The Golden Epistle: A Letter to the Brethren at Mont Dieu

The Works of William of St. Thierry, Vol. 4
Cistercian Fathers Series
By William of St. Thierry

Overview

The Golden Epistle is a profound letter addressed to the brethren at Mont Dieu, showcasing the spiritual depth and contemplative insights of William of St. Thierry. As part of the Cistercian Fathers Series, this work has been influential in the field of Christian spirituality, drawing on the early writings of St. Thierry and reflecting his profound understanding of the Christian faith. Its historical significance is noted through its early attribution to Saint Bernard, which contributed to its widespread acceptance and reverence among theologians and spiritual seekers alike.

Product Features

• ISBN-10: 0879077123
• ISBN-13: 978-0879077129
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 117
• Item Weight: 11 ounces
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.35 x 8.5 inches
  Translator: Theodore Berkeley
  Introduction: J. Déchanet
• Publication Date: November 1, 1971

Interesting Facts

• Historical Influence: The letter's influence is marked by its citations by notable figures such as Saint Bonaventure in the 13th century and its recognition by Gerson in the 14th and 15th centuries as an authoritative work on contemplation.
• Cited by Mystics: The text has been referenced by mystical writers like Ruysbroeck and was venerated by the Canons of the Congregation of Windesheim.
• Cultural Legacy: It is mentioned in the Imitatio Christi, illustrating its importance in the spiritual literature of the time. Aloysius Gonzaga is even said to have memorized it, underscoring its impact on Christian education and spirituality.

About the Author

William of St. Thierry was a Cistercian monk whose writings greatly contributed to Christian mysticism and contemplation. His works emphasize the inner spiritual life and the transformative power of faith, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of Christian thinkers.

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William has everything: power of thought, the orator's eloquence, the poet's lyricism and all the drawing power of an intensely ardent and very human man of God'.- Étienne Gilson
THE GOLDEN EPISTLE first appeared in 1145 and has been ascribed to several different authors, among them Bernard of Clairvaux and Guigo the Carthusian. Today its author is known to have been William of Saint Thierry, a Cistercian monk of the abbey of Signy and a friend of Saint Bernard. After studying at one of the cathedral schools that flourished in the early twelfth century, William entered monastic life at the benedictine abbey of Saint Nicaise in Rheims. By the early 1120s he became abbot of the abbey of Saint Thierry, just outside the royal city, and took a leading role in a reform movement aimed at greater simplicity of life. Resigning that post in middle age to enter the Cistercians, he found himself increasingly attracted to the solitary life and shortly before writing iting The Golden Epistle visited the nearby Charterhouse of Mont Dieu.
It was read continuously throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times, especially by lay men and women seeking guidance in their spiritual lives. ...its extensive influence, due in some degree to its early and false attribution to St Bernard, is attested by numerous citings; in the fifteenth century by St Bonaventure; in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries it became so widespread that [Jean] Gerson considered it one of the authoritative works on contemplation; [Jan van] Ruysbroeck and his followers cited it explicitly, it was venerated by the canons of the Congregation of Windesheim; at least one referral to it occurs in the Imitatio Christi; and Aloyius Gonzaga is said to have known it by heart. Thought.