Page:Spiritualcombat.djvu/149

134 making in the spiritual life, and by the direction of their guide.

But if we set to work in earnest, in the way we have prescribed, there can be no doubt but that, in a few weeks, we shall have made considerable progress.

It is a sign of advancement in the spiritual life, if notwithstanding dryness of spirit, darkness, anguish of soul, and desolation, we yet firmly persevere in our exercises of virtue.

Another clear indication of growth, is to be found in the degree of resistance made by our sensual nature to the performance of acts of virtue; for the weaker the resistance, the greater the progress. When, therefore, we no longer feel contradiction and rebellion in our lower and sensual nature, and especially in sudden and unexpected assaults, we may look upon this as a sign that the virtue we are seeking has been acquired.

And the greater the alacrity and brightness of spirit with which these acts are done, the greater advantage may we hope to derive from their exercise.

Beware, however, not to assume as a certainty that we have formed a virtue, or gained a lasting victory over a passion, even though for a long time, and after many battles, we may have ceased to feel its motions within us. For such