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8. Hence let him that is able now follow Thy apostle with his
understanding where he thus speaks, because Thy love "is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us; "' and
where, "concerning spiritual gifts," he teacheth and showeth unto us
a more excellent way of charity; and where he bows his knees unto Thee
for us, that we may know the super-eminent knowledge of the love of
Christ. And, therefore, from the beginning was He
super-eminently" borne above the waters." To whom shall I tell
this? How speak of the weight of lustful desires, pressing downwards
to the steep abyss? and how charity raises us up again, through Thy
Spirit which was "borne over the waters?" To whom shall I tell
it? How tell it? For neither are there places in which we are merged
and emerge. What can be more like, and yet more unlike? They be
affections they be loves; the filthiness of our spirit flowing away
downwards with the love of cares, and the sanctity of Thine raising us
upwards by the love of freedom from care; that we may lift our hearts
unto Thee where Thy Spirit is "borne over the waters;" and that we
may come to that pre-eminent rest, when our soul shall have passed
through the waters which have no substance.
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