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Counsels on the Spiritual Life, Volumes 1 and 2 is unavailable, but you can change that!

The spiritual counsels of Mark, a fifth century monk in Asia Minor, are equally rich in theological insight and historical interest. His writings were deeply valued by Byzantine ascetics, were circulated during the Reformation, and were read by Lutheran divines and Roman theologians. The general level of interest in his works during the first half of the second millennium is eloquently reported...

16 Vigil and prayer and patient endurance of what comes one’s way bring contrition that does not harm the heart and in fact is beneficial, but only if we do not interfere with the proper balance of these ascetic practices through some kind of excess. The person who perseveres in these practices will be helped with others as well, but the person who is negligent and fritters them away will suffer unbearable pain when he leaves this life. 17 A pleasure-seeking heart is a prison and a chain for the
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