Chapter XXXVII. That as we must always continue in the Exercise of the Virtues, so we must not shun any Opportunity which offers itself for their Attainment

WE have clearly seen, that in the path of holiness we must ever press onward without stopping. Therefore we ought to be watchful and expectant, lest we let slip any opportunity which may present itself for the increase of a virtue; and those who draw back from such contrary things as might serve to that purpose, make a great mistake.

For if you desire (not to depart from the virtue which has provided us with an example hitherto) to grow in the habit of patience, it is not well to keep away from the persons, deeds, or thoughts, which try your patience.

Therefore you have no need to give up any of your associations, because they are tiresome to you; but whilst you are dealing with and concerned with whatever brings you annoyance, keep your will disposed and ready to endure whatever vexation or unpleasantness may come to you; else you will never get the habit of patience.

If any employment be irksome to you, either on its own account, or because of the person who laid it on you; or, if you dislike it, because it hinders you from doing what you like better, still undertake it and complete it, whatever trouble it be to you, and though you might find comfort by not doing it. Because if you leave it, you would never learn to suffer, neither would true peace ever be your portion, as it does not spring except from a soul purified from passion and adorned with holiness.

The same holds good of harassing thoughts, which at times molest and disturb the mind. You need not drive them entirely away, for, together with the pain they cause you, they accustom you to bear contradictions. Whoever gives you different advice, teaches you rather to shun the pain you feel, than to gain the virtue which you desire.

True, indeed, it is that a young soldier ought to manœuvre and guard himself with watchfulness and dexterity on such occasions, now facing the enemy, now retiring, as he gains more or less spiritual strength and power; yet he must never quite turn away and retreat, so as to place himself far from all opportunity of contradiction: for though for the time he might save himself from falling, in the future he would run a greater risk, when exposed to the assaults of impatience, from not having armed and strengthened himself beforehand with the practice of the contrary virtue.

This advice, however, must not be followed when sins of the flesh are concerned, of which we have before spoken more particularly.