Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may
not only speak, but [truly] will; and that I may not merely be called a
Christian, but really be found to be one. For if I be truly found [a
Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall
no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. “For the things
which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” For
our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with the Father, is all the more revealed
[in His glory]. Christianity is not a thing of silence only, but also of
[manifest] greatness. ...
May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray that
they may be found eager to rush upon me, which also I will entice to devour me
speedily, and not deal with me as with some, whom, out of fear, they have not
touched. But if they be unwilling to assail me, I will compel them to do so.
Pardon me [in this] I know what is for my benefit. Now I begin to be a
disciple, and have no desire after anything visible or invisible, that I may
attain to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts;
let breakings, tearings, and separations of bones; let cutting off of members;
let bruising to pieces of the whole body; and let the very torment of the devil
come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.
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