Author: Cyprian

Publisher: Rarebooksclub.com

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 9781230023533

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ...and one soul; neither was there any difference between them; nor did they account as their own anywhat of the goods which belonged unto them, but they had all tilings in common.f This is to become really sons of God by spiritual birth; this is, by a heavenly law, to imitate the equity of God the Father. For the gifts of God are common for our use; and no one is excluded from His benefits and gifts, to the intent that Gal. vi. 9. f Acts iv. 32. the whole race of man may equally enjoy the goodness and bountirulness of God. Thus, for instance, equally for all does the day beam, the sun shine, showers give moisture, the wind blow; the sleepers enjoy one sleep, and the lustre of the stars and moon is common unto all. And according to this example of equality, the earthly possessor, who shares his profits and gains with the brotherhood, being free, and just in his voluntary largesses, imitateth God the Father. XXVI. What, dearest brethren, will be the glory of the merciful! How great and perfect their joy, when the Lord beginneth to count up His people, and assigning to our merits and good works the promised rewards, will repay heavenly things for earthly, eternal for transitory, great for little; and will present us to His Father to Whom He has restored us by His own sanctification; give us eternity and immortality, to which He renewed us by His allquickening blood; bring us back again, into paradise, and open unto us the kingdom of heaven according to the faith and truth of His promises! Let these things be deeply fixed in our thoughts and understood with full faith; let these things be loved with all our heart, and be attained by the greatness of never-ceasing good works. A noble and divine thing, dearest brethren, are saving alms; they are...