
audiobook
The Cell of Self-Knowledge: - Seven Early English Mystical Treatises
Printed by Henry Pepwell
MDXXI
Edited with an introduction and notes by Edmund G. Gardner M.A. - 1910
I. of the Mights and Virtues of Man's Soul, and of the Way to True Contemplation, compiled by a Noble and Famous Doctor, a man of great holiness and devotion, named Richard of Saint Victor
The Prologue - Cap. I. How the Virtue of Dread riseth in the Affection - Cap. II. How Sorrow riseth in the Affection - Cap. III. How Hope riseth in the Affection - Cap. IV. How Love riseth in the Affection - Cap. V. How the Double Sight of Pain and Joy riseth in the Imagination - Cap. VI. How the Virtues of Abstinence and Patience rise in the Sensuality - Cap. VII. How Joy of Inward Sweetness riseth in the Affection - Cap. VIII. How Perfect Hatred of Sin riseth in the Affection - Cap. IX. How Ordained Shame riseth and groweth in the Affection - Cap. X. How Discretion and Contemplation rise in the Reason
II. Divers Doctrines Devout and Fruitful, taken out of the Life of that Glorious Virgin and Spouse of Our Lord, Saint Katherin of Seenes - III. A Short Treatise of Contemplation taught by Our Lord Jesu Christ, or taken out of the Book of Margery Kempe, Ancress of Lynn - IV. A Devout Treatise compiled by Master Walter Hylton of the Song of Angels - V. A Devout Treatise called the Epistle of Prayer - VI. A very necessary Epistle of Discretion in Stirrings of the Soul - VII. A Devout Treatise of Discerning of Spirits, very necessary for Ghostly Livers
INTRODUCTION
I.
CAPITULUM I - HOW THE VIRTUE OF DREAD RISETH IN THE AFFECTION
Printed in London in 1521, this compact quarto gathers seven early English mystical treatises that once circulated only in monastic scriptoria. It opens with Richard of St. Victor’s systematic exploration of the soul’s virtues, guiding the reader from dread and sorrow to hope, love, and the disciplined silence of contemplation. An introductory essay and scholarly notes by Edmund G. Gardner provide context, making the medieval language accessible to contemporary ears.
Listeners will also hear Walter Hilton’s gentle song of angels, a heartfelt epistle of prayer, and a practical guide to discerning spirits that balances mystical yearning with everyday prudence. Each piece is narrated at a measured pace, allowing the subtle rhythms of the original prose to unfold without rush. Together they offer a rare window into the golden age of English mysticism, inviting modern seekers to explore the timeless practice of inward contemplation.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (185K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Aldarondo, with thanks to the CCEL (www.ccel.org) collection. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2003-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

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