11. Lift up thine eyes round about, and
see, Isai. lx. 4. thou critic of my words! See the crown
which has been platted in return for the hirelings of Ephraim Ib. xxviii.
1 (LXX.). and the crown of insolence; see the assembly
of the presbyters, honoured for years and wisdom, the fair order of the
deacons, who are not far from the same Spirit, the good conduct of the
readers, the people’s eagerness for teaching, both of men and
women, who are equally renowned for virtue: the men, whether
philosophers or simple folk, being alike wise in divine things, whether
rulers or ruled, being all in this respect duly under rule; whether
soldiers or nobles, students or men of letters, being all
soldiers 2 Tim. ii. 3. of God, though in
all other respects meek, ready to fight for the Spirit, all reverencing
the assembly above, to which we obtain an entrance, not by the mere
letter, but by the quickening Spirit, all in very deed being men of
reason, and worshippers of Him Who is in truth the Word: the
women, if married, being united by a Divine rather than by a carnal
bond; if unwedded and free, being entirely dedicated to God; whether
young or old, some honourably advancing towards old age, others eagerly
striving to remain immortal, being renewed by the best of
hopes.