By St. Isaac the Syrian
Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others.
Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others.
Be crucified, but do not crucify others.
Be slandered, but do not slander others.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep:
such is the sign of purity.
such is the sign of purity.
Suffer with the sick.
Be afflicted with sinners.
Exult with those who repent.
Be the friend of all, but in your spirit remain alone.
Be a partaker of the sufferings of all,
but keep your body distant from all.
but keep your body distant from all.
Rebuke no one, revile no one,
not even those who live very wickedly.
not even those who live very wickedly.
Spread your cloak over those who fall into sin,
each and every one, and shield them.
each and every one, and shield them.
And if you cannot take the fault on yourself
and accept punishment in their place,
do not destroy their character.
and accept punishment in their place,
do not destroy their character.
