SOURCE: Coleman, T. W. “Walter Hilton.” In English Mystics of the Fourteenth Century, pp. 106-30. London: Epworth Press, 1938.

In the following essay, Coleman presents an overview of Hilton's life, works, and influence, noting his prevalent qualities of charity and humility.

The Scale of Perfection first appeared towards the end of the fourteenth century.¹ During the next one hundred years it was often copied, and it circulated in many manuscripts. In 1494 it was printed by Caxton's successor, Wynkyn de Worde; by 1533 eight editions had been published. Almost from its first issue it became a devotional classic. People of most diverse religious types have fallen beneath its spell. Thoughtful readers will soon discover the reason of this. The book answers in a most satisfying way the permanent needs of the soul. Other qualities recommend it: its contents are well arranged; its theme is clearly stated and admirably developed; its style...