De Somniis (lib. i-ii)

And all those who are truly lovers of God desire eagerly to escape from the storm of multiplied affairs and business in which there is always tempestuous weather, and rough sea, and confusion, and to anchor in the calm and safe untroubled haven of virtue.

Do you not see what is said about the wise Abraham who "is standing before the Lord?" [*](Genesis mviii. 22. ) For when was it likely that the mind would be able to stand, no longer inclining to different sides like the balance in a scale, except when it is opposite to God, beholding him and being beheld by him?