The Length and Difficulty of the Way
How long and tedious must be the way to perfection, even to souls well disposed by nature and education - for to others it is almost impassable - may be understood by any intelligent soul who recalls her own experience. How obstinate, inflexible, and tenacious is self-love! How long it takes to subdue even one habitual evil inclination and affection!
Thus, what fallings and risings in her passions and corrupt desires! When she thinks them subdued and almost forgotten, they rise again and renew the combat with as great or even greater violence than before. Not till the root, self-love, is withered, so that we do not deliberately suffer it to spring forth and bear fruit - for utterly killed it cannot be in this life; not till we have lost at least all affection to every sinful desire, will perfect charity reign in our souls.
-Father Baker.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
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