254 TREATISES ATTRIBUTED TO CYPRIAN. us as toyou, He would not only unfoldthe treasuresof His sacraments,but would bestow strengthforthe carryinginto actof what we know. For the danger isallthe greaterifwe know theLord'swill,and loiterinthework ofthewillofGod. 2. Although, therefore,I exhort you always,as you are aware, to many things,and to the preceptsof the Lord's admonition(forwhat elsecan be desirableor more important to me, than thatin allthingsyou shouldstandperfectinthe Lord ?); yet I admonish you, that you should beforeall things maintain the barriersof chastity(as also you do): knowing that you arethe temple of the Lord, the members of Christ,the habitationof the Holy Spirit,electedtohope, consecratedto faith,destinedto salvation,sons of God, brethrenof Christ,associatesof the Holy Spirit,owing no thing any longer to the flesh,as born againof water,that the chastity,over and above the will,which we should always desireto be ours,may be affordedto us also,on accountof the redemption,that thatwhich has been conse cratedby Christmight not be corrupted. For ifthe apostle declaresthe church to be the spouseof Christ,I beseechyon [consider]what chastityis required,where the churchis given in marriage as a betrothedvirgin. And I indeed, except that I have proposedto admonish you with brevity, thinkthe most diffusepraisesdue, and couldsetforthabun dant laudationsof chastity;but I have thought itsuper fluousto praiseitat greaterlengthamong thosewho practise it. For you adorn itwhile you exhibitit; and in itsexer ciseyou setforthitsmore abundant praises,being made its ornament,whileitalsoisyours,each lendingand borrowing honour from the other. It adds to you the disciplineof good morals; you confer upon it the ministryof saintly works. For how much and what it can effecthas on the one hand been manifestby your means, and on the otherit has shown and taughtwhat you are wishing for,— the two advantages of preceptsand practicebeing combined into one, that nothing should appear maimed, as would be the caseifeitherprincipleswere wanting to service,orserviceto principles.