How the work of this book shall be wrought, and of the worthiness of it before all other works. And thereto, look the loath to think on aught but Himself. So that nought work in thy wit, nor in thy will, but only Himself. This is the work of the soul that most pleaseth God. All saints and angels have joy of this work, and hasten them to help it in all their might.
All fiends be furious when thou thus dost, and try for to defeat it in all that they can.
All men living in earth be wonderfully holpen of this work, thou wottest not how. Yea, the souls in purgatory be eased of their pain by virtue of this work. Thyself art cleansed and made virtuous by no work so much. And yet it is the lightest work of all, when a soul is helped with grace in sensible list, and soonest done. But else it is hard, and wonderful to thee for to do.