Treatise Written to a Devout Man (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Medieval Guidance on Prayer, Penitence, Humility, and Contemplative DevotionBy Walter Hilton
Length2h 7m
About this audiobook
Treatise Written to a Devout Man is a compact work of late medieval spiritual counsel, addressed to a reader seeking disciplined inward devotion amid ordinary obligations. Hilton sets out the stages and safeguards of prayer, penitence, humility, and contemplative desire, distinguishing true spiritual fervor from self-will or illusion. Its prose is lucid, measured, and pastorally exact, joining scholastic discrimination to the affective theology characteristic of fourteenth-century English mysticism, alongside Richard Rolle, Julian of Norwich, and The Cloud of Unknowing. Walter Hilton (c. 1340–1396) was an Augustinian canon at Thurgarton Priory and one of the major architects of English devotional prose. His learning, probably shaped by university training, was tempered by the pastoral responsibilities of a religious advisor in an age marked by plague, lay piety, and debates over authority and inward experience. Hilton's writings show a consistent concern to make contemplative doctrine morally safe, ecclesially grounded, and accessible. This treatise is recommended for readers of medieval theology, Christian mysticism, and devotional literature who want guidance that is both historically rich and spiritually practical. It rewards close reading: beneath its modest advisory form lies a subtle anthropology of desire, grace, and disciplined love.
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 7 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 10, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Treatise Written to a Devout Man (Annotated)
13Chapter IX. How thou shalt Dispose thee to Devotion
2Introduction
14Chapter X. How a Man is to Think on the Humanity of Christ
3Synopsis
15Chapter XI. How a Man shall think on Virtues and upon the Saints
4Historical Context
16Chapter XII. How a Man shall think of the Holiness of our Lord Jesus and of our Blessed Lady
5Chapter I. That he who intends to become a Spiritual Man must first use much Bodily Exercise in Penance, and in Destroying of sin
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
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6Chapter II. To what kind of Men the Active Life pertaineth
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
7Chapter III. To whom the Contemplative Life appertaineth
19Chapter XV. How a Man shall do when he feeleth no taste nor comfort in his Mental Exercises
8Chapter IV. To whom appertained the Mixed Life
20Chapter XVI. What a Man is to take heed of in his Prayers and Meditations
9Chapter V. How holy Bishops held and used the said Mixed Life
21Analysis
10Chapter VI. That kind of Life was most fitting for him for whom this Treatise was made
22Reflection
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
23Memorable Quotes
12Chapter VIII. What the Desire of God for Himself is and how that in Cleanness of Conscience is found true Comfort and Sweetness
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