Chapter XIII.
Of the advantage of the delay which results from the
struggle between flesh and spirit.
But
from the differences which
this conflict causes, there arises a delay that is so far advantageous
to us, and from this struggle an adjournment that is for our good, so
that while through the resistance of the material body we are hindered
from carrying out those things which we have wickedly conceived with
our minds, we are sometimes recalled to a better mind either by
penitence springing up, or by some better thoughts which usually come
to us when delay in carrying out things, and time for reflection
intervene. Lastly, those who, as we know, are not prevented from
carrying out the desires of their free will by any hindrances of the
flesh, I mean devils and spiritual wickednesses, these, since they have
fallen from a higher and angelical state, we see are in a worse plight
than men, much in as much as (owing to the fact that opportunity is
always present to gratify their desires) they are not delayed from
irrevocably performing whatever evil they have imagined because as
their mind is quick to conceive it, so their substance is ready and
free to carry it out; and while a short and easy method is given them
of doing what they wish, no salutary second thoughts come in to amend
their wicked intention.