14. On watching and striving against temptations

'* Resistite diaholo, et fugiet a " Resist the devil, and he will flij from ynu^ 1 . Wherever the just man unites his soul to God, by prayer, by meditation, by study, by writing, or any other useful labour ; there are on one side holy angels who rejoice with him, and on the other, evil spirits who send distractions and temptations.

When thou beginest to pray, the devils take to flioht, as from the fire of the Holy Spirit ; hut when thou wilt begin to indulije in frivolous idle talk, they quickly return to excite and increase thy distraction.

But a good and watchful superior, prudently interposing, will put an end to all idle conversation ; reprove those who waste the precious hours, and neglect good works.

Dwell then in silence, and let God be in all thy thoughts, and all thy consolations, and thou wilt find no longer that disrelish for good works, which hinders thee from pursuing with ardour, thy holy enterprise.

2. Be faithful in little thinj^s, and thou shalt be rewarded with talents beyond measure, in the kingdom of heaven.

Be neither idle in solitude, nor a babbler in public, and the evil one, overcome by thy diligence and silence, shall depart ; for he loves not a man who works and maintains silence, — who loves prayer and holy meditation.

Wherever thou art, alone, or in company, it is indispensable to fight, to watch, and to pray against the temptations of the flesh and the spirit.

Fight valiantly, pray with fervour, perform thy work with diligence, study often, love silence, and suffer patiently. Put all thy trust in God, how great soever the tribulations or desolation may be, that are sent for thy trial.

He that learns in every place o o and at all times, to practice patience, shall overcome his enemies, and enjoy in this world a peace which knows no change, and in the world to come, a brighter crown of glory with the elect.