taste, for from these, if it be possible for a man, there is pure labour, and he should make them to be healthy and satisfied within.”
321. An old man was asked, “How is it possible for a man to live so that he may be seemly in God’s sight?” and he said to him, “[It is possible if a man have an] equable [mind].”
322. An old man also said, “Our labour is wood which burneth away.”
323. Abbâ Benjamin said unto his disciples, “Do these things and ye shall be able to live. Rejoice at all times, and pray without ceasing, and give thanks for everything.”
324. He also said, “Abstinence in respect of the soul consisteth in making straight its ways and habits, and courses of action, and in cutting off the passions of the soul.”
325. He also said, “Travel in the path of the kingdom, and count the miles, and thy spirit shall not be sad in thee.”
326. An old man said, “Thou must be in the same state of fear as a man who is going to endure tortures.”
327. An old man used to say, “A man shall not trouble, but let him like a life of silent contemplation, and hide himself, for these meditations (?) are the begetters of purity.”
328. An old man used to say also, “Thou shalt desire to become a eunuch, for this will help thee.”
329. He also said, “The giving of thanks maketh entreaty on behalf of the feeble before God.”
330. An old man used to say, “I do not as yet carry all my body so that I may fulfil all my desire.”
331. Abbâ Sisoes said, “Exile consisteth in a man living a silent and solitary life.”
332. One of the fathers said, “I once asked Abbâ Sisoes and besought him to speak a word of life to me, and the old man answered and said, He who taketh care to guard himself against esteeming himself, and against comparing himself [with other men] in every work of understanding (or discretion), is he who fulfilleth the Book.”
333. And I asked him also, “In what doth the power of exile consist?” And he said unto me, “Wheresoever thou dwellest hold thy peace; and about whatsoever thou seest, be it good or be it evil, say nothing; and if thou hearest anything from a man which befitteth not the upright conduct of the ascetic life, say, ‘This concerneth me not; I have to do with myself, and myself only.’ This is [the power of] exile.”
334. One of the old men said, “The love of the work of the hands is the ruin of the soul; but the stablishment thereof is rest and peace in God,”
