{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/211/2110367.htm","path":"chr/ecf/211/2110367.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/211/2110367.htm","text":"Of the renunciant\u2019s preparation against temptation, and of the few who are worthy of imitation.\nWherefore, as Scripture says, \u201cwhen you go forth to serve the Lord stand in the fear of the Lord, and prepare your mind\u201d 807 not for repose or carelessness or delights, but for temptations and troubles. For \u201cthrough much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.\u201d For \u201cstrait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and p. 232 few there be which find it.\u201d 808 Consider therefore that you belong to the few and elect; and do not grow cold after the examples of the lukewarmness of many: but live as the few, that with the few you may be worthy of a place in the kingdom of God: for \u201cmany are called, but few chosen,\u201d and it is a \u201clittle flock to which it is the Father\u2019s good pleasure to give\u201d 809 an inheritance. You should therefore realize that it is no light sin for one who has made profession of perfection to follow after what is imperfect. And to this state of perfection you may attain by the following steps and in the following way.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Ser. II, Vol. XI: The Wor...","type":"page"}