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THE TREATISES OF CYPRIAN
TREATISE XII
THREE BOOKS OF TESTIMONIES
AGAINST THE JEWS
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.
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. 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)
14. 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)
15. 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)
16. 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)
17. 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)
18. 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)
19. 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)
20. 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)
21. 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)
22. 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)
23. 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)
24. 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)
25. 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)
26. 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)
27. 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)
28. 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)
29. 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."
30. 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)
31. 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)
32. 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)
33. 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)
34. 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)
35. 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)
36. 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)
37. 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)
38. 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)
39. 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)
40. 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)
41. 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)
42. 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."
43. 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)
44. 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)
45. 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)
46. 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)
47. 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)
48. 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 Deut
