“Great is the benefit of book learning, for books point out and teach us the way to repentance, since from the words of books we discover wisdom and temperance. This is the stream, watering the universe, from which springs wisdom. In books is a boundless depth, by them we are comforted in sorrows, and they are a bridle for moderation. If you enter diligently into the books of wisdom, then you shall discover great benefit for your Soul. Therefore, the one who reads books converses with God or the Saints.”
Saint Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves
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“I advise you not to stop reading Spiritual Books, for it happens sometimes that one line, read at the right time, becomes more dear than a year of publications and remains in your memory for always.”
Saint Anthony of Optina
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“Let books be your dining table, and you shall be full of delights. Let them be your mattress, and you shall sleep restful nights.”
Saint Ephrem the Syrian
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“It’s not who we are when we read a Spiritual book that is most important, but who we are when we close it.”
Monk Simeon of Mount Athos
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“Pray that you may be granted the Grace to read the Fathers with the right understanding, the Grace to live up to the standards they put before you, and the Grace to clearly see your own frailty. You will not be left wanting and waiting. God will give you help.”
Saint Macarius of Optina
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