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AND so God, the creator of all things, having regard above everything
to the amendment of His own work, and because the roots and causes of our
falls are found not in others, but in ourselves, commands that we should
not give up intercourse with our brethren, nor avoid those who we think
have been hurt by us, or by whom we have been offended, but bids us pacify
them, knowing that perfection of heart is not secured by separating from
men so much as by the virtue of patience. Which when it is securely held,
as it can keep us at peace even with those who hate peace, so, if it has
not been acquired, it makes us perpetually differ from those who are
perfect and better than we are: for opportunities for disturbance, on
account of which we are eager to get away from those with whom we are
connected, will not be wanting so long as we are living among men; and
therefore we shall not escape altogether, but only change the causes of
dejection on account of which we separated from our former friends.
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