CONCERNING LONG-SUFFERING, SIMPLICITY, MEEKNESS, AND PATIENCE.

     Be slow to wrath; for such a one is very prudent, since "he that is hasty of spirit is a very fool."  Be merciful; for "blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."  Be sincere, quiet, good, "trembling at the word of God."   Thou shalt not exalt thyself, as did the Pharisee; for "every one that exalteth himself shall be abased,"  and "that which is of high esteem with man is abomination with God."   Thou shalt not entertain confidence in thy soul; for "a confident man shall fall into mischief."   Thou shalt not go along with the foolish, but with the wise and righteous; for "he that walketh  with wise men shall be wise, but he that walketh with the foolish shall be known."  Receive the afflictions that fall upon thee with an even mind, and the chances of life without over-much sorrow, knowing that a reward shall be given to thee by God, as was given to Job and to Lazarus.


CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES. BOOK VII, SEC. I., VIII.