The demon of lust is manifold. For those who are inexperienced, he suggests that they take the experience just once, merely to grasp what pleasure is; but as for those who have experienced it, he draws them toward a new trial through the power of memory. A Many—both those who have not received experience, and on account of their ignorance of pleasure have remained free from all warfare, and those who have come to be in the experience—have remained undisturbed on account of satiety.
He who has conquered the body has conquered nature; but he who has conquered nature has transcended nature, and henceforth is made a little lower than the angels. It is a marvel how he who consists of matter has trampled down an adversary who lacks matter.
B When all the demons are at work, especially he who presides over lust, they strive first to cast darkness upon the mind, which is the ruling part of the soul. The spirit of lust indeed introduces into the heart the impure and obscene thoughts that lie in wait there, but continence, humility, and self-contempt cast them out.
Negligence is the mother of stupor; and the daughter of this is sloth.
Sleep has various causes. For it is brought about by nature, by foods, by fasting, and by affliction.
It is a great and noble thing to endure humiliation, but a greater thing to pass by praise without suffering harm.
He who has not tasted of the glory above will not easily despise the things of earth.
THE EXHORTATION OF THE BLESSED HYPERECHIUS TO MONKS
MONITUM. (Fr. Combefis, Auct. nov., I.)
That the author and the work are ancient is evidenced by the fact that in the third book of the *Apophthegmata*, translated by Pelagius for the Holy Roman Church, three of his sentences exist—which are here contained word for word: nor do more exist in that or other books of that kind: so that the ancients appear to have known nothing of this most blessed abbot Hyperechius, or (as Palladius calls him) Hyperichius, other than that which I append to the works of Arsenius and Nilus—from the documents deposited with me—as a complete rule for those exercising themselves in the religious arena (whether Hyperechius exercised himself in these things first, or whether he was of the same age or nearly contemporary with them, though unknown to others); for this one thing is clearer than light regarding this matter.
ADMONITION TO MONKS
A The beginning of a monk’s renunciation is to fear God; but the monk who does not fear God will lodge outside the gates of the kingdom. The beginning of a monk’s life is good knowledge, but ignorance of God darkens the soul of a monk. A monk’s goodly inheritance is temperance and sanctification; but the monk who is outside these things becomes disinherited by the fathers. A monk’s exercise is the study of the Scriptures and the performance of the commandments of God; but lacking exercise is the monk who does not occupy himself in these. A monk’s food is to do the will of God; his drink is to accomplish the mandates of Christ; for food that falls into the senses will not present B a monk to God, but rather goes into the belly and is cast out into the draught. Let the step of a monk, moving with gravity, wear away the ecclesiastical thresholds. Let the step of a monk be grave, and let it not go out from house to house. Let the life of a monk be unspotted, neither mocked by women burdened with sins; for woman is the dart of the pirate, who plays the harlot in houses. Let the counsel of a monk be with a prudent man; but let counsel that is not prudent not dwell in the heart of a monk. A monk who is vigilant in psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles puts to flight nocturnal phantoms; but the monk who is proud C of his right deeds and virtues and is sleeping, weaves spider webs. A noble monk, by the sign of the cross, escapes the snares of the devil; but a worldly monk, bent toward the earth, is entangled in Satanic traps. Let the purpose of a monk be always practical in good works; for an impractical purpose is not filled with good things. A monk’s exercise is constant thoughts; but a monk’s vigilance calms filthy thoughts. A monk’s farm is a good soul producing fruit according to the Gospel; and the monk himself shall eat the fruit of his own farm; for sweet D is the fruit in the mouth of a monk, the reward of his own labors. A monk’s strength is poverty, bearing the Savior; for avarice is a terrible thing among monks, closing the kingdom of heaven. Give your heart, O monk, to your body, so that you may drive away from you the invisible and practical adversary, the devil. A good gift for a monk is virginity, making him a charioteer to the heavens with holy Elijah; wherefore a monk...
A becoming a lover of this, let him ascend the fiery chariot, cooled by the two streams of tears flowing from his eyes.
17. Tree of life rising to the height, is humility.
18. A monk having acquired virtue, gathers the good fruits.
19. The virtue of virginity is abstinence from food; but the monk who is given to gluttony, his life will be abominable, and he will hear from Christ, “You have your reward”; for he is afraid to say, “He will receive his reward from Christ, who knows the hidden things.”
20. A monk giving the things of God to God, let him not be puffed up; but begging from God, let him say, “I offer to You Your own from Your own; I seek from You alone the redemption of my soul.”
21. If a monk prays purely in nocturnal prayers, the Lord hears him; but in the day, the Lord illuminates this, and will reveal it as a clear day. B
22. Let a merciful monk be a lover of the brethren, and he shall inherit the good land.
23. In the pride of a monk the Lord will not rest; but in his humility the Holy Spirit will rest. By the protection of this virtue, he will obtain the kingdom of heaven, and quickly be gifted with its possession.
24. At all times let the tunic of the monk be unspotted; not that which is woven of wool or flax, but the spiritual one. For such a one will go in at midnight with Christ the Bridegroom into the bridal chamber. Let the monk bring oil for the meeting of the Bridegroom. C
25. Let the life of a monk become like the imitation of an angel, consuming sin. For the life of a monk is the holocaust offering of those who repent.
26. Let the life of a monk be characterized by his members being dead to desire; for the life and discipline of the blessed John became a pattern for you.
27. Let the storm of the demons flee from the monk; but let the tranquility of the angels dance among monks.
28. When a demonic storm is stirred up, let the monk restrain his anger; for the life of a monk should be known for its gentleness and patience. D
29. A monk fervent in spirit puts the devil to flight; but a monk who unjusty envies his brother, draws the devil to himself. For he will remain outside with the five foolish virgins, he who does not make his lamp bright and joyful with oil.
30. Let not the leaven of malice be even named among monks.
31. Let not the sun go down upon the anger of a monk.
A 32. The monk who is quiet does not disturb his brothers; but the clamor of a monk disturbs the monastery. 33. Let the sound of psalmody not displease you, monk; for this is the praise of angels. 34. Let the monk flee the sound of diabolical theaters; for this is the seduction of demons. 35. Let the cross of Christ be always upon your forehead, monk; and let the fear of God be in your heart, O ascetic. 36. The silence of a monk with a pure heart entreats the Holy Spirit to make Himself present, and He comes as if compelled by a greater power. 37. The kind behavior of a monk produces brotherly love and drives away strife. 38. Let the monk who is joined to the Lord not give himself over to the devil, so that he may not be put to shame before the bridegroom. 39. An impregnable shield for a monk is the song of angels in his mouth; but the death of a monk is a song loved beyond measure. 40. The treasure of a monk is voluntary poverty; most divine will be the monk who has grasped this way of life and chosen it. 41. Lay up treasure, monk, in heaven; for there are endless ages of rest awaiting you. 42. Let the contemplation of a monk be busied in the holy Scriptures, and let his desire be toward the Lord. 43. Let the door of a monk not be closed with iron bars. 44. Let the confidence of a monk not appear in physical well-being. 45. Admirable is the countenance of a monk, illuminated by temperance. 46. The healings of the soul of monks are brought about through prayers and are made known by almsgivings. 47. A joyful countenance in a monk B is the rest of the ascetic and the destruction of evil thoughts. 48. Let John be an example to you, monk, clothed in camel's hair, so that, having looked at Elias with his mantle, he may lead you into the heavens. 49. Let James be brought before you, teaching you endurance in the face of calamities that befall you. 50. Let John be your guide to the Word who has no beginning. 51. The moisture of joy occurring upon the forehead of a monk gladdens the multitude of brothers; but an impudent monk scatters the gathering of brothers. 52. Equality among brothers scatters pride and roots humility.
A 53. A monk will be equal to the angels if he contemns his belly and loves not drunkenness. 54. An inconceivable beauty in a monk’s soul is purity lacking a stain; but a monk’s worst face is purity besmirched. 55. A monk who is an unwelcome companion is a terrible thing, like fire in stubble. 56. The monk who has renounced the world becomes a companion of Christ; but the monk entangled in the affairs of the world does not please Christ, who enrolled him. 57. A most faithful herald for the kingdom of heaven is the monk who is free from the love of money; but a bad man, being a lover of money, shall perish badly. 58. The ornament of a young monk is temperance, having a purity not exposed to shadows. 59. B The treasure of a monk is obedience; the monk who has acquired this will be heard. 60. Let not malice and wickedness reside in the heart of a monk. 61. Let the monk belch forth the words of the good, and let him speak the words of the Most High with his mouth. 62. Let the monk take up voluntary fasting, to humble the earthly body and to exalt the soul, which is a citizen of heaven. 63. Let the monk speak a word of truth, and let falsehood be banished from his mouth. 64. When a monk hears a harsh word, let him not be insolent; but let him submit, so that he may turn away the wrath of anger; for he shall receive the reward of peace, C and shall be called a son of the Most High, having become a son of peace. 65. A monk speaking in a melodious voice in humility, even from a heart of stone, will call forth tears. 66. Like a terrible lion to wild beasts; so is a monk firm against the thoughts of lust. 67. A monk who breaks his fast at an improper time is like one who digs up a house from its foundations. 68. A whirlwind of wind raising dust in the field; thus is a proud monk, raising anger in the monastery. 69. A harbor free from storms for ships; so is a monk D in the monastery. 70. An imitation of the angels, a monk on earth is passionless, who has not been wounded by the dart of pleasure. 71. Do not hasten, monk, in pride, lest you suffer an extraordinary fall. 72. Be a follower, monk, of the humility of Paul, that you may become a co-heir of the saints. 73. Imitate the publican, monk, that you may not be judged along with the Pharisee. 74. Take on the gentleness of Moses, monk, that you may change your heart, being hard as a cliff, into pools of water; for after this, having gained experience of the matter...
A you will know what gentleness is: He has nurtured me beside the water of rest.
75. Do not appear hard, monk; remember that no hard person has endured.
76. Do not abandon Abel and join the proud Cain, and become a participant in his portions.
77. Learn how good humility is, and choose it; for it leads to heaven.
78. A good reward lies before you, monk, for your humility, which is the kingdom of heaven; do not become bereft of it.
79. Let a young monk be strengthened by temperance, overlooking vainglory; for he is a plant newly set by God, and a monk is watered by temperance.
80. Fasting is the bridle of a monk; he who throws it off is found to be a horse maddened by lust. For a youth without a bridle sins wantonly and without restraint.
81. A monk who washes the feet of the holy adds luster to his own heart, and will have treasure in heaven.
82. A monk who washes the feet of sinners indiscriminately draws upon himself the blessing of those who are perishing.
83. The Law is a fountain of life in the hand of a man of active practice.
84. The vigilant monk makes night into day, remaining constant in prayers.
85. A monk who stings his own heart pours forth tears, and calls down mercy from on high.
86. A divine stream in the mouth of a monk is the psalm of confession.
87. A living tree, the passionless monk, is on earth. The tree of life is in heaven; the monk on earth has embraced an angelic way of life.
88. A most sharp sword against the devil is the singing of psalms in the mouth of a monk.
89. A dry stick, through Elisha, brought iron up from the depths; a body rendered dry by fasting, in the case of a monk, draws his soul up from the depths.
90. The fasting of a monk dries up the channels of pleasure.
91. A sword against the passions is the vigilance of a monk, sharpened by prayer.
92. The serving of vegetables in love, when done by a monk, is better than the fat of a whole burnt offering.
93. Gifts and presents deceive the wise; he who receives them to the injury of others is not an ascetic.
94. The boundary of a monk's fasting is death; do not abstain from it before your end.
95. The boundary of a monk's prayer is infinite; for it is good to bless God at every time.
96. An ascetic who reviles monks is dishonored before God and detestable before men.
97. The monk who is not master of his tongue in time of anger, will not be master of his passions A either.
98. An angry monk destroys his own soul, and wounds those nearest to him more grievously than with the sharpest arrows.
99. Woe to the monk who justifies himself before men! For such a one is detestable before God.
100. A lazy monk will meditate on empty words, and his conversation and discourse will be deceitful.
101. A quick-tempered monk will fall into temptations; but the gentle man will calm anger.
102. He who trusts in the strength of his body will fall, but he who trusts in the Lord will be saved.
103. The monk who despises his neighbor as a sinner is of a lost lot; but he who esteems his neighbor higher than himself will be exalted. B
104. A gentle monk will be exalted, and will be praised in the sight of the powerful.
105. Before temptation comes, equip yourself, monk; for it will certainly come to pass, so that you may appear proven in the time of temptation.
106. Do not acquire riches and worldly power, monk; for the narrow and constrained way rejects both of these.
107. Having become a disciple of Paul, say with him: "I have counted all things to be dung, that I may gain Christ."
108. There is a fire burning in the innermost parts of the monk, which is pleasure kindled by dissipation.
109. Christ is an ever-flowing spring; drawing from this, extinguish the foul-smelling conflagration. C
110. Wealth held in the hands and corpulence produced by dissipation will not be admitted within the gates of heaven. Do not, therefore, monk, place your confidence in riches and the luxury of fleshy corpulence, so that you may be able to say: "Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors."
111. A lazy monk will be suffocated by thoughts, just as wheat is suffocated by thorns.
112. Let not a monk utter an evil word; for a vine does not produce thorns.
113. Let a monk speak to his neighbor with the sweetest words; for honey does not have bitterness.
114. Let not a monk be lazy regarding the works of righteousness; for the bee always busies itself with work. D
115. Tears are a stream of the Jordan for the cleansing of sins. For Christ said: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
116. A monk is stirred up by a tempest of thoughts; but let him strengthen himself firmly with angelic words.
117. Rescue, monk, your neighbor from sin without reproach, as much as lies in your power; for God does not cast away those who turn back.
118. Do not harbor a word of malice and wickedness in your heart against your brother, O monk, so that you may be able to say: "Forgive us our debts," etc. 119. A The crown of the monk is peace and holiness; he who has acquired these shall see the Lord. 120. The chastity of the monk will lift up his head, and he shall be glorified in the midst of good things. 121. The chaste monk shall be honored in the assemblies. 122. Let not the wisdom of the monk be known through empty bombast, but let it exist in piety and gentleness. Such a man shall be wise, and a steward of a multitude of brethren. For he is truly wise who does not teach by word, but who instructs by his deed and admonishes regarding duty. 123. B The prudent monk, having wrestled with the phalanxes of demons, remains unharmed by their darts. 124. The monk who relies upon the cross of Christ shall crush the head of the dragon. 125. Let the mouth of the monk be opened to the word of God; and let his heart always meditate upon the oracles of God without distraction. 126. A precious possession for the monk is virginity, illuminated by the light of almsgiving; having preserved this, the monk shall enter into the bridal chamber. 127. Observe the commandments of the Most High, O C monk, and strive to keep the precepts of the Fathers, you who practice asceticism; for by doing these things, you shall be shown to be an heir of the kingdom of heaven. 128. An audacious monk shall fall into temptation and the snare of the devil; but peace and a crown of rejoicing shall overtake the gentle man. 129. A gluttonous monk shall be in delusions and night visions; but for him who keeps the fast, the bed is undefiled and the sleep free from visions. 130. To the monk who fears the Lord, no evil thing shall happen; for the Lord shall protect such a one, and in the day of his death such a one shall have expiation. 131. The obedience of the monk is not recognized in greater matters, D but it is praised in the least. 132. The patience of the monk is not known only in weakness, but is proven in temptations. 133. The patience of the monk, having a perfect work, preserves the glorious treasure of the soul. 134. Patience, faithfully fulfilled by the monk in afflictions, produces hope that does not put to shame. 135. The patience of the monk preserves him until his very end; for he that has endured to the end, the same shall be saved. 136. Let the hymnody of the monk be unceasing; for the Seraphim praise without ceasing.
Fragments of the Sermons and Homilies of Saint Nilus
137. A Let a spiritual hymn be in your mouth, O monk, lightening for you the burden of the temptations that befall you. You have a clear example of this: as a traveler, pressed by a heavy load, beguiles the labor and weariness of his journey by singing. 138. Sustain it with patience, O monk; for the labor of patience is brief, but the ages of rest will never have an end. 139. B An obedient monk shall stand with confidence before the Crucified; for the Lord, being on the cross, became obedient unto death. 140. Let not the voice of a monk be raised against his neighbor in the bitterness of his soul; but let the voice of ascetics be sent up sincerely to God in meekness of soul, with lips unmoved. 141. He is a true star upon earth, who has not slipped with his tongue. 142. The fear of the Lord sustains the monk like an impregnable tower; but the monk who possesses not the fear of God shall be easily overcome by his adversaries. 143. A clear light upon the earth is the monk who is dispassionate, in whom no covetousness is found; for covetousness is the root of all evils, which never brings forth good fruit. 144. It is better to eat meat and drink wine, than by backbiting to eat the flesh of brothers. 145. C Eat your bread with honey, O monk, refraining from bitterness; and drink wine with your milk, being a child in your spirit. For honey has no bitterness, and milk knows no malice. 146. Gold is tested in a furnace of fire, and a monk shall be known in a multitude of monks; but he who is sincere shall be saved. 147. Let the hands of a monk be always stretched out piously to God; for Moses, prefiguring the form of the Cross by the extension of his hands, conquered Amalek. 148. A good grace is it for a monk who is crucified, dying daily; D for the angels rejoice over him, receiving him into the kingdom of heaven. 149. The bridle of the passions is fasting; but the destruction of them is almsgiving and prayer. 150. A monk shall be found brighter than snow, being superior to carnal desires; for he who loves Christ instead of gold shall see Him in a good day, crowning him. 151. A whispering monk scatters a multitude of monks, and disperses friends. 152. A monk chanting wisely shall establish spiritual friendship. 153. The serpent, having whispered, exiled Eve from paradise; a whispering monk is like to him; for he destroys the soul of his neighbor, and does not save his own.
The monk who chants with understanding gathers a multitude, A and he shall be praised in the Churches; the monk who chants purely in his heart shall be heard by God.
The soul of a monk that has renounced the world and is betrothed to Christ despises earthly things.
The monk who is like a hook for the nose of the dragon is he who is clothed in good works; for the pure soul of a monk, breathing forth a spiritual fragrance, seals the sense of smell of the dragon, so that it might not smell in him the filth of pleasure.
How good it is for brethren to master their pleasures and be superior to carnal desires; for in whom the fear of God is present in his heart, of him the filth of the soul does not take hold.
A comely song is in the mouth of a monk, sent up to God from the heart; as an incense of sweet fragrance, the Lord will accept his prayer.
O what grief is among the angels when a monk, through negligence, is cast out of the kingdom! O what pain is among the saints when an ascetic, on account of pride, does not enter together with the Bridegroom into the bridal chamber! O what joy is among the angels when a sinner, through repentance, enters into the kingdom of heaven! O what gladness is among the saints when a sinner turns back from the error of his way! Whose faith you should imitate, and emulate the gladness that is to come thereafter.
O blessed children of God, O monks, whom the desire of the flesh has not conquered! May the earth not cover you, but may heaven with the angels receive you.
FRAGMENTS OF THE ORATIONS AND HOMILIES OF SAINT NILUS FROM PHOTIUS.
(Biblioth. cod. 276, p. 1527 ed. Hoeschelii.)Saint Nilus's first Oration on Easter.
With words of resurrection, let us honor the day of resurrection. For the soul there is a certain second resurrection for men, which rouses it to the actions of virtue; and if you remove this from men, you have rendered the body dead to the actions of virtue. Therefore, as if for a common calamity, let us gird ourselves for the war for the resurrection, joining all creation to us as an armed force. For the heaven fights with us against the unbelievers. For the one whom it received from the resurrection as Lord, it sees deprived of the glory of the resurrection. The earth also to...