Chapter 4

Now the Spirit expressly says that in after times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of devils,

speaking lies hypocritically, and having their conscience branded.

They will forbid marriage, and will enjoin abstinence from foods, which God has created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by the faithful and by those who know the truth.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected that is accepted with thanksgiving.

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Piety and False Asceticism

By recommending these things to the brethren, thou wilt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished with the words of faith and of the good doctrine to which thou hast attained.

But avoid foolish fables and old wives' tales and train thyself in godliness.

For bodily training is of little profit, while godliness is profitable in all respects, since it has the promise of the present life as well as of that which is to come.

This saying is true and worthy of entire acceptance;

for we work and are reviled for this reason, that we hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Zeal in His Office

Command and teach these things.

Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the faithful in speech, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in chastity.

Until I come, be diligent in reading, in exhortation and in teaching.

Do not neglect the grace that is in thee, granted to thee by reason of prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbyterate.

Meditate on these things, give thyself entirely to them, that thy progress may be manifest to all.

Take heed to thyself and to thy teaching, be earnest in them. For in so doing thou wilt save both thyself and those who hear thee.