OF THE LOVE OF SOLITUDE AND SILENCE
“Seek a suitable time for your meditation and think frequently of the mercies of God to you. Leave curious questions. Study such matters as bring you sorrow for sin, rather than amusement. If you withdraw yourself from trifling conversation and idle goings about, as well as from novelties and gossip, you shall find your time sufficient and apt for good meditation.
The greatest saints used to avoid as far as they could, the company of men, and chose to live in secret with God. One has said, “As oft as I have gone among men, so oft have I returned less a man.” This is what we often experience when we have been long time in conversation. For it is easier to be altogether silent, than it is not to exceed in word. It is easier to remain hidden at home than to keep sufficient guard upon yourself out of doors. He, therefore, that seeks to reach that which is hidden and spiritual, must go with Jesus “apart from the multitude.”
No man safely goes abroad who loves not to rest at home. No man safely talks but he who loves to hold his peace. No man safely rules but he who loves to be subject. No man safely commands but he who loves to obey. No man safely rejoices but he who has the testimony of a good conscience within himself.
The boldness of the Saints was always full of the fear of God. Nor were they the less earnest and humble in themselves because they shone forth with great virtues and grace. But the boldness of wicked men springs from pride and presumption, and at the last, turns to their own confusion. Never promise yourself security in this life, howsoever good a monk or devout a solitary you seem.
Often those who stand highest in the esteem of men, fall the more grievously because of their over great confidence. Wherefore it is very profitable unto many that they should not be without inward temptation, but should be frequently assaulted, lest they be over confident, lest they be indeed lifted up into pride, or else lean too freely upon the consolations of the world.
O how good a conscience should that man keep, who never sought a joy that passes away, who never became entangled with the world! O how great peace and quiet should he possess, who would cast off all vain care, and think only of healthful and divine things, and build his whole hope upon God!
No man is worthy of heavenly consolation but he who have diligently exercised himself in holy compunction. If you will feel compunction within your heart, enter into your chamber and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, Commune with your own heart in your own chamber and be still. In retirement you shall find what often you will lose abroad. Retirement, if you continue therein, grows sweet, but if you keep not in it, begets weariness. If in the beginning of your conversation you dwell in it and keep it well, it shall afterwards be to you a dear friend, and a most pleasant solace.”
Thomas a Kempis
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 