" And when
his understanding was opened, he perceived that it was the enemy who
envies the faithful, and that those who were in his power he
mastered and hindered from passing; but that those who had not
obeyed him, over them, as over conquerors, he had no power. Having
seen this, and as it were made mindful by it, he struggled more and
more daily to improve. Now these things he did not tell of his own
accord; but when he was long in prayer, and astonished in himself,
those who were with him questioned him and urged him; and he was
forced to tell; unable, as a father, to hide anything from his
children; and considering, too, that his own conscience was clear,
and the story would be profitable for them, when they learned that
the life of training bore good fruit, and that visions often came as
a solace of their toils.
But how tolerant was his temper, and how humble his spirit; for
though he was so great, he both honoured exceedingly the canon of
the Church, and wished to put every ecclesiastic before himself in
honour. For to the bishops and presbyters he was not ashamed to bow
his head; and if a deacon ever came to him for the sake of profit,
he discoursed with him on what was profitable, but in prayer he gave
place to him, not being ashamed even himself to learn from him. {65}
For he often asked questions, and deigned to listen to all present,
confessing that he was profited if any one said aught that was
useful.
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