The Benefit of Delay

But from the differences this conflict causes there arises a delay that is to our advantage, and from this struggle a postponement that is for our good. While the resistance of the material body keeps us from carrying out what we have wickedly conceived in our minds, we are sometimes called back to a better mind, either by repentance springing up or by some better thoughts, which usually come to us when there is delay in carrying things out and time for reflection comes between. Finally, there are those who, as we know, are not hindered by any obstacles of the flesh from carrying out the desires of their free will: I mean the demons and the spiritual forces of wickedness. Since they have fallen from a higher, angelic state, we see that they are in a worse plight than men, because the opportunity to satisfy their desires is always at hand. Nothing delays them from carrying out irrevocably 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 since a short and easy way is given them of doing what they wish, no saving second thoughts come in to correct their wicked intention. [a]