causes the object to seem more than ever desirable, or hateful to the will.
Therefore, unless the rule which has been laid down be observed (which is of the utmost importance), those two faculties—so noble and so excellent—the intellect and the will, will be made to act and re-act upon one another in a miserable circle, each in turn misleading the other, darkness producing thicker darkness, and error deeper error.
Guard yourself with the greatest care against any irregular affection; whatsoever the object which is presented to you may be, first examine it and test it by the light of the understanding, that you may discover its true nature, and especially by the light of grace and prayer, and with the guidance of your spiritual father.
And I would advise you to observe this most carefully in any outward works which are holy and of good report, for in such we are in greater danger of illusion and indiscretion, because they appear so good in themselves.
Some circumstance of time, place, or degree, or some fault as to obedience, may ruin the whole, as has been the case with many who have incurred great peril through the performance of actions in themselves praiseworthy and most holy.
