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NPNF2-04. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters

How he bore the infirmities of the weak, and of his great benefits to all Egypt.

CCEL ThML source edition Philip Schaff
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87. Thus, therefore, he warned the cruel. But the rest who came to him he so instructed that they straightway forgot their lawsuits, and felicitated those who were in retirement from the world. And he championed those who were wronged in such a way that you would imagine that he, and not the others, was the sufferer. Further, he was able to be of such use to all, that many soldiers and men who had great possessions laid aside the burdens of life, and became monks for the rest of their days. And it was as if a physician had been given by God to Egypt. For who in grief met Antony and did not return rejoicing? Who came mourning for his dead and did not forthwith put off his sorrow? Who came in anger and was not converted to friendship? What poor and low-spirited man met him who, hearing him and looking upon him, did not despise wealth and console himself in his poverty? What monk, having being neglectful, came to him and became not all the stronger? What young man having come to the mountain and seen Antony, did not forthwith deny himself pleasure and love temperance? Who when tempted by a demon, came to him and did not find rest? And who came troubled with doubts and did not get quietness of mind?

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NPNF2-04. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters; retained source edition and original contributor credits. Public-domain status supported by edition notices or retained historical publication facts; source-host site design and index descriptions are excluded.

Of the Duke Balacius, and how, warned by Antony, he met with a miserable end. Of his discernment, and how he was a counsellor to all.