On the Unity of the Church

INGE THE LORD warns us in these words: c Ye are and since He bids us to be the salt of the earth, simple unto harmlessness, and yet to be prudent with our simplicity, what else, most beloved brethren, befits us than to…

Chs. 1–3 (¶1)

In this an example has been given us to flee the the old way of walk in the footsteps of the conquering Christ, that we may not heedlessly be turned back again unto the snare of death, but that, on guard against the…

Chs. 1–3 (¶2)

But not only must we guard against things which are open and manifest but also against those which deceive with the subtlety of clever fraud.

Chs. 1–3 (¶3)

If anyone considers and examines these things, there is no need of a lengthy discussion and arguments. Proof for faith easy in a brief statement of the truth.

This unity we ought to hold firmly and defend, especially we bishops who watch over the Church, that we may prove that also the episcopate itself is one and undivided.

The spouse of Christ cannot be denied; she is uncorrupted and chaste. She knows one home, with chaste modesty she guards the sanctity of one couch.

This sacrament of unity, this bond of concord inseparably connected is shown, when in the Gospel the tunic of the Lord Jesus Christ is not at all divided and is not torn, but by those who cast lots for the garment of…

Who then is so profane and lacking in faith, who so insane by the fury of discord as either to believe that the unity of God, the garment of the Lord, the Church of Christ, can be torn asunder or to dare to do so?

Chs. 8–9 (¶8)

So the Holy came in a dove. It is a simple and Spirit happy animal, not bitter with gall, not cruel with its bites, not violent with lacerating claws; it loves the hospitalities of men; when they give birth they bring…

Chs. 8–9 (¶9)

Hence heresies have both frequently arisen and are arising, while the perverse mind has no peace, while discordant perfidy does not maintain unity.

Against such people the Lord cries out; from these He restrains and recalls His wandering people saying: 'Hearken not to the words of false prophets, since the visions of their hearts frustrate them.

Let not certain ones deceive themselves by an empty interpretation of what the Lord has said: 'Whenever two or three have gathered together in I am with them.

So too when He gave the law of prayer, He added, say*And when you stand up to pray, forgive whatever you have against anyone, that your Father also who is in heaven ing : may forgive you your offenses.

Even if such men are slain in confession of the Name that stain is not washed away by blood; the inexpiable and serious fault of discord is purged not even by martyrdom. He cannot be a martyr who is not in the Church.

For both to prophesy and to drive out demons, and to perform great miracles on earth is certainly a sublime and admirable thing, yet whoever is found in all this does not attain the kingdom of heaven unless he walk in…

This evil, most faithful brethren, began long ago, but now the dangerous destruction of the same evil has and increased, the venemous plague of heretical begun to and schisms has rise and to spread more, because even so…

Chs. 16–17 (¶16)

Yet let not the extreme and precipitous perfidy of many move or disturb us, but rather let it strengthen our faith by the truth of things foretold.

Chs. 16–17 (¶17)

Thus Core, Dathan, and Abiron, who tried to assume for themselves in opposition to Moses and Aaron the freedom to sacrifice, immediately paid the penalty for their The earth, breaking its bonds, opened up into a deep…

Chs. 18–19 (¶18)

These, certainly, they imitate and follow, who despise God's and seek after strange doctrines and introduce tradition teachings of human disposition.

Chs. 18–19 (¶19)

Let no one marvel, most beloved brethren, that even certain of the confessors proceed to these lengths, that some also sin so wickedly and so grievously.

Chs. 20–22 (¶20)

Confession is the beginning of glory, not already the merit of the crown; nor does it achieve praise, but it initiates dignity, and, since it is written; 'He that shall persevere to end, he shall be saved,' whatever has…

Chs. 20–22 (¶21)

For the Lord chose even Judas among the Apostles, and yet later Judas betrayed the Lord. Nevertheless, the firmness and faith of the Apostles did not on this account fall, because the traitor Judas defected from their…

Chs. 20–22 (¶22)

Indeed, I desire, most beloved brethren, and I likewise advise and entreat, that, if it can be done, no one of the brethren perish, and that our rejoicing Mother enclose in her bosom one body of people in agreement.

The Holy Spirit warns us, saying: 'Who is the man that life; who loveth to see the best days? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Chs. 24–25 (¶24)

This unanimity existed of old among the Apostles; thus the new assembly of believers, guarding the commandments of the Lord, maintained their charity.

Chs. 24–25 (¶25)

But with us unanimity has been so diminished that even the liberality of our good works has been lessened. Then they sold their homes and estates, and, laying up treasures for themselves in heaven, they offered to the…

Chs. 26–27 (¶26)

Let us rouse ourselves in so far as we can, most beloved brethren, and, breaking the sleep of old inertia let us awake to the observing and of the Lord's Let us keeping be such as precepts.

Chs. 26–27 (¶27)