A citation from the library
Desert Fathers, on Jas 4:8
Desert Fathers · c. A.D. 500
Jas 4:8 · Douay-Rheims
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners: and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
On this verse:
“One of the hermits said, 'No one can see his face reflected in muddy water; so the soul cannot pray to God with contemplation unless it is first cleansed of harmful thoughts.'”
Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.