CHAPTER XIV
Of three Stages by which a Man is led upwards till he attaineth
true Perfection.
Now be assured that no one can be enlightened unless he be first cleansed or
purified and stripped. So also, no one can be united with God unless he be
first enlightened. Thus there are three stages: first, the purification;
secondly, the enlightening; thirdly, the union. The purification concerneth
those who are beginning or repenting, and is brought to pass in a threefold
wise; by contrition and sorrow for sin, by full confession, by hearty
amendment. The enlightening belongeth to such as are growing, and also taketh
place in three ways: to wit, by the eschewal of sin, by the practice of virtue
and good works, and by the willing endurance of all manner of temptation and
trials. The union belongeth to such as are perfect, and also is brought to pass
in three ways: to wit, by pureness and singleness of heart, by love, and by the
contemplation of God, the Creator of all things.