THE TREATISES OF CYPRIAN: TREATISE XII.--THREE BOOKS OF TESTIMONIES AGAINST
THE JEWS.--THIRD BOOK: HEADS 1 TO 50
THIRD BOOK.
Cyprian to his son Quirinus,(5) greeting. Of your faith and devotion which
you manifest to the Lord God, beloved son, you asked me to gather out for your
instruction from the Holy Scriptures some heads bearing upon the religious
teaching of our school;(5) seeking for a succinct course of sacred reading, so
that your mind, surrendered to God, might not be wearied with long or numerous
volumes of books, but, instructed with a summary of heavenly precepts, might have
a wholesome and large compendium for nourishing its memory. And because I owe
you a plentiful and loving obedience, I have done what you wished. I have
laboured for once, that you might not always labour.(6) Therefore, as much as my
small ability could embrace, I have collected certain precepts of the Lord, and
divine teachings, which may be easy and useful to the readers, in that a few
things digested into a short space are both quickly read through, and are frequently
repeated. I bid you, beloved son, ever heartily farewell.
HEADS
1. On the benefit of good works and mercy.
2. In works and alms, even if by smallness of power less be done, that the
will itself is enough.
3. That charity and brotherly love must be religiously and stedfastly
practised.
4. That we must boast in nothing, since nothing is our own.
5. That humility and quietness is to be maintained in all things.
6. That all good and righteous men suffer more, but ought to endure
because they are proved.
7. That we must not grieve the Holy Spirit whom we have received.
8. That anger must be overcome, lest it constrain us to sin.
9. That brethren ought to sustain one another.
10. That we must trust in God only, and in Him we must glory.
11. That he who has attained to faith, having put off the former man,
ought to regard only celestial and spiritual things, and to give no heed.
to the world which he has already renounced.
12. That we must not swear.
13. That we are not to curse.
14. That we must never murmur, but bless God concerning all things that
happen.
15. That men are tried by God for this purpose, that they may be proved.
16. Of the benefit of martyrdom.
17. That what we suffer in this world is of less account than is the
reward which is promised.
18. That nothing must be preferred to the love of God and of Christ.
19. That we must not obey our own will, but that of God.
20. That the foundation and strength of hope and faith is fear.
21. That we must not rashly judge of another.
22. That when we have received a wrong, we must remit and forgive it.
23. That evil is not to be returned for evil.
24. That it is impossible to attain to the Father but by Christ.
25. That unless a man have been baptized and born again, he cannot attain
to the kingdom of God.
26. That it is of small account to be baptized and to receive the
Eucharist, unless one profits by it both in deeds and works.
27. That even a baptized person loses the grace which he has attained,
unless he keep innocency.
28. That remission cannot in the Church be granted unto him who has sinned
against God.
29. That it was before predicted concerning the hatred of the Name.
30. That what any one has vowed to God, he must quickly pay.
31. That he who does not believe is judged already.
32. Of the benefit of virginity and of continency.
33. That the Father judgeth nothing, but the Son; and the Father is not
honoured by him by whom the Son is not honoured.
34. That the believer ought not to live like the Gentiles.
35. That God is patient for this end, that we may repent of our sin and be
reformed.
36. That a woman ought not to be adorned in a worldly manner.
37. That the believer ought not to be punished for other offences but for
the name he bears only.
38. That the servant of God ought to be innocent, lest he fall into
secular punishment.
39. That the example of living is given to us in Christ.
40. That we must not labour boastfully or noisily.
41. That we must not speak foolishly and offensively.
42. That faith is of advantage altogether, and that we can do as much as
we believe.
43. That he who truly believes can immediately obtain.
44. That the believers who differ among themselves ought not to refer to a
Gentile judge.
45. That hope is of future things, and therefore that faith concerning
those things which are promised ought to be patient.
46. That a woman ought to be silent in the church.
47. That it arises from our fault and our desert that we suffer, and do
not perceive God's help in everything.
48. That we must not take usury.
49. That even our enemies are to be loved.
50. That the sacrament of the faith must not be profaned.
51. That no one should be uplifted in his doing.
52. That the liberty of believing or of not believing is placed in free
choice.
53. That the secrets of God cannot be seen through, and therefore that our
faith ought to be simple.
54. That none is without filth and without sin.
55. That we must not please men, but God.
56. That nothing that is done is hidden from God.
57. That the believer is amended and reserved.
58. That no one should be made sad by death, since in living is labour and
peril, in dying peace and the certainty of resurrection.
59. Of the idols which the Gentiles think gods.
60. That too great lust of food is not to be desired.
61. That the lust of possessing, and money, are not to be desired.
62. That marriage is not to be contracted with Gentiles.
63. That the sin of fornication is grievous.
64. What are those carnal things which beget death, and what are the
spiritual things which lead to life.
65. That all sins are put away in baptism.
66. That the discipline of God is to be observed in Church precepts.
67. That it was foretold that men would despise sound discipline.
68. That we must depart from him who lives irregularly and contrary to
discipline.
69. That the kingdom of God is not in the wisdom of the world, nor in
eloquence, but in the faith of the cross and in virtue of conversation.
70. That we must obey parents.
71. And that fathers ought not to be bitter against their children.
72. That servants, when they believe, ought the more to be obedient to
their fleshly masters.
73. Likewise that masters ought to be more gentle.
74. That every widow that is approved ought to be honoured.
75. That every person ought to have care rather of his own people, and
especially of believers.
76. That one who is older must not rashly be accused.
77. That the sinner is to be publicly reproved.
78. That we must not speak with heretics.
79. That innocency asks with confidence, and obtains.
80. That the devil has no power against man unless God have allowed it.
81. That wages be quickly paid to the hireling.
82. That divination must not be used.
83. That a tuft of hair(1) is not to be worn on the head.
84. That the beard must not be plucked.
85. That we must rise when a bishop or a presbyter comes.
86. That a schism must not be made, even although he who withdraws should
remain in one faith and in the same tradition.
87. That believers ought to be simple with prudence.
88. That a brother must not be deceived.
89. That the end of the world comes suddenly.
90. That a wife must not depart from her husband; or if she departs, she
must remain unmarried.
91. That every one is tempted so much as he is able to bear.
92. That not everything is to be done which is lawful.
93. That it was foretold that heresies would arise.
94. That the Eucharist is to be received with fear and honour.
95. That we are to live with the good, but to avoid the evil.
96. That we must labour with deeds, not with words.
97.That we must hasten to faith and to attainment.(2)
98. That the catechumen ought to sin no more.
99. That judgment will be in accordance with the terms, before the law, of
equity; after Moses, of the law.
100. That the grace of God ought to be gratuitous.
101. That the Holy Spirit has often appeared in fire.
102. That all good men ought willingly to hear rebuke.
103. That we must abstain from much speaking.
104. That we must not lie.
105. That they are frequently to be corrected who do wrong in domestic
service.
106. That when a wrong is received, patience is to be maintained, and that
vengeance is to be left to God.
107. That we must not use detraction.
108. That we must not lay snares against our neighbour.
109. That the sick are to be visited. 110. That tale-bearers are accursed.
111. That the sacrifices of evil men are not acceptable.
112. That those are more severely judged who in this world have more power.
113. That widows and orphans ought to be protected.
114. That while one is in the flesh, he ought to make confession.
115. That flattery is pernicious.
116. That God is more loved by him Who has had many sins forgiven in
baptism.
117. That there is a strong conflict to be waged against the devil, and
that therefore we ought to stand bravely, that we may be able to conquer.
118. Of Antichrist, that he will come as a man.
119. That the yoke of the law was heavy, which is cast off by us; and that
the Lord's yoke is light, which is taken up by us.
120. That we are to be urgent in prayers.
TESTIMONIES.
- Of the benefit of good works and mercy.
In Isaiah: "Cry aloud," saith He, "and spare not; lift up thy voice like a
trumpet; tell my people their sins, and the house of Jacob their wickednesses.
They seek me from day to day, and desire to know my ways, as a people which
did righteousness, and did not forsake the judgment of God. They ask of me now a
righteous judgment, and desire to approach to God, saying, What! because we
have fasted, and Thou hast not seen: we have humiliated our souls, and Thou hast
not known. For in the days of fasting are found your own wills; for either ye
torment those who are subjected to you, or ye fast for strifes and judgments, or
ye strike your neighbours with fists. For what do you fast unto me, that to-day
your voice should be heard in clamour? This fast I have not chosen, save that
a man should humble his soul. And if thou shalt bend thy neck like a ring, and
spread under thee sackcloth and ashes, neither thus shall it be called an
acceptable fast. Not such a fast have I chosen, saith the Lord; but loose every knot
of unrighteousness, let go the chokings of impotent engagements.(1) Send away
the harassed into rest, and scatter every unrighteous contract. Break thy bread
to the hungry, and bring the houseless poor into thy dwelling. If thou seest
the naked, clothe him; and despise not them of thy own seed in thy house. Then
shall thy seasonable light break forth, and thy garments shall quickly arise;
and righteousness shall go before thee: and the glory of God shall surround thee.
Then thou shalt cry out, and God shall hear thee; while thou art yet speaking,
He shall say, Here I am."(2) Concerning this same thing in Job: "I have
preserved the needy from the hand of the mighty; and I have helped the orphan, to
whom there was no helper. The mouth of the widow blessed me, since I was the eye
of the blind; I was also the foot of the lame, and the father of the weak."(3)
Of this same matter in Tobit: "And I said to Tobias, My son, go and bring
whatever poor man thou shalt find out of our brethren, who still has God in mind with
his whole heart. Bring him hither, and he shall eat my dinner together with
me. Behold, I attend thee, my son, until thou come."(4) Also in the same place:
"All the days of thy life, my son, keep God in mind, and transgress not His
precepts. Do justice all the days of thy life, and do not walk in the way of
unrighteousness; because if thou act truly, there will be respect of thy works. Give
alms of thy substance, and turn not thy face from any poor man. So shall it
come to pass that the face of God shall not be turned away from thee. Even as thou
hast, my son, so do: if thou hast abundant substance, give the more alms
therefrom; if thou hast little, communicate even of that little. And do not fear
when thou givest alms: thou layest up for thyself a good reward against the day of
need; because alms delivereth from death, and does not suffer to go into
darkness. Alms is a good office for all who do it in the sight of the most high
God."(5) On this same subject in Solomon in Proverbs: "He that hath pity on the
poor lendeth unto the Lord."(6) Also in the same place: "He that giveth to the
poor shall never want; but he who turns away his eye shall be in much penury."(7)
Also in the same place: "Sins are purged away by alms-giving and faith."(8)
Again, in the same place: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; and if he thirst, give
him to drink: for by doing this thou shalt scatter live coals upon his
head."(9) Again, in the same place: "As water extinguishes fire, so alms-giving
extinguishes sin."(10) In the same in Proverbs: "Say not, Go away, and return,
to-morrow I will give; when you can do good immediately. For thou knowest not what
may happen on the coming day."(11) Also in the same place: "He who stoppeth his
ears that he may not hear the weak, shall himself call upon God, and there shall
be none to hear him."(12) Also in the same place: "He who has his conversation
without reproach in righteousness, leaves blessed children."(13) In the same
in Ecclesiasticus: "My son, if thou hast, do good by thyself, and present worthy
offerings to God; remember that death delayeth not."(14) Also in the same
place: "Shut up alms in the heart of the poor, and this will entreat for thee from
all evil."(15) Concerning this thing in the thirty-sixth Psalm, that mercy is
beneficial also to one's posterity: "I have been young, and I have also grown
old; and I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their
bread. The whole day he is merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is in blessing."(16)
Of this same thing in the fortieth Psalm: "Blessed is he who considereth over
the poor and needy: in the evil day God will deliver him."(17) Also in the cxith
Psalm: "He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness
shall remain from generation to generation."(18) Of this same thing in Hosea: "I
desire mercy rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than whole
burnt-offerings."(19) Of this same thing also in the Gospel according to Matthew:
"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
satisfied."(20) Also in the same place: "Blessed are the merciful: for they
shall obtain mercy."(21) Also in the same place: "Lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not
dig through and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also."(22) Also in the same place: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman
seeking goodly pearls: and when he hath found a precious pearl, he went away
and sold all that he had, and bought it."(23) That even a small work is of
advantage, also in the same place: "And whoever shall give to drink to one of the
least of these a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto
you, His reward shall not perish."(1) That alms are to be denied to none, also
in the same place: "Give to every one that asketh thee; and from him who would
wish to borrow, be not turned away."(2) Also in the same place: "If thou wilt
enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith, Which? Jesus saith unto him,
Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not bear false
witness, Honour thy father and mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I observed: what lack
I yet? Jesus saith unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou
hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come,
follow me."(3) Also in the same place: "When the Son of man shall come in His
majesty, and all the angels with Him, then He shall sit on the throne of His
glory: and all nations shall be gathered together before Him; and He shall
separate them one from another, even as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats:
and He shall place the sheep on the right hand, but the goats on the left
hand. Then shall the King say unto them that are on His right hand, Come, ye
blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the
world. For I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me
to drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was
sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the
righteous answer Him, and say, Lord, when saw we Thee(4) a stranger, and took
Thee in: naked, and clothed Thee? And when saw we Thee sick, and in prison, and
came to Thee? And the King, answering, shall say unto them, Verily I say unto
you, Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it
unto me. Then shall He say unto them who are on His left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, which my Father hath prepared for the devil and
his angels: for I was hungry, and ye gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and ye
gave me not to drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: I was naked, and
ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they
also answer, and say, Lord, when saw we Thee hungry, or thirsty, or a
stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee? And He shall
answer them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the
least of these, ye did it not unto me. And these shall go away into everlasting
burning: but the righteous into life eternal."(5) Concerning this same matter in
the Gospel according to Luke: "Sell your possessions, and give alms."(6) Also
in the same place: "He who made that which is within, made that which is
without also. But give alms, and, behold, all things are pure unto you."(7) Also in
the same place: "Behold, the half of my substance I give to the poor; and if I
have defrauded any one of anything, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto
him, that salvation has this day been wrought for this house, since he also is
a son of Abraham."(8) Of this same thing also in the second Epistle to the
Corinthians: "Let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may
be the supplement of your want, that there may be equality: as it is written, He
who had much had not excess; and he who had little had no lack."(9) Also in
the same place: "He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who
soweth in blessing shall reap also of blessing. But let every one do as he has
proposed in his heart: not as if sorrowfully, or of necessity: for God loveth a
cheerful giver."(10) Also in the same place: "As it is written, He hath
dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever."(11)
Likewise in the same place: "Now he who ministereth seed to the sower, shall
both supply bread to be eaten, and shall multiply your seed, and shall increase
the growth of the fruits of your righteousness: that in all things ye may be
made rich."(12) Also in the same place: "The administration of this service has
not only supplied that which is lacking to the saints, but has abounded by much
giving of thanks unto God."(13) Of this same matter in the Epistle of John:
"Whoso hath this world's substance, and seeth his brother desiring, and shutteth
up his bowels from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"(14) Of this same
thing in the Gospel according to Luke: "When thou makest a dinner or a supper,
call not thy friends, nor brethren, nor neighbours, nor the rich; lest haply
they also invite thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a
banquet, call the poor, the weak, the blind, and lame: and thou shalt be
blessed; because they have not the means of rewarding thee: but thou I shalt be
recompensed in the resurrection of the I just."(15)
- In works and alms, even if by smallness of power less be done, that the will
itself is sufficient.
In the second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: "If there be a ready
will, it is acceptable according to what a man hath, not according to that which
he hath not; nor let there be to others a mitigation, but to you a burdening.(1)
- That charity and brotherly affection are to be religiously and stedfastly
practised.
In Malachi: "Hath not one God created us? Is there not one Father of us
all? Why have ye certainly deserted every one his brother?"(2) Of this same thing
according to John: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."(3) Also
in the same place: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, even as
I have loved you. Greater love than this has no man, than that one should lay
down his life for his friends."(4) Also in the same place: "Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."(5) Also in the same place:
"Verily I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth concerning
everything, whatever you shall ask it shall be given you from my Father which is in
heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, I am with
them."(6) Of this same thing in the first Epistle to the Corinthians: "And I
indeed, brethren, could not speak unto you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, as
to babes in Christ. I have given you milk for drink, not meat: for while ye
were yet little ye were not able to bear it, neither now are ye able. For ye are
still carnal: for where there are in you emulation, and strife, and dissensions,
are ye not carnal, and walk after man?"(7) Likewise in the same place: "And if
I should have all faith, so that I can remove mountains, but have not charity,
I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods for food, and if I
should deliver up my body to be burned, but have not charity, I avail nothing.
Charity is great-souled; charity is kind; charity envieth not; charity dealeth not
falsely; is not puffed up; is not irritated; thinketh not evil; rejoiceth not in
injustice, but rejoiceth in the truth. It loveth all things, believeth all
things, hopeth all things, beareth all things. Charity shall never fail."(8) Of
this same thing to the Galatians: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But
if ye bite and accuse one another, see that ye be not consumed one of
another."(9) Of this same thing in the Epistle of John: "In this appear the children of
God and the children of the devil. Whosoever is not righteous is not of God,
and he who loveth not his brother. For he who hateth his brother is a murderer;
and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."(10) Also in the
same place: "If any one shall say that he loves God, and hates his brother, he
is a liar: for he who loveth not his brother whom he seeth, how can he love
God whom he seeth not?"(11) Of this same thing in the Acts of the Apostles: "But
the multitude of them that had believed acted with one soul and mind: nor was
there among them any distinction, neither did they esteem as their own anything
of the possessions that they had; but all things were common to them."(12) Of
this same thing in the Gospel according to Matthew: If thou wouldest offer thy
gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against
thee; leave thou thy gift before the altar, and go; first be reconciled to thy
brother, and then come and offer thy gift at the altar."(13) Also in the Epistle
of John: "God is love l and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in
him." (14) Also in the same place: "He who saith he is in the light, and
hateth his brother, is a liar, and walketh in darkness even until now."(15)
- That we must boast in nothing, since nothing is our own.
In the Gospel according to John: "No one can receive anything, except it
were given him from heaven."(16) Also in the first Epistle of Paul to the
Corinthians: "For what hast thou that thou hast not received? But if thou hast
received it, why boastest thou, as if thou hadst not received it?"(17) Also in the
first of Kings: "Boast not, neither speak lofty things, and let not great
speeches proceed out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge."(18) Also in
the same place: "The bow of the mighty men has been made weak, and the weak are
girt about with strength."(18) Of this same thing in the Maccabees: "It is just
to be subjected to God, and that a mortal should not think things equal to
God."(19) Also in the same place: "And fear not the words of a man that is a
sinner, because his glory shall be filth and worms. Today he shall be lifted up, and
to-morrow he shall not be found; because he is turned into his earth, and his
thought has perished."(20)
- That humility and quietness are to be maintained in all things.
In Isaiah: "Thus saith the Lord God, The heaven is my throne, and the
earth is the stool of my feet. What seat will ye build for me, or what is the place
for my rest? For all those things hath my hand made, and all those things are
mine. And upon whom else will I look, except upon the lowly and quiet man, and
him that trembleth at my words?"(1) On this same thing in the Gospel according
to Matthew: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."(2) Of
this same thing, too, according to Luke: "He that shall be least among you all,
the same shall be great."(3) Also in the same lace: "Whosoever exalteth himself
shall be made low, and whosoever abaseth himself shall be exalted."(4) Of this
same thing to the Romans: "Be not high-minded, but fear; for if God spared not
the natural branches, (take heed) lest He also spare not thee."(5) Of this same
thing in the thirty-third Psalm: And He shall save the lowly in spirit."(6)
Also to the Romans: "Render to all what is due: tribute to whom tribute is due,
custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour; owe no man
anything, except to love another."(7) Also in the Gospel according to Matthew: "They
love the first place of reclining at feasts, and the chief seat in the
synagogues, and salutations in the market, and to be called of men Rabbi. But call not
ye Rabbi, for One is your Master."(8) Also in the Gospel according to John:
"The servant is not greater than his lord, nor the apostle greater than He that
sent himself. If ye know these things, blessed shall ye be if ye shall do
them."(9) Also in the eighty-first Psalm: "Do justice to the poor and lowly."(10)
- That all good and righteous men suffer more, but ought to endure because they
are proved.
In Solomon: "The furnace proveth the vessels of the potter, and the trial
of tribulation righteous men."(11) Also in the fiftieth Psalm: "The sacrifice
to God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and humbled heart God will not
despise."(12) Also in the thirty-third Psalm: "God is nearest to them that are contrite
in heart, and He will save the lowly in spirit."(13) Also in the same place:
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but out of them all the Lord will
deliver them."(14) Of this same matter in Job: "Naked came I out of my mother's
womb, naked also shall I go under the earth: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away: as it hath pleased the Lord, so it is done; blessed be the name of the
Lord. In all these things which happened to him Job sinned in nothing with his
lips in the sight of the Lord."(15) Concerning this same thing in the Gospel
according to Matthew: "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be
comforted."(16) Also according to John: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me
ye may have peace. But in the world ye shall have affliction; but have
confidence, for I have overcome the world."(17) Concerning this same thing in the
second Epistle to the Corinthians: "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a
messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted. For which thing I
thrice besought the Lord, that it should depart from me. And He said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee; for strength is perfected in weakness."(18)
Concerning this same thing to the Romans: "We glory in hope of the glory of God.
And not only so, but we also glory in afflictions: knowing that affliction
worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope does not
confound; because the love of God is infused in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
which is given unto us."(19) On this same subject, according to Matthew: "How
broad and spacious is the way which leadeth unto death, and many there are who
go in thereby: how straight and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few
there are that find it!"(20) Of this same thing in Tobias: "Where are thy
righteousnesses? behold what thou sufferest."(21) Also in the Wisdom of Solomon: "In
the places of the wicked the righteous groan; but at their ruin the righteous
will abound."(22)
- That we must not grieve the Holy Spirit, whom we have received.
Paul the apostle to the Ephesians: "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in
which ye were sealed in the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath,
and indignation, and clamour, and blasphemy, be taken away from you."(23)
- That anger must be overcome, lest it constrain us to sin.
In Solomon in the Proverbs: "Better is a patient man than a strong man;
for he who restrains his anger is better than he who taketh a city."(1) Also in
the same place: "The imprudent man declareth his anger on the same day, but the
crafty man hideth away his dishonour."(2) Of this same thing to the Ephesians:
"Be ye angry, and sin not. Let not the sun set upon your wrath."(3) Also in the
Gospel according to Matthew: "Ye have heard that it was said by the ancients,
Thou shalt not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be guilty of the judgment.
But I say unto you, That every one who is angry with his brother without cause
shall be guilty of the judgment."(4)
- That brethren ought to support one another.
To the Galatians: "Each one having others in consideration, lest ye also
should be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so ye shah fulfil the law
of Christ."(5)
- That we must trust in God only, and in Him we must glory.
In Jeremiah: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the
strong man glory in his strength, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but
let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understands and knows that I am the
Lord, who do mercy, and judgment, and righteousness upon the earth, because in
them is my pleasure, saith the Lord."(6) Of the same thing in the fifty-fourth
Psalm: "In the Lord have I hoped; I will not fear what man can do unto me."(7)
Also in the same place: "To none but God alone is my soul subjected."(8) Also
in the cxviith Psalm: "I will not fear what man can do unto me; the Lord is my
helper."(9) Also in the same place: "It is good to trust in the Lord rather
than to trust in man; it is good to hope in the Lord rather than to hope in
princes."(10) Of this same thing in Daniel: "But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
answered and said to king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, there is no need to answer thee
concerning this word. For God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the
furnace of burning fire; and He will deliver us from thine hand, O king. And if
not, be it known unto thee that we serve not thy gods, and we adore not the
golden image which thou hast set up."(11) Likewise in Jeremiah: "Cursed is the man
who hath hope in man; and blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and his
hope shall be in God."(12) Concerning this same thing in Deuteronomy: "Thou shalt
worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve."(13) Of this same
thing to the Romans: "And they worshipped and served the creature, forsaking the
Creator. Wherefore also God gave them up to ignominious passions."(14) Of this
thing also in John: "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in this
world."(15)
- That he who has attained to trust, having put off the former man, ought to
regard only celestial and spiritual things, and to give no heed to the world
which he has already renounced.
In Isaiah: "Seek ye the Lord; and when ye have found Him, call upon Him.
But when He hath come near unto you, let the wicked forsake his ways, and the
unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him be turned unto the Lord, and he shall
obtain mercy, because He will plentifully pardon your sins."(16) Of this same
thing in Solomon: "I have seen all the works which are done under the sun; and,
lo, all are vanity."(17) Of this same thing in Exodus: "But thus shall ye eat
it; your loins girt, and your shoes on your feet, and your staves in your hands:
and ye shall eat it in haste, for it is the Lord's passover."(18) Of this same
thing in the Gospel according to Matthew: "Take no thought, saying, What shall
we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewith shall we be clothed? for these
things the nations seek after. But your Father knoweth that ye have need of all
these things. Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you."(19) Likewise in the same place: "Think not
for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for itself. Sufficient unto
the day is its own evil."(20) Likewise in the same place: "No one looking back,
and putting his hands to the plough, is fit for the kingdom of God."(21) Also
in the same place: "Behold the fowls of the heaven: for they sow not, nor reap,
nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of
more value than they?"(1) Concerning this same thing, according to Luke: "Let your
loins be girded, and your lamps burning; and ye like unto men that wait for
their lord, when he cometh from the wedding; that, when he cometh and knocketh,
they may open to him. Blessed are those servants, whom their lord, when he
cometh, shall find watching."(2) Of this same thing in Matthew: "The foxes have
holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where
He may lay His head."(3) Also in the same place: "Whoso forsaketh not all that
he hath, cannot be my disciple."(4) Of this same thing in the first to the
Corinthians: "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a great price. Glorify
and bear God in your body."(5) Also in the same place: "The time is limited. It
remaineth, therefore, that both they who have wives be as though they have them
not, and they who lament as they that lament not, and they that rejoice as
they that rejoice not, and they who buy as they that buy not, and they who
possess as they who possess not, and they who use this world as they that use it
not; for the fashion of this world passeth away."(6) Also in the same place: "The
first man is of the clay of the earth, the second man from heaven. As he is of
the clay, such also are they who are of the clay; and as is the heavenly, such
also are the heavenly. Even as we have borne the image of him who is of the
clay, let us bear His image also who is from heaven."(7) Of this same matter to
the Philippians: "All seek their own, and not those things which are Christ's;
whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and their glory is to their
confusion, who mind earthly things. For our conversation is in heaven, whence
also we expect the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall transform the body
of our humiliation conformed to the body of His glory."(8) Of this very matter
to Galatians: "But be it far from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."(9)
Concerning this same thing to Timothy: "No man that warreth for God bindeth
himself with worldly annoyances, that he may please Him to whom he hath approved
himself. But and if a man should contend, he will not be crowned unless he
fight lawfully."(10) Of this same thing to the Colossians: "If ye be dead with
Christ froth I the elements of the world, why still, as if living in the world, do
ye follow vain things?"(11) Also concerning this same thing: "If ye have risen
together with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is
sitting on the right hand of God. Give heed to the things that are above, not to
those things which are on the earth; for ye are dead, and your life is hidden with
Christ in God. But when Christ your life shall appear, then shall ye also
appear with Him in glory." (12) Of this same thing to the Ephesians: Put off the old
man of the former conversation, who is corrupted, according to the lusts of
deceit. But be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, him
who according to God is ordained in righteousness, and holiness, and
truth."(13) Of this same thing in the Epistle of Peter: "As strangers and pilgrims,
abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; but having a good
conversation among the Gentiles, that while they detract from you as if from evildoers,
yet, beholding your good works, they may magnify God."(14) Of this same thing
in the Epistle of John: "He who saith he abideth in Christ, ought himself also
to walk even as He walked."(15) Also in the same place: "Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world. If any man loveth the world, the love of
the Father is not in him. Because everything which is in the world is lust of
the flesh, and lust of the eyes, and the ambition of this world, which is not
of the Father, but of the lust of this world. And the world shall pass away with
its lust. But he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever, even as God
abideth for ever."(16) Also in the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: "Purge
out the old leaven, that ye may be a new dough, as ye are unleavened. For also
Christ our passover is sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not
in the old leaven, nor in the leaven of malice and wickedness, but in the
unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."(17)
- That we must not swear.
In Solomon: "A man that sweareth much shall be filled with iniquity, and
the plague shall not depart from his house; and if he swear vainly, he shall not
be justified."(18) Of this same matter, according to Matthew: "(Again, ye have
heard that it was said to them of old, Thou shalt not swear falsely, but shalt
perform unto the Lord thine oaths.) I say unto you, Swear not at all: (neither
by heaven, because it is God's throne; nor by the earth, because it is His
footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King; neither
shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or
black.) But let your discourse be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: (for whatever is fuller than
these is of evil.")(1) Of this same thing in Exodus: "Thou shalt not take the
name of the Lord thy God in vain."(2)
- That we must not curse.
In Exodus: "Thou shalt not curse nor speak ill of the ruler of thy
people."(3) Also in the thirty-third Psalm: "Who is the man who desires life, and
loveth to see good days? Restrain thy tongue from evil, and thy lips that they
speak no guile."(4) Of this same thing in Leviticus: "And the Lord spoke to Moses,
saying, Bring forth him who hath cursed abroad outside the camp; and all who
heard him shall place their hands upon his head, and all the assembly of the
children of Israel shall stone him."(5) Of this same thing in Paul's Epistle to the
Ephesians: "Let no evil discourse proceed out of your mouth, but that which is
good for the edification of faith, that it may give grace to the hearers."(6)
Of this same thing to the Romans: "Blessing, and not cursing."(7) Of this same
thing in the Gospel according to Matthew: "He who shall say to his brother,
Thou fool! shall be liable to the Gehenna of fire."(8) Of this same matter,
according to the same Matthew: "But I say unto you, That every idle word which men
shall speak, they shall give account for it in the day of judgment. For by thy
words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."(9)
- That we must never murmur, but bless God concerning all things that happen.
In Job: "Say some word against the Lord, and die. But he, looking upon
her, said, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women. If we have received good
things from the Lord's hand, why shall we not endure evil things? In all these
things which happened unto him, Job sinned not with his lips in the sight of the
Lord."(10) Also in the same place: "Hast thou regarded my servant Job? for there
is none like unto him in the earth: a man without complaint: a true worshipper
of God, restraining himself from all evil."(11) Of the same thing in the
thirty-third Psalm: "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall ever be in
my mouth."(12) Of this same thing in Numbers: "Let their murmuring cease from
me, and they shall not die."(13) Of this same thing in the Acts of the
Apostles: "But about the middle of the night Paul and Silas prayed and gave thanks to
God, and the prisoners heard them."(14) Also in the Epistle of Paul to the
Philippians: "But doing all things for love, without murmurings and revilings,(15)
that ye may be without complaint, and spotless sons of God."(16)
- That men are tried by God for this purpose, that they may be proved.
In Genesis: "And God, tempted Abraham, and said to him, Take thy only son
whom thou lovest, Isaac, and go into the high land, and offer him there as a
burnt-offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell thee."(17) Of this
same thing in Deuteronomy: "The Lord your God proveth you, that He may know if ye
love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul."(18) Of
this same thing in the Wisdom of Solomon: "Although in the sight of men they
suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality; and having been in few things
distressed, yet in many things they shall be happily ordered, because God
tried them, and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace He proved
them, and as a burnt-offering He received them. And in their time there shall be
respect of them; they shall judge the nations, and shall rule over the people;
and their Lord shall reign for ever."(19) Of this same thing in the Maccabees:
"Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was accounted unto him for
righteousness?"(20)
- Of the benefits of martyrdom.
In the Proverbs of Solomon: "The faithful martyr delivers his soul from
evils."(21) Also in the same place: "Then shall the righteous stand in great
boldness against them who have afflicted them, and who took away their labours.
When they see them, they shall be disturbed with a horrible fear; and they shall
wonder at the suddenness of their unhoped-for salvation, saying among
themselves, repenting and groaning with distress of spirit, These are they whom some time
we had in derision, and in the likeness of a proverb; we fools counted their
life madness, and their end without honour. How are they reckoned among the
children of God, and their lot among the saints! Therefore we have wandered from
the way of truth, and the light of righteousness has not shined upon us, and the
sun has not risen upon us. We have been wearied in the way of iniquity and of
perdition, and we have walked through difficult solitudes; but we have not known
the way of the Lord. What hath pride profited us? or what hath the boasting of
riches brought to us? All these things have passed away as a shadow."(1) Of
this same thing in the cxvth Psalm: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the
death of His saints."(2) Also in the cxxvth Psalm: "They who sow in tears shall
reap in joy. Walking they walked, and wept as they cast their seeds; but coming
they shall come in joy, raising up their laps."(3) Of this same thing in the
Gospel according to John: "He who loveth his life shall lose it; and he that
hateth his life in this world shall find it to life eternal."(4) Also in the same
place: "But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought what ye shall speak;
for it is not ye who speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in
you."(5) Also in the same place: "The hour shall come, that every one that killeth
you shall think he doeth service to God l but they shall do this also because
they have not known the Father nor me."(6) Of this same matter, according to
Matthew: "Blessed are they which shall suffer persecution for righteousness'
sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(7) Also in the same place: "Fear not
them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him
which is able to kill the soul and body in Gehenna."(8) Also in the same place:
"Whosoever shall confess me before men, him also will I confess before my
Father which is in heaven; but he who shall deny me before men, him also will I
deny before my Father which is in heaven. And he that shall endure to the end, the
same shall be saved."(9) Of this same thing, according to Luke: "Blessed
shall ye be when men shall hate you, and shall separate you (from their company),
and shall drive you out, and shall speak evil of your name, as wicked, for the
Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and exult; for, lo, your reward is
great in heaven."(10) Also in the same place: "Verily I say unto you, There is no
man that leaveth house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the
sake of the kingdom of God, and does not receive seven times as much in this
present time, but in the world to come life everlasting."(11) Of this same thing
in the Apocalypse: "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the
altar of God the souls of them that were slain on account of the word of God and
His testimony. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy
and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the
earth? And unto every one of them were given white robes; and it was said to them,
that they should rest still for a short time, until the number of their
fellow-servants, and of their brethren, should be fulfilled, and they who shall
afterwards be slain, after their example."(12) Also in the same place: "After these
things I saw a great crowd, which no one among them could number, from every
nation, and from every tribe, and from every people and tongue, standing before
the throne and before the Lamb; and they were clothed with white robes, and
palms were in their hands. And they said with a loud voice, Salvation to our God,
that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb. And one of the elders answered
and said to me, What are these which are clothed with white robes? who are they,
and whence have they come? And I said unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he
said unto me, These are they who have come out of great tribulation, and have
washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they
are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and
He who sitteth upon the throne shall dwell among them. They shall neither hunger
nor thirst ever; and neither shall the sun fall upon them, nor shall they
suffer any heat: for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall protect them,
and shall lead them to the fountains of the waters of life; and God shall wipe
away every tear from their eyes."(13) Also in the same place: "He who shall
overcome I will give him to eat of the tree of life, which as in the paradise of
my God."(14) Also in the same place: "Be thou faithful even unto death, and I
will give thee a crown of life."(15) Also in the same place: "Blessed shall
they be who shall watch, and shall keep their garments, lest they walk naked, and
they see their shame."(16) Of this same thing, Paul in the second Epistle to
Timothy: "I am now offered up, and the time of my assumption is at hand. I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. There now
remains for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will give me in that day; and not only to me, but to all also who love His
appearing."(1) Of this same thing to the Romans: "We are the sons of God: but if
sons and heirs of God, we are also joint-heirs with Christ; if we suffer
together, that we may also be magnified together."(2) Of this same thing in the
cxviiith Psalm: "Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, and walk in the law of
the Lord. Blessed are they who search into His testimonies."(3)
- That what we suffer in this world is of less account than is the reward which
is promised.
In the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: "The sufferings of this present time
are not worthy of comparison with the glory that is to come after, which shall
be revealed in us."(4) Of this same thing in the Maccabees: "O Lord, who hast
the holy knowledge, it is manifest that while I might be delivered from death,
I am suffering most cruel pains of body, being beaten with whips; yet in spirit
I suffer these things willingly, because of the fear of thine own self."(5)
Also in the same place: "Thou indeed, being powerless, destroyest us out of this
present life; but the King of the world shall raise us up who have died for His
laws into the eternal resurrection of life."(6) Also in the same place: "It is
better that, given up to death by men, we should expect hope from God to be
raised again by Him. For there shall be no resurrection to life for thee."(7)
Also in the same place: "Having power among men, although thou art corruptible,
thou doest what thou wilt. But think not that our race is forsaken of God.
Sustain, and see how His great power will torment, thee and thy seed."(8) Also in the
same place: Do not err without cause; for we suffer these things on our own
accounts, as sinners against our God. But think not thou that thou shalt be
unpunished, having undertaken to fight against God."(9)
- That nothing is to be preferred to the love of God and Christ.
In Deuteronomy: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy might."(10) Also in the Gospel according to
Matthew: "He that loveth father or mother above me, is not worthy of me; and
he that loveth son or daughter above me, is not worthy of me; and he that
taketh not up his cross and followeth me, is not my disciple."(11) Also in the
Epistle of Paul to the Romans: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril,
or sword? As it is written, Because for thy sake we are killed all the day long,
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. But in all these things we are more
than conquerors for His sake who loved us."(12)
- That we are not to obey our own will, but the will of God.
In the Gospel according to John: "I came not down from heaven to do mine
own will, but the will of Him that sent me."(13) Of this same matter, according
to Matthew: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt."(14) Also in the daily prayer: "Thy will
be done, as in heaven, so in earth."(15) Also according to Matthew: "Not every
one who saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but
he who doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven, he shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven."(16) Also according to Luke: "But that servant which
knoweth his Lord's will, and obeyed not His will, shall be beaten with many
stripes."(17) In the Epistle of John: "But he that doeth the will of God abideth for
ever, even as He Himself also abideth for ever."(18)
- That the foundation and strength of hope and faith is fear.
In the cxth Psalm: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."(19)
Of the same thing in the Wisdom of Solomon: "The beginning of wisdom is to fear
God."(20) Also in the Proverbs of the same: "Blessed is the man who reverences
all things with fear."(21) Of the same thing [in Isaiah: "And upon whom else
will I look, except upon him that is lowly and peaceful, and that trembleth at
my words?"(12) Of this same thing in Genesis: "And the angel of the Lord called
him from heaven, and said unto him, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do anything unto him: for
now I know that thou fearest thy God, and hast not spared thy beloved son for
my sake."(23) Also in the second Psalm: "Serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice
unto Him in trembling."(1) Also in Deuteronomy, the word of God to Moses: "Call
the people together to me, and let them hear my words, that they may learn to
fear me all the days that they themselves shall live upon the earth."(2) Also in
Jeremiah: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perfect upon the
house of Israel, and in the house of Judah, a new covenant: not according to
the covenant that I had ordered with their fathers in the day when I laid hold of
their hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; because they have not abode
in my covenant, and I have been unmindful of them, saith the Lord; because
this is the covenant which I will ordain for the house of Israel; After those
days, saith the Lord, I will give my law, and will write it in their mind and I
will be to them for a God, and they shall be to me for a people. And they shall
not teach every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord because all shall know me,
from the least even to the greatest of them: because I will be favourable to
their iniquities, and their sins I will not remember any more. If the heaven
should be lifted up on high, saith the Lord, and if the earth should be made low
from beneath, yet I will not cast away the people of Israel, saith the Lord, for
all the things which they have done. Behold, I will gather them together from
every land in which I have scattered them in anger, and in my fury, and in
great indignation; and I will grind them down into that place, and I will leave
them in fear; and they shall be to me for a people, and I will be to them for a
God: and I will give them another way, and another heart, that they may fear me
all their days in prosperity with their children: and I will perfect for them an
everlasting covenant, which I will not turn away after them; and I will put my
fear into their heart, that they may not depart from me: and I will visit upon
them to do them good, and to plant them in their land in faith, and with all
the heart, and with all the mind."(3) Also in the Apocalypse: "And the four and
twenty elders which sit on their thrones in the sight (of God), fell upon their
faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give Thee thanks, O Lord God omnipotent,
which art and which wast; because Thou hast taken Thy great power, and hast
reigned. And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time in
which it should be judged concerning the dead, and the reward should be given to
Thy servants the prophets, and the saints that fear Thy name, small and great;
and to disperse those who have corrupted the earth."(4) Also in the same place:
"And I saw another angel flying through the midst of the heaven, having the
everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell upon the earth, and to all the
nations, and tribes, and tongues, and peoples, saying with a loud voice, Fear God,
and give Him honour, because the hour of His judgment is come; and adore Him
who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters."(5) Also in the same place: "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with
fire; and the beasts were feeding with His lambs;(6) and the number of His name a
hundred and forty and four, standing upon the sea of glass, having the harps of
God; and they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the
Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, O Lord God Almighty; just and
true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. Who would not fear Thee, and give
honour to Thy name? for Thou only art holy: and because all nations shall come
and worship in Thy sight, because Thy righteousnesses have been made
manifest."(7) Also in Daniel: "There was a man dwelling in Babylon whose name was
Joachim; and he took a wife by name Susanna, the daughter of Helchias, a very
beautiful woman, and one that feared the Lord. And her parents were righteous, and
taught their daughter according to the law of Moses."(8) Moreover, in Daniel: "And
we are lowly this day in all the earth because of our sins, and there is not
at this time any prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt-offering, or oblation,
or sacrifice, or incense, or place to sacrifice before Thee, and to find mercy
from Thee. And yet in the soul and spirit of lowliness let us be accepted as
the burnt-offerings of rams and bulls, and as it were many thousands of lambs
which are fattest. If our offering may be made in Thy presence this day, their
power shall be consumed, for they shall not be ashamed who put their trust in
Thee. And now we follow with our whole heart, and we fear and seek Thy face. Give
us not over unto reproach, but do with us according to Thy tranquillity, and
according to the multitude of Thy mercy deliver us."(9) Also in the same place:
"And the king exceedingly rejoiced, and commanded Daniel to be taken up out of
the den of lions; and the lions had done him no hurt, because he trusted and had
believed in his God. And the king commanded, and they brought those men who had
accused Daniel; and they cast them in the den of lions, and their wives and
their children. And before they had reached the pavement of the den they were
seized by the lions, and they brake all their bones in pieces. Then Darius the
king wrote, To all peoples, tribes, and languages which are in my kingdom, peace
be unto you from my face. I decree and ordain that all those who are in my
kingdom shall fear and tremble before the most high God whom Daniel serves, because
He is the God who liveth and abideth for ever, and His kingdom shall not pass
away, and His dominion goeth on for ever; and He alone doeth signs, and
prodigies, and marvellous things in the heaven and the earth, who snatched Daniel from
the den of lions."(1) Also in Micah: "Wherewith shall I approach the Lord, and
lay hold upon Him? in sacrifices, in burnt-offerings, in calves of a year old?
Does the Lord favour and receive me with thousands of fat goats? or shall I
give my first-fruits of unrighteousness, the fruit of my belly, the sin of my
soul? It is told thee, O man, what is good; or what else the Lord doth require,
save that thou shouldst do judgment and justice, and love mercy, and be ready
to go with the Lord thy God. The voice of the Lord shall be invoked in the city,
and He will save those who fear His name."(2) Also in Micah: "Feed Thy people
with Thy rod, the sheep of Thine inheritance; and pluck up those who dwell
separately in the midst of Carmel. They shall prepare Bashan and Gilead according
to the days of the age; and according to the days of their going forth from the
land of Egypt I will show them wonderful things. The nations shall see, and be
confounded at all their might; and they shall place their hand upon their
mouth. Their ears shall be deafened, and they shall lick the dust as do serpents.
Dragging the earth, they shall be disturbed, and they shall lick the dust: in
their end they shall be afraid towards the Lord their God, and they shall fear
because of Thee. Who is a God as Thou art, raising up unrighteousness, and passing
over impiety?"(3) And in Nahum: "The mountains were moved at Him, and the
hills trembled; and the earth was laid bare before His face, and all who dwell
therein. From the face of His anger who shall bear it, and who withstandeth in the
fury of His soul? His rage causes the beginnings to flow, and the rocks were
melted by Him. The Lord is good to those who sustain Him in the day of
affliction, and knoweth those who fear Him."(4) Also in Haggai: "And Zerubbabel the son
of Salathiel, of the tribe of Judah, and Jesus the son of Josedech, the high
priest, and all who remained of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their
God, because the Lord sent him to them, and the people feared from the face of
God."(5) Also in Malachi: "The covenant was with life and peace; and I gave to
them the fear to fear me from the face of my name."(6) Also in the thirty-third
Psalm: "Fear the Lord, all ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear
Him."(7) Also in the eighteenth Psalm: "The fear of the Lord is chaste, abiding
for ever."(8)
- That we must not rashly judge of another.
In the Gospel according to Luke: "Judge not, that ye be not judged:
condemn not, that ye be not condemned."(9) Of this same subject to the Romans: "Who
art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or
falleth. But he shall stand; for God is able to make him stand."(10) And again:
"Wherefore thou art without excuse, O every man that judgest: for in that in
which thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou doest the same
things which thou judgest. But dost thou hope, who judgest those who do evil, and
doest the same, that thou thyself shalt escape the judgment of God"(11) Also in
the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians.: "And let him that thinketh he
standeth take heed lest he fall."(12) And again: "If any man thinketh that he
knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet in what manner he ought to know."(13)
- That when we have received a wrong, we must remit and forgive it.
In the Gospel, in the daily prayer: "Forgive us our debts, even as we
forgive our debtors."(14) Also according to Mark: "And when ye stand for prayer,
forgive, if ye have ought against any one; that also your Father who is in heaven
may forgive you your sins. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father
which is in heaven forgive you your sins."(15) Also in the same place: "In what
measure ye mete, in that shall it be measured to you again."(16)
- That evil is not to be returned for evil.
In the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: "Rendering to no man evil for
evil."(17) Also in the same place: "Not to be overcome of evil, but overcome evil
with good."(18) Of this same thing in the Apocalypse: "And He said unto me, Seal
not the words of the prophecy of this book; because now the time is at hand. And
let those who persist in hurting, hurt: and let him who is filthy, be filthy
still: but let the righteous do still more righteousness: and in like manner,
let him that is holy do still more holiness. Behold, I come quickly; and my
reward is with me, to render to every man according to his deeds."(1)
- That it is impossible to attain to the Father but by His Son Jesus Christ.
In the Gospel according to John: "I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."(2) Also in the same place: "I am the
door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved."(3)
- That unless a man have been baptized and born again, he cannot attain unto
the kingdom of God.
In the Gospel according to John: "Except a man be born again of water and
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. For that which is born of
the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."(4) Also in
the same place: "Unless ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His
blood, ye shall not have life in you."(5)
- That it is of small account to be baptized and to receive the Eucharist,
unless one profit by it both in deeds and works.
In the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: "Know ye not, that they
which run in a race run indeed all, although one receiveth the prize? So run,
that ye may obtain. And those indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown,
but we an incorruptible."(6) In the Gospel according to Matthew: "Every tree
that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut down, and cast into the fire."(7)
Also in the same place: "Many shall say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have
we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name have cast out devils, and in Thy
name have done great works? And then shall I say to them, I never knew you;
depart from me, ye who work iniquity."(8) Also in the same place: "Let your light
shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven."(9) Also Paul to the Philippians: "Shine as lights in the
world."(10)
- That even a baptized person loses the grace that he has attained, unless he
keep innocency.
In the Gospel according to John: "Lo, thou art made whole: sin no more,
lest a worse thing happen unto thee."(11) Also in the first Epistle of Paul to
the Corinthians: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of
God abideth in you? If any one violate the temple of God, him will God
destroy."(12) Of this same thing in the Chronicles: "God is with you, while ye are with
Him: if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you."(13)
- That remission cannot in the Church be granted unto him who has sinned
against God (i.e., the Holy Ghost).
In the Gospel according to Matthew: "Whosoever shall say a word against
the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak against the
Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world nor in the world
to come."(14) Also according to Mark: "All sins shall be forgiven, and
blasphemies, to the sons of men; but whoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost,
it shall not be forgiven him, but he shall be guilty of eternal sin."(15) Of
this same thing in the first book of Kings: "If a man sin by offending against a
man, they shall pray the Lord for him; but if a man sin against God, who shall
pray for him?"(16)
- That it was before predicted, concerning the hatred of the Name.
In the Gospel according to Luke: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my
name's sake."(17) Also according to John: "If the world hate you, know ye that
it first hated me. If ye were of the world, the world would love what would be
its own: but because ye are not of the world, and I have chosen you out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word which I said unto you,
The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they
will also persecute you."(18) Also in Baruch:(19) "For the time shall come, and ye
shall seek me, both ye and those who shall be after you, to hear the word of
wisdom and of understanding; and ye shall not find me. But the nations shall
desire to see the wise man, and it shall not happen to them; not because the
wisdom of this world shall be wanting, or shall fail to the earth; but neither shall
the word of the law be wanting to the world. For wisdom shall be in a few who
watch, and are silent and quiet, and who hold converse with one another;
because some shall dread them, and shall fear them as evil. But some do not believe
the word of the law of the Highest. But some who are amazed in their countenance
will not believe; and they also who contradict will believe, and will be
contrary to and hindering the spirit of truth. Moreover, others will be wise to the
spirit of error, and declaring the edicts, as if of the Highest and the Strong
One. Moreover, others are possessors of faith.(1) Others are mighty and strong
in the faith of the Highest, and hateful to the stranger."
- That what any one has vowed to God, he must quickly repay.
In Solomon: "According as thou hast vowed a vow to God, delay not to pay
it."(2) Concerning this same thing in Deuteronomy: "But if thou hast vowed a
vow to the Lord thy God, I thou shalt not delay to pay it: because the Lord thy
God inquiring shall seek it of thee; and it shall be for a sin. Thou shalt
observe those things that shall go forth out of thy lips, and shalt perform the
gift which thou hast spoken with thy mouth."(3) Of this same matter in the
forty-ninth Psalm: "Sacrifice to God the sacrifice of praise, and pay thy vows to the
Most High. Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and
thou shalt glorify me."(4) Of this same thing in the Acts of the Apostles: "Why
hath Satan filled thine heart, that thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost, when thy
estate was in thine own power? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."(5)
Also in Jeremiah: "Cursed is he who doeth the work of God negligently."(6)
- That he who does not believe is judged already.
In the Gospel according to John: "He that believeth not is already judged,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only(7) Son of God. And this
is the judgment, that light has come into the world, and men have loved darkness
rather than light."(8) Of this also in the first Psalm: "Therefore the ungodly
shall not rise up in judgment, nor sinners in the council of the righteous."(9)
- Of the benefit of virginity and of continency.(10)
In Genesis: "Multiplying I will multiply thy sorrows and thy groanings,
and in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children; and thy turning shall be to thy
husband, and he shall rule over thee."(11) Of this same thing in the Gospel
according to Matthew: "All men do not receive the word, but they to whom it is
given: for there are some eunuchs who were born so from their mother's womb, and
there are eunuchs who have been constrained by men, and there are eunuchs who have
made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who can receive
it, let him receive it."(12) Also according to Luke: "The children of this world
beget, and are begotten. But they who have been considered worthy of that
world, and the resurrection from the dead, do not marry, nor are married: for
neither shall they begin to die: for they are equal to the angels of God, since they
are the children of the resurrection. But, that the dead rise again, Moses
intimates when he says in the bush, The Lord, the God of Abraham, and the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living:
for all live unto Him."(13) Also in the first Epistle of Paul to the
Corinthians: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman. But, on account of fornication,
let every man have his own wife, and every woman have her own husband. Let the
husband render what is due to the wife, and similarly the wife to the husband.
The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband. And in like manner,
the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife. Defraud not one the
other, except by agreement for a time, that ye may have leisure for prayer;
and again return to the same point, lest Satan tempt you on account of your
incontinency. This I say by way of allowance, not by way of command. But I wish that
all men should be even as I am. But every one has his proper gift from God;
one in one way, but another in another way."(14) Also in the same place: "An
unmarried man thinks of those things which are the Lord's, in what way he may
please God; but he who has contracted marriage thinks of those things that are of
this world, in what way he may please his wife. Thus also, both the woman and the
unmarried virgin thinketh of those things which are the Lord's, that she may
be holy both in body and in spirit; but she that hath married thinks of those
things which are of this world, in what way she may please her husband."(1) Also
in Exodus, when the Lord had commanded Moses that he should sanctify the people
for the third day, he sanctified them, and added: "Be ye ready, for three days
ye shall not approach to women."(2) Also in the first book of Kings: "And the
priest answered to David, and said, There are no profane loaves in my hand,
except one sacred loaf. If the young men have been kept back from women, they
shall eat."(3) Also in the Apocalypse: "These are they who have not defiled
themselves with women, for they have continued virgins; these are they who follow the
Lamb whithersoever He shall go."(4)
- That the Father judgeth nothing, but the Son; and that the Father is not
glorified by him by whom the Son is not glorified.
In the Gospel according to John: "The Father judgeth nothing, but hath
given all judgment unto the Son, that all may honour the Son as they honour the
Father. He who honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father who hath sent
Him."(5) Also in the seventy-first Psalm: "O God, give the king Thy judgment, and
Thy righteousness to the king's son, to judge Thy people in righteousness."(6)
Also in Genesis: "And the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah sulphur, and fire
from heaven from the Lord."(7)
- That the believer ought not to live like the Gentile.
In Jeremiah: "Thus saith the Lord, Walk ye not according to the way of the
Gentiles."(8) Of this same thing, that one ought to separate himself from the
Gentiles, lest he should be a companion of their sin, and become a partaker of
their penalty, in the Apocalypse: "And I heard another voice from heaven,
saying, Go forth from her, my people, lest thou be partaker of her crimes, and lest
thou be stricken with her plagues; because her crimes have reached even to
heaven, and the Lord God hath remembered her iniquities. Therefore He hath returned
unto her double, and in the cup which she hath mixed double is mingled for
her; and in how much she hath glorified herself and possessed of delights, in so
much is given unto her both torment and grief. For in her heart she says, I am a
queen, and cannot be a widow, nor shah I see sorrow. Therefore in one hour her
plagues shall come on her, death, grief, and famine; and she shall be burned
with fire, because the Lord God is strong who shall judge her. And the kings of
the earth shall weep and lament themselves for her, who have committed
fornication with her, and have been conversant in her sins."(9) Also in Isaiah: "Go
forth from the midst of them, ye who bear the vessels of the Lord."(10)
- That God is patient for this end, that we may repent of our sin, and be
reformed.
In Solomon, in Ecclesiasticus: "Say not, I have sinned, and what sorrow
hath happened to me? For the Highest is a patient repayer."(11) Also Paul to the
Romans: "Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness, and forbearance, and
patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But,
according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, thou treasurest up to thyself
wrath in the day of wrath and of revelation of the just judgment of God, who will
render to every man according to his deeds."(12)
- That a woman ought not to be adorned in a worldly fashion.
In the Apocalypse: "And there came one of the seven angels having vials,
and approached me, saying, Come, I will show thee the condemnation of the great
whore, who sitteth upon many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have
committed fornication. And I saw a woman who sate upon a beast. And that woman was
clothed with a purple and scarlet robe; and she was adorned with gold, and
precious stones, and pearls, holding a golden cup in her hand full of curses, and
impurity, and fornication of the whole earth."(13) Also to Timothy: "Let your
women be such as adorn themselves with shamefacedness and modesty, not with
twisted hair, nor with gold, nor with pearls, or precious garments, but as becometh
women professing chastity, with a good conversation."(14) Of this same thing in
the Epistle of Peter to the people at Pontus: "Let there be in a woman not the
outward adorning of ornament, or of gold, or of apparel, but the adorning of
the heart."(15) Also in Genesis: "Thamar covered herself with a cloak, and
adorned herself; and when Judah beheld her, she appeared to him to be a harlot."(1)
- That the believer ought not to be punished for other offences, except for the
name he bears.
In the Epistle of Peter to them of Pontus: "Nor let any of you suffer as a
thief, or a murderer, or as an evil-doer, or as a minder of other people's
business,(2) but as a Christian.(3)
- That the servant of God ought to be innocent, lest he fall into secular
punishment.
In the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: "Wilt thou not be afraid of the
power? Do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of it."(4)
- That there is given to us an example of living in Christ.
In the Epistle of Peter to them of Pontus: "For Christ suffered for us,
leaving you an example, that ye may follow His steps; who did no sin, neither was
guile found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He
suffered, threatened not, but gave Himself up to him that judgeth
unrighteously."(5) Also Paul to the Philippians: "Who, being appointed in the figure of
God, thought it not robbery that He was equal with God; but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a servant, He was made in the likeness of man, and was found in
fashion as a man. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and the
death of the cross. For which cause also God hath exalted Him, and hath given
Him a name, that it may be above every name, that in the name of Jesus every
knee should be bowed, of things heavenly, and earthly, and infernal; and that
every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in glory of God the
Father."(6) Of this same thing in the Gospel according to John: "If I have washed
your feet, being your Master and Lord, ye also ought to wash the feet of others.
For I have given you an example, that as I have done, ye also should do to
others."(7)
- That we must not labour noisily nor boastfully.
In the Gospel according to Matthew: "Let not thy left hand know what thy
right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father, which seeth
in secret, shall render to thee."(8) Also in the same place: "When thou doest
an alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the streets
and in the synagogues, that they may be glorified of men. Verily I say unto
you, They have fulfilled their reward."(9)
- That we must not speak foolishly and offensively.
In Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: "Foolish speaking and scurrility,
which are not fitting for the occasion, let them not be even named among you."(10)
- That faith is of advantage altogether, and that we can do as much as we
believe.
In Genesis: "And Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for
righteousness."(11) Also in Isaiah: "And if ye do not believe, neither shall ye
understand."(12) Also in the Gospel according to Matthew: "O thou of little
faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"(13) Also in the same place: "If you have faith
as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say to this mountain, Pass over from here
to that place, and it shall pass over; and nothing shall be impossible unto
you."(14) Also according to Mark: "All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for,
believe that ye shall receive them, and they shall be yours."(15) Also in the same
place: All things are possible to him that believeth."(16) In Habakkuk: "But the
righteous liveth by my faith."(17) Also in Daniel: "Ananias, Azarias, and
Misael, trusting in God, were delivered from the fiery flame."
- That he who believes can immediately obtain (i.e., pardon and peace).
In the Acts of the Apostles: "Lo, here is water; what is there which
hinders me from being baptized? Then said Philip, If thou believest with all thine
heart, thou mayest."(18)
- That believers who differ among themselves ought not to refer to a Gentile
judge.(19)
In the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: "Dares any of you, having
a matter against other, to discuss it among the unrighteous, and not among the
saints? Know ye not that the saints shall judge this world?"(1) And again:
"Now indeed there is altogether a fault among you, because ye have judgments one
against another. Wherefore do ye not rather suffer injury? or wherefore are ye
not rather defrauded? But ye do wrong, and defraud, and this your brethren. Know
ye not that the unrighteous shall not obtain the kingdom of God?"(2)
- That hope is of future things, and therefore that our faith concerning those
things which are promised ought to be patient.
In the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: "We are saved by hope. But hope that
is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he hope for? But if we
hope for what we see not, we hope(3) for it in patience."(4)
- That a woman ought to be silent in the church.
In the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: "Let women be silent in
the church. But if any wish to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at
home."(5) Also to Timothy: "Let a woman learn with silence, in all subjection.
But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to be set over the man, but to be in
silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not seduced, but the
woman was seduced."(6)
- That it arises from our fault and our desert that we suffer, and do not
perceive God's help in everything.
In Hosea: "Hear ye the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: because
judgment is from the Lord against the inhabitants of the earth because there is
neither mercy nor truth, nor acknowledgment of God upon the earth; but cursing,
and lying, and slaughter, and theft, and adultery is scattered abroad upon the
earth: they mingle blood to blood. Therefore the land shall mourn, with all its
inhabitants, with the beasts of the field, with the creeping things of the
earth, with the birds of heaven; and the fishes of the sea shall fail: so that no
man may judge, no man may refute."(7) Of this same thing in Isaiah: "Is not the
Lord's hand strong to save, or has He weighed down His ear that He may not
hear? But your sins separate between you and God; and on account of your
iniquities He turns away His face from you, lest He should pity. For your hands are
polluted with blood, and your fingers with sins; and your lips have spoken
wickedness, and your tongue devises unrighteousness. No one speaks true things, neither
is judgment true. They trust in vanity, and speak emptiness, who conceive
sorrow, and bring forth wickedness."(8) Also in Zephaniah: "In failing, let it fail
from the face of the earth, saith the Lord. Let man fail, and cattle; let the
birds of heaven fail, and the fishes of the sea; and I will take away the
unrighteous from the face of the earth."(9)
- That we must not take usury.
In the thirteenth Psalm:(10) "He that hath not given his money upon usury,
and has not received gifts concerning the innocent. He who doeth these things
shall not be moved for ever."(11) Also in Ezekiel: "But the man who will be
righteous, shall not oppress a man, and shall return the pledge of the debtor, and
shall not commit rapine, and shall give his bread to the hungry, and shall
cover the naked, and shall not give his money for usury.."(12) Also in
Deuteronomy: "Thou shalt not lend to thy brother with usury of money, and with usury of
victuals."(13)
- That even our enemies must be loved.
In the Gospel according to Luke: "If ye love those who love you, what
thank have ye? For even sinners love those who love them."(14) Also according to
Matthew: "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that ye may be
the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh His sun to rise upon
the good and the evil, and giveth rain upon the righteous and the
unrighteous."(15)
- That the sacrament of faith must not be profaned.
In Solomon, in the Proverbs: "Say not anything in the ears of a foolish
man; lest, when he hears it, he may mock at thy wise words."(16) Also in the
Gospel according to Matthew: "Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast ye
your pearls before the swine, lest perchance they trample them down with their
feet, and turn again and crush you."(17)