Paradise or Garden of the Holy Fathers: Volume 1

WHEN Abbd Arsenius was in the palace, he prayed to God, and said, " O Lord, direct me how to live"; and a voice came to him, saying, " Arsenius, flee from " men, and thou shalt live."

2. And when Arsenius was living the ascetic life in the monastery, he prayed to God the same prayer, and again he heard a voice saying unto him, " Arsenius, flee, keep silence, " and lead a life of silent contemplation, for these are the fun- * damental causes which prevent a man from committing sin."