John of Ruysbroeck

By Dom, C. A. Wynschenk

Book Id: WPLBN0000700536
Format Type: PDF eBook
File Size: 444.22 KB.
Reproduction Date: 2004

Title:	John of Ruysbroeck
Author:	Dom, C. A. Wynschenk
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Religion, Christian literature, Christian theology
Collections:	Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	Christian Classics Ethereal Library


Citation APA MLA Chicago Dom, C. W. (n.d.). John of Ruysbroeck. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.us/

Excerpt
Excerpt: Introduction; I JAN VAN RUYSBROECK -- three of whose most important works are here for the first time presented to English readers -- is the greatest of the Flemish mystics, and must take high rank in any list of Christian contemplatives and saints. He was born in 1273, at the little village of Ruysbroeck or Ruusbroeck between Brussels and Hal, from which he takes his name; and spent his whole life within his native province of Brabant. At eleven years old, he is said to have run away from home and found his way to Brussels; where he was received by his uncle Jan Hinckaert, a canon of the Cathedral of St Gudule. Hinckaert, who was a man of great piety, lived with another devout priest named Francis van Coudenberg in the most austere fashion; entirely devoted to prayer and good works. The two ecclesiastics brought the boy up, and gave him a religious education, which evidently included considerable training in theology and philosophy: subjects for which he is said to have shown, even in boyhood, an astonishing aptitude. In 1317 he took orders, and obtained through his uncle's influence a prebend's stall in St Gudule; a position which he occupied for twenty-six years.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents: Introduction -- The Adornment -- of The Spiritual Marriage -- The First Book -- Prologue -- I. of the Active Life -- II. Showing how we shall consider the Coming of Christ in Three Ways -- III. of Humility -- IV. of Charity -- V. of Patient Endurance -- VI. of the Second Coming of Christ -- VII. of the Blessed Sacraments -- VIII. of the Third Coming of Christ -- IX. Showing what Christ will do in the Day of Doom -- X. of the Five Kinds of Men who shall appear at the Judgment -- XI. of a Spiritual Going Out with all Virtues -- XII. How Humility is the Foundation of all other Virtues -- XIII. of Obedience -- XIV. of the Renunciation of Self-Will -- XV. of Patience -- XVI. of Meekness -- XVII. of Kindliness -- XVIII. of Compassion -- XIX. of Generosity -- XX. of Zeal and Diligence -- XXI. of Temperance and Sobriety -- XXII. of Purity -- XXIII. of Three Enemies to be overcome by Righteousness -- XXIV. of the Kingdom of the Soul -- XXV. of a Spiritual Meeting of God and Ourselves -- XXVI. of the desire to know the Bridegroom in His Nature