Letters to the Churches

And the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, which they that had excused themselves, that the word might not be spoken to them.

For they did not endure that which was said: and if so much as a beast shall touch the mount, it shall be stoned.

And so terrible was that which was seen, Moses said: I am frighted, and tremble.

But you are come to mount Sion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of angels,

And to the church of the firstborn who are written in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,

And to Jesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the sprinkling of blood which speaketh better than that of Abel.

See that you refuse him not that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke upon earth, much more shall not we that turn away from him that speaketh to us from heaven.

Whose voice then moved the earth; but now he promiseth, saying: Yet once more: and I will move, not only the earth, but heaven also.

And in that he saith: Yet once more, he signifieth the translation of the moveable things as made, that those things may remain which are immoveable.

Therefore, receiving an immoveable kingdom, we have grace: whereby let us serve, pleasing God, with fear and reverence.

For our God is a consuming fire.

Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you.

And hospitality do not forget: for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels.

Remember them that are in bands, as if you were bound with them: and them that labour, as being yourselves also in the body.

Marriage honourable in all, and the bed undefiled. For fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Let your manners be without covetousness, contented with such things as you have. For he hath said: I will not leave thee: neither will I forsake thee.

So that we may confidently say: The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man shall do to me.

Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,

Jesus Christ, yesterday, and today: and the same for ever.

Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with meats: which have not profited those that walk in them.

We have an altar whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle.

For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holies by the high priest for sin are burned without the camp.

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

For, we have not here a lasting city: but we seek one that is to come.