1And now hear me, my children, what things I saw concerning the seven spirits of deceit, when I repented.
2Seven spirits therefore are appointed against man, and they are the leaders in the works of youth.
3[And seven other spirits are given to him at his creation, that through them should be done every work of man.
4The first is the spirit of life, with which the constitution (of man) is created. The second is the sense of sight, with which ariseth desire.
5The third is the sense of hearing, with which cometh teaching. The fourth is the sense of smell, with which tastes are given to draw air and breath.
6The fifth is the power of speech, with which cometh knowledge.
7The sixth is the sense of taste, with which cometh the eating of meats and drinks; and by it strength is produced, for in food is the foundation of strength.
8The seventh is the power of procreation and sexual intercourse, with which through love of pleasure sins enter in.
9Wherefore it is the last in order of creation, and the first in that of youth, because it is filled with ignorance, and leadeth the youth as a blind man to a pit, and as a beast to a precipice.