Not Every Demon Can Stir Every Passion

The Institutes, the Conferences and On the Incarnation

The Conferences, Conference 7

Not Every Demon Can Stir Every Passion

But we ought to know this: not all demons can plant all the passions in men. Particular spirits brood over each sin. Some gloat over uncleanness and filthy lusts, others over blasphemy; others are given especially to anger and rage; others thrive on gloom; others are soothed by empty glory and pride. Each one plants in human hearts the sin he himself delights in. And they cannot plant their special vices all at the same time, but only in turn, as the opportunity of time or place, or a man open to their suggestions, stirs them up.