formed by repeated acts of sin, can only be removed by repeated acts of the opposite virtue, and thus a counter-habit of holiness be attained.
Moreover, a greater number of good acts are required to form a habit of virtue than of evil acts to form a vicious habit; in that the former are not in alliance with our nature, which is corrupt, but the latter are always aided by it.
Again, I would add to all that has been said, that, if the virtue you are striving to acquire need it, you must perform the outward acts in conformity with the inward; as, for example, speaking gently and lovingly, and, if possible, rendering services, to those who have in any way vexed and thwarted you.
And although these acts—both inward and outward—are done, or seem to be done, with such weakness of spirit as to make them appear to be a most unwilling service, yet you must on no account fail to do them; because, however weak they may be, they will keep you strong and secure in the battle, and make easy before you the path to victory.
Stand on your guard, and be self-controlled, so as to be ready to resist every assault of the passions, not only such as are hot and violent, but also the slightest and the gentlest movement; for these latter open the way for the former, and thus habits of sin are afterwards generated in us.
