they themselves do not perform ; but they would do good to
1G8 ON CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. [BOOK IV.
which belonged to anotlier, from preaching their own doctrines.
60. Xow these men do good to many by preaching what they themselves do not perform ; but they would do good to very many more if they lived as they preach. For there are numbers who seek an excuse for their own evil lives in comparing the teaching with the conduct of their instructors, and who say in their hearts, or even go a little further, and say with their lips : Wliy do you not do yourself what you bid me do ? And thus they cease to listen with submission to a man who does not listen to himself, and in despising the preacher they learn to despise the w^ord that is preached.
Wlierefore the apostle, writing to Timothy, after telling him,
" Let no man despise thy youth," adds immediately the course by which he would avoid contempt : " but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
CiiAP. xxviii.— Truth is more important than expression. What is meant 1>if strife about words.
61. Such a teacher as is here described may, to secure compliance, speak not only quietly and temperately, but even vehemently, without any breach of modesty, because his life protects him against contempt. For while he pursues an upright life, he takes care to maintain a good reputation as well, providing things honest in the sight of God and men," fearing
God, and caring for men. In his very speech even lie prefers to please by matter rather than by words ; thinks that a thing is well said in proportion as it is true in fact, and tliat a teacher should govern his words, not let the words govern him.
This is what the apostle says : " Not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none eftect." ^ To the same effect also is what he says to Timotliy : " Charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no
but to the subverting of the hearers." * Kow this does not mean that, when adversaries oppose the truth, we are to say nothing in defence of tlie truth. For where, then, would be wliat he says wlien lie is describing the sort of man a
' 1 Tim. iv. 12. so Cor. viii.