Letter 134

Isidore of PelusiumUnknown|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk at Pelusium
To: Theodosius the Presbyter
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore describes the devil's method: he probes each person's specific weaknesses before attacking, as shown by how he approached Judas.

The terrible pirate does not simply launch himself at those sailing this storm-tossed sea. First he sounds them out, studying the inclinations and impulses of the soul, and only then does he make his move and lay his traps.

Consider: why did he not push Judas toward fornication, but toward betrayal? Because he saw that Judas's resistance on that front was secure. But his weakness around money was cracked and soft. From the habit of stealing from the money-bag [John 12:6], he reasoned that Judas could easily be driven to sell his Lord.

This is why we must each study our own inclinations and vulnerable points with the same attention a general gives to his flanks. The enemy already has. We would do well to know ourselves before he exploits what we don't.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.