works. So that these two things, viz. the belief of all, and your own too, confirm the things
that are to come. Nor was the fact one thing, and what Epaphras said, another. “Who is,”
saith he, “faithful,” that is, true. How, “a minister on your behalf”? In that he had gone to
him. “Who also declared to us,” saith he, “your love in the Spirit,” that is, the spiritual love
ye bear us. If this man be the minister of Christ; how say ye, that you approach God by angels?
“Who also declared unto us,” saith he, “your love in the Spirit.” For this love is wonderful
and steadfast; all other has but the name. And there are some persons who are not of this
kind, but such is not friendship, wherefore also it is easily dissolved.
There are many causes which produce friendship; and we will pass over those which
are infamous, (for none will take an objection against us in their favor, seeing they are evil.)
But let us, if you will, review those which are natural, and those which arise out of the rela-
tions of life. Now of the social sort are these, for instance; one receives a kindness, or inherits
a friend from forefathers, or has been a companion at table or in travel: or is neighbor to
another (and these are virtuous); or is of the same trade, which last however is not sincere;
for it is attended by a certain emulation and envy. But the natural are such as that of father
to son, son to father, brother to brother, grandfather to descendant, mother to children, and
if you like let us add also that of wife to husband; for all matrimonial attachments are also
of this life, and earthly. Now these latter appear stronger than the former: appear, I said,
because often they are surpassed by them. For friends have at times shown a more genuinely
kind disposition than brothers, or than sons toward fathers; and when he whom a man hath
begotten would not succor him, one who knew him not has stood by him, and succored
him. But the spiritual love is higher than all, as it were some queen ruling her subjects; and
in her form is bright: for not as the other, hath she aught of earth for her parent; neither
habitual intercourse, nor benefits, nor nature, nor time; but she descendeth from above, out
of heaven. And why wonderest thou that she needeth no benefits in order that she should
subsist, seeing that neither by injuries is she overthrown?
Now that this love is greater than the other, hear Paul saying; “For I could wish that I
myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren.” (Rom. ix. 3.) What father would have
thus wished himself in misery? And again, “To depart, and to be with Christ” is “very far
better; yet to abide in the flesh” is “more needful for your sake.” (Philip. i. 23, 24.) What
mother would have chosen so to speak, regardless of herself? And again hear him saying,
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“For being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart.” (1 Thess. ii. 17.)
And here indeed [in the world], when a father hath been insulted, he withdraws his love;
not so however there, but he went to those who stoned him, seeking to do them good. For
nothing, nothing is so strong as the bond of the Spirit. For he who became a friend from
receiving benefits, will, should these be discontinued, become an enemy; he whom habitual
intercourse made inseparable, will, when the habit is broken through, let his friendship be-
come extinct. A wife again, should a broil have taken place, will leave her husband, and
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Colossians 1:1,2