Letter XXX. To
Paula.
Some account of the so-called alphabetical psalms
(XXXVII., CXI., CXII., CXIX., CXLV.). After explaining the mystical
meaning of the alphabet, Jerome goes on thus: “What honey is
sweeter than to know the wisdom of God? others, if they will, may
possess riches, drink from a jewelled cup, shine in silks, and try in
vain to exhaust their wealth in the most varied pleasures. Our riches
are to meditate in the law of the Lord day and night,
724
to knock at the closed door,
725
to receive the ‘three loaves’
of the Trinity,
726
and, when the
Lord goes before us, to walk upon the water of the world.”
727
Written at Rome
a.d.
384.
724
Ps. i. 2
.
725
Matt. vii. 7
.
726
Luke xi. 5–8
.
727
Matt. xiv. 25–33
.