the mystical temple of god 596 What then shall I say about Judgment? That most holy Founder of the Oratory of Jesus and most enlightened Teacher of spiritual matters, Philip Neri,67 scrutinized the spirit of his followers by their mortification. For when he would see that some readily gave way in an argumentation even when asserted by good reasons, it is said that he greatly praised them; and he would then apply two fingers to their forehead, saying that in them rested holiness, intimating by this, I believe, the mortification of the will and of judgment. And I do not dare add anything to this. It is a conspicuous and rare virtue: to allow oneself to be conquered by another when you have victory at hand. Yet I do not want anyone to be silent, when it is necessary to speak, or give way, when he should prevail, especially if the dangerous opinion, or the less probable teaching, or indeed one that is already rejected, is advanced or defended. I personally desire to flee far from such conversations, and I desire always to be absent from them; but if I should be present, my intent is not to withdraw from fighting for the truth and defending it. Finally, you must then mortify and restrain the imagination when less virtuous images flow into it. Indeed, one must attend to this most unbridled horse everywhere, since it is with us everywhere. But if you do not want to restrain it in such a way as to do damage to the brain or head, which I personally do not advise, at least do what is to be done persistently, not giving attention [to] the insolence of the imagination until it becomes accustomed to make itself subject to reason. The imagination is that Bucephalus, which Alexander alone knew how and was able to handle.68 Here we need to be Alexanders. Do not despise exterior mortification either: it is salutary and very advantageous. For what is more profitable to man with regard to either eternal glory or the edification of his neighbors than to strive skillfully and wisely to ensure that each of our 67 St. Philip Neri (d. 1595), Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. 68 Bucephalus: “famous horse of Alexander the Great, given to him by Philip because he alone succeeded in riding and subduing him;” anon., Bucephalus: EI VIII, 10.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==