truth which lives unchangeably, and since the triune God
CHAP. XI.] TO SEE GOD, THE SOUL MUST BE PURIFIED. 13 wliicli is uncliangeaLly wise to one that is subject to change.
This will be evident, if we consider that the very rule of truth by which they affirm the unchangeable life to be the more excellent, is itself unchangeable : and they cannot find such a rule, except by going beyond their own nature ; for they find nothing in themselves that is not subject to change.
CiiAr. IX. All acknowledge the superiority of uncJiangeahle wisdom to that which is variable. '
9. Now, no one is so egregiously silly as to ask, " How do you know that a life of unchangeable wisdom is preferable to one of change ? " For that very truth about which he asks, how I know it ? is unchangeably fixed in the minds of all men, and presented to their common contemplation. And the man who does not see it is like a blind man in the sun, whom it profits nothing that the splendour of its light, so clear and so near, is poured into his very eye-balls. The man, on the other hand, who sees, but shrinks from this truth, is weak in his mental vision from dwelling long among the shadows of the flesh. And thus men are driven'back from their native land by the contrary blasts of evil habits, and pursue lower and less valuable objects in preference to that which they own to be more excellent and more worthy.
Chap, x,—To see God, the soul must he purified.
10. Wherefore, since it is our duty fully to enjoy the truth which lives unchangeably, and since the triune God takes counsel in this truth for the things which He has made, the soul must l^e purified that it may have power to perceive that light, and to rest \\\ it when it is perceived. And let us look upon this purification as a kind of journey or voyage to our native land. For it is not by change of place that we can come nearer to Him who is in every place, but by the cultivation of pure desires and virtuous habits.
Chap. xi.— Wisdom becoming incarnate, a pattern to tis of purification.
11. But of this w^e should have been wholly incapable, had not Wisdom condescended to adapt Himself to our weakness, and to show us a pattern of holy life in the form of our own humanity. Yet, since we when we come to Hhn do