SR
Rules and Weapons of Spiritual Battle/Book 1 · Twelve Rules and Twelve Weapons of Spiritual Battle
Chapter 2PicoR.1.2

Duodecim arma spiritualis pugnae quae in promptu haberi debent cum peccandi libido mentem subdit

The Emptiness of Pleasure

Pleasure is fleeting and meager, bringing only disgust, anxiety, and the loss of a greater good.

Pleasure is brief and meager. Disgust and anxiety are its companions. The loss of a greater good.

Life's Fleeting Shadow

Life passes like a sleep and a shadow, and death arrives both imminent and unforeseen.

Life is a sleep and a shadow. Death is imminent and unforeseen.

The Weight of Despair and the Stakes of Eternity

The soul fears it has passed beyond repentance, confronted by the twin realities of eternal reward and eternal punishment.

The suspicion of being beyond repentance. An eternal reward — and an eternal punishment.

Dignity, Order, and Grace

Human dignity and nature, the peace of a well-ordered mind, and God's blessings together describe the soul's true estate.

Human dignity and human nature. The peace of a well-ordered mind. God's blessings.

The Cross and the Witnesses of Faith

The cross of Christ and the examples of the martyrs and saints call the believer to take up the spiritual battle.

The cross of Christ. The testimonies of the martyrs and the examples of the saints.

Read the original Latin

Voluptas breuis et exígua.

Comites fastidium et anxietas.

Iactura maioris boni.

Vita somnus et umbra.

Mors instans et improuisa.

Suspitio impoenitentiae.

Aeternum praemium: aeterna poena.

Hominis dignitas et natura.

Pax bonae mentis.

Dei beneficia.

Crux christi.

Testimonia martyrum et exempla sanctorum.

Rules and Weapons of Spiritual Battle companion

Drill one rule or weapon each morning

Chosen Portion serves Pico's rules — and the whole royal devotional archive — as free daily readings.

Pico meant these rules to be reviewed constantly, not read once, and Chosen Portion turns them into a rotating daily drill on your phone.

  • All 24 rules and weapons as individual daily portions, each with its Scripture references
  • A 2-minute morning drill: today's rule, its meaning, and a short prayer
  • After Pico's 24 days, continue with à Kempis, Anselm, and 70+ more historic works
Chosen Portion — Daily Prayer (free iOS app)