Discernment of evil spirits according to I. Loyola

Joined: Jan 19, 2021 Posts: 1 Status: **Offline**

Discernment of evil spirits according to I. Loyola

Rule 1. To people who fall from one grave sin into another grave sin, the enemy usually shows apparent pleasures and makes them imagine sensual joys and pleasures, in order to strengthen them more firmly and more firmly in their vices and sins. In these same persons, the good spirit acts in an opposite manner, pricking and gnawing at their conscience according to the natural capacity of their reason for correct judgment.

Rule 2: In persons who are striving earnestly to purge themselves of their sins and to serve God our Lord more and more, the opposite of the first rule happens. For then the quality of the evil spirit is to vex and grieve, and to hinder and disturb with false arguments, only to prevent progress. And the property of the good spirit is to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and peace, to soften and remove obstacles, so that one may proceed in good.

Rule 3 On Spiritual Consolation. By consolation I mean [the experience] when there arises in the soul a certain inward stirring which causes it to be inflamed to love its Creator and Lord, and, consequently, when it cannot love any created thing on the face of the earth except in the Creator of all things. Likewise, when she sheds tears inclining to love her Lord, because of sorrow for her sins, or the passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly directed to His service and glory. Finally, by consolation I mean every increase of hope, faith, and love, and every inward joy which calls and draws one's soul to heavenly things and to the salvation of one's own soul, calming and soothing it in its Creator and Lord.