Section 64

Another man, a person of high rank, came to Antony possessed by a demon. The demon was so terrible that the afflicted man did not even understand that he was being brought to Antony. He would even eat his own excrement.

Those who brought him begged Antony to pray for him. Antony had compassion on the young man, prayed, and kept vigil with him throughout the night.

Near dawn the young man suddenly rushed at Antony and shoved him. Those who had brought him became angry, but Antony said: “Do not be angry with the young man. It is not he who has done this, but the demon within him. The demon was rebuked and commanded to depart into dry places, and in its rage it did this. So give thanks to the Lord. His attack against me is a sign that the evil spirit is leaving.”

As soon as Antony said this, the young man was restored to health. At last he came to his right mind, recognized where he was, greeted the old man, and gave thanks to God.