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This too should be bitterly lamented; namely, that some of the
brethren, when angered by some reproachful words, if they are besieged by
the prayers of some one else who wants to smooth them down, when they hear
that vexation ought not to be admitted or retained against a brother,
according to what is written: "Whoever is angry with his brother is in
danger of the judgment;" and: "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath,"
instantly assert that if a heathen or one living in the world had said or
done this, it rightly ought to be endured. But who could stand a brother
who was accessory to so great a fault, or gave utterance to so insolent a
reproach with his lips! As if patience were to be shown only to unbelievers
and blasphemers, and not to all in general, or as if anger should be
reckoned as bad when it is against a heathen, but good when it is against a
brother; whereas certainly the obstinate rage of an angry soul brings about
the same injury to one's self whoever may be the subject against whom it is
aroused. But how terribly obstinate, aye and senseless is it for them,
owing to the stupidity of their dull mind, not to be able to discern the
meaning of these words, for is said: "Every one who is angry with a It
stranger shall be in danger of the judgment, which might perhaps according
to their interpretation except those who are partners of our faith and
life, but the word of the Gospel most significantly expresses it by saying:
"Every one who is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the
judgment." And so though we ought according to the rule of truth to regard
every man as a brother, yet in this passage one of the faithful and a
partaker of our mode of life is denoted by the title of brother rather than
a heathen.
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