-----Original Message-----
From: d. m. frances batycki <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: October 22, 2000 4:43 PM
Subject: Re: Milton's wanting soul
>
>The wanting soul is indeed imperfect; it is lacking and awaiting
>and,according to the very notion of original sin, always desiring a
>perfection it can never have. It's imperfection is in the now, the
>present, but the "lacking" or "wanting" exists in the paradox of desire.
>Perfection can only exist in some endlessly deferred future.
>Frances Batycki
"Endlessly deferred"? Certainly not in in Milton, who anticipates a future
in which the desires of the redeemed *will* be gratified:
"New heavens, new earth, ages of endless date
Founded in righteousness and peace and love
To bring forth fruits Joy and eternal Bliss." (PL 12 548-50).
The word "endless" in Milton is always used of either salvation or
damnation. It is never used of pointless waiting. Milton's hope might be
unfounded, but the hope is sincere, and he is hoping for more than
deferment.
Yours derentially,
John Leonard
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