Whatever we see maintains itself as a visible thing through force derived from him, and, were that force withdrawn, it must necessarily disappear.

Erigena thus conceives of the Deity as an unceasing participator in Nature, being its preserver, maintainer, upholder, and in that respect answering to the soul of the world of the Greeks.

The particular life of individuals is therefore a part of general existence, that is, of the mundane soul.
If ever there were a withdrawal of the maintaining power, all things must return to the source from which they issued--that is, they must return to God, and be absorbed in him.

All visible Nature must thus pass back into "the Intellect" at last.

"The death of the flesh is the auspices of the restitution of things, and of a return to their ancient conservation.