32. But Solomon was not the only person who
felt this, though he alone gave expression to it. He had read the
words of holy Job: “Let the day perish wherein I was
born.” Job iii. 3. Job had
recognized that to be born is the beginning of all woes, and therefore
wished that the day on which he was born might perish, so that the
origin of all troubles might be removed, and wished that the day of his
birth might perish that he might receive the day of resurrection.
For Solomon had heard his father’s saying: “Lord,
make me to know mine end, and the number of my days, that I may know
what is lacking unto me.” Ps. xxxix. [xl.]
4. For David
knew that what is perfect cannot be grasped here, and therefore
hastened on to those things which are to come. For now we know in
part, and understand in part, but then it will be possible for that
which is perfect to be grasped, when not the shadow but the reality of
the Divine Majesty and eternity shall begin to shine so as to be gazed
upon by us with unveiled face. 1 Cor. xiii. 12.