Epistles

For the beginning has been well ordered, if I may obtain grace to come unhindered to my lot. For I am afraid of your love, lest even that do me wrong. For it is easy for you to do what you will, but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if you do not spare me.

For I would not have you men-pleasers but[*](His desire not to be saved from the beasts) God-pleasers, even as you do indeed please him. For neither shall I ever have such an opportunity of attaining to God, nor can you, if you be but silent, have any better deed ascribed to you. For if you are silent concerning me, I am a word of God; but if

Grant me nothing more than that I be poured out to God, while an altar is still ready, that forming yourselves into a chorus[*](Cf. note on Eph. xix., p. 193.) of love, you may sing to the Father in Christ Jesus, that God has vouchsafed that the bishop of Syria shall be found at the setting of the sun, having fetched him from the sun’s rising. It is good to set to the world towards God, that I may rise to him.