Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeus Then again, Paul exhorts us "to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."[75] Athenagoras A Plea for the Christians And what have I to do with holocausts, which God does not stand in need of?-t... [ Continue Reading ]
Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book II "Be not conformed," says the apostle, "to this world: but be ye transformed in the renewal of the mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."[92] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book II We therefore, who have been... [ Continue Reading ]
Irenaeus Against Heresies Book V For this cause also the apostle says, "Be not wise beyond what it is fitting to be wise, but be wise prudently,"[177] Archelaus Acts of the Disputation with the Heresiarch Manes with pride, but have the gentle and lowly dispositions of humility, not thinking of th... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Clement Why do we divide and tear in pieces the members of Christ, and raise up strife against our own body, and have reached such a height of madness as to forget that "we are members one of another? "[254]... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian On Modesty Much more aptly would they have matched the Christian with the elder, and the Jew with the younger son, "according to the analogy of faith,"[96]... [ Continue Reading ]
Shepherd of Hermas Commandment Second This service, then, if accomplished in simplicity, is glorious with God. He, therefore, who thus ministers in simplicity, will live to God.[4] Shepherd of Hermas Commandment Tenth Cleanse yourself from this wicked grief, and you will live to God; and all will... [ Continue Reading ]
Clement of Alexandria The Instructor Book II says Poetry. More nobly the apostle says, "Be haters of the evil; cleave to the good."[126] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book II "Let your love be without dissimulation," it is said; "and abhorring what is evil, let us become attached to what is good,... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian Against Marcion Book V : "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love."[681] Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul I have fulfilled the word of peace. For I have taught that in honour they should prefer one another;[28]... [ Continue Reading ]
Shepherd of Hermas Similitude Fourth And refrain from much business, and you will never sin: for they who are occupied with much business commit also many sins, being distracted about their affairs, and not at all serving their Lord.[3] Origen de Principiis Book II We have, moreover, received a c... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian Against Marcion Book V (Again, your apostle says:) "Rejoicing in hope; "[683] Tertullian Against Marcion Book V "Patient in tribulation."[685] Tertullian Against Marcion Book V "Bless, and curse not,"[687]... [ Continue Reading ]
Cyprian Epistle LIX or our work will He say now, "I was captive, and ye redeemed me!" And since again He says, "I was in prison, and ye came unto me," how much more will it be when He begins to say, "I was in the dungeon of captivity, and I lay shut up and bound among barbarians, and from that pris... [ Continue Reading ]
Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book IV There is clearly described the perfect righteousness, fulfilled both in practice and contemplation. Wherefore we are "to bless those who persecute us. Bless, and curse not."[140] Origen Against Celsus Book VIII and this is intended to prevent the formation o... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian On Idolatry The first point, indeed, on which I shall join issue is this: whether a servant of God ought to share with the very nations themselves in matters of his kind either in dress, or in food, or in any other kind of their gladness. "To rejoice with the rejoicing, and grieve with t... [ Continue Reading ]
Irenaeus Against Heresies Book V As also the apostle taught, saying, "Minding not high things, but consenting to things of low estate; "[196] Tertullian Against Marcion Book V ) But what better teacher of this will you find than Him who created all things, and blessed them? "Mind not high things,... [ Continue Reading ]
Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians And let the presbyters be compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always "providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man; "[38] Ter... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian Against Marcion Book V "Live peaceably with all men."[694]... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian Against Marcion Book II To a people which was very obdurate, and wanting in faith towards God, it might seem tedious, and even incredible, to expect from God that vengeance which was subsequently to be declared by the prophet: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."[222] Tert... [ Continue Reading ]
Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews Also in the same place: "Not to be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."[541]... [ Continue Reading ]