VII] ORIGINS OF MONASTICISM 151 Church had this world's peace, their tens became thousands.* 1 In the writings of the Fathers, the martyrs are called Christ's athletes ; and Athanasios, if it were he who wrote the fantastic but noble Life of Saint Anthony, applies that term to Anthony. An- thony conceived his ascetic life in the desert as an actual warfare with devils, the enemies of his Lord. By his victories their power was weakened, and so much less evil could they work Christ's followers (see Vita S. Antonii, 41). Anthony fights the good Christian fight, not for his own soul alone. The story of Anthony is throughout a story of the life of a devoted man, active in love and beneficence to all who come to him : " And it was as if a physician had been given by Grod to Egypt. For who, in grief, met Anthony and did not return rejoicing? Who came mourning for his dead, and did not forthwith put off his sorrow ? Who came in anger, and was not converted to friendship? What poor and low-spirited man met him, who, hearing him and looking upon him, did not despise wealth and console himself in his poverty? What monk, having been neglectful, came to him, and became not stronger? What young man, having come to the mountain and seen Anthony, did not forthwith deny himself pleasure, and love temperance? Who, when tempted of a demon, came to him, and did not find rest? And who came troubled with doubts and did not get quietness of mind?" — Vita S. Antonii, 87. Some of the thoughts inspiring the Vita Antonii reappear in Jerome's letter to Heliodorus (Ep. XIV) , in which he exhorts this wavering monk to sever all ties and affections : Do not mind the entreaties of those dependent on you, come to the desert and fight for Christ's name. If they believe in Christ, they will encourage you; if they do not, — let the dead bury their dead. A monk can- not be perfect in his own land ; not to wish to be perfect is a sin ; leave all, and come to the desert. The desert loves the naked. "O desert, blooming with the fiowers of Christ 1 O solitude, whence are brought the stones of the city of the Qreat King! O wilderness rejoicing close to Qod ! What would yon, brother, in the world, — you that are greater than the world? How long are the shades of roofs to oppress yon? How long the dungeon of a city's smoke? Believe me, I see more of light! Do you fear pov- erty ? Christ called the poor ' blessed.' Are yon terrified at lal)or ? No athlete without sweat is crowned. Do you think of food?
