such as these. 2 For the Scripture says: "* Follow the saints,
EpIsTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
deep into the sacred writings, which tell the truth and proceed from the Holy Spirit. 3 You know that nothing unjust or fraudulent is written in them.**? You will not find that law-respecting men were ever repudiated by holy men.
4 Law-respecting men were persecuted of course, but only by lawless men. They were put in prison, but only by unholy men. 'They were stoned to death by contemners of the law.
They were killed by men animated by unjust and abominable jealousy. 5 Under such ill-treatment they bore up gloriously.
6 What shall we say, brethren? Was Daniel thrown into the lion's den by God-fearing men?*** 7 Or, were Ananias, Azarias, and Misael shut up in the fiery furnace by men devoted to the glorious and exalted worship of the Most
High? Let no such thing be said! Who, then, were those that committed such acts? Hateful men and the scum of the earth carried their love of strife to such a degree of fury that they subjected to indignities men who were serving God with holy and irreproachable steadfastness; they did not realize that the Most High is the champion and shield of those who in perfect good faith worship His most holy name. 'To Him be the glory forever and evermore. Amen. 8 But those who confidently persevered, inherited honor and glory: they were exalted and had their names engraved by God in His memory forever and evermore. Amen.
46. It is our duty, then, my brethren, to follow examples such as these. 2 For the Scripture says: "* Follow the saints, for such as follow them shall be sanctified. 3 And again, in another passage, it says: With an innocent man Thou wilt be innocent, and with an elect Thou wilt be elect, and with one perverted Thou wilt deal perversely. 4 Let us, therefore, associate with the innocent and law-abiding; these are God's elect. 5 Why are quarrels and outbursts of passion and divi-