May 18

“A single sin, however apparently trifling, however hidden in some obscure corner of our consciousness, - a sin which we do not intend to renounce, - is enough to render real prayer impracticable. A course of action not wholly upright and honourable, feelings not entirely kind and loving, habits not spotlessly chaste and temperate, - any of these are impassable obstacles. If we know of a kind act which we might, but do not intend to perform, - if we be aware that our moral health requires the abandonment of some pleasure which yet we do not intend to abandon – here is cause enough for the loss of all spiritual power.”

F. P. COBBE

“There are many things that appear trifles, which greatly tend to enervate the soul, and hinder its progress in the path to virtue and glory. The habit of indulging in things which our judgment cannot thoroughly approve grows stronger and stronger by every act of self gratification, and we are led on by degrees to all excess of luxury which must greatly weaken our hands in the spiritual warfare. If we do not endeavour to do that which is right in every particular circumstance, though trifling, we shall be in great danger of letting the same negligence take place in matters more essential.”

MARGARET WOODS