
Treatise Written to a Devout Man (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Religious DiscourseBy Walter HiltonLength2h 8m
About this audiobook
Treatise Written to a Devout Man is a compact yet searching work of late medieval English spirituality, addressed to a lay seeker who desires a disciplined inward life without abandoning the world. Hilton's prose is practical, lucid, and pastoral, translating the subtleties of contemplative theology into counsel on prayer, self-knowledge, humility, temptation, and the purification of intention. Set within the fourteenth-century English devotional revival, the treatise belongs beside works such as The Cloud of Unknowing while remaining distinctively moderate and instructional. Walter Hilton, an Augustinian canon and one of medieval England's foremost mystical theologians, wrote for readers negotiating the relation between active duty and contemplative desire. His experience of religious discipline, pastoral direction, and scholastic theology informs a voice that is both authoritative and compassionate. Unlike more ecstatic mystical writers, Hilton emphasizes gradual reform of the soul, moral stability, and obedience to grace, suggesting a writer deeply concerned with spiritual guidance rather than speculative display. This treatise is recommended to readers interested in Christian mysticism, medieval devotional literature, and the history of pastoral theology. Its brevity makes it accessible, but its wisdom rewards careful rereading.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length2 hrs 8 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateAug 18, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Chapter I. That he who intends to become a Spiritual Man must first use much Bodily Exercise in Penance, and in Destroying of sin
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6Chapter II. To what kind of Men the Active Life pertaineth
7Chapter III. To whom the Contemplative Life appertaineth
8Chapter IV. To whom appertained the Mixed Life
9Chapter V. How holy Bishops held and used the said Mixed Life
10Chapter VI. That kind of Life was most fitting for him for whom this Treatise was made
11Chapter VII. That a Man's Devotion sometimes will be the greater by reason of the outward Work which before out of Charity he had been in hand with
12Chapter VIII. What the Desire of God for Himself is and how that in Cleanness of Conscience is found true Comfort and Sweetness
13Chapter IX. How thou shalt Dispose thee to Devotion
14Chapter X. How a Man is to Think on the Humanity of Christ
15Chapter XI. How a Man shall think on Virtues and upon the Saints
16Chapter XII. How a Man shall think of the Holiness of our Lord Jesus and of our Blessed Lady
17Chapter XIII. Of seeing and beholding the Power (by some consideration or thinking), the Wisdom, the Goodness and the Mercy of God in His Creatures
18Chapter XIV. How the Consideration and thinking on the Miseries and Perils of this Life is apt to breed in a soul the Desire of Heaven
19Chapter XV. How a Man shall do when he feeleth no taste nor comfort in his Mental Exercises
20Chapter XVI. What a Man is to take heed of in his Prayers and Meditations
21Analysis
22Reflection
23Memorable Quotes