St John of the Ladder: as the flame is burning within you, run..

In hastening to solitude and exile, do not wait for world-loving souls, because the thief comes unexpectedly. In trying to save the careless and indolent along with themselves, many perish with them, because in course of time the soul’s fire goes out. 

As soon as the flame is burning within you, run; for you do not know when it will go out and leave you in darkness.

St John of the Ladder