Sayings of the Holy Fathers:
+ + +
Saint Kosmas Aitolos +1779
When the devil finds someone preoccupied needlessly with bodily things, he first deprives him of the hard-won fruits of spiritual knowledge, and then cuts off his hope in God.
A seed will not grow without earth and water; and a man will not develop without voluntary suffering and divine help.
Fire cannot last long in water, nor can a shameful thought in a heart that loves God. For every man who loves God suffers gladly, and voluntary suffering is by nature the enemy of sensual pleasure.