What the Mind Can Do with Its Thoughts

It is impossible for the mind not to be approached by thoughts, but it is in the power of every earnest man either to admit them or to reject them. So, as their rising up does not wholly depend on ourselves, their rejection or admission lies in our own power. But because we said that it is impossible for the mind not to be approached by thoughts, you must not lay everything to the charge of the assault, or of those spirits who strive to put them into us. Otherwise no free will would remain in man, and efforts for our improvement would not be in our power. Rather, it is, I say, to a great extent in our power to improve the character of our thoughts, and to let either holy and spiritual thoughts or earthly ones grow up in our hearts. This is why frequent reading and continual meditation on the Scriptures are used: so that from them an occasion for calling spiritual things to mind may be given us. This is why the frequent singing of Psalms is used: so that from it constant feelings of heartfelt sorrow may be supplied. And this is why earnest vigils and fasts and prayers are used: so that the mind may be brought low and not mind earthly things, but contemplate heavenly ones. For if these things are dropped and carelessness creeps over us, the mind, hardened by the foulness of sin, is sure to lean toward the flesh and fall away. [a]