If only the reading of this little book might lead many souls to study the works of Saint John of the Cross, and God's grace make them "brave enough" to try the Ascent outlined for them by Saint John! Once the first steps have been taken with courage, ... it bursts upon us almost as a new revelation that what we took at first to be an "inhuman" course of self-renunciation is nothing more than a tardy response to that loving invitation which still rings down the centuries: "Come to Me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you... My yoke is sweet and My burden light" (Mt 11:28).

All which I took from thee I did but take,

Not for thy harms,

But just that thou might'st seek it in my arms.

All which thy child's mistake

Fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home;

Rise, clasp my hand, and come.

- Francis Thompson, "The Hound of Heaven"