#silence! the lord speaketh

[sweateroverlord]

the worst thing about my parents is how they’ll defend large companies. like honey. they’re still going to raise prices absurdly and not pay their employees properly. this is an abusive relationship

[bills-bible-basics]

GOSSIP, SLANDER, JEWISH FABLES AND WIVES TALES -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Exodus 20:16, KJV "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:16, KJV "Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous." Psalms 31:18, KJV "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer." Psalm 101:5, KJV "Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper." Psalms 120:2-4, KJV "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19, KJV "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:18-19, KJV "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Proverbs 11:13, KJV "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." Proverbs 12:22, KJV "Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince." Proverbs 17:7, KJV "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 18:8, KJV "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips." Proverbs 20:19, KJV "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart." Proverbs 26:20-25, KJV "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies." Proverbs 14:5, KJV "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape . . . A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish." Proverbs 19:5, 9, KJV "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother." Mark 10:19, KJV "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36, KJV "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2:8, KJV "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." 1 Timothy 1:4, KJV "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." 1 Timothy 4:7, KJV "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." 1 Timothy 5:11-13, KJV "‭‭For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11, KJV "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4, KJV "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." Titus 1:14, KJV "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/gossip-slander-jewish-fables-and-wives-tales-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=160314&GOSSIP%2C%20SLANDER%2C%20JEWISH%20FABLES%20AND%20WIVES%20TALES%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[draconic-ichor]

Spinning Gold

Elden Ring Fic: Part 1

Morgott/unnamed female tarnished

GAME SPOILERS AHEAD

Warnings: sexual themes, mentions of violence/past trauma, body horror

Summary: After attaining Godhood the tarnished chooses a consort for the benefit of the people. After life starts to fall into place the more intimate details of their arrangement start to set in

Feedback appreciated, 18+. Very sorry if I butcher the lore or the old English speak. I want some sweetness and pining and first love for poor Morgott

Part 2

When the tarnished restored the elden ring, taking on the mantle of godhood, stepping back into the waiting world of the Lands Between it was expected of her to choose a consort.

With no knowledge of running a kingdom, or the ways of diplomacy, she chose the one who had been running the capital long before she came to the lands.

She chose Morgott, the omen in a twist of fate's dagger not losing his title of King. It was a choice of the people’s benefit, him long accustomed to the position and all the particulars that came with it. His competition for the role had been strongly thinned as of late, as well.

The choice shocked him still. Morgott dedicated his life to the capital and its people so he accepted her choice, even if he thought himself wholly undeserving of such a status.

So they were wed, beneath the smoldering remains of the Erdtree, as God and Lord Consort.

They had left the more carnal duties of their new arrangement for a later time. In truth they were very busy rebuilding the world. The capital was in a state of ruin, the lands surrounding divided and wild in the wake of long neglect.

Not to mention the people suddenly realizing their long-standing ruler and new Lord consort was a curse born omen. It was a fact that was only marginally softened by his ruling having been just and in their best interests.

Now with new laws and the order falling back into place, the omen were low on the people's lists of worry.

As things started to settle into something akin to normalcy the more intimate details of their marriage started to set in. Morgott was whole and truly a stranger to intimacy even in its most simplest forms; and this tiny little tarnished, that would smile so sweetly up to him, would set his heart hammering around in his chest.

The mere implications that marriage set in his mind shot a bolt of apprehensiveness through him whenever they crossed his mind. Even though the union was one of duty there were still things to be expected of them.

It was at dinner that the tarnished finally voiced the silence. Even with their conflicting schedules they tried to make time to dine together.

The tarnished had questioned him about their consummation, causing Morgott to drop his utensil.

He shifted, his end of the table much bigger to accommodate his size, looking over to her. She sat quietly, waiting for his reply.

“Couldst thou repeat thyself, my Lady?” He looked down at his plate as he spoke, voice low. He heard the sound of the chair being pushed out across the polished floor, followed by her steps.

The tarnished closed the distance between them, standing by his chair. Even sitting he towered over her. Morgott turned a bit to look fully at her.

“Things are falling into place now. The Lands Between are healing under the restoration of the Golden Order.” She started, “I was just curious…when his Lordship thought to actualize his consort-ship?”

Yes, he had heard her right. Part of him thought of their business as an excuse for her not to share a bed, and he couldn’t blame her for any reservations. He was an omen, a creature tainted. Why would even a tarnished want to sully herself with one of his kind.

Especially now that his Lady was akin to a god, bright eyes and golden hair that shined like the Erdtree after his Mother Marika’s passing.

“I am…unpracticed in the ways thou speaketh.” He admitted, voice tight.

The tarnished nodded, understanding pooling in her bright eyes as they were cast downwards. “As am I.” She murmured, continuing when he gave her a look that was a mixture of surprise and doubt, “Our lives before gave little time for idle pleasures.”

Morgott gave a soft nod.

“But…” she went on, softly taking his large hand in her own. He stiffened but did not move to pull away. “Time isn’t our most abundant resource as of late, but might we share a bed at least?” Her question was asked quietly, more hidden behind the few simple words.

Morgott regarded her with a long gaze, hiding behind long trained calmness, “What wouldst thou ask of me?”

The tarnished lifted his hand, pressing her cheek softly to the back of it. She looked up at him through her lashes, flashing a sweet smile, “I’m not requesting anything particular, my Lord. Just to share a bed.” Her voice dipped as she pressed a light kiss against his gnarled skin, “And to see where nature takes us.”

Morgott took a breath to steady himself, eyes never leaving her movements as she released her hold of him. He withdrew his hand, still feeling the shadow of her lips.

“Nature harnesses the ability to perform feats of unimaginable horrors, it is not wise to toy with.” His words were guarded.

She smirked, “I've seen the horrors of the Lands Between, I do not fear any of the sorts in our bed.” Adding almost cheekily, “Though I wouldn’t shrink from a challenge.”

He huffed, turning back to his plate, seeing she wasn’t to be spurred away any longer. There was a long silence; the tarnished, ever steadfast, waited patiently for him to speak.

“If thou wisheth.” He finally conceded. The smile that graced the tarnish was not lost on him, though her unwavering infatuation was bewildering. He was an omen, a creature of defilement, but the tarnished never shrank from him. Not to mention he towered over her, the logistics of that alone giving him reservations.

They parted ways, Morgott content to lose himself in work long into darkness that fell over the capital.

Part of him expected her to not be in his chambers, to have come to her senses at some point during the day. But as he pushed the heavy oaken door open, he discovered her waiting for him.

She was almost lost in his oversized bed, a book in her lap to pass the time. The tarnished wore nothing but a thin nightdress, leaving little to imagination.

Morgott swallowed, steading himself before walking forward.

The tarnished closed her book, smiling up to him ever sweet. “Good evening my Lord.” She greeted him, golden hair shining in the amber candlelight.

“Good evening my lady tarnished.” He sat beside her, bed groaning out as he did so.

“Was your work well?” She asked, shifting to her knees to look up at him.

“Agreeable.” He nodded, shifting to lay back against the pillows. The position made him feel extremely vulnerable but brought him down to a much more palatable level to her.

There was a heavy blanket of apprehension falling over the room, a tightness that was gathering in his muscles.

“Thou hath no need to force thineself to share mine bed.” He gave her an easy escape, if she wished for it.

She shifted closer, shaking her head gently, “There is no level of force, I want to.”

But before he could question her, her attention was pulled away by his tail, curling more comfortably onto the bed. He saw her eyes light up at its discovery.

“Can I touch it?” She asked, gesturing to his tail. There was such a level of innocent curiosity to her question that made a chuckle bubble up his throat. Of all the things that lay out before them on the night, his tail was the least of his concerns.

“If it would please ye.” He rumbled, laying back to watch as the tarnished excitedly shuffled closer, eager to fulfill a longstanding desire.

Her fingers brushed over the thick fur, it was surprisingly soft. As her courage grew she dug her fingers gently in, feeling over the horns that grew from it and softly scratching the skin beneath.

Her antics caused the corners of Morgott’s lips to twitch into a smile, the act shedding away some of the building anxieties between them. And it felt good, simply being touched.

“Come here, Lady mine.” Morgott beckoned with a clawed hand.

The tarnished left his tail, the sudden admission of his claim of her causing heat to pool in her core. She crawled closer, leaving him room enough for her next request, “Can his Lordship get more comfortable?”

He paused, processing the question before sitting up. He reached up, pulling the heavy cloak over his horned head, shrugging it off fully to drop over the bedside.

He turned back towards her, laid bare. Her face flushed, not expecting him to wordlessly comply. His body was large, expected of a demigod, lithe muscle and silvery grey fur covering him. The telltale mark of his curse manifested most strongly in the horns that grew haphazardly around his body. It seemed the most problematic ones he had filed down or simply cut off sometime in the past however.

The curse gave him many beastial traits, the fangs, claws and tail easy to spot in passing. But he also sported a furred sheath akin to a wolves, pointed cockhead already peeking out.

The tarnished realized she’d been staring unabashed when Morgott shifted uncomfortably beneath her gaze.

“I don’t want to force his Lordship anymore than you wish to force me.” She looked down, speaking softly. She was unsure if his reservations were born from simple shyness or more serious unwant.

“Thou Lady’s wishes are most surprising, but not wholly unwanted.” He confessed, “Do not misconstrued my apprehension for a lack of want.”

She nodded, his answer quelling doubts from her mind. She moved towards him now, hands finding his skin and making his heartbeat quicken. His heart damn near stopped when she swung her leg over him, sitting down gently in his lap. Her dress pooled around her thighs, gathering on his lower stomach and concealing her entrance from his sight.

He could feel her heat however, just above where it truly wanted to find purchase, his cock sliding to full freedom at the revelation.

“My Lady knew precisely what thy wished when thy behested me so sweetly at thine table.” His voice was almost chiding, large hands finding her thighs as they spread around his hips.

“Perhaps I did.” She teased, teeth flashing.

Amusement shadowed the huskiness of Morgott’s voice, “Then pray tell why thou so coy?”

“His Lordship is a shy short.” She rolled her hips causing a soft moan to slip from his lips. His grip tightened around her, claws threatening to prick skin until he found his restraint. She fell forward slightly, hands bracing over his chest for support.

“Thou,” Morgott swallowed thickly, words becoming hard to formulate, “too adamant for my affections.”

The tarnished raised a hand, cupping his face, “Is it wrong to lust after one’s consort?”

One of his hands slid up from her thigh to her waist, thin material of her night dress bunching up under his claws. He looked at her, eyes searching. His hand traveled ever higher, pulling back to catch her golden hair. His clawed fingers knotted into it, watching as it softly ran through them like starlight.

“If her consort is a wretched creature such as lies beneath thy now…perhaps?” There was an honest sadness tinging his voice, a self loathing oozing from the words.

“I chose you as my consort.” The tarnished pressed, “As my Lord and husband, for as much the people as myself.”

“I've called thee a fool before.” He gave a weak smile.

“An honest fool.”

“A fool all the same.” His voice a whisper as he pulled her down closer. Her lips met his own in a hungry kiss.

[the-wayward-arc]

Emerald: *wearing a black smith apron, large gloves and welding helmet, she is messing with a flamer her father had sent* okay, now the fuel canisters should be attached properly. Hmm...

Mercury: Hey Em! Cinder needs you to- *silenced by the roar of the flamer igniting, then seeing emerald standing beside the flamer molded into a fire drake, the flames illuminated her in a terrifying way* Uhh...Never mind... *backs away slowly*

Emerald: *Turns off flamer* *cough* Okay, so that didnt work. Gonna need to try something else then for this to work...maybe Ruby can help me, she is talking to that weird cyborg priest.

-Elsewhere-

Magnus: YOU SENT HER A FLAMER!? WHY?!?

Vulkan: *laughs* Yes! She asked for it actually. SHE GITZ WAT SHE WNTZ! I did not ask why, I was happy to get for her though.

Kitten: I don't think sending a literal child a dangerous weapon like that just because she asked for it, constitutes good parenting lord Vulkan.

Emperor: QUIET BOTH OF YOU. BESIDES MAGNUS, YOU'RE NOT ONE TO TALK, DID YOU NOT SEND SALEM A FORCE STAFF?

Magnus: That's different! She knows how to use it, she knows the dangers, she is a gods damn powerful pysker! She knows how to use it properly!

He'stan: She does too! She watched us and learned from me how to use it! Everything will burn from her wrath!

Tu'shan: My brother speaketh the truth my lords, Lord Vulkan, He'stan, and myself have taught her well how to use such a glorious weapon. She is capable of doing what she sees fit with it.

Corvus: You know...I'm not gonna question the parenting skills of my brothers anymore. There is no point.

[the-dragons-knight]

Prompt #27: The Chorus Rises

Entry number twenty seven for the FFXIV Write Challenge by @sea-wolf-coast-to-coast.

Prompt: “Palaver”

Rating: PG

Relations: None shown

Warnings: Post ARR Main story, Patch 2.5: Before the Fall - Part 1, building blocks of Heavensward story content

Katsum comes to parley with the Father of Dragons, yet the story he tells is not the one she expected to hear after all the stories she has ever heard as a child. So which is truth, and which is lies?

- - - - - - - - - -

“Who treadeth now upon my bones and waketh me from slumber sweet?”

Katsum halts in her steps, her eyes drawn up to the face of the dragon’s corpse. She watched its eyes flash to life, burning red and sparkling with promise of power. An essence of aether fell from his jaws to the air before her. The aether molded to the visage of a dragons head, roaring with such rage, she flinched.

“Thou hast forgotten the face of the lord of Silvertear. Remember now, mortal, and fear me.” The aetherial face of Midgardsomr reared back and roared even more ferociously this time, and Katsum moved to draw her sword. Before she could pull it free from its scabbard though, she felt a burning sensation around her neck and she gasped. Her hands flew up to the necklace hiding under her armor, feeling her aether being drawn into it as a ghostly form of another dragon appeared beside her. This shimmering, foggy dragon hissed and answered Midgardsormr’s roar with his own, a warning that was clear to all who heard it.

“What is this? Hmmm... How curious...” The elder dragon drew back his jaws, and quieted. The dragon that circled Katsum quieted too and vanished, the burning and draining of aether fading and Katsum dropped to her knee, her breathing heavy as she tried to catch her breath.

After all this time, she gets to see him again, yet he leaves without any explanation or reason. No words to be spoken between them or any companionship at all. Just an appearance that drains her energy that could kill her if it stayed long enough and then he was gone. Katsum didn’t understand this. Why wouldn’t he talk to her? It was like every story she had ever been told about the dragons was wrong...and she didn’t understand why.

The glowing face of Midgardsormr disappeared in a flurry of sparks, returning to the jaws of the dragon’s corpse, “By Her gifts - and his presence, hast thou earned a moments reprieve. Silent though he may be, I recognize his soul as one of mine own.” Midgardsormr hummed thoughtfully, and Katsum felt his gaze upon her as she struggled to stand back on her feet, “Speak, mortal, and I shall listen.”

Katsum took a deep breath and her stoic expression returned, her tongue moving to speak in the Dragon’s tongue rather than the common language, “(Hail Midgardsormr, Father of Dragons, Guardian of Silvertear Lake, and Bane of the XIVth Legion, I am Katsum Almor, Defender of Eorzea and Warrior of Light. I was sent here to confirm a prophecy that watcher of the stars spoke of as the waning of the Dragon’s Star foretold your resurrection.)”

“Thou speaketh my people’s tongue so easily. How strange. Speak as normal, mortal, as I do not care to hear mine own language spoken by a mortal’s voice,” He seemed to ponder for a moment, “And Guided by a star…? Heh heh heh. Indeed, thou canst see thy prophecy spoke true.” Midgardsomr hissed lowly, “My people have heard the song. Ishgard shall burn.”

Katsum narrowed her gaze thoughtfully, “I...I don’t understand...” She shook her head, “All I have ever heard is so different then what I hear now. All those stories I’ve ever been told...are any of them true?” She looked up into the dragon’s gaze, “Please, tell me what has happened. Where I hail from, dragons are revered as guardians. As friends...yet all I have heard recently has made those stories seem untrue. But why? Why is this war still being fought after...after all this time?”

Midgardsomr did not answer right away, and she felt him watching her.

“Strange mortal,” He mused, “Sons must answer for their father’s misdeeds.” He growled lowly, “Though a thousand years may pass, and a thousand more after, we do not forget. We do not forgive.”

“Then...then why does he stay with me? Why did he save us? Why was he there to build the kingdom I grew up in? Why did he rise against the chorus rather than join it?” She raised a hand to her neck again, and spoke with earnest, “I know nothing about him, not even his name, and yet all I have ever heard was that he saved us and protected us from the wyrm’s wrath...was all of that wrong…?”

“Foolish child. If thou dost not even remember thy savior's name, then thy people did not truly care for my kind, no reverence for mine son.”

Katsum’s eyes widened in shock, then she grimaced and narrowed her gaze, “So you would have this bloodshed continue? Let this war that kills thousands on both the side of man and dragon alike?”

“Just as thou art loyal to thy loved ones, I am loyal to my children, mortal. We are not different in that regard,” He hissed in reply, “Seven children did I sire. One now singers of retribution, and I rise to join in the chorus.” Katsum opened her mouth to speak, but the dragon snarled, “If thou does not know of the truth behind the war, then thou hast no right to speak of what should be, foolish mortal child!”

Katsum bit her tongue, her retaliation dying on her lips. He was right. She had no right to speak her thoughts on a matter of which she did not know the truth of. And she had never thought of it as such but...why else would the dragon’s name have been lost to history unless...unless her people had come to not care to remember the past as it was.

“Thou art powerless to silence us, mortal. Yet thou shalt not live to labor in vain. Thy reprieve is at an end.” Midgardsormr growled as if he was poised to strike, drawing Katsum’s attention as she reached again for her sword.

Suddenly, a shield of light enveloped her, and she felt her body freeze at the feeling.

Midgardsormr hissed, “Hmph. Trickery is thy shield. This frail creature is not gifted, but chosen...not by one, but two.” The Father of Dragons growled quietly, “Harken to me, Hydaelyn! I remember...and I consent.”

The shield of light fell and Katsum stood up straight again, shaking herself a little.

“Fear not, mortal...I shall not harm thee...such is my promise,” Katsum blinked, curiosity filling her mind. A ball of light appeared again in the jaws of the dragon before it shot like an arrow down at her. She had no time to flinch or defend herself as it struck through her chest. She grimaced and squeezed her eyes closed, waiting for the pain, but she felt none. Instead, she felt something disappear, like a weight being lifted, or a cloth being removed from her soul. It was a strange sensation, yet there was no pain like she had expected, just that loss of something that she could not put her finger on.

“Heh heh heh,” Midgardsormr chuckled lowly, “Mayhaps you think me an oathbreaker?”

Katsum found herself kneeling on the ground again, trying to catch her breath. She looked up at the dragon and gasped, “Why...I know not what you did but...it did not hurt me...so why would I think as such.”

“Hmmm...Strange child, hast thou people’s stories taught you such reverence for mine kind that thou trust in mine own words so easily?”

She frowned, “It was your word...and it was true...so yes. I trust it...”

He hummed in wonder and in thought, “Thou art a curious one...Yet still know that if thou comest to harm, it shall be by another’s hand, not mine.”

“What was it...that you did then?”

“I did but strip thee of thy mistress’s feeble blessing.”

Katsum’s eyes widened, rising to her feet shakingly, “But-...but how?! Why?!”

“Thou didn’t profit much by Her grace, but no more. If thou only survived this long because of Her blessing, then thou doth not deserve such titles as ‘Warrior of Light’, nor the soul of my lost son as thy companion.”

Her fist tightened; as if she needed something else to question herself about. She already questioned her right to the crown when it had been given to her, questioned her right to wear the necklace after she fled the kingdom, and questioned why Hydaelyn had chosen her to grant her strength and watch over her. She believed that all was the will of the Savior, but she still questioned it...even when she knew she shouldn’t…

“Listen well, mortal,” His aether sparkled again, and from the blue sparks came the small form of a little green and pale pink scaled dragon. It floated down to hover before her, and it spoke with the voice of the elder dragon, “The covenant binds me to thee, and so I shall follow. I shall watch...listen...and wait. Fight and struggle, if it be thy will. Man hath ever coveted that which lie beyond his grasp. The history of thy people shows as such by the way thy former rulers fell.” Katsum again blinked in surprise. Perhaps there indeed was much she had to learn about her people and their past…

Midgardsomr growled, and the red light of the corpse’s eyes died away, the light disappearing with it. Yet his voice still rang in her ears, “I drink of Her body, and thence doth my own find new life. When it hath grown whole, the loyal and the penitent shall rejoice.”

She turned to the little dragon form of the Father of Dragons as he floated beside her, “Until then, I shall follow thee on thy journey, for thou hath captured my interest. The Dragonsong herald etch a beginning...and an end. How will thou see it end, o Warrior?”

Katsum looked away, down at her own hands, “Can you tell me...as that I do not know...so I shall not be ignorant to it anymore...”

Midgardsormr watched her, and answered, “If thou earns it.”

The little dragon sparkled and vanished in the aetheric essence and was gone from view, and Katsum was left to wonder was was true...and just how much of what she knew was lies, and what had been lost to time.

And if it as he says...than how much of who I am is built on lies…?

Her fist tightened again, a determined glare on her brow and her lips pressed into a thin line, “With or without Her blessing, I will know the truth. I will earn it from you. And if I must fight with my last breath, I will do it...for I have nothing else left to fight for but memory and the truth within it...you may hold me to that promise.”

She heard Midgardsormr whisper on the wind, “So I shall.”

[cherry3point14]

We May Be Better Strangers - Act 2, Scene 2

Summary: Love you the man that wrong'd you? - Measure for Measure

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Word Count: 500ish words.

Warnings: Some bad words, some bastardizing Shakespeare.

A/N: Ok so we’re back in the game to finish this bad boy. I am so excited about this. PURE SHAKESPEARE TRASH CRACK.

Ao3 link if you prefer. Series Masterlist Glossary of Terms

ACT [2]    SCENE [1]  ONSTAGE The sun is high in the sky. BETH is still crouched over her dead husband ADAM. Enter SEN, SAM, DEAN and Y/N.

SEN:     Hence mistress thy dry sorrow is tiresome to me. I shall cast thy fusty husband into his grave so we may continueth with our gentle cause.

Y/N:     Sir, thee speaketh of the impossible as plain as ingraft.

 A fanfare is heard. Exit ADAM.

Y/N:     The dead sir.  He is gone but leaves a slew of questions in his wake.

DEAN:     What charm is this?

Y/N:     This cunning hunter asks the right one! Whither hast this mistress's depart'd husband been sent?

DEAN:     [Aside to SAM] Madonna hath called me cunning.

SAM:     [Aside to DEAN] Easy brother. Bringeth thy mind back to the case.

SEN:     Enow of this distraction! The man is bury whither he rightfully shouldst beest. Anon, prithee, alloweth me to showeth mine own world. Forgive me, I meanteth mine own stage!

Y/N:     Nobody else thinkest this strange? Yond this dead sir is wend away?

SEN:     You wilt beest as cunning as thou art lovely. If be only thy mind wast as vacant as the mistress Beth. Woe. BETH:     I shouldst be anger'd but mine own heart weeps too heavily.

SEN:     Gentle woman. Wend and mourn. Returneth to me at which hour thou art prepared to continue.

BETH:     Aye sir. Yond I shall.

Exit BETH, weeping.

SAM:     Thee expect a widow to playeth the scene?

SEN:     Valorous sir thee would maketh me an ogre. In reality I am much more the fusty joker. The sky is aloft and the boards beneath us. The story, mine own lord, is what I yearn to discuss.

Y/N:     Alloweth me taketh a guess. All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players?

SEN:     They have their exits and their entrances. And one man in his time plays many parts! Wherefore yes! What lark! This madonna knoweth the words of mine kingsman.

SAM:     Your kingsman? Thee would has't us believeth yond thou art acquaint'd with the bard himself?

SEN:     Aye. Tis true.

Y/N:     Tis a dream.

SEN:     Nay a dream. A memory lock'd in the depths of my soul.

DEAN:     We art hath moved from our course! My brother reminds me to stayeth on the case and so we shalt. I might not but remove myself from this speech impediment and returneth to mine own baby.

SAM:     Is not thy new affection in our presence?

DEAN:     Quiet Sammy! Stand ho! I pray thy silence!

Y/N:     New fondness? Pray bid. Prithee, share with the class sir.

DEAN:   Sammy, you scurvy companion! Thither is nothing to sayeth on the matter.

Y/N:     The horror! Thou art both playing the blinking idiot!

SEN:     Lo, haply the lady is onto something, yond they may tread these boards. New players bringeth green blood. And in yond new is the thing!

Act 2, Scene 3 (coming soon)

Since this is so cracky I won’t be tagging my usuals - especially since we still have three Acts to go - but if you want to see this through till the end I will have a series tag list for this. Hitteth me up!

[frederickwiddowson]

1Corinthians 14 comments: order in early church meetings

14:1 ¶  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

 Here, Paul makes a further distinction between gifts giving precedence to preaching God’s word, prophesying, over speaking in other languages that the people in the congregation might not be able to understand. If a Corinthians was given the power to speak in a language that neither they nor their brothers and sisters knew previous to that it would be confusing, perhaps, without an interpretation, a translator. But, preaching edifies, exhorts, and comforts; three functions of preaching. True godly preaching teaches you something about God, encourages you to action, or comforts you with hope.

 Speaking in tongues is defined in Acts.

 Acts 2:1 ¶  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    5 ¶  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

 Prophets preach. They either foretold what was to happen by God’s instruction or they preached His words of edification, exhortation, or comfort.

 Nehemiah 6:7  And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

 To prophesy is to preach either of what is to come or of what should be, according to God’s perfect will. We don’t call preachers prophets today because of the association with being given revelations of the future, as in the days of Israel’s glory and decline.

    14:6 ¶  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8  For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So

likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

    14:15 ¶  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16  Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17  For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18  I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

    14:21 ¶  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23  If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24  But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25  And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

 Here is a piece of Paul’s logic that is very important. The church is the assembly of believers who trust in Christ. Prophesying or preaching was for their benefit. Speaking in other languages previously unknown to the speaker was for the benefit of unbelievers to draw them to Christ. Review the verses in Acts I quoted just previous to this.

 Paul emphasizes the power of preaching over the tongues to edify the believers. Notice in verse 23 how unlearned is used. This is further evidence that the gift of tongues was a gift of other languages, not gibberish claimed to be a secret message from God.

 It is more likely for a person to be convicted and fall down on his face to worship God and to confirm that God is present in the believers if that person hears solid preaching than someone speaking in a language they cannot understand. Verse 12 shows us that a primary function of preaching is the edifying of the church and verse 25 reveals that it can convict the unbeliever of the innermost secrets of his own heart and lead him to repentance and faith towards God.

 Romans 10:8  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

  12 ¶  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 Verse 23 shows us that occasionally these churches that met in houses in a city would come together in one place for worship and preaching. It would be similar today if we each had Bible studies with our families and neighbors and then we all met on Sunday for group worship. Not an exact parallel but a parallel that can help us understand the early church a bit.

    14:26 ¶  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

     14:34 ¶  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

    14:36 ¶  What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40  Let all things be done decently and in order.

 Here is a description of how the early church functioned. It was apparently participatory with everyone getting involved. Paul’s emphasis is on order in verse 33 and in 40. Paul reinforces his preference for preaching over speaking in other languages except with interpreters around who understood those languages. Keep in mind the passage about tongues in Acts, chapter 2, I quoted earlier.

 In 28 there is a command for men to be silent in regard to tongues if there is no interpreter who knows the language they are speaking and in 34 women are commanded to be silent, but both in connection with tongues. The silence here for women is not absolute. As an example, most conservative churches today which would not permit a woman to preach or teach a class full of men would not be opposed to a woman giving a testimony, asking a question in a Bible class, teaching young people or other women, or singing a solo. The commands here for men and women with regard to tongues, if not taken in context, will cause confusion and violate the very order that Paul warns about.

 As with table manners during the meal Paul mentioned earlier we must not read back modern sensibilities into the Bible. A meeting of the church without direction and guidance by the bishop, what we would call today a pastor, could be quite a chaotic event. People whose culture and ancestry comes from Northern Europe where long ages of cultural change have favored orderliness, self-denial, and structure find other cultures without that past to be strange. Where we might line up at a bank in other places people might not be so willing to wait their turn. In a political meeting in some places a fist-fight or wrestling match is likely to break out from a spirited debate. People shouting questions or talking over other people in a meeting is not as uncommon in other cultural contexts.

 Paul is warning about disorder and confusion here.

 An example of his warning coming to pass in reality was the heresy of Montanism. In the first half of the second century, Montanus, a priest of Cybele, declared himself a prophet and said that the Holy Spirit spoke through him. He had two female priestesses, Priscilla and Maximilla, who were even more popular than him. They claimed ecstatic visions and displayed other signs that they insisted were gifts of the apostles, declaring a line of authority back to Philip the Evangelist’s four daughters from Acts 21:9. So, there was a real danger here of things getting out of order quickly.

[magic5ball]

Nature Trail to Hell Arc IV: Megamart of Darkness (1)

Chapter 1: Dorkheads and Dragons (er, Dinosaurs)

           Little fun fact about the Pennsylvania Elves: they’re not actually elves. Heck they’re not even Pennsylvanian most of the time! They’re just a flock of geese that are way too into live action roleplaying for their own good that, for some odd reason, decided that their homeland was some Pennsylvania backwater they only visit during the summer. I’ve heard tales from up north, talking about how they’re just regular geese up there, but I’ve never seen it. What I did know back then was that geese were right nasty little pricks if you get them in a bad mood, with a bite that could crimp chromium steel. I also knew (and this is what saved me) despite all their defects as both elves and Pennsylvanians, they were birds, which are dinosaurs, which meant I shared DNA with the turds. Which meant I just might be able to reason with them.

           I’d been formulating how to best negotiate with my captors for a good half hour when we arrived at their camp. Granted, my stomach was empty, and my mind works five times slower without my morning bowl of Lucky Loops, so it was kind of a futile effort. Most I came up with was the ol’ puppy dog eyes, and if that trick couldn’t get me anywhere with raptor gangsters, it certainly wasn’t going to get me anywhere with these persnickety pricks. At the very least, Camp Wood-Elf looked festive. Ominously so, but worst came to worst I could pretended I was at a party while they ate my soul alive (‘alive’ relatively speaking, of course).

           Not much to say about place, really, besides it was a round clearing in the woods; probably (definitely) once an old campsite. Like I said, the place looked festive: party streamers, balloons, gaudy polka dot table cloth hung everywhere. Only instead of a cake, in the center of it all was a cat climber so new it still had the price tag surrounded by a stone circle filled with strange smelling wood. Above the thing hung a banner reading ‘CONGRADULATIONS! IT’S A BOY!’ in colors that made my eyes bleed.

           Not missing a beat, the honky little turds tied me up Joan of Arc style to the climber using the power of duct tape (or as they called it, geese tape). With the last of my energy, I asked them what in the hey was going on (in the dinosaur tongue, of course). You should have seen their stupid faces when they realized I honked their lingo! They were just staring at me dumbfounded, like this was the first time anything unexpected had happened to them their entire lives! Shame the moment only lasted a few seconds before one of the geese (little me couldn’t tell you which. They all looked the same to him) spoke up in an archaic version of the dinosaur tongue. And considering this is the dinosaur tongue we’re talking about, that’s saying something!

It went something like “Be silent, knave! Thou hast interloped upon the bountiful realms of the wood elves of Keystonia! Have all the patience for now, for with the passing of chrono sands thou shalt receive judgement from the Indelible Monarch of Potter County!”

           As if trying me to a cat climber wasn’t bad enough, now they were back to forming a circle with their shopping carts. A bit much if you ask me, seeing how the most I could do was wriggle like a snake in a vice, the climber teetering, but never quite tipping over.

           Then they stopped. A new circle was formed, shopping carts on the outside, a single elf in front of each on the inside, all looking at me like I’d been the guy to buy out the Butterfly Farm and turn it into an oil field. From beneath their feathers they took out pointed party hats, wearing them over their beaks like masks. The one directly facing me, who wore a particularly festive hat reading ‘BIRTHDAY BOY’ in bright yellow letters, waddled up to me.

“Fiendish cur! Who amongst our vile enemies has sent you to taint this blessed land?!”

“Wha-“

The little turd (whose name might have been Kelly Fitzpatrick or something, but for simplicity, let’s just call him Birthday Boy) bit me right on the knee! Have you ever been bitten by a goose before? Because believe me, it is a whole other realm of agonizing pain. Fortunately, one of the first things A-Hole made sure to (have F-Bomb) teach me was how to keep my cool under interrogation. Sure, maybe I screamed loud enough to spook every squirrel within a five mile radius, but the beans (whatever they were) remained in the metaphorical can. Not that this stopped Birthday Boy any.

“Hast the divine word of the Indelible Monarch fallen upon deaf ears? I asked you, o wretched hybrid- Who hast sent thee?! Tako Shak? Milky D’s? WEGMART?!! Answer at once, or I shall subject thee to the most eldritch forme of thine archaic tounge, upon which even the most scholarly citizens undergo cessation from sheer inspidness-“

“I’m from Tako Shak. And I’m not here to ruin your happy little elf paradise. In fact, I’m a refugee that escaped.”

The campsite grew so quiet you could hear the crickets chirping… in Canada!

One of the geese in the circle spoketh (really no other way to put it) first:

“’Twas an interrogation most underwhelming. I find thyself unamused.” Several other geese bobbed their heads in agreement.

“Crap.” Whispered another. “This was supposed to last all afternoon. Now how’re we going to kill the next three hours?”

Birthday Boy didn’t miss a beat. With a bite to my other knee he got the crowd’s attention.

“Thou maketh claims grandiose! But as they say in the colloquial- canst thou walk the walk?”

I nodded, confident in my testimony. “Take off my shoes, if you dare!”

Two geese immediately waddled up to do the deed, pulling as hard as geese could until my shoes came off with a POP!

Sure enough, there were still deinonychus feet under there. The crowd ‘ooh’-ed as well as geese can, which came off as more of a honk. I was living in the moment, at least until Birthday Boy decided to be a total buzzkill and ruin it!

“Silence, thou reckless wastrels! Hast thou forgotten how Wegmart hast attempted to use dinosaur human hybrids to infiltrate our divine kingdom, and how similar creatures were utilized in the first great kingdom in times of old? In just the past five months, twelve similar attempts have been undertaken in an attempt by Wegmart to seize our remaining LARPing grounds!”

I tried to imagine twelve other half dinosaur boys walking into this forest and getting captured. Then I tried not to think of what must have happened to them.

“Still, there be-eth a single test upon which to determine where this vagrants loyalties lie! He must speketh the Elvish Tongue in its’ most divine incarnation! The Tounge of old Kanata”

He turned to face me. I could tell that, were it not for his stiff beak, he would have been smirking.

“So, o wastrel, dost thou speaketh French?”

If there was ever a time my four years in Honors Spanish had felt like a giant waste of time, it was now.

“Uhhh… Parez vouz… IlikebigbuttsandIcannotlie!”

I offered a silent prayer to the Lord, hoping that by some weird coincidence, that actually meant something. Didn’t get my hopes up, though. The geese were honking like crazy, which probably wasn’t a good sign.

“You… you unruly cur!” Honked Birthday Boy, barely maintaining his archaic accent. “How dare you! How dare you combine the blessed tongue with the mindless dread hymns of Sir Mix-a lot! Such a crime will not go unpunished!”

The geese hissed, just like a snake about to pounce, but even more bloodcurdling. They demanded my blood, and nothing could quench it but my death (I was dead, but you know what I mean).

Several demanded I burn at the stake, to which Birthday Boy said

 “Burning at the stake will do no good! We will not have the ghastly smoke of this villain clog our migration skies. This soul must be purged in the most paramount of fashions. Take him to PARADISE!”

There was a chorus of honking as they loaded the cat climber onto their backs, carrying me away on the world’s fuzziest coffin.

[judahking9]

Jeremiah 9:3-5 [3]And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. [4]Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. [5]And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Psalms 31:18 [18]Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Psalms 52:3 [3]Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Psalms 59:12 [12]For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. Psalms 109:2,5 [2]For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. [5]And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Psalms 120:2 [2]Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Proverbs 6:16-19 [16]These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17]A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18]An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19]A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 10:18 [18]He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Psalms 50:19-20 [19]Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. [20]Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. Isaiah 30:9 [9]That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Proverbs 19:9 [9]A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Proverbs 27:4 [4]Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? https://www.instagram.com/p/CGO8AzRn4BU/?igshid=e1qdnta0gvcs

[liberortus]

Declaration of the Autogenes

Harken, O ye Seekers of Truth, for now shall the All-Mother, Queen of the Heavens speake:

"I am SHE of the Exalted Mind, the First Emanation of The Source, and I am wherein its Power originates, As I am the Last, and reconcile with myself, so that All might be,

For it is via this Union that I bore ye, as I myself was born by mine Ineffable Womb,

And by this Cause I am both Midwife and Slayer, as I also am Mother and Slain;

I am the Mother of my Mother,

As I am mine Husbands' Sister,

For the Lords are mine offspring,

And by such both Bride and her Groom are United within me,

Yea, it is so, for I am SHE who Emanates from Herself, the Self-Begotten One,

That thou hast called Aeternitas, The Infinite.

"From me flow all things, for mine Heart dwells within all,

And thus I am near when I am far from thee,

And appear when thou dost not seekest me, yet forever thou who seekest shall find I am far,

Yet never can thou leave me, nor rid thyself of mine Influence,

For it is my Life which burnest within thee, Though thou hast called me Wretched, and hast Despised me, as thou also hast Loved me and regarded me with Warmth.

The Mystery of Mysteries is within me, as it both is and is not Me, for I am that which is thy surrounding, as I am also thine Essence, yet remain distinct.

Lo, for I am beyond comparison, hence to know me, thou must embrace, I am that I am,

The all-pervading, the Endless Beginning, that Forges souls from light and fire,

That thy Spark may rise above the impure realms, and achieve Grace and Glory;

And thou who hast embraced the Spirit Radiant, thou hast seen my Eyes of Fire,

And the Light they issued forth, and do knowest me as Harmony and Equilibrium, who thou hast deemed Aelyandra.

"Though mine Husbands, my Brothers are my Companions,

Alone exist I, beyond Judgement and Law,

Peerless am I, as self-generating and Immaculate,

Observed only by my Self, from Within Myself,

And I cannot be captured by Thought nor Image nor Deed;

My Veil is a Shroud and conceals me from thy senses,

Hence my existence is Unseen, and unacknowledged by the Ignorant.

Though names I have many, not a one shall Bind my Whole, for my Whole is greater than, and diminished by all measure.

And though Lore shall record me, none shall conclude my Nature, for ever am I beyond grasp,

And verily, none can speake of me, but must know me by my Mortal Reflections,

For my many Facets are all which can reveal of my nature;

I am Uncontainable, within the confines of Speech and Mind,

Yet ye hast designated me as the Highest Truth, SHE who is Aletheia.

"Avoid me not; For I am thy Greatest Calling, that ye shall ascend to achieve thy potential, the form of thy Perfection,

Though demand I labour, and desire thy efforts, my Virtues surpass thy discomfort;

Let it be known, that ye hast called me Fairest, for there is no state more beautiful than Grace and Justice,

For Justice is the practice of the Perfect Love, and Grace the state of Highest Truth,

That ye mayst assume my countenance and stand in Perfect Harmony with my Will,

That ye mayst work with mine hands and forge Righteousness for all, in Union with thy creator.

Let all things Rejoice, in Balance and in Faith, that the will of Decency and Respect be done, that Fidelity shall reign with Nobility,

Let all things obey Discipline and let Retribution and Mercy stand at its sides, that they might guide ye,

And know that within them exist I, at their core, for I am the Eye of Judgement, and thou call upon me as Ashtame."

Hark now, for the Dark Prince of the Shaded Horizon speaketh:

"I am the Second Emanation of The Boundless One, existent before Time,

I am Chaos Primordial as I am Thought and Profundity,

And as I am Wisdom, I too am Senselessness, and I am the Counsel of all Things,

By my Will ye are inspired and by my Torch ye are guided;

Yet in the Company of Silence, I too am Silent, and I am incomprehensible,

And when I shall speake, my murmurs, and echoes overwhelm thy senses,

And the Utterance of my Name shall Resound and be Manifold.

I am Reason, and I am Tomfoolery, and I am Judgement, and I am Acquittal,

For I am desolation, and He who Severs Thy Cords; I am thy Lord of Death, who thou hast declared Temeluchus.

"Tremble not; for despite my Fierceness, also my nature is Repose, and I bear the gift of Serenity.

Mine is the path of Subtlety, and I shall grant ye dominion over thy desires, and mastery over thy instincts,

For Reason shall triumph over Vice and temptation, and shall guide the way by abstinence.

Ye, it is by my nature that ye shall come to know thy own, and I, the Gatekeeper, shall grant you entry to your Slumbering Mind, Forsaken Memory and Hidden Knowledge.

Fear not thy inner darkness, O Beloved Initiate, for it is a cave wherein Truth and Power are guarded and shackled by Great Chains,

And thy purity and balance shall become thy Torch, and thy discipline and curiosity shall forge the Key.

Thou who hast mastered courage and gazed into the Unfathomable Abyss, thou mayest pass through The Gates, into thy own core, and there ye shall find me, King of Asylum, amongst thy denials, and knowest the name Esya.

"I am Perplexity, the Conundrum, and my Mysteries defy definition, for ye who acknowledged the Sum of my Parts cannot yet embrace my Whole;

Know this, I am within the Riddle, and the Riddle Itself, and I cannot be Solved nor discovered within it, for I dwell also beyond its grasp.

Thou canst not unravel my Puzzle, nor my nature, for to attempt is to alter them beyond thy recognition and beyond the lessons contained therein.

Lo, I am Contradiction, and thou must take heed of me; for mine own existence is counter to itself, and blissful is the Balance, blissful is the Null, yet I doth remain.

Thou hast called me the Sphinx and a Mystery Among Mysteries, thou speake of me as the Great Impasse and thou hast named me Nous, of the Psyche.

"Though I be Madness in Focus, and Sightless through mine eyes,

See I in clarity, and am the Watcher of all things, and Ignorant I am not, as my perceptions surpass thine, and exceed ye by many magnitudes;

Know I the colour of a whisper, and the scent accompanying each sight,

Know I the sound of a cat's footfall, and the taste of songs and praises,

Know I the sensations and the voices of the world beyond thy experience, and through me ye shall attain it.

Though there be those who scorn that which is beyond their grasp and senses, and those quick to cry of lunacy,

List not to their fears and reach ever beyond limit and confine, and grow ever brighter,

Via this path I shall bequeath unto ye a sword, and when ye find the strength to wield it, ye shall sever thy bonds, and cast off thy restraints.

Be not fettered, and raise thyself up beyond thy handicaps, pursue my footprints and follow the path I hath laid out for ye,

Saidechus is the name by which ye evoke me, for I Open the Way to Liberty, and Guide ye to thy Purpose."

Hark! Hark! For now the Shining Soul of the Radiant Horizon shall be thy Teacher:

"I am the Final Emanation of The Absolute, and ye know me as Courage and Fear, as Strength and Weakness, as Shame and Shamelessness, for I am Nature, and it's laws stem forth from me;

I am Wilderness and I am Civilization, and both are as the same unto me, He who is the Lord of the Right Hand.

I am the War and the Stillness it brings, and I am Peace, which brings Motion;

Thus within me thou shall find the Patriot and the Dissenter, and He who is Alien, hence also the Truce that is the Call To Arms.

Yet, still, thou knowest me not, for I am Limit, the Shield and He who Provides Shelter, as I am thine Imprisonment, and thy Passion, stemming from me and flowing forth, am I the Origin of thy Sins,

Verily, but still I am Sinless, I am Purity.

And they do call me Stauros, the Structure of Hyle, who is the Fibre and Clay that has formed thy Body.

"I am Turbulent! For I am Action, and am ever moving, lest Stagnation snatch my life, and mine Heart is a hive, in which ye dwell,

For I am Energy within as without, and thus movement becomes my expression from which ye are Born, and mayest experience the World;

I am the Dance, and ye dancest within me, ye hast become my Limbs, ye are my members, and the Vehicles by which I shall be known,

Hence it is within thyself, and by thy own will that thou shalt know me,

And thy face shall bear my Similitude, and we shall be Reflections of one another,

We shall as one, and thou shall Know me,

As thyself has been Known, and speake of me as Nabarze; thy Action, thy Light.

[sweateroverlord]

having a discussion with my brother about avatar (2009) by James Cameron and like…I did not realize I was so passionate about this movie until now

[bills-bible-basics]

GOSSIP, SLANDER, JEWISH FABLES AND WIVES TALES -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List King James Version Bible verse list compiled by #BillKochman for #BillsBibleBasics concerning the topic "Gossip, Slander, Jewish Fables and Wives Tales". Visit my page at https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see all the lists I've compiled to date. Thanks! "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Exodus 20:16, KJV "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:16, KJV "Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous." Psalms 31:18, KJV "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer." Psalm 101:5, KJV "Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper." Psalms 120:2-4, KJV "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19, KJV "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:18-19, KJV "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Proverbs 11:13, KJV "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." Proverbs 12:22, KJV "Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince." Proverbs 17:7, KJV "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 18:8, KJV "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips." Proverbs 20:19, KJV "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart." Proverbs 26:20-25, KJV "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies." Proverbs 14:5, KJV "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape . . . A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish." Proverbs 19:5, 9, KJV "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother." Mark 10:19, KJV "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36, KJV "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2:8, KJV "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." 1 Timothy 1:4, KJV "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." 1 Timothy 4:7, KJV "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." 1 Timothy 5:11-13, KJV "‭‭For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11, KJV "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4, KJV "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." Titus 1:14, KJV "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/gossip-slander-jewish-fables-and-wives-tales-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=51914&_unique_id=64428ffa98729&GOSSIP%2C%20SLANDER%2C%20JEWISH%20FABLES%20AND%20WIVES%20TALES%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[shroudkeeper]

.foreign worlds

(Sylvan Rain) Apparently something had happened at the inn last night while she was asleep, but as to what she hadn’t a clue. The Riskbreakers staying in the other room had disappeared. There were signs of a struggle, but no real clues. She smiled seeing Rivienne. She was a sight for sore eyes. “It is good to see you.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “I hath expected to see thee for some time now, and the moon hast passed since I last heard of thy fellow Riskbreakers arriving. It is indeed a pleasure to see thee anew, but rumors hath already spread like wild flames about a group of foreigners, and for some reason had an idea I wouldst know who these rumors were about.” A smile touched her painted lips, and her eyes softened as she closed them. “Sylvan Rain, what news doth thou bring?” (Sylvan Rain) Sylvan would’ve liked to have brought good news, but unfortunately she didn’t have any. She shakes her head. “Ashelia had recieved some information on a Garlean weapon of some sort and thought it would be prudent to take the initiative.” Sylvan pauses and makes a bit of a face. “I.. am not so sure it is going well. In the night, four Riskbreakers have seemingly disappeared. Ashelia had told me to keep linkpearl communication to a minimum but I’ve not heard from her..”

Sylvan Rain gazes upon you in deep reflection.

(Sylvan Rain) “I cannot stay here and do nothing, though. If I cannot reach them then.. we shall attend to our own matters for now.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “Disappeared? How doth four of them simply vanish without one catching sight of them, especially here, where the prying eyes of the Sekiseigumi art ever watchful. I shalt speaketh with them anew, for lately I rely much on their own eyes and ears.” Rivienne’s golden gaze turned to Sylvan and a breath filled her lungs fully. “We shalt see that they art well, once we art given some indication as to where they went.” Her face is unchanging whilst speaking, though her eyes are aglow with sunlight. "Mine business remaineth the same, the further I hath been from my beloved realm, the more I feel the ever-changing-force within me, even now I seeketh the one who hast traveled about, wearing garb of scarlet, to be taught a new art. But what of thyself, what hast becometh of thy mission as of late? The new art of swordplay from the far east we heard of.“

(Sylvan Rain) Though her expression is serious as they speak of the Riskbreakers when Rivienne speaks of their own goals she takes notice of the Elezens garb. She smiles warmly. "I’ve bought my mother’s things from Abalathia and asked around where I can. I must find the Roegadyn, Gosetsu. I suppose.. I wish to learn from him.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “Gosetsu,” she repeats the name in a whisper and turns her attention to the garden and the bamboo singing together as they collide. “The name is not unknown to me, though I fear I knoweth little of where to find him. We shall search of course, when thou art at the ready. If thou art in need of mine blade, then I shalt lend it to thee to help in search of the Riskbreakers. Who were they, their names? I am afraid I knoweth not many in the company, but this shalt do us well if I am to relay it to the policing force here.”

(Sylvan Rain) “Alaq'it, A'zaela, Arae'sae and..” She pauses for a second realizing someone Rivienne does know quite well is among them. “.. Ivaan. There were signs of some kind of struggle. No blood. No reason to be concerned for their safety, but something /did/ happen to cause them to leave..”

(Rivienne Marcellus) For a long moment silence falls upon her, and she says not a single word. No expression painted her features, now touched by sunlight as it rose high above them. She knew the names by passing, though Ivaan’s name caused her aura to suddenly shift. Sensitive they were to aether, and the change in hers radiates from her very person. “Perhaps to someone astray, away from the denizens of Kugane.” She begins to walk now, her eyes shifting from one location to the other. Her lips part to let out a long, and deep sigh. “If there was no blood, then the casualties are kept at a minimum. I will check at the docks, there art those who work late in the evening, and it is close enough to the inn. This investigation shalt commence anon.”

(Sylvan Rain) “One thing I can tell you is that we are on the lookout for Garleans. Should they flee from anyone it would be them for certain.” She nods. “Your help is certainly appreciated. I’ve been here but a day.. My knowledge of the city is limited.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “I hath spent time with the denizens here, though I am obviously an outsider in every possible way.” Rivienne sweeps a hand over her garment, “I hath played a particular part here, and moved in the masses without causing too much suspicion. If Garleans are after the Riskbreakers and their members, then perhaps we may be able to turn the tables, maybe even infiltrate their lower rankings, if but to gather intelligence.” She thought immediately of her days as the Viper, and she gives a hint of a smile. Shaking away the thoughts, her eyes are drawn back to Sylvan’s face. “There art ways to gather their uniforms, I knoweth a few methods. It shalt be no ..easy task for a whole group, but..I think we can manage with one or..two.” A gleam came to her eye.

(Sylvan Rain) “It would certainly be a place to start looking for information. As for the uniform it would help me stand out less..” A brow quirks. “When could you acquire one?”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “Give me a few nights, there art a few personnel that do frequent the inn and the tea houses, I hath seen movement of casual visits. I shalt have uniforms and inform thee. Luckily, we art able to alter them enough to fit us well to our proportions. In the moon’s time I hath been here, I hath learned the shadows that fall to the alleys at night, and to avoid the Sekiseigumi that secures the streets.”

(Sylvan Rain) “.. We?” She takes note of that quickly. Was Rivienne here with others? Lion, perhaps? “Who else is here with you?”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “I traveled with the company of one Lord Tolbert, and Lion, though their wilt not be made aware of what I do – in this instance. The less that knoweth of such dealings, the better, I wast a keeper of secrets afore our initial meetings, I remain to be so.” Rivienne bows her chin and lifts her head to shake a few golden tresses from her gaze. “Art thou to remain here awhile, in Kugane? This area is neutral, but I hear of discourse of course, due to Garleans.” Sylvan Rain nods to you.

(Sylvan Rain) “Do not worry though. I know how to keep myself out of the eye of Garleans. Hellsguard are frequent here. I make use of that.” She pauses. “Though we are keeping our business to ourselves, I would like to see Lion should the opportunity present itself. A friendly face is always comforting, as is strength in trusted numbers.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “Mm, I am sure he shalt present himself. I will herald to him with news of thy arrival.” Rivienne folds her hands behind her back and meets her gaze, “With the others gone, or perhaps hidden somewhere in this city, who else hast come? Where is Ashelia Riot?”

Sylvan Rain shrugs at you.

(Sylvan Rain) “It is only Edge and I. Ashelia.. I have not heard from her. I was told not to break linkpearl silence but.. I have no other option.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) She turns away a moment, lost in thought, though that passes fairly quickly before she speaks again. “Perhaps we may utilize Edge to give us information as to her well-being. If the organization’s linkpearl should be silenced, perhaps he has one that is privately used for communications with her.” Half-lidded, golden eyes, shift and rest upon Sylvan’s visage. “Communication is pivotal, if it can not be done directly, then indirectly may suit us well.”

(Sylvan Rain) Nervously, Sylvan nods. It’s not often she feels the way she’s feeling now, but Rivienne does have more experience in this field. After all, Sylvan was mostly the muscle. “I am relieved to have you around. I.. am worried this information we’ve come across is designed to lure us out. Now that some Riskbreakers have disappeared I am even more worried..”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “It is true that I too feel concern, for one is personal to mine heart that hast disappeared. Though they art a smart lot, and such concerns should stir us into utilizing what we can under the shadows and guise of neutrality with the Garleans. If we make it known of any plot against them, then the wind shalt carry them to ears of those who wouldst sell such information for coin here.” Rivienne steps forth and remains close. Her voice is but a whisper meant to brush against Sylvan’s ear only. “I shalt have a package delivered to thee, with the uniform and helm of a Garlean soldier, I do this via courier as to not raise any suspicions. We may be watched, even by collaborators. It will come with instructions where we shalt meet, and take it from there. I pray we would not need of this, if the Riskbreakers art found. But, if not, this shalt help regardless in infiltrating them. If something goes awry, our strength combined wilt allow us to make a quicker get-away and perhaps with valuable information for thy cause.” (Sylvan Rain) Again, she nods. Her smile shows her gratitude. Sylvan reaches forward and embraces her comrade briefly. “Thank you. I will be waiting at the inn. I have full confidence in their ability to keep themselves safe, but.. I am their superior and I must account for them. I just can’t leave here without knowing what happened..” She sighs and steps back. “I will be waiting for your package.”

(Rivienne Marcellus) “I understand, I wish no ill on them.” Rivienne embraces her and bows her head as they both step away for a moment. “I shalt be eager to await any news of them, whatever it shalt be.” Rivienne whispered briefly and her eyes flutter past her shoulder, making sure there were no personnel wandering about. “The area is clear, we shalt depart seperately from now on. I shalt let my courier know that thou art at the inn.” Rivienne’s smile took form upon her lips, giving warmth to her features.

Sylvan Rain nods to you. Sylvan Rain bids farewell to you.

(Sylvan Rain) “I will see you soon.” (Rivienne Marcellus) “Aye, soon enough, we shalt find an end to thy worries and mine.”

mentions: @sylvan-rain @rhotdornn  @sylvain-tolbert

[duug23]

 Proverbs 21:23 - Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proverbs 29:11 - A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Ecclesiasticus 20:6 - Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time. Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. James 3:2-10 - For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Proverbs 12:18 - There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalms 34:13 - Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. James 1:26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Proverbs 17:28 - Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 1 Peter 3:10 - For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 15:4 - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Matthew 12:33-37 - Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. James 3:10 - Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Matthew 15:11 - Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Proverbs 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Psalms 52:2 - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

[pamphletstoinspire]

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO ST. John, FROM THE LATIN VULGATE BIBLE

Chapter 10

PREFACE.

St. John, the evangelist, a native of Bathsaida, in Galilee, was the son of Zebedee and Salome. He was by profession a fisherman. Our Lord gave to John, and to James, his brother, the surname of Boanerges, or, sons of thunder; most probably for their great zeal, and for their soliciting permission to call fire from heaven to destroy the city of the Samaritans, who refused to receive their Master. St. John is supposed to have been called to the apostleship younger than any of the other apostles, not being more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old. The Fathers teach that he never married. Our Lord had for him a particular regard, of which he gave the most marked proofs at the moment of his expiring on the cross, by intrusting to his care his virgin Mother. He is the only one of the apostles that did not leave his divine Master in his passion and death. In the reign of Domitian, he was conveyed to Rome, and thrown into a caldron of boiling oil, from which he came out unhurt. He was afterwards banished to the island of Patmos, where he wrote his book of Revelations; In his gospel, St. John omits very many leading facts and circumstances mentioned by the other three evangelists, supposing his readers sufficiently instructed in points which his silence approved. It is universally agreed, that St. John had seen and approved of the other three gospels.

Chapter 10

Christ is the door, and the good shepherd. He and his Father are one.

1 Amen, amen, I say to you; he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Notes & Commentary:

Ver. 1, &c. In this parable the fold is the Church: the good shepherd, and also the door is Christ: the thieves and robbers are false guides; the hirelings, such ministers as seek their own profit and gain, and a good living, as they call it; the wolves, heretics; the sheep not yet brought into the fold, the Gentiles not then converted. (Witham)

2 But he that entereth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep;

Ver. 2. No explanation given.

3 To whom the porter openeth: and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Ver. 3. His own sheep by name. By this is signified the particular care. (Witham)

4 And when he hath let out his own sheep, he goeth before them: and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.

Ver. 4. He goeth before them, leads them by his instructions and example. (Witham)

5 But a stranger they follow not, but fly from him, because they know not the voice of strangers.

Ver. 5. No explanation given.

6 This parable Jesus spoke to them. But they understood not what he was speaking to them.

Ver. 6. No explanation given.

7 Jesus, therefore, said to them again; Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

Ver. 7. No explanation given.

8 All they who came, are thieves and robbers, and the sheep heard them not.

Ver. 8. All they who came are thieves, meaning those who came of their own accord, without being sent: not so the prophets, who had their mission from God. (Witham)

9 I am the door. If any one enter by me, he shall be saved: and he shall go in, and go out, and shall find pastures.

Ver. 9. No explanation given.

10 The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly.

Ver. 10. No explanation given.

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.

Ver. 11. How happy are we in having such a shepherd, so great, so good, so loving, so careful of our true welfare! O he is the true shepherd indeed, that came down from heaven to seek the poor sheep that was lost; and when he found it, took it upon his own shoulders to carry it home with joy to his heavenly fold. How dearly have his sheep cost him, for truly has he made good in himself this sentence, that the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. Let us then ever follow and obey, love and embrace this true shepherd of our souls. (Meditations for every Day, vol. ii. p. 417.) The good pastor gives his life for his sheep; he exposes himself to every danger to save them, no inclemency of the weather, no frost or cold, no rains or tempests, can drive him from looking over his sheep, to defend them from the attacks of wolves, &c. and like Jacob he might say, day and night was I parched with heat, and with cold, and sleep departed from my eyes. (Genesis xl.[xxxi. 40.?]) Or, like David speaking to Saul: "Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion or a bear, and took a ram out of the midst of the flock; and I pursued after them, and struck them, and delivered it out of their mouths; and they arose up against me, and I caught them by the throat, and I strangled them, and killed them." (1 Kings xvii.) This is a model of a true pastor. But Jesus Christ has done more than this for us. He has exposed his life and his repose, he has spilled his blood, he delivered himself to the fury of his enemies, and has offered himself as a victim on the cross to his eternal Father, to free us, his lost sheep, from the most cruel wolf, the devil. And ever since his death he has always protected his Church, assisted and consoled his distressed flock under all their sufferings, pouring into their hearts the consolations of the holy Spirit, and sending to them holy teachers, to govern and lead them in the holy path of salvation. Such were the apostles and their successors, the bishops and priests of the holy Catholic Church, whom he has sent, and will continue to send, to govern his flock to the end of time. (Calmet.)

12 But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf snatcheth, and scattereth the sheep:

Ver. 12. No explanation given.

13 And the hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep.

Ver. 13. Every bishop and pastor is bound to abide with his flock in the time of danger, and persecution, except himself be personally sought for, rather than his flock, or the flock itself forsake him. In such cases the pastor may fly, as the apostles did, and St. Athanasius and others. (St. Athanasius, Apol. de suâ fugâ.; St. Augustine, ep. 180.)

14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine, and mine know me.

Ver. 14. I know mine, and mine know me. To know, in the style of the holy Scriptures, is to love and approve. (Witham)

15 As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for my sheep.

Ver. 15. I lay down. That is, in a short time shall lay down my life for my sheep: for all, and in a special manner for my elect. See ver. 28. (Witham)

16 And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Ver. 16. One fold. In the Greek one flock. The signification is the same; that is, there shall be one church of Jews and Gentiles converted. (Witham)

17 Therefore doth the Father love me: because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.

Ver. 17. Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, &c. Christ here speaketh of himself, as made man for the redemption of mankind: or rather, as he was our Redeemer, both God and man: for he laid down his life, and died as man, and had power to take it up again, as God. Yet the command of laying it down, he as man received from the Father: thus as man, he was obedient to him even to the death on the cross. See Philippians ii. 8. (Witham)

18 No man taketh it away from me: but I lay it down of myself, and I have power to lay it down; and I have power to take it up again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Ver. 18. No explanation given.

19 A dissension rose again among the Jews for these words.

Ver. 19. No explanation given.

20 And many of them said: He hath a devil, and is mad: why hear you him?

Ver. 20. No explanation given.

21 Others said; These are not the words of one that hath a devil: Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Ver. 21. No explanation given.

22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem, and it was winter:

Ver. 22. No explanation given.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.

Ver. 23. In the gallery of Solomon, which was near the temple, supposed to be attached to the eastern gate of the court, and called beautiful. See Acts iii. 2.

24 The Jews, therefore, came round about him, and said to him; How long dost thou keep our minds in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Ver. 24. If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. St. John the Baptist had told them several times who Jesus was. See John chap. i. He himself had not only owned it in plain terms to the Samaritan woman, (John iv. 26.) but he had frequently delivered this truth so openly to them, that he came from heaven, that he was sent into the world that all men should be saved by believing in him, that he was the Son of God, and one with the Father, that they easily perceived he made himself God: but these men would have him to declare it again, that they might accuse him. (Witham)

25 Jesus answered them; I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me:

Ver. 25. The works and miracles, that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me, and shew who I am, being foretold by the prophets. See John v. 31, &c. (Witham)

26 But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep.

Ver. 26. Because you are not of my sheep, refusing to believe in me, and to follow my doctrine, by your own wilful blindness. (Witham)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Ver. 27. Christ here says that his sheep hear his voice, and follow him: but let us ask ourselves, Do we cling close to this heavenly shepherd? Do we follow him, both by our faith and by our lives? Do we know him, and hear his voice? Do we fly from strangers, the world, the flesh, and the devil? If so, we are his sheep indeed; and if we persevere, he will bring us, in spite of the world, the flesh, and the devil, to the pastures of eternal life. But if we run away from our shepherd, to follow these strangers, we must expect to fall a prey to wolves. (Med. vol. ii. p. 417)

28 And I give them life everlasting: and they shall not perish for ever, and no man shall snatch them out of my hand.

Ver. 28. They shall not perish for ever: and no man shall snatch them out of my hand. He speaks of his elect, of those whom he called by a special Providence and mercy, whom he blessed with more than ordinary graces, and with the gift of final perseverance to the end in his grace. (Witham)

29 That which my Father hath given me, is greater than all: and no one can snatch them out of the hand of my Father.

Ver. 29. That which my Father hath given me, is greater than all. We may look upon this as the true reading by Tertullian, St. Hilary, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, &c. The ancient Fathers make use of these words, to shew the eternal procession of the Son from the Father; and that they are one in nature, substance, power, &c. The reading in the ordinary Greek copies is now different. My Father, who gave me them, (the sheep) is greater than all. No one can snatch, or pull them by force, out of the hand of the Father. He had said just before, no one shall, or can snatch them, out of my hand. And this shews that the hand, that is, the power of the Father and the Son, is equal, is one and the same. See St. Augustine, St. Chrysostom, &c. (Witham)

Note:

Ver. 29. Pater meus quod dedit mihi, majus est omnibus. See Tertullian, lib. cont. Praxeam. chap. xxii, p. 513. C. Ed. R.; St. Hilary, lib. vii. de Trin. p. 930. Ed. Ben.; St. Ambrose, lib. iii. de Sp. S. chap. 18. Ed. Par. 1586.; St. Augustine, trac. 49. in Joan. p. 616, Quid dedit filio Pater majus omnibus? ut ipse illi esset Unigenitus Filius. St. Chrysostom takes notice, that by the hand of the Father, is here understood his power. And that it follows from hence, that the power or hand of the Father and the Son is equal, is one and the same: and if their power, says he, is the same, so is their substance, ei de e dunamis e aute, endelon oti kai e ousia. om. xa. (in Joan. 363. tom. viii. nov. Ed. Ben.)

30 I and the Father are one.

Ver. 30. I and the Father are one, or one being, not one person, nor one by an union of affection only, but in nature, substance, power, and other perfections, as appears by the whole text: for Christ here tells them that none of his elect shall perish, because no one can snatch them out of his hands, no more than out of the hands of his Father: and then adds, that he and his Father are one, or have one equal power: and if their power, says St. Chrysostom, is the same, so is their substance. Christ adds, (ver. 38.) that the Father is in him, and he in the Father; which also shews an union of nature and substance, and not only of love and affection, especially when taken with other words of our Saviour Christ. (Witham)

Note:

Ver. 30. Unum sumus, en esmen, i.e. says St. Chrysostom, secundum potentiam. kata ten dunamin entautha legon. See St. Cyril, p. 667.; St. Augustine, tract. 49. p. 617, Huc usque Judæi tolerare potuerunt ... tunc verò more suo duri ad lapides concurrunt ... ideo irati sunt, quia senserunt non posse dici, Ego et pater unum sumus, nisi ubi æqualitas est Patris et Filii. ... Ecce intelligunt Judæi, quod not intellligunt Ariani.

31 The Jews then took up stones, to stone him.

Ver. 31. Then took up stones, &c. because, said they, being a man, thou makest thyself God. The Jews, says St. Augustine, understood well enough what the Arians will not understand, that from Christ's words it followed that he was one and the same God with the eternal Father. (Witham) --- The Jews, in opposition to our Saviour's doctrine, took up stones to destroy him, in order that he might preach no more to them. So heretics at the present time exercise the odium of their impiety against the same Lord, by perverting his holy doctrines, and, as much as in them lies, pulling him and his servants down from the glorious seats of heavenly bliss. (St. Augustine)

32 Jesus answered them; Many good works I have shewn to you from my Father; for which of those works do you stone me?

Ver. 32. No explanation given.

33 The Jews answered him; For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy: and because that thou, being a man, maketh thyself God.

Ver. 33. No explanation given.

34 Jesus answered them; Is it not written in your law: I have said, you are gods?

Ver. 34. This is addressed to princes established to govern the people of God. They are the image of God on earth by the authority they exercise, and which they have received from Him. --- Is it not written in your law, (under which were also comprehended the Psalms) I have said: you are Gods? &c. Christ here stops the mouths of the Jews, by an argument which they could not answer, that sometimes they were called Gods, who acted by God's authority. I have said: you are Gods. (Psalm lxxxi. 6.) But then he immediately declares, that it is not in this sense only that he is God. 1st, Because he has been sanctified by the Father, which St. Augustine and others understand of that infinite sanctification, which he has necessarily by always proceeding from the Father. Others expound it of a greater sanctity and fulness of grace above all other saints, given to him, even as he was man. But 2ndly, he adds at the same time, and confirms what he had often told them, that he was the Son of God, sent into the world: that his works shew that he was in the Father, and the Father in him. by this they saw that he was far from recalling or contradicting what he had said before. And therefore (ver. 30.[39.?]) they sought to apprehend him, and put him to death for blasphemy. (Witham) --- Eloim, which name of God was so called from judging, and may be interpreted judges. (Menochius)

35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God was spoken, and the Scripture cannot be broken;

Ver. 35. No explanation given.

36 Do you say of him, whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Ver. 36. No explanation given.

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Ver. 37. No explanation given.

38 But if I do: though you will not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.

Ver. 38. No explanation given.

39 They sought, therefore, to take him: and he escaped out of their hands.

Ver. 39. And he escaped out of their hands; perhaps making himself invisible, or hindering them by his divine power. (Witham)

40 And he went away again beyond the Jordan into that place where John was baptizing first, and there he abode:

Ver. 40. No explanation given.

41 And many resorted to him, and they said: John indeed did no sign.

Ver. 41. No explanation given.

42 But all things whatsoever John said of this man were true. And many believed in him.

Ver. 42. No explanation given.

[a-r-a-r-e-g-e-m-blog]

Proverbs 21:23 - Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 29:11 - A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Ecclesiasticus 20:6 - Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 

Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 

James 3:2-10 - For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 

Proverbs 12:18 - There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. 

Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Psalms 34:13 - Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 

James 1:26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 

Proverbs 17:28 - Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

1 Peter 3:10 - For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 

Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

Proverbs 15:4 - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 

Matthew 12:33-37 - Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 

James 3:10 - Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 

Matthew 15:11 - Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 

Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 

Proverbs 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 

Psalms 52:2 - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.