Exhortation to Martyrdom 11

How the measure of confession is filled, or is not filled but falls short, we might consider as follows. If throughout the whole time of examination and temptation we give no place to the devil in our hearts, when he wishes to defile us with evil thoughts of denial or of double-mindedness or of some plausible argument calling us toward what is hostile to martyrdom and perfection; and besides, if we do not defile ourselves with any word foreign to confession; and if we bear all the reproach from our opponents, the mockery, laughter, slander, and the pity with which they seem to pity us, supposing us to be deluded and foolish and calling us misguided; and further, if we are not dragged about and distracted by affection for our children or their mother or any of those thought to be dearest in life, toward possessions or toward this life, but turning away from all these become wholly God's and devoted to life with him and in his presence, as those who will share with his only-begotten Son and those who partake of him: then we could say that we have filled up the measure of confession. But if we fall short in even one thing, we have not filled it but have defiled the measure of confession and mixed into it something foreign. Therefore we shall need what those need who have built on the foundation “wood” or “hay” or “straw.”