Letter 15: THE DEVIL

"...What are the criteria by which one must abide in order to distinguish inspiration from counter-inspiration?" --VT

"When, therefore, you have a vision (or experience some inspiration) and are afraid, if then the fear is taken from you immediately and in its place comes ineffable joy and contentment; and courage and recovery of strength and calmness of thought and the other things I have mentioned, and stout-heartedness, too, and love of God, then be of good cheer and pray -- for your joy and your soul's tranquility betoken the holiness of Him who is present...But when you have certain visions, and confusion overtakes you and there is tumult from without and earthly apparitions and threats of death and all the things I have mentioned, then know that the visit is from the Wicked." (St. Athanasius, The Life of St. Anthony)

"Counter-Inspiration"
pastel  11"x15"