Chapter 220 of 355

Chapter IX A question about the acquirement of true discretion

Chapter IX A question about the acquirement of true discretion

Chapter IX

A question about the acquirement of true discretion

Chapter X

The answer how true discretion may be gained

Chapter XI

The words of Abbot Serapion on the decline of thoughts that are exposed to others, and also on the danger of self-confidence

Chapter XII

A confession of the modesty which made us ashamed to reveal our thoughts to the elders

Chapter XIII

The answer concerning the trampling down of shame, and the danger of one without contrition

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 III

The statement of Abbot Paphnutius on the three kinds of vocations, and the three sorts of renunciations

Chapter IV

An explanation of the three callings

Chapter V

How the first of these calls is of no use to a sluggard, and the last is no hindrance to one who is in earnest

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 XV

That the understanding, by means of which we can recognize God’s commands, and the performance of a good will are both gifts from 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 II

An investigation of the origin of a sudden change of feeling from inexpressible joy to extreme dejection of mind

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 VII

Of the value of the conflict which the Apostle makes to consist in the strife between the flesh and the spirit

Chapter VIII

A question, how it is that in the Apostle’s chapter, after he has spoken of the lusts of the flesh and spirit opposing one another, he adds a third thing; viz., man’s will

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 XVI

Of the excitements of the flesh, without the humiliation of which we should fall more grievously

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 I

Our arrival at Abbot Serapion’s cell, and inquiry on the different kinds of faults and the way to overcome them

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 VIII

Of covetousness, which is something outside our nature, and of the difference between it and those faults which are natural to us

Chapter IX

How dejection and accidie generally arise without any external provocation, as in the case of other faults

Chapter X

How six of these faults are related, and the two which differ from them are akin to one another

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 XV

How we can do nothing against our faults without the help of God, and how we should not be puffed up by victories over them

Chapter XVI

Of the meaning of the seven nations of whose lands Israel took possession, and the reason why they are sometimes spoken of as “seven,” and sometimes as “many.”

Chapter XVII

A question with regard to the comparison of seven nations with eight faults

Chapter XVIII

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 XXIV

How the lands from which the Canaanites were expelled, had been assigned to the seed of Shem

Chapter XXV

Different passages of Scripture on the meaning of the eight faults

Chapter XXVI

How when we have got the better of the passion of gluttony we must take pains to gain all the other virtues

Chapter XXVII

That our battles are not fought with our faults in the same order as that in which they stand in the list

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 VII

A question whether the man who causes the death of a good man is guilty, if the good man is the gainer by his death

Chapter VIII

The answer to the foregoing question

Chapter IX

The case of Job who was tempted by the devil and of the Lord who was betrayed by Judas: and how prosperity as well as adversity is advantageous to a good man

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 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 XI

An objection whether unclean spirits can be present in or united with the souls of those whom they have filled

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 XVIII

A question whether among the devils there is any order observed in the attack, or system in its changes

Chapter XIX

The answer how far an agreement exists among devils about the attack and its changes

Chapter XX

Of the fact that opposite powers are not of the same boldness, and that the occasions of temptation are not under their control

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 XXIV

Of the way in which the devils prepare for themselves an entrance into the bodies of those whom they are going to possess

Chapter XXV

On the fact that those men are more wretched who are possessed by sins than those who are possessed by devils

Chapter XXVI

Of the death of the prophet who was led astray, and of the infirmity of the Abbot Paul, with which he was visited for the sake of his cleansing

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 XXIX

An objection, asking why those who are tormented by unclean spirits are separated from the Lord’s communion

Chapter XXX

The answer to the question raised

Chapter XXXI

On the fact that those men are more to be pitied to whom it is not given to be subjected to those temporal temptations

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 V

Of the fact that the question suggested ought to be included among those things to be held in a neutral or doubtful way

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 God

Chapter X

The answer about the beginning of the devil’s fall

Chapter XI

The punishment of the deceiver and the deceived

Chapter XII

Of the crowd of the devils, and the disturbance which they always raise in our atmosphere

Chapter XIII

Of the fact that opposing powers turn the attack, which they aim at men, even against each other

Chapter XIV

How it is that spiritual wickednesses obtained the names of powers or principalities

Chapter XV

Of the fact that it is not without reason that the names of angels and archangels are given to holy and heavenly powers

Chapter XVI

Of the subjection of the devils, which they show to their own princes, as seen in a brother’s victim

Chapter XVII

Of the fact that two angels always cling to every man

Chapter XVIII

Of the degrees of wickedness which exist in hostile spirits, as shown in the case of two philosophers

Chapter XIX

Of the fact that devils cannot prevail at all against men unless they have first secured possession of their minds

Chapter XX

A question about the fallen angels who are said in Genesis to have had intercourse with the daughters of men

Chapter XXI

The answer to the question raised

Chapter XXII

An objection, as to how an unlawful intermingling with the daughters of Cain could be charged against the line of Seth before the prohibition of the law

Chapter XXIII

The answer, that by the law of nature men were from the beginning liable to judgment and punishment

Chapter XXIV

Of the fact that they were justly punished, who sinned before the flood

Chapter XXV

How this that is said of the devil in the gospel is to be understood; viz., that “he is a liar, and his father.”

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 XI

Of Supplications

Chapter XII

Of Prayer

Chapter XIII

Of Intercession

Chapter XIV

Of Thanksgiving

Chapter XV

Whether these four kinds of prayers are necessary for everyone to offer all at once or separately and in turns

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 XXIV

How we ought not to ask for other things, except only those which are contained in the limits of the Lord’s Prayer

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 XXXIII

An objection that the confidence of being thus heard as described belongs only to saints

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 I

Introduction

Chapter II

Of the custom which is kept up in the Province of Egypt for signifying the time of Easter

Chapter III

Of Abbot Sarapion and the heresy of the Anthropomorphites into which he fell in the error of simplicity

Chapter IV

Of our return to Abbot Isaac and question concerning the error into which the aforesaid old man had fallen

Chapter V

The answer on the heresy described above

Chapter VI

Of the reasons why Jesus Christ appears to each one of us either in His humility or in His glorified condition

Chapter VII

What constitutes our end and perfect bliss

Chapter VIII

A question on the training in perfection by which we can arrive at perpetual recollection of God

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

Preface

The Second Part of the Conferences of John Cassian

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 IX

That love not only makes sons out of servants, but also bestows the image and likeness of God

Chapter X

How it is the perfection of love to pray for one’s enemies and by what signs we may recognize a mind that is not yet purified

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 I

Introduction

Chapter II

A question why the merit of good deeds may not be ascribed to the exertions of the man who does them

Chapter III

The answer that without God’s help not only perfect chastity but all good of every kind cannot be performed

Chapter IV

An objection, asking how the Gentiles can be said to have chastity without the grace 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

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 VII

An instance of chastity which teaches us that all men should not be emulous of all things

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 XV

An objection owing to the fact that many impure persons have knowledge while saints have not

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 VIII

How it is more wonderful to have cast out one’s faults from one’s self than devils from another

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 IV

A question whether anything that is really useful should be performed even against a brother’s wish

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 XI

How it is impossible for one who trusts to his own judgment to escape being deceived by the devil’s illusions

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 XVI

How it is that, if our brother has any grudge against us, the gifts of our prayers are rejected by the Lord

Chapter XVII

Of those who hold that patience should be shown to worldly people rather than to the brethren

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 V

The explanation of Abbot Germanus why we wanted to stay in Egypt, and were drawn back to Syria

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 VIII

How those who are perfect ought not to make any promises absolutely, and whether decisions can be reversed without sin

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 XI

The answer that we must take into account the purpose of the doer rather than the execution of the business

Chapter XII

How a fortunate issue will be of no avail to evil doers, while bad deeds will not injure good men

Chapter XIII

Our answer as to the reason which demanded an oath from us

Chapter XIV

The discourse of the Elder showing how the plan of action may be changed without fault provided that one keeps to the carrying out of a good intention

Chapter XV

A question whether it can be without sin that our knowledge affords to weak brethren an opportunity for lying

Chapter XVI

The answer that Scripture truth is not to be altered on account of an offence given to the weak

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 XIX

The answer, that leave to lie, which was not even granted under the old Covenant, has rightly been taken by many

Chapter XX

How even Apostles thought that a lie was often useful and the truth injurious

Chapter XXI

Whether secret abstinence ought to be made known, without telling a lie about it, to those who ask, and whether what has once been declined may be taken in hand

Chapter XXII

An objection, that abstinence ought to be concealed, but that things that have been declined should not be received

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 XXVII

A question whether the saying: “I have sworn and am purposed” is opposed to the view given above

Chapter XXVIII

The answer telling in what cases the determination is to be kept fixedly, and in what cases it may be broken if need be

Chapter XXIX

How we ought to do those things which are to be kept secret

Chapter XXX

That no determination should be made on those things which concern the needs of the common life

Part III

Containing Conferences XVIII.-XXIV

Preface

The Third Part of the Conferences of John Cassian

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 II

The words of Abbot Piamun, how monks who were novices ought to be taught by the example of their elders

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 X

The answer

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 XIII

The answer

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 XIII

A question how a man can be cured who has entered on solitude without having his faults eradicated

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 V

How those who live under the grace of the Gospel ought to go beyond the requirement of the law

Chapter VI

How the grace of the gospel supports the weak so that they can obtain pardon, as it secures to the perfect the kingdom of God

Chapter VII

How it lies in our own power to choose whether to remain under the grace of the gospel or under the terror 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 XI

An inquiry why in Egypt they do not fast during all the fifty days (of Easter) nor bend their knees in prayer

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 XV

How a thing that is good in its own nature ought not to be done for the sake of some lesser good

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 XX

The answer

Chapter XXI

A question whether the relaxation of the fast is not prejudicial to the chastity of the body

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 XXXI

A question, how we ought to understand the Apostle’s words: “Sin shall not have dominion over you.”

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 XXXV

A question, why sometimes when we are fasting more strictly than usual, we are troubled by carnal desires more keenly than usual

Chapter XXXVI

The answer, telling that this question should be reserved for a 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 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 IV

How man’s goodness and righteousness are not good if compared with the goodness and righteousness of God

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 X

How those who are on the way to perfection are truly humble, and feel that they always stand in need of God’s grace

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 XIV

An objection, that the saying: “For I do not the good that I would,” etc., applies to the persons neither of unbelievers nor of saints

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

Chapter XXI

That although we acknowledge that we cannot be without sin, yet still we ought not to suspend ourselves from the Lord’s Communion

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 VII

A question why the neighbourhood of our kinsfolk is considered to interfere with us, whereas it does not interfere in the case of those living in Egypt

Chapter VIII

The answer that all things are not suitable for all men

Chapter IX

That those need not fear the neighbourhood of their kinsfolk, who can emulate the mortification of Abbot Apollos

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 XIII

A story of a barber’s payments, introduced for the sake of recognizing the devil’s illusions

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 XVIII

A question whether we should be drawn back to our country by a proper desire for greater silence

Chapter XIX

The answer on the devil’s illusion, because he promises us the peace of a vaster solitude

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 XXII

A question how we ought to understand what the gospel says “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

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

Chapter XXVI

How the promise of an hundredfold in this life is made to those whose renunciation is perfect

The Seven Books Of John Cassian On The Incarnation Of The Lord, Against Nestorius

Preface

The Seven Books Of John Cassian On The Incarnation Of The Lord, Against Nestorius

Book I

Chapter I

The heresy compared to the hydra of the poets

Chapter II

Description of the different heretical monsters which spring from one another

Chapter III

He describes the pestilent error of the Pelagian

Chapter IV

Leporius together with some others recants his Pelagianism

Chapter V

By the case of Leporius he establishes the fact that an open sin ought to be expiated by an open confession; and also teaches from his words what is the right view to be held on the Incarnation

Chapter VI

The united doctrine of the Catholics is to be received as the orthodox faith

Book II

Chapter I

How the errors of later heretics have been condemned and refuted in the persons of their authors and originators

Chapter II

Proof that the Virgin Mother of God was not only Christotocos but also Theotocos, and that Christ is truly God

Chapter III

Follows up the same argument with passages from the Old Testament

Chapter IV

He produces testimonies to the same doctrine from the Apostle Paul

Chapter V

From the gifts of Divine grace which we receive through Christ he infers that He is truly God

Chapter VI

That the power of bestowing Divine grace did not come to Christ in the course of time, but was innate in Him from His very birth

Chapter VII

How in Christ the Divinity, Majesty, Might and Power have existed in perfection from eternity, and will continue

Book III

Chapter I

That Christ, who is God and man in the unity of Person, sprang from Israel and the Virgin Mary according to the flesh

Chapter II

The title of God is given in one sense to Christ, and in another to men

Chapter III

He explains the apostle’s saying: “If from henceforth we know no man according to the flesh,” etc

Chapter IV

From the Epistle to the Galatians he brings forward a passage to show that the weakness of the flesh in Christ was absorbed by His Divinity

Chapter V

As it is blasphemy to pare away the Divinity of Christ, so also is it blasphemous to deny that He is true man

Chapter VI

He shows from the appearance of Christ vouchsafed to the Apostle when persecuting the Church, the existence of both natures in Him

Chapter VII

He shows once more by other passages of the Apostle that Christ is God

Chapter VIII

When confessing the Divinity of Christ we ought not to pass over in silence the confession of the cross

Chapter IX

How the Apostle’s preaching was rejected by Jews and Gentiles because it confessed that the crucified Christ was God

Chapter X

How the apostle maintains that Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God

Chapter XI

He supports the same doctrine by proofs from the gospel

Chapter XII

He proves from the renowned confession of the blessed Peter that Christ is God

Chapter XIII

The confession of the blessed Peter receives a testimony to its truth from Christ Himself

Chapter XIV

How the confession of the blessed Peter is the faith of the whole Church

Chapter XV

St. Thomas also confessed the same faith as Peter after the Lord’s resurrection

Chapter XVI

He brings forward the witness of God the Father to the Divinity of the Son

Book IV

Chapter I

That Christ was before the Incarnation God from everlasting

Chapter II

He infers from what he has said that the Virgin Mary gave birth to a Son who had pre-existed and was greater than she herself was

Chapter III

He proves from the Epistle to the Romans the eternal Divinity of Christ

Chapter IV

He brings forward other testimonies to the same view

Chapter V

How in virtue of the hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ the Word is rightly termed the Saviour, or incarnate man, and the Son of God

Chapter VI

That there is in Christ but one Hypostasis (i.e., Personal self)

Chapter VII

He returns to the former subject, in order to show against the Nestorians that those things are said of the man, which belong to the Divine nature as it were of a Person of Divine nature, and conversely that those things are said of God, which belong to the human nature as it were of a Person of human nature, because there is in Christ but one and a single Personal self

Chapter VIII

How this interchange of titles does not interfere with His Divine power

Chapter IX

He corroborates this statement by the authority of the old prophets

Chapter X

He proves Christ’s Divinity from the blasphemy of Judaizing Jews as well as from the confession of converts to the faith of Christ

Chapter XI

He returns to the prophecy of Isaiah

Chapter XII

How the title of Saviour is given to Christ in one sense, and to men in another

Chapter XIII

He explains who are those in whose person the Prophet Isaiah says: “Thou art our God, and we knew Thee not.”

Book V

Chapter I

He vehemently inveighs against the error of the Pelagians, who declared that Christ was a mere man

Chapter II

That the doctrine of Nestorius is closely connected with the error of the Pelagians

Chapter III

How this participation in Divinity which the Pelagians and Nestorians attribute to Christ, is common to all holy men

Chapter IV

What the difference is between Christ and the saints

Chapter V

That before His birth in time Christ was always called God by the prophets

Chapter VI

He illustrates the same doctrine by passages from the New Testament

Chapter VII

He shows again from the union in Christ of two natures in one Person that what belongs to the Divine nature may rightly be ascribed to man, and what belongs to the human nature to God

Chapter VIII

He confirms the judgment of the Apostle by the authority of the Lord

Chapter IX

Since those marvellous works which from the days of Moses were shown to the children of Israel are attributed to Christ, it follows that He must have existed long before His birth in time

Chapter X

He explains what it means to confess, and what it means to dissolve Jesus

Chapter XI

The mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation clearly implies the Divinity of Christ

Chapter XII

He explains more fully what the mystery is which is signified under the name of the man and wife

Chapter XIII

Of the longing with which the old patriarchs desired to see the revelation of that mystery

Chapter XIV

He refutes the wicked and blasphemous notion of the heretics who said that God dwelt and spoke in Christ as in an instrument or a statue

Chapter XV

What the prayers of the saints for the coming of Messiah contained; and what was the nature of that longing of theirs

Book VI

Chapter I

From the miracle of the feeding of the multitude from five barley loaves and two fishes he shows the majesty of Divine Power

Chapter II

The author adapts the mystery of the number seven (made up of the five loaves and two fishes) to his own work

Chapter III

He refutes his opponent by the testimony of the Council of Antioch

Chapter IV

How the Creed has authority Divine as well as human

Chapter V

He proceeds against his opponent with the choicest arguments, and shows that we ought to hold fast to the religion which we have received from our fathers

Chapter VI

Once more he challenges him to the profession of the Creed of Antioch

Chapter VII

He continues the same line of argument drawn from the Creed of Antioch

Chapter VIII

How it can be said that Christ came and was born of a Virgin

Chapter IX

Again he convicts his opponent of deadly heresy by his own confession

Chapter X

He inveighs against him because though he has forsaken the Catholic religion, he nevertheless presumes to teach in the Church, to sacrifice, and to give decisions

Chapter XI

He removes the silent objection of heretics who want to recant the profession of their faith made in childhood

Chapter XII

Christ crucified is an offence and foolishness to those who declare that He was a mere man

Chapter XIII

He replies to the objection in which they say that the child born ought to be of one substance with the mother

Chapter XIV

He compares this erroneous view with the teaching of the Pelagians

Chapter XV

He shows that those who patronize this false teaching acknowledge two Christs

Chapter XVI

He shows further that this teaching is destructive of the confession of the Trinity

Chapter XVII

Those who are under an error in one point of the Catholic religion, lose the whole faith, and all the value of the faith

Chapter XVIII

He directs his discourse upon his antagonist with whom he is disputing, and begs him to return to his senses. The sacrament of reconciliation is necessary for the lapsed for their salvation

Chapter XIX

That the birth of Christ in time diminished nothing of the glory and power of His Deity

Chapter XX

He shows from what has been said that we do not mean that God was mortal or of flesh before the worlds, although Christ, who is God from eternity and was made man in time, is but one Person

Chapter XXI

The authority of Holy Scripture teaches that Christ existed from all eternity

Chapter XXII

The hypostatic union enables us to ascribe to God what belongs to the flesh in Christ

Chapter XXIII

That the figure Synecdoche, in which the part stands for the whole, is very familiar to the Holy Scripture

Book VII

Chapter I

As he is going to reply to the slanders of his opponents he implores the aid of Divine grace to teach a prayer to be used by those who undertake to dispute with heretics

Chapter II

He meets the objection taken from these words: No one gave birth to one who had existed before her

Chapter III

He replies to the cavil that the one who is born must be of one substance with the one who bears

Chapter IV

How God has shown His Omnipotence in His birth in time as well as in everything else

Chapter V

He shows by proofs drawn from nature itself, that the law which his opponents lay down; viz., that the one born ought to be of one substance with the one who bears, fails to hold good in many cases

Chapter VI

He refutes another argument of Nestorius, in which he tried to make out that Christ was like Adam in every point

Chapter VII

Heretics usually cover their doctrines with a cloak of holy Scripture

Chapter VIII

The heretics attribute to Christ only the shadow of Divinity, and so assert that he is to be worshipped together with God but not as God

Chapter IX

How those are wrong who say that the birth of Christ was a secret, since it was clearly shown even to the patriarch Jacob

Chapter X

He collects more witnesses of the same fact

Chapter XI

How the devil was forced by many reasons to the view that Christ was God

Chapter XII

He compares this notion and reasonable suspicion of the devil with the obstinate and inflexible idea of his opponents, and shows that this last is worse and more blasphemous than the former

Chapter XIII

How the devil always retained this notion of Christ’s Divinity (because of His secret working which he experienced) even up to His Cross and Death

Chapter XIV

He shows how heretics pervert holy Scripture, by replying to the argument drawn from the Apostle’s words, “Without father, without mother,” etc.: Heb. vii

Chapter XV

How Christ could be said by the Apostle to be without genealogy

Chapter XVI

He shows that like the devil when tempting Christ, the heretics garble and pervert holy Scripture

Chapter XVII

That the glory and honour of Christ is not to be ascribed to the Holy Ghost in such a way as to deny that it proceeds from Christ Himself, as if all that excellency, which was in Him, was another’s and proceeded from another source

Chapter XVIII

How we are to understand the Apostle’s words: “He appeared in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit,” etc

Chapter XIX

That it was not only the Spirit, but Christ Himself also who made Him to be feared

Chapter XX

He tries by stronger and weightier arguments to destroy that notion

Chapter XXI

That it must be ascribed equally to Christ and the Holy Ghost that His flesh and Humanity became the temple of God

Chapter XXII

That the raising up of Christ into heaven is not to be ascribed to the Spirit alone

Chapter XXIII

He continues the same argument to show that Christ had no need of another’s glory as He had a glory of His own

Chapter XXIV

He supports this doctrine by the authority of the blessed Hilary

Chapter XXV

He shows that Ambrose agrees with S. Hilary

Chapter XXVI

He adds to the foregoing the testimony of S. Jerome

Chapter XXVII

To the foregoing he adds Rufinus and the blessed Augustine

Chapter XXVIII

As he is going to produce the testimony of Greek or Eastern Bishops, he brings forward in the first place S. Gregory Nazianzen

Chapter XXIX

In the next place he puts the authority of S. Athanasius

Chapter XXX

He adds also S. John Chrysostom

Chapter XXXI

He bemoans the unhappy lot of Constantinople, owing to the misfortune which has overtaken it from that heretic; and at the same time he urges the citizens to stand fast in the ancient Catholic and ancestral faith

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