A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

60 A Source Book for Ancient Church Historycalled us while we yet have One to receive us. For if we renouncethese indulgences and conquer the soul by not fulfillingits wicked desires, we shall be partakers of the mercy of Jesus.Know ye not that the day of judgment draweth nigh like a burningoven, and certain of the heavens and all the earth will melt, likelead melting in fire; and then will appear the hidden and manifestdeeds of men? Good, then, are alms as repentance from sin;better is fasting than prayer, and alms than both; “charity coveretha multitude of sins,” and prayer out of a good consciencedelivereth from death. Blessed is every one that shall be foundcomplete in these; for alms lighten the burden of sin.(e) Hermas, Pastor, Sim. V, 3.[049]“If you do anything good beyond the commandment of God, youwill gain for yourself more abundant glory, and will be morehonored before God than you would otherwise be. If, therefore,you keep the commandments of God and do these services, youwill have joy if you observe them according to my commandment.”I said unto him: “Sir, whatsoever you command me I willobserve; for I know that you are with me.” “I will be with you,”he said, “because you have such a desire for doing good; I will bewith all those,” he said, “who have such a desire. This fasting,”he continued, “is very good, provided the commandments of theLord be observed. Thus, then, shall you observe the fast whichyou intend to keep. First of all, be on your guard against everyevil word and every evil desire, and purify your heart from allthe vanities of this world. If you guard against these things, yourfasting will be perfect. But do thus: having fulfilled what iswritten, during the day on which you fast you will taste nothingbut bread and water; and having reckoned up the price of thedishes of that day which you intended to have eaten, you willgive it to a widow, an orphan, or to some one in want, andthus you will be humble-minded, so that he who has received