Action and activity

Use in the book

The distinction between capacity and act structures Traherne's account of spiritual growth. Faculties become actual enjoyment when they know and love their objects. The Fourth Century explicitly turns from the history of contemplative happiness to principles for blessed operations. It does not abandon contemplation: right conduct also improves the conditions of contemplative life. Christ's example teaches Paul activity toward the nations, so the quietness of meditation cannot justify indifference to others. At the theological limit, God is one eternal act, never waiting to become the knowledge and wisdom He can be. Human activity imitates that perfection without erasing the difference between an already perfect God and faculties requiring exercise.

Places to read

1. I.61The crucified Christ teaches Paul activity and zeal toward all nations.
2. II.84Divine actuality supplies the exemplar for the soul’s conversion of power into act.
3. III.68Virtues and faculties are actualized through exercise about their objects.
4. IV.1Active happiness consists in blessed operations and assists contemplation.

In this edition

“Act” in II.84 is an actuality-term; “activity” in I.61 names energetic conduct. Reading both merely as busy outward work loses the relation between them.