30 THE TREATISES OF CYPRIAN. wrestlingsof an inveterateand skilfulenemy ; forus who, besidesthe variousand continualbattlesof temptations,must alsoin the contestof persecutionsforsakeour patrimonies, undergo imprisonment,bear chains,spend our lives,endure thesword,the wildbeasts,fires,crucifixions— infine,allkinds of torments and penalties,to be endured in the faithand courageof patience; as the Lord Himself instructsus,and says," These things have I spoken unto you, thatin me ye might have peace. But in the world ye shallhave tribula tion; yet be confident,for I have overcome the world."1 And if we who have renounced the deviland the world, sufferthe tribulationsand mischiefsof the deviland the world with more frequency and violence,how much more ought we to keep patience,wherewith as our helperand ally, we may bear allmischievousthings! 13. It isthe wholesome preceptof our Lord and Master : " He that endureth,"saithHe, " unto the end, the same shallbe saved;"* and again,"If ye continue,"saithHe, " in my word, ye shallbe truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth,and the truthshallmake you free."8 We must endure and persevere,beloved brethren,in order that, being admitted to the hope of truth and liberty,we may attainto the truthand libertyitself; forthat very factthat we are Christiansisthe substanceof faithand hope. But that hope and faithmay attainto theirresult,thereisneed of patience. For we are not followingafterpresentglory, but future,accordingto what Paul the apostlealsowarns us,and says," We are saved by hope ; but hope thatisseen is not hope : forwhat a man seeth,why doth he hope for? But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we by patiencewait for it."4 Therefore,waitingand patienceare needful,thatwe may fulfilthatwhich we have begun to be, and may receivethatwhich we believeand hope for,accord ing to God's own showing.5 Moreover,in anotherplace,the 1Johnxvi.33. 2 Matt.x.22. 8Johnviii.31,32. <Rom. viii.24,25. 'A common readinghereis"giving"insteadof "showing,"scil. " pracstante"for" representante."