{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/105/1050325.htm","path":"chr/ecf/105/1050325.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/105/1050325.htm","text":"We have next a quotation of some words of the venerable presbyter Jerome, from his exposition of the passage where it is written: \u201c\u2018Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.\u2019 1330 These are they whom no consciousp. 149 ness of sin reproves,\u201d he says, and adds: \u201cThe pure man is seen by his purity of heart; the temple of God cannot be defiled.\u201d 1331 This perfection is, to be sure, wrought in us by endeavour, by labour, by prayer, by effectual importunity therein that we may be brought to the perfection in which we may be able to look upon God with a pure heart, by His grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. As to his quotation, that the forementioned presbyter said, \u201cGod created us with free will; we are drawn by necessity neither to virtue nor to vice; otherwise, where there is necessity there is no crown;\u201d 1332 \u2014who would not allow this? Who would not cordially accept it? Who would deny that human nature was so created? The reason, however, why in doing a right action there is no bondage of necessity, is that liberty comes of love.\nJerome on Matt. v. 8 (Comm. Book i. c. 5).\n149:1332\nJerome, Against Jovinianus, ii. 3.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. V: A Treatise on Nat...","type":"page"}