithoutbeginningandwithoutend.ThisaccountsfortheWordremainingunborn,foritnevercameoutoftheFather.ThisWordistobeknowninfourfoldguise.

First,onthealtarinthepriest’shands.ThereitisourstoknowandlovetheeternalWordaswe,inhiseternalWord,appeartotheheavenlyFather.Secondly,weknowtheeternalWordasexpoundedbydoctorsfromthechair.Wereceiveitintheirperson;likewaterflowinginachannel,sodoestheeternalWordflowthroughitsteachers.Weshouldpaynoheedtoanyshortcomingsinthedoctor:wemustfixourgazeontheeternalWordinhim,asitcomespouringeternallyoutofthegroundofitself.Thirdly,wecanrecognisetheeternalWordinourLord’sfriendswho,havingfollowedthiseternalWord,havegottenproofofitinlifeeternal,andalsothosethatfollowitintime,such,namely,asarcquickinourLordJesusChrist.Fourthly,wehavetheeternalWordasspokeninthevirginsoulbyGodhimself;wordlessly,towit,sincethesoulisnotabletoexpresshim.

IwouldhaveyouknowthattheeternalWordisbeingbornwithinthesoul,itsveryself,noless,unceasingly.Itellyou,thesoulknowstheeternalWordbetterthanallthedoctorscanex-poundit.Whatwecanexpressisalltoolittle,soforthenoncesheisbearingtheeternalWordinmind.AccordingtothemastersweoughtbyrightstogotoschoolwheretheHolyGhostisteacher;andknow,whereheisteacherandisboundtobe,therehefindsstudentsproperlyequippedtoprofitbyhisloftyteachingwhichissuesfromouttheFather’sheart.Sothesoulhas,ifshewill,theFatherandtheSonandHolyGhost:shegoesflowingintotheonewherenakedinnakedisrevealedtoher.Ourmasterssaythatnoonecanattaintothissolongasheretainsofnetherthingsasmuchasaneedle-pointcancarry.IntothenakedGodheadnonemaygetexcepthebeasnakedashewaswhenhewasspiltfromGod.

Themasterssay,givinguswisecounsel,thatleavingGodhisgloryweoughttogetallthingsdirectfromhimandnotfromcreatures.WeshallleaveGodhisglorybyleavinghimtoworkjusthowhewillandwhenhewill,westayingidleandfree.For

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wemustseethatGoddoesallforthebest.AndsoItrowitlieswithus,sofarasitisinus,tohelpGodtopreservehisglory.

Amastersays.Littlerecksthekingofthoseofhisretainerswhoperformthedrudgery.lienoticestheonesabouthisprivychambersandgratifiestheireverywant.Goddoesthesamewithhischosenfriends,theintimatesofhismysteriousprivacy:heneverturnsadeafeartotheirprayer.WithalthemastersdoaffirmthatnumbersgotoheavenwhoknownomoreofGodonearththan,asitwere,ofsuninforestgloom.Desiringthissupremelyitrestswithustocompassitbypracticeandbystrengthofwill.Amen.

XVIII

IKNOWAMANINCHRIST

SciohomweminChristoanteannosquatuordecimetc.(2Cor.

StPauldeclares:‘Iknowamanwhofourteenyearsagowascaughtupintothethirdheaven;whetherinthebodyornoIcannottell:Godknoweth.’NowgrantingPaulwasthereatanytime,theneitherbodyandsoulbothturnedtospiritorelsehissoultookwingoutofhisbody.Itiscertainthathissoulleftnothisbody,forshewasgivinglifeuntohisbody;shemustthenhaveseenGodinherandherselfinhim.

Thesoulhasthreepowers:mind,willandrage.Thesethreepowersareinleaguewithdeity.WillcleavinguntoGodcandoallthings.Godseizedofhisdivinitybestowsuponherpowerandfecundity.MindcleavingtotheSonknowswiththeSon;itknowswiththeSonwhenitisvoidofknowledge.Thethirdpoweristhepowerofattack,whichisconnectedwiththeHolyGhost.Thispowerisevermakingforthesourcewhenceit)proceededforthandtheHolyGhostisitsinitiatorintotheeternalnature:itfloodsthesecretchamberofthesoul,andlo!shelosestimeandplaceintheeternal,intimetranscendingtime.Butforthesoulthisisnotenough:hadsheenoughshewouldhavetimeinlieuofhereternity.Letusnotflag.Notourstheblameif,beingreadyandatonedinwill,Godhideshimselfsothatwecannotdoallthingswithhimalthoughheplayshispartjustasthesungivesoutitslightandfiregivesoutitsheat.Woodapplescannotcheckthelettingoftheirgall,butGodcontrivesfromtimetotimetoreachouttothelongingsoulifheisveryneartoher.Solether,neverdoubting,withheartylonging,hailGodfrequently:‘OFriendofme,howlongamItowaitforthee?’

Hesays,toChristw^asgivenanewname:onebytheangel,anotherbyStPaul,athirdbyhisheavenlyFather.TheangelgavehimthenameJesusChrist.JosephandMarycalledhimby

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thisnamewhichsignifiesWealoftheWorld.Thenameisgiventothewoundedsoul.Alas,wearetoofrail!Weshouldbewellofourinfirmitiesbeingraisedupandgottenin;weshouldberaisedifweweredestituteandunattached.Fortlieexaltedsparkwhereinweseethelightdivine,thatneverpartsfromGodnoristhereanythingbetween.Whatmatterthenifgoodandillandpainbetide,theydobuttouchthelowerfaculties.

StPaulgavehimthreenamesandcalledhimtherclieetionoftheFather.Hesays,thewoundedsoulisgiventhemystic

heavenlybread.Whencecomesherwound?Fromlonging.

Whatislonging?-Itislove.Whatisnoblerthanlonging?WhatwcprayGodforhumblyandwithlonginghedurstnotrefuse:desireablushwithmodestyheleadsintothetriplechamberoftheHolyTrinity.

PaulcalledhimalsothefecundityoftheFatherandtheimageintheFather,workingwiththeFathertobrijigforthhisPerson.VerilyIsay,thesoulwillbringforthPersonifGodlaughsintoherandshelaughsbacktohim.Tospeakinparable,theFatherlaughsintotheSonandtheSonlaughsbacktotlicFather;andthislaughterbreedsliking,andlikingbreedsjoy,andjoybegetslove,andlovebegetsPerson,andPersonbegetstheHolyGhost.InthiswisedocshetravailwithhisFather.

Thethirdnamehegavewas.TheMajestyoftheSubstanceofGod.Majestyistheessenceofhisdivinesubstance,thissubstancebeingtheelementalmatterofthethreePersons.Thesouliscalledmajestywhenshegivesu])mode:thensheknowstheFatherandpaternity,theSonandfiliation,andthePersonsofthemtwainshecomprehendsinunity.TheFathergavehimfivenames,ineffable.Godkeepuseverywhitinhim.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XIX

PAULROSEFROMTHEGROUND

SurrexitautemSaulasdeterraapertisqueoccultsnihilvidebat{Act,93).ThisstatementwhichIquoteinLatinismadeinStLuke’snarrativeaboutStPaul.Itrecordsthat‘Paulrosefromthegroundwithopeneyesandseeingnothing.’Thewordsareopentofourinter|>retations.Oneis,thatwdienheroseupfromthegroundhewasgazingwide-eyedatnaught,thatnaughtbeingGod,forthevisionofGodhewoulddescribeasthenaught.AnotherexplanationisthatwhenhegotuphesawnothingbutGod.Thethird,hesawnaughtbutGodinallthings.I’hcfourth,thatinthedivinevisionhebeheldallthingsasanaught.Hepreviouslytellshowlightcamesuddenlyfromheavenandfelled

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himtotheground.Markyou,hesaysthatthelightcamefromheaven.Accordingtoourdoctors,thoughheavenisfraughtwithlightitdoesnotshine.Thesunisfulloflightandshineswithal.Ourdoctorsteachthatfiredocsnotgiveanylightinthesimple,naturalperfectionofitshigheststate.Itsnatureistoopureforeyeinanywisetosee.Sosubtleisit,sounliketheeye,thatwereitherebelowwithinourviewitcouldnotstimulateoureyestosight.Andyet,forsooth,weseeitisabsorbedbydifferentthings,suchasalumpofcoal,apieceofwood.

BythelightofheavenweseethelightthatisGodwheretonomindofmanisabletoattain.AsStPaulhathit:‘Goddwellsinalightthatnomancanapproachunto.’Hesays,‘Godislightinaccessible.’ThereisnoadmittancetoGod.Nomanstillontheascent,stillontheincreaseingraceandinlight,haseveryetgotintoGod.Godisnocrescentlight:wegettohimbygrowing.InthegrowingprocicssGodisunseen.WhenGodisseenitisinthelightthatisGodhimself.Amastersays,InGodthereisnomorenorlessnorthisnorthat.Whilesweareonthewaywearcnotthere.

Hesays,‘Alightfromheavenshoneroundabouthim.’Implyingthecaptureofhisentiresoul.Amastersaysthatinthislightallthesoul-powersareexaltedandraisedtoahigherpower,theoutwardsensesweseeandhearwithaswellastheinnersenseswecallthoughts:thereachoftheseandtheirpro-fundityaremostamazing.Icanthinkaseasilyaboutthingsoverseasascloseathand.Abovethoughtcomestheintellect,asseeker.Shegoesaboutlooking,castinghernethereandthere,gainingandlosing.Aboveintellecttheseekerthereisanotherintellectwhichdoesnotseekbutrestsinitspureandsimpleessenceintherealmoflight.AndIsayitisinthislightthatallthesoul-powersareexalted.Sensesrisetothoughts.Howhigh,howfathomlesstheseare,thatnooneknowsexceptGodandthesoul.

Ourtheologiansteach,anditisaknottyquestion,thatangelsknownothingaboutthoughtsunlessthethoughtstakewingandriseupintointellect—intellecttheseeker;andthisintellect,theseeker,soarsupintotheintellectwhichdoesnotseek,whichisthepurelightinitself.Thislightembracesallthepowersofthesoul.Accordinglyhesays,‘Theheavenlylightencircledhim.’

Onemasterlaysitdownthatanythingwhichhasanemanationisexemptfromtheselowerthings.Godemanatesintoallcreatureswithoutbeingaffectedbyany.Hedoesnotneedthem.Godenergisesnatureandherfirstworkistheheart.Whereforesomedoctorswouldpretendthesoulisaltogetherintheheartandflowsthereoutaslifeintotheothermembers.Notso.The

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soulisineachmember,whole.True,herchiefworkisintheheart..Theheartbeinginthemiddlegetsprotectiononallsides,justasheavenisprotectedfromoutsideinfluenceandintrusion.Itcontainsallthings.Itmovesallthingsanditselfremainsunmoved.Notevenfire,exaltedthoughitbeinitsmosthighestate,canlicktheheavens.

‘Intheencirclinglighthefelltoearth,andhiseyesbeingunsealedhe,open-eyed,beheldallthingsasnaught.’AndbeholdingallthingsasnaughthewasbeholdingGod.MarkherewhatthesoulsaysintheBookofLove:‘BynightinmybedIsoughthimmysoulloveth:IsoughthimandIfoundhimnot.’Shesoughthiminherbed:meaningtoconveythatany-onecleavingtoaughtbelowGodhastoonarrowalie.God’sentirecreationisalltooconfined.Quothshe,‘Isoughthimallnightthrough.’Thereisnonightwithoutthelight:only,itisveiled.Thesunisshininginthenightalbeitscreenedfromview.Bydayitshines,eclipsingalltheotherlights.SodoesthelightofGod;itblindsandputsoutanylight.Ourcreaturelyexpecta-tions,allthesearenight.WhatImeantosayis,thatnothingwefindinacreatureismorethanashadowanddark.Eventhehighestangel’slight,exaltedthoughitbe,illuminesnotthesoul.Allbutthefirstlightisdarkness,isnight.ByitshecannotfindGod.‘Iroseandsoughthimallabout,Iscouredthebroadwaysandthealleys.Thewatchmen(angels)foundme,andIquestionedthem,“Sawyenothimwhommysoulloveth?”’Buttheyanswerednot;peradventuretheycouldnotapprehendhim.‘ItwasbutalittlethatIpassedandIfoundhimmysoulloveth.’Thelittle,thetrifle,thatshemissedhimbyhasoftenbeentheburdenofmyteaching.Hetowhommortalthingsarenotalltrivialandasnaughtwithal,thatmanshallnotfindGod.

‘Havingpassedbyalittle,’shesays,‘IfoundhimwhomIsought.’WhenGodpoursintoandinformsthesoulandthoutakesthimasalightorastateoraboon,whatsoeverthouknowestabouthim,thatGodisnot.Wehavetotranscendthelittle,discardtheadventitiousandperceiveGodone.Shesays,‘WhenIhadpassedbyalittleIfoundhimmysoulloveth.’

Weareveryfondofsaying,‘himmysoulloveth.’Butheisfarawayabovethesoul,nordoesshenameherlove.Therearefivereasonswhyshenameshimnot.OneisthatGodisnameless.Anynameshegavehimwouldhavetobewellchosen.Godisbeyondallname,nonecanexpresshim.AsecondreasonisthatonswooningawayintoGodforlove,thesoulisconsciousofnothingbutlove.Shefondlyimaginesthateveryoneknowshimlikethat.Sheisamazedthatanywightshouldfindhimaughtbutlovealone.Thirdly,shehasnotimetonamehim.Love

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doesnotleaveheranytimetouseanotherword.Fourthly,perchancesheweenshehasnoothernamethanlove.Inloveshepronouncesallnames.Quothshe,‘Iroseup,Iwentthroughthebroadstreetsandthealleys.AndwhenIhadpassedalittleIfoundhimrnysoulloveth.’

‘Paulrosefromthegroundwide-eyed,beholdingnothing.’Icannotseewhatisone.Hesawnothing,towit,God.GodisnaughtandGodisone.Whataughtisisnaughtaswell.WhatGodisishealtogether.AsDionysiussaysaboutthelight:speakingofGodhesays.Heissupernatural,supervital,super-luminous;hewillallowhimneitherthisnorthat,butmakeshimouttobeIknownotwhatthatfartranscendsthem.Aughtseen,aughtthatmaycomewithinthyken,thatGodisnot;forwhy,Godisnotthisnorthat.AVhocversaysthatGodishereorthere,credithimnot.ThelightwhichGodisshinesindarkness.Godisthetruelight:tosecitonehastobeblindandstripGodnakedofthings.Amastersays.ToargueaboutGodfromanysortoflikenessistoarguefalselyabouthim.ButtoargueaboutGodfromnaughtistoarguesoundlywithal.\Vhenthesoulisreducedtooneandisgottenthereinbydiscardingherselfaltogether,thereshefindsGod,asitwere,inanaught.Itappearedtoonesoulasinadream(itwasawakingdream),tobebigwithnaughtlikeawomanwithchild,andinthisnaughtGodwasborn,thefruitsofthenaught.Godwasborninthenaught.Thereforehesays,‘Hearosefromtheearthwide-eyed,gazingatnaught.’HehadavisionofGodwheretherearenocreatures.Hebeheldallcreaturesasnaughtforhehadthewholeessenceofcreaturesinhim.Heistheall-containingessence.

Anotherthinghemeansbysaying,‘hesawnaught.’Accord-ingtoourmasters,anyperceptionofexternalsentailssomeinroadbythem,animpressionattheleast.Togetsomeideaofathing,astone,forinstance,Ido(not)takeintomymindthegrossestpartofit;thatIleaveoutside.Asitexistsinthegroundofmysoulwhereitisatitsnoblestandbest,itismerelyatype(oridea).Thingsperceivedbymysoulfromwithoutcontainanoutsideelement:my])creeplionofcreatureinGodcontainsnothingbutGodalone,forinGodthereisnothingbutGod.WhenIsecallcreaturesTseenot.HesawGodwherecreaturesarenot.

Inthethirdplace,whyhesawnaught.NaughtwasGod.Amastersays.CreaturesinGodareasnaughtforhehasinhimthewholeessenceofcreatures.Heisthebeingthatcontainsallbeings.Themastersays.NothinginferiortoGod,howevernighitmightbetohim,buthassomealientaint.ThemastersaysanangelknowshimselfandGodwithoutmeans.Intootherthingsheknowstherecomesanoutsideelement,someinterferencestill,

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howeverslightsIfwearetoknowGoditmustbewithoutmeans,nothingforeigncancomeinbetween.WhenwedoseeGodinhislightithappensinprivate,safefromtheslightestintrusionofcreaturelythings.Thenwehaveimmediateknowledgeofeternallife.

‘Seeingnothing,hesawGod.’ThelightwhichisGodisflowinganddarkeningeverylight.ConcerningitJobsays,‘HecoiU'mandedthesunnottoshineandsealeihupthestarsasitwerewithaseal.’Envelopedinthislighthecouldseenaughtbeside;hiswholesoulwasdistraught,intentuponthelightthatisGodtotheexclusionofallelse;andthisisalessontous,forwhattimewearebusywithGodwemindlittlewhatgoesonwithout.

Fourthly,hesawnaughtsincethelightwhichisGodisun-mingled,freefromadmixture.Itshowsit^vasthetruelighthebeheldfortherewasnothingthere.Bylighthesimplymeansthathesawnothingwithhisopeneyes.Inthathesawnot,hesawthedivinenaught.StAugustinesays.Whenhesawnothing,hesawGod.AccordingtoStPaul,‘Whosoonlyseethbeingblind,heseethGod.’AsStAugustinehathit,‘Godisthetruelight,preserverofthesoul,morenightoherthansheistoherself,andbythesametoken,whenthesoulturnsherhac^konthingsbecoming,thenGodmustneedsshineintoher.Thissoulknowsneitherlovenorcare,sheisunmindfulofth(*m.Thesoulthatfaresnotforthtooutsidethingscomeshometostayinherim-partiblepurelight.Shedoesnotlovenordoesshefearnorcarewithal.Knowledgeisthebasis,thefoundationofallbeing.Lovehasnoholdexceptinknowledge.Whenthesoulisblindandcanseenaughtbeside,thensheseesGod,itisinevitable.Amastersays,theeyeatitsclearest,withoutanycolour,seeseverycolour;notjustasacolourlessthinginitself,butinplaceinthebodyithastobevoidofallcolourforustoseecolours.Incolourlessthingsallcoloursarcseen,aye,thoughitbedowninone’sfeet.Godissomethingall-embracing.ForGodtobeseenbythesoulshehastobeblind.Accordinglyhesays,^liesawthenaughtwhoselightalllightsare,whosebeingallbeingsare.’ThebridesaysintheBookofLove:‘WhenIhadpassedbyalittleIfoundhimmysoulloveth.’Thelittleshehadpassedallcreatureswere.WhosoputtethnotthesebehindhimshallnotfindGod.Andekeshewouldimplythathoweversmall,howeverpureathingIknowGodby,yetitmustgo.EventhelightthatverilyisGod,ifItakeitwhereitplaysuponmysoulisforeigntohim.Imusttakeitatthesource.IcannotreallyseethelightthatshinesuponthewallunlessIturnmygazetow^hereitcomesfrom.ButifItakeitinitscauseIamrobbedofitseffect.Ioughttotakeitneitherwhereitfallsnorinitseruptionnoryet

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asbroodinginitself;theseareallmeremodes.WemusttakeGodinmodelessmodeandunconditionedessence,forheisfreefrommode.StBernardsays:Hewhowouldknowthee,God,mustmetetheewithnomeasure.PleaseGodwemayattainthatunderstandingwhichiswhollywithoutmodeandwithoutmeasure.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XX

ANDBEHOLDTHEREWASAMAN...SIMEON

Etecce,homoeratinJerusalem^cuinomenSimeonetc,{Luc,235).StLukerelatesinhisgospelthat‘whenthedayswereaccom-plishedChristwasbroughttothetemple.AndbeholdtherewasamaninJerusalem,Simeonbyname,whowasjustandGod-fearing,waitingfortheconsolationofthepeopleofIsraelandtheHolyGhostwasinhim.’

*Andbehold.’ThisparticleetinLatinsignifiesjoining,bindingorlockingtogether.Thingsfastboundorlockedtogetheraredescribedasinunion.HereIrefertothesoulbeingbound,knit,unitedtoGod.Accordingtoourdoctors,unionpostulateslikeness.Thereisnounionwithoutlikeness.Bindingorknittingtogether,thatisthemeaningofunion.Nearnesstomedoesnotconstitutelikeness:mysittingbysomeoneorinthesameplace,forexample.AsStAugustinesays.Lord,whenIfoundmyselfafarfromtheeitwasnotfromtheremotenessoftheplace,itcameofthyunlikenesswhereinIfoundmyself.Onemastersays,peoplelivingandworkingwhollyintimeneveragree,theynevercometogether.Accordingtoourdoctors,athingwhoselifeandworkisineternityandathingwhoselifeandworkishereintimerequireago-between.Wherethereisknittingandbindingtogethertheremustbesomelikeness.TheunionofGodandthesoulisamatteroflikeness.Wherenodifferenceexiststheremustbeidentity;notmerelyunioninmutualembrace,butone;notmerelylikeness,butthesame.WhereforewesaythattheSonisnotliketheFatherbutheishisimage,heisonewiththeFather.

Oneofourbestdoctorssaysthatanimageinstoneoronthewall,withnofoundationtoit,takensimplyasaform,isthesameformashiswhoseformitis.Forthesoulpassingintoherexemplarwhereinisnoalienthing,onlyherformwherewithitisone,thisdoctrineholdsgood.HavinggottentheformthatisdivinewebeholdGod,wefindGod.InseparationGodisnotfound.Onpassingintoherexemplarandfindingherselfinthatimagealone,inthatsameimagethesoulfindsGodandthefindingofherselfandGod,whichisallthesameactandistimeless,isthefindingofGod.SofarassheisthereinsofarsheisonewithGod,Hemeans:

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asfarasamanisatthestagewherehissoulisthedivineimage.Thensofarasheisheisdivine.SofarthereinsofarinGod,notannexed,notunitedbutoneandthesame.

Onemastersays,likenessmeansbirth.Furtherhestatesthatlikeisnotmetwithinnatureunlessitisborn.Doctorsdeclarethatfire,howeverfierce,wouldneverburnhaditnohopeofpropagation.Howeverdrythewoodsupplieditwouldnevercatch(iffire)lackedpowertogenerateitskind.Whatfirewantsistobeborninwood,foralltobeonefire,livingandlasting.Extinguishedanddeaditwerefirenomore,soitwantstokeepin.ThenatureofthesoulwouldneverhavegottenitskindwereitnotforherwantingtohaveGodbegotteninher;shewouldnothaveproceededintohernature,wouldneverhavewantedtoentertherein,exceptinthehopeofthisbirth;norwouldGodeverhavebroughtittopasshadhenotmeantthesoultobebornintohim.Goddocsandthesouldesires.GodhastheenergyandthesoulhasthewillandthepowertohaveGodbornintoherandher-selfintoGod.ThisGodcontriveswithintentthatthesoulshallbelikehim.ShemustneedswaitforGodtobegotteninherandforhertreasuretogrowintoGod,desiringunionandthesafe-keepingofGod.God’snaturepoursintothelightofthesoulandthereinsheispreserved.Godpurposesthustobebornintoher,unitedwithher,containedinher.--Howcanthatbe?DowenotsaythatGodcontainshimself?—WhenhedrawsinthesoulshefindsthatGodisself-containedandthereshestaysabidingnowhereelse.Augustinesays:‘Asthoulovestsothouart:lovingearththouartearthly,lovingGodthoushaltbedivine.’IfIloveGodthen,shallIbeGod?ItisnotIwhosayso;searchthescriptures.IntheProphetsGodsays:‘YearegodsandthechildrenoftheMostHigh.’IsaythatitisinhislikesthatGodgivesthisbirth.Hadshenoexpectationofthisthesoulwouldnotwanttoattainit.Shewantstobepreservedinhim,heisherlife.Godhasapreserve,asafeplaceinhimself,whichmancanknownothingaboutuntilheparesoffandisridofallthatbelongstothesoul—herlife,herpowers,hernature,allmustgo.AndthatmeansstandinginthatperfectlightwheresheandGodareoneform,whereshefindsherselfGod.ItischaracteristicofGodtohavenothingalieninhim,noronhimnoraddedtohim.Andlikewiseitbehovesthesoultohavenooutsideimpressions,nothingputon,nothingannexed.Somuchforthefirst(word).

‘Andbehold’:ecce.Thiswordeccehasallthemeaningoflogos(orword)anditcouldbegivennogreater.Word,i.e,God.Godisaword,God’sSonisaword.ItconveystheideaofourlifenndallourdesirebeingcentredinanddependentuponandodentedtoGod.AsStPaulsays,‘BythegraceofGodIam

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thatIam.’Andagain,‘Ilive,yetnotIbutGodlivethinme.’Whatmore?

Homoerat.Hesays,‘Behold,aman.’Weusethewordhomoforwomenaswellasformen,buttheLatinsrefusedittowomanbecauseofherweakness.Homodenotessomethingwhole,nothinglacking.Homo,aman,amortal,meansonepertainingtoearth,implyinghumility.Earthisthebasestoftheelementsandplacedinthemidstwiththeheavensallround,itliesopentoeverycelestialemanation.Alltheworkandwasteofheaveniscaughtmidwayinthesinkofearth.Homoinyetanothersensemeansmoisture;asmuchastosay,onewhoiswateredwithgrace;referringtothosehumblesoulswhoreceivetheimmediateinfluxofgrace.InthisinflowinggracethereforthwitharisesthatlightofthemindintowhichGodissendingarayofhisuncloudedsplendour.Inthispowerfullightamortalisasfarabovehisfellowsasalivemanisabovehisshadowonthewall.Thislightisvastlypotent,notmerelybeinginitselfexemptfromtimeandplace,butanythingitfallsuponitrobsoftimeandplaceandbodilysemblanceandeverythingextraneousthereto.AsIhaveoftensaidbefore,weretherenotimenorplacenoraughtbesideitwouldbeallonebeing.Themanwhoisinthissenseoneandcastshimselfintothegroundofhumility,therewillbewateredwithgrace.

Concerningthethirdpoint:thislightdeprivesoftimeandplace.‘Therewasaman.’Whogavehimthislight?Thelightdid.ThisworderatbelongsexpresslytoGod.IntheLatintonguethereisnowordsopropertoGodaseratJohninhisgospelcomestousingeratasasynonymforpurebeing.Thingsareallextras:butadditionispossibleonlyinthought;notbymentaladditionbutbymentalabstraction.Goodnessandtruthareadditions,intheoryatleast,buttheabstractessencewithoutanythingtoitiswhatismeantbyeratAgain,eratimpliesbirth,anendofbecoming.Iwascomingto-day,nowIhavecome;andifweeliminatetimefrommycomingandhavingarrived,thencomingandcomecloseupintoone.Wherecomingandcomecoincide,therewearebornandre-madeandre-formedintohisprimitiveform.Ihaveoftensaidthatallthewhileathing’saughtisamatterofconcreteexistenceitneverwillbere-created;refurbisheditmaybeandcolouredafresh,evenasasealthatisold:thatisrestampedandrenewed.Aheathendoctorsays,Thingsyondernotimecanstale;thereistheblessedlifeintheevermore:faultless,care-free,unalloyedbeing.Solomonsays:‘Thereisnothingnewunderthesun,’thoughthisisseldomtakeninitspropersense.Everythingunderthesungrowsoldanddies,butyonderisnothingbutnew.Timebringstwothings:ageand

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decay.Whatthesunshinesonispresentintime.CreaturesarehereandarefromGod,butyonderwheretheyareinGodtheyarenotatallthesameastheyarchere;theyareasdifferentasthesunisfromthemoon,farmoreso.EratineOyhesays:"theHolyGhostwasinhim,’whereinisbeingandbecoming.‘Therewasaman.’Wherewashe?InJerusalem.Jerusalemmeaningvisionofpeace;itstands,inshort,forman’speaceandprosperity.Itpossiblysignifiesmore.Paulsays,‘Thepeacethatpassethallunderstandingkeepyourheartsandminds.’PrayGodwemaybesuchastoenterintothispeace,whichishimself.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XXII

HETHATHATETHHISSOUL

Quioditanimamsuaminhocmundoinvitamceternumcustodialearn(Joh»1235).IquoteinLatinthegospelsayingofourLord,‘Hethathatethhissoulinthisworldshallkeepitineternallife.’NowmarkwhatitisourLordmeanswhenhespeaksofamanhatinghissoul.Hethatlovethhissoulinthismortallifeandassheexistsinthisworldshallloseherineternallife;buthethathatethhermortalguiseshallkeepheruntolifeeternal.

Therearetworeasonsforhisusingherethewordsoul.Accord-ingtooneauthoritysoulisanamefortheground(orsoil)andhasnothingtodowiththenature(orground)ofthesoul.Asamasterhassaid,Whosodiscoursesofmoveablethingstrenchesnotonthenatureorgroundofthesoul.Trytonamethesoulassheisinherself,inherpureandabstractnature,andnotanamecanwcfind.Theycallhersoulastheycallacarpenter,neitherahumanbeingnorafteranybeingatallbutafterhiswork.WhatourLordmeansisthis:hethatlovethhissoulinhernakedness,herimpartiblesoul-nature,towit,willhateanddespiseherinthisdress.Shehatesanddetestsandruesbeingsofarfromthepurelightsheisinherself.

Ourdoctorssaythesouliscalledfirebecauseoftheforceandbecauseoftheheatandbecauseofthelightthatisinher.Othersdeclaresheisasparkofthecelestialnature.Athirdschoolcallsheralight.Afourthcallsherabreath.Afifthdubsheranumber.Theyaretryingtodescribethesoulbysomethingpureandluminous.Numberexistsintheangelsandinlightthereisnumberaswell,buttonameherafterthehighestandafterfhebrightestisstilltofallshortofthegroundofthesoul.Godisnamelessisineffableandinhergroundthesoultoois

^SeealsoSpamer'sTexte,etc.,A.5.OneLatinandtwoGermanversions.

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ineffableasheisineffable.Thereisanotherreasonforhissayingthatshehates.Thistermweapplytothesoulisthenameofthesoulassheisintheprisonofthebody,sohemeansthesoulinherindividualstate,stillatthestageoftakingthought,stillinherprison-house.Bytakingthoughtforthesenetherthings,bytakingtheminbyhersensesatall,sheisconfined:wordscannotnameanyhighernaturewithinher.

Therearethreereasonswhymysoulshouldhateherself.Thefirst,thatinsofarassheisminesheisnotGod’s.Thesecond,becausemysoulisnotwhollyimbeddedandsetandre-castintoGod.Augustinesays,TohaveGodforone’sownonemustneedsfirstbeGod’s.Thethirdreasonis:thesoul’senjoyingherselfasthesoulwhileenjoyingGodwiththesoul,whichiswrong.SheshouldbeenjoyingGodinherselfsinceheisentirelyhers.AsChristsays,‘hethatlovethhissoulshallloseit.’Whatthesoulisinthisworldorbeholdsinthisworld:thingscomprehended,apparentatall,sheshallhate.Amasterdeclaresthatthesoulatherhighestandpuresttranscendsthewholeworld,nothingattach-ingthesoultotheworldbutaffection.Sometimesshehasanaturalloveofthebody.Sometimesshehasawillinclinedtowardscreatures.Anothersaysthesoulhasnonaturalconcernwiththethingsofthisworldanymorethantheearhaswithcolourortheeyehaswithsong.Ournaturalphilosophersteachthatthebodyismuchratherinthesoulthanthesoulisinthebody.Evenasthecaskcontainsthewineandnotthewinethecask,sodoesthesoulkeepthebodyinherratherthanthebodythesoul.Whatthesoullovesinthisworldsheispurefrombynature.Accordingtoonephilosopher,itisthesoul’snatureandhernaturalendtoachievewithinherselfafeatofunderstanding,Godinformingherwiththegeneralidea.Hethatcansayhehasattainedhisnaturefindsallthingswithinhimself,fashionedinlightastheyareinGod;notastheyareinnaturebutastheyareinGod.Neitherspiritnorangeltouchesthegroundornatureofthesoul.Initshecomesintothefirst,intothebeginning,whenceGodbreaksoutingoodnessintoallcreatures.ThereshelovesallthingsinGod,notpureastheyareinheruncompoundednature,butmerelyimpartibleastheyareinGod.Godhasmadethiswholeworldasitwereoutofcoal.Itspatterningoldismorelastingthanthisoneincoal.Likewisethethingsinthesoularepurerandnoblerthantheyareinthisworld.ThematerialwhichGodmadethingsoutofis(toitsexemplarinGod)baserthancoalistogold.Forthepurposeofmakingacrockamantakesahandfulofclay;that^isthemediumheworksin.Hegivesitaformhehasinhim,noblerthan^^hismaterial.Andthemoralofthisisthatthethingsintheintelligibleworld,thesoul,towit,ffxein.fi;>itelynobler

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thantheyareinthis;evenastheimagehewnandgraveningoldsothetypesofallthingsareonefoldinthesoul.Amastersays,Thesoulhasanaturalgiftforbeingimpressedwiththeformsofallthings.Anotheronesays.Neverdidsoulgettohervirginnaturewithoutfindingallthingsimagedthereinintheintelligibleworldwhichisincompreljensiblc,unthinkable.Gregorysays:Allreasoninginwordsaboutdivinethingsisbutastammering.

OnewordmoreaboutthesoulandIhavedone.‘OyedaughtersofJerusalem,looknotuponmebecauseIambrownIThesunhathcolouredmeandthechildrenofmymotherhavestrivenagainstme’{Cant,I5).Shereferstothechildrenofthisworld,tothemthesoulspeaks.Thesunisthelustofthisworld:thevisible,tangiblethingsthereofdoturnmeswarthyandbrown.Brownisnotapurecolour:itispartlightandpartdarkness.Whenthesoulthinksoractswithherpowershowenlightenedsoeverthesebe,still,thereisconfusion.Andthereforeshesays,

'Mymother’schildrenhavestrivenagainstme.’Thesechildrenbeingthelowerpowersofthesoul,allclashingandatstrifewithher.TheheavenlyFatherisourfatherandChristendomisourmother.Whatthoughshebefairandwell-favouredandgoodatherwork,yetthisisnotperfect.Whereforehecries,‘Othoufairestamongwomengoforthanddepart.’Thisworldislikeawoman,weak.Butwhydoesheaddressher,‘Ofairestamongwomen?’Theangelsarefairandarcfarabovethesoul.Hesays,‘fairest’:inherlight-nature.‘Goforthanddepart’;goforthfromthisworldanddepartfromsuchthingsasthysoulisstillproneto.Andanythinggraspedletherhate.

XXII

THELORDPUTFORTHHISHAND

Misitdominusmanumsuametteligitosmeumetdixitrnihietc,{Jer,I9).‘TheLordputforthhishandandtouchedmymouth

andsaiduntome.’

WhenIpreachitismywonttospeakaboutdetachment,ofthedutyofriddingourselvesofselfandofthings.Oragain,ofreturntotheimpartiblegood,Godtowit.Andthirdly,onthedutyofrememberingthehighandnoblenatureGodhasputintothesoulsothatmortalsmaywonderaboutGod.Fourthly,aboutthepurenatureofGod,theineffablesplendourofGod.Godisa^ord,anunspokenword.Augustinesays:‘Allscriptureisvain.’WosaythatGodisunspoken,butheisunspeakable.Grantheissomewhat:whocanpronouncethisword?NonebuttheWord,^odistheWordwhichpronouncesitself.WhereGodexistshe

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issayingthisWord;wherehedoesnotexisthesaysnothing.Godisspokenandunspoken.TheFatheristhespeakingenergyandtheSunisthespeechenergising.Whatisinmegoesforthofme;Ihavebuttothinkandmywordgoesforth,atthesametimeabidingwithin.EvensodoestheFatherspeakforthhisSonwhomeanwhileremainsinhimunspoken.Ihaverepeatedlysaid,God’sexitishisentrance.InproportiontomynearnesstoGoddoeshespeakhimselfintome.Inthecaseofrationalcreaturesthemoretheygooutofthemselvesintheirworksthemoretheygetintothemselves.Notsowithcorporalthings:themoreactivethesearethefurthertheygetfromthemselves.AllcreaturesdesiretospeakGodintheirworks:theyallofthemspeakhimaswellastheycanbuttheycannotreallypronouncehim.Willy-nilly,inwealorinwoetheyarealltryingtoutterGodwhoyetremainsunspoken.

Davidsaid,‘TheLordishisname.’Lordmeansonesetinauthority;knox)emeansanunderling.SomenamesarepropertoGodandforbiddentoaughtbesideGod.GodisthenamepeculiartoGodjustas7nanisthenameformankind.Amanisamanbehefoolishorwise.Senecasays,‘’Tisavilemanthatexcelsnothumanity.’AnotliernameweassociatewithGodispaternity.Whenwccallamanfatherywetakeforgrantedason.Nofathercanbewithouthavingason.True,theymerge,beyondtime,intoeternalnature.ThethirdnameinitshighersenserelatestoGodandinitsloweronetotime.Godiscalledbymanynamesinscripture.NowIsay,anythingwccanthinkofinGodorputanynameto,thatGodisnot.Godtranscendsname,transcendsnature.WchearofonegoodmanwhoinprayersbesoughtGodforhisname.Then,‘Peace!’quothabrother,

‘thouartabasingGod.’WccanlindnonametogivetoGod;butwearcpermittedtousethenameshissaintshavecalledhimby,thosewhoseheartsinspiredbyGodwereHoodedwithhisdivinelight.Hencewelearn,first,howtopraytoGod.Wcoughttosay.Lord,inthoseverynameswhichthoudidstinstilintotheheartsofsaints,suffusingthemwiththylight,wcpraisetheeandadorethee.AndsecondlywelearnthatingivingGodnonameatallwepraiseandhonourhimsuflicicntlysinceGodisabovenameandineffable.

OutofthefullnessofhispowertheFatherspeakstheSonandiniiimallthings.AllcreaturesarctheutteranceofGod.LikeasmylipsproclaimandtellforthGodsodoesastone’sexistence,andwecangleanmorefromthefactthanfromthetellingofit.Workwroughtbyhighestnatureinitssovranpoweralowernaturecannotcomprehend.Ifitdidtheselfsameworkthenwoulditnotbelower,butthesame.Creaturesallwanttocopy

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Godinalltheydo.Butitispreciouslittletheyareabletoreveal.Eventhehighestangels,inasmuchastheyascendandcomeintouchwithGod,arenomorelikethanblackandwhitetothatwhichisinGod.Itisaltogetherdifferent,whatcreatureshavereceived,yettheyalldesiretospeakasnearlyaspossiblethesame.Theprophetsays:‘Lord,thousayestoneandIunderstandtwo.’WhenGodspeaksintothesoul,asitfallsitdivides.Thehigherwesoarinourunderstandingthemorewearcinhim.Ineternity,theFatherisspeakinghisSonallthetimeandi^ouringforthallcreaturesinhim.Theyallhaveacalltoreturnwhencetheycameforth.Theirwholelifeandnatureisavocation,aflightbacktowhattheycameoutof.

Theprophetsays:‘TheTiOrdsentforthhishand,’meaningtheHolyGhost.Hesays,‘hetouchedmymouth,’andstraightwaytherefollowthewords,‘hespakeuntome.’Themouthofthesoulisthehighestpartofthesoulandshehasthisinmindwhenshesays,‘hehathputlusWordintomymouth,’thisbeingthekissofthesoul;mouthtomouththeFatherconveyshisSonintothesoul,thenhespeakstohi*r,saying,‘Lo,thisdayIhavechosentheetosettheeovernationsandoverkingdoms.’Godsayshewillchooseusto-day.Yonderineternity,wheretimeisnot,thereiseverto-day.‘And1havesettheeovernations,’i,e,abovethisworldwhichthoumustberidof;‘andoverkingdoms,’meaning,thatmorethanonethingistoomuch;itbehovestheetodietoallthingsandgetbacktotheheightwherewedwellintheHolyGhost.Amen.

XXIII

THESFIHITOFTHELOHD

Spiritusdotninireplcvitorhemterrarumetc,{Saj).I7).‘The

spiritoftheLordhathfilledthewholeworld.’

Aphilosophersays,Allcreaturesbearwitnesstothedivine?iaturewhencetheyproceededforth,intheirwilltoemulatetheDeitytheycamefrom.

Creaturesproceedforthintwoways.Thefirstisaradicalprocess,likeI’ootscomingoutofatree.Thesecondemanationisbymodeofwill.Beholdthetwofoldemanationofdivinity.OnethedescentoftheSonfromtheFather,thisaftertliemannerofabirth.Theother,theoutpouringoftheloveofFatherandSon,theHolyGhost,towit,forinhimtheyloveoneanother.Allcreaturesproclaimtheirorigin,theirdivinedescentbetraysitselfintheirworks.AccordingtoaGreekphilosopher,God

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keepsallcreaturesinleash,asitwere,andtheymustfollowwhereheleads.Hencenatureisayemakingforthehighest.

ThesecondemanationistheHolyGhost,bymodeofwill.NaturewouldfainmakenothingbuttheSon;weresheallowedshewoulddofather’swork,sonaturewouldbeevergivingsonsdidshenotsufferaccidentallapses.Whennatureisworkingintimeandspacethenfatherandsonaredifferent.Onemasterexplainsthatacarpenterbuildingahousewillerectitfirstinhismindand,werethehousesubjectenoughtohiswill,then,materialsapart,theonlydifferencebetweenthemwouldbethatofbegetterandsuddenlybegotten.Lo,thusitisinGod,forsincethereisnotimenorplaceinhim,thereforetheyareoneGod,therebeingnodistinctionsaveoutpouringandoutpoured.

Accordingtothescriptures,‘ThespiritoftheLordhathfilledthewholeworld.’WhyishecalledLord?Becausehefillsus.Whyishecalledspirit?Becauseheunitesuswithhimself.Alordisknownbythreesigns.First,heisrich.Richmeanspossessingallthingswithoutstint.HencenoneisreallyrichbutGodinwhomallthingsareharbouredindivisibly.Sohecangiveallthingsandthisisthesecondsignofriches.Aphilosophersays,Godhawkshimselftoallcreaturesandeachtakesasmuchasitwants.ItrowGodoffershimselftomeashedocstothehighestangelandwereIasaptasheisIshouldreceiveashedoes.AsIhaveoftenobserved,Godalwaysbehavesasthoughhewastryingtopleasethesoul.Thethirdsignofrichesis,givingforlove;whosogivethforaughtisnotreallyrich.God’srichnessisshownbyhisgivingallhisgiftsgratis.Assaiththeprophet,

‘ThouartmyGod,thouneedestnotmypossessions.’HealoneistheLordandthespirit.Isay,heisspirit;ourhappinessliesinunionwithhim.

ThemostexcellentworkofGodincreatureisbeing.Myfathergivesmemynaturebuthedoesnotgivememybeing:Goddoesthat,nonebeside.Thatiswhyeverythingthatexiststakessuchashrewddelightinbeing.ThebeingofthesoulreceivestheinfluxofGod’slight;notpureandlimpidasGodsendsitforthbutinambientundulations.Wecanseethesunlightwhereitfallsuponatreeoranyotherobject,butwefailtoappre-hendthesunitself.AndsowithanygiftofGod:thesearcallmetedoutaccordingtothetakernotaccordingtothegiver.

Aphilosophersays,‘Godisthestandardofmeasure,’andsofarasonemortalcontainsmoreGodthananother,tothatextentheiswiserandnoblerandbetterthantheother.TohavemoreofGodsimplymeansbeingmorelikehim:themoreGod’slikenessexistsinusthemorespiritualweare.Aphilosophersays,‘Wherethelowestspiritendsthehighestbodilythingbegins.’Allof

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whichgoestoprovethatGodbeingspirit,theleastofspiritualthingsexcelsthebestofcorporalthings.Soulismoreexcellentthananythingbodily.Souliscontainedinaplace,asitwere,betwixttimeandeternity,touchingthemboth.Withherhigherpowerssheisintouchwitheternity;inherinferiorpowerssheisincontactwithtime.Thus,markyou,intimeshedoesnotfunctionaccordingtotimebutinhereternalnaturewhichshehasincommonwiththeangels.Spiritisasubtlething,bringinglifetoallthelimbsinvirtueofthecloseaccordofsoulwithbody.Albeitspiritisrational,anddoestheentirework,yetwedonotsay,mysouldocssoandso,forbothofthemtogetherareaman.ThisfactImaymakeboldtostate:becauseoftheintimateunionofthebodyandthesoulthesoulisinthesmallestmemberasmuchasinthebodyasawhole.StAugustinesays,‘Theunionofbodyandsoulmaybeclose,butcloserstillistheunionthatspirithaswithspirit.’Lo,heisLordandspirit,mayhebeatifyusbyunitinguswithhim.

ItisapuzzlingquestionhowthesoulsurviveswhenGodimprintshimselfinher.Consider.WereGodtogiveheranyoutwardbeingshewouldscornit;butwhenhegivesherhimselfinhimselfshereceivesandsuffersinhisandnotinherown,hisbeinghers:hehasfetchedheroutofherownsohisisnowhersandhersreallyishis.SoshesuffersinunionwithGod.ThisisthespiritoftheLordwhichhasfilledthewholeworld.Amen.

XXIV

STJOHNSAWINAVISION

StJohnsawinavisionalambstandingonMountSionandwithl^mstoodfortyandfourwhowerenotofthisworldnorhadtheywifelynames.Thesewereallvirginswhostoodnextthelamb,andwhenthelambinclinedtheyinclinedwithhim,singingwiththelambanewsongandhavingtheirnamesandthenameoftheirFatherwrittenintheirforeheads.

Johnsays,‘Ilookedandlo,alambstoodonthemountain.’Isay,Johnhimselfwasthatmountainwhereonhesawthelamb,andwhososeestheLambofGodmusthimselfbethemountain,ascendingtohishighest,purestpart.

Again.Hesayshesawalambstandinguponamountain:whenonethingstandsuponanotheritslowestpointtouchestheother’shighest.Godtouchesallthingsandremainsuntouched.Godisaboveallthingsstandinginhimselfandhisinstancesus-tainsallcreatures.Creatureshaveanuppermostandundermost,^odhasnot.Godisovereverythingandisnottouchedby

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anything.Allcreaturesseekoutsidethemselves,inoneanother,whattheylack.Goddoesnot.Goddoesnotlookoutsidehim-self:everythingthatcreatureshaveGodhasentireinhim;heisthefloor,theroofofereatures.True,oneispriortoanotherdowntotheverylast,onebeingbornbeforeanother:thoughereaturegivesnotofherbeingtohim,yetshekeepssomeofhis.Godisasimplepresence,astay-at-homeinhimself.Withanycreature,asregardshernoblenature,themoreshesitsathomethemoreofherselfshegivesout.Acommonstone,likelimestone,forexample,givesitselfoutastoneandnothingmore.Butapreciousstone,thishasgreatpowerbecauseofsomethinginit,someinteriorfastnesswhereinitrearsitsheadand,sotospeak,peersout.Accordingtothemasters,nocreatureissostay-at-homeasbodyandsoul,norgoessofarafieldasthesoul’shighestpart.

Hesays,‘Isawalambstanding.’Fromwhichwelearnfourthings.First,thelambisfedandclothedandthatingoodlyfashion,whichtoourmindlooksasthoughwe,havinggottensomuchfromGodandthatsogoodly,arcboundtoseekinallwedoonlyhishonourandhisglory.Again,thelambstood.Itisgoodforfriendtostandbyfriend.Godstandsbyus,isstandingbyus,steadyandunmoved.Hesays:‘Therestoodwithhimamulti-tude,eachhavingwritteninhisforeheadhisnameandthenameofhisFather.’liCtatleastGod’snamebewritteninus.WemustbearGod’simageinusandliislightmustlightenus,ifwewouldbeJohn.

XXV

THELORDHATHSENTHISANGEL

Nuncsciovere,quiamisiidoininusangelumswum{ActFreedfromhisprisonbondsbythepowerofthesupremeGod,Peterexclaims,‘NowIknowofasuretythattheLordhathsenthisangelandhathdeliveredmeoutofthepowerofHerod,outofthehandoftheenemy.’

Wewillreversethewordsandsay,‘TheLordhathsenthisangel,thereforeIknowofasurety.’Petersymbolisesintuition.AsIhaveoftensaid,intuitionandintellectdonotunifythesoulinGod.Intellectisamatterofpurebeing.Intuition,itsfore-runner,goesaheadandpenetratestowhatisbornthere:God’sonc-begottenSon.OurLorddeclares,inMatthew,thatnooneknowstheFatherbuttheSon.Now,philosopherssayunder-standingliesinlikeness.Someofthemsaythesoulismadeofallthingssincesheiscapableofunderstandingallthings.Thatsoundsridiculous,butitistrue.TheysaythatanythingIknowmust

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bewhollypresenttomeinthelikenessofmyunderstanding.Butaccordingtothesaints,powerisintheFather,likenessintheSonandunionintheHolyGhost.Hence,iftheFatherisallpresenttotheSonandtheSonisall-tolikehim,thereforenooneknowstheFatherbuttheSon.

Petersays,‘NowIknowofasurety.’Whydoesheknowofasurety?Becauseitisdivinelightwhichdoesnotdeceive.Andbecauseweseeinitquiteclearlywithoutanythingtohidetheview.Paulsaysconcerningit:‘Goddwellsinlightinacces-sible.’Doctorsdeclarethatthewisdomwelearnherestayswithusyonder.StPaulsaysitwillgo.Aphilosopheroncesaid,‘Realknowledge,eveninthisbody,isintrinsicallysodelightfulthatthesum-totalofcreatedthingsisnothingtothejoysofpureperception.’Yetnoblethoughitbe,itisbutcontingent;asonesmallwordtoalltheworldeventhusinsignificantisallthewisdomwelearnherecomparedwiththewholeandperfecttruth.Lookyou.Paulsaysitgoes.Andevenifitstayeditwouldturntofoolishnessandbeasnothingtotheactualtruthwesee.Thirdly,wesurelyknow,forthingsseenhereaschangingweseeaschangelesstherewherewegetthemasawholeandindivisible,approximatelyone,thingswidelysunderedherebeingclosetogethertherewhereallthingsareathand:boththefirstdayandthelastarchappeningatthepresentinstantyonder.

‘NowIknowofasuretythattheLordhathsenthisangel.’WhentheLordsendshisangeltothesoulshebecomessure-knowing.NotunjustlyGodordainedPetershouldkeepthekey.ForPeterstandsforintuition,anditisintuitionwiththekeythatunlocksandgoesinandfindsGodfacetoface,whereuponshenotifiesherfindtoherpartner,will,shehavinghadthewillbefore,forwhatIwillIseek.Perceptionleadstheway.Itistheprincessseekingtheprinceuponthemountain-top,invirginrealms;sheproclaimshimtothesoulandsoultonatureandnaturetothepassionsofthebody.Sonobleisthesoulatherhighestandherbest,thedoctorscannotfindheranyname.Theycallheranimabecausesheanimatesthebody.

TheologianssaythatnexttothefirstemanationoftheGodhead,whentheSonbreaksoutoftheFather,hisangelismostliketoGod.True,soulisliketoGodinherhighestpart,butthisangelisevenmorelikeGod.Allthatbelongstothisangelisgodlike.Theangelwassenttothesoultobringherbacktotheverysameformwhereinheisformed,forknowledgecomesbylikeness.Thesouliscapableofknowingallthingsandsheneverreststillsheattainsheroriginalformwhereinallthingsareone;itistheresherests,inGod.InGodonecreatureisnobetterthananother.Accordingtothemasters,beingandknowingarethesame,for

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thingsthatarenotarenotknownandthingsthataremostaremostknown.Godhastranscendentbeing,sohetranscendsallknowing,asIsaidinmyfirstsermontwodaysback.Thesoul,informedwithprimitivelight,sealedwiththesealofpurebeing,smackingofGodpriortotruthandgnosis,witheverynamednaturesloughedaway:thesoul(Isay)atthisstageofall-perfectknow-ledgehasgottenbeingtomatch.AsStPaulsays,‘Goddwellsinlightinaccessible.’Hehangssuspendedinhisownpurebeingwheretonaughtisattached.Heismerelyapresenceinhimself,whereneitherthisnorthatexists,forwhatisinGodisGod.

Aheathensays.TheythathangunderGodarchanginginGod,andwhilehavingrealsubsistenceinthemselvesdoyetimpendinhimwhohasneitherendnorbeginning,forinGodnothingalienbetides.Heavenaffordsusanexample.Itnevertakesinaliensasaliens.Andbythesametoken,whatgetstoGodischanged:howevervileitbe,onbringingittoGoditshedsitsself.Forin-stance,Imayhavewisdombutnotbeit.Icangainwisdomandcanalsoloseit.ButwhatisGod’sisGod,*itcannotleavehim.ItisimplantedinGod’snature;God’snaturebeingsostablethatanythingtodowithitissettledinitonceforalloralwaysstopsoutside.NowreflectandmarvelIIfGodconvertsvilethingsintohimself,howweenyehewilltreatthesoul,whichhehasdignifiedwithhisownimage?

XXVI

THEFEASTOFTHEVIRGIN

JEmulorenimvosdeicemulationeetc,{2Cor.llg).InthenameofourLord.WereadontheFeastoftheVirginthewordsofStPaul,‘Ihaveespousedyoutoonehusband,Christ,rejuvenant.’Themastersask,‘HastheSonbeenborn?’Wesay,no!Themastersask,‘IstheSongoingtobeborn?’Wesay,noIThemastersareanswered:theSonisfullyborn,heisbeingbornanewunceasingly.StPaulsays,‘ChrististhepowerofGodandthewisdomofGod.’Hispowerishiswisdomandhiswisdomishispower.Christisthemanwhoseyouthisperenniallyrenewed.

NowStPaulsays,‘TothismanIhaveespousedyou.’Forasmarriagebetweenmanandwifeisbinding,sothereiseternalmarriagebetweenyoursoulsandGod.Amaidisgiventoamanhopingtobearhischild.AndGoddidmakethesoulintendinghertobearinherhisone-begottenSon.ThehappeningofthisbirthinMafyghostlywastoGodbetterpleasingthanhisbeingbomofherinflesh.Andthissamebirthto-dayintheGod-lovingsouldelightsGodmorethanhiscreationoftheheavensandearth.

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Thephilosopherssaythesoulisbiggerthantheheavens.StJohnsays:‘Hewhosatuponthethronedeclared,“Behold,Imakeallthingsnew.”’Now,accordingtoStAugustine,‘God’sspeakingishischild-bearingandhischild-birthishisWord.’Godspakeneverawordbutoneandthatheholdssodearthathewillneversayanother.IfGodstoppedsayinghisWord,butforaninstanteven,heavenandearthwoulddisappear.Augustinesays:‘Asthemarriageofmanandwomanisforgoodandall,soisthemarriageofthesoul.’Thehighestpowerofthesoul,theoneforeverstraininguptoGod,iscalledtheman.Thelowerpower,theonethatiscondemnedtowanderamongmortals,isthemaid.Thehigherpower,theman,goesalluncovered.Butthelowerpower,themaid,iscloselyveiledandthislowerpoweristakentothehigher.Tothisnatureitbelongstobealwaysactive.Ittriesallthetime,father-like,tobeget;andwereitnotprevented,asonwouldbealwaysbeingbornaswiththeheavenlyFather.ButwhatGoddoesofhisfreegift(man’s)naturehindersandagirlisborn;butwerethereneithertimenorplacenormatter,manwouldrejuvenatehimselfastheSondoestheFather,always.

Godsaid:‘BeholdImakeallthingsfruitful.’ThenwhyamImyselfnotfruitful?GodfirstbearshisimageintheGod-lovingsoulandafterwardshimself.IfGodgavehimselftothesoulhereintimeshewouldbevexed.Sohegivesherhimselfineternity,intheperennialnow,up-springingfreshlywithoutceasing.Sheistoocurioustorestuntilshefindshersource.ThisisquiteplainfromPhilip’swords:‘ShowustheFatherandweshallbesatisfied.’AstheeternalSonofGodcomeswellingupinhispaternalheart,sohewellsupintheGod-lovingsoul.Mortalthingsworkoutwardly,ghostlythingsworkinwardly.Thesoulthisbirthoncehappensin,thatsoulisnighletintoGod;ifithappenstwiceshegetsstillmoreintoGod.ThemorefrequentthisbirththedeeperinGodandthecloserknitintotheFather’sheart.Thisbirthtranscendshereandnow.Here^thatis,place;noWythatis,time.Itbefallsineternity.Maywe,beingborninhim,enablehimtobearhimselfinus.SohelpusFather,SonandHolyGhost.Amen.

XXVII

REJOICEINTHELORD

Gaudeteindominieiterumgaudeteetc,{Philip,44).StPaulsays:‘RejoiceintheLordandhavenomorecare:theLordispresentwithyourthoughtswhichareknownuntoGodinprayerandthanks-giving.’‘RejoiceintheLordalway,’hesays.JeromedeclaresthatnonereceivesknowledgenorwisdomnorhonourfromGod

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excepthebeavirtuousman.Novirtuousmanishewho,changingnothisways,docsnotreceivefromGodknowledgeandwisdomandjoy.Hesaysagain:‘RejoiceintheLord.’NotinourLordbutintheI^ord.IhaverepeatedlyexplainedthatGod’slordshipconsistsnotaloneinhisbeinglordofallcreatures:hislordshipconsistsinhavingthepowertocreateathousandworldsandtotranscendthemeveryoneinhispureessence:thereinlieshislordship.

‘RejoiceintheLord(alway),’hesays.Andherewenotetwoprecepts.First,thatwemustremainallwithinintheLord,notlookingforhimoutsidewhetherinknowledgeorinlove:simplyrejoicewithinintheLord.Theotherpreceptis:rejoiceinhisinnermostinhisfirst,whenceallthingsgettheirjoyandtaketheirbeing.Thatisthemeaningof‘Rejoicealway.’AsStAugustinehathit,‘Herejoicesallthetimewhoisrejoicingabovetimeandtimelcssly.’Thenhegoesontosay:‘Havenomorecare.TheLordispresent,isathand.’ThesoulmustneedscastoffallcarewhattimesheisrejoicingintheLord,leastwiseonherunionwithGod.Andhencehiswords,‘Havenomorecare:theLordispresent,heisnigh.’Inotherwords,Godiswithusinourinmostsoul,providedhefinduswithinandnotgoneoutonbusinesswithourfivesenses.Thesoulmuststopathomeinherinnermost,purestself;beeverwithinandnotflyingout:thereGodispresent,Godisnigh.

Anothermeaningoftheparticlebywhichheemploys.Heisinhimself,notgoingfaroutbutremainingallbyhimself.QuothDavid;‘Rejoice,mysoul,OLord,foruntotheehaveIliftedherup.’ThesoulmustputforthallherstrengthtoliftherselfaboveherselfandbetranslatedbeyondtimeandplaceintothevoidwhereGodisinandbyhimself,notgoingoutnorekeintouchwithanyoutsidething.Jeromeremarksthat‘Godcannomorehaverecoursetotimeandtemporalthingsthanstonescanhaveangelicwisdom.’Hesays:‘TheLordisnigh.’QuothDavid:‘Godisnighuntoallthemthatcalluponhim,thatcalluponhimintruthandinvokehim.’Howtocalluponhim,tocalluponhimintruth,toinvokehim,thatIleaveaside.Butheusesthewords‘intruth.’TheSonaloneisthetruthandnottheFather,saveinthesensethattheyareonetruthintheiressence.ThatistruthwhichrevealswhatIhaveinmyheartwithoutlikeness.Thisrevelationistruth.TheSonaloneisthetruth.ThewholecontentoftheFather’slovehespeaksatonceinhisSon.Thisutterance,thisact,isthetruth.

Hegoesontosay:‘YourthoughtsarcknownuntohimintheLord,’i.e.inthistruthwiththeFather.Faithinheresinin-tellectuallightandsightinthecombativefacultywhichisalways

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aspiringtothehighestandthepurest:tothetruth,whereGodisinhimself.Ihavesometimessaid,watchmethesesouls:theirpoweristoofree,toopassionatetobearrestraintofanykind.

XXVIII

THEANGELGABRIELWASSENT^

MissusestGabrielangelusetc.{Luc.Ige).StLukesaysinhisgospel,‘theangelwassentfromGodintoalandcalledGalilee,intoatowncalledNazareth,toavirgincalledMary,whowasofthehouseofDavid.’AccordingtoBede,thetheologian,thiswasthebeginningofoursalvation.IhavesaidbeforeandsayagainthateverythingourLordhaseverdonehedidsimplytotheendthatGodmiglitbewithusandthatwemightbeonewithhim,andthatisthereasonwhyGodwasmademan.ThemasterssaythatGodwaseverbeingborninourLadyghostlyereeverhewasbornofherinflesh,andfromtheoverflowofthatbegettingwhereintheheavenlyFatherbegathisone-begottenSonwithinhersoultheeternalWordreceiveditshumannatureinherandshebecamewithcarnalchild.

Hesays,‘theangelwassentfromGod.’ThesoulwouldscorntohavetheangeliclightwereitnotsenttoherfromGod;iftherewerenotconcealedinitthelightofGodtomaketheangel’slightdetectable,shewouldhavenoneofit.

Hesays,‘theangel.’Whatisanangel?Threedoctorsgivethreedifferentdefinitionsofwhatanangelis.Dionysiussays,AnangelisamirrorwithoutflawandpassingclearcontainingthereflectionofGod’slight.Augustinesays,AnangelisnighuntoGodandmatterisnighuntohim.JohnDamascenesays.AnangelisareflectionofGodandthroughallthatishisthereisshiningtheimageofGod.ThesoulhasthisimageinhersummitwhereonthelightofGodforevershines.Thisishisfirstdefinitionofanangel.Lateronhecallshimadividingsword,aflamewithdivinedesire,and,headds,‘angelsarefreeandinimicaltomatter.’

Hesays,‘theangelwassentfromGod.’Whatfor?Accord-ingtoDionysius,anangelhasthreefunctions.First,hepurifies,nextheenlightens,andlastlyheperfects.Hepurifiesthesoulfromstain,i.e.hepurgesherfrommatterandgathershertogethertoherself,cleansingherfromfoulnessasoneangeldoesanother.Thenheenlightensherintwofoldfashion.Divinelightissooverwhelmingthatthesoulisunabletobearitunlessitistemperedintheangel’slightandsoconveyedintothesoul.Heenlightens

^SeealsoSievera’No.2.

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herthereforebyreflection.TheangelconveyshisownknowledgetothesoulandstrengthensherinthiswaytobearthelightofGod.

IfIwereinawildernessaloneandwasafraid,thepresenceofachildwoulddissipatemydreadandgivemecourage,sonoble,soblitheathingislife.Failingachild,abeastwouldcomfortme.Hencenecromancersuseananimal,adog(forinstance),theanimal’svitalityinvigoratingthem.Knowledgeispower.TheangelconveyedittothesoulinpreparationforthelightofGod.

Hesays,‘theangelwassentfromGod.’ThesoulmustbelikeanangelinthewaysthatIhavenamediftheSonistobesenttoherandborninher.Butthereremainsthequestionofhowtheangelperfectsher.MayGodsendhisangeltous.SohelpusGod.Amen.

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THEANGELGABRIELWASSENT

MissusestGabrielangelus(Luc.Ige).‘IntimetheangelGabrielwassentfromGod.’Inwhattime?Inthesixthmonth,Johnbeingthenquickwithinhismother’swomb.Whenanyoneasksme,Whydoweprayorwhydowefastordoourworkwithal,Isay,SothatGodmaybeborninoursouls.WhatwerethescriptureswrittenforandwhydidGodcreatetheworldandtheangelicnature?SimplythatGodmightbeborninthesoul.Allcerealnaturemeanswheat,alltreasurenaturemeansgold,allgenerationmeansman.Asthephilosophersays.Noanimalexistsbuthassomewhatincommonwithmankindintime.Firstofallwhenawordisconceivedinmyminditisasubtle,intangiblething;itistruewordwhenittakesshapeinmythought.Later,asspokenaloudbymymouth,itisbutanoutwardexpressionoftheinteriorword.EvensotheeternalWordisspokenintheinner-mostandpurestrecessesofthesoul,inthesummitofherrationalnature,andtherebefallsthisbirth.Whosohasnothingmorethanafirmbeliefinandlivelyconvictionofthiswillbegladtoknowhowthisbirthcomestopassandwhatconducestoit.

StPaulsays:‘InthefullnessoftimeGodsenthisSon.’StAugustinewasaskedwhatitmeant,thisfullnessoftime.Itisthefullness(orend)ofthedaywhenthedayisdone:thenthedayisover.Certainitisthatthereisnotimewherethisbirthbefalls,fornothinghindersthisbirthsomuchastimeandcreature.ItisanobviousfactthattimeaffectsneitherGodnorthesoul.Didtimetouchthesoulshewouldnotbesoul.IfGodwereaffectedbytimehewouldnotbeGod.Further,iftimecouldtouchthesoul,thenGodcouldnotbebominher.ThesoulwhereinGodisbornmusthaveescapedfromtime,andtimemust

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havedroppedawayfromher;shemustbeabsolutelyoneinwillanddesire.

Anotherfullnessoftime.Ifsomeonehadtheknowledgeandthepowertogatherupthetimeandallthehappeningsofthesesixthousandyearsandallthatistocomeeretheworldendstoboot,allthis,summedupintoonepresentnow,wouldbethefullnessoftime.Thisisthenowofeternity,whenthesoulknowsallthingsinGod,asnewandfreshandlovelyasIfindthemnowatpresent.Thenarrowestofthepowersofmysoulismorethanheavenwide.Tosaynothingoftheintellectwhereinthereismeasurelessspace,whereinIamasnearaplaceathousandmilesawayasthespotIamstandingonthismoment.Theologiansteachthattheangelhostsarecountless,thenumberofthemcannotbeconceived.Buttoonewhoseesdistinctionsapartfrommultiplicityandnumber,tohim,Isay,ahundredisasone.WerethereahundredPersonsintheGodheadhewouldstillperceivethemasoneGod.

Asregardstheangels.Theangels,ofwhateverrank,abetandassistatGod’sbirthinthesoul;thatistosay,theyhavesatisfac-tion,theydelightandrejoiceinthisbirth.Nothingiswroughtbytheangels:thebirthisduetoGodaloneandanythingthatministerstheretoisworkofservice.MayGodbeborninus,SohelpusGod.Amen.

XXX

‘VISIONISTHEWHOLEREWARD'

Beatuses,SimonBariona,quiacaroetsanguisnonrevelavittibi^sedpatermeus,quiincoelisest{Matt,I617).‘Blessedartthou,

SimonPeter,’saysourLord,‘forfleshandbloodhavenotrevealedittothee,butmyFatherwhichisinheaven.’StPeterhasfournames:PeterandBarjonaandSimonandCephas.OurLordsays,‘Blessed(orhappy)artthou.’Everyonedesireshappiness.Asthephilosopherhathit.Allmendesiretobe.HenceStAugustine’sdictum,Thegoodmanwantsnopraise,hewantstobepraiseworthy.Andourowndoctorsteachwithalthatvirtueissopure,sowhollyabstractanddetachedfromcorporalthingsinthegroundandsummitofitsnaturethatnothingwhat-evercanoccurthereinwithoutdefilingvirtueandintroducingvice.Theleastthoughtorsuggestionofself-seekinganditisnotvirtue:itisturnedtovice.Suchisvirtuebynature.

Aheathenphilosophersays,Virtue,exceptforvirtue’ssake,isinuowiseavirtue.^Ifitsobjectis'praiseoraughtelse,thatis.

a

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barteringvirtue.GenuinevirtuJ^snottobesoldforanythingonearth.Whereforethegoodmanseeksnopraise:heseekstobepraiseworthy.Itisnotthechidingthatweoughttomindbutthefactofdeservingtobechidden.

^Blessedartthou,’quothourLord.Beatitudeliesinfourthings.Tohaveallthathasbeingandislustilytobedesiredandbringsdelight;tohaveitallatonceandwholeintheundividedsoulandthatinGod,revealedinitsperfection,initsflower,whereitfirstburgeonsforthinthegroundofitsexistence,andallcon-ceivedwhereGodisconceivinghimself—thatishappiness.ThenamePetermeansseerofGod.Now,theologiansquestionwhetherthekernelofexternallifeliesmoreinintellectorwill.Willhastwooperations:desireandlove.Intellect,withitssimplefunction,isthereforebetter;itsworkisunderstanding,anditneverstopstillitgetsanakedholdonwhatitsees.Withalitninsaheadofwillandtellsitwhattolove.Wedesireathingwhileasyetwedonotpossessit.Whenwehaveitweloveit:desirethenfallingaway.

WhatmustamanbetoseeGod?Hemustbedead.‘Nomancanseemeandlive,’saidourLord.NowStGregorysays,‘Thatmanisdeadwhoisdeadtotheworld.’Yecanjudgeforyourselveshowdeadonemaybeandhowlittlecantouchusthethingsofthisworld.BydyingtothisworldwedonotdietoGod.StAugustineprayedavarietyofprayers.‘Grantme,Lord,’hesaid,‘toknowboththeeandme.’‘OLord,havemercyuponmeandshowmethyfaceandgrantmethatIdienotuntilIeternallybeholdthee.’Thisisthefirstpoint;onemustbedeadtoseeGod.Somuchforthefirstname,Peter.

Onephilosophersays,weretherenomeansweshouldsecthebelovedinheaven.Butanotheronesays,weretherenomeansweshouldseenothing.Bothofthemareright.Thecolouronthewallwhichiscarriedtomyeyeisfilteredandrefinedintheairandinthelightandtransmittedinapurestatetomyeye.EvensothesoulmustbestrainedbylightandgracebeforeitcanseeGod.Soratheristhatmasterrightwhosaidthatwithoutmeansweshouldnotseeatall.Buttheotheroneisalsorightwhosaidthatwithoutmeansweshouldseethebelovedinheaven.ForthesoulwouldseeGodnakediftherewerenothingbetween.

Thesecondname,Barjona,signifiesasonofgrace,inwhomthesoul,clarifiedandsublimed,ismeetforthevisionofGod.

ThethirdnameisSimon.Thatistosay,onewholistens,onewhoobeys.TohearGodonemustbedivorcedfromtheworld.Davidsays,‘IwillbestillandlistentowhatGodissayinginme.’HepronouncespeaceinhisWord,onhissaints,onhispeople,onallsuchascommunewiththeirheart.Happythemanwhois

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busyattendingtowhatGodissayinginhim.Heisdirectlysubjecttothedivinelight-ray.ThesoulthatstandswithallherpowersunderthelightofGodisfiredandinflamedwithdivinelove.Thedivinelightshinesstraightinfromabove,andaperpendicularsunonone’sheadisathingthatfewcansurvive.Yetthehighestpowerofthesoul,herhead,ishelderectbeneaththisshaftofgodlylightsothattherecanshineinthislightdivinewhichIhaveoftdescribedasbeingsobright,sooverwhelming,sotranscendent,thatalllightsarebutdarknessincomparisonwiththislight.Allcreatures,assobeing,areasnaught;dowsedinthelightwhereintheygettheirbeingtheyareaught.IIownoblesoeverthenaturalmindyettoreach,tograspGodwithoutmeansthesoulmustpossessthesesixqTialificationsIspeakof.

First,sheisdeadtochangingthings.Next,sheiswellclarifiedinlightandgrace.Thirdly,sheiswithoutmeans.Fourthly,shehearsGod’sWordinherheart.Fifth,sheisunderthedivinelight.Thesixthistheheathenphilosopher’sdefinitionofhappiness:oneperpetualascensionandvisionofbeatitudeinGod.WheretheSonhimselfisunderstanding,inhisfirstleapingforth,thereinGod’shighestwetooshallunderstand.Whereforeitbehovesustokeepourheadturnedsteadfastlythatway.

Cephasmeansahead.Understandingistheheadofthesoul.Thesuperficialnotionisthatlovestandsfirst.Rutthesoundestargumentsexpresslystate(whatisthetruth)thatthekernelofeternallifeliesratherinknowledgethaninlove.Thismark,forourbestmasterssay,willnospecialthing,andlo!intellect,under-standing,thisflicsstraightuptoGod.Loveturnstotheloved:shefindstherewhatisgood.Intellectseizesthecauseofthegood.Honeyissweeterinitselfthananythingwemakefromit.LovetakesGodasbeingsweet,butintellectgoesdeeperandconceivesGodasbeing.‘Blessedartthou,SimonPeter,’quothourLord.TotherighteousmanGodgivesdivinebeing,andcallshimbythenamewhichisappropriatetothatbeing.Thushegoesontospeakof‘myFatherwhichisinheaven.’AmongnamesnoneismoreappropriatethanHe-who-is.Thatoneshouldrecogniseathingandsimplysay,itis,wouldseemabsurd;callitastone,abitofwood,andweknowwhatthatmeans.Butsupposeevery-thingdetached,abstracted,paredaway,andnothingleftexcepttheis;thatisthecharacteristicnatureofhisname.OurLordpromisedhisdisciples,‘MyfollowersshallsitatmytableinmyFather’skingdom,andshalleatmymeatanddrinkmydrinkwhichmyFatherhathpreparedforme.’HappyisthewightwhohasattainedtoreceivingwiththeSonjustwheretheSonreceives.Righttherewetooshallfindourhappiness,andtherein

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hisfelicity,therewherehehashisbeing,inthatsamegroundhisfriendsshallallbeholdandthenceshalldrawtheirhappiness.ThatisthetableinGod’skingdom.MayWeapproachthattable.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XXXI

THEMANINTHESOUL

Virmensseroustuusmortuusest{4Reg.4j_7).Thewomansaidtotheprophet,‘Myhusbandthyservantisdeadandthecreditorsarecometotakemytwosonsasbondsmenforthedebt,forIhavenothingbutadropofoil.’Thensaidtheprophet,‘Goborrowemptyvesselsandpouralittlein:itwillincreaseandmultiplyandwillpaythydebtandreleasethysons.Thouandthychildrencanliveontherest.’

Thespark{i.e.theintellect,theheadofthesoul),theso-calledhusbandofthesoul,isnoneotherthanasparkofthedivinenature,adivinelight,aray,animprintofdivinity.AwomanbeggedourLordforthewaterwhichhegives.Whosodrinksofthisshallneverthirst.Theologianssay,thebestgiftofGodistheHolyGhostwhereinGodbestowsallhisgraceandfavour,hislivingwater,namely.‘WhomIgivethistoshallneverthirst.’Thiswaterisgraceandlightupspringinginthesoultoeverlastinglife.

Thewomansaid,‘Sir,givemeofthiswater.’AndourLordreplied,‘Bringmethinehusband.’Shesaid,‘Ihavenohusband.’QuothourLord,‘Tliouhastwellsaid;thouhastnotone,thouhasthadfive,andhewhomnowthouhastisnotthinehusband.’StAugustineasks:‘WhydocsourLordreply,“Thouhastwellsaid”?’Whathemeansisthis:thyfivesenses,thesearethefivehusbandsthouhadstinthyyouth,afterthineownheart;nowinthineagethouhastone,notthineown:intellect,namely,andthisthoudostnotobey.Whenthemaninthesoul,theintellect,isdead,uncheckedevilprevails.Toseparatesoulandbodyisbadenough,butforthesoultobedivorcedfromGod,thatisafarworsematter.AsthesoulisthelifeofthebodysoGodisthelifeofthesoul.AsthesoulsuffusesourmemberssoGodsuffusesthepowersofthesoulandispassedonbythemingoodnessandlovetoeverythingroundthattheymaybeawareofhimasflowingallthetime,i.e.abovetime,ineternityandinthelifetheylive.

Thewomansaid,‘Sir,myhusbandthyservantisdead.’Serousmeansonewhoreceives,receivinganother’s;onewhokeepsandkeepsforanother.Tokeepforhimselfwouldmake

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himathief.Intellectisaservant,moresothanwillisorlove.WillandlovefallonGodasbeinggood:werehenotgoodtheywouldignorehim.Butintellectpiercesrightthroughintoessence,recklessofgoodness,ofpower,ofwisdom,ofthingsaccidentalwhatevertheybeandaddedtoGod.Notlookingfortheseshegetstheminhimwhen,mergedintohisessence,sheknowsGodsimplyasexistence.Whatthoughhebenotgoodnorjust,yetsheenjoyshimaspurebeing.Hereintellectislikethehighestrankofangelsofwhichtherearethreechoirs.TheThronesreceiveGodintothemandpreserveGodinthemselves.IntheCherubimGodrests;theysecGodcontinually.TheSeraphimareardent(burning):liketotheseistheGod-bearingintellect.WiththeseangelstheintellectspiesGod,inhisvestibule,naked,asonewithoutdifference.

Quoththewoman,‘Sir,myhusbandthyservantisdead,andthecreditorshavecomeformytwosons.’Whatarcthetwosonsofthesoul?StAugustine,andwithhimaheathendoctor,speaksofthetwofacesofthesoul.Oneisturnedtowardsthisworldandtowardsthebody,inthissheworksvirtueandwisdom.TheotherfacegazesstraightintoGod;thedivinelightisalwaysinit,andthistellsuponitunless,throughbeingfromhome,shehasitunawares.WhenthesparkoftheintellectcarriesrightintoGod,thenthemanisalive.Thebirthlakesplace.Notonceayearithappensnoryetonceamonthnoronceadaybutallthetime,beyondtime,intheopen,wherethereisneitherherenornownorthoughtnornature.Thatiswhywespeakofsons,notdaughters.

Now,tospeakofthetwosonsinanothersense.Asunder-standingandwill.Understandingleapsoutoftheintellectfirstandisafterwardsfollowedbywill,fromthemboth.Butnomoreofthis.—Thesetwosonsofintellectmaybetakeninyetanotherway.Oneaspower,theotherasactuality.Oneheatlicndoctorsaysthatitisinthispowerthesoulbecomesallthings,ideally.Inheractualitysheis,liketheFather,makingallthingsnew.ItpleasedGodtosealherinthenatureofallcreatures:beforetheworldwhensheexistednot.Godwroughtthiswholeworldghostlyineverysingleangelbeforehemadetheworlditself.Anangelhastwounderstandings.Theoneismorninglight,theotheristheeveninglight.InthemorninglightheseeseverythinginGod.Intheeveninglightheseesthingsinthelightofhisownnature.Whenhegoesoutintothingsitgrowsnight.Solongasheremainswithinhehastheeveninglight.Wesaythattheangelsrejoicewhenamanbecomesgood.But,ourbestdoctorsask,dotheangelsalsorepinewhenamancommitssin?Wesay:No;theyseeintothejusticeofGodandenjoyallthingstherein

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astheyareinGod.Thereforetheydonotrepine.Intellectinitspotentialpowerisliketheangel’snaturallight,i,e.theeveninglight.WithheractualpowersheraisesallthingsupintoGod,whereallthingsarebathedinthemorninglight.

Quoththewoman,‘Thecreditorsarecometoseizemytwosonsfortheirslaves.’Thensaidtheprophet,‘Goborrowemptyvesselsfromthyneighbours.’Theseneighboursmeanallcreaturesandthefivesensesandthepowersofthesoulwithherinteriorfacultieswhichworkinsecretandareangels.Fromalltheseneighboursborrowemptyvessels.Letusborrowemptyvessels;thesefilledwithheavenlywisdomwillgiveusmeanstopayourdebtand,ontherest,toliveeternally.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XXXII1

THESOULSPARK

Homoquidamfecitcoenammagnum{Luc,StLukerelates

inhisgospelhow‘acertainmangaveagreatsupperoreveningentertainment.’Whomakesit?Acertainman.Whatdoeshemeanbycallingitasupper?Onemastersaysthisbetokensgreataffection,seeingnonearcbiddensavetheintimatesofGod.*Whenwegiveamorningpartyallandsundryareinvitedbuttoaneveningmealwcinviteimportantpeople,thepeoplethatwelikeandourownfamiliarfriends.*Secondly,hehasinmindhowperfectarethosesoulswhoenjoythiseveningmeal.Theeveningnevercomeswithoutawholedayhavinggonebefore.Weretherenosuntherewerenoday.Sunrise,thatismorninglightwhichgoesongettingbrighteruptomiddle-day.Justasthedivinelightrisinginthesoulgraduallyeclipsesthepowersofthesouluntiltheadventofthenoon.Noday,nospiritualday,atallcandawnwithinthesoulexceptshereceivedivinelight.*Divinelightbreaksintothesoulandmakeshermorning,andthesoulmountsupinthislightintospace,tothezenithathighnoon.*Thirdly,heimpliesthattotakethissupperworthilywehavetocomeatevening.Whenthelightofthisworldfailsitistheevening.AsKingDavidsings,‘HerisethintheeveningandHisnameitistheLordI’SoJacobateventidedidlayhimdowntosleep.Thisbetokenspeaceofmind.Fourthly,heremembers,asStGregorypointsout,thataftersuppertherecomesnoothermeal.*Whenthesparkinthesoultakesindivinelightitneedsnoothersustenancebutkeepsevertothisdivinelight.*

^SeealsoJostes,Nos.1and;andSpainer’sTexte,A.4(3versions),fromwhichthestarredpassagesareadded.

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TowhomGodgrantsthisprovender,sofragrant,sodelicious,thatsoulshallneverrelishanyotherfare.

StAugustinesays,‘Godisofsuchanaturethatonceembracinghimwecanneverrestelsewhere.’StAugustinesays,‘Lord,sothoutakefromusthyself,grantusthenanothertheeorweshallhavenorest;wehavenomindforaughtbutthee.’OneholymansaysoftheGod-lovingsoul,thatshegetsoutofGodwhatsoevershewill,befoolinghimsothoroughlyhecandenyhernotathingthereis.Hetookhimselfinonewayandgavehimselfanotherway:hetookhimselfGod-and-manandgavehimselfGod-and-Man,anotherselfinamysticvessel.Veryprecioushallowsarcnotwantonlyexposedtopublicgazeandtouch.Sohecladhim-selfinthefrockoftheappearanceofbread,evenasmybodilyfoodisalteredinmysoul,whichisnotinmynatureforaninstantwithoutcombiningwithit.Forthereisapowerinnaturewhichseparatesthebaseandthrowsitout,andthehighinvadesthelowtothelastneedle-pointandisembodiedinit.ThethingsIateafortnightsinceareeverybitasmuchunitedwithmysoulaswhatIdidreceivewithinmymother’swomb.Whosotakesthisfoodfastingbecomesastrulyonetherewithasfleshandbloodarcwithmysoul.

Therewasacertainman;themanhadnotanamebecausethismanisGod.

Thephilosopheraffirmsconcerningthefirstcausethatittranscendsspeech.Allwordsfail.Becauseofthesurpassingpurenessofitsnature.Wehavebutthreewaysofspeakingaboutthings:first,intermsofthingsabovethem;second,oftheirlikes;andthirdly,oftheworksofthethings.Togiveyouanexample.Thepowerofthesundrawsuptheprecioussapoutoftherootsintotheshootsandbringsitoutinflower,herethesolarpowerbeingaboveit.*Aswcsayofthetree,sowesayofthethingsabovethetree;ofthesun,forexample,whichisworkinginthetree.*LikewiseIsaythedivinelightisworkinginthesoul.*ThesparkinthesoulbeingdrawnupinthislightandintheHolyGhostandbornealofttoitsfirstsource.ButnothingtruecanbespokenofGod,becausethereisnothingabovehim.*ThatthesoulexpressesGoddoesnotinanywiseaffecthisrealintrinsicbeing:noonecanexpresswhatheactuallyis.Some-timeswesayonethingislikeanother.*WecansaynothingofGodbecausenothingislikehim.*CreaturesencloseamerenothingofGodwhereforetheycannotdisclosehim.Thepainterwhohaspaintedagoodportraitthereinshowshisart:itisnothimselfthatitrevealstous.CreaturescannomoregiveoutGodthantheycantakeinexactlywhatheis.

TheGod-and-Manhaspreparedthissupper,theineffableman

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whoiswordless.AccordingtoStAugustine,whatwesayaboutGodisnottrueandthethingsthatwesaynotaretrue.ThingswesaythatGodisheisnot;whatwesayheisnotthatheisratherthanwhatwesaythatheis.

Whohaspreparedthisrepast?Aman,themanwhoisGod.KingDavidsays,‘OLord,howgreatandmanifoldisthyenter-tainment,thesweetsthatarelaidupforthemthatlovethee!’(Not‘themthatfearthee.’)StAugustinemeditatingonthisfood,regardeditwithloathinganddistaste,whenlo!heheardavoicefromwithin,‘Iamthefoodofthegreat,waxandgrowgreat*eatingme;norweennotthatIshallbeturnedintothee:thoushaltbeturnedintome.*WhenGodworksinthefieryheatthediversethingswithinthesoulsublimeandburnaway.Bytheabsolutetruth!soulentersmoreintoGodthananyfoodintous;nay,thesoulischangedintoGod.ThereisapowerinthesoulwhichsplitsoffwhatisbaseandisabsorbedintoGod.Towit,thesparkofthesoul.MysoulbecomesmoreonewithGodthanfooddoeswithmysoul.

Whohaspreparedthiseveningmeal?Aman.Dostknowhisname?*NotI.Hisnameisnotspoken.Heismoresilencethanspeech.Heisabovename.Whatfoodhashepreparedforthisfeast?Himself,nolessthanhimself.*(Whatdoestheservantmean?)AccordingtoStGregorytheservantmeanspreachers.Andinanothersensetheservantmeanstheangels,*thcangelsevercallinguswithinteriorvoice.*Thirdly,methinksthisservantisthesparkofthesoul,whichissenttherebyGodandishislightstrikingdownfromabove,thereflection(orimage)ofhisdivinenatureandeveropposedtoanythingungodly:notapowerofthesoul,assometheologiansmakeit,butapermanenttendencytogood;aye,eveninhellitisinclinedtogood.Accordingtothemasters,thislightisofthenatureofunceasingeffort;itiscalledsyndcresis,thatistosay,ajoiningtoandturningfrom.Ithastwoworks.Oneisremorseforimperfection.Theotherworkconsistsinevermoreinvokinggoodandbringingitdirectintothesoul,eventhoughshebeinhell.Itisagreatsupper.Hesaidtotheservant,‘Gooutandcompelthemtocomein,thosethatarebidden,forallthingsarenowready.’Allthatheisthesoulreceives.Whatthesouldesiresisnowprepared.ThethingsGodgiveshavealwaysbeen.Beholdthemnewandfreshandallatonceintheeternalnow.

Agr^atphilosopherdeclaresthatanythingIseecomesintomyeyespurifiedandghostly,andthelightthatcomesintomyeyeswouldnevergetintomysoulbutforapoweraboveit.*Thereisapowerinsightwhichissuperiortotheeyessetinthehead

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andmorefar-reachingthantheheavensandearth.Thispowerseizesallthethingsthatcomeintotheeye^andbearsthemupintothesoul.*StAugustinesaysthesparkcomesnighertothetruththananyhumanknowledge,flightburns.Theysaythatoneislightedfromanother.Ifso,thelightishigherthanthethingthatburns.Forinstance,takeataper,extinguishedbutstillglimmeringandsmoking,andholdittothelight;thiswillglancedownandlighttheother.Theysayonefireburnsanother.ButItraversethat.Fire,Iween,doesburnitself.Foronethingtoburnanotheritmustneedsbeaboveit,likeheaven,forexample,whichburnsnotandiscold;nathelessitsetsonfireandthatbydintofcontactwiththeangels.Forthisthesoulpreparesbypractice.Thensheisfiredfromabove.Bytheangeliclight.Hesaystotheservant,‘Gooutandsaytothemthatwerebidden,Come,forallthingsarcnowready.*Thenonesaid,

‘Ihaveboughtapieceofground,Icannotcome.’Thesearctheywhostillhaveworldlycares;theynevertastethissupper.Asecondsaid,‘Ihaveboughtfiveyokeofoxen.’Thesefiveyoke,Ifancy,standforthefivesenses,foreachsenseisselfandotherandtheverytongueisdouble.Soinmystoryyesterday,whenGodsaidtothewoman,‘Bringmethyhusband,’shereplied,

‘Ihavenone.’Whereuponquothhe,‘Thousayesttruly:thouhasthadfive,andhimwhomnowthouhastisnotthinehusband.’Themoralisthatthosewholivethelifeofthefivesensesnevertastethisfood.Thethirdonesaid,‘Ihavemarriedawife,therefore1cannotcome.’Thesoulisall-tosinglewhensheturnstoGod.Asglancingdowninthisdirectionsheiswoman;butasseeingGodinhimselfandvisitingGodathomesheistheman.Ofolditwasforbiddentomentodressinwoman’sclothesorwomenman’s.SheismanwhenshepenetratesintoGod,impartiblyandwithoutmeans.Butwhenshepeersforthatallsheiswoman.*AsIhaverepeatedlysaid,themaninthesoulistheintellect.WhenthesoullooksstraightuptoGodwithhermindthenthesoulistheman,sheisoneandnottwo.Butthinkingandglancingdownshedonsfemaledress.*QuothourliOrd,‘Verily,theseshallnottasteofmysupper’;andhecommandedtheservant,‘Gooutintothestreetsandthelanes,intothehighwaysandhedges—thenarrowerthewiderandhedgedabout.’*Forthemorerecollectedthesoulthelessscatteredsheisandthemoreconcentratedthewiderherken.*Andsomeofherpowersarchedgedintoonesense.ThepowerIseewithIdonothearwith,norwithmypowerofhearingcanIsee.Sowiththerest(ofthefivesenses).Butontheotherhand,thesoulexistsentireineverymember;thereissomepower,therefore,notconfinedtoplaceatall.

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Whatistheservant?Angelsandpreachers(sosaysStGregory).But,asitseemstoirie,theservantisasymbolofthespark.Hesaystotheservant,‘Gooutintothehedgesanddriveinthitherthesefourkindsoffolk:thepoorandthemaimedandthehaltandtheblind:Verily,noneothershalltasteofmysupper.’Letusthrowoffthosethreeandriseupman,SohelpusGod.Amen.

APPENDIX1Synderesis

OxfordMS.

ThemeatanddrinkItookafortnightsincehasturnedintomyblood,myflesh,mynature.Thatisduetothepowerofthesoulwhichbringsitintomynature;itisastrulyonewithmeaswhatwasbornwithme.

SodoesthepoweroftheHolyGhosttakethepurestandlightestandhighestandthesparkofthesoulandcarryitupinthefireoflove.Justlikethesun’spower;thislaysholdintherootsofthetreeofwhatismostpureandessential,drawingitupintothebrancheswhereitflowers.EvensoisthesparkofthesoulbeingalwaysdrawnupinthelightandintheHolyGhostandconveyedintoitssource,becomingall-toonewithGodandsearchinghimsothroughlythatitismorethesameasGodthanfoodiswithmylife.

Isayitisthelightupinthesoulwherethesoulnature

MarkfirstinStAndrewhissinglenessoflifeandspiritualattainmentswherebyhissoulwasenabled,inherintellect,toascendinthegraceofGodaboveallcreaturesintoGod.

ForthepoweroftheHolyGhostseizestheveryhighestandpurest,thesparkofthesoul,andcarriesitupintheflameoflove.Justasthepowerofthesuntakeswhatispurestandsubtlestoutoftherootsofthetreeanddrawsitintothebrancheswhereitisinflower.Likewisethesoul-sparkisconveyedaloftintoitssourceandisabsorbedintoGodandisidentifiedwithGodandisthespirituallightofGod.

Therearetwolightsinthesoul,oneisalightupinthe

^SeeZuchhold,No.26.TurallelpassagesfromanOxfordMS.ofEckhart’sSermons(Sievers’copy),andasorinononStAndrew,evidentlybythesamehand,butboaringtlienameofNikolausvonLandau.SeealsoJostes,Nos.1and69.

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touchesangelicnatureandpassesintotheangelicnature;itisfromGodandispouringintothesoulabovenature.

Somesayitisapower.Itisnot.Aservantismentioned,thatistheintellect.TheresoulattainsangelicnatureandistheimageofGod.

Inthislightthesoulhasintercoursewithangelsandckcwiththoseangelsthatarefallenintohell.Therethesparksubsistswithoutanykindofsuffering,turningstraightupintoGod.

Andwithalsheislikethegoodangelsinthispower,whoworkunceasinglyinGod,be-holdingGodinGodandreturn-ingallworkintoGod.

Thislightthesoulcarrieswithinher.Themasterscallitapowerinthesoul,thissynderesis.Itisnot.ItmeanssomethinghangingtoGodandiseveraversefromevil.

InhellittendstoGod.Itis

soulatthepointwherethesoulisbynatureincontactwiththeangels’nature.TheotherlightiswhatIspeakof.Thislightpoursintothesoulfromonhigh,abovenature.

Somecallitapowerofthesoul.Butitisnot.Itiscalledsynderesis.Towit,theintellectwhichisaspark(orray)ofGodtheFathergivenbyGodoutofhisGodhead’sGod-nature,andistheformofGodwithoutanydifferenceatall.Initsheisintouchwiththeangelicnature.

Inthislightthesoulhascommunitywithangelsalsothosecastintohell.TherethesparkisfreefromallsufferingandfacesstraightupintoGodandhaspreciselyhisnature.

Andwithalshehasasome-what,mind,incommonwithgoodangelswhoareconstantlyworkinginGodandemanat-ingfromGodandbearingbackalltheirworkintoGodandreceivingGodfromGodinGod.

Theintellectisliketothesegoodangels,drinkingGodinhiseternalsavour,hislivingsweetnessandinhisownground.SheissentawayfromGodandis’alightthat(re)turns:thereflectionofthedivinenaturewhichthesoulhascastintoher.ThemasterscallitsynderesiswhichisasmuchastosaysomethingsuspendedfromGodallthetimeandwhichneverdocswrong.

Inhell,saysStAugustine,it

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everatwarinthesoulwiththeimpureandtheungodly.

isturnedtoGod.Inthesoulitwagesconstantwarwiththingsthatarenotpureandarenotgodly.

ItlooksneithertoGod’sglorynorpossessions.ItpressesupintothegoalofdivineessenceandisthetrueGod’smessengerwhichleadsanddrawsmankindtothecelestialfeast:ctmisitservumsuumhoraccne.

XXXIII

IFYETHENBERISENWITHCHRIST

lS'^consurrexistiscumChristo,qumsursumsunt,qucerite,ubiChristusestindexteradeisedensetc.(Col.3|).StPaulsays:‘IfyethenberisenwithChrist,seekthosethingswhichareaboveandsetnotyouraffectionsonthethingsonearth.’Thenhegoesontosay,‘yearedead,andyourlifeishidinChristwithGodinheaven.’Thirdly,therearethewomenseekingourLordatthesepulchre.Theretheyfoundanangel‘whosecountenancewaslikelightningandhisraimentwhiteassnow,’andheaskedthewomen,‘Whomseekye?IfyeseekJesuswhowascrucified,heisnothere.’ForGodisnotinanyplace.OfGod’slowestallcreaturesarefullandhishighestisnowhere.Theyansweredhimnot,fortheyweredisappointedatfindingtheangelandnotGod.Godisnothereorthere,notintimeorplace.

StPaulsays:‘Ifyeberisenw^ithChrist,seekthosethingsthatareabove.’Hisfirstwordexpressesdoubt.Somepeoplerisebypractisingonevirtuenotanother.Some,ignoblebynature,covetriches.Others,ofanoblekind,carenothingforpossessionsbutarebentonhonour.Onemastersaysthevirtuesallhanguponeachother.Thoughapersonleantotheusesofonevirtueratherthananothertheystandandfalltogether.SomepeopleriseupallatonceandyetrisenotwithChrist.Thatwhichishisrisesonceforall.Ontheotherhand,wedofindsomewhorisewithChristforgoodandall,butitwillneedamanofmanypartstoknowinChristthetrueresurrection.Themasterssaythatwithtrueresurrectionthereisnomoredeath.Nowtherewasnevervirtuesooutstandingbutsomeonemightbefoundtohaveacquiredit,andthatbynaturalmeans,fornaturalpowersworkmanysignsandwonders,alltheoutwardworksfoundinthesaintsbeingfound

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toointheheathen.Andthatiswhyhespeaksofbeing‘risenwithChrist,’becauseheisonhigh,abovethereachofanycreature.Whatwehavetodoistomakethewholeascent.

Therearethreesignsofourhavingrisenaltogether.Thefirst:weseekthosethingsthatareabove.Thesecond:ouraffectionsaresetonthethingsabove.Thethird:wesetnotouraffectionsonthethingsthatareonearth.StPaulsays:‘Seekthosethingsthatareabove.’Butwhereandinwhatway?KingDavidtellsusto‘seekthefaceofGod.’Whatiscommontoanumbermustneedscomefromabove.Abovethelireitselftherearethefire-giversliketheheavensandthesun.Ourbestdoctorsteachthatheavenisthelocusofallthings,andthoughithasitselfnoplace,nonaturalplace,yetitmakesroomforallthings.Mysoulisundivided;also,itisentireineachmember.Wheremyeyeseesmyeardoesnothear;wheremyearhearsmyeyeseesnot.Mybodilyhearingandsightareengineeredinthemind.Lightgivesmyeyeasenseofcolourwhichislackingtothesoulbyreasonofitsbeingadefect.Alltheoutwardsensesarealiveto,ifthespiritistotakeitin,mustberaisedupbytheangel:heimprintsitintheupperportionofthesoul.

Theabovedesignsandproducesthebelow,soourdoctorssay.EvensoStJamesassertsthat‘Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftcomesdownfromabove.’OnewhoisrisentothefullwithChristisknownbyhisseekingforGodabovetime.HeseeksGodabovetimewhoseekshimtimeless.‘Seekthosethingsthatareabove,’hesays.Whereshallwelook?‘WhereChristissitting

ontherighthandofhisFather.’WhereisChristsitting?Heissittingnowhere;heisnowhere.Ifyeseekhimanywhereyeshallnotfindhim.AmasterhassaidthathewhoseesanythingdoesnotseeGod.NowChristmeansanointed;theanointedoftheHolyGhost.Sitting,theologianssay,symbolisesrestandimpliestimelessness.Turningandchangingleadnowhere:stop-pingweprogress.

‘IamGod,Ichangenot,’saiththeLord.‘ChristsittethontherighthandofhisFather.’ThebestgiftofGod,thatishisrighthand.Withnaturalman,hestartshisworkwithhisrighthand.Christsays,‘Iamthedoor.’ThefirstoutburstandthefirsteffusionGodrunsoutinishisfusionintohisSon,aprocesswhichinturnreduceshimtoFather.IsaidononeoccasionthatthedoorwastheHolyGhost:thereheispouredoutinblessingsintoallcreatures.Accordingtoonemaster,theheavensreceivefromGoddirect.Anotheronesays.No;Godisspirit,purelight,andanythingreceivingstraightfromGodmustitselfbespiritandpurelight.Themasterdeniesthatitispossible,inthefirsteruption,thefirstescapeofGod,thatanycorporalthingshould

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takeitin:itmustbeeitherlightorabstractmind.Theheavenstranscendtimeandarethecauseoftime.Onephilosophermaintainsthattheheavensaretooloftyintheirnaturetostooptobethecauseoftime.Itisnotintheirnaturethattheyarethecauseoftime:itisintheirrevolutionthat,timeless,theygiverisetotime,i.e.inthedefectionoftheheavens.Mylooksarenotmynature,theyareaccidentsofnature;oursoulisfarabovethem,outofsightinGod.AndhenceIsay,notonlyabovetimebuthidinGod.Thatiswhatheavenmeans.Everythingmortalspellsdeficiency:riseandfall,growthanddecay.KingDavidsings,‘AthousandyearsinGod’ssightareasadaythatispast’:forallthefutureandthe})astyonderareinthenow.Maywefindthisnow.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XXXIV1

STDIONYSIUSSPEAKSOFTHREEKINDSOFLIGHT

StDionysiusspeaksofthreekindsoflightthesoulhaswhoattainstopureknowledgeofGod.Thefirstisnatural,thesecondghostlyandthethirddivine.

NowconsiderwhatthisnaturallightisandhowfarithelpshertoknowGod.Thesoulinnatelyknowsthatexistingthingsarenotofthemselves.Buttheremustbeonethingthatisofitselfandfromnonebutitself:whateverthatisitcreatedallthings.

Further,thesoulinnatelyunderstandsthatthegoodwhichisscatteredamongthingsisasawholeintheonecauseofthings.Also,itisnaturaltothesoultoloveeachthingsofarasitisgood.Andwhenhernaturalintellectstumblesonthecauseofthings,whosegood,broadcastinthings,isasawholeintheircommoncause,thenthisnaturalperceptionprovokesinheranaturallovetowardsthiscauseofallthings.

Allcreaturesareinfirmandchangeful,notinreality(whichisexempt)butinthefirststagesofperfection.StAugustinesays,Thesoulcannotdwellforlongupononethoughtbutlapsesfromitintoothers.Neithercansheentertainseveralthoughtsatonce;shemustleaveoneanddietoittoquickeninanother.ButGodhasnocommunitywithcreatures,whereforeitisevidentthatthereisnodeficiencyinhim.Hehasnocommunitywithcreatures;butthisappliesalonetoGod,andinsofarasthesoulislikehimsheiswithoutdefect.BynaturethesoulknowsandlovesGodaboveallthings.

Thesecondlightisghostly;itoriginatesinfaith.Butthe'Jostes,No.69.

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wholecontentoffaithisbeyondthescopeofthenatureofthesoul.Thefaithis,thatthreePersonsareinthesamenatureandthesamenatureinthreePersons.Nonaturallightorintellectisadequateforthis,fornonaturallightaffordsalikenessofit.WhatthethreePersonsdo,orarecapableofdoing,istheproductoftheirunity;forthoughtherearethreePersonstheydonotactasthreebuttheyfunctionasoneGod.Thatisaghostlylightwherebythesoulinfaithcanactuallyseethatthisisso,(alight)suchashernaturalmindcouldnevergiveher.

Thethirdlightisthelightofglory,divinelight.Thisthesoulreceivesintothechiefpowerofthesoul.InthislightweseeGodwithnothingbetween.SofarasthislightsinksintoherchiefpowersofarisGodimmediatelyperceived.InthislightthesouldivinesthenoblenatureofallthingsinGod,forallthateverissuedforthorisissuingforthorevershall,hasinGodeternallifeandbeing;notdefectiveasitisincreaturesbutashisverybeingforitishisnature.Godhashisownbeingnotfromnaught,hehasitofhispropernaturewhichinitselfistrulyaughtthoughnaughttotheintelligenceofcreature.

Thisnatureiscauseless,thereforeitisunfathomableexcepttocauselessunderstanding.Creaturelyintelligenceisfinite,soithasacause;henceitcannotfathomcauselessmind,notChristnorhishumanity.WhereGodisbeholdinghisownnature,whichisgroundless,itisincomprehensibleexcepttogroundlessunderstanding.Thisunderstandingisnoneotherthanhisnatureisitself:onlyGodinhisownnaturecanconceivehimself.Thisconceptionistheunderstandingwherein,self-revealed,Godmanifestsinlightthatnomancanattainto.AsStPaulsays,‘Goddwellsinlightunapproachable.’

XXXV

STANDINTHEGATE

Dominus(licit:stainportadomusdorninietprcedicaverhumistud(Jer.Tg).TheLordsays,‘StandinthegateofGod’shouseandproclaimhisword,extolhisword.’TheheavenlyEatherspeaksoneWordandthathespeakseternallyandinthisWordexpendsheallhismight:hisentireGod-natureheuttersinthisWordandthewholeofcreatures.ThisWordlieshiddeninthesoulunnoticedandbeyondourken,andwereitnotforrumoursinthegroundofhearingweshouldneverheedit;butallsoundsandvoiceshavetoceaseandsilence,perfectstillness,reign.ThisisameaningIwillnotpursue.

Standinthegate.Whostandsthere,hislimbsareorderly

MEISTERECKHART

disposed.lieisabouttospeak;theheadofthesoulisheldstifflyup.Theorderedissubjecttoanorderwhichishigherthanitself.CreaturesarenotoftheorderofGodtillthesoul’snaturallight,whereintheygettheirbeing,overshadowsthem,andtheangeliclightovershadowsthelightofthesoulpreparingandadaptingitfordivinelighttoworkin;forGodworksnotincorporalthings,heworksintheeternal.Thatiswhythesoulmustberecollectedandintegratedtothespirit.ItisthereGodworksandthereallworksareagreeabletoGod.NeverathingistoGod’slikingunlessitiswroughtthere.

StandinthegateinthehouseofGod,thatis,hisunityofessence.Oneisbestkeptbyitself.SotheunitystandsbyGodandkeepsGodtogether,addingnothing.Therehesitsinhisownpresence,inhisis-ness,allinhimself,nowhereoutofhimself.Butashemeltsherunsout.Hemeltsandrunsoutinhisgood-nesswhich,asIhaveexplained,consistsofknowledgeandlove.Knowledgeistheflux,forknowledgeishotterthanlove.Buttwoarebetterthanone.Andthisknowledgeisladenwithlove.Loveisfooledandcaughtbykindness;inloveIhangaboutthegateturningablindeyetotheauthenticvision.Evenstoneshavelove,alovethatseekstheground.IfIinsistongoodnessinthefirsteffusionandseizethisatthepointwhereitisgood,thenIshallseizethegate,notGodhimself.Knowledgeisthebetter,asbeingtheheadandfrontoflove.Loveisthewillto,theintention.Nosinglethoughtattachestothisknow-ledge:whollydetachedandself-forsakenitrunsallbareintothearmsofGodandgraspshiminhimself.

Lorditismeetthatthyhousebeholyandahouseofprayer.Whatisprayer?Itisthepracticeofpurebeingandgloryingtherein.Whatistheglory?ThearrayingofmaninthelikenessofGodinhim.ButwhileanyimageexistsinthesoulthereisnoglorifyingGodtherein,asinaprayer-house,inthelengthofdays.Idonotmeandayshere:whenIsaylengthwithoutlengththatmeansthelength;breadthwithoutbreadthmeansthebreadth.WhenIspeakofalltimeImeanabovetimeandaboveit,asIhaveexplained,thereisnohereornow.

ThewomanaskedourLordwhenweoughttopray.OurLordreplied,‘Thehourcomethbutnotyet,whentrueworshippersshallworshipinspiritandintruth.’ForGodisaspiritandtheymustworshipinspiritandintruththatwhichistruthitself.Whichwearenot;truewemaybe,butthereisfalsemixedwithit.ForyedonotexistinGodinthatfirsteruptionwheretruthcomesspoutingfromitssource.InthegateofGod’shousethesoulhastostandandtrumpetforthhisWord-Everythingwhichisinthesoulhastoutterpraise,standing,

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deaftoalltheworld,insilenceandinpeace,asIdescribedtheangelsassittingtherewithGod.InthatchoirofwisdomandofburningGodonasuddendeclareshimselftothesoulplightingherhistrothforgoodandall.ItistheFatherbegettinghisSonandinhisWordhetakessuchhugedelight,sofondheisofit,thatheneverstopsbutgoesonpledginghisWordthewholetime:timelessly,thatistosay.AndherewemustobservethatthehouseGodplightshistrothinisdeserted:barespirit,abovetime.Meetforthinehouseareholinessandpraise,theremustbenothingtherethatdoesnotpraisethee.

Ourtheologiansask,whatpraisesGod?Likenessdoes.AnylikenesstoGodthatlivesinthesoulredoundstothegloryofGod.ThingsatalldifferentfromGoddonotglorifyGod.Aportrait,forexample,reflectscreditonthepainterwhoembodiesinithisdearestconceptionofhisartandmakesittheimageofhimself.Thelikenessoftheportraitpraisestheauthorwithoutwords.Oflittleworthisspokenpraiseorprayingwiththelips.OurLordsaidononeoccasion,‘Yepray,notknowingwhatprayeris.Thereshallcomeagaintrueprayers,prayingtomyFathernotinwordsbutinspiritandintnith.*Whatisprayer?Dionysiussays,‘Themind’sascenttoGod,thatiswhatprayermeans.’ItisaheathenwhoobservesthatwherespiritisandunityandeternitythereGodwillbeatwork.Wherefleshiswarringagainstspirit;wheredisruptioniswarringagainstunion;wheretimeiswarringwitheternity,thereGodworksnot:hecandonothingwithit.Further,anypleasurewemayhave,orcontentmentorcomfort,hastogo.ToworshipGodshemustbeholy,summeduptoawhole,onespiritnaughtbeside:allwroughtupatonceintotheeternaleternityonhigh,transcendingall.Notallcreatureswhichhavebeencreated,itisnotthemImean,butallhecoulddoanhewould.Thissoulmusttranscend.Whilethereisanythingabovethesoul;whilethereisanythinginfrontofandinGod,shecanneverenterhisgroundinthelengthofdays.

Now,accordingtoStAugustine,whenthelightofthesouleclipsescreatures,itisdawn;whentheangeliclighteclipsesthelightofthesoulanddevoursit,thenitisbroadday.Davidsays,‘Therighteousmanmountsupanduptotheperfectday.’Hispathisfairandsmoothandpleasantandfamiliar.Andwhenthepsychicandangeliclightsareswallowedupinthelightdivine,hecallsthathighnoon.Nowdayisatitslongest,initsprime,whenthesunatitszenithpoursitslightintothestarsandthestarspouritintothemoon.Thesearemembersofthesolarsystem.AndevensothelightofGodembracestheangeliclightandthatofthesoul,anorderlyarray,anascendingscalesteadilyrisingintheday,allpraisingGodinchorus.There

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isnothingoverthatisnotpraisingGod:theyareallalike,thelikerthefullerofGod,alllaudingGodtogether.TheLordsaid,‘Iwillabidewiththeeinthinehouse.’DearGod,wedobeseechtheeabidethouwithushere,totheendthatweabidewiththeeeternally.Amen.

XXXVI

YOUNGMAN,ARISE!

Adolescens,tibidico:surge{Luc,7^^),OurLordwenttoacitycalledNaim,andmanyofhisdiscipleswentwithhimandmuchpeople.Andwhentheycameunderthegatetherewasadeadmancarriedout,ayouth,theonlysonofawidow.AndourLordcameandtouchedthebierwhereonthebodylay,andsaid,‘Youngman,Isayuntothee,Arise!’Thelifespakelifeintothedead.Theyoutharoseandstraightwaytookuphisparable:hisresurrectionbytheeternalWord.

Hewenttoacity.Isay,thatmeansthesoulwhichiswellorderedandfortifiedintheHolyGhostand,havingsetawatchforsinandshutoutmultiplicity,issafeandsoundinJesus:en-compassedandwalledroundbythelightofGod.Astheprophethathit,‘GodisthewallroundZion.’Theeternalwisdomsays,‘IntheholyandinthesanctifiedcityIshallhavelikerepose.’Nothingissorestful,sounifying,aslike;hencesameandinandnearandby.ThatsoulisholyinwhomisGodaloneandwhereinnocreaturefindsrest.Hesays,‘Ishallhavelikereposeintheholyandinthesanctifiedcity.’AllsanctityisoftheHolyGhost.Thisnaturenothingtranscends:beginningwiththelowestitworksitupintothehighest.Philosopherssayaironlyturnstofirewhenitisrarefiedandhot.TheHolyGhostseizesthesoulandclarifyingherinitslightandgracedrawsheruptothesupreme.Hesays,‘InthesanctifiedcityIshallalikerepose.’AsthesoulrestsinGodsoGodreposesfnher.Ifsherestspartlyinhimthenherestspartlyinher;ifsherestswhollyinhimherestswhollyinher.Thatiswhytheeternalwisdomsays,‘Ishallreposealike(orequally).’

Accordingtophilosophers,thegreenandyellowcoloursoftherainbowmergeintooneanothertoograduallyforanyeyetofollow,howeverkeenitssight.Andnatureworkssograduallywhenitresolvesitselfintothefirsteffusion,thisissohomogeneouswiththeangels,thatMosesdurstnotwritethereofforfearofthefaint-hearted,lesttheyshouldworshipthem:somuchthesametheyarewiththefirstemanation.Onehighauthoritydefinitelystatesthatthetopmostangelissonighthefirsteruption,hehasinhimsomuchofGod’slikenessandGod’smight,thatheitiswhocares

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forandlooks,afterthiswholeworldaswellasalltheangelswhoareunderhim.Themoralofwhichis,thatGodthehigh,thepure,andtheimpartibleisoperativeinhishighestcreaturewhoexertshispower,asaviceroyrulesthelandinthenameoftheking.Hesays,‘IntheholyandinthesanctifiedcityalikedoIrepose.’

AsIwassayinglately,thegateordoorthat,melting,Godflowsoutby,isgoodness.Essenceisself-absorbed:notaneffusionbutaninnerfusion.Andunityisoneandself-contained:alooffromeverythingandfreefromoutsideintercourse.ButgoodnessisthemeltingandrunningoutofGod:hisdiffusiontothewholeofcreatures.EssenceistheFather,unitytheSon,andgoodnessistheHolyGhost.TheHolyGhostseizesthesoul(thesanctifiedcity)atitspurest,atitshighest,andhalesitupintoitsfirstsource,whichistheSon,andtheSonbearsitonintohissource,hisFathernamely,intotheground,intothefirst,wheretheSonhashisbeing;wheretheeternalwisdomisinlikereposeintheholyandinthesanctifiedcity,intheinnermost.

HesaysourLord‘wenttoacitycalledNaim.’Naimmeanssonofadove,whichsuggestssimplicity.Thesoulshallneverrestinherpotentialpower(ornature)tillsheissimplifiedtoGod.Italsosignifiesaflowofwaterandimpliespassivityofsoultowardssinandimperfection.Thedisciplessymbolisethedivinelightwhichshallflowinandfloodthesoul.The‘muchpeople’arethevirtueswhereofIlatelyspoke.Thesoulshallascendinfieryaspirationandpassabovethemanifoldmeritoftheangelstothegreatervirtues.Soshecomes‘underthegate’andentersintoloveandunity:thegatewhencetheyboreouttheyouth,thewidow’sson.‘OurLordcameandtouchedthebierwhereonthebodylay.’HowhecameandhowhetouchedIwillnotdwelluponbutuponthewords,‘Youngman.Arise!’

Hewasthesonofawidow:hermanwasdead.Ilcnccdeadtoowasherson,theonlysonofthesoul,thewillandallthepowersofthesoul,foralltheseareoneintheinnermostmind,andmind{ix,intellect)isthemaninthesoul.Herhusbandwasdead,thereforehersonwasdeadalso.‘Youngman,Isayuntothee.Arise!’WhentheWordaddressesthesoulandthesoulrepliesinthelivingWord,thentheSonisaliveinthesoul.

Philosophersaskwhichisthebetter,thepowerofplantsorthepowerofwordsorthepowerofstones?Letusconsider.WordsderivetheirpowerfromtheoriginalWord.Buttheabuseandmultiplicationofwordsimpairstheirforce.Plantspossessgreatpower.Ihaveheardthataserpentwasfightingwithaweaselwhentheweaselranoffandfetchedalittleplantwhich,wrappinginanotherplant,itlaunchedupontheserpentand,breakingasunder,theserpentlaydead.Whatendowedthe

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weaselwiththiswisdom?Thevirtueofplant-lore.Thereinliesmuchwisdom.Words,too,haveprodigiouspower:withwordswecandowonders.Andstonesagainareverypotentinvirtueofthelikenesswroughtinthembythestarryandcelestialforce.Likeworksinlikemostmightily,andthatiswhythesoul,byraisingherselfupinthenaturallight,cangetintoangeliclightandintheangeliclightenterthelightdivineandsostandinthethreelights,atthecross-ways,atthevertex,wherethelightsrunintoone.TheretheeternalWordissayinglifeinher,andtherethesoulislivingandgainsayingintheWord.SomaywebegainsayersintheeternalWord,Godhelpingus.Amen.

XXXVII

YOUNGMAN,ARISE!

AdolescenSjtibidico:surge(Luc,7^^),WereadinthegospelthatawomancametoourLordJesusChrist.Shesaid,‘Sir,Iamawidow,andhadanonlysonwhoisdead.’OurLordsaid,‘Youngman,Arise!’

Thewidow,thiswomanwhosehusbandwasdead,andheronlyson.Bythiswomanismeanttheunderstanding,herhusbandisthemanofthesoul,andtheyouththehighestintelleet,forthatistheyoungman.Whenthesoulisdeadinimperfection,thehighermindawakeningintounderstandingcriestoGodforgrace.ThenGodgivesitdivinelightanditbecomesself-knowing.ThereinitseesGod.Isaid,intellectalonecanreceivedivinelight.Theotherpowersofthesoulareinstrumentsandagentsforraisingtheintellecttoitsmaximumlucidity.

Itisaquestionwiththetheologians,whichrankshigher,under-standingorlove?Oneschoolsaysunderstanding,theotherschool,love.Itisalivelysubjectofdebate.Understandingsays:Howcanstthouloveathingthoudostnotknow?Lovesays:Whatavailstheethyknowledgewithoutlove?Loveless,thoushaltneverfindeternalhappiness.Understandingsays:Iambornintheclearlightofself-knowledge.Lovesays:Greatknowledgewithoutloveisvain.Understandingsays:Giveplace,thouareonlymyslave:thoudosthelpmetoriseandremainest.Lovesays:IamthegoodthatGodishimself.Knowledgesays;Highisthyclaim:withoutmethoudostfalltotheground.Lovesays:Itwouldbewellfortheetobearmemoreinmind.Understandingsays:Icanrisehighernotfetteredtothee;myvisionisclearer,nay,Iwantnoneofthee.IhavewhatIwillthewhileIknowwhathithertoIhavedescriedandintowhichInowhaveflowedtoabideforayeinperfect

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unity.Here,Iamaboveloveandtranscendallactivity.HereIhaveintuition;andmyrealknowledgeofallthings,allIbelieved,isnowcometrue.Faithandhopeandallthepowersofthesoulremain,theycangonofurther.Truelovesays:Imustabidewiththee,forIameternal.Oursistersstaybehind,thatisbutmeet:theyareourservantswhohavebroughttheetotheactualenjoymentofthyeternalhappiness.—Nowcomesthehighestintellect,thatwhichreceivesallthingsdirectfromGod,andsays:Ihaveconceivedthesovrangoodwhereinisnaughtsaveunity.Intuitionsays;Ishallcleavetothee,inyplaceisatthyside.Intellectsays:Knowledgeandlovemustremainbehind.Intui-tionsays:ItismeetIshouldenjoywhatIhavedivined.Highestintellectreplies:WhatyouhavebroughtmetoandwhichIhithertohaveknown,nowknowsitselfinme.WhereforeIfindIneednoneelse.AllcreatedthingsmustremainbehindwithallIeverwas.Istandbeforemycause.

TogobacktothewidowandourLord’scommand,‘Youngman,Arise!’wemustbearinmindthatanythingnotfarfrombirthisyoung.Thusitiswithintellectasstandinginthepresenceofitscause;obliviousoftheaidstoitsascentitfondlyweensithasbeenthereforayeandthereshalleternallyremain.Thatmaynotbe.

Thentakethewords:‘bythewidowismeanttheunderstand-byhersontheintellect,andbyherhusbandthemanofthesoul.’Nowyoumustknow,whenthemanofthesoulbeginstorise,themasterssayitisanotherman.Bywhichyoumustnotunderstanditisanothersoul:itisanotherbeingofthesoul;theoldmodeisdone,itisdead.Thesoulassumingherrealmodestandsinhervirgininnocence.Themanofthesoul,transcendinghisangelicmodeandguidedbytheintellect,piercestothesourcewhenceflowedthesoul.Intellectitselfisleftoutsidewithallnamedthings.Sothesoulismergedintopureunity.Thiswecallthemanofthesoul,and,havingreachedthisconsummation,hehasnoneedofanyhelp.Whathedidhere-toforeGodnowdoesinhim.Godknowshimasheknewhim,Godloveshimashelovedhim.Godisdoingalltheworkandthemanofthesoulisabsolutelyidle.

Whenamanhasreachedthispointwemaywellsay,thismanisGodandman.AllChristhasbynaturehehaswonbygrace.Hisbodyisfilledwiththenoblenatureofthesoul,whichshereceivesfromGod,withdivinelight,whereforewemaytrulyery,Behold,amandivine!Pitythem,mychildren,theyarefromhomeandnooneknowsthem.LetthoseinquestofGodbecarefullestappearancesdeceivetheminthesepeoplewhoarepeculiarandhardtoplace;noonerightlyknowsthembutthoseinwhomthe

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samelightshines.Namely,thelightoftruth.Yetitmaywellbethatwayfarerstothatsamegood,butwhohavenotyetreachedit,willcomeacrosstheseperfectofwhomwehavebeenspeaking.Believeme,didIknowonesuch,andhadaconvent-fullofgoldandpreciousstones,Iwouldgivethewholeofitforasinglefowlforhimtoeat.FurtherIdeclare,ifallthethingsGodevermadeweremine,Iwouldforwithgivethemallfortheenjoymentofthatman,andrightly,fortheyareallhis.Nay,moreIsay:his,too,isGodinthefullnessofhispower,andiftherestoodbeforemeallwhoinimperfectionarcanhungered,Iwouldnotwithholdfromthatman’sneedasinglefeatherofthefowl,thoughImightfeedthatmultitude.For,youmustremember,withoneinimperfec-tion,anythingheeatsordrinkswilldraghimdownandmakehimpronetosin.Butnotthevirtuousman:whatheeatsanddrinksheraisesupinChristtotheFather.Solookwelltoyourselves.

YouarefamiliarwithChrist’swords,‘WheretwoarcgatheredtogetherinmynameIwillbewiththem.’HereChristisreferringtotheharmoniousunionofthebodyandthesoul,wherebodywantsnothingexceptwhatthesoulwills.Godiswiththese:theyarethepeoplewehavebeenspeakingof.Herethemanofthesoulisinactualpossessionofhiseternalhappiness,and,beingdockedofallherpowers,thesoulencountersnosortofopposition.Iwarnyou,youmustkeepasharplookout,fortheyarcdifficulttotell;thusiftheyshouldneedit,whileotherpeoplefasttheywillbeeating,whileotherpeoplewatchtheywillbesleeping,whileotherfolksarepra>ingtheywillholdtheirpeace.Inshort,thethingstheysayanddoseemimaeeountable,forwhatGodmakesobvioustopersonsonthewaytotheireternalhappinessisforeigntothosethathavearrivedthere.Thesehavenowantswhatever:theyarcrichinthepossessionofacityoftheirown.Icallthatmyownwhichismineeternallyandnoonecantakefromme.Thesepeople,youmustknow,domostvaluablework.Theyworkwithin,youunderstand,inthemanofthesoul.Blessedisthekingdomwhereindwellsoneofthem;inaninstanttheywilldomorelastinggoodthanalltheoutwardactionseverdone.Seeyewithholdnotaughtoftheirs.MaywerecognisethesepeopleandlovingGodinthem,withthempossessthecitytheyhavewon.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XXXVIII

PEACE

SteiitJesusinmediodiscipulorumetdixit:paxetc.{Luc.2435,Joh,20^3).StJohntellsusinhisgospelthat‘onthefirstdayof

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theweek,atevening,whenthedoorswereshut,cameourLordandstoodinthemidstofthedisciplesandsaid:Peacebeuntoyou!’andagain,‘Peacebeuntoyou!’andathirdtime,

‘ReceiveyetheHolyGhost!’Nowtheeveningnevercomesunlessmorningandmiddayhavegonebefore.Wesaythatthemiddleofthedayiswarmerthantheevening.Butinsofaraseveningtakesinmiddle-dayandstoresupitsheat,itisthewarmer,when,too,beforetheeveningtheregoesawholebrightday.Lateintheyear,again,afterthesummersolstice,whenthesunisdrawingnightoearth,theeveningswillgrowwarm.Butmiddaynevercomestillmorninggoesnoreveninguntilnoonhaspassedaway.Themoralofwhichis,thatwhenthedivinelightbreaksforthinthesoul,gettingbrighterandbrighteruntotheperfectday,thenmorningdoesnotvanishbeforenoonnornoonereeventide:theycloseuptoone.Sotheeveningiswarm.Thereisperfectdayinthesoulwhenallthesoulisfulloflightdivine.Butitiseveninginthesoul,asIhavesaidbefore,whenthelightofthisworldfadesandthesoulgoesintorest.

Godsaid,‘Peace!’and‘Peace1’again,and‘ReceiveyetheHolyGhost!’Jacobthepatriarchcametoaplace,intheevening,andputtingunderneathhisheadsomestoneswhichlayabout,hesanktorest.InhissleephesawaladderreachinguptoheavenwithangelsascendinganddescendingandGodleaningdownoverthetopoftheladder.ThisplaceJacobsleptinhadnoname.Whichisasmuchastosay:theGod-headaloneistheplaceofthesoul,andisnameless.Concerningthisourdoctorssay:athingwhichisanother’splacemustbeaboveit;asheavenistheplaceofallthingsandfireistheplaceofairandairtheplaceofwaterandwater,partially,theplaceofearthandearthisnotaplace.Anangelisaheavenlyplace,andanyangelwhohasgottheleastdropmoreofGodthananyotheristheplace,thehabitation,ofthatother,themostexaltedangelbeingtheplace,theroom,themeasureoftherestwhilehehimselfiswithoutmeasure.Butalthoughheiswithoutmeasure,nathelessGodishismeasure.

Jacobrestedintheplacewhichisnameless.Bynotnamingititisnamed.Ongettingtothisnamelessplacethesoulwillrest:whereallthingsarebeingGodinGod,thereshallsherest.Theabodeofthesoul,whichGodis,isunnamed.Isay,Godisunspoken.ButStAugustinesaysthatGodisnotunspoken;wereheunspoken,thatevenwouldbespeechandheismoresilencethanspeech.Oneofourmostancientphilosopherswhofoundthetruthlong,longbeforeGod’sbirth,ereevertherewasChristianfaithatallasitisnow,tohim(Isay)itseemedthatwhathecouldmanagetoutterofthingsonlyconjuredupwithinhim

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somethingmonstrousandunrealandthereforeherefusedtospeakatall.Notevenwouldhesay,givememeatorgivemedrink.Hedeclinedtomentionthingsbecausehecouldnotsaythemasperfectastheysprangfromtheirfirstcause:hechoserathertobedumbandtomakeknownhiswantsbypointingwithhisfinger.Howmuchmoredoesitbeseemus,ifheknewnotthewaytotalkofthings,tobeabsolutelymuteconcerninghimwhoistheoriginofallthings.

WesaythatGodisaspirit.Notso.IfGodwerereallyaspirithewouldbespoken.AccordingtoStGregory,wecannotrightlyspeakofGodatall.Anythingwesayofhimisboundtobeastammering.Thisplacewhichisnotnamed,whereinallcreaturesthriveandbloominorderlyarray,thishabitatofallcreatures,isgottensuddenlyoutofthegroundofthisorderlyplace,theseatofthesoulproceedingoutofthisground.

Jacobwantedtorest:markyou,hewantedtorest.WhosorestethinGodhisrestiswill-free.Wesaythatwilliswithouthabit.Willisfree,ittakesnothingfrommatter.Inthissenseitisfreerthanintellect,andsomerashpeoplepouncinguponthiswouldputitaboveknowledge.Thatisnotso.Intellectalsoisfreedespitethatintellectdoestakefrommatterandfromcorporalthingsinthelocalityofsoul,for,as1pointedoutonEasterEve,variousofthesoul-powersareinlinkwiththefivesenses,forin-stance,sightandhearing,whichconveytothemthethingsweknow.Amastersays:‘Godwouldneverchoosethateyeorearshouldsensewhatcrownsthesummitofthesoul:noneotherthanthenamelessplace,whichistheplaceofallthings.’Itgivesafairreflection,andisusefulinthatway,butismarredbycolourandbysoundandcorporalthings.Itisonlybythesensesthatthesoulisrousedandtheideaofwisdomnaturallyimprintedinher.Platosays,andwithhimStAugustine:Thesoulhasallknow-ledgewithin,andallwccandofromwithoutisbutanawakeningofknowledge.—Jacobrestedintheevening.Letusprayeverforthenow;’tisbutalittlethingwcask,justforoneevening.Mayitbegrantedus,SohelpusGod.Amen.

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EVERYGOODGIFT

Omnedatumoptimumetomnedonumperfectumdescenditapatreluminum{Jac.Ij^).MyLatinquotationisfromtheEpistleofStJames.Hesays,‘EverygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftcomesdownfromabovefromtheFatheroflights.Withhimisnovariablenessnorshadowoftime(or,temporal

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reflection).’Thesetwotermsheuses,goodgiftandperfectgift,refertodifferentthings,soourmasterssay.Datumbefallsintime;donumhasnothoughtoftime.Datumisamatterofself-seeking,butdonumisfreeandunconditionedandwhollywithoutwhy.Aperfectgiftisonebetokeningnothingbutgood-will.Theperfectgiftisthereforefreeandunconditional.Theperfectgiftisafriendlyoffering,essentiallyagivingalbeitnotbestowed.Accordingtoourmasters,giftsareperfectinsofarastheyarelove-bearers;butgoodgiftsarelikehuckstersandhaveevertheirprice.Inthewordsofoneofthesaints,‘BloodoftheHolyGhostanditsglowisinonesenseeternalandinanothertemporal.’Ifmyfacewereeternalandwereheldbeforeamirroritwouldbereceivedinthemirrorasatemporalthingalbeiteternalinitself.TheHolyGhosthasitsglow.Theeternalglowofhiseternalbloodistheperfectgift;whenthesoulisworthyandreceivesthesameitturnstothegoodgift.Meaningtosaythatthisgiftwhichistemporalinusisinitselfeternal.Godwouldgiveusnotonlyhisgoodgift;heisreadytobestowonushisperfectgiftaswell,towit,theHolyGhostitself.Hencehiswords,‘EverygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftcomesdownfromabovefromtheFatheroflights.’

Fromanotherpointofviewhemeans,soitappearstome,thattheHolyGhostistheperfectgiftonlyasworkingintheintellect.Asproceedingforthinthepracticeofgoodworks,albeitgodly,orwithalinthought,itbecomesgoodgift.ItistheperfectgiftsofarasthesoulislivinginGod,immanentinthelightandsavourofGod,hangingmotionlessinhisperfectlight-nature.AsStPaulsays,‘Yeshalltastethethingsthatareabove.’TheHolyGhostistheGiftwhereinyeabideintheperfectionoflight.Thesoulsuspendedinpureintellectuallightisenjoyingthethingsthatareabove.Ourmastersteachthatcorporealthingsarccalledmatter.Wesay,thelightofintellectshunsmatter,butalbeitinitselfwhollydevoidofthingsitstillhaspotentialityandthatformatter.Hesays,‘Tastethethingsthatareabove,’not,thatarcabovetheearth.Wehaveasaying.Sofarfrommattersofarpureintelligence.Wheninthelightthegreytintoftheclothassailsmyeye,Iseeit.IfitwereintellectIshouldseenothing.Werecogniseanotherpowerasbeingfarremovedfrommatter.Howso?SupposeIsawamantwentyyearsago,hemaynowbedead,butstillIhavealikenessofhisformasthoughhestoodbeforemyeyes.Thispowerneedsnomatter,butithastheimperfectionofreceivingfrommatter~informs,thatistosay.Ontheotherhand,thelight,intelligence,transcendswhatisalreadymatterorissopotentially.WhilethesoulabidesinGod,suspendedinhis

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intellectuallightshehasnomaterialobjectivitynorlikenessnorpotentiality.Hesays,‘EverygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftcomesdownfromabovefromtheFatheroflights.’

Whatdocshemeanbycallingit‘goodgift?’Betwixtthosethingswhosebeing-and-doingisineternityandthethingswhosebeinganddoingareintimethereneedsmustbesomemiddleterm.HemeansthatitisGod,thisthingwhosebeing-and-doingistheperfectgift;sothebeing-and-doingoftheperfectgiftisineternity.Butthebeing-and-doingofthegoodgiftareintime;whichofcoursemustmeanthatthesoulisonthewaytoeternallife.Whydoeshepromisebothgoodandperfectgifts?WhenGodbestowstheHolyGhostitself,whosebeing-and-activityisineternity,thatishisperfectgiftwhich,peeringforthinthought,ishisgoodgift.

StAugustinesays,andthemasterstoo,thesoulhassomecapacitywhichisopentowardsGodandintowhichhealonecanspeak,whereascreaturespeaksintoanother.Intothishighestpower,whichisaddressedbyGodalone,heutterswisdom,whichishisperfectgift.Buttheotheronethatcreaturespeakstoissatisfiedwithreason.Thesamegiftisperfect,beingtimeless,andgoodasperfectingthethingsoftime.WhatistemporalinusiseternalinGod.DatuminusisdonuminGod.Whatismixedandtemporalandgoodinusbecomes,ifwefollowitup,perfectinGod.Whatweareabletoreceiveofhimisinfinitelysmallcomparedtowhatheis.WhateverelseonemayknowonedocsnotknowGod.

Hesays,‘hecomesdownfromonhighfromtheFatheroflights.’Whatdocshemean?TheSonandtheHolyGhosthaveonesourceintheFather,andtheHolyGhostandtheSonarconelightandtheyarcbothofthemlights.GodistheFatheroflights.StAugustinetellswhatthesoulistastinginGod.Heexplainsthatinthatfoodthetongueissavouringtheinvisiblelight;hesaysthesoulisnotathingofsensibleappetitesandpleasures;shehasahiddenenergyandluminosity.

Accordingtothemasters,theangelsarealight:Godistheentirelight,withwhomisnochangenortimenorturning.ThenoblerthecreaturethemoreakintoGod.Allcreaturelybeing-and-doingisintime.Buttheangels,whoarehigher,areinessencetimelessandwithoutalterationinthemselves.TheirwontedactivitiesinGodarefreefromtime,butinthattheylookdowntheyhaveanaspect(orshadow)oftime.ButinnoneofhisworkshasGodanyshadowoftimenorofchange.Sofarasthereisnochanging,noshadowinman,sofarhecompareswithdivinity.Creaturehaseverthisandthat,onethingandanother;butinGodexistsneitherthisnorthat,neitheronenortother;

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andunlesstherebeinuswhattwoandtwoare,whatisoneplusother,thehappeningswithinusremainjustgoodandill.ThereisnooneorotherwiththeFatheroflights.MaywebegiveneverygoodgiftandeveiyperfectgiftwhereinweareexaltedabovetimetotheFatheroflightswithwhomisnovariablenessnortemporalnature,SohelpusGod.Amen.

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Omnedatumoptimumetomnedonumperfectumdesursumestdescendensapatreluminum{Jac.l^^).StJamessaysinhisepistle,‘EverygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftcomethdownfromabovefromtheFatheroflights.’

NowycmustknowthatpeoplewhoresignthemselvestoGodanddiligentlyseektodohiswill,tothese,Isay,whateverGodmaysendwillbethebest.AsGodlives,besureitistheverybest,andtherecanbenobetterway.Someothermayseembetteryetisnotsogoodforthee;Godwillsthiswayandnotthat,thereforethiswayisboundtobethebest.Sicknessorpoverty,hungerorthirst,whatGoddoesgivetheeorwhathedoesnot,thatistheverybestforthee,aye,thoughitbefervourortheinteriorlifewhich,alas!thoudostlack.Whateverthouhastorhastnot,acceptitalltothegloryofGod,andthenwhateverhesendstheewillbeforthebest.

Peradventurethouwiltsay.HowcanItellwhetheritisGod’swillornot?IfitwerenotGod’swillitwouldnotbe.NeithersicknessnoranythingelsedostthouhaveexceptingGodwills.AndthereforeknowingittobeGod’swillthououghtesttorejoiceinitandtobesocontenttherewiththatanypainshallloseitsstingforthee;aye,eveninextremityofpaintofeeltheleastafflictionordistresswerealtogetherwrong:acceptitfromGodasthebestsinceitisboundtobethebestthingforthee.Itisoftheessenceofhimtowillwhatisbest.Letmethenwillittoo;thereisnothingthatshouldpleasemebetter.SupposingtherewassomeoneItriedhardtopleaseandwhomIknewforcertainlikedmeinagreycoatmorethananyother;doubtlessthatcoatwouldpleasemetoo,andIshouldpreferittoanyoftheresthowevernicetheywere.Giventhenmywishtopleaseacertainperson,thethingsIknowhewishesbothofwordanddeedarethethingsthatIwoulddoandthosealone.Judgeforyourselvesthenofyourlove!IfyedoindeedloveGodyewillUkenothingbetterthanthatwhichbestenableshimtoworkhiswillinus.Howevergreatmayseemthepainortheprivation.

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exceptthoutakedeliglitthereinasgreatasinthineeaseandplenty,itiswrong.

OnethingIamwonttosay,anditisthefact,thatdailywecryinourpaternoster^Lord,thywillbedone!andwhenhiswillisdonewegrumbleandarediscontentedatit.Whateverhedoesletusdeemthatthebestandlikethatbestofall.Thosewhodotakeitasthebestalwaysremaintranquil.Sometimesyewillsay,Alas!’twerebettersomethingelsehadhappened,or,hadthatnotbeen,thingswouldhaveturnedoutbetter.Aslongasthoudostthinksothouwiltneverbeatpeace.Acceptitallforthebest.Thatisthefirstmoralofourtext.

Thereisanothermeaning,markitwell.Hesays‘everygift.’Theverybestandtheveryhighest,theseareinnategiftsandinhimthemostinnateofall.Godgivesnothingsogladlyasgreatgifts.OnceinthisveryplaceIsaid,Godlikesforgivingbigsinsmorethansmallones.Thebiggertheyarcthegladderheisandthequickertoforgivethem.Itisthesamewithgraces,gifts,andvirtues:thegreatertheyarcthegreaterhispleasureinbestowingthem,forthegivingoflargesseishisnature.Thebiggerthethingsandthebetterthemoreshallyeget.[Thenoblestcreaturesaretheangelswhoaremindsandnothingelse;theyhavenocarnalnatureandtheyareinnumberinfinitelymorethanallthecorporalthings.]

OnceuponatimeIlaiditdownthattobeproperlyexpressedathingmustproceedfromwithin,movedbyitsform:itmustcome,notinfromwithoutbutoutfromwithin.Itreallylivesintherecessesofthesoul.Thereallthingsarcpresenttothee,subjectivelyaliveandactiveintheirzenith,intheirprime.Whyartthouunawareofit?Becausethouartnotathome.Themorenobleathingthemorecommonitis.FeelingIhaveincommonwiththebeastsandlifeincommonwiththetrees.BeingisstillmoreinnateinmeandthatIhaveincommonwithallcreatures.Heavenexceedsallneighbouringthings,anditisnobleralso.Thenoblerthethingthebiggeritisandthemoreuniversal.Loveisasnobleasitisuniversal.Itdoesindeedseemhard,asourLordcommands,toloveourevenchristiansasourselves.Theunenlightenedsaythatweoughttolovethemjustthesameastheylovethemselves.Notso.Weoughttolovethemnomorethanourownselves,whichisnotdifficult.Ifyoucometoconsider,itismatterforrewardmorethanabehest.Thecommandseemshardbuttherewarddesirable.HewholovesGodasheoughtandmust(whetherhewouldornot),andasallcreatureslovehim,willlovehisevenchristianashimself,rejoicinginhisjoysandhopingforhishonourasmuchasforhisownandtreatingtheotherlikehimself.Bythismeansheisalwayshappy

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109

whetherinhonourorinneed,justasthoughhewereinheavenandwithalhasmoreenjoymentsthantheblessingsofhimselfalone.

Theplaintruthisthatitiswrongfortheetoholdthinehonourdearerthananother’s.Remember,anthouseekestaughtofthinethounevershaltfindGod,forthouartnotseekingGodmerely.ThouartseekingforsomethingwithGod,makingacandleofGod,asitwere,withwhichtofindsomething,andthen,havingfoundit,throwingthecandleaway.Thusshaltthoufare:aughtthatthoufindestwithGodisnaught,whatsoeveritbe,whetherprofitorwagesortheinteriorlifeoranythingelse:naughtdostthouseekandnaughtshaltthoufind.Thoushaltfindnaughtbecauseitisnaughtthoudostseek;thatisall.Allcreaturesareamerenaught.Isaynottheyaresmall,areaught:theyareabsolutelynaught.Athingwithoutbeingisnot(orisnaught).Creatureshavenorealbeing,fortheirbeingconsistsinthepresenceofGod.IfGodturnedawayforaninstanttheywouldallperish.Ihavesometimessaid,anditistrue,thathewhohasgottenthewholeworldplusGodhasgottennomorethanGodbyhimself.HavingallcreatureswithoutGodisnomorethanhavingoneflywithoutGod;justthesame,nomorenorless.

Thisisatruesaying.Themanwhogivesathousandmarksofgoldforthemakingofconventsorofchurchesisdoingagreatdeed.Butthatmangivesagreatdealmorewhogivesathousandmarksfornaught;heisdoingfarmorethantheother.WhenGodcreatedallcreatureshecouldnotmoveinthem,theyweresosmallandnarrow.Butthesoulhemadesolikehimself,sonearlyhisownpeer,onpurposetogivehimselftoher:nothingelsethathecouldgiveherwouldshecareforintheleast.Godmustgivemehimselfformyownasheishisown,orIshallgetnaught,norisaughtelsetomytaste.Whosoreceiveshimthusoutrightmustwhollyhaverenouncedhimselfandgoneoutofhimself;hegetsstraightfromGodallthathehas,ashisownjustasmuchasitishis,andourLadyandallthehabitantsofheaven.Allthisismeetandpropertothisman.Thosewhohaverenouncedthemselvesandareinthis'sensedeaduntothemselvesreceivethesame,noless.

Thirdly,theterm‘Fatheroflights.’Thewordfatherimpliestousason.Fatherstandsforabstractgeneration,andisanexpressionfortheuniversalprincipleoflife.TheFathergenerateshisSoninhiseternalintellectandtheFathergenerateshisSoninthesouljustashedoesin,hisownnature;hebearshisSonin\thesoulasherown,andhisexistencedependsonhisbringinghisSontobirthinthesoul,whetherhewouldorno.Ononeoccasion'

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IwasaskedwhattheFatherisdoinginheaven?Isaid,HeisbegettinghisSon,anacthesodelightsinandwhichpleaseshimsowellthathedoesnothingelsebutgeneratehisSon»andthese.■twainarefloweringwiththeHolyGhost.WhentheFathergivesbirthtohisSoninmeIamhisverySonandnotanother:weareanotherinmanhood,true,butthereIamtheSonhimselfandnoother.Assonswearelawfulheirs.Hewhoknowsthetruthwotsthisrightwell.Thewordfatherconnotesjustbe-gettingandhavingofsons.WearesonsinhisSonandaretheSonhimself.

Nowconsiderthewords,‘theycomefromabove.’Isaid,referringtothisverything.Whosodesirestoreceivefromabovemustneedsbebelowintruehumility.Knowingoodsooth,ifathingisnotrightunderneathitreceivesnothingnorconceivesnothing:notasinglethinghoweversmall.Hastthouaneyetothineownselfortoanythingorperson,thenthouartnotrightunderandthoureceivestnothing;butbeingbroughtrightunderthoureceivestallatonceandinperfection.ItisGod’snaturetogive,andhisexistencedependsonhisgivingtouswhenweareunder.Ifwearenot,thenwegetnothing:wedohimviolenceandkillhim.Orifunablesotodotohim,wedoittoourselvesasfarasinuslies.Ifthouwouldstreallygivehimall,seetoitthoudostputthyselfrighthumblyunderGod,raisingupGodinthyheartandinthyunderstanding.TheFathersenthissonintotheworldinthefullnessoftimeofthesoul,whenshehadfinishedwithtime.WheiithesoulisfreefromtimeandplacetheFathersendshisSonmtothesoul.Thisistheexplanationofthewords,‘thebestgiftscomefromabovefromtheFatheroflights.’Letusbereadytoreceivethesesamebestgifts.Sohelp■iusGodtheFatheroflights.Amen.

XLI

ALITTLEANDYESHALLNOTSEEME

Modicumvidebitismeetmodicumnonvidebitis{Joh.I617,i»)*IquoteinLatinfromtheGospelofStJohnasayingofourLordtohisdisciples.Thetranslationruns,‘Amodicum,alittle,yeshallseemeandamodicum,alittle,andyeshallnotseeme.’Thediscipleswereignorantanddidnotunderstand.Theyweresa3ringtoeachother,‘Weknownotwhathemeans.’SoStJohnrelates,andhewasthere.FollowsaparablewhichIwillnotdwellon.Then,knowingwhatwasintheirheartshesaysquiteplainly,‘Ishallseeyouagainandyourjoyshallbefull.’

Now,tomymindthissayingwillbearfourinterpretations.

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Moreorlessthesameinwordingbutwidelydifferentinmeaning.Thekerneloftheprimeconceptionandofeternalhappinessisknowledge.OnetheologistwhospokeatParisinsistedwithloudfulminationsthatthisisnotso.Thenupandsaidanotherone,betterthanthebesttheyhaveatParis:Sir,youareverypositive,butinthegospeldidnotGoddeclaretheverythingthatyoudenouncesoroundly?OurLord’swordsare,‘Thisiseternallife,toknowtheetheonlytrueGod’—‘Alittleandyeshallseeme.’Meaningtosay,yemustgettolookuponeverythinginyouaslittleandofsmallaccountifyeareevertoseeGod.Itfollowsthatwemustobserveminutelywhatwillhelpandhinderdivineknowledge.HoweversmallwhatcomesfromGod,iftreatedrightlyitrecurs,itcomesagain,forwehaveonedivinethingofourownthatwecanworkwithaswithourownsoul;notthatIworkandGodlookson:I,asitwere,co-operatewithmyowntoolwhichismineandinme.ThusmanbeingliftedupintimeshallsecGodoutofhimself.Ihavesometimessaid,thetimeStPaulsawnothinghesawGod.NowIsaysomethingbetter:whenStPaulsawallnothinghesawGod:whenhesawallthingsasnothinghesawGod,andwhatGodmeanstosayisthis:whenthingsareallreducedtonaughtinyouthenyeshallseeGod.

Again,hesays,‘alittleandyeshallnotseeme.’Whiletimeandworld,whichislittle,iswithinyou,yeshallnotseeme.Theangelsworeonhiseternallifethatwhenthislifeisdonethereshallbenomoretime.AndinhisgospelStJohnquiteplainlystates,‘theworldwasmadebyhimandtheyknewhimnot.’Inlinethen,toquoteaheathendoctor,world-and-timeisalittlething.Itisoutofworld-and-timethatweseeGod.

Thirdly.Hesaid,‘alittleandyeseemenot,’asthoughtosay:theverysmallestthingthatisforeigntothesoulwillpreventherseeingGod.Forheavenisshuttostrangers;evenanangelfromanotherheavenwouldnotsucceedingettingin,foritisnothis.Whyhasmymouth,myear,nosenseofheaven?Becausetheyarenotlikeit.StBernardsays,‘Myeyeisliketheheavensinbeingroundandclearandplacedhighinthebody,norcanitbrooktheentryofanyforeignmatter.’Beforemyeyecanseethepaintingonthewallthismustbefilteredthroughtheairandinastillmoretenuousformbeborneintomyphantasy,tobeassimilatedbymyunderstanding.Theseproperties,both,thesoulmustneedspossess;andthislikeness,howsubtilesoeveritmaybe,withitssuggestiveness,itshintofsin,thesoulrejectsasforeigntoherself.IfGodhimselfwereforeigntothesoulshewouldhavenoneofhim.Whattheeyeperceiveshastobeconveyedtoitbymeans,inimages.Iftherewerenomeanswe

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shouldseenothing.IfanangelseesanotherangeloranythingthatGodhasmade,hedoessobysomemeans.ButhimselfandGodheseesimmediately.Ifmysoulknowsanangelsheknowshimbysomemeansandinanimage,animageimageless,notinanimagesuchastheyarehere.SoulandangelarematerialthingscomparedwithGod.Angelicknowledge,anythingcreated,isameans.WhichGodwhollylacks:heisknownwithoutmeans,withoutlittle.FormysoultoknowGodwithnothingbetweenthoumustbewithmeandIwiththee.

Iwillnowsuggestameaningquiteotherthanthesethree.‘Whileyearelittleyedonotseeme.Toseemeyehavetogrowgreat.’Intellectisgreatindeed,yetsmallcomparedwiththelightofGod.OurLordupbraidedhisapostlessaying,‘Thereisstillinyoubutalittlelight.’Theywerenotdevoidoflight,butitwasweak,thelightofgrace,thebrightestthingGodevermadeorevercouldhavemade.Andafterallthesoulissmallsolongassheisstillingrace.Sometimeorotherthesoulmustriseingrace.Ifgraceisnotyetovercome,thesoulhasstilltoascendingraceand,beingperfected,totranscendgrace:thensheseesGod.

Fourthly,‘andyeshallnotseeme’:beingpoorinlightandgraceyecannotseeGod.OnemustaboundinlightandgracebeforeonecanseeGod.Graceisasurpassinglight,superangelic.IngracewecansecGodbutfromafar.WhilegraceexistsinusasgracewearenotabletoseeGod.‘YedonotsecmebecauseIamgoingtomyFather.’WhilethesoulprogressesGodremainsunseen.WhileweareonthewaytoGodwehavenotgottenhim.WithfindingGodallprogressends,asourLordsaidtoStMaryMagdalene,‘Touchmenot,IamnotyetascendedintheetomyFather.’WhileGodisascendinginthesoulandhasnotreachedthezenith,weareunabletoseeGod.StPaulsays,‘Goddwellsinlightinaccessible.’Andonesaintdeclares,‘NomaneversawGod.’StPaultellsus‘WeshallknowGodasweareknown.’AsGodknowshimselfsoweshallknowhim;asheseesallthingsinhimselfsoweshallseeallthingsinhim.‘Weshallknowasweareknown,’StPaulsays.Thelittlebeingclearedaway,IshallseeasIamseen,asheseeshimself,withoutlittle,withnothingbetween;allinhimselfandinhimallthings,nothingoutsidehim;andwetooshallknowwithoutlittleandwithoutmeans.WeshallknowinhisSon.TheSonistheimageoftheGodhead,nottheGodheaditself:heistheideaofGodtheFather.TheFather’sreflectionishisonlySon.Inthatideawherenothingexists,inthatimageweshallbereflectedintheSonandbytheSonreflectedbackintotheFather:inthatimage,allthesame,wherethereisnothisnorthat,weshallknow

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GodwithGod’sonlySon.MaythelittledepartfromusandallowustoknowtheetheonetrueGod.SohelpusGod.Amen.

XLII

THEIMAGEANDITSOBJECT

Modicumetjamnonvidebitis(Joh,MyLatinquota-

tionisfromtheGospelofStJohnwhichwcreadonSunday.ItiswhatourLordsaidtohisdisciples,‘Amodicum,alittle,andyeseemenot.’Anything,howeversmall,adheringtothesoulpreventsyourseeingme.StAugustinebeingaskedthemeaningofeternallifeansweredandsaid:Dostthouaskmewhatiseternallife?Asketernallife,seewhatitsaysitself.Noneknowswhatheatislikethehot,norwisdomlikethewise,noneknowsthemeaningofeternallifesowellastheeternallifeitself.OurLordJesusChristsays,‘Thisiseternallife,toknowtheeGod,theonetrueGod.’

‘Amodicum,alittle,andlo!yeseemenot.’NowyoumustunderstandthatifthesoulsawGodevenfromafar,orinsomeinterveningthing,asinacloud,aninstant,shewouldnotturnawayfromhim,notforalltheworld.WhatthinkyethenwouldhappenifshesawGodinhimself,asheis,facetofaceinhisnakedessence?AllcreaturesGodhasevermadeorcouldmakeifhewouldamounttoverylittle,amerenothingascomparedwithGodhimself.Theheavensarebig,sovastindeed,wereItotellyewouldnotcreditme.Ifyoucouldtakeaneedleandpricktheheavenswithit,thatneedle-pointofheaven,ascomparedwiththewholeheavensplusthisentireworld,wouldbegreaterthanthisuniversecomparedwithGod.Wellandtrulythenitmaybesaid,‘atrifle,alittle,andyeshallnotsecme.’WhilstthouseestaughtofcreaturethouseestnaughtofGod;howeverlittle,itmustgo.SaysthesoulintheBookofLove,‘IranaboutandsoughthimwhommysoullovethandIfoundhimnot.’Shemetwithangelsandmanythingsbesides,butshefoundnothimwhomhersoulloved.Thenshegoesontosay,‘ItwasbutalittleIpassedfromthemandIfoundhimwhommysoulloveth,’justasthoughtosay:whenIhadgottenbeyondcreatures(littlethingsandofsmallaccount)Icameonhimwhommysoulloveth.Thesoulmustpassbeyond,shemusttranscend,allcreaturesbeforeshecanfindGod.

Nowyoumustknow,Godlovesthesoulsomightily,hewhoshouldrobGodoflovingthesoulwouldrobhimofhisverylifeandbeing:wouldkillGod,ifonemaysosay;fortheverylovewherewithGodlovesthesouliswhathisHolyBreathisblowingin.

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ButifGodlovesthesoulsomuchthesoulmustbeamostimportantthing.

ThephilosophersaysinhisbookOntheSoul:Iftherewerenomeanstheeyecouldseeagnat,anant,inheaven.Andhewasright,referringtotheairandfire,etc.thatintervenebetweentheeyeandheaven.Anotherphilosopherdeclaresthatwithoutmeansnoeyecouldseeatall.Bothareexpressingthesametruth.

Thefirstonesaysthatiftherewerenomeanstheeyecouldseeanantinheaven.Andthatistrue.IfnothingintervenedbetweenGodandthesoulshewouldseeGodeverywhit,forGodhimselfiswhollyfreefrommeansandbrooksnosortofintervention.Ifthesoulwerestrippedofallhersheaths,Godwouldbediscoveredallnakedtoherviewandwouldgivehimselftoher,withholdingnothing.Aslongasthesoulhasnotthrownoffallherveils,howeverthin,sheisunabletoseeGod.Anymedium,butahair’s-breadth,inbetwixtthebodyandthesoulstopsactualunion.Thatistrueofcorporalthingsandhowmuchmoreofghostly.Boethiussays,Wouldstknowthenakedtruth?Thencastoffjoyandfearandtrustandhopeandpain.Joyisameans,fearisameans,faithandhopeandpain,theyallaremeans.WhilethouregardestthemandtheyhaveregardtotheethoucanstnotseeGod.

Theseconddoctorsays:withoutmeanstheeyewouldseenothing.IfIcovermyeyeswithmyhandIcanseenothingofmyhand.IfIputitbeforemeIsecitquitedistinctly.Thisisduetothedensenatureofthehandwhichmustberarefiedandrenderedvolatileinairandlightandineffigybecarriedtomyeye.Thesamethingwithamirror.Ifthouhastitfacingtheethyimageisreflectedintheglass.Theeye,likethesoul,isamirror,andthingspresentedtoitallappeartherein.Idonotseethehand,thestone,itself:Iseetheimageofthestone,butIdonotseethisimageinasecondimageorbyanyothermeans:Iseeitwithoutmeansandwithoutimage.Thisimageisitselfthemeans:imagewithoutimagelikemotionwithoutmotionalthoughcausingmotionandsizewhichhasnosizethoughtheprincipleofsize.Evensotheimageisinthissenseimagelessthatitisnotseeninanotherimage.TheeternalWordisthemeansandtheimageitselfwhichiswithoutmeansandwithoutimage,sothatthesoulintheeternalWordconceivesofGodandknowshimwithoutimageandwithnothingbetween.

Thereisonepowerinthesoul;intellect,ofprimeimportancetothesoulformakingherawareof,fordetecting,God.Ithasfiveproperties.First,itisdetachedfromhereandnow.Next,itislikenothing.Thirdly,itispureanduncompounded.

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Fourthly,itisinitselfactiveorself-searching.Fifthly,itisanimage.

First,itisdetachedfromhereandnow.Hereandnow,that,inotherwords,istimeandplace.Nowistheminimumoftime;notafragmentoftimenorafractionoftime:asmack,acon-nection,anendoftime.Smallthoughitbeitmustgo;every-thingtimetoucheshastogo.Again,itisdetachedfromhere.Andheremeansplace.ThespotIamstandingonissmall,butitmustdisappearbeforeIcanseeGod.

Secondly,ithasnolike.Aphilosophersays,Godisathingthatnothingislikeandthatnothingcanbecomelike.ButaccordingtoStJohn,‘weshallbecalledGod’schildren’andifweareGod’schildrenwemustresembleGod.HowthencanthisdoctorsayGodisathingthatnothingislike?TheansweristhatinbeinglikenothingthispowerislikeGod.Godislikenothingandthispowerislikenothing.YoumustunderstandthatallcreaturesarebynatureendeavouringtobelikeGod.TheheavenswouldnotrevolveunlesstheyfollowedonthetrackofGodorofhislikeness.IfGodwerenotinallthings,naturewouldstopdead,notworkingandnotwanting;forwhetherthoulikeitorno,whetherthouknowitornot,naturefunda-mentallyisseeking,thoughobscurely,andtendingtowardsGod.NomaninhisextremityofthirstbutwouldrefusetheproffereddraughtinwhichtherewasnoGod.Nature’squarryisnotmeatordrinknorclothesnorcomfortnoranythingsatallwhereinisnaughtofGod,butcovertlysheseeksandevermorehotlyshepursuesthetrailofGodtherein.

Thirdly,itispureandunmingled.BynatureGodcantoleratenominglingoradmixture.Noristhereinthispoweranyinter-minglingoradmixture:itisfreefromimpurityandnothingforeigncanoccurtherein.Totellacomelypersonheisfairanddarkwoulddohimaninjustice.Thesoulmustbewithoutadmixture.Ifsomeonehangssomethingtomycloakorstickssomethingonitthenanyonewhowearstheeloakwillweartooitsattachments.IfIgoouthence,therewillthengowithmethewholeofmyattachments.Whatthespiritrestson,isattachedto,takesthespiritwdthit.Themanwhorestsonnothing,isattachedtonothing,thoughheavenandearthshouldfall,willremainunmoved.

Fourthly,itiseverseeking,travailing,within.Godissuchthatheeverabidesintheinnermost.Andintellectiseverseekinghim.Butwillgoesouttowhatitlovesinhim.Soatthecomingofmyfriend,suddenlymyheartgoesouttohimandheisglad.StPauldeclares,‘weshallknowGodasweareknown.’AndaccordingtoStJohn,‘weshallseeGodasheis.*

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NowifIamcolouredImusthavesomethinginmethatwilltakethecolour.IshouldnevercolourunlessIhadacolournature.AndIcanonlyseeGodinwhatheseeshimselfin.StPauldeclaresthat‘Goddwellsinlightinaccessible.’Itisnottobedeniedthatkeepingintheway,intheentry,thoughallwellandgood,isyetalongwayfromthetruth,foritisnotGod.

Fifthly,itisanimage.Markthis,itisimportant:itgivesyouthewholesermoninanutshell.Objectandimageareboundupwithoneanothersothatwecannotpartthem.Wecanthinkoffireapartfromheatandheatwithoutthefire.Wecanthinkofthesunapartfromlightandoflightasindependentofthesun.Butwecannotparttheobjectfromitsimage.Isaymore:AlmightyGodhimselfcannotdisentanglethem:theyareborntogetherandtheydietogether.1donotdiebecausemyFatherdoes.Supposeyoudie,thenwenolongersay,heishisson,wesay,hewashisson.Cloththatisbleachedislikeallwhitenessinitswhiteness.Butifyoublackenit,itisdeadtowhiteness.Andhereitisthesame.Iftheimage,God’slikeness,disappeared,therewouldperishalsoitsexemplar,God.OnethingIwouldsay:yearcbecometwo,yearebecomethree.Nowmarkmywords.Intellectpeersin,itsearcheseverycorneroftheGodheadandfindingtheSonintheheartoftheFather,inhisground,ittakeshimandsetshiminitsown.Intellectpressesin;sheisnotcontentwithgoodorwisdom,norwithtrutlinoryetwithGodhimself.SheisnomorecontentwithGodthanwithatree,astone.Sheneverrestsuntilshegetsintothegroundwhencetruthandgoodproceedandtakestheminprincipio,inthebeginning,thefountoftruthandgoodness,wheretheyrisebeforetheircomingforth:agroundfarhigherthantruthandgoodnessarc.Hersister(will)contentsherselfwithGodasbeinggood.Butintellect,leavingthisbehind,goesinandbreaksthroughtotherootwhenceshootstheSonandwhencetheHolySpiritblossomsforth.Maywediscoverthisandbeforeverblest.SohelpusFather,SonandHolyGhost.Amen.

XLIIIi

KNOWLEDGEANDLOVE

MeistcrEckhartsaid:Doctorsdebatewhichisthenobler,knowledgeorlove.Somesaythatloveisbetterthanknowledge.Isayitisnot.Ourbestauthoritiesdeclarethatknowledgeisnoblerthan.love.LoveandwilltakeGodasbeinggood.IfGodwerenotgood,willwouldhavenoneofhim;ifGodwerenot

^Jostes,No.10.

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117

lovely,lovewouldscouthim.Butunderstandingwouldnot.Knowledgeisnotconfinedeithertogoodortoloveortowisdomorlordship.ByputtingnamestoGodthesoulisonlydressinghimupandmakingafigureofGk)d;noristhisthedoingofknowledge.ThoughGodwereneithergoodnorwise,stillunder-standingwouldseizehim;itstripseverythingoff,notstoppingeitheratwisdomorgood,normajestynorpower.ItpiercestonakedbeingandgraspsGodbare,ereheisclothedinthoughtwithwisdomandgoodness.WheretheSonhashisbeatitude,thereintheFather,understandingfindshers.

NowIamgoingtosaysomethingneverreadnorpreachedbefore.

AttheCollegeyesterdaytheyadmittedthatthereisagroundwithinthesoulcorrespondingtotheFather-nature.JustastheFatherisbringingforthhisSonintheHolyGhostandthesethreeareoneGod,sothisgroundisbringingforthunderstandingandwill,onepowerasGodisoneWord.Withalthisgroundisfreefromanytaintofcreature.AllthethingsweattributetothesoulformascreenroundthisgroundwhereinGodislookingatthesoulandthesoulislookingatGod.AccordingtoStPaul,‘WebeholdingthevisionofGod’ssplendourarcchangedinthatsameimagefromglorytoglory.’ThisimageistoocloselyjoinedtoGodforcreaturestodisseverandGodhimselfwillnotdivideit.Alas!werecksolittleofthisimage,wekeepitnotsobrightasitwasgivenusbyGod!WhateverwcmaydoGodisneversatisfiedunlesswethereabideinutterdestitutionandsoenableGodatalltimeswithoutceasingtobringhisone-begottenSontobirthinthissameground.Thisbirthbefallsnotonceayearnoronceadaynoronceanhour,butallthetime,abovetime,inthewhilewhichisneitherherenornow.ThisisthegroundIspeakof.MayweliveinsuchwisethatGodcanenergiseinus.SohelpusGod.

IhavesometimessaidthatthesoulisanimitationofGod;nowIsaythatsheishisimage,andintheverysameformtheFatherhaseternallyformed,andthesamethatChristisformedin.

AccordingtoMeisterEckhart,Allcreaturescontainonere-flection:one,thatisthedenialofitsbeingtheother;thehighestoftheangelsdeniesheisthelowest.Gk)disthedenialofdenials:theonewhichisexclusiveofallotherness.Tocallatreeatreeisnottonameit,forallthespeciesarecon-fused.Ifwenameitinitsfirsteruption,initsperfection,wedonotcallitatree,wecallitpuredivinenature.Anothernotionofit,ratherbetter.Thedivinenatureisthegreatdivider.MeisterEckhartsays,ThePhariseebesoughtourLordtoeatwithhim.WhatisthePharisee?Hestandsfordetachment;a

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Phariseeisonewhoisdetachedfromallandunitedintoone.Theprophetcries,‘Lordhavemercyontheworkwhichisinthee.’ThehighestworkGodeverwroughtwasdoneinmercy.Under-standinggoesindeepenoughtolayholdofbeingsimplyasbeing-in-itself,butwherebeingislosingitself,drownedinitself,thereunderstandingfallsaway.

FriarJohnsays:Itisaquestionamongthetheologianswhetheritlieswiththesoul,orwithGod,forhertobeGod.Isaythepowerliesinthesoul.SupposethesoulreadytobeGod,thenGodmustworkinthatpoweranddrawthepowerintohimself:theenergythenisinGodandthecapacityisinthesoul.WereIwhollythatIamIshouldbeGod;therewouldbeformeneithertimenorplacenorchange.Thereisnothingsoeasytome,sopossible,astobeGod.Tostayquietrequiresnowork,whereasifIchangetoanotherImustreducemyselftonaught:butIremainasIam.

Isay,nocreatureissovilebutitcanboastofbeing;inproportiontoitsbeingisitspowerofbeingGod,forwhateverisbeingisGod.

BishopAlbertussays,ManisdivineaboveallasreceivingunhinderedtheinflowingDeity.Inthewordsofthesaint,ThelightofmysoulisneverextinguishedandmydesireiseverinthebeholdingofGod.

XLIVi

INALLTHINGSISEEKREST

Inomnibusrequiemqueesivi(EccL24iji).thingsI

seekrest.

ThemasterstellusthatGodmadethepowersofthesoulbynaturereceptivetotheirlikes,thusthecarisalwayshearingandtheeyeisalwaysseeing.Whatmyeyeseesisonewithit,justliketheairwithlight.Thenatureoftheeyeistoseecolour,otherwiseitwouldnotbeaneye.Andconverselywithcolour,bynatureitaffectstheeyeoritwouldnotbecolour.Tothinkofitascolouryetincommunicabletotheeyewouldbetodenythatitiscolour.Icanseetheminster.Butnooneseesitinme.Forathingtobevisibleinme,itmustbesoplacedthatitsreflectioncanbeseeninme.Standinginfrontofmeandfacetofaceamancouldseehisimageinmyeye.Standoverflowingwaterandyoucannotseeyourself.Butsupposingitisclear,thenwhereitiscollectedandstillenoughforareflectionyoucanseeyourforminit.Theysayglassistransparent,likeacrystal.Butcoveritwithleadorwaxanditreflects:itgivesanimageofwhateverstandsbeforeit,perfectineverydetail.

^SeealsoWackemagel,No.Ixiii.

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Godmadethesoul,herhighestpower,herbest,inordertobegethimselftherein.There,saysaphilosopher,begetterandbegottenarethesameandthereisneithertimenorplacenormatter.Mattermeansgrossbodilythings;itisintractableandhinders.HenceithasbeensaidthatiftheFathercouldhewouldmakehimself.Buthecannot,sohemakeshislike.

OurLordsaid,‘IdwellinJacobandIrestinIsrael.’Jacobstandsforriddance.Godisgottennowhereexceptinginthesoulthathasputallcreaturesunderherfeet.StAugustinesays,Godisbeingbornwithinthesoulthewholetimewithoutceasing,butnotborntoustowhomheisnotmanifestbuthidden.AslongasGodishiddeninthesoulbyaught,heisnotborntous,andyoumaybequitesurethatGodisneverborntoanysoulexceptingshehasputallcreaturesunderherfeet:wherethereisnootherthereGodbegetshimself,nothislikeness,hisownself:GodandGod.WellandtrulythentheSonmaysay,‘IdwellinJacobandinIsrael1rest.Andsaidhe:‘MyFathersentmeandheengenderedinmethatwhichismynature:thatIambeingbornallthetimewithinthesoulwhoispureenoughforhimtoseehimselfin.’ThereGodisatrestandthesoulreposesinGod.TodepriveGodofrestinginthesoulwouldbetodeprivehimofhisdeity.Torobhimofiteveninone’sthoughtsistorobhimofhisGodhood,sinceheispleasedtorestinallthings.Davidsays:‘MyLordsaidtomyheart:thouartmySon;thisdayhaveIbegottentheeinthereflectionoftheHolyGhost,’andagainhesaid:‘Ihavebegottentheeinmyinnermostheart,inthedepthsofmysoul;Ihavespreadmyroots,Ihaveestab-lishedmyselfinthecityofZionandmypowerinJerusalem.’ThesoulinZion,whohastranscendedthingsandisdwellinginhercentraldepth,inherdocsGodgivebirthtohisinmostself.TheheavenlyFathersaidtohisonlySon:AsIbegattheeinmyinmostheart,evensoIchargetheebythydivinenaturethatthoucomestnottobirthsaveintl\cinnermostrecessesofthesoul.—^WhosoeverwoulddenytoGodthatheshouldbegethimselfinthiswayinthesoulwoulddenyhimhisGod-nature.MayGodthusbegethimselfinus,SohelpusGod.Amen.

XLV

INALLTHINGSISEEKREST

Inomnibusrequiemqueesivi{Eccl,24^]^).WefindthisintheBookofWisdom.WemayimagineWisdominfriendly

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conversationwiththesoul,saying,‘InallthingsIsoughtrest.’Towhichthesoulreplies,‘Hewhocreatedmerestedinmytent.’AndWisdomsaysagain,‘Myrestisintheholycity.’IfIwereaskedtosaytowhatendthecreatorhascreatedcreatures,Ishouldanswer:rest.AndwereIaskedasecondtime,whatareallcreaturesseekingsoeagerlybynature?Ishouldanswer:rest.AndifathirdtimeIwereaskedwhatthesoulseeksinallheragitations,oncemoreIshouldsay:rest.

Lookhowthefaceofdivinenatureturnsfoolishanddementedallthepowersofthesoulwithlongingforit,soastodrawthemtoitself.Godlikesthissowell,itpleaseshimsomuchthathisentireGod-natureisturnedintothisbent.Hesays,‘IntheholyplacelikewiseIrepose.’AsthesoulrestsinGodsoGodreposesinher.IfsherestspartlyinGodherestspartlyinher.Ifsherestswhollyinhimherestsaltogetherinher.InthoselimpidsoulswhereGodcanseethereflectionofhimself,GodisreposinginthesoulandthesoulisreposinginGod.TodepriveGodofthis,thoughbutinthought,istodeprivehim,todenytohim,hisGodhoodwhoisseekingrestinallthings,forGod’snatureisrest.

Fourthly,whethertheyknowitornot,creaturesareallinsearchofrest.Noonecanshutoropenhiseyeswithoutseekingrest:heisriddinghimselfofsomehindranceorfindingsome-wheretorest.Thesearcthetwomotivesofallhumanaction.AsIoftensay,myloveisplacedwhereImostclearlyseeGod’slikeness.ButrestismorelikeGodthananycreature.

MarkhowthesoulmustbeforGodtorestinher.Shemustbepure.Whatmakesthesoulpure?Keepingtospiritualthings.Sheisexaltedtoobythese.Themoresheisexaltedthepurershebecomesinherintentionandthemoreefficientinherwork.Asthephilosophersaysaboutthestars:theybecomelesspotentastheyneartheearth,beingoutoftheirtruecourseIntheirproperorbit,thoughtheyareinvisibleonearth,theyhavemorepulluponit.StAnselmapostrophisesthesoul,‘Withdrawthyselfalittlefromthetumultofexternalthings.’Andagain,

‘Fleeawayandhidetheefromtherushofinnerthoughtswhichcausesuchgreatdisquiettothesoul.’

WecanaskofGodnobetterthingthanrest.AllGodwantsofmanisapeacefulheart;thenheperformswithinthesqplanacttooGodlikeforcreaturetoattaintooryetsee.ThedivineWisdomisdiscreetlyfondandletsnocreaturewatch.AsourLordsays,‘Iwillleadmybrideintothedesertandwillspeaktoherinherheart/intoasolitude,thatis,awayfromcreatures.

Fourthly,hesaysthesoulmustrestinGod.Godcannotdodivineworkinthesoul,forinthesoulthingsareallruledby

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measure.Measuremeanslimit,withinandwithout.ThereisnoneofthisinGod’soperations,whichareinfinite:openlyenclosedinGod’srevelation.Davidsays,‘GodsitsabovetheCherubim.Hedocsnotsay,abovetheSeraphim.Cherubimmeanswisdom,knowledgewhichbringsGodtothesoulandleadsthesoultoGod.ButnotintoGod.NotinherownintelligencedoesGodperformhisgodlyoperation,becauseinherthisisruledbymeasure;butheusesitasbeingGod,divine.Thehighestpowerstepsforth(thatis,thewill)andbreakingintoGod,leadsinthesoulwithherintelligenceandallherpowersandmakesheronewithGod.HereGodisactingabovethepowerofthesoul:notasinthesoulbutasinGod.ThesoulnowdowsedinGodandindivinenature,receivesdivinelife;nowsheissubjecttothelawofGodandisoftheorderofGod.Totakeanillustrationfromnaturalphilosophy.Atthemomentofconceptionthechildinitsmother’swombhasneitherlimbsnorcolour.Butwhenthesoulispouredintothebodyittakesformandcolourandbecomesanentity(invirtueofthesoul),withthecreatednatureofthesoulandtheappearanceofalivingbeing.Andthesoul,whenperfectlyatonedwithGodanddowsedinhisdivinity,losesallherhindrances,herfeeblenessandinstability,andsuddenlyrenewedwithdivinelifegrowsorderlyinallherwaysandvirtues.Lookatalight,thenearerthewickthedulleranddensertheglow;astheflameshootsupfromthewickitgetsbrighterandbrighter.ThemoreexaltedthesoulthebetterGodcandoinherhisdivineworkinhisownlikeness.Likeamountainrisinguptwoleaguesabovetheearth,gravenwithmagicrunesandsacredcharacterswhichdefythewindsandrain.Evensothereallyholysoulisupliftedintoperfectcalm,absoluteandchangelessindivineactivity.Thatreligioushasgoodcauseforshamewhoismovedsoreadilytoglo#morangerordesire.Heisnotruereligious.

Lastly,creaturesareallseekingrestwhethertheyknowitornot.Neveristhestonebereftofmotionwhileitisnotlyingontheground.Andsimilarlyfire.Allcreaturesalso:theyseektheirnaturalplace.ThelovingsoulfindsrestnowhereexceptinGod.Davidsays,‘Godhasordainedtoeverythingitsplace:tofishthewater,birdstheairandbeaststheearthandtothesoultheGodhead.’AndJobdeclaresinthesamestrain,‘WhatisinGodhegivesusforourjoyandbliss.’Godgrantuspeaceandrestinhim,Sohelpustheeternaltruth,whichishimself.Amen^

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XLVIIPOVERTY

ThereallyvirtuousmandoesnotwantGod.WhatIhaveIwantnot.Hemakesnoplans,hesetsnostorebythings.AsGodishigherthanmansoishereadiertogivethanmanistoreceive.Notbyhisfastsandvigilsandhismanyoutwardworksdoesamanprovehisprogressinthevirtuouslife,butitisasuresignofhisgrowthifhefindseternalthingsmoreandmoreattrac-tivethanthethingsthatpass.ThemanwhohasathousandmarksofgoldandgivesitallawayforloveofGodisdoingafinething;yetIsay,itwerefarfinerandfarbetterforhimtodespiseit,settingitatnaughtonGod’saccount.

AmanshouldorienthiswillandallhisworkstoGodandhavingonlyGodinviewgoforwardunafraid,notthinking,amIrightoramIwrong?Onewhoworkedoutallthechanceserestartinghisfirstfightwouldneverfightatall.Andif,goingtosomeplace,wemustthinkhowtosetthefrontfootdownweshallnevergetthere.Itisourdutytodothenextthing:gostraighton,thatistherightway.

Therearefivekindsofpoverty.Thefirstisdevilishpoverty;thesecond,goldenpoverty;thethirdiswillingpoverty;thefourthisspiritualpoverty;thefifth,divinepoverty.

Thefirst,ordevilishpoverty,appliestoallwhohavenotwhattheyfainwouldhave,outwardorinward.Thatistheirhell.

Thesecond,goldenpoverty,istheirswhointhemidstofgoodsandpropertiespassemptyoutandin.Ifeverythingtheyownwasburnttheeffectonthemwouldbetoleavethemquiteun-moved.Heavenmustneedsbetheirsandtheywouldhavenoless.

Thethirdiswillingpovertyandbelongstothosewho,renouncinggoodsandhonours,bodyandsoul,leaveeverythingwithrightgoodgrace.Thesegivejudgmentwiththetwelveapostlesandbypronouncingjudgmentitistheirjudgmentdaywho,knowingwhattheyleave,yetsetanotherintheirheartandmightilybestirthemselvesabouttheirowndeparture.Sucharethewillingpoor.

Thefourtharespiritualpoor.Thesehaveforsakenfriendsandkindred,notmerelygoodsandhonour,bodyandsoul;further,theyarequitofallgoodworks:theeternalWorddoesalltheirworkwhiletheyareidleandexemptfromallactivity.AndsinceintheeternalWordisneitherbadnorgood,thereforetheyareabsolutelyempty.

Thefiftharegodlypoor,forGodcanfindnoplaceinthemto^Jostes,No.34.

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workin.Theirsisriddancewithoutandwithinfortheyarebareandfreefromallcontingentform.Thisistheman:inthismanallmenareonemanandthatmanisChrist.Ofhimonemastersays,‘Earthwasneverworthyofthismanwholooksonheavenandearththesame.’Thismanisobject-freeintimeandineternity.

Nowenoughofthosewhohavenoobjectineternity,butonethingmoreofthosewhoareobjectlessintime.Whatismeantbyobject?Therearetwoobjects:oneisotherness(notI);theotherisaman’sownproperself(his1).

Thefirstothernessisbecomingsallthathascomeintoexistence;suchthingsbreedothernessandpassaway.Thisappliestothepassageoftime.

Hewhoknowsonematterinallthingsremainsunmoved.Formatteristhesubjectofformandtherecanbenomatterwithoutformnorformdevoidofmatter.Formwithoutmatterisnothingatall;butmatterevercleavestoformandisoneundividedwholeineverysinglepartofit.Nowsinceforminitselfisnaught,thereforeitmovesnothing.Andsincematterisperfectlyimpartible,thereforeitisunmoved.Thismanthenisunmovedbyformormatterandisthereforeobjectlessintime.

Man’sotherobjectistopossesshisproperself,toidentifyhimselfwithallperfection,withthatmostprecioustreasurehisownaught:thatishisquest.Nowwhenathinghasgottenitsownform,nomorenorless,thatthingisallitsownandnooneelse’s.Hewhoconceivesthisreallyisperfectinthesensethatheiswhollyobjectlesstoeternity,etc.

XLVII

THISISLIFEETERNAL

Hcecestvitaceternautcognoscanttesolumdeumverumetc,(Joh.173).Herebeginnethadiscourseonagospelsaying,Christ’sdictum,‘Thisislifeeternal,toknowtheetheonlytrueGodandthySonwhomthouhastsent.’

NownooneknowstheFatherexcepthisonlySon,forhesayshimself,‘NomanknowstheFathersavetheSonandnomanknowstheSonsavetheFather.’Ergo,ifmanistoknowGod,andthereinconsistshiseternalbliss,hemustbe,withChrist,theonlySonoftheFather.IfyewouldbeblestyemustbetheonlySon;notmanysons;oneSon.True,yearemanyinyourcarnalbirth,butyeshallbeoneintheeternalbirth,forinGodthereisnomorethantheonenaturalspringwithitssinglenaturaloutletoftheSon;nottwainbutone.AndhenceifyeareonewithChristyearethesoleissuewiththeeternalWord.

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HowdoesmancometobetheonlySonoftheeternalFather?Ianswer.TheeternalWorddidnottakeuponitselfthismanorthat,ittookuponitselfoneindivisiblefreenature,humannature,bareandformless,fortheimpartibleformofmanhoodiswhollywithoutform;andsinceinthisuniontheeternalWordtookhumannatureformless,thereforetheFather’simage,hiseternalSon,becametheformofhumannature.HereitisjustastruetosaythatmanbecameGodasthatGodbecameman.ForhumannaturewastransformedbytakingthedivineformwhichistheimageoftheFather.ItfollowsthattobetheSonyemustdepartfromanddiscardwhatevermakesfordivisioninyou.Manisanaccidentofnature.Doawaywithaccidentsandtakeyourselvesinthefreedomofyourimpartiblehumanity.ButthisverynaturewhereinyetakeyourselvesisbecometheSonoftheeternalFatherbyunionwiththeeternalWord,andthereforeyewithChristbecometheSonoftheeternalFatherbyreasonofenjoyingthesamenaturewhichwastheremadeGod.Bewarelestyetakeyourselvesaseitherthisorthat:realizeyourselvesintheliberationofyourundividedmanhood.Ifyewouldbeoneyemustberidofnot,fornoVsprideisdivision.Howso?Well,supposeIsay,Thouartnottheman.Thisnotputsadivisionbetweentheeandthisman.TobeundividedyemustbefreefromnotThereisonepowerinthesoulwhichisimmunefromnot,whichhasnotaughtincommonwithanymortalthing:thereisnothinginthispower;onlyGodisseentherefacetoface.

AmanbeingthustheSon,hismotion,hisenergy,whateverheenjoys,hehasgottenofhisown.NowtheSonoftheFatheristheeternalSonasbeingdescendedfromtheFather.Further,allhehashehaswithinhimselfsinceheisoneinessenceandinnaturewiththeFather;hisessenceandhisquiddity,hehasbothinhimselfandinthissenseheprays,‘Father,asIandthouareoneevensoIwouldtheyshouldbethesame.’AndjustastheSonisonewiththeFatherinhisessence,sothoubeingonewithhiminessenceandinnature,hastgotitallintheeastheFatherhasinhim.ThouhastitnotonloanfromGod,becauseGodisthineown:allthouhastgottenthouhastgottenofthineownandsuchworksasarenotproduceofthineownaredeadworksinthesightofGod.Thesethouartmovedtobyextraneousthingsandtheyarenotliving:theyaredead,foranythingaliveisendowedwithamotionofitsown.Ifman’sworksaretolivetheymustbeindigenous:notforeignthingsnoroutsidebutwithinhim.

Remember.IfyeloverightasGodyelovenotrightasright,thereforeyeneithertakeitnorloveitasawholebutasdivided.

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ButGodisright,soyearenottakinghimnorlovinghiminhisentirety.TakerightasrightandyetakeitasGod.Thenwhererightisatworkyewillbeworkingtoo,seeingthatyedorightallthetime.Thoughhellstoodinthewayofrightyewouldstilldorightandthatnotasahardshipbutapleasure,becausebeingrightitselfycmustdoright.Themoreathingparticipatesinacommonnature,themoreitisonewiththeimpartibilityofthecommonnature,themoreimpartibleitisitself.Tothewholetruth,Godhelpus.Amen,

XLVIII

BEHOLD,ISENDMYANGEL

Ecceegomittoangelum7neumetc.{Matt,ll^o,Luc.737).‘Behold,1sendmyangelbeforemyfacetopreparemywaybeforeme.Andhewhomweseekshallsuddenlycomeintohistemple.Whoknoweththedayofhiscoming?Forheisasafirethatblazesup.’Suddenly,hesays,heshallcomeintohistemple.Thesoulshallcomewithallofherpossessions,betheysinsorbetheyvirtues,andofferthemallupatonce,liftingthemupintheSonintotheFather.AstheloveoftheFatheristheloveli-nessoftheSon.TheFatherlovesnothingatallbuttheSonandsuchthingsashefindsintheSon.LetthesoulthenriseupinherwholepowerandofferherselftotheFatherinhisSonsothatshewiththeSonmaybelovedbytheFather.

Hesays,‘Behold,Isendmyangel.’Thewordbeholdsuggeststhreethings.Somethinggreatormarvellousorrare.Behold,Isendmyangeltorefinethesoulandprepareherfordivinelight.Divinelightisalwaysintheangeliclightandoftheangeliclight.ThesoulwouldbetroubledanddistressedifGod’slightwerenotshadedtherein.God,cloudedbyangeliclightisalwayswaitingtocomeoutandshineuponthesoul.Iamwonttosay,whenIamaskedwhatGodisdoing,thatheisbegettinghisSon,bearinghimeverfreshandnewandwithsuchdelightthathedoesnothingelsebesidesthisworkwithhisHolyGhostandallthingsinit.Hencehiswords,‘BeholdI.’HewhosaysIdoestheverybestwork.NonebuttheFathercansaythiswordright.TheactispeculiartohimandthereisnoissuethereofbuthisSon.InthisactGodtellsforthhisall.WhenGoddoesthisworkinthesoul,thatishisbirth;hisbirthishisworkandhisworkishisSon.Godperformsthisoperationintheinnermostdepthsofthesoulsosecretlythatneithersaintnorangelknows,noristhesoulherselfapartytoitsavethatsheisthepatient;Goddoes^itbyhimself.ItisreallytheFatherwhosays,‘Isendmyangel.’

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NowImaintainwecannotbecontentwiththisandwillhavenoneofhim.ItwasOrigenwhosaid,‘MaryMagdalenesoughtourLord;shesoughtforonedeadmanandwasdisappointedtofindtwolivingangels.’Shewasright,forsheexpectedGod.Dionysiussaysoftheaugustprincipalitiesofangels,thatdivineorderreignsthereanddivineactivityanddivinelikenessordivinetruth,asfarasthatispossible.Whatisdivineorderbutdivinepowerandfromthembothspringslovewhichisardourandwisdomandtruthandpower.Forloveisburningintherealmofessence:transcendental,actualbeing,freefromnature.Itisitsnaturetobenatureless.Tothinkofgoodnessorwisdomorpowerdissemblestheessenceanddimsitinthought.Themerethoughtobscuresessence.Suchisdivinerule.AndwhereGodfindsitslikewithinthesoultheredocstheFathergivehisSonbirth.Thesoul’swholepowerburstsalight.Outofthispower,outofthislight,leapstheflame:love.ThesoulwithallhermightascendstotheorderofGod.

Nowtospeakoftheorderofthesoul.Accordingtoaheathendoctor,thesupernallightofthesoulisverybrightandclearanddearlylovesitself,whereasthesouldislikesherselfandnevershedsthisnaturallightuponherselfunlessherlowerpowersareorderedtoherhighest;hernaturallightbeinghighenoughtoreachangelicnature,butallaversefromherinferiorpowers,itwillnotpourthereinnorwillitdrenchthesoulunlesstheselowerpowerswillgiveway.Whenalordrulesoverapeojfletheserfisundertheknightandtheknightisunderthebaron.Theyalldesirepeaceandtothatendtheywillallhelpeachother.Andevensoeachseveralpowerissubjecttotheothersandhelpstokeeppeaceinthesoul,perfectrest.Ourdoctorsdefineperfectrestasabsolutefreedomfrommotion.Initthesoulcanriseaboveherselftotheorderofthegods.InthisabsoluteresttheFathergivesthesoulhisonlySon.Nowheranksfirstinorderofdivinity.

TheothermemberstakesomewhatlowerrankasIwassayingoftheangelswhohaveGod’slikenessverystronginthemandillumination.Inthisinteriorlighttheysoarabovethemselvesintothedivineimage,allfacetofacewithGodinhisdivinelightandsomuchthesamethattheydoGod’swork.AngelsilluminedlikethisandwhoaresolikeGod,absorbandsuckinGod.IoftensaythatwereIvoidandhadthisfieryinnerloveandlikenessIshouldabsorbGodaltogether.Lightstreamsoutandlightsupwhatitfallson.Tocallamanenlightenedaswesometimesdo,meanslittle.Whereitcomesinitisfarbetter;whereitbreaksthroughintothesoulandmakesherGodlike,divine,asfarasmaybe,andlightinwardly.Inthisinteriorlightshe

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towersaboveherselfinthelightofGod.Nowshehascomehomeandisatonewithhimandishisfellow-worker.Nothingiswroughtbycreature,theFatherworksalone.ThesoulshallneverstopuntilsheworksaswellasGod.ThensheandtheFathershalldohisworktogether:sheshallworkasonewithhim,wiselyandlovingly.Thatwemaybeinunitywithhim,Godhelpus.Amen.

XLIX

BEHOLD,ISENDMYANGEL

Eccemittoangelummeum(Malach.3j,Luc,7^^),Itiswritteninthegospel,‘Behold,Isendmyangel.*Angelsarewithinourkenfortheevangelistsdeelare,‘weshallbeliketheangels.’Oneauthoritysays,anangelisanimageofGod.AnotheronesaysheisfashionedlikeGod.AthirdonedescribeshimasaclearmirrorwhereinisreflectedthegoodnessofGod,theabsolutestillnessandmysteryofGod,asfarasthatispossible.Angels,again,havebeendefinedtobepureintellectuallightfreefrommaterialthings.Weshallbeliketheangels.Perceptionheremeansseeinginthelightthatisintime,foranythingIthinkofIthinkofinthelightthatisintimeandtemporal.Butangelsperceiveinthelightthatisbeyondtimeandeternal.Theyknowintheeternalnow.Menknowinthenowoftime.Thenowoftimeisinfinitelyshort.Yettakeawaythisnowoftimeandthouarteverywhereandhastthewholeoftime.Thisthingorthatthingisnotallthings;aslongasIamthisorthat,havethisorthat,IamnotallthingsnorIhavenotallthings.Purifytillthounorartnorhastnoteitherthisorthat,thenthouartomni-present,andbeingneitherthisnorthatthouartallthings.Anangelisandactsasanintelligenceinhisdegree,beholdingGodwithoutceasingandhisobjectisintelligibleessence.Henceheisfarremovedfromthings.Remotefromtimeandtempor-alities.

Marktheprophet’swords,hesays,‘Isendmyangel.’Theevangelist,however,omitsthepronounI.Thispoints,inthefirstplace,toGod’selementalnature;tothefactthatGodisuiinameable,transcendingspeechintheabstractionofhisessencewhere,withoutwordorutterance,Godisineffabletocreatures.Itshowsnext,thatthesoulisineffableandwordless;inherpropercausesheisinarticulate,namelessandmute.TheIissuppressedbecausethereshehasneitherwordnorutterance.Thirdly,itsuggeststhatGodandthesoularesoentirelyonethatGodhasnotasinglethingtotellhimfromthesoul,norisheany

128MEISTERECKHART

otherthanthesoul.TheIissilentbecauseheandthesoulareeverywhitthesame;hehasnopropertyapartfromsoulnordoesanyothernaturecomewithinhisken.Intheotherreference,thetextsays1toindicateGod’sis-ness:thatGodsimplyis.AllthingsareinGod;outofhim,withouthim,isnaught.AllcreaturesareinfernalandofnoaccountcomparedwithGod.WhattheyareintruththattheyareinGod,foritisGodalonewhoisthetruth;thewordIstandsfortheactualityofdivinetruthforitistheglyphofone-existence.ItproclaimsthatGodaloneis.Secondly,itmeansthatGodisinseparatefromthings;thatheismoreinnateinthemthantheyareinthemselves.Andmanshouldbeinseparatefromthings:notascleavingtoselfbutaswhollydetachedfromhimself;thusheisinseparatefromallthings,andheisallthings.Sofarasthouartnothingtothy-selfsofarthouartallthingsandiriscparatefromallthings;andsofarasthouartnotdivorcedfromallthingssofarthouartGodandallthings,forGod’sdeityconsistsinhisbeingpresentinallthings.WhereforethemanwhoisinseparatefromallthingsenjoysdivinityasGodhimselfenjoysit.Thirdly,theword/isinasensetheendofnameforitisnopropername:itsignifiestheperfectionofnameandmeansimmutability,dispassion:thatGodisimmoveable,intangible,eternalstability.

Fourthly,itpointstotheabsolutepurityofthedivinebeingwhichisentirelywithoutadmixture.Goodness,wisdomandanythingelsethatwecanattributetoGodareimpuritieswithGod’sabstractessence;coexistenceisforeigntoessence,butthewordIdenotesGod’spureessence,hisbeinginitselfwithoutanythingalienandstrange.Theangelsarctheimage,themirrorofGod,whichcontainsthereflectionoftheGodhead,oftheglory,thestillnessandthemysteryofGod.LetusliketheangelsimitateGod.Accordingtophilosophers,tomakeaportraitofamanonemustnotcopyConradnoryetHenry.ForifitbelikeConradorlikeHenryitwillnotrecalltheman,butwillremindoneofConradorofHenry.Moreover,Conrad’sportraitwillnotbelikeHenryfor,giventheknowledgeandtheart,onecoulddoConradtothelife,theveryimageofhim.Now,Godbothwillandcan:hemadetheelikeuntohimself,theveryimageofhimself.Butlikehimarguessomethingforeignandaloof.NowthereisnothingforeignnoraloofbetwixtGodandthesoul,thereforethesoulisnotlikeGod:sheisidenticalwithhim,theverysameasheis.

MoreIdonotknowandcannottell,soheremyargumentmustend.ButIwasthinkingontheway,thatweoughttobeutterlydetachedinourintention,havingnoone,nothing,inviewbuttheGodheadassuch:nothappinessnorthisnorthat.

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justGodandGodheadinitself.Aughtbesidethatthouintendestisadivineimpurity.SeizetheactualGodheaditself.Godhelpussotodo.Amen.

L

ICAMEFORTHFROMTHEFATHER

Exiviapatreetveniinmundum(Joh.ICgg)-IquotefromtheGospelofStJohn.OurLordsays,‘IcameforthfromtheFatherandamcomeintotheworldandagainIleavetheworldandreturntomyFather.’Anotherofhissayingsis,‘Amen,VerilyIsayuntoyouwhatsoeveryeshallaskoftheFatherinmynamethesameshallbeyours.’Scholarssaythewordamenisanexpressionforstability.OurLordsays,‘Heavenandearthshallpassawaybeforemywordshallpassaway,’whichneverchanges.Theheavenswhicharcmanifoldandtheunnumberedstarsareallself-coloured.Themoonaloneispied,thickandclear,darkandlight.Thatisduetotheneighbourhoodofearth.AndourdoctorsteachthatinGodthereisnoyesterdaynormorrow,itisto-dayandnowallthetimeinGod.Augustineobservesthatthearchitectwhobuildsahousethereindisplayshisart;thoughitmayfalltoruintheartwithinhissoulneitheragesnordecays.AndagainAugustinesays,AllthingsareimmutableintheeternalWord,nordotheywearawayalbeitinthemselvestheyarecorruptible,apttobeinsomesortornottobeatall.

Hesays,‘Verily’{i.e,withoutfailorinvariably),‘whatsoeveryeaskofmyFatherinmynamethesameshallbeyours.’Accord-ingtoStAugustine,‘TopraytoGodforaughtsaveGodisnottoprayatall.’JohnDamascenedeclaresthat‘seeingherselfthesoulseesspirit;seeinganangelsheseesspirit,yet,beholdingGod,sheandtheangelarcbutcorporalthingscomparedwithhim.’TheirmindisasmattertoGod.Angeliclightisdarknessascomparedwithhim.OurLordsays,‘Verily,Isayuntoyou,whatsoeveryeaskinmynamethesameshallbeyours,’meaning,whatisinman’snameisman;whatisinlight’snameislight;whatisinGod’snameisfixedandimmutable.ThenameofGodbelongstononebuthimwhostandsinthislight.NomancansayFatherexcepthebeSonandnoneiscalledSonunlesshebeonewiththeone-begottenWord.WhosoasksinGod’snamemaydemandoftheFatherwhateverhewill.WordshaveenormouspowerandhavegottenitfromtheemanationoftheeternalWord.

OurLordsays,‘Iamcomeintotheworld.’TheFathercomesintohisSonwithallheis,hecomesintohisSonwithallhehas,

9

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hecomesintohisSonwithallthatheaffordsand,fourthly,hecomesinanintellectualact.ItispropertotheSontodwellintheFatheranditispropertotheFathertodwellinhisSonandintheHolyGhost.ThefullpromiseoftheFatherisbroughtforthintheSontotheendthattheSonmaytransmitittothesoul.Touseafavouritesimileofmine.Whenastoneisthrownintoapondtheimpactstartsacircle,smallbutenergetic,whichsetsupothercircles,thesecondbeinglargerthanthefirstalbeitnotsopotentandthethirdonebiggerstill;oneisgottenfromanotherwithoutstopping;andifthethrowwashardenoughthewater’sedgeisreachedbeforetheripplesareexhausted.Oneuniquethrowwiththeworldasheetofwaterandthewaterwouldfailerethecirclesdiedaway.

Nowmarktheapplication.First,outoftheFatherthereleapsforththeSon,small,butsopuissantinhisgodlystrengththatitishewhocausesthewholeemanation.Thesecondsallyisthepremierangel,followingharduponthefirstevent.Itspeedsapace,andthoughlessenergeticthanthefirstandfullysmall,itisendowedwithsomuchforcethatitssuperfluousenergysuppliesthelowerangelswhileitssuccessors,yetmorewidelyflung,arebiggerincircumferencethanthesecondorthefirst.Theykeeponbrimmingouttheonebehindtheother,allbusypouringthemselvesforthfromthehighesttothelowestoftheangels;buthoweverfaritbefromtheinitialsallyoftheeternalWordtothefirstangel,thislatteristoohightobeaffectedbyanyeori)oralthing.Further.OurmasterclaimsforthelowestoftheangelsthatinviewofhisenergyprojectingintoGod,theverybasestoftheinferiorangelshassomuchofGod’smightthatthesmallestfraction(achipasitwerefromthecarpenter’saxe),theminutesttrace,ofhisactivitymakesallthingsgrowandflourish.Ifthischipdoesnotfallfromhiswork,everythinginstantlyperishes.Theyspreadfarandwide,reproducingsofarastheymaythefirstwellingoutoftheSonfromtheFather;butthisfirstemanationwassochargedwithpowerthatgivenathousandormoreworldstheywouldbewantingincapacityerethefirstissuehadbeenspent,justasthewater’sedgewasreachedbeforetherippleswereexhaustedthatarosefromtheimpactofthestone.

OurLordsays,‘IcameforthfromtheFatherandamcomeintotheworld.’fVorldmeaningpureorvirgin.Heisreferringtothesoul.BoethiussaystheworldofthesouliscalledpurebecausesheisfashionedlikethefairandvirginworldinGod.AndGodisthatsoulwhichhasgottenherintotheperfectimageofthedivineworldandwhollythereabides,notpeeringforthbut,allalooffromtheoutsideworld,standingstillinthelight-world

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inGod.IntothissoulcomestheSon,begottenthereinallthepanoplyofGod:Father,SonandHolyGhost,alltogetherinoneperfectbeing.ThesoulthathasgotteninhertheSon,hasinoneperfectentitytheentirepromiseoftheGodhead.Onethingmore.Creaturescommunicatethemselvessofarastheyaregood.ItispeculiartoGodasbeingwhollygoodthatintowhomsoeverdoespartakeofhimheemptieshimselfwhollyinhisSon.WhichisanotherargumentforthesoulwhohasgottentheSonreceivingtheGodheadaltogether.Thirdly,theFatherisperforming,inhisSon,anintellectualoperation.Accordingtothephilosophers,man’shighesthappinessconsistsinthementalexerciseofwisdom.AndtheFather’swholedelight,hisperfectbliss,isthisintellectualwontwhichisthebirthofhisSon.Thisbirthhesoenjoysthatheputshiswholemightintoitandhisentirenature.AccordinglythesoulhavinggottentheSonbyafeatofunderstanding,inhimpossessesallthatGodcangive,inoneperfectjoyandbliss.

OurLordsays,‘IcameforthfromtheFatherandamcomeintothisworld,’intothelight-world,thatis.Thesoul,truereflectionofthedivineworld,intoherenterstheSon;justashefallsfromtheFatherheisborninthesoul.Inthisverysamebirthheisbornintheworld,inthesoul,andbearingherupbringshertobirthintheFather.Ashesays,‘againIleavetheworld,’theouterworld,‘andrc-ascendtomyFather,’withthelight-worldofthesoul,copyoftheworlddivine,madeonthesamelast,inthesamelikeness.HecarriesheruptohisFather,intothefirst,intothegroundwhencetheSoncomesoutandstrikesdownfromtheFather.

Thereisanothermeaninginhiswords,‘IcameforthfromtheFather,’whichisthis:theFathergoesintohisSoninallhisdeity,forheiswhollyintellectual.HegoescleanintohisSon.Hadhemoresonstheywouldgetnaught;hecouldneverhavebutoneSonforheisnoneotherthanhisunderstanding.HadheathousandsonstheymustneedsbeallthesameSon.

OurLordsays,‘IcameforthfromtheFatherandamcomeintotheworld.AgainIleavetheworldandreturntomyFather.’Heimpliesthathisgoingoutishisgoingintothesoul.Buthergoinginishergoingout.Thesoulgoesoutofheroutermostintoherinnermost,outofherownintotheSon’s.HerbeingcaughtuptotheFatherishisquittingtheouterworldand,withthesoul,ascendingoncemoretohisFather.Marktellsofsome-oneaddressingourLordas‘GoodMaster.’Hereplied,‘ThereisnonegoodbutGod,’forincomingforthhefallscleanintothesoulwithallheis.Nocreatureexiststhatcangiveitselfwhole;itgoesoutinkindnessandworkbutitselfstaysathome.His

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exitishisentrance.HispassageoutoftheFatherishispassageintothesoul.IlisemanationverilyisGodgivinghimselfonceforallinhisSon.Wesay:theonly-begottenSonwhoproceedsfromtheFatheristhesameashimself.FromthemomenttheFatherlaunchesforthinallhismightintheSon,he(theFather)revertstopureessence.HehasnoothercourseseeinghehasspentallhissubstanceonhisSon.Weretherenotimenorplacenormatter,nothingleftatall,thebegetterwouldbeasthebegotten.ItfollowsthattheSonsocalled,mustbetheonlySonandbeonewiththeFatherwhouttersinonesingleWordthewholeofwhatheknows,thewholeofwhathecanafford,inonesingleinstant,andthatinstantiseternal.

Nowourdoctorssay:naturalactsmakeforunity.Godvouchsafeshimself,giveshimself,asawholetothesoulinorderthatshemaybeonewithhim.Moreover,hisfirstissueishisonlySon.Again,ourdoctorsteachthatthehighestoftheangelsispureyetheformsapartofnature.ButtheonlySonneverenteredanynature,heremainedsuperiortonature:inpurebeinghewentintotheFather.Theseconderuptionintonature,soourmasterssay,thehighestspirit,remainedbynaturesimplex,oneinproportiontothenearnessofhisnature(toitsorigin).Hebrokeintoletusout:hisexitthenceishisentrancehere.TIcncchiswords,‘Let....’