184. Think, then, how he teaches those who enter upon their duties in the Church, that they ought to have contempt for all earthly things: “If, then, ye be dead with Christ from the elements of this world, why do ye act as though living in the world? Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using.” Col. ii. 20, 21, 22. And further: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, not those things which are on the earth.” Col. iii. 1, 2. And again: “Mortify, therefore, your members which are on the earth.” Col. iii. 5. This, indeed, is meant for all the faithful. But thee, especially, my son, he urges to despise riches and to avoid profane and old wives fables—allowing nothing but this: “Exercise thyself unto godliness, for bodily exercise profiteth a little, but godliness is profitable unto all things.” 1 Tim. iv. 8.