The Many Shapes of Empty Glory

Our other faults and passions may be called simpler, each having only one form. This one takes many forms and shapes. It shifts about, attacks the man who stands up against it from every quarter, and assaults its conqueror on all sides. It tries to injure the soldier of Christ in his dress, his manner, his walk, his voice, his work, his vigils, his fasts, his prayers, when he withdraws from others, when he reads, in his knowledge, his silence, his obedience, his humility and his patience. Like some most dangerous rock hidden under surging waves, it brings an unforeseen and miserable shipwreck on those who are sailing with a fair wind, while they are not watching for it or guarding against it. [a]