On the Divine Names and the Mystical Theology — trans. C. E. Rolt
The translator’s English as printed (C. E. Rolt). The original-language text is not held; names are romanised as the translator printed them.
1 Material things are surpassed by angels and perfected human souls, and these by the Divine Grace which they all share; and this, together with the whole creation on which it is bestowed, is surpassed by God from Whom it emanates. For while this emanation can be communicated the Godhead cannot. (Cf. Via Negativa. See esp. Myst. Theol. ©).
2 i.e. The higher ranks whether among angels or among human souls. (Cf. “I have said, ‘Ye are gods,’” “hath made us kings and priests,” etc.)
3 The highest ranks (i. e. the Seraphim and the Contemplative Saints) have a direct vision of God, Whom they behold by an act of complete spiritual contemplation. Others, learning from them, behold God truly but less directly—by knowing rather than by Unknowing, by discursive Meditation rather than by intuitive Contemplation—or are called to serve Him chiefly in practical works. Contemplation is a complete activity of the concentrated spirit, unifying it within itself and uniting it to all kindred spirits (for true Mysticism is the same in every age and place). Meditation and practical works are partial activities which imply a succession of different images in the same mind and a shifting variety of different mental types and interests in the same Community.
1 Material things are surpassed by angels and perfected human souls, and these by the Divine Grace which they all share; and this, together with the whole creation on which it is bestowed, is surpassed by God, from Whom it emanates. For while this emanation can be communicated, the Godhead cannot. (Cf. Via Negativa. See esp. Myst. Theol. ©).
2 That is, the higher ranks, whether among angels or among human souls. (Cf. “I have said, ‘Ye are gods,’” “hath made us kings and priests,” etc.)
3 The highest ranks (that is, the Seraphim and the Contemplative Saints) have a direct vision of God, Whom they behold by an act of complete spiritual contemplation. Others, learning from them, behold God truly but less directly—by knowing rather than by Unknowing, by discursive Meditation rather than by intuitive Contemplation—or are called to serve Him chiefly in practical works. Contemplation is a complete activity of the concentrated spirit, unifying it within itself and uniting it to all kindred spirits (for true Mysticism is the same in every age and place). Meditation and practical works are partial activities, which imply a succession of different images in the same mind and a shifting variety of different mental types and interests in the same Community.