Tertullian On Modesty But as the conquering power of things evil is on the increase-which is the characteristic of the last times[2] Origen de Principiis Book II As God, then, is a fire, and the angels a flame of fire, and all the saints are fervent in spirit, so, on the contrary, those who have fallen away from the love of God are undoubtedly said to have cooled in their affection for Him, and to have become cold. For the Lord also says, that, "because iniquity has abounded, the love of many will grow cold."[139] Hippolytus Exegetical Fragments (Then) iniquity shall abound, as the Lord also says: "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."[196] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book VI For these are false Christs, and false prophets, and false apostles, deceivers and corrupters, portions of foxes, the destroyers of the herbs of the vineyards: "for whose sake the love of many will wax cold. But he that endureth stedfast to the end, the same shall be saved.[68] and, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; "and, "There shall come false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs in the heaven, so as, if it were possible, to deceive the elect: "[99] Origen Commentary on John Book VI For the end will come if the salt loses its savour, and ceases to salt and preserve the earth, since it is clear that if iniquity is multiplied and love waxes cold upon the earth,[179]