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PUTTING ONE DEMON
AGAINST THE OTHER When
attacked by the devil of vainglory, we counter with the weapon of
humility; When attacked by the devil of fornication, we fight it with
chastity. Humility and chastity are signs of an advanced
spiritual state. But
what if we have neither humility nor chastity; then use one devil
against another devil. When
attacked by the devil of vainglory, oppose him with the devil of
fornication because it is not possible for the two to attack the soul
together for one promises honor, the other causes dishonor. So,
if the devil of fornication disturbs you, use the devil of vainglory
to oppose him. This is like using a nail to drive another nail
and shows you are on the way to defeating the demons. Try
hard to defeat the devil by using the opposite devil; but try
harder to overcome the devil with virtue. Abba
Evagrius, "Century on Active Life"
(01-23-05) | 
