David continually asks the Lord to strengthen his heart against cowardice and discouragement; and it is our privilege in this war that we are certain to vanquish so long as we are willing to fight.
...
Be sure, my daughter, that if you seek to lead a devout life, you must not merely forsake
sin; but you must further cleanse your heart from all affections pertaining to sin; for, to say
nothing of the danger of a relapse, these wretched affections will perpetually enfeeble your
mind, and clog it, so that you will be unable to be diligent, ready and frequent in good works,
wherein nevertheless lies the very essence of all true devotion. Souls which, in spite of having
forsaken sin, yet retain such likings and longings, remind us of those persons who, without
being actually ill, are pale and sickly, languid in all they do, eating without appetite, sleeping
without refreshment, laughing without mirth, dragging themselves about rather than
walking briskly. Such souls as I have described lose all the grace of their good deeds, which
are probably few and feeble, through their spiritual languor. St. Francis de Sales
