There is a likeness to God which is lost only with life itself, left to everyone by the Creator of all as evidence of a better and more sublime likeness. As far as merit is concerned, this likeness to God in us is of no importance with God, since it derives from nature, not from will or effort.
But there is another likeness, one closer to God, inasmuch as it is freely willed. It consists in the virtues and inspires the soul as it were to imitate the greatness of Supreme Good by the greatness of her virtue, and his unchangeable eternity by her unwearying perseverance in good.
In addition to this there is yet another likeness. It is so close in its resemblance that it is styled not merely a likeness but unity of spirit. It makes us one with God, one spirit, not only with the unity which comes of willing the same thing but with a greater fullness of virtue: the inability to will anything else.
William of Saint Thierry
