>>13725222>>13725327Therefore, my son, do not follow your concupiscence, but turn quickly away from your own will. Delight in God and fix your will strongly in Him, and He will give you the desires of your heart. If you will have consolation abundantly, and will receive the sure and faithful comfort that comes from God, dispose yourself fully to despise this world, and put aside completely all inordinate pleasures, and you will plentifully share the comfort of God. The more you withdraw yourself from the consolation of all creatures, the sweeter and more blessed consolations you will receive from your Creator.
But truly, you cannot at first arrive at such consolations without struggle and labor that must precede. Your old habits will somewhat forestall you, but better habits can overcome the old ones. The flesh will murmur against you, but it can be restrained by fervor of spirit. The old ancient enemy, the devil, will hinder you if he can, but by devout prayer he will be driven away, and by good bodily and spiritual labor his way will be blocked, and he will not dare come near you.
