Quotes about Contemplation

In the morning consider that you may not live till evening, and when evening comes do not dare to promise yourself the dawn.

No man can safely speak, unless he who would gladly remain silent.

A man who is a lover of Jesus and of truth, a truly interior man who is free from uncontrolled affections, can turn to God at will and rise above himself to enjoy spiritual peace.

2. How came it to pass that many of the Saints were so perfect, so contemplative of Divine things? Because they steadfastly sought to mortify themselves from all worldly desires, and so were enabled to cling with their whole heart to God, and be free and at leisure for the thought of Him. We are too much occupied with our own affections, and too anxious about transitory things. Seldom, too, do we entirely conquer even a single fault, nor are we zealous for daily growth in grace. And

Seek a suitable time for thy meditation, and think frequently of the mercies of God to thee.

If, with a single glance, you could see everything in the world spread out before your eyes, how fruitless a sight that would be! Raise your eyes to God on high and pray for your sins and deficiencies.

The spiritually-minded man putteth care of himself before all cares; and he who diligently attendeth to himself easily keepeth silence concerning others. Thou wilt never be spiritually minded and godly unless thou art silent concerning other men's matters and take full heed to thyself. If thou think wholly upon thyself and upon God, what thou seest out of doors shall move thee little. Where art thou when thou art not present to thyself?

To walk inwardly with God, and not to be held by any outer affections, is the state of a spiritual man.

For a spiritual person, it is commendable to rarely venture out, avoid being seen, and have no desire to see others.

The highest perfection of human life consists in the mind of man being detached from care, for the sake of God.

Those who are more adapted to the active life can prepare themselves for contemplation in the practice of the active life, while those who are more adapted to the contemplative life can take upon themselves the works of the active life so as to become yet more apt for contemplation.

It is necessary for the perfection of human society that there should be men who devote their lives to contemplation.