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| Of the passage of souls, and how some were hindered of Satan. PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP
66. And he had also this favour granted
him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in
perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence
in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God1112 . After this, when he once had a discussion
with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul
and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following
night one from above called him, saying, ‘Antony, rise, go out
and look.’ Having gone out therefore (for he knew whom he ought
to obey) looking up, he beheld one standing and reaching to the clouds,
tall, hideous, and fearful, and others ascending as though they were
winged. And the figure stretched forth his hands, and some of those who
were ascending were stayed by him, while others flew above, and having
escaped heaven-ward, were borne aloft free from care. At such,
therefore, the giant gnashed his teeth, but rejoiced over those who
fell back. And forthwith a voice came to Antony, ‘Understandest
thou what thou seest?’ And his understanding was opened, and he understood that it was the
passing of souls, and that the tall being who stood was the enemy who
envies the faithful. And those whom he caught and stopped from passing
through are accountable to him, while those whom he was unable to hold
as they passed upwards had not been subservient to him. So having seen
this, and as it were being reminded, he struggled the more daily to
advance towards those things which were before. And these visions he
was unwilling to tell, but as he spent much time in prayer, and was
amazed, when those who were with him pressed him with questions and
forced him, he was compelled to speak, as a father who cannot withhold
ought from his children. And he thought that as his conscience was
clear, the account would be beneficial for them, that they might learn
that discipline bore good fruit, and that visions were oftentimes the
solace of their labours.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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