Chapter 5.1a - Conquering Temptations - Memory of the Presence of God

 Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis de Ponte SJ

Chapter 5.1a - Conquering Temptations - Memory of the Presence of God 

2. This memory of the presence of God is, then, the most efficacious means of conquering the temptations of the devil, the world and the flesh; not only from the holy fear we shall experience in the presence of the Judge who will chastise us if we consent; but also it will greatly stimulate our courage to see Almighty God at our side, who will help us to overcome and will be our patron and protector in this warfare.

Moreover David said: 

I will set the Lord always in my sight; for He is at my right hand that I be not moved [Psalm xv, 8] nor conquered.

On these words Cassian [Coll 12, c. 5.] makes the following remarks: 

            "He alone will be able to understand and efficaciously carry out the meaning of this verse who realises that he owes the spotlessness of his soul and body to the preservation of God; for he himself cannot preserve it unless God stand at his right hand to protect him from the evils which the hands of his enemies shall work for his overthrow."

But fortified by such assistance he may say with holy Job:

        Set me beside thee, and let any man's hand fight against me [xvii, 3].

And since more powerful and greater, says Saint John, is He that is in me, that is, God, than he that is in the world [1 John iv,4], the devil, that is, our victory will be assured by His presence and help.