"Mr. Lewis has made his translation in such a manner as to merit the highest encomium from the late Cardinal Wiseman. The Fathers of St. Charles deserve the thanks of the entire English-speaking Catholic and literary world for this costly and noble enterprise which they have achieved. It is needless to say that the Works of St. John of the Cross are among the highest specimens of genius and spiritual wisdom to be found in the Spanish language, or in any other.... The base of his doctrine is the deepest philosophy, and its summit is ever varied and enlightened by the glow of poetic fervour. It is philosophy and poetry, however, elevated, purified, and hallowed by sacred inspiration, and derived, not merely from human, but from Divine contemplation."
--The Catholic World.
