A Litany of Silence

Possess silence, brother, as a strong wall. For silence will enable thee to subdue the uprisings of passion, for thou fightest from a height while they lie beneath thy feet. Therefore, possess silence, in the fear of God, and no weapons of the enemy shall harm thee. For silence joined to the fear of God is a fiery chariot which bears its possessor up to heaven. This doth urge upon thee the prophet Elias who, loving silence together with the fear of God, was taken up into heaven. silence, whereby the monk advances in perfection; ladder reaching to heaven; way of the kingdom of heaven. silence, mother of compunction, mirror of sins, in which man sees his transgressions. silence which hinderest not tears, mother of meekness, companion of humility. silence, spouse of humility and enlightenment of the mind. silence, searcher of thoughts and promoter of discernment. silence, mother of all good, support of temperance, and obstacle to gluttony.