> being proud of playing the part of goofus in a goofus and gallant cosmic comic strip (3) nothing is more miserable than those people who never failed to attack their own salvation. when there was need to observe the law, they trampled it under foot. now that the law has ceased to bind, they obstinately strive to observe it. what could be more pitiable that those who provoke god not only by transgressing the law but also by keeping it? on this account stephen said: "you stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart, you always resist the holy spirit", not only by transgressing the law but also by wishing to observe it at the wrong time. (4) stephen was right in calling them stiff-necked. for they failed to take up the yoke of christ, although it was sweet and had nothing about it which was either burdensome or oppressive. for he said: "learn from me for i am meek and humble of heart", and "take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light". nonetheless they failed to take up the yoke because of the stiffness of their necks. not only did they fail to take it up but they broke it and destroyed it. for jeremiah said: "long ago you broke your yoke and burst your bonds". it was not paul who said this but the voice of the prophet speaking loud and clear.
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