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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.
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