Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/37

Rh Yet we must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation; for the enemy is then more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of our hearts, but be resisted at the very gate, on his first knocking.

Wherefore one said, "Withstand the beginnings; the remedy comes often too late, when the evil has grown strong through delay."

For first there cometh to the mind a bare thought of evil, then a strong imagination thereof, afterwards delight, and evil motion, and then consent.

And so by little and little our wicked enemy getteth complete entrance, for that he is not resisted in the beginning.

And the longer a man is negligent in resisting, the weaker does he become daily in himself, and the stronger the enemy against him.

6. Some suffer great temptations in the beginning of their conversion; others in the end.

Others again are much troubled almost through the whole of their life.

Some are but slightly tempted, according to the Divine wisdom and equity, which weigheth the states and deserts of man, and ordaineth all things for the welfare of His chosen ones.

7. We ought not therefore to despair when we are tempted, but so much the more fervently to pray unto God that He will vouchsafe to help us in all tribulations; for He will surely, according to the words of St Paul, make with the temptation a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it.

Let us therefore humble our souls under the hand