93. Since this proprium of man constitutes the first root of his life, it is evident what sort of a tree a man would become if this root were not extirpated and a new root implanted. He would be a rotten tree, of which it is said that it is to be cut down and cast into the fire, Matt. iii 10; vii 19. This root is not removed and a new one implanted in its stead, unless a man regards the evils which constitute the root as hurtful to his soul, and on that account desires to remove them. But since they belong to his proprium and are consequently delightful to him, he cannot remove them except unwillingly and by struggling against them, and thus by combat.