p, keeping it on its proper course. {97} Those
we shall consider especially are: (1) Constancy of mind and will; (2)
Patience; (3) Calmness; (4) Diligence.

IV. _The Practice of Constancy_

Thomas a Kempis says, "The beginning of all evil temptations is
inconstancy of mind, and small confidence in God, for as a ship without
a rudder is tossed to and fro by the waves, so the man who is slack and
quits his purpose is many ways tempted."[5]

God, knowing human weakness and incapacity, requires but little of man,
but He does emphatically require that this little be resolutely
purposed, and definitely executed. The soldier who threshes wildly
about the field, however fiercely and courageously, is not the one to
contribute to the victory. He who sets a definite purpose before him;
who knows just what he wants to do, and allows nothing to shake his
purpose, is the one on whom the commander can depend to accomplish
something in the battle.

So in our spiritual warfare the most important factor is definiteness
of purpose, and constancy in executing it. The Christian warfare must
be conducted by rule. When I arise each morning {98} to the work of
another day, I must know, as far as possible, what that work is; I must
know the particular method by which it is to be performed; I must have
submitted it all to God so that, feeling assured of "a right judgment
in all things," I shall be able to go forward to my duty without doubt
or hesitation. The army that knows not when to fight, whose officers
are in confusion and uncertainty regarding the next move, falls an easy
prey to the enemy. But let the same army be provided with a definite
plan of campaign; let every officer and man, each in his place, know
just what he is to do under every condition that may arise; and the
enemy will have no easy task to defeat it.

This all points to the necessity of the Christian having a Rule of
Life, and holding fast to it; allowing himself to be drawn off to
nothing else until that be fulfilled. Satan has a subtle way at times
of seeking to disturb our spirit of constancy by suggesting something
that, in itself, is better and higher than that we have resolved upon.
But let us not be deceived by this clever move on his part. If we have
undertaken a definite thing for God, that is the highest and best for
us until it be accomplished; and the thought that any thing can be more
pleasing to Him is but a wile of the devil; and to entertai