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Chapter XXVII.

A question whether the saying: “I have sworn and am purposed” is opposed to the view given above.

Germanus: So far as this consideration is concerned which has been clearly and fully treated of, a monk ought never to determine anything for fear lest he turn out a breaker of his word or else obstinate. And what then can we make of this saying of the Psalmist: “I have sworn and am purposed to keep Thy righteous judgments?” 2066 What is “to swear and purpose” except to keep one’s determinations fixedly?


Footnotes

472:2066

Psa. 119.106.


Next: Chapter XXVIII. The answer telling in what cases the determination is to be kept fixedly, and in what cases it may be broken if need be.