"Many beginners, delighting in the
sweetness and joy of their spiritual occupations, strive after spiritual
sweetness rather than after purity and discretion, which is that which God
regards and accepts in the whole course of the spiritual way. For this reason,
over and above their imperfection in seeking after sweetness in devotion, that
spirit of gluttony, which has taken possession of them, forces them to overstep
the limits of moderation, within which virtue is acquired and consists. . .
Inasmuch then as all extremes are vicious, and as in this course of conduct men
follow their own will, the consequences are that they grow in vice and not in
virtue; at least they minister to their spiritual gluttony and pride, for they
do not walk in the way of obedience."
— St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul,
p. 26
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