3. Let no strange fancies therefore trouble thee, which on any subject whatever may crowd into thy mind. Keep thy purpose with courage, and preserve an upright intention towards God.
Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art suddenly wrapt on high, and presently returnest again unto the accustomed vanities of thy heart.
For these thou dost rather unwillingly suffer, than commit: and so long as they displease thee, and thou strivest against them, it is matter of reward, and no loss.
4. Know that the enemy doth strive by all means to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises; particularly, from the reverent estimation of God's saints, from the devout commemoration of My Passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of advancing in virtue.
Many evil thoughts does he suggest to thee, that so he may cause a wearisomeness and horror in thee, to call thee back from prayer and holy reading.
Humble confession is displeasing unto him; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from Holy Communion.
Trust him not, nor heed him, although he should often set snares of deceit to entrap thee.
Charge him with it, when he suggesteth evil and unclean thoughts unto thee; say unto him,
"Away thou unclean spirit! blush thou miserable wretch! most unclean art thou that bringest such things unto mine ears.
