I have said this to explain ...

I have said this to explain the stanza that follows, in which the soul replies to those who call in question its holy tranquillity, who will have it wholly occupied with outward duties, that its light may shine before the world: these persons have no conception of the fibres and the unseen root whence the sap is drawn, and which nourish the fruit.
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 John of the Cross

Quotes from the same author

Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications.
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 John of the Cross
In search of my Love I will go over mountains and strands; I will gather no flowers, I will fear no wild beasts; And pass by the mighty and the frontiers.
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 John of the Cross
Abide in peace, banish cares, take no account of all that happens, and you will serve God according to his good pleasure and rest in him.
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 John of the Cross
Never listen to accounts of the frailty of others; and if anyone should complain to you of another, humbly ask him not to speak about him at all.
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 John of the Cross
Never give up prayer, and should you find dryness and difficulty, persevere in it for this very reason. God often desires to see what love your soul has, and love is not tried by ease and satisfaction.
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 John of the Cross