Spiritual Experiences (Buss) n. 385

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385. THOSE WHO LOVE LIBRARIES INSTEAD OF WEALTH, AND GORGE THEMSELVES WITH THE READING OF BOOKS, IN LIKE MANNER STAY IN CELLS, ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF THAT CUPIDITY AND ACCORDING TO THEIR ENDS Those who are in the cupidity of reading only, and of holding in the memory what they have read for the sake of their own glory and fame, seem to themselves to spend their time in subterranean places and to have books there, and also candles which are here and there extinguished. They also seem to themselves to be reading. But in order that they may become weary of these phantasies they are said to be sometimes infested with mice and similar creatures, which withdraw them from such desire. 1747, Dec. 24.


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