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AND in order that all these things which have been set forth in a
somewhat lengthy discourse may be more easily stamped on your heart and may
stick in your thoughts with all tenacity, I will make a summary of them so
that you may be able to learn all the changes by heart by reason of their
brevity and conciseness. Hear then in few words how you can mount up to the
heights of perfection without an effort or difficult "The beginning" of our
salvation and of wisdom" is, according to Scripture, "the fear of the
Lord." From the fear of the Lord arises salutary compunction. From
compunction of heart springs renunciation, i.e. nakedness and contempt of
all possessions. From nakedness is begotten humility; from humility the
mortification of desires. Through mortification of desires all faults are
extirpated and decay. By driving out faults virtues shoot up and increase.
By the budding of virtues purity of heart is gained. By purity of heart the
perfection of apostolic love is acquired.
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