His brilliant genius quickly brought him into the most prominent positions. Far-famed for his learning, he attracted scholars from all parts of Europe to Paris, Cologne, Ratisbon, etc., where he successively taught. It was during his years of teaching at Paris and Cologne that he counted among his disciples St. Thomas Aquinas, the greatness of whose future he foretold, and whose lifelong friendship with him then began. In 1254 Albert was elected Provincial of his Order in Germany. In 1260 he was appointed Bishop of Ratisbon, but resigned his see in 1262. He then continued unweariedly until a few years before his death, when his great powers, especially his memory, failed him, but the fervour of his soul remained ever the same. In 1280, at Cologne, he sank, at last worn out by his manifold labours. "Whether we consider him as a theologian or as a philosopher, Albert was undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary men of his age; I might say, one of the most wonderful men of genius who appeared in past times" (Jourdain). Very grateful thanks are due to Rev. P. J. Berthier, O.P., for his kind permission to append to this edition a translation of his excellent notes (from the French edition, entitled "De l'Union avec Dieu"). CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. OF THE HIGHEST PERFECTION WHICH MAN CAN ATTAIN UNTO IN THIS LIFE 15 II. HOW A MAN MAY DESPISE ALL THINGS AND CLEAVE TO CHRIST ALONE 19 III. THE LAW OF MAN'S PERFECTION IN THIS LIFE 23 IV. THAT OUR LABOUR MUST BE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING AND NOT WITH THE SENSES 27 V. OF PURITY OF HEART, WHICH IS TO BE SOUGHT ABOVE ALL ELSE 33 VI. THAT A MAN TRULY DEVOUT MUST SEEK GOD IN PURITY OF MIND AND HEART 40 VII. OF THE PRACTICE OF INTERIOR RECOLLECTION 45 VIII. THAT A TRULY DEVOUT MAN SHOULD COMMIT HIMSELF TO GOD IN ALL THAT BEFALLS HIM 52 IX. THE CONTEMPLATION OF GOD IS TO BE PREFERRED ABOVE ALL OTHER EXERCISES 57 X. THAT WE SHOULD NOT BE TOO SOLICITOUS FOR ACTUAL AND SENSIBLE DEVOTION, BUT DESIRE RATHER THE UNION OF OUR WILL WITH GOD 65 XI. IN WHAT MANNER WE SHOULD RESIST TEMPTATION AND ENDURE TRIALS 70 XII. THE POWER OF THE LOVE OF GOD 76 XIII. OF THE NATURE AND ADVANTAGES OF PRAYER,--OF INTERIOR RECOLLECTION 82 XIV. THAT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE TESTIMONY OF OUR CONSCIENCE 88