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THE CORONATION 271
sent to their ears and eyes the example of evil conduct
in their parents, their nurses, and older companions; to
make the parents neglectful in counteracting this bad ex
ample. For in this tender age, like in soft wax on the
unwritten tablet, all sensible impressions are deeply en
graved and thus afford the demons an opportunity to
move the inclinations and passions of the children; and
it is well known, that men ordinarily follow these incli
nations and passions, unless prevented by special in
fluences. Hence these children, coming to the use of
reason, will follow the bent of the inclinations and pas
sions in regard to sensible pleasures, with which their
imagination and phantasy are filled. As soon as they
fall into some sin, the demon immediately takes pos
session of their souls,- acquiring new right and power
for drawing them into other sins.
288. Not less active is the diligence and care of the
holy angels to prevent such damage and defend us from
the devil. They frequently inspire the parents with holy
thoughts, urging them to watch over the education of
their children, to catechize them in the law of God, to
enjoin upon them pious works and devotions, to with
draw from evil and exercise themselves in the virtues.
The same good thoughts they instil into the children as
they grow up, or according to the light given them by
God as to his intentions with the souls. In conducting
this defense they enter into great disputes with the de
mons; because those malign spirits allege all the sins of
the parents against the children and likewise the wrong
ful doings of the children themselves; for if they are
not guilty, the demons claim that their actions are the
result of his own activity and therefore that he has a
right to continue them in their souls. If the child, on
coming to the use of reason, commences to sin, they put
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