I will believe that if I bade you fast long, or repeat many prayers, you would punctually obey me.

But what if I demanded of you that against which not only your flesh, but all the motive of your life, rebelled?
It were not too much; yet dare you promise to achieve it ?' Basil looked up fearfully, and answered with tremulous lips: 'Not in my own strength; but perchance with the help of God.' A grave smile passed over Benedict's countenance.
'It is well, my son; again, it is well.

Come now, and let us reason of this your sin.

You avow to me that God and His commands have ever been little in your mind, whereas you have thought much of this world and its governance.

I might ask you how it is possible to reflect on the weal and woe of human kind without taking count of Him who made the world and rules it; but let me approach you with a narrower inquiry.
You tell me that you love your country, and desire its peace.