infirmities, have one called "father," to whom they give in their accounts. These fathers are
not only more saintly in their conduct, but also distinguished for divine learning, and of
high character in every way; and without pride they superintend those whom they call their
children, having themselves great authority in giving orders, and meeting with willing
obedience from those under their charge. At the close of the day they assemble from their
separate dwellings before their meal to hear their father, assembling to the number of three
thousand at least for one father; for one may have even a much larger number than this.
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They listen with astonishing eagerness in perfect silence, and give expression to the feelings
of their minds as moved by the words of the preacher, in groans, or tears, or signs of joy
without noise or shouting. Then there is refreshment for the body, as much as health and
a sound condition of the body requires, every one checking unlawful appetite, so as not to
go to excess even in the poor, inexpensive fare provided. So they not only abstain from flesh
and wine, in order to gain the mastery over their passions, but also from those things which
are only the more likely to whet the appetite of the palate and of the stomach, from what
some call their greater cleanness, which often serves as a ridiculous and disgraceful excuse
for an unseemly taste for exquisite viands, as distant from animal food. Whatever they
possess in addition to what is required for their support (and much is obtained, owing to
their industry and frugality), they distribute to the needy with greater care than they took
in procuring it for themselves. For while they make no effort to obtain abundance, they
make every effort to prevent their abundance remaining with them,—so much so, that they
send shiploads to places inhabited by poor people. I need say no more on a matter known
to all.141
68. Such, too, is the life of the women, who serve God assiduously and chastely, living
apart and removed as far as propriety demands from the men, to whom they are united only
in pious affection and in imitation of virtue. No young men are allowed access to them,
nor even old men, however respectable and approved, except to the porch, in order to furnish
necessary supplies. For the women occupy and maintain themselves by working in wool,
and hand over the cloth to the brethren, from whom, in return, they get what they need for
food. Such customs, such a life, such arrangements, such a system, I could not commend
as it deserves, if I wished to commend it; besides, I am afraid that it would seem as if I thought
it unlikely to gain acceptance from the mere description of it, if I considered myself obliged
to add an ornamental eulogium to the simple narrative. Ye Manichæans, find fault here if
you can. Do not bring into prominence our tares before men too blind to discriminate.
141 [This picture of cœnobitic life, even in its purest form, is doubtless idealized. It is certain that the mon-
asteries very soon became hot-beds of vice, and the refuge of the scum of society.—A.H.N.]
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The Life of the Anachoretes and Cœnobites Set Against the Continence of…