Works about Walter Hilton |
Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability -- from Herbermann, Charles George (1840-1916)
Works by Walter Hilton |
Scale (or Ladder) of Perfection
Description: Known as the first book of mysticism to be
written in the English language, Hilton's Scale of
Perfection describes the ascent of the human soul from sin to
perfection. Hilton suggests that all humankind should reform from their
sinful souls and embrace a life of ascetic practice, firm faith, and
godly contemplation. The reforming of the soul takes time and is only
possible through the grace of God. Scale of Perfection contains a
series
of meditations on the seven deadly sins to help Christians recognize the
areas of sin in their lives. Hilton hopes that, upon recognition,
Christians will reject their immoral ways and repent of them. The
metaphor of a disciple journeying to Jerusalem is frequently used to
represent the process of the soul reforming in faith. Upon reaching
Jerusalem, the disciple is filled with an overwhelming sense of peace;
likewise, a soul properly reformed will, at the end of its journey,
reach spiritual peace in the contemplation of God's perfect
love.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
Treatise Written to a Devout Man
Description: "There be in the Holy Church two
kinds of life, by which Christian souls do serve and please God, and
procure their own salvation. The one is corporal, the other spiritual."
So begins Walter Hilton's Treatise Written to a Devout Man.
Hilton
was
an English mystic born in the middle of the fourteenth century whose
works were highly influential in fifteenth century England.
Nevertheless, they still counsel Christians today on how to live Godly
lives. His Treatise defines the two kinds of life within the
church.
The
corporal is the life of a young Christian who "deal[s] with worldly
businesses and affairs." Christians must spend time in the corporal and
work to "mortify" all unholy desires in order to graduate to the
spiritual life, where they spend much time in fasting and prayer. Hilton
goes on to give thoughts on the humanity of Christ, the virtue of the
saints, and ends with three things helpful to every Christian reader:
what to do when prayer meditation bring us no comfort, various warnings
not to become too engrossed in our meditations, and advice to take faith
little by little because no one becomes righteous in a day. Anyone who
desires to strike a balance between worldly and spiritual life will find
Hilton's direct and instructive prose a useful resource.
Abby
Zwart
CCEL
Staff Writer
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