Ascetical Homilies (Mystic Treatises)
Overview
Known for his numerous works on Christian spirituality, St. Isaac the Syrian’s Ascetical Homilies are treasured for his perspective on both the Christian life and the practice of “stillness” and quietude in prayer, or what the Orthodox Church calls “hesychasm.” This work is considered by many to be one of the most important writings on spirituality in the history of the Church.
The Logos edition of this text will enhance your studies of Christian spirituality and prayer, with each Scriptural reference being linked to your favorite translation on mouseover, and the whole of the text completely searchable. You can cross-reference key ideas, themes, and illustrations with your library of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works. This is a must-have volume for any student of Christian prayer, asceticism, or spirituality.
- Complete English translation of the Syriac text
- Classic work on Christian spirituality and asceticism
- Several treatises on topics such as Christian behavior, temptation, living in solitude, and more
Top Highlights
“It is not becoming for the solitary to allow the thought of anything to move and drive away his spirit from before God. If, however, anyone dare to adduce the example of Paul, who also performed [manual] work and also gave alms, we reply to him: Paul was unique and a master in all things. We know not that another Paul has ever existed who was a master in all things like him. Show it me, if thou art found to be another Paul, and I will believe thee. Do not, therefore, compare the matters of government with the inner practice. For the work of the heralds is different from that of solitude.” (Page 104)
“For the body that is mingled with sin, takes pleasure in the works of the flesh. And the spirit of God takes pleasure in its own fruits. When the body is weak by fasting and mortification, the soul is spiritually strong through prayer. When the body is vehemently oppressed by solitude and penury and its life is near its term, it will beseech thee: Leave me a while to behave with moderation’1).” (Page xxix)
“The disciple. Is it harmful to his course towards God, if a man makes a pause is his labour?” (Page 153)
“It is not possible for a man to come near to Christ without troubles, nor can his righteousness be preserved unchanged without them. When righteousness already acquired is bereft of labours which served to augment and at the same time to guard it, it resembles a treasure which of a sudden finds itself without guardians, or an athlete who is stripped of his arms while a host of enemies surrounds him; or a ship that is left in the ocean without the utensils of her equipment; or a garden rich in fruits from which is cut off the fountain that watered it.” (Page 153)
- Title: Ascetical Homilies (Mystic Treatises)
- Author: Isaac of Nineveh
- Translator: A. J. Wensinck
- Publisher: Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Publication Date: 1923
- Pages: 400
Isaac of Nineveh (St. Isaac the Syrian) was a seventh century monastic, bishop, and theologian, remembered especially for his written works. Isaac is unique in that he is commemorated as a Saint by the Oriental, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic churches, despite living after the period of the Nestorian schism.
Reviews
2 ratings
Andrew Burns
4/20/2019
Robquill
2/19/2016
