It is therefore a thing not of the least importance, to forsake one's self even in the least things.
4. A man's true progress consists in denying himself; and the man that has renounced himself is very much at liberty, and very safe.
But the old enemy, who opposes all that is good, fails not to tempt; but day and night lays his dangerous plots to withdraw the unwary into his deceitful snare. Watch and pray, saith the Lord, that ye enter not into temptation. Matthew xxvi.
Chap. XL.
That man hath no good of himself,
and that he cannot glory in any thing.
3. Lord, what is man that thou art mindful of him; or the Son of Man that thou vouchsafest to visit him? Psalms vi.
What hath man deserved, that thou shouldst give him thy grace?
Lord what cause have I to complain if thou forsake me? Or what can I justly alledge, if thou refuse to grant my petition?
This, indeed, I may truly think and say: Lord, I am nothing, I can do nothing, I have nothing of myself that is good; but I fail and am defective in all things, and ever tend to nothing;
And unless I am supported and interiorly instructed by thee, I become quite tepid and dissolute.