約伯倫理 第 1314 章

In Christ all things are restored, both those in heaven and those on earth. — For who else are the 'broken crags' but those mightiest choirs of angels, who, although not entire, yet, fixed in their proper state, remained when the devil fell with his angels? For they are 'broken' because part of them fell and part remained. They stand indeed entire in the quality of merit, but broken in the quantity of number. This breach the Mediator came to restore, that by the redeemed human race He might make good the angelic losses, and perhaps more richly fill up the measure of the heavenly homeland. Concerning this breach it is said of the Father:

'He purposed in Him, in the dispensation of the fullness of times, to restore all things in Christ, both those in the heavens and those on earth, in Him' (Ephesians 1:9-10). For in Him are restored the things that are on earth, while sinners are converted to righteousness. In Him are restored the things that are in the heavens, while men, humbled, return there whence the apostate angels fell through pride. But as for what He says, 'On the inaccessible crags' — surely those which are the broken crags are themselves the inaccessible crags. For to the heart of sinful men the brightness of the angels is exceedingly inaccessible, because, in proportion as it has fallen toward beautiful bodily things, it has closed its eyes to the spiritual beauty.

But whoever is so caught up in contemplation that, uplifted by divine grace, he already inserts his intention among the choirs of angels, and, fixed in sublime things, suspends himself from all lowest action — it does not suffice him to behold the glory of the angelic brightness, unless he is also able to see Him who is above the angels. For the vision of Him alone is the true refreshment of our mind. Whence, when He had said that this eagle abides in the rocks, and dwells among the broken crags and inaccessible cliffs, He straightway added: