A Resemblance of the Divine Perfections

As promised, Scougal proposes to enlarge on his definition of religion as divine life. He believes he can call it this not just because God is its source and author, or because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each believer--accurate though these are. Even more, religion is "a real participation in His nature...a beam of the eternal light, a drop of that infinite goodness." As we proceed, he will expand on these statements. Some of the language employed here reminds me of gnostic statements (emenations, drops of divinity), but I have confidence that Scougal will acquit himself of any heretical tendencies if we hear him out.