Page:MeditationsOnTheMysteriesOfOurHolyV1.djvu/243

 paulatim, atque per partes, non poteris eas delere pariter;" " He will consume these nations in thy sight by little and by degrees: thou wilt not be able to destroy them altogether." The Divine Providence so ordaining it for our exercise and humiliation; because, the war continuing longer, the victory shall be more secure and more profitable.

3. For this cause we will make a special meditation of every one of these vices, teaching the manner how to make war upon them by their contrary acts. To which end we shall consider' in every one three things: i. In what manner a man may sin in every vice, setting down not only great, but also light sins, that those which are desirous of perfection may know more often what things they are to mortify, ii. What is the loss which follows such a vice, and the temporal punishments wherewith Almighty God is wont to chastise it, and the eternal, which in the other life especially correspond to it. iii. What are the great favours and rewards which they enjoy who courageously mortify it, and embrace the contrary virtue, declaring some of its acts and excellences, that fear and love may animate us to mortification.

1. First, I am to consider what pride is, and in what manner a man may sin by it, pondering how contrary it is to all reason, how injurious to God, how prejudicial to our neighbour, and how hurtful to virtue; for all this is discovered in every one, as the fathers have noted.