Three Books on the Death of Christ and Self-Reflection, and Two Books on the Study of Divine and Human Philosophy

They become peaceful
Machinations of the devil

they negotiate a truce, as it were, so that we, being too secure, might lead lazy slumbers within the tents. From there, he invades the camp in open warfare, most openly suggesting vices by which we ourselves might defeat and surrender ourselves. He attacks the walls at times with tunnels, enticing the mind under the hope of something good, so that we might be caught like fish by a hook. At times he persuades us to undertake something immensely difficult, by which, exhausted in body or mind, we succumb to the burden. More often, he also shows us the hope of indulgence so that we might be of small heart, and neglect those noble efforts which are not always endowed with spiritual riches. Now, trusting too much in divine help, he lets us revel in vices, promising easy access to the heavens, promising a suitable time for penitence before we pour out our soul. And again, so that we might despair of the mercy of God—which is the highest, which is the greatest—he represents that path which leads to life as thorny, arduous, slippery, and inaccessible. He also sends in countless scruples and various fears. And he attempts to drive us entirely to the point where, abrogating faith in the Gospel, we live a life like Sardanapalus. But those are blinded and indeed, in this life, most miserable, upon whom the demon imposes this trickery. For there is no peace for the wicked, as the Prophet teaches, but great peace for those who love God. Therefore, one must stand strongly in faith, and also fight briskly and strenuously. Indeed, it is worth the effort that the image of Christ resides always in our mind, by which, as if by a soldier of the guard always prepared at his station, we might be able to encounter the coming enemy, beware of his snares, and notice even the smallest movements of his. For by this most powerful defense, we are to show in the third book that we can triumph over the wicked demon. However, that which is written of Job must be held fixed in the mind: that the life of man upon the earth is a militia. We must not be mocked, believing that it is necessary to enter the fight only after long consultation. For we must continually stand, armed with the cross of Christ, continually prepared for wars, always hoping for and always imploring His help, just as we read that those most approved ancient monks did, by the authority of Cassianus, who sent frequent and, as it were, ejaculated prayers to God, very often turning in mind and mouth