40. Concerning the Kingdom of Scripture

IN addition in the third place, the kingdom of God is shown to noble men in the Scriptures, that is in the sacred doctrines and institutions of Christ Jesus and His Saints, and in the same way in the examples which they have left to us for this reason, that thus we may seek these things, and that which they themselves have gained, seeing that we may merit to attain them. He to whom this kingdom of Scripture is shown by God understands the Scriptures well and clearly ; although it can easily be that he does not follow all their subtile meanings, which is not necessary. For those things which either lead away from God or lead up to God, he understands sufficiently; and by this very thing he under stands all t,ruth, since all virtues and vices are included. For rightly he recognizes the voice of strangers who, although they 204 bear before them the appearance of shepherds are thieves and robbers. Of this kind are they who in expounding the Sacred Scriptures, follow a meaning different from and repugnant to the holy Fathers, and lead a life unlike theirs. All such lead men from the virtues, and search and look for temporal things rather than the salvation of men, and deservedly are to be counted rather amongst strangers than shepherds. Moreover this, kingdom will be completed by God and by good men, that is, not one iota even in words, deeds and all the virtues will be omit ted. Finally it is laid upon us to fulfil and carry out this very kingdom of Scripture, since that has flowed through our Lord Jesus Christ and His Saints from the Holy Spirit. And Scripture indeed shall perish sometime, but the fruit of Scripture shall last for ever. Those who are learned and discerning are indeed able plainly and clearly to explain the Divine Writings, both because they have their memory stored with them on account of the clearness of their intellect and genius, and because also of great practice in the schools, seeing that they are experienced in divine charity and grace ; but they are unable to taste the fruit and the sweetness concealed in them without divine love. Therefore this kingdom of Scripture is shown to the lovers of God for this reason, that they may live according to the same Scripture, and thus not only in the present but also in the future life they may be fitted to taste its fruit_and sweetness. Now the virtues, inward consolation and the hope of eternal life, are thh very kingdom of God which is hid in the Scriptures,}but is shown to His lovers, nor can it be tasted by strangers and those outside without any love or knowledge of God, or discernment or subtilty.