“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”
You often hear it said that such-and-such a person is in delusion. Many ask what delusion means. But as soon as they see such a person for themselves, they understand everything.
Often a falsehood seems to a man to be the truth, and he is so sure of himself that this disposition takes over his heart and mind entirely.
Because of our little faith the demons easily enter into communication with us, and so well disguised that a thought they have suggested seems to us our own; so we are often in danger of taking an idea that seems clear but is in fact false, or an emotional excitement, for a saving and grace-filled illumination.
From the teaching of the holy fathers many examples can be given that expose the variety and treachery of temptations.
St Ignatius Brianchaninov says that the demons try to make a man have dealings only with himself and obey his own design, which is often not so very sinful. At first they suggest to a man an action that at first sight seems not at all blameworthy — on the contrary, it often even seems noble. Then, having gained his trust and influence over him, they push him toward sin. All this makes plain how narrow is the way of discernment, and how watchfully we must walk it.
An elder tells the following story: a certain youth, with his father's permission, came to a monastery and began to labour so zealously that he amazed even the abbot. After a little while he asked permission to go into the desert. Having received consent, he set out for the desert and settled where the Lord showed him. He spent six years without seeing a living soul. Then one day the devil came to him in the guise of a monk. His face was so dreadful that the hermit fell to the ground in fear and began to pray. When he rose, the devil said to him: “Let us pray again, brother.” After the prayer the devil asked him: “How long have you been living here?” “Six years,” the hermit answered. “I live near you,” the devil told him. “For eleven years I have not left my cell. Only today did I leave it, because I learned that you had settled here. I thought: I will go to this man of God and talk with him about what profits the soul; I will tell him that our life as hermits brings us no good, since we do not partake of the holy Blood and Body of Christ; that I fear lest, by keeping away from this Mystery, we become strangers to the Saviour. Three miles from here there is a monastery; let us go there on Sunday, partake of the Blood and Body of Christ, and return to our cells.”
The hermit liked the advice, and on Sunday he set out with him for the monastery. They went into the church and joined those at prayer. When the prayer was over, the hermit looked for his companion. The monks answered: “We have seen no one but you.” The hermit understood that his companion had been a demon and said: “You see how cleverly he got me out of my cell! But what is that to me? I came here with a good purpose. I shall receive Communion and go back.” And so he did; he stayed for the meal with the brethren of the monastery too, and only then returned to his cell.
Time passed, and the devil came to him again, this time in the form of a young layman. He looked at him closely and said: “It is he!” The hermit asked: “Why are you looking at me like that?” He answered: “How am I to know you after so many years! I am your father's neighbour. Are you not the son of such-and-such a man? Was your mother not called so-and-so? Was your sister not called so-and-so? And was your name in the world not this? Your mother and sister died more than three years ago, and your father died just recently and chose you as his heir. Before his death he asked us to find you and let you know that you should take over the inheritance and give it away to the poor for the salvation of your soul and your father's. Do not delay; go, sell everything and fulfil your father's will.” “It is not fitting for me to go back to the life of the world,” the hermit answered. “If you do not go,” said the devil, “the property will be lost, and you will answer for it before God. Why, the inheritance left for the poor may be seized by fornicators and profligates!” The hermit was led astray and went back to the town. When he drew near the house, suddenly his father came out of it. His father did not recognize him and asked who he was. “I am your son,” answered the confused monk. “For what reason have you come back?” his father asked. The hermit was ashamed to tell the real reason and answered: “Love and pity for you made me come back.” He stayed in his father's house. And a little while later he fell into carnal sin, but did not repent, and remained in the life of the world.
In St Ignatius's words, the main cause of the monk's fall was that he began the hermit's life too early — he was not yet ripe for it. He notes that the devil often appears to hermits face to face, while those who live together he usually fights with thoughts. The aim in both cases is the same — to destroy a man's soul.
