Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis
de Ponte SJ
Chapter 2 – a summary of the excellence and utility of
prayer
From the foundations laid in the preceding chapter it is
easy to deduce: 1st the great importance of prayer in our spiritual
life; then, its utility and excellence, all of which ought to draw thee to give
thyself to this holy exercise: there is no better way of praising prayer than
to set down simply what it is and what it embraces.
From what has been briefly stated thou wilt understand
that this method of praying and treating familiarly with God is the beginning,
middle and end of religious perfection.
It is the beginning because those in the purgative
way will find in it their best way of purging themselves from their sins and
imperfections.
It is the middle, because it furnishes the surest means
of growing and making progress in all virtue.
Lastly, it is the end or goal towards which thou dost
journey in the unitive way, that thou mayest enjoy its sweet fruits, conjoining
thyself to Thy Creator by ardent charity, and beseeching Him to impart to thee
the highest degree of beatitude attainable in this present life.
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