"The work of the cross is twofold. And this corresponds to the duality of nature which is divided into two parts: into endurance of bodily afflictions which comes about through the energy of the irascible part of the soul and is called practice; and into subtle work of the mind in sacred studies and constant prayer and so forth, which is done with that desiring part and is called contemplation. Practice purifies the passionate part through the power of zeal; contemplation refines that part capable of knowing by means of the energy of the love of the soul, which is its natural longing.
Therefore whoever before discipline in the former part passes eagerly - not to say slothfully - to that second because of its sweetness, brings to pass the anger which God breathes against him. This is because before he has put to death his members that are on the earth, namely, before he has healed the sickness of his thoughts by patiently enduring the labor and shame of the cross, he has presumed to imagine in his mind the glory of the cross. And this is what was said by the saints of old: 'If the mind desires to ascend the cross before the senses cease from weakness, the anger of God will attack it.'
The ascent of the cross that brings wrath is not the first part, that is the endurance of afflictions which is called crucifixion of the body; but the ascent of contemplation which is the second part, that which follows the healing of the soul. Indeed, the one who, while his mind is defiled with shameful passions, hastens to imagine in his heart illusory ideas about the future, will be silenced with punishment. This is because, without first purifying his mind by means of the afflictions incurred in subjugating the desires of the flesh, he ran headlong, on the basis of what he had heard and read, to travel a path full of darkness, being blind. Even those whose sight is sound and full of light and who have grace as a guide are in peril, night and day. With eyes full of tears they continue in prayer and weeping night until day, for fear of the journey and the arduous precipices they happen upon, and the appearances of truth which are frequently found among its imitators on the path. For the things of God come of their own accord when you are not aware of them, if the place of the heart is pure and undefiled..."