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For the nature of the soul is not inaptly compared to a very fine
feather or very light wing, which, if it has not been damaged or affected
by being spoilt by any moisture falling on it from without, is borne aloft
almost naturally to the heights of heaven by the lightness of its nature,
and the aid of the slightest breath: but if it is weighted by any moisture
falling upon it and penetrating into it, it will not only not be carried
away by its natural lightness into any aerial flights but will actually be
borne down to the depths of earth by the weight of the moisture it has
received. So also our soul, if it is not weighted with faults that touch
it, and the cares of this world, or damaged by the moisture of injurious
lusts, will be raised as it were by the natural blessing of its own purity
and borne aloft to the heights by the light breath of spiritual meditation;
and leaving things low and earthly will be transported to those that are
heavenly and invisible. Wherefore we are well warned by the Lord's command:
"Take heed that your hearts be not weighed down by surfeiting and
drunkenness and the cares of this world." And therefore if we want our
prayers to reach not only the sky, but what is beyond the sky, let us be
careful to reduce our soul, purged from all earthly faults and purified
from every stain, to its natural lightness, that so our prayer may rise to
God unchecked by the weight of any sin.
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