3. The demon understands full well that the temptation is to be adapted to each one’s character. With many there is from the beginning an inordinate love of honor and distinction; these may at once be assailed on their weak point and more rapidly led into pride. Others are more readily allured by the bait of pleasure; they may first be tempted by innocent amusements, then by more inordinate enjoyment, till they cast off all restraint, loving self to the contempt of the Creator, which is but another form of pride. _POINT II._ Now consider the opposing camp. 1. There behold the gentle Saviour, not enthroned, but humbly standing in the midst of His followers, as it were an equal to the least. His serene countenance is lit by a genial smile, inspiring all with love and confidence; “Beautiful above the sons of men, grace is poured abroad in thy lips—Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore God, thy God, hath annointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Ps. 44). 2. Listen to the instructions He gives to His Angels and the human ministers of His mercy. He says: “Go ye into the whole world, to every country, every province, every city, town and hamlet, enter every house, and induce every man, woman, and child to labor for their eternal happiness, by the practice of self-restraint and moderation in all their desires; let all be satisfied with a decent competency of wealth, detaching their hearts from earthly possessions, so as to acquire poverty of spirit, and to be ready to embrace even actual poverty, if the spirit of God should be pleased to lead them to that perfection. Induce them next to willingness to be slighted, even despised, so as to resemble Me more closely. The result will be true humility, which is the root of all the virtues.” _Colloquy_, first with your Mother Mary, asking her to obtain from her Divine Son, true poverty of spirit, and willingness to become actually poor, if God should wish it. Then ask the Saviour through His love for Mary, as man, to obtain these graces for you from His Heavenly Father. Lastly ask the Father to grant you the same through His love for His Divine Son. This triple colloquy is a powerful prayer. THE SECOND MEDITATION On the Three Degrees of Humility _1st Prelude._ Imagine you behold Christ, who says to you: “My son, I will now show you the highest point of perfection to which I desire you to aspire for the present.” _2nd Prelude._ Speak, O Lord, Thy servant heareth. Give me the grace of generously complying with Thy invitation.