ACC ~ 1 Timothy 6 v12b

FAITHFULNESS TO THE GOOD CONFESSION. ORIGEN: For the angels, as it were, have charge over our souls, to whom “while we are still children we are committed,” as it were, “to tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father.” And they, therefore, now say about the progress of each of us, “Now I know that you fear God.” Suppose, for example, I intend to be a martyr. An angel could not say to me on this basis, “Now I know that you fear God,” for an intention of the mind is known to God alone. But if I shall undertake the struggles, if I shall utter a “good confession,” if I shall bear calmly all things which are inflicted. Then an angel can say, as if confirming and strengthening me, “Now I know that you fear God.” HOMILIES ON GENESIS 8.8.

THE CHRISTIAN ATHLETE. TERTULLIAN: In like manner, O blessed, consider whatever is hard in your present situation as an exercise of your powers of mind and body. You are about to enter a noble contest in which the living God acts the part of superintendent and the Holy Spirit is your trainer, a contest whose crown is eternity, whose prize is angelic nature, citizenship in heaven for ever and ever. TO THE MARTYRS 3.3.

MAINTAIN YOUR ORIGINAL VOWS. BASIL THE GREAT: Recall your glorious profession which you made before God, the angels and men. Remember the august company, the holy chorus of virgins, the assembly of the Lord and the church of saints. Call to mind also your grandmother, old in Christ but still young and strong in virtue, and your mother, vying with her in the Lord and striving by new and unusual toils to destroy former habits. Remember also your sister, who is likewise both imitating and aspiring to surpass them, and who by the advantage of her virginity is outstripping the virtuous actions of her elders and is industriously summoning, both by word and by life, you her sister, as she thought, to a contest of like eagerness. Recall these, and also the angelic chorus singing with them to God, the spiritual life in the flesh and the heavenly life on earth. LETTERS 46, TO A FALLEN VIRGIN.

1 Tim