93. This is the end of Antony’s life
in the body and the above was the
beginning of the discipline. Even if this account is small compared
with his merit, still from this reflect how great Antony, the man of
God, was. Who from his youth to so great an age preserved a uniform
zeal for the discipline, and neither through old age was subdued by the
desire of costly food, nor through the infirmity of his body changed
the fashion of his clothing, nor washed even his feet with water, and
yet remained entirely free from harm. For his eyes were undimmed and
quite sound and he saw clearly; of his teeth he had not lost one, but
they had become worn to the gums through the great age of the old man. He remained strong both in hands and feet; and while all men were using various foods, and washings and divers garments, he appeared more cheerful and of greater strength. And the fact that his fame has been blazoned everywhere; that all regard him with wonder, and that those who have never seen him long for him, is clear proof of his virtue and God’s love of his soul. For not from writings, nor from worldly wisdom, nor through any art, was Antony renowned, but solely from his piety towards God. That this was the gift of God no one will deny. For from whence into Spain and into Gaul, how into Rome and Africa, was the man heard of who abode hidden in a mountain, unless it was God who maketh His own known everywhere, who also promised this to Antony at the beginning? For even if they work secretly, even if they wish to remain in obscurity, yet the Lord shows them as lamps to lighten all, that those who hear may thus know that the precepts of God are able to make men prosper and thus be zealous in the path of virtue.