The Soul In Flight

The soul not bound to love in Christ is fallen, -- yet, not only fallen, but falling.

As a bird, when she ceases to beat her wings, must soon fall, so the soul, when she ceases to be ardently and intently fixed upon the love of God, cannot support herself in "flight".

Though the bird's wings may remain outspread, and though she may coast for a time on the wind, according to the momentum generated, nevertheless, without beating her wings, she will gradually begin to sink, and not to climb; likewise, the soul may retain her purity for a time, upheld by the breath of the Holy Spirit, according to the momentum for good consequences which have been generated by good works, -- yet, because she is no longer actively praying, she has already begun to exhaust her reserves and, if she does not resume her prayer, she most assuredly will fall.

Faith, trust, hope, and love in Christ are the very wings of the soul. Let them beat, and not cease before you come to rest in the perfect peace of God, which is your highest perch.