do we endeavour to walk in the perfect way of the Saints; and when but a small adversity befalleth us, we are too quickly dejected, and turn ourselves to human consolations.
4. If we would endeavour like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the assistance from Heaven.
For He Who giveth us occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succour those that fight, and that trust in His grace.
If we esteem our progress in religious life to consist only in outward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an end.
But let us lay the axe to the root, that being free from passions, we may find rest to our souls.
5. If every year we could root out one vice, we should sooner become perfect men.
On the contrary, we now oftentimes perceive that we were better and purer at the beginning of our conversion, than after many years of our profession.
Our fervour and profiting should increase daily: but now it is accounted a great matter, if a man can retain but some part of his first zeal.
If we would do but a little violence to ourselves at the beginning, then should we be able to perform all things afterwards with ease and delight.
6. It is a hard matter to forego that to which we are accustomed, but it is harder to go against our own will.
But if we overcome not small and easy things, when shall we overcome harder things?
Resist thy inclination in the very beginning, and
