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The Library

Forty Centuries of Christian Writing

1774 works catalogued century by century, from the literature the Bible was written among to the present — each with a note on what it is, why it lasted, and where to read it.

601–700

The Seventh Century

2 works

c. 670–690

Syriac

The Ascetical Homilies

Isaac of Nineveh · 7th century

Homilies on solitude, tears, humility, and the merciful heart that burns for the whole creation — including the argument that even hell is the working of love.

Church of the East · HomiliesRead elsewhere

c. 680–690

Syriac

Commentary on Abba Isaiah

Dadisho Qatraya · 7th century

A commentary on an earlier ascetic classic, written for solitaries and much concerned with the discipline of the seven weeks of enclosed retreat.

Church of the East · CommentaryRead elsewhere

701–800

The Eighth Century

1 work

c. 760–780

Syriac

The Homilies and Letters

John of Dalyatha · 8th century

Writings of a solitary in the mountains of northern Iraq on the vision of the divine light and the wonder that overtakes the mind in prayer.

Church of the East · MysticalRead elsewhere

1201–1300

The Thirteenth Century

1 work

c. 1275–1285

Syriac

The Book of the Dove

Bar Hebraeus · 1226–1286

A guide for solitaries without a spiritual director, ending with the author's own account of how he came to peace by ceasing to argue about doctrine.

Miaphysite · MysticalRead elsewhere

1301–1400

The Fourteenth Century

1 work

14th century

Latin

The Rule of the Hermits

Anonymous

Guidance for solitaries living in cells attached to churches or bridges, on the hours, on manual work, and on how much contact with passers-by is permissible.

Western · RuleRead elsewhere