Part I, Chapter XXIV

That We Must Purge Ourselves from Our Evil Inclinations

We have, moreover, Philothea, certain natural inclinations, which, though they spring from our particular sins, yet are not properly sins, either mortal or venial, but are called imperfections; and the acts which proceed from them are termed defects and failings. For example, St. Paula, according to St. Jerome, had so great an inclination to sadness that at the death of her children and husband she was in danger of dying with grief. This was an imperfection, but not a sin, because she had it against her will.

There are some people who are naturally of a light, others of a morose temper; some of an obstinate disposition, others inclined to indignation; some prone to anger, others to love; in short, there are few in whom we may not observe some of these imperfections. Now, although they are peculiar and natural to each of us, yet by care and a contrary affection, we may not only correct and moderate them, but even altogether free ourselves from them; and I tell you, Philothea, it is necessary that you should do so. As a means has been discovered to change bitter almond trees into sweet, by piercing them at the bottom to let out the juice, why may not we let out the juice of our perverse inclinations, and become better? For as there is no nature, though never so good, which may not be perverted to evil by vicious habits, so there is no disposition, though never so perverse, that may not, by the grace of God and our own industry, be brought under and overcome.

Wherefore, I shall now proceed to give you such instructions, and propose such exercises as may help to purge your soul, as well from your imperfections as from all dangerous affection to venial sins, and secure your conscience more effectually against all mortal sin. May God grant you the grace to reduce them to practice!

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