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94
OF ASSAULTS ON A HOLY LIFE

CHAPTER XXVIL.

Of the Order which the Devil observes in his Assaults and Stratagems against those who give themselves to a Holy Life, and those who are already found in the Bondage of Sin.

YOU must know, beloved, that the Devil seeks nothing but our ruin, and that he does not use the same plan of assault with all.

In order to describe to you some of his modes of attack, His devices and wiles, I will set before you several conditions of men.

Some are yet in the bondage of sin, and without a thought of leaving it.

Others desire to be free, but never make an attempt to get so.

Others, again, imagine that they are walking in the way of holiness, while they are wandering away far from it.

Others, lastly, after having attained a high degree of virtue, fall into greater ruin.

We will speak of each separately.