The Steps to Perfection in Brief

All these things have been set out in a rather long discourse. So that they may be stamped more easily on your heart and stick fast in your thoughts, I will give a summary of them, short and concise enough that you will be able to learn all the steps by heart. Hear, then, in a few words, how you can climb to the heights of perfection without effort or difficulty. “The beginning” of our salvation and “of wisdom” is, according to Scripture, “the fear of the Lord.” From the fear of the Lord comes a saving sorrow of heart. From sorrow of heart springs renunciation, that is, nakedness and contempt of all possessions. From nakedness humility is born; from humility, the putting to death of desires. Through the putting to death of desires all faults are rooted out and wither away. As faults are driven out, virtues spring up and grow. By the budding of virtues purity of heart is gained. By purity of heart the perfection of apostolic love is reached. [a]