List of points

Don't hide from your Director those insinuations of the enemy. Your victory, on taking him into your confidence, brings you more grace from God. And moreover you now have what will help you to keep on conquering, your spiritual father's prayers and his gift of counsel.

Never speak of impure things or events, not even to lament them. Remember that such matter is stickier than pitch. Change the subject or, if that is not possible, continue with it, speaking of the need and the beauty of purity — a virtue of men who know the value of their souls.

The saints were not abnormal beings: cases to be studied by a 'modernistic' doctor. They were — they are — normal: of flesh, like yours. And they won.

'The flesh though dressed in silk'… This is my only comment when I see you waver before the temptation that hides its impurity under pretexts of art, of science…, of charity!

This is my only comment set in the words of an old proverb: 'The flesh is flesh though dressed in silk.'

'What a wretched man am I! Who will rescue me from this body doomed to death?' The cry is Saint Paul's. — Courage: he too had to fight.

At the time of temptation think of the Love that awaits you in heaven: foster the virtue of hope — this is not a lack of generosity.

Whatever happens, there is no need to worry as long as you don't consent. For only the will can open the door of the heart and let that corruption in.

You write: 'Father, I have a… toothache in my heart'. — I won't laugh, because I realize that you need a good dentist to do a few 'extractions' for you.

If only you were willing!…

'If only I had broken it off at the start!' you said. — Let us hope you haven't to repeat that tardy complaint.

How clear the way! How easily seen the obstacles! What good weapons to overcome them!… — And nevertheless, what side-tracking and what stumbling! Isn't it true?

That fine thread — that chain: that chain of wrought iron — of which you and I are conscious and which you don't want to break, that is what draws you from your way and makes you stumble and even fall.

Why do you hesitate? — Cut it… and advance!

Confused-I knew you were in danger of making the wrong decision. And so that you could understand me, I wrote: The devil has a very ugly face, and since he is so clever, he won't risk our seeing his horns. He never makes a direct attack. That is why he so often comes in the disguise of nobleness and even of spirituality!

Let your heart overflow in effusions of Love and gratitude as you consider how God's grace each day saves you from the snares that the enemy has set in your path.