'Memory of carnal lusts is revolting; for not only does
it prevent us from converse with God, but even when the mind seems to
be praying, it defiles it with the fantasies of abominable
representations. It is good to remain in constant prayer and to exercise
the mind in converse with God. But is it so with us? We are frequently
diverted from the words of the prayer, we follow thoughts that lead us
away, neither denying them nor being saddened by them -- which would
have shown that our will disagreed with unseemly suggestions. Although
our outward aspect is appropriate to prayer, for we kneel and appear to
those who see us to be praying, in our thought we imagine something
pleasant, graciously talk with friends, angrily abuse enemies, feast
with guests, build houses for our relatives, plant trees, travel, trade,
are forced against our will into priesthood, organize with great
circumspection the affairs of the churches placed in our care, and go
over most of it in our thoughts, consenting to any thought that comes
along, in whatever way passion chooses to dispose our heart.'
