These things I write to you, thou new olive- tree of Christ, not that I am aware you hold any such opinions, but that I may put you on your guard, as a father does his children. Be- ware, therefore, of those that hasten to work mischief, those " enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose glory is in their shame." ^ Beware of those "dumb dogs," those trailing serpents, those scaly ^ dragons,, those asps, and basilisks, and scorpions. For these are subtle wolves,'' and apes that mimic the appear- ance of men.