{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/008/0080035.htm","path":"chr/ecf/008/0080035.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/008/0080035.htm","text":"Chapter X.\u2014Denunciation of Dangerous and Scandalous Association with Maidens.\nNow, we are persuaded of you, my brethren, that your thoughts are occupied about those things which are requisite for your salvation. 379 But we speak thus 380 in consequence of the evil rumours and reports concerning shameless men, who, under pretext of the fear of God, have their dwelling with maidens, and so, expose themselves to danger, and walk with them along the road and in solitary places 381 alone\u2014a course which is full of dangers, and full of stumbling-blocks and snares and pitfalls; nor is it in any respect right for Christians and those who fear God so to conduct themselves. Others, too, eat and drink with them at entertainments allowing themselves in loose behaviour and much uncleanness\u2014such as ought not to be among believers, and especially among those who have chosen for themselves a life of holiness. 382 Others, again, meet together for vain and trifling conversation and merriment, and that they may speak evil of one another; and they hunt up tales against one another, and are idle: persons with whom we do not allow you even to eat bread. Then, others gad about among the houses of virgin brethren or sisters, on pretence of visiting them, or reading the Scriptures to them, or exorcising them. Forasmuch as they are idle and do no work, they pry into those things which ought not to be inquired into, and by means of plausible words make merchandise of the name of Christ. These are men from whom the divine apostle kept aloof, because of the multitude of their evil deeds; as it is written: \u201cThorns sprout in the hands of the idle;\u201d 383 and, \u201cThe ways of the idle are full of thorns.\u201d 384\nThe words which follow, \u201cconcerning those things which we speak,\u201d appear not to be genuine.\u2014Beelen.\n58:381\nBeelen supposes a \u1f13\u03bd \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70 \u03b4\u03c5\u03bf\u1fd6\u03bd: \u201calong the lonely road.\u201d\n58:382 58:383 58:384\nProv. xv. 19 (LXX.).","title":"Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol VIII: Two Epistles Concerning Virginity.: Chapter X","type":"page"}