author is the devil, and his successor Cain, who envied his brother, and out of envy committed murder. Exhort my sisters to love God, and be content with their own husbands only. In like manner, exhort my brethren also to be content with their own wives. Watch over the virgins, as the precious treasures of Christ. Be long-suffering[1] that thou mayest be great in wisdom. Do not neglect the poor, in so far as thou art prosperous. For "by alms and fidelity sins are purged away."[2]
Chap. vi.—Exortations to purity and caution.
Keep thyself pure as the habitation of God. Thou art the temple of Christ. Thou art the instrument of the Spirit. Thou knowest in what way I have brought thee up. Though I am the least of men, do thou seek to follow me, be thou an imitator of my conduct. I do not glory in the world, but in the Lord. I exhort Hero, my son; "but let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord."[3] May I have joy of thee, my dear son, whose guardian may He be who is the only unbegotten God, and the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not believe all persons, do not place confidence in all; nor let any man get the better of thee by flattery. For many are the ministers of Satan; and "he that is hasty to believe is light of heart."[4]
Chap. vii.—Solemn charge to Hero, as future bishop of Antioch.
Keep God in remembrance, and thou shalt never sin. Be not double-minded[5] in thy prayers; for blessed is he who doubteth not. For I believe in the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in His only-begotten Son, that God will show me, Hero, upon my throne. Add speed, therefore,[6] to thy course. I charge thee before the God of the universe, and before Christ, and in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and of
- ↑ Prov. xiv. 29.
- ↑ Prov. xv. 27 (after LXX.: xvi. 6 in English version).
- ↑ 1 Cor. i. 31; 2 Cor. x. 17.
- ↑ Ecclus. xix. 4.
- ↑ Comp. Jas. i. 6, 8.
- ↑ Compare Epistle to the Antiochians, chap. xii.
