Apophthegmata Patrum (Sayings of the Desert Fathers)

Wishing to test him, the ascetic took him

to do that which is good with the one who hates me like with the one who loves me.'

he determined to go.

He said to them, 'If you are so exhausted in this complete way because you fasted for two days, why were you offended by the brothers who complete their ascetic practice in this way always?'

Because he did not say, 'Wait until I cut the fish.'

He said to him,

He said to him, that is the head-bandit:

Abba Abraham said to him, 'Thus, therefore, the passions are alive,

But I said to Apa Hatre: 'Where did you find this great obedience?'

and he went down beside the river.

[he] received a blessing …

And they apologized and learned from their practice and they left joyfully.

and they continue struggling with the waves which come against them as they sail.

When he saw this, he was afraid.

So I spoke to the one who served me

“Go, and I believe in God completely,”

This is our method also.

And he came …

and he guaranteed me.

In that place, there were many crocodiles.

“I trust in God that from now I won’t do wrong to anyone.”

but they are bound by the holy ones.'

He said to me: 'It does not belong to me, but it belongs to the old man.'

And he gave [it] to the poor brother.

I went to my cell.

And he perceived the faith and virtue of the elder.

If a strong wind comes against us,

And he said to him,

[another] time

And he took me to the old man's cell, saying: 'Come and look see the obedience.'

that …

And the old man, he acquired for himself the whole band,

in every temptation.

let us spread out the cross in place of the sail,

and he brought …

And he cooked the small fish.

And he glorified God.

for he left his desire behind him for God.

“Go down to the river and pass through.”

and wine and …

“… necessity,

So he went

He ruined it intentionally and served it to the old man.

and let us finish the voyage without fear.'

And he prayed and sent him.

When the brother saw, he was amazed and he summoned the poor brothers and set them at ease.

When he went into the village,

and the crocodiles came

He ate and did not speak.

and you must do a little more work

He, namely Apa Hatre, said to him: 'Is it good, Old Man?'

He said to his brother, 'Do you need a little bread?'

he went to the place where the servant lived.

and they crushed his body.

so that you can support her.”

He replied: 'It is very good.'

He said, 'No, my brother.

He found him and all his household

And they did not hurt him at all.

And I worked night and day, sending to her.

away from the village because of a memorial

When the ascetic saw, he said,

But when the wretched woman came to give birth,

For at the time when I had need and I received anything from you, I became as if I had received a fire into my house, and it destroyed it.

After this, I brought him a little which was good, and he said to him: 'I ruined it, Old Man.'

except for only a young girl belonging to him.

But when, on the other hand, I did not receive anything from you, I abounded in everything

she continued laboring.

“Come out of the river.”

He responded: 'Yes, you have ruined it a little.'

And as they were walking,

and God blessed me.

And he, namely Apa Hatre, said to me: 'You saw that obedience belongs to the old man'.

And she did not give birth.

When he knocked on the door,

And the brother went and told the elder everything that had happened.

And I went away from them and I guard that which I saw according to my strength.

she replied and opened it.

they found a body lying in the road.

They said to her,

And the ascetic said,

And the elder said, Don't you know that the work of a monk is a fire?

He asked for her father.

“What is this?”

“If you have an [old thing]

And she said,

Everywhere it goes, it burns.

But she entreated him

“I know,

This was a benefit to him, [to make] him give charity from his labors himself, and he received the prayers of the holy ones.

let us throw it over him.”

and she drew him in.

but he did not endure it.

The one who had obedience said,

This is the way that he will be blessed.