If the will be moved by God, besides what has been said above, you must further consider to what end its actions are mostly directed. For if the end be simply to please God, so far it is well, yet even then a man may not feel quite secure; self-love is so subtle, and hides itself beneath good works and acts of virtue.
When this most cruel monster, self-love, shows itself openly, we must pursue it with all hatred even to death;—in little things too, and not only in great.
We should always be suspicious of its concealment. Therefore, after every good work, humble yourself, smite upon your breast, praying God to pardon you, and to keep you from self-love.
It will be well, therefore, early in the morning to turn to the Lord, and to protest to Him that you intend not to offend Him any more, and particularly on that day, but in all things ever to do His Divine Will, and for the sake of pleasing Him.
For this purpose often turn to God in prayer, and ask Him continually that He would protect you with His Hand, and enable you to do such things as please Him, and in the way that pleases Him.
