A Pious Formula

Quapropter, secundum illam institutionem quam parvulorum eruditioni prudentissime comparastis, qui alias elementorum traditionem primam percipere non possunt, nec eorum vel agnoscere, vel intrepida manu queunt describere characteres, nisi quam primum typis quibusdam ut formulis cerae diligenter impressis, effigies eorum exprimere contemplatione iugi et quotidiana imitatione consuescant; huius quoque spiritalis theoriae tradenda vobis est formula, ad quam semper tenacissime vestrum intuitum defligentes, vel eamdem salubriter volvere indirupta iugitate discatis, vel sublimiores intuitus scandere illius usu ac meditatione possitis. Haec igitur vobis huius quam quaeritis disciplinae atque orationis formula proponitur, quam unusquisque monachus ad iugem Dei memoriam tendens incessabili cordis volutatione meditari, expulsa omnium cogitationum varietate, consueseat, quia nec alias eam ullo modo poterit retentare, nisi ab omnibus fuerit corporalibus cruis ac sollicitudinibus absolutus. Quae sicut nobis a paucis, qui antiquissimorum patrum residui erant, tradita est, ita a nobis quoque non nisi rarissimis ac vere sitientibus intimatur. Erit itaque ad perpetuam Dei memoriam possidendam, haec inseparabiliter proposita vobis formula pietatis: Deus, in adiutorium meum intende; Domine, ad adiuvandum me festina. Hic namque versiculus non immerito de toto Scripturarum excerptus est instrumento. Recipit enim omnes affectus quicumque inferri humanae possunt naturae, et ad omnem statum atque universos incursus proprie satis et competenter aptatur. Habet siquidem adversus universa discrimina invocationem Dei, habet humilitatem piae confessionis, habet sollicitudinis ac timoris perpetui vigilantiam, habet considerationem fragilitatis suae, exauditionis fiduciam; confidentiam praesentis, semperque astantis praesidii. Qui enim iugiter suum invocat protectorem, certus est eum esse semper praesentem. Habet amoris et charitatis ardorem, habet insidiarum contemplationem inimicorumque formidinem, quibus perspiciens semetipsum die noctuque vallatum, confitetur se non posse sine sui defensoris auxilio liberari.  Sanctus Ioannes Cassianus, Collationes, Col X, Cap X.

Thus, in accordance with that system, which you wisely compared to teaching children who are unable to grasp much in the first lessons on the alphabet, not even the shapes of the letters, nor can they trace out characters with precocious hand, unless by means of some copies and shapes carefully impressed on wax, and so they become accustomed to them by frequent contemplation and daily imitation, in like manner we must give you also the form of this spiritual contemplation, which, always fixing your mind on it with the utmost tenacity, you will learn the benefit of its unbroken continuance, and by the use of it and by meditation on it you will be able to climb to a still higher insight. This formula, then, shall be proposed to you of this system of which you enquire, which every monk in his progress towards continual recollection of God is accustomed to ponder, ceaselessly revolving it in his heart, having expelled all other thoughts, for there is no way he can retain it unless he has released himself from all bodily cares and anxieties. And as this was delivered to us by a few of those who were left of the oldest fathers, so it is given rarely by us, and only to those who truly thirst. So for maintaining perpetual recollection of God this pious formula is to be ever set before you: "O God,listen to my prayer; O Lord, make haste to help me.'1 This verse has not without merit been picked from the whole of Scripture. It embraces all the feelings which can be found in human nature, and to every state and all tribulations it can be fitly and satisfactorily adapted. It contains an invocation of God against every adversity, it contains humble and pious confession, it contains the vigilance of anxiety and continual fear, it contains the consideration of one's own weakness, trust in the answer, confidence of a present and ever ready help. For one who is continually calling on his Protector, is certain that He is always present. It has the flame of love and charity, it has a view of the snares and a dread of the enemies, which to him who sees himself day and night surrounded, confesses that he cannot be liberated without the help of his Defender. Saint John Cassian, Conferences, Conference 10, Ch 10. 1 Ps 70. 2