Part IV, Chapter VIII

That We Must Resist Small Temptations

Although we must oppose great temptations with an invincible courage, and the victory we gain over them is extremely advantageous, it may happen, nevertheless, that we may profit more in resisting small ones, for as great temptations exceed in quality, so small ones exceed in quantity; wherefore the victory over them may be comparable to that which is gained over the greatest. Wolves and bears are certainly more dangerous than flies; yet the former neither give us so much trouble, nor exercise our patience so much, as the latter. It is easy to abstain from murder, but it is extremely difficult to restrain all the little sallies of passion, the occasions of which present themselves every moment. It is very easy for a man or a woman to refrain from adultery, but it is not as easy to refrain from glances of the eyes, from giving or receiving marks of love, or from uttering or listening to flattery. It is easy not to admit a rival with the husband or wife, as to the body, but not as to the heart; it is easy to refrain from defiling the marriage bed, but it is difficult to refrain from everything that may be prejudicial to conjugal affection; it is easy not to steal other men’s goods, but difficult not to covet them; it is easy not to bear false witness in judgment, but difficult to observe truth strictly on every occasion; it is easy to refrain from drunkenness, but difficult to observe perfect sobriety; it is easy to refrain from wishing another man’s death, but difficult to refrain from desiring what may be inconvenient to him; it is easy to abstain from defaming him, but it is sometimes difficult to refrain from despising him. In a word, these small temptations of anger, suspicion, jealousy, envy, fond love, levity, vanity, insincerity, affectation, craftiness, and impure thoughts, are continually assaulting even those who are the most devout and resolute. We must, therefore, diligently prepare ourselves, my dear Philothea, for this warfare; and rest assured, that for as many victories as we shall gain over these trifling enemies, so many gems shall be added to the crown of glory which God is preparing for us in heaven. Wherefore I say, that being ever ready to fight courageously against great temptations, we must in the meantime diligently defend ourselves against those that seem small and inconsiderable.

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