Protestantism in Sweden and Denmark - James Aitken Wylie

Hebrews, says, 'Plain it is that the Church for the
first 200 years knew nothing of the monastic life. It
began with Paulus and Antoniius, who chose such
a life, and had many solitaries as followers, who,
however, lived without 'order' or 'vow,' till certain
arose who, about A.D. 350, framed regulations for
these recluses, as Jerome and Cassian testify."
After a rapid sketch of their growth both in
numbers and wealth, he concluded with some
observations which had in them a touch of satire.
The words of Scripture, "Sell all that thou hast,"
etc., were not, he said, verified in the monks of the
present day, unless in the obverse. Instead of
forsaking all they clutched all, and carried it to
their monastery; instead of bearing the cross in
their hearts they embroidered it on their cloaks;
instead of fleeing from the temptations and delights
of the world, they shirked its labors, eschewed all
acquaintanceship with the plough and the loom,
and found refuge behind bolted doors amid the
silken couches, the groaning boards, and other
pleasures of the convent. The Popish champion
was doubtless very willing that this head of the
discussion should now be departed from.
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