The third reason is, that in making our resolutions we are prone to keep in view not the virtue and the Divine Will, but our own interest. This is often the case with resolutions which we form in times of spiritual joy or crushing trial, when we feel nothing bring us relief, but the resolve to give ourselves wholly to God, and to the practice of virtue.
In order to avoid this danger, be in times of spiritual delight very cautious and humble in your resolutions, and especially as to promises and vows. And in trial, let your resolutions be to bear your cross patiently, according to the Will of God, and to exalt it, refusing all earthly and sometimes even heavenly consolation. Let your one desire and your one prayer be, that God would enable you to bear all adversity without marring the virtue of patience, and without any thing that may displease your Lord.
CHAPTER XXX.
Of the Delusion of those who imagine that they are going on to Perfection.
OUR Enemy, when he is repulsed in his first and second assault and stratagem, has in his malice recourse to a third, which is, to keep our eyes fixed on some higher degree of
