Discourse 52

Again, the heads of the chapters concerning another discourse on the distinctions of the movements of knowledge. Chapter 52. Knowledge is when it is illuminated by visible things, those which receive teaching through the senses: concerning these, it is called natural. And when it is by powers that are known, which are from within, and by spiritual perceptions that are incorporeal: it is called spiritual. For it receives sensation in the spirit, and not through the senses. And for both of these, the fullness is from outside the soul, for it to be understood. When, however, it is by being, above nature it is called, and without knowledge it is full, that which is higher than knowledge. This, however, is not by a fullness from outside which the soul receives, a theory concerning it, like those former ones. But rather, from within it, by grace it is stilled, without a sign being revealed from within. For the kingdom of God is from within it. And it is not by a sign from a place, and it comes in stages, like the word of our Lord. But rather, within its form, the hidden chamber of the intellect is revealed, without cause, and without thought concerning it. For the intellect has a fullness of thought concerning it. The first is from continuous reading and the practice of teaching. The second, however, is from right conduct and the faith of the intellect.

Then the remainder of it is suspended solely upon faith, because there knowledge ceases, and actions are stilled, and sensations become more suited to silence. Therefore, as long as knowledge is below this boundary, it is called knowledge; and the more it descends, the more knowledge is honored. And when it reaches the earth and earthly things, knowledge is the mistress of everything, and without it everything is despised and vain. But when it raises its gaze upward and extends the span of its movements toward the heavenly, and is stirred by those things that are not seen by the eyes of the body, and over which the flesh has no authority, then everything stands upon faith.