Chapter V.—This World Should Be Despised.

Wherefore, brethren, leaving [willingly] our sojourn in this present world, let us do the will of Him that called us, and not fear to depart out of this world.  For the Lord saith, “Ye shall be as lambs in the midst of wolves.”^43544354    Matt. x. 16.  And Peter answered and said unto Him,^43554355    No such conversation is recorded in Scripture. “What, then, if the wolves shall tear in pieces the lambs?”  Jesus said unto Peter, “The lambs have no cause after they are dead to fear^43564356    Or, “Let not the lambs fear.” the wolves; and in like manner, fear not ye them that kill you, and can do nothing more unto you; but fear Him who, after you are dead, has power over both soul and body to cast them into hell-fire.”^43574357    Matt. x. 28; Luke xii. 4, 5.  And consider,^43584358    Or, “know.” brethren, that the sojourning in the flesh in this world is but brief and transient, but the promise of Christ is great and wonderful, even the rest of the kingdom to come, and of life everlasting.^43594359    The text and translation are here doubtful.  By what course of conduct, then, shall we attain these things, but by leading a holy and righteous life, and by deeming these worldly things as not belonging to us, and not fixing our desires upon them?  For if we desire to possess them, we fall away from the path of righteousness.