John of Ruysbroeck
excerpts
from
THE ADORNMENT
OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
translated by
Evelyn Underhill
BOOK I THE ACTIVE LIFE
CHAPTER XX
OF
ZEAL AND DILIGENCE
OUT of this generosity [Chapter
XIX] there spring a supernatural zeal and diligence in all virtues and all
that is seemly. And none can feel this zeal save him who overflows with
generosity. It is an inward restless striving after every virtue, after the
likeness of Christ and of all His saints. In this zeal a man longs to
devote his heart and his senses, his soul and his body, and all that he is,
and all that he has and all toward which he aspires, to the glory and praise
of God.
This zeal makes a man grow in
reason and prudence, and practise the virtues, both of soul and of body, in
righteousness. Through this supernatural zeal all the powers of the soul
are laid open to God, and are made ready for all virtues. And the
conscience rejoices, and the grace of God is increased; the virtues are
practised with joy and gladness, and the outward works are adorned.
Whosoever has received this
living zeal from God has cast out the fifth mortal sin, which is indolence
of the mind or Sloth, as regards the virtues which it is needful that we
should practise. And sometimes, this living zeal also casts out the sloth
and indolence of the natural body. Of all such Christ says: BLESSED ARE
THEY WHICH DO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR THEY SHALL BE
FILLED, and this shall come to pass when the glory of God shall be manifest
to them, and shall fill them, each according to his love and righteousness.
