You may distinguish between worldly friendship and that which is good and holy, just as one distinguishes that poisonous honey from what is good-it is sweeter to the taste than ordinary honey, owing to the aconite infused -and so worldly friendship is profuse in honeyed words, passionate endearments, commendations of beauty and sensual charms, while true friendship speaks a simple honest language, lauding nought save the Grace of God, it’s one only foundation. Consequently, when he seeks to interpose, he does it stealthily, and strives to insinuate impurity almost imperceptibly. They may begin with a virtuous affection, but if discretion be lacking, frivolity will creep in, and then sensuality, till their love becomes carnal: even in spiritual love there is a danger if people are not on the watch, although it is not so easy to be deluded therein, inasmuch as the very purity and transparency of spiritual affection show Satan’s stains more promptly. We must be on our guard not to be deceived in making friendships, especially between persons of the opposite sexes, for not unfrequently Satan deludes those who love one another.
TAKE notice, my child, that the honey of Heraclyum, which is so poisonous, altogether resembles that which is wholesome, and there is great danger of mistaking one for the other, or of mixing them, for the virtue of one would not counteract the harmfulness of the other. This is a Discerning Hearts recording read by Correy Webb PART 3 – CHAPTER XX.
Part 3 – Chapter 20 of the Introduction to the Devout Life by St.
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