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However, the very origin of the name suggests something worthy of
consideration, if we compare it with the divine books. They are
called demons from a Greek word meaning knowledge. Now the apostle,
speaking with the Holy Spirit, says, "Knowledge puffeth up, but
charity buildeth up." And this can only be understood as meaning that
without charity knowledge does no good, but inflates a man or magnifies
him with an empty windiness. The demons, then, have knowledge
without charity, and are thereby so inflated or proud, that they crave
those divine honors and religious services which they know to be due to
the true God, and still, as far as they can, exact these from all
over whom they have influence. Against this pride of the demons,
under which the human race was held subject as its merited punishment,
there was exerted the mighty influence of the humility of God, who
appeared in the form of a servant; but men, resembling the demons in
pride, but not in knowledge, and being puffed up with uncleanness,
failed to recognize Him.
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