130. “Let him be accursed,” say
they, “who says that Christ is a creature, after the manner of
the rest of created beings.” Plain folks have heard this,
and put faith in it, for, as it is written, “the simple man
believes every word.” Prov. xiv. 15. Thus have
they heard and believed, being taken in by the first sound thereof,
and, like birds, eager for the
bait of faith, have not noted the net
spread for them, and so, pursuing after faith, have caught the hook of
ungodly deceit. Wherefore “be ye wise as serpents,”
saith the Lord, “and harmless as doves.” S. Matt. x. 16. Wisdom is put foremost, in order
that harmlessness may be unharmed.