Among the other things required in the combat, one is continual perseverance in the constant mortification of our passions, which never die in this life; rather, they sprout in every hour, like a weed. And this is a battle that you cannot avoid as it ends only in death. Whoever refuses to fight by necessity is either captured or killed.
Besides that, we must engage enemies who bring us continual hatred. Thus, we can hope neither for piece nor for a truce, for they kill more cruelly those who seek to become their friends. That said, you should not grow frightened at their strength and number, for the only ones who can be overcome in this battle are those who wish it. And all our enemies’ power lies in the hand of the Captain in whose honor we need to fight. Not only does he not permit them to prevail over us, but he will even take up arms for you. Being more powerful than all your adversaries, he will place the victory in your hand if, fighting manfully alongside him, you trust not in yourself but in his power and goodness. Do not lose heart, even if the Lord does not grant you a quick palm of victory. Indeed, you should be even more certain of one thing, and this will hearten you even to fight faithfully: if you conduct yourself as a faithful and generous warrior, he will transform everything that rises against you to your benefit and advantage, including those that seem distant and or even contrary to your victory, regardless of what kind. Thus, daughter,following your heavenly Captain who for you has conquered the world and has consigned himself to death, engage with magnanimous heart in this battle to the complete destruction of your foes: should you leave even one of them standing, it will be as a beam in your eye and a thorn in your side, and will obstruct the path to so glorious a victory.