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334 CITY OF GOD
ately back into their forget fulness, which for many of
them means no less than eternal punishment. If at all
times and in all places, in all their works and on all oc
casions the demons set their snares, it is but just and
proper that Christians on their part take not one step
without asking divine light to see and avoid the danger.
But as the children of Adam are so torpid in regard to
this matter, they perform scarcely
one work without
being assailed by the infernal serpent and infected by
his poison. Thus they accumulate sins upon sins, evil
upon evil, irritating the divine justice and shutting
out mercy.
362. In these dangers I exhort thee, my daughter,
that just as the fury and watchfulness of hell against
thee is greater, so also, with the divine grace, thy watch
fulness be more earnest and continual in order to van
quish those astute enemies. Consider what I did, when
I saw the designs of Lucifer to persecute me and the
holy Church I :
multiplied my prayers, tears, sighs and
supplications; and when the demons tried to avail them
selves of the help of Herod and the Jews of Jerusalem,
although I needed not fear the least for myself in the
city and desired to remain there, I nevertheless gave up
my desire of staying in order to furnish an example of
caution and of obedience by flying from danger and
by yielding to the will of saint John. Thou art not
strong and art in great danger from creatures ; and, what
is still more, thou art my disciple, and hast my
life and
works for thy model. Therefore I desire thee to fly
from danger as soon as thou seest it; and if necessary,
avoid it at the cost of the greatest sensible pain, always
acting under obedience, which thou must look upon as
thy guiding-star and as thy support against the danger
of a fall. Cautiously examine, whether beneath some
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