The general subject is
the conduct of those who have professed celibacy, whilst of the
invocation of saints no trace whatever is to be found. The
passages most closely bearing on the point before us are to the
following effect:
The writer urges Christians to be careful to maintain good
works, especially in the cause of charity, visiting the sick and
afflicted, praying with them, and praying for them, and
persevering always in prayer; asking and seeking of God in joy
and watchfulness, without hatred or malice. In the Lord's
husbandry, he says, it well becomes us to be good workmen, who
are like the Apostles, imitating the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, who are ever anxious for the salvation of men.
"Therefore (he adds, at the close of the first of these
Epistles) let us look to and imitate those faithful ones, that
we may behave ourselves as is meet in the Lord. So shall we
serve the Lord, and please him, in righteousness and justice
without a stain. Finally, farewell in the Lord, and rejoice in
the Lord, all ye holy ones. Peace and joy be with you from God
the Father, by Jesus Christ our Lord."] {83}
Ch. 21. "Take heed, beloved, lest the many loving-kindnesses of the Lord
prove our condemnation, if we do not live as is worthy of him, nor do
with one accord what is good and well-pleasing in his sight.
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