The Catechetical Lectures of St. Cyril of Jerusalem

by Cyril of Jerusalem

Despise not the grace because it is freely given, but receive and treasure it devoutly.

It is not an enemy, O man, that assails thee from without, but an evil shoot growing up out of thyself.

He indeed suggests, but does not get the mastery by force over those who do not consent.

And to the doctrine of chastity let the first to give heed be the order of Solitaries [722] and of Virgins, who maintain the angelic life in the world; and let the rest of the Church's people follow them.