Sulpitius Severus, Vincent of Lerins, John Cassian
SULPITIUS SEVERUS, VINCENT OF LERINS, JOHN CASSIAN
NICENE AND POST-NICENE CHURCH FATHERS: SECOND SERIES: VOLUME XI. SULPITIUS SEVERUS, VINCENT OF LERINS, JOHN CASSIAN.
A SELECT LIBRARY OF THE NICENE AND POST-NICENE FATHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
THE WORKS OF SULPITIUS SEVERUS
Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus
On the Life of St. Martin
The Letters of Sulpitius Severus
Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus
The Doubtful Letters Of Sulpitius Severus
The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus
The Commonitory Of Vincent Of Lerins, For The Antiquity And Universality Of The Catholic Faith Against The Profane Novelties Of All Heresies
THE WORKS OF SAINT JOHN CASSIAN
Prolegomena
The Twelve Books of St. John Cassian on the Institutes of the Coenobia, and the Remedies for the Eight Principal Faults
The Conferences of St. John Cassian
The Seven Books Of St. John Cassian On The Incarnation Of The Lord, Against Nestorius
THE WORKS OF SULPITIUS SEVERUS
Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus
On the Life of St. Martin
Preface to Desiderius
Chapter I
Reasons for writing the Life of St. Martin
Chapter II
Military Service of St. Martin
Chapter III
Christ appears to St. Martin
Chapter IV
Martin retires from Military Service
Chapter V
Martin converts a Robber to the Faith
Chapter VI
The Devil throws himself in the Way of Martin
Chapter VII
Martin restores a Catechumen to Life
Chapter VIII
Martin restores one that had been strangled
Chapter IX
High Esteem in which Martin was held
Chapter X
Martin as Bishop of Tours
Chapter XI
Martin demolishes an Altar consecrated to a Robber
Chapter XII
Martin causes the Bearers of a Dead Body to stop
Chapter XIII
Martin escapes from a Falling Pine-tree
Chapter XIV
Martin destroys Heathen Temples and Altars
Chapter XV
Martin offers his Neck to an Assassin
Chapter XVI
Cures effected by St. Martin
Chapter XVII
Martin casts out Several Devils
Chapter XVIII
Martin performs Various Miracles
Chapter XIX
A Letter of Martin effects a Cure, with Other Miracles
Chapter XX
How Martin acted towards the Emperor Maximus
Chapter XXI
Martin has to do both with Angels and Devils
Chapter XXII
Martin preaches Repentance even to the Devil
Chapter XXIII
A Case of Diabolic Deception
Chapter XXIV
Martin is tempted by the Wiles of the Devil
Chapter XXV
Intercourse of Sulpitius with Martin
Chapter XXVI
Words cannot describe the Excellences of Martin
Chapter XXVII
Wonderful Piety of Martin
The Letters of Sulpitius Severus
Letter I. To Eusebius
Letter II. To the Deacon Aurelius
Letter III. To Bassula, His Mother-In-Law
Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus
Dialogue I
Concerning the Virtues of the Monks of the East
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Dialogue II
Concerning the Virtues of St. Martin
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Dialogue III
The Virtues of Martin Continued
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
The Doubtful Letters Of Sulpitius Severus
Letter I
A Letter of the Holy Presbyter Severus to His Sister Claudia Concerning the Last Judgment
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Letter II
A Letter of Sulpitius Severus to His Sister Claudia Concerning Virginity
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Letter III
A Letter of Severus to Holy Paul the Bishop
Letter IV
To the Same, on His Wisdom and Gentleness
Letter V
To an Unknown Person, Entreating Him to Deal Gently with His Brother
Letter VI
To Salvius: a Complaint that the Country People Were Harassed, and Their Possessions Plundered
Letter VII
To an Unknown Person, Begging the Favor of a Letter
The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus
Book I
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXIX
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXXV
Chapter XXXVI
Chapter XXXVII
Chapter XXXVIII
Chapter XXXIX
Chapter XL
Chapter XLI
Chapter XLII
Chapter XLIII
Chapter XLIV
Chapter XLV
Chapter XLVI
Chapter XLVII
Chapter XLVIII
Chapter XLIX
Chapter L
Chapter LI
Chapter LII
Chapter LIII
Chapter LIV
Book II
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXIX
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXXV
Chapter XXXVI
Chapter XXXVII
Chapter XXXVIII
Chapter XXXIX
Chapter XL
Chapter XLI
Chapter XLII
Chapter XLIII
Chapter XLIV
Chapter XLV
Chapter XLVI
Chapter XLVII
Chapter XLVIII
Chapter XLIX
Chapter L
Chapter LI
The Commonitory Of Vincent Of Lerins, For The Antiquity And Universality Of The Catholic Faith Against The Profane Novelties Of All Heresies
Chapter I
The Object of the Following Treatise
Chapter II
A General Rule for distinguishing the Truth of the Catholic Faith from the Falsehood of Heretical Pravity
Chapter III
What is to be done if one or more dissent from the rest
Chapter IV
The evil resulting from the bringing in of Novel Doctrine shown in the instances of the Donatists and Arians
Chapter V
The Example set us by the Martyrs, whom no force could hinder from defending the Faith of their Predecessors
Chapter VI
The example of Pope Stephen in resisting the Iteration of Baptism
Chapter VII
How Heretics, craftily cite obscure passages in ancient writers in support of their own novelties
Chapter VIII
Exposition of St. Paul’s Words, Gal. i. 8
Chapter IX
His warning to the Galatians a warning to all
Chapter X
Why Eminent Men are permitted by God to become Authors of Novelties in the Church
Chapter XI
Examples from Church History, confirming the words of Moses,—Nestorius, Photinus, Apollinaris
Chapter XII
A fuller account of the Errors of Photinus, Apollinaris and Nestorius
Chapter XIII
The Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation explained
Chapter XIV
Jesus Christ Man in Truth, not in Semblance
Chapter XV
The Union of the Divine with the Human Nature took place in the very Conception of the Virgin. The appellation “The Mother of God.”
Chapter XVI
Recapitulation of what was said of the Catholic Faith and of divers Heresies, Chapters xi-xv
Chapter XVII
The Error of Origen a great Trial to the Church
Chapter XVIII
Tertullian a great Trial to the Church
Chapter XIX
What we ought to learn from these Examples
Chapter XX
The Notes of a true Catholic
Chapter XXI
Exposition of St. Paul’s Words.—1 Tim. vi. 20
Chapter XXII
A more particular Exposition of 1 Tim. vi. 20
Chapter XXIII
On Development in Religious Knowledge
Chapter XXIV
Continuation of the Exposition of 1 Tim. vi. 20
Chapter XXV
Heretics appeal to Scripture that they may more easily succeed in deceiving
Chapter XXVI
Heretics, in quoting Scripture, follow the example of the Devil
Chapter XXVII
What Rule is to be observed in the Interpretation of Scripture
Chapter XXVIII
In what Way, on collating the consentient opinions of the Ancient Masters, the Novelties of Heretics may be detected and condemned
Chapter XXIX
Recapitulation
Chapter XXX
The Council of Ephesus
Chapter XXXI
The Constancy of the Ephesine Fathers in driving away Novelty and maintaining Antiquity
Chapter XXXII
The zeal of Celestine and Sixtus, bishops of Rome, in opposing Novelty
Chapter XXXIII
The Children of the Catholic Church ought to adhere to the Faith of their Fathers and die for it
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
THE WORKS OF SAINT JOHN CASSIAN
Prolegomena
The Life of Cassian
Preface
The Twelve Books of St.John Cassian on the Institutes of the Coenobia, and the Remedies for the Eight Principal Faults
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 Elders
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 service
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 Mattin 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 Nocturnes 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 even to 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 way 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 combat
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 XXXV
A rebuke of the same old man, when he had come to my cell in the middle of the night
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 he 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 us
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 besought 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 accidie
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 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 altogether 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
The Conferences of John Cassian
Part I
Containing Conferences I-X
Preface
I. First Conference of Abbot Moses
Chapter I
Of our stay in Scete, and that which we proposed to Abbot Moses
Chapter II
Of the question of Abbot Moses, who asked what was the goal and what the end of the monk
Chapter III
Of our reply
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 VIII
Of the main effort towards the contemplation of things and an illustration from the case of Martha and Mary
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 XIII
The answer concerning the direction of the heart towards and concerning the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil
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 XVII
The answer what the mind can and what it cannot do with regard to the state of its 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
II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses
Chapter I
Abbot Moses’ introduction on the grace of discretion
Chapter II
What discretion alone can give a monk; and a discourse of the blessed Antony on this subject
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 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
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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