Page:Spiritualcombat.djvu/240

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
OF THE SECOND AID TO THE WILL
225

and you to it, or I should rather use the words, that it may be crucified unto you, and you to it, is, before your will is set upon it, to regard most attentively first with the understanding, and then with the will, its vanities and falsehood; that so, the understanding and will being free from the influence of the passions, you may easily despise it, and be able to say to every creature that presents itself: "Art thou a creature? Away with, away with all attachment to you, for in the creature I seek the Creator, and my affection is for the spiritual, not the corporeal."

"He Who gives you life and virtue, and not you, is the One I will and desire to love."


CHAPTER IX.

Of the Second Aid to the Will.

THE second aid to the human will consists in putting to flight the Prince of darkness, as the author of every inordinate kindling of the passions. We drive away and conquer this enemy every time we subdue and conquer our own lusts and inordinate desires. If then you wish to make the devil flee from you, resist your passions, for this is the resistance St. James would have us make to him.