XXVIII.—The Righteous Rise Again.

Righteousness and goodness, peace and true patience, and care concerning one’s deeds, make to live after death.  But a crafty mind, mischievous, perfidious, evil, destroys itself by degrees, and delays in a cruel death.  O wicked man, hear now what thou gainest by thy evil deeds.  Look on the judges of earth, who now in the body torture with terrible punishments; either chastisements are prepared for the deserving by the sword, or to weep in a long imprisonment.  Dost thou, last of all, hope to laugh at the God of heaven and the Ruler of the sky, by whom all things were made?  Thou ragest, thou art mad, and now thou takest away the name of God, from whom, moreover, thou shalt not escape; and He will award punishments according to your deeds.  Now I would have you be cautious that thou come not to the burning of fire.  Give thyself up at once to Christ, that goodness may attend thee.