John Cassian
Chapter XXVII. A question whether the saying: “I have sworn and am purposed” is opposed to the view given above.
Institutes and Conferences — translated by NPNF editors
Public domainServed
¶1
A question whether the saying: “I have sworn and am purposed” is opposed to the view given above.
¶2
Germanus: So far as this consideration is concerned which has been clearly and fully treated of, a monk ought never to determine anything for fear lest he turn out a breaker of his word or else obstinate. And what then can we make of this saying of the Psalmist: “I have sworn and am purposed to keep Thy righteous judgments?” What is “to swear and purpose” except to keep one’s determinations fixedly?
Translated by NPNF editors. Edition ccel.npnf211.iv-v.en.