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Epistle to the Magnesians (Long Version)
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Chapter 12: You are superior to me.
MAY I ENJOY YOU IN ALL RESPECTS: if indeed I am worthy! For although I am bound, I am not worthy to be compared to any of you who are free. I know that you are not proud, for you have Jesus within you. And even more so when I commend you, I know that you cherish modesty of spirit; as it is written, “The righteous person is his own accuser;” and again, “Declare your iniquities first, that you may be justified;” and again, “When you have done all things that are commanded of you, say, We are unprofitable servants;” “for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” For the Scripture says, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Therefore, those great ones, Abraham and Job, described themselves as “dust and ashes” before God. And David says, “Who am I before You, O Lord, that You have glorified me thus far?” And Moses, who was “the meekest of all men,” says to God, “I am of a feeble voice and a slow tongue.” Be therefore also of a humble spirit, that you may be exalted; for “he who humbles himself shall be exalted, and he who exalts himself shall be humbled.”