§57. Above all, so live that you may have the right to eat of this tree of knowledge and life, and so come to eternal joys. Doxology.
But for the searching of the Scriptures and true
knowledge of them, an honourable life is needed, and a pure soul, and
that virtue which is according to Christ; so that the intellect guiding
its path by it, may be able to attain what it desires, and to
comprehend it, in so far as it is accessible to human nature to learn
concerning the Word of God. 2. For without a pure mind and a modelling
of the life after the saints, a man could not possibly comprehend the
words of the saints. 3. For just as, if a man wished to see the light
of the sun, he would at any rate wipe and brighten his eye, purifying
himself in some sort like what he desires, so that the eye, thus
becoming light, may see the light of the sun; or as, if a man would see
a city or country, he at any rate comes to the place to see
it;—thus he that would comprehend the mind of those who speak of
God must needs begin by washing and cleansing his soul, by his manner
of living, and approach the saints themselves by imitating their works; so that, associated with them in the conduct of a common life, he may understand also what has been revealed to them by God, and thenceforth, as closely knit to them, may escape the peril of the sinners and their fire at the day of judgment, and receive what is laid up for the saints in the kingdom of heaven, which “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,” whatsoever things are prepared for them that live a virtuous life, and love the God and Father, in Christ Jesus our Lord: through Whom and with Whom be to the Father Himself, with the Son Himself, in the Holy Spirit, honour and might and glory for ever and ever. Amen.