Wisdom of the Divine Philosophers - Volume Two

Wisdom of the Divine Philosophers is a collection of inspired thoughts from the ancient and contemporary Saints and Church fathers to help us on our path to salvation.

These short quotations are arranged by various topics for guidance on subjects such as forgiveness, humility, marriage, repentance, and many others.

Volume Two was published in 2016. This volume contains teachings on 77 topics and includes subject matter not covered in Volume One, such as earthly cares, miracles, hope in the Lord, clergy, and others. Also featured is a short life story of St. Seraphim of Sarov pictured on the front cover.

EXAMPLES:

On pride by St. Anthony of Optina

Wherever we may decide to withdraw or settle, we will drag along out inner chaos; for just as everywhere is an earthly paradise to the humble soul, everywhere will be torture and hard labor to the proud.

On evil by St. Paisios the Athonite

The devil has neither power nor dominion over those who have faith, go to church regularly, and receive Holy Communion. He just barks a little - 'arf, arf!' - like a dog without teeth. But he has great power over one who has no faith and gives him the excuse to take over. He can lynch him and tear him to pieces with his teeth. The devil's authority on a soul depends on the rights this soul has granted him.

On prayer by St. Agathon of Egypt

I think there is no greater labor than that of prayer to God. For every time a man wants to pray, his enemies, the demons, want to prevent him, for they know that it is only by turning him from prayer that they can hinder his journey. Whatever good work a man undertakes, if he perseveres in it, he will attain rest. But prayer is warfare to the last breath.

On humility by St. Isaac the Syrian

The only way that a man who wishes to be wise in the eyes of God can do so is to become a fool to the world and a despiser of human glory. Awesome is the man who conceals the greatness of his labour by self-reproach; at such a man the angels marvel.