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AND so it is a very true and most excellent saying of the Fathers that
the right method of fasting and abstinence lies in the measure of
moderation and bodily chastening; and that this is the aim of perfect
virtue for all alike, viz.: that though we are still forced to desire it,
yet we should exercise self-restraint in the matter of the food, which we
are obliged to take owing to the necessity of supporting the body. For even
if one is weak in body, he can attain to a perfect virtue and one equal to
that of those who are thoroughly strong and healthy, if with firmness of
mind he keeps a check upon the desires and lusts which are not due to
weakness of the flesh. For the Apostle says: "And take not care for the
flesh in its lusts." He does not forbid care for it in every respect:
but says that care is not to be taken in regard to its desires and lusts.
He cuts away the luxurious fondness for the flesh: he does not exclude the
control necessary for life: he does the former, lest through pampering the
flesh we should be involved in dangerous entanglements of the desires; the
latter lest the body should be injured by our fault and unable to fulfil
its spiritual and necessary duties.
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