To a certain Priest
(Without date)
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with thee!
Brother beloved, be diligent in preaching the gospel and do the work of a good evangelist; neglect not thy calling, and labour as a happy warrior of Christ. First of all, live a godly and holy life; next, let thy teaching be faithful and true; be an example unto others in good works, lest thou be rebuked in a sermon; correct sin and commend well doing. Unto those who live evil lives, threaten eternal penalties; but to those who are faithful and live godly lives, hold out eternal bliss. Preach unremittingly and yet at no great length, and profitably, with a prudent understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Never make hesitating and doubtful statements, lest thou be rebuked by thine adversaries, who rejoice to disparage their neighbours and hurl insults at God’s ministers. Give exhortation to the confession of faith and the communion in either kind of the body and blood of Christ, that those who have truly repented of their sins may the oftener on that account present themselves for communion. Moreover, I urge thee not to meet strangers at taverns, lest thou hold converse with men; for the more a preacher holds aloof from converse with the world, the more acceptable he is. Nevertheless, refuse not such help as thou canst render to others. Preach in season and out of season, so far as in thee lieth, against luxury: for that is the fiercest beast that devoureth man, for whom the man Christ Jesus suffered. Wherefore, brother beloved, I counsel thee to flee fornication: for it will conceal itself, where thou
