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Spirit; through which conviction also they despised death, and were found to be superior to it. But after His Resurrection He in the flesh ate and drank with them, although being in the Spirit united to the Father.
IV. These things I exhort you, my beloved, knowing that thus also ye are disposed of yourselves. But I forewarn you against beasts in human shape; these you must not only not admit to your society, but if possible, not even come in their way. Only, pray for them, if by any means they may repent; which yet is a hard matter; but our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our true Life has power even for this. For if in appearance only these things were done by our Lord, then are my bonds also in appearance only. But wherefore have I given myself up unto death, to the fire, to the sword, to beasts? But if I am near the sword, I am near God; and if I am among beasts, I am with God also. Only, in the name of Jesus Christ I endure all: that I may suffer with Him, as He, who became perfect man, gives me strength.
V. Whom some, not knowing, deny: nay, rather are denied of Him, being the advocates not of truth but of death; whom neither the prophecies, nor the Law of Moses, nor even the Gospel up to this day, nor our individual sufferings have converted. For they think the same thing even concerning us. What availeth it to me, if any one praiseth me, but blasphemeth my Lord, denying that He came in the flesh? But he who denieth this, denieth Him altogether, being dead in Spirit. But the names of these men it hath not seemed good to me to write, seeing that they are in unbelief; nay, I would not that I should mention them at all, until they shall be turned to belief in His Passion, in which consists our Resurrection.
VI. Let no one deceive himself. Even heavenly things, and the glory of Angels, and Powers visible and invisible are condemned already, if they believe not in the blood of Christ. "He that is able to receive this, let him receive it." Let no one be puffed up by rank. For Faith and Love, to which nothing is preferable, are all in all. But consider those who hold other doctrines than the grace of God which has come unto us, how contrary they are to the will of God; who have no care for brotherly love, who take no thought for the widow, the orphan, or the oppressed, bond, or free, hungry, or thirsty.
VII. These abstain from the Sacrament, and from prayer;
