Let us therefore repent from the whole heart, that no one of us perish by the way. For if we have commandments that we should also practice this, [3983] to draw away men from idols and instruct them, how much more ought a soul already knowing God not to perish! Let us therefore assist one another that we may also lead up those weak as to what is good, [3984] in order that all may be saved; and let us convert and admonish one another. [3985] [3986] And let us not think to give heed and believe now only, while we are admonished by the presbyters, but also when we have returned home, [3987] [3988] remembering the commandments [3989] of the Lord; and let us not be dragged away by worldly lusts, but coming [3990] more frequently let us attempt to make advances in the commandments of the Lord, that all being of the same mind [3991] we may be gathered together unto life. For the Lord said, "I come to gather together all the nations, tribes, and tongues." [3992] This He speaketh of the day of His appearing, when He shall come and redeem us, each one according to his works. [3993] And the unbelievers "shall see His glory," and strength; and they shall think it strange when they see the sovereignty [3994] of the world in Jesus, saying, Woe unto us, Thou wast He, [3995] and we did not know and did not believe, and we did not obey the presbyters when they declared unto us concerning our salvation. And "their worm dieth not, and their fire is not quenched, and they shall be for a spectacle unto all flesh." [3996] He speaketh of that day of judgment, when they shall see those among us [3997] that have been ungodly and acted deceitfully with the commandments of Jesus Christ. But the righteous who have done well and endured torments and hated the enjoyments of the soul, when they shall behold those that have gone astray and denied Jesus through their words or through their works, how that they are punished with grievous torments in unquenchable fire, shall be giving glory to God, saying, There will be hope for him that hath served God with his whole heart. |