[Note: 61]

...[that we] do [so], for they ever strive for the salvation of our souls; with good and profitable counsels they exhort [us] to shun evil, to follow after good works, and to become worthy of the kingdom of heaven; as the holy apostle saith: “Obey your leaders, and submit unto them: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account for you” (Heb. 13:17). 3. It is needful that we be not vexed nor frown at their counsels and reproofs, even if they sometimes rebuke our disorderliness with harsh words. For just as an intelligent sick man turneth not his face away from the physician who giveth him bitter and acrid medicine, but rather receiveth it with love, knowing that it is for his health; in like manner we also ought not to frown upon our spiritual physician, but rather to love [him] the more when he reproveth us, knowing that it is for our profit. Wherefore the apostle saith: “I beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord...