The Treatises of Cyprian

In the Gospel according to Luke: “And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” Also according to John: “If the world hates you, know that it first hated me. If you were of the world, the world would love what would be its own: but because you are not of the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word which I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Also in Baruch: “For the time shall come, and you shall seek me, both you and those who shall be after you, to hear the word of wisdom and of understanding; and you shall not find me.

But the nations shall desire to see the wise man, and it shall not happen to them; not because the wisdom of this world shall be wanting, or shall fail to the earth; but neither shall the word of the law be wanting to the world. For wisdom shall be in a few who watch, and are silent and quiet, and who hold converse with one another; because some shall dread them, and shall fear them as evil. But some do not believe the word of the law of the Highest. But some who are amazed in their countenance will not believe; and they also who contradict will believe, and will be contrary to and hindering the spirit of truth.

Moreover, others will be wise to the spirit of error, and declaring the edicts, as if of the Highest and the Strong One. Moreover, others are possessors of faith. Others are mighty and strong in the faith of the Highest, and hateful to the stranger.”