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21Take heed, beloved, lest his many good works towards us become a judgment on us, if we do not good and virtuous deeds before him in concord, and be citizens worthy of him. 2For he says in one place: “The Spirit of the Lord is a lamp searching the inward parts.” 3Let us observe how near he is, and that nothing escapes him of our thoughts or of the devices which we make. 4It is right, therefore, that we should not be deserters from his will. 5Let us offend foolish and thoughtless men, who are exalted and boast in the pride of their words, rather than God. 6Let us reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us, let us respect those who rule us, let us honour the aged,[11] let us instruct the young in the fear of God, let us lead our wives to that which is good. 7Let them exhibit the lovely habit of purity, let them show forth the innocent will of meekness, let them make the gentleness of their tongue manifest by their silence, let them not give their affection by factious preference, but in holiness to all equally who fear God. 8Let our children share in the instruction which is in Christ, let them learn the strength of humility before God, the power of pure love before God, how beautiful and great is his fear and how it gives salvation to all who live holily in it with a pure mind. 9For he is a searcher of thoughts and desires; his breath is in us, and when he will he shall take it away.
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Notes
[11] Or possibly "the Presbyters," but the context makes this improbable.