155. It was shown in section (iii) above [146] that the particular Divine benefit meant by the working of the Holy Spirit on the clergy is enlightenment and the process of being instructed; but to these two must be added the two intermediate states of perception and disposition. There are therefore four processes which the clergy undergo in sequence: enlightenment, perception, disposition and instruction. Enlightenment comes from the Lord. Perception is on the person's part, depending upon how his mental state has been formed by what he has been taught. If the teaching is true, there is clear perception from the light which illuminates the mind. But if the teaching is false, there is only dim perception, though it may appear clear since it is supported by proofs; this, however, is the result of deceptive light, which to purely natural sight looks like clarity.
[2] Disposition, however, is the result of an affection of love on the part of the will. It is the pleasure given by this love which so disposes the mind. If this pleasure comes from the love of evil and of falsity arising from evil, it arouses enthusiasm, which outwardly appears rough, hairy, burning and spitting fire, and inwardly is anger, rage and cruelty. But if it is the pleasure which comes from the love of good and truth arising from good, the enthusiasm appears outwardly smooth, hairless, thundering and flaming, and inwardly is charity, grace and mercy. The process of being instructed follows as the result of the other processes which cause it. Thus enlightenment coming from the Lord is turned into light and heat of various kinds, differing in each person's case in accordance with his mental state.
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