THE LIFE OF MASHTOTS

And subsequently, in compliance with the precepts of the gospel, he devoted himself to the service of God the lover of men. Thenceforward he was divested of princely passions, and taking the exalted cross went after the all-sustaining Crucified. And in obedience to the commands of [faith], joined the crusading legion of Christ, and soon entered the monastic order. He experienced many kinds of hardships, in keeping with the precepts of the gospel. He subjected himself to all types of spiritual discipline- solitude, mountain-dwelling, hunger, thirst, and living on herbs, in dark cells, clad in sackcloth, with the floor as his bed. Often, in the twinkling of an eye, he would end in standing vigil, a night's pleasant rest and much needed sleep. And he did all this not a few times. And having found a few persons, he caused them to adhere to him making them pupils in the same evangelical exercise.

And thus, bearing with a courageous will all the temptations that came upon him, and growing in radiance, became known and beloved of God and men.