,a ,,m$iaeval ,,my/ic ,a ,,%ort ,,acc\nt ,,( ,,! ,,life ,,& ,,writ+s ,,( ,,bless$ ,,john ,,ruysbroeck1 ,,canon ,,regul> ,,( ,,gro55dael ,a4,d4 #abic-acha ,,by ,,dom ,,v9c5t ,,scully1 ,c4,r4,l4 7,p]missu ,sup]iorum7 ,,london ,,?omas ,,bak] ,,mcmx ,,pr9t$ ,,by ,,hazell1 ,,watson ,,& ,,v9ey1 ,,ld41 ,,london ,,& ,,aylesbury4 ,,to ,,! ,,"r ,,rev4 ,,augu/9 ,h4 ,,:ite1 ,c4,r4,l4 ,,"l ,,abbot ,,( ,,wal?am ,,cont5ts ,page ,,introduction ix ,i4 ,,e>ly ,,ye>s ,,& ,,education #a ,,ii4 ,,z ,a ,,secul> ,,prie/ ,,9 ,,brussels #f ,,iii4 ,,false ,,my/ics #aj ,,iv4 ,,! ,,h]mitage ,,( ,,gro55dael #ag ,v4 ,,! ,,canons ,,regul> ,,( ,,gro55dael #be ,,vi4 ,,prior ,,( ,,gro55dael #cc ,,vii4 ,,ruysbroeck',s ,,tree #dc ,,viii4 ,a ,,director ,,( ,,s\ls #dg ,,ix4 ,,ruysbroeck ,,& ,,g]>d ,,groote #ej ,x4 ,,ruysbroeck ,,& ,,w9de%eim #eh ,,xi4 ,,! ,,writ+s ,,( ,,ruysbroeck #fg ,,xii4 ,,! ,,tea*+ ,,( ,,ruysbroeck #ic ,,xiii4 ,,"s ,,appreciations #aje ,,xiv4 ,,la/ ,,days #aah ,,xv4 ,,! ,,cultus ,,( ,,bless$ ,,john ,,ruysbroeck #abd ,,introduction ,! object ( ! foll[+ unpret5ti\s little volume is to give a simple & readable acc\nt 9 ,engli% ( ! life & writ+s ( a rem>kable ,flemi% ,my/ic ( ! f\rte5? c5tury1 a contempor>y ( our own ,walt] ,hilton4 ,?\gh 8 memory & hon\r h nev] fad$ 9 8 own native ,belgium1 & ?\gh ,france & ,g]many h vi$ ) ea* o!r 9 spread+ 8 tea*+ & s++ 8 praises1 ! v "n ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck is practically unkn[n ?is side ( ! wat]4 ,we are acqua9t$ ) only "o small "w 9 ,engli% deal+ directly ) ! ,sa9t or 8 "w at all1 viz4 ,reflections f ! ,mirror ( ,my/ic1#a giv+ ! briefe/ sket* ( 8 life & "s %ort extracts f 8 writ+s z translat$ f ! ,fr5* r5d]+ ( ,erne/ ,hello4 ,! orig9al au?orities = ! hi/ory ( ,ruysbroeck are practically r$uc$ to "o1 ! biography by ,h5ry ,pom]ius1 a ,canon ,regul> ( ,gro55dael1 entitl$ ,de ,orig9e mona/]ii ,viridisvallis una cum vitis ,b4 ,joannis ,rusbro*ii primi prioris hujus mona/]ii et aliquot coaetaneorum ejus1 re-edit$ by ! ,boll&i/s1 ,brussels1 #ahhe4 ,x is c]ta9 t a disciple ( ,john ,ruysbroeck1 ,john ( ,sco5hov51 also ( ,gro55dael1 :o und]took ! def5ce ( ,bless$ ,john's writ+s aga9/ ,g]son1 compos$ a %ort biography1 b ?is 0 embodi$ 9 ! "w ( ,pom]ius1 & !reby z a sep>ate volume fell out ( use & memory4 ,pom]ius _h ,sco5hov5's ,,ms4 to "w ^u1 & "s ( ,ruysbroeck's contempor>ies 7 /ill liv+ at ,gro55dael :5 he compos$ 8 biography !re4 ,! brief ref]5ces by ! ,v5]able ,?omas a ,kempis 9 8 ,vita ,g]>di ,magni are likewise ( great int]e/ & intr9sic wor?4 ,= ! purposes ( ?is brief biography1 :i* lays no claim :atev] to orig9al rese>*1 ! compil] has made v great use ( ! lab\rs ( ,dr4 ,aug]1 ,de ,doctr9a et ,m]itis ,joannis van ,ruysbroeck1 ,l\va91 & ,willem de ,vreese1 ,jean de ,ruysbroeck1 an extract f ! ,biographie ,nationale1 publi%$ by l',academie royale des sci5ces1 des lettres et des beaux-arts de ,belgique1 ,brussels1 #aiji4 ,?is indebt$ness is especially true ( ! summ>is$ analysis ( ! v>i\s works ( ,ruysbroeck4 ,lat] x may be possible to give a complete & fai?ful ,engli% r5d]+ ( all ,ruysbroeck's ,works f ! critical edition :i* is at pres5t prep>+ 9 ,l\va92 :]e !re is an active revival ( int]e/ 9 ?is great & holy ,my/ic ( ! ,ne!rl&s4 ,= ! judgm5t ( compet5t witnesses z to ! p]man5t value & extraord9>y sublimity ( ,b4 ,john's writ+s ! read] is ref]r$ to ! body ( ?is "w "u ! head+1 ,"s ,appreciations4 ,! usual prote/ is made accord+ to ! ,decrees ( ,urban ,,viii4 conc]n+ alleg$ miracles1 etc41 record$ 9 ^! pages4 ,/4 ,ives1 ,cornwall1 ,fea/ ( ,our ,lady's ,nativity1 #aiaj4 ,a ,m$iaeval ,my/ic ,i ,e>ly ,ye>s & ,education ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck1 surnam$ ! ,admirable & ! ,div9e ,doctor1 by common cons5t ! greate/ ,my/ic ! ,l[ ,c\ntries h ev] produc$1 0 born1 ,a4,d4 #abic1 at ,ruysbroeck1 a village "s miles s\? ( ,brussels1 ly+ betwe5 t city & ,hal4 ,accord+ to ! fa%ion ( ^? days1 especially ) ,religi\s1 he 0 nam$ aft] 8 bir?place1 ,john van ,ruysbroeck1 or ,john ,ruysbroeck4 ,! ,v5]able a ,kempis1 ! ,lat9is$ =m ( van ,kemp51 is a case 9 po9t2 ,?omas 0 s nam$ aft] 8 native t[n1 ,kemp51 ?\gh 8 patronymic 0 ,haem]k54 ,( ,ruysbroeck1 h[ev]1 we "k ( no o!r surname2 nei!r d 8 biograph]s s mu* z m5tion 8 fa!r4 ,b l _m ano!r great s]vant ( ,god1 ,john 0 bless$ ) a good "m1 a dev\t woman :o tra9$ h] *ild f ! cradle to walk 9 ! pa?s ( ,*ri/ian piety & p]fection4 ,%e is *>g$ ) only "o fault1 t %e lov$ h] son too t5d]ly6 ,p]haps we are to und]/& by ?is t ! poor woman oppos$ ! boy's e>ly aspirations aft] a m retir$ life ?an c\ld be f\nd ev5 9 ! peaceful %elt] ( 8 own pi\s home4 ,?is w\ld also expla9 ,john's fir/ record$ act4 ,at ! age ( elev5 ye>s he ran away f home6 ,h[ _m a lad be=e & s9ce has torn himself away f a lov+ "m's too fond embrace to quell ! ard\r ( a re/less _s 9 ! que/ ( adv5ture6 ,john also 0 eag] & dissatisfi$2 b ! l>g] sph]e = :i* he sigh$ 0 to be s\ght along ! unaccu/om$ ways :i* lead to ! sublime heights & ! r>ifi$ atmosph]e ( my/ic contemplation4 ,! pi\s truant made 8 way to ,brussels1 !re to call ^u an uncle ( 81 "o ,john ,h9cka]t1 a major ,canon ( ,/4 ,gudule's4 ,! son & heir ( a weal?y magi/rate ( ! city1 & possess$1 moreov]1 ( a ri* b5efice1 = _m ye>s ,john ,h9cka]t _h be5 some:at worldly 9 8 ways2 b "o day ,div9e grace f\nd him out z he 0 li/5+ to a s]mon1 & drew him sweetly & /rongly to a life ( extreme simplicity & mortification4 ,8 example 0 soon foll[$ by a fell[ ,canon1 by "n ,francis van ,c\d5b]g1 a ,ma/] ( ,arts1 possess$ ( consid]able means1 & a man ( great repute ) ! p4 ,^! two agre$1 = _! mutual edification & support1 to live toge!r 9 common4 ,_! mat]ial requirem5ts 7 r$uc$ to ! b>e/ necess>ies2 & ! surplus ( _! rev5ue 0 di/ribut$ among ! poor4 ,9 ?is dev\t h\sehold ! lad ,john met ) a k9dly welcome2 & !re he f\nd at once a home aft] 8 own he>t 9 an atmosph]e saturat$ ) o!r-worldl9ess & pray]4 ,8 good uncle also took *>ge ( 8 education4 ,= f\r ye>s ,ruysbroeck foll[$ ! ord9>y c\rse ( ,humanities 9 ! public s*ools ( ,brussels1 & !n1 ) a view to ! prie/hood1 he devot$ himself to ! m cong5ial /udy ( ! sacr$ sci5ces4 ,mean:ile ! b]eav$ "m _h discov]$ ! place ( ,john's retreat & _h quitt$ h] village ( ,ruysbroeck to reside ) him at ,brussels4 ,z1 h[ev]1 %e 0 n p]mitt$ to dwell 9 ! ,presbyt]y1 %e made h] abode 9 a ,begu9age h>d by4 ,?us %e _h at lea/ ! consolation ( see+ h] son f "t to "t4 ,%e mu/ h be5 mu* com=t$ also = ! deprivation ( 8 company by ! con/ant evid5ce ( 8 gr[+ sanctity4 ,&1 fur!r1 we are assur$ t %e set h]self to make pr(it ( h] sacrifice by emulat+ 9 h] own p]son ! holy life ( h] son ,john1 & 8 sa9tly ma/]s1 ,h9cka]t & van ,c\d5b]g4 ,,ii ,z a ,secul> ,prie/ 9 ,brussels ,9 due c\rse ,canon ,h9cka]t procur$ = 8 nephew "o ( ! less] preb5ds ( ,/4 ,gudule's1 & ,john 0 orda9$ prie/ 9 ! ye> #acag1 at ! age ( tw5ty-f\r4 ,8 good "m did n survive to witness ?is happy ev5t 9 ! fle%1 nev]!less ev5 beyond ! grave %e _h good cause to rejoice !re94 ,aft] h] dep>ture f ?is _w %e _h (t5 appe>$ to h] son1 lam5t+ h] pa9s1 besee*+ 8 pray]s1 & sigh+ = ! day :5 he w\ld be able to (f] = h] ! holy ,sacrifice4 ,& ,john 0 unceas+ 9 8 supplications4 ,b imm$iately aft] ! celebration ( 8 fir/ ,mass1 z he relat$ to 8 ,religi\s ,bre?r5 lat]1 ,god grant$ him a vision full ( consolation3 :5 ! sacr$ oblation 0 accompli%$1 8 "m came to visit & ?ank him = h] deliv]ance f ,purgatory4 ,! t\*+ incid5t is well wor? record+1 if only to %[ t x 0 ?r\gh no lack ( natural affection t ! *ild ,john _h s unc]emoni\sly =sak5 home & "m4 ,moreov]1 ( ^! two holy s\ls x 0 s+ul>ly true t hav+ lov$ ea* o!r 9 life1 9 dea? !y 7 n p>t$1 = !y 7 privileg$ (t5 to conv]se toge!r1 & f9ally x 0 f 8 "m t ,ruysbroeck le>n$ ! date ( 8 own approa*+ dep>ture4 ,= tw5ty-six ye>s 9 all ,bless$ ,john liv$ z a secul> prie/ 9 ,brussels4 ,cont5t ) 8 mode/ *apla9cy 9 ! ,*ur* ( ,/4 ,gudule1 & ) 8 holy companions ,h9cka]t & van ,c\d5b]g cont9u+ happily 9 apo/olic simplicity & pov]ty ! ,common ,life on :i* he _h ent]$ a m]e *ild1 ,ruysbroeck pass$ 8 days 9 peaceful retirem5t & almo/ un9t]rupt$ pray] & contemplation4 ,a *>act]i/ic episode ( ?is p]iod reveals to u ! man z 9 a fla%1 8 mean g>b1 8 emaciat$ figure1 8 absorb$ demean\r1 8 utt] ab&onm5t 9 ,god4 ,he 0 pass+ ?r\gh a squ>e ( ,brussels "o day1 sil5t & recollect$1 z 0 8 wont1 :5 two laym5 rem>k$ him4 ,my ,god1 exclaim$ "o1 w\ld ,i 7 z holy z t prie/6 ,nay1 = my "p1 return$ ! o!r1 ,i w\ld n be 9 8 %oes = all ! weal? ( ! _w4 ,i %\ld nev] "k a day's pleasure on e>?4 ,!n y "k no?+ ( ! delights :i* ,god be/[s1 or ( ! delici\s sav\r ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 ?\ght ,ruysbroeck to himself1 = he happ5$ to ov]he> ! words1 & he proce$$ tranquilly on 8 way4 ,,iii ,false ,my/ics ,b ) all 8 love ( peace & retirem5t1 :5 x 0 a "q ( gu>d+ ! integrity ( ! ,fai? & ( w>d+ (f p]il f immortal s\ls1 ,ruysbroeck hesitat$ n to /& 9 ! brea*2 ev5 ?\gh o!rs ( mu* high] position 9 ! ,*ur* & ( mu* high] repute = !ological le>n+ ?an ! obscure *apla9 ( ,/4 ,gudule's %\ld raise n a f+] nor s mu* z utt] a w>n+ ^w4 ,! /ud5t ( hi/ory is well aw>e ( ! _m & />tl+ contra/s & contradictions pres5t$ by ! ,middle ,ages4 ,x 0 an epo* ( magnific5t virtues & ( gross vices1 ( spl5did h]oism & ( unspeakable cruelty1 ( sup]b g5]osity & ( disgu/+ meanness1 &1 :i* is m to our po9t at pres5t1 ( int5se devotion & ( ! mo/ revolt+ vag>ies 9 doctr9e & morals4 ,:ile also on ! "o h& !re 0 mu* g5u9e zeal1 mu* e>ne/ endeav\r to re=m cry+ abuses 9 ,*ur* & ,/ate2 on ! o!r h& hypocrites & fanatics ab\nd$1 :o aim$ at ! de/ruction ( ! pr9ciple ( au?ority on ! plea ( am5d+ ^? 9 p[]1 or :o1 ! :ile !y inveigh$ aga9/ ! futility ( a m]ely ext]ior religion & insi/$ on ! supreme ne$ ( purity ( he>t1 !mselves fell into ! excess ( neglect+ all ext]nal =m1 & at times all outw>d dec5cy & obs]vance ( morality4 ,9 v>y+ degrees ^! latt] errors are to be enc\nt]$ "u "o %ape or ano!r 9 e age2 b at ! p]iod ( :i* we treat !y 7 especially int5se & extreme4 ,! ,begh>ds & ! ,begu9es 7:5 & :]e ^! broke loose f ecclesia/ical control71 ! ,flagellants1 ! ,bre?r5 ( ! ,free ,_s 7 *ief ( a gr\p ( extravagant sects :i* afflict$ ! ,*ur* 9 ,italy1 ,france1 ,g]many1 & ! ,ne!rl&s2 :ile ,engl& at ! same "t 0 di/urb$ by ! fanaticism ( ! ,loll>ds4 ,9 g5]al _! peculi> t5ets 7 a /range admixture ( pan!ism1 false my/icism1 app>5t au/]ity1 & v real immorality4 ,! foll[+ is "o ( _! *>act]i/ic propositions1 condemn$ by ,clem5t ,v4 9 ! ,c\ncil ( ,vi5na1 ,a4,d4 #acaa-acab3 ,t ^? :o are 9 ! a=esaid grade ( p]fection & 9 ! _s ( lib]ty 7contemplatives7 are n subject to human au?ority & are n oblig$ to obey any precepts ( ! ,*ur*1 because 7z !y say7 :]e ! _s ( ! ,"l is1 !re is lib]ty4 ,x s happ5$ t contempor>y ) our ,sa9t 9 ,brussels 0 a prom95t lead] ( ! h]etics ( ! ,free ,_s1 a woman ^: "n is giv5 z ,bloem>d9ne1 a good type1 to judge by ! description ( ,ruysbroeck's biograph]1 ( ! :ole g5us ( su* tea*]s 9 ^? days & 9 our own4#b ,s great 0 ?is creature's reputation = sanctity t x 0 commonly report$ t two ,s]aphim accompani$ h] to ! alt> :5 %e approa*$ to receive ,holy ,communion4 ,%e always deliv]$ h] tea*+s1 :e!r by ^w or 9 writ+1 seat$ on a ?rone ( silv]4 ,at h] demise ?is *air 0 pres5t$ to ! reign+ ,du*ess ( ,brabant4 ,aft] ,bloem>d9ne's dea? also cripples came to t\* h] body 9 ! p]suasion t !y w\ld be miracul\sly heal$ !reby4 ,h] tea*+ 0 ( ! k9d indicat$ above1 conc]n$ *iefly ) ! s-call$ lib]ty ( ! _s2 ! passion ( lu/ %e _h ! impud5ce to call s]aphic love4 ,%e issu$ num]\s pamphlets rem>kable = _! subtlety2 & by "o means & ano!r %e manag$ to w9 & reta9 a v consid]able numb] ( disciples4 ,mov$ by zeal & compassion on witness+ ! ru9 & loss ( s\ls ?us effect$1 ,john ,ruysbroeck set himself to confute ?is h]etic's v>i\s publications po9t by po9t z !y appe>$4 ,9 consequ5ce1 he incurr$ n a little ho/ility & p]secution4 ,possibly x 0 ?is opposition :i* f9ally decid$ ,ruysbroeck & 8 holy companions to quit ,brussels = ! m peaceful retirem5t ( ! neighb\r+ =e/ ( ,soignes4 ,b mean:ile he nev] = a mom5t desi/$ f 8 ef=ts 9 def5ce ( ! ,fai?1 & 9 ! propagation ( ! doctr9es ( sane my/icism4 ,( ! treatises publi%$ pr(ess$ly aga9/ ,bloem>d9ne !re is no?+ extant4 ,b 9 all 8 works ,ruysbroeck keeps an eye on ! errors ( ! day4 ,he returns to !m aga9 & aga91 analys+ _! s\rces1 describ+ _! *>act]i/ics1 indicat+ ! mis*ief !y "w1 & (f]+ a reason$ & solid confutation4 ,at ! same "t1 ) wondr\s sur5ess & p]spicacity1 f ! ri* /ores ( 8 own intimate exp]i5ce1 he po9ts out ! safe & sure pa?s :i* lead ! s\l to lov+ union ) ,god4 ,"s ?irty ye>s aft] ,ruysbroeck's dea?1 9 #adaj1 ! ,ar*bi%op ( ,cambrai call$ 8 disciples1 ! ,canons ,regul> ( ,gro55dael1 to come & aid him 9 prea*+ aga9/ ! successors ( ! notori\s ,bloem>d9ne--a fact eloqu5t bo? ( ! ob/9acy ( ?is p>ticul> h]esy & ( ,bless$ ,john's reputation z its mo/ vigor\s oppon5t4 ,,iv ,! ,h]mitage ( ,gro55dael ,x appe>s t x 0 on ! sugge/ion ( ,francis van ,c\d5b]g t ! ?ree holy prie/s resolv$ to ab&on ,brussels to seek else:]e = !mselves a refuge ( great] security & retirem5t4 ,x 0 ?r\gh ! influ5ce also ( van ,c\d5b]g ) ,john ,,iii41 ,duke ( ,brabant1 t !y obta9$ ! cession ( an ideal prop]ty = _! purpose1 ! h]mitage1 namely1 ( ,gro55dael1 ) its l&s & lake4 ,! spot _h already be5 sanctifi$ by ! pray]s & p5ances ( holy recluses = nigh =ty ye>s4 ,! fir/ to retire ?i!r _h be5 "o ,john ,bus*1 ( ! ducal h\se ( ,brabant1 :o1 we>y ( ! /rife1 frivolities1 & p]ils ( c\rt life1 obta9$ f 8 k9sman1 ,john ,,ii41 leave to retire into ! =e/ ( ,soignes1 to build himself a hut & enclose a space ( l& !re to be cultivat$ ) 8 own h&s = 8 support4 ,! de$ ( gift 0 dat$ ! ,friday aft] ! ,assumption ( ,m>y1 #acjd1 & x /ipulat$ t on ! dea? or dep>ture ( ! grantee1 ano!r h]mit %\ld take 8 place1 & s on = ev]4 ,9 effect1 ! noble ,john ,bus* 0 succe$$ by "o ,arnold ( ,die/1 :o1 on ent]+1 made a v[ nev] to sally =? save on fe/ivals = ! purpose ( he>+ ,mass & receiv+ ,holy ,communion 9 ! ,p>i% ,*ur* ( ,/4 ,clem5t at ,hoola]t4 ,god rew>d$ ?is g5]\s sacrifice by a s+ul> fav\r3 ,arnold 0 passionately devot$ to ! memory ( ! ,holy ,apo/les & ,m>tyrs ( ,rome1 & he 0 transport$ 9 _s s frequ5tly ?i!r t ! %r9es & sanctu>ies ( ! ,et]nal ,city became z famili> to him z to a native4 ,:5 9 a gre5 old age he came to die1 ,arnold surpris$ ! by/&]s ) ! reque/ t he %\ld be laid to re/ 9 ! h]mitage gr\nds4 ,!y object$ t ! enclosure 0 n consecrat$3 he respond$ t "o day x w\ld be ! site ( a mona/]y1 ! home ( sa9tly ,religi\s1 & ! ,"m-h\se ( a holy congregation4 ,h[ev]1 he 0 buri$ 9 ! ,p>i% ,*ur* ( ,hoola]t be=e ! alt> ( ,/4 ,ni*olas4 ,8 successor1 ,lamb]t1 ! la/ ( ! ,gro55dael h]mits1 0 s poor 9 _s z n to be atta*$ ev5 to 8 cell4 ,he *e]fully yield$ place to ,john ,h9cka]t1 van ,c\d5b]g1 & ,ruysbroeck1 & retir$ to a cell :i* !y _h procur$ = him at ,hoet5dael1 ! mod]n ,uccle4 ,gro55dael 0 h&$ ov] to ! ?ree companions by ! ,duke ( ,brabant on ,ea/] ,w$nesday1 #acdc1 on ! condition t !y %\ld =?) erect a h\se to accommodate a community ( at lea/ five1 two ( :om %\ld be prie/s viv5tes religiose4 ,! tak+ ( possession is record$ 9 ! ,gro55dael ,*ronicle ?us3 ,9 #acdd ! a=esaid1 ) ! bi%op's cons5t1 began to build a *apel 9 ,gro55dael4 ,& ! ,vic>s ( ,"l ,guy1 !n ,bi%op ( ,cambrai1 inspect$ ! build+ on ,m>* #ac1 #acdd1 & decre$ t x %\ld be consecrat$1 toge!r ) a cemet]y adjac5t1 two alt>s1 & o!r necess>y appurt5ances4 ,on ! same day ( ! same ye> ! said ,vic>s conf]r$ on ,dom ,francis ! cure ( ! bre?r51 ! h\sehold1 & ! s]vants1 appo9t+ him _! ,fa!r & ,p>i% ,prie/4 ,!n ! same ye>1 on ,m>* #ag1 ! ,v5]able ,"l ,bro!r ,mat?ias1 ,bi%op ( ! ,*ur* ( ,trebizond 7,coadjutor ( ,cambrai71 by faculty & lic5ce ( ! said ,vic>s ( ! ,"l ,bi%op ,guy1 consecrat$ ! a=esaid fir/ *ur* 9 ! hon\r ( ,/4 ,james1 & erect$ x into a ,p>o*ial ,*ur* = ! same ,dom ,francis1 8 bre?r5 & h\sehold4 ,= five ye>s ,dom ,francis van ,c\d5b]g & 8 companions cont9u$ to live ?us 9 community1 b\nd by no o!r rule ?an _! own pr(\nd _s ( pray] & int5se desire ( p]fection4 ,nor 7 !y long left to enjoy alone ! solitude ( _! retreat4 ,_m s\ght admission into _! company2 /ill l>g] numb]s flock$ f ,brussels & else:]e to seek spiritual aid & consolation4 ,if he _h consult$ 8 own incl9ation & b5t1 ,ruysbroeck w\ld h d5i$ himself to all2 b van ,c\d5b]g repres5t$ t !y %\ld n 9 *>ity refuse assi/ance to s\ls 9 ne$4 ,& ,bless$ ,john yield$ ! m easily1 rem>ks "o ( 8 biograph]s1 because = 8 "p he 0 assur$ ( be+ able to repose 9 ,god amid ! mo/ di/ract+ calls & absorb+ occupations4 ,"o ( _! e>lie/ associates1 ,john van ,leeuw51 atta9$ a high reputation = sanctity4 ,a poor & ignorant layman ( ,afflighem1 he _h (f]$ 8 s]vices z _! dome/ic gratis4 ,be=e long he 0 kn[n f> & wide z ! ,good ,cook ( ,gro55dael4 ,! multitude ( visitors ^u :om he 0 call$ to att5d left him b little leisure1 yet he f\nd "t n only to be absorb$ 9 pray] & contemplation1 b ev5 to compose treatises ( an exalt$ spirituality4 ,l 8 ma/] ,ruysbroeck1 :om he v5]at$ pr(\ndly1 he 0 deeply recollect$ amid ! mo/ exact+ duties1 & frequ5tly he 0 fav\r$ ) heav5ly visions4 ,x 0 :ile 9 a /ate ( ec/asy t ! sublime gifts & h]oic hol9ess ( ,bless$ ,john 7 reveal$ to him2 ev] aft] no t]ms seem$ to him too exalt$ 9 :i* to describe ! wor? ( ! s]vant ( ,god4 ,! g5]al e/eem 9 :i* van ,leeuw5 himself 0 held is suffici5tly atte/$ by ! inscription on 8 tomb3 ,reliquiae ,fratris ,joannis de ,leeuwis vulgo ,boni ,coci viri a ,deo illum9ati et scriptis my/icis cl>i obiit anno ,,mccclxxvii4 ,v4 ,febru>ii4 ,! ,rema9s ( ,bro!r ,john van ,leeuw51 commonly call$ ! ,good ,cook1 a man enlight5$ by ,god & r5[n$ = 8 my/ic writ+s4 ,he di$ ,febru>y #e1 #acgg4 ,mu* m di/ract+ to ! recluses ?an ! frequ5t visits ( pilgrim p5it5ts or ! arrival ( fre% neophytes 0 ! con/ant com+ & go+ ( huntsm5 f ! h\sehold ( ! ,duke ( ,brabant4 ,! =e/ ( ,soignes1 9 :i* ,gro55dael is situate1 0 a fav\rite resort = ! *ase1 & ! position ( ! h]mitage itself1 )9 a few miles ( ! capital1 made x a v conv5i5t place ( re/ & refre%m5t = ! hunt]s & _! h\nds4 ,b ! noise & bu/le att5dant on su* company 7 sc>cely conducive to ! _s ( pray]1 & ! dem&s ?us made on ! hospitality ( ! "y ,community 7 a heavy dra9 on its res\rces4 ,nev]!less ! solit>ies 7 naturally fe>ful ( giv+ (f5ce to ! foll[]s ( _! ,patron ! ,duke4 ,moreov]1 s9ce !y 7 n e/abli%$ z a regul> ,religi\s ,community1 !y c\ld n claim ! privileges ( ! cloi/]4 ,v ,! ,canons ,regul> ( ,gro55dael ,! inconv5i5ces j not$1 toge!r ) ! cont9ual increase 9 _! numb]s1 gave po9t & =ce to a /rong remon/rance address$ to ,francis van ,c\d5b]g & 8 ,bre?r5 by ,pi]re de ,saulx1 ,prior ( ! ,canons ,regul> ( ,/4 ,victor1 ,p>is1 conc]n+ ! irregul>ity ( _! unaccu/om$ mann] ( life4 ,h]e9 ! good ,prior 0 9 effect only voic+ ! op9ion ( _m zeal\s & prud5t lead]s among bo? cl]gy & laity4 ,! times 7 s rife 9 sects & societies ( false my/ics1 & s mu* mis*ief 0 wr\ght "u ! guise ( piety1 t any =m ( community life outside ! cloi/] & ! ?ree regul> v[s 0 reg>d$ ) /rong suspicion & dislike4 ,a few ye>s lat] ,g]>d ,groote1 a disciple ( ,ruysbroeck1 & ,flor5ce ,radewyn1 ! fir/ spiritual ,director ( ! ,v5]able ,?omas a ,kempis1 f\nd$ a lay association ( ,dev\t ,bro!rs & ,si/]s ( ! ,common ,life1 & ?is society also 0 subject$ to a fi]ce opposition aris+ f ! same s5tim5t ( di/ru/ = all religi\s movem5t outside ! beat5 track4 ,happily1 ! ,bro!rs 7 able to wea!r ! /orm by produc+ irrefragable pro(s ( _! or?odoxy1 & ( _! entire submission to ! ecclesia/ical au?orities4 ,b also1 by ! advice & accord+ to ! desires ( ,g]>d ,groote himself1 !y plac$ !mselves "u ! protection & guidance ( a ,religi\s ,ord] spr++ f _! own body1 namely ! ,canons ,regul> ( ,w9de%eim1 ( :i* congregation ! ,v5]able a ,kempis 0 "o ( ! e>lie/ memb]s z well z ! brighte/ ornam5t4 ,prior ,pi]re de ,saulx urg$ on van ,c\d5b]g & 8 associates to regul>ise _! /atus1 sil5ce suspicion1 & escape ! _m inconv5i5ces to :i* at pres5t !y 7 expos$ by embrac+ ! ,rule & adopt+ ! habit ( "s already e/abli%$ ,religi\s ,ord]4 ,) edify+ humility ! ,community ( ,gro55dael accept$ ! repro( & its accompany+ c\nsel2 & appli$ at once to ,pet] ,&rew1 ,bi%op ( ,cambrai1 = ! necess>y au?orisation to adopt ! ,in/itute ( ! ,canons ,regul> "u ! ,rule ( ,/4 ,augu/9 ( ,hippo4 ,?is p]mission ! ,ord9>y grant$ mo/ readily4 ,) 8 own h&s he clo!d ,francis van ,c\d5b]g1 ,john ,ruysbroeck & _! companions 9 ! canonical habit1 ,m>* #aj1 #acdi1 & ! foll[+ day he appo9t$ ,dom ,francis ,provo/1#c & ,john ,ruysbroeck he made ,prior ( ! new ,canonry4 ,to van ,c\d5b]g ! o!r memb]s ( ! ,community1 ) "o exception1 pr(ess$ canonical ob$i5ce1 accord+ to ,/4 ,augu/9's ,rule4 ,! ,bi%op be/[$ ^u !m _m privileges & exemptions2 :ile ! ,duke took !m "u 8 special protection & end[$ !m ) suffici5t rev5ues = ! upkeep ( a l>ge e/abli%m5t4 ,! "o exception not$ above 0 ,ruysbroeck's uncle & van ,c\d5b]g's old fri5d & ma/]1 ,john ,h9cka]t4 ,at ?is date ,john ,ruysbroeck 0 fifty-six ye>s ( age1 & ,francis van ,c\d5b]g 0 sev]al ye>s 8 s5ior4 ,!y mu/ c]ta9ly h be5 m5 ( great zeal & c\rage to und]take ! full rig\r & discipl9e ( ! ,canonical ,life1 z !y und]/ood x1 at s advanc$ an age4 ,h9cka]t1 aga91 0 mu* old] ?an ei!r4 ,& = fe> le/ out ( consid]ation = 8 fail+ p[]s ! o!rs %\ld be induc$ to temp] 9 any degree ! au/]ity ( _! obs]vance1 ! good old man resolv$ to =go = himself ! happ9ess ( jo9+ !m 9 ! pr(ession ( ! v[s4 ,we c picture :at a s\rce ( regret ?is sep>ation mu/ h be5 to all ?ree4 ,h[ev]1 ,h9cka]t rema9$ z ne> 8 fri5ds z possible until ! end4 ,a little cell 0 built j outside ! cloi/]1 & !re aft] a few ye>s he peacefully pass$ away1 _! pr$ecessor to et]nal glory z he _h be5 _! =]unn] 9 ! way ( p]fection4 ,! ,canon ,regul>1 ,prior ,pi]re de ,saulx1 _h reason to be well cont5t ) ! issue ( 8 int]v5tion 9 ! affairs ( ,gro55dael4 ,sev5te5 ye>s lat] we f9d him address+ to ! ,community ano!r *>act]i/ic rebuke4 ,?is "t he compla9$ ( ! =mula ( _! pr(ession1 :i* ran z foll[s3 ,i1 ,n4 1 (f] & deliv] myself ) ^! gifts to ! s]vice ( ?is ,*ur* ( ,/4 ,james1 ,apo/le4 ,& ,i promise ,god 9 ! pres5ce ( cl]gy & p t ,i w abide "h h5ce=? to ! end ( my days )\t proprietor%ip1 accord+ to ! rule ( ! ,canons & ,bless$ ,augu/91 to ! be/ ( my k & p[]4 ,i also promise /ability to ?is place z long z 9 any way ,i c obta9 :at is ne$ful = my s\l & body1 nor %all ,i = any motion ( fickl5ess or "u any pretext ( a m /rict ,ord] *ange ?is habit or quit ?is cloi/]4 ,i also promise ob$i5ce to all ! prelates ( ! a=esaid ,*ur* :om ! bett] "p ( ! ,community %all canonically elect1 9 ord] t ,i may receive a hundr$fold & life ev]la/+4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ?is =m ( pr(ession 0 q adequate4 ,implicitly x conta9$ ! v[ ( *a/ity1 s9ce *a/ity is an integral "p ( ! ,canonical ,rule4 ,h[ev]1 ! ,prior ( ,/4 ,victor resid$ 9 ,p>is1 ! metropolis ( s*ola/icism1 & he /r5u\sly argu$ & ma9ta9$ t1 :]eas *a/ity is "o ( ! ?ree ess5tial v[s ( ,religion1 & ! =mula made no m5tion !re(1 ! said =mula 0 incomplete1 errone\s1 contr>y to ! decretals & canonical sanctions4 ,& aga9 he urges ! ,provo/ & ! ,bre?r5 to con=m !mselves 9 ?is1 z 9 all else1 to "s fully au?oris$ bran* ( ! in/itute ( ! ,canons ,regul>4 ,once m ! good m5 humbly acquiesc$2 & x seems t !y modell$ _! religi\s family ^u ! fam\s ,congregation ( ,/4 ,victor1 ( :i* _! zeal\s c\nsellor 0 !n ! *ief ,sup]ior4 ,,vi ,prior ( ,gro55dael ,mean:ile ! ,community ( ,gro55dael grew & fl\ri%$4 ,! holy ,prior cont9u$ to make progress 9 ! practice ( h]oic virtue1 8 gifts ( contemplation became ev] m sublime1 & /ill 8 reputation = sanctity increas$4 ,8 contempor>y biograph]s1 aft] ! fa%ion ( _! day1 catalogue ! ,*ri/ian virtues1 & "o by "o %[ h[ !y excell$ 9 him4 ,let x suffice "h to rem>k t ^? virtues :i* he ! mo/ e>ne/ly comm5ds & ! mo/ highly exalts 9 8 writ+s1 he ! mo/ con/antly ex]cis$ 9 8 own p]son4 ,*ief ( ^! 0 humility1 :i* he t]ms ev]y:]e ! f\ndation ( p]fection2 !n ob$i5ce to m5 & resignation to ! w ( ,god1 a mo/ t5d] devotion t[>ds ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t ( ! ,alt>1 &1 9 f9e1 an ard5t love ( ,god & ! neighb\r4 ,a few in/ances may be giv5 9 illu/ration4 ,on "o occasion ,bless$ ,john 0 s]i\sly ill2 consum$ by fev] & tortur$ by an int5se ?ir/1 he begg$ ! ,bro!r ,infirm>ian = a dr9k ( wat]4 ,! ,provo/1 :o happ5$ to be pres5t1 =bade ! draught1 fe>+ x might d him h>m4 ,he 0 lit]ally dy+ ( ?ir/1 & 8 lips 7 crack+1 !y 7 s p>*$1 yet ,ruysbroeck humbly acquiesc$4 ,b lat]1 reflect+ h[ great w\ld be ! grief & remorse ( 8 fri5d & sup]ior if he actually di$ ( 8 agony1 he quietly rem>k$3 ,fa!r ,provo/1 if ,i h n a dr9k ( wat] n[ ,i %all c]ta9ly n recov] f ?is malady4 ,!reupon1 9 great al>m1 ,dom ,francis imm$iately bade him dr9k4 ,& f t mom5t ! holy man began to rega9 8 /r5g?4 ,ano!r & a cont9ual pro( ( 8 humility 0 ! will+ness ) :i* he took "p 9 ! heavy manual lab\r ( ! ,community4 ,8 dignity1 8 advanc$ age1 8 inexp]i5ce 9 su* "w1 ! _m o!r calls ^u 8 "t & /r5g?--all ?is & ! l ! bre?r5 urg$ z motives :]e=e he %\ld be exempt2 b he refus$ to li/54 ,tru? to tell1 ! mat]ial advantage f 8 toil 0 b little3 8 frame 0 enfeebl$ by ye>s & au/]ities1 & 9 8 ignorance he 0 liable1 = in/ance1 to root up se$l+s 9 ! g>d5 in/ead ( we$s6 ,b ! spiritual ga9 to ! ,bre?r5 0 incalculable2 !re 0 n only ! example ( 8 humility1 b ( 8 unfail+ recollection too4 ,9 ! mid/ ( 8 lab\r he nev] lo/ 8 s5se ( ! ne>ness ( ,god's pres5ce4 ,inde$ he 0 wont to say t x 0 easi] = him to raise 8 s\l to ,god ?an to lift 8 h& to 8 =ehead4 ,8 humility also & 8 zeal = ! regul> obs]vance prev5t$ him ev] seek+ disp5sation f ! cu/om>y ex]cises ( ! community life1 or exemption f any ( ! mona/ic au/]ities1 vigils1 or fa/s4 ,8 love = ! neighb\r 0 %[n by ! read9ess & affability ) :i* he receiv$ & welcom$ innum]able claimants on 8 sympa?y1 help1 & c\nsel4 ,no s\l ev] left 8 pres5ce dissatisfi$2 e "o w5t back f a visit to ,gro55dael greatly edifi$ & inw>dly refre%$4 ,on "o occasion ! ,bre?r5 7 di/ress$ = ! mom5t by an app>5t exception4 ,two ,p>isian cl]ics _h visit$ ! holy old man & _h dem&$ "s ^w or motto = _! guidance & enc\ragem5t4 ,ruysbroeck m]ely obs]v$3 ,y are z holy z y wi% to be4 ,suspect+ him ( s>casm1 ! /rang]s retir$ deeply mortifi$1 & !y compla9$ to ! ,canons t !y 7 mu* disappo9t$ 9 ! ,prior1 :o evid5tly 0 n s sa9tly a man z rum\r _h l$ !m to believe4 ,le>n+ ! cause ( _! *agr91 "s ( ! ,bre?r5 l$ ! cl]ics back to ,bless$ ,john & begg$ him to expla9 8 mean+4 ,b is x n simple8 he cri$4 ,is x n q true8 ,y are z holy z y wi%4 ,y\r good-w is ! measure ( y\r sanctity4 ,look into y\rselves & see :at good-w y h1 & y w behold also ! /&>d ( y\r hol9ess4 ,& !n ! visitors retir$ appeas$ & edifi$4 ,naturally 8 own ,bre?r5 7 ! fir/ & *ief to b5efit by ! holy ,prior's *>ity & zeal4 ,he d5i$ himself to none2 he made himself all to all4 ,sometimes he gave a spiritual conf]5ce aft] ,compl9e1 & !n p]haps he w\ld be s c>ri$ away z he enl>g$ ^u ! goodness ( ,god & ! bliss ( heav51 = in/ance1 t nei!r he nor 8 li/5]s w\ld note ! passage ( "t4 ,! midnight ,(fice bell w\ld surprise !m /ill hang+ ^u 8 words4 ,b su* 0 ! f]v\r infus$ by 8 burn+ eloqu5ce t n "o felt ! loss ( ! ?ree or f\r h\rs' accu/om$ sleep4 ,ruysbroeck always spoke )\t any imm$iate prep>ation2 b x 0 *>act]i/ic ( ! man t :5 reque/$ by ! ,canons or by /rang]s = a ,conf]5ce1 he w\ld sometimes confess 9 all simplicity t inspiration 0 lack+1 t he _h no?+ to say4 ,x 0 ! same ) 8 writt5 treatises3 at ! close ( 8 life he 0 able to decl>e t he _h nev] committ$ any?+ to writ+ save "u ! imm$iate motion ( ! ,holy ,_s4 ,z s (t5 happ5s ) ! ,sa9ts1 ,bless$ ,john's love = ! neighb\r ov]fl[$ 9 t5d]ness = 8 bro!rs & si/]s ( ! l[] creation also4 ,kn[+ ?is trait1 ! ,canons w\ld rem>k to him on ! approa* ( w9t]3 ,see1 ,fa!r ,prior1 x is sn[+ already4 ,:at w ! poor little birds d n[8 ,& ) expressions ( he>tfelt compassion ?is sublime my/ic1 :o 0 habitually lo/ 9 dizzie/ heights ( contemplation1 w\ld give in/ructions t ! fea!r$ *ori/]s outside ! cloi/] %\ld n be ab&on$ to p]i% ( hung]4 ,v frequ5tly 9 8 works ,bless$ ,ruysbroeck takes occasion to treat ( ! ,holy ,sacram5t ( ! ,alt>1 & ev] he speaks ( ?is sacr$ my/]y 9 t]ms ( ! mo/ vivid fai? & int5se devotion1 discuss+ x z a supreme pro( ( ,god's love = m51 on a p> ) ! gifts ( ,creation1 ! ,inc>nation1 & ,r$emption4 ,8 biograph]s tell u ( 8 p]sonal love = ! ,bless$ ,eu*>i/1 & especially ( 8 ec/atic devotion 9 (f]+ ! great ,sacrifice4 ,to ! close ( 8 long life1 ev5 :5 8 fail+ sight c\ld no long] di/+ui% ! figure ( ! ,crucifi$ /amp$ ^u ! ,ho/1 no?+ b grave sickness c\ld hold him back f daily celebration4 ,sometimes he swoon$ f ! excess ( ! sweetness ) :i* 8 s\l 0 inundat$ dur+ ! canon ( ! ,mass4 ,on "o su* occasion n only did he fa9t1 b he seem$ on ! po9t ( expir+1 s t ! t]rifi$ s]v] report$ ! matt] to ! ,provo/4 ,attribut+ ! fa9tness to advanc+ age & weakness1 ! ,sup]ior 0 ab\t to =bid ! holy old man to celebrate any m1 :5 ,bless$ ,john humbly bes\ght him to =be>1 assur+ him t ! swoon 0 due n to ! fail+ ( ye>s b to ! ov]p[]+ ( div9e grace1 non propt] s5ium s$ div9ae gratiae collatum x5ium4 ,ev5 to-day1 he add$1 ,jesus ,*ri/ appe>$ to me1 & fill+ my s\l ) a delici\sness all div9e1 ,he said to my he>t1 ,?\ art ,m9e & ,i am ?9e4 ,su* heav5ly fav\rs seem to h be5 by no means r>e ) our ,sa9t4 ,he 0 frequ5tly ravi%$ ) a vision ( ,our ,div9e ,"l 9 ,8 sacr$ ,humanity4 ,*ri/ appe>$ to him1 accompani$ by ,8 ,bless$ ,"m & a num]\s ret9ue ( ,sa9ts1 & conv]s$ famili>ly ) him4 ,on "o su* occasion1 p5etrat+ 8 :ole be+ ) a s5se ( wondr\s sweetness1 ,he greet$ him ) ineffable condesc5sion ?us3 ,?\ art ,my de> son1 9 :om ,i am well pleas$4 ,!n ,jesus ,*ri/ embrac$ him & pres5t$ him to ,our ,lady & ! att5dant ,sa9ts ) ! words3 ,behold ,my *os5 s]vant6 ,,vii ,ruysbroeck's ,tree ,:5ev] ,bless$ ,john felt ! ,_s ( ,god full ^u him1 ev5 ! solitude ( ! cloi/] 0 n suffici5tly retir$ = ! intimacy ( ! div9e union4 ,he w\ld w&] away into ! dep?s ( ! =e/ surr\nd+ ! mona/]y1 !re to ab&on himself to ! action ( ! ,holy ,gho/ undi/urb$4 ,on ^! occasions also he 0 wont to take ) him a /ylus & a wax tablet1 9 ord] to jot d[n su* ?\ghts & lights z he 0 mov$ to pres]ve 9 writ+4 ,( ^! notes a fair copy 0 made on 8 return to ! ,priory4 ,t[>ds ! end ( 8 days1 :5 8 sight 0 fail+ & o!rwise ! ef=t ( mak+ ^! notes 0 too mu* = him1 "o ( ! ,canons always accompani$ him into ! =e/ to write d[n at 8 dictation :atev] he 0 mov$ to communicate4 ,sometimes days or :ole weeks w\ld pass1 & = want ( inspiration n a l9e nor a ^w w\ld be add$ to ! treatise 9 h&4 ,b :5 aga9 ! ,_s brea!d1 he cont9u$ f ! v s5t5ce or phrase :]e he _h paus$1 j z if !re _h be5 no int]val betwe54 ,"o day ! ,sa9t _h retir$ z usual into ! =e/1 & ! ,bre?r51 kn[+ 8 occupation1 respect$ 8 privacy4 ,b :5 h\rs pass$ & !re 0 no sign ( 8 return1 !y became al>m$ & set out to sc\r ! woods 9 se>* ( him4 ,"o ( ! ,canons 0 especially intimate ) ! ,prior & lov$ him mo/ t5d]ly4 ,p]haps 8 anxiety urg$ him ahead ( ! re/4 ,9 a glade ( ! =e/ 8 eye light$ ^u a wondr\s sc5e4 ,he p]ceiv$ a tree z x 7 9 flames4 ,on ne>] approa* he discov]$ t x 0 9 fact encircl$ ) fire4 ,& "u ! tree1 9 ! mid/ ( ! my/]i\s conflagration1 ,john ,ruysbroeck 0 seat$1 manife/ly rapt 9 ec/asy4 ,! memory ( ?is miracle 0 nev] lo/ 9 ! ,community4 ,= g5]ations ! tree 0 kn[n & v5]at$ z ,ruysbroeck's ,tree4 ,at ! close ( ! fifte5? c5tury ! ,prior1 ,james van ,dynt]1 plant$ a lime-tree 9 ! same place1 :i* receiv$ ! respect %[n hi!rto to ! orig9al1 :i* presumably _h di$ d[n4 ,:5 9 #aegg ! ,canons 7 oblig$ to ab&on ,gro55dael on acc\nt ( ! vexations ( ! religi\s w>s1 x is said t ?is tree )]$ away until only its b>k 0 left2 b :5 ! ,community return$ 9 #afjg1 x reviv$ & fl\ri%$ aga94 ,?is episode also has fix$ ! traditional repres5tation ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck4 ,he is usually pictur$ seat$ "u a tree1 a /ylus 9 8 h& & a wax tablet re/+ on 8 knee1 :ile ,sa9t & tree alike are encircl$ 9 brilliant rays ( cele/ial light4 ,,viii ,a ,director ( ,s\ls ,x is no wond] t z ! fame ( ^! & simil> m>vels spread abroad1 multitudes ( ! fai?ful1 "y & old1 cl]gy & laity1 flock$ to see & he> ! holy ,prior ( ,gro55dael4 ,!y came to him f ,fl&]s1 ,brabant1 ,holl&1 ,g]many1 & ,france4 ,ruysbroeck receiv$ all ) unv>y+ simple c\rtesy1 & 8 unprem$itat$ words 7 ev] f\nd to meet exactly ! ne$s ( ea*4 ,_m plac$ !mselves unres]v$ly 9 8 h&s1 & frequ5tly s\ght 8 direction by correspond5ce1 or came long di/ances to consult him 9 p]son4 ,"o ( ^! p5it5ts 0 ! ,b>oness van ,m>ke1 ( ,rhode-,/4-,aga?a1 :i* lies midway betwe5 ,gro55dael & ,l\va94 ,?is lady conceiv$ su* a v5]ation = ! holy ,prior t :5 %e w5t to visit him1 %e walk$ ! j\rney1 pilgrimwise1 b>efoot4 ,f9ally1 8 exhortations to flee & despise ! pass+ vanities ( ! _w prevail$ s mu* ) h] t %e ent]$ a ,conv5t ( ,poor ,cl>es 9 ,cologne1 & h] son ,+elb]t jo9$ ! ,community ( ,gro55dael4 ,we are told ( ano!r disciple1 :o once fell into a griev\s sickness & at ! same "t into a /ill m griev\s affliction ( _s4 ,%e s5t = ,bless$ ,john1 begg+ him to visit h]4 ,%e told him ( h] di/ress2 behold1 %e 0 ab&on$ by ,god1 on ! "o h& no heal? or /r5g? 0 left h] to p]=m h] accu/om$ works ( m]cy1 & on ! o!r h& physical suff]+ took away all ta/e = pray]6 ,:at 0 %e to d8 ,y c d no?+ m pleas+ to ,god1 my de> *ild1 respond$ ! ,sa9t1 ?an simply & utt]ly to submit to ,8 holy w4 ,/rive to =sake y\r own desires & to give ,him ?anks = all ?+s4 ,su* unction accompani$ ^! simple & *>act]i/ic words t ! good lady felt deeply consol$1 & %e rep9$ no m4 ,among ! m fam\s to frequ5t ,gro55dael1 !re to sit & le>n at ! feet ( ,ruysbroeck1 is m5tion$ ! well-kn[n ,g]man my/ic ,taul]4 ,b au?orities are divid$ at pres5t z to :e!r or no ^! visits to ,gro55dael c be fitt$ 9 ) o!r asc]ta9$ facts ( ,taul]'s life4 ,h[ev]1 x is c]ta9 t ,taul] 0 well acqua9t$ ) ! writ+s ( our ,sa9t2 to a great ext5t he foll[$ 8 me?od1 & at times1 9 ! free-&-easy /yle ( ^? days1 he did n hesitate to transf] bodily f ,ruysbroeck's volumes into 8 own4 ,,ix ,ruysbroeck & ,g]>d ,groote ,a great] ?an ,taul]1 & "o ^: influ5ce 0 ev5tually f> m widespread1 und\bt$ly ow$ mu* to ! recluse ( ,gro55dael & freely ackn[l$g$ ,bless$ ,john 8 ma/]4 ,?is 0 ! fam\s ,g]>d ,groote1 ! f\nd]1 z already not$1 ( ! ,dev\t ,bro!rs & ,si/]s ( ! ,common ,life1 & ?r\gh !m ( ! ,w9de%eim ,congregation ( ,canons ,regul>4 ,! occasion & circum/ances ( ,groote's fir/ visit to ,gro55dael are n>rat$ by ! ,v5]able ,?omas a ,kempis 9 8 ,vita ,g]>di ,magni4 ,! passage is s graphic & *>act]i/ic t x is well wor? transcrib+4#d ,! pi\s & humble ,ma/] ,g]>d1 he>+ ( ! great & widespread fame ( ,john ,ruysbroeck1 a monk & ,prior ( ! ,mona/]y ( ,gru5?al1 ne> ,brussels1 w5t to ! p>ts ab\t ,brabant1 al?\gh ! j\rney 0 long1 9 ord] to see 9 bodily pres5ce ?is holy & mo/ dev\t ,fa!r2 = he long$ to see face to face1 & ) 8 own eyes1 "o :om he _h kn[n hi!rto only by common report & by 8 books2 & to he> ) 8 own e>s t voice utt] its words f a liv+ human m\?--a voice z graci\s z if x 7 ! v m\?piece ( ! ,holy ,gho/4 ,he took ) him !re=e t rev]$ man1 ,ma/] ,john ,cele1 ! director ( ! ,s*ool ( ,zwolle1 a dev\t & fai?ful lov] ( ,jesus ,*ri/2 = _! m9d & he>t 7 "o 9 ! ,"l1 & ! fell[%ip ( ea* 0 pleasant to ! o!r1 & ?is resolve 0 k9dl$ )9 !m t _! j\rney1 :i* 0 und]tak5 = ! sake ( spiritual edification1 %\ld r$\nd 9 ! case ( ea* to ! ,glory ( ,god4 ,!re w5t also ) !m a fai?ful & dev\t layman1 nam$ ,g]>d ! %oemak]1 z _! guide ^u ! n>r[ way1 & _! insep>able companion 9 ?is happy und]tak+4 ,:5 !y came to ! place call$ ,gru5?al1 !y saw no l(ty or elaborate build+s !re91 b r all ! signs ( simplicity ( life & pov]ty1 su* z m>k$ ! fir/ foot/eps ( our ,heav5ly ,k+1 :5 ,he1 ! ,"l ( ,heav51 came ^u ?is e>? z a ,virg9's ,son1 & 9 exce$+ pov]ty4 ,z !y ent]$ ! gate ( ! mona/]y1 t holy ,fa!r1 ! dev\t ,prior1 met !m1 be+ a man ( great age1 ( k9dly s]5ity1 & "o to be rev]$ = 8 hon\rable "*4 ,he x 0 :om !y _h come to see1 & salut+ !m ) ! greate/ b5ignity z !y advanc$1 & be+ taught by a revelation f ,god1 he call$ ^u ,g]>d by 8 v "n & knew him1 ?\gh he _h nev] se5 him be=e4 ,aft] ?is salutation he took !m ) him into ! inn] p>ts ( ! cloi/]1 z 8 mo/ hon\r$ gue/s1 & ) a *e]ful c\nt5ance & a he>t yet m joyful %[$ !m all due c\rtesy & k9dness1 z if he 7 ent]ta9+ ,jesus ,*ri/ ,himself4 ,g]>d abode !re = a few days conf]r+ ) ?is man ( ,god ab\t ! ,holy ,scriptures2 & f him he he>d _m heav5ly secrets :i*1 z he confess$1 7 pa/ 8 und]/&+1 s t 9 amazem5t he said ) ! ,que5 ( ,%eba1 ',o excell5t ,fa!r1 ?y wisdom & ?y k exce$e? ! fame :i* ,i he>d 9 m9e own l&2 = by ?y virtues ?\ ha/ surpass$ ?y fame4' ,aft] ?is he return$ ) 8 companions to 8 own city1 greatly edifi$2 & be+ z x 7 a purifi$ creature1 he pond]$ ov] :at he _h he>d 9 8 m9d & (t5 dwelt !reon 9 8 he>t2 also he committ$ "s ( ,ruysbroeck's say+s to writ+1 t !y might n be =gott54 ,?is soj\rn on 8 visit to ! ,prior 0 n a "t ( idl5ess1 nor 0 ! disc\rse ( s holy a fa!r b>r52 b ! in/ruction ( 8 liv+ voice gave nurture to a full] love & an increase ( fre% zeal1 z he te/ifies 9 a lett] :i* he s5t to ^! same bre?r5 9 ! ,gru5?al1 say+3 ',i e>ne/ly desire to be comm5d$ to y\r director & ,prior1 ! foot/ool ( ^: feet ,i w\ld fa9 be bo? 9 ?is life & 9 ! life to come2 = my he>t is weld$ to him beyond all o!r m5 by love & rev]5ce4 ,i d /ill burn & sigh = y\r pres5ce1 to be r5ew$ & inspir$ by y\r _s & to be a p>tak] !re(4' ,o!r details ( ?is int]e/+ visit are suppli$ by ! biograph]s ( ,ruysbroeck4 ,speak+ 9 ! fullness ( ! intimacy t _h sprung up betwe5 !m1 ,g]>d ,groote v5tur$ to express surprise t1 9 deal+ ) ! sublime matt]s :i* usually =m$ ! subject ( 8 disc\rse1 ! holy ,prior %\ld employ words & phrases :i* laid him op5 to ! *>ge ( ^? v errors1 especially pan!ism1 aga9/ :i* 8 writ+s 7 commonly direct$4 ,x 0 !n t ,ruysbroeck decl>$ t he _h nev] set d[n aught 9 8 books save by ! inspiration ( ! ,holy ,gho/ & 9 ! pres5ce ( ! ,ev] ,bless$ ,tr9ity4 ,?is solemn assurance ! holy man repeat$ to 8 bro!r ,canons on 8 dea?b$4 ,on ano!r po9t also1 l ! tra9$ & exact !ologian he 01 ,g]>d ,groote wi%$ to correct 8 fri5d4 ,he insi/$ t ! b\ndless confid5ce :i* ,ruysbroeck express$ 9 ! m]cy ( ,god seem$ to sav\r some:at ( presumption1 & he proce$$ to quote ! mo/ t]rify+ passages f ,scripture an5t ! p5alties ( ! wick$4 ,bless$ ,john quietly repli$3 ,ma/] ,g]>d1 ,i assure y t y h q fail$ to inspire me ) fe>4 ,i am ready to be> ) unruffl$ s\l :atev] ! ,"l %all de/9e = me 9 life or 9 dea?4 ,i c conceive ( no?+ bett]1 no?+ saf]1 no?+ m sweet4 ,all my desires are re/rict$ to ?is1 t our ,"l may ev] f9d me prep>$ to accompli% ,8 holy w4 ,?is fir/ visit 0 ! beg9n+ ( mo/ cordial relations betwe5 ,ruysbroeck & ,g]>d ,groote4 ,! latt] return$ sev]al times to ,gro55dael & resid$ !re = mon?s toge!r4 ,he also correspond$ frequ5tly ) ! holy ,prior & ! ,canons & translat$ "s ( our ,sa9t's works into ,lat94 ,he read ov] 8 ,,mss4 be=e publication1 & begg$ him at times to *ange or modify expressions :i* might give a h&le to ! ho/ile or sc&al to ! weak4 ,! writ+s ( ,ruysbroeck 7 likewise among ^? :i* 7 ! mo/ frequ5tly transcrib$ & multipli$ by ! copyi/s ( ! ,dev\t ,bro!rs ( ! ,common ,life4 ,a few ye>s lat] "o ( ! mo/ dilig5t & skill$ ( ^! scribes 0 ! future au?or ( ! ,imitation ( ,*ri/4 ,x ,ruysbroeck & ,w9de%eim ,9 fact1 widespread z 0 ! influ5ce ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck on 8 contempor>ies & incalculable z 0 ! fruit ( 8 writ+s 9 ! _m cloi/]s1 ?r\gh :i* !y 7 rapidly diffus$1 ! means by :i* ,div9e ,provid5ce *ose *iefly to pres]ve & propagate 8 p[] 0 precisely ?is fri5d%ip ) ,g]>d ,groote4 ,g]>d cont9ually /rove to imbue 8 own disciples ) ! _s :i* he _h imbib$ f ! ,prior ( ,gro55dael4 ,= himself & = 8 foll[]s he took z a rule ( life ! motto ( ,ruysbroeck1 to make x a *ief /udy to m$itate ^u ! life ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,let ! f\nta9-head ( ?y /udy & ?y mirror ( life be fir/ ! ,gospel ( ,*ri/1 = !re is ! life ( ,*ri/4 ,! ,scriptures %\ld be read r ?an ! ,fa!rs1 & ! ,new ,te/am5t m ?an ! ,old1 = !re is ! life ( ,*ri/4 ,& h]e9 aga9 :at is pr(itable = a dev\t & spiritual life is to be s\ght r ?an ! subtleties ( !ology & ! s*ools4 ,:5 a fri5d ( ,g]>d's1 ,re9alt ,m9n5vos*1 project$ ! f\nd+ ( a mona/]y1 ,groote advis$ him to e/abli% a ,priory ( ,canons ,regul> on ! model ( ,gro55dael4 ,! ,canonry ( ,/4 ,savi\r's at ,em/e9 0 ! result4 ,at ,groote's reque/1 a pr(ess$ prie/ came f ,gro55dael to initiate ! new ,religi\s into ! ,canonical ,life2 & lat] x 0 at ,em/e9 t ! fir/ memb]s ( ,g]>d's own ,congregation ( ,w9de%eim made _! noviciate prep>atory to ,pr(ession4 ,?is 0 aft] ,g]>d ,groote's dea?1 b x 0 9 accord ) 8 express desire4 ,wi%ful to e/abli% a ,religi\s ,in/itute 9 connection ) 8 ,dev\t ,bro!rs & ,si/]s ( ! ,common ,life1 :o1 :e!r lay or cl]ic1 7 dwell+ toge!r )\t ! b9d+ =ce ( ! v[s1 ,g]>d fix$ ^u ! ,ord] ( ,canons ,regul> = ?is purpose1 pr9cipally1 s ,?omas a ,kempis assures u1 because ( 8 pr(\nd v5]ation = ! ,prior & ,bre?r5 ( ,gro55dael4 ,he 0 mov$ to in/itute ?is ,ord] ( ,regul>s *iefly by 8 s+ul> rev]5ce & love = ! v5]able ,dom ,john ,ruysbroeck1 ! fir/ ,prior ( ,gro55dael1 & ( ! o!r mo/ exempl>y ,bre?r5 liv+ !re religi\sly 9 ! ,regul> ,ord]4 ,= fur!r in=mation conc]n+ ! ,dev\t ,bro!rs & ! ,w9de%eim ,canons ! read] is ref]r$ to ! v>i\s works :i* h be5 publi%$ ( late ye>s on ! ,v5]able a ,kempis4#e ,bo? ,bro!rs & ,canons 7 liv+ examples ( ! my/ic tea*+s ( ,ruysbroeck put to ! te/ ( daily practice4 ,flight f ! pleasures & vanities ( ! _w1 unb\nd$ humility1 con/ant m$itation on ! life & especially ! ,passion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ! mo/ complete & absolute ab&onm5t to ! ,div9e ,w1 an int5se devotion full ( ! p]sonal love ( ,god--^! 7 ! sali5t po9ts ( ,bless$ ,john's example & doctr9e1 p]petuat$ & propagat$ by ! works1 words1 & writ+s ( ! ,w9de%eim ,canons ,regul> & _! secul> associates1 ! ,bro!rs ( ! ,common ,life4 ,x is sc>cely ne$ful to rem>k also t ^! are ! *ief features ( ! tea*+ ( ! ,imitation ( ,*ri/1 t gold5 little treatise1 :i*1 embody+ ! :ole _s ( ! ,s*ool ( ,w9de%eim & ,gro55dael1 has c>ri$ & /ill c>ries light1 heal+1 & consolation to ?\s&s ^u ?\s&s :o h nev] s mu* z he>d ( ei!r ,w9de%eim or ,john ,ruysbroeck4#f ,x may be m5tion$ "h t 9 #adji ! ,priory ( ,gro55dael 0 in/itut$ ! ,"m-h\se ( a congregation ( t "n4 ,b a few ye>s lat] ?is congregation1 ) its dep5d5t ,priories1 0 affiliat$ to ! m num]\s ,w9de%eim ,canons4 ,?us ! tw9 in/itutes 7 m]g$ into "o1 & ! ,w9de%eim ,congregation became ! direct heir ( ! virtues & tea*+ ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck4 ,b f9ally ,w9de%eim 0 aggregat$ to ! ,lat]an ,congregation ( ,canons ,regul>2 & ?us x is t to-day ! ,canons ,regul> ( ! ,lat]an are privileg$1 ) ! cl]gy ( ,me*l91 to keep ) prop] ,(fice & ,mass ! ,fea/ ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck4 ,connect$ ?us intimately ) ,g]>d ,groote & ,taul]1 x is n surpris+ t ,ruysbroeck %>es ) ^!1 z ) a ,kempis1 ,suso1 & o!rs1 ! d\btful hon\r ( be+ proclaim$ 9 c]ta9 qu>t]s z a precursor ( ! sixte5?-c5tury ,re=mation4 ,9 support ( ?is position x is easy en\gh to ga!r toge!r expressions ( ! mo/ poignant sorr[ & ( ! mo/ bitt] invective = ! lax morality ( cl]gy & laity1 m5dicant fri>s1 & highly plac$ prelates4 ,b ! same argum5t w\ld convict sev]al ,popes ( be+ h]alds ( ,lu!r6 ,n to lab\r ! po9t at unnecess>y l5g? 9 a non-controv]sial "w ( ?is k9d1 let x suffice to m5tion ! t\*/one :i* nev] fails to di/+ui% ! g5u9e re=m] f ! m]e sect>ian3 :ile boldly attack+ ! vices ( ^? 9 (fice1 ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck nev] assails ! (fice itself4 ,he always speaks 9 ! mo/ submissive & rev]5t t]ms ( ! au?ority ( ! ,*ur* & ( ! dignity ( ! prie/hood4 ,8 writ+s )\t exception treat 9 ! or?odox s5se on ! subject ( grace1 ! sacram5ts1 etc4 ,we h already rem>k$ 8 ard5t devotion t[>ds ! ,bless$ ,eu*>i/4 ,to ?is may be add$ a mo/ t5d] love = ! ,virg9 ,"m ( ,god4 ,note1 f9ally1 8 frequ5t & f]v5t exhortations to ! p]fect obs]vance ( ! ?ree v[s ( religion1 & "o c imag9e h[ com=table he w\ld feel 9 ! company1 say1 ( ,lu!r & 8 r5egade nun6 ,,xi ,! ,writ+s ( ,ruysbroeck ,bless$ ,john's writ+s _c be call$ volum9\s1 & yet = a purely contemplative au?or !y are comp>atively consid]able4 ,! li/ ( 8 works au!nticat$ up to ! pres5t--= e>ne/ /ud5ts are at "w1 & o!r ,,mss4 may yet be discov]$--comprises ! foll[+1 giv+ an ,engli% equival5t = ! ,old ,flemi% or ,lat9 titles3 7#a7 ,! ,k+dom ( ! ,lov]s ( ,god2 7#b7 ,! ,spl5d\r ( ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals2 7#c7 ,! ,brilliant2 7#d7 ,( ,f\r ,subtle ,temptations2 7#e7 ,( ! ,*ri/ian ,fai?2 7#f7 ,( ! ,spiritual ,tab]nacle2 7#g7 ,( ! ,sev5 ,cloi/]s2 7#h7 ,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,life1 or1 a ,treatise on ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t2 7#i7 ,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,spiritual ,love2 7#aj7 ,( ! ,supreme ,tru?2 7#aa7 ,! ,twelve ,begu9es4 ,& ^! o!rs are less c]ta9ly prov$ to be 83 7#ab7 ,( ! ,twelve ,virtues2 7#ac7 ,sev5 ,lett]s2 7#ad7 ,a ,summ>y ( ! ,spiritual ,life2 7#ae7 ,two ,canticles2 7#af7 ,a ,%ort ,pray]4 ,p5d+ a complete & fai?ful ,engli% r5d]+ ( all ^! works1 ! foll[+ descriptive analysis ( ! pr9cipal ( !m may n prove unacceptable4 ,! ,k+dom ( ! ,lov]s ( ,god ,?is treatise is a detail$ int]pretation & a my/ic application ( ! text adapt$ f ,wisdom x4 #aj3 ,ju/um d$uxit ,dom9us p] vias rectus et o/5dit illi regnum ,dei 9 ! ,brevi>y ,(fice ( a ,confessor4 ,^u ^! words ,ruysbroeck bases a division ( 8 "w into five books4 ,! fir/ book treats ( ,god1 ,dom9us1 ,8 p[] & sov]eignty4 ,9 ! second ,bless$ ,john expla9s h[ ,*ri/ conduct$1 d$uxit1 man into ! lib]ty ( ! *ildr5 ( ,god1 *iefly by r$emption & by ! in/itution ( ! sev5 ,sacram5ts4 ,9 ! ?ird he treats ( ! j man1 ju/um1 & works out eight items :i* r5d] a man j1 bo? 9 ! active & 9 ! contemplative life4 ,! f\r? book exp\nds ! "r ways1 vias rectas1 :i* lead to ! ,k+dom ( ,god3 ! ext]ior way1 namely1 ! mat]ial univ]se ( ?ree heav5s & f\r elem5ts1 ! contemplation ( :i* %\ld excite man to ! praise ( ! ,creator2 ! way ( natural light1 ! acquisition ( ! sev5 virtues2 f9ally1 ! sup]natural & div9e way1 ! infusion ( ! sup]natural virtues & ! gifts ( ! ,holy ,gho/4 ,9 ! la/ book we h a disquisition on ! k+dom ( ,god1 o/5dit illi regnum ,dei1 ( :i* we are told !re are five aspects or divisions3 ! s5sible k+dom1 ext]ior to ,god1 9 :i* ! au?or f9ds scope = a description ( ! la/ judgm5t & ! qualities ( ris5 bodies1 ! k+dom ( nature1 ! k+dom ( ! ,scriptures1 ! k+dom ( grace & ( glory1 & f9ally ! ,div9e ,k+dom itself1 :i* is ,god4 ,?is treatise is full ( reflections & consid]ations ( ! mo/ elevat$ ord]1 & !re is mu* !re9 t is by no means easy to grasp or und]/&4 ,! ,spl5d\r ( ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals ,= 8 text ,ruysbroeck takes ,matt4 xxv4 #f1 ,ecce1 sponsus v5it1 exite obviam ei4 ,he makes a division into ?ree books1 treat+ respectively ( ! active1 ! int]ior1 & ! contemplative life4 ,ea* book is fur!r subdivid$ into f\r p>ts1 correspond+ to ! f\r divisions ( ! text 9 ea* /age ( p]fection z foll[s4 ,ruysbroeck exp\nds & illu/rates 7#a7 ! role ( ! vision1 ecce2 man mu/ turn 8 eyes to ,god2 7#b7 ! div]s com+s ( ! ,bridegroom1 sponsus v5it1 ! mann]1 namely1 9 :i* ,god approa*es ! s\l2 7#c7 ! go+ =? ( ! s\l on ! pa? ( ! virtues1 exite2 7#d7 & f9ally1 ! embrace ( ! s\l & ! heav5ly sp\se4 ,9 no "o "w does ,bless$ ,ruysbroeck give a complete acc\nt ( 8 my/ic tea*+2 b if 8 sy/em 7 to be exam9$ & expla9$ by any "o book1 x w\ld c]ta9ly be ?is ( ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals4 ,x has always be5 consid]$ z 8 *ief "w1 & 9 ?is light also ,ruysbroeck himself seems to h reg>d$ x4 ,he s5t a copy ( x himself to 8 fri5ds 9 ,g]many1 & express$ ! desire t x might be multipli$ & made kn[n ev5 to ! foot ( ! m\nta9s4 ,9 ! f\r la/ *apt]s ( ! second book ! au?or confutes "s curr5t errors ( ! day1 app>5tly ! tea*+s ( ,bloem>d9ne & almo/ c]ta9ly ( ,eck>t4 ,! ,brilliant ,g]>d ,naghel tells u ! /ory ( ! orig9 ( ?is treatise4 ,"o day ,ruysbroeck _h be5 conv]s+ ) a c]ta9 h]mit on matt]s spiritual1 :5 on p>t+ ! latt] begg$ ! holy ,prior to commit ! matt] ( 8 disc\rse to writ+ = ! edification ( himself & o!rs4 ,to satisfy 8 desire1 says ,naghel1 ,ruysbroeck compos$ ?is "w1 :i* conta9s in/ruction suffici5t to lead a man to p]fection4 ,! treatise seems a supplem5t1 & 9 "s s5se a corrective ( ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals4 ,aft] a brief description ( ! means by :i* ! j man acquires ! int]ior life & rises !nce to ! contemplative1 ! holy man %[s h[ ! preci\s /one1 or :ite c\nt]1 calculus c&idus1 ( ,rev4 ii4 #ag1 is no o!r ?an ,*ri/ ,himself1 ,:o gives ,himself )\t res]ve to contemplative s\ls4 ,god calls all m5 to intimate union ) ,himself4 ,b n all m5 respond to ,8 appeal4 ,s9n]s utt]ly despise ! invitation2 :ile ! j respond1 ?\gh ^! aga9 9 v>y+ degrees4 ,"s keep ! comm&m5ts *iefly f fe> ( ! p5alties atta*$ to transgression2 !y are z m]c5>ies4 ,o!rs s9c]ely endeav\r to conqu] nature & unruly desires1 !y h true fai? 9 ,god1 & ,god is ! only motive ( _! actions2 ^! are ! fai?ful s]vants4 ,h[ev]1 ^! /ill suff] _m imp$im5ts f ! ext]ior life :i* !y lead1 & a m intimate union is atta9$ by ! intimate fri5ds1 :o obs]ve ! c\nsels z well z ! precepts4 ,f9ally1 ! highe/ degree ( union & contemplation is atta9$ by ! hidd5 sons1 :o are utt]ly dive/$ ( all self-love & self-seek+1 & ^: life is hidd5 ) ,*ri/ 9 ,god4 ,( ,f\r ,subtle ,temptations ,9 ?is tract ,ruysbroeck inveighs aga9/ ! *ief errors & abuses ( 8 own times4 ,! fir/1 says ,ruysbroeck1 is love ( ease & com=t1 indol5ce1 ! s\rce ( s5suality1 & luxury1 an abuse v preval5t 9 mona/]ies & among ! cl]gy4 ,! second is hypocrisy1 :i*1 "u ! cloak ( a seem+ au/]ity1 claim+ ev5 visions & ec/asies1 conceals a corrupt int]ior & deprav$ morals4 ,! ?ird is ! desire to und]/& ev]y?+1 to atta9 to ! contemplation ( ! div9e nature by ! %e] =ce ( ! intellect1 )\t ! assi/ance ( ,god's grace4 ,! f\r? & ! mo/ =midable is ! s-call$ lib]ty ( _s1 ! error & h]esy ( ^? :o1 ca/+ aside all int]ior ef=t1 pret5d to acquire contemplation by ludicr\s mortifications1 by extravagant bodily po/ur+1 & by a s5seless quietism4 ,! ?ird error is t ( ,eck>t1 & ! f\r? 0 prop] to ! ,bro!rs & ,si/]s ( ! ,free ,_s4 ,ruysbroeck concludes 8 tract ) a discussion ( ! ways & means ( avoid+ ^! sn>es1 viz4 by hol9ess ( life1 ! practice ( all ! virtues1 ob$i5ce to sup]iors & ! au?ority ( ! ,*ur*1 & imitation ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,( ! ,*ri/ian ,fai? ,a dogmatic comm5t>y on ! ,a?anasian ,cre$4 ,/>t+ ) ! pr9ciple t ! true ,*ri/ian ,fai? is indisp5sable = ! union ( ! s\l ) ,god1 ,ruysbroeck proce$s to expla9 ! *ief t5ets ( our belief1 & to %[ _! be>+ on ! int]ior life4 ,8 explanations are brief1 8 speculations sublime4 ,! m =cibly to exhort to ! practice ( virtue1 he dwells at consid]able l5g? on ! la/ judgm5t1 on ! rew>ds ( ! j1 & on ! p5alties decre$ to ea* p>ticul> class ( s9n]4 ,8 picture "h ( ! happ9ess ( heav5 & ! suff]+s ( hell is mo/ apt & /rik+4 ,( ! ,spiritual ,tab]nacle ,! mo/ l5g?y ?is ( all ,ruysbroeck's works4 ,x consi/s ( a my/ic int]pretation1 a long-drawn-out allegory1 9 :i* ! ,tab]nacle ( ! ,old ,te/am5t is consid]$ z a type ( ! c\rse ( love4 ,! out] & ! inn] c\rts1 ! alt> ( sacrifice1 ! hang+s1 ! pill>s & _! sockets1 ! r+s1 ! names ( ! workm51 ! sev5-bran* c&le/ick1 ! braz5 lav]1 ! prie/ly ornam5ts1 ! ephod & ! twelve /ones1 ! holy oils & ! inc5se1 ! table ( ! loaves ( proposition1 ! diff]5t sacrifices ) ! di/9ction betwe5 ! clean & ! unclean animals1 ! holy ( holies1 ! ark & its appurt5ances1--all are appli$ ) a weal? ( detail1 :i*1 h[ev]1 nev] lacks dignity1 & ) a wondr\s skill to ,ruysbroeck's usual ?ree divisions ( ! ext]ior moral life1 ! int]ior1 & ! purely contemplative4 ,! ,tab]nacle 0 a subject :i* naturally l5t itself to allegory & to my/ic int]pretation1 & ,hugh ( ,/4 ,victor _h already prec$$ our au?or1 z d\btless also he inspir$ him ) 8 ,de ,arca my/ica4 ,?\gh sometimes ! ?read is lo/ 9 ! multiplicity ( details1 ?is treatise is mo/ attractive & conta9s "s ( ! be/ pages ( ,bless$ ,ruysbroeck4 ,( ! ,sev5 ,cloi/]s ,?is 0 compos$ = a p5it5t ( our ,sa9t1 ,m>g>et von ,me]beke1 a ,poor ,cl>e ( ,brussels1 & x gives a rule ( life = ,religi\s4 ,! holy ,prior traces out an ord] ( ! day1 insi/+ especially on ! ne$ ( cultivat+ ! int]ior life2 he m5tions ! virtues :i* 8 p5it5t %\ld ex]cise1 & inveighs aga9/ ! abuses :i* h crept into conv5ts1 po9t+ out ! dang] ( communication ) ! out] _w4 ,9 all ?+s ,m>g>et %\ld imitate ! example ( h] f\ndress1 ,/4 ,cl>e1 :o ga9$ h] glori\s place 9 ,heav5 by %utt+ h]self up )9 ! sev5 cloi/]s4 ,aft] dwell+ on ^!1 viz41 by exp\nd+ sev5 means ( retreat+ f ! _w & liv+ close to ,god1 ! au?or turns aga9 to practical details & condemns ! s(tness & luxury ( c]ta9 ,religi\s 9 _! dress4 ,ea* day1 he says1 %\ld close ) a peep into ?ree books3 ! book ( our own consci5ce1 :i* %[s ! imp]fections :i* mu/ be purifi$2 ! book ( ! ,life & ,passion ( our ,"l1 :i* we %\ld imitate2 & f9ally ! book ( et]nal life1 to :i* we ought to t5d ) all our /r5g?4 ,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,life ,?is also 0 address$ to a nun1 probably ! same ,poor ,cl>e4 ,x expla9s aga9 ! ?ree degrees ( ! my/ic life1 b ) special ref]5ce n[ to ! cloi/] & ! ,bless$ ,eu*>i/4 ,"s are 9 ! purgative way3 if !y p]sev]e 9 virtue & progress 9 p]fection1 !y %all p>take ( ! table1 ,ps4 xxiii4 #e1 :i* is no o!r ?an ! banquet ( ! ,holy ,eu*>i/4 ,ruysbroeck dwells on ! virtues necess>y = ! wor?y reception ( ! ,sacram5t1 & n>rates ! mann] ( its in/itution by our ,div9e ,"l at ! ,la/ ,supp]1 %[+ :at 7 ! matt] & =m us$ by ,*ri/4 ,he disc\rses on ! evid5ce ( ,god's love to be f\nd 9 ?is my/]y ( ! alt>2 & !n refutes objections z to ! mann] ( ! ,div9e ,pres5ce1 expressly tea*+ ,transub/antiation4 ,^? :o approa* ! alt> rails are divid$ by him into sev5 classes1 & "h ! au?or %[s a wondr\s & intimate k ( ! work+ ( ! human he>t4 ,! treatise closes ) a description ( ! contemplative life4 ,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,spiritual ,love ,9 a simile famili> to spiritual writ]s ( all ages1 ,ruysbroeck comp>es life to a ladd]1 or /airway ( sev5 /eps1 lead+ up to p]fection & union ) ,god4 ,^! /ages are respectively3 7#a7 ,con=mity ) ! holy w ( ,god2 7#b7 ,volunt>y pov]ty2 7#c7 ,purity ( s\l & *a/ity ( body2 7#d7 ,humility1 ) h] f\r daught]s1 ob$i5ce1 g5tl5ess1 pati5ce1 & ! =sak+ ( self-w2 7#e7 ,! desire ( ! div9e glory1 involv+ ?ree spiritual ex]cises1 namely1 acts ( love & adoration1 acts ( supplication1 & acts ( ?anksgiv+2 7#f7 ,! contemplative & p]fect life1 by :i* man f9ally atta9s ! la/ /age (1 7#g7 sublime ignorance4 7,comp>e ,walt] ,hilton's d>ksome lightness 9 8 ,scale ( ,p]fection47 ,( ! ,supreme ,tru? ,?is treatise 0 issu$ by way ( explanation ( "s difficult passages 9 8 fir/ "w1 conc]n+ especially ! gift ( c\nsel1 & inde$ z a k9d ( def5ce & apology ( 8 :ole my/ic tea*+4 ,he prote/s t he has nev] admitt$ t ! creature c be rais$ to a /ate ( id5tity ) ,god1 & once m he expla9s 8 conception ( ! union ( ! s\l ) h] ,div9e ,sp\se4 ,!re is a union common to all ! j1 br\ght ab\t by ! grace ( ,god1 ) ! =sak+ ( vice1 ! practice ( virtue1 & submission to ! au?ority ( ! ,*ur*4 ,!n !re is a m intimate union1 l unto t ( fire & iron1 :i*1 :5 unit$1 seem b "o matt]1 ?\gh 9 fact !y rema9 two di/9ct sub/ances4 ,^? :o atta9 ?is love ,god & live 9 ,8 pres5ce1 b z yet arrive n at a complete k ( ,8 ess5ce4 ,aft] ?is aga9 !re is ev5 a yet clos] union1 :]eby ! ,et]nal ,fa!r & man become "o1 n inde$ ) on5ess ( sub/antial unity1 b 9 a on5ess ( love & bliss4 ,x is evid5t t language "h fails ! holy au?or to express ! sublimity ( 8 concept & 8 exp]i5ce2 9 8 endeav\r to %[ ! intimacy ( ?is la/ me?od ( union he is driv5 to use expressions :i*1 tak5 z !y /&1 h t pan!i/ic r+ :i* x is 8 fir/ object "h to disclaim4 ,! ,twelve ,begu9es ,aft] ! ,tab]nacle1 ?is is ! mo/ l5g?y ( our ,sa9t's works1 & x is ( great importance z ?r[+ consid]able light on ,ruysbroeck's ideas & sy/em4 ,we are introduc$ to twelve ,begu9es disc\rs+ toge!r on ! love ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 :5ce an easy transit to ! real subject-matt] ( ! tract1 ! contemplative life4 ,to atta9 ! /ate ( contemplation1 f\r conditions are requir$3 a ray ( div9e light1 produc+ illum9ation1 :5ce1 on ! "p ( ! s\l1 a look+ at ,god1 or speculation1 pass+ into contemplation1 & ?is /age aga9 m]g+ into a /ate ( sublime1 ec/atic love4 ,!re are f\r di/9ct acts or /ates ( love1 correspond+ respectively to ea* ( ^! /ages4 ,ruysbroeck also %[s "h ! action ( ! ,holy ,gho/ 9 =m+ ! s\l to a m intimate k ( ,god4 ,! second "p ( ! book !n op5s ) a fre% ord] ( ideas4 ,ruysbroeck divides mank9d into good ,*ri/ians & wick$ m54 ,hol9ess consi/s ( ! union ( ! active & ! contemplative life4 ,!re are1 h[ev]1 "s :o practise nei!r "o nor ! o!r & yet give !mselves out z ! mo/ holy ( all4 ,among ^! ,ruysbroeck proce$s to di/+ui% f\r k9ds ( errors or h]esies3 7#a7 ,errors aga9/ ! ,holy ,gho/ & ,8 ,grace2 7#b7 ,errors aga9/ ,god ! ,fa!r & ,8 p[]2 7#c7 ,errors aga9/ ,god ! ,son & ,8 ,sacr$ ,humanity2 & f9ally errors aga9/ ,god & all t makes up ,*ri/5dom1 namely1 ! ,scriptures1 ! ,*ur*1 & ! ,sacram5ts4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! good ,*ri/ian is "o :o loves ,god ) all 8 he>t & m9d & s\l & /r5g?4 ,bless$ ,john !n goes on to disc\rse ( ! ,div9e ,nature 9 ,unity & ,tr9ity4 ,he also discusses man 9 8 mat]ial & 9 8 spiritual nature4 ,! spiritual "p ( man alone he says1 c elevate him to ! my/ic life 7( :i* once m ! ?ree ways are exp\nd$71 & alone also c %[ him ! reasons :]e=e ,god creat$ ! univ]se4 ,! ?ree ways ( ! my/ic life are symbolis$ by ! ?ree heav5s4 ,! />s & ! planets ex]cise an influ5ce on t]re/rial creatures1 t is to say1 ^u our bodies1 = ,god alone c t\* ! s\l1 lead+ x to good & re/ra9+ x f evil4 ,!nce also ,ruysbroeck describes ! v>i\s temp]am5ts ( m5 by ref]5ce to ! planets & _! conjunction ) ! signs ( ! zodiac4 ,a *apt] on our ,div9e ,"l1 held up z ! ,model ,religi\s1 s]ves z a transition to ! ?ird "p1 :i* is a treatise1 l>gely symbolical1 on ! ,passion ( ,*ri/1 divid$ & subdivid$ accord+ to ! sequ5ce ( ! ,canonical ,h\rs4 ,?is is p]haps ! mo/ discursive ( ,ruysbroeck's works1 & 9 t s5se ! mo/ difficult to foll[1 because ( ! numb] & l5g? ( ! digressions4 ,= in/ance1 :5 he comes to speak ( ! planet ,v5us1 he m5tions ! sign ( ! ,balance1 & ?is sugge/s a :ole treatise ( ?irty-n9e *apt]s on ! ,balance ( ,div9e ,love4 ,! love ( ,god = u1 & all ! bless+s1 spiritual & temporal1 :i* fl[ f x1 are ca/ into "o pan ( ! balance1 & we mu/ weigh d[n ! o!r pan ) our virtues2 & !re foll[s a long disquisition on ! virtues we %\ld practise1 prom95t among :i*1 z usual1 he ranks humility4 ,"h1 fur!r1 he f9ds occasion to "w out 8 di/9ction betwe5 ! _s & ! reasonable s\l2 & ! :ole digression closes ) a sad & /rik+ comp>ison betwe5 ! f]v\r ( primitive ,*ri/ianity & ! laxity ( 8 own days4 ,bossuet v sev]ely criticis$ ?is "w1 hold+ x up z an example ( =c$ allegories1 & s =?1 & speak+ ( ,ruysbroeck z involv$ 9 ! va9 speculations ( a/rolog]s4 ,?is op9ion1 ?\gh n surpris+1 is n j1 = ! au?or is c>eful to insi/ t ! planets h n influ5ce on ! w ( man z su*4 ,b x is natural t ,bossuet %\ld reg>d su* works ) suspicion & dislike1 = he _h consid]able tr\ble ) false my/ics1 ! quieti/s ( 8 own day2 & ev5 ,ruysbroeck's own fri5ds & contempor>ies f\nd mu* 9 ! volume t 0 /range1 ev5 to />tl+1 & ,g]>d ,groote advis$ him n to publi% x 9 its entirety4 ,( ! ,twelve ,virtues ,! read] w n be surpris$ to le>n t ,bless$ ,john contrives "h to speak ( consid]ably m virtues ?an j twelve4 ,! pr9cipal & fir/ is said to be humility1 & ?is aga9 tw(old--"o humility inspir$ by ! contemplation ( ! p[] ( ,god1 ! o!r by ! consid]ation ( ,8 goodness4 ,! daught] ( humility is ob$i5ce1 & ob$i5ce naturally involves d5ial ( self-w1 pov]ty ( _s1 & pati5ce 9 adv]sities4 ,he !n proce$s to treat v beautifully & at l5g? ( int]ior deta*m5t1 rem>k+ t to secure ?is x is n necess>y to flee ext]nal occupations1 b t ! atta9m5t ( p]fection consi/s 9 a p]fect ab&onm5t to ! w ( ,god & ! =sak+ ( our own w4 ,:5 we h arriv$ ?us f>1 we %all no long] s94 ,= pa/ s9s !re mu/ be cont9u$ sorr[1 b ext]nal p5ances are n equally = all4 ,& ^? :o _c endure great bodily au/]ities mu/ apply !mselves to imitate ! au/]e life ( ,*ri/ by int]ior self-d5ial4 ,! ,lett]s ( ,ruysbroeck ,^! are spiritual lett]s1 ( c\rse1 conf]5ces 9 epi/ol>y =m4 ,! fir/ is address$ to ,m>g>et van ,me]beke1 ! ,poor ,cl>e ( ,brussels m5tion$ above4 ,ruysbroeck writes3 ,:5 ,i 0 at y\r conv5t la/ summ]1 y appe>$ sad2 me?\ght ,god or "s special fri5d _h =sak5 y2 !re=e am ,i writ+ y z foll[s4 ,& he proce$s to console 8 spiritual daught]1 & to w>n h] aga9/ ! dang]s :i* may be f\nd ev5 9 ! cloi/]4 ,he declaims aga9/ ! abuses :i* sometimes creep into mona/]ies1 & almo/ always ?r\gh self-w1 :]eas e ,religi\s %\ld /rive to h all ?+s 9 common1 to be submissive to sup]iors & affable to all4 ,! holy au?or closes ) a description ( ! t]rible puni%m5ts to be met$ out to ^? ,religi\s :o fail to keep _! rule & lead a holy life4 ,! second1 address$ to ,matilda1 ! wid[ ( ,john ( ,culemb]g1 is ( m importance4 ,aft] treat+ ( ! ,apo/les' ,cre$1 ! sev5 gifts ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 ! ,decalogue1 ! v[s ( religion & ! precepts ( ! ,*ur*1 ! ,inc>nation & dea? ( ,*ri/1 ,ruysbroeck exp\nds ! ,ca?olic doctr9e on ! sev5 ,sacram5ts1 & especially ! ,bless$ ,eu*>i/4 ,he describes ! fruits :i* fl[ f a wor?y ,communion1 & treats aga9 ( ! ?ree ways ( ! contemplative life1 & describes ! elem5ts ( sup]ess5tial contemplation4 ,! ?ird 0 s5t to ?ree ,recluses ( ,cologne4 ,bless$ ,john exhorts !m to p]sev]e 9 _! holy mann] ( life4 ,he treats ( ! spiritual life1 comp>+ ,*ri/ to ! preci\s pe>l1 ! hidd5 treasure4 ,& f9ally he e>ne/ly exhorts !m to con/ant m$itation on ! ,passion ( ,our ,"l4 ,! f\r? 0 address$ to ,ca!r9e ( ,l\va91 a dev\t "y lady liv+ 9 ! _w2 & ! o!r ?ree 7 likewise s5t to p]sons 9 ! _w4 ,all are full ( wise spiritual maxims1 & all insi/ on ! ne$ ( humility & ! abnegation ( self-w4 ,,xii ,! ,tea*+ ( ,ruysbroeck#g ,9 no "o "w1 z already rem>k$1 does ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck give a complete outl9e ( 8 doctr9es2 ! elem5ts r are to be f\nd disp]s$ among ! v>i\s treatises4 ,9 common ) mo/ ( ! ,g]man my/ics1 ,ruysbroeck />ts f ,god & comes d[n to man1 & !nce rises aga9 to ,god1 %[+ h[ ! two are s closely unit$ z to become "o4 ,9 ,8 ess5ce ,god is simple unity1 ! "o supremely pure & sup]natural be+1 devoid ( all mode1 9 ,himself /ill & immovable1 & yet at ! same "t ! fir/ cause & active pr9ciple ( all ?+s4 ,?is pr9ciple is ! div9e nature1 :i* does n 9 reality diff] f ! ess5ce1 & :i* is fruitful 9 ! ,tr9ity4 ,! ,fa!r is ! ess5tial pr9ciple1 & yet ,he is consub/antial ) ! o!r two ,p]sons4 ,! ,son1 ! uncreat$ ,image ( ! ,fa!r1 is ! ,et]nal ,wisdom4 ,! ,holy ,gho/1 proce$+ f ! o!r two1 & return+ unto !m1 is ! et]nal ,love1 :i* unites ,fa!r & ,son4 ,z reg>ds ,p]sons1 ,god is et]nally active3 z reg>ds ess5ce1 ,he abides 9 unbrok5 repose4 ,creatures h be5 exi/+ z ideas 9 ,god f all et]nity4 ,9 man1 ^: body is m]ely a p]i%able in/rum5t1 !re is a spiritual1 immortal pr9ciple1 l unto ,god1 ?\gh less ?an ,he4 ,9 ?is pr9ciple ,ruysbroeck di/+ui%es1 ) a di/9ction ( ! reason1 s\l & _s2 ! =m] is ! pr9ciple ( ! m]ely human life1 unit+ toge!r ! l[] p[]s2 ! o!r is ! pr9ciple ( man's sup]natural life 9 ,god1 ga!r+ toge!r 8 high] faculties4 ,! s\l has f\r inf]ior p[]s3 ! irascible1 & ! concupiscible1 :i* two become be/ial :5 n "u ! rul+ ( a virtu\s w2 reason1 by :i* man is di/+ui%$ f ! brute1 & fre$om ( *oice1 an ex]cise ( ! high] faculty ( ! w4 ,! _s has ! ?ree sup]ior faculties1 memory1 und]/&+1 & w4 ,9 e man likewise !re is a triple unity1 or on5ess3 ! unity ( ! l[] faculties 9 ! s\l1 ! unity ( ! high] 9 ! _s1 & ! unity ( ! :ole be+ 9 ,god1 on ,:om all ?+s ess5tially dep5d = _! be+4 ,bless$ ,john deliv]s ! accept$ tea*+ ( ! ,*ur* on ! ,fall1 ! ,inc>nation & ,r$emption1 on ! ne$ & on ! means ( div9e grace1 ! in/itution ( ! ,sacram5ts1 ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,*ur*1 ! gifts ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 etc4 ,b com+ n[ to 8 m purely my/ical doctr9e1 we f9d t ,ruysbroeck di/+ui%es ?ree degrees1 or /ates--! active life1 ! int]ior life1 & ! contemplative life4 ,! active life consi/s ( ! ef=t to conqu] s9 & to draw nigh to ,god by ext]ior works4 ,"h 9 ,*ri/ is ! ,div9e ,exempl>1 = 9 ,8 life ,he practis$ ! ?ree fundam5tal virtues ( humility1 *>ity1 & pati5ce4 ,humility is ! f\ndation ( ! :ole build+1 & x is ex]cis$ *iefly 9 ob$i5ce1 :i* eng5d]s ! abdication ( our own w1 & pati5ce1 or submission 9 all ?+s to ! holy w ( ,god4 ,:5 a man has arriv$ s f>1 he c ex]cise *>ity1 %[n at ?is /age *iefly by compassion = ,*ri/ suff]+ on ! ,cross = all m51 & br++ ) h] ! f\r c>d9al virtues ( prud5ce1 temp]ance1 =titude1 & ju/ice1 :]eby also ! ,*ri/ian is enabl$ to fight & conqu] 8 ?ree deadly enemies1 ! devil1 ! _w1 & ! fle%4 ,p]sev]ance 9 ?is active life is cr[n$ by union ) ,god1 a union :]e9 ,god alone is reg>d$ z ! exempl> & ! f9al end1 :]e9 ,he alone is s\ght & lov$4 ,?us does a man become a ,fai?ful ,s]vant4 ,z yet1 h[ev]1 !re is only an imp]fect k ( ,god1 & to become m closely unit$ ) ,god1 z an ,intimate ,fri5d1 "o mu/ /rive to atta9 ! second /age ( ! my/ic way1 namely ! int]ior life4 ,= ?is ?ree prelim9>y conditions are requisite4 ,on ! "p ( ,god1 !re mu/ be a yet /rong] movem5t ( div9e grace1 & on ! "p ( man1 an absolute recollection1 ) fre$om f s5sible images1 atta*m5ts1 & c>es1 & !n ! ga!r+ toge!r ( all ! p[]s 9 ! unity ( ! ,_s4 ,*ri/1 !n1 ! ,et]nal ,sun1 enk9dles 9 ! s\l ?us duly prep>$ a div9e fire1 :i* eng5d]s a w>m1 s5sible love1 a devotion full ( ard5t desires1 ) ?ankfulness = ! div9e m]cies & affliction at "o's own unwor?9ess4 ,!n1 z ! action ( ! sun draws up ! moi/ure 9 ! =m ( vap\r1 to fall back aga9 9 refre%+ & f]tilis+ %[]s ( ra91 s if ! s\l p]sev]e ,*ri/ s5ds d[n a fre% %[] ( consolations1 :i* fill ! :ole be+ ) a *a/e pleasure & an indescribable sweetness sup]ior to all ! delights ( ! e>?1 ris+ ev5 to a species ( spiritual intoxication1 :i* may manife/ itself 9 outw>d acts4 ,z yet !re are no sev]e trials = ! s\l1 b %e mu/ bew>e ( pride & presumption1 & ( lean+ too mu* on ^! s5sible delights in/ead ( on ! ,div9e ,giv]4 ,mean:ile ! ,sun ( ,ju/ice is rea*+ its apogee 9 ! heav5s1 & ,*ri/ draws up all ! p[]s ( ! s\l1 s t ! he>t is enl>g$ & fit to bur/ ) love1 & at ! same "t x beg9s to suff] f ! w\nd ( love1 because ( ! urg5cy ( ! p[] draw+ upw>d & its own impot5cy to foll[2 :5ce also a spiritual langui%+1 a v madness & impati5ce1 or fev] ( love1 capable ev5 ( wa/+ ! bodily /r5g?4 ,love is liable to be s int5se at ?is /age1 t visions & ec/acies are grant$2 b at ! same "t c>e mu/ be tak5 aga9/ ! delusions ( ! evil "o4 ,b !nce ! ,sun ent]s on ! sign ( ! ,virg9 & its d[nw>d pa?1 t is1 ,*ri/ hides ,himself & deprives ! s\l ( ! w>m? ( s5sible love & ! l4 ,x is ! autumn1 ! "t ( ga!r+ ! really ripe & la/+ fruits2 b to ! s\l a "t ( seem+ ab&onm5t1 aridity1 d>kness1 etc4 ,%e mu/ !n beg ! pray]s ( o!rs1 be glad to leave h]self 9 ,god's h&s1 will+ to suff] & to sacrifice all sweetness4 ,likewise1 %e mu/ be c>eful n to compromise ,god's fav\r by seek+ e>?ly pleasures & delights1 ! consolations ( human fri5d%ip1 & s =?4 ,!n !re is a second com+ ( ! ,div9e ,sp\se1 br++ ) ,him ! gifts ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 :]eby ,he adorns ! ?ree supreme faculties ( ! _s4 ,pure simplicity empties ! memory ( all ext]nal images & r5d]s x /able4 ,spiritual brightness gives ! intellig5ce a sure disc]nm5t ( ! virtues4 ,& a spiritual f]v\r ar\ses ! w to a b\ndless love = ,god & m54 ,!re is yet a ?ird com+1 :i* affects ! supreme union ( ! _s ) ,god4 ,x is a species ( intimate contact ) ,god 9 ! v dep?s ( ! s\l4 ,! intellect _c compreh5d ! mann] ( ?is union1 x c only witness its effects ^u ! reason & ! w4 ,! p[] ( lov+ increases ) ! intimacy ( ?is union1 & ! intimacy increases ! p[] ( love2 & h5ce also a k9d ( lov+ /rife ensues1 ea* wi%+ to possess ! o!r & ea* wi%+ to give himself to ! o!r utt]ly4 ,?is is ! apogee ( ! int]ior life1 ! meet+1 ! union ( ! s\l ) ,god4 ,x may be br\ght ab\t 9 ?ree diff]5t ways3 7#a7 ,man1 /ruck by a light com+ =? f ,god1 =sakes all images2 he is plung$ into ! union ( fruitive love2 he meets ,god )\t any m$ium1 a _s l unto ,him2 x is ! /ate ( absolute repose 9 ,god1 utt] empt9ess & leisure4 7#b7 ,at o!r times man adores ,god & consumes himself 9 cont9ual love1 :i* ceaselessly fe$s on ! pres5ce ( ,god2 x is ! m$iate /age1 ! /ate ( affective love1 ne$ful = ! atta9m5t ( ! prec$+4 7#c7 ,f9ally1 x is possible to unite enjoym5t ) activity3 man enjoys a mo/ pr(\nd peace & produces all ! acts ( love2 he receives ,god2 & ,8 gifts 9 ! sup]ior faculties1 images & s5sations 9 ! l[] p[]s2 x is ! mo/ p]fect /ate1 ! /ate ( comb9$ activity & repose4 ,ev5 s1 x is n ! mo/ sublime /ate4 ,above ! int]ior life !re is ! sup]ess5tial contemplative life2 above ! fai?ful fri5ds !re are ! ,intimate ,sons ( ,god4 ,?is ?ird /age ( p]fection c nev] be acquir$ by any act ( ! intellig5ce or w2 & s sublime is x t he only :o has exp]i5c$ x c attempt its description1 & !n 9 t]ms ! mo/ halt+ & imp]fect4 ,?is contemplation consi/s 9 an absolute purity & simplicity ( ! und]/&+2 x is a k & possession ( ,god1 )\t modes1 )\t limits1 )\t m$ium1 )\t any consci\sness ( ! diff]5ce ( ,8 qualities4 ,nev]!less1 x is n ,god1 x is ! light by :i* ,he is se54 ,x is ! dea? & de/ruction ( self to behold only ! ,be+ et]nal & absolute4 ,its ess5ce is union ) ,god1 ! /ill contemplation ( ,god1 ab&onm5t to ,god1 s t ,he alone acts1 & n ! s\l4 ,?is repose ( ! _s eng5d]s a sup]natural contemplation ( ! ,tr9ity )\t any m$ium1 a feel+ ( bliss unspeakable1 a sublime ignorance2 ! la/ consci\sness ( ! diff]5ce betwe5 ,god & ! creature--be+ & no?+ness--disappe>s4 ,?is is ! honeymoon ( ,*ri/ ) ! s\l1 to :i* ! prec$+ /ages are only a prep>ation4 ,! _s is l$ f brightness to brightness2 & s9ce no m$ium comes betwe5 x & ! div9e spl5d\r1 s9ce ! brightness by :i* x sees is ! light itself :i* x sees1 9 a c]ta9 s5se itself becomes ?is brightness2 x atta9s a consci\sness ( its own sup]ess5tial be+1 ( ! unity ( its ess5ce 9 ,god4 ,,xiii ,"s ,appreciations ,arriv$ ?us at ! summit ( my/ic speculation1 ,ruysbroeck f9ds himself on ! conf9es ( pan!ism4 ,h[ev]1 he con/antly insi/s1 z we h already rem>k$1 on ! ess5tial diff]5ce betwe5 ! creat$ _s & ! ,_s ,et]nal4 ,man1 he says1 mu/ become dei=m z f> z t is possible = ! creature2 9 ! union ) ,god x is n ! diff]5ce ( p]sonality :i* is de/roy$1 x is only ! diff]5ce ( w & ( ?\ght1 ! desire to be any?+ ap>t 9 oneself :i* mu/ disappe>4 ,he decl>es3 ,!re :]e ,i ass]t t we are "o 9 ,god1 ,i mu/ be und]/ood 9 ?is s5se t we are "o 9 love1 n 9 ess5ce or 9 nature4 ,8 own /r5u\s opposition to ! pan!i/s ( 8 day proves 8 or?odoxy 9 ?is matt]2 yet x mu/ be confess$ aga9 t f ! v nature ( 8 sublime disc\rse1 8 expressions are at times exce$+ly bold & seem+ly unor?odox4 ,! tru? is t ! res\rces ( human language prove inadequate to describe ev5 ! =eta/e on e>? ( t :i* eye ha? n se51 nor e> he>d1 nor ha? x ent]$ into ! he>t ( man to conceive4 ,9 ,b4 ,john's own lifetime ,g]>d ,groote 0 al>m$1 & wrote once to ! ,canons ( ,gro55dael ( a ,doctor 9 ,!ology1 & ( "o ,h5ry ( ,hesse1 :o _h decl>$ t ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals conta9$ errors4 ,tw5ty ye>s aft] ,ruysbroeck's dea?1 ,john ,g]son1 ! fam\s ,*ancellor ( ,p>is1 9 a lett] to "o ,b>?olomew1 a ,c>?usian1 :o _h giv5 him a copy ( ?is treatise1 praises ! fir/ two books1 b decl>es t ! ?ird tea*es a k9d ( pan!ism4 ,?is *>ge br\ght =? a l5g?y & spirit$ def5ce f a ,canon ,regul> ( ,gro55dael1 nam$ ,john ,sco5hov52 & !n 9 a second lett] ,g]son ma9ta9$ 8 objections1 b acquitt$ ! holy au?or ( all int5tional error4 ,a simil> /& 0 tak5 lat] by ,bossuet1 :o excuses ,ruysbroeck b condemns 8 mann] ( expression4 ,x mu/ be rememb]$ t ^! two 7 engag$ 9 confut+ false my/ics1 & naturally !y w\ld discr$it ! writ+s ( ev5 a holy man1 h[ev] or?odox1 :i* w\ld appe> to fav\r ! errone\s t5ets ( _! oppon5ts4 ,once m1 we rem>k t n only 0 ,ruysbroeck manife/ly free f all culpable error1 b ?r\gh\t 9 8 own m9d he nev] lo/ sight ( ! ess5tial di/9ctions1 ?\gh at times 8 language mu/ necess>ily s\nd exagg]at$ to unaccu/om$ e>s4 ,on ! o!r h&1 to outweigh ! unfav\rable op9ion ( ^! two ,fr5* critics1 we h a ho/ ( writ]s ( ,ruysbroeck's own & subsequ5t days :o n only def5d ! or?odoxy ( 8 writ+s1 b :o also speak ( !m 9 t]ms ( ! deepe/ admiration1 & reg>d _! au?or almo/ z inspir$4 ,we h already se5 ! e/eem 9 :i* ! holy ,prior ( ,gro55dael & 8 writ+s 7 held by ,taul]1 ,g]>d ,groote1 & ! ,v5]able ,?omas a ,kempis1 & ! vig\r ) :i* 8 memory 0 v9dicat$ by ,john ( ,sco5hov51 ,b 8 advocates 7 by no means conf9$ to ! limits ( 8 own ,ord]1 p]iod1 or c\ntry4 ,h5ry van ,h]p1 a ,franciscan1 compil$ a ,mirror ( ,p]fection1 tak5 almo/ exclusively f ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals2 & by 8 means ! tea*+s ( ,bless$ ,ruysbroeck 7 propagat$ among ! foll[]s ( ,/4 ,francis1 p>ticul>ly ( ! ,?ird ,ord]4 ,d5ys ! ,c>?usian is un/9t$ 9 8 praises4 ,he calls him ! ,div9e ,doctor4 ,i "n him ! ,div9e ,doctor1 he writes1 because 8 only ma/] 0 ! ,holy ,gho/4 ,( ?is ! abundance ( wisdom :]e) he 0 gift$ is a sure gu>antee4444 ,ignorant man z ,i am1 ,i confess t n[h]e h ,i f\nd su* sublimity & su* k1 save 9 ! works ( ,d5ys ! ,areopagyte4 ,b 9 8 writ+s ! difficulty arises especially f ! /yle1 :]eas x is n s ) ! ,prior ( ,gro55dael4444 ,z !y say ( ,hugh ( ,/4 ,victor t he is ano!r ,/4 ,augu/91 s ,i w say ( ,ruysbroeck t he is ano!r ,d5ys ! ,areopagyte4 ,?omas ( ,jesus1 a ,c>melite1 9 8 ,de ,div9a ,oratione1 frequ5tly quotes f ,ruysbroeck & adopts 8 me?od4 ,! ,c>?usian ,surius translat$ all ! works ( ,ruysbroeck into ,lat91 & ?is translation has be5 ! *ief s\rce ( famili>ity ) ! ,belgian my/ic = read]s & writ]s n acqua9t$ ) 8 native tongue4 ,! foll[+ extracts f ! ,introduction to ,surius's translation seem wor? quot+ = ! sake ( "s :o may imag9e t ! works ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck c be ( pr(it only to ^? :o are f> advanc$ 9 ! contemplative life3 ,i d n believe !re is a man :o c approa* ^! magnific5t & simple pages )\t great & s+ul> pr(it4 ,let none excuse himself f read+ ?is book on ! plea ( ! inaccessible sublimity ( ,ruysbroeck4 ,! great man has accommodat$ himself to all1 & ! mo/ ab&on$ s\l on e>? may f9d aga9 on read+ him ! pa? ( salvation4 ,arr[s d>t f ! pages ( ,ruysbroeck1 aim$ by no h& ( man1 b by ! h& ( ,god2 & deeply !y emb$ !mselves 9 ! s\l ( ! read] :o is a s9n]4 ,innoc5t read]1 read] ( un/a9$ robe1 ,ruysbroeck is at once mo/ l[ly & mo/ sublime4 ,9 8 description ( ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals he surpasses admiration1 he surpasses praise2 all ! comm5cem5t1 all ! progress1 all ! height1 all ! transc5d5t p]fection ( ! spiritual life is !re4 ,x 0 f ,surius t ! ,b5$ict9e ,blosius1 or ,l\is de ,blois1 le>n$ to "k & appreciate ,ruysbroeck4 ,8 works are impregnat$ ) ! tea*+s ( ! ,my/ic ( ,gro55dael1 & 8 well-kn[n ,consolatio ,pusillanimum 7,com=t = ! ,fa9!>t$7 is replete ) extracts tak5 f ,ruysbroeck4 ,lessius1 ! ,jesuit ,!ological ,pr(essor ( ,l\va9 ,univ]sity1 us$ to say t he read ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck daily2 & he w\ld add t if 8 holy works _h emanat$ f ! ,society !y w\ld n h rema9$ 9 obscurity s long4 ,9 m rec5t times ,erne/ ,hello br\ght our ,sa9t to ,france by a translation ( extracts1 prefac$ by an anonym\s contempor>y life1 :i* 0 fir/ publi%$ 9 #ahfi4 ,9 8 own ,introduction1 ,hello writes3 ,among ^? :o1 so>+ beyond ! realms ( human light1 h s\ght refuge 9 ! %ad[ ( ! great alt>1 ! gr&e/1 accord+ to ,d5ys ! ,c>?usian1 are ,/4 ,d5ys ! ,areopagyte & ,john ,ruysbroeck ! ,admirable4 ,/4 ,d5ys lays d[n ! g5]al laws ( my/ic !ology1 ,john ,ruysbroeck applies !m4 ,/4 ,d5ys pres5ts ! lamp1 ,john ,ruysbroeck k9dles ! flame4 ,bo? are bl9d ) excess ( light1 bo? immovable ) excess ( motion4 ,spee* ) !m is a visit paid to m5 f motives ( *>ity4 ,sil5ce is _! native l&4 ,! beauty ( _! language is ! condesc5d5ce ( _! goodness2 ! sacr$ d>kness 9 :i* !y spread _! eagle w+s is _! ocean1 _! booty1 _! glory4 ,review+ ! "w ( ,hello1 ,l\is ,veuillot1 ! ,fr5* ,ca?olic publici/1 rem>k$3 ,ruysbroeck 0 illit]ate4 ,he 0 a humble ,flemi% prie/ ( ! fifte5? c5tury4 ,none ! less1 9 ! ord] ( g5ius ! uncultur$ ,ruysbroeck1 z a !ologian1 & consequ5tly z a philosoph] & a poet1 is z f> above ,bossuet z ,dante1 = in/ance1 is above ,boileau4 ,face to face ) ! my/]ies t %r\d ,god & man1 ,bossuet seeks1 argues1 &1 s to speak1 gropes2 ,ruysbroeck kn[s1 describes1 or r s+s1 & contemplates4 ,?is illit]ate my/ic ( an obscure age f9ds himself at home 9 ! sublime z 9 8 own sph]e2 he speaks ( :at is famili> to him2 ! wise doctor ( ! _w rema9s )\t4 ,bossuet does n ent]1 he does n op51 he does n see4 ,bossuet sp9s words1 ,ruysbroeck p\rs out /reams ( light4 ,x seems z if ,bossuet 7 t mighty w9d :i* 0 he>d 9 ! ,upp] ,*amb]2 ! brief words ( ,ruysbroeck are ! tongues ( fire1 liv+ & enlight5+ flame4 ,truly has ,"t br\ght its rev5ge 9 su* a comp>ison by a compatriot ( ,bossuet ) ,ruysbroeck4 ,f9ally1 ,maet]l9ck br\ght out 8 translation ( ! ,spiritual ,esp\sals 9 #ahia ) a *>act]i/ic appreciation ( ! ,flemi% my/ic4 ,& ,maet]l9ck's "n has giv5 a /rong impetus to ! popul>ity1 s to speak1 ( ,bless$ ,ruysbroeck 9 mod]n ,france4 ,b nei!r ( ^! translations c be reg>d$ z au?oritative or exact4 ,! real1 s*ol>ly "w t[>ds ext5d+ & enc\rag+ ! cult ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck1 :e!r among ! le>n$ or ! dev\t1 is be+ p]=m$1 z is seemly1 9 ! ,ca?olic ,univ]sity ( 8 native ,belgium1 namely1 at ,l\va91 :]e a ,*air has be5 in/itut$ = ! /udy ( ,old ,flemi%1 *iefly = ! sake ( a correct und]/&+ & r5d]+ ( ! writ+s ( ! ,holy ,my/ic ( ,gro55dael4 ,& "h we may note t :ile x is cu/om>y ) "s to speak ( ,ruysbroeck z illit]ate1 ?is t]m mu/ be tak5 9 a /rictly limit$ s5se4 ,possibly1 he c\ld n h compos$ 9 flu5t & elegant ,lat93 he 0 n a classical s*ol>2 b c]ta9ly ! ,lat9 ( ! ,bible & ! ,fa!rs 0 q famili> to him4 ,8 writ+s1 moreov]1 display an intimate k ( ! ,scriptures1 ! ,fa!rs1 !ology1 liturgy1 apologetics4 ,! natural sci5ce ( ! day 0 n unkn[n1 z witness 8 applications f a/ronomy1 &1 x mu/ be confess$1 f a/rology4 ,) ,/4 ,d5ys ! ,areopagyte he %[s himself v intimate1 & 8 pages conta9 :ole passages borr[$ or adapt$ f ,/4 ,anselm1 ,/4 ,ambrose1 ,/4 ,gregory1 & especially ,/4 ,augu/94 ,ne>] 8 own days ,/4 ,b]n>d & ,hugh ( ,/4 ,victor seem to h influ5c$ him v consid]ably4 ,exp]ts 9 ,old ,flemi% assure u t 8 /yle is mo/ *a/e1 8 language vigor\s & cle>4 ,he 0 9 tru? a poet4 ,:5 c>ri$ away by ! beauty or sublimity ( 8 subject1 he indulges 9 a weal? ( imag]y1 comp>ison1 metaphor1 a/\nd+ at times 9 boldness & orig9ality4 ,occasionally ev5 he laps$ into v]se2 b on ! :ole 8 v]se is ( less beauty & /r5g? ?an 8 prose1 z he himself seems to h be5 aw>e4 ,on ! o!r h&1 8 prose1 aft] ! mann] ( ,/4 ,b]n>d1 ,/4 ,bonav5ture1 ! two ,victors1 & lat] ,?omas a ,kempis1 frequ5tly gives evid5ce ( delib]ate rhy?m & rhyme4 ,9 a ^w1 f> f be+ illit]ate 9 ! /rict s5se ( ! ^w1 ,bless$ ,john 0 well acqua9t$ ) all ! rules & arts ( rhetoric2 he knew h[ to employ !m2 & = all ! sublimity ( 8 disc\rse he did n disda9 ! use ( ^! aids to int]e/ & p]suasion4 ,f9ally1 x is to be not$ t we are expressly in=m$ by contempor>ies ( ,ruysbroeck t he wrote by pref]5ce 9 ! vulg> tongue1 ! m readily & effectively to meet & refute ! errone\s doctr9es publi%$ 9 ! language ( ! p by ! false my/ics ( 8 day4 ,,xiv ,la/ ,days ,( ! life ( our ,sa9t !re rema9s little to be told save ! record ( ! la/ days & ! aft] glory4 ,he _h atta9$ ! good old age ( eighty-eight1 :5 8 "m appe>$ 9 a vision to w>n him to make ready = ! approa*+ end4 ,x mu/ seem to u !re 0 little ne$ = su* w>n+ to "o ^: :ole life _h be5 "o long prep>ation = ! com+ ( ! ,sp\se6 ,he 0 tak5 ) dys5t]y1 accompani$ by fev]1 & = 8 great] com=t1 & t 8 lifelong fri5d van ,c\d5b]g might be at h& to console & assi/ him1 !y put him to b$ 9 ! ,provo/'s *amb]4 ,b ! humble ,prior bes\ght !m to treat him z any ( ! l[lie/ bre?r5 & to be> him to ! common infirm>y4 ,?is 0 accord+ly done4 ,!re he lay = a =tnight1 gradually wa/+ away ) ! burn+ fev]1 & /ill m1 d\btless1 ) 8 burn+ desires to be dissolv$ & to be ) ,*ri/1 = he 0 con/antly he>d murmur+ su* ejaculations z t ( ! ,psalmi/1 ,sicut desid]at c]vus ad fontes aqu>um4 ,he receiv$ all ! la/ rites1 & ! end came 9 ! greate/ peace1 :ile 8 weep+ bre?r5 pray$ ar\nd him1 on ! ,octave day ( ,/4 ,ca!r9e1 ,v4,m41 ,decemb] #b1 #acha1 9 ! eighty-eigh? ye> ( 8 age1 ! sixty-f\r? ( 8 prie/hood4 ,t same night ! ,dean ( ,die/1 wat*+ by ! holy rema9s1 seem$ to behold our ,sa9t1 clad 9 ! prie/ly ve/m5ts & all radiant ) glory1 asc5d ! alt> /eps z if to celebrate ! sacr$ my/]ies4 ,! ,dean _h always held ,ruysbroeck 9 ! deepe/ v5]ation &1 hav+ "s skill 9 m$ic9e1 he _h come ov] to ,gro55dael on he>+ ( ! ,prior's illness to see :e!r he c\ld adm9i/] any relief4 ,8 *>ity 0 rew>d$ by ! edify+ sight ( 8 happy dea?1 & by ?is consol+ vision aft]4 ,&1 z ! ,v5]able a ,kempis in=ms u1 ,god also reveal$ to ,g]>d ,groote ! dea? ( ?is mo/ belov$ ,fa!r1 :i* revelation he made manife/ 9 ! he>+ ( _m ( ! citiz5s by ! toll+ ( ! bells2 & m privately he made kn[n to c]ta9 ( 8 fri5ds t ! s\l ( ! ,prior1 aft] b "o h\r ( ,purgatory1 _h pass$ to ! glory ( ,heav54 ,we may note "h t a ,kempis himself 0 a *ild ( ?ree ye>s :5 ,ruysbroeck 0 call$ to 8 rew>d4 ,g]>d ,groote foll[$ 8 fri5d & spiritual fa!r to ! grave ?ree ye>s lat]4 ,! ,gro55dael ,canons (f]$ ! holy ,sacrifice & all ! wont$ suffrages = _! dep>t$ ,prior's repose1 b !y pray$ ) ! conviction t !y ne$$ 8 impetration r ?an he !irs4 ,!y 7 all eag] to possess !mselves ( any little ?+ :i* _h be5 84 ,"s cut (f locks ( 8 hair1 & "o manag$ to secure a too?6 ,appropriately en\gh1 ?is relic lat] cur$ a ,me*l9 lady ( a sev]e attack ( too?a*e4 ,h[ev]1 9 all simplicity ! ,bre?r5 laid ,bless$ ,john to re/ 9 ! little *apel :i* 8 own h&s _h help$ to raise4 ,five ye>s lat] 8 sa9tly associate1 ! ,provo/ ,francis van ,c\d5b]g1 rejo9$ him beyond ! grave4 ,! ,bi%op ( ,cambrai1 ,john ,t',s]claes1 came to assi/ at ! obsequies4 ,dur+ 8 visit he he>d s mu* ( ! h]oic virtues ( ! late ,prior t he ord]$ an exhumation ( ,ruysbroeck's body ) a view to a m hon\rable burial by ! side ( ! ,provo/ 9 ! new *ur*1 :i* _h n[ replac$ ! little *apel4 ,!y 7 all fill$ ) awe & wond] to f9d ! entire body1 save only ! tip ( ! nose1 incorrupt1 & ! prie/ly ve/m5ts intact4 ,also a mo/ sweet od\r exhal$ f ! holy rema9s4 ,to satisfy ! devotion ( ! p1 ! ,bi%op comm&$ t ! body %\ld be expos$ to _! v5]ation = ?ree days4 ,on ! ?ird day1 amid a va/ conc\rse ( ! fai?ful1 ,ruysbroeck 0 laid to re/ by ! side & 9 ! tomb ( 8 lifelong fri5d van ,c\d5b]g4 ,ov] ! sepul*re 0 plac$ ! foll[+ simple inscription3 ,hic jacet translatus ,devotus ,pat] ,d4 ,joannes de ,ruysbroeck ,i4 ,prior hujus mona/]ii ,qui obiit anno ,dom9i ,,mccclxxxi ,,ii4 ,die ,decembris ,"h lies transf]r$ ! ,dev\t ,fa!r1 ,dom ,john ( ,ruysbroeck1 ,fir/ ,prior ( ?is cloi/]1 :o dep>t$ 9 ! ye> ( ! ,"l #acha1 ,decemb] #b4 ,,xv ,! ,cultus ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck ,num]\s pilgrims n[ w5d$ _! way to visit ,ruysbroeck's tomb4 ,ex-votos 7 susp5d$ !re 9 ackn[l$gm5t ( fav\rs receiv$4 ,8 picture also 0 hon\r$ 9 v>i\s *ur*es4 ,& ea* ye> on ! ,monday foll[+ ,tr9ity ,sunday ! ,*apt] ( ,/4 ,gudule's came ov] to ,gro55dael to assi/ ! ,canons at a ,mass sung 9 8 hon\r4 ,9 a ^w1 on all sides ! holy ,prior 0 reg>d$ &1 z f> z possible1 treat$ z a ,sa9t 9 glory4 ,yield+ to repres5tations & entreaties f _m qu>t]s1 ,james ,roon51 ,ar*bi%op ( ,me*l91 ord]$ ano!r translation ( ! rema9s1 ,novemb] #afbb4 ,?is 0 duly p]=m$ ) all ! prescrib$ =malities4 ,! skeleton 0 f\nd entire4 ,! bones 7 c>efully tak5 & rev]5tly wa%$ & !n plac$ 9 a new reliqu>y4 ,! wat] us$ 9 ?is cleans+ emitt$ a delici\s od\r1 & x 0 aft]w>ds in/rum5tal 9 effect+ _m miracul\s cures4 ,! ,infanta ,isabella ( ,spa9 laid ! f\ndation /one ( a *apel to be erect$ at h] exp5se ne> ,ruysbroeck's ,tree z a suitable %r9e = ! relics4 ,%e also provid$ a magnific5t s>cophagus4 ,z ?is *apel 0 outside ! mona/ic enclosure1 ladies 7 n[ able to pay _! devotions at ,ruysbroeck's tomb itself1 :]eas hi!rto !y _h be5 able to rev]5ce ! relics only f a di/ance4 ,s f>1 h[ev]1 no au?oritative recognition ( ! h]oic virtues ( ,john ,ruysbroeck _h come f ,rome4 ,9 #afbd ! ,ar*bi%op commission$ ! le>n$ ,alb]t le ,mire to draw up ! necess>y prelim9>y docum5ts to be submitt$ to ! ,sacr$ ,congregation4 ,^! 7 approv$1 & ?ree commission]s 7 appo9t$ to ,initiate ! apo/olic process1 s call$4 ,_! lab\rs 7 complet$ by #afbg4 ,!n1 on acc\nt ( ! w>s & o!r tr\bles :i* afflict$ ! ,l[ ,c\ntries at ! "t1 ! ,cause 0 susp5d$4 ,:5 ! ,fr5* ov]ran ! ,ne!rl&s 9 #affg1 to prev5t pr(anation ( ! holy relics1 !y 7 c>ri$ to a place ( great] safety 9 ,brussels2 !y 7 re/or$ aga9 9 #afgj4 ,9 #aghc ! ,priory itself %>$ ! fate ( s _m o!r ,religi\s ,h\ses1 & 0 suppress$ by ! ,emp]or ,joseph ,,ii42 :]eupon ! relics 7 aga9 transf]r$ to ,brussels & laid to re/ 9 a side-*apel ( ,/4 ,gudule's4 ,ano!r attempt 0 !n made by ! ,*apt] ( ,/4 ,gudule's to obta9 f ,rome an au?oris$ ,(fice & ,mass 9 hon\r ( ,john ,ruysbroeck4 ,! petition 0 fav\rably receiv$2 b once m !re 0 a viol5t int]ruption1 ?is "t f ! upheaval ( ! ,fr5* ,revolution4 ,/4 ,gudule's 0 sack$ by ! sans-culottes 9 #agic1 & ! reliqu>y ( ,ruysbroeck 0 desecrat$4 ,x is said1 h[ev]1 t ! relics 7 n actually disp]s$1 & t !y 7 aft]w>ds seal$ up aga9 by a ,not>y nam$ ,neuw5s2 b unhappily at ! pres5t day all trace ( !m has disappe>$4 ,f9ally1 9 #ahhe1 ! late ,c>d9al ,goos5s1 ,ar*bi%op ( ,me*l91 approa*$ ! ,sacr$ ,congregation once m1 & a tribunal 0 appo9t$ to exam9e into ! ,cause1 ,febru>y #h1 #aijj4 ,?is 0 br\ght to a happy issue 9 #aijh by a ,decree ( ! ,sacr$ ,congregation1 dat$ ,decemb] #a/1 & approv$ by ,8 ,hol9ess1 ,pius ,x41 ,decemb] #i1 confirm+ ! cultus %[n f "t immemorial to ! ,v5]able ,s]vant ( ,god1 ,john ,ruysbroeck1 ,canon ,regul>1 call$ ! ,bless$4 ,lat]1 ,augu/ #bd1 #aiji1 ! ,congregation grant$ & approv$ an ,(fice & ,mass ( ,bless$ ,john ,ruysbroeck = ! ,me*l9 cl]gy4 ,! privilege ( ?is ,(fice & ,mass has also be5 ext5d$ to ! ,canons ,regul> ( ! ,lat]an1 :o are ! l9eal repres5tatives ( ! ,canons ( ,gro55dael & ,w9de%eim1 & !re=e 9 a special s5se ! *ildr5 ( ,bless$ ,john4 ,= ! mom5t !re may seem to be b little 9 common betwe5 ?is ,m$iaeval ,my/ic & ! bu/l+ mod]n _w1 s little z to sugge/ ! ?\ght t ,bless$ ,ruysbroeck c h no message to deliv] to our day4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! ,solit>y ( ! ,=e/ ( ,soignes /&s = a pr(\nd tru?1 oblivion ( :i* is r5d]+ ,society sick unto dea? to-day4 ,john ,ruysbroeck prea*es to ! _w its utt] ne$ ( ,god4 ,= ! ,ca?olic he en=ces 8 lesson 9 a special mann]4 ,unlike false my/ics1 :o inv>iably pret5d to disp5se !mselves & _! adh]5ts f ! *ief normal means ( grace1 namely ! ,sacram5ts1 ,ruysbroeck insi/s ^u frequ5t rec\rse to ! ,sacram5ts1 b m especially to ! ,bless$ ,eu*>i/1 z ! spe$ie/ & mo/ efficaci\s means ( br++ ea* s\l into true union ) ,god4 ,our pres5t ,holy ,fa!r1 desir\s & ambiti\s ( re/or+ all ?+s 9 ,*ri/1 has po9t$ to ! same div9e rem$y = ! r5ewal ( our s\ls4 ,may !re n be se5 9 ?is a provid5tial reason :]e=e ! solemn beatification ( ?is holy ,religi\s has be5 delay$ six c5turies1 to be res]v$ to our own days8 ,! prop] pray]s ( our ,sa9t's ,mass beautifully summ>ise ! lessons ( 8 life z foll[s3 ,collect ,god1 ,:o did/ v\*safe to adorn ,bless$ ,john1 ,?y ,confessor1 ) sublime hol9ess ( life & ) heav5ly gifts1 grant u1 ?r\gh 8 m]its1 & aft] 8 example1 to despise ! fleet+ ?+s ( ! _w1 & to desire only ! joys ( heav54 ,secret ,may ! int]cession ( ,bless$ ,john1 :o 9 (f]+ ! ,sacrifice m]it$ to ov]fl[ ) heav5ly delights1 make u wor?y1 we besee* ,!e1 ,"l1 ( ! bread ( angels4 ,po/-,communion ,we besee* ,!e1 ,"l1 by ! int]cession ( ,bless$ ,john1 grant to u :o are refre%$ ) ! heav5ly banquet1 t1 deliv]$ f worldly desires1 we may be ev] f]v5t 9 ,?y love4 ,footnotes #a;,by ,e>le ,bailie4 ,london3 ,?omas ,bak]4 #aije4 #b;,cf4 ! ,poli% sect ( ,m>iavites1 or ,my/ic ,prie/s1 "u ! misguidance ( ! woman ,m>y ,frances1 ^: extravagances 7 condemn$ by ,rome1 ,septemb] #aijd1 & aga9 ,april #aijf4 #c,provo/ is ! equival5t 9 a ,college ( ,cl]gy ( ! ,abbot 9 a ,mona/]y2 ?\gh _m ,congregations ( ,canons ,regul> h borr[$ ! title & /yle ( ,abbot f ! mona/ic in/itute4 #d,translation by ,j4 ,p4 ,ar?ur4 ,! ,f\nd]s ( ! ,new ,devotion4 ,kegan ,paul4 #aije4 #e;,especially3 ,outl9es ( ! ,life ( ,?omas a ,kempis4 ,by ,sir ,francis ,cruise4 ,c4,t4,s4 ( ,irel&4 ,?omas a ,kempis4 ,by ! same4 ,london3 ,kegan ,paul4 ,life ( ! ,v5]able ,?omas a ,kempis4 ,by ,dom ,scully4 ,london3 ,wa%b\rne4 ,?omas a ,kempis & ! ,bro!rs ( ! ,common ,life4 ,by ,kettlewell4 ,london3 ,kegan ,paul4 ,?omas a ,kempis1 ,8 ,age & ,8 ,book4 ,by ,de ,montmor5cy1 ,london3 ,me?u54 #f;,fa!r ,%>pe1 9 8 rec5t admirable volume1 ,my/icism3 ,its ,true ,nature & ,value1 writes ?us ( ! my/ic tea*+1 prop]ly s call$1 ( a ,kempis's _w-fam\s ma/]piece3 ,! ,imitation ( ,*ri/ 444 probably owes mu* ( its va/ popul>ity to its con/ant recurr5ce to ! elem5t>y duties ( religion & morality1 & its insi/5ce on ! necessity ( _! p]=mance z ! pr]equisite ( ! m exalt$ spiritual /ates4 ,! 'purgative1' 'illum9ative1' & 'unitive' ways are se51 s to speak1 toge!r1 & are dealt ) z aspects or con/itu5ts ( ! ,*ri/ian life z a :ole1 to ! complet5ess ( :i* all ?ree are necess>y &1 9 diff]5t ways1 ( equal importance4 ,! purely my/ical passages are comp>atively few & %ort2 & ! abundance ( practical directions ! book conta9s has sometimes caus$ its my/ical "* to be entirely ov]look$4 ,?is disproportion1 h[ev]1 is q suffici5tly to be acc\nt$ = by ! "* ( ! "w1 :i* is t ( a directory ( spiritual life 9 g5]al1 & n a sci5tific treatise on any p>ticul> dep>tm5t ( x4 ,9 su* a book attempts at describ+ ! indescribable ph5om5a ( my/icism w\ld obvi\sly h be5 out ( place1 :]eas ! practical details ( ! l[] & prelim9>y /ates admit ( & require m9ute explanation4 ,b ! tone ( ! :ole book is my/ical1 & ! mo/ commonplace duties & ! mo/ humiliat+ /riv+s ) temptation are 9 a mann] illum9at$ & glorifi$ by ! brilliancy ( ! result to :i* !y t5d4 ,?us1 9 po9t ( fact1 ! high] & l[] elem5ts1 ! my/ical & ! non-my/ical1 ! purgative1 ! illum9ative & ! unitive1 are bl5d$ 9 actual human exp]i5ce 7pp4 #ahh1 #ahi74 #g,! :ole subject ( my/ic !ology is excell5tly well treat$ by ,rev4 ,a4 ,b4 ,%>pe1 ,m4,a41 9 a volume entitl$ ,my/icism3 ,its ,true ,nature & ,value1 already quot$1 j publi%$ by ,s&s ,co4 ,!re is frequ5t ref]5ce to our ,sa9t & 8 writ+s4 ,,f9is ,transcrib]'s ,notes --,sil5tly correct$ a few palpable typos4 --,mov$ footnotes f page foot] to end ( text