''We know that the Word assumed a body from a virgin, and through a new creation, put on our old nature. We know that He was a man, formed from the same substance as we are. IF HE WERE NOT OF THE SAME NATURE AS OURSELVES, HIS COMMAND TO IMITATE HIM AS A MASTER WOULD BE A FUTILE ONE.''   St. Hippolytus, born 170 A.D.— died 235 A.D.