Commentary on Psalms
Apostolic Constitutions
Even your very rejoicings therefore ought to be done with fear and trembling, for a Christian who is faithful ought to repeat neither a heathen hymn nor an obscene song, because he will be obliged by that hymn to make mention of the idolatrous names of demons; and instead of the Holy Spirit, the wicked one will enter into him.
As to the ungodly, if you give all the world to the poor, you will not benefit him at all. For to whom the Deity was an enemy while he was alive, it is certain he will be so also when he is departed; for there is no unrighteousness with him. For "the Lord is righteous and has loved righteousness."
Therefore, O bishop, together with your subordinate clergy, endeavor rightly to divide the Word of truth. For the Lord says, "If you walk cross-grained to me, I will walk cross-grained to you." … Walk therefore in holiness, that you may rather appear worthy of praise from the Lord than of complaint from the adversary.
See also
Enable JavaScript to read the full text and search the library.