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THIS chapter, written especially for theologians, will prove less
useful for the majority of readers, who will find the substance of
it explained more simply and easily in the following chapter.
One of the great problems of the spiritual life is the question
how we are to interpret the traditional distinction of the three
ways, purgative, illuminative, and unitive, according to the
terminology of Dionysius, or the way of beginners, of proficients,
and of the perfect, according to an earlier terminology.
Of this traditional division two notably different interpretations
have been given, according as the infused contemplation of the
mysteries of faith and the union with God which results from it
were considered as belonging to the normal way of sanctity, or as
extraordinary favours, not only de facto but also de jure.
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