J 46 KEV. G. U. POPE, D.D., ON 



Q. 2. — Unto wliai may this Anavain — 'impurity' — be likened 1 



There is nothing except darkness that shows itself and hides 

 everything else, so as to make them one with itself. (22.) 



Com. — Darkness, and it alone, has the power to abide, hiding things so 

 that their distinctive differences shall not appear. So Anavam hides 

 birth and death, the way of release, and the means of deliverance. 



Smn. — The bewilderiue- effect of Anavam is here shown. 



Q. 3. — Is it in all things the analogue of darkness I 



Darkness hides objects of vision, but shows itself ; Anavam hides 

 all things else, and itself remains concealed. (23.) 



Cum. — Darkness in the phenomenal world wraps all things in conceal- 

 ment, but is itself clearly perceived. This mental darkness conceals both 

 divine knowledge and its own presence in the soul. 



<S'm'//i. — The spiritual darkness of Anavam is shown to be more cruel in 

 its effect than ordinary darkness. 



Q. 4. — This power which conceals and is itself concealed — does it affect 

 the Lord? 



This Anavam exists from eternal ages, commingling with the soul, 

 which is essentially united with the inner light, and abides 

 until now. (24.) 



Com. — From all eternity it co-exists in the soul together with the inner 

 light of divine mystic wisdom ; spreads not indeed over the divine 

 essence, but dwells persistent in the soul, and obscures it even until 

 now. 



Sxun. — Here it is taught that Anavam is from infinite ages, and that 

 it does not pass out of the soul like " deeds " and " delusion." 



Q. 5. — Is this Anavam really unknown to the souls it enshrouds 1 



' My Lady Darkness ' has an infinity of lovers, but hides herself 

 from all with strictest chaste reserve ! (25.) 



