The Life and Conduct of the Holy

Avenir, King in India.

named Avenir. He was mighty in wealth and power, a victorious, war-wise, brave, and strong hero against his adversaries and enemies. He was strong and large of body, with a pleasant and friendly face. He considered himself blessed in all temporal luck and prosperity which soon passes away and decays and boasted of his happiness. In his soul, however, he was afflicted with the utmost poverty, hardened and drowned in sin; for he was a heathen, entirely devoted to idolatry worship of idols and its superstition unfounded religious beliefs. Now this king, who lived in all worldly pleasure and joy to which his heart was naturally inclined and lacked nothing his heart desired, nonetheless had a single evil that diminished his joy and made him heavily troubled and anxious: namely, the barrenness of his body, for he could have no children. Therefore, he applied himself greatly to how he might be delivered from this sorrow and be called a father of children which many even today wish for themselves. Such was the nature of this king and the life he led.

c.
Rich and fortunate according to the world, but entirely poor in soul.

Avenir the King without heirs.

But the glorious race of Christians and the multitude of monks despised the king's idolatry and did not fear his threats at all. Instead, they increased and continued, strengthened by the grace of Christ. They held the king and his threatening words in little regard, but diligently performed that which belonged to the service of God. For this reason, many who had taken up the monastic order threw away all worldly loveliness and sweetness and devoted themselves to the true service of God with their whole heart, intention, and mind.