— A Classic — Includes Active Table of Contents — Includes Religious Illustrations

THERE was (in our time) a man most venerable for the holiness of his life, named Benedict, and whom this appellation suited exceedingly well; for he was blessed of God and abundantly endued with His graces. From his earliest youth he possessed the heart and wisdom of old age. For even then, more sedate in his manners than is usual at that period of life, he followed not the allurements of sensuality, gave not way to pleasure, and permitted himself no worldly enjoyment. While yet in this land of exile he despised the world with all its empty show and deceitful riches, although he had every opportunity of enjoying them as much as can be in this life; and he viewed them as a withered and barren tree from which no fruit may be expected. Being of a very respectable family in the vicinity of Nursia, his parents sent him to Rome to receive a liberal education.

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