Chapter IX.--Continuation of the Subject of Mortification; Dignity of Persons Consecrated to God.
He in whomsoever the Spirit of God is, is in accord with the will of the Spirit of God; and, because he is in accord with the Spirit of God, therefore does he mortify the deeds of the body and live unto God, "treading down and subjugating the body and keeping it under; so that, while preaching to others," he may be a beautiful example and pattern to believers, and may spend his life in works which are worthy of the Holy Spirit, so that he may "not be cast away," [372] but may be approved before God and before men. For in "the man who is of God," [373] with him I say there is nothing of the mind of the flesh; and especially in virgins of either sex; but the fruits of all of them are "the fruits of the Spirit" [374] and of life, and they are truly the city of God, and the houses and temples in which God abides and dwells, and among which He walks, as in the holy city of heaven. For in this "do ye appear to the world as lights, in that ye give heed to the Word of life," [375] and thus ye are in truth the praise, and the boast, and the crown of rejoicing, and the delight of good servants in our Lord Jesus Christ. For all who see you will "acknowledge that ye are the seed which the Lord hath blessed;" [376] in very deed a seed honourable and holy, and "a priestly kingdom, a holy people, the people of the inheritance," [377] the heirs of the promises of God; of things which do not decay, nor wither; of "that which eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, and which hath not come up into the heart of man; of that which God hath prepared for those who love Him and keep His commandments." [378]
[372] 1 Cor. ix. 27.
[373] 1 Tim. vi. 11.
[374] Gal. v. 22.
[375] Phil. ii. 15, 16.
[376] Isa. lxi. 9.
[377] 1 Pet. ii. 9.
[378] 1 Cor. ii. 9.
Chapter X.--Denunciation of Dangerous and Scandalous Association with Maidens.
Now, we are persuaded of you, my brethren, that your thoughts are occupied about those things which are requisite for your salvation. [379] But we speak thus [380] in consequence of the evil rumours and reports concerning shameless men, who, under pretext of the fear of God, have their dwelling with maidens, and so, expose themselves to danger, and walk with them along the road and in solitary places [381] alone--a course which is full of dangers, and full of stumbling-blocks and snares and pitfalls; nor is it in any respect right for Christians and those who fear God so to conduct themselves. Others, too, eat and drink with them at entertainments allowing themselves in loose behaviour and much uncleanness--such as ought not to be among believers, and especially among those who have chosen for themselves a life of holiness. [382] Others, again, meet together for vain and trifling conversation and merriment, and that they may speak evil of one another; and they hunt up tales against one another, and are idle: persons with whom we do not allow you even to eat bread. Then, others gad about among the houses of virgin brethren or sisters, on pretence of visiting them, or reading the Scriptures to them, or exorcising them. Forasmuch as they are idle and do no work, they pry into those things which ought not to be inquired into, and by means of plausible words make merchandise of the name of Christ. These are men from whom the divine apostle kept aloof, because of the multitude of their evil deeds; as it is written: "Thorns sprout in the hands of the idle;" [383] and, "The ways of the idle are full of thorns." [384]
[379] Or "life."
[380] The words which follow, "concerning those things which we speak," appear not to be genuine.--Beelen.
[381] Beelen supposes a hen dia duoin: "along the lonely road."
[382] i.e., virginity.
[383] Prov. xxvi. 9.
[384] Prov. xv. 19 (LXX.).