6 THE TREATISES OF CYPRIAN. the spiritis restored,and, to the marvel and astonishmentof all,the revivedbody isquickenedintothisworldlylightonce more ; so effectualwere the merits of mercy, so much did righteousworks avail! She who had conferredupon suffering widows the help needful to live,deserved to be recalledto lifeby the widows' petition. 7. Thereforein the Gospel,the Lord, the Teacher of our lifeand Master of eternalsalvation,quickeningthe assembly of believers,and providingforthem foreverwhen quickened, among His divinecommands and preceptsof heaven,com mands and prescribesnothing more frequentlythan thatwe should devote ourselvesto almsgiving,and not depend on earthlypossessions,but rather lay up heavenly treasures. " Sell,"saysHe, "your goods,and give alms."1 And again: " Lay not up for yourselvestreasuresupon the earth,where moth and rustdo corrupt,and where thievesbreakthroughand steal. But layup for yourselvestreasuresin heaven,where neithermoth nor rustdoth corrupt,and where thievesdo not break through nor steal. For where thy treasureis,there willthy heartbe also."2 And when He wished to setforth a man perfectand complete by the observationof the law,3 He said," If thou wiltbe perfect,go and sellthatthou hast, and givetothe poor,and thou shalthave treasurein heaven ; and come and followme." 4 Moreover,in another placeHe saysthata merchant of the heavenlygrace,and a gainerof eternalsalvation,ought to purchasethe preciouspearl— that is,eternallife— at the priceof the bloodof Christ,from the amount of his patrimony,partingwith allhiswealth for it. He says: " The kingdom of heaven islikeunto a merchant man seekinggoodly pearls. And when he found a precious pearl,he went away and sold allthathe had, and bought it."5 8. In fine,He callsthosethe childrenof Abraham whom He seesto be laboriousin aiding and nourishingthe poor. 1Luke xii.83. 2 Matt.vi.19-21. 3 " When He wouldshow to onewho had observedthelawhow to becomeperfectandfinished"(Oxf.transl.). 4Matt.xix.21. " Matt.xiii.45,46.