Abba Isaiah of Scetis, Ascetic Discourses: Translated, with an Introduction and Notes

Table of Abbreviations - 9
Preface 11
Introduction 13
1 Rules for the Brothers who Live with Him 39
2 On the Natural State of the Intellect 43
3 On the Condition of Beginners and Anchorites 47
4 On the Conscience of Those who Stay in Their Cells 53
5 Faithful Commandments for the Edification of Those who
Wish to Live Peacefully Together 69
6 On Those who Desire to Lead a Life of Good Silence 77
7 On Virtues ^1
8 Sayings ^7
9 Commands for Those who have Renounced [the World] 95
10 Another Discourse
11 On the Grain of Mustard Seed 101
12 On Wine 103
13 On Those who have Struggled and Reached Perfection 105
111
14 Acts of Mourning
15 On Detachment
16 On the joy that Comes to the Soul that Desires to Serve God 119
17 On Thoughts about Renunciation and Exile 131
139
18 On Forgiveness
143
19 On Passions
20 On Humility ^
21 On Repentance 149
22 On the Conduct of the New Person 163
23 On Perfection 173
24 On Tranquillity 181
25 To Abba Peter, his Disciple 183
26 Recorded by Isaiah s Disciple, Abba Peter, who had Heard it
Spoken by his Master 211
27 In which he says, ‘Attend Diligently’ 219
28 The Branches of Malice 227
29 Lamentations 235
Bibliography 247
Patristics Index 257
v
Scripture Index 261
Index of Names 271
Subject Index 275