St. John Cassian
The Conferences
Twenty-four conversations with the fathers of the Egyptian desert
Contents603 sections
- 1Conference 1, Chapter 1. Of our stay in Scete, and that which we proposed to Abbot Moses.
- 2Conference 1, Chapter 2. Of the question of Abbot Moses, who asked what was the goal and what
- 3Conference 1, Chapter 3. Of our reply.
- 4Conference 1, Chapter 4. Of Abbot Moses' question on the aforesaid statement.
- 5Conference 1, Chapter 5. A comparison with a man who is trying to hit a mark.
- 6Conference 1, Chapter 6. Of those who in renouncing the world, aim at perfection without love.
- 7Conference 1, Chapter 7. How peace of mind should be sought.
- 8Conference 1, Chapter 8. Of the main effort towards the contemplation of things and an
- 9Conference 1, Chapter 9. A question how it is that the practice of virtue cannot remain with a
- 10Conference 1, Chapter 10. The answer that not the reward, but the doing of them will come to an
- 11Conference 1, Chapter 11. On the abiding character of love.
- 12Conference 1, Chapter 12. A question on perseverance in spiritual contemplation.
- 13Conference 1, Chapter 13. The answer concerning the direction of the heart towards and concerning
- 14Conference 1, Chapter 14. Of the continuance of the soul.
- 15Conference 1, Chapter 15. How we must meditate on God.
- 16Conference 1, Chapter 16. A question on the changing character of the thoughts.
- 17Conference 1, Chapter 17. The answer what the mind can and what it cannot do with regard to the
- 18Conference 1, Chapter 18. Comparison of a soul and a millstone.
- 19Conference 1, Chapter 19. Of the three origins of our thoughts.
- 20Conference 1, Chapter 20. About discerning the thoughts, with an illustration from a good
- 21Conference 1, Chapter 21. Of the illusion of Abbot John.
- 22Conference 1, Chapter 22. Of the fourfold method of discrimination.
- 23Conference 1, Chapter 23. Of the discourse of the teacher in regard to the merits of his hearers.
- 24Conference 2, Chapter 1. Abbot Moses' introduction on the grace of discretion.
- 25Conference 2, Chapter 2. What discretion alone can give a monk; and a discourse of the blessed
- 26Conference 2, Chapter 3. Of the error of Saul and of Ahab, by which they were deceived through
- 27Conference 2, Chapter 4. What is said of the value of discretion in Holy Scripture.
- 28Conference 2, Chapter 5. Of the death of the old man Heron.
- 29Conference 2, Chapter 6. Of the destruction of two brethren for lack of discretion.
- 30Conference 2, Chapter 7. Of an illusion into which another fell for lack of discretion.
- 31Conference 2, Chapter 8. Of the fall and deception of a monk of Mesopotamia.
- 32Conference 2, Chapter 9. A question about the acquirement of true discretion.
- 33Conference 2, Chapter 10. The answer how true discretion may be gained.
- 34Conference 2, Chapter 11. The words of Abbot Serapion on the decline of thoughts that are exposed
- 35Conference 2, Chapter 12. A confession of the modesty which made us ashamed to reveal our
- 36Conference 2, Chapter 13. The answer concerning the trampling down of shame, and the danger of
- 37Conference 2, Chapter 14. Of the call of Samuel.
- 38Conference 2, Chapter 15. Of the call of the Apostle Paul.
- 39Conference 2, Chapter 16. How to seek for discretion.
- 40Conference 2, Chapter 17. On excessive fasts and vigils.
- 41Conference 2, Chapter 18. A question on the right measure of abstinence and refreshment.
- 42Conference 2, Chapter 19. Of the best plan for our daily food.
- 43Conference 2, Chapter 20. An objection on the ease of that abstinence in which a man is sustained
- 44Conference 2, Chapter 21. The answer concerning the value and measure of well-proved abstinence.
- 45Conference 2, Chapter 22. What is the usual limit both of abstinence and of partaking food.
- 46Conference 2, Chapter 23. Quemadmodum abundantia umorum genitalium castigetur.
- 47Conference 2, Chapter 24. Of the difficulty of uniformity in eating; and of the gluttony of
- 48Conference 2, Chapter 25. A question how is it possible always to observe one and the same
- 49Conference 2, Chapter 26. The answer how we should not exceed the proper measure of food.
- 50Conference 3, Chapter 1. Of the life and conduct of Abbot Paphnutius.
- 51Conference 3, Chapter 2. Of the discourse of the same old man, and our reply to it.
- 52Conference 3, Chapter 3. The statement of Abbot Paphnutius on the three kinds of vocations, and
- 53Conference 3, Chapter 4. An explanation of the three callings.
- 54Conference 3, Chapter 5. How the first of these calls is of no use to a sluggard, and the last
- 55Conference 3, Chapter 6. An account of the three sorts of renunciations.
- 56Conference 3, Chapter 7. How we can attain perfection in each of these sorts of renunciations.
- 57Conference 3, Chapter 8. Of our very own possessions in which the beauty of the soul is seen or
- 58Conference 3, Chapter 9. Of three sorts of possessions.
- 59Conference 3, Chapter 10. That none can become perfect merely through the first grade of
- 60Conference 3, Chapter 11. A question on the free will of man and the grace of God.
- 61Conference 3, Chapter 12. The answer on the economy of Divine Grace, with free will still
- 62Conference 3, Chapter 13. That the ordering of our way comes from God.
- 63Conference 3, Chapter 14. That knowledge of the law is given by the guidance and illumination of
- 64Conference 3, Chapter 15. That the understanding, by means of which we can recognize God's
- 65Conference 3, Chapter 16. That faith itself must be given us by the Lord.
- 66Conference 3, Chapter 17. That temperateness and the endurance of temptations must be given to us
- 67Conference 3, Chapter 18. That the continual fear of God must be bestowed on us by the Lord.
- 68Conference 3, Chapter 19. That the beginning of our good will and its completion comes from God.
- 69Conference 3, Chapter 20. That nothing can be done in this world without God.
- 70Conference 3, Chapter 21. An objection on the power of free will.
- 71Conference 3, Chapter 22. The answer; viz., that our free will always has need of the help of the
- 72Conference 4, Chapter 1. Of the life of Abbot Daniel.
- 73Conference 4, Chapter 2. An investigation of the origin of a sudden change of feeling from
- 74Conference 4, Chapter 3. His answer to the question raised.
- 75Conference 4, Chapter 4. How there is a twofold reason for the permission and allowance of God.
- 76Conference 4, Chapter 5. How our efforts and exertions are of no use without God's help.
- 77Conference 4, Chapter 6. How it is sometimes to our advantage to be left by God.
- 78Conference 4, Chapter 7. Of the value of the conflict which the Apostle makes to consist in the
- 79Conference 4, Chapter 8. A question, how it is that in the Apostle's chapter, after he has
- 80Conference 4, Chapter 9. The answer on the understanding of one who asks rightly.
- 81Conference 4, Chapter 10. That the word flesh is not used with one single meaning only.
- 82Conference 4, Chapter 11. What the Apostle means by flesh in this passage, and what the lust of
- 83Conference 4, Chapter 12. What is our free will, which stands in between the lust of the flesh
- 84Conference 4, Chapter 13. Of the advantage of the delay which results from the struggle between
- 85Conference 4, Chapter 14. Of the incurable depravity of spiritual wickednesses.
- 86Conference 4, Chapter 15. Of the value of the lust of the flesh against the spirit in our case.
- 87Conference 4, Chapter 16. Of the excitements of the flesh, without the humiliation of which we
- 88Conference 4, Chapter 17. Of the lukewarmness of eunuchs.
- 89Conference 4, Chapter 18. The question what is the difference between the carnal and natural man.
- 90Conference 4, Chapter 19. The answer concerning the threefold condition of souls.
- 91Conference 4, Chapter 20. Of those who renounce the world but ill.
- 92Conference 4, Chapter 21. Of those who having made light of great things busy themselves about
- 93Conference 5, Chapter 1. Our arrival at Abbot Serapion's cell, and inquiry on the different
- 94Conference 5, Chapter 2. Abbot Serapion's enumeration of eight principal faults.
- 95Conference 5, Chapter 3. Of the two classes of faults and their fourfold manner of acting on us.
- 96Conference 5, Chapter 4. A review of the passions of gluttony and fornication and their
- 97Conference 5, Chapter 5. How our Lord alone was tempted without sin.
- 98Conference 5, Chapter 6. Of the manner of the temptation in which our Lord was attacked by the
- 99Conference 5, Chapter 7. How vainglory and pride can be consummated without any assistance from
- 100Conference 5, Chapter 8. Of covetousness, which is something outside our nature, and of the
- 101Conference 5, Chapter 9. How dejection and accidie generally arise without any external
- 102Conference 5, Chapter 10. How six of these faults are related, and the two which differ from them
- 103Conference 5, Chapter 11. Of the origin and character of each of these faults.
- 104Conference 5, Chapter 12. How vainglory may be useful to us.
- 105Conference 5, Chapter 13. Of the different ways in which all these faults assault us.
- 106Conference 5, Chapter 14. Of the struggle into which we must enter against our faults, when they
- 107Conference 5, Chapter 15. How we can do nothing against our faults without the help of God, and
- 108Conference 5, Chapter 16. Of the meaning of the seven nations of whose lands Israel took
- 109Conference 5, Chapter 17. A question with regard to the comparison of seven nations with eight
- 110Conference 5, Chapter 18. Serapion: Everybody is perfectly agreed that there are eight principal
- 111Conference 5, Chapter 19. The reason why one nation is to be forsaken, while seven are commanded
- 112Conference 5, Chapter 20. Of the nature of gluttony, which may be illustrated by the simile of
- 113Conference 5, Chapter 21. Of the lasting character of gluttony as described to some philosophers.
- 114Conference 5, Chapter 22. How it was that God foretold to Abraham that Israel would have to drive
- 115Conference 5, Chapter 23. How it is useful for us to take possession of their lands.
- 116Conference 5, Chapter 24. How the lands from which the Canaanites were expelled, had been
- 117Conference 5, Chapter 25. Different passages of Scripture on the meaning of the eight faults.
- 118Conference 5, Chapter 26. How when we have got the better of the passion of gluttony we must take
- 119Conference 5, Chapter 27. That our battles are not fought with our faults in the same order as
- 120Conference 6, Chapter 1. Description of the wilderness, and the question about the death of the
- 121Conference 6, Chapter 2. Abbot Theodore's answer to the question proposed to him.
- 122Conference 6, Chapter 3. Of the three kinds of things there are in the world; viz., good, bad,
- 123Conference 6, Chapter 4. How evil cannot be forced on any one by another against his will.
- 124Conference 6, Chapter 5. An objection, how God Himself can be said to create evil.
- 125Conference 6, Chapter 6. The answer to the question proposed.
- 126Conference 6, Chapter 7. A question whether the man who causes the death of a good man is
- 127Conference 6, Chapter 8. The answer to the foregoing question.
- 128Conference 6, Chapter 9. The case of Job who was tempted by the devil and of the Lord who was
- 129Conference 6, Chapter 10. Of the excellence of the perfect man who is figuratively spoken of as
- 130Conference 6, Chapter 11. Of the two kinds of trials, which come upon us in a three-fold way.
- 131Conference 6, Chapter 12. How the upright man ought to be like a stamp not of wax but of hard
- 132Conference 6, Chapter 13. A question whether the mind can constantly continue in one and the same
- 133Conference 6, Chapter 14. The answer to the point raised by the questioner.
- 134Conference 6, Chapter 15. How one loses by going away from one's cell.
- 135Conference 6, Chapter 16. How even celestial powers above are capable of change.
- 136Conference 6, Chapter 17. That no one is dashed to the ground by a sudden fall.
- 137Conference 7, Chapter 1. On the chastity of Abbot Serenus.
- 138Conference 7, Chapter 2. The question of the aforesaid old man on the state of our thoughts.
- 139Conference 7, Chapter 3. Our answer on the fickle character of our thoughts.
- 140Conference 7, Chapter 4. The discourse of the old man on the state of the soul and its
- 141Conference 7, Chapter 5. On the perfection of the soul, as drawn from the comparison of the
- 142Conference 7, Chapter 6. Of perseverance as regards care of the thoughts.
- 143Conference 7, Chapter 7. A question on the roving tendency of the mind and the attacks of
- 144Conference 7, Chapter 8. The answer on the help of God and the power of free will.
- 145Conference 7, Chapter 9. A question on the union of the soul with devils.
- 146Conference 7, Chapter 10. The answer how unclean spirits are united with human souls.
- 147Conference 7, Chapter 11. An objection whether unclean spirits can be present in or united with
- 148Conference 7, Chapter 12. The answer how it is that unclean spirits can lord it over those
- 149Conference 7, Chapter 13. How spirit cannot be penetrated by spirit, and how God alone is
- 150Conference 7, Chapter 14. An objection, as to how we ought to believe that devils see into the
- 151Conference 7, Chapter 15. The answer what devils can and what they cannot do in regard to the
- 152Conference 7, Chapter 16. An illustration showing how we are taught that unclean spirits know the
- 153Conference 7, Chapter 17. On the fact that not every devil has the power of suggesting every
- 154Conference 7, Chapter 18. A question whether among the devils there is any order observed in the
- 155Conference 7, Chapter 19. The answer how far an agreement exists among devils about the attack
- 156Conference 7, Chapter 20. Of the fact that opposite powers are not of the same boldness, and that
- 157Conference 7, Chapter 21. Of the fact that devils struggle with men not without effort on their
- 158Conference 7, Chapter 22. On the fact that the power to hurt does not depend upon the will of the
- 159Conference 7, Chapter 23. Of the diminished power of the devils.
- 160Conference 7, Chapter 24. Of the way in which the devils prepare for themselves an entrance into
- 161Conference 7, Chapter 25. On the fact that those men are more wretched who are possessed by sins
- 162Conference 7, Chapter 26. Of the death of the prophet who was led astray, and of the infirmity of
- 163Conference 7, Chapter 27. On the temptation of Abbot Moses.
- 164Conference 7, Chapter 28. How we ought not to despise those who are delivered up to unclean
- 165Conference 7, Chapter 29. An objection, asking why those who are tormented by unclean spirits are
- 166Conference 7, Chapter 30. The answer to the question raised.
- 167Conference 7, Chapter 31. On the fact that those men are more to be pitied to whom it is not
- 168Conference 7, Chapter 32. Of the different desires and wishes which exist in the powers of the
- 169Conference 7, Chapter 33. A question as to the origin of such differences in powers of evil in
- 170Conference 7, Chapter 34. The postponement of the answer to the question raised.
- 171Conference 8, Chapter 1. Of the hospitality of Abbot Serenus.
- 172Conference 8, Chapter 2. Statements on the different kinds of spiritual wickednesses.
- 173Conference 8, Chapter 3. The answer on the many kinds of food provided in holy Scripture.
- 174Conference 8, Chapter 4. Of the double sense in which Holy Scripture may be taken.
- 175Conference 8, Chapter 5. Of the fact that the question suggested ought to be included among
- 176Conference 8, Chapter 6. Of the fact that nothing is created evil by God.
- 177Conference 8, Chapter 7. Of the origin of principalities or powers.
- 178Conference 8, Chapter 8. Of the fall of the devil and the angels.
- 179Conference 8, Chapter 9. An objection stating that the fall of the devil took its origin from
- 180Conference 8, Chapter 10. The answer about the beginning of the devil's fall.
- 181Conference 8, Chapter 11. The punishment of the deceiver and the deceived.
- 182Conference 8, Chapter 12. Of the crowd of the devils, and the disturbance which they always raise
- 183Conference 8, Chapter 13. Of the fact that opposing powers turn the attack, which they aim at
- 184Conference 8, Chapter 14. How it is that spiritual wickednesses obtained the names of powers or
- 185Conference 8, Chapter 15. Of the fact that it is not without reason that the names of angels and
- 186Conference 8, Chapter 16. Of the subjection of the devils, which they show to their own princes,
- 187Conference 8, Chapter 17. Of the fact that two angels always cling to every man.
- 188Conference 8, Chapter 18. Of the degrees of wickedness which exist in hostile spirits, as shown
- 189Conference 8, Chapter 19. Of the fact that devils cannot prevail at all against men unless they
- 190Conference 8, Chapter 20. A question about the fallen angels who are said in Genesis to have had
- 191Conference 8, Chapter 21. The answer to the question raised.
- 192Conference 8, Chapter 22. An objection, as to how an unlawful intermingling with the daughters of
- 193Conference 8, Chapter 23. The answer, that by the law of nature men were from the beginning
- 194Conference 8, Chapter 24. Of the fact that they were justly punished, who sinned before the
- 195Conference 8, Chapter 25. How this that is said of the devil in the gospel is to be understood;
- 196Conference 9, Chapter 1. Introduction to the Conference.
- 197Conference 9, Chapter 2. The words of Abbot Isaac on the nature of prayer.
- 198Conference 9, Chapter 3. How pure and sincere prayer can be gained.
- 199Conference 9, Chapter 4. Of the lightness of the soul which may be compared to a wing or
- 200Conference 9, Chapter 5. Of the ways in which our soul is weighed down.
- 201Conference 9, Chapter 6. Of the vision which a certain Elder saw concerning the restless work of
- 202Conference 9, Chapter 7. A question how it is that it is harder work to preserve than to
- 203Conference 9, Chapter 8. Of the different characters of prayer.
- 204Conference 9, Chapter 9. Of the fourfold nature of prayer.
- 205Conference 9, Chapter 10. Of the order of the different kinds laid down with regard to the
- 206Conference 9, Chapter 11. Of Supplications.
- 207Conference 9, Chapter 12. Of Prayer.
- 208Conference 9, Chapter 13. Of Intercession.
- 209Conference 9, Chapter 14. Of Thanksgiving.
- 210Conference 9, Chapter 15. Whether these four kinds of prayers are necessary for everyone to offer
- 211Conference 9, Chapter 16. Of the kinds of prayer to which we ought to direct ourselves.
- 212Conference 9, Chapter 17. How the four kinds of supplication were originated by the Lord.
- 213Conference 9, Chapter 18. Of the Lord's Prayer.
- 214Conference 9, Chapter 19. Of the clause "Thy kingdom come."
- 215Conference 9, Chapter 20. Of the clause "Thy will be done."
- 216Conference 9, Chapter 21. Of our supersubstantial or daily bread.
- 217Conference 9, Chapter 22. Of the clause: "Forgive us our debts, etc."
- 218Conference 9, Chapter 23. Of the clause: "Lead us not into temptation."
- 219Conference 9, Chapter 24. How we ought not to ask for other things, except only those which are
- 220Conference 9, Chapter 25. Of the character of the sublimer prayer.
- 221Conference 9, Chapter 26. Of the different causes of conviction.
- 222Conference 9, Chapter 27. Of the different sorts of conviction.
- 223Conference 9, Chapter 28. A question about the fact that a plentiful supply of tears is not in
- 224Conference 9, Chapter 29. The answer on the varieties of conviction which spring from tears.
- 225Conference 9, Chapter 30. How tears ought not to be squeezed out, when they do not flow
- 226Conference 9, Chapter 31. The opinion of Abbot Antony on the condition of prayer.
- 227Conference 9, Chapter 32. Of the proof of prayer being heard.
- 228Conference 9, Chapter 33. An objection that the confidence of being thus heard as described
- 229Conference 9, Chapter 34. Answer on the different reasons for prayer being heard.
- 230Conference 9, Chapter 35. Of prayer to be offered within the chamber and with the door shut.
- 231Conference 9, Chapter 36. Of the value of short and silent prayer.
- 232Conference 10, Chapter 1. Introduction.
- 233Conference 10, Chapter 2. Of the custom which is kept up in the Province of Egypt for signifying
- 234Conference 10, Chapter 3. Of Abbot Sarapion and the heresy of the Anthropomorphites into which he
- 235Conference 10, Chapter 4. Of our return to Abbot Isaac and question concerning the error into
- 236Conference 10, Chapter 5. The answer on the heresy described above.
- 237Conference 10, Chapter 6. Of the reasons why Jesus Christ appears to each one of us either in His
- 238Conference 10, Chapter 7. What constitutes our end and perfect bliss.
- 239Conference 10, Chapter 8. A question on the training in perfection by which we can arrive at
- 240Conference 10, Chapter 9. The answer on the efficacy of understanding, which is gained by
- 241Conference 10, Chapter 10. Of the method of continual prayer.
- 242Conference 10, Chapter 11. Of the perfection of prayer to which we can rise by the system
- 243Conference 10, Chapter 12. A question as to how spiritual thoughts can be retained without losing
- 244Conference 10, Chapter 13. On the lightness of thoughts.
- 245Conference 10, Chapter 14. The answer how we can gain stability of heart or of thoughts.
- 246Conference 11, Chapter 1. Description of the town of Thennesus.
- 247Conference 11, Chapter 2. Of Bishop Archebius.
- 248Conference 11, Chapter 3. Description of the desert where Chæremon, Nesteros, and Joseph lived.
- 249Conference 11, Chapter 4. Of Abbot Chæremon and his excuse about the teaching which we asked for.
- 250Conference 11, Chapter 5. Of our answer to his excuse.
- 251Conference 11, Chapter 6. Abbot Chæremon's statement that faults can be overcome in three ways.
- 252Conference 11, Chapter 7. By what steps we can ascend to the heights of love and what permanence
- 253Conference 11, Chapter 8. How greatly those excel who depart from sin through the feeling of
- 254Conference 11, Chapter 9. That love not only makes sons out of servants, but also bestows the
- 255Conference 11, Chapter 10. How it is the perfection of love to pray for one's enemies and by what
- 256Conference 11, Chapter 11. A question why he has called the feeling of fear and hope imperfect.
- 257Conference 11, Chapter 12. The answer on the different kinds of perfection.
- 258Conference 11, Chapter 13. Of the fear which is the outcome of the greatest love.
- 259Conference 11, Chapter 14. A question about complete chastity.
- 260Conference 11, Chapter 15. The postponement of the explanation which is asked for.
- 261Conference 13, Chapter 1. Introduction.
- 262Conference 13, Chapter 2. A question why the merit of good deeds may not be ascribed to the
- 263Conference 13, Chapter 3. The answer that without God's help not only perfect chastity but all
- 264Conference 13, Chapter 4. An objection, asking how the Gentiles can be said to have chastity
- 265Conference 13, Chapter 5. The answer on the imaginary chastity of the philosophers.
- 266Conference 13, Chapter 6. That without the grace of God we cannot make any diligent efforts.
- 267Conference 13, Chapter 7. Of the main purpose of God and His daily Providence.
- 268Conference 13, Chapter 8. Of the grace of God and the freedom of the will.
- 269Conference 13, Chapter 9. Of the power of our good will, and the grace of God.
- 270Conference 13, Chapter 10. On the weakness of free will.
- 271Conference 13, Chapter 11. Whether the grace of God precedes or follows our good will.
- 272Conference 13, Chapter 12. That a good will should not always be attributed to grace, nor always
- 273Conference 13, Chapter 13. How human efforts cannot be set against the grace of God.
- 274Conference 13, Chapter 14. How God makes trial of the strength of man's will by means of his
- 275Conference 13, Chapter 15. Of the manifold grace of men's calls.
- 276Conference 13, Chapter 16. Of the grace of God; to the effect that it transcends the narrow limits
- 277Conference 13, Chapter 17. Of the inscrutable providence of God.
- 278Conference 13, Chapter 18. The decision of the fathers that free will is not equal to save a man.
- 279Conference 14, Chapter 1. The words of Abbot Nesteros on the knowledge of the religious.
- 280Conference 14, Chapter 2. On grasping the knowledge of spiritual things.
- 281Conference 14, Chapter 3. How practical perfection depends on a double system.
- 282Conference 14, Chapter 4. How practical life is distributed among many different professions and
- 283Conference 14, Chapter 5. On perseverance in the line that has been chosen.
- 284Conference 14, Chapter 6. How the weak are easily moved.
- 285Conference 14, Chapter 7. An instance of chastity which teaches us that all men should not be
- 286Conference 14, Chapter 8. Of spiritual knowledge.
- 287Conference 14, Chapter 9. How from practical knowledge we must proceed to spiritual.
- 288Conference 14, Chapter 10. How to embrace the system of true knowledge.
- 289Conference 14, Chapter 11. Of the manifold meaning of the Holy Scriptures.
- 290Conference 14, Chapter 12. A question how we can attain to forgetfulness of the cares of this
- 291Conference 14, Chapter 13. Of the method by which we can remove the dross from our memory.
- 292Conference 14, Chapter 14. How an unclean soul can neither give nor receive spiritual knowledge.
- 293Conference 14, Chapter 15. An objection owing to the fact that many impure persons have knowledge
- 294Conference 14, Chapter 16. The answer to the effect that bad men cannot possess true knowledge.
- 295Conference 14, Chapter 17. To whom the method of perfection should be laid open.
- 296Conference 14, Chapter 18. Of the reasons for which spiritual learning is unfruitful.
- 297Conference 14, Chapter 19. How often even those who are not worthy can receive the grace of the
- 298Conference 15, Chapter 1. Discourse of Abbot Nesteros on the threefold system of gifts.
- 299Conference 15, Chapter 2. Wherein one ought to admire the saints.
- 300Conference 15, Chapter 3. Of a dead man raised to life by Abbot Macarius.
- 301Conference 15, Chapter 4. Of the miracle which Abbot Abraham wrought on the breasts of a woman.
- 302Conference 15, Chapter 5. Of the cure of a lame man which the same saint wrought.
- 303Conference 15, Chapter 6. How the merits of each man should not be judged by his miracles.
- 304Conference 15, Chapter 7. How the excellence of gifts consists not in miracles but in humility.
- 305Conference 15, Chapter 8. How it is more wonderful to have cast out one's faults from one's self
- 306Conference 15, Chapter 9. How uprightness of life is of more importance than the working of
- 307Conference 15, Chapter 10. A revelation on the trial of perfect chastity.
- 308Conference 16, Chapter 1. What Abbot Joseph asked us in the first instance.
- 309Conference 16, Chapter 2. Discourse of the same elder on the untrustworthy sort of friendship.
- 310Conference 16, Chapter 3. How friendship is indissoluble.
- 311Conference 16, Chapter 4. A question whether anything that is really useful should be performed
- 312Conference 16, Chapter 5. The answer, how a lasting friendship can only exist among those who are
- 313Conference 16, Chapter 6. By what means union can be preserved unbroken.
- 314Conference 16, Chapter 7. How nothing should be put before love, or after anger.
- 315Conference 16, Chapter 8. On what grounds a dispute can arise among spiritual persons.
- 316Conference 16, Chapter 9. How to get rid even of spiritual grounds of discord.
- 317Conference 16, Chapter 10. On the best tests of truth.
- 318Conference 16, Chapter 11. How it is impossible for one who trusts to his own judgment to escape
- 319Conference 16, Chapter 12. Why inferiors should not be despised in Conference.
- 320Conference 16, Chapter 13. How love does not only belong to God but is God.
- 321Conference 16, Chapter 14. On the different grades of love.
- 322Conference 16, Chapter 15. Of those who only increase their own or their brother's grievances by
- 323Conference 16, Chapter 16. How it is that, if our brother has any grudge against us, the gifts of
- 324Conference 16, Chapter 17. Of those who hold that patience should be shown to worldly people
- 325Conference 16, Chapter 18. Of those who pretend to patience but excite their brethren to anger by
- 326Conference 16, Chapter 19. Of those who fast out of rage.
- 327Conference 16, Chapter 20. Of the feigned patience of some who offer the other cheek to be
- 328Conference 16, Chapter 21. A question how if we obey the commands of Christ we can fail of
- 329Conference 16, Chapter 22. The answer that Christ looks not only at the action but also at the
- 330Conference 16, Chapter 23. How he is the strong and vigorous man, who yields to the will of
- 331Conference 16, Chapter 24. How the weak are harmful and cannot bear wrongs.
- 332Conference 16, Chapter 25. A question how he can be strong who does not always support the weak.
- 333Conference 16, Chapter 26. The answer that the weak does not always allow himself to be borne.
- 334Conference 16, Chapter 27. How anger should be repressed.
- 335Conference 16, Chapter 28. How friendships entered upon by conspiracy cannot be lasting ones.
- 336Conference 17, Chapter 1. Of the vigils which we endured.
- 337Conference 17, Chapter 2. Of the anxiety of Abbot Germanus at the recollection of our promise.
- 338Conference 17, Chapter 3. My ideas on this subject.
- 339Conference 17, Chapter 4. Abbot Joseph's question and our answer on the origin of our anxiety.
- 340Conference 17, Chapter 5. The explanation of Abbot Germanus why we wanted to stay in Egypt, and
- 341Conference 17, Chapter 6. Abbot Joseph's question whether we got more good in Egypt than in
- 342Conference 17, Chapter 7. The answer on the difference of customs in the two countries.
- 343Conference 17, Chapter 8. How those who are perfect ought not to make any promises absolutely,
- 344Conference 17, Chapter 9. How it is often better to break one's engagements than to fulfil them.
- 345Conference 17, Chapter 10. Our question about our fear of the oath which we gave in the monastery
- 346Conference 17, Chapter 11. The answer that we must take into account the purpose of the doer
- 347Conference 17, Chapter 12. How a fortunate issue will be of no avail to evil doers, while bad
- 348Conference 17, Chapter 13. Our answer as to the reason which demanded an oath from us.
- 349Conference 17, Chapter 14. The discourse of the Elder showing how the plan of action may be
- 350Conference 17, Chapter 15. A question whether it can be without sin that our knowledge affords to
- 351Conference 17, Chapter 16. The answer that Scripture truth is not to be altered on account of an
- 352Conference 17, Chapter 17. How the saints have profitably employed a lie like hellebore.
- 353Conference 17, Chapter 18. An objection that only those men employed lies with impunity, who lived
- 354Conference 17, Chapter 19. The answer, that leave to lie, which was not even granted under the old
- 355Conference 17, Chapter 20. How even Apostles thought that a lie was often useful and the truth
- 356Conference 17, Chapter 21. Whether secret abstinence ought to be made known, without telling a lie
- 357Conference 17, Chapter 22. An objection, that abstinence ought to be concealed, but that things
- 358Conference 17, Chapter 23. The answer that obstinacy in this decision is unreasonable.
- 359Conference 17, Chapter 24. How Abbot Piamun chose to hide his abstinence.
- 360Conference 17, Chapter 25. The evidence of Scripture on changes of determination.
- 361Conference 17, Chapter 26. How saintly men cannot be hard and obstinate.
- 362Conference 17, Chapter 27. A question whether the saying: "I have sworn and am purposed" is
- 363Conference 17, Chapter 28. The answer telling in what cases the determination is to be kept
- 364Conference 17, Chapter 29. How we ought to do those things which are to be kept secret.
- 365Conference 17, Chapter 30. That no determination should be made on those things which concern the
- 366Conference 18, Chapter 1. How we came to Diolcos and were received by Abbot Piamun.
- 367Conference 18, Chapter 2. The words of Abbot Piamun, how monks who were novices ought to be
- 368Conference 18, Chapter 3. How the juniors ought not to discuss the orders of the seniors.
- 369Conference 18, Chapter 4. Of the three sorts of monks which there are in Egypt.
- 370Conference 18, Chapter 5. Of the founders who originated the order of Coenobites.
- 371Conference 18, Chapter 6. Of the system of the Anchorites and its beginning.
- 372Conference 18, Chapter 7. Of the origin of the Sarabaites and their mode of life.
- 373Conference 18, Chapter 8. Of a fourth sort of monks.
- 374Conference 18, Chapter 9. A question as to what is the difference between a Coenobium and a
- 375Conference 18, Chapter 10. The answer.
- 376Conference 18, Chapter 11. Of true humility, and how Abbot Serapion exposed the mock humility of a
- 377Conference 18, Chapter 12. A question how true patience can be gained.
- 378Conference 18, Chapter 13. The answer.
- 379Conference 18, Chapter 14. Of the example of patience given by a certain religious woman.
- 380Conference 18, Chapter 15. Of the example of patience given by Abbot Paphnutius.
- 381Conference 18, Chapter 16. On the perfection of patience.
- 382Conference 19, Chapter 1. Of the Coenobium of Abbot Paul and the patience of a certain brother.
- 383Conference 19, Chapter 2. Of Abbot John's humility and our question.
- 384Conference 19, Chapter 3. Abbot John's answer why he had left the desert.
- 385Conference 19, Chapter 4. Of the excellence which the aforesaid old man showed in the system of
- 386Conference 19, Chapter 5. Of the advantages of the desert.
- 387Conference 19, Chapter 6. Of the conveniences of the Coenobium.
- 388Conference 19, Chapter 7. A question on the fruits of the Coenobium and the desert.
- 389Conference 19, Chapter 8. The answer to the question proposed.
- 390Conference 19, Chapter 9. Of true and complete perfection.
- 391Conference 19, Chapter 10. Of those who while still imperfect retire into the desert.
- 392Conference 19, Chapter 11. A question how to cure those who have hastily left the congregation of
- 393Conference 19, Chapter 12. The answer telling how a solitary can discover his faults.
- 394Conference 19, Chapter 13. A question how a man can be cured who has entered on solitude without
- 395Conference 19, Chapter 14. The answer on their remedies.
- 396Conference 19, Chapter 15. A question whether chastity ought to be ascertained just as the other
- 397Conference 19, Chapter 16. The answer giving the proofs by which it can be recognized.
- 398Conference 20, Chapter 1. Of the humility of Abbot Pinufius, and of his hiding-place.
- 399Conference 20, Chapter 2. Of our coming to him.
- 400Conference 20, Chapter 3. A question on the end of penitence and the marks of satisfaction.
- 401Conference 20, Chapter 4. The answer on the humility shown by our request.
- 402Conference 20, Chapter 5. Of the method of penitence and the proof of pardon.
- 403Conference 20, Chapter 6. A question whether our sins ought to be remembered out of contrition of
- 404Conference 20, Chapter 7. The answer showing how far we ought to preserve the recollection of
- 405Conference 20, Chapter 8. Of the various fruits of penitence.
- 406Conference 20, Chapter 9. How valuable to the perfect is the forgetfulness of sin.
- 407Conference 20, Chapter 10. How the recollection of our sins should be avoided.
- 408Conference 20, Chapter 11. Of the marks of satisfaction, and the removal of past sins.
- 409Conference 20, Chapter 12. Wherein we must do penance for a time only; and wherein it can have no
- 410Conference 21, Chapter 1. How Theonas came to Abbot John.
- 411Conference 21, Chapter 2. The exhortation of Abbot John to Theonas and the others who had come
- 412Conference 21, Chapter 3. Of the offering of tithes and firstfruits.
- 413Conference 21, Chapter 4. How Abraham, David, and other saints went beyond the requirement of the
- 414Conference 21, Chapter 5. How those who live under the grace of the Gospel ought to go beyond the
- 415Conference 21, Chapter 6. How the grace of the gospel supports the weak so that they can obtain
- 416Conference 21, Chapter 7. How it lies in our own power to choose whether to remain under the
- 417Conference 21, Chapter 8. How Theonas exhorted his wife that she too should make her
- 418Conference 21, Chapter 9. How he fled to a monastery when his wife would not consent.
- 419Conference 21, Chapter 10. An explanation that we may not appear to recommend separation from
- 420Conference 21, Chapter 11. An inquiry why in Egypt they do not fast during all the fifty days (of
- 421Conference 21, Chapter 12. The answer on the nature of things good, bad, and indifferent.
- 422Conference 21, Chapter 13. What kind of good fasting is.
- 423Conference 21, Chapter 14. How fasting is not good in its own nature.
- 424Conference 21, Chapter 15. How a thing that is good in its own nature ought not to be done for the
- 425Conference 21, Chapter 16. How what is good in its own nature can be distinguished from other
- 426Conference 21, Chapter 17. Of the reason for fasting and its value.
- 427Conference 21, Chapter 18. How fasting is not always suitable.
- 428Conference 21, Chapter 19. A question why we break the fast all through Eastertide.
- 429Conference 21, Chapter 20. The answer.
- 430Conference 21, Chapter 21. A question whether the relaxation of the fast is not prejudicial to the
- 431Conference 21, Chapter 22. The answer on the way to keep control over abstinence.
- 432Conference 21, Chapter 23. Of the time and measure of refreshment.
- 433Conference 21, Chapter 24. A question on the different ways of keeping Lent.
- 434Conference 21, Chapter 25. The answer to the effect that the fast of Lent has reference to the
- 435Conference 21, Chapter 26. How we ought also to offer our firstfruits to the Lord.
- 436Conference 21, Chapter 27. Why Lent is kept by very many with a different number of days.
- 437Conference 21, Chapter 28. Why it is called Quadragesima, when the fast is only kept for
- 438Conference 21, Chapter 29. How those who are perfect go beyond the fixed rule of Lent.
- 439Conference 21, Chapter 30. Of the origin and beginning of Lent.
- 440Conference 21, Chapter 31. A question, how we ought to understand the Apostle's words: "Sin shall
- 441Conference 21, Chapter 32. The answer on the difference between grace and the commands of the law.
- 442Conference 21, Chapter 33. Of the fact that the precepts of the gospel are milder than those of
- 443Conference 21, Chapter 34. How a man can be shown to be under grace.
- 444Conference 21, Chapter 35. A question, why sometimes when we are fasting more strictly than usual,
- 445Conference 21, Chapter 36. The answer, telling that this question should be reserved for a future
- 446Conference 23, Chapter 1. Discourse of Abbot Theonas on the Apostle's words: "For I do not the
- 447Conference 23, Chapter 2. How the Apostle completed many good actions.
- 448Conference 23, Chapter 3. What is really the good which the Apostle testifies that he could not
- 449Conference 23, Chapter 4. How man's goodness and righteousness are not good if compared with the
- 450Conference 23, Chapter 5. How no one can be continually intent upon that highest good.
- 451Conference 23, Chapter 6. How those who think that they are without sin are like purblind people.
- 452Conference 23, Chapter 7. How those who maintain that a man can be without sin are charged with a
- 453Conference 23, Chapter 8. How it is given to but few to understand what sin is.
- 454Conference 23, Chapter 9. Of the care with which a monk should preserve the recollection of God.
- 455Conference 23, Chapter 10. How those who are on the way to perfection are truly humble, and feel
- 456Conference 23, Chapter 11. Explanation of the phrase: "For I delight in the law of God after the
- 457Conference 23, Chapter 12. Of this also: "But we know that the law is spiritual," etc.
- 458Conference 23, Chapter 13. Of this also: "But I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no
- 459Conference 23, Chapter 14. An objection, that the saying: "For I do not the good that I would,"
- 460Conference 23, Chapter 15. The answer to the objection raised.
- 461Conference 23, Chapter 16. What is the body of sin.
- 462Conference 23, Chapter 17. How all the saints have confessed with truth that they were unclean and
- 463Conference 23, Chapter 18. That even good and holy men are not without sin.
- 464Conference 23, Chapter 19. How even in the hour of prayer it is almost impossible to avoid sin.
- 465Conference 23, Chapter 20. From whom we can learn the destruction of sin and perfection of
- 466Conference 23, Chapter 21. That although we acknowledge that we cannot be without sin, yet still
- 467Conference 24, Chapter 1. How we laid bare the secrets of our thoughts to Abbot Abraham.
- 468Conference 24, Chapter 2. How the old man exposed our errors.
- 469Conference 24, Chapter 3. Of the character of the districts which anchorites ought to seek.
- 470Conference 24, Chapter 4. What sorts of work should be chosen by solitaries.
- 471Conference 24, Chapter 5. That anxiety of heart is made worse rather than better by restlessness
- 472Conference 24, Chapter 6. A comparison showing how a monk ought to keep guard over his thoughts.
- 473Conference 24, Chapter 7. A question why the neighbourhood of our kinsfolk is considered to
- 474Conference 24, Chapter 8. The answer that all things are not suitable for all men.
- 475Conference 24, Chapter 9. That those need not fear the neighbourhood of their kinsfolk, who can
- 476Conference 24, Chapter 10. A question whether it is bad for a monk to have his wants supplied by
- 477Conference 24, Chapter 11. The answer stating what Saint Antony laid down on this matter.
- 478Conference 24, Chapter 12. Of the value of work and the harm of idleness.
- 479Conference 24, Chapter 13. A story of a barber's payments, introduced for the sake of recognizing
- 480Conference 24, Chapter 14. A question how such wrong notions can creep into us.
- 481Conference 24, Chapter 15. The answer on the threefold movement of the soul.
- 482Conference 24, Chapter 16. That the rational part of our soul is corrupt.
- 483Conference 24, Chapter 17. How the weaker part of the soul is the first to yield to the devil's
- 484Conference 24, Chapter 18. A question whether we should be drawn back to our country by a proper
- 485Conference 24, Chapter 19. The answer on the devil's illusion, because he promises us the peace of
- 486Conference 24, Chapter 20. How useful is relaxation on the arrival of brethren.
- 487Conference 24, Chapter 21. How the Evangelist John is said to have shown the value of relaxation.
- 488Conference 24, Chapter 22. A question how we ought to understand what the gospel says "My yoke is
- 489Conference 24, Chapter 23. The answer with the explanation of the saying.
- 490Conference 24, Chapter 24. Why the Lord's yoke is felt grievous and His burden heavy.
- 491Conference 24, Chapter 25. Of the good which an attack of temptation brings about.
- 492Conference 24, Chapter 26. How the promise of an hundredfold in this life is made to those whose
- 493Conference 24, Chapter 1. The heresy compared to the hydra of the poets.
- 494Conference 24, Chapter 2. Description of the different heretical monsters which spring from one
- 495Conference 24, Chapter 3. He describes the pestilent error of the Pelagian.
- 496Conference 24, Chapter 4. Leporius together with some others recants his Pelagianism.
- 497Conference 24, Chapter 5. By the case of Leporius he establishes the fact that an open sin ought
- 498Conference 24, Chapter 6. The united doctrine of the Catholics is to be received as the orthodox
- 499Conference 24, Chapter 1. How the errors of later heretics have been condemned and refuted in the
- 500Conference 24, Chapter 2. Proof that the Virgin Mother of God was not only Christotocos but also
- 501Conference 24, Chapter 3. Follows up the same argument with passages from the Old Testament.
- 502Conference 24, Chapter 4. He produces testimonies to the same doctrine from the Apostle Paul.
- 503Conference 24, Chapter 5. From the gifts of Divine grace which we receive through Christ he
- 504Conference 24, Chapter 6. That the power of bestowing Divine grace did not come to Christ in the
- 505Conference 24, Chapter 7. How in Christ the Divinity, Majesty, Might and Power have existed in
- 506Conference 24, Chapter 1. That Christ, who is God and man in the unity of Person, sprang from
- 507Conference 24, Chapter 2. The title of God is given in one sense to Christ, and in another to
- 508Conference 24, Chapter 3. He explains the apostle's saying: "If from henceforth we know no man
- 509Conference 24, Chapter 4. From the Epistle to the Galatians he brings forward a passage to show
- 510Conference 24, Chapter 5. As it is blasphemy to pare away the Divinity of Christ, so also is it
- 511Conference 24, Chapter 6. He shows from the appearance of Christ vouchsafed to the Apostle when
- 512Conference 24, Chapter 7. He shows once more by other passages of the Apostle that Christ is God.
- 513Conference 24, Chapter 8. When confessing the Divinity of Christ we ought not to pass over in
- 514Conference 24, Chapter 9. How the Apostle's preaching was rejected by Jews and Gentiles because
- 515Conference 24, Chapter 10. How the apostle maintains that Christ is the power of God and the
- 516Conference 24, Chapter 11. He supports the same doctrine by proofs from the gospel.
- 517Conference 24, Chapter 12. He proves from the renowned confession of the blessed Peter that Christ
- 518Conference 24, Chapter 13. The confession of the blessed Peter receives a testimony to its truth
- 519Conference 24, Chapter 14. How the confession of the blessed Peter is the faith of the whole
- 520Conference 24, Chapter 15. St. Thomas also confessed the same faith as Peter after the Lord's
- 521Conference 24, Chapter 16. He brings forward the witness of God the Father to the Divinity of the
- 522Conference 24, Chapter 1. That Christ was before the Incarnation God from everlasting.
- 523Conference 24, Chapter 2. He infers from what he has said that the Virgin Mary gave birth to a
- 524Conference 24, Chapter 3. He proves from the Epistle to the Romans the eternal Divinity of
- 525Conference 24, Chapter 4. He brings forward other testimonies to the same view.
- 526Conference 24, Chapter 5. How in virtue of the hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ the
- 527Conference 24, Chapter 6. That there is in Christ but one Hypostasis (i.e., Personal self).
- 528Conference 24, Chapter 7. He returns to the former subject, in order to show against the
- 529Conference 24, Chapter 8. How this interchange of titles does not interfere with His Divine
- 530Conference 24, Chapter 9. He corroborates this statement by the authority of the old prophets.
- 531Conference 24, Chapter 10. He proves Christ's Divinity from the blasphemy of Judaizing Jews as
- 532Conference 24, Chapter 11. He returns to the prophecy of Isaiah.
- 533Conference 24, Chapter 12. How the title of Saviour is given to Christ in one sense, and to men in
- 534Conference 24, Chapter 13. He explains who are those in whose person the Prophet Isaiah says:
- 535Conference 24, Chapter 1. He vehemently inveighs against the error of the Pelagians, who declared
- 536Conference 24, Chapter 2. That the doctrine of Nestorius is closely connected with the error of
- 537Conference 24, Chapter 3. How this participation in Divinity which the Pelagians and Nestorians
- 538Conference 24, Chapter 4. What the difference is between Christ and the saints.
- 539Conference 24, Chapter 5. That before His birth in time Christ was always called God by the
- 540Conference 24, Chapter 6. He illustrates the same doctrine by passages from the New Testament.
- 541Conference 24, Chapter 7. He shows again from the union in Christ of two natures in one Person
- 542Conference 24, Chapter 8. He confirms the judgment of the Apostle by the authority of the Lord.
- 543Conference 24, Chapter 9. Since those marvellous works which from the days of Moses were shown to
- 544Conference 24, Chapter 10. He explains what it means to confess, and what it means to dissolve
- 545Conference 24, Chapter 11. The mystery of the Lord's Incarnation clearly implies the Divinity of
- 546Conference 24, Chapter 12. He explains more fully what the mystery is which is signified under the
- 547Conference 24, Chapter 13. Of the longing with which the old patriarchs desired to see the
- 548Conference 24, Chapter 14. He refutes the wicked and blasphemous notion of the heretics who said
- 549Conference 24, Chapter 15. What the prayers of the saints for the coming of Messiah contained; and
- 550Conference 24, Chapter 1. From the miracle of the feeding of the multitude from five barley
- 551Conference 24, Chapter 2. The author adapts the mystery of the number seven (made up of the five
- 552Conference 24, Chapter 3. He refutes his opponent by the testimony of the Council of Antioch.
- 553Conference 24, Chapter 4. How the Creed has authority Divine as well as human.
- 554Conference 24, Chapter 5. He proceeds against his opponent with the choicest arguments, and shows
- 555Conference 24, Chapter 6. Once more he challenges him to the profession of the Creed of Antioch.
- 556Conference 24, Chapter 7. He continues the same line of argument drawn from the Creed of Antioch.
- 557Conference 24, Chapter 8. How it can be said that Christ came and was born of a Virgin.
- 558Conference 24, Chapter 9. Again he convicts his opponent of deadly heresy by his own confession.
- 559Conference 24, Chapter 10. He inveighs against him because though he has forsaken the Catholic
- 560Conference 24, Chapter 11. He removes the silent objection of heretics who want to recant the
- 561Conference 24, Chapter 12. Christ crucified is an offence and foolishness to those who declare
- 562Conference 24, Chapter 13. He replies to the objection in which they say that the child born
- 563Conference 24, Chapter 14. He compares this erroneous view with the teaching of the Pelagians.
- 564Conference 24, Chapter 15. He shows that those who patronize this false teaching acknowledge two
- 565Conference 24, Chapter 16. He shows further that this teaching is destructive of the confession of
- 566Conference 24, Chapter 17. Those who are under an error in one point of the Catholic religion,
- 567Conference 24, Chapter 18. He directs his discourse upon his antagonist with whom he is disputing,
- 568Conference 24, Chapter 19. That the birth of Christ in time diminished nothing of the glory and
- 569Conference 24, Chapter 20. He shows from what has been said that we do not mean that God was
- 570Conference 24, Chapter 21. The authority of Holy Scripture teaches that Christ existed from all
- 571Conference 24, Chapter 22. The hypostatic union enables us to ascribe to God what belongs to the
- 572Conference 24, Chapter 23. That the figure Synecdoche, in which the part stands for the whole, is
- 573Conference 24, Chapter 1. As he is going to reply to the slanders of his opponents he implores
- 574Conference 24, Chapter 2. He meets the objection taken from these words: No one gave birth to one
- 575Conference 24, Chapter 3. He replies to the cavil that the one who is born must be of one
- 576Conference 24, Chapter 4. How God has shown His Omnipotence in His birth in time as well as in
- 577Conference 24, Chapter 5. He shows by proofs drawn from nature itself, that the law which his
- 578Conference 24, Chapter 6. He refutes another argument of Nestorius, in which he tried to make out
- 579Conference 24, Chapter 7. Heretics usually cover their doctrines with a cloak of holy Scripture.
- 580Conference 24, Chapter 8. The heretics attribute to Christ only the shadow of Divinity, and so
- 581Conference 24, Chapter 9. How those are wrong who say that the birth of Christ was a secret,
- 582Conference 24, Chapter 10. He collects more witnesses of the same fact.
- 583Conference 24, Chapter 11. How the devil was forced by many reasons to the view that Christ was
- 584Conference 24, Chapter 12. He compares this notion and reasonable suspicion of the devil with the
- 585Conference 24, Chapter 13. How the devil always retained this notion of Christ's Divinity (because
- 586Conference 24, Chapter 14. He shows how heretics pervert holy Scripture, by replying to the
- 587Conference 24, Chapter 15. How Christ could be said by the Apostle to be without genealogy.
- 588Conference 24, Chapter 16. He shows that like the devil when tempting Christ, the heretics garble
- 589Conference 24, Chapter 17. That the glory and honour of Christ is not to be ascribed to the Holy
- 590Conference 24, Chapter 18. How we are to understand the Apostle's words: "He appeared in the
- 591Conference 24, Chapter 19. That it was not only the Spirit, but Christ Himself also who made Him
- 592Conference 24, Chapter 20. He tries by stronger and weightier arguments to destroy that notion.
- 593Conference 24, Chapter 21. That it must be ascribed equally to Christ and the Holy Ghost that His
- 594Conference 24, Chapter 22. That the raising up of Christ into heaven is not to be ascribed to the
- 595Conference 24, Chapter 23. He continues the same argument to show that Christ had no need of
- 596Conference 24, Chapter 24. He supports this doctrine by the authority of the blessed Hilary.
- 597Conference 24, Chapter 25. He shows that Ambrose agrees with S. Hilary.
- 598Conference 24, Chapter 26. He adds to the foregoing the testimony of S. Jerome.
- 599Conference 24, Chapter 27. To the foregoing he adds Rufinus and the blessed Augustine.
- 600Conference 24, Chapter 28. As he is going to produce the testimony of Greek or Eastern Bishops, he
- 601Conference 24, Chapter 29. In the next place he puts the authority of S. Athanasius.
- 602Conference 24, Chapter 30. He adds also S. John Chrysostom.
- 603Conference 24, Chapter 31. He bemoans the unhappy lot of Constantinople, owing to the misfortune