[552] Saith Chrysostom, As those that run or act in public games, besides the prize which they hope for, do much increase their strength and health by preparing their bodies for it: so besides the hopes of heaven, it is no small comfort and advantage here in the way, which christians get by their holy lives.
[553] Heb. xii. 14; 2 Thess. i. 8-10; ii. 12.
[554] Cyrillus Arrianorem Episcopus, Hunnericum Regem persuasit, non posse pacatum atque longævum obtinere regnum, nisi nomen perderet innocentum. Qui tamen Dei judicio post non multos dies turpissima morte præventus, scatens vermibus expiravit. Victor. Utic. p. 369.
[555] Rom. xi. 1, 2.
[556] Luke xix. 27.
[557] Quid homini inimicissimum? Homo, inquit Martin. Dumiens. de Morib.
[558] Matt. xii.
[559] Psal. cxxiii. 4.
[560] Read well Jude 14, 15; Psal. i.
[561] Prov. ix. 12; xxix. 8; Isa. xxviii. 14.
[562] Homil. 10 part 2. tom. 9. pag. 150, cited before in my "Now or Never," p. 125.
[563] Nicknames themselves are the great engines of the devil, and to be avoided; it was well with the church when there was no other name but christians put by Christ's disciples on each other; though by the enemies they were scornfully called Nazarenes, and a sect, and heresy.
[564] Disc. of Happiness, p. 193.
[565] Pliny saith, that as pearls, though they lie in the bottom of the sea, are yet much nearer akin to heaven, as their splendour and excellency showeth; so a godly and generous soul hath more dependence on heaven whence it comes, than on earth where it abideth. A good saying for a heathen.
[566] Socrates cum fuisset a quodam calce percussus, admirantibus illius tolerantiam dixit, Quid si me asinus calce impetisset? Num illi diem dixissem?