A brother asked one of the elders: What good thing shall I do, and have life thereby? THe old man replied: God alone knows what is good. However, I have heard it said that someone inquired of Abba Nisteros the Great, the friend of Abba Antony, asking: What good work shall I do? and thah he replied: Not all works are alike. For Scripture says that Abraham was hospitable and God was with him. Elias loved solitary prayer and God was with him. And David was humble and God loved him. Therefore, whatever you see your soul to desire according to God, do that thing, and you shall keep your heart safe.
