Study Desk

as for prophane and groundless fables, reject them.

exercise yourself in piety: for those exercises which relate only to the body are of little consequence, but piety is of absolute use, having the promises both of the present life, and of the life that is to come.

for to that end we expose ourselves to trouble and reproach, because we hope in the living God, who is the saviour of all men, especially of believers.

take care how you behave, and what you teach. persevere in these duties: for by the practice of them, you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.

if a widow has children or grand-children, let them above all things instruct their own family to be religious, and let them be grateful to their parents, for this is acceptable to God.

as for the widow, who is really such, and without any assistance, let her place all her hopes in God, and be assiduous in supplication and prayer.

as for young widows, don't admit them: for being impatient of religious restraint, they will be marry'd:

for which they are much to be condemn'd, because they violate the engagements they had before enter'd into:

I enjoin therefore the young women to marry, to detest abortion, to govern their families, and give our enemies no handle for reproach.

for some have already revolted to paganism.

for the scripture says, "thou shalt not muzzle the ox, when he treads the corn." and, "the labourer is worthy of his reward."

let them not treat their christian masters, on pretence of being their brethren, with less respect: but be the more obsequious, because they are believers, and deserve to be belov'd, for the kind provision they make for them. let this be the subject of your instructions, and exhortation.

mischievous opinions, and a familiarity with pernicious ignorant impostors, who consider religion only as it makes for their gain. Religion indeed with contentment leads to great gain.

themselves to temptations and snares, and to many foolish noxious passions, which plunge men into ruin and perdition. for the love of money is the root of all evil:

As for you the minister of God, avoid those things: adhere to justice, piety, faith, charity, patience, and benignity of temper.

Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be elated, not to depend upon their perishable wealth, but upon the God of life, who furnishes us with every thing in plenty for our enjoyment;

For which reason I remind you to exert the divine gifts you received, when I gave you the imposition of hands.

for the spirit, which God has given us, is not a spirit of timidity, but of fortitude, of benevolence, and of moderation.

For this I was establish'd the herald, the apostle, and doctor of the Gentiles. this has drawn upon me the evils I suffer.

yet I am not ashamed, for I know in whom I have confided, and I am persuaded he is able to keep what I have committed to him against that day.