45. The beauty of the elect. — For the souls of the elect transcend by the comeliness of their beauty all the human race that lives on earth according to man; and the more they despise themselves outwardly by affliction, the more truly they compose themselves within. For hence it is that to Holy Church, which is adorned with the beauty of the elect, it is said through the Psalmist: 'The king hath desired thy beauty' (Ps. 45:11). Of which shortly after it is added: 'All the glory of the king's daughter is from within' (Ibid. 14). For if she sought glory without, she would not have within the beauty which the king desired.
In which indeed, although many shine with the comeliness of virtues, and by the very perfection of living transcend the merits of others, yet some, because they do not suffice to attain higher things, conscious of their own weakness, are held in the bosom of her piety. Who, in so far as they prevail, shun evils, although in so far as they desire, they do not fulfil the higher goods. Whom nevertheless the Lord kindly receives, and admits them with Himself according to the measure of worthy retribution. Whence there also follows: