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GERMANUS: Although we ought to be most grateful for the teaching of
those men who taught us from our youth up to attempt great things, and, by
giving us a taste of their excellence, implanted in our hearts a splendid
thirst for perfection, yet if any reliance is to be placed on our judgment,
we cannot draw any comparison between these customs and those which we
learnt there, so as to hold our tongues about the inimitable purity of your
life, which we believe is granted to you not only owing to the
concentration of your mind and aim, but also owing to the aid and
assistance of the place itself. Wherefore we do not doubt that for the
following of your grand perfection this instruction which is given to us is
not enough by itself, unless we have also the help of the life, and a long
course of instruction somewhat dissolves the coldness of our heart by daily
training.
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