Chapter 1
Letter Concerning the Mind in God and Pastoral Care
1 Receiving your mind in God, which is established as upon an immovable rock, I glorify you exceedingly, having been deemed worthy of your spotless presence, of which may I benefit in God.
2 I urge you in the grace with which you are clothed to press forward in your race and to exhort everyone, so that they may be saved.
3 Guard your place with all care, both carnal and spiritual; be mindful of the unity, than which nothing is better.
4 Bear with everyone, just as the Lord bears with you; put up with them all in love, as in fact you do.
5 Devote yourself to unceasing prayers; ask for greater understanding than you have; stay awake, since you possess a spirit that never sleeps.
6 Speak to people one by one, in the manner of God; carry everyone’s illnesses, like a perfect athlete.[1]
7 Where the labor is greater, the gain is great.