es to be undoubtedly very ancient:
in which judgment others agree, and the discourses themselves bear
evident marks. Du Pin and Tillemont leave them to St. Macarius of
Egypt; and his claim to them is very well supported by the learned
English translator, who published them with an introduction, at
London, in 1721, in octavo. The censure of Ceillier upon them seems
too severe. Certain passages, which seem to favor Pelagianism, ought
to be explained by others, which clearly condemn that heresy; or it
must be granted that they have suffered some alteration. The
composition is not very methodical, these homilies being addressed
to monks, in answer to particular queries. The author exceedingly
extols the peace and sweetness which a soul, crucified to the world,
enjoys with the consolations of the Holy Ghost, who resides in her.
But he says that the very angels deplore, as much as their state
will permit, those unhappy souls which taste not these heavenly
delights, as men weep over a dear friend who lies sick in his agony,
and receives all nourishment from their hands. (St. Macar., hom. 1 &
15.) Prayer, without which no one can be free from sin, is a duty
which he strongly inculcates, (Hom. 2,) with perfect concord, by
which we love, and are inclined to condescend to indifferent things,
and to judge well of all men, so as to say, when we see one pray,
that he prays for us; if he read, that he reads for us, and for the
divine honor; if he rest or work, that he is employed for the
advancement of the common good. (Hom. 3.) The practice of keeping
ourselves constantly in the divine presence, he calls a principal
duty, by which we learn to triumph over our enemies, and refer to
the divine honor all we do; "for this one thing is necessary, that
whether we work, read, or pray, we always entertain this life and
treasure in our souls; having God constantly in our thoughts, and
the Holy Ghost in our breasts." (Hom. 3.) A continual watchfulness,
and strict guard upon all our senses, and in all our actions, is
necessary, especially against vanity, concupiscence, and gluttony;
without which, failings will be multiplied; pure and faithful souls
God makes his chaste spouses; they always think on him, and place
all their desires on him; but those who love the earth are earthly
in their thoughts and affecti