this effect, that she should hang forth from her house a scarlet thread. And thus they made it manifest that redemption should flow through the blood of the Lord to all them that believe and hope in God.[1] Ye see, beloved, that there was not only faith, but prophecy, in this woman.
Chap. xiii.—An exhortation to humility.
Let us therefore, brethren, be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness, and pride, and foolishness, and angry feelings; and let us act according to that which is written (for the Holy Spirit saith, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, neither let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in the Lord, in diligently seeking Him, and doing judgment and righteousness"[2]), being especially mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus which He spake, teaching us meekness and long-suffering. For thus He spoke: "Be ye merciful, that ye may obtain mercy; forgive, that it may be forgiven to you; as ye do, so shall it be done unto you; as ye judge, so shall ye be judged; as ye are kind, so shall kindness be shown to you; with what measure ye mete, with the same it shall be measured to you."[3] By this precept and by these rules let us stablish ourselves, that we walk with all humility in obedience to His holy words. For the holy word saith, "On whom shall I look, but on him that is meek and peaceable, and that trembleth at my words?"[4]
Chap. xiv.—We should obey God rather than the authors of sedition.
It is right and holy therefore, men and brethren, rather to obey God than to follow those who, through pride and sedition,
- ↑ Others of the fathers adopt the same allegorical interpretation, e.g. Justin Mar. Dial. c. Tryph. n. 111; Irenæus, Adv. Hær. iv. 20.
- ↑ Jer. ix. 23, 24; 1 Cor. i. 31; 2 Cor. x. 17.
- ↑ Comp. Matt. vi. 12–15, vii. 2; Luke vi. 36–38.
- ↑ Isa. lxvi. 2.
