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BEFORE we begin to set forth the words of this Conference held with
that excellent man Abbot Theonas, I think it well to describe in a
brief discourse the origin of his conversion because from this the reader
will be able to see more clearly both the excellence and the grace of the
man. He then while still very young was by the desire and command of his
parents joined in the tie of marriage, for as with pious anxiety they were
careful about his chastity, and were afraid of a critical fall at a
dangerous age, they thought that the passions of youth might be anticipated
by the remedy of a lawful marriage. When then he had lived for five years
with a wife, he came to Abbot John, who was then for his marvellous
sanctity chosen to preside over the administration of the alms. For it
is not anyone who likes who is of his own wish or ambition promoted to this
office, but only he whom the congregation of all the Elders considers from
the advantage of his age and the witness of his faith and virtues to be
more excellent than, and superior to, all others. To this blessed John then
the aforesaid young man had come in the eagerness of his pious devotion,
bringing gifts of piety among other owners who were eager to offer tithes
and first-fruits of their substance to the old man I mentioned, and
when the old man saw them pouring in upon him with many gifts, and was
anxious to make some recompense in return for their offerings, he began, as
the Apostle says, to sow spiritual things to them whose carnal gifts he was
reaping. And finally thus began his word of exhortation.
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