5

For this grade of contemplation there is especially and outstandingly

added as a support the consideration of Holy Scripture divinely issued, as

philosophy was added to the preceding. For Holy Scripture is principally

concerned with the works of reparation. Wherefore it especially deals with

faith, hope, and charity, by which the soul is reformed, and most of all

with charity. Concerning this the Apostle says that the end of the

Commandments is reached by a pure heart and a good conscience and an

unfeigned faith [I Tim., 1, 5]. This is the fulfillment of the Law, as he

says. And our Saviour adds that all the Law and the Prophets depend upon

these two Commandments: the love of God and of one's neighbor. Which two

are united in the one spouse of the Church, Jesus Christ, Who is at once

neighbor and God, at once brother and Lord, at once king and friend, at

once Word uncreated and incarnate, our maker and remaker, the alpha and

omega. He is the highest hierarch, purging and illuminating and perfecting

His spouse, the whole Church and any holy soul.