Chapter XVIII. That the Spirit being enclined to good, the Flesh resists it

These things then, and such like things as these, Reason interiorly suggests unto the Will, and this so much more copiously, by how much more perfectly it is instructed by the illumination of the Holy Ghost. And happy they indeed, whose Wills so yielded and acquiesced in Reason's Council, that conceiving from fear, were afterwards cherished by the Celestial Promises, and in fine, brought forth the Spirit of Salvation. But perhaps the will shall be found rebellious and obstinate, and not only impatient of admonitions, but even worse for them, harder for threats, and more embittered by all the kind of cherishings you can use. Nay, perhaps she will be found not only nothing moved by the suggestions of reason, but perhaps being put into a strange fury, may answer, saying; How long do I endure to hear you prattle? your Preaching concerns not me: I know that you are crafty, but your craft has no place in me. And perhaps calling to her all the parts of the Body, she commands them more than usually to obey her wonted Concupiscences, and to serve her accustomed Wickednesses. Hence, to wit, is that which we learn by daily experiences, that they who are deliberating to be converted, are more smartly tempted by the concupiscence of the flesh; and they are urged more grievously in works of dirt and brick, who strive to get out of Egypt, and to rid themselves of the Tyrannical Empire of Pharaoh.