Many seek to flee temptations and fall more grievously into them.  By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by patience and true humility we are made stronger than all our enemies. He who only avoids them outwardly, and does not pluck them up by the roots, will profit little.  Yes, temptations will the sooner return to him, and he will find himself in a worse case than before. Little by little, and by patience with patient endurance (through God's help) you will more easily overcome, than with violence and your own importunity.
Often take counsel in temptation, and deal not roughly with him who is tempted; but give him comfort as you would wish for yourself.
The beginning of all evil temptations is inconstancy of mind, and small confidence in God. For as a ship; without a helm is tossed to and fro with the waves, so the man who is careless, and apt to leave his purpose, is tempted in many ways.
Fire proves iron, and temptation a just man. Often we know not what we are able to do, but temptation shows us what we are. Yet we must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation. The enemy is then more easily overcome, if he is not permitted to enter the door of our hearts, but is resisted from his first knock. Wherefore one said:
