4. The Symbol of the Brick Mould (The Life of Moses 341D-
FROM GLORY TO GLORY
side of the earth; revolving about constantly in this way it rolls through the same course, and after its revolution it comes back again. It turns in its circuit, says Ecclesiastes
(1.6); in the same way, then, your spirit goeth forward (and though designating only a part, he is referring to the entire human spirit), revolving likewise through the same orbit.
The spirit, he says (Eccles. 1.6), goeth forward and returneth to its circuits. He who comprehends this would take away no small profit for his own life.
4. The Symbol of the Brick Mould (The Life of Moses 341D344B; ed. Danielou, ii.59-62)4 Now the evil and destructive spirit that plots against man kind is constantly at pains to prevent those under his power from looking up to heaven; rather, he forces them to bend towards earth and to make within themselves bricks of clay.
Whatever causes sensual pleasure is either of earth or water; hence it should be clear to all that the text (Exod. 5) refers to those who are absorbed in their bellies, in banquets, and in the enjoyment of money. The combination of all these things is rightly called clay, for that is what they form. And those who yearn after these pleasures of clay, and keep filling them selves, can never keep the receptacle for these pleasures full; though it is always being filled it always keeps emptying again before the next pouring. Thus it is just like the brick mason who throws more and more clay into his mould as it keeps constantly emptying. Now I think that you will easily understand this symbol if you consider the appetitive power of the soul. For as soon as a man satisfies his desire by obtain-