Chapter XXXVIII.—Let the members of the Church submit themselves, and no
one exalt himself above another.
Let our whole body, then, be preserved in Christ Jesus; and let every one be subject to
his neighbour, according to the special gift165 bestowed upon him. Let the strong not despise
the weak, and let the weak show respect unto the strong. Let the rich man provide for the
wants of the poor; and let the poor man bless God, because He hath given him one by whom
his need may be supplied. Let the wise man display his wisdom, not by [mere] words, but
through good deeds. Let the humble not bear testimony to himself, but leave witness to be
borne to him by another.166 Let him that is pure in the flesh not grow proud167 of it, and
boast, knowing that it was another who bestowed on him the gift of continence. Let us
consider, then, brethren, of what matter we were made,—who and what manner of beings
we came into the world, as it were out of a sepulchre, and from utter darkness.168 He who
made us and fashioned us, having prepared His bountiful gifts for us before we were born,
introduced us into His world. Since, therefore, we receive all these things from Him, we
ought for everything to give Him thanks; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
165 Literally, “according as he has been placed in his charism.”
166 Comp. Prov. xxvii. 2.
167 The ms. is here slightly torn, and we are left to conjecture.
168 Comp. Ps. cxxxix. 15.
Chapter XXXVIII.—Let the members of the Church submit themselves, and no one exalt himself above another.
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Chapter XXXVIII.—Let the members of the Church submit themselves, and no…