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The Works of Thomas Traherne from Inducements to Retirednes
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 December 2015
In this Introduction the pious Soul is Invited unto Retirement from the World for the better Introversion of Spirit to Consider and enjoy those Devine Objects heer presented, and delineated to it: For Every thing Rests most Composedly in its Proper place, and the Soul of Man is not in its Proper place, till it be sweetly disposed and Composed for Devine Enjoyments.
To begin that which is Infinit and Eternal, is proper only to God. Who without Beginning gav Him self a Being from Everlasting. But to see that which is Infinit and Eternal, is the Priviledge of His Creatures: and to Enjoy that which without Beginning was in Him from Everlasting, the Happiness of Men and Angels. In this therfore the Happiness of Angels Exceedeth that of Kings, that Kings are limited in their Empires and Possessions. Yet Kings may attain, like Angels, an Infinit Happiness; if Kings apply Them selvs, in the midst of their Regiment, to the Life of Angels.
The Life of Angels, such is the Vanity of the Evil Custom of this World, may by Retirement only, here beneath, be approached. for they are far removed from Carnal Pleasures, and the Desire of Secular Glory. Earthly Riches hav no other Influence upon their Minds, then that of Admiration. To see men, Born to Celestial Things, contend for Vanities; and GOD out of very Vanities, raising to Him self Causes and Monuments of Celestial Glory.
Retirement is therfore Necessary to him, that Studieth Happiness, becaus it is the Gate that leadeth therunto. For in Retirement alone can a Man approach to that which is Infinit and Eternal. Infinity and Eternity are only to bee seen by the Inward Ey. By Expanding the Understanding and by the Introversion of the Soul, do we approach unto those: namely by observing and Noting what is within. For Man is such a Wonderfull Creature that Infinity and Eternity is [hid?] within Him. And if these are within Him, all the Things they contain, are within Him likewise.
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