The necessity of countering the vices with virtues was long recognized by Christians. Francis of Assisi, a 13th century reformer, describes the power of the virtues in destroying vices in his poetic discourse on The Praises of the Virtues (Salutatio Virtutum)26
"0 most holy Virtues, may the Lord protect all of you, from Whom you come and proceed. There is surely no one in the entire world who can possess any one of you unless he dies first. Whoever possesses one (of you) and does not offend the others, possesses all. And whoever offends one (of you) does not possess any and offends all. And each one destroys vices and sins. Holy Wisdom destroys Satan and all his subtlety. ...Holy Charity destroys every temptation of the devil and of the flesh and every carnal fear."
Isn't that interesting?
Seven Deadly Vices / Virtues
Pride is killed off by Humility
Greed, avarice, coveteousness is killed by Liberality, mercy
Lust is killed by Chastity, continence
Anger is killed by Patience, meekness
Gluttony is killed by Temperance, abstinence, self-control
Envy is killed by Love of God, love of neighbor, love of enemy
Sloth is killed by Fortitude, courage