The Conferences — CONFERENCE 7.

BY ST. JOHN CASSIAN

BY ST. JOHN CASSIAN

FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT SERENUS: ON THE INCONSTANCY OF THE MIND AND SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS.

FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT SERENUS. ON INCONSTANCY OF MIND, AND SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS.

On the chastity of Abbot Serenus.

On the chastity of Abbot Serenus.

We want to introduce earnest readers to Abbot Serenus, a man of the greatest holiness and self-control, whose character truly reflects his name. We admired him above all others with special reverence, and we believe we can best honor our desire by including his conferences in our book. Beyond all his other virtues, which shone forth not only in his actions and behavior but also, by God's grace, in his very appearance, this man received through a special blessing the gift of continence. He never felt disturbed even by natural urges, not even in sleep. How he attained such remarkable purity of the flesh through God's grace—a purity that seems beyond the normal conditions of human nature—I think I should explain first.

As we desire to introduce to earnest minds the Abbot Serenus, a man of the greatest holiness and continence, and one who answers like a mirror to his name, whom we admired above all others with peculiar veneration, we think that we only carry out our desire by the attempt to insert his conferences in our book. To this man beyond all other virtues, which shone forth not merely in his actions and manners, but by God's grace in his very look as well, there was granted by a special blessing the gift of continence, so that he never felt himself disturbed even by natural incitements even in sleep. And how it was that by the assistance of God's grace he attained such wondrous purity of the flesh, as it seems beyond the conditions of human nature, I think that I ought first of all to explain.

The question asked by the aforementioned old man about the condition of our thoughts.

The question of the aforesaid old man on the state of our thoughts.

This man, through his constant prayers day and night, and through unceasing fasts and vigils, persistently sought inward chastity of heart and soul. When he saw that he had received what he desired and prayed for, and that all the passions of fleshly desire in his heart were dead, he was aroused by the most delightful experience of purity. Inflamed by his zeal for chastity toward an even more intense longing, he began to devote himself to stricter fasts and prayers so that the death of this passion, which had been granted to his inner self by God's grace, might extend also to include outward purity. He hoped to reach the point where he would no longer be affected by any simple and natural physical impulse, such as occurs even in children and infants. Through the experience of the gift he had received, which he knew he had gained not through any merit of his own efforts but by God's grace, he was even more passionately motivated to obtain this additional gift in the same way. He believed that God could much more easily uproot this physical urge completely—which can sometimes be destroyed even by human skill and technique through drugs and medicines or by surgery—since God had already freely given that purity of spirit, which is an even greater thing and which cannot be acquired through human efforts and struggles. As he applied himself tirelessly to this petition he had begun, with unceasing prayers and tears, an angel came to him in a vision at night and seemed to open his belly, remove from his internal organs a kind of fiery fleshly substance, cast it away, and restore everything to its former place. The angel said: "Look, the urges of your flesh are removed, and you may be certain that you have today obtained that lasting bodily purity for which you have faithfully asked." It is enough to have told this briefly concerning the grace of God that was granted to this distinguished man in a special way. But I think it unnecessary to say anything about those virtues he possessed in common with other good men, lest this particular account under this man's name might seem to deprive others of what is especially mentioned about him. We were inflamed with the greatest eagerness for conversation with him and instruction from him, so we arranged to visit him during Lent. After he had very gently inquired about the character of our thoughts and the state of our inner self, and what benefit we had gained toward its purity from our long stay in the desert, we approached him with these complaints:

This man then in his prayers by day and night, and in fasts and vigils unweariedly entreated for inward chastity of heart and soul, and seeing that he had obtained what he wished and prayed for, and that all the passions of carnal concupiscence in his heart were dead, was roused as it were by the sweetest taste of purity, and inflamed by his zeal for chastity towards a yet more ardent desire, and began to apply himself to stricter fasts and prayers that the mortification of this passion which by God's grace had been granted to his inner man, might be extended also so as to include external purity, to such an extent that he might no longer be affected by any simple and natural movement, such as is excited even in children and infants. And by the experience of the gift he had obtained, which he knew he had secured by no merit of his labours, but by the grace God, he was the more ardently stimulated to obtain this also in like manner, as he believed that God could much more easily tear up by the roots this incitement of the flesh, (which even by man's art and skill is sometimes destroyed by potions and remedies or by the use of the knife) since He had of His own free gift conferred that purity of spirit which is a still greater thing, and which cannot be acquired by human efforts and exertions. And when with unceasing supplications and tears he was applying himself unweariedly to the petition he had commenced, there came to him an angel in a vision by night, and seemed to open his belly, and to remove from his bowels a sort of fiery fleshly humour, and to cast it away, and restore everything to its place as before; and lo he said, the incitements of your flesh are removed, and you may be sure that you have this day obtained that lasting purity of body for which you have faithfully asked. It will be enough thus briefly to have told this of the grace of God which was granted to this famous man in a special way. But I deem it unnecessary to say anything of those virtues which he possessed in common with other good men, for fear lest that particular narrative on this man's name might seem to deprive others of that which is specially mentioned of him. Him therefore, as we were inflamed with the greatest eagerness for conference with and instruction from him, we arranged to visit in Lent; and when he had very quietly inquired of us of the character of our thoughts and the state of our inner man, and what help we had got towards its purity from our long stay in the desert, we approached him with these complaints:

Our response concerning the changeable nature of our thoughts.

Our answer on the fickle character of our thoughts.

The time spent here, the dwelling in solitude, and the meditation through which you think we ought to have attained perfection of the inner man has only done this for us: it has taught us what we are unable to be, without making us what we are trying to be. We do not feel that through this knowledge we have acquired any fixed steadfastness in the purity we long for, or any strength and firmness, but only an increase of confusion and shame. For though our meditation in all our discipline aims at this in our daily studies and tries from trembling beginnings to reach a sure and unwavering skill, and to begin to know something of what we originally knew only vaguely or were altogether ignorant of, and by advancing in steady steps toward the condition of that discipline to make ourselves perfectly accustomed to it without any difficulty, I find on the contrary that while I am struggling in this desire for purity, I have only gotten far enough to know what I cannot be. And so I feel that nothing but trouble results to me from all this contrition of heart, so that matter for tears is never lacking, and yet I do not cease to be what I ought not to be. And so what is the good of having learned what is best if it cannot be attained even when known? For when we have been feeling that the aim of our heart was directed toward what we intended, our mind insensibly returns to its previous wandering thoughts and slips back with a more violent rush, and is taken up with daily distractions and incessantly drawn away by countless things that take it captive, so that we almost despair of the improvement we long for, and all these observances seem useless. Since the mind that wanders off vaguely every moment, when it is brought back to the fear of God or spiritual contemplation, darts off and strays before it is established in it. And when we have been roused and have discovered that it has wandered from the purpose set before it, and want to recall it to the meditation from which it has strayed and to bind it fast with the firmest purpose of heart, as if with chains, while we are making the attempt it slips away from the inmost recesses of the heart swifter than a snake. Therefore, being inflamed by daily exercises of this kind and yet not seeing that we gain from them any strength and stability in heart, we are overcome and driven in despair to this opinion: to believe that it is from no fault of our own but from a fault of our nature that these wanderings of mind are found in mankind.

The time spent here, and the dwelling in solitude, and meditation, through which you think that we ought to have attained perfection of the inner man, has only done this for us; viz., teach us that which we are unable to be, without making us what we are trying to be. Nor do we feel that by this knowledge we have acquired any fixed steadfastness of the purity which we long for, or any strength and firmness; but only an increase of confusion and shame: for though our meditation in all our discipline aims at this in our daily studies, and endeavours from trembling beginnings to reach a sure and unwavering skill, and to begin to know something of what originally it knew but vaguely or was altogether ignorant of, and by advancing by sure steps (so to speak) towards the condition of that discipline, to habituate itself perfectly to it without any difficulty, I find on the contrary that while I am struggling in this desire for purity, I have only got far enough to know what I cannot be. And hence I feel that nothing but trouble results to me from all this contrition of heart, so that matter for tears is never wanting, and yet I do not cease to be what I ought not to be. And so what is the good of having learned what is best, if it cannot be attained even when known? For when we have been feeling that the aim of our heart was directed towards what we purposed, insensibly the mind returns to its previous wandering thoughts and slips back with a more violent rush, and is taken up with daily distractions and incessantly drawn away by numberless things that take it captive, so that we almost despair of the improvement which we long for, and all these observances seem useless. Since the mind which every moment wanders off vaguely, when it is brought back to the fear of God or spiritual contemplation, before it is established in it, darts off and strays; and when we have been roused and have discovered that it has wandered from the purpose set before it, and want to recall it to the meditation from which it has strayed, and to bind it fast with the firmest purpose of heart, as if with chains, while we are making the attempt it slips away from the inmost recesses of the heart swifter than a snake. Wherefore we being inflamed by daily exercises of this kind, and yet not seeing that we gain from them any strength and stability in heart are overcome and in despair driven to this opinion; viz., to believe that it is from no fault of our own but from a fault of our nature that these wanderings of mind are found in mankind.

The old man's teaching about the condition of the soul and its greatness.

The discourse of the old man on the state of the soul and its excellence.

Serenus: It is dangerous to jump to a conclusion and make hasty pronouncements about the nature of anything before you have properly discussed the subject and considered its true character. You should not, by looking only at your own weakness, make a guess instead of forming a judgment based on the nature and value of the practice itself and on others' experience of it. If someone who did not know how to swim but knew that the weight of his body could not be supported by water wanted to prove from his own inexperience that no one made of solid flesh could possibly be supported on a liquid element, we should not therefore think his opinion is true just because he seemed to base it on his own experience, since this can be shown to be not only possible but actually very easily done by others, through the clearest proofs and visible demonstration. And so the nous, that is, the mind, is defined as aeikinotos kai polykinotos, that is, ever shifting and very shifting. It is described this way in what is called the wisdom of Solomon in these words: and the earthly tabernacle weighs down the mind that muses on many things (Wisdom 9:15). The mind, according to its nature, can never remain idle, but unless provision is made for where it may exercise its movements and have something to continually occupy it, it must by its own fickleness wander about and stray over all kinds of things until, accustomed by long practice and daily use—in which you say you have toiled without result—it tries and learns what food for the memory it ought to prepare, toward which it may bring back its unwearied flight and gain strength for remaining, and thus may succeed in driving away the hostile suggestion of the enemy by which it is distracted, and in persisting in that state and condition which it yearns for. We ought not then to ascribe this wandering inclination of our heart either to human nature or to God its Creator. For it is a true statement of Scripture that God made man upright, but they themselves found out many thoughts. The character of these thoughts depends on us ourselves, for Scripture says a good thought comes near to those who know it, but a prudent man will find it. For where anything is subject to our prudence and industry so that it can be found out, there if it is not found out, we ought certainly to attribute it to our own laziness or carelessness and not to the fault of our nature. And the Psalmist agrees with this meaning when he says: Blessed is the man whose help is from You: in his heart he has disposed his ascents. You see then that it lies in our power to dispose in our hearts either ascents, that is, thoughts that belong to God, or descents, namely, those that sink down to carnal and earthly things. And if this were not in our power, the Lord would not have rebuked the Pharisees, saying Why do you think evil in your hearts? (Matthew 9:4), nor would He have given this charge through the prophet, saying: Take away the evil of your thoughts from my eyes; and How long shall wicked thoughts remain in you? Nor would the character of our thoughts, like our works, be taken into consideration in the day of judgment in our case, as the Lord threatens through Isaiah: Lo, I come to gather together their works and thoughts together with all nations and tongues (Isaiah 66:18). Nor would it be right that we should be condemned or defended by their evidence in that terrible and dreadful examination, as the blessed Apostle says: Their thoughts between themselves accusing or also defending one another, in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men according to my gospel (Romans 2:15-16).

Serenus: It is dangerous to jump to a conclusion and lay down the law hastily on the nature of anything before you have properly discussed the subject and considered its true character. Nor should you, looking only at your own weakness, hazard a conjecture instead of pronouncing a judgment based on the character and value of the practice itself, and others' experience of it. For if anyone, who was ignorant of swimming but knew that the weight of his body could not be supported by water, wished from the proof which his inexperience afforded, to lay down that no one composed of solid flesh could possibly be supported on the liquid element, we ought not therefore to think his opinion a true one, which he seemed to bring forward in accordance with his own experience, since this can be shown to be not merely not impossible but actually extremely easily done by others, by the clearest proofs and ocular demonstration. And so the νοῦς, i.e., the mind, is defined as ἀεικίνητος καὶ πολυκίνητος, i.e., ever shifting and very shifting: as it is thus described in the so called wisdom of Solomon in other words: καὶ γεῶδες σκῆνος βρίθει νοῦν πολυφρόντιδα, i.e., And the earthly tabernacle weighs down the mind that muses on many things. Wisdom 9:15 This then in accordance with its nature can never remain idle, but unless provision is made where it may exercise its motions and have what will continually occupy it, it must by its own fickleness wander about and stray over all kinds of things until, accustomed by long practice and daily use — in which you say that you have toiled without result — it tries and learns what food for the memory it ought to prepare, toward which it may bring back its unwearied flight and acquire strength for remaining, and thus may succeed in driving away the hostile suggestion of the enemy by which it is distracted, and in persisting in that state and condition which it yearns for. We ought not then to ascribe this wandering inclination of our heart either to human nature or to God its Creator. For it is a true statement of Scripture, that God made man upright; but they themselves found out many thoughts. The character of these then depends on us ourselves, for it says a good thought comes near to those that know it, but a prudent man will find it. For where anything is subject to our prudence and industry so that it can be found out, there if it is not found out, we ought certainly to set it down to our own laziness or carelessness and not to the fault of our nature. And with this meaning the Psalmist also is in agreement, when he says: Blessed is the man whose help is from You: in his heart he has disposed his ascents. You see then that it lies in our power to dispose in our hearts either ascents, i.e., thoughts that belong to God, or descents; viz., those that sink down to carnal and earthly things. And if this was not in our power the Lord would not have rebuked the Pharisees, saying Why do you think evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4 nor would He have given this charge by the prophet, saying: Take away the evil of your thoughts from my eyes; and How long shall wicked thoughts remain in you? Nor would the character of them as of our works be taken into consideration in the day of judgment in our case as the Lord threatens by Isaiah: Lo, I come to gather together their works and thoughts together with all nations and tongues; Isaiah 66:18 nor would it be right that we should be condemned or defended by their evidence in that terrible and dreadful examination, as the blessed Apostle says: Their thoughts between themselves accusing or also defending one another, in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men according to my gospel. Romans 2:15-16

On the perfection of the soul, drawn from the comparison with the Centurion in the gospel.

On the perfection of the soul, as drawn from the comparison of the Centurion in the gospel.

The gospel story of the centurion provides an excellent illustration of this perfect mind. His virtue and stability prevented him from being swept away by a rush of thoughts. Instead, according to his own judgment, he either admitted good thoughts or easily drove away the opposite kind. This is described in figurative language: "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it." If we too fight bravely against disturbances and sins and can bring them under our own control and judgment, and if we fight and destroy the passions in our flesh, bring the swarm of our thoughts under the rule of reason, and drive back from our hearts the terrible armies of the powers opposed to us by the life-giving standard of the Lord's cross, we will be rewarded for such victories by being promoted to the rank of that centurion, understood spiritually. Moses mystically pointed to this centurion in Exodus when he wrote: "Appoint for you rulers of thousands, and of hundreds, and of fifties and of tens." When we are raised to the height of this dignity, we will have the same right and power to command, so that we will not be carried away by thoughts against our will. Instead, we will be able to remain in and hold fast to those thoughts which spiritually delight us, commanding evil suggestions to depart—and they will depart—while to good ones we will say "Come," and they will come. Likewise, to our servant, that is, the body, we will give commands that relate to chastity and continence, and it will serve us without any resistance, no longer stirring up in us the hostile provocations of lust, but showing complete submission to the spirit. What kind of weapons does this centurion have, and what is their use in battle? Hear the blessed Apostle declaring: "The arms of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God." He tells us their character: they are not carnal or weak, but spiritual and mighty to God. Then he suggests next in what struggles they are to be used: "Unto the pulling down of fortifications, purging the thoughts, and every height that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every understanding unto the obedience of Christ, and having in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be first fulfilled." Though it would be useful, it belongs to another time to go through these one by one. I only want you to see the different types of these weapons and their characteristics, since we ought always to walk with them strapped on us if we intend to fight the Lord's battles and serve among the centurions of the gospel. "Take the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one." Faith, then, is what intercepts the flaming darts of lust and destroys them by the fear of future judgment and belief in the heavenly kingdom. "And the breastplate of charity." This is what surrounds the vital parts of the breast and protects what is exposed to the deadly wounds of swelling thoughts. It keeps off the blows opposed to it and does not allow the devil's darts to penetrate to our inner man. For it endures all things, suffers all things, bears all things. "And for an helmet the hope of salvation." The helmet is what protects the head. Since Christ is our head, we ought always in all temptations and persecutions to protect it with the hope of future good things to come, and especially to keep faith in Him whole and undefiled. It is possible for someone who has lost other parts of the body, weak as he may be, still to survive, but no one can live even a short time without a head. "And the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God." For it is sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, as it divides and cuts off whatever carnal and earthly things it may find in us. Whoever is protected by these weapons will always be defended from the weapons and attacks of his foes and will not be led away bound in the chains of his captors, a captive and a prisoner, to the hostile land of vain thoughts, nor will he hear the words of the prophet: "Why are you grown old in a strange country?" Instead, he will stand like a triumphant conqueror in the land of thoughts which he has chosen. Would you also understand the strength and courage of this centurion, by which he bears these weapons of which we spoke before as not carnal but mighty to God? Hear about the selection by which the King himself marks and approves brave men when he summons them to spiritual combat. "Let the weak say that I am strong," He says, "and: Let him who is the sufferer become a warrior." You see then that only sufferers and weak people can fight the Lord's battles—weak indeed with that weakness upon which that centurion of ours in the gospel said with confidence: "For when I am weak, then am I strong," and again, "for strength is made perfect in weakness." Of this weakness one of the prophets says: "And he that is weak among them shall be as the house of David." For the patient sufferer will fight these wars, with that patience of which it is said "patience is necessary for you that doing the will of God you may receive the reward."

Of this perfect mind then there is an excellent figure drawn in the case of the centurion in the gospel; whose virtue and consistency, owing to which he was not led away by the rush of thoughts, but in accordance with his own judgment either admitted such as were good, or easily drove away those of the opposite character, are described in this tropical form: For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. Matthew 8:9 If then we too strive manfully against disturbances and sins and can bring them under our own control and discretion, and fight and destroy the passions in our flesh, and bring under the sway of reason the swarm of our thoughts, and drive back from our breast the terrible hosts of the powers opposed to us by the life-giving standard of the Lord's cross, we shall in reward for such triumphs be promoted to the rank of that centurion spiritually understood, who, as we read in Exodus, was mystically pointed to by Moses: Appoint for you rulers of thousands, and of hundreds, and of fifties and of tens. Exodus 8:21 And so we too when raised to the height of this dignity shall have the same right and power to command, so that we shall not be carried away by thoughts against our will, but shall be able to continue in and cling to those which spiritually delight us, commanding the evil suggestions to depart, and they will depart, while to good ones we shall say Come, and they will come: and to our servant also, i.e., the body, we shall in like manner enjoin what belongs to chastity and continence, and it will serve us without any gainsaying, no longer arousing in us the hostile incitements of concupiscence, but showing all subservience to the spirit. And what is the character of the arms of this centurion, and for what use in battle they are, hear the blessed Apostle declaring: The arms, he says of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God. He tells us their character; viz., that they are not carnal or weak, but spiritual and mighty to God. Then he next suggests in what struggles they are to be used: Unto the pulling down of fortifications, purging the thoughts, and every height that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every understanding unto the obedience of Christ, and having in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be first fulfilled. 1 Corinthians 10:4-6 And since though useful, it yet belongs to another time to run through these one by one, I only want you to see the different sorts of these arms and their characteristics, as we also ought always to walk with them girt upon us if we mean to fight the Lord's battles and to serve among the centurions of the gospel. Take, he says the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 Faith then is that which intercepts the flaming darts of lust, and destroys them by the fear of future judgment, and belief in the heavenly kingdom. And the breastplate, he says, of charity. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 This indeed is that which going round the vital parts of the breast and protecting what is exposed to the deadly wounds of swelling thoughts, keeps off the blows opposed to it, and does not allow the darts of the devil to penetrate to our inner man. For it endures all things, suffers all things, bears all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7 And for an helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 The helmet is what protects the head. As then Christ is our head, we ought always in all temptations and persecutions to protect it with the hope of future good things to come, and especially to keep faith in Him whole and undefiled. For it is possible for one who has lost other parts of the body, weak as he may be, still to survive: but even a short time of living is extended to no one without a head. And the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 For it is sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart: Hebrews 4:12 as it divides and cuts off whatever carnal and earthly things it may find in us. And whosoever is protected by these arms will ever be defended from the weapons and ravages of his foes, and will not be led away bound in the chains of his spoilers, a captive and a prisoner, to the hostile land of vain thoughts, nor hear the words of the prophet: Why are you grown old in a strange country? Baruch 3:11 But he will stand like a triumphant conqueror in the land of thoughts which he has chosen. Would you understand too the strength and courage of this centurion, by which he bears these arms of which we spoke before as not carnal but mighty to God? Hear of the selection by which the King himself marks and approves brave men when he summons them to the spiritual combat. Let, says He, the weak say that I am strong; and: Let him who is the sufferer become a warrior. You see then that none but sufferers and weak people can fight the Lord's battles, weak indeed with that weakness, founded on which that centurion of ours in the gospel said with confidence: For when I am weak, then am I strong, and again, for strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Of which weakness one of the prophets says: And he that is weak among them shall be as the house of David. Zechariah 12:8 For the patient sufferer shall fight these wars, with that patience of which it is said patience is necessary for you that doing the will of God you may receive the reward. Hebrews 10:36

Concerning persistence in guarding our thoughts.

Of perseverance as regards care of the thoughts.

We will discover through our own experience that we can and should cling to the Lord if we have our wills put to death and our worldly desires cut off. We will be taught by the authority of those who, in conversation with the Lord, say with complete confidence: "My soul has stuck close to You"; and "I have stuck unto Your testimonies, O Lord"; and "It is good for me to stick fast to God"; and "He who cleaves to the Lord is one spirit." We should not become exhausted by these wanderings of the mind and let our fervor fade, for "he that tills his ground shall be filled with bread, but he that follows idleness shall be filled with poverty." Nor should we be drawn away from focusing on this watchfulness through a dangerous despair, for "in every one who is anxious there is abundance," for "he who is pleasant and free from grief will be in want"; and again, "a man in grief labors for himself, and forcibly brings about his own destruction." Furthermore, "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force," for no virtue is gained without effort, nor can anyone reach that mental stability he desires without great sorrow of heart, for "man is born to trouble." In order to be able to reach the perfect man, the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, he must always be on watch with even greater focus and labor with constant care. But no one will ever reach the fullness of this measure except one who has considered it beforehand and been trained in it now and has had some foretaste of it while still in this world, and being marked as a most precious member of Christ, has possessed in the flesh a down payment of that union by which he can be united to His body—desiring one thing alone, thirsting for only one thing, always directing not only his actions but even his thoughts toward one thing alone: that he may even now keep as a down payment what is said of the blessed life of the saints hereafter, namely, that God may be to him all in all.

But we shall find out by our own experience that we can and ought to cling to the Lord if we have our wills mortified and the desires of this world cut off, and we shall be taught by the authority of those who in converse with the Lord say in all confidence: My soul has stuck close to You; and: I have stuck unto Your testimonies, O Lord; and: It is good for me to stick fast to God; and: He who cleaves to the Lord, is one spirit. We ought not then to be wearied out by these wanderings of mind and relax from our fervour: for he that tills his ground shall be filled with bread: but he that follows idleness shall be filled with poverty. Proverbs 28:19 Nor should we be drawn away from being intent on this watchfulness through a dangerous despair, for in every one who is anxious there is abundance, for he who is pleasant and free from grief will be in want; and again: a man in grief labours for himself, and forcibly brings about his own destruction. Moreover also: the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force, Matthew 11:12 for no virtue is acquired without effort, nor can anyone attain to that mental stability which he desires without great sorrow of heart, for man is born to trouble, Job 5:7 and in order that he may be able to attain to the perfect man, the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ Ephesians 4:13 he must ever be on the watch with still greater intentness, and toil with ceaseless carefulness. But to the fullness of this measure no one will ever attain, but one who has considered it beforehand and been trained to it now and has had some foretaste of it while still in this world, and being marked a most precious member of Christ, has possessed in the flesh an earnest of that joint Ibid by which he can be united to His body: desiring one thing alone, thirsting for but one thing, ever bringing not only his acts but even his thoughts to bear on one thing alone; viz., that he may even now keep as an earnest that which is said of the blessed life of the saints hereafter; viz., that God may be to him all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28

A question about the wandering tendency of the mind and the assaults of spiritual wickedness.

A question on the roving tendency of the mind and the attacks of spiritual wickedness.

Germanus: Perhaps this tendency of the mind to wander might be somewhat restrained if it were not that such a great swarm of enemies surrounds it and constantly pushes it toward what it does not want, or rather toward wherever its own wandering nature drives it. And since so many enemies, such powerful and terrible ones, surround it, we should not imagine that it is possible for them to be resisted, especially by this weak flesh of ours, unless we were encouraged to believe this by your words as if by oracles from heaven.

Germanus: Perhaps this tendency of the mind to rove might to some extent be checked were it not that so great a swam of enemies surrounded it, and ceaselessly urged it toward what it has no wish for, or rather whither the roving character of its own nature drives it. And since such numberless foes, and those so powerful and terrible, surround it, we should not fancy that it was possible for them to be withstood especially by this weak flesh of ours, were we not encouraged to this view by your words as if by oracles from heaven.

The answer concerning God's help and the power of free will.

The answer on the help of God and the power of free will.

No one who has experienced the struggles of the inner person can doubt that our enemies are constantly lying in wait for us. But we maintain that they oppose our progress in such a way that we should think of them only as inciting us to evil, not forcing us. No one could completely avoid whatever sin they wanted to stamp upon our hearts if a powerful impulse were present to compel evil upon us in the same way that it suggests it. Therefore, just as they have abundant power to incite, so we have sufficient power to reject and the freedom to consent. But if we are afraid of their power and attacks, we may also claim God's protection and help against them, about which we read: For greater is He who is in us than he who is in this world. And His aid fights on our side with much greater power than their forces fight against us, for God is not only the one who suggests what is good, but the one who maintains and insists upon it, so that sometimes He draws us toward salvation even against our will and without our knowing it. It follows, then, that no one can be deceived by the devil except someone who has chosen to give him the consent of his own will, as Ecclesiastes clearly states in these words: For since there is no punishment for those who do evil quickly, therefore the heart of the children of men is filled within them to do evil. It is therefore clear that each person goes wrong for this reason: namely, that when evil thoughts attack him, he does not immediately meet them with refusal and opposition, for it says: resist him, and he will flee from you.

Serenus: No one who has experienced the conflicts of the inner man, can doubt that our foes are continually lying in wait for us. But we mean that they oppose our progress in such a way that we can think of them as only inciting to evil things and not forcing. But no one could altogether avoid whatever sin they were inclined to imprint upon our hearts, if a strong impulse was present to force ( evil) upon us, just as it is to suggest it. Wherefore as there is in them ample power of inciting, so in us there is a supply of power of rejection, and of liberty of acquiescing. But if we are afraid of their power and assaults, we may also claim the protection and assistance of God against them, of which we read: For greater is He who is in us than he who is in this world: 1 John 4:4 and His aid fights on our side with much greater power than their hosts fight against us; for God is not only the suggester of what is good, but the maintainer and insister of it, so that sometimes He draws us towards salvation even against our will and without our knowing it. It follows then that no one can be deceived by the devil but one who has chosen to yield to him the consent of his own will: as Ecclesiastes clearly puts it in these words: For since there is no gainsaying by those who do evil speedily, therefore the heart of the children of men is filled within them to do evil. It is therefore clear that each man goes wrong from this; viz., that when evil thoughts assault him he does not immediately meet them with refusal and contradiction, for it says: resist him, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

A question on the union of the soul with demons.

A question on the union of the soul with devils.

Germanus: What, I ask you, is this indiscriminate and common union of the soul with those evil spirits, through which they are able to be (I will not say joined with but) united to it in such a way that they can speak to it imperceptibly, enter into it and suggest to it whatever they wish, and provoke it to whatever they please, and examine and observe its thoughts and movements? The result is such a close union between them and the soul that it is almost impossible without God's grace to distinguish between what comes from their instigation and what comes from our free will.

Germanus: What, I pray you, is that indiscriminate and common union of the soul with those evil spirits, by which it is possible for them to be (I will not say joined with but) united to it in such a way that they can imperceptibly talk with it, and find their way into it and suggest to it whatever they want, and incite it to whatever they like, and look into and see its thoughts and movements; and the result is so close a union between them and the soul that it is almost impossible without God's grace to distinguish between what results from their instigation, and what from our free will.

The answer to how unclean spirits are united with human souls.

The answer how unclean spirits are united with human souls.

Serenus: It is no wonder that spirit can be joined imperceptibly with spirit and exercise an unseen power of persuasion in what is permitted to it. For between them, just as between human beings, there is a certain similarity and kinship of substance, since the description given of the nature of the soul applies equally to their substance. However, it is impossible for spirits to be implanted inwardly in spirits or united with them in such a way that one can hold the other, for this is the true prerogative of Deity alone, which is the only simple and incorporeal nature.

Serenus: It is no wonder that spirit can be imperceptibly joined with spirit, and exercise an unseen power of persuasion toward what is allowed to it. For there is between them (just as between men) some sort of similarity and kinship of substance, since the description which is given of the nature of the soul, applies equally well to their substance. But it is impossible for spirits to be implanted in spirits inwardly or united with them in such a way that one can hold the other; for this is the true prerogative of Deity alone, which is the only simple and incorporeal nature.

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

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

Germanus: We think what we see happen in the case of those who are possessed is strongly opposed to this idea. Under the influence of spirits, they say and do things they are not aware of. How then can we refuse to believe that their souls are united to those spirits, when we see them made into the spirits' instruments? They forsake their natural condition and yield to the spirits' movements and moods, so that they no longer express their own words, actions, and desires, but those of the demons.

Germanus: To this idea we think that what we see happen in the case of those possessed is sufficiently opposed, when they say and do what they know not under the influence of the spirits. How then are we to refuse to believe that their souls are not united to those spirits, when we see them made their instruments, and (forsaking their natural condition) yielding to their movements and moods, in such a way that they give expression no longer to their own words and actions and wishes, but to those of the demons?

The answer to how unclean spirits are able to exercise lordship over those who are possessed.

The answer how it is that unclean spirits can lord it over those possessed.

Serenus: What you describe as happening in cases of demoniacs does not contradict our position—namely, that those possessed by unclean spirits say and do things against their will and are forced to utter what they do not know. It is perfectly clear that they are not all subject to the entrance of these spirits in the same way. Some are affected in such a manner that they have no awareness whatsoever of what they do and say, while others are aware and remember it afterward. However, we must not imagine that this happens through an infusion of the spirit that actually penetrates into the substance of the soul itself, as if the spirit were united to it and somehow clothed with it, speaking words and utterances through the sufferer's mouth. We should not believe that this is even possible for them to do. We can clearly see that this results not from any loss of the soul but from weakness of the body. The unclean spirit seizes those bodily parts where the soul's vitality resides, and by placing an enormous and unbearable weight upon them, overwhelms the soul with the foulest darkness and disrupts its intellectual powers. We see this happen similarly through the effects of wine, fever, extreme cold, and other external afflictions that come upon people. This is what the devil was forbidden to inflict on blessed Job, even though he had received power over his flesh, when the Lord commanded him: "Behold, I give him into your hands, only preserve his soul"—that is, do not weaken the seat of his soul and drive him mad, and do not overpower the understanding and wisdom of what remains by smothering the ruling power in his heart with your weight.

Serenus: What you speak of as taking place in the case of demoniacs is not opposed to our assertion; viz., that those possessed by unclean spirits say and do what they do not want to, and are forced to utter what they know not; for it is perfectly clear that they are not subject to the entrance of the spirits all in the same way: for some are affected by them in such a way as to have not the slightest conception of what they do and say, while others know and afterwards recollect it. But we must not imagine that this is done by the infusion of the spirit in such a way that it penetrates into the actual substance of the soul and, being as it were united to it and somehow clothed with it, utters words and sayings through the mouth of the sufferer. For we ought not to believe that this can possibly be done by them. For we can clearly see that this results from no loss of the soul but from weakness of the body, when the unclean spirit seizes on those members in which the vigour of the soul resides, and laying on them an enormous and intolerable weight overwhelms it with foulest darkness, and interferes with its intellectual powers: as we see sometimes happen also from the fault of wine and fever or excessive cold, and other indispositions affecting men from without; and it was this which the devil was forbidden to attempt to inflict on the blessed Job, though he had received power over his flesh, when the Lord commanded him saying: Lo, I give him into your hands: only preserve his soul, i.e., do not weaken the seat of his soul and make him mad, and overpower the understanding and wisdom of what remains, by smothering the ruling power in his heart with your weight.

How spirit cannot be penetrated by spirit, and how God alone is incorporeal.

How spirit cannot be penetrated by spirit, and how God alone is incorporeal.

Even if spirit mixes with this coarse and solid matter—namely, flesh (which happens very easily)—should we therefore believe that it can be united to the soul, which is likewise spirit, in such a way as to make it receptive of its own nature in the same manner? This is possible for the Trinity alone, which is so capable of pervading every intellectual nature that it cannot only embrace and surround it but even insert itself into it and, though incorporeal, be infused into a body. For although we maintain that certain spiritual natures exist, such as angels, archangels and the other powers, and indeed our own souls and the thin air, we certainly ought not to consider them incorporeal. For they have, in their own fashion, a body in which they exist, though it is much finer than our bodies are, according to the Apostle's words when he says: And there are bodies celestial, and bodies terrestrial; and again: It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. From this it is clearly gathered that nothing is incorporeal except God alone, and therefore it is only by Him that all spiritual and intellectual substances can be pervaded, because He alone is whole and everywhere and in all things, in such a way as to behold and see the thoughts of men and their inner movements and all the recesses of the soul. For it was of Him alone that the blessed Apostle spoke when he said: For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; and there is no creature invisible in His sight, but all things are naked and open to His eyes. And the blessed David says: Who fashions their hearts one by one; and again: For He knows the secrets of the heart; and Job too: You who alone know the hearts of men.

For even if spirit is mingled with this crass and solid matter; viz., flesh (as very easily happens), should we therefore believe that it can be united to the soul, which is in like manner spirit, in such a way as to make it also receptive in the same way of its own nature: a thing which is possible to the Trinity alone, which is so capable of pervading every intellectual nature, that it cannot only embrace and surround it but even insert itself into it and, incorporeal though it is, be infused into a body? For though we maintain that some spiritual natures exist, such as angels, archangels and the other powers, and indeed our own souls and the thin air, yet we ought certainly not to consider them incorporeal. For they have in their own fashion a body in which they exist, though it is much finer than our bodies are, in accordance with the Apostle's words when he says: And there are bodies celestial, and bodies terrestrial: and again: It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body; 1 Corinthians 15:40, 44 from which it is clearly gathered that there is nothing incorporeal but God alone, and therefore it is only by Him that all spiritual and intellectual substances can be pervaded, because He alone is whole and everywhere and in all things, in such a way as to behold and see the thoughts of men and their inner movements and all the recesses of the soul; since it was of Him alone that the blessed Apostle spoke when he said: For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; and there is no creature invisible in His sight, but all things are naked and open to His eyes. Hebrews 4:12-13 And the blessed David says: Who fashions their hearts one by one; and again: For He knows the secrets of the heart; and Job too: You who alone know the hearts of men. 2 Chronicles 6:30

An objection concerning how we ought to believe that demons see into the thoughts of human beings.

An objection, as to how we ought to believe that devils see into the thoughts of men.

Germanus: Given the way you describe it, those spirits could not possibly see into our thoughts. But we think it is completely absurd to hold such an opinion when Scripture says, "If the spirit of him who has power ascends upon you" (Ecclesiastes 10:4), and again, "When the devil had put it into the heart of Simon Iscariot to betray the Lord" (John 13:2). How then can we believe that our thoughts are hidden from them, when we find that most of the time our thoughts arise and are nurtured by their suggestions and prompting?

Germanus: In this way, which you describe, those spirits cannot possibly see into our thoughts. But we think it utterly absurd to hold such an opinion, when Scripture says: If the spirit of him that has power ascend upon you; Ecclesiastes 10:4 and again: When the devil had put it into the heart of Simon Iscariot to betray the Lord. John 13:2 How then can we believe that our thoughts are not open to them, when we feel that for the most part they spring up and are nursed by their suggestions and instigation?

The answer regarding what demons can and cannot do concerning the thoughts of human beings.

The answer what devils can and what they cannot do in regard to the thoughts of men.

Serenus: Nobody doubts that unclean spirits can influence the character of our thoughts, but they do this by affecting them from the outside through sensible influences—that is, either from our inclinations or from our words, and those desires to which they see we are especially prone. But they cannot possibly come near to those thoughts which have not yet emerged from the inmost recesses of the soul. And the thoughts they suggest, whether they are actually embraced or embraced in some partial way, are discovered by them not from the nature of the soul itself—that is, not from that inner inclination which lies hidden, so to speak, in the very marrow—but from motions and signs given by the outward man. For example, when they suggest gluttony, if they have seen a monk raising his eyes anxiously to the window or to the sun, or inquiring eagerly what time it is, they know that he has admitted the feeling of greediness. If when they suggest fornication they find him calmly submitting to the attack of lust, or see him disturbed in body, or at any rate not groaning as he ought under the wantonness of an impure suggestion, they know that the dart of lust is already fixed in his very soul. If they stir up incitements to grief, or anger, or rage, they can tell whether these have taken root in the heart by the movements of the body and visible disturbances—for instance, when they have noticed him either groaning silently, or panting with indignation, or changing color. And so they cunningly discover the fault to which he is given over. For they know that every one of us is enticed in a regular way by that one vice to whose incitement they see, by a sort of assenting motion of the body, that he has yielded his consent and agreement. And it is no wonder that this is discovered by those powers of the air, when we see that even clever men can often discover the state of the inner man from his expression and look and external bearing. How much more surely, then, can this be discovered by those who, as beings of a spiritual nature, are certainly much more subtle and clever than men.

Serenus: Nobody doubts that unclean spirits can influence the character of our thoughts, but this is by affecting them from without by sensible influences, i.e., either from our inclinations or from our words, and those likings to which they see that we are especially disposed. But they cannot possibly come near to those which have not yet come forth from the inmost recesses of the soul. And the thoughts too, which they suggest, whether they are actually or in a kind of way embraced, are discovered by them not from the nature of the soul itself, i.e., that inner inclination which lies concealed so to speak in the very marrow, but from motions and signs given by the outward man, as for example, when they suggest gluttony, if they have seen a monk raising his eyes anxiously to the window or to the sun, or inquiring eagerly what o'clock it is, they know that he has admitted the feeling of greediness. If when they suggest fornication they find him calmly submitting to the attack of lust, or see him perturbed in body, or at any rate not groaning as he ought under the wantonness of an impure suggestion, they know that the dart of lust is already fixed in his very soul. If they stir up incitements to grief, or anger, or rage, they can tell whether they have taken root in the heart by the movements of the body, and visible disturbances, when, for instance, they have noticed him either groaning silently, or panting with indignation or changing color; and so they cunningly discover the fault to which he is given over. For they know that every one of us is enticed in a regular way by that one, to the incitement of which they see, by a sort of assenting motion of the body, that he has yielded his consent and agreement. And it is no wonder that this is discovered by those powers of the air, when we see that even clever men can often discover the state of the inner man from his mien and look and external bearing. How much more surely then can this be discovered by those who as being of a spiritual nature are certainly much more subtle and cleverer than men.

An illustration showing how we are taught that unclean spirits know the thoughts of men.

An illustration showing how we are taught that unclean spirits know the thoughts of men.

Just as thieves who want to rob houses are accustomed to examining the hidden treasures of those who live there by scattering small grains of sand with careful hands in the darkness of night and discovering the hidden treasures they cannot see by the tinkling sound the treasures make when the sand falls on them—thus gaining certain knowledge of each object and metal, which reveals itself through the sound it produces—so these unclean spirits also scatter over us the sand of certain evil suggestions in order to explore the treasures of our heart. When they see some bodily reaction arise that corresponds to the nature of their suggestions, they recognize, as if by a kind of tinkling sound coming from our innermost depths, what is stored up in the secret chamber of the inner person.

For just as some thieves are in the habit of examining the concealed treasures of the men in those houses which they mean to rob, and in the dark shades of night sprinkle with careful hands little grains of sand and discover the hidden treasures which they cannot see by the tinkling sound with which they answer to the fall of the sand, and so arrive at certain knowledge of each thing and metal, which betrays itself in a way by the voice elicited from it; so these too, in order to explore the treasures of our heart, scatter over us the sand of certain evil suggestions, and when they see some bodily affection arise corresponding to their character, they recognize as if by a sort of tinkling sound proceeding from the inmost recesses, what it is that is stored up in the secret chamber of the inner man.

On the fact that not every devil has the power of suggesting every passion to men.

On the fact that not every devil has the power of suggesting every passion to men.

We should understand that not all devils can plant all the passions in human beings. Instead, certain spirits focus on each particular sin. Some specialize in impurity and filthy desires, others in blasphemy, others are especially devoted to anger and rage, others feed on depression, and still others find satisfaction in vainglory and pride. Each devil implants in human hearts the specific sin in which he himself delights. They cannot implant all their particular vices at once, but do so in turn, depending on whether the timing, location, or a person who is receptive to their suggestions provides them with opportunity.

But we ought to know this, that not all devils can implant all the passions in men, but that certain spirits brood over each sin, and that some gloat over uncleanness and filthy lusts, others over blasphemy, others are more particularly devoted to anger and wrath, others thrive on gloominess, others are pacified with vainglory and pride; and each one implants in the hearts of men that sin, in which he himself revels, and they cannot implant their special vices all at one time, but in turn, according as the opportunity of time or place, or a man, who is open to their suggestions, excites them.

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

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

Germanus: Should we then believe that wickedness is organized and, so to speak, systematized among them in such a way that there is some order in the changes they observe and a regular plan of attack they carry out, even though it is clear that method and system can only exist among good and upright people, as Scripture says: You shall seek wisdom among the ungodly and shall not find it; and: our enemies are senseless; and this: There is neither wisdom, nor courage, nor counsel among the ungodly.

Germanus: Must we then believe that wickedness is arranged and so to speak systematized among them in such a way that there is some order in the changes observed by them, and a regular plan of attack carried out, though it is clear that method and system can only exist among good and upright men, as Scripture says: You shall seek wisdom among the ungodly and shall not find it; and: our enemies are senseless; and this: There is neither wisdom, nor courage, nor counsel among the ungodly.

The answer to the question of how much agreement exists among demons concerning their attack and its variations.

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

Serenus: It is true that there is no lasting harmony among evil people, and perfect agreement cannot exist even regarding those particular vices that attract them all in common. For, as you have said, there can never be order and discipline among disordered things. But in some matters, where common interests and necessity demand it, or where participation in some gain makes it worthwhile, they must arrange some temporary agreement. And we see very clearly that this is the case in this war of spiritual wickedness, so that not only do they observe specific times and changes among themselves, but they are actually known to occupy certain particular places and haunt them persistently. Since they must make their attacks through certain fixed temptations and clearly defined sins, and at particular times, we clearly conclude from this that no one can simultaneously be deceived by the emptiness of vainglory and inflamed by the lust of fornication, nor can anyone simultaneously be puffed up by the outrageous arrogance of spiritual pride and be subject to the degradation of carnal gluttony. Nor can anyone be overcome by foolish giggling and laughter while at the same time being stirred up by the stings of anger, or for that matter be filled with the pains of consuming grief. Rather, all the spirits must advance one by one to attack the soul, so that when one has been defeated and withdrawn, he must make way for another spirit to attack it even more violently, or if he has emerged victorious, he will nevertheless hand it over to be deceived by another.

Serenus: It is a true assertion that there is no lasting concord among bad men, and that perfect harmony cannot exist even in regard to those particular faults which have attractions for them all in common. For, as you have said, it can never be that system and discipline are preserved among undisciplined things. But in some matters, where community of interests, and necessity enforces it, or participation in some gain recommends it, they must arrange for some agreement for the time being. And we see very clearly that this is so in the case of this war of spiritual wickedness; so that not only do they observe times and changes among themselves, but actually are known specially to occupy some particular spots and to haunt them persistently: for since they must make their attacks through certain fixed temptations and well defined sins, and at particular times, we clearly infer from this that no one can at one and at the same time be deluded by the emptiness of vainglory and inflamed by the lust of fornication, nor at one and the same time be puffed up by the outrageous haughtiness of spiritual pride, and subject to the humiliation of carnal gluttony. Nor can anyone be overcome by silly giggling and laughter and at the same time be excited by the stings of anger, or at any rate filled with the pains of gnawing grief: but all the spirits must one by one advance to attack the soul, in such a way that when one has been vanquished and retreated, he must make way for another spirit to attack it still more vehemently, or if he has come forth victorious, he will none the less hand it over to be deceived by another.

Concerning the fact that opposing powers do not possess equal boldness, and that the occasions of temptation are not under their control.

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

We should also understand this: not all of these powers have the same fierceness and energy, nor do they have the same boldness and malice. With beginners and weak people, only the weaker spirits engage in battle, and when these spiritual wickednesses are defeated, then gradually the attacks of stronger ones are brought against the athlete of Christ. For the difficulty of the struggle increases in proportion to a person's strength and progress. None of the saints could possibly endure the malice of so many and such great enemies, or meet their attacks, or even bear their cruelty and savagery, if it were not for the merciful judge of our contest and president of the games, Christ Himself, who equalizes the strength of the combatants, repels and checks their excessive attacks, and makes with the temptation a way of escape so that we might be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

We ought also not to be ignorant of this, that they have not all the same fierceness and energy, nor indeed the same boldness and malice, and that with beginners and feeble folk only the weaker spirits join battle, and when these spiritual wickednesses are beaten, then gradually the assaults of stronger ones are made against the athlete of Christ. For in proportion to a man's strength and progress, is the difficulty of the struggle made greater: for none of the saints could possibly be equal to the endurance of the malice of so many and so great foes, or meet their attacks, or even bear their cruelty and savagery, were it not that the merciful judge of our contest, and president of the games, Christ Himself, equalized the strength of the combatants, and repelled and checked their excessive attacks, and made with the temptation a way of escape as well that we might be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Regarding the fact that demons struggle against human beings not without exertion on their own part.

Of the fact that devils struggle with men not without effort on their part.

We believe that devils engage in this struggle with real effort on their part. In their conflict with us, they experience a kind of anxiety and distress, especially when they are matched against stronger opponents—namely, saints and spiritually mature people. Otherwise, they would simply deceive people easily without any struggle or anxiety on their part. If that were the case, how would the Apostle's words make sense when he says: "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against world rulers of this darkness, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places"? And how would these words stand: "So fight I, not as one that beats the air," and again, "I have fought a good fight"? Wherever Scripture speaks of a fight, conflict, and battle, there must be effort, exertion, and anxiety on both sides. Both parties must face either disappointment and shame in defeat or joy in victory. But when one side fights with ease and security against another who struggles with great effort, and uses only his will as his weapon to overthrow his opponent, that should not be called a battle, struggle, or fight, but rather an unfair and unreasonable assault and attack. Devils certainly have to work hard, and when they attack people, they exert themselves just as much to gain the victory they seek. The same shame that would have been ours if we had been defeated by them falls back on them instead, as Scripture says: "The head of their compassing me about, the labor of their own lips shall overwhelm them," and "His sorrow shall be turned on his own head," and again, "Let the snare which he knows not come upon him, and let the net which he has hidden catch him, and into that very snare let him fall"—that is, the snare he set to deceive people. They themselves suffer loss, and just as they harm us, they are likewise harmed by us. When they are defeated, they do not leave without shame. Someone with good spiritual vision, seeing their defeats and struggles, and also seeing how they gloat over the downfall and misfortunes of individuals, and fearing that his own situation might give them this kind of pleasure, prayed to the Lord saying: "Lighten my eyes that I sleep not in death, lest my enemy say, I have prevailed against him. They that trouble me will rejoice if I be moved," and "O my God, let them not rejoice over me; let them not say in their hearts, Aha, aha, our very wish; neither let them say, we have devoured him," and "They gnashed their teeth upon me. Lord, how long will you look on this?" For "he lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to ravish the poor," and "he seeks from God his meat." And when all their efforts are exhausted and they have failed to deceive us, they must be ashamed and embarrassed at their failure—those who seek our souls to destroy them. Let them be covered with shame and confusion who imagine evil against us. Jeremiah also says: "Let them be confounded, and let not me be confounded: let them be afraid, and let not me be afraid: bring upon them the fury of your wrath, and with a double destruction destroy them." No one can doubt that when they are defeated by us, they will be destroyed with a double destruction: first, because while people are seeking holiness, the devils, though they once possessed it, lost it and became the cause of humanity's ruin; second, because though they are spiritual beings, they have been defeated by fleshly and earthly ones. Each of the saints, when he sees the destruction of his enemies and his own triumphs, exclaims with joy: "I will follow after my enemies and overtake them, and I will not turn until they are destroyed. I will break them and they shall not be able to stand: they shall fall under my feet." And in his prayers against them the same prophet says: "Judge, O Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me. Take hold of arms and shield and rise up to help me. Bring out the sword and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul, I am your salvation." And when by subduing and destroying all our passions we have conquered these enemies, we will be permitted to hear those words of blessing: "Your hand shall be exalted over your enemies, and all your enemies shall perish." So when we read or sing all these and similar passages found in holy Scripture, unless we understand them as written against those spiritual wickednesses that lie in wait for us night and day, we will not only fail to gain any edification that makes us gentle and patient, but will actually encounter a dreadful consequence completely contrary to gospel perfection. We will not only fail to be taught to pray for or love our enemies, but will actually be stirred up to hate them with an unrelenting hatred, to curse them, and to constantly pour forth prayers against them. It is terribly wrong and blasphemous to think that these words were spoken in such a spirit by holy men and friends of God, who were not bound by the Law even before the coming of Christ precisely because they went beyond its commands and chose instead to obey the precepts of the gospel and to aim at apostolic perfection, though they lived before that dispensation of time.

But our belief is that they undertake this struggle not without effort on their part. For in their conflict they themselves have some sort of anxiety and depression, and especially when they are matched with stronger rivals, i.e., saints and perfect men. Otherwise no contest or struggle, but only a simple deception of men, and one free from anxiety on their part would be assigned to them. And how then would the Apostle's words stand, where he says: We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against world rulers of this darkness, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places; and this too: So fight I, not as one that beats the air; and again: I have fought a good fight? For where it is spoken of as a fight, and conflict, and battle, there must be effort and exertion and anxiety on both sides, and equally there must either be in store for them chagrin and confusion for their failure, or delight consequent upon their victory. But where one fights with ease and security against another who struggles with great effort, and in order to overthrow his rival makes use of his will alone as his strength, there it ought not to be called a battle, struggle, or strife, but a sort of unfair and unreasonable assault and attack. But they certainly have to labour, and when they attack men, exert themselves in no lesser degree in order to secure from each one that victory which they want to obtain, and there is hurled back upon them the same confusion which was awaiting us had we been worsted by them; as it is said: The head of their compassing me about, the labour of their own lips shall overwhelm them; and: His sorrow shall be turned on his own head; and again: Let the snare which he knows not come upon him, and let the net which he has hidden catch him, and into that very snare let him fall; viz., that which he contrived for the deception of men. They then themselves also come to grief, and as they damage us so are they also in like manner damaged by us, nor when they are worsted do they depart without confusion, and seeing these defeats of theirs and their struggles, one who had good eyes in his inner man, seeing also that they gloated over the downfall and mischances of individuals, and fearing lest his own case might furnish them with this kind of delight, prayed to the Lord saying: Lighten my eyes that I sleep not in death: lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him. They that trouble me will rejoice if I be moved; and: O My God, let them not rejoice over me; let them not say in their hearts, Aha, Aha, our very wish; neither let them say; we have devoured him; and: They gnashed their teeth upon me. Lord, how long will You look on this? for: he lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to ravish the poor; and: He seeks from God his meat. And again when all their efforts are exhausted, and they have failed to secure our deception, they must be confounded and blush at the failure of their efforts, who seek our souls to destroy them: and let them be covered with shame and confusion who imagine evil against us. Jeremiah also says: Let them be confounded, and let not me be confounded: let them be afraid, and let not me be afraid: bring upon them the fury of Your wrath, and with a double destruction destroy them. Jeremiah 17:18 For no one can doubt that when they are vanquished by us they will be destroyed with a double destruction: first, because while men are seeking after holiness, they, though they possessed it, lost it, and became the cause of man's ruin; secondly, because being spiritual existences, they have been vanquished by carnal and earthly ones. Each one then of the saints when he looks on the destruction of his foes and his own triumphs, exclaims with delight: I will follow after mine enemies and overtake them: and I will not turn until they are destroyed. I will break them and they shall not be able to stand: they shall fall under my feet, and in his prayers against them the same prophet says: Judge, O Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me. Take hold of arms and shield: and rise up to help me. Bring out the sword and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul, I am your salvation. And when by subduing and destroying all our passions we have vanquished these, we shall then be permitted to hear those words of blessing: Your hand shall be exalted over your enemies, and all your enemies shall perish. Micah 5:9 And so when we read or chant all these and such like passages found in holy writ, unless we take them as written against those spiritual wickednesses which lie in wait for us night and day, we shall not only fail to draw from them any edification to make us gentle and patient, but shall actually meet with some dreadful consequence and one that is quite contrary to evangelical perfection. For we shall not only not be taught to pray for or to love our enemies, but actually shall be stirred up to hate them with an implacable hatred, and to curse them and incessantly to pour forth prayers against them. And it is terribly wrong and blasphemous to think that these words were uttered in such a spirit by holy men and friends of God, on whom before the coming of Christ the law was not imposed for the very reason that they went beyond its commands, and chose rather to obey the precepts of the gospel and to aim at apostolic perfection, though they lived before the dispensation of the time.

On the fact that the power to harm does not depend upon the will of demons.

On the fact that the power to hurt does not depend upon the will of the devils.

But that they have no power to harm anyone is shown very clearly by the example of blessed Job, where the enemy did not dare to test him beyond what was permitted by divine authorization. This is also confirmed by the confession of these same spirits recorded in the Gospel, where they say: "If You cast us out, allow us to go into the herd of swine." Matthew 8:31 And we must believe even more firmly that they cannot of their own free will enter into any human being who is created in the image of God, if they do not have power to enter even into mute and unclean animals without God's permission. But no one—I will not say among the younger men, whom we see living most faithfully in this desert, but even among those who are perfect—could live alone in the desert, surrounded by such crowds of enemies of this kind, if they had unlimited power and freedom to harm and tempt us. This is supported even more clearly by the words of our Lord and Savior, which in the humility of the humanity He had taken on, He spoke to Pilate, when He said: "You could have no power against Me at all, unless it were given you from above." John 19:11

But that they have not the power of hurting any man is shown in a very clear way by the instance of the blessed Job, where the enemy did not venture to try him beyond what was allowed to him by the Divine permission; and it is evidenced by the confession of the same spirits contained in the records of the gospel, where they say: If You cast us out, suffer us to go into the herd of swine. Matthew 8:31 And far more must we hold that they cannot of their own free will enter into any one of men who are created in the image of God, if they have not power to enter into dumb and unclean animals without the permission of God. But no one — I will not say of the younger men, whom we see living most steadfastly in this desert, but even of those who are perfect — could live alone in the desert, surrounded by such swarms of foes of this kind, if they had unlimited power and freedom to hurt and tempt us: and still more clearly is this supported by the words of our Lord and Saviour, which in the lowliness of the manhood He had assumed, He uttered to Pilate, when He said: You could have no power against Me at all, unless it were given you from above. John 19:11

On the Weakened Power of the Demons

The power of the demons has been greatly weakened since the coming of Christ. Before His coming, they held great authority and exercised much control over humanity through idolatry and deception. They received worship through false gods and led people astray into every kind of wickedness. But when the Son of God appeared in the flesh and accomplished the divine plan of salvation, He destroyed their tyranny and stripped them of their power. He rescued humanity from their deceit and brought them to the knowledge of the true God. Although the demons still retain some ability to tempt and attack those who allow them entrance through sin and negligence, they no longer possess their former dominion and authority. They have been conquered by the cross and tremble before the sign of the crucifixion. They flee from Christians who are sealed with the name of Christ and who call upon Him with faith. This demonstrates that their power has been broken and that Christ has triumphed over them.

Of the diminished power of the devils.

But we have thoroughly discovered, both by our own experience and by the testimony of the Elders, that the devils do not now have the same power as they had formerly during the early days of the anchorites, when there were only a few monks living in the desert. Their fierceness was such that only a few very steadfast men, advanced in years, were able to endure a life of solitude with difficulty. Even in the actual monasteries where eight or ten men used to live, the devils' violence attacked them so often and so visibly that they did not dare all go to bed at once at night. Instead, they took turns—while some snatched a little sleep, others kept watch and devoted themselves to Psalms, prayer, and reading. And when the demands of nature compelled them to sleep, they woke the others and committed to them in the same way the duty of keeping watch over those who were going to bed. From this we cannot doubt that one of two things has brought about this result, not only in our case—we who seem to be fairly strong from the experience that our age gives us—but also in the case of younger men as well. Either the malice of the devils has been beaten back by the power of the cross penetrating even to the desert and by its grace which shines everywhere, or else our carelessness makes them relax something of their first onslaught, as they scorn to attack us with the same energy with which they formerly raged against those most admirable soldiers of Christ. And by this deceit and ceasing from open attacks, they do us still more damage. For we see that some have fallen into so sluggish a condition that they have to be coaxed by too gentle exhortations for fear that they should abandon their cells and fall into more dangerous troubles, wander and stray about, and become entangled in what I would call grosser sins. And it is thought that a great thing is gained from them if they can even with some listlessness remain in the desert, and the Elders often say to them as a great relief: Stay in your cells, and eat and drink and sleep as much as you like, if only you will stay in them always.

But we have thoroughly discovered both by our own experience and by the testimony of the Elders that the devils have not now the same power as they had formerly during the early days of the anchorites, when yet there were only a few monks living in the desert. For such was their fierceness that it was with difficulty that a few very steadfast men, and those advanced in years were able to endure a life of solitude. Since in the actual monasteries where eight or ten men used to live, their violence attacked them so and their assaults were experienced so frequently, and so visibly, that they did not dare all to go to bed at once by night, but took turns and while some snatched a little sleep, others kept watch and devoted themselves to Psalms and prayer and reading. And when the wants of nature compelled them to sleep, they awoke the others, and committed to them in like manner the duty of keeping watch over those who were going to bed. Whence we cannot doubt that one of two things has brought about this result not only in the case of us who seem to be fairly strong from the experience which our age gives us, but also in the case of younger men as well. For either the malice of the devils has been beaten back by the power of the cross penetrating even to the desert, and by its grace which shines everywhere; or else our carelessness makes them relax something of their first onslaught, as they scorn to attack us with the same energy with which they formerly raged against those most admirable soldiers of Christ; and by this deceit and ceasing from open attacks they do us still more damage. For we see that some have fallen into so sluggish a condition that they have to be coaxed by too gentle exhortations for fear lest they should forsake their cells and fall into more dangerous troubles, and wander and stray about and be entangled in what I would call grosser sins; and it is thought that a great thing is got from them if they can even with some listlessness remain in the desert, and the Elders often say to them as a great relief: Stop in your cells, and eat and drink and sleep as much as you like, if only you will stay in them always.

Concerning how demons prepare for themselves an entrance into the bodies of those whom they are going to possess.

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

It is clear, then, that unclean spirits cannot gain access to those whose bodies they are going to seize in any way except by first taking control of their minds and thoughts. Once they have stripped them of the fear of God, the remembrance of God, and spiritual meditation, they boldly attack them as if they were left without any protection or divine safeguard and could easily be overpowered. Then they take up residence in them as if they were property handed over to them.

It is clear then that unclean spirits cannot make their way into those whose bodies they are going to seize upon, in any other way than by first taking possession of their minds and thoughts. And when they have robbed them of fear and the recollection of God and spiritual meditation, they boldly advance upon them, as if they were dispossessed of all protection and Divine safeguard, and could easily be bound, and then take up their dwelling in them as if in a possession given over to them.

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

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

Although it is a fact that those people are more grievously and severely troubled who, while they seem to be very little affected by demons in the body, are yet possessed in spirit in a far worse way, as they are entangled in their sins and lusts. For as the Apostle says: Of whom a man is overcome, of him he is also the servant. They are more dangerously ill in this respect, because though they are slaves to sin, they do not know that they are assaulted by it and under its dominion. But we know that even saintly men have been given over in the flesh to Satan and to great afflictions for some very slight faults, since the Divine mercy will not allow the very least spot or stain to be found in them on the day of judgment, and cleanses away in this world every spot of their filth, as the prophet, or rather God Himself says, in order that He may commit them to eternity as gold or silver refined and needing no penal purification. And, He says, I will thoroughly purge away your dross, and I will take away all your sin; and after this you shall be called the city of the just, a faithful city. And again: Just as silver and gold are tried in the furnace, so the Lord chooses the hearts; And again: The fire tries gold and silver; but man is tried in the furnace of humiliation; and this also: For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.

Although it is a fact that those men are more grievously and severely troubled, who, while they seem to be very little affected by them in the body, are yet possessed in spirit in a far worse way, as they are entangled in their sins and lusts. For as the Apostle says: Of whom a man is overcome, of him he is also the servant. Only that in this respect they are more dangerously ill, because though they are their slaves, yet they do not know that they are assaulted by them, and under their dominion. But we know that even saintly men have been given over in the flesh to Satan and to great afflictions for some very slight faults, since the Divine mercy will not suffer the very least spot or stain to be found in them on the day of judgment, and purges away in this world every spot of their filth, as the prophet, or rather God Himself says, in order that He may commit them to eternity as gold or silver refined and needing no penal purification. And, says He, I will clean purge away your dross, and I will take away all your sin; and after this you shall be called the city of the just, a faithful city. And again: Like as silver and gold are tried in the furnace, so the Lord chooses the hearts; And again: The fire tries gold and silver; but man is tried in the furnace of humiliation; and this also: For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.

Concerning the death of the prophet who was led astray, and concerning the illness of Abbot Paul, which came upon him for the sake of his purification.

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.

We see a clear example of this in the case of that prophet and man of God in the third book of Kings, who was immediately killed by a lion for a single act of disobedience. He was involved in this not deliberately or by fault of his own will, but through the enticement of another, as Scripture says of him: "It is the man of God, who was disobedient to the mouth of the Lord, and the Lord delivered him to the lion, and it tore him according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke" (1 Kings 13:26). In this case, the punishment for his present offense and carelessness, along with the reward for his righteousness—for which the Lord handed over his prophet in this world to the destroyer—are shown by the restraint and self-control of the beast of prey, as that most savage creature did not even dare to taste the corpse that was given over to it. A very clear and obvious proof of the same thing has been given in our own time in the case of Abbots Paul and Moses, who lived in a place in this desert called Calamus. Paul had formerly lived in the wilderness near the city of Panephysis, which we know had only recently become a wilderness because of flooding by salt water. Whenever the north wind blew, it drove this water from the marshes, and spreading over the nearby fields, it covered the whole district, making the ancient villages—which had been abandoned by all their inhabitants for this very reason—look like islands. There, in the stillness and silence of the desert, Abbot Paul had made such progress in purity of heart that he would not allow, I will not say a woman's face, but even the clothing of someone of that sex to appear in his sight. Once, when he was going to visit the cell of one of the elders together with Abbot Archebius, who lived in the same desert, he happened to meet a woman. He was so disgusted at encountering her that he abandoned the friendly visit he had undertaken and rushed back to his own monastery with greater speed than a man would flee from the face of a lion or terrible dragon. He was not moved even by the shouts and pleas of the aforementioned Abbot Archebius, who called him back to continue their journey to ask the old man what they had intended to ask. But although this was done out of his eagerness for chastity and desire for purity, because it was done not according to knowledge, and because his observance of discipline and methods of proper strictness were excessive—for he imagined that not merely familiarity with a woman, which is the real harm, but even the very form of that sex was to be detested—he was immediately struck with such a punishment that his whole body was afflicted with paralysis. None of his limbs were able to perform their proper functions, since not only his hands and feet but even the movements of his tongue, which enables us to form our words, were affected, and his very ears lost the sense of hearing. Nothing more of his manhood remained than an immovable and insensible figure. He was reduced to such a condition that the utmost care of men was unable to attend to his infirmity, and only the tender service of women could minister to his needs. When he was taken to a convent of holy virgins, food and drink, which he could not ask for even by signs, were brought to him by female attendants, and for the performance of all that nature required he was cared for by the same service for nearly four years, until the end of his life. Although he was affected by such weakness in all his limbs that none of them retained their normal power of motion and feeling, nevertheless such grace of goodness proceeded from him that when sick persons were anointed with oil that had touched what should be called his corpse rather than his body, they were instantly healed of all diseases. So regarding his own illness, it was made clearly and obviously evident even to unbelievers that the infirmity of all his limbs was caused by the providence and love of the Lord, and that the grace of these healings was granted by the power of the Holy Ghost as a witness of his purity and a demonstration of his merits.

And we see clear instance of this in the case of that prophet and man of God in the third book of Kings, who was straightway destroyed by a lion for a single fault of disobedience, in which he was implicated not of set purpose nor by the fault of his own will but by the enticement of another, as the Scripture speaks thus of him: It is the man of God, who was disobedient to the mouth of the Lord, and the Lord delivered him to the lion, and it tare him according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke. 1 Kings 13:26 In which case the punishment of the present offense and carelessness together with the reward of his righteousness, for which the Lord gave over his prophet in this world to the destroyer, are shown by the moderation and abstinence of the beast of prey, as that most savage creature did not dare even to taste the carcass that was given over to him. And of the same thing a very clear and plain proof has been given in our own days in the case of the Abbots Paul and Moses who lived in a spot in this desert called Calamus, for the former had formerly dwelt in the wilderness which is hard by the city of Panephysis, which we know had only recently been made a wilderness by an inundation of salt water; which whenever the north wind blew, was driven from the marshes and spreading over the adjacent fields covered the face of the whole district, so as to make the ancient villages, which on this very account had been deserted by all their inhabitants, look like islands. Here, then, the Abbot Paul had made such progress in purity of heart in the stillness and silence of the desert, that he did not suffer, I will not say a woman's face, but even the clothes of one of that sex to appear in his sight. For when as he was going to the cell of one of the Elders together with Abbot Archebius who lived in the same desert, by accident a woman met him, he was so disgusted at meeting her that he dropped the business of his friendly visit which he had taken in hand and dashed back again to his own monastery with greater speed than a man would flee from the face of a lion or terrible dragon; so that he was not moved even by the shouts and prayers of the aforesaid Abbot Archebius who called him back to go on with the journey they had undertaken to ask the old man what they had proposed to do. But though this was done in his eagerness for chastity and desire for purity, yet because it was done not according to knowledge, and because the observance of discipline, and the methods of proper strictness were overstrained, for he imagined that not merely familiarity with a woman (which is the real harm,) but even the very form of that sex was to be execrated, he was immediately overtaken by such a punishment that his whole body was struck with paralysis, and none of his limbs were able to perform their proper functions, since not merely his hands and feet, but even the movements of the tongue, which enables us to frame our words, (were affected) and his very ears lost the sense of hearing, so that there was left in him nothing more of his manhood than an immovable and insensible figure. But he was reduced to such a condition that the utmost care of men was unable to minister to his infirmity, but only the tender service of women could attend to his wants: for when he was taken to a convent of holy virgins, food and drink, which he could not ask for even by signs, were brought to him by female attendants, and for the performance of all that nature required he was ministered to by the same service for nearly four years, i.e., to the end of his life. And though he was affected by such weakness of all his members that none of his limbs retained their keen power of motion and feeling, nevertheless such grace of goodness proceeded from him that when sick persons were anointed with the oil which had touched what should be called his corpse rather than his body, they were instantly healed of all diseases, so that as regards his own malady it was made clearly and plainly evident even to unbelievers that the infirmity of all his limbs was caused by the providence and love of the Lord, and that the grace of these healings was granted by the power of the Holy Ghost as a witness of his purity and a manifestation of his merits.

On the temptation of Abbot Moses.

On the temptation of Abbot Moses.

But the second person whom we mentioned as living in this desert, although he was also a remarkable and striking man, was punished for a single word that he had spoken somewhat too sharply in a dispute with Abbot Macarius when he had been corrected in some opinion. He was immediately delivered to such a terrible demon that he filled his mouth with filth that he supplied himself, and the Lord showed by the speed of his cure and the one who healed him that He had brought this affliction upon him to purify him, so that no stain would remain in him from his momentary error. For as soon as Abbot Macarius committed himself to prayer, quicker than a word the evil spirit fled away from him and departed.

But the second person whom we mentioned as living in this desert, although he was also a remarkable and striking man, yet, in order to punish a single word, to which in a dispute with Abbot Macarius, he had given utterance somewhat too sharply, as he was anticipated in some opinion, he was instantly delivered to so dreadful a demon that he filled his mouth with filth which he supplied, and the Lord showed by the quickness of his cure, and the author of his healing, that He had brought this scourge upon him to purify him, that there might not remain in him any stain from his momentary error: for as soon as Abbot Macarius committed himself to prayer, quicker than a word the evil spirit fled away from him and departed.

How we should not despise those who are handed over to unclean spirits.

How we ought not to despise those who are delivered up to unclean spirits.

From this it clearly follows that we should not hate or despise those we see being handed over to various temptations or to those evil spirits, because we must firmly maintain these two points: first, that none of them can be tempted by these spirits at all without God's permission, and second, that all things brought upon us by God, whether they seem sad or joyful to us at the present time, are inflicted for our benefit as by a most loving father and most compassionate physician. Therefore, people are placed under the care of schoolmasters, so to speak, and humbled so that when they leave this world they may be taken to the next life in a state of greater purity, or receive a lighter punishment, since they have been, as the Apostle says, delivered over at the present time to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5

From which it plainly results that we ought not to hate or despise those whom we see to be delivered up to various temptations or to those spirits of evil, because we ought firmly to hold these two points: first, that none of them can be tempted at all by them without God's permission, and secondly that all things which are brought upon us by God, whether they seem to us at the present time to be sad or joyful, are inflicted for our advantage as by a most kind father and most compassionate physician, and that therefore men are, as it were, given into the charge of schoolmasters, and humbled in order that when they depart out of this world they may be removed in a state of greater purity to the other life, or have a lighter punishment inflicted on them, as they have been, as the Apostle says, delivered over at the present time to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5

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

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

Germanus: How is it that in our provinces we see such people not only scorned and shunned by everyone, but actually always kept away from the Lord's communion, in accordance with these gospel words: "Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6)? Yet you tell us that we ought somehow to believe that the humiliation of this temptation is brought upon them for their purification and benefit?

Germanus: And how is it that we see them not only scorned and shunned by everybody, but actually always kept away from the Lord's communion in our provinces, in accordance with these words of the gospel: Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine; Matthew 7:6 while you tell us that somehow we ought to hold that the humiliation of this temptation is brought upon them with a view to their purification and profit?

The response to the question that was raised.

The answer to the question raised.

If we had this knowledge—or rather, this faith—which I described above, namely, to believe that all things are brought about by God and ordered for the good of our souls, we would not only never despise such people, but would actually pray for them unceasingly as for our own members, and sympathize with them with all our hearts and the deepest affection. For when one member suffers, all the members suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26), since we know that we cannot possibly be perfected without them, because they are members of us, just as we read that our predecessors could not reach the fullness of promise without us. The Apostle speaks of them this way: "And these all being approved by the testimony of faith, received not the promise, God providing some better thing for us that they should not be perfected without us" (Hebrews 11:39-40). But we never recall that holy communion was forbidden to them; on the contrary, if it were possible, they thought it ought to be given to them daily. Nor should we believe, according to the words of the gospel which you inappropriately apply in this sense—"Give not that which is holy to dogs" (Matthew 7:6)—that holy communion becomes food for the demon rather than a purification and safeguard of body and soul. For when it is received by a person, it burns out and drives away, so to speak, the spirit that has taken residence in his members or is trying to hide in them. In this way we have recently seen Abbot Andronicus and many others cured. For the enemy will increasingly abuse the person who is possessed if he sees him cut off from the heavenly medicine, and will tempt him more often and more terribly as he sees him removed further from this spiritual remedy.

Serenus: If we had this knowledge, or rather faith, of which I treated above; viz., to believe that all things were brought about by God, and ordered for the good of our souls, we should not only never despise them, but rather pray without ceasing for them as our own members, and sympathize with them with all our hearts and the fullest affection (for when one member suffers, all the members suffer with it 1 Corinthians 12:26), as we know that we cannot possibly be perfected without them inasmuch as they are members of us, just as we read that our predecessors could not attain the fullness of promise without us, as the Apostle speaks of them as follows: And these all being approved by the testimony of faith, received not the promise, God providing some better thing for us that they should not be perfected without us. Hebrews 11:39-40 But we never remember that holy communion was forbidden them; nay rather if it were possible, they thought that it ought to be given to them daily; nor indeed according to the words of the gospel which you incongruously apply in this sense Give not that which is holy to dogs, Matthew 7:6 ought we to believe that holy communion becomes food for the demon, and not a purification and safeguard of body and soul; for when it is received by a man it, so to speak, burns out and puts to flight the spirit which has its seat in his members or is trying to lurk in them. For in this way we have lately seen Abbot Andronicus and many others cured. For the enemy will more and more abuse the man who is possessed, if he sees him cut off from the heavenly medicine, and will tempt him more often and more fearfully, as he sees him removed the further from this spiritual remedy.

Regarding the fact that those people are more to be pitied who are not permitted to undergo those temporal temptations.

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

We should consider those people truly wretched and miserable who, though they defile themselves with all kinds of sins and wickedness, show no visible sign of demonic possession, face no temptation proportionate to their actions, and receive no punishment. They are granted no swift and immediate remedy in this world because their hardness and impenitent heart is too great for punishment in this life. Instead, they heap up wrath and indignation for themselves on the day of wrath and the revelation of God's righteous judgment, where their worm does not die and their fire is not quenched. The prophet, as if perplexed by the affliction of the saints when he sees them subjected to various losses and temptations, while sinners not only pass through this world without any humiliating punishment but even rejoice in great riches and complete prosperity in everything, is inflamed with uncontrollable indignation and fervor of spirit and exclaims: But as for me, my feet had almost gone, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was grieved at the wicked when I saw the peace of sinners. For there is no concern about their death, nor is there strength in their punishment. They are not in the labor of men, neither shall they be punished like other men, since hereafter they shall be punished with the devils, to whom in this world it was not granted to be punished in the lot and discipline of sons, together with men. Jeremiah also, when conversing with God about this prosperity of sinners, although he never professes to doubt God's justice, saying "for You are just, O Lord, if I dispute with You," yet in his inquiry about the reasons for this inequality proceeds to say: But still I will speak what is just to You. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why is it well with all who transgress and do wickedly? You have planted them and they have taken root: they prosper and bring forth fruit. You are near in their mouth and far from their hearts. And when the Lord mourns for their destruction through the prophet and anxiously directs teachers and physicians to heal them, and in a way urges them on to similar lamentation, saying: Babylon is suddenly fallen: she is destroyed. Howl for her: take balm for her pain, if so she may be healed; then, in their despair, the angels to whom the care of man's salvation is entrusted make reply, or at any rate the prophet speaking for the Apostles and spiritual men and teachers who see the hardness of their soul and their impenitent heart: We have healed Babylon, but she is not cured. Let us forsake her, and let us each go to his own land because her judgment has reached even to the heavens and is lifted up to the clouds. Isaiah speaks of their desperate weakness in the Person of God to Jerusalem: From the sole of the foot to the top of the head there is no soundness in it: wounds and bruises and swelling sores: they are not bound up nor dressed nor treated with oil.

But we ought to consider those men truly wretched and miserable in whose case, although they defile themselves with all kinds of sins and wickedness, yet not only is there no visible sign of the devil's possession shown in them, nor is any temptation proportionate to their actions, nor any scourge of punishment brought to bear upon them. For they are vouchsafed no swift and immediate remedy in this world, whose hardness and impenitent heart, being too much for punishment in this life, heaps up for itself wrath and indignation in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, where their worm dies not, and their fire is not quenched. Against whom the prophet as if perplexed at the affliction of the saints, when he sees them subject to various losses and temptations, and on the other hand sees sinners not only passing through the course of this world without any scourge of humiliation, but even rejoicing in great riches, and the utmost prosperity in everything, inflamed with uncontrollable indignation and fervour of spirit, exclaims: But as for me, my feet had almost gone, my treadings had well near slipped. For I was grieved at the wicked, when I saw the peace of sinners. For there is no regard to their death, nor is there strength in their stripes. They are not in the labour of men, neither shall they be scourged like other men, since hereafter they shall be punished with the devils, to whom in this world it was not vouchsafed to be scourged in the lot and discipline of sons, together with men. Jeremiah also, when conversing with God on this prosperity of sinners, although he never professes to doubt about the justice of God, as he says for You are just, O Lord, if I dispute with You, yet in his inquiry as to the reasons of this inequality, proceeds to say: But yet I will speak what is just to You. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why is it well with all them that transgress and do wickedly? You have planted them and they have taken root: they prosper and bring forth fruit. You are near in their mouth and far from their reins. Jeremiah 12:1-2 And when the Lord mourns for their destruction by the prophet, and anxiously directs doctors and physicians to heal them, and in a manner urges them on to a similar lamentation and says: Babylon is suddenly fallen: she is destroyed. Howl for her: take balm for her pain, if so she may be healed; then, in their despair, the angels, to whom is entrusted the care of man's salvation, make reply; or at any rate the prophet in the person of the Apostles and spiritual men and doctors who see the hardness of their soul, and their impenitent heart: We have healed Babylon: but she is not cured. Let us forsake her, and let us go every man to his own land because her judgment has reached even to the heavens, and is lifted up to the clouds. Jeremiah 51:8-9 Of their desperate feebleness then Isaiah speaks in the Person of God to Jerusalem: From the sole of the foot unto the top of the head there is no soundness therein: wounds and bruises and swelling sores: they are not bound up nor dressed nor fermented with oil. Isaiah 1:6

Concerning the different desires and wishes that exist in the powers of the air.

Of the different desires and wishes which exist in the powers of the air.

But it is clearly proved that unclean spirits possess as many different desires as humans do. For some of them, commonly called Plani, are shown to be so seductive and playful that when they have taken continuous possession of certain places or roads, they delight themselves not in tormenting the passersby whom they can deceive, but, contenting themselves merely with laughing at them and mocking them, try to tire them out rather than to injure them. Meanwhile, some spend the night simply by harmlessly possessing people, though others are such slaves to fury and ferocity that they are not simply content with hurting the bodies of those they have possessed by tearing them in a dreadful manner, but actually are eager to rush upon those who are passing by at a distance and to attack them with most savage slaughter—like those described in the gospel, for fear of whom no one dared to pass by that way. And there is no doubt that these and others like them delight in wars and bloodshed in their insatiable fury. We find that others affect the hearts of those they have seized with empty pride (and these are commonly called Bacucei), so that they stretch themselves up beyond their proper height and at one time puff themselves up with arrogance and pomposity, and at another time condescend in an ordinary and bland manner to a state of calmness and affability. And as they fancy that they are great people and the wonder of everybody, at one time they show by bowing their body that they are worshipping higher powers, while at another time they think that they are worshipped by others, and so go through all those movements which express true service either proudly or humbly. We find that others are not only keen for lies but also inspire people with blasphemies. And of this we ourselves can testify, as we have heard a demon openly confessing that he had proclaimed a wicked and impious doctrine by the mouths of Arius and Eunomius. And we read that one of them openly proclaimed the same thing in the fourth book of Kings: "I will go forth," he said, "and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets." On which the Apostle, when reproving those who are deceived by them, adds as follows: "giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils speaking lies in hypocrisy." And that there are other kinds of devils which are deaf and dumb the gospels testify. And that some spirits incite to lust and wantonness the prophet maintains, saying: "The spirit of fornication deceived them and they went astray from their God." In the same way the authority of Scripture teaches us that there are demons of the night and of the day and of the noonday. But it would take too long to search through the whole of Scripture and run through the different kinds of them, as they are termed by the prophets onocentaurs, satyrs, sirens, witches, howlers, ostriches, urchins, and asps and basilisks in the Psalms, and are called lions, dragons, scorpions in the gospel, and are named by the Apostle the prince of this world, rulers of this darkness, and spirits of wickedness. And all these names we ought not to take as given at random or haphazardly, but as alluding to their fierceness and madness under the sign of those wild beasts which are more or less harmful and dangerous among us. And by comparing them to the poisonous wickedness or power which, among other beasts or serpents, some preeminence in evil confers on them, they are called by their names, in such a way that to one is assigned the name of lion because of the fury of his rage and the madness of his anger, to another that of basilisk because of his deadly poison which kills a person before it is perceived, and to another that of onocentaur or urchin or ostrich because of his sluggish malice.

But it is clearly proved that there exist in unclean spirits as many desires as there are in men. For some of them, which are commonly called Plani, are shown to be so seductive and sportive that, when they have taken continual possession of certain places or roads, they delight themselves not indeed with tormenting the passers by whom they can deceive, but, contenting themselves merely with laughing at them and mocking them, try to tire them out rather than to injure them: while some spend the night merely by harmlessly taking possession of men, though others are such slaves to fury and ferocity that they are not simply content with hurting the bodies of those of whom they have taken possession, by tearing them in a dreadful manner, but actually are eager to rush upon those who are passing by at a distance, and to attack them with most savage slaughter: like those described in the gospel, for fear of whom no man dared to pass by that way. And there is no doubt that these and such as these in their insatiable fury delight in wars and bloodshed. Others we find affect the hearts of those whom they have seized with empty pride, (and these are commonly called Bacucei) so that they stretch themselves up beyond their proper height and at one time puff themselves up with arrogance and pomposity, and at another time condescend in an ordinary and bland manner, to a state of calmness and affability: and as they fancy that they are great people and the wonder of everybody, at one time show by bowing their body that they are worshipping higher powers, while at another time they think that they are worshipped by others, and so go through all those movements which express true service either proudly or humbly. Others we find are not only keen for lies, but also inspire men with blasphemies. And of this we ourselves can testify as we have heard a demon openly confessing that he had proclaimed a wicked and impious doctrine by the mouths of Arius and Eunomius. And the same thing we read that one of them openly proclaimed in the fourth book of Kings: I will go forth, he said, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. 1 Kings 22:22 On which the Apostle, when reproving those who are deceived by them, adds as follows: giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils speaking lies in hypocrisy. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 And that there are other kinds of devils which are deaf and dumb the gospels testify. And that some spirits incite to lust and wantonness the prophet maintains saying: The spirit of fornication deceived them and they went astray from their God. Hosea 4:12 In the same way the authority of Scripture teaches us that there are demons of the night and of the day and of the noonday: But it would take too long to search through the whole of Scripture and run through the different kinds of them, as they are termed by the prophets onocentaurs, satyrs, sirens, witches, howlers, ostriches, urchins; and asps and basilisks in the Psalms; and are called lions, dragons, scorpions in the gospel, and are named by the Apostle the prince of this world, rulers of this darkness, and spirits of wickedness. And all these names we ought not to take as given at random or hap-hazard, but as alluding to their fierceness and madness under the sign of those wild beasts which are more or less harmful and dangerous among us, and by comparing them to the poisonous wickedness or power which among other beasts or serpents, some pre-eminence in evil confers on them, they are called by their names, in such a way that to one is assigned the name of lion because of the fury of his rage and the madness of his anger, to another that of basilisk because of his deadly poison, which kills a person before it is perceived, and to another that of onocentaur or urchin or ostrich because of his sluggish malice.

A question concerning the origin of such differences in the powers of evil that exist in the sky.

A question as to the origin of such differences in powers of evil in the sky.

Germanus: We certainly do not doubt that the orders the Apostle lists refer to them: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against spirits of wickedness in heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). But we want to know where such a difference between them comes from, or how such grades of wickedness exist. Were they created for this purpose—to occupy these orders of evil and in some way to serve this wickedness?

Germanus: We certainly do not doubt that those orders which the Apostle enumerates refer to them: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against spirits of wickedness in heavenly places: Ephesians 6:12 but we want to know whence comes such a difference between them, or how such grades of wickedness exist? Were they created for this, to meet with these orders of evil, and in some way to serve this wickedness?

The delay in answering the question that was raised.

The postponement of the answer to the question raised.

Although your proposals would take up our entire night's rest, so that we wouldn't notice the rising dawn approaching and would be tempted to eagerly extend our discussion until sunrise, still—since working through the question that's been raised would launch us into a vast and deep sea of questions that the limited time available wouldn't allow us to navigate—I think it would be better to save it for another night. Then, by raising this question, I will gain some spiritual joy and richer fruit from your very willing conversation, and if the Holy Spirit grants us a favorable wind, we'll be able to explore the complexities of these questions more freely. So let's get a little sleep and shake off the drowsiness creeping over our eyes as dawn approaches. Then we'll go to church together, since the observance of Sunday requires this of us. After the service we'll return and, as you wish, discuss with twice the pleasure whatever the Lord may have given us for our mutual growth.

Serenus: Although your proposals would rob us of our whole night's rest, so that we should not notice the approach of the rising dawn, and should be tempted greedily to prolong our conference till sunrise, yet since the solving of the question raised, if we began to trace it out, would launch us on a wide and deep sea of questions, which the shortness of the time at our disposal would not permit us to traverse, I think it will be more convenient to reserve it for consideration another night, when by the raising of this question I shall receive from your very ready converse some spiritual joy and richer fruit, and we shall be able if the Holy Spirit grants us a prosperous breeze to penetrate more freely into the intricacies of the questions raised. Wherefore let us enjoy a little sleep, and so shake off the drowsiness that steals over our eyes, as the dawn approaches, and then we will go together to church, for the observance of Sunday bids us do this, and after service will come back, and as you wish, discuss with redoubled delight what the Lord may have given to us for our common improvement.