|
But the spirit of man has two aspects: one divine, one satanic-- that is to say, it is capable of the utmost perfection, or it is capable of the utmost imperfection. If it acquires virtues, it is the most noble of the existing beings; and if it acquires vices, it becomes the most degraded existence (144:1) The fourth degree of spirit is the heavenly spirit; it is the spirit of faith and the bounty of God; it comes from the 'breath of the Holy Spirit, and by the divine power it becomes the cause of eternal life. It is the power which makes the earthly man heavenly, and the imperfect man perfect. It makes the impure to be pure, the silent eloquent; it purifies and sanctifies those made captive by carnal desires; it makes the ignorant wise
(144:2)
|