Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis
de Ponte SJ
Chapter 1 – Section 5.2 – Of the union of quiet and
perfect familiarity with God - Jacob's ladder
Let us here remark that those whom Jacob saw ascending
and descending [Genesis xxviii, 12] were angels: they did not ascend by flight,
nor by passing over several rungs in one stride, but taking them one by one
with due gravity and deliberation; they descended in the same way, without ever
interrupting their progress.
What is all this for but to teach thee:
1st that those who strive by the holy exercise
of prayer to attain the summit of this mystical ladder ought to be angels in
all that belongs to purity of life; putting off all earthly affections and
desiring to imitate the sanctity of these pure spirits.
2nd Then not to presume to ascend to the
heights of contemplation and supreme union with God by one flight, but first to
exercise themselves quietly and patiently in those acts which dispose to it,
remaining in each as long as is needful to attain its perfection.
3rd that from time to time it is necessary to
descend to examine how we have conducted ourselves in each degree, and by
reflection to discover our imperfections, and see how we have carried out our
good purposes.
4th In the fourth place, these exercises must
be continued without cessation or interruption. Do not however let thyself be
discouraged if thou find thyself far from being an Angel, or a long way from
the top of the ladder.
For prayer itself has this virtue that it changes men
into Angels and helps them to ascend all its degrees.
Even though in this life thou shalt fail to attain the
summit yet thou shalt not be defrauded of great fruit from thy labours. Because
even the lowest degree of prayer is of great value.
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