not to be seen, nor to kiss the hands of men. A Let the catechumens pray separately, and outside the threshold. And let all the people with reverence and silence hear the word of the Lord. For not only they who sin, but also those who rejoice in the sins of others, shall pay the penalty. As for the offerings, the priest must be vigilant; for if he receives from a soldier who has shed blood, or from one who has been violent, or a thief, or a trader, or a perjurer, or from a rich oppressor, or from a tax-collector who extorts, or a usurer, or from one who has inflated the price of wheat, or from any sinner whatever—a priest of this sort, if he accepts from such as these, offers to God from them things that are lame and blind. But to you, a layman, it is not permitted to judge the priest; yet if you perceive him to be a transgressor, flee from him. If you, O priest, observe these things, you will acquire a good degree for yourself, B and much confidence in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom to the Father together with the Holy Spirit be glory to the ages of ages. Amen.
NOTICE CONCERNING THE FOLLOWING WORK
We append this brief Institution of Monastic Life to the collection because both are of precisely the same subject matter. The following work, however, is altogether inelegant, and was fabricated by some minor Greek under the name of Athanasius, as any learned person will judge even at first glance.OF THE GREAT ATHANASIUS: INSTITUTION OF THOSE WHO DESIRE TO LIVE IN QUIETUDE.
1. Such and of such a kind ought the monk to be, abstaining from earthly affairs; and furthermore, a soldier of Christ, devoid of matter, free from cares, outside of every notion and exercise of business. In these things let the monk exist and reside, especially the one who has abandoned all the matter of this world. That asceticism surpasses all beautiful splendors, and the life is quiet and tranquil. If, therefore, beloved, you wish to take up the monastic life, and to run toward the trophies of quietude, leave behind there the world and the cares of the world, and likewise the worldly principalities and powers; that is, be alone and devoid of matter, empty of passions, and devoid of every desire, so that, being a stranger to the circumstances of these things, you may be able to live well in quietude. For unless someone removes himself from such things, he will not be able to follow this manner of life. Hold fast to small and common foods, not many and causing entanglement, or rather, not entangling. But if, even for the sake of hospitality, a thought of luxurious things arises, dismiss it there; do not at all be persuaded by it. For the adversary lies in wait for you through this, so as to draw you away from that quiet life.
A Beware of desiring to distribute alms to the poor; for a good word is better than a gift. Indeed, this is often a trick of the evil one to cast the mind into vainglory and into the cause of busybody curiosity. Regarding garments, do not desire to have many clothes; but provide only those that are sufficient for the necessity of the body. If you require food or clothing, do not be ashamed to accept what is offered to you by others; for that is a kind of pride. But if you yourself have an abundance in these things, give to the one who is wanting; for thus God wishes His own children to manage their affairs. Having the necessities of the present time, do not be anxious for the future time, not even for one day or a week; have care only for the present: time itself will provide its own necessities. But above all, seek the kingdom of heaven. Always look to your own benefit, and establish for yourself a mode of quiet life. Do not live with people given to material things and distracted here and there; either live alone, or with people who are free from material concerns and who agree with you. For whoever lives with people given to material things and distracted here and there will certainly also be a participant in their distraction, and will serve human commands, and be subject to vain conversations and all other evils: anger, grief, a mad love of material things, fear of scandals, anxieties about assets, and relations with kin. Therefore, avoid their company, lest by chance they take away your quiet in the cell and drag you off into their own distractions.
3. Moreover, if the cell in which you reside happens to be pleasant, flee from it, and do not spare it, lest perhaps you be dragged off by love for it. Do everything, perform every action, so that you may be able to be quiet, to have leisure, and to strive to be in the will of God, and in the struggle against the invisible ones. If you are not able to be quiet and at rest easily in your own parts, transfer your intention to exile, and as soon as possible set your thoughts upon this. Be like some excellent merchant who tests and arranges everything for a quiet life, and seeks out what is tranquil and useful. Furthermore, I tell you: cherish exile, for it frees you from the circumstances accustomed to happen in your own region, and provides that you enjoy the benefit of a quiet and tranquil life. Flee from lingering in a city, and persevere in the desert, if that is at all possible. Do not enter a city; for you will see nothing useful, nothing fruitful for your way of life there. Do not be fearful or terrified of the noise of those things, nor flee from the arena of your own benefit. Endure without fear, and you will see the greatness of God, namely, all the other signs and manifestations of salvation.
4. If you have friends, flee their frequent conversations; for if you converse with them very rarely, you will be pleasing to God. But if you discover that damage is coming to you through them, do not approach them at all. For it is right that you have friends who are useful and dedicated to your way of life. Flee from wicked and contumelious men.