Treatise LII
Mystic Treatises — translated by A. J. Wensinck
SHORT SECTIONS ON A DIFFERENT SUBJECT
ON THE DISTINCTION OF THE IMPULSES OF
KNOWLEDGE
When knowledge pursues visible things, concerning which instruction is acquired through the senses, it is called natural. When it pursues the intelligible forces behind the visible things in non-bodily species, it is called spiritual. For perception is 378 received by the spirit, not by the senses. And regarding both of these kinds the soul receives the recognizable materials from without. When however knowledge pursues the Essence it is called supernatural, or rather agnostic, because it is elevated above knowledge. As to this [latter kind], the soul does not acquire contemplation concerning it in materials lying without it, as is the case with the former kinds. But without materials, by a sudden working of grace within, unexpectedly, it is revealed in the soul. For the kingdom of God is within us ] ). And it will not come from the place from where it is expected, nor through observation 2 ), according to the word of our Lord. But within the hidden form of the intellect it is revealed with- out cause and without meditation upon it. For the intellect has no materials to meditate upon it.
I he first [kind of knowledge! is born from constant recitation and from zeal for teachings. The second kind from a steady
254 SHORT SUCTIONS ON A DIFFERENT SUBJECT ETC.
behaviour and faith of the intellect. The third kind is due to faith alone. For there knowledge ceases and works reach their end and senses will be superfluous.
As long as knowledge is beneath this line, it is called know- ledge. And the lower it is, the more honoured it becomes, so that when it reaches the earth and earthly things, knowledge is master of all, and without it all is cripple and idle. But when the soul elevates its gaze and directs the space and the 379 time of its impulses towards heavenly things and becomes desirous after the things which are not to be seen with the bodily eye and over which the flesh has no power, then all things fall under the category of faith.
Translated by A. J. Wensinck. Edition opa.patristics.isaac-the-syrian.mystic-treatises.en.