William Hone

BE not deceived with 872strange doctrines; nor with old fables which are unprofitable. For if we still continue to live according to the Jewish law, we do confess ourselves not to have received grace. For even the most 873holy prophets lived according to Christ Jesus.

And for this cause were they persecuted, being inspired by his grace, 874to convince the unbelievers and disobedient that there is one God who has manifested himself by Jesus Christ his Son; who is his 4eternal word, not coming forth from silence, who in all things pleased him that sent him.

3 Wherefore if they who were brought up in these ancient 875laws came nevertheless to the newness of hope: no longer observing sabbaths, 876but keeping the Lord’s day in which also our life is sprung up by him, and through his death, 877whom yet some deny:

4 (By which mystery we have 878been brought to believe and therefore wait that we may be found the disciples of Jesus Christ, our only master:)

Study therefore to be confirmed in the doctrine of our Lord, and of his Apostles; that so whatever ye do, ye may prosper both in body and spirit, in faith and charity, in the Son, and in the Father and in the Holy Spirit: in the beginning, and in the end.

For I indeed 923 desire to suffer, but I cannot tell whether I am worthy so to do.

As the places of the angels, and the several companies of them, under their respective princes; things visible and invisible; but in these I am yet a learner.

20 For many things are wanting to us, that we come not short of God.

For the head cannot be without its members, God having promised a union, that is himself.

Only pray for me, that God would give me both inward and outward strength, that I may not only say, but will; nor be only called a Christian, but be found one.

A Christian is not a work of 971 opinion ; but of greatness of mind, (972 especially when he is hated by the world.)

From Syria even unto Rome, I fight with beasts both by sea and land; both night and day: being bound to ten leopards, that is to say, to such a band of soldiers; who, though treated with all manner of kindness, are the worse for it.

9 But I am the more instructed by their injuries; 981 yet am I not therefore justified.

10 May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me ; which also I wish may 982 exercise all their fierceness upon me.

I take no pleasure in the food of corruption, nor in the pleasures of this life.

5 I desire the bread of God 1008 which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, (1009 of the seed of David; and the drink that I long for) is his blood, which is incorruptible love.