Excerpt from The Groundwork of Christian Perfection - After we have laid aside sin and vice in a attitude of charity we now have the foundation from which to build Christian perfection but we have yet to begin the important work of actualizing it in our lives. We have only removed the obstacles to such a life. In order to gain true spiritual perfection we must do the work, that without, there is no salvation. These good works are accomplished through the practice of virtue, in particular through the Theological and Cardinal Virtues. This is accomplished through developing habits - of Prayer, Truth, Temperance, Reverence for God and the things of Religion, etc, — that once properly inculcated will allow us more easily to practice these virtues. Finally, we should also take heed to the Evangelical Counsels, those recommended practices that our Lord suggests, that while not obligatory, are of great benefit to a life of spiritual perfection.