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IN our fifth combat we have to resist the pangs of gnawing dejection:
for if this, through separate attacks made at random, and by haphazard and
casual changes, has secured an opportunity of gaining possession of our
mind it keeps us back at all times from all insight in divine
contemplation, and utterly ruins and depresses the mind that has fallen
away from its complete state of purity. It does not allow it to say its
prayers with its usual gladness of heart, nor permit it to rely on the
comfort of reading the sacred writings, nor suffer it to be quiet and
gentle with the brethren; it makes it impatient and rough in all the duties
of work and devotion: and, as all wholesome counsel is lost, and
steadfastness of heart destroyed, it makes the feelings almost mad and
drunk, and crushes and overwhelms them with penal despair.
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