Zech. ix. 17 (LXX.).
Editorial footnote · Conferences of John Cassian, Part I, Chapter XVI.; original source section: Chapter 16; original book/conference: III. Conference of Abbot Paphnutius., editorial note cite_note-7 · Original source
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Conferences of John Cassian, Part I — Historical footnotes
Chapter XVI.; original source section: Chapter 16; original book/conference: III. Conference of Abbot Paphnutius.
Complete historical editorial footnotes. These notes retain the original edition’s wording; individual note authors are unspecified.
English translation and editorial credits: Rev. Edgar C. S. Gibson (M.A.).
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as the Lord Himself has made this clear in the gospel, saying: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, so no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” And again: “for without me ye can do nothing.” How foolish and wicked then it is to attribute any good action to our own diligence and not to God’s grace and assistance, is clearly shown by the Lord’s saying, which lays down that no one can show forth the fruits of the Spirit without His inspiration and co-operation. For “every good gift and every perfect boon is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” And Zechariah too says, “For whatever is good is His, and what is excellent is from Him.” And so the blessed Apostle consistently says: “What hast thou which thou didst not receive? But if thou didst receive it, why boastest thou as if thou hadst not received it?”