Quod canticum spirituale non compatitur exteriorem; et racio et error contradicencium; et de sciencia infusa et inspirata, quomodo differt ab adquisita

Quod canticum spirituale non compatitur exteriorem; et racio et error contradicencium; et de sciencia infusa et inspirata, quomodo differt ab adquisita

But let him who is exalted in holiness understand that he experiences a song, about which I speak, if he is able to endure the clamor of those singing, unless his inner melody is directed to thought, and his outward expressions are not scattered. Some people, however, get distracted in their devotion while singing or chanting, not because of perfection, but due to an unstable mind, since the words of others interrupt their prayers and confuse them, which does not happen to those who are perfect. Indeed, they are so firmly established that they cannot be distracted from prayer or contemplation by any noise or tumult, or by any other thing; but only by song can they be drawn away by such things. This sweet spiritual song is indeed very special because it has been given to the most special ones; it does not harmonize with the external songs that are sung in churches or elsewhere. It greatly differs from everything that is formed by human and external voice, meant to be heard by bodily ears; but it is among those things that are not. The angelic harmony is commendable and acceptable to those who have come to know it. See and understand, you men, and don't be deceived, because I have shown you for the honor of the Almighty God and for our benefit: why was I fleeing from those singing in the churches, and for what reason did I not love to mix myself with them, and why did I not want to hear those playing instruments? For they presented an obstacle with their loudness, and the beautiful songs compelled me to fall silent. So it's not surprising that I would have fled from what would have shamed me, and for which I would have been guilty, if I had stopped doing what I knew would drive me away from my beloved song. I would have gone astray if I had acted differently, but I didn’t know from whom I received, and from where I completely conformed myself, so that I might fulfill His will; lest I lose what He generously offered me for free. I found delight in sitting alone in solitude, so that, free from the chaos around me, I could sing more clearly and experience the sweetest joy in my heart, which I would have received without ambiguity as a gift from Him whom I have loved above all things beyond measure. My heart didn't boil over with a desire for physical pleasure, nor did I conceive a comforting song from any creature that I sang while rejoicing in Jesus. Indeed, love was still urging me, so that I would not remain in the state where the unworthy are weighed down, but to be lifted above all visible things, and, ignited and illuminated from the empyrean, to praise God; whose praise is not beautiful on lips still soiled. Therefore, if an impenetrable window were to be opened for those who love, it wouldn't be surprising if their nature were transformed into an inexplicable nobility of dignity, becoming free and shining. How noble a freedom all will ignore forever, who now do not know how to love and feel sweetness in Christ. I shouldn't have stopped my most devoted prayer without a doubt, because of the detractors who inflicted harmful bites on my innocence; rather, I should have fought against all impiety and loved those who urged me toward greater evils, so that grace might increase in the lover, while not paying attention to the words spoken in the wind, but truly extending my heart toward the beloved and pursuing my purpose tirelessly. Thus, the feeling of vanity faded away, and true love burst forth in the mind, so that the loving spirit remained unchilled, but persisted in a comforting warmth, and the heart was not disturbed by a constant thought of its beloved. In this steadfastness, the lover experiences the excellence of love, as if taken up into the fiery heavens, where they are ineffably ignited to love and burn within themselves more than anyone could express, and the degrees of grace embrace them. And from there, he received wisdom and insight, so that he could speak among the learned and boldly assert what he needed to say, even though he had previously been regarded as a fool and unwise. But the learned, through acquired wisdom—not infused—are puffed up with implicit arguments, and they indignantly say, "Where did he learn this?" From whom did he hear this teaching? They don't believe that lovers of eternity are taught by the inner teacher, so they can speak more eloquently than those who are learned from men, who have always strived for vain honors. If the Holy Spirit inspired many in ancient times, why wouldn't He now also take lovers to contemplate the glory of the Lord, since those approved in modern times are not unequal to those who came before? But I don't appeal to the approval of people, who often err in their judgments, choosing those whom God has rejected and despising those whom He has chosen. But those who are truly approved are the ones whom eternal love deeply inflames and the grace of the Holy Spirit inspires for every good work. Those who are adorned with the bloom of all virtues rejoice continually in the love of God, and they trample underfoot all that pertains to the empty joys of the world, as well as false honors, with a proud life and abominable desires. Indeed, these are cast out by men, but in the sight of God and the holy angels, they are commended in glory, whose hearts stand firm against all adversities, and they do not allow themselves to be swept away by the winds of vanity. Finally, they are led to Christ with sublime holiness, when those whom men will accept as chosen ones are cast down into damnation and dragged into torment with demons, suffering endlessly.