Chapter II. Of the different dispositions of religious with regard to perfection

Among religious there are three different kinds. The first never refuse their senses any thing. Are they cold ? they warm themselves. Are they hungry ? they eat. Does it come into their mind to take some amusement ? they take it without reflection, always bent on pleasing themselves, scarcely knowing in practice what self-mortification is. As for their functions, they discharge them, to be clear of their obligation, without interior spirit, without relish, and without fruit.

These are in danger of mortal sin : and sometimes, even, they are actually in sin ; though they are not aware of it, because they never enter seriously into themselves, and only very superficially examine the state of their conscience.

In this complete forgetfulness of themselves, a multitude of objects passes every day through their thoughts, and their heart being carried out of itself, and intoxicated, as it were, with the whirl of outward things, in its absence, the mind is continually deceived by the illusions of nature and of the devil, whose suggestions it follows blindly.

Such religious may often be in far greater danger than seculars themselves. For the latter know that they sometimes fall into mortal sin ; they are distrustful of themselves, and their fears make them cautious. But the former, trusting to their state, and buoying themselves up on the false presumption, that in religion it is rarely that a man sins mortally, live on in a deceitful security, which causes them to fall from very carelessness ; and to stifle the remorse of conscience, they invent to themselves lies which flatter them in their error. Such a state is perilous, because they do not perceive their own falls.

The second avoid the excesses of the first, and deny themselves all such satisfactions as they do not deem necessary ; but they let themselves be deceived under the appearance of good. They form some design which falls in with their own inclination, and then they seek for high motives to colour their choice and justify their conduct. With regard to their functions, they execute carefully all that belongs to the exterior, but with little interior application and recollection, giving too much liberty to their senses, and neglecting to keep guard over their heart.

These are full of imperfections and venial sins, and often are in danger of sinning mortally. For as they are weak, and derive but little strength from within, they let themselves be vanquished on occasions where victory would be easy, were the interior well guarded.

The third, as being perfect, have renounced all desires, are indifferent to every thing, satisfied with every thing, and have no other will than the good pleasure of God. They unite together outward exactness and inward application ; they keep watch over their own heart, preserve their peace of soul, and practise recollection as much as obedience permits.

These last receive three signal favours from the three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity : from the Father, a strength as if invincible in action, in suffering, and in temptations ; from the Son, rays and splendours of truth, which shine without ceasing into their soul j from the Holy Spirit, a fervour, a sweetness, and a consolation full of joy.