Chapter XVIII.—The glory of the cross. Let my spirit be counted as nothing126 for the sake of the cross, which is a stumbling- 57 block127 to those that do not believe, but to us salvation and life eternal. “Where is the wise man? where the disputer?”128 Where is the boasting of those who are styled prudent? For our God, Jesus Christ, was, according to the appointment129 of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost. He was born and baptized, that by His passion He might purify the water. The cross of Christ is indeed a stumbling-block to those that do not believe, but to the believing it is salvation and life eternal. “Where is the wise man? where the disputer?”130 Where is the boasting of those who are called mighty? For the Son of God, who was begotten before time began,131 and established all things according to the will of the Father, He was conceived in the womb of Mary, according to the appointment of God, of the seed of David, and by the Holy Ghost. For says [the Scripture], “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and He shall be called Immanuel.”132 He was born and was baptized by John, that He might ratify the institution committed to that prophet. 126 Again, περίψημα, translated “offscouring,” 1 Cor. iv. 13. 127 Comp. 1 Cor. i. 18. 128 1 Cor. i. 20. 129 Or, “economy,” or “dispensation.” Comp. Col. i. 25; 1 Tim. i. 4. 130 1 Cor. i. 20. 131 Literally, “before the ages.” 132 Isa. vii. 14; Matt. i. 23. Chapter XVIII.—The glory of the cross. 159 Chapter XVIII.—The glory of the cross.