Exhortation to Martyrdom 38

At the same time remember also the one who prayed in the Spirit about the children of martyrs, left behind because of their love for God, and said: “Preserve the sons of those who have been put to death.” Only know that “it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God,” and that, just as it is said to those of Abraham's seed, “I know that you are Abraham's seed,” and, “If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham,” so it will be said to your children too: “I know that you are Ambrose's seed,” and, “If you are Ambrose's children, you do the works of Ambrose.” And perhaps they will do them, since you will benefit them more after such a departure than if you remained with them. For then you will love them with more knowledge and pray for them with more understanding, if you learn that they are your children and not only your seed. Have on your lips now the words, “He who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,” and, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”