For Unto Angels He Hath Not Put In Subjection The World To Come, Whereof We Speak. But One In A Certain Place Testified,
HOMILY IV
HEB. 2:5–7.
FOR UNTO ANGELS HE HATH NOT PUT IN SUBJECTION THE WORLD TO COME, WHEREOF WE SPEAK. BUT ONE IN A CERTAIN PLACE TESTIFIED, SAYING, WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM, OR THE SON OF MAN THAT THOU VISITEST HIM? THOU HAST MADE HIM A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS.
[1.] I COULD have wished to know for certain whether any of you hear with suitable attention the things that are said, whether we are not casting the seeds by the way-side: for in that case I should have made my instructions with more cheerfulness. For we shall speak, though no one hear, for the fear which is laid on us by our Saviour. For, saith He, testify thou to this people; even if they hear not, thou shalt thyself be guiltless. If however I had been persuaded of your earnestness, I should have spoken not for fear only, but should have done it with pleasure also. For now indeed, even if no man hear, even if my work, so long as I fulfil my own part, brings no danger, still the trouble [I take] is not attended with pleasure. For what profit is it, when though I be not myself open to blame, no one is benefited? If on the other hand any were likely to be attentive, the advantage we shall receive, will not be so much from avoiding punishment ourselves as from your progress.
How then shall I know this? Having taken notice of some of you, those [I mean] who are not very attentive, I shall question them privately, when I meet them. And if I find that they retain any of the things that have been spoken (I say not all, for this would not be very easy for you), but even if [they retain] a few things out of many, it is plain I should have no further doubts about the rest. And indeed we ought, without giving notice beforehand, to have attacked you when off your guard. However it will be pretty well, even if in this way I should be able to attain my purpose. Nay rather, even as it is, I can attack you when you are off your guard. For that I shall question you, I have forewarned you; but when I shall question you I do not as yet make evident. For perhaps it may be to-day; perhaps to-morrow, perhaps after twenty or thirty days, perhaps after fewer, perhaps after more. Thus has God also made uncertain the day of our death. Nor hath He allowed it to be clear to us, whether it shall befal us to-day, or to-morrow, or after a whole year, or after many years; that through the uncertainty of the expectation we may through all time keep ourselves firm in virtue. And that we shall indeed depart, He hath said,—but when, He hath not yet said. Thus too I have said that I shall question you, but I have not added when, wishing you always to be thoughtful.
And let no man say, I heard these things four or five weeks ago, or more, and I cannot retain them. For I wish the hearer to retain them in such a way as to have his recollection perpetual and not apt to fade, nor yet that he should reject with scorn what is spoken. For I wish you to retain them, not, in order to tell them to me, but to have profit yourselves; and this is that which is to me the matter of serious interest. Let no one then say this.
[2.] However, I must now begin with what follows in the epistle. What then is set before us to speak on to-day?
For not to angels, saith he, did He put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. Is he then discoursing concerning some other world? no; but concerning this. For, on this account he added whereof we speak, that he might not allow the mind to wander away in search of some other. In what sense then does he call it the world to come? Exactly as he also says in another place, Who is the figure of him that was to be, when he is speaking about Adam and Christ in the Epistle to the Romans; calling Christ according to the flesh Him that was to be in respect of the times of Adam (for [then] He was to be). So now also, since he had said, but when He bringeth in the First-begotten into the world: that thou mightest not suppose that he is speaking of another world, it is made certain from many other considerations and from the very fact itself of his saying to come. For the world was to be, but the Son of God ever was. This world then which was about to exist, He put in subjection not to Angels but to Christ. For that this is said with reference to the Son (he means) is evident: for surely no one would assert the other alternative, that it was said in reference to Angels.
Then he brings forward another testimony also and says, but one in a certain place testified, saying. Wherefore did he not mention the name of the prophet, but concealed it? Yea, and in other testimonies also he doth this: as when he saith, but when He bringeth in again the First-Begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him. And again, I will be to Him a Father. And of the Angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundations of the earth:—so also here he saith, but one in a certain place testified saying. And this very thing (I conceive) is the act of one that conceals himself, and shews that they were well acquainted with the Scriptures; his not setting down [I mean] the name of him who uttered the testimony, but introducing it as familiar and obvious.
What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that Thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels: Thou crownedst him with glory and honour. (ver. 8.) Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.
Now although these things were spoken of human nature generally, they would nevertheless apply more properly to Christ according to the flesh. For this, Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet, belongs to Him rather than to us. For the Son of God visited us when we were nothing: and after having assumed what was derived from us, and united it to Himself, He became higher than all.
For, saith he, in that He hath put all things in subjection under Him, He left nothing not put under Him: but now we see not yet all things put under Him.
What he means is to this effect. Since he had said, Until I have made Thine enemies Thy footstool—and it was likely that they would still be grieved, so then after this having inserted a few things parenthetically, he added this testimony in confirmation of the former. For that they might not say, How is it that He hath put His enemies under His feet, when we have suffered so much? he sufficiently hinted at it in the former place indeed (for the word until shewed, not what should take place immediately, but in course of time) but here he followeth it up. For do not suppose (saith he) that because they have not yet been made subject, they are not being made subject: for that they must be made subject, is evident; for, for this cause was the prophecy spoken. For, he says, in that He hath put all things under Him, He left nothing not put under Him. How then is it that all things have not been put under Him? Because they are hereafter to be put under Him.
If then all things must be made subject to Him, but have not yet been made subject, do not vex, nor trouble thyself. If indeed when the end were come, and all things were made subject, thou wert still suffering these things, with reason wouldst thou repine: But now we see not yet all things put under Him. The King has not yet clearly gained the mastery. Why then art thou troubled when suffering affliction? the preaching [of the Gospel] hath not yet prevailed over all; it is not yet time that they should be altogether made subject.
[3.] Then again there is another consolation; if indeed He who is hereafter to have all put in subjection under Him, hath Himself also died and submitted to sufferings innumerable. (ver. 9.) But, saith he, we see Him who was made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, for the suffering of death—then [come] the good things again,—crowned with glory and honour Seest thou, how all things apply to Him? For the [expression], a little [lower], would rather suit Him, who was only three days in Hades, but not ourselves who are for a long time in corruption. Likewise also the [expression] with glory and honour will suit Him much more than us.
Again, he puts them in mind of the Cross, thereby effecting two things; shewing His solicitude [for them] and persuading them to bear all things nobly, looking to their Master. For (he would say) if He who is worshipped of Angels, for thy sake endured to have a little less than the Angels, much more oughtest thou who art inferior to the angels, to bear all things for His sake. Then he shews that the Cross is glory and honour, just as He Himself also always calls it saying, That the Son of Man should be glorified; and, the Son of Man is glorified. If then He calls what [He suffered] for His servants’ sake glory, much more shouldest thou what [thou sufferest] for thy Lord.
Seest thou the fruit of the Cross, how great it is? fear not the matter: for it seemeth to thee indeed to be dismal, but it brings forth good things innumerable. From these considerations he shews the benefit of trials. Then he says, That He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
That by the grace of God, saith he. And He indeed because of the grace of God towards us suffered these things. He who spared not His Own Son, he saith, but delivered Him up for us all. Wherefore? He did not owe us this, but has done it of grace. And again in the Epistle to the Romans he saith, Much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace which is of one man Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto the many.
That by the grace of God He should taste death for every man, not for the faithful only, but even for the whole world: for He Himself indeed died for all; But what if all have not believed? He hath fulfilled His own [part.]
Moreover he said in strict propriety of expression taste death for every man, he did not say die. For as if He really was tasting it, when He had spent a little time therein, He immediately arose.
By saying then for the suffering of death, he signified real death, by saying that [He was made] superior to angels, he declared the resurrection. For just as a physician though noways obliged to taste the victuals prepared for the sick man, yet in his solicitude for him tastes first himself, that he may persuade the sick man with confidence to venture on the food, so since all men were afraid of death, in persuading them to take courage against death, He tasted it also Himself though He was not obliged. For, saith He, the prince of this world cometh and findeth nothing in Me. So both the words by grace and should taste death for every man, establish this.
[4.] ver. 10. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. In this place he is speaking of the Father. Seest thou how again he applies the [expression] by whom to Him? which he would not have done, had it been [an expression] of inferiority, and only applicable to the Son. And what he says is to this effect. He has done what is worthy of His love towards mankind, in shewing His First-born to be more glorious than all, and in setting Him forth as an example to the others, like some noble wrestler that surpasses the rest.
The Captain of their salvation, that is, the Cause of their salvation. Seest thou how great is the space between? He also is a Son, and we are sons; but He saves, we are saved. Seest thou how He both brings us together and then separates us; bringing, saith he, many sons unto glory: here he brings us together,—the Captain of their salvation, again he separates.
To make perfect through sufferings. It follows then that sufferings are a perfecting, and a cause of salvation. Seest thou that to suffer affliction is not the portion of those who are utterly forsaken; if indeed it was by this that God first honoured His Son, by leading Him through sufferings? And in very deed His having taken on Him our flesh and suffered what He did suffer, is a far greater thing than making the world, and bringing it out of non-existence. This indeed also is [a token] of His lovingkindness to man, but the other is a far greater. And [the Apostle] himself also pointing out this very thing, says, That in the ages to come He might shew forth the exceeding riches of His goodness, He both raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus
For, saith he, it became Him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For (he means) it became Him who taketh tender care [of all], and brought all things into being, to give up [His] Son for the salvation of the rest, the One for the many. However he did not express himself thus, but, to make perfect through sufferings, shewing that he who suffers for any one, not merely profits him, but himself also becomes more glorious and more perfect. Yea, and this too he says in reference to the faithful, giving them encouragement by the way: for even Christ was glorified at the time when He suffered. But when I say, He was glorified, do not thou suppose that an acquisition of glory was made by Him: for that He ever had, even that of [His] nature, and acquired nothing in addition.
[5.] For, saith he, both He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one, for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Behold again how he brings [them] together, honouring them and comforting them, and making them brethren of Christ, in this respect that they are of one. Then again carefully guarding himself and shewing that he is speaking of that which is according to the flesh, he introduces, For He who sanctifieth, [i. e.] Christ, and they who are sanctified, ourselves. Dost thou see how great is the space that intervenes? He sanctifies, we are sanctified. And above he said, the Captain of their salvation. For there is one God, of whom are all things.
For which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Seest thou how again he shews the superiority? For by saying, He is not ashamed, he shews that the whole comes not of the nature of the thing, but of the loving affection of Him who was not ashamed, [yea] of His great humility. For though we be of one, yet He sanctifieth and we are sanctified: and great is the space between. Moreover He is of the Father, as a genuine Son, that is, of His substance; we, as created, that is, brought out of non-existence, so that the space between us is great. Wherefore he says, He is not ashamed to call them brethren, (ver. 12) saying, I will declare Thy name unto My brethren. For when He clothed Himself with flesh, He clothed Himself also with the brotherhood, and at the same time came in the brotherhood therewith.
This however he brings forward naturally. But this other, (v. 13) I will put my trust in Him, what does it mean? for what follows this is also [introduced] naturally. Behold, I and the children which God hath given Me. For as here He shews Himself a Father, so before, a Brother. I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, He saith.
And again he indicates the superiority and the great interval [between us], by what follows: (ver. 14) Since then the children, he saith, are partakers of flesh and blood (thou seest where he saith the likeness is? in reference to the flesh), in like manner He also Himself took part of the same. Let all the Heretics be ashamed, let those hide their faces who say that He is come in appearance and not in reality. For he did not say, He took part of these only, and then say no more; and yet even had he said thus, it would have been sufficient, but he asserted something else which is greater, by adding the [words] in like manner, not in appearance, he means, or by an image (since in that case in like manner is not preserved) but in reality; shewing [thereby] the brotherhood.
[6.] Next he sets down also the cause of the economy. That through death, he saith, He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil.
In these words he points out the wonderful circumstance, that by that whereby the devil prevailed, by this same was he overcome, and the very thing which was his strong weapon against the world, [namely], Death, by this Christ smote him. In this he exhibits the greatness of the conqueror’s power. Thou seest how great good death hath wrought.
ver. 15. And should deliver them, saith he, who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage. Wherefore (he means) do ye shudder? why do you fear him that hath been brought to nought? No longer is he terrible, but has been trodden under foot, hath been utterly despised; vile he is and of no account.
But what is through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage? He either means this, that he that is afraid of death is a slave, and submits to all things rather than die. Or this, that all men were slaves of death and were held under his power, because he had not yet been done away. Or that men spent their lives in continual terror, ever expecting that they should die; and being afraid of death, could have no sense of pleasure, while this terror was present with them. For this he hinted at in saying, All their life-time. In these words, he shews that those that are afflicted, that are harassed, that are persecuted, that are deprived of country and of substance and of all other things, spend their lives more sweetly and more like free-men than they of old time who were in luxury, who suffered no such afflictions, who were in continual prosperity, if indeed these all their life-time were under this fear and were slaves; while the others have been freed from this terror, and laugh at that which they shudder at. For in fact it is just the same thing as if, when a captive was on the point of being led away to death, and in continual expectation of it, one should feed him up with abundant dainties (something such as this was Death of old). But now as if some one taking away that fear together with the dainties were to promise that the man should wrestle [for a prize], and propose the combat on such conditions as to lead him no longer to death, but to a kingdom. Of which number wouldst thou have wished to be—those who whilst they are fed up in the prison-house, are every day looking for their sentence, or those who contend much and labour willingly, that they may crown themselves with the diadem of the kingdom? Seest thou how he has raised up their soul, and made them elated? He shews too, that not death alone has been put an end to, but that thereby he also who is ever shewing that war against us in which there is no truce, I mean the Devil, hath been brought to nought; since he that fears not death is out of reach of the Devil’s power. For if skin for skin, yea all things a man would give for his life any one has determined to disregard even this, of what henceforward will he be the slave? He fears no one, he is in terror of no one, he is higher than all, and more like a freeman than all. For he that disregards his own life, much more [doth he disregard] all other things. And when the Devil finds a soul such as this, he will not be able to accomplish in it any of his works. For what? tell me, shall he threaten the loss of property, and degradation, and banishment from one’s country? But these are small matters to him who counteth not even his life dear unto him, according to the [pattern of the] blessed Paul. Thou seest that in casting out the tyrannical power of death, he at the same time overthrew also the strength of the Devil. For he who has learnt to dwell on innumerable deep truths concerning the resurrection, how should he fear death? how should he shudder any more?
[7.] Wherefore be ye not grieved, saying, why do we suffer such and such things? for in this war the victory becomes more glorious. And it would not have been glorious, unless by death He had destroyed death; but the most admirable thing is this, that He conquered him by the very means by which he was strong, shewing in every point the abundance of His means, and the excellence of His contrivances. Let us not then give up the gift which has been bestowed on us. For we, he saith, have received not a spirit of cowardice, but a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Let us stand then nobly, laughing death to scorn.
But [I pause] for it comes over me to groan bitterly [at the thought of] what Christ hath raised us up to, and to what we have brought ourselves down. For when I behold the wailings in the public places, the groanings over them which depart out of [this] life, the howlings, all the other unseemly behaviour, believe me, I am ashamed before those heathen, and Jews, and heretics who see it, yea, and indeed before all who for this cause laugh us to scorn. For whatever I may afterwards say, I shall talk to no purpose, when philosophizing concerning the resurrection. Why, I ask? because the heathen do not attend to what is said by me, but to what is done by you. For they will say at once, ‘when will any of these [fellows] be able to despise death, when he is not able even to see another dead?’
Beautiful are the things spoken by Paul, beautiful and worthy of Heaven, and of the love of God to man. For what does he say? And He shall deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage. But ye do not allow these things to be believed, contending against them by your deeds. And yet God had caused many things to be done, building a wall [as it were] against this [error], that He might take away this evil custom. For tell me, what mean the bright torches? do we not attend them forth as [victorious] champions? and what [mean] the hymns? do we not glorify God, and give thanks that at last He has crowned the departed one, that He has freed him from his labours, that He has taken him out of uncertainty, and has him with Himself? is it not for this that there are Hymns? is it not for this that there is Psalmody? all these are the acts of persons that are in joy. For, it is said, is any merry? let him sing psalms. But to these things the heathen give no heed. For (one will say) do not tell me of him who is philosophical when he is out of the affliction, for this is nothing great or surprising;—shew me a man who in the very affliction itself is philosophical, and then I will believe the resurrection.
And indeed, that women engaged in the affairs of this life should act thus is no ways surprising. And yet indeed this too is sad; for from them also is the same philosophy required. For which cause Paul also says, But concerning them, which are asleep, I would not have you ignorant, that ye sorrow not even as the rest who have no hope. He wrote not this to solitaries, nor to those [who had resolved to remain] in perpetual virginity, but to women and men engaged in the world. But however this is not so sad. But when any man or woman, professing to be crucified to the world, in the one case tears his hair, in the other shrieks violently—what can be more unseemly than this?
Believe me when I say if things were done as they ought to have been, such persons must needs be excluded for a long time from the thresholds of the Church. For those who are indeed worthy of being grieved for, are these who are still in fear of death and shudder at it, who have no faith at all in the resurrection.
‘But I do not disbelieve the resurrection (saith one) but I long after his society.’ Why then, tell me, when he goes from home, and that for a long absence, dost not thou do the same? ‘Yea, but I do weep then also (she says) and ‘mourn as I long after him.’ But that is the conduct of those that really long after their associates, this that of one who despairs of his return.
Think, what thou singest on that occasion, Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee And again, I will fear no evils, for Thou art with me And again, Thou art my refuge from the affliction which encompasseth me. Think what these Psalms mean. But thou dost not give heed, but art become drunken from thy grief.
Consider carefully the funeral lamentations of others at least, that thou mayest have a remedy in thine own case. Return, O my soul, to thy rest, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. Tell me, sayest thou that the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee, and weepest? Is not this a play? is it not mere acting? For if indeed thou really believest the things thou sayest, thy sorrow is superfluous: but if thou art in sport and acting a part, and thinkest them to be fables, why dost thou also sing psalms? why dost thou even endure the persons that present themselves? why dost thou not drive away the singers? But this would be the act of madmen. And yet the other is much more [so].
For the present, then, I advise you: but as time goes on, I shall treat the matter more seriously: for indeed I am greatly afraid that by this practice some grievous disease may also make its way into the Church.
The case of the wailings then we will hereafter correct. And meanwhile I charge and testify, both to rich and poor, both to women and men.
May God indeed grant that you all depart out of life unwailed, and according to the fitting rule fathers now grown old may be attended to their graves by sons, and mothers by daughters, and grand-children, and great grand-children, in a green old age, and that untimely death may in no case occur. May this then be, and this I pray myself, and I exhort the prelates and all of you to beseech God for each other, and to make this prayer in common. But if (which God forbid, and may it never happen) any bitter death should occur, bitter, I mean, not in its nature (for henceforth there is no bitter death, for it differs not at all from sleep), but bitter in regard of your disposition, if it should happen, and any should hire these mourning women, believe me when I say (I speak not without meaning but as I have resolved, let him who will, be angry), that person we will exclude from the Church for a long time, as we do the idolater. For if Paul calls the covetous man an idolater, much more [would he so call] him who brings in the practices of the idolaters over a believer.
For, tell me, for what cause dost thou invite presbyters, and the singers? Is it not to afford consolation? is it not to honour the departed? Why then dost thou insult him? and why dost thou make him a public show? and why dost thou make game as in a play? We come, discoursing of the things concerning the resurrection, instructing all, even those who have not yet been smitten, by the honour shewn to him, to bear it nobly if any such thing should befal themselves: and dost thou bring those who overthrow our [teachings] as much as in them lieth? What can be worse than this ridicule and mockery? what more grievous than this inconsistency?
[8.] Be ye influenced by shame and reverence: but if ye will not, we cannot endure the bringing in upon the Church of practices so destructive. For, it is said, them that sin rebuke before all. And as to those miserable and wretched women, we through you forbid them ever to introduce themselves into the funerals of the faithful, lest we should oblige them in good earnest to wail over their own evils, and teach them not to do these things in the ills of others, but rather to weep for their own misfortunes. For an affectionate father too, when he has a disorderly son, not only advises him not to draw near to the wicked, but puts them in fear also. Behold then, I advise you, and those women through you, that you do not invite such persons, and that they do not present themselves. And may God grant that my words may produce some effect, and that my threat may avail. But if (which God forbid) we should be disregarded, we have no choice henceforward but to put our threat into execution, chastising you by the laws of the Church, and those women as befits them.
Now if any man is obstinate and contemptuous, let him hear Christ saying even now, If any one trespass against thee, go, tell him his fault between thee and him alone; but if he will not be persuaded, take with thee one or two But if even so he speak contrary, tell it to the Church, but if he shall also refuse to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican Now if when a man trespasses against me, and will not be persuaded, [the Lord] commands me thus to turn away from him, judge ye in what light I ought to hold him who trespasses against himself, and against God. For do not you yourselves condemn us when we come down so gently upon you?
If however any man disregard the bonds which we inflict, let Christ again instruct him, saying, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. For though we ourselves be miserable and good for nothing and worthy to be despised, as indeed we are; yet are we not avenging ourselves nor shielding ourselves from anger, but are anxious for your salvation.
Be influenced by reverence, I beseech you, and respect. For if a man bear with a friend when he attacks him more vehemently than is right, ascertaining his object, and that he does it with kind intention, and not out of insolence; much more [should he bear with] a teacher when rebuking him, and a teacher who does not even himself say these things as of authority, nor as one in the position of a ruler, but in that of a kindly guardian. For we do not say these things as wishing to exhibit our authority, (for how could we, we who pray that we may never come to the actual trial of them?) but grieving and lamenting for you.
Forgive me then, and let no man disregard the bonds of the Church. For it is not a mere man who binds, but Christ who has given unto us this authority, and makes men lords of this so great dignity. For ourselves indeed wish to have largely used this power for loosing; or rather, we wish to have no need even of that, for we wish that there should not be any bound among us—we are not so miserable and wretched [as that] even though we be extreme good-for-nothings. If however we be compelled [so to act], forgive us. For it is not of our own accord, nor wishing it, but rather out of sorrow for you that are bound that we put these chains around you. But if any man despise these chains, the time of judgement will come quickly, which shall teach him. And what comes after I do not wish to speak of, lest I should wound your minds. For in the first place indeed we do not wish to be brought into this necessity; but if we are so brought, we fulfil our own part, we cast the chains around the sinners. And if any man burst through them, I have done my part, and am henceforth free from blame, and thou wilt have to give account to Him who commanded me to bind.
For neither, when a king is sitting in public, if any of the guard who stand beside him be commanded to bind one of the attendants, and to put the chains around [him], and he should not only thrust this man away, but also break the bonds in pieces, is it the guard who suffers the insult, and not much more the King who gave the order. For if He claim as His own, the things which are done to the faithful, much more will He feel as though He were Himself insulted when he is insulted who has been appointed to teach.
But God grant that none of those who are over this Church should be driven to the necessity of [inflicting] these bonds. For as it is an excellent thing not to do amiss, so is it profitable to endure reproof. Let us then endure to be rebuked, and earnestly endeavour not to do amiss; and if we should do amiss let us bear to be reproved. For as it is an excellent thing not to be wounded, but, if this should happen, to apply the remedy to the wound, so also in this case.
But God forbid that any man should need such remedies as these. But we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. We have however discoursed more vehemently for the sake of greater security. For it is better that I should be suspected by you of being a harsh and severe, and self-willed person, than that you should do things not approved of God. But we trust in God, that this reproof will not be unserviceable to you, but that ye will be so changed, that these discourses of mine may be devoted to encomiums on you and in praises: that we may all be counted worthy to attain to those good things, which God hath promised to them that love Him in Christ Jesus our Lord, with Whom to the Father and also to the Holy Ghost be glory, might honour now and for ever and world without end. Amen.