psephrem.asceticon.02 Chapter 1

Whilst we are in this condition all is vain, and the garb of the monk cannot benefit us ;

on the contrary, so long as our hearts are fixed upon these works in this way, only the emptiness of our foolish pleasures will follow us.

O monk, put not thy confidence in thy garb, but know that thou art a stranger to the things of heaven, and that thy soul appeareth in a naked condition.

But peradventure there will be some one who will say, ' The passions of the body are natural, and the man who becometh a servant unto them is without blame.'

Watch carefully, O brother, that thou dost not bring an accusation against thyself

Thou resemblest that which was created by the Good God, and the unnatural things (exist) because of thy wishes and thine acts of carelessness ;

for all the beings whom God hath created are exceedingly good.

He hath adorned their natural persons with beauty, and He hath given unto man suitable needs, and good powers and faculties for labour.

Now, accordingto nature, a man feeleth an hungered, and when he eateth in moderation he is blameless ;

but if he eateth with gluttonous immoderation he becometh liable to blame.