Chapter IX. A question how it is that the practice of virtue cannot remain with a man.

Chapter IX.

A question how it is that the practice of virtue cannot remain with a man.

To which we, being deeply moved, replied what then? will the effort of fasting, dilip. 299 gence in reading, works of mercy, justice, piety, and kindness, be taken away from us, and not continue with the doers of them, especially since the Lord Himself promises the reward of the kingdom of heaven to these works, when He says: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me to eat; I was thirsty and ye gave Me to drink:” etc. 1092 How then shall these works be taken away, which admit the doers of them into the kingdom of heaven?