THE THREE STAGES
Be well assured that none can be illuminated, unless he be first
cleansed, purified, or stripped. Also none can be united to God unless he be
first illuminated. There are therefore three stages—first, the purification;
secondly, the illumination; and thirdly, the union. The purification belongs to
those who are beginning or repenting. It is effected in three ways; by
repentance and sorrow for sin, by full confession, and by hearty amendment. The
illumination belongs to those who are growing, and it also is effected in three
ways; by the renunciation of sin, by the practice of virtue and good works, and
by willing endurance of all trials and temptations. The union belongs to those
who are perfect, and this also is effected in three ways; by pureness and
singleness of heart, by love, and by the contemplation of God, the Creator of
all things. xiv.
This book has been accessed more than 83936 times since June 1, 2005.
