Page:Ante-Nicene Christian Library Vol 4.djvu/335

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Book iii.]
THE INSTRUCTOR.
331

of censure, shutting out all ground of suspicion, in order to the consummation of chastity; so that we may not only be faithful, but appear worthy of trust. For this is also consequently to be guarded against, as the apostle says, "that no man should blame us; providing things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."[1] "But turn away thine eye from a graceful woman, and contemplate not another's beauty," says the Scripture.[2] And if you inquire the reason, it will further tell you, "For by the beauty of woman many have gone astray, and at it affection blazes up like fire;"[3] the affection which arises from the fire which we call love, leading to the fire which will never cease in consequence of sin.


  1. 2 Cor. viii. 20, 21.
  2. Ecclus. ix. 8.
  3. Ecclus. ix. 8.