Chapter 56

Let then us also intercede for those who have fallen into any transgression, that meekness and humility be given to them, that they may submit, not to us, but to the will of God; for so will they have fruitful and perfect remembrance before God and the saints, and find compassion.

Let us receive correction, which none should take amiss, beloved. The admonition which we make one to another is good and beyond measure helpful, for it unites us to the will of God.

For the holy word says thus: With chastisement did the Lord chastise me, and he delivered me not over unto death;

for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

For, he says, the righteous shall chasten me with mercy, and reprove me, but let not the oil of sinners anoint my head.

And again he says Blessed is the man whom the Lord did reprove; and reject not thou the admonition of the Almighty, for he maketh to suffer pain and again he restoreth;

he wounded, and his hands healed.

Six times shall he deliver thee from troubles, and the seventh time evil shall not touch thee.

In famine he shall rescue thee from death, and in war he shall free thee from the hand of the sword.

And he shall hide thee from the scourge of the tongue and thou shalt not fear when evils approach.

Thou shalt laugh at the unrighteous and wicked, and thou shalt not be afraid of wild beasts;

for wild beasts shall be at peace with thee.

Then thou shalt know that thy house shall have peace, and the habitation of thy tabernacle shall not fail.

And thou shalt know that thy seed shall be many and thy children like the herb of the field.

And thou shalt come to the grave like ripened corn that is harvested in its due season, or like a heap on the threshing-floor which is gathered together at the appointed time.

You see, beloved, how great is the protection given to those that are chastened by the Master, for he is a good father and chastens us that we may obtain mercy through his holy chastisement.