great danger in worldly allurements

St Cyprian,—or whoever is the Author of that Treatise of the single life of tho Clergy,—says that, " the farther a man is from adversity, the less he feels it; and he that comes not where there is much pleasure, is less stirred to pleasure; and he that sees not riches, is less tempted with avarice. To me it seems too violent a thing for a man always to have his eye upon what is delightful, and pleasing, and still to strive and overcome himself in abstaining from it; and it cannot last long - for it is a saying received even among Philosophers, that no violent thing is lasting. We see and experience it daily by the combat we suffer in overcoming our appetite and delight in meat; if a variety of dainty dishes are set before us, they set such an edge upon our stomach, that we have some difficulty to keep within the limits of temperance and moderation. But if a man see not these things, it is then very easy to abstain; because the thought of the same things does not so much whet the appetite as the sight of them; and the same may be said of all other things ; for the nature of our desire and passion is the same, and the force of sense is alike in all. What St. Augustine in his confessions, relates of Alipius, expresses very clearly the great danger in worldly allurements; and St. Basil tells us, not only to bridle our inward passions and desires, but to avoid the meeting with such external things as are apt to inflame them, and so darken our judgment and understanding, as to raise trouble and tumult within us. For it is ill, but pardonable, to be overcome in a fight which another raises against our will; but to bring trouble voluntary upon ourselves, and to thrust ourselves upon mischief when we need not, scarce deserves either pardon or pity. From all this we may easily discover the danger of a secular, and see plainly the happiness of a Religious life; for as St. Macarius said, this general renunciation of all things, not only invites, but compels us to seek heavenly things; and, no doubt, that is the chief reason why Christ advises us to forsake our kindred, and to sell all, and give it to the poor; for knowing that the Devil uses these as instruments to draw us to earthly things, Our Redeemer bids us leave them all, that we may perforce seek heavenly things, and keep our hearts fixed upon God.

Origin and progress of religious orders, and Happiness of a religious state

By Fr. Hieronymus Platus