Page:Spiritualcombat.djvu/287

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272
OF A PEACEFUL SPIRIT

and a continual temptation; and in consequence of this warfare, you must live in a state of watchfulness, and ever keep a guard over your heart, so that it may continue in peace and quietness. And if you should feel the movement of some sensual disturbance within you, you must be careful to quiet it instantly, stilling your heart, and not permitting it to turn aside or wander after any of these things. Do this as often as any cause of disquietude presents itself, whether in prayer, or at any other time, and know that when you have learnt to act thus, then you will have learnt to pray aright; but remember that all this must be done sweetly and gently. In short, the whole and principal business of your life must consist in continually quieting your heart, and never letting it go astray.


CHAPTER II.

Of the Care we should have to preserve a Peaceful Spirit.

THEREFORE, above all things, you must be careful to place this sentinel of peace over all the movements of your heart; it will lead you to great things without any toil, even with great tranquillity and safety. And with