SLAVERY TO
THE THREE SPIRITS
The soul that often gives in to the
spirit of the flesh and the spirit of the world and the malicious
spirit eventually becomes a slave of said spirits. In its great
confusion it can only do what these three spirits want. This is the
result of a long-standing and habitual acquiescence to their
suggestions so that the soul becomes carnal, worldly and wicked on
its own accord. With no outside promptings, it breeds lustful,
carnal and worldly, but, worst of all, cruel thoughts.
At this point, we do not know who is
speaking, us or the three spirits. But does it matter when they say
the same dangerous things? The evil that arises in our hearts may
either come from these three evil spirits or, by your continuous
consent, from you.
If it is the three spirits that are
speaking and not you, humbly turn to prayer and counsel. In this way
you will withstand their attacks. But if it is your spirit, rebuke
him sharply and with tears repent that you fell into so great evil
and slavery; confess your habitual acquiescence and your often
repeated sins. By this you might just recover your freedom
again.
The Cloud of Unknowing
(01-05-02)
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