89. Now this He said, not to make us think of a bodily womb, The word “womb” is used metaphorically in the original, from which St. Ambrose (though inaccurately) quotes. See Ps. cx. in the R.V. but to show that true generation is His proper activity, Or “to show the distinctive character of true” or “perfect generation”—as an absolute act, unconditioned of time or space. for if we understand the words as speaking of generation from a body, then [we imply] the Father Almighty conceived and brought forth in travail. But far be it from us that we should make this weak bodily frame the measure of God’s greatness. The word “womb” represents the hidden mystery, the inner sanctuary of the Father’s being, into which neither angels nor archangels nor powers nor dominations, nor any created nature, hath been able to enter. For the Son is always with the Father, and in the Father—with the Father, by virtue of the distinction, without division, proper to the Eternal Trinity; Ath. Creed 4. in the Father, by reason of the essential unity of the Divine Nature.