In the same way if your mule is strong and you put a heavy burden upon it, it bears it well. And if he does happen to stumble, he gets up rapidly and does not seem to see its fall. But if he is a weak animal the same cargo weighs him down. If he falls it takes considerable help to revive him. So also with the soul. If it continues to sin it becomes sick. If sin makes a man weak and unhealthy on account of it, the smallest thing that occurs will burden him. But if a man is progressing regularly what occurs becomes less and less burdensome to bear in proportion to the ground he has gained. And
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