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6.
1
IN the mean time Paul, together with Onesiphorus, his wife and children, was keeping a fast in a certain cave, which was in the road from Iconium to Daphne.
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6.
2
And when they had fasted for several days, the children said to Paul, Father, we are hungry, and have not wherewithal to buy bread; for Onesiphorus had left all his substance to follow Paul with his family.
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6.
3
Then Paul, taking off his coat, said to the boy, Go, child, and buy bread, and bring it hither.
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6.
4
But while the boy was buying the bread, he saw his neighbour Thecla and was surprised, and said to her. Thecla, where are you going?
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6.
5
She replied, I am in pursuit of Paul, having been delivered from the flames.
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6.
6
The boy then said, I will bring you to him, for he is under great concern on your account, and has been in prayer and fasting these six days.
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6.
7
When Thecla came to the cave, she found Paul upon his knees praying and saying, O holy Father, O Lord Jesus Christ, grant that the fire may not touch Thecla; but be her helper, for she is thy servant.
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6.
8
Thecla then standing behind him, cried out in the following words: O sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the Father of thy beloved and holy Son, I praise thee that thou hast preserved me from the fire, to see Paul again.
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6.
9
Paul then arose, and when he saw her, said, O God, who searchest the heart, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise thee that thou hast answered my prayer.
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6.
10
And there prevailed among them in the cave an entire affection to each other; Paul, Onesiphorus, and all that were with them being filled with joy.
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6.
11
They had five loaves, some herbs and water, and they solaced each other in reflections upon the holy works of Christ.
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6.
12
Then said Thecla to Paul, If you be pleased with it, I will follow you whithersoever you go.
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6.
13
He replied to her, Persons are now much given to fornication, and you being handsome, I am afraid lest you should meet with greater temptation than the former, and should not withstand, but be overcome by it.
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6.
14
Thecla replied, Grant me only the seal of Christ, and no temptation shall affect me.
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6.
15
Paul answered, Thecla, wait with patience, and you shall receive the gift of Christ.
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