Whence a certain man said: Withstand the beginning, after-remedies come too late.
For first a bare thought comes to the mind, then a strong imagination; afterwards delight, and evil motion and consent.
And thus, by little and little, the wicked enemy gets full entrance, when he is not resisted in the beginning.
And how much the longer a man is negligent in resisting: so much the weaker does he daily become in himself, and the enemy becomes stronger against him.
7. Some suffer great temptations in the beginning of their conversion, and some in the end.
And some there are who are much troubled in a manner all their life time.
Some are but lightly tempted, according to the Wisdom and equity of the ordinance of God, who weighs the state and merits of men, and pre-ordains all for the salvation of his elect.
8. We must not therefore despair when we are tempted, but pray to God with so much the more fervour, that he may vouchsafe to help us in all tribulations: who, no doubt, according to the saying of St. Paul, will make such issue with the temptation, that we may be able to sustain it. 1 Corinthians x.
Let us therefore humble our souls, under the hand of God in all temptations and tribulations: for the humble in spirit he will save and exalt.