Chapter XXIX. Of the Wiles and Delusions by which the Devil Holds captive those who are conscious of their Misery, and desire to be free; and how it is our Resolutions are so often fruitless

THOSE who know their evil life, and desire to change it, are often ensnared and overcome by the Devil by such weapons as these:—

"Not now, not now."

"Cras, cras," is the raven's cry ("to-morrow, to-morrow"). "I must first settle this or that, arrange my affairs, remove this obstacle, and then I shall be able to attend to spiritual matters with greater tranquillity."

This is a snare which has caught, and still catches a vast number of people; and its success arises from our own negligence and carelessness, which make us, in a business in which both the honour of God and the salvation of our soul are at stake, so slow to seize that most powerful weapon "Now, now," wherefore "not now?"

"To-day, to-day," wherefore "to-morrow?" saying to yourself, "Even supposing this 'by and by,' this 'to-morrow,' be granted me, is it a safe course, and the way of victory, to choose first to be wounded and to be guilty of fresh irregularities?"

You see, then, beloved, that to escape this snare, and to overcome the enemy, the remedy is, as has been already mentioned, instant correspondence with the Divine suggestions and inspirations; ready obedience to them, I say, and not mere resolves, for these often are deceptive, and many from various causes have remained deceived by them.

The first reason is, as above referred to, that our good resolves are not based upon self-distrust and trust in God. Our excessive pride—which is the source of this delusion and blindness—hinders us from discovering this. The light which discloses the evil and the medicine which cures it, both come from the goodness of God, Who suffers us to fall that He may lead us from trust in self to trust in Him Alone, and from pride to self-knowledge.

Your resolutions, therefore, to be effectual, must be firmly made; and this they cannot be, unless they are freed from all trust in self, and are humbly based upon trust in God.

The second reason is, that when we make our resolutions, we dwell on the beauty and value of virtue, and these draw out our will, frail and slack as it is; but when we come to face the difficulties which must be surmounted before the virtue can be attained, our will, being weak and inexperienced, fails, and shrinks back from the effort.

Accustom yourself, therefore, to love the difficulties which accompany the attainment of virtues, even more than the virtues themselves; and use these difficulties, now a little and now much, so as to strengthen your will, if you really desire to acquire these virtues. Know also, that the more generously you embrace and value these difficulties, the more speedy and complete shall be your victory over yourself and your enemies.

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.