NEOPHYTE, or Novice. This Word comes from the Greek1, and literally signifies, newly sown, or planted. This Name was given to new Converts to Christianity, or to those that were newly baptized. St. 1 Tim. iii. 16.Paul advises, that a Novice should not be made a Bishop, for Fear, says he, lest being lifted up with Pride, he fall into the Condemnation of the Devil. As Lucifer, who at the beginning of his Creation being puft up with those eminent Qualities he saw himself possessed of, became proud and insolent, and was therefore suddenly precipitated into Hell2. A Man that finds himself so suddenly exalted in Dignity, easily flatters himself, and persuades himself he has more real Worth than others, and that there is great Occasion for his Service, because he has been so hastily called to a superior Employment. Hence comes Presumption and Pride, and then the Judgment of God, who always humbles the Proud.
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