Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume XI/John Cassian/The Twelve Books/Book VII/Chapter 19

Chapter XIX.

A saying of S. Basil, the Bishop, directed against Syncletius.

is current a saying of S. Basil, Bishop of C&#230;sarea, directed against a certain Syncletius, who was growing indifferent with the sort of lukewarmness of which we have spoken; who, though he professed to have renounced this world, had yet kept back for himself some of his property, not liking to be supported by the labour of his own hands, and to acquire true humility by stripping himself and by grinding toil, and the subjection of the monastery: &#8220;You have,&#8221; said he, &#8220;spoilt Syncletius, and not made a monk.&#8221;