CONTENTS
CONTENTS
THE TWELVE BOOKS ON THE INSTITUTES OF THE COENOBIA AND THE REMEDIES FOR THE EIGHT PRINCIPAL FAULTS
PREFACE
BOOK I
OF THE DRESS OF THE MONKS
CHAPTER I: OF THE MONK’S GIRDLE
CHAPTER II: OF THE MONK’S ROBE
CHAPTER III: OF THE HOODS OF THE EGYPTIANS
CHAPTER IV: OF THE TUNICS OF THE EGYPTIANS
CHAPTER V: OF THEIR CORDS
CHAPTER VI: OF THEIR CAPES
CHAPTER VII: OF THE SHEEPSKIN AND THE GOATSKIN
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE STAFF OF THE EGYPTIANS
CHAPTER IX: OF THEIR SHOES
CHAPTER X: OF THE MODIFICATION IN THE OBSERVANCES WHICH MAY BE PERMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARACTER OF THE CLIMATE OR THE CUSTOM OF THE DISTRICT
CHAPTER XI: OF THE SPIRITUAL GIRDLE AND ITS MYSTICAL MEANING
BOOK II
OF THE CANONICAL SYSTEM OF THE NOCTURNAL PRAYERS AND PSALMS
CHAPTER I: OF THE CANONICAL SYSTEM OF THE NOCTURNAL PRAYERS AND PSALMS
CHAPTER II: OF THE DIFFERENCE OF THE NUMBER OF PSALMS APPOINTED TO BE SUNG IN ALL THE PROVINCES
CHAPTER III: OF THE OBSERVANCE OF ONE UNIFORM RULE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF EGYPT, AND OF THE ELECTION OF THOSE WHO ARE SET OVER THE BRETHREN
CHAPTER IV: HOW THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF EGYPT AND THE THEBAID THE NUMBER OF PSALMS IS FIXED AT TWELVE
CHAPTER V: HOW THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF THE PSALMS WAS TO BE TWELVE WAS RECEIVED FROM THE TEACHING OF AN ANGEL
CHAPTER VI: OF THE CUSTOM OF HAVING TWELVE PRAYERS
CHAPTER VII: OF THEIR METHOD OF PRAYING
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE PRAYER WHICH FOLLOWS THE PSALM
CHAPTER IX: OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRAYER, THE FULLER TREATMENT OF WHICH IS RESERVED FOR THE CONFERENCES OF THE EIDERS
CHAPTER X: OF THE SILENCE AND CONCISENESS WITH WHICH THE COLLECTS ARE OFFERED UP BY THE EGYPTIANS
CHAPTER XI: OF THE SYSTEM ACCORDING TO WHICH THE PSALMS ARE SAID AMONG THE EGYPTIANS
CHAPTER XII: OF THE REASON WHY WHILE ONE SINGS THE PSALMS THE REST SIT DOWN DURING THE SERVICE; AND OF THE ZEAL WITH WHICH THEY AFTERWARDS PROLONG THEIR VIGILS IN THEIR CELLS TILL DAYBREAK
CHAPTER XIII: THE REASON WHY THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GO TO SLEEP AFTER THE NIGHT SERVICES
CHAPTER XIV: OF THE WAY IN WHICH THEY DEVOTE THEMSELVES IN THEIR CELLS EQUALLY TO MANUAL LABOUR AND TO PRAYER
CHAPTER XV: OF THE DISCREET RULE BY WHICH EVERY ONE MUST RETIRE TO HIS CELL AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE PRAYERS; AND OF THE REBUKE TO WHICH ANY ONE WHO DOES OTHERWISE IS SUBJECT
CHAPTER XVI: HOW NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO PRAY WITH ONE WHO HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FROM PRAYER
CHAPTER XVII: HOW HE WHO ROUSES THEM FOR PRAYER OUGHT TO CALL THEM AT THE USUAL TIME
CHAPTER XVIII: HOW THEY DO NOT KNEEL FROM THE EVENING OF SATURDAY TILL THE EVENING OF SUNDAY
BOOK III
OF THE CANONICAL SYSTEM OF THE DAILY PRAYERS AND PSALMS
CHAPTER I: OF THE SERVICES OF THE THIRD, SIXTH, AND NINTH HOURS, WHICH ARE OBSERVED IN THE REGIONS OF SYRIA
CHAPTER II: HOW AMONG THE EGYPTIANS THEY APPLY THEMSELVES ALL DAY LONG TO PRAYER AND PSALM CONTINUALLY, WITH THE ADDITION OF WORK, WITHOUT DISTINCTION OF HOURS
CHAPTER III: HOW THROUGHOUT ALL THE EAST THE SERVICES OF TIERCE, SEXT, AND NONE ARE ENDED WITH ONLY THREE PSALMS AND PRAYERS EACH; AND THE REASON WHY THESE SPIRITUAL OFFICES ARE ASSIGNED MORE PARTICULARLY TO THOSE HOURS
CHAPTER IV: HOW THE MATTIN OFFICE WAS NOT APPOINTED BY AN ANCIENT TRADITION BUT WAS STARTED IN OUR OWN DAY FOR A DEFINITE REASON
CHAPTER V: HOW THEY OUGHT NOT TO GO BACK TO BED AGAIN AFTER THE MATTIN PRAYERS
CHAPTER VI: HOW NO CHANGE WAS MADE BY THE ELDERS IN THE ANCIENT SYSTEM OF PSALMS WHEN THE MARTIN OFFICE WAS INSTITUTED
CHAPTER VII: HOW ONE WHO DOES NOT COME TO THE DAILY PRAYER BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST PSALM IS NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ORATORY; BUT AT NOCTURNS A LATE ARRIVAL UP TO THE END OF THE SECOND PSALM CAN BE OVERLOOKED
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE VIGIL SERVICE WHICH IS CELEBRATED ON THE EVENING PRECEDING THE SABBATH; OF ITS LENGTH, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS OBSERVED
CHAPTER IX: THE REASON WHY A VIGIL IS APPOINTED AS THE SABBATH DAY DAWNS, AND WHY A DISPENSATION FROM FASTING IS ENJOYED ON THE SABBATH ALL THROUGH THE EAST
CHAPTER X: HOW IT WAS BROUGHT ABOUT THAT THEY FAST ON THE SABBATH IN THE CITY
CHAPTER XI: OF THE POINTS IN WHICH THE SERVICE HELD ON SUNDAY DIFFERS FROM WHAT IS CUSTOMARY ON OTHER DAYS
CHAPTER XII: OF THE DAYS ON WHICH, WHEN SUPPER IS PROVIDED FOR THE BRETHREN, A PSALM IS NOT SAID AS THEY ASSEMBLE FOR THE MEALS AS IS USUAL AT DINNER
BOOK IV
OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE RENUNCIANTS
CHAPTER I: OF THE TRAINING OF THOSE WHO RENOUNCE THIS WORLD, AND OF THE WAY IN WHICH THOSE ARE TAUGHT AMONG THE MONKS OF TABENNA AND THE EGYPTIANS WHO ARE RECEIVED INTO THE MONASTERIES,
CHAPTER II: OF THE WAY IN WHICH AMONG THEM MEN REMAIN IN THE MONASTERIES EVENTO EXTREME OLD AGE
CHAPTER III: OF THE ORDEAL BY WHICH ONE WHO IS TO BE RECEIVED IN THE MONASTERY IS TESTED
CHAPTER IV: THE REASON WHY THOSE WHO ARE RECEIVED IN THE MONASTERY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING ANYTHING IN WITH THEM
CHAPTER V: THE REASON WHY THOSE WHO GIVE UP THE WORLD, WHEN THEY ARE RECEIVED IN THE MONASTERIES, MUST LAY ASIDE THEIR OWN CLOTHES AND BE CLOTHED IN OTHERS BY THE ABBOT
CHAPTER VI: THE REASON WHY THE CLOTHES OF THE RENUNCIANTS WITH WHICH THEY JOINED THE MONASTERY ARE PRESERVED BY THE STEWARD
CHAPTER VII: THE REASON WHY THOSE WHO ARE ADMITTED TO A MONASTERY ARE NOT PERMITTED TO MIX AT ONCE WITH THE CONGREGATION OF THE BRETHREN, BUT ARE FIRST COMMITTED TO THE GUEST HOUSE
CHAPTER VIII: OF THE PRACTICES IN WHICH THE JUNIORS ARE FIRST EXERCISED THAT THEY MAY BECOME PROFICIENT IN OVERCOMING ALL THEIR DESIRES
CHAPTER IX: THE REASON WHY THE JUNIORS ARE ENJOINED NOT TO KEEP BACK ANY OF THEIR THOUGHTS FROM THE SENIOR
CHAPTER X: HOW THOROUGH IS THE OBEDIENCE OF THE JUNIORS EVEN IN THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE MATTERS OF COMMON NECESSITY
CHAPTER XI: THE KIND OF FOOD WHICH IS CONSIDERED THE GREATER DELICACY BY THEM
CHAPTER XII: HOW THEY LEAVE OFF EVERY KIND OF WORK AT THE SOUND OF SOME ONE KNOCKING AT THE DOOR, IN THEIR EAGERNESS TO ANSWER AT ONCE,
CHAPTER XIII: HOW WRONG IT IS CONSIDERED FOR ANY ONE TO SAY THAT ANYTHING, HOWEVER TRIFLING, IS HIS OWN
CHAPTER XIV: HOW, EVEN IF A LARGE SUM OF MONEY IS AMASSED BY THE LABOUR OF EACH, STILL NO ONE MAY VENTURE TO EXCEED THE MODERATE LIMIT OF WHAT IS APPOINTED AS ADEQUATE
CHAPTER XV: OF THE EXCESSIVE DESIRE OF POSSESSION AMONG US
CHAPTER XVI: ON THE RULES FOR VARIOUS REBUKES
CHAPTER XVII: OF THOSE WHO INTRODUCED THE PLAN THAT THE HOLY LESSONS SHOULD BE READ IN THE COENOBIA WHILE THE BRETHREN ARE EATING, AND OF THE STRICT SILENCE WHICH IS KEPT AMONG THE EGYPTIANS
CHAPTER XVIII: HOW IT IS AGAINST THE RULE FOR ANY ONE TO TAKE ANYTHING TO EAT OR DRINK EXCEPT AT THE COMMON TABLE
CHAPTER XIX: HOW THROUGHOUT PALESTINE AND MESOPOTAMIA A DAILY SERVICE IS UNDERTAKEN BY THE BRETHREN
CHAPTER XX: OF THE THREE LENTIL BEANS WHICH THE STEWARD FOUND
CHAPTER XXI: OF THE SPONTANEOUS SERVICE OF SOME OF THE BRETHREN
CHAPTER XXII: THE SYSTEM OF THE EGYPTIANS, WHICH IS APPOINTED FOR THE DAILY SERVICE OF THE BRETHREN
CHAPTER XXIII: THE OBEDIENCE OF ABBOT JOHN BY WHICH HE WAS EXALTED EVEN TO THE GRACE OF PROPHECY
CHAPTER XXIV: OF THE DRY STICK WHICH, AT THE BIDDING OF HIS SENIOR, ABBOT JOHN KEPT ON WATERING AS IF IT WOULD GROW
CHAPTER XXV: OF THE UNIQUE VASE OF OIL THROWN AWAY BY ABBOT JOHN AT HIS SENIOR’S COMMAND
CHAPTER XXVI: HOW ABBOT JOHN OBEYED HIS SENIOR BY TRYING TO ROLL A HUGE STONE, WHICH A LARGE NUMBER OF MEN WERE UNABLE TO MOVE
CHAPTER XXVII: OF THE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE OF ABBOT PATERMUCIUS, WHICH HE DID NOT HESITATE TO MAKE PERFECT BY THROWING HIS LITTLE BOY INTO THE RIVER AT THE COMMAND OF HIS SENIOR
CHAPTER XXVIII: HOW IT WAS REVEALED TO THE ABBOT CONCERNING PATERMUCIUS THAT HE HAD DONE THE DEED OF ABRAHAM; AND HOW WHEN THE SAME ABBOT DIED, PATERMUCIUS SUCCEEDED TO THE CHARGE OF THE MONASTERY
CHAPTER XXIX: OF THE OBEDIENCE OF A BROTHER WHO AT THE ABBOT’S BIDDING CARRIED ABOUT IN PUBLIC TEN BASKETS AND SOLD THEM BY RETAIL
CHAPTER XXX: OF THE HUMILITY OF ABBOT PINUFIUS, WHO LEFT A VERY FAMOUS COENOBIUM OVER WHICH HE PRESIDED AS PRESBYTER, AND OUT OF THE LOVE OF SUBJECTION SOUGHT A DISTANT MONASTERY WHERE HE COULD BE RECEIVED AS A NOVICE
CHAPTER XXXI: HOW WHEN ABBOT PINUFIUS WAS BROUGHT BACK TO HIS MONASTERY HE STAYED THERE FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THEN FLED AGAIN INTO THE REGIONS OF SYRIAN PALESTINE
CHAPTER XXXII: THE CHARGE WHICH THE SAME ABBOT PINUFIUS GAVE TO A BROTHER WHOM HE ADMITTED INTO HIS MONASTERY IN OUR PRESENCE
CHAPTER XXXIII: HOW IT IS THAT, JUST AS A GREAT REWARD IS DUE TO THE MONK WHO LABOURS ACCORDING TO THE REGULATIONS OF THE FATHERS, SO LIKEWISE PUNISHMENT MUST HE INFLICTED ON AN IDLE ONE; AND THEREFORE NO ONE SHOULD BE ADMITTED INTO A MONASTERY TOO EASILY
CHAPTER XXXIV: OF THE WHY IN WHICH OUR RENUNCIATION IS NOTHING BUT MORTIFICATION AND THE IMAGE OF THE CRUCIFIED
CHAPTER XXXV: HOW THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS OUR CROSS
CHAPTER XXXVI: HOW OUR RENUNCIATION OF THE WORLD IS OF NO USE IF WE ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED IN THOSE THINGS WHICH WE HAVE RENOUNCED
CHAPTER XXXVII: HOW THE DEVIL ALWAYS LIES IN WAIT FOR OUR END, AND HOW WE OUGHT CONTINUALLY TO WATCH HIS HEAD
CHAPTER XXXVIII: OF THE RENUNCIANT’S PREPARATION AGAINST TEMPTATION, AND OF THE FEW WHO ARE WORTHY OF IMITATION
CHAPTER XXXIX: OF THE WAY IN WHICH WE SHALL MOUNT TOWARDS PERFECTION, WHEREBY WE MAY AFTERWARDS ASCEND FROM THE FEAR OF GOD UP TO LOVE.
CHAPTER XL: THAT THE MONK SHOULD SEEK FOR EXAMPLES OF PERFECTION NOT FROM MANY INSTANCES BUT FROM ONE OR A VERY FEW
CHAPTER XLI: THE APPEARANCE OF WHAT INFIRMITIES ONE WHO LIVES IN A COENOBIUM OUGHT TO EXHIBIT
CHAPTER XLII: HOW A MONK SHOULD NOT LOOK FOR THE BLESSING OF PATIENCE IN HIS OWN CASE AS A RESULT OF THE VIRTUE OF OTHERS, BUT RATHER AS A CONSEQUENCE OF HIS OWN LONGSUFFERING
CHAPTER XLIII: RECAPITULATION OF THE EXPLANATION HOW A MONK CAN MOUNT UP TOWARDS PERFECTION
BOOK V
OF THE SPIRIT OF GLUTTONY
CHAPTER I: THE TRANSITION FROM THE INSTITUTES OF THE MONKS TO THE STRUGGLE AGAINST THE EIGHT PRINCIPAL FAULTS
CHAPTER II: HOW THE OCCASIONS OF THESE FAULTS, BEING FOUND IN EVERYBODY, ARE IGNORED BY EVERYBODY; AND HOW WE NEED THE LORD’S HELP TO MAKE THEM PLAIN
CHAPTER III: HOW OUR FIRST STRUGGLE MUST BE AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF GLUTTONY, I.E. THE PLEASURES OF THE PALATE
CHAPTER IV: THE TESTIMONY OF ABBOT ANTONY IN WHICH HE TEACHES THAT EACH VIRTUE OUGHT TO BE SOUGHT FOR FROM HIM WHO PROFESSES IT IN A SPECIAL DEGREE
CHAPTER V: THAT ONE AND THE SAME RULE OF FASTING CANNOT BE OBSERVED BY EVERYBODY
CHAPTER VI: THAT THE MIND IS NOT INTOXICATED BY WINE ALONE
CHAPTER VII: HOW BODILY WEAKNESS NEED NOT INTERFERE WITH PURITY OF HEART
CHAPTER VIII: HOW FOOD SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH REGARD TO THE AIM AT PERFECT CONTINENCE
CHAPTER IX: OF THE, MEASURE OF THE CHASTISEMENT TO BE UNDERTAKEN, AND THE REMEDY OF FASTING
CHAPTER X: THAT ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD IS NOT OF ITSELF SUFFICIENT FOR PRESERVATION OF BODILY AND MENTAL PURITY
CHAPTER XI: THAT BODILY LUSTS ARE NOT EXTINGUISHED EXCEPT BY THE ENTIRE ROOTING OUT OF VICE
CHAPTER XII: THAT IN OUR SPIRITUAL CONTEST WE OUGHT TO DRAW AN EXAMPLE FROM THE CARNAL CONTESTS.
CHAPTER XIII: THAT WE CANNOT ENTER THE BATTLE OF THE INNER MAN UNLESS WE HAVE BEEN SET FREE FROM THE VICE OF GLUTTONY
CHAPTER XIV: HOW GLUTTONOUS DESIRES CAN BE OVERCOME
CHAPTER XV: HOW A MONK MUST ALWAYS BE EAGER TO PRESERVE HIS PURITY OF HEART
CHAPTER XVI: HOW, AFTER THE FASHION OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, A MONK SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS UNLESS HE HAS WON BATTLES OVER THE FLESH
CHAPTER XVII: THAT THE FOUNDATION AND BASIS OF THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT MUST BE LAID IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST GLUTTONY
CHAPTER XVIII: OF THE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CONFLICTS AND VICTORIES THROUGH WHICH THE BLESSED APOSTLE ASCENDED TO THE CROWN OF THE HIGHEST
CHAPTER XIX: THAT THE ATHLETE OF CHRIST, SO LONG AS HE IS IN THE BODY, IS NEVER WITHOUT A BATTLE
CHAPTER XX: HOW A MONK SHOULD NOT OVERSTEP THE PROPER HOURS FOR TAKING FOOD, IF HE WANTS TO PROCEED TO THE STRUGGLE OF INTERIOR CONFLICTS
CHAPTER XXI: OF THE INWARD PEACE OF A MONK, AND OF SPIRITUAL ABSTINENCE;
CHAPTER XXII: THAT WE SHOULD FOR THIS REASON PRACTISE BODILY ABSTINENCE THAT WE MAY BY IT ATTAIN TO A SPIRITUAL FAST
CHAPTER XXIII: WHAT SHOULD BE THE CHARACTER OF THE MONK’S FOOD
CHAPTER XXIV: HOW IN EGYPT WE SAW THAT THE DAILY FAST WAS BROKEN WITHOUT SCRUPLE ON OUR ARRIVAL
CHAPTER XXV: OF THE ABSTINENCE OF ONE OLD MAN WHO TOOK FOOD SIX TIMES SO SPARINGLY THAT HE WAS STILL HUNGRY
CHAPTER XXVI: OF ANOTHER OLD MAN, WHO NEVER PARTOOK OF FOOD ALONE IN HIS CELL
CHAPTER XXVII: WHAT THE TWO ABBOTS PAESIUS AND JOHN SAID OF THE FRUITS OF THEIR ZEAL
CHAPTER XXVIII: THE LESSON AND EXAMPLE WHICH ABBOT JOHN WHEN DYING LEFT TO HIS DISCIPLES
CHAPTER XXIX: OF ABBOT MACHETES, WHO NEVER SLEPT DURING THE SPIRITUAL CONFERENCES, BUT ALWAYS WENT TO SLEEP DURING EARTHLY TALES
CHAPTER XXX: A SAYING OF THE SAME OLD MAN ABOUT NOT JUDGING ANY ONE
CHAPTER XXXI: THE SAME OLD MAN’S REBUKE WHEN HE SAW HOW THE BRETHREN WENT TO SLEEP DURING THE SPIRITUAL CONFERENCES, AND WOKE UP WHEN SOME IDLE STORY WAS TOLD
CHAPTER XXXII: OF THE LETTERS WHICH WERE BURNT WITHOUT BEING READ
CHAPTER XXXIII: OF THE SOLUTION OF A QUESTION WHICH ABBOT THEODORE OBTAINED BY PRAYER
CHAPTER XXXIV: OF THE SAYING OF THE SAME OLD MAN, THROUGH WHICH HE TAUGHT BY WHAT EFFORTS A MONK CAN ACQUIRE A KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES
CHAPTER XXXVI: A DESCRIPTION OF THE DESERT IN DIOLCOS, WHERE THE ANCHORITES LIVE
CHAPTER XXXVII: OF THE CELLS WHICH ABBOT ARCHEBIUS GAVE UP TO US WITH THEIR FURNITURE
CHAPTER XXXVIII: THE SAME ARCHEBIUS PAID A DEBT OF HIS MOTHER’S BY THE LABOUR OF HIS OWN HANDS
CHAPTER XXXIX: OF THE DEVICE OF A CERTAIN OLD MAN BY WHICH SOME WORK WAS FOUND FOR ABBOT SIMEON WHEN BE HAD NOTHING TO DO
CHAPTER XL: OF THE BOYS WHO WHEN BRINGING TO A SICK MAN SOME FIGS, DIED IN THE DESERT FROM HUNGER, WITHOUT HAVING TASTED THEM
CHAPTER XLI: THE SAYING OF ABBOT MACARIUS OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF A MONK AS ONE WHO WAS TO LIVE FOR A LONG WHILE, AND AS ONE WHO WAS DAILY AT THE POINT OF DEATH
BOOK VI
ON THE SPIRIT OF FORNICATION
BOOK VII
OF THE SPIRIT OF COVETOUSNESS
CHAPTER I: HOW OUR WARFARE WITH COVETOUSNESS IS A FOREIGN ONE, AND HOW THIS FAULT IS NOT A NATURAL ONE IN MAN, AS THE OTHER FAULTS ARE
CHAPTER II.: HOW DANGEROUS IS THE DISEASE OF COVETOUSNESS
CHAPTER III: WHAT IS THE USEFULNESS OF THOSE VICES WHICH ARE NATURAL TO THE FLESH
CHAPTER IV: THAT WE CAN SAY THAT THERE EXIST IN US SOME NATURAL FAULTS, WITHOUT WRONGING THE CREATOR
CHAPTER V: OF THE FAULTS WHICH ARE CONTRACTED THROUGH OUR OWN FAULT, WITHOUT NATURAL IMPULSES
CHAPTER VI: HOW DIFFICULT THE EVIL OF COVETOUSNESS IS TO DRIVE AWAY WHEN ONCE IT HAS BEEN ADMITTED
CHAPTER VII: OF THE SOURCE FROM WHICH COVETOUSNESS SPRINGS, AND OF THE EVILS OF WHICH IT IS ITSELF THE MOTHER
CHAPTER VIII: HOW COVETOUSNESS IS A HINDRANCE TO ALL VIRTUES
CHAPTER IX: HOW A MONK WHO HAS MONEY CANNOT STAY IN THE MONASTERY
CHAPTER X: OF THE TOILS WHICH A DESERTER FROM A MONASTERY MUST UNDERGO THROUGH COVETOUSNESS, THOUGH HE USED FORMERLY TO MURMUR AT THE VERY SLIGHTEST TASKS
CHAPTER XI: THAT UNDER PRETENCE OF KEEPING THE PURSE WOMEN HAVE TO BE SOUGHT TO DWELL WITH THEM
CHAPTER XII: AN INSTANCE OF A LUKEWARM MONK CAUGHT IN THE SNARES OF COVETOUSNESS
CHAPTER XIII: WHAT THE ELDERS RELATE TO THE JUNIORS IN THE MATTER OF STRIPPING OFF SINS
CHAPTER XIV: INSTANCES TO SHOW THAT THE DISEASE OF COVETOUSNESS IS THREEFOLD
CHAPTER XV: OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONE WHO RENOUNCES THE WORLD BADLY AND ONE WHO DOES NOT RENOUNCE IT AT ALL
CHAPTER XVI: OF THE AUTHORITY UNDER WHICH THOSE SHELTER THEMSELVES WHO OBJECT TO STRIPPING THEMSELVES OF THEIR GOODS
CHAPTER XVII: OF THE RENUNCIATION OF THE APOSTLES AND THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH
CHAPTER XVIII: THAT IF WE WANT TO IMITATE THE APOSTLES WE OUGHT NOT TO LIVE ACCORDING TO OUR OWN PRESCRIPTIONS, BUT TO FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE
CHAPTER XIX: A SAYING OF S. BASIL, THE BISHOP, DIRECTED AGAINST SYNCLETIUS
CHAPTER XX: HOW CONTEMPTIBLE IT IS TO BE OVERCOME BY COVETOUSNESS
CHAPTER XXI: HOW COVETOUSNESS CAN BE CONQUERED
CHAPTER XXII: THAT ONE WHO ACTUALLY HAS NO MONEY MAY STILL BE DEEMED COVETOUS
CHAPTER XXIII: AN EXAMPLE DRAWN FROM THE CASE OF JUDAS
CHAPTER XXIV: THAT COVETOUSNESS CANNOT BE OVERCOME EXCEPT BY STRIPPING ONE’S SELF OF EVERYTHING
CHAPTER XXV: OF THE DEATHS OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA, AND JUDAS, WHICH THEY UNDERWENT THROUGH THE IMPULSE OF COVETOUSNESS
CHAPTER XXVI: THAT COVETOUSNESS BRINGS UPON THE SOUL A SPIRITUAL LEPROSY
CHAPTER XXVII: SCRIPTURE PROOFS BY WHICH ONE WHO IS AIMING AT PERFECTION IS TAUGHT NOT TO TAKE BACK AGAIN WHAT HE HAS GIVEN UP AND RENOUNCED
CHAPTER XXVIII: THAT THE VICTORY OVER COVETOUSNESS CAN ONLY BE GAINED BY STRIPPING ONE’S SELF BARE OF EVERYTHING
CHAPTER XXIX: HOW A MONK CAN RETAIN HIS POVERTY
CHAPTER XXX: THE REMEDIES AGAINST THE DISEASE OF COVETOUSNESS
CHAPTER XXXI: THAT NO ONE CAN GET THE BETTER OF COVETOUSNESS UNLESS HE STAYS IN THE COENOBIUM: AND HOW ONE CAN REMAIN THERE
BOOK VIII
OF THE SPIRIT OF ANGER
CHAPTER I: HOW OUR FOURTH CONFLICT IS AGAINST THE SIN OF ANGER, AND HOW MANY EVILS THIS PASSION PRODUCES
CHAPTER II: OF THOSE WHO SAY THAT ANGER IS NOT INJURIOUS, IF WE ARE ANGRY WITH THOSE WHO DO WRONG, SINCE GOD HIMSELF IS SAID TO BE ANGRY
CHAPTER III: OF THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE SPOKEN OF GOD ANTHROPOMORPHICALLY
CHAPTER IV: IN WHAT SENSE WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE PASSIONS AND HUMAN ARTS WHICH ARE ASCRIBED TO THE UNCHANGING AND INCORPOREAL GOD
CHAPTER V: HOW CALM A MONK OUGHT TO BE
CHAPTER VI: OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND UNRIGHTEOUS PASSION OF WRATH
CHAPTER VII: OF THE ONLY CASE IN WHICH ANGER IS USEFUL TO US
CHAPTER VIII: INSTANCES FROM THE LIFE OF THE BLESSED DAVID IN WHICH ANGER WAS RIGHTLY FELT
CHAPTER IX: OF THE ANGER WHICH SHOULD BE DIRECTED AGAINST OURSELVES
CHAPTER X: OF THE SUN, OF WHICH IT IS SAID THAT IT SHOULD NOT GO DOWN UPON YOUR WRATH
CHAPTER XI: OF THOSE TO WHOSE WRATH EVEN THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN SETS NO LIMIT
CHAPTER XII: HOW THIS IS THE END OF TEMPER AND ANGER WHEN A MAN CARRIES IT INTO ACT AS FAR AS HE CAN
CHAPTER XIII: THAT WE SHOULD NOT RETAIN OUR ANGER EVEN FOR AN INSTANT
CHAPTER XIV: OF RECONCILIATION WITH OUR BROTHER
CHAPTER XV: HOW THE OLD LAW WOULD ROOT OUT ANGER NOT ONLY FROM THE ACTIONS BUT FROM THE THOUGHTS
CHAPTER XVI: HOW USELESS IS THE RETIREMENT OF THOSE WHO DO NOT GIVE UP THEIR BAD MANNERS
CHAPTER XVII: THAT THE PEACE OF OUR HEART DOES NOT DEPEND ON ANOTHER’S WILL, BUT LIES IN OUR OWN CONTROL
CHAPTER XVIII: OF THE ZEAL WITH WHICH WE SHOULD SEEK THE DESERT, AND OF THE THINGS IN WHICH WE MAKE PROGRESS THERE
CHAPTER XIX: AN ILLUSTRATION TO HELP IN FORMING AN OPINION ON THOSE WHO ARE ONLY PATIENT WHEN THEY ARE NOT TRIED BY ANY ONE
CHAPTER XX: OF THE WAY IN WHICH AUGER SHOULD BE BANISHED ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL
CHAPTER XXI: WHETHER WE OUGHT TO ADMIT THE ADDITION OF “WITHOUT A CAUSE,” IN THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN IN THE GOSPEL, “WHOSOEVER IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER,” ETC
CHAPTER XXII: THE REMEDIES BY WHICH WE CAN ROOT OUT ANGER FROM OUR HEARTS
BOOK IX
OF THE SPIRIT OF DEJECTION
CHAPTER I: HOW OUR FIFTH COMBAT IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF DEJECTION, AND OF THE HARM WHICH IT INFLICTS UPON THE SOUL
CHAPTER II: OF THE CARE WITH WHICH THE MALADY OF DEJECTION MUST BE HEALED
CHAPTER III: TO WHAT THE SOUL MAY BE COMPARED WHICH IS A PREY TO THE ATTACKS OF DEJECTION
CHAPTER IV: WHENCE AND IN WHAT WAY DEJECTION ARISES
CHAPTER V: THAT DISTURBANCES ARE CAUSED IN US NOT BY THE FAULTS OF OTHER PEOPLE, BUT BY OUR OWN
CHAPTER VI: THAT NO ONE COMES TO GRIEF BY A SUDDEN FALL, BUT IS DESTROYED BY FALLING THROUGH A LONG COURSE OF CARELESSNESS
CHAPTER VII: THAT WE OUGHT NOT TO GIVE UP INTERCOURSE WITH OUR BRETHREN IN ORDER TO SEEK AFTER PERFECTION, BUT SHOULD RATHER CONSTANTLY CULTIVATE THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE
CHAPTER VIII: THAT IF WE HAVE IMPROVED OUR CHARACTER IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO GET ON WITH EVERYBODY
CHAPTER IX: OF ANOTHER SORT OF DEJECTION WHICH PRODUCES DESPAIR OF SALVATION
CHAPTER X: OF THE ONLY THING IN WHICH DEJECTION IS USEFUL TO US
CHAPTER XI: HOW WE CAN DECIDE WHAT IS USEFUL AND THE SORROW ACCORDING TO GOD, AND WHAT IS DEVILISH AND DEADLY
CHAPTER XII: THAT EXCEPT THAT WHOLESOME SORROW, WHICH SPRINGS UP IN THREE WAYS, ALL SORROW AND DEJECTION SHOULD BE RESISTED AS HURTFUL
CHAPTER XIII: THE MEANS BY WHICH WE CAN ROOT OUT DEJECTION FROM OUR HEARTS
BOOK X
OF THE SPIRIT OF ACCIDIE
CHAPTER I: HOW OUR SIXTH COMBAT IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF ACCIDIE, AND WHAT ITS CHARACTER IS
CHAPTER II: A DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDIE, AND THE WAY IN WHICH IT CREEPS OVER THE HEART OF A MONK, AND THE INJURY IT INFLICTS ON THE SOUL
CHAPTER III: OF THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH ACCIDIE OVERCOMES A MONK
CHAPTER IV: HOW ACCIDIE HINDERS THE MIND FROM ALL CONTEMPLATION OF THE VIRTUES
CHAPTER V: HOW THE ATTACK OF ACCIDIE IS TWOFOLD
CHAPTER VI: HOW INJURIOUS ARE THE EFFECTS OF ACCIDIE
CHAPTER VII: TESTIMONIES FROM THE APOSTLE CONCERNING THE SPIRIT OF ACCIIE
CHAPTER VIII: THAT HE IS SURE TO BE RESTLESS WHO WILL NOT BE CONTENT WITH THE WORK OF HIS OWN HANDS.
CHAPTER IX: THAT NOT THE APOSTLE ONLY, BUT THOSE TWO WHO WERE WITH HIM LABOURED WITH THEIR OWN HANDS
CHAPTER X: THAT FOR THIS REASON THE APOSTLE LABOURED WITH HIS OWN HANDS, THAT HE MIGHT SET US AN EXAMPLE OF WORK.
CHAPTER XI: THAT HE PREACHED AND TAUGHT MEN TO WORK NOT ONLY BY HIS EXAMPLE, BUT ALSO BY HIS WORDS
CHAPTER XII: OF HIS SAYING: “IF ANY WILL NOT WORK, NEITHER SHALL HE EAT.”
CHAPTER XIII: OF HIS SAYING: “WE HAVE HEARD THAT SOME AMONG YOU WALK DISORDERLY.”
CHAPTER XIV: HOW MANUAL LABOUR PREVENTS MANY FAULTS
CHAPTER XV: HOW KINDNESS SHOULD BE SHOWN EVEN TO THE IDLE AND CARELESS
CHAPTER XVI: HOW WE OUGHT TO ADMONISH THOSE WHO GO WRONG, NOT OUT OF HATRED, BUT OUT OF LOVE
CHAPTER XVII: DIFFERENT PASSAGES IN WHICH THE APOSTLE DECLARES THAT WE OUGHT TO WORK, OR IN WHICH IT IS SHOWN THAT HE HIMSELF WORKED
CHAPTER XVIII: THAT THE APOSTLE WROUGHT WHAT HE THOUGHT WOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR HIM AND FOR OTHERS WHO WERE WITH HIM
CHAPTER XIX: HOW WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THESE WORDS: “IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.”
CHAPTER XX: OF A LAZY BROTHER WHO TRIED TO PERSUADE OTHERS TO LEAVE THE MONASTERY
CHAPTER XXI: DIFFERENT PASSAGES FROM THE WRITINGS OF SOLOMON AGAINST ACCIDIE
CHAPTER XXII: HOW THE BRETHREN IN EGYPT WORK WITH THEIR HANDS, NOT ONLY TO SUPPLY THEIR OWN NEEDS, BUT ALSO TO MINISTER TO THOSE WHO ARE IN PRISON
CHAPTER XXIII: THAT IDLENESS IS THE REASON WHY THERE ARE NOT MONASTERIES FOR MONKS IN THE WEST
CHAPTER XXIV: ABBOT PAUL[8] WHO EVERY YEAR BURNT WITH FIRE ALL THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS
CHAPTER XXV: THE WORDS OF ABBOT MOSES WHICH HE SAID TO ME ABOUT THE CURE OF ACCIDIE
BOOK XI
OF THE SPIRIT OF VAINGLORY
CHAPTER I: HOW OUR SEVENTH COMBAT IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF VAINGLORY, AND WHAT ITS NATURE
CHAPTER II: HOW VAINGLORY ATTACKS A MONK NOT ONLY ON HIS CARNAL, BUT ALSO ON HIS SPIRITUAL SIDE
CHAPTER III: HOW MANY FORMS AND SHAPES VAINGLORY TAKES
CHAPTER IV: HOW VAINGLORY ATTACKS A MONK ON THE RIGHT HAD AND ON THE LEFT
CHAPTER V: A COMPARISON WHICH SHOWS THE NATURE OF VAINGLORY
CHAPTER VI: THAT VAINGLORY IS NOT ALTOGTHER GOT RID OF BY THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLITUDE
CHAPTER VII: HOW VAINGLORY, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVERCOME, RISES AGAIN KEENER THAN EVER FOR THE FIGHT
CHAPTER VIII: HOW VAINGLORY IS NOT ALLAYED EITHER IN THE DESERT OR THROUGH ADVANCING YEARS
CHAPTER IX: THAT VAINGLORY IS THE MORE DANGEROUS THROUGH BEING MIXED UP WITH VIRTUES
CHAPTER X: AN INSTANCE SHOWING HOW KING HEZEKIAH WAS OVERTHROWN BY THE DART OF VAINGLORY
CHAPTER XI: THE INSTANCE OF KING UZZIAH WHO WAS OVERCOME BY THE TAINT OF THE SAME MALADY
CHAPTER XII: SEVERAL TESTIMONIES AGAINST VAINGLORY
CHAPTER XIII: OF THE WAYS IN WHICH VAINGLORY ATTACKS A MONK
CHAPTER XIV: HOW IT SUGGESTS THAT A MAN MAY SEEK TO TAKE HOLY ORDERS
CHAPTER XV: HOW VAINGLORY INTOXICATES THE MIND
CHAPTER XVI: OF HIM WHOM THE SUPERIOR CAME UPON AND FOUND IN HIS CELL, DELUDED BY IDLE VAINGLORY
CHAPTER XVII: HOW FAULTS CANNOT BE CURED UNLESS THEIR ROOTS AND CAUSES HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED
CHAPTER XVIII: HOW A MONK OUGHT TO AVOID WOMEN AND BISHOPS
CHAPTER XIX: REMEDIES BY WHICH WE CAN OVERCOME VAINGLORY
BOOK XII
OF THE SPIRIT OF PRIDE
CHAPTER I: HOW OUR EIGHTH COMBAT IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF PRIDE, AND OF ITS CHARACTER
CHAPTER II: HOW THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF PRIDE
CHAPTER III: HOW PRIDE IS EQUALLY DESTRUCTIVE OF ALL VIRTUES
CHAPTER IV: HOW BY REASON OF PRIDE LUCIFER WAS TURNED FROM AN ARCHANGEL INTO A DEVIL
CHAPTER V: THAT INCENTIVES TO ALL SINS SPRING FROM PRIDE
CHAPTER VI: THAT THE SIN OF PRIDE IS LAST IN THE ACTUAL ORDER OF THE COMBAT, BUT FIRST IN TIME AND ORIGIN
CHAPTER VII: THAT THE EVIL OF PRIDE IS SO GREAT THAT IT RIGHTLY HAS EVEN GOD HIMSELF AS ITS ADVERSARY
CHAPTER VIII: HOW GOD HAS DESTROYED THE PRIDE OF THE DEVIL BY THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY, AND VARIOUS PASSAGES IN PROOF OF THIS
CHAPTER IX: HOW WE TOO MAY OVERCOME PRIDE
CHAPTER X: HOW NO ONE CAN OBTAIN PERFECT VIRTUE AND THE PROMISED BLISS BY HIS OWN STRENGTH ALONE
CHAPTER XI: THE CASE OF THE THIEF AND OF DAVID, AND OF OUR CALL IN ORDER TO ILLUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD
CHAPTER XII: THAT NO TOIL IS WORTHY TO BE COMPARED WITH THE PROMISED BLISS
CHAPTER XIII: THE TEACHING OF THE ELDERS ON THE METHOD OF ACQUIRING PURITY
CHAPTER XIV: THAT THE HELP OF GOD IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO LABOUR
CHAPTER XV: FROM WHOM WE CAN LEARN THE WAY OF PERFECTION
CHAPTER XVI: THAT WE CANNOT EVEN MAKE THE EFFORT TO OBTAIN PERFECTION WITHOUT THE MERCY AND INSPIRATION OF GOD
CHAPTER XVII: VARIOUS PASSAGES WHICH CLEARLY SHOW THAT WE CANNOT DO ANYTHING WHICH BELONGS TO OUR SALVATION WITHOUT THE AID OF GOD
CHAPTER XVIII: HOW WE ARE PROTECTED BY THE GRACE OF GOD NOT ONLY IN OUR NATURAL CONDITION, BUT ALSO BY HIS DAILY PROVIDENCE
CHAPTER XIX: HOW THIS FAITH CONCERNING THE GRACE OF GOD WAS DELIVERED TO US BY THE ANCIENT FATHERS
CHAPTER XX: OF ONE WHO FOR HIS BLASPHEMY WAS GIVEN OVER TO A MOST UNCLEAN SPIRIT
CHAPTER XXI: THE INSTANCE OF JOASH, KING OF JUDAH, SHOWING WHAT WAS THE CONSEQUENCE OF HIS PRIDE
CHAPTER XXII: THAT EVERY PROUD SOUL IS SUBJECT TO SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS TO BE DECEIVED BY IT
CHAPTER XXIII: HOW PERFECTION CAN ONLY BE ATTAINED THROUGH THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY
CHAPTER XXIV: WHO ARE ATTACKED BY SPIRITUAL AND WHO BY CARNAL PRIDE
CHAPTER XXV: A DESCRIPTION OF CARNAL PRIDE, AND OF THE EVILS WHICH IT PRODUCES IN THE SOUL OF A MONK
CHAPTER XXVI: THAT A MAN WHOSE FOUNDATION IS BAD, SINKS DAILY FROM BAD TO WORSE
CHAPTER XXVII: A DESCRIPTION OF THE FAULTS WHICH SPRING FROM THE EVIL OF PRIDE
CHAPTER XXVIII: ON THE PRIDE OF A CERTAIN BROTHER
CHAPTER XXIX: THE SIGNS BY WHICH YOU CAN RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE OF CARNAL PRIDE IN A SOUL
CHAPTER XXX: HOW WHEN A MAN HAS GROWN COLD THROUGH PRIDE HE WANTS TO BE PUT TO RULE OTHER PEOPLE
CHAPTER XXXI: HOW WE CAN OVERCOME PRIDE AND ATTAIN PERFECTION
CHAPTER XXXII: HOW PRIDE WHICH IS SO DESTRUCTIVE OF ALL VIRTUES CAN ITSELF BE DESTROYED BY TRUE HUMILITY
CHAPTER XXXIII: REMEDIES AGAINST THE EVIL OF PRIDE
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