And for all those who shall be saved, it is needful above all things that, sooner or later, they be converted to the use of holy prayer. Wherefore a man should strive as much as possible to free himself from all the dregs of worldly concupiscence, that his prayer may be pure before God, and that he may derive therefrom devotion and divine consolation. Brother Giles said, furthermore, that a man in prayer ought to be like a good knight in battle, who, however hard pressed by his enemy, scorneth to leave the field, but resisteth manfully, striving to overcome his foe, that he may rejoice and triumph in the glory of victory. But if he should leave the battle for fear of wounds or death, assuredly he would meet with nothing but shame, confusion and dishonour. But if, because of temptations, a man abandon prayer, he will certainly be defeated, dishonoured and overcome by his adversary the devil.
Good works adorn the soul.
But we who are blind, when we see any man virtuous and pleasing to God, understand not his perfection because of our own blindness and imperfection. This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at Calvin College. Last updated on May 27, 1999.