“If a man has on one side of him fire, and on the other side a vessel with water,
then if he starts burning from the fire,
he takes water from the vessel and extinguishes the fire.
Like to this are the evil thoughts, suggested by the enemy of our salvation, which like a spark can enkindle sinful desires within a man.
It is necessary to put out these sparks with the water, which is prayer and the yearning of the soul for God.”
Abba Poemen