71. Now this patience in holy Eusebius grew
strong by the discipline of the monastery, and from the custom of hard
endurance he derived the power of enduring hardships. For who
doubts that in stricter Christian devotion these two things are the
most excellent, the offices of the clergy and the rule of the
monks? The former is a discipline which accustoms to
courteousness and good morals, the latter to abstinence and patience;
the former as it were on an open stage, the latter in secret; the one
is visible, the other hidden. And so he who was a good athlete
said: “We are made a spectacle to this world and to
Angels.” 1 Cor. vi. 9.
Worthy indeed was he to be gazed upon by Angels, when he was striving
to attain the prize of Christ, when he was striving to lead on earth
the life of Angels, and overcome the wickedness of spirits in heaven,
for he wrestled with spiritual wickedness. Eph. vi. 12. Rightly did the world gaze upon
him, that it might imitate him.