It Is Good

Walter Hilton's "Bonum Est" stands as a shorter companion to his better-known "Scale of Perfection," written in the final decade of the fourteenth century for religious contemplatives seeking deeper union with God. Taking its title from the opening Latin phrase meaning "it is good," this treatise emerges from the rich tradition of English mystical writing that flourished in Hilton's era, addressing the practical concerns of those called to the contemplative life within religious communities.

The work centers on the fundamental question of how souls progress toward perfect love of God, arguing that contemplative union requires both the purgation of sin and the cultivation of virtue through grace. Hilton demonstrates that true spiritual advancement comes not through extraordinary experiences or mystical phenomena, but through the patient reformation of the soul in God's image. He carefully distinguishes between false mystical experiences rooted in pride or imagination and authentic spiritual knowledge that flows from humility and divine illumination. The treatise emphasizes that contemplative prayer and the pursuit of spiritual perfection must be grounded in orthodox Christian doctrine and guided by discretion, warning against the spiritual dangers of presumption and self-deception.

"Bonum Est" has endured as a masterpiece of practical mystical theology, offering a balanced and psychologically astute guide to the interior life that avoids both excessive rigor and dangerous enthusiasm. Its influence on subsequent English spiritual writing remained substantial through the centuries, particularly valued for its integration of mystical aspiration with pastoral wisdom.

Who should read this: Those engaged in contemplative prayer or religious life who seek traditional guidance on spiritual discernment and the stages of mystical development will find Hilton's measured approach invaluable. Readers looking for dramatic mystical experiences or quick spiritual techniques should look elsewhere.