Introduction to the Devout Life, Chapter viii (94)

Although we must fight great temptations with invincible courage, and the victory we win over them is of the utmost benefit to us, perhaps there is even greater advantage in fighting the small ones well; for though the great ones surpass them in quality, the small ones surpass them so immeasurably in number that the victory over them may be compared with that over the greatest. Wolves and bears are doubtless more dangerous than flies; but they do not cause us as much vexation and annoyance, nor do they exercise our patience as much. It is very easy to refrain from murder; but it is difficult to avoid petty angers, whose occasions present themselves at every moment. It is very easy not to be an adulterer; but it is not so easy to preserve the purity of the eyes, to say nothing of, or take no pleasure in hearing, anything that is called flirtation, not to give or receive tokens of love, nor little favors of friendship. It is not difficult visibly and outwardly to give no rival to a husband or a rival to a wife; but it is difficult enough not to give one in the depths of the heart. It is very easy not to steal another’s goods, but difficult not to covet them; very easy not to give false testimony in court, but difficult not to lie in conversation; very easy not to get drunk, but difficult always to be sober; very easy not to desire one’s neighbor’s death, but difficult not to desire his misfortune; very easy not to slander him, but difficult not to despise him. In short, these petty temptations of anger, suspicion, jealousy, envy, frivolity, vanity, duplicity, affectation, artifice, and unchaste thoughts are the continual exercise even of those who are most devout and most resolved to live well; therefore, my dear Philothea, we must prepare ourselves with great care for this combat; and be assured that for every victory we win over these little enemies, we shall add as many precious stones to the crown of glory that God prepares for us in His paradise. Therefore I say that, while preparing ourselves to fight well and valiantly against the great temptations, should they come upon us, we must also defend ourselves well and diligently against the small and feeble assaults of the little ones.