Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ...of its memory of things above', "for if souls bore down into their bodies the memory of the divine matters of which they were conscious in heaven, there would be no difference of opinion among men about these things, but all drink oblivion in their descent, some in a greater and others in a less measure" (C. i. 12, 9). The soul then finds itself below, with some memory of heavenly things and a strong love of the body, and as it is ruled by the one or the other it rises or falls (C.. 11,11). Contempt for the world and a heavenward aspiration help it upward. Those alone are happy who live in the contemplation of things above (superna) and diligently seek after them and as far as may be imitate them1 (C. i. 8, 3). Those who can escape public affairs, and purging themselves of the contagion of the body strive by flight from human things3 to find their place among divine, have really advanced (C. i. 8, 8). For these may die to the world--"we use the word dying too, when the soul still domiciled in the body is taught by philosophy and spurns the allurements of the body and rids itself of the pleasant treachery of desires and all other passions3" (C. L 13, 6). In such cases "conversation in heaven" may be reached, "for souls, who in this life free themselves from the fetters of the body by the death philosophy teaches, may, though the body yet lives, take their place (inserantur) in heaven and among the stars" (C. i. 13, 10)4. The universe is a temple of god; all the visible is his temple who is conceived by mind alone; to him as its founder the highest worship is due, and whoever comes into this temple must realize he has to live the priest's life (C. i. 14, 2)'. 1 Thus S v;-i i-1 /-., .. 100) playfully says be thinks the stars must look down on...
