Chap. XXXI.
Of disregarding all things created,
that so we may find the Creator.
1. Lord, I stand much in need of a grace yet greater, if I must arrive so far, that it may not be in the power of any man, nor any thing created, to hinder me;
For as long as any thing holds me, I cannot freely fly to thee.
He was desirous to fly freely to thee, who said, Who will give me wings like a dove, and I will fly and be at rest. Psalms liv.
[USCCB: Psalms lv. 7.]
What can be more at rest than a simple eye [that aims at nothing but God]?
And what can be more free, than he that desires nothing upon earth?
A man ought therefore to pass and ascend above every thing created, and perfectly to forsake himself, and in ecstasy of mind to stand and see that thou, the Maker of all things, hast no similitude with thy creatures.
And unless a man be at liberty from all things created, he cannot attend to things divine.