CONTENTS
CONTENTS
THE CONFERENCES OF JOHN CASSIAN
CONFERENCE 1
FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT MOSES
ON THE GOAL OR THE AIM OF THE MONK
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 CANNOT REMAIN 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 HEARERS
CONFERENCE 2
SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT MOSES
ON DISCRETION
CHAPTER I
ABBOT MOSES’ INTRODUCTION ON THE GRACE OF DISCRETION
CHAPTER III
OF THE ERROR OF SAUL AND OF AHAB, BY WHICH THEY WERE DECEIVED THROUGH LACK 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
CONFERENCE 3
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
CONFERENCE 4
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 LUST 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
CONFERENCE 5
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 XXII
HOW IT WAS THAT GOD FORETOLD TO ABRAHAM THAT ISRAEL WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE OUT TEN NATIONS
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
CONFERENCE 6
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 THREEFOLD 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
CONFERENCE 7
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 V
ON THE PERFECTION OF THE SOUL, AS DRAWN FROM THE COMPARISON OF THE CENTURION IN THE GOSPEL
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
CONFERENCE 8
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 IX
AN OBJECTION STATING THAT THE FALL OF THE DEVIL TOOK ITS ORIGIN FROM THE DECEPTION OF EVE
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
CONFERENCE 9
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 XXII
OF THE CLAUSE: “FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, ETC.”
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
CONFERENCE 10
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT ISAAC
ON PRAYER
CHAPTER II
OF THE CUSTOM WHICH IS KEPT UP IN THE PROVINCE OF EGYPT FOR SIGNIFYING THE TIME OF EASTER
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
PART II
CONTAINING CONFERENCES XI.-XVII.
CONFERENCE 11
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
CONFERENCE 12
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT CHAEREMON
ON CHASTITY
CONFERENCE 13
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 GRACE 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
CONFERENCE 14
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
CONFERENCE 15
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
CONFERENCE 16
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
CONFERENCE 17
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
PART III
CONTAINING CONFERENCES XVIII.-XXIV.
CONFERENCE 18
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 MOCK 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
CONFERENCE 19
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
CONFERENCE 20
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
CONFERENCE 21
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 TITHE 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 A FUTURE CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE 22
THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS
ON NOCTURNAL ILLUSIONS
CONFERENCE 23
THE THIRD CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS
ON SINLESSNESS
CHAPTER I
DISCOURSE OF ABBOT THEONAS ON THE APOSTLE’S WORDS: “FOR I 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
CONFERENCE 24
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