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Cassian's Conferences · VII. First Conference of Abbot Serenus. On Inconstancy of Mind, and Spiritual Wickedness

Chapter XIV

Page 688 of 1,144

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

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 hath power ascend upon thee;"1475 and again: "When the devil had put it into the heart of Simon Iscariot to betray the Lord."1476 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?

Notes

  1. 1475

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  2. 1476

    S. .

Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Volume 11, ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (1890–1900). Public domain. Text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.