Letter 5

Isidore of PelusiumNilus|isidore pelusium
monasticism

Concerning the food of the Precursor[17] and asceticism[18]. Since the divine prophesies report the account accurately, the excessive debate is unnecessary for the ones reading these things intelligently. If, therefore, we have been instructed about both the food and clothes of perfect, godly asceticism, with reference to John the Baptist, we will be content with hair, for example, for a covering; and we will be content with twigs from herbs and plants for a little food and strength and a simple meal. But if these things, because of weakness, are too intense, let the testing and directive of the one put forward be an example for us of every need and way of life.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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