OF THE LOVE OF SOLITUDE AND SILENCE
“In silence and quiet the devout soul goes forward and learns the hidden things of the Scriptures. Therein finds she a fountain of tears, wherein to wash and cleanse herself each night, that she may grow the more dear to her Maker as she dwells the further from all worldly distraction. To him who withdraws himself from his acquaintance and friends, God with his holy angels will draw near. It is better to be unknown and take heed to oneself, than to neglect oneself and work wonders.
It is praiseworthy for a religious man to go seldom abroad, to fly from being seen, to have no desire to see men. Why would you see what you may not have? The world passes away and the lust thereof. The desires of sensuality draw you abroad, but when an hour is past, what do you bring home, but a weight upon thy conscience and distraction of heart. A merry going forth brings often a sorrowful return, and a merry evening makes a sad morning. So does all carnal joy begin pleasantly, but in the end, it gnaws away and destroys. What can you see abroad which you see not at home? Behold, the heaven and the earth and the elements, for out of these are all things made. What can you see anywhere which can continue long under the sun?
You believe perchance that you shall be satisfied, but you will never be able to attain unto this. If you should see all things before you at once, what would it be but a vain vision. Lift up your eyes to God on high, and pray that your sins and negligences may be forgiven. Leave vain things to vain men, and mind you the things which God have commanded you. Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thyself Jesus thy beloved. Remain with Him in your chamber, for you shall not elsewhere find so great peace. If you had not gone forth nor listened to vain talk, you have better kept yourself in good peace. But because it sometimes delights you to hear new things, you must therefore, suffer trouble of heart.”
Thomas a Kempis
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 