ies by means of
symbolical figures by force of which we are restored to the
simple ray," that is, to the simple knowledge of intelligible
truth. It is thus that we ought to understand S. Gregory's words
when he says: "In contemplation men do not carry with them the
shadows of things corporeal," for their contemplation does not
abide in these things but rather in the consideration of
intelligible truth.

3. Lastly, S. Gregory says[376]: "To the soul that looks upon its
Creator all created things are but narrow. Consequently the man of
God--namely, the Blessed Benedict--who saw in a tower a fiery globe and
the Angels mounting up to Heaven, was doubtless only able to see these
things by the light of God." But the Blessed Benedict was then still in
this life. Consequently contemplation, even in this present life, can
attain to the vision of the Essence of God.

But we are not to understand from S. Gregory's words that the
Blessed Benedict saw the Essence of God in that vision; S.
Gregory wishes to show that since "to him who looks upon his
Creator all created things are but as nothing," it follows that
certain things can easily be seen by the illumination afforded
by the Divine Light. Hence he adds: "For, however little of the
Creator's Light he sees, all created things become of small
account."

Veni Sancte Spiritus
Et emitte coelitus
Lucis Tuae radium!

O Lux Beatissima
Reple cordis intima
Tuorum fidelium!

_S. Augustine:_ And thus, the remaining burden of this mortal life being
laid aside at death, man's happiness will, in God's own time, be
perfected from every point of view--that happiness which is begun in
this life, and to the attainment and securing of which at some future
time our every effort must now tend (_Of the Sermon on the Mount_, II.,
ix. 35).

"The old error is passed away; Thou wilt keep peace: peace,
because we have hoped in Thee. You have hoped in the Lord for
evermore, in the Lord God mighty for ever. And in the way of Thy
judgments, O Lord, we have patiently waited for Thee: Thy Name,
and Thy remembrance are the desire of the soul. My soul hath
desired Thee in the night: yea, and with my spirit within me in
the morning early I will watch to Thee."[377]

VI

Is the Act of Contemplation Rightly Distinguished According to the Three
Kinds of Motion--Circular, Direct, and Oblique?

S.