156 158 160 163 · 165 SHIP LVI STRIFE BETWEEN NATIONS IS BARBARIC LVII MEN OF ALL RACES ARE BROTHERS LXX THE IDEAL IS THE SOURCE OF ENTHUSIASM LXXI OUR FINEST HOPE IS FINEST MEMORY LXXII IDEALS MUST BE BUILT ON THE REAL 213 LXXXIII WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE LOVE IS IN VAIN AND WITHOUT LOVE KNOWLEDGE IS VAIN CHAPTER I BE NOT LED INTO TEMPTATION 1. It mercifully falleth out that we become not extempore wicked, but it taketh some time and pains to undo ourselves. We fall not from virtue, like Vulcan from heaven, in a day. IT TAKETH TO UNDO US 2. Bad dispositions require some time to grow into bad habits, so that by gradual depravations, and while we are but staggeringly evil, we are not left without thoughtful rebukes and merciful interventions, to recall us unto ourselves. THE STEPS 3. Temptation usually beginneth with the fantasy and appetite, and representeth some worldly, fleshly thing as very pleasant and desirable. IN TEMPTATION 4. Next, it causeth this complacency to entice the thoughts, so that they are much and oft in thinking on this pleasure. 5. Next, the will is drawn into a liking of it, and he wisheth he might enjoy it; whether it be riches, or A pleasant dwellings, or pleasant meats or drinks, or fleshly accommodations, or honour, or command, or ease, or lust. 6. Next, the understanding is drawn into the design, and is casting or contriving how it may be obtained; and, all lawful means are first considered of, that, if possible, the business might be accomplished without the hazard of the soul. 7. Next, endeavours are used to that end, by such means as are supposed lawful, and the conscience quieted with the conceit of the harmlessness and security. 8. By this time the man is engaged in his carnal course, and so the difficulty of returning is increased; and the inclination of the heart groweth stronger to the sensual pleasure than before. 9. And then he is drawn to prosecute his design by any means how sinful soever; if it be possible, making himself believe by some reasonings or other, that all is lawful still; or if the case be too palpable to be so cloaked, conscience at last is cast asleep, and seared, and stupefied, that it may be silent under all. 10. First there cometh to the mind a bare thought, then a strong imagination of evil, then a delight thereof and an evil motion, and then consent; and so by little. and little our wicked enemy getteth complete entrance, whilst he is not resisted at the beginning. 11. Between the acting of a dreadful thing Like to a little kingdom, suffers then 12. Run not into extremities from whence there is no regression; make no haste or bustle into ruin. Post not heedlessly on unto the non ultra of folly, or precipice of perdition. POST NOT HEEDLESSLY ON 13. If a man instantly turned his ears and mind away, the assault would be easily repulsed, but as soon as he opens his ears so far as to dwell upon and dally with temptation, he is already well-nigh conquered, and the strife is at the hardest. 14. But as soon as thou hast bravely turned thine ear away, thou hast well-nigh prevailed; for this enables thee to hear the inward voice, and takes away thy deaf ness. 15. Resist thine inclination in the very beginning, lest perhaps by little and little it draw thee to greater difficulty. 16. Especially in the beginning is the enemy more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of our hearts, but be resisted without the gate at his first knock. 17. Wherefore one said: Withstand the beginnings, for an after-remedy comes often too late. 18. Fly from a tempting object for thy safety, as thou wouldst fly from an enemy for thy life. FORBEAR THE THE BAIT 19. These loving enemies are more danger- PRESENCE OF ous than hating enemies; they get the key of our heart, and come in and steal our treasure, when an open enemy is suspected and shut out. |