And this is the reason why there are found so few contemplative persons, because there are few that wholly sequester themselves from transitory and created things.
2. For this a great grace is required, which may elevate the soul, and carry her up above herself.
And unless a man be elevated in spirit, and set at liberty from all creatures, and wholly united to God; whatever he knows, and whatever he has, is of no great weight.
Long shall he be little, and lie grovelling beneath, who esteems any thing great but only the one, immense, eternal Good.
And whatsoever is not God is nothing, and ought to be accounted as nothing.
There is a great difference between the wisdom of an illuminated devout man, and the knowledge of a learned studious scholar.
Far more noble is that learning which flows from above, from the divine influence, than that which with labour is acquired by the wit of man.
3. Many are found to desire contemplation; but care not to practise those things which are required thereunto.
It is a great impediment that we stand in signs and sensible things, and have but little of perfect mortification.