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WE ought therefore, in accordance with their teaching and instruction,
so to press towards it, and to be diligent in fastings, vigils, prayers,
and contrition of heart and body, for fear lest all these things should be
rendered useless by an attack of this malady. For we ought to believe not
merely that we cannot secure this actual perfection by our own efforts and
exertions, but also that we cannot perform those things which we practise
for its sake, viz., our efforts and exertions and desires, without the
assistance of the divine protection, and the grace of His inspiration,
chastisement, and exhortation, which He ordinarily sheds abroad in our
hearts either through the instrumentality of another, or in His own person
coming to visit us.
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