CONTENTS
CONTENTS
THE CONFERENCES OF DESERT FATHERS
I
FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT MOSES
CHAPTER I: OF OUR STAY IN SCETE, AND THAT WHICH WE PROPOSED TO ABBOT MOSES
CHAPTER II: OF THE QUESTION OF ABBOT MOSES, WHO ASKED WHAT WAS THE GOAL AND WHAT THE END OF THE MONK
CHAPTER IV: OF ABBOT MOSES’ QUESTION ON THE AFORESAID STATEMENT
CHAPTER V: A COMPARISON WITH A MAN WHO IS TRYING TO HIT A MARK
CHAPTER VI: OF THOSE WHO IN RENOUNCING THE WORLD, AIM AT PERFECTION WITHOUT LOVE
CHAPTER VII: HOW PEACE OF MIND SHOULD BE SOUGHT
CHAPTER IX: A QUESTION HOW IT IS THAT THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE WITH A MAN
CHAPTER X: THE ANSWER THAT NOT THE REWARD, BUT THE DOING OF THEM WILL COME TO AN END
CHAPTER XI: ON THE ABIDING CHARACTER OF LOVE
CHAPTER XII: A QUESTION ON PERSEVERANCE IN SPIRITUAL CONTEMPLATION
CHAPTER XIV: OF THE CONTINUANCE OF THE SOUL
CHAPTER XV: HOW WE MUST MEDITATE ON GOD
CHAPTER XVI: A QUESTION ON THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF THE THOUGHTS
CHAPTER XVIII: COMPARISON OF A SOUL AND A MILLSTONE
CHAPTER XIX: OF THE THREE ORIGINS OF OUR THOUGHTS
CHAPTER XX: ABOUT DISCERNING THE THOUGHTS, WITH AN ILLUSTRATION FROM A GOOD MONEY-CHANGER
CHAPTER XXI: OF THE ILLUSION OF ABBOT JOHN
CHAPTER XXII: OF THE FOURFOLD METHOD OF DISCRIMINATION
CHAPTER XXIII: OF THE DISCOURSE OF THE TEACHER IN REGARD TO THE MERITS OF HIS
II
SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT MOSES
CHAPTER I: ABBOT MOSES’ INTRODUCTION ON THE GRACE OF DISCRETION
CHAPTER. IV: WHAT IS SAID OF THE VALUE OF DISCRETION IN HOLY SCRIPTURE
CHAPTER V: OF THE DEATH OF THE OLD MAN HERON
CHAPTER VI: OF THE DESTRUCTION OF TWO BRETHREN FOR LACK OF DISCRETION
CHAPTER VII: OF AN ILLUSION INTO WHICH ANOTHER FELL FOR LACK OF DISCRETION
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE FALL AND DECEPTION OF A MONK OF MESOPOTAMIA
CHAPTER IX: A QUESTION ABOUT THE ACQUIREMENT OF TRUE DISCRETION
CHAPTER X: THE ANSWER HOW TRUE DISCRETION MAY BE GAINED
CHAPTER XII: A CONFESSION OF THE MODESTY WHICH MADE US ASHAMED TO REVEAL OUR THOUGHTS TO THE ELDERS
CHAPTER XIV: OF THE CALL OF SAMUEL
CHAPTER XV: OF THE CALL OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
CHAPTER XVI: HOW TO SEEK FOR DISCRETION
CHAPTER XVII: ON EXCESSIVE FASTS AND VIGILS
CHAPTER XVIII: A QUESTION ON THE RIGHT MEASURE OF ABSTINENCE AND REFRESHMENT
CHAPTER XIX: OF THE BEST PLAN FOR OUR DAILY FOOD
CHAPTER XX: AN OBJECTION ON THE EASE OF THAT ABSTINENCE IN WHICH A MAN IS SUSTAINED BY TWO BISCUITS
CHAPTER XXI: THE ANSWER CONCERNING THE VALUE AND MEASURE OF WELL-PROVED ABSTINENCE
CHAPTER XXII: WHAT IS THE USUAL LIMIT BOTH OF ABSTINENCE AND OF PARTAKING FOOD
CHAPTER XXIII: QUEMADMODUM ABUNDANTIA UMORUM GENITALIUM CASTIGETUR
CHAPTER XXIV: OF THE DIFFICULTY OF UNIFORMITY IN EATING; AND OF THE GLUTTONY OF BROTHER BENJAMIN
CHAPTER XXV: A QUESTION HOW IS IT POSSIBLE ALWAYS TO OBSERVE ONE AND THE SAME MEASURE
CHAPTER XXVI: THE ANSWER HOW WE SHOULD NOT EXCEED THE PROPER MEASURE OF FOOD
III
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT PAPHNUTIUS, ON THE THREE SORTS OF RENUNCIATIONS
CHAPTER I: OF THE LIFE AND CONDUCT OF ABBOT PAPHNUTIUS
CHAPTER II: OF THE DISCOURSE OF THE SAME OLD MAN, AND OUR REPLY TO IT
CHAPTER IV: AN EXPLANATION OF THE THREE CALLINGS
CHAPTER VI: AN ACCOUNT OF THE THREE SORTS OF RENUNCIATIONS
CHAPTER VII: HOW WE CAN ATTAIN PERFECTION IN EACH OF THESE SORTS OF RENUNCIATIONS
CHAPTER VIII: OF OUR VERY OWN POSSESSIONS IN WHICH THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUL IS SEEN OR ITS FOULNESS
CHAPTER IX: OF THREE SORTS OF POSSESSIONS
CHAPTER X: THAT NONE CAN BECOME PERFECT MERELY THROUGH THE FIRST GRADE OF RENUNCIATION
CHAPTER XI: A QUESTION ON THE FREE WILL OF MAN AND THE GRACE OF GOD
CHAPTER XII: THE ANSWER ON THE ECONOMY OF DIVINE GRACE, WITH FREE WILL STILL REMAINING IN US
CHAPTER XIII: THAT THE ORDERING OF OUR WAY COMES FROM GOD
CHAPTER XIV: THAT KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW IS GIVEN BY THE GUIDANCE AND ILLUMINATION OF THE LORD
CHAPTER XVI: THAT FAITH ITSELF MUST BE GIVEN US BY THE LORD
CHAPTER XVII: THAT TEMPERATENESS AND THE ENDURANCE OF TEMPTATIONS MUST BE GIVEN TO US BY THE LORD
CHAPTER XVIII: THAT THE CONTINUAL FEAR OF GOD MUST BE BESTOWED ON US BY THE LORD
CHAPTER XIX: THAT THE BEGINNING OF OUR GOOD WILL AND ITS COMPLETION COMES FROM GOD
CHAPTER XX: THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE IN THIS WORLD WITHOUT GOD
CHAPTER XXI: AN OBJECTION ON THE POWER OF FREE WILL
CHAPTER XXII: THE ANSWER; VIZ., THAT OUR FREE WILL ALWAYS HAS NEED OF THE HELP OF THE LORD
IV
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT DANIEL, ON THE LUST OF THE FLESH AND OF THE SPIRIT
CHAPTER I: OF THE LIFE OF ABBOT DANIEL
CHAPTER III: HIS ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RAISED
CHAPTER IV: HOW THERE IS A TWOFOLD REASON FOR THE PERMISSION AND ALLOWANCE OF GOD
CHAPTER V: HOW OUR EFFORTS AND EXERTIONS ARE OF NO USE WITHOUT GOD’S HELP
CHAPTER VI: HOW IT IS SOMETIMES TO OUR ADVANTAGE TO BE LEFT BY GOD
CHAPTER IX: THE ANSWER ON THE UNDERSTANDING OF ONE WHO ASKS RIGHTLY
CHAPTER X: THAT THE WORD FLESH IS NOT USED WITH ONE SINGLE MEANING ONLY
CHAPTER XI: WHAT THE APOSTLE MEANS BY FLESH IN THIS PASSAGE, AND WHAT THE LUST OF THE FLESH IS
CHAPTER XII: WHAT IS OUR FREE WILL, WHICH STANDS IN BETWEEN THE LUST OF THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT
CHAPTER XIII: OF THE ADVANTAGE OF THE DELAY WHICH RESULTS FROM THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN FLESH AND SPIRIT
CHAPTER XIV: OF THE INCURABLE DEPRAVITY OF SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESSES
CHAPTER XV: OF THE VALUE OF THE LOST OF THE FLESH AGAINST THE SPIRIT IN OUR CASE
CHAPTER XVII: OF THE LUKEWARMNESS OF EUNUCHS
CHAPTER XVIII: THE QUESTION WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CARNAL AND NATURAL MAN
CHAPTER XIX: THE ANSWER CONCERNING THE THREEFOLD CONDITION OF SOULS
CHAPTER XX: OF THOSE WHO RENOUNCE THE WORLD BUT ILL
CHAPTER XXI: OF THOSE WHO HAVING MADE LIGHT OF GREAT THINGS BUSY THEMSELVES ABOUT TRIFLES
V
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT SERAPION, ON THE EIGHT PRINCIPAL FAULTS
CHAPTER II: ABBOT SERAPION’S ENUMERATION OF EIGHT PRINCIPAL FAULTS
CHAPTER III: OF THE TWO CLASSES OF FAULTS AND THEIR FOURFOLD MANNER OF ACTING ON US
CHAPTER IV: A REVIEW OF THE PASSIONS OF GLUTTONY AND FORNICATION AND THEIR REMEDIES
CHAPTER V: HOW OUR LORD ALONE WAS TEMPTED WITHOUT SIN
CHAPTER VI: OF THE MANNER OF THE TEMPTATION IN WHICH OUR LORD WAS ATTACKED BY THE DEVIL
CHAPTER VII: HOW VAINGLORY AND PRIDE CAN BE CONSUMMATED WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE FROM THE BODY
CHAPTER XI: OF THE ORIGIN AND CHARACTER OF EACH OF THESE FAULTS
CHAPTER XII: HOW VAINGLORY MAY BE USEFUL TO US
CHAPTER XIII: OF THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH ALL THESE FAULTS ASSAULT US
CHAPTER XIV: OF THE STRUGGLE INTO WHICH WE MUST ENTER AGAINST OUR FAULTS, WHEN THEY ATTACK US
CHAPTER XVII: A QUESTION WITH REGARD TO THE COMPARISON OF SEVEN NATIONS WITH EIGHT FAULTS
CHAPTER XIX: THE REASON WHY ONE NATION IS TO BE FORSAKEN, WHILE SEVEN ARE COMMANDED TO BE DESTROYED
CHAPTER XX: OF THE NATURE OF GLUTTONY, WHICH MAY BE ILLUSTRATED BY THE SIMILE OF THE EAGLE
CHAPTER XXI: OF THE LASTING CHARACTER OF GLUTTONY AS DESCRIBED TO SOME PHILOSOPHERS
CHAPTER XXIII: HOW IT IS USEFUL FOR US TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THEIR LANDS
CHAPTER XXV: DIFFERENT PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE ON THE MEANING OF THE EIGHT FAULTS
VI
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEODORE, ON THE DEATH OF THE SAINTS
CHAPTER I: DESCRIPTION OF THE WILDERNESS, AND THE QUESTION ABOUT THE DEATH OF THE SAINTS
CHAPTER II: ABBOT THEODORE’S ANSWER TO THE QUESTION PROPOSED TO HIM
CHAPTER III: OF THE THREE KINDS OF THINGS THERE ARE IN THE WORLD; VIZ., GOOD BAD, AND INDIFFERENT
CHAPTER IV: HOW EVIL CANNOT BE FORCED ON ANY ONE BY ANOTHER AGAINST HIS WILL
CHAPTER V: AN OBJECTION, HOW GOD HIMSELF CAN BE SAID TO CREATE EVIL
CHAPTER VI: THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION PROPOSED
CHAPTER VIII: THE ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING QUESTION
CHAPTER X: OF THE EXCELLENCE OF THE PERFECT MAN WHO IS FIGURATIVELY SPOKEN OF AS AMBIDEXTROUS
CHAPTER XI: OF THE TWO KINDS OF TRIALS, WHICH COME UPON US IN A THREE-FOLD WAY
CHAPTER XII: HOW THE UPRIGHT MAN OUGHT TO BE LIKE A STAMP NOT OF WAX BUT OF HARD STEEL
CHAPTER XIII: A QUESTION WHETHER THE MIND CAN CONSTANTLY CONTINUE IN ONE AND THE SAME CONDITION
CHAPTER XIV: THE ANSWER TO THE POINT RAISED BY THE QUESTIONER
CHAPTER XV: HOW ONE LOSES BY GOING AWAY FROM ONE’S CELL
CHAPTER XVI: HOW EVEN CELESTIAL POWERS ABOVE ARE CAPABLE OF CHANGE
CHAPTER XVII: THAT NO ONE IS DASHED TO THE GROUND BY A SUDDEN FALL
VII
FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT SERENUS, ON INCONSTANCY OF MIND, AND SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS
CHAPTER I: ON THE CHASTITY OF ABBOT SERENUS
CHAPTER II: THE QUESTION OF THE AFORESAID OLD MAN ON THE STATE OF OUR THOUGHTS
CHAPTER III: OUR ANSWER ON THE FICKLE CHARACTER OF OUR THOUGHTS
CHAPTER IV: THE DISCOURSE OF THE OLD MAN ON THE STATE OF THE SOUL AND ITS EXCELLENCE
CHAPTER VI: OF PERSEVERANCE AS REGARDS CARE OF THE THOUGHTS
CHAPTER VII: A QUESTION ON THE ROVING TENDENCY OF THE MIND AND THE ATTACKS OF SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS
CHAPTER VIII: THE ANSWER ON THE HELP OF GOD AND THE POWER OF FREE WILL
CHAPTER IX: A QUESTION ON THE UNION OF THE SOUL WITH DEVILS
CHAPTER X: THE ANSWER HOW UNCLEAN SPIRITS ARE UNITED WITH HUMAN SOULS
CHAPTER XII: THE ANSWER HOW IT IS THAT UNCLEAN SPIRITS CAN LORD IT OVER THOSE POSSESSED
CHAPTER XIII: HOW SPIRIT CANNOT BE PENETRATED BY SPIRIT, AND HOW GOD ALONE IS INCORPOREAL
CHAPTER XIV: AN OBJECTION, AS TO HOW WE OUGHT TO BELIEVE THAT DEVILS SEE INTO THE THOUGHTS OF MEN
CHAPTER XV: THE ANSWER WHAT DEVILS CAN AND WHAT THEY CANNOT DO IN REGARD TO THE THOUGHTS OF MEN
CHAPTER XVI: AN ILLUSTRATION SHOWING HOW WE ARE TAUGHT THAT UNCLEAN SPIRITS KNOW THE THOUGHTS OF MEN
CHAPTER XVII: ON THE FACT THAT NOT EVERY DEVIL HAS THE POWER OF SUGGESTING EVERY PASSION TO MEN
CHAPTER XIX: THE ANSWER HOW FAR AN AGREEMENT EXISTS AMONG DEVILS ABOUT THE ATTACK AND ITS CHANGES
CHAPTER XXI: OF THE FACT THAT DEVILS STRUGGLE WITH MEN NOT WITHOUT EFFORT ON THEIR PART
CHAPTER XXII: ON THE FACT THAT THE POWER TO HURT DOES NOT DEPEND UPON THE WILL OF THE DEVILS
CHAPTER XXIII: OF THE DIMINISHED POWER OF THE DEVILS
CHAPTER XXVII: ON THE TEMPTATION OF ABBOT MOSES
CHAPTER XXVIII: HOW WE OUGHT NOT TO DESPISE THOSE WHO ARE DELIVERED UP TO UNCLEAN SPIRITS
CHAPTER XXX: THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RAISED
CHAPTER XXXII: OF THE DIFFERENT DESIRES AND WISHES WHICH EXIST IN THE POWERS OF THE AIR
CHAPTER XXXIII: A QUESTION AS TO THE ORIGIN OF SUCH DIFFERENCES IN POWERS OF EVIL IN THE SKY
CHAPTER XXXIV: THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RAISED
VIII
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT SERENUS ON PRINCIPALITIES
CHAPTER I: OF THE HOSPITALITY OF ABBOT SERENUS
CHAPTER II: STATEMENTS ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESSES
CHAPTER III: THE ANSWER ON THE MANY KINDS OF FOOD PROVIDED IN HOLY SCRIPTURE
CHAPTER IV: OF THE DOUBLE SENSE IN WHICH HOLY SCRIPTURE MAY BE TAKEN
CHAPTER VI: OF THE FACT THAT NOTHING IS CREATED EVIL BY GOD
CHAPTER VII: OF THE ORIGIN OF PRINCIPALITIES OR POWERS
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE FALL OF THE DEVIL AND THE ANGELS
CHAPTER X: THE ANSWER ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF THE DEVIL’S FALL
CHAPTER XI: THE PUNISHMENT OF THE DECEIVER AND THE DECEIVED
CHAPTER XIV: HOW IT IS THAT SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESSES OBTAINED THE NAMES OF POWERS OR PRINCIPALITIES
CHAPTER XVII: OF THE FACT THAT TWO ANGELS ALWAYS CLING TO EVERY MAN
CHAPTER XXI: THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RAISED
CHAPTER XXIV: OF THE FACT THAT THEY WERE JUSTLY PUNISHED, WHO SINNED BEFORE THE FLOOD
IX
THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT ISAAC ON PRAYER
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION TO THE CONFERENCE
CHAPTER II: THE WORDS OF ABBOT ISAAC ON THE NATURE OF PRAYER
CHAPTER III: HOW PURE AND SINCERE PRAYER CAN BE GAINED
CHAPTER IV: OF THE LIGHTNESS OF THE SOUL WHICH MAY BE COMPARED TO A WING OR FEATHER
CHAPTER V: OF THE WAYS IN WHICH OUR SOUL IS WEIGHED DOWN
CHAPTER VI: OF THE VISION WHICH A CERTAIN ELDER SAW CONCERNING THE RESTLESS WORK OF A BROTHER
CHAPTER VII: A QUESTION HOW IT IS THAT IT IS HARDER WORK TO PRESERVE THAN TO ORIGINATE GOOD THOUGHTS
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERS OF PRAYER
CHAPTER IX: OF THE FOURFOLD NATURE OF PRAYER
CHAPTER X: OF THE ORDER OF THE DIFFERENT KINDS LAID DOWN WITH REGARD TO THE CHARACTER OF PRAYER
CHAPTER XVI: OF THE KINDS OF PRAYER TO WHICH WE OUGHT TO DIRECT OURSELVES
CHAPTER XVII: HOW THE FOUR KINDS OF SUPPLICATION WERE ORIGINATED BY THE LORD
CHAPTER XVIII: OF THE LORD’S PRAYER
CHAPTER XIX: OF THE CLAUSE “THY KINGDOM COME.”
CHAPTER XX: OF THE CLAUSE “THY WILL BE DONE.”
CHAPTER XXI: OF OUR SUPERSUBSTANTIAL OR DAILY BREAD
CHAPTER XXIII: OF THE CLAUSE: “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION.”
CHAPTER XXV: OF THE CHARACTER OF THE SUBLIMER PRAYER
CHAPTER XXVI: OF THE DIFFERENT CAUSES OF CONVICTION
CHAPTER XXVII: OF THE DIFFERENT SORTS OF CONVICTION
CHAPTER XXVIII: A QUESTION ABOUT THE FACT THAT A PLENTIFUL SUPPLY OF TEARS IS NOT IN OUR OWN POWER
CHAPTER XXIX: THE ANSWER ON THE VARIETIES OF CONVICTION WHICH SPRING FROM TEARS
CHAPTER XXX: HOW TEARS OUGHT NOT TO BE SQUEEZED OUT, WHEN THEY DO NOT FLOW SPONTANEOUSLY
CHAPTER XXXI: THE OPINION OF ABBOT ANTONY ON THE CONDITION OF PRAYER
CHAPTER XXXII: OF THE PROOF OF PRAYER BEING HEARD
CHAPTER XXXIV: ANSWER ON THE DIFFERENT REASONS FOR PRAYER BEING HEARD
CHAPTER XXXV: OF PRAYER TO BE OFFERED WITHIN THE CHAMBER AND WITH THE DOOR SHUT
CHAPTER XXXVI: OF THE VALUE OF SHORT AND SILENT PRAYER
X
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT ISAAC ON PRAYER
CHAPTER V: THE ANSWER ON THE HERESY DESCRIBED ABOVE
CHAPTER VII: WHAT CONSTITUTES OUR END AND PERFECT BLISS
CHAPTER IX: THE ANSWER ON THE EFFICACY OF UNDERSTANDING, WHICH IS GAINED BY EXPERIENCE
CHAPTER X: OF THE METHOD OF CONTINUAL PRAYER
CHAPTER XI: OF THE PERFECTION OF PRAYER TO WHICH WE CAN RISE BY THE SYSTEM DESCRIBED
CHAPTER XII: A QUESTION AS TO HOW SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS CAN BE RETAINED WITHOUT LOSING THEM
CHAPTER XIII: ON THE LIGHTNESS OF THOUGHTS
CHAPTER XIV: THE ANSWER HOW WE CAN GAIN STABILITY OF HEART OR OF THOUGHTS
XI
THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT CHAEREMON ON PERFECTION
CHAPTER I: DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN OF THENNESUS
CHAPTER II: OF BISHOP ARCHEBIUS
CHAPTER III: DESCRIPTION OF THE DESERT WHERE CHAEREMON, NESTEROS, AND JOSEPH LIVED
CHAPTER IV: OF ABBOT CHAEREMON AND HIS EXCUSE ABOUT THE TEACHING WHICH WE ASKED FOR
CHAPTER V: OF OUR ANSWER TO HIS EXCUSE
CHAPTER VI: ABBOT CHAEREMON’S STATEMENT THAT FAULTS CAN BE OVERCOME IN THREE WAYS
CHAPTER VII: BY WHAT STEPS WE CAN ASCEND TO THE HEIGHTS OF LOVE AND WHAT PERMANENCE THERE IS IN IT
CHAPTER VIII: HOW GREATLY THOSE EXCEL WHO DEPART FROM SIN THROUGH THE FEELING OF LOVE
CHAPTER XI: A QUESTION WHY HE HAS CALLED THE FEELING OF FEAR AND HOPE IMPERFECT
CHAPTER XII: THE ANSWER ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PERFECTION
CHAPTER XIII: OF THE FEAR WHICH IS THE OUTCOME OF THE GREATEST LOVE
CHAPTER XIV: A QUESTION ABOUT COMPLETE CHASTITY
CHAPTER XV: THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE EXPLANATION WHICH IS ASKED FOR
XII
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT CHAEREMON ON CHASTITY
XIII
THE THIRD CONFERENCE OF ABBOT CHAEREMON ON THE PROTECTION OF GOD
CHAPTER V: THE ANSWER ON THE IMAGINARY CHASTITY OF THE PHILOSOPHERS
CHAPTER VI: THAT WITHOUT THE GRACE OF GOD WE CANNOT MAKE ANY DILIGENT EFFORTS
CHAPTER VII: OF THE MAIN PURPOSE OF GOD AND HIS DAILY PROVIDENCE
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE GRACE OF GOD AND THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL
CHAPTER IX: OF THE POWER OF OUR GOOD WILL, AND THE GRACE OF GOD
CHAPTER X: ON THE WEAKNESS OF FREE WILL
CHAPTER XI: WHETHER THE GRACE OF GOD PRECEDES OR FOLLOWS OUR GOOD WILL
CHAPTER XII: THAT A GOOD WILL SHOULD NOT ALWAYS BE ATTRIBUTED TO GRACE, NOR ALWAYS TO MAN HIMSELF
CHAPTER XIII: HOW HUMAN EFFORTS CANNOT BE SET AGAINST THE GRACE OF GOD
CHAPTER XIV: HOW GOD MAKES TRIAL OF THE STRENGTH OF MAN’S WILL BY MEANS OF HIS TEMPTATIONS
CHAPTER XV: OF THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF MEN’S CALLS
CHAPTER XVI: OF THE FACE OF GOD; TO THE EFFECT THAT IT TRANSCENDS THE NARROW LIMITS OF HUMAN FAITH
CHAPTER XVII: OF THE INSCRUTABLE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
CHAPTER XVIII: THE DECISION OF THE FATHERS THAT FREE WILL IS NOT EQUAL TO SAVE A MAN
XIV
THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT NESTEROS ON SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER I: THE WORDS OF ABBOT NESTEROS ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE RELIGIOUS
CHAPTER II: ON GRASPING THE KNOWLEDGE OF SPIRITUAL THINGS
CHAPTER III: HOW PRACTICAL PERFECTION DEPENDS ON A DOUBLE SYSTEM
CHAPTER IV: HOW PRACTICAL LIFE IS DISTRIBUTED AMONG MANY DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS AND INTERESTS
CHAPTER V: ON PERSEVERANCE IN THE LINE THAT HAS BEEN CHOSEN
CHAPTER VI: HOW THE WEAK ARE EASILY MOVED
CHAPTER VIII: OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER IX: HOW FROM PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE WE MUST PROCEED TO SPIRITUAL
CHAPTER X: HOW TO EMBRACE THE SYSTEM OF TRUE KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER XI: OF THE MANIFOLD MEANING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
CHAPTER XII: A QUESTION HOW WE CAN ATTAIN TO FORGETFULNESS OF THE CARES OF THIS WORLD
CHAPTER XIII: OF THE METHOD BY WHICH WE CAN REMOVE THE DROSS FROM OUR MEMORY
CHAPTER XIV: HOW AN UNCLEAN SOUL CAN NEITHER GIVE NOR RECEIVE SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER XVI: THE ANSWER TO THE EFFECT THAT BAD MEN CANNOT POSSESS TRUE KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER XVII: TO WHOM THE METHOD OF PERFECTION SHOULD BE LAID OPEN
CHAPTER XVIII: OF THE REASONS FOR WHICH SPIRITUAL LEARNING IS UNFRUITFUL
CHAPTER XIX: HOW OFTEN EVEN THOSE WHO ARE NOT WORTHY CAN RECEIVE THE GRACE OF THE SAVING WORD
XV
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT NESTEROS ON DIVINE GIFTS
CHAPTER I: DISCOURSE OF ABBOT NESTEROS ON THE THREEFOLD SYSTEM OF GIFTS
CHAPTER II: WHEREIN ONE OUGHT TO ADMIRE THE SAINTS
CHAPTER III: OF A DEAD MAN RAISED TO LIFE BY ABBOT MACARIUS
CHAPTER IV: OF THE MIRACLE WHICH ABBOT ABRAHAM WROUGHT ON THE BREASTS OF A WOMAN
CHAPTER V: OF THE CURE OF A LAME MAN WHICH THE SAME SAINT WROUGHT
CHAPTER VI: HOW THE MERITS OF EACH MAN SHOULD NOT BE JUDGED BY HIS MIRACLES
CHAPTER VII: HOW THE EXCELLENCE OF GIFTS CONSISTS NOT IN MIRACLES BUT IN HUMILITY
CHAPTER IX: HOW UPRIGHTNESS OF LIFE IS OF MORE IMPORTANCE THAN THE WORKING OF MIRACLES
CHAPTER X: A REVELATION ON THE TRIAL OF PERFECT CHASTITY
XVI
THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT JOSEPH ON FRIENDSHIP
CHAPTER I: WHAT ABBOT JOSEPH ASKED US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE
CHAPTER II: DISCOURSE OF THE SAME ELDER ON THE UNTRUSTWORTHY SORT OF FRIENDSHIP
CHAPTER III: HOW FRIENDSHIP IS INDISSOLUBLE
CHAPTER V: THE ANSWER, HOW A LASTING FRIENDSHIP CAN ONLY EXIST AMONG THOSE WHO ARE PERFECT
CHAPTER VI: BY WHAT MEANS UNION CAN BE PRESERVED UNBROKEN
CHAPTER VII: HOW NOTHING SHOULD BE PUT BEFORE LOVE, OR AFTER ANGER
CHAPTER VIII: ON WHAT GROUNDS A DISPUTE CAN ARISE AMONG SPIRITUAL PERSONS
CHAPTER IX: HOW TO GET RID EVEN OF SPIRITUAL GROUNDS OF DISCORD
CHAPTER X: ON THE BEST TESTS OF TRUTH
CHAPTER XII: WHY INFERIORS SHOULD NOT BE DESPISED IN CONFERENCE
CHAPTER XIII: HOW LOVE DOES NOT ONLY BELONG TO GOD BUT IS GOD
CHAPTER XIV: ON THE DIFFERENT GRADES OF LOVE
CHAPTER XV: OF THOSE WHO ONLY INCREASE THEIR OWN OR THEIR BROTHER’S GRIEVANCES BY HIDING THEM
CHAPTER XVIII: OF THOSE WHO PRETEND TO PATIENCE BUT EXCITE THEIR BRETHREN TO ANGER BY THEIR SILENCE
CHAPTER XIX: OF THOSE WHO FAST OUT OF RAGE
CHAPTER XX: OF THE FEIGNED PATIENCE OF SOME WHO OFFER THE OTHER CHEEK TO BE SMITTEN
CHAPTER XXI: A QUESTION HOW IF WE OBEY THE COMMANDS OF CHRIST WE CAN FAIL OF EVANGELICAL PERFECTION
CHAPTER XXII: THE ANSWER THAT CHRIST LOOKS NOT ONLY AT THE ACTION BUT ALSO AT THE WILL
CHAPTER XXIII: HOW HE IS THE STRONG AND VIGOROUS MAN, WHO YIELDS TO THE WILL OF ANOTHER
CHAPTER XXIV: HOW THE WEAK ARE HARMFUL AND CANNOT BEAR WRONGS
CHAPTER XXV: A QUESTION HOW HE CAN BE STRONG WHO DOES NOT ALWAYS SUPPORT THE WEAK
CHAPTER XXVI: THE ANSWER THAT THE WEAK DOES NOT ALWAYS ALLOW HIMSELF TO BE BORNE
CHAPTER XXVII: HOW ANGER SHOULD BE REPRESSED
CHAPTER XXVIII: HOW FRIENDSHIPS ENTERED UPON BY CONSPIRACY CANNOT BE LASTING ONES
XVII
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT JOSEPH ON MAKING PROMISES
CHAPTER I: OF THE VIGILS WHICH WE ENDURED
CHAPTER II: OF THE ANXIETY OF ABBOT GERMANUS AT THE RECOLLECTION OF OUR PROMISE
CHAPTER III: MY IDEAS ON THIS SUBJECT
CHAPTER IV: ABBOT JOSEPH’S QUESTION AND OUR ANSWER ON THE ORIGIN OF OUR ANXIETY
CHAPTER VI: ABBOT JOSEPH’S QUESTION WHETHER WE GOT MORE GOOD IN EGYPT THAN IN SYRIA
CHAPTER VII: THE ANSWER ON THE DIFFERENCE OF CUSTOMS IN THE TWO COUNTRIES
CHAPTER IX: HOW IT IS OFTEN BETTER TO BREAK ONE’S ENGAGEMENTS THAN TO FULFIL THEM
CHAPTER X: OUR QUESTION ABOUT OUR FEAR OF THE OATH WHICH WE GAVE IN THE MONASTERY IN SYRIA
CHAPTER XIII: OUR ANSWER AS TO THE REASON WHICH DEMANDED AN OATH FROM US
CHAPTER XVII: HOW THE SAINTS HAVE PROFITABLY EMPLOYED A LIE LIKE HELLEBORE
CHAPTER XVIII: AN OBJECTION THAT ONLY THOSE MEN EMPLOYED LIES WITH IMPUNITY, WHO LIVED UNDER THE LAW
CHAPTER XX: HOW EVEN APOSTLES THOUGHT THAT A LIE WAS OFTEN USEFUL AND THE TRUTH INJURIOUS
CHAPTER XXIII: THE ANSWER THAT OBSTINACY IN THIS DECISION IS UNREASONABLE
CHAPTER XXIV: HOW ABBOT PIAMUN CHOSE TO HIDE HIS ABSTINENCE
CHAPTER XXV: THE EVIDENCE OF SCRIPTURE ON CHANGES OF DETERMINATION
CHAPTER XXVI: HOW SAINTLY MEN CANNOT BE HARD AND OBSTINATE
CHAPTER XXIX: HOW WE OUGHT TO DO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE TO BE KEPT SECRET
XVIII
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT PIAMUN ON THE THREE SORTS OF MONKS
CHAPTER I: HOW WE CAME TO DIOLCOS AND WERE RECEIVED BY ABBOT PIAMUN
CHAPTER III: HOW THE JUNIORS OUGHT NOT TO DISCUSS THE ORDERS OF THE SENIORS
CHAPTER IV: OF THE THREE SORTS OF MONKS WHICH THERE ARE IN EGYPT
CHAPTER V: OF THE FOUNDERS WHO ORIGINATED THE ORDER OF COENOBITES
CHAPTER VI: OF THE SYSTEM OF THE ANCHORITES AND ITS BEGINNING
CHAPTER VII: OF THE ORIGIN OF THE SARABAITES AND THEIR MODE OF LIFE
CHAPTER VIII: OF A FOURTH SORT OF MONKS
CHAPTER IX: A QUESTION AS TO WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COENOBIUM AND A MONASTERY
CHAPTER XI: OF TRUE HUMILITY, AND HOW ABBOT SERAPION EXPOSED THE MONK HUMILITY OF A CERTAIN MAN
CHAPTER XII: A QUESTION HOW TRUE PATIENCE CAN BE GAINED
CHAPTER XIV: OF THE EXAMPLE OF PATIENCE GIVEN BY A CERTAIN RELIGIOUS WOMAN
CHAPTER XV: OF THE EXAMPLE OF PATIENCE GIVEN BY ABBOT PAPHNUTIUS
CHAPTER XVI: ON THE PERFECTION OF PATIENCE
XIX
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT JOHN ON THE AIM OF THE COENOBITE AND HERMIT
CHAPTER I: OF THE COENOBIUM OF ABBOT PAUL AND THE PATIENCE OF A CERTAIN BROTHER
CHAPTER II: OF ABBOT JOHN’S HUMILITY AND OUR QUESTION
CHAPTER III: ABBOT JOHN’S ANSWER WHY HE HAD LEFT THE DESERT
CHAPTER IV: OF THE EXCELLENCE WHICH THE AFORESAID OLD MAN SHOWED IN THE SYSTEM OF THE ANCHORITES
CHAPTER V: OF THE ADVANTAGES OF THE DESERT
CHAPTER VI: OF THE CONVENIENCES OF THE COENOBIUM
CHAPTER VII: A QUESTION ON THE FRUITS OF THE COENOBIUM AND THE DESERT
CHAPTER VIII: THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION PROPOSED
CHAPTER IX: OF TRUE AND COMPLETE PERFECTION
CHAPTER X: OF THOSE WHO WHILE STILL IMPERFECT RETIRE INTO THE DESERT
CHAPTER XI: A QUESTION HOW TO CURE THOSE WHO HAVE HASTILY LEFT THE CONGREGATION OF THE COENOBIUM
CHAPTER XII: THE ANSWER TELLING HOW A SOLITARY CAN DISCOVER HIS FAULTS
CHAPTER XIV: THE ANSWER ON THEIR REMEDIES
CHAPTER XV: A QUESTION WHETHER CHASTITY OUGHT TO BE ASCERTAINED JUST AS THE OTHER FEELINGS
CHAPTER XVI: THE ANSWER GIVING THE PROOFS BY WHICH IT CAN BE RECOGNIZED
XX
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT PINUFIUS ON THE END OF PENITENCE AND THE MARKS OF SATISFACTION
CHAPTER I: OF THE HUMILITY OF ABBOT PINUFIUS, AND OF HIS HIDING- PLACE
CHAPTER II: OF OUR COMING TO HIM
CHAPTER III: A QUESTION ON THE END OF PENITENCE AND THE MARKS OF SATISFACTION
CHAPTER IV: THE ANSWER ON THE HUMILITY SHOWN BY OUR REQUEST
CHAPTER V: OF THE METHOD OF PENITENCE AND THE PROOF OF PARDON
CHAPTER VI: A QUESTION WHETHER OUR SINS OUGHT TO BE REMEMBERED OUT OF CONTRITION OF HEART
CHAPTER VII: THE ANSWER SHOWING HOW FAR WE OUGHT TO PRESERVE THE RECOLLECTION OF PREVIOUS ACTIONS
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE VARIOUS FRUITS OF PENITENCE
CHAPTER IX: HOW VALUABLE TO THE PERFECT IS THE FORGETFULNESS OF SIN
CHAPTER X: HOW THE RECOLLECTION OF OUR SINS SHOULD BE AVOIDED
CHAPTER XI: OF THE MARKS OF SATISFACTION, AND THE REMOVAL OF PAST SINS
CHAPTER XII: WHEREIN WE MUST DO PENANCE FOR A TIME ONLY; AND WHEREIN IT CAN HAVE NO END
XXI
THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS ON THE RELAXATION DURING THE FIFTY DAYS
CHAPTER I: HOW THEONAS CAME TO ABBOT JOHN
CHAPTER II: THE EXHORTATION OF ABBOT JOHN TO THEONAS AND THE OTHERS WHO HAD COME TOGETHER WITH HIM
CHAPTER III: OF THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND FIRSTFRUITS
CHAPTER IV: HOW ABRAHAM, DAVID, AND OTHER SAINTS WENT BEYOND THE REQUIREMENT OF THE LAW
CHAPTER VIII: HOW THEONAS EXHORTED HIS WIFE THAT SHE TOO SHOULD MAKE HER RENUNCIATION
CHAPTER IX: HOW HE FLED TO A MONASTERY WHEN HIS WIFE WOULD NOT CONSENT
CHAPTER X: AN EXPLANATION THAT WE MAY NOT APPEAR TO RECOMMEND SEPARATION FROM WIVES
CHAPTER XII: THE ANSWER ON THE NATURE OF THINGS GOOD, BAD, AND INDIFFERENT
CHAPTER XIII: WHAT KIND OF GOOD FASTING IS
CHAPTER XIV: HOW FASTING IS NOT GOOD IN ITS OWN NATURE
CHAPTER XVI: HOW WHAT IS GOOD IN ITS OWN NATURE CAN BE DISTINGUISHED FROM OTHER THINGS THAT ARE GOOD
CHAPTER XVII: OF THE REASON FOR FASTING AND ITS VALUE
CHAPTER XVIII: HOW FASTING IS NOT ALWAYS SUITABLE
CHAPTER XIX: A QUESTION WHY WE BREAK THE FAST ALL THROUGH EASTERTIDE
CHAPTER XXII: THE ANSWER ON THE WAY TO KEEP CONTROL OVER ABSTINENCE
CHAPTER XXIII: OF THE TIME AND MEASURE OF REFRESHMENT
CHAPTER XXIV: A QUESTION ON THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF KEEPING LENT
CHAPTER XXV: THE ANSWER TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FAST OF LENT HAS REFERENCE TO THE TITLE OF THE YEAR
CHAPTER XXVI: HOW WE OUGHT ALSO TO OFFER OUR FIRSTFRUITS TO THE LORD
CHAPTER XXVII: WHY LENT IS KEPT BY VERY MANY WITH A DIFFERENT NUMBER OF DAYS
CHAPTER XXVIII: WHY IT IS CALLED QUADRAGESIMA, WHEN THE FAST IS ONLY KEPT FOR THIRTY-SIX DAYS
CHAPTER XXIX: HOW THOSE WHO ARE PERFECT GO BEYOND THE FIXED RULE OF LENT
CHAPTER XXX: OF THE ORIGIN AND BEGINNING OF LENT
CHAPTER XXXII: THE ANSWER ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRACE AND THE COMMANDS OF THE LAW
CHAPTER XXXIII: OF THE FACT THAT THE PRECEPTS OF THE GOSPEL ARE MILDER THAN THOSE OF THE LAW
CHAPTER XXXIV: HOW A MAN CAN BE SHOWN TO BE UNDER GRACE
CHAPTER XXXVI: THE ANSWER, TELLING THAT THIS QUESTION SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR FUTURE CONFERENCE
XXII
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS ON NOCTURNAL ILLUSIONS
XXIII
THE THIRD CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS ON SINLESSNESS
CHAPTER I: DISCOURSE OF ABBOT THEONAS ON THE APOSTLE’S WORDS: “FOR DO NOT THE GOOD WHICH I WOULD.”
CHAPTER II: HOW THE APOSTLE COMPLETED MANY GOOD ACTIONS
CHAPTER III: WHAT IS REALLY THE GOOD WHICH THE APOSTLE TESTIFIES THAT HE COULD NOT PERFORM
CHAPTER V: HOW NO ONE CAN BE CONTINUALLY INTENT UPON THAT HIGHEST GOOD
CHAPTER VI: HOW THOSE WHO THINK THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT SIN ARE LIKE PURBLIND PEOPLE
CHAPTER VII: HOW THOSE WHO MAINTAIN THAT A MAN CAN BE WITHOUT SIN ARE CHARGED WITH A TWOFOLD ERROR
CHAPTER VIII: HOW IT IS GIVEN TO BUT FEW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT SIN IS
CHAPTER IX: OF THE CARE WITH WHICH A MONK SHOULD PRESERVE THE RECOLLECTION OF GOD
CHAPTER XI: EXPLANATION OF THE PHRASE: “FOR I DELIGHT IN THE LAW OF GOD AFTER THE INNER MAN,” ETC
CHAPTER XII: OF THIS ALSO: “BUT WE KNOW THAT THE LAW IS SPIRITUAL,” ETC
CHAPTER XIII: OF THIS ALSO: “BUT I KNOW THAT IN ME, THAT IS IN MY FLESH, DWELLETH NO GOOD THING.”
CHAPTER XV: THE ANSWER TO THE OBJECTION RAISED
CHAPTER XVI: WHAT IS THE BODY OF SIN
CHAPTER XVII: HOW ALL THE SAINTS HAVE CONFESSED WITH TRUTH THAT THEY WERE UNCLEAN AND SINFUL
CHAPTER XVIII: THAT EVEN GOOD AND HOLY MEN ARE NOT WITHOUT SIN
CHAPTER XIX: HOW EVEN IN THE HOUR OF PRAYER IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID SIN
CHAPTER XX: FROM WHOM WE CAN LEARN THE DESTRUCTION OF SIN AND PERFECTION OF GOODNESS
XXIV
CONFERENCE OF ABBOT ABRAHAM ON MORTIFICATION
CHAPTER I: HOW WE LAID BARE THE SECRETS OF OUR THOUGHTS TO ABBOT ABRAHAM
CHAPTER II: HOW THE OLD MAN EXPOSED OUR ERRORS
CHAPTER III: OF THE CHARACTER OF THE DISTRICTS WHICH ANCHORITES OUGHT TO SEEK
CHAPTER IV: WHAT SORTS OF WORK SHOULD BE CHOSEN BY SOLITARIES
CHAPTER V: THAT ANXIETY OF HEART IS MADE WORSE RATHER THAN BETTER BY RESTLESSNESS OF BODY
CHAPTER VI: A COMPARISON SHOWING HOW A MONK OUGHT TO KEEP GUARD OVER HIS THOUGHTS
CHAPTER VIII: THE ANSWER THAT ALL THINGS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL MEN
CHAPTER X: A QUESTION WHETHER IT IS BAD FOR A MONK TO HAVE HIS WANTS SUPPLIED BY HIS KINSFOLK
CHAPTER XI: THE ANSWER STATING WHAT SAINT ANTONY LAID DOWN ON THIS MATTER
CHAPTER XII: OF THE VALUE OF WORK AND THE HARM OF IDLENESS
CHAPTER XIV: A QUESTION HOW SUCH WRONG NOTIONS CAN CREEP INTO US
CHAPTER XV: THE ANSWER ON THE THREEFOLD MOVEMENT OF THE SOUL
CHAPTER XVI: THAT THE RATIONAL PART OF OUR SOUL IS CORRUPT
CHAPTER XVII: HOW THE WEAKER PART OF THE SOUL IS THE FIRST TO YIELD TO THE DEVIL’S TEMPTATIONS
CHAPTER XX: HOW USEFUL IS RELAXATION ON THE ARRIVAL OF BRETHREN
CHAPTER XXI: HOW THE EVANGELIST JOHN IS SAID TO HAVE SHOWN THE VALUE OF RELAXATION
CHAPTER XXIII: THE ANSWER WITH THE EXPLANATION OF THE SAYING
CHAPTER XXIV: WHY THE LORD’S YOKE IS FELT GRIEVOUS AND HIS BURDEN HEAVY
CHAPTER XXV: OF THE GOOD WHICH AN ATTACK OF TEMPTATION BRINGS ABOUT