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Imitation of
Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 13, cont.
Fire tries
iron, and temptation a just man. We often know not what we are able to
do, but temptations discover what we are. Still, we must watch,
especially in the beginning of temptation; for then the enemy is more
easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of the mind,
but is withstood upon the threshold the very moment he knocks. Whence a
certain one has said "Resist beginnings; all too late the cure." When
ills have gathered strength, by long delay, first there comes from the
mind a simple thought; then a strong imagination, afterwards delight,
and the evil motion and consent and so, little by little the fiend does
gain entrance, when he is not resisted in the beginning. The longer
anyone has been slothful in resisting, so much the weaker he becomes,
daily in himself, and the enemy, so much the stronger in him. Some
suffer grievous temptations in the beginning of their conversion,
others in the end and others are troubled nearly their whole life. Some
are very lightly tempted, according to the wisdom and the equity of the
ordinance of God who weighs man's condition and merits, and
pre-ordaineth all things for the salvation of His elect. We must not,
therefore, despair when we are tempted, but the more fervently pray to
God to help us in every tribulation: Who, of a truth, according to the
sayings of St. Paul, will make such issue with the temptation, that we
are able to sustain it.
Let us then humble our souls under the hand of God in every temptation
and tribulation, for the humble in spirit, He will save and exalt. In
temptation and tribulations, it is proved what progress man has made;
and there also is great merit, and virtue is made more manifest.
Prayers for the 12-Day
Preparatory Period
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