Lake Apostolic Fathers 2 - Bible Translation

THE SHEPHERD, sm. v. vi. 6-vii. 3
of this flesh pleased him, because it was not defiled
while it was bearing the Holy Spirit on earth.
7. Therefore he took the Son and the glorious
angels as counsellors, that this flesh also, having
served the Spirit blamelessly, should have some
place of sojourn, and not seem to have lost the
reward of its service. For all flesh in which the
Holy Spirit has dwelt shall receive a reward if it
be found undefiled and spotless. 8. You have the
explanation of this parable also."
VII
1. " I AM glad, sir," said I, ^""to hear this explana- The
tion." " Listen, now," he said. "Guard this flesh conclusion
of yours, pure and undefiled, that the spirit which
dwells in it may bear it witness, and your flesh may
be justified. 2. See to it, lest the idea enter your
heart that this flesh of yours is mortal, and you
abuse it in some defilement. For if you defile your
flesh you defile also the Holy Spirit, and if you
defile the flesh you shall not live." 3. " But, if,
sir," said I, '^ there was any previous ignorance
before these words were heard, how can the man
.'' who defiled his flesh be saved " " For the former
ignorances," said he, "it is possible for God
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