Chapter XL. Of the length of time to be given to the Exercise of each particular Virtue, and of the marks of Spiritual Advancement

IT is not for me to determine the length of time to be bestowed upon acquiring each virtue. In this we must be guided by the state and needs of each person, by the progress they are making in the spiritual life, and by the direction of their guide.

But if we set to work in earnest, in the way we have prescribed, there can be no doubt but that, in a few weeks, we shall have made considerable progress.

It is a sign of advancement in the spiritual life, if notwithstanding dryness of spirit, darkness, anguish of soul, and desolation, we yet firmly persevere in our exercises of virtue.

Another clear indication of growth, is to be found in the degree of resistance made by our sensual nature to the performance of acts of virtue; for the weaker the resistance, the greater the progress. When, therefore, we no longer feel contradiction and rebellion in our lower and sensual nature, and especially in sudden and unexpected assaults, we may look upon this as a sign that the virtue we are seeking has been acquired.

And the greater the alacrity and brightness of spirit with which these acts are done, the greater advantage may we hope to derive from their exercise.

Beware, however, not to assume as a certainty that we have formed a virtue, or gained a lasting victory over a passion, even though for a long time, and after many battles, we may have ceased to feel its motions within us. For such a result may be brought about by the artifices and workings of Satan, and of our own deceitful nature; for through our lurking pride we take that for virtue which is really vice. Besides, if we consider the standard of perfection to which God calls us, however great our progress may have been in the way of holiness, we shall hardly persuade ourselves that we have even crossed its threshold.

As a young soldier, then, and, as it were, a new-born babe in the conflict, return continually to your earliest exercises, as though as yet you had done nothing.

And remember, beloved, that it is much better to seek to advance in virtues, than to examine too nicely what progress you have made; for the Lord God, the true and only Searcher of our hearts, gives this knowledge to some and not to others, according as He sees that it will lead to humility or to pride; and, like a loving Father, He removes a danger from one, whilst to another He vouchsafes an opportunity of growing in the virtue.

Therefore, though the soul does not perceive the progress which has been made, yet still continue these exercises, for when the Lord wills our progress shall be revealed to us for our greater good.