But you, dearly beloved, be mindful of the words which were spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, who told you that in the last time there should come mockers, walking after their own ungodly desires. These are they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But you, dearly beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God. And some indeed reprove, being judged; but others save, pulling them out of the fire; and on others have mercy in fear, hating even the garment which is spotted by the flesh. LI. FROM THE BOOK WHOSE NAME IS THE APOCALYPSE OF JOHN.
If men — nay rather, because they are understood to be men who are admonished when angels are admonished — we learn in all the same precepts that false brethren are to be borne with through patience for the name of God, and that through penitence men must return to their first good works, and that persecutions for the faith are to be endured even unto death, and that one must be fervent in charity. But toward the end of the book, when he was speaking of the holy city, he saith: Nor shall there enter into it anything defiled, or that worketh abomination, or a lie. And elsewhere: Blessed are they that wash their robes, that their power may be in the tree of life, and that they may enter in by the gates into the city. Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and the unchaste, and murderers, and idol-servers, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.