On arguing with the demon-possessed
The holy Travancus spoke as follows: Waste not your efforts
in argument with those in whom the most evil demons dwell; for in their hearts
they hate reason, therefore no reason shall convince them. When they open their
mouth to speak, respond not; wish them well, then depart from their presence.
But when they come to you in the depths of despair, with hungry mouths and naught
but tattered rags for clothes, in want of anywhere to lay down their head to
sleep, with naught to cover their head from torrents of rain and hail, nor from
the fire of the midday sun: then shall you feed them, and clothe them, and welcome
them into your houses; and when their hands are idle, give them useful work.
When their bellies are full, begin to fill their spirits with truth. And if
they will receive, give more. But if they resist, then spend but a little while
to convince them; and if they still will not believe, then send them on their
way. Yet if then they return to you, welcome them back, and offer them the
truth to them once again. |