"It is not God's will that we should abound in spiritual delights, but that in all things we should submit to his holy will."

Blessed Henry Suso

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"Though the path is plain and smooth for people of good will, those who walk it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty if they do not have good feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit. "

St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself."

St Nicholas Flue

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St Albert the Great  (1206 - 1280)
 

CLEAVING TO GOD

by St Alfred the Great

CONTENTS

 

Translator's Introduction

1. On the highest and supreme perfection of man, in so far as it is possible in this life.
2. How one can cling to and aim at Christ alone, disdaining everything else.
3. What the perfection of man consist of in this life.
4. How man's activity should be purely in the intellect and not in the senses.
5. On purity of heart which is to be sought above all things.
6. That the devout man should cleave to God with naked understanding and will.
7. How the heart should be gathered within itself.
8. How a religious man should commit himself to God in all circumstances whatsoever.
9. How much the contemplation of God is to be preferred to all other exercises.
10. That one should not be concerned about feeling tangible devotion so much as about cleaving to God with one's will.
11. How one should resist temptations and bear trials.
12. How powerful the love of God is.
13. The nature and value of prayer, and how the heart should be recollected within itself.
14. That we should seek the verdict of our conscience in every decision.
15. How contempt of himself can be produced in a man, and how useful it is.
16. How God's Providence includes everything.