Chapter 2

If you love good disciples, it is no credit to you; rather bring to subjection by your gentleness the more troublesome. Not all wounds are healed by the same plaster. Relieve convulsions by fomentations.

Be prudent as the serpent in all things and pure as the dove for ever. For this reason you consist of flesh and spirit, that you may deal tenderly with the things which appear visibly; but pray that the invisible things may be revealed to you, that you may lack nothing and abound in every gift.

The time calls on you to attain unto God, just as pilots require wind, and the storm-tossed sailor seeks a harbour. Be sober as God’s athlete. The prize is immortality and eternal life, of which you have been persuaded. In all things I am devoted to you,—I and my bonds, which you loved.