Walter Hilton Quotes

Walter Hilton was an English Augustinian mystic, whose works became influential in the 15th century. Wikipedia  

✵ 1340 – 24. March 1396
Walter Hilton: 11   quotes 0   likes

Famous Walter Hilton Quotes

“For although prayer is not the cause for which our Lord gives grace, it is nevertheless the means by which grace, freely given, comes to the soul.”

Book I, ch. 24 (p. 28)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)
Context: The purpose of prayer is not to inform our Lord what you desire, for He knows all your needs. It is to render you able and ready to receive the grace which our Lord will freely give you. This grace cannot be experienced until you have been refined and purified by the fire of desire in devout prayer. For although prayer is not the cause for which our Lord gives grace, it is nevertheless the means by which grace, freely given, comes to the soul.

“What is humility but truthfulness? There is no real difference.”

Book II, ch. 20 (p. 153)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)

“Regard yourself all the more as a sinner because you cannot feel yourself to be what you are.”

Book I, ch. 19 (p. 21)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)

“We therefore need to know the gifts given us by God, so that we may use them, for by these we shall be saved.”

Book I, ch. 41 (p. 47)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)

Walter Hilton Quotes about love

“One who loves God retains this humility at all times, not with weariness and struggle, but with pleasure and gladness.”

Book II, ch. 37 (p. 214)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)

“A venial sin of your own is a greater obstacle to your experiencing the love of Jesus Christ than the sin of anyone else, however great it may be.”

Book I, ch. 16 (p. 18)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)
Context: A venial sin of your own is a greater obstacle to your experiencing the love of Jesus Christ than the sin of anyone else, however great it may be. It is clear, then, that you must harden your heart against yourself, humbling and detesting yourself more strongly for all the sins that hold you back from the vision of God than you detest the sins of others. For if your own heart is free from sin, the sins of others will not hurt you. Therefore, if you wish to find peace, both in this life and in heaven, follow the advice of one of the holy fathers, and say each day: "What am I?" and do not judge others.

“I desire the love of God not because I am worthy, but because I am unworthy.”

Book II, ch. 22 (p. 160)
The Ladder of Perfection (1494)

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