De germinatione arboris sapientiae per devotionem.
The Warmth of a Good Will
Devotion is introduced as the warmth of a good will that the mind cannot contain, breaking forth into outward signs.
Fifth, it is added that the trees sprout through devotion. Devotion is the warmth of a good will, which the mind, unable to contain it, shows through certain outward signs.
The Three Branches of Devotion
Devotion is divided into three expressions: zeal for justice, compassion for others' suffering, and generous benevolence.
It is divided into three: into zeal, and compassion, and benevolence. Zeal is when the mind, for the love of justice, willingly offers itself as a defender, unable to bear the slander against truth. Compassion is when we grieve at the miseries of others. Benevolence is when we readily grant benefits to those who ask, with a willing readiness.
The Seed Breaking Forth
A good will, like a seed sprouting by hidden force, breaks out into the outward display of good works.
And there is a beautiful likeness: for we say seeds sprout when nature, by a certain hidden force, breaks open the whole seed so that the sprout within, which had lain hidden, can come forth — and just so, a good will, unable to hide itself, as if by a certain force, breaks out into the outward display of a good work.
Read the original Latin
Quinto loco adjunctum est, quod per devotionem germinant. Devotio est fervor bonae voluntatis, quem mens cohibere non valens certis manifestat indiciis. Haec dividitur in tria, in zelum et compassionem, et benevolentiam. Zelus est, dum pro amore justitiae defensorem ultro se offert animus calumniam veritatis pati non sustinens. Compassio est, quando miseriis aliorum condolemus. Benevolentia est, quando prompta voluntate beneficia rogati annuimus. Et pulchra est similitudo: Germinare enim grana tunc dicimus, quando natura quadam occulta vi integrum rumpit ut germen prodeat, quod intus latuit, et non secus bona voluntas celare se non valens quadam, ut ita dicam, violentia ad exhibitionem boni operis foras exit.
De Arca Noe Morali et Mystica (On the Moral and Mystical Ark of Noah) companion
Keep the ark under construction
Hugh's method only works with daily practice — the Chosen Portion app gives you a short, structured devotional every morning, free.
Hugh's daily discipline of ordered meditation continues in Chosen Portion, which serves one structured devotional portion each day so the mind returns to the same interior work Hugh prescribed.
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