{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/211/2111132.htm","path":"chr/ecf/211/2111132.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/211/2111132.htm","text":"He returns to the prophecy of Isaiah.\n\u201cThe labour,\u201d says he, \u201cof Egypt, and the merchandize of Ethiopia, and the Sab\u00e6ans, men of stature shall come over to thee.\u201d No one can doubt that in these names of different nations is signified the coming of the nations who were to believe. But you cannot deny that the nations have come over to Christ, for since the name of Christianity has arisen, they have come over to the Lord Jesus Christ not only in faith but actually in name. For since they are called what they really are, that which was the work of faith becomes the token by which they are named. \u201cThey shall,\u201d he says, \u201ccome over to thee and shall be thine: they shall walk after thee bound with manacles.\u201d As there are chains of coercion, so too there are chains of love, as the Lord says: \u201cI drew them with chains of love.\u201d 2477 For indeed great are these chains, and chains of ineffable love, for those who are bound with them rejoice in their fetters. Do you want to know whether this is true? Hear how the Apostle Paul exults and rejoices in his chains, when he says: \u201cI therefore a prisoner in the Lord beseech you.\u201d 2478 And again: \u201cI beseech thee, whereas thou art such an one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.\u201d 2479 You see how he rejoiced in the dignity of his chains, by the example of which he actually stirred up others. But there can be no doubt that where there is single-minded love of the Lord, there is also single-minded delight in chains worn for the Lord\u2019s sake: as it is written: \u201cBut the multitude of the believers was of one heart and one soul.\u201d 2480 \u201cAnd they shall worship thee,\u201d he says, \u201cand shall make supplication to thee: for in thee is God, and there is no God beside thee.\u201d The Apostle clearly explains the prophet\u2019s words, when he says that \u201cGod was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.\u201d 2481 \u201cIn Thee then,\u201d he says, \u201cis God and there is no God beside thee.\u201d When the prophet says \u201cIn Thee is God,\u201d most admirably does he point not merely to Him who was visible, but to Him who was in what was visible, distinguishing the indweller from Him in whom He dwelt, by pointing out the two natures, not by denying the unity (of Person).","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Ser. II, Vol. XI: The Works of John Cassian.: Chapter XI. He returns to the prophecy of Isaiah.","type":"page"}