Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume XI/John Cassian/Conferences of John Cassian, Part II/Conference XVII/Chapter 27

Chapter XXVII.

A question whether the saying: &#8220;I have sworn and am purposed&#8221; is opposed to the view given above.

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: &#8220;I have sworn and am purposed to keep Thy righteous judgments?&#8221; What is &#8220;to swear and purpose&#8221; except to keep one&#8217;s determinations fixedly?
 * So far as this