worthy of God, I may be found at their feet in the kingdom, as at the feet of Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob; as of Joseph, and Isaiah, and the rest of the prophets; as of Peter, and Paul,
and the rest of the apostles, that were married men. For they entered into these marriages
not for the sake of appetite, but out of regard for the propagation of mankind. Fathers,
“bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;”430 and teach them the
holy Scriptures, and also trades, that they may not indulge in idleness. Now [the Scripture]
says, “A righteous father educates [his children] well; his heart shall rejoice in a wise son.”431
Masters, be gentle towards your servants, as holy Job has taught you;432 for there is one
nature, and one family of mankind. For “in Christ there is neither bond nor free.”433 Let
governors be obedient to Cæsar; soldiers to those that command them; deacons to the
presbyters, as to high-priests; the presbyters, and deacons, and the rest of the clergy, together
with all the people, and the soldiers, and the governors, and Cæsar [himself], to the bishop;
the bishop to Christ, even as Christ to the Father. And thus unity is preserved throughout.
Let not the widows be wanderers about, nor fond of dainties, nor gadders from house to
house; but let them be like Judith, noted for her seriousness; and like Anna, eminent for her
sobriety. I do not ordain these things as an apostle: for “who am I, or what is my father’s
house,”434 that I should pretend to be equal in honour to them? But as your “fellow-sol-
dier,”435 I hold the position of one who [simply] admonishes you.
430 Eph. vi. 4.
431 Prov. xxiii. 24.
432 Job xxxi. 13, 15.
433 Gal. iii. 28.
434 1 Sam. xviii. 18; 2 Sam. vii. 18.
435 Phil. ii. 25.
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Chapter IV.—Have but one Eucharist, etc.