Judgement And Counsel

Etenim saepe illud quod Apostolus dicit probatum est evenire: Ipse enim Satanas transfigurat se in angelum lucis, ut obscuram et tetram caliginem sensuum pro vero lumine scientie fraudulenter effundat. Qui nisi humiliet et mansueto corde suscepti, maturissimi fratris vel probatissimi senioris reserventur examini, et eorum judicio diligenter excussi, aut abjiciantur, aut recipiantur a nobis, sine dubio venerantes in cogitationibus nostris pro angelo lucis angelum tenebrarum, gravissimo feriemur interitu. Quam perniciem impossibile est evadere quempiam judicio proprio confidentem, nisi, humilitatis verae amator et exsecutor effecus, illud quod Apostolus magnopere deprecatur, omni contritione cordis implerit. Si qua ergo, inquit, consolatio in Christo, si quod solatium charitatis, si qua viscera miserationis, implete gaudium meum ut idem sapiatis, eadem charitatem habentes, unanimes idipsum sentientes; nihil per contentionem, neque per inanem gloriam, sed in humilitate superiores vobismetipsis alterutrum arbitantes; et illud, Honore alterutrum praevenientes, ut plus unusquisque consorti suo scientiae et sanctitatis ascribens, summam discretionis verae in alterius magis quam in suo credat stare judicio. Sanctus Ioannes Cassianus, Collationes, Collatio XVI, De Amicitia, Caput XI Source: Migne PL 49.1025b-1026a

Indeed it has often been proved that what the Apostle says really happens. 'For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light,' 1 so that he deceitfully pours out a confusing and dark gloom of thoughts for the true light of knowledge. Which unless they are received in a humble and patient heart and reserved for the examination of some more experienced brother or most virtuous elder, and when diligently sifted by their judgment, either rejected or accepted by us, without doubt will cause us to venerate in our thoughts an angel of darkness for of an angel of light and be struck with the most grievous ruin. Which destruction it is impossible for anyone to avoid who is confident in his own judgment, unless he is made a lover and follower of true humility and with all contrition of heart fulfils what the Apostle greatly prays for: 'If, therefore, there be any consolation in Christ, if there be any comfort of love, if there be any depths of compassion, fulfil my joy, so that you be of one mind, having the same love, being in full accord, doing nothing by contention, nor by vainglory, but in humility each judging others better than themselves.' 2 And this: 'in honour preferring one another,' 3 that each may ascribe more knowledge and holiness to his companion, thinking that the height of true discretion is found in the judgment of another rather than in one's own. Saint John Cassian, Conferences, Conference 16, On Friendship, Chap 11 1 2 Cor 11.14 2 Phil 2.1-3 3 Rom 12.10