The General Resurrection. SECTION XXXI. SINCE by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's, at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool; that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.* * 1 Cor. xv. 21-27, 35-30. Future Rewards. SECTION XXXII. WE are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth, who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honour, immortality,-eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,-indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil. glory, honour, and peace to every man that worketh good: for there is no respect of persons with God.* *Rom. ii. 2, 6—12. But Apostolical Precepts. SECTION XXXIII. LET love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.* men. * Rom. xii. 9-18. Ꭰ Apostolical Precepts. SECTION XXXIV. DEARLY beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.* Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, : *Rom. xii. 19-21. + Rom. xiii. 8-10. Apostolical Precepts. and sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evilspeaking, be put away from you, with all malice and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.* * Ephes. iv. 25, 26, 29, 31, 32. |