Writings of Methodius, Alexander of Lycopolis, Peter of Alexandria, and Several Fragments

"And the AgnosA tall tree like the willow, the branches of which were strewn by matrons on their beds at the Thesmophoria, Vitex agnus-castus. It was associated with the notion of chastity, from the likeness of its name to hagnos (pure/chaste).—Liddell and Scott. grew near, a lofty tree, under which we reposed, from its being exceedingly wide-spreading and shady."

Eub.—You seem to me, my good friend, to be describing a second paradise.

Greg.—You speak truly and wisely. “When there,” she said, “we had all kinds of food and a variety of festivities, so that no delight was wanting. After this Arete, entering, gave utterance to these words:—

‘Young maidens, the glory of my greatness, beautiful virgins, who tend the undefiled meadows of Christ with unwedded hands, we have now had enough of food and feasting, for all things are abundant and plentiful with us. What is there, then, besides which I wish and expect? That each of you shall pronounce a discourse in praise of virginity. Let Marcella begin, since she sits in the highest place, and is at the same time the eldest. I shall be ashamed of myself if I do not make the successful disputant an object of envy, binding her with the unfading flowers of wisdom.’

“And then,” I think she said, “Marcella immediately began to speak as follows.”

DISCOURSE I.—MARCELLA.

CHAPTER I.—The difficulty and excellence of virginity—The study of doctrine necessary for virgins.

Virginity is something supernaturally great, wonderful, and glorious; and, to speak plainly and in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, this best and noblest manner of life alone is the root of immortality, and also its flower and first fruits; and for this reason the Lord promises that those shall enter into the kingdom of heaven who have made themselves eunuchs, in that passage of the Gospels in which He lays down the various reasons for which men have made themselves eunuchs. Chastity with men is a very rare thing, and difficult of attainment, and in proportion to its supreme excellence and magnificence is the greatness of its dangers.