The Devil Triumphant
When by presumption, or negligence, or weakness, we have opened our hearts to the devil, what takes place?
He enters in and dwells there, says Our Lord, and the last state of that man is made worse than the first. Why is this?
Because, by repeated sin, the horror of it diminishes, the withdrawal of so much grace weakens the soul, and light and faith are darkened, bad habits are formed, and become, as S. Austin said, speaking from experience, a second nature - Fit habitus peccandi, et habitus fit altera natura. It is the greatest misery that can befall us.
-A Father of the Society Jesus.
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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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