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LTHOUGH, as we have said, self-distrust is essential for this spiritual combat, nevertheless it alone would not be enough, for then we should fly from our enemies or be overcome by them. There is need to add to it perfect trust in God, in the hope and expectation that He Alone will vouchsafe to us every good thing we need—His help, and the victory.

From ourselves indeed, who are nothing, we can expect nothing but falls, for which cause we ought entirely to distrust ourselves; but, with the help of our Lord, we may be assured of success at all times; provided that to obtain His aid, we arm our hearts with a lively confidence in Him. Four means will help us to gain this.

First, by beseeching God to grant it to us.

Secondly, by keeping the eye of faith fixed on the immense Power and infinite Wisdom of God, with Whom nothing is either impossible or difficult; by considering that His Goodness is unbounded, and that His willingness and desire to give, each hour and moment, whatever may be