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The Works of Thomas Traherne from Seeds of Eternity or The Nature of the Soul
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 December 2015
Humanity, which is the Handmaid of true Divinity, is a noble Part of Learning, opening the best and rarest Cabinet in nature to us, that of our Selvs: Which it doth either by discovering the Excellencies of our Bodies, or the faculties of our Souls. together with the Graces and vices of either. It is highly desirable, not only for the Benefits which flow from thence in conversation, but because it unfoldeth infinit Mysteries, (in the most precious Repository of Divine Secrets, Humane Nature) and by the Demonstration of a most clear Reason, maketh manifest the Highest Articles of Christian Faith in our retirements. It enableth, and inclineth us also to live the most Glorious life, and to spend our Time in the most Blessed Employments; to wit in Praises and Thanksgivings, as well as in Adorations and Contemplations and fruitions and Enjoyments of all the Treasures of Divine Wisdom and Bounty: Which becaus they pleas us are Delightfull, and bec: they promote us Eternaly are most truly Profitable. We become Illustrious by being just, and please GOD Angels and Men by being Blessed. Just we then are when we render to God and all his Creatures their due, and then Blessed when we esteem his mercies, and being heartily thankfull celebrat his Praises for them.
Because the Soul naturaly desires to see the Lineaments of its own face, Humanity is Delightfull which displayeth its features. It is admirable, becaus it unfoldeth Wonders that are incredible; but more becaus it doth it in a maner so plain and easy, for its Objects are within us; It is therfore the most certain of all Sciences, becaus we feel the Things it declares, and may by Experience, prove all it revealeth. It is Sublime becaus by it we are allied to heaven, in it all the Glories of the Celestial Kingdom are apparent and by it are made near and familiar. For as in Water, the face of Heaven is represented; so is the Nature of God in the Soul of Man, where the Cause and End of His Creation, together with the Beauty of Religion, the Nature of Blessedness, and the Excellency of Nature in general as well as Mans in particular are unfolded.
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