Holy Scripture often counsels preachers of one thing which they practice little, not because they will not but because they cannot. They are strongly exhorted to make use of contemplation and prayer, and this is the last thing they practice, for they have enough work to do in writing a fine sermon, even if they do not feel dissatisfied and unhappy about it in the end. Oh what vexation of spirit it is when tears come to the eyes, grace to the heart, recollection to the soul, and sighs and sobs to the breast, to be obliged to set them all aside for the sake of study!
–Francisco de Osuna (1497-1541)
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