From the sayings of St Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus, one of the Desert Fathers:The acquisition of Christian books is necessary for those who can use them. For the mere sight of these books renders us less inclined to sin, and incites us to believe more firmly in righteousness.
If only this were true in my experience!
ReplyDeletethis post reinforces this blog as the best new find of the year.
ReplyDeletekeep up the great work.
-andrew
I knew there was a good purpose to my bibliomania!
ReplyDeleteDo I have your permission to show this to my saintly wife next time she reminds me that I strayed from our budget in the acquisition of a new volume? :-)
ReplyDeleteEsteban: I know, I know. But the osmosis doesn't seem to be taking effect on me.
ReplyDeleteL & E: No flattery allowed in the comments!
Eric & Kevin: I've noticed that, here as well as other blogs where this post has been produced, it's only men who seem encouraged by the saint's advice. It always seems to be the daughters of Eve who, paradoxically, don't want the sons of Adam to eat from the tree of knowledge!
Kevin: I fear giving you my permission lest someday I run into your saintly wife in a dark alley...
ReplyDelete