, was a celebrated solitary, a native of Scythia, of the fifth century,
, was a celebrated solitary, a native
of Scythia, of the fifth century, who spent part of his life
in the monastery of Bethlehem with the monk Germain,
his friend. They engaged openly in the defence of St.
Chrysostom, against Theophilus, patriarch of Alexandria.
Cassian went to Rome, and from thence to Marseilles,
where he founded two monasteries, one of men, the other
of virgins. He ranks among the greatest masters of the
monastic life, and died about the year 448. He left
“Collations,
” or conferences of the fathers of the desert,
and “Institutions,
” in 12 books, translated iHto French by
Nic. Fontaine, 1663, 2 vols. 8vo; and seven books upon
the Incarnation. These are all written in Latin, with a
clearness and simplicity of style excellently calculated to
inspire the heart with virtuous dispositions. They were
printed at Paris, 1642, and at Leipsic, 1722, folio, and are
in the library of the fathers. St. Prosper has written
against the “Conferences.
” Cassian is reckoned among
the first of the Semi-Pelagians, of which sect Faustus of
Riez, Vincent of Lerins, Gennadius of Marseilles, Hilerias
of Aries, and Arnobius the younger, were the principal
defenders. The semi-pelagians were opposed by the whole
united forces of St. Augustin and Prosper, without being
extirpated, or overcome by them. This sect was condemned by some synods, and was rejected by the church.