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SAINT BASIL
ASCETICAL WORKS
Translated by
The
S. C.
Washington
1962
17, I).
C.
NIHIL OBSTAT:
JOHN M.
A,
Censor
FEARNS,
S.T.D.
Libromm
IMPRIMATUR:
Jwe
New York
26, 1950
is
No
a book or
implication, is contained
Copyright 1950, by
Reprinted 1962
Lithographed by
Sauls Lithograph
Company,
Washington,
I),
C.
Inc.
PRESS, INC,
INTRODUCTION
IHATEVER MAY HAVE BEEN the factors responsible for
the marked ebullience of the asoetical movement in
the Church during the fourth century, the impulse
to withdraw from society and enter a life of rigorous austerity
in deserts or mountain fastnesses was widely experienced and
it constitutes a dominant
spiritual phenomenon of the age.
An incident casually introduced by St. Augustine in the
eighth book of his Confessions illustrates the far-reaching
and impetuous force of this ascetical urge. During a conversation in Milan with Augustine and Alypius, Ponticianus, a
fellow African and an imperial court official, recalls the marvels of the life of St. Anthony of Egypt and his followers.
Amazed
was
Among
SAINT BASH,
Christian
the nine surviving children born to the* staunchly
and Kmsaint
the
of
and socially prominent Basil (father
a
Macrina,
nun,
and
mclia, there were three bishops, a monk,
of
the most
one
the eldest of the five daughters who became
\ears
later
her
remarkable women of the fourth century. In
quently,
the children the
VU
INTRODUCTION
on the hanks of the
Iris,
where
Basil
and Gregor\
c<
Elaborated
355 and his first retirement to the hermitage on the Iris, Basil
had enjoyed a short but brilliant career as a teacher of rhetoric
Neo-Caesarea. His instinctive yearning for the monastic
however, supported by the urging of his sister, Macrina,
who feared (and with .some reason according to St. Gregory
of Nyssa) the effect of worldly success upon her gifted brother,
in
life,
him
to
'Having lavished
much
sumed almost
while
all
my
life,
The
Saint
following e\<crpt
Jta.fi/,
York 1930).
The
is
Letters III
SAINT BASIL
I
have no sympathetic concern with the things of this world,
had
who
brethren
the
of
one
some
prayed that I might find
life's
of life, so as to traverse with him this
taken this
way
brief flood.
'And indeed
found many
men
in
Alexandria am!
many
in living
deeming
life
in
its
two
lines of
INTRODUCTION
IX
life,
atic effort toward a corporate and stable monasticism. Pachomian cocnobitism, considerably corrected and modified^ was
the model of the monastic system propagated by St. Basil*
returned
in
Here he would
realize his
monastic ideals
a daily round
disciples who
treat had not
common
SAINT BASIL
from
St. Basil's
is
irrevocable vow.
Christian
monk warn
counseled by
ards.
There
him according
is,
all
extent that he does not recognize degrees of heinousness
the
for
his
stern
demand
also
in
and
sin is equally serious
renunciation of
all fleshly
On
pleasures.
INTRODUCTION
XI
all
of
life
both
soul as
spiritual, affecting the interior of the
well as imposing certain external checks.
physical and
furthermore,
social in character.
Love
of
fellow
men
offers
obedience and
is
The monks
life
SAINT BASIL
Xil
sort that
would
Labor
above all, unselfish. As for
and most especially the monk
prayer, even the true Christian
is insistently urged to pray so constantly and continuously
that prayer will become a spontaneous habit of mind.
But works of philanthropy, no more than the life in common, were to be regarded as an end in themselves, All acts
of benevolence toward fellow men, as well as the entire
mechanism of monastic discipline work, silence, mortificahad one end in view to which all these were to be duly
tion
subordinated as means. This end was union with God. Selftranquility of the monastic
tial
life.
in Basil's
be,
WRITINGS
OF
SAINT BASIL
VOLUME
ONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
LIFE
...
15
...
33
37
CONCERNING FAITH
57
71
AN ASrv-iCAL DISCOURSE
207
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
217
223
CONCERNING BAPTISM
339
HEED TO THYSELF
431
447
'GIVE
HOMILY
11:
CONCERNING ENVY
463
HOMILY
20:
OF HUMILITY
475
487
507
INDEX
513
PREFATORY NOTE
Of
of Caesarea, this
ing:
Three short
treatises,
seemingly addressed to
ascetics,
com-
prising exhortations to the monastic life and ascetical recommendations and prescriptions on certain matters of behavior
in community life. Two additional tracts, placed after the
Morals, are of similar content, with greater emphasis on detail.
The Morals
On
the
or Ethics, with
Judgment
of
its
Faith.
treatise,
The Morals
and
The Long
themes attribut-
SAINT BASIL
edition was used as
reprint of the Benedictine
the Douay-Rhelms
follow
the Scriptural passages
The Migne
the text and
translation,
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Texts:
Amand,
Clarke,
Study in Monastidsm
(Paris
Morison, E.
St,
ticism
Murphy,
F.,
1932).
Basil
in Early
Monas*
(Oxford 1912).
Sister
Margaret Gertrude,
ington 1930)
St.
Basil
SAINT BASIL
ASCETICAL WORKS
Translated
by
C. S. C.
^^^mmm
orders are being proclaimed, therefore, let that man give ear
who desires what is of great and celestial worth, who wishes
to be ever Christ's comrade in battle, who heeds that mighty
word: lf any man minister to me, let him follow me; and
51
Where is
where I am, there also shall my minister be.
it
behooves
Thither
Christ, the King? In heaven, to be sure.
s
open
king.
He
is
not required to
by
John
12.26.
2 2 Tim.
2.4,
SAINT BASIL
10
it is
joyous.
The
him who
you slave instead of free. Desire not to leave behind you proto cleave
geny upon the earth, but to lead them to heaven nor
to
exercise
ones
to fleshly unions, but to strive after spiritual
the
Follow
the
in
spirit.
power over souls and beget sons
invisible
of
foes;
Heavenly Bridegroom; withstand the onset
4
out
wage war against principalities and powers, driving them
with
no
have
first from your own soul that they may
part
;
who
fly to
you and,
opposed
piety
exalteth
counsels,' as the Apostle says, "and every height that
itself
32 Cor. 10.4.
4 Eph. 6.12.
5 2 Cor. 10.4-5.
God/ 5
II
your
Keep
also must be
by them, knowing that for the sake of Christ you
over
victorious
be
them; for you foltried therein, and you will
wishes
who
and
low a King who is a victor,
you to share in
have
die
if
even
His victory. Moreover, not
you been conyou
the
won
have
perfect victory,
you
quered nav? then, in truth,
inasmuch as you have preserved unto your own self and even
to the end the truth which remains ever unchanged and you
have maintained an intrepid boldness in speaking on behalf
of the truth.
shall pass to everlasting life, from ignothe adversiminy in men's sight to glory with God, and from
eternal
to
world
this
peace with
ties and chastisements of
the angels. Earth did not accept you as a citizen, but heaven
will welcome you. The world persecuted you, but the angels
even
will bear you aloft to the presence of Christ. You will
word
the
hear
will
Him and
longed-for
be called friend
by
6 Matt. 10.23.
SAINT BASIL
12
of
ing
from
and
invisible foes,
wage
many
great will be
you
number
deed,
women
as well as
men
13
of
daughters
Let them, in their desire
to have worthy envoys and spokesmen with Christ, bring before Him their offspring, rejoicing in the everlasting hopes
which their children will share in with themselves. And let us
Christ,
should be
filled
it.
from Him,
so that
them
rity
this
received
Him
in
partners with our children
with
and
them
standing
together with
such as
gifts
we may be
who show an
alac-
59
8 Ps. 113.15.
9 Deut. 33.11.
10 1 Cor. 9.24,25.
all
I will refresh
case,
He
calls
on the
the
self to
a victim of disgrace and ridicule. Moreover, in returning to the world with a judgment of condemnation on
point,
his soul,
of
all
Matt. 11.28.
15
SAINT BASIL
16
better for
him
hanged about
his
neck and that he be cast into the sea than that he scandalize
2
one of these little ones.' For not only will he be liable to cona deserter, but he will be responsible also for
the ruin of those who are undone by his defection, even if
he pretend to convince himself by foolish arguments that he
a life of good works in the
the
will
demnation
as
Divinity by
propitiate
world an impossibility for him. If he is not strong enough
to bear the blows of his adversary in a state of life where occasions of sin are remote because of greater retirement, how
will he be able to perform any virtuous actions in a state which
master?
is openly exposed to evil and in which he is his own
life
Even assuming that he direct his personal
properly, he will
Christ
any more than
not escape the reproach of abandoning
did those disciples mentioned in the Gospel, concerning whom
'Many
of the disciples
went back,
God,
solicitous for
God
gained great glory by thus preferring
tent
his
of
before all Moreover, he kept the doors
open and
showing
grief,
for
ready to receive those who were in quest of hospitality,
and
thou
hast
he had not heard the counsel, 'Sell what
give
2 Matt
18.6.
6.67,61.
John
4 Gen
18.1,2.
17
5
David and
to the poor.' Job, also, and a host of others
Samuel, for Instance bore even greater testimony. In the
Testament, Peter is an example and also the other
New
the fruits of
Apostles. Every man, indeed, will be asked for
will
he
and
his love of God and neighbor
pay the penalty
for his violation of these as well as of all the
commandments,
as the
father or
ciple.'
mands
of His Father,
Christ,
was
when He preached
the
com-
the
speaking to persons living in
world;
a wife,
therefore, you who have chosen the companionship of
worldliness.
embrace
Indeed,
to
as if you were at liberty
you
6 Matt. 10.37.
7
Luke
Mark
14.26.
13.37.
SAINT BASIL
18
Be
battle with
you will not escape doing
without
him
over
the
victory
you gain
How
much
fight
in the art of conflict, that
fire.
These counsels should be given casually, as it were, to persons living in the married state who are not dangerously neg-
become a
your renunciation of the world show yourself a man, and, that you may not be dragged down by attachments to your blood relatives, strengthen yourself by
exchanging mortal for immortal aspirations. Furthermore,
when you make renouncement of the goods you possess, be
adamant in your resolve, convinced that you are merely dispatching these goods to heaven in advance; for, although you
in the beginning of
are hiding
them
in the
Pet. 5.8.
bosom
19
Enemy
if
without vainglory or arrogance, impervious to flatnot given to vacillation, and preferring God to all things
If you should find such a one, surrender yourself to him,
clients,
tery,
else.
you
will
be cast out
like
John
15.13.
SAINT BASIL
20
our sins before our eyes and correct them. On the contrary,
he urges us toward one who is bent on popularity and who
vices under the pretext of
puts a favorable light on his own
so
that, when he has thus imperindulgence to his associates,
a
vices
thousandfold, he may cause us to
ceptibly increased our
we
ourselves have forged. But, if
sin
of
be fettered by chains
hands
of a man rich in virtue, you
the
in
you place yourself
the
heir
of
the
will become
good qualities he possesses and you
God and men. On the other
with
blessed
will be supremely
a master who will condeseek
the
body, you
hand, if, to
spare
scend or, rather, degrade himself to the level of your vices, all
in vain did you endure the struggle of renunciation, since you
have surrendered yourself to a life of gratifying your passions
into the pit;
by choosing a blind guide who will lead you
11
'It is
'for if the blind lead the blind, both fall into
the^pit.'
12
This is the
that he be as his master.'
for the
enough
voice of
disciple
it shall
God and
not be
falsified.
13
You must
live in
Matt. 15.14.
12 Matt. 10,25.
13 Matt. 24.35.
14 2 Tim. 2.5.
15 Matt. 7.7.
21
Do
not undertake to chant as an expert would the incantapronounced over persons who have been bitten by serpents, inexperienced as you are in the art of weaving spells,
tions
lest,
to resist
them and
Do
who
Do
not accumu-
late
16
Cor. 2.14.
SAINT BASIL
22
Holy
taught
tain to the greater virtues, but do not neglect the lesser ones.
Do not make light of a fall even if it be the most venial of
it by repentance, although
of faults, slight and
number
a
many others may commit large
not the sins of
grievous, and remain unrepentant. Judge
render to every
will
'who
a
just Judge
others, for they have
18
of what is your
master
be
but
works
man according to his
as
insofar
burden
own
you have the
own and lighten your
also carry
will
burden
own
his
increases
power, for he who
19
of rependeath
the
is
but
is salvation,
it. In
folly
faults; rather,
be quick to repair
repentance
tance.
Hide
much
as
little from
tinency and after thus drawing you away little by
Even
ruin.
utter
of
cause
the
be
will
the life of virtue she
your
to
enabled
are
God's
with
and
if
some means
help you
by
to your cell,
escape the snares of this harlot, you will return
one
as
but
same
enervated,
the
person,
indeed; yet not as
17 Prov. 16.24.
18 Rom. 2,6.
19 anoia for agnoia? Cf.
PC. 31.636
n. 90.
and peevishly
23
and only
after
your
lips,
from them
nal
fire,
cities
21
come
as
casting
them down
on the pretext
safely
of spiritual love.
are safe in port he has sent down into the deep, together with
the ship and crew. At meals take a seat far away from your
young brother;
in lying
down
your garments be
between
neighbor to his; rather, have an elderly brother lying
is
or
with
opposite
you
you. When a young brother converses
you in choir, make your response with your head bowed lest,
of desire be
perchance, by gazing fixedly into his face, the seed
the wicked Sower and you reap sheaves
in
implanted
20 Gen.
you by
8.9.
SAINT BASIL
24
where there
of corruption and ruin. At home or in a place
his
in
found
not
be
company
is no witness of your actions,
under the pretext of meditation on the Divine Words or for
is of
any other excuse, even the most urgent need; nothing
not
Do
died.
Christ
the soul for whom
greater urgency than
Is
this
that
to
you
believe the crafty argument which suggests
the
ofta quite harmless thing to do, but be fully convinced, by
who have fallen and have clearly
repeated experience of those
demonstrated it to be so, that it is of itself an offensive act.
Believe these words of
ternal charity of
make
my
heart.
Have
recourse to older
by their
young
way harm
charm
fra-
men who
them
the
to
23
to
by causing him to steal food and expected
24
in
bolder
far
be
will
catch even Jesus off His guard
preparthis first cause of evil, knowing that it
for
as
drink
a
you
ing
its
is a strong poison. The vice of gluttony is wont to display
in paradise
of food, but
proper force not with regard to a great quantity
in the appetite for a little taste. If, therefore, desire of some
bit of food succeed in making you subject to the vice of
to destruction without further
gluttony, he will give you up
ado. For, as the nature of water that is channeled along
22 Prov.
23 Gen.
3.1-6.
24 Matt.
4.3.
4.23.
many
furrows causes
it
make verdant
to
25
life.
They
are
liars,
appearance,
number
by
their
Adam up
to death;
by the
Gen.
Gen.
Gen.
Gen.
Num.
9.21.
9.25.
25.33; 36.2.
19.35.
14.29ff.
SAINT BASIL
26
tion,
who showed
if
30
1 Kings 13.24.
Dan. 10.3.
32 Dan. 5,9,14.
33 Dan. 3.12ff.
31
34 Kataskeuastheisan
Cf.
FG
31.641 n. 11.
for kataschetheisan
27
in a small
for, if he will succeed in defeating you
and
the
combat
in
overthrown
has
he
you
matter,
already
holds you bound with his chains. Do not give ear to every
which
babbler, nor a response to every trifler in conversations
do not comport with the ascetical life. Be attentive to worthy
watch
and,
meditating on these, keep a strict
tongue;
by
teachings
over your heart. Refrain from listening to worldly tales, that
the spattering
you may not in any way stain your soul with
others nor to
of
the
hear
to
anxious
not
Be
mud.
of
sayings
into others' conversations, so that you may not
thrust
yourself
and cause these others to
yourself an object of ridicule
desirous of seeing
not
Be
slander.
commit
inquisitive nor
make
away
strict
ascetical
life,
thoughtlessly,
that despiseth the poor, reinsulting God; for, 'he
35
In affirof Proverbs.
Book
the
proacheth his Maker' says
with
discourse
love of
of
preface your
and thus
mation
35 Prov.
your
17.5.
neighbor,
SAINT BASIL
28
sit
scarcely
will
your need and, except for an urgent reason, you
not readily do .so. How much more eagerly ought you to linger
over spiritual nourishment and strengthen your soul with
satisfied
is
The
soul
is
draw us
seemingly worthy reason, so that they may plausibly
away from saving prayer. Do5 not make excuses, saying, 'Alas,
my head! Alas, my stomach! alleging invisible proofs of nonexistent pain and relaxing the rigor of the vigil for the sake
36 Luke 14.10.
29
of taking
God
and comfort
whom
you
dragnet
commandments
is
'I
me
37 Matt. 6.18.
38 Col. 4.6.
39 Jer. 48.10.
40 Matt. 25.35,36.
to eat; I
SAINT BASIL
30
heaven.
Do
all
who
live in
cell
bad as well as the good, for this is not true. Many, indeed,
take up the life of virtue, but few bear its yoke. The kingdom
bear it
of heaven is the prize of the viylent and the violent
41
is
Violence'
the
of
By
Gospel
away_these are the words
Christ
of
the
which
the
disciples
meant the affliction of
body
denial of their own will, in the
voluntarily undergo in the
refusal of respite to the body, and in the observance of
then, you wish to bear away the kingdom
of God, become a man of violence; bow your neck to the yoke
42
Bind the strap of the yoke tightly about
of Christ's service.
labor in
throat. Let it
your neck. Rub it thin
Christ's precepts.
If,
your
pinch
by
the tribulations
which
befall
you
at the
hands of
men and
demons.
Let not presumptuous thoughts induce you, as time goes on,
to abate your labors, so that you may not be caught destitute
of virtue, perhaps at the very moment of your departure,
and be kept outside the gates of the kingdom. Let not the
rank of cleric elate you but let it, rather, make you humble,
41 Matt. 11.12.
42 Matt. 11.30.
43 Lev. 10.
31
not the fugitive slave; of the merciful One, not the merthe lover, not the enemy, of mankind; of the inmates
of the bridal chamber, not the inhabitants of darkness. Be not
ter,
ciless; of
your time in retirement, not for days nor months, but throughyears, praising your Lord in song, night
in imitation of the Cherubim. If thus you begin
out
many
make an
and day,
and thus
and
ever.
Amen.
the
monk
should be equipped
AND FOREMOST,
the
monk
should
own
nothing
his
equals,
give
charitable
counsel
to
his
inferiors,
and
keep aloof from the wicked, the carnal, and the officious.
He ought to think much but speak little, be not forward
in speech nor given to useless discoursing, not easily moved
to
laughter,
respectful
in
bearing,
down and
He
mindful of
He
from
evil thoughts.
the occupations
him
1
to concern
Luke
and
It ill befits
superfluities of the world.
careless
lead
who
those
about
himself
lives;
12.38.
2 2 Tim.
2.4.
33
SAINT BASIL
34
who
life
ity.
He must
nothing
tures,
him not
It befits
to dispute
Rom.
12.15.
Tim.
5.10.
35
ON ASCETICAL DISCIPLINE
to be struck rather than to strike, to be
to
do wrong,
Before
the
monk must
abstain
from the
society
of
weary
ability,
Lord
of everlasting life,
continuing in his desire for the enjoyment
and saying:
of
words
the
his
before
David,
ever
eyes
keeping
'I set the Lord always in my sight; for he is at my right hand,
6
that I be not moved.' Moreover, he should love God as a
with his whole heart and strength and mind and with
son,
7
he should reverpower that is in him; but as a servant
his salvation in fear
out
work
and
Him
and
ence, fear,
obey
9
and trembling, 8 fervent in spirit, girt about with the full
armor of the Holy Spirit. He must run not as without a pur10
the air,
overthrowing his
pose and fight not as beating
all
adversary in weakness of body and poverty of spirit, doing
an
unprofitcommanded him, and confessing that he is
all
the
things
11
able servant.
ous,
and
holy,
He
and do nothing
vainglory
5 Eccli. 19.2.
6 Ps. 15.8.
7 Luke 10.27.
8 Phil. 2.12.
9 Rom. 12.11.
10 1 Cor. 9.26.
11 Luke 17.10.
12 Phil. 2.3.
13 Ps. 52.6.
SAINT BASIL
36
seeking praise from
God
us
commandments, there
munificent recompense, and crowns of
is
a great reward,
justice,
16
everlasting
in
company with
angels,
Fathers,
Patriarchs,
Prophets,
harmonious
suit of
relations existed
each of the
arts
and
among
God alone, for which Christ died and upon which He poured
out in abundance the Holy Spirit, I noticed that many disagree
violently with one another and also in their understanding of
the Holy Scriptures. Most alarming of all is the fact that I
found the very leaders of the Church themselves at such
variance with one another in thought and opinion, showing
so much opposition to the commands of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and so mercilessly rending asunder the Church of God
and cruelly confounding His flock that, in our day, with the
rise of
the
Anomoeans, there
is
fulfilled in
own
them
away
as never be-
men
speak1
Acts 20.30.
37
SAINT BASIL
38
was
in a state, as
balance,
veered
it
now
this
way. now
that
attracted
if
on a
now
to
which
mentioned, there came to my mind the Book of Judges
his
own
in
eyes and
tells how each man did what was right
those
'In
in the words:
days there
gives the reason for this
52
in
words
mind, then, I
was no king in Israel. With these
that
explanation
applied also to the present circumstances
is quite truly
which, incredible and frightening as it may be,
has there
before
for never
pertinent when it is understood;
members
the
arisen such discord and quarreling as now among
of their turning away from the
of the Church in
consequence
universe. Each
one, great, and true God, only King of the
man, indeed, abandons the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ
and arrogates to himself authority in dealing with certain
own private rules, and preferring to
questions, making his
exercise leadership in opposition to the Lord to being led by
the Lord. Reflecting upon this and aghast at the magnitude
of the impiety, I pursued my investigation further and became
convinced that the aforesaid cause was no less the true source
also of secular difficulties. I noticed that as long as the common obedience of the others to some one leader was mainthe whole group;
tained, all was discipline and harmony in
but that division and discord and a rivalry of leaders besides
I once had
proceeded from a lack of leadership. Moreover,
observed how even a swarm of bees, in accordance with a law
of nature, lives under military discipline and obeys its own king
2 Judges 21.24.
39
leadership
There
is
no God/ 4 And
as
a kind
Herein, therefore, the Scripture has represented the manifest evil as a sign of the evil lurking hidden in the soul. But
the blessed Apostle Paul, employing a more vigorous method
6
of converting the reprobate in heart to a fear of the judgthe following penalty to be inflicted
upon those who are negligent in acquiring true knowledge of
God. What are his words? 'And as they liked not to have
God in their knowledge, God delivered them up to a reprobate
ments
of
God,
lays
down
2.7.
*
those not reprobate in heart*
31.656 n. 52.
6 Or,
7
Rom.
1,28,29.
(tons
me
apololekotas)
Cf.
FG
SAINT BASIL
40
guided
)
that they might
spoke to the crowd in parables
9
the
of
Gospel, since
not understand the divine mysteries
had been dull of hearing
they had first shut their eyes and
10
with their ears and their foolish heart had become gross.
speaking
said that
He
in particular, that
produces a reprobate understanding and,
the disagreement in the world comes from the fact that we
have rendered ourselves unworthy of the Lord's leadership.
such behavior,
But, if I should apply myself to an inquiry into
I
full
extent of
its
obtuseness,
should use I
If
even
among
these models are proposed to us now by the good God for our
instruction and conversion, but that in the great and dread-
Him unto
day of judgment they will be brought forward by
not
have
who
those
profited
the shame and condemnation of
and He
by the instruction? Already, to be sure, He has said
ful
8 2 Cor. 13.3.
9 Matt. 13.13.
10 Matt. 13.15.
11 Ps. 12.4.
41
ever keeps saying: 'The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass
his master's crib; but Israel hath not known me and my
12
and many other utterances of
people hath not understood/
to
be found. Consider, further, these words of
this kind are
'And
the Apostle:
members
if
suffer with
3
it;
13
Wherefore is it so ordained? In
my opinion, so that this conformity and harmony may exist
in a pre-eminent degree in the Church of God to which are
addressed the words: 'Now you are the body of Christ and
members
which
is
therein.
member' 15
Head
mem-
bers,
To whom
you
to obey, his
yield yourselves servants
16
16
Rom.
6.16.
SAINT BASIL
42
whereas there
is
tions are
517
The
whom
all
22
should speak.'
Likewise, when the Holy Spirit disall
penses His great and wonderful gifts, bringing to pass
He
things in all, He says nothing of Himself; but whatever
3
hears from the Lord, this He speaks/" Is there not a far
what
to
greater obligation, then, upon the whole Church of God
be zealous in maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond
The
24
of peace,
fulfilling those words in the Acts:
25
of believers had but one heart and one soul.'
multitude
That
is,
no
individual put forward his own will, but all together in the one
Holy Spirit were seeking the will of their one Lord Jesus Christ,
who
said
the will of
*I
20 John
21
John
22 John
23 John
6.38.
8.28.
12.49.
16.13.
24 Eph. 4.3.
25 Acts 4.32.
to
do
my
will
but
Him
word
shall believe in
many more
all
43
may
be one.' 26
gerous and fatal ( 'for,' says the Evangelist, 'he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth
on him' 27 ), that I thought the following inference could be
any
case, liable to
I find, in
New
condemnation
for
contumacy. Accordingly
is
clearly
condemned,
not in consideration of the number or heinousness of transgressions, but in terms of a single violation of any precept
whatsoever, and, further, that the judgment of God covers
all forms of disobedience. In the Old Testament, I read of the
28
and the account of the man who
frightful end of Achar
29
gathered wood on the Sabbath day. Neither of these men was
guilty of any other offense against God nor had they wronged
a man in any way, small or great; but the one, merely for his
did
gathering of wood paid the inescapable penalty and
not have an opportunity to make amends, for, by the command of God, he was forthwith stoned by all his people.
The other, only because he had pilfered some part of the
first
sacrificial
brought
who perform
26 John
27 John
17.20,21.
3.36.
28 Jos. 7.19-26.
29 Num. 15.32-36.
SAINT BASIL
44
own
his
house
consequences
over his nation
and
this, too,
prostrated
and
30
Num.
31
ExocL 33.12.
12.1.
45
had said to his people who were murmurno water, 'Can we bring you forth
there
was
because
ing
32
For this alone he straightway rewater out of this rock?'
ceived the threat that he should not enter into the land of
all the promises
promise, which was at that time the chief of
man
this
made to the Jews. When I behold
asking and not
deemed
him
not
I
see
worthy of forobtaining pardon, when
of
consideration
in
even
few
of
because
those
words,
giveness
of
words
in
the
I
do
discern,
so many righteous deeds, verily
35
in
But, if the judgment of sins committed
against the Lord.'
for
is
sacrifice
expiation,
and
necessary
ignorance be so severe
in offering sacrito which fact the just Job also bears witness
36
said about those
be
should
what
his
of
fice on behalf
sons,
Num.
Rom;
I
20.10.
11.22.
Pet. 4.18.
35 Lev. 5.17-19.
36 Job
1.5.
SAINT BASIL
46
conclusions as to God's displeasure in their regard from conalone, we must again call to mind the Holy Scrip-
jectures
ture
one
showing
in
upon such
sons of worthlessness.'
up
against
God
them
His entire nation, furthermore, was vanquished and a considerable number of his people fell. Now, this happened even
an unheard
with the ark of the holy covenant of God nearby
of thing
so that the ark, which it was not lawful at any
time for the Israelites or even for all their priests themselves
to touch and which was kept in a special place, was carried
hither and yon by impious hands and was put in the shrines
of idols instead of the holy temples. Under such circumstances
one can readily conjecture the amount of laughter and mockery that were inflicted upon the very Name of God by these
foreigners.
Add
is
recorded to
have met a most pitiable end after hearing the threat that his
seed would be removed from the sacerdotal dignity; and so
it
happened.
Such
sist
longer in those
37
38
Sam.
Sam.
2.12.
2.24.
47
alarming view of their perilous state. 'If one man shall sin
against another,' he said, 'they will pray for him to the Lord;
but if a man shall sin against God, who shall pray for him?' 39
Yet, as I said, because he did not exercise a suitable rigor of
zeal in their regard, the disaster recounted above took place.
And so I find throughout the Old Testament a great many in-
stances of this kind illustrating the condemnation of all disobedience. Again, when I consult the New Testament, I find that
our Lord Jesus Christ does not absolve from punishment even
sins committed in ignorance, although he attaches a harsher
threat to deliberate sins, in the words 'And that servant who
knew the will of his Lord and prepared not himself and did
not according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few stripes. 540 When I hear such an utterance as
this from the lips of the Only-begotten Son of God, and when
:
consider the indignation of the Holy Apostles against sinners, and when I observe that the sufferings of those who have
transgressed in even one particular are of a no less serious
I
nature, but rather more so, than those cited from the Old
Testament, I well comprehend the severity of the judgment;
for our
Lord
says:
'unto
whomsoever much
is
given, of
him
41
Tor the weapons of our warbut mighty to God unto the pulling down
only
Christ,'
39 1 Sam. 2.25.
40 Luke 12.47,48.
41
Luke
12.48.
SAINT BASIL
48
342
Here, also, one who examines
revenge all disobedience.
each word minutely can gain a very accurate knowledge of
the meaning of the Holy Scripture, so that there is no excuse
it
against the knowledge of God'; so that every sin, because
an expression of contempt for the divine law, is called a
is
in the Book of
Numbers. After God had enumerated the involuntary sins
and had appointed the sacrifices to be offered in expiation
of them, He willed to make other legislation for His people
with regard to voluntary sins and He begins as follows: 'But
truth, furthermore,
is
made
still
more evident
He calls
the soul that doth anything with the hand of pride'
the audacity of those who commit voluntary sins 'the hand of
pride' and this the Apostle speaks of as a 'height that exalteth
He says, therefore The
itself against the knowledge of God
;
hath contemned the word of the Lord and made void his
shall bear his
precepts; therefore shall he be destroyed and
543
iniquity.
Here
it
had been
42 2 Cor. 10,4-6.
43 Num. 15.30,31.
49
impressed
words. Then, too, the Apostle says: 'and bringing into capthe obedience of Christ';
tivity every understanding unto
that one. 'And having
'every understanding,' not this one or
45
here again, not this or that parin readiness to revenge'
ticular act, but
'all disobedience/
us astray and a
very wicked convention, however, leads
source of great evil for us;
perverted human tradition is the
I mean that tradition according to which some sins are denounced and others are viewed indifferently. Crimes like
homicide and adultery are the object of a violent but feigned
as anger or reviling or drunkindignation, while others, such
a
enness or avarice, are not considered deserving of even
Paul,
these
transgressions,
simple rebuke. Yet, regarding all
in another place the view
also
in
Christ,
expressed
speaking
of
noted above, saying: 'they who do such things are worthy
it546
exalteth
that
where every height
And
death.
certainly,
self
Christ.,
there, nothing
44 Deut. 17.12,13.
45 2 Cor. 10.5,6.
46 Rom. 1.32.
is
left
without
undestroyed, nothing remitted
SAINT BASIL
50
to
have
effect?
Consider
The man
in
550
so severe, the
penance. And the exactor of a punishment
the
sinner, is St.
executor of the mighty wrath of God upon
who
the
disciples, he
p e ter he who was preferred above all
the
testimony [of
alone was distinguished above the others by
47
48
49
50
Rom.
2.23.
Cor. 5.1-5;
1 Cor. 4.21.
1 Cor. 5.2.
51 Acts 5.1-11.
1
Luke
3.8.
51
Christ] and, In being called blessed by Him, he who was entrusted with the keys of the kingdom of heaven. 52 Will he
quail, think you, before any harsh action whatsoever when fear
him
blessed,
Itself
me
56
enumerate
in
Matt. 16.17-19.
John
John
John
Matt.
all
the
13.8.
13.6.
13.8.
17.5.
in the Gospel,
however, the
SAINT BASIL
52
words of Him who is to judge the living and the dead, words
which to the faithful are more worthy of credence than any
other historical account or argument, great and compelling is
the insistence (if I may so speak) which I note in them all
regarding obedience to
God
no pardon respecting any precept whatsoever is extended to those who do not repent of their disobedience. And,
to offer some other
surely, no one would have the temerity
lutely
testimony or even so
much
so bald
of
as think of
and
clear
pronouncements
and earth shall pass,' He says, 'but my
Here there is no distinction, there is
whether in forbidding or enjoining something, whether promwhether with regard to doing acts that
ising or threatening, or
are forbidden or omitting acts that are commanded. That
the omission of good deeds is condemned, as well as the
commission of sinful acts, the aforementioned verdict in
Peter's
soul
case
who
guilty
reverential hesitation to
contempt, but merely showed a
his Master, was the
accept ministration and honor from
have been realized,
object of a threat which would inevitably
as I said above, Peter had forestalled his Lord's wrath
unless,
and vigorous amendment. Indeed, our good and combe long-suffering toward us
passionate God was pleased to
by
swift
57 Matt. 24.35.
58
Ps.
144.13.
53
and
be able
its
at length,
although with
difficulty
still,
to
renounce
59 John 5.22.
60 i Cor. 4.5.
61 Matt. 25.41.
62 Matt. 25.42,43.
63 1 Tim. 2.4.
SAINT BASIL
54
in
was
doom imposed
for such
to denounce in equal
transgression of the law. Hereby learned
to
disobedience
measure every form of
every one of God's
of those not
condemnation
decrees and noted that frightful
I
(because
same
and
garding
pleased.
may
'in
64 Ps. 102.18.
55
regarded
it
as at
6&
set forth
first
65 Gal.
5.6.
CONCERNING FAITH
|
fession of
sensible as I
am
recalled the
of
words of
my
answer,
my own
lowliness
31
I
quest and not to make that salutary profession. Moreover,
as it is written
placed my confidence in God through Christ
:
we
'Not that
of ourselves; but
the
men
our sufficiency
is
from God,
and now
of apostolic days,
become ministers of the
sufficient to
53
who
rendered
us, at
New
your instigation,
Testament, 'not in
spirit.'
At any
rate,
am
I also
obliged in the
common
Consequently,
in
Eph.
4.2.
2 Rom. 10.10.
3 2 Cor. 3.5.
4 2 Cor. 3.6.
5
Luke
12.42.
57
SAINT BASIL
58
was well pleased, 'in whom are hid all the treas7
uresures of wisdom and knowledge/ said, having received
8
from the Father all power and all judgment: 'he gave me
9
commandment what I should say and what I should speak'
and again: 'The things, therefore, that I speak, even as the
10
If, likewise, the Holy
Father said unto me, so do I speak.'
6
the Father
of Himself,
Spirit does not speak
but whatsoever
11
He
hears
pious
from Him, these things He speaks,
and safe it is for us to think and act thus in the Name of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, while I was compelled to fight the heresies that arose
from time to time, I thought it appropriate to the specific
nature of the impiety sown by the Devil that I should check
or confute if I could the blasphemies which were brought
and in this I was imitating
forward [by the opposing side]
the example of my predecessors
by arguments gleaned from
various sources as the need of those weak in faith required;
cases these were not written down, yet were
and in
many
not out of
the
In this
which were congruent with his special purpose.
our
as
it
have
I
befitting
regarded
present case, however,
a
of
the
in
to
and
simplicity
mine,
obey
joint intent, yours
love
from
of
your
sound faith that injunction
yours springing
in Christ and to declare what I have learned from the Holy
use of titles and words which
Scripture, making a sparing
in
are not found literally
Holy Writ, even though they preMark 1.11;
7 Col. 2.3.
6
8 Matt. 28.18;
John 12.49.
9
10
11
John
John
12.50.
16.13.
12 Acts 17.28.
Luke
John
3.22.
5.22.
59
CONCERNING FAITH
full
14
Lord is faithful in all his words' and 'All his commandments are faithful, confirmed for ever and ever, made in truth
and equity, 515 to delete anything that is written down or to
amounts to open defection
interpolate anything not written
from the faith and makes the offender liable to a charge of
hear my
contempt. For our Lord Jesus Christ says: 'My sheep
16
a
'But
stranger they
voice/
and, before this, He had said:
follow not but fly from him because they know not the voice
'the
of
more
Holy
it
strangers.'
And
man
518
to it.
despiseth nor addeth
this way to avoid now and
So, then, we have determined in
utterance and sentiment not found in the Lord's
be confirmed, no
always every
16
17
John
John
10.27.
10.5.
18 Gal. 315.
SAINT BASIL
60
Whereas the object of my zeal then was the refutation of heresy and the foiling of the Devil's wiles, now the
task at hand Is simple exposition and profession of a sound
which I formerly emfaith; wherefore the type of discourse
otherwise.
me now. As
ployed
is
take in
for
farm
his
working
for
man would
waging war
who
ment
of
those
drawn up
for battle),
so he
as
full
not
he does
labor for
accoutre-
who
delivers
who
is
knowledge
is
my
judicious
instance methods which are pertinent to the safeguarding or
the deepening of faith now, by vigorously opposing those
who attempt to destroy it by the craft of the Devil ; again, by
and informal
of the profession of
But, before I take up the matter itself
be
should
given It is impossible
faith, the following warning
the
or
one
word
in
one
to express
concept, or to grasp with
mind at all, the majesty and glory of God, which is unutterable
and incomprehensible, and the Holy Scripture, although for
the most part employing words in current use, speaks ob21
20
even to the clean of heart. The
scurely 'as through a glass'
:
19 Col. 4.6.
1 Cor. 13.12.
21 Matt. 5.8.
20
CONCERNING FAITH
61
22
beholding face to face and the perfect knowledge have been
to
promised to those who are accounted worthy in the life
even
come. But now, even if a man be a Paul or a Peter,
though he truly sees what he sees and is not misled nor deceived by his imagination, yet he sees through a glass and
in a dark manner, and he looks forward with great joy to
that which he receives now
perfect knowledge in the future of
23
This
the Apostle Paul confirms
with
in part
thanksgiving.
by the implication
c hild'
that
is,
in the following
fresh
elements of the divine oracles 'I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But now that I have
become a man' that is, and am hastening to attain to the
24
'I have put
measure of the age of the fullness of Christ
25
I have arrived at such
that
a
child'
of
the
is,
things
away
an advanced stage and achieved such proficiency in the understanding of the Holy Scripture that full knowledge according
to the Jewish religion seems like the stirrings of a childish
mind, while the knowledge gained through the Gospel apwho has now reached perfect
pears wholly suitable to one
which
in
manhood. And so,
comparison with the knowledge
in
that
to
life
the
in
the
come,
to
will be revealed
deserving
is a dim and fragseems
now
which
our
perfect
knowledge
mentary thing; so much so that
we
it falls
come than
disciples
they
made
SAINT BASIL
62
To
kingdom
found
as this
and
from the
them now.'
things to say to you, but you cannot bear
that
From such passages as these we learn
Holy Writ conthe
as
is
tains a store of knowledge as limitless
incapacity of
human
mysteries.
life
the
of the holy
meaning
is
quired by everyone, it
time when that which is perrightful completeness until the
28
fect being come, that which is in part will be done away.
Accordingly, one appellation is not adequate for expressing
ing
names do not include the qualities of goodness, wisdom, powmentioned in Holy Scripture.
er, and the rest of the attributes
Besides,
if
we understood
God
entirely according to
are guilty of irreverence;
26 Matt.
13.11.
27 John 16.12.
28 1 Cor. 13.10.
63
CONCERNING FAITH
for
man. Even
and
researches
if
all
minds, in
all
the Father and Son and Holy Spirit, but I think it will satisfy
even your conscience if I place before you a few selected
derive from the Scriptures
passages to show how our thoughts
and to provide grounds for certainty both for you yourselves
and any others who desire to place their confidence in us;
to us only one divine docfor, just as many proofs declare
will recognize in the few
trine, so also, a fair-minded person
which is in all.
proofs I give the divine character
We
believe, therefore,
and
is
one God,
from
true and good, and that He is the Father Omnipotent
Lord
our
of
Father
and
Jesus
whom are all things, the God
believe in and confess His one, Only-begotten Son,
Christ.
We
all
our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, who only is true, by whom
30
whom
in
and
made
they
were
visible and invisible
things
29 Eccle. 7.24.
30 John 1.3; Coi.
1.16.
SAINT BASIL
64
31
all
consist;
God,
upon
form
who
in the beginning
32
emptied himself.
form
of
And
a servant
according to the
fulfilled
He
command
of the Father
all
that
works;
37
life
confess the
Holy
'whereby
we
we
cry:
40
are sealed
'the spirit
541
who
(Father),
to every one according
Abba
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
John
1.1.
Bar. 3.38.
Phil. 2.6,7.
Phil. 2.8.
1 Cor. 15.4,5.
Matt. 16.27.
Mark
Eph.
40 John
41
Rom.
42
9.43.
4.30.
15.26,
8.15.
Cor.
12.7,11.
65
CONCERNING FAITH
whatever
the
way
He
43
who
all
is
attribute.
The Holy
45
nor
speak of Himself,
but the Father sends the
we
we
believe
and
so
cording
them in the name of
'Going, teach ye all nations, baptizing
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching
them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded
47
we show our love
you/ If we observe these commandments,
abide in it, as it
to
toward Him and we are rendered worthy
48
show conis written;
but, if we do not observe them, we
clusively that
we
are hostile to
'He that
loveth^me
49
and again: 'He
words,'
Him,
for
my
350
it is
that
loveth me.
I
4$ John
44 John
14.26.
4.2S.
45 John 16.13.
46 John
47
48
49
50
8.28.
Matt. 28.1950.
John
John
Jotm
15.10.
14.24.
14.21.
I consider the
words of our
SAINT BASIL
66
Lord Jesus Christ: 'Rejoice not that spirits are subject unto
51
names are written in heaven,'
you, but rejoice that your
and again 'By this shall all men know that you are rny dis352
have love one for another.
Whereupon, the
ciples, if you
of
force
charity upon all men,
Apostle, showing the binding
men and of angels and
of
the
with
-declares 'If I speak
tongues
as
become
have not charity, I am
sounding brass or a tinkhave
should
prophecy and should know
ling cymbal. And if I
if I should have all faith,
and
all mysteries and all knowledge,
and
have not charity, I am
so that I could remove mountains,
:
53
nothing';
be
made
and a
little
destroyed,'
of these
hope, charity, these three; but the greatest
the
on
declarations
In view of such
part of our
is charity.'
men disthat
is
it
how
I
Lord and the Apostle, I marvel, say,
the
in
pursuit of
play such zeal and such intense absorption
be
destroyed, but have
goods that will come to an end and
no regard for that which will remain, especially charity, the
mark of the Christian.
greatest of all goods, the distinguishing
And not only this, but they show hostility to those who are
zealous in its practice, and in fighting against them they fulfill
the words of the Lord, namely, that they themselves do not
56
enter in and those that are entering in they hinder.
the
I beg and implore you, therefore, to be content with
from
desist
to
and
words of the saints and of the Lord Himself
curious inquiry and unseemly controversies, to think on those
to live in a
things that are worthy of your heavenly calling,
main
faith,
55
51
Luke
10.20.
52 John 13.35.
53 1 Cor. 13.1,2.
54 1 Cor. 13.8.
55 1 Cor. 13.13.
56 Luke 11.52-
67
CONCERNING FAITH
manner
eternal
who
on the hope of
and the heavenly kingdom prepared for all those
God
Holy
have
and
bound
Spirit
felt
my
be-
you for
those who are my brethren in Christ, so as to produce in
Lord
you and in them full conviction in the Name of our
from
mind
to
and
also
Christ
being
anyone's
prevent
Jesus
confused by the diverse methods of exposition we employ,
although always we are motivated by the necessity of opposing
the arguments trumped up by adversaries of the truth. .My
aim, furthermore, is to see to it that no one becomes unsettled
me sentiments that
by the opposition of those who attribute to
are alien to my mind, or who again and again falsely represent as
my
sions, in
an
own wicked
pas-
more naive
[among
their listeners].
corner-stone; in
57 Gal. 1.8.
58 Matt. 7.15.
59 2 Thess. 3.6.
whom
all
SAINT BASIL
gg
560
'And may the
the Lord.
groweth up Into an holy temple in
that
all
in
your whole
things,
God of peace himself sanctify you
in the
blameless
be
and body may
preserved
spirit and soul
hath
who
faithful
is
God
Christ.
coming of our Lord Jesus
61
His
we
comdo
will
it,'
keep
called you, who also
provided
mandments by
of our
Lord Jesus
Christ, to keep
my
in the
rule, also,
rule, as
the passages quoted under the aforesaid numthe rule was derived.
ber, find the testimony from which
a harmony with
make
Furthermore, I intended at first to
looking
up
Old Testament
for
anyone
so desires,
he
shall
62
be added to him/ Consequently,
up
the
Old
Testa-
CONCERNING FAITH
69
ment and
convinced of the truth of our Lord's words, one utterance alone is enough. I have, therefore, considered it sufficient
fully
also to cite
the
New
all
Cap.
Matthew
and
to say:
hand.'
[4.17]:
Do
Trom
penance
[11.20-22]:
Then
began to preach
kingdom of heaven is at
began he
to
upbraid the
cities
wherein were done the most of his miracles, for that they had
not done penance. Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida; for if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the miracles
that have been wrought in you, they had long ago done penance in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for
Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement than for you/ etc.
That
life
Cap. 2
Mark
[2.10]
may know
71
that the
Son
of
man
SAINT BASIL
72
he sayeth/ Matthew
whatsoever
you shall bind
[18.18,19]: 'Amen I say to you,
whatsoever
and
heaven:
in
you
upon earth, shall be bound
Amen
shall loose upon earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again,
con1 say to you, that if two of you shall consent upon earth
be
done
shall
it
shall
ask,
cerning anything whatsoever they
'for
to them by my Father who is in heaven,' John [5.28,29]
hear
shall
the
in
are
graves
the hour cometh wherein all that
sins,
shall come
they that have done good things
have done
that
but
they
forth unto the resurrection of life;
Rom.
of judgment.'
[2.4-6]: 'Or
evil, unto the resurrection
his voice.
And
and
of revelation
just judgment of
according to his works.'
and the
God who
will
Acts
bitterly
works of penance.
Cap. 3
the word of
[26.75]: 'And Peter remembered
the
cock
Before
him
to
crow, thou
said
Jesus which he had
he
forth
And
me thrice.
wept bitterly.'
wilt
going
Matthew
deny
2 Cor. [7.6,7]: 'But he who comforteth the humble comforted us by the; coming of Titus. And not by his coming only,
but also by the consolation, wherewith he was comforted in
THE MORALS
73
zeal for
you, relating to us your desire, your mourning, your
me'; and a little further on [11]: Tor behold this selfsame
to God, how
thing, that you were made sorrowful according
of them
confessing and declaring their deeds. And many
books
their
had followed curious arts brought together
who
and
all.
of sin
fruits
is
Cap. 4
of the Pharisees and
[3.7-10]: 'And seeing many
Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them: Ye brood
who hath shewed you to flee from the wrath to
of
Matthew
vipers,
come? Bring
We
fruit,
That
the present
life
Him.
Cap. 5
Matthew
[25.1-12]:
'Then
shall the
kingdom
of
heaven
SAINT BASIL
74
And
And
Lest
lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying
rather
for
and
us
for
be
not
there
you, go ye
enough
perhaps
for our
them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they
went to buy, the bridegroom came and they that were ready,
went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.
But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord,
to
we have
time
let
us
work good
to all
Therefore, whilst
men.
RULE TWO
That he who entangles himself in matters foreign to piety
cannot serve God.
THE MORALS
75
Cap.
Matthew [6.24] 'No man can serve two masters. For either
he will hate the one and love the other: or he will sustain the
one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 2 Cor. [6.14-16]: 'Bear not the yoke with unbelievers.
For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what
fellowship hath light with darkness? And what concord hath
Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the
unbeliever? And what agreement hath the temple of God
with idols?
:
of
acceptable to
God
in the
good works
of holiness.
Cap. 2
Matthew
[23.25,26]:
'Woe
to
you
scribes
and
Pharisees,
Thou
blind Pharisee,
first
make
cup and of the dish that the outside of them may become
clean.' 2 Cor. [7.1]
'Having therefore these promises, dearly
beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the
flesh and of the spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear
:
of God.'
life
or
slightly
Cap. 3
Matthew
[10.37,38]:
SAINT BASIL
76
life,
shall lose
it.'
RULE THREE
That to love God with the whole heart has been declared
of
by the Lord to be the first and the greatest commandment
the Law; and the second, to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Cap.
and with thy whole strength and with thy whole mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second
soul
is like
to this:
Thou
it is
anyone does not keep His commandments,
obthe
but
His Christ;
proof that he does not love God and
That,
if
servance of the
commandments
ations sent
Him
by
even
Cap. 2
THE MORALS
77
We
thy
we
RULE FOUR
That he who does His will gives honor and glory to God*
but whoever trangresses His law dishonors Him.
Cap.
John
[17.4]:
finished the
earth; I have
s
do. Matthew
Thou
thy
RULE FIVE
That we must be
free
from
all
enmity toward
all
men and
our
necessity requires, lay down
love our enemies; and,
His
and
which God
life for our friends with a love like that
when
Christ
had
for us.
Cap.
Matthew
to them of
[5.43,44]
SAINT BASIL
78
later [48]
Rom.
[5.8,9];
because
when
Luke
[6.35,36]
'But
as
Eph.
us,
God/
their love for
one
John [13.35] 'By this shall all men know that you are
disciples, if you have love one for another/
my
is
another in Him.
Cap. 2
:
That
even
if
to
wrong
what
is
done
is
reason.
Cap. 3
THE MORALS
That the Christian must
79
is
who
is
vexed with
able.
Cap. 4
altar
thing, against thee, leave there thy offering before the altar
bless;
we
blasphemed and we
are persecuted
and we
suffer
it.
We
are
entreat.'
whom he
Cap. 5
suffer
damage by uo
RULE
in nothing.'
SIX
confession of our
in the
SAINT BASIL
80
Cap.
Matthew
body,
that can destroy both soul and body in hell.' [32] 'Every
one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also conTor
fess him before my Father who is in heaven.' Luke [9.26]
him
he that
[1.8]
shall
the gospel,
Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labor with
a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
like
RULE SEVEN
Lord and hear His
words, but does not obey His commands, he is condemned,
even though, by some divine concession, he be vouchsafed an
That even
endowment
if
man seem
of spiritual
to confess the
gifts.
Cap.
Matthew
in thy
you:
will I profess
unto them,
work
iniquity,'
never
etc.
knew
Luke
'And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the
that they
things which I say?' etc. Titus [1.16] They profess
[6.46]
THE MORALS
in their
81
works they deny him; being abominto every good work reprobate.
5
RULE EIGHT
That we must
words
God
Cap.
Matthew
Jesus came
[14.25-31]
to
was
afraid;
to sink,
forth his
Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretching
little
of
thou
faith,
hand took hold of him and said to him:
therefore
The
doubt?'
thou
Jews
didst
John
[6.53,54]
why
us
strove
themselves, saying: How can this man give
among
Then he
angel : Whereby
wife is advanced in her days.
my
And
SAINT BASIL
82
said to him:
speak until the day wherein these things come to pass, because
thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled in
'And he was not weak in faith;
their time.' Rom. [4.19-22]
:
old,
dead, whereas he
womb
of
Sarah. In the promise also of God he staggered not by distrust; but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God;
most fully knowing that whatsoever he has promised, he is
able also to perform.
unto
And
therefore
it
was reputed
to
him
justice.'
Cap. 2
John
[3.
12]:' If I
rely
to the point
of rejecting the words of the Lord; but we must be convinced that the Lord's words are more worthy of credence
fullest
knowledge.
THE MORALS
83
Cap. 3
[26.31, 33-34]: 'Then Jesus saith to them: All
be
scandalized in me this night. And Peter answeryou
ing said to him: Although all shall be scandalized in thee,
I will never be scandalized. Jesus said to him Amen I say to
thce, that in this night before the cock crow, thou wilt deny
me thrice. [20-22] 'But when it was evening, he sat down
with his twelve disciples: and whilst they were eating, he said
to them
I say to you that one of you is about to betray me.
And they being very much troubled, began every one to say
to him: Is it I, Lord?, Acts [10.13-15]: 'And there came a
voice to him: Arise, Peter, kill and eat. But Peter said: Far be
Matthew
shall
from me, Lord, for I never did eat anything that is common
and unclean. And the voice spoke to him again the second
time: That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common.' 2 Cor. [10.4,5]: 'destroying counsels and every height
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringit
RULE NINE
in learning
what
pertains to
his duty but should listen attentively and understand the words
of the Lord and do His will.
Cap.
said to him:
[15.15-18]: 'And Peter answering,
us this parable. But Jesus said Are you also yet
without understanding? Do you not yet understand that
whatsoever entereth into the mouth goeth into the belly and
which proceed out
is cast out into the privy? But the things
man.'
of the mouth come forth from the heart and defile a
Matthew
Expound to
84
SAINT BASIL
which do
us.
Cap. 2
gether, asked him, saying Lord, wilt thou at this time restore
again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not
:
for you to
put in his
That
it is
pleasure to
or
make
inquiry as to
who
what
it is
right for
them
good
to do.
Cap. 3
Matthew
Expound to
THE MORALS
85
'And behold one came and said to Mm: Good master, what
good shall I do that I may have life everlasting?* Luke [3.7]:
'He said therefore to the multitudes that went forth to be baptized by him Ye offspring of vipers, who hath shewed you to
flee from the wrath to come? And a little later [10]: 'And
'asked him, saying:
the people*
publicans and soldiers alike
What then shall we do?' Acts [2.37]: 'Now when they had
heard these things, they had compunction in their heart and
said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: What shall we
do, men and brethren?
:
That he who
is
answer.
Cap. 4
How
readest thou?
He
What
is
answering, said:
Thou
Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole
as thyself.
soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor
this
answered
do, and
hast
Thou
And he said to him:
right;
thou shalt live.' Col [4.6] 'Let your speech be always in grace
seasoned with salt: that you may know how you ought to
answer every man.'
:
of those
more severe;
apply their knowledge is the
risk.
without
is
not
in
mitted
ignorance
but even
sin
not
com-
Cap. 5
86
SAINT BASIL
with few
stripes.'
RULE TEN
That the end
of sin
is
death.
Cap. 1
John
see
[3.36]:
life;
Tor
[6.20,21]
men to justice.
:
everlasting.
Cap. 2
John
know
[8.51]:
that his
'But
now
commandment is life
being made free from
[6.22]
servants to God, you have your fruit
the end, life everlastirig.'
:
everlasting.'
Rom.
RULE ELEVEN
That the judgments of God ought not be lightly regarded,
but feared even though retribution is not immediate.
THE MORALS
Cap.
87
upon the
children of unbelief.
That he who has been chastised for his past sins and has
obtained pardon prepares for himself a judgment of wrath
more severe than the former judgment if he sin again.
Cap. 2
lest
art
made whole:
amend
their
sin
no more,
to thee.'
ways
of the
wrath of God,
in fear.
Cap. 3
88
SAINT BASIL
all
fell
punishment
is
even delivered up to
evil
works
Cap. 4
Rom.
[1.28]:
knowledge,
God
'And
delivered
That the multitude of sinners does not arouse the solicitude of God, but he who is acceptable to Him, whether man
or woman.
Cap. 5
THE MORALS
89
throughout all the earth, And to none of them was Elias sent
but to Sarepta of Sidon, to a widow woman.' 1 COT. [10.1-5] :
Tor I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our
fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the
sea. And all in Moses were baptized, in the cloud and in the
sea; and all did eat the same spiritual food and all drank the
same spiritual drink: (and they drank of the spiritual rock
that followed them, and the rock was Christ). But with most
of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown
;
in the desert.
RULE TWELVE
That every contradiction, even if it arise from a pious and
amicable spirit, estranges the one dissenting from the Lord;
but every word of the Lord ought to be received with complete assent.
Cap.
John [13.5-8]: And he began to wash the feet of the dishe was
ciples and to wipe them with the towel wherewith
saith
Peter
And
Peter.
Simon
to
therefore
He
cometh
girded.
to him: Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and
said to him What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt
know hereafter. Peter saith to him: Thou shalt never wash
my feet. Jesus answered him If I wash thee not, thou shalt
have no part with me.
:
command
of
traditions to the
God.
Cap. 2
Mark
[7.5-8]
scribes asked
him:
SAINT BASIL
90
Why
do not thy
disciples
to the tradition of
walk according
But
you
honoureth me with
hypocrites, as it is written: This people
in vain do they
And
me.
from
far
is
heart
their lips but their
men. For leavof
and
doctrines
precepts
me,
teaching
worship
ing the
commandment
of
tradition of
men/
etc.
Cap. 3
Matthew
ing them in
the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.' Luke [1.6]: 'And they were
both just before God, walking in all the commandments and
Lord without blame.' [10.16]: 'He that
justifications of the
in
That no one may prefer his own will to the will of God, but
the will of God.
everything we must seek and do
Cap. 4
John
of
him
not
own
'Because I seek
my
[5.30]
that sent me, the Father.' Luke
:
if
will,
'And
remove
[22.41,42]:
thou
wilt,
THE MORALS
this chalice
Eph.
[2.3]
from
'In
me
which
we
my
all
91
will
and
of
as
the
flesh, fulfilling
rest.
RULE THIRTEEN
That we must always be sober and ready in our zeal for the
works of God, being aware of the danger of a dilatory spirit.
Cap.
Luke [12.35-40] 'Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning; and you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord,
when he shall return from the wedding that when he cometh
and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed
are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh, shall
find watching. Amen, I say to you, that he will gird himself
and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister
unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come
in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know
at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch,
and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then
also ready; for at what hour you think not, the Son of man
will come/ etc. 1 Thess. [5.1-3]: 'But of the times and mo:
we should
write to you;
for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord shall
so come as a thief in the night,' and shortly after [6] 'Therefore, let us not sleep as others do; but let us watch and be
:
sober.'
for exer-
92
SAINT BASIL
Cap. 2
John
whilst
[9.4]
*I
it is
RULE FOURTEEN
That we should avoid unseasonable intrusions .and discover
word and deed.
Cap.
Matthew
is
fast
RULE FIFTEEN
That
it
is
Matthew
penance.
Abraham
[3.8,9]:
And
We
THE MORALS
93
RULE SIXTEEN
God
own
these.
Cap.
[25.1-4]:
with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with
their lamps. A little further on he adds concerning the fool'But at last came the other virgins saying: Lord,
ish [11-13]
Lord, open to us. But he answering said I say to you, I know
take
oil
RULE SEVENTEEN
That, having recognized the nature of
from the
signs revealed to us
pose our
affairs accordingly.
by the Scriptures,
Cap.
we
Matthew
When
time
should dis-
this present
SAINT BASIL
94
doors.
forth,
5
is
know
Luke [12.54-56]:
is
who
if
RULE EIGHTEEN
That the commands of God should be carried out as the
Lord enjoined; for he who is at fault in his manner of exeeven though
cuting them is reprobate in the sight of God,
he may seem to be complying with the command.
Cap.
Luke [14.12-14]
him:
When
poor,
thee recompense
resurrection of the just.
:
THE MORALS
95
Cap. 2
Matthew [6.1,2]: 'Take heed that you do not your almsdeeds before men to be seen by them; otherwise you shall not
have a reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore
when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
that they may be honored by men. Amen I say to you, they
have received their reward,' etc. / Cor. [10.31]: 'Therefore,
whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to
men,
we
flattery, as
God
is
nor of
others.'
Matthew
'Woe
because you make
[23.25-27]:
hypocrites;
and of the dish, but within you are full of rapine and uncleanness. Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the
and of the dish, that the outside of it may become clean.'
cup
SAINT BASIL
96
Rom.
[12.8]:
'He that
rejecting
That
works
is
based on the
Cap. 4
many
And
hath shall be
hath not, that
also which he seemeth to have, shall be taken away. Luke
'If then you have not been faithful in the unjust
[16.1 1,12]
will trust you with that which is the true? And
who
mammon,
if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who
will give you that which is your own?
'For to everyone that
shortly after [29]
and
he
shall
abound; but from him that
given,
:
That we should
fulfill
the
ment.
Cap. 5
and
THE MORALS
97
that are before, I press towards the mark, to the prize of the
5
supernal vocation in Christ Jesus.
it
to
God
is
of
God
way
as to give glory
Cap. 6
shine to
it
all
who come in may see the light.' Phil. [1.10,11]: That you
may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ,
filled
with the
glory and
fruit of justice,
praise of God.'
RULE NINETEEN
That one who does the will of God should not be impeded
whether he obeys in consideration of a divine command or
of human reason, nor ought he permit any to hinder him even
his dethough they be his relatives, but he should abide by
cision.
Cap.
Matthew
[3.13-15]:
John
to
Then cometh
SAINT BASIL
98
him saying:
to me? And
now.
not be to thee. But he turning, said to Peter: Go behind me, Satan, thou art a scandal unto me: because thou
savourest not the things that are of God, but the things that
shall
shall
into the
said:
For
am
afflicting
my
heart?
we
Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when
the
will
of
The
we
not
could
ceased, saying:
persuade him,
Lord be done.' 1 Thess. [2.15,16] 'Who both killed the Lord
:
and
Jesus and their own prophets and have persecuted us,
all
to
men; prohibiting
please not God and are adversaries
THE MORALS
us to speak to the Gentiles that they
their sins always; for the
wrath
is
99
may be
saved, to fill up
9
to the end.
That he should not be prevented who carries out a comof God without sincerity and yet maintains in
appearance the full integrity of the Lord's teaching: because no one is
wronged insofar as the act itself is concerned and sometimes
mand
Cap. 2
Father who seeth in secret will repay thee openly' and, simi'John answered
larly, with regard to prayer, Mark [9.37-39]
out
devils in thy
saw
one
we
him, saying: Master,
casting
him
because he
we
forbade
and
who
not
followeth
us,
name,
him. For
not
forbid
Do
followeth not us. But Jesus said:
and can
name
there is no man that doth a miracle in my
is
for us.'
soon speak ill of me. For he that is not against us
;
Phil [1.15-18]: 'Some indeed even out of envy and contention but some also for good will preach Christ. Some out of
;
SAINT BASIL
100
RULE TWENTY
That they who
the
Name
believe in the
of the Father
Ghost.
of God.'
kingdom
What
is
The chang-
Cap. 2
alive unto
God
by baptism
from the dead by the glory of the Father, so
may walk in newness of life. For if we have been
together
Christ
we
is
also
risen
his death,
planted together in the likeness of
be in the
Knowing
we
this,
shall also
that our
THE MORALS
man
old
Is
101
may
body
serve sin
of sin
no
may be
longer.
For
sin.'
free.
But Christ
is all,
and
in
all.'
RULE TWENTY-ONE
That the receiving of the Body and Blood
necessary for
life
of Christ
is
also
everlasting.
Cap.
my
life,'
etc.
Communion, without
and
participation in the Body
receive
Blood of Christ has been granted, derives no benefit therefrom; and he who communicates unworthily is condemned.
SAINT BASIL
102
Cap. 2
John [6.54,55]:
eat the flesh of the
not have
life
in
The
Son
of
man
body and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove
and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the
chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth
and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body
of the
himself:
of the Lord.'
The manner
in
and
Him who
died for
them
rose again.
Cap. 3
manner
same night
in
thanks, broke,
THE MORALS
103
all;
may become
who
Matthew
etc.
To which
he adds [30]
said, they
Olivet.'
RULE TWENTY-TWO
That committing
sin estranges us
Cap. 1
John
[8.34]
committeth
'Amen, amen
sin, is
SAINT BASIL
104
father the devil,
Rom.
were
and the
Tor when
[6.20]
5
free men to justice.
:
desires of
you
sin,
My
[8.14]
God and do
it.'
John [15.14]
'You are
command
Spirit of
you.'
my
Rom.
RULE TWENTY-THREE
That he who is drawn into sin against his will should understand that, because he was voluntarily mastered by another
sin committed previously, he is now, as a consequence of this
first sin,
Cap.
Rom.
[7.14-20]:
Tor we know
is
spiritual;
Now
more
then
For
it is
know
no
that
THE MORALS
there dwelleth not in me, that
good. For to
is
that
which
which
I will
eth in me.
to say, in
my flesh,
that
which
will, is
good I
which I will not, that I do. Now if I do that
not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwell-
is
is
105
evil
RULE TWENTY-FOUR
lie,
but in
Cap.
all
things
tell
the truth.
Matthew
and
that
which
.
RULE TWENTY-FIVE
in fruitless
or controversial
discussions.
Cap.
get
strifes.
SAINT BASIL
106
Cap. 2
Matthew [12.36]:
word that men shall
idle
say unto you, that every
for
an
account
render
shall
speak, they
'But
in the
It
And
it
may
Let no
is
evil
speech
good, to the edi-
RULE TWENTY-SIX
That every word and deed should be ratified by the testicause
mony of the Holy Scripture to confirm the good and
shame to the wicked.
Cap.
Matthew
[4.3,4]
up
THE MORALS
I will
pour out
my
spirit
upon
107
all flesh,
and they
shall
prophe-
sy,
etc.
That appeals
to
what
is
ratification of
Cap. 2
Matthew
to
'Beware of
[7.15-17]:
false prophets,
who come
you
Do
them: They that are whole need not the physician, but
they that are sick. 2 Tim. [2.4,5] 'No man, being a soldier to
God, entangleth himself with secular businesses; that he may
please him to whom he hath engaged himself. For he also
to
is
lawfully.'
RULE TWENTY-SEVEN
That we should not be
like those
who
saints
according
Matthew
SAINT BASIL
108
whosoever
minister;
ers of
me,
as I also
am
of Christ.'
RULE TWENTY-EIGHT
Cap.
Matthew
to
men know
all
RULE TWENTY-NINE
That everyone should give evidence
own
of his calling
by
his
works.
Cap.
John
mony
of
[5.36]
testi-
'If I
I
do.
THE MORALS
109
though you will not believe me, believe my works; that you
may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the
Father. 2 Cor. [6.3,4]
'Giving no offense to any man, that
our ministry be not blamed. But in all things let us exhibit
5
God
in
much
patience, in tribu-
etc.
RULE THIRTY
That we should not profane holy things by mingling them
with those meant for ordinary use.
1
Cap.
Matthew
That which
is
consecrated to
God
God
should be honored as
is fulfilled
in
it.
Cap. 2
Matthew
[23.37,38]
kill-
left to
you, desolate/
110
SAINT BASIL
RULE THIRTY-ONE
Cap.
Mark [7.26-29] Tor the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician born. And she besought him that he would cast
forth the devil out of her daughter. Who said Suffer first the
children to be filled; for it is not good to take the bread of
the children, and cast it to the dogs. But she answered and said
:
him: Yea, Lord; for the whelps also eat under the table of
And he said to her: For this saying
to
devil
is
RULE THIRTY-TWO
That to everyone should be rendered what
and fairly due him.
Cap.
is
reasonably
know
not respect any person, but teachest the way of God in truth.
Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or no? But he considering their guile, said to them:
me
Why
a penny.
God the things that are God's. Rom. [13.7,8] 'Render therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute is due; cus5
THE MORALS
111
RULE THIRTY-THREE
give scandal.
Cap.
Matthew
[18.6]
little
That whatever
is
opposed to the
will of the
Lord
is
scandal.
Cap. 2
Matthew
[16.21-23]
many
things
Go behind me,
112
SAINT BASIL
Cap. 3
1 Cor. [8.4-13]
idols,
there
lest
if
perhaps
block to the weak. For
we
this
if
at
to idols?
And
perish, for
whom
should scandalize
my
brother.'
That
should be done.
Who
Who
which
is
not of necessity
THE MORALS
113
Cap. 4
Matthew [17.23-36]:
Capharnaum, they that
And when
And
take that,
and give
it
to
them
for
me and
thec/
That
scandal,
we must not
let this
even
if
some take
of action.
Cap. 5
And
if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the pit/ John
[6.54]: 'Amen, amen 1 say unto you: Except you eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not
have life in you,' and a little further on [67,68]: 'After this,
114
SAINT BASIL
ficient?
RULE THIRTY-FOUR
That each
in his
own
to others.
1
Cap.
Matthew
humble
[11.29]: 'Learn of
of heart.' 2 Cor. [9.2]
I am meek and
know your forward
Macedonians. That
me, because
Tor
RULE THIRTY-FIVE
That they who behold the fruit of the Holy Spirit in a
man, who on every occasion maintains in his life a consistency
with true piety, and do not ascribe this to the Holy Spirit but
attribute it to the Adversary, commit blasphemy against the
Holy
Spirit Himself.
Cap.
Matthew
[12.22-24, 28]:
Then was
offered to
him one
and
said:
Is
not
this the
THE MORALS
115
hearing it, said: This man casteth not out devils but by
Beezlebub, the prince of the devils. And Jesus, knowing their
thoughts, said to them: If I by the Spirit of God cast out
then
devils,
the
is
kingdom
of
you.'
To
world
to come.'
RULE THIRTY-SIX
That they who follow the Lord's teaching as their model
should be received with all honor and carefulness for the
neither hearkens to
glory of the Lord Himself; and he who
condemned.
them nor receives them is
Cap.
receiveth me;
[10.40]: 'He that receiveth you,
sent me.'
that
him
that receiveth me, receiveth
hear your
nor
'And whosoever shall not receive you,
off the
shake
or
house
forth out of that
city
Matthew
and he
[14,15]
words, going
dust from your
feet.
thought
brother and fellow labourer, and fellow soldier, but your
that hath ministered to my wants'; and
apostle, and he
'Receive him therefore with all joy in
after
shortly
the Lord
[29]:
treat with
and
honour such
as
he
is.'
116
SAINT BASIL
RULE THIRTY-SEVEN
That ready
service,
if it
able to God.
Cap.
abide there.
And
she constrained
us.'
RULE THIRTY-EIGHT
That the Christian should
pretentious hospitality.
and un-
THE MORALS
Cap.
117
many? Then
was much
Jesus said:
said:
my
sister
hath
left
RULE THIRTY-NINE
Cap.
Matthew
stony ground
receiveth
it
only for a time: and when there ariseth tribulation and persecution because of the word, he is presently scandalized.*
1 Cor. [15.58]
'Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stead:
118
fast
SAINT BASIL
and unmoveable
Lord.' Gal. [1.6]: 'I wonder that you are so soon removed
from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto
another gospel.'
RULE FORTY
Cap.
Matthew
for
many
however
Take heed
come in my name
[24.4,5]:
will
doctrines,
[20.46,47]:
'Beware of the
scribes
If
RULE FORTY-ONE
That whatsoever
matter
how
gives
essential
Cap.
Matthew
dal cometh.
[18.7-9]:
And
if
'Woe
to that
man by whom
the scan-
THE MORALS
It
and
off
cast
it
from
thee. It
is
119
life
maimed
it
from
thee.'
fail in
the
Cap. 2
Matthew
[12.20,21]
The
and the smoking flax he shall not extinguish: till he send forth
judgment unto victory. And in his name the Gentiles shall
hope. Rom [14.1]: 'Now him that is weak in faith, take
unto you.' Gal. [6.1,2]: 'And if a man be overtaken in any
5
fault, you,
who
of Christ.'
RULE FORTY-TWO
That
the
it is
Law and
which
is
more
perfect.
Cap.
Matthew
[5.17]
am
not
am come
come
fulfill.'
to destroy
destroy but
destroy the law
to
the law.'
120
SAINT BASIL
RULE FORTY-THREE
That
Law
as the
forbids
harboring
soul.
Cap.
who
so outwardly;
is
in the flesh
wardly
the circumcision
letter;
is
is
that circumcision
a Jew, that
is
which
is
out-
is
whose praise
That
a
nor
but he
as the
law requires a
partial, so the
Gospel demands
Cap. 2
Luke [18.22]: 'Sell all whatever thou hast, and give to the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, fol5
[2.1 1]
circumcision not
Law
cannot
THE MORALS
121
Cap. 3
kingdom
may
justice that
were gain
to
Furthermore
is
count
all
RULE FORTY-FOUR
That the yoke of Christ is sweet and His burden light unto
refreshment for those who submit to it; but all things alien
to the teaching of the Gospel are heavy
Cap.
and burdensome.
to your souls.
For
my
yoke
is
SAINT BASIL
122
RULE FORTY-FIVE
That they cannot be deemed worthy of the kingdom of
heaven who do not imitate in their relations with one another
the equality which is observed by children among themselves.
Cap.
Matthew
verted and
the
[18.3]:
become
kingdom
which
as little children,
of heaven.'
That he who
in the
'Amen
desires to
on earth that
Cap. 2
Matthew
as this
[18.4]:
little
child,
RULE FORTY-SIX
That we are obliged
a greater
to
show
in
Cap.
Luke [13.15-17]: 'Doth not every one of you, on the sabbath day, loose his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead
THE MORALS
123
to water?
whom
and she came to him, saying: Avenge me of my adversary. And he would not for a long time. But afterward he
said within himself: Although I fear not God, nor regard
man, yet because this widow is troublesome to me, I will
avenge her, lest continually coming she weary me. And the
Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge saith. And will not
God revenge his elect who cry to him day and night?' 2 Tim.
'No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself
[2.4,5]
with secular businesses; that he may please him to whom he
city,
hath engaged himself. For he also that striveth for the mastery,
not crowned, except he strive lawfully.'
is
That
relatively to those
who
Cap. 2
Matthew
[12.41]:
The men
SAINT BASIL
124
That he who
regard lightly the more important ones; but he ought to observe the greater precepts in a preeminent manner and
accomplish the lesser ones as well.
Cap. 3
faith.
who
strain out
RULE FORTY-SEVEN
That one ought not lay up treasure for himself on earth
but in heaven; and the method to be followed in laying up
treasure in heaven.
Cap.
and where
THE MORALS
125
RULE FORTY-EIGHT
That we should be compassionate and generous;
who
for they
Cap.
who
they
'To give
easily, to
communicate
to others.*
possess over
is
we
possess.
Cap. 2
Luke
[3.11]
word
of the Lord,
Cap. 3
Luke
[6.20]
is
the
kingdom
126
of
God.
SAINT BASIL
3
[24]
consolation.' 2
:
'Woe
Tor
they that will become rich, fall into temptation and into
the snare [of the devil], and into many unprofitable and hurt-
selves in
many
sorrows.'
Cap. 4
Luke
content.'
Matthew
[6.24-34]
Therefore
THE MORALS
127
raiment? Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow,
nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly
Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value than
they? And which of you by taking thought, can add to his
stature one cubit? And for raiment why are you solicitous?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labour
not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even
Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if
the grass of the field which is today and tomorrow is cast into
the oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of
faith?
eat, or
are
grown
dantly
all
things to enjoy)
.'
SAINT BASIL
128
Cap. 6
[25.34-36]: 'Come, ye blessed of my Father,
the foundation
possess you the kingdom prepared for you from
of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me to eat; I
Matthew
was
thirsty,
you took
visited
later [40]
of these
'When
'Amen
my
I say to you, as
long as
Jesus
'Now concerning
made
for
made.'
Cap. 7
Matthew
[10.10]:
Acts [20.35]:
THE MORALS
129
RULE FORTY-NINE
Cap.
its
necessary covering
is
To
Luke [6.29,30]:
him that striketh thee on the right
cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away from
thee thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to everyone that asketh thee, and of him that taketh away thy goods,
ask them not again.' 1 Cor. [6.1]: 'Dare any man, having a
matter against another, go to be judged before the unjust,
and not before the saints?' And a little further on [7,8] 'Already indeed there is plainly a fault among you, that you have
lawsuits one with another. Why do you not rather take wrong?
Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? But
:
to your brethren.'
said,
[5.38,39] 'You have heard that it hath
I say to you
But
a
tooth.
for
a
tooth
and
an
for
eye,
eye
not to resist evil; but if one strike thee on thy right cheek,
Matthew
An
turn to
him
Mark
[9.49]
'Have charity
130
SAINT BASIL
also
'To no
[12.17-19]:
be
man
at
rendering
for
wrong done
to another
Cap. 3
is
in Christ.
Cap.
Matthew
[5.9]
THE MORALS
be called the children of God.' John [14.27]: 'Peace
with you, my peace I give unto you.'
131
I leave
RULE FIFTY-ONE
That
fore
it
is
we bring
Cap.
Matthew
of God?'
RULE FIFTY-TWO
Cap.
mourn
132
SAINT BASIL
sinners in silence.
Cap. 2
Luke
[17.3]
'If
That we should
Cap. 3
that are
ill.
Go
this
meaneth,
am
I will
have
not come
sacrifice. For I
but sinners to repentance.' Luke [15.1-4] 'Now all the publicans and sinners drew near unto him to hear him. And the
murmured, saying 'This man receivand eateth with them. And he spoke to them this
THE MORALS
133
2 Cor.
[2.5-7]
'And
if
grief,
he hath not
grieved me; but in part, that I may not burden you all. To
him who is such a one, this rebuke is sufficient, which is
forgive
their regard,
ways.
Cap. 4
Matthew
[18.15-17]:
lf
thee, go, and rebuke him between thee and him alone. If he
shall hear thee, thou shalt gain thy brother. And if he will
not hear thee, take with thee one or two or more; that in the
mouth
he
of
will not
the church,
And
if
RULE FIFTY-THREE
That a Christian should not bear a grudge, but from
heart should forgive those
who have
offended him.
his
134
SAINT BASIL
Cap.
Matthew
offences; but
Father
if
their offences,
your heavenly
you.
RULE FIFTY-FOUR
That it is not right for us to judge one another
which are countenanced by the Scripture.
Cap.
in matters
that
is
weak,
let
him
him
him
spise
Who
own
is
lord he standeth or
able to
make him
f alleth.
stand.
own
to the Lord.
let
every
man abound
sense.
THE MORALS
another any more.
judge you
or of the
in
meat or
new moon,
of things to come.
135
Col.
is
per-
Cap. 2
Rom.
self in
eat, is
Col
of faith.
For
all
that
is
not
of faith
is sin.'
from
though living in the world? Touch not, taste not, handle not;
which all are unto destruction by the very use, according to
the precepts and doctrines of men.
9
Cap. 3
1 Cor. [4.5]
Therefore judge not before the time; until
the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things
of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts;
:
and then
shall every
man
of consideration of persons,
Cap. 4
'If a man receive circumcision on the sab[7.23,24]
bath day, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you
John
136
SAINT BASIL
Cap. 5
John
night,
unless
[7.50,51]
whom when
by
to
Felix; about
make
charge.
RULE FIFTY-FIVE
as
Christ's sake
of
is
God.
Cap.
and
it is
THE MORALS
a
gift of
137
God; not
'And
[1.28-30]:
Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.
conflict,' etc.
Luke
[8.38,39]
were departed,
Jesus sent
how
him away,
great things
tell
saying: Return to thy house, and
hath done to thee. And he went
God
had
through the whole city publishing how great things Jesus
cera
into
entered
he
as
'And
done to him.' Luke [17.12-19]
who
were
tain town, there met him ten men that
lepers,
:
up
us.
Whom
God. And he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks;
and this was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering, said, Were
no
not ten made clean? And where are the nine? There is
one found to return and give glory to God but this stranger.
And he said to him: Arise, go thy way; for thy faith hath
made thee whole. 1 Cor. [15.10]: 'But by the grace of God,
5
am what
be rejected
good, and nothing to
giving.'
is
138
SAINT BASIL
RULE FIFTY-SIX
in
Cap.
Matthew
you
and
For
with thanksgiving.
watching
without
rejoice. Pray
ceasing.
in
it
/ Thess. [5.16,17]
'Always
That we should give thanks to God even for the daily sustenance required by the body, before we partake of it.
Cap. 2
Matthew
[14.19]:
five loaves
THE MORALS
That we should not
139
recite long
for
Cap. 3
Matthew
much,
things.'
How we
Cap. 4
Matthew [6.9,10]: 'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
'Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of
etc. Matthew [6.33]
God and his justice. Mark [11.25]: 'When you shall stand
to pray, forgive, if you have aught against any man. 1 Tim.
5
'I
lifting
Word
for
of Truth.
Cap. 5
behold
[22.31,32]: 'And the Lord said: Simon, Simon,
as
sift
he
wheat;
Satan hath desired to have you, that
you
may
Luke
140
but
SAINT BASIL
I
fail
not.'
Eph.
am
may
be glorified in
all,
even as
among
you.'
Cap. 6
Matthew
[5.44,45]
umniate you, that you
is
Tray
may
for
them
in heaven.'
head
head.
Cap. 7
of every
man
'But I
is
etc.
RULE FIFTY-SEVEN
That no one should entertain exalted notions of himself
because of his own good deeds and hold others in disdain.
THE MORALS
Cap.
141
Luke
of
men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift
up
his eyes
RULE FIFTY-EIGHT
That it must not be thought that the
chased by money or by any other device.
gift of
God
is
pur-
Cap.
Acts [8.18-23]
And when Simon
tion of the hands of the apostles, the
c
self, to
gift of
the
perish with thee, because thou hast thought that
God may be purchased with money. Thou hast no
part nor lot in this matter. For thy heart is not right in the
sight of God. Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness;
and pray to the Lord that perhaps this thought of thy heart
may
ness
and
in the
bonds
I see
of iniquity.'
gall of bitter-
SAINT BASIL
142
That according
each
man unto
God
bestows
gifts
upon
profit.
Cap. 2
Rom.
[12.6]:
'And having
different
gifts,
according to
the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith. 1 Cor. [12.7-10]: 'And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one
3
grace of healing; to another, prophecy; to another, the discerning of spirits; to another, divers kinds of tongues; to
another, interpretation of speeches.'
Cap. 3
and walk. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him
3
'For neither have we used at any time
up. 1 Thess. [2.5-8]
the speech of flattery, as you know; nor taken an occasion of
:
burdensome
little
her children
so desirous of you,
we would
THE MORALS
143
you not only the gospel of God but also our own
you were become most dear unto us.
souls,
because
is
delivered
up
to
punishment.
Cap. 4
away.
And
exterior darkness.
teeth.'
144
SAINT BASIL
RULE FIFTY-NINE
That the Christian should not be attached
which comes from men, nor claim
but should correct those
think too highly of him.
who
who
Cap.
Matthew
him Good
to that glory
[19.16,17]:
master,
Thess. [2.5,6]
Tor neither have we used at any time the
speech of flattery as you know; nor taken an occasion of covetousness, God is witness nor sought we glory of men, neither
of you nor of others.' Acts [10.25,26]: 'And it came to pass
1
that
when
Peter
was come
in,
Cornelius
came
to
meet him,
falling at his feet adored. But Peter lifted him up, saying :
a man.' Acts [12.21-23] 'And upon a
Arise, I myself also
and
am
eaten
ghost.'
RULE SIXTY
That, inasmuch as the
gifts of
and
THE MORALS
145
one individual cannot receive them all, nor all receive the
gift, everyone should soberly and thankfully remain content with the gift granted to him and all should be in accord
same
Cap.
shall
against
itself shall
not stand.
'But
Gal. [5.15]:
if
you
bite
and devour one another; take heed you be not consumed one
of another.' John [17.20,21]: 'Not for them only do I pray,
but for them also who through their word shall believe in me
that they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me and I in thee;
that they also may be one in us. Acts [4.32] 'And the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul; neither did
any one say that aught of the things which he possessed was
:
his
own, but
:
we have many members, but all the members have not the
same office; so we being many, are one body in Christ, and
of another; and having different gifts,
according to the grace that is given us,' etc. 1 Cor. [1.10]:
*Now I beseech you, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,,
every one
that you
members one
all
schisms
speak the same thing, and that there be no
146
SAINT BASIL
Cor. [12.12,13]
members; and all the
1
Tor
whereas they are many, belonging to the one body, yet are
one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all
baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether
bond or free, etc. PhiL [2.2-4] 'That you all be of one mind,
having the same charity, being of one accord, agreeing in
sentiment. Let nothing be done through contention, neither
by vain glory; but in humility, let each esteem others better
than themselves; each one not considering the things that are
5
his
RULE SIXTY-ONE
That we should not be
disdainful of those
who
administer
Cap.
THE MORALS
147
5
RULE SIXTY-TWO
and they
will scourge
up the brother
to death,
and the
father, the
148
SAINT BASIL
and
men
my
he
shall
they upon the rock, are they who when they hear, receive
the word with joy; and these have no roots, for they believe
for a while,
and
2 Cor.
God who
live
God
permits, but
in the way
we should pray not to
of temptation
fall into tem-
tation.
Cap. 2
[6.9,10]: 'Thus therefore shall you pray: Our
art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingcome'; and shortly after [13]: 'And lead us not into
Matthew
Father
dom
who
Now
feast of tabernacles
was
at hand.
And
his
brethren said to
149
THE MORALS
him: Pass from hence and go Into Judea, that thy disciples
also may see thy works which thou dost. For there is no man
that doth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be
known openly. If thou do these things, manifest thyself to the
world. For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus
said to them: My time is not yet come; but your time is
it hateth,
always ready. The world cannot hate you; but me
because I give testimony to it, that the works thereof are eviL
Go you up
day, because
my
time
is
but
go not up to
this festival
When
he had said
not accomplished.
also
That we should
retreat in
if
Cap. 3
shall persecute you in
[10.23]: 'And when they
this city, flee into another.' [12.14,15]: 'And the Pharisees,
how they might
going out, made a consultation against him,
Matthew
him
to death.
150
SAINT BASIL
that which you are able; but will make also with temptation
issue, that you may be able to bear it.'
him and
and
naught.
so
Cap. 4
and
said:
It is
written:
Not
in
man
live,
RULE SIXTY-THREE
That the Christian should not fear nor be distressed in
circumstances, and thus be distracted from his trust
in God; but he should take courage as if the Lord were at
hand directing his affairs and strengthening him against all
his adversaries and as if the Holy Spirit were instructing him
difficult
Cap.
Matthew
[10,28-31]:
Tear
foes.
ye not
them that
kill
the body,
THE MORALS
151
without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all
numbered. Fear not therefore; better are you than many
sparrows.' Luke [12.11,12]: 'And when they shall bring
you into the synagogues, and to magistrates and powers, be
not solicitous how or what you shall answer, or what you shall
say. For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour
what you must say.' Mark [4.37-40] 'And there arose a great
storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that the
ship was filled. And he was in the hinder part of the ship,
sleeping upon a pillow; and they awake him, and say to him:
:
Master, doth
And the wind ceased, and there was made a great calm. And
he said to them: Why are you fearful? Have you not faith
yet?' Acts [5.17-21]: Then the high priest rising up and all
they that were with him (which is the heresy of the Sadduthe
cees) were filled with envy. And they laid their hands on
apostles and put them in the common prison. But an angel
of the Lord by night opening the doors of the prison and
leading them out, said Go, and standing speak in the temple
:
to the people all the words of this life. Who, having heard
this early in the morning, entered into the temple and taught.'
2 Cor.
[1.8]
'For
of our tribulation,
after [10]:
we would
'Who hath
so great dangers: in
liver us.'
and shortly
and doth deliver us out of
we trust that he will yet also de-
which came
delivered
whom
to us in Asia';
152
SAINT BASIL
RULE SIXTY-FOUR
That we should
for the
name
of the
Lord and
for His
Cap.
commandments.
Matthew [5.10-12]: 'Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you and persecute you
and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake.
Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.'
Who
am made
now rejoice in my
things that are wanting
flesh, for his body, which is the church.'
minister.
up those
my
and preach
RULE SIXTY-FIVE
That
even
if
it
we
THE MORALS
Cap
Matthew
[27.46]
153
My
RULE SIXTY-SIX
That we must not
fail
those
who
Cap.
John [16.31,32]:
for those
who
are tried
by temptation.
154
SAINT BASIL
Cap. 2
Luke
sired to
[22.31,32]:
'Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath demay sift you as wheat; but I have
prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.' Acts [12.5]: Peter
therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without
ceasing by the church unto God for him/
RULE SIXTY-SEVEN
That to grieve for them that sleep ill befits those
the assurance of the resurrection from the dead.
Cap.
who have
Luke [23.27-28] 'And there followed him a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented
him. But turning, he said to them: Daughters of Jerusalem,
weep not over me.' 1 Thess. [4.12,13] 'And we will not have
:
RULE SIXTY-EIGHT
That we should not expect the needs peculiar to this life to
continue after the resurrection; but we should realize that life
in the next world is angelic and free from want.
Cap.
THE MORALS
155
/ Cor. [15.35-38]:
'But some man will say:
do the dead rise again? or with what manner of body
shall they come? Senseless man, that which thou so west is not
quickened except it die first. And that which thou sowest,
resurrection.'
How
thou sowest not the body that shall be; but bare grain, as of
wheat, or of some of the rest. But God giveth it a body as
he will' and shortly after [42-44] 'So also is the resurrection
:
sown in corruption, it
sown in dishonour, it shall
of the dead. It
It is
ruption.
sown
body,
is
in weakness,
it
it
shall rise in
power.
It is
It is
sown a natural
in a certain place or in a
Cap. 2
Matthew
Lo! here
is
shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall show
great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible)
even the elect. Mark [13.23-26]: Take you heed, therefore;
behold I have foretold you all things. But in those days after
5
that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall
not give her light. And the stars of heaven shall be falling
the powers that are in heaven shall be moved. And
then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds
with great power and glory/ 1 Thess. [4.14,15] Tor this we
down and
word
we who
are alive,
156
SAINT BASIL
who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent
them who have slept. For the Lord himself shall come down
from heaven with commandment and with the voice of an
archangel and with the trumpet of God; and the dead who
are in Christ, shall rise first/
RULE SIXTY-NINE
list
of acts
at-
tached to them.
Cap.
Matthew
[15.19,20]:
Tor from
the heart
come
forth evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things that defile a man.'
filled; for
shall
you
shall hunger.
Woe
to
to
you when
all
men
shall bless
to yourselves, lest
you. [21.34]
perhaps your
hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and
the cares of this life and that day come upon you suddenly.*
:
Rom.
[1.28-30]
knowledge, God
all
iniquity,
Tor: Thou
Thou
Thou
and
if
there be
THE MORALS
any other commandment,'
etc. 1
157
neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor Hers with mankind., nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
railers,
2 Cor.
'Now
fornication, unclean-
emu-
named among
ish
[3,5,6,8,9]
upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil concuthe service of idols.
piscence, and covetousness, which is
For which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of unbelief. But
now
in-
other thing
is
liars,
158
SAINT BASIL
some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error
and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, and having
their conscience seared, forbidding to marry, to abstain from
meats which
God hath
such as
power
selves also
thereof.
Now
and pleasures,
and hating one another.'
A list of
Tit. [3.3]
Tor we
our-
to divers desires
ful
these avoid.
living in malice
promise of blessing.
Cap. 2
Matthew
is
the
kingdom
THE MORALS
159
they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall
possess the land. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after
justice, for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer
shall
my
sake.
heaven.
that
is
Be glad and
Matthew
my
Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave
me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a
stranger, and you took me in naked and you covered me sick
;
and you
Rom.
visited
me;
was
came
to
me.
he that teach'Or
in
that
he
exhorteth,
eth,
doctrine;
exhorting; he that
that
with
with
he
carefulness; he
ruleth,
giveth,
simplicity;
that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without
dissimulation, hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which
is good. Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood,
with honour preventing one another. In carefulness, not sloth[12.7-21]
in
rendering
all
all
160
SAINT BASIL
truth, in the
Gal. [5.22]
patience,
benignity,
goodness,
faith,
is
mildness,
continency,
THE MORALS
161
spirit, if
ye
joy, that
charity, being of one
my
fulfill
whatsoever
just,
do
ye.'
Col. [3.1-3]:
'Therefore
if
seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the
right hand of God. Mind the things that are above, not the
things that are upon the earth. For you are dead, and your
Tut ye one therefore, as
life is hid with Christ in God.' [12]
:
the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, be1 Thess. [5.14-22]:
nignity, humility, mildness, patience.
'Rebuke the unquiet, comfort the timorous, support the weak,
be patient toward all men. See that none renders evil for
5
evil to
God
dent,
sound
them to be subject to
blasphemed.' Tit. [3.1,2]: 'Admonish
to be ready to every
at
a
to
and
word,
obey
powers,
princes
162
SAINT BASIL
all,
undefiled.
RULE SEVENTY
They who
and supplication,
men whose
past
to appoint as
life
deacons
Cap.
THE MORALS
163
former
treatise I made,
Theophilus, of all things which
Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day on which giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom
and the
own
ment and
fall
much
that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting
and shouldst ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed
thee;
if
164
SAINT BASIL
sober, just,
dalized but
may
Cap. 2
1 Tim, [5.22]: 'Impose not hands lightly upon any man,
neither be partaker of other men's sins.' 1 Tim. [5.19,20]:
'Against a priest receive not an accusation but under two or
three witnesses.
also
may have
Then
all,
fear.'
That he who has been chosen should not of his own accord
undertake the preaching of the Gospel, but wait for the time
acceptable to God and begin his preaching when he has been
assigned this duty; that, furthermore, he should preach to
those to whom he has been sent.
Cap. 3
Matthew
[10.5,6]:
them, saying:
Go
way
commanding
and
of the Gentiles
THE MORALS
165
Lord,
coasts, crying out, said to him: Have mercy on me,
thou son of David; my daughter is grievously troubled by a
devil. Who answered her not a word. And his disciples came
and besought him, saying Send her away for she crieth after
us; and he answering, said: I was not sent but to the sheep
Tor from
that are lost of the house of Israel.' John [8.42]
God I proceeded and came; for 1 came not of myself but he
sent me.' Acts [11.19]: 'Now they who had been dispersed
by the persecution that arose on occasion of Stephen, went
about as far as Phoenice and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking
the word to none, but to the Jews only.' Rom. [1.1] 'Paul, a
:
Luke
dead;
go
preach
166
SAINT BASIL
That heterodoxy
is
forbidden.
Cap. 5
John [10.1,2]: '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. But he that entereth
in
by the door
is
on [7,8] 'I am
have come are thieves and robbers; and the sheep heard them
not.' Gal. [1.8,9]: 'But though we or an angel from heaven
preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached
to you, let him be anathema. As we said before, so now I
:
If
etc.
Cap. 6
THE MORALS
167
have commanded
through the
exhort.
sound
cities,
Tit. [2.1]:
doctrine.'
That,
if
he
who
become
Lord keep
silence respecting anything which is necessary in order to please God, he is guilty of the blood of those
of the
who
what
Cap. 7
Luke
away
in,
blood of
all
all
men;
for I
to declare
'Where-
from the
unto you
commanded
SAINT BASIL
168
Cap. 8
from
etc.
That no one
is
Cap. 9
load
[11.46]: 'Woe to you lawyers also, because you
with burdens which they cannot bear, and you yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers.'
Luke
men
That he who
to the rest as a
is
model
he teaches.
Cap. 10
said to
them:
Know
you what
have done
to
you?
You
call
THE MORALS
169
me
Master and Lord; and you say well, for so I am. If then
being your Lord and Master have washed your feet; you
also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have
given you
I
ample
of the faithful in
That he who
is
word,
in conversation,
a preacher of the
Word
etc.
should not
feel
own
secure in his
Cap. 11
Matthew
but the will of him that sent me, the Father. Now this
the will of him who sent me that every one who seeth the
will
is
visit all
the towns
SAINT BASIL
170
Cap. 12
'And Jesus went about all Galilee teachthe gospel of the kinging in the synagogues and preaching
dom, and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity/
Luke [8.1]: 'And he travelled through the cities and towns
and the
preaching the kingdom of God and evangelizing;
Matthew
[4.23]
That
all
should be
summoned
to the
Cap. 13
'That which I tell you in the dark,
and that which you hear in the ear,
not them that kill
preach ye upon the housetops. And fear ye
the body and are not able to kill the soul.' Matthew [22.8,9]
Matthew
[10.27,28]:
invited
ready, but they that were
therefore into the highways and as
5
many
as
answering,
Acts [20.23,24]
THE MORALS
171
nesseth to me, saying that bands and afflictions wait for me.
But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life
it
was not
in vain
many
the gospel of
God
in
much
carefulness.'
of the
faithful
Cap. 14
my God
Rom.
sight.'
God
is
my
witness
Jesus Christ.
And
is
witness
my
whom
through
spoken of in the
serve in
prayers.' Phil.
long after you in the bowels of
always in
how
my spirit
my
your charity
may more
172
SAINT BASIL
knowledge and
in
in all understanding;
that you may approve the better things, that you may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ, filled with
the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and
praise of God.'
That good
to be
God ought
made known
Cap. 15
am
doing, Tychichus,
ter in the
Lord, will
have sent
to
you
my
for this
That we must be
dearest brother
may
to
faithful minis-
all
us.'
and
things; whom I
you
same purpose that you may know
make known
and do
all
for those
who
things as the
are
work
require.
Cap. 16
John [10.16] '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.' / Thess.
[3.1,2]: Tor which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought
it
good to remain at Athens alone; and we sent Timothy,
:
THE MORALS
173
to those
who
ask us to confer a
benefit.
Chap. 17
Matthew
'As he was speaking these things, became up and adored him, saying: Lord>
even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon
[9.18,19]:
my
daughter
is
her and she shall live. And Jesus rising up, followed him.'
Acts [9.38,39] 'And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppe,
the disciples hearing that Peter was there, sent unto him two
men, desiring him that he would not be slack to come unto
them. And Peter rising up, went with them.'
:
of truth should
be con-
Cap. 18
Acts [15.36] 'And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas:
Let us return and visit our brethren in all the cities wherein
we have preached the word of the Lord to see how they do.'
'But we, brethren, being taken away
1 Thess. [2.17,18]:
short
for a
from
time, in sight, not in heart, have hastened
:
you
us';
SAINT BASIL
174
be moved
know
that
we
That
it
private.
Cap. 19
John [10.11]: The good shepherd giveth his life for his
had dined,
sheep. John [21.15-17]: 'When therefore they
of John, lovest thou
son
Peter:
Simon
to
saith
Simon,
Jesus
me more than these? He saith to him: Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He
saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He
3
saith to
saith to
Acts [20.7]: 'And on the first day of the week, when the disPaul discoursed with
ciples were assembled to break bread,
morrow:
and he continued his
the
to
on
them, being
depart
3
preached
it
to you,
to house, testifying
God, and faith in
THE MORALS
keeping in
memory
175
Cap. 20
Matthew
[9.11-13]:
it,
said to
Why
have no shepherd.'
Matthew
[15.32]:
because they continue with me now three days, and have not
what to eat, and I will not send them away fasting lest they
'And there came a leper
faint on the way.' Mark [1.40,41]
:
make me
wilt, thou
compassion on him, stretched forth
thou
canst
clean.
his
said to
And
Jesus,
him:
If
having
SAINT BASIL
176
I will.
God and serve tables. Look ye out from among you, brethfull of the Holy Ghost and
ren, seven men of good reputation,
this business.'
over
we
whom
may appoint
wisdom,
of
'Then the twelve, calling together the multisaid: It is not reason that we should
leave the
:
word,
traffic in
the
word
Cap. 23
Matthew
[23.5-10]
'And
make
all their
their phylacteries
the
large their fringes. And they love
the first chairs in the synagogues,
first
THE MORALS
you
called
is
177
all
you are
brethren.
your
for one
Word
of the
Cap. 24
Matthew
wise servant
whom
is
a faithful and
say
SAINT BASIL
178
hopeth
shall separate
him
There
be
shall
:
weeping
me Master and Lord; and you say well,
If then I being your Lord and Master have
wash one another's feet/
feet; you also ought to
'You
[13,13,14]
for so I am.
call
washed your
Luke [22.24-27 'And there was also a strife amongst them,
which of them should seem to be the greater. And Jesus said
to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and they
that have power over them are called benefactors. But you
:
not so
but he that
is
serveth?
sending
church.
Is
And when
they were
come
to
into Asia, in
what
Lord with all humility and with many tears and temptations
which befell me by the conspiracies of the Jews.' 2 Cor.
suffer the foolish; whereas you
[11.19-21]: Tor you gladly
suffer if a man bring you into
yourselves are wise. For you
if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a
bondage,
man be lifted up,
if
man
according to dishonour, as
if
in
strife
spirit of
THE MORALS
179
Cap. 25
Matthew
chosen,
I will
my
put
my
spirit
to the Gentiles.
shall
any
man
He
shall
show judgment
streets.' Phil.
[1.15-17]:
am
And some
out of
for
enhancing
lest
style
God.
Cap. 26
myself to
him
crucified.
And
Jesus Christ,
in weakness,
and
and
in fear,
SAINT BASIL
180
own
that
devices,
God.
Cap. 27
2 Cor. [3.4-6]: 'And such confidence we have through
Christ towards God. Not that we are sufficient to think anybut our sufficiency is from
thing of ourselves as of ourselves;
testaGod, who also hath made us fit ministers of the new
in
earthen
ment.' 2 Cor. [4.7]: 'But we have this treasure
vessels, that the excellency
not of
may
be of the power of
God and
us.'
is
Cap. 28
nor silver nor
Matthew
Luke
[9.3]:
nor
nesses;
may please
self/
matters.
who
THE MORALS
181
Cap. 29
listeners,
neglect to give a
the slaves of
God become
abandon the
service of
God.
Cap. 30
John [5.44]: 'How can you believe, who receive glory one
from another; and the glory which is from God alone, you do
not seek?' Gal. [1.10] 'If I yet pleased men, I should not be
:
Matthew
in
me;
SAINT BASIL
182
until
we
That we should
all
and
measure
Cap. 32
till
That
it
Cap. 33
Luke
[8.37]
'And
all
back
to depart
And
again.'
do not
THE MORALS
183
Cap. 34
forth into the streets thereof, say Even the very dust of your
city that cleaveth to us, we wipe off against you. Yet know
'And
this, that the kingdom of God is at hand.' Acts [18.5,6]
:
when
tiles.'
all
incorrigible
when we have
Cap. 35
Matthew
[23.37,38]
kill-
prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how
often would I have gathered together thy children, as the hen
doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldst
est the
To
left to
it
first
SAINT BASIL
184
he that
is
demned by
such a one
his
own
is
judgment.'
That
Cap. 36
1
and
Tim.
by declining
of the
Word
to either side.'
a view
esteem
in his care.
Cap. 37
Acts [20.18,19]
into Asia, in what
RULE SEVENTY-ONE
Prescriptions
which
and
priests.
THE MORALS
Cap.
185
Tim.
[3.1,2]
desireth a
doctrine,
hast fully
known my
faith,
city as I also
Concerning deacons.
Cap. 2
and
of the
'Deacons in
to
much
like
manner
RULE SEVENTY-TWO
Concerning the hearers: that those hearers who are instructed in the Scriptures should examine what is said by the
teachers, receiving
what
is
SAINT BASIL
186
and
rejecting
persist
what
Cap.
Matthew
[18.7-9]
'Woe
to that
man by whom
the scandal
out/ and
thy eye scandalize thee, pluck
foot.
and
John [10.1]:
similarly with regard to the hand
'Amen, amen I say to you:, He that entereth not by the door
into the sheepfold but climbeth up another way, the same is
and a little further on [10.5]: 'But a
a thief and a robber
cometh.
And
it
if
you
good.
From
all
all
appearance of
things
of the Scriptures
possess little knowledge
saints by the
the
mark
of
distinctive
the
should recognize
mark and
this
bear
who
those
fruits of the Spirit, receiving
not.
do
who
avoiding those
Cap. 2
'Beware of false prophets who come to
you in the clothing of sheep but inwardly they are ravening
'Be
wolves. By their fruits you shall know them.' Phil. [3.17]
walk
so
ye followers of me, brethren, and observe them who
as you have our model.'
Matthew
[7,15,16]
rightly the
Word
of
Truth should be
Him who
has sent
THE MORALS
187
Cap. 3
Matthew
Christ Jesus.'
That they who heed not those who are sent by the Lord
bring dishonor not only upon these latter, but upon Him also
who sent them, and they draw down upon themselves a
harsher judgment than that pronounced upon the people
of
with a good
will,
even though
it
seem arduous.
Cap. 5
John
[5.24]
'Amen, amen
who
SAINT BASIL
188
my word and
heareth
believeth
him
life
gospel
to Antioch, confirming
again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and
the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to contiriue in
and that through many tribulations we must enter
the
faith;
into the
kingdom of heaven.'
loss
Cap. 6
Matthew
thee, go,
[18.15]:
'But
if
shall
epistle
I
now
am
the faith.'
THE MORALS
189
RULE SEVENTY-THREE
That a husband must not separate from his wife nor a
wife from her husband unless one of them be taken in adultery or is a hindrance to the other in the devout service of God.
Cap.
her that
is
Cor. [7.10,11]:
them that are married, not I, but the Lord commandeth that the wife depart not from her husband; and if she
'But to
husband; and
That the husband may not put away his wife and marry
may she who is put away by her husband marry
another, nor
another.
Cap. 2
her that
is
SAINT BASIL
190
up
He might
Church, who
where-
delivered Himself
sanctify her.
Cap. 3
as Christ
Eph. [5.25,26]: 'Husbands, love your wives,
for
it, that
also loved the Church and delivered himself up
in the
water
of
he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver
to
men
also
'So
ought
word of life'; and a little later [28]:
own
bodies,' etc.
their husbands,
will of
as the
God.
Cap. 4
Eph. [5.22-24]: 'Let women be subject to their husbands,
Lord; because the husband is the head of the wife,
as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the saviour of
his body. Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so also
let the wives be to their husbands in all things.' Tit. [2.4,5]:
That they may teach the young women to be wise, to love
as to the
phemed.'
women.
Cap. 5
Tim.
[2.9,10]:
"In like
manner women
also in
decent
THE MORALS
191
godliness, with
good works.'
home
at
to inquire
Cap. 6
1
for
it
But if they would learn anything, let them ask their husbands
at home. For it is a shame for women to speak in church/
1 Tim. [2.11-15]: 'Let the woman learn in silence, with all
subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to use
authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was
first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not seduced; but the
woman being seduced, was in the transgression. Yet she shall
be saved through child-bearing, if she continue in faith, and
love,
and
RULE SEVENTY-FOUR
That a widow who enjoys
spend her
life in
of Dorcas.
the coats
SAINT BASIL
192
Dorcas made when she was with them.' 1 Tim. [5.9,10] 'Let
a widow be chosen of no less than three-score years of age,
who hath been the wife of one husband; having testimony
for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she
have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet,
if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she
have diligently followed every good work.'
:
Cap. 2
Luke
vanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years
from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and
four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and
'But she that
prayers serving night and day.' / Tim. [5.5,6]
is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God and
continue in supplications and prayers night and day. For she
that liveth in pleasures is dead while she is living.'
:
RULE SEVENTY-FIVE
That bond-servants should obey their masters according to
the flesh with a right good will for the glory of God in whatever does not violate a commandment of God.
Cap.
THE MORALS
193
ters
worthy of
all
honour,
lest
the
name
of the
Lord and
his
who
Tit. [2.9,10]:
all
'Exhort ser-
things pleasing,
John
him
goeth
SAINT BASIL
194
wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that
'You,
as I have done to you, so you do also. Eph. [6.9]
masters, do the same things to them, forebearing threatening,
in heaven, and
knowing that the Lord both of them and you is
him.
with
no
of
is
there
persons
respect
3
RULE SEVENTY-SIX
That
Cap.
Luke
said to
first
commandment with a
promise:
that
it
may
be well
'in
may
and
the discipline
be, give
Cap. 2
Eph.
[6.4]
'And you,
of the Lord.
fathers,
them up
Col. [3.21]
in the discipline
and correction
THE MORALS
195
RULE SEVENTY-SEVEN
That
virgins should
may
mind
kingdom
of
heaven.
Cap.
him
take
it.'
be without solicitude.
But he that
with a wife
how he may
please
God.
is
is
woman
woman
thinketh on the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both
body and in spirit. But she that is married thinketh on the
in
things of the world, how she may please her husband. And
speak for your profit: not to cast a snare upon you, but
for that which is decent and which may give you power to
this I
RULE SEVENTY-EIGHT
That
soldiers
may
false accusations.
Cap.
Luke [3.14] 'And the soldiers also asked him, saying: And
what shall we do? And he said to them: Do violence to no
man, neither calumniate any man; and be content with your
:
pay.'
SAINT BASIL
196
That
Cap.
Rom.
[13.3,4]
God.
works
princes are not a terror to good
the
Wilt thou then not be afraid of
power?
:
Tor
That
it
is
right to
command
of
God would
Cap. 2
Rorn. [13.1-3]
is
good work.'
RULE EIGHTY
THE MORALS
Cap.
197
Matthew
of
own Shep-
Cap. 2
c
As vine branches
of Christ rooted in
Him and
Him
in
what
is
con-
Cap. 3
John
[15.5]
'I
am
of the
of their
Head
Lord's
Cor. [6.15]:
members
SAINT BASIL
198
As a spouse
according
of Christ,
Cap. 5
'He that hath the bride is the bridegroom/
2 Cor. [11.2] Tor I have esspoused you to one husband that
I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.'
John
[3.29]
As temples
pertains to
of
filled
only with
what
Cap. 6
As a
sacrifice
member and
will
God/
ship.
Cap. 7
THE MORALS
As sons
of
God formed
to the
199
to
Cap. 8
'Little children, yet a little while I am with
Gal.
[4.19] 'My little children, of whom I am in labour
you.'
until
Christ be formed in you.'
again,
John [13.33]:
"
who
incorruption those
Phil.
light of the world.'
as lights in the world.'
they
may renew
in spirit unto
Cap. 10
Matthew
[5.13]
As the word
by
of
salt of
the earth.'
life
life.
Cap. 11
Phil. [2.15,16]:
world,
of Christ.'
SAINT BASIL
200
What
Cap. 12
send you as sheep in the midst
/ Cor.
of wolves.' [28.19]: 'Going teach ye all nations.'
of
ministers
the
as
of
us
so account of
[4.1,2]: 'Let a man
as
for
but
of
God;
Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries
the rest, it is required among the dispensers that a man be
Matthew
[10.16]
'Behold
found faithful/
As
who
heralds of the
kingdom
who
him
dies in sin.
Cap. 13
The
Matthew
by
his
coming and
his
As the model or rule of piety unto the perfecting of all righteousness in the followers of the Lord and unto proof of iniquity
in those who are guilty of the slightest disobedience.
Cap. 14
and
Phil. [3.13-16]
'Forgetting the things that are behind,
toward
I
are
before,
press
stretching forth myself to those that
vocation of God in
of the
to the
the
:
mark,
prize
supernal
THE MORALS
201
minded: and
if
As the
members
word
of truth.'
each one.
Cap. 15
Matthew [6.22] The light of thy body is thy eye. If therefore thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome.'
:
Cap. 16
of the doctrine
great compassion, according to their knowledge
and
Christ
of the Lord, to bring about health in
perseverance.
202
SAINT BASIL
Cap. 17
Matthew
[9.12]
They
that are in health need not a phyRom. [15.1]: 'Now we that are
ill.'
As
fathers
gotten,
who
and nurses
have be-
Cap. 18
John [13.33]:
Tor
little
in Christ Jesus,
while
am
by the gospel,
with
have
us.'
Tor we
Cor. [3.9]:
THE MORALS
203
Cap. 20
God gave
the increase.'
Cap. 21
1 Cor. [3.10,11]:
'According to the grace of God that is
given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation
and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed
how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation no man can
[2.19-22]*
stone, in
an habitation of
God
in the Spirit.
Cap. 22
What
What is
is
the
the
SAINT BASIL
204
To
be in these dispositions of
full
nor making
and
is
God/
charity toward
cometh by hearing
everything outside Holy
'faith
2
sin.
is
God? To observe
written:
'all
we who
are baptized in Christ Jesus are bapFor we are buried together with him by
baptism unto death; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin may be destroyed, to the
*
end that we may serve sin no longer.' What is the mark of
one born of the Spirit? That he become in the measure granted
him that of which he has been born, as it is written That
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the
54
What is the mark of him who has been born
Spirit is spirit.
anew? That he strip off the old man with his deeds and cupidities and put on the new man, 'who is renewed unto knowledge,
:
him
written:
as
'As
have put on
1
Rom.
2 Rom.
3 Rom.
4 John
14.23.
10.17,
6.3,4,6.
3.6.
5 Col. 3.10.
6 Gal. 3.27.
many
of
Christ.'"
you
What
is
mark
as
it
is
in Christ
of a Christian?
That
THE MORALS
205
God and
ment
39
What
is
the
of Christ?
eat the
in per-
hour he thinks
7 2 Cor. 7.1.
8 Eph. 5.27.
9 1 Cor. 11.29.
10 2 Cor. 5.15.
11 Matt. 5.20.
12 Eph. 5.2.
13 Ps. 15.8.
14 Luke 12.40.
not, the
Lord
will
come.
14
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
WAS MADE
JAN
but
sin
him
our
who,
soul of
God
like to
in the
manner
under the
come sharers in
Now, an ally
is
The
who
of virginity,
gift
virginity.
grace
consist solely in abstaining from the procreation of children,
207
SAINT BASIL
208
but our whole
life,
fully
If,
developed and in
therefore,
we
all
its
desire,
perfection.
by the quelling
of our passions to
adorn the nature of our soul with the imprint of the beauty
of God's likeness, that everlasting life may also be ours therewe may do nothing unworthy
by, let us attend to ourselves that
the
of our promise and thus incur
judgment pronounced upon
1
Ananias. It was within the power of Ananias not to dedito God in the beginning; but he consecrated
cate his
property
his possessions to
God by vow
that he might be an
his munificence,
and he
also
human glory,
men because of
with a view to
object of admiration to
licitly
man
made
for God
has been
serve himself
fear of being
say this
Acts. 5.1-5.
his
own
consent,
condemned
by defiling again, by
body consecrated to God by vow.
with not only one kind of passion in mind,
an ordinary way of
And
When, however, by
life,
for sacrilege
the
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
as
some
209
by custody
may
not be defiled
of this world.
sin. All
keep
way
upon
these considerations, so as in no
fact,
leopard's
wholly black, but because it is spotted with different colors
is reckoned with neither black nor white. Let these words,
to
therefore, in a very general way, serve as an exhortation
those
this connection,
it
also
is
210
SAINT BASIL
ing points.They who are set apart from the ordinary life in
the world and follow a regimen more nearly approaching
the divine life should not undertake this discipline of their
own
life
who
life in.
common
who
admirable
way
of
life,
is
somehow
aged
is
in
more worthy
life.
community
power
is
useful
his
superior,
2
Rom.
it
13.1,2.
is
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
one chosen
may
211
serve as a
who
And
member
well
known
as
for holiness of
life,
who
will turn to
with
account the works of their hands by procuring
with
bread
these so as to fulfill the command of providing
5
brethren
of
the
rest
sweat and toil. The reputation of the
should be kept unsullied and blameless by their not being
to secure the necessities of
required to go about in public
life
life. The best rule and standard for a well-disciplined
necessities
is
this:
to
3 I Tim. 3.2.
4 2 Thess. 3.12.
5 Gen. 3.19.
SAINT BASIL
212
under constraint from pain. With the body in such a condition, the soul is not free to raise its glance upward, weighed
down as it is in companionship with the body's malady, but
with the sensation of pain and
it is
is,
Our
Prayer
God
in prison at midnight.
Then
too, the
58
who were
answer
to the
Pharisees
speaking
9
but the third hour.' Again, the ninth hour recalls the Lord's
10
live.
But, since
Passion, which took place that we might
David says: 'Seven times a day I have given praise to thee
11
and the
judgments of thy justice,'
which have been mentioned do not make up
for the
6
7
8
9
10
11
Ps.
118.62.
Acts 16.25.
Ps.
54.18.
Acts 2.15.
Matt. 27.45;
Ps. 118.164
Mark
15.33,34.
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
213
from
idle talk
to idle
and
useless
214
SAINT BASIL
the offense,
in psalmody
[e.g.], forbidding the offender to join
with his brethren, prohibiting him from taking part in common prayer, or ostracizing him from the common table. In this
matter, the one in charge of general discipline will determine
fault.
who
will
remain
at
home and
hidden
show
until
he reach a time of
life
young as regards
charm and grace
himself.
by anything calculated to arouse a companion's ire* If anyone should commit one of these faults, even if he has first
suffered an annoyance of this sort, he is not thereby sufE-
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
215
Oaths
of
all
company. Let a nod of the head or verbal assent take the place
of an oath on the part of both speaker and hearer. If anyone should not
against his
own
trust a
conscience as one
who
is
insincere in speech,
an
evil
may be
cured.
AN ASCETICAL DISCOURSE
HE ASGETICAL
and
all
commandments
end
in
therefore
of
enter
life
to
Secondly, the renunciation of worldly possessions is of obligation for him who aspires to this sublime way of life, in as
much
much
life
among them
that there be in
and
one body
all
will,
one
as the Apostle
community be,
1
this
consisting of divers members.
cannot be realized in any other way than by the enforcement
of the rule that nothing is to be appropriated to anyone's
desire,
enjoins,
exclusive use
which
cles
I
is
may
Now
of use to the
Cor. 12.12.
217
SAINT BASIL
218
garment which
as
is
who
living in luxury.
Furthermore, since the
medicaments
need of the
should enjoy them and not one
uses
is
in
is
is
useful, so, to
all
are
avoid confusion
resulting
his private
to their superior
sent.
2
Rom.
13.1,2.
AN ASCETIGAL DISCOURSE
Now, continency and
219
some
what
value, but,
if
all
man
equal soundness in
all
members
body in desiring an
since the pain of each
of his
the parts of
it,
not
and love should be accorded all who live together in community on the part of each of the members; but there will be a
higher esteem, and fittingly so, for those who contribute the
greater service.
Since it is a matter of obligation that they love one another
with absolutely equal affection, exclusive groups and factions
are a detriment to the
community
want
Unseemly quarreling,
tion alike, should be banished
for he
who
loves one
more
SAINT BASIL
220
upon just
unjust. As, therefore, God grants a share of
light impartially to all, so His followers should send forth
and
who
who
The
love of
warmer
He who
however, something conducive to spiritual advancement is involved, this only should be said and even
that which is useful should be expressed in an orderly fashion
at a suitable time by such persons as are entitled to speak.
If it be an inferior, he should wait for the direction of his
superior; but whisperings, a word in the ear, signs made by
a nod of the head all these should be outlawed, because
forbidden.
If,
nod
suspicion.
4 Matt.
5
John
Whenever conversation
5.45.
4.16.
is
AN ASGETIGAL DISCOURSE
221
furthermore,
is
emergency.
Since there are convents not only for men but for women
also profess virginity, all that has been said
applies to
who
maintenance of
what may be
agreeable to her sisters, nor should she be eager for their gratitude for what is to their liking, but she should ever be grave,
severe, dignified.
der an account to
the
common
life.
God
Nor
is
to ren-
undue breaches
of discipline in
should the individual sister seek to
for
Lord without
we
receive the
commands
of the
of the Scripture is
question, knowing
the members of
also
so
to
and
of
benefit
us,
divinely inspired
the comdistinction
without
the sisterhood should accept
that
all
222
mauds
SAINT BASIL
of the superior.
all
that
Is
di-
rected, not in
should prescribe any other relaxation demanded by necessity, they should fulfill all alike, convinced that her words
are law.
Whenever speech
whether with a
man
is
required for reasons of necessity,
or with someone holding a position of
Name
complete freedom from external disturbances, let us pray towe may provide for our fellow servants their
measure of wheat in due season, 2 and that you, on your part,
gether that
may,
main
Acts 20.31.
2 Luke 12.42.
3 Matt. 13.23.
4 Tit. 2.14.
223
224
SAINT BASIL
continued
tomed way
of
life
Gospel?
Why
we
He
says, 'shall
We
yet
we
say, indeed,
that
we
desire the
Although we
mand, we,
suffer
5 2 Cor. 6.2.
6 Rom. 2.6.
7 Matt. 25.30.
kingdom
means whereby it
of heaven,
attained.
is
no hardship on behalf
in the vanity of
teeth.'
man who
filled
Who
resisted sin
225
What
planted and tended? They who labor possess the fruits. Rewards and crowns belong to the victors. Who would ever
crown one who did not even strip himself for the combat with
his adversary?
is
that servant
shall find'
presume to say we actually had done so for all the commandments form an interconnected whole, according to the valid
sense of the Scripture, so that in breaking one commandment
we necessarily violate the others also), we do not expect to
be visited with wrath on the score of the commandments
which we have transgressed, but we anticipate rewards for
our alleged observance. The man who withholds one or two,
to him, but restores the
perhaps, of the ten talents entrusted
for paying back the major
rest, is not looked upon as generous
;
condemned
8 2
Tim.
2.5.
9 Luke 12.43.
10 Gen. 4.7 (Septuagint)
added
to
SAINT BASIL
226
him.
11
He who
And
commanded
12
you.'
of
sin,'
15
if
is
am
held
the servant
there in not
being wasted
of
Well, then, someone will say, will the large number
commandments
the
all
not
Christians who do
practice
keep
the observance of some of them in vain? In this connection,
it is
Matt. 25.24ff.
12 Matt. 28.19,20.
13 2 Cor. 6.3,4.
14 Matt. 5.22.
II
15
16
John
John
8.34.
13.8.
Lord
227
be saved,'
17
and, therevery invocation of the Name of the Lord is sufficient to save him who invokes it. But let the objector hear also
the words of the Apostle 'How then shall they call on him in
whom they have not believed? 318 And, if you believe, hearken
to the Lord saying: 'Not everyone that saith to me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
519
doth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Certainly,
whenever anyone does the will of the Lord, but not as God
call
of the
shall
fore, the
distribute all my
Apostle was taught to say: 'And if I should
if I should deliver my body to
and
the
to
feed
poor
goods
be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.'
To sum up, I note the following three kinds of disposition
which necessarily compel our obedience: we avoid evil
and take the attitude of a slave;
fear of
punishment
through
or,
else, for
for
God
so
itself
to serve a
in this
we
20 Matt.
21
6.5.
Cor. 13.3.
SAINT BASIL
228
is called
things fearful out of pious timidity
to say:
is
able
who
truth
the
in
firm
and he stands
blessed,
C
at
is
he
for
my right hand
I set the Lord always in my sight;
23
overlook none
would
he
that
that I be not moved'
meaning
is the
'Blessed
do.
to
Again:
of the things that he is obliged
shall
'he
Because
delight
man that feareth the Lord.' Why?
524
It is not likely, then, that
exceedingly in his commandments.
or execute it carecommand
they who fear will overlook any
to
will
the
disobey orders;
hireling
lessly. Yet, neither does
the vine if he
of
his
for
tending
how would he receive the
who
is
in
all
22
pay
had been agreed?
If by failing to provide
vine profitless to the
the
renders
he
one necessary attention
so
long as the damage reowner, who would pay a reward,
The third form of
mischief?
mains, to him who wrought the
what
love.
son, having in
Now,
service is that prompted by
did not do
view
the
all
that
his father's
more important
matters, will
to his heart in
wish to cause
him pain
as
God
as their Father
22 Prov. 28.14.
23 Ps. 15.8.
24 Ps. 111.1.
25 Eph. 4.30.
26 Mai. 1.6.
27 Ps. 111.1.
commandments.'
27
'By transgression of
229
the law,' says the Apostle, thou dishonourest God. 528 How,
then, if we prefer a life of pleasure to the life of obedience to
the commandments, can we expect for ourselves a life of
blessedness, fellowship with the saints, and the delights of the
angelic company in the presence of Christ? Such expectations
How
crowns
God
is
good, but
He
is
also just,
and
it is
just to
reward
29
He is merciful, but He is
out with the workers of iniquity.'
also a judge, for 'the Lord loveth mercy and judgment, says
the psalmist. 30 And he therefore also says: 'Mercy and judg5
ment
I will
they are
sing to thee,
upon whom He
31
28 Rom. 2.23.
29 Ps. 124.4,5.
30 Ps. 32.5.
31 Ps.
100.1.
32 Matt.
5.7.
230
SAINT BASIL
Lord
merciful and
is
33
just.'
know God
the sun to
rise
34
may
also strikes
fire.
37
By the one He
self
be overlooked (for
safely
selves
up
as critics of the
is
laws and rejecting others), let us who are striving to live the
devout life, who value the life of retirement and freedom from
worldly distractions as an aid to the observance of evangelical
doctrine, let us make it our common concern and resolve not
to allow any precept whatsoever to elude our vigilance. If the
man
God must
of
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
PS. 114.5.
Matt. 5.45.
2 Kings 6.18.
Zach.
10.1.
Gen.
19.24.
Rom.
2.43.
Tim.
Eph.
3.17.
4.13.
231
upon me;
for
woe
is
unto
me
if
preach not
42
the gospel,'
so upon you also rests a similar danger if you are
remiss in discovering or languid and half-hearted in observing and fulfilling the precepts which have been handed down
to us. The Lord says, therefore The word that I have spoken,
43
the same shall judge him in the last day.'
Again: 'And the
servant who knew not the will of his lord and did things
:
worthy
of stripes, shall
but he
Word
stripes;
many stripes.'
I may exercise
44
the ministry of
the
41
42
43
44
45
46
John
1
14.26.
Cor. 9.16.
John
Luke
Ps.
12.48.
12.47.
49.21.
Matt. 24.42.
SAINT BASIL
232
Q.
L On
commandments.
tions,
the
ever he
likes, as
with a
circle.
commandment. And
the second
is
like to this:
Thou
shalt
mandments.
Concerning the love of God, and showing that the
and the ability to keep the Lord's commandments
belong to man by nature.
Q.
2.
inclination
Speak
to us
first,
1 Or, 'Since
your words have given us leave';
2 Matt. 22.36-39.
cf.
PG
God
for
we have
31.906 n. 44.
233
heard that we must love Him, but we would learn how this
be rightly accomplished.
R. The love of God is not something that is taught, for we
do not learn from another to rejoice in the light or to desire
life, nor has anyone taught us to love our parents or nurses.
In the same way and even to a far greater degree is it true
that instruction in divine law is not from without, but, simultaneously with the formation of the creature
man, I mean
a kind of rational force was implanted in us like a seed,
which, by an inherent tendency, impels us toward love. This
germ is then received into account in the school of God's
commandments, where it is wont to be carefully cultivated
and skillfully nurtured and thus, by the grace of God, brought
may
is
its
efficacy,
it
comprises and
fulfills
so doing,
its
we
and germane
to the present
we owe to
love
the
purpose, we shall exhort you regarding
that
we have
the
fact
establish
God. First, however, we shall
John
14.23.
2 Matt. 22.40.
it is fitting
God
the
power to
fulfill
all
the
com-
234
SAINT BASIL
mandments given
in
us by
bad
Him,
so that
we may
as
prey to vice.
Now,
the wrong
what has been
command,
of
gifts in
command. This being the case, we shall apply the same principle also to charity. Having received, therefore, a command
to love God, we have possessed the innate power of loving
from the first moment of our creation. Of this, no external
proof is required, since anyone can discover it of himself and
within himself.
are by nature desirous of the beautiful,
We
is
God? What
is so
poignant and so intolerably
keen as that desire implanted by God in a soul purified from
33
all vice and
affirming with sincerity, *I languish with love.
morning
3 Cant.
2.5.
235
the sun
to brightest
is
Whenever it
them with an intolerable pain of longing, and they would
'Woe is me that my sojourning is
say, weary of life on earth
'when
shall
I
come
and appear before the face of
prolonged,'
5
be
and
disvsolved
and to be with Christ, a
God?';
again: 'to
soul alone.
left
fi
also:
of the beautiful. But, that which is truly beautiful and desirable is the good. Now, the good is God, and, since all creatures
desire good, therefore, all creatures desire God.
fail in this is
all evils.
Sepa-
SAINT BASIL
236
affection for
Him,
Him and
knoweth
his
words should be
said of us 'but Israel hath not known me and my people hath
10
As for the dog and many other animals, I
not understood.'
need not speak of the great affection they show toward those
who rear them. Now, if we bear a natural love and good will
crib.'
God
forbid that
what follows
these
9 Isa. 1.3.
10 Ibid.
although
237
show
worth.
benefits
Benefactor.
Let
phases of the
duce, the creatures that live in the waters, those which inhabit
the air, the countless varieties of animals
all beings destined
to minister to our well-being. But what we may not pass over,
even
if
we
to
be
it is
silent
worthy
of the
the animals
He adorned him
in preference to all
him
pent and fell into sin, and by sin into death and its attendant evils, God did not forsake him. First, He gave to him
the Law as an aid, appointed angels to watch over and care
for him, sent prophets to refute evil and teach virtue, checked
his impulses toward vice by threats, aroused his eagerness for
the good by promises, revealed again and again the fate of
each of the two classes [the good and the wicked], by making
We
from
238
SAINT BASIL
we impeded His
recalled
to life
11
of divinity
rest
transcending every
may
gifts.
speak of
is
Whenever
my own
things to mind
struck by a kind
feelings),
am
Phil. 2.6,7.
12 Isa. 53.4.
13 Isa. 53.5.
14 Gal. 3.13.
15 1 Cor. 2.9.
16 Ps. 115.12.
239
Lord and
this
Q.
3.
Of
R. We have already said above that the law [of God] develops and maintains the powers existing in germ within us.
And since we are directed to love our neighbor as ourselves,
let us consider whether we have received from the Lord the
power
to fulfill this
commandment
also.
Who
does not
know
requiring
17
Rom.
8.12.
SAINT BASIL
240
mandment
upon
the neighbor
is
transferred to
Him-
me to eat,'*
self: Tor I was hungry,'
says, 'and you gave
one
of these my
it
to
did
as
'as
so
and
you
long
on, adding:
54
least brethren, you did it to me.
It is, accordingly, possible to keep the second commandment
we are
by observing the first, and by means of the second
led back to the first. He who loves the Lord loves his neighbor in consequence. 'If anyone love me,' said the Lord, 'he
He
keep
my commandments';
shown
to
of
John
13.34.
2 John 13.35.
3 Matt. 25.35.
4 Matt. 25.40.
5 John 14.23.
6 John 15.12.
7 Exod. 32.32.
8 Rom. 9.3.
241
for
his
God make
you
liable to a
harsher judgment
He
says:
to
demand
whom
the more.'
Q. 5. On avoiding distraction.
R. This, at all events, must be recognized
observe neither the
commandment
if
we can
God itself
command-
that
of the love of
Prov.
1.7.
2 Heb. 5.13,14.
3
Luke
12.48.
242
SAINT BASIL
is
metal working by
are not won
crowns
practicing the potter's art, and athletic
kind
of mastery
each
As
by enthusiasm for playing the flute.
demands its own specific and appropriate training, so the
discipline for pleasing God in accordance with the Gospel of
Christ is practiced by detaching oneself from the cares of the
world and by complete withdrawal from its distractions.
Therefore does the Apostle, although allowing marriage and
of things for
in
it worthy of
blessing, oppose to it his own preoccuwith
of God, as if these two interests
the
concerns
pation
could not be compatible, saying, He that is without a wife is
deeming
of this world.
52
On
He
declared that
it
is
world cannot
receive.'
whom
must
done
Cor. 7.3233.
John
3 John
4 John
15.19.
17.25.
14.17.
5 Phil. 3.20.
243
and
on
indestructibly preserved. The Lord proves this by saying
58
one occasion: 'If you love me, keep my commandments,
and again: 'If you keep my commandments, you shall abide
9
in my love,' and with still greater importunity: 'as I have
510
in his love.
kept my Father's commandments and do abide
mands, and by
this, in
"
By
these words
He
as
He
to
do
my own
will
but the
'I
will of
11
in a manner pleasing
guide the keeping of the commandments
unless it be
with
exactitude
this
do
to
is
it
to God,
impossible
And
by our
who
wills
commandments].
He
as
done
gave
6 Luke 14.33.
7 Prov. 4.23.
8 John 14.15.
9 John 15.10.
10 Ibid.
11
John
6.38.
[the
SAINT BASIL
244
commissioned the
strict
observance of the
commandment
in
performing his
Am
314
I
and again:
heaven and earth, saith the Lord?
15
also: 'Where there
a God at hand and not a God afar off?';
are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I
fill
516
we
as if
12 Ps. 15.8.
13 1 Cor. 10.31.
14 Jer. 23.24.
15 Jer. 23.23.
16 Matt. 18.20.
17 Ps. 118.163
18 1 John 4.12.
'I
seek not
my own
will
but
245
the will of
him
acceptable to the Judge and Arbiter of our life and that the
opposite conduct receives condemnation from Him. I think,
moreover, it must be added that the Lord's commandments
careless of
nor be ruled by
and
dignities.
common
in subservience to
20
customs,
human
dispositions of
me fables but
him who
said:
21
5.30.
7.8.
21 Ps.l 18.85.
22 Ps. 118.46.
SAINT BASIL
246
to
this point. Conye separate, saith the Lord,'~ bear also upon
to sin through
incitements
receive
not
that
we
may
sequently,
and ears and become imperceptibly habituated to it,
our
eyes
we may be able to be constant in prayer, we should before all things else seek to dwell in a retired place. In so
our former habits
doing, we should be able to overcome
that
and
whereby we lived as strangers to the precepts of Christ
is no mean struggle to gain the mastery over one's wonted
manner of acting, for custom maintained throughout a long
we could wipe away
period takes on the force of nature), and
the stains of sin by assiduous prayer and persevering meditation on the will of God. It is impossible to gain proficiency
in this meditation and prayer, however, while a multitude of
distractions is dragging the soul about and introducing into it
anxieties about the affairs of this life. Could anyone, immersed
(
it
ourselves
Now,
fulfill
that
command:
of Christ
'If
any
man
will
and surrender
of one's will
obstacle to taking
1
Prov. 22.24,25.
2 2 Cor. 6.17.
3
Luke
9.23.
up
one's cross
and following
Christ. Readi-
247
up one's
habits
the
from
springing
ments thereto.
this
it
is
And
cross;
of
life
those who
(). 7 On the necessity of living in the company of
that of pleasing God
are striving for the same objective
and the difficulty and hazards of living as a solitary.
.
God
one
4 Ps, 76.4.
5 Ps. 118.103.
SAINT BASIL
248
brethren
who
are of the
set
before
My
but
we
require one
The
wanting cannot be
that we should
provided, since God, the Creator, decreed
1
as it is written, so that we
of
one
the
another,
help
require
might associate with one another. Again, apart from this
at
hand becomes
useless to us
and what
is
to
is
for
1
Eccli.
2
3
13.20.
Cor. 13.5.
Cor. 10.33.
Such a one
it is
very
life
249
'Woe
he hath none to
lift
him
up.'
commandments
sick,
is
As
commandment and
and
Besides,
6
4 Prov.
if
are
13.24.
5 Eccle. 4.10.
6 Eph. 4.4.
7 1 Cor. 12.12.
SAINT BASIL
250
him who
when, by reason of
each
person cannot,
their being separated from one another,
his
in all likelihood, be kept informed about the affairs of
receive
to
the
has
In addition, since no one
capacity
or to sympathize with
suffers*
neighbor.
when one
is
is
given propor-
living in association
10
and so on. He who receives
another, the grace of healing,'
it for his own sake but rather
not
does
of
these
possess
gifts
any
for the sake of others, so that, in the life passed in community,
the operation of the Holy Spirit in the individual is at the
same time necessarily transmitted to all. He who lives alone,
renders it ineffectual
consequently, and has, perhaps, one gift
by leaving
it
much danger
11
him. How
have read
On
the Gospel.
easily
tary
life
God
9
10
Cor. 12.26.
Rom.
12.6.
Cor. 12.8,9.
11 Matt. 25.26ff.
1
251
12
death,
deed, might be applied the words: 'To him who is such a one,
13
and for
rebuke is sufficient which is given by many'
the righteous man, there is a great and full satisfaction in the
esteem of the group and in their approval of his conduct. If
this
mouth
in the
of
two or three
witnesses,
word
every
shall
14
stand,
first
all
command-
ments.
Wherein
whom
he
will
he show
his humility,
if
so confirm
there
his
is
own
no one with
greater hu-
of his compassion, if
mility? Wherein will he give evidence
with other persons?
association
he has cut himself off from
And how
will
he exercise himself
the
Holy Scripture
is
in long-suffering,
if
no one
without ever
ways, he resembles a man who learns carpentry
who
is instructed
man
a
or
work
a
carpenter's
actually doing
To
in metal-working but will not reduce theory to practice.
the
of
hearers
the
such a one the Apostle would say: 'Not
12 Ps. 12.4.
13 2 Cor. 2.6.
14 Matt. 18.16.
SAINT BASIL
252
just before
15
Him-
girded
example of humility in the perfection of charity,
'
Whom, therefore,
self and washed the feet of the disciples.
will you wash? To whom will you minister? In comparison
1
whom
will
in
1S
So it is an arena
?
fragrance from the head of the high priest
continual
of
a
discipline,
the
for
combat,
progress,
good path
and a practicing of the Lord's commandments, when brethren
dwell together in community. This kind of life has as its aim
the glory of God according to the command of our Lord Jesus
men that
Christ, who said: 'So let your light shine before
who is
Father
and
works
see
glorify your
your good
they may
319
It maintains also the practice characteristic of
in heaven.
the saints, of whom it is recorded in the Acts: 'And all they
that believed were together and had all things common,'and again: 'And the multitude of believers had but one
heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that aught of the
things which he possessed
common
was
his
own, but
all
things were
15
8.
Rom.
2.13.
16 John 13.5.
17 Ps. 132.1.
18 Ps. 132.2.
19 Matt. 5.16.
20 Acts 2.44.
21 Acts 4.32.
all
give
come
to
me,
let
253
elaborate exposition
to all:
'If
any
his cross
man
and
And what is
man
still
more necessary: he
that has
all
15
forth
gards as his true parents those who have brought him
5
by the Gospel and looks upon as his brethren those who have
received the same spirit of adoption, and he will deem all
are. In short, he
possessions foreign to him, as indeed they
who
is
world and to
crucified to the
whom
man
come after
himself and take up his cross'; and then
57
follow me.
Again: 'If any man come to
his father and mother and wife and children
when He
sisters,
said: 'If
yea,
and
Matt. 16.24.
Luke
14.33.
3 Col. 3.9.
4 Eph. 4.22.
5 1 Cor. 4.15.
6 Gal. 6.14.
7 Matt. 16.24.
8 Luke 14.26.
his
any
own
will
life, also,
me,
let
him deny
He added: 'and
me and hate not
and brethren and
he cannot be
my
98
disciple.
SAINT BASIL
254
Perfect
renunciation,
affection
for
this
consists
therefore,
life
in
not
having an
a beginning
goods:
is
property,
vainglory,
life
in
society,
useless
desires,
after the
11
'
crucified,
and he
to the world.
13
me and hate not his father and mother/ and so on) nor
with human respect, so that he omits because of it any profitto
able act. This fault the saints repudiated when they said 'We
14
ought to obey God rather than men.' He can no longer pay
at his good works so as to be
who
heed to the
:
jeer
profane
intimidated by their scorn. But, if a man would know more
united with desire which
precisely and clearly the resoluteness
is characteristic of those who follow the Lord, let him recall
the Apostle, who for our instruction related the circumstances
of his
own
case, saying:
9 2 Cor. 1.9.
10 Mark 1.20.
11 Matt. 9.9.
12 Gal. 6.14.
13 Luke 14.26.
14 Acts 5.29.
'If
any thinketh he
may have
confi-
in the flesh, I
255
justice that
niable in the words: 'So likewise every one of you that doth
16
all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.'
And elsewhere, after the words, 'If thou wilt be perfect, He
and give to the poor,* and
says first: 'go sell what thou hast
17
then adds: 'come, follow me.'
Again, to any thoughtful
the
merchant
the
of
the
points clearly to
parable
person,
not renounce
same
idea.
The kingdom
of heaven,
'is
he had
like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who, when
all
sold
and
found one pearl of great price, went his way
that he
15 Phil. 3.4-8.
16 Luke 14.33.
17 Matt. 19.21.
18 Matt. 13.45,46.
518
it.
It is
SAINT BASIL
256
up
in
"
laid
up
for us
their
lightens the labor of
dediscourse
our
as
renunciation,
them and
and tran-
than gold
enjoyment of inestimable goods, 'more to be desired
22
of
transference
the
and many precious stones.' In short, it is
can
we
that
so
the human heart to a heavenly mode of life,
23
257
life
we
gain either contrition of heart or humility of mind or deliverance from anger, pain, anxieties in a word, from all deif we are entangled in the
structive movements of the soul
riches and cares of a worldly life and cling to others by
affection and association? To put it briefly, by what process
of logic is one who is not permitted to concern himself with
necessary matters, such as food and clothing, allowed to be
held in constraint by the evil cares of wealth, as if by thorns
which prevent the seed planted by the Husbandman of our
souls from bearing fruit; for our Lord says: 'that which was
thorns are they who are choked with the cares
sown
upon
and
and pleasures
riches
of this
life
and
yield
no
fruit.'
25
9.
follow
me
and again:
'Sell
alms.'
possess and give
takes leave of his kinsmen
what you
management
of
it
to relatives or to
someone
selected at ran-
of everything
dom, he should try to keep a precise accounting
with all
as being henceforward consecrated to the Lord and
25 Luke 8.14.
1 Matt.
2 Luke
19.21.
12.33.
SAINT BASIL
258
from the treasure already amassed. What condemnato fall upon those who are
tion, then, ought we to expect
the
in
and
frivolous
management of goods that
improvident
are already consecrated to the Lord? Are they not liable to
thefts
the sentence of
the negligent, as
it is
written:
negligently'
We
or to contend with the unjust ill befits us, for 'a servant of
4
the Lord must not wrangle.' He who has been unfairly treated
words of the
by his blood relatives ought to be mindful of the
Lord: There is no man who hath left house or brethren or
not
or father or
this
merely, but:
man
will
coat, let
3 Jer. 48.10.
4 2 Tim. 2.24.
5 Mark 10.29,30.
6 Matt. 18.15.
7 Matt. 5.40.
saints?
58
to
259
be judged before the
Before the
latter,
then,
we should hold
the
trial,
our
seizing the opportunity to indulge
own
wrathful feelings
manner we
shall save
our adversary
also,
truth.
In this
even against
his
tation of truth
limits of
zeal.
received or only
Q. 10. Whether all applicants are to be
at once
admitted
be
to
certain ones, and whether these are
this
nature
period of trial
of
or after probation, and what the
should be.
Cor.
9 Matt.
I
6.1.
18.15.
Matt. 11.28.
SAINT BASIL
260
good
ter
life
and
The
we
them
suspect, for, in
right
these persons
prevails over all sorts of defects of the soul,
be directed
should
are not to be immediately rejected. They
resolutheir
and
toward the practice of suitable disciplines,
if,
Lord
while they are still externs, so that their period of trial may
not be injurious to the community. But it is necessary to make
a close examination to discover whether a man who has previhis most
ously fallen into sin confesses with deep contrition
2
secret sins and becomes an accuser of himself, whereby he
his
Him who
'Depart from
261
3
ye workers of iniquity'; and in addition he makes
his future life secure from a further fall into like sins. For the
rest, there is a general method of trying all candidates to see
me,
all
for the Lord, so to speak, and ready for every good work
exhaustive scrutiny on the part of those competent to
ment
by
study such matters, let him be enrolled among those who have
consecrated themselves to the Lord. To one, moreover, who
has enjoyed any of the higher positions in society, and who
aspires to imitate the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ,
may appear
Q.
11.
Concerning
he
will
and unashamed.
slaves.
6.9.
1 Philem. 1.12.
2 Matt. 6.14.
262
SAINT BASIL
who
God
him by reason
of his obey-
'If any man come to me, and hate not his father and mother
and wife and children/ and so on, 'he cannot be my disciple'; 3
3
Philem.
1.15,16.
4 Acts. 5.29.
Cor. 7.4.
Cor. 7.15.
Luke
14.26.
263
We
to lead a
life
prayer and
had been quite obstinate, even, in many instances, by visiting
them with bodily illness to give their consent to the right
decision.
are keeping silence they will be earnest and attentive in learnin what
ing, from those who know how to make use of speech,
manner one ought to ask a question or make reply in particular cases.
There
is,
cannot be taught
leading the devout life, and these qualities
to one who has not acquired them by constant practice. By
reason of its restful quiet, silence induces forgetfulness of the
what is good. Consepast and provides leisure for learning
of course, for the
quently, silence should be kept, except,
need pertaining
chanting of the psalms, unless some private
task at hand
the
in
to the care of one's soul or an emergency
should arise or some similar question require an answer.
themselves
Q. 14. Of those who consecrate
to
God and
upon
as a sinner against
he pledged
God,
in
to
whom
shall sin
SAINT BASIL
264
mode
of
life,
he
is
by having committed
ing made to God. The brethren
guilty of sacrilege,
stolen an offer-
and
undisciplined person
order that he may be put to shame."
to God should
Q. 15. At what age consecration of oneself
be permitted and at what time the profession of virginity
should be regarded as safe.
R. Inasmuch as the Lord says: 'Suffer the little children to
come unto me,' and the Apostle praises him who has known
1
2
that chilHoly Scripture from infancy and also directs
the
Lord,''
dred be reared 'in the discipline and correction of
the
suitable for
every time of life, even the very earliest,
who are bereft of
receiving applicants. Indeed, those children
their parents we should take in on our own initiative, so that
we deem
Sam.
2.25.
2 2 Thess. 3.14.
1
Mark
10.14.
2 2 Tim. 3.15.
3 Eph. 6.4.
4
Job
29.12.
5 Ps. 62.12.
265
served. Furthermore, this separation would prevent their developing a readiness to commit faults when they see the more
advanced
in
their duties
if
quent
in that
difference,
same
it
is
SAINT BASIL
266
placed
Thus, he
who has
been accused of eating immoderately or in an unseemly fashhim be deprived of food at meal time and forced to
watch the others who know how to eat properly, so that he
ion? Let
may
267
where
child of tender age, simple, candid, and unskilled in dereadily reveals the secrets of his soul; so as not to be con-
ceit,
tinually caught in what is forbidden, he would avoid unsuitable thoughts, and, fearing the shame of a scolding, would
mind from
its follies.
easy to
a fair arbiter.
importance of the action are meted out by
in as witcalled
be
should
Furthermore, ecclesiastical officials
their
nesses of the decision, so that through
presence, as well,
votive
kind
of
a
as
offering to
the consecration of the person
to the
God may
'for,'
the
by their testimony;
two or three witnesses
ratified
mouth
of
will
6 2 Cor. 13.1.
SAINT BASIL
268
whole attention
He
gotten
and which
is
oppose
in the art.
At
them back
to their
nightfall,
however,
we
companions, with
whom
Q.
16.
Whether continency
is
who would
in labor,
and
3
hunger and thirst, in fastings often'; and again: 'And everyone that striveth for the mastery, refraineth himself from all
4
and bringing it under subthings.' Chastisement of the body
as successfully as by
jection are achieved by no other means
269
make
man
98
in thy lifetime.
Apostle also showed
good things
The
how much incontinency is to be
dreaded by including it among the signs of apostasy, when
he said: 'in the last days shall come dangerous times. Men
shall be lovers of themselves.
59
of the
He was
with us in the
flesh, are
God,
'as
5 Prov. 19.10.
6 Rom. 13.14.
7 1 Tim. 5.6.
8 Luke 16.25.
9 2
10 2
11
Tim.
Tim.
Gen.
3.1,2,
3.3.
25.33.
12 Deut. 9.9.
13 Exod. 33.11.
14 1 Kings 19.8.
man
is
SAINT BASIL
270
of Daniel?
How
1"
whole plan of life was
through continency? As for John, his
17
Even the Lord Himself
based on the practice of continency.
the practice of this
inaugurated His public manifestation with
18
mean complete
not
do
we
virtue.
however,
By continency,
abstinence from food (for this is to take one's life by violence)
but that abstinence from pleasures which aims at the thwart,
impediment
One who
to us.
is
all
control his appetite only to fall prey to the desire for human
fame. He does not gain mastery over shameful desires and
wealth as well as all
neglect to overcome his attachment to
rest of
as
such
other base emotions,
anger, dejection, and the
souls.
enslave
to
wont
are
which
the vices
inexperienced
have noticed, indeed, that all the precepts and this is esare interto continency
pecially observable with regard
connected and that it is almost impossible to observe one
he is humble who is continent
separately from another. Thus,
meets the evangelical standard
he
and
worldly glory,
We
regarding
of poverty
goods.
He
who
is
abstains
Dan.
Dan.
Matt.
Matt.
10.3.
1.8IF.
3.4.
4.2.
271
the tongue, boundaries for the eyes, and enjoins upon the ears
an avoidance of curiosity in the use of the hearing. Anyone
who does not observe these restraints is incontinent and undis-
ciplined.
this
cluster
about
tenance
of the
fools.'
the
example, weariness and compassion for
afflicted; but, so
Gospel, He never
those unhappy
laughed. On the contrary, He even pronounced
4
the
not
let
equivocal sense
who are given to laughter. And
a
is
it
for
frequent practice
of the word laughter' deceive us,
feelin the Scriptures to call joy of spirit and the cheerful
far as
Prov.
we know from
15.13.
2 Eccle. 2.2.
3 Eccle. 7.7.
Luke
6.25.
the story
of
the
SAINT BASIL
272
Sara says,
ing which follows upon good actions, 'laughter. 5
and there
for
a
made
me,'
for instance: 'God hath
laughter
for
that
are
now,
'Blessed
you shall
is another saying:
weep
ye
6
true mouth he
the
'And
of
words
the
Job:
laugh'; likewise,
will
fill
with laughter.'
merriment
He, therefore,
who
is
permissible
the abstinence
when
brother's
dalize
my
welfare.
brother,
Thus,
I will
is
the
Apostle
8
never eat flesh/
And
even though
any hindrance,
as
it
blessings,
which
weakened by
it
a man
through the practice of continency. If, however,
to
even
but falls prey
one,
escape almost all incitements to sin,
such a man is not continent, just as he is not in health who is
sin
Gen.
Luke
21.6.
6.21.
7 Jc
lob 8.21.
8 1 Cor. 8.13.
9 1 Cor. 9.12.
273
suffering
who
is
and
Q.
R.
18.
It
That we should
inexorably
demanded
of
before us.
down
one that
bring the body into subjection; 'for every
51
all
from
striveth for the mastery refraineth himself
things.
However, to avoid being classed with the enemies of God who
they
may
10 2 Cor. 12.10.
Cor. 10.31.
1
12 Matt. 5.16.
11
Cor. 9.25.
SAINT BASIL
274
for
nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving;
4
The aim of
it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.'
to the
continency must nevertheless be kept in mind also,
extent that we satisfy our need with the plainer foods and
those necessary to sustain life, avoiding the evil of taking our
fill of them and abstaining absolutely from those foods whose
sole purpose is to give delight. By acting thus we shall root out
my
Continency betokens
man who
members
that are
world, the pleasures of life, and other desires choke the word
7
and it is thus rendered unfruitful From this virtue even the
demons
not cast
2
Tim.
fly,
4.2,3.
3 Titus 1.15.
Tim.
as the
4.4,5.
5 1 Cor. 10.29.
6 Col. 3.5.
7 Matt. 13.22.
8 Matt. 17.20.
This kind
is
275
norm
we
food as well
same
be
all.
common
ing
it
'Woe
become a
to
is
to
make
the
stomach one's god. Since our body, ever being emptied and
drained, needs to be filled (and for this reason our appetite
1
Acts 2.45.
Luke
6.25.
SAINT BASIL
276
as regards
natural), right reason dictates
nourishmoist
or
we
the use of food that
replenish by dry
in
order to
used
been
has
what
up
ment, as the need may be,
for nourishment
sustain animal
is
life.
written.
Although
He
Timothy,
clined
if it
more,
we should
prefer
by
all
means whatever
is
most
easily
3 Matt. 15.32.
4 John 6.9.
5
Tim.
5.23.
277
without
difficulty,
can be procured
disturbance, or distraction.
strictly
all
circum-
stances, because even a man who observes the precept but does
it for the
purpose of being seen and glorified by men loses
manner
of vainglory, con-
sequently,
especially to be avoided by those who have embraced every kind of humiliation for the sake of the Lord's
is
vice
we
to
by
Christ.
gravity
when
they
who spend
Matt.
5.3.
278
SAINT BASIL
live riotously
costly
and
he
follows a
What
we
he
will find
is
weary after his journey. We then provide as much extra
nourishment as is required to relieve his weariness.
Is
it
a secular person
who
greatest blessings, we should grieve profoundly for them, because they are not aware that, in wasting their whole life in
vanities
fire
reserved for
them
hereafter.
And
if
we should
Amos
6.6.
Tim. 5.6.
4 Luke 16.25.
3
279
a base
manner
its end
the glory of God
is ever the
for Paul says, speaking in Christ: 'whether you eat or
drink or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God.' 5
vary, inasmuch as
same;
The
and
life
If you also change your daily fare, then, for rare quality or
abundance in food to please a brother's palate, you imply that
he takes delight in sensual pleasure and you heap reproaches
upon him for his gluttony by the very preparations you make,
In fact, have
'few things'
thing only is necessary'
ration of the meal, and 'one thing'
:
that
that
is,
is,
the purpose,,
namely, to satisfy need. You are well aware, also, of what sort
of food the Lord Himself placed before the five thousand.
me
Jacob, too, prayed to God as follows: 'If thou shalt give
57
bread to eat and raiment to put on. He did not say: 'If
5
Cor. 10.31.
6 Luke 10.41,42.
7 Gen. 28.20.
SAINT BASIL
280
thou wilt give
And what
says
me
delicacies
Solomon,
wisest of
men?
'Give
me
neither
me
lack
thus representing riches as satiety, poverty as a complete
free
both
a
state
as
and
of
sufficiency
of the necessities
life,
how-
care
it
Apostle
unnecessary expenditure, however, is misuse.
Have we no money? So be it. Are not our granaries filled?
What of it We live from day to day. Our livelihood is the
work of our hands. Why, then, do we waste food given by God
9
misusing
it';
he
lings, therefore,
example
in this
281
1
this precept.
an obligation
doing
charity,
to impress the
we
all
company
altercation, indeed,
first
place
when we
and
plicity,
thriftiness,
so that
we might have
Luke
14.10.
2 Ibid.
$
Eph.
4.2.
Cor. 14.40.
we must keep
also before
SAINT BASIL
282
men who
this connection. If
it
is
who
out of humility
ble,'
let
whom
more
and are
the Christian
fittingly
camel's hair.
The
saints of old,
5
food and
clothing in one sentence when he says: 'Having
6
as if
wherewith to be covered, with these we are content,'
At
any rate, let
mere covering alone were necessary for us.
more into the forbidden boasting not to speak
us not fall
any
of something worse
1 Cor. 11.22.
1
2 Rom. 12.16.
3 Matt. 11.8,11.
4 Matt. 3.4.
5 Heb. 11.37.
6 1 Tim. 6.8.
likewise
is
prompted by
283
it;
Since,
that
of
it is necessary to have
of clothing
for
decency's sake and for procovering
warm by means
keeping
both uses in mind:
from
so
others, we should prefer whatever can be put to greater use,
that the principle of poverty may in no way be violated.
to
should, furthermore, not keep in reserve some garments
We
wear in public and others for use at home, nor, again, some
to be worn in the day time, others at night, but we should
contrive to have only one garment which can serve for all
occasions: for suitable wear during the day and for necessary
us even in our
covering at night. This manner of acting unites
is thus identified by the way he
Christian
and
the
appearance
dresses as with a kind of special stamp, for all who aim at the
are alike in as many ways as possible. This distincsame
goal
tiveness in dress
is
of us, by proclaiming
in conformity with this profession are, in consequence, exwe meet. The standard of
those
from us
whom
by
pected
indecorous and unseemly conduct
who make
is
great aspirations.
profession
nary folk as for those
No one would take particular notice of the man in the street
who would inflict blows on a passerby or publicly suffer them
or loiter in the
himself, or who would use obscene language,
7
Gen.
3.21.
284
SAINT BASIL
kind. These
shops, or commit other unseemly actions of this
of
things are accepted as in keeping with the general course
life in the world. On the other hand, everyone takes notice of
him who
is
bound by promise
if
he
neglect the least part of his duty, and they heap reproaches
upon him for it, fulfilling the words: 'and turning upon you,
38
be preferred.
sity
it is
8 Matt. 7.6.
9
10
1
Tim.
Tim.
Matt.
3.2.
2,9.
3.4.
285
2
a girdle of leather about his loins.' Peter also is clearly proved
to have worn a girdle by the words of the angel who said
53
It appears
to him: 'Gird thyself and put on thy sandals.
from the prophecy of Agabus that the blessed Paul also used
a cincture: 'the man whose girdle this is, they shall so bind
in
54
Jerusalem.
commanded by
the Lord to
and of
gird himself. As if this were a kind of sign of virility
readiness for action, He says to Job: 'Gird up thy loins like
a man. 55 That cinctures were in habitual use among the disof the Lord, moreover, is evident from the fact that
ciples
is
they were forbidden to carry money in their girdles. It
to
is
about
who
that
one
engage
particularly necessary, also,
possession
allowed. What relevance is there, then, in laying down prefor those who are forbidden to
cepts on the use of two tunics
possess
them?
2 2 Kings
1.8.
3 Acts 12.8.
4 Acts 21.11.
5 Job 38.3.
6 Matt. 10.97
John
13.4.
8 Cf. Q. 22-
9 Luke
3.11.
SAINT BASIL
286
Q. 24.
Now
that sufficient
instruction
would
on these [other]
befit us to
learn
how
R.
When
members
of the
body
is
whom
entrusted,
appraises what has
general supervision
and
and
provides for what
plans
already been accomplished
who
is
still
is
speak.
so on for each
hearkening to orders and executing them, and
member of the body. It is important to bear in mind, therewhere heedlessness
fore, the analogy of the parts of the body,
or failure to use the members for the end for which they were
made by God, the Creator, brings each individual member
If the hand and the foot, for instance, would not
into
danger.
follow the guidance of the eye, the former would bring inevitable and fatal ruin upon the whole body and the latter
would stumble or even be hurled over a cliff. If the eye would
it
would
the other
In the
praise
Rom.
12.11.
is,
the Prophet
unhappiness and woe; for
287
gently.
says:
They
judgment,
not be our lot, let us observe the apostolic rule in our conver'have
sations with the brethren; Tor neither, says St. Paul,
nor
as
know;
of
you
flattery,
we used at any time the speech
nor
is
sought
God
witness;
taken an occasion of covetousness,
3
we
glory of
men, neither
of
self
and
ing
3 Jer. 48.10.
1
Ezech. 3.20.
2 Isa. 3.12.
3 Gal. 5.10.
4 1 Thess. 2.5,6.
SAINT BASIL
288
own
souls,
55
He who
is
is
a pit or leaves him to his fate after he has fallen therein. Needbe deless to say, it is far more dreadful to allow the soul to
has fallen into the pit of evils. The superior
be vigilant on behalf of the souls of
is
obliged, therefore, to
the brethren and as seriously concerned for the salvation of
each one as if he himself were to render an account for him.
He should, furthermore, be solicitous in manifesting his zeal
the
for them even unto death, in accordance not only with
'that
Lord
the
all
to
addressed
by
general precept of charity
7
down his life for his friends'; but also, in cona man
stroyed after
it
lay
7
8
John
1
15.13.
Thess.
2.8.
289
him who
is
an embodiment,
as
it
information
is
who
all
to arise.
bedient.
first
toward
SAINT BASIL
290
it,
1
cut him
destroyer,' we should, as physicians do,
the body of the brethren as a corrupt and wholly
own
from
member. Physicians, indeed, are wont to remove by
find infected
cutting or burning any member of the body they
off
useless
who show
hostility or
commands,
we
also
must do
might be taken away from you that hath done this deed.'
On the other hand, the saying which follows necessarily comes
15
'Them
to pass: 'A little leaven corrupted! the whole lump.
that sin, reprove before all,' says the Apostle, and he imme1
Cf.
PG. 31.988
2 Matt. 5.29.
3
Sam.
4
5
Cor. 5.2.
Con
3.13.
5.6.
n. 20.
291
may have
50
Why
why
does he take
him
who
and
submissive even unto death, remembering that the Lord became 'obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. 57
To
evils;
who
trusts in the
promises of
God and
keeps
never draw back from commands,
difficult to execute they may be, knowing that the
sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the
8
future glory to be revealed. Furthermore, one who is conhis
hope
however
fixed
on these
will
9
vinced that 'he that humbleth himself shall be exalted' and
bears in
mind
is
at present
momentary and
6 1 Tim. 5.20.
7 Phil. 2.8.
8 Rom. 8.18.
9 Matt. 23.12.
10 2 Cor. 4.17.
SAINT BASIL
292
29. Concerning one
gant or critical spirit.
).
J?.
The work
of a
who performs
man who
is
his actions in
given to
an arro-
murmuring or
self-
before God.
high to men is an abomination
reads:
which
the
of
also another precept
Apostle
that which
There
is
is
include
it
as
fire
strange
murmur,
to
rest is
unholy.
If
those bringing
of such
mighty
wrath,
Wherefore
it
is
said:
'Wicked
is
he
Consequently,
the brethren.
sluggard and of the dissenter be rejected by
The superiors, also, should keep a close watch over this portion of the community that they may not violate the decree
of
Him who
Luke
16.15.
Cor. 10.10.
3 2 Cor, 9.7.
4 Lev. 10.1,2.
5 2 Cor. 6.14,15.
6 Tsa. 66.3.
said, 'the
he served me.
He
my
cept the
work
house.'
of
one
293
who
to
added
to
to the particu-
8 Ezech. 3.18.
1
Matt.
5.3.
Tim.
3.6.
and
an account
SAINT BASIL
294
ter of
all.'
quently,
from
Many
and
why
as
if
more,
ility
it
an indication of pride and disdain, not of humin all things. We must, therefore, obey
1
said: 'supporting one another in charity.'
is
and obedience
him who
3
Mark
9.34.
Eph.
4.2.
295
The Scripture
ing for their relatives according to the flesh.
to be uttered
and
'thine'
the
'mine'
words
forbids
absolutely
multitude
of believers
'And
the
the
brethren, saying:
among
had but one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that
51
aught of the things which he possessed was his own. The
parents or brothers of a member of the community, therefore,
if they live piously, should be treated by all the brethren as
fathers or other relative possessed in common: Tor whosoever shall do the will of my Father that is in Heaven, he is
2
my brother and sister and mother/ says the Lord. In our
opinion, moreover, the care of these persons would devolve
If our relatives have
concerns of the worldly
which is decent and which
life, we who are intent upon that
to
attend
us
upon the Lord without impedimay give
power
ment 3 have no common cause with them. In addition to being
of no assistance to them, we would fill our own lives with
of the
in
the
community.
usual
commandments
in light
Acts. 4.32.
2 Matt.
3
12.50.
Cor. 7.35.
4 John
14.24.
SAINT BASIL
296
with injustice?
participation hath justice
5
hath light with darkness?'
Besides, the utmost effort
occasions of sin from those
Or what
must be made
still
fellowship
entirely to
remove
of
chief of those occasions being the remembrance
said
be
never
so that it may
their former life in the world
6
have returned to Egypt. This
of them that in their hearts
tuesthe
they
with their
in
often
prolonged conversations
happens
very
neither
relatives according to the flesh. In general, therefore,
these relatives nor any other extern should be allowed to talk
Spirit
word
may
gainsayers.'
Q. 33
On
the proper
way
to
women.
R.
He who
all will
Num.
14.4.
Cor. 12.8.
8 Titus 1.9.
7
may
297
from
he dreads the judgment of
tered the bones of
them
Him who
said:
'God hath
Nor
scat-
person,
not so readily corroborated; for the Scripture exword stands in the presence of two
plicitly declares that every
5
as not
or three. But there should not be more than three, so
is
which
action
inspired by the
the zeal for
ditions
is
hamper
command
energetic
of our
1 Cor. 7.33.
Ps. 52.6.
3 1 Cor. 10.32.
4 1 Cor. 14.40.
5 Deut. 19.15.
Lord Jesus
Christ.
SAINT BASIL
298
it
older members of
age, should discuss the business with selected
the sisterhood and by their mediation the need for conversing
should be taken care of. The good order followed when women are to converse with men or vice versa should be also be
of the matters
minister
should
brethren
other
under consideration. Certain
their business to
to the
afflict
is
my
sisters'
bodily needs,
and
liberty
why
judged
who
care for
conduct
PS.
Acts 4.35.
11L5.
Cor. 10.29.
299
great pains to be kind and tolerant to all and not give occasion for suspicions of favoritism or partiality, in obedience to
The
those with
need and
result of
such contentiousness
is
whom
which they
whom
they
to feel partial. Now, the former course is an indication of fraternal enmity, the latter, of particular affection,
which is especially abhorrent because by it the union of charity
happen
among
the brethren
is
and a
is
replaced by base
work.
distaste for
who
Him
are consecrated to
'Come, ye blessed of my
as long
pared for you from the foundation of the world, for
as you did it to one of these, my least brethren, you did it
2
Tim.
Cor. 11.16.
5.21.
SAINT BASIL
300
to me.'
On
we must
also
how
is
says:
in heaven,
he
is
my
is
in
and mother.'
does not throughout
who
danger
brother and
sister
whole
for the
life
in vain.
you
you
helping
God
58
And
they
who
25.34,40.
5 Jer. 48.10.
6 Matt. 25.41.
7 Matt. 12.50.
8 2 Cor. 6.1.
will of
God, but,
301
rather,
same
in the
parish.
R. The example
of the
members
of the
in
should ever happen, however, that two or three such are found (not an easy thing and
we have never known it to happen), it would be far better
be found
in the
same parish?
If it
if
the event of their being engaged or under any other circumstances whereby one superior happens to be absent from the
community, the other might console the brethren for his
or,
them may go
9 Eph.
1
4.1.
SAINT BASIL
302
frequently
exists.
an eagerness
to
and
Beginning with a rivalry in doing good
outdo one another either in hospitality to
happens
their life in
great distress to those who are entering upon
and the
directors
community, since they must select certain
the rest
of
act of choosing certain ones at all implies rejection
as unfit.
points inexpedient.
If there
is
from
in operation,
if ill
effects
Cor. 11.16.
303
all such things can suffice for the entire group, and in these
matters, if anywhere, facility should in every way be sought,
so as to reduce the number of necessary articles to be owned.
Under the system of separate establishments, more persons
are needed to supply the brethren with necessities from out-
when
side, but,
are required.
And how
not bring dishonor upon the Name of Christ and who, when
he goes abroad, conducts himself with externs in a manner
worthy of his profession is well known to you without any
sary,
by exhorting
'Fulfill
ye
my
Now, what
own
greater sign
the
of
community to submit to one another? If they
superiors
virtue is
are equal in spiritual gifts, their mutual exercise of
has
Himself
Lord
given us the
the more beautiful. As the
4
4 Mark
5 Luke
6.7.
18.14.
304
SAINT BASIL
own but
his
it is
those that
injunction to
which
affairs
as I said, clearly
is,
And
since
vision,
perhaps,
many
to
judgment
full
number was
be
obstructive
of
five
thousand
in
appeared
harmonious union.
and,
man's
What
were possible that not only they who are in the same
are living together would remain thus united, but
that many more communities of brethren now established in
separated places would be governed in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace 9 under the combined supervision of
Would
it
parish and
superiors
of
all.
6 Phil. 2.4.
7 Acts 4.32.
8 Acts 2.44.
9 Eph.
4,3.
who
305
re-
much
as their not
persevering in what they have pledged
of two causes either from the wrongs suffered
life
changing
drawing from
his course.
But he
who
is
with-
his brethren
Then,
if
the
his brethren
amendment he
desires
is
effected,
he has gained
if he
sees that they persist in the evil arid are not willing to make
amends, he will report this to those empowered to judge in
such cases, and then, after several have given testimony [if
he cannot get redress], he may withdraw. In acting thus, he
will not be separating himself from brethren but from strangers, for the Lord compares one who persists in evil to a
heathen and publican 'let him be to thee as the heathen and
:
publican.'
If,
nature, he leaves the society of his brethren, let him cure his
own weakness, or, if he will not do this, let the brotherhoods
refuse to accept him. And if, by the Lord's command, one or
another is attracted to some other establishment, such do not
sever their relations, but they fulfill the ministry. Reason does
not admit any other grounds for the brethren leaving their
community; in the first place, because such withdrawal brings
Name
of our
Lord Jesus
Christ,
which
is
306
SAINT BASIL
tualities
gift.'
for bringing the body into subjection, but also for showing
us God may
charity to our neighbor in order that through
you
3 Matt. 5.23,24.
1 Matt. L0.10.
2 Eph, 4.28.
3 2 Cor. 11.27.
307
4
ought to support the weak/ and again: 'that you may have
5
something to give to him that suffereth need.' Thus we may
be accounted worthy to hear the words: 'Come, ye blessed
of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from
the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave
me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me to drink. 36
But why should we dwell upon the amount of evil there is
in idleness,
Gospel.
wickedness,
saying:
'Wicked and
slothful
servant.
510
Wise
by
11
We
sluggard.'
on the day of
us, since
mands
He
will
have reason
they
says:
demand
the more.
4 Acts 20.35.
5 Eph. 4.28.
6 Matt. 25.34,35.
7 2 Thess. 3.10.
8 Prov. 31.27.
9 2 Thess. 3.8.
10 Matt. 25.26.
11 Prov. 6.6.
12 Luke 12.48.
512
308
SAINT BASIL
and psalmody
as
their
work,
it
is
necessary to bear in mind that for certain other tasks a particular time is allotted, according to the words of Ecclesiastes :
13
may
praise
or,
this
is
possible
or, if not,
with
the heart, at
it is
toward
tion
of
God.
spirit
when
in every ac-
and
satisfy
and day. 316 Nor, indeed, because thanksgiving at all times has
been enjoined even by law and has been proved necessary to
our life from both reason and nature, should we therefore be
negligent in observing those times for prayer customarily established in communities
times which we have inevitably selected because each period contains a reminder peculiar to
13 Eccle. 3.1.
14 Col. 3.16.
15 1 Thess. 5.17.
16 2 Thess. 3.8.
309
Itself of
In the
itself
thee will
pray,
voice. In the morning
I will
see.'
18
Again
heart in me,
bowels. Cast
me
holy Spirit
and strengthen me with a guiding spirit.' 19 Again, it is said
20
elsewhere, Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land';
and having prayed thus, we should again apply ourselves to
our
tasks.
my
17 Ps. 76.4.
18 Ps. 5.4,5.
19 Ps. 50.12-14.
20
Ps.
142.10.
SAINT BASIL
310
21
them.'
It is also
is
necessary at the
hear
my
voice.'
2"
And
so that
23
and the noonday Devil,
invasion
Psalm
will
any
we
of
in
faults again;
in
down
to us the practice of
Acts declares:
2*
27
Then,
Matt. 18.20.
22
23
24
25
26
27
Ps. 54.18.
Ps. 90.6.
Acts
Ps.
3.1.
4.5.
Acts 1G.25.
Ps.
118.62.
judgments
anticipate the
of thy justifi-
dawn by
prayer,
not find us in slumber and in bed, accord-
too,
may
we must
311
life
soul, while
it is
in the
refreshed in devotion
in sobriety.
Now
Q. 38.
that prayer
is
R.
It is
our
life
to
things
and we must
pampering
simplicity and frugality
of men by working for the
desires
the foolish and harmful
we should
ends sought after by them. In the art of weaving
use
common
for
are
which
employ our skill to produce goods
aim
avoid
is
in daily
28
Ps.
life,
118.148.
SAINT BASIL
312
life,
who
life
and
313
fruits of his
difficult to deal
off
with
at
less
damage
individual.
not wish to
public assem-
blies.
R. Reason
tells us,
mindful,
of heart, as
those
also, of the
even though
He
is
it is
written,
yet
He
buying and
among
the saints, by
making
and place
for a
1
Matt. 11.29.
2 John 2.15.
314
ing
SAINT BASIL
Him
hearing words of
have occurred within our own memory), we ought not to imitate them and confirm their unseemly conduct by also particithe conpating in such commercial pursuits. We should, on
in the Gospel as takdescribed
assemblies
those
imitate
trary,
ing place in the time of our Lord Jesus Christ and obey the
injunction of the Apostle as complying with the rule established
t>y
so illustrious a precedent.
He
writes as follows:
He who
judged
suited.
himself
make
choice of
what
is
good and
useful, since
he has
himself to others
irrevocably turned over the disposal of
Lord's Name
the
in
the task for which they
will
appoint
who
may
him
suited.
Whoever
guilty
man
is
Cor. 14.26.
315
own
own
betrays his
wilfullness
more
reliable
community ought not abandon it, howno account that which is at one's immethe sign of a fickle mind and an unstable
objectionable to the
ever, for to
deem
diate disposal
will.
And
take
up a
is
of
upon
oneself, so
it is
decision of others.
things
is
worthy
And
of
approbation,
since
the
same Apostle
first
For the
rest,
applying himself to
Col. 3.5.
Thess. 4.12.
3 2 Cor. 8.5.
4 Ps. 122.2.
316
SAINT BASIL
We
are incapable by nature of following successfully a number of pursuits at the same time; to finish one task with diligent care is more beneficial than to undertake many and
not complete them. If the mind is distracted by several occu-
pations and passes from one to another, besides the fact that
is perfectly finished, such procedure betokens levity
of character as already present or, if not that, as being incul-
nothing
moned,
call of
for
own
who
Yet
this also
volition,
we should have
that
317
On the aim and the dispositions with which workshould perform their tasks.
R. This we must also keep in mind that he who labors
ought to perform his task not for the purpose of ministering
to his own needs thereby, but that he may accomplish the
Lord's command: 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat,' 1
and so on. To be solicitous for oneself is strictly forbidden by
Q. 42.
men
you
He
adds thereto:
what
put on,' and
shall eat,
shall
life,
do the heathens
seek.'
satisfaction.
Thus
will
self-love
and
receive the blessing for fraternal charity from the Lord, who
said 'As long as you did it to one of these, my least brethren,
:
you did
is
at
it
to
we have
Matt. 25.35.
2 Matt. 6.25,32.
3 Matt. 25.40.
4 2 Thess. 3.12.
5 2 Thess. 3.11,12.
disorderly,
318
SAINT BASIL
Ve
you
A man
who
relies
upon
upon the
in
man,
man
the
it
is
his
hope
man
to place
flesh his
man/
in another,
anyone
else is to alienate
anyone
in
which
tasks should be
performed
how
6 2 Thess.
7 Eph. 4.28.
8 Ten 17.5.
9 Jer. 17.6.
3.8.
319
summary way,
that there
that,
more
even
if
he
effective
is
silent,
may
afford
indeed, the
the imitation of Christ according to the
instruction than
any words.
If,
goal of Christianity is
measure of His Incarnation, insofar as is conformable with
the vocation of each individual, they who are entrusted with
the guidance of many others are obliged to animate those
still weaker than themselves, by their assistance, to the imitation of Christ, as the blessed Paul says:
2
me, as I also am of Christ.'
'Be ye followers of
make of themselves an
Superiors, therefore, should first
to the
Him
of
exact copy
by practicing humility according
standard set by our Lord Jesus Christ, for He says: 'Learn of
53
because I am meek and humble of heart. Habitual mildme,
clay which
'For I am,
(
1
Tim.
4.12.
Cor. 11.1.
3 Matt. 11.29.
4 Luke 22.27.
2
) ,
SAINT BASIL
320
what must we do
to have
to
is this
inexperience
fall
competent
provident
strong and
how
say and do
all
no crime.
perApostle, 'and so let them minister, having
son of this sort, therefore, ought to hold the office of superior;
let him establish good order among the brethren, making an
allotment of tasks according to the fitness of each
member.
and how
Q. 44. Who should be permitted to go on journeys
their
return.
to
be
interrogated upon
they ought
R. Permission for going abroad should be granted to him
who is able to accomplish the journey without injury to his
soul
and with
profit to his
not available, it is
lack of necessary
trouble, even to the point of death, in the
allow certain injury to the soul for
supplies, rather than to
5 2 Tim.
6 1 Tim.
2.25.
3.10.
321
what
risk,
is
tion should be
passed
or went astray and violated any precept, either by
circumstances or by giving in to his own
yielding to external
natural indolence.
the
Thereupon, what was rightly done should be accorded
God
of
by approprimore watch-
because they are liable to account, and we shall not apwhen they are separated
pear indifferent to their conduct even
from us. The history of the Acts, moreover, shows that this
was also a customary practice with the saints, when it teaches
us that Peter, upon his return to Jerusalem, gave an account
ful
Cor. 9.15.
2 Acts
11.4ff.
among
the Gentiles
and that
322
SAINT BASIL
Q, 45. Thai there should be another person after the superior who, should the latter be on a journey or not at leisure,
could take charge of the brethren.
R. Since it frequently happens by reason of physical weakness, or the necessity of travel, or some other circumstance,
that the superior is absent from the community, some other
person approved by him and by others
who
are
competent
of exhortation
and
solace to those
who remain
at
home. This
brethren
it
were,
God. By
this
person to give
$ Acts 15.12.
323
51
2
you are mad?'
ployed
ment
application,
all
harm;
for,
to be
made by
Cor. 14.30.
Cor. 14.23.
all
among
SAINT BASIL
324
it is
to give
behavior.
penalties for unruly
own
be
R. According to the Lord's injunction, every sin must
made known to the superior, either by the sinner himself or by
are
those who are cognizant of his fault, if they themselves
a
is
secret
festering
vice
for
not able to effect a
kept
cure;
wound
in the soul.
We
would confine deadly poisons inside our body, but him, rather,
who draws them out by painful laceration, so that either
that
the noxious matter is ejected by vomiting or, in any case,
the treatment
may
made
is
manifest.
By the same
Luke
12.42.
4 Ps. 1IL5.
1
Cor. 15,56.
2 Prov. 27.5.
325
brother to
him
Scriptures, he
if
may
right
about
his
And
if
3
and contention shall go out with him,' and also Tut away
the evil one from among yourselves,' for a little leaven cor4
rupteth the whole lump.'
:
3 Prov. 18.9.
1
Rom.
2 Matt.
14.23.
18.6.
3 Prov. 22.10.
SAINT BASIL
326
own
work.
may
fall
first
place,
no one
is
with counsel.'
if
Certainly,
the guidance of a superior,
God, it is wholly absurd for us not to trust
him
in matters of
may
not
come
to pass, every-
What
Whenever
brethren:
1
Eccli.
2 auton
32.24.
.
read. Cf.
3
John
4.27.
PG
i.e.,
emas, should be
327
in
a wrangling
more
fittingly
and more
persons,
the use of words to those
who
listening intelligently
edification.
solving the problem unto general
them
reason, the Apostle says: 'With modesty, admonishing
1
that resist.' Nor should he become vehemently angry even
when he himself is treated contumeliously, and, when he sees
upon another, he should again show
himself indulgent toward the sinner; but more than that, he
manifest displeasure at the wrong
ought, in the latter case, to
done. By this difference in his conduct as regards himself and
such treatment
2 Tim. 2.25.
inflicted
SAINT BASIL
328
and prove
another, he will avoid the suspicion of self-love
is
but
sinner
the
hate
that he does not
repelled by the sin.
is the reverse
which
manner
a
in
He who shows displeasure
he is disthat
indicated
have
I
that
which
of
clearly proves
nor because of the offender's
pleased, not for God's sake,
love of honor and authority.
own
his
of
because
but
peril,
to be exercised for the glory of God, who is disZeal
ought
honored by the violation of His decree, but it is right to show
the mercy of fraternal charity on behalf of a brother who is
the
endangering his salvation by sin for 'the soul that sinneth,
2
same shall die.' We should, however, be stirred to anger by
in the
every sin as sin, reflecting the ardor of our feelings
;
we
impose.
wage
vice,
if
2 Ezech
18.4.
329
On
Q. 52.
the dispositions in
The
received.
R.
we have
as
If,
weak
to the
dergoing treatment should not look upon the penalties imposed on them as hostile acts, nor regard as despotic the solicitude shown them by the superior in a spirit of compassion
for the salvation of their souls. It
who
is
body place so much confidence in physicians that, even if these cut or burn or cause distress by their
bitter medicines, they look upon them as benefactors, while
we do not share this attitude toward the physicians of our
they
souls
pline.
are sick in
when
The
make me
and again:
made
they secure our salvation for us by laborious disciApostle says, however: 'who is he then who can
same who
made
sorrowful by me,'
'For behold this selfsame thing, that you were
is
how
great carefulness
it
behooves one who looks to the end, therefore, to consider him a benefactor who causes us pain which
is according to God.
worketh
in you.'
Q. 53.
How
It
of the children.
R. It is the duty of those themselves
who
2 Cor. 2.2.
2 2 Cor.
7.11.
SAINT BASIL
330
pline, so that
treatment to
reprimand except
Q. 54. That the superiors of the brotherhoods ought to conwith one another about the problems pertaining to their
sult
office.
tration, so that,
this
ratified
by their
collective testimony.
to the
medical art
is
in
keeping
R. Each of the
arts
is
God's
gift to us,
remedying the
defi-
ciencies of nature, as, for example, agriculture, since the produce which the earth bears of itself would not suffice to pro-
is
also, of
the medical
to various hurts,
331
suffers affliction
and
toil
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread,' through prolonged
effort and hard labor in tilling the soil we devised the art of
which followed
agriculture for the alleviation of the miseries
the curse, God vouchsafing us the knowledge and understandto return to
ing of this art. And, when we were commanded
the earth whence we had been taken and were united with the
doomed
pain-ridden flesh
Now,
is
to
be viewed
in
the
Gen.
3.19.
SAINT BASIL
332
He
He
judges
this
mode
prolonged
by
as I have said,
abiding remembrance of the favor received, or,
soul. As in
the
of
care
to provide an example for the proper
eliminate
foreign elethe case of the flesh it is essential to
John
4 Eccle. 7.30.
8.3.
333
balm in Gilead? or is there no physithen hath not the health of the daughter of
55
my people gone up? The fact, also, that chronic illnesses
remepersist over a long period and despite varied and painful
dies is a sign that we should amend the sins of the soul by
monition:
cian there?
'Is
there no
Why
assiduous prayer, prolonged penance, and the severe disciplinary treatment which reason may advise as adequate for
the cure. Nor, because some sinners do not make good use of
the art of medicine, should we repudiate all the advantages
to
be derived from
it;
for
we need not
straightway
condemn
the arts together merely because undisciplined pleasureseekers abuse the art of cookery, or baking, or weaving, for
the purpose of ministering to their own delight, by overstepping the limits of what is strictly necessary. On the contrary,
all
ought
to
be
made
medical
onstrating the proper use of them. Similarly with the
art jwe ought not commit outrage against a gift of God
by putting it to bad use. To place the hope of one's health
in the hands of the doctor is the act of an irrational animal.
This, nevertheless,
unhappy persons
is what we
who do not
when we
thanksgiving for the creation of the figs, so, also,
directs
who
of
hands
at
the
God,
suffer the blows of calamity
with goodness and wisdom, we first ask of Him
the blows;
understanding of the reason He has inflicted
our
life
of
second, deliverance from our pains or patient endurance
5 Jer.
8.22.
6 2 Kings 20.7.
SAINT BASIL
334
When
of
oil,
is
granted
us,
He may
also grant
whether by means
man who
fell
we
the robbers, or through figs,
the
view
shall
we
are to receive it with thanksgiving. Besides,
watchful care of God impartially, whether it comes to us
from some invisible source or by a physical agency, the latter,
livelier perception of
indeed, frequently engendering in us a
God.
of
hands
the
Very often, also,
the favor as coming from
correction and
our
for
were
the diseases which we contracted
as with
among
Ezechias,
much
ing requires
ment we observe medicine to be occasionally beneficial arise
from natural causes, whether from faulty diet or from any
other physical origin. Illness is often a punishment for sin
Lord loveth/ says
imposed for our conversion; 'For whom the
9
are there
Therefore
'he chastiseth
the
again:
5
Scripture,
many infirm and
sleep. But if we
be
would judge ourselves, we should not
judged. But whilst
that we be not
Lord
we are judged, we are chastised by the
7
8
Cor. 10.13.
Luke
10.34.
9 Prov. 3.12.
the world.
335
310
Consequently,
when we who
will
sin
whole;
Sometimes,
no more
One
also,
lest
sickness
afflicts
to thee.
513
-our benevolent
as
applying to the
saints.
he might not
Apostle, for instance, in order that
ceed the limits of human nature and that no one
him
Cor. 11.30-32.
10
11
Mich.
7.9.
12 Luke 3.8.
13 John 5.14.
14 Joh 2.6.
15 Luke 16.20ff.
16 Acts 14.12.
336
SAINT BASIL
was
who have
illness
is
hurtful according to the rules of the medical art, the choosing of what is beneficial, the observance of prescriptions, are
of advantage 'to us also [in the spiritual life].
Further, the very transformation of the body
from sickness
an incentive to us not to despair of the
soul, as if it had not power to be restored again through
penance from its sinful state to its proper integrity. So, then,
we should neither repudiate this art altogether nor does it behoove us to repose all our confidence in it; but, just as in practo health should be
ticing the art of agriculture we pray God for the fruits, and
as we entrust the helm to the pilot in the art of navigation,
but implore
God
that
continency.
art
is
no small aid
to
gence, it is opposed to satiety, it forbids as inexpedient an elaborate diet and an exaggerated liking for condiments. In general,
it
fore,
God and
we
see to
it
whatsoever
18
else
Cor. 10.31.
337
you do, do
all
Whether you
eat or drink or
to the glory of
God.
318
CONCERNING BAPTISM
B
OOK
Chapter
disciples of the
Lord before we
are
power given
given to
is
me
to
in
nothing regarding the first part. Now if I, in turn, did not give
you a prompt answer, I would consider that I had violated
1
PS.
2.7,8.
2 Matt. 28.18.
3 Matt. 28.19,20.
339
SAINT BASIL
340
the precept of the Apostle, who had bidden us: 'Be ye ready
4
to satisfy everyone that asketh you a reason.' Consequently,
considered
it
established by our Lord, so that you, also, first by underand then by hearstanding the force of the precept 'teach ye'
doctrine
in due course an exposition of the
concerning
ing
way, we
adopt a point of
view that is pleasing to God; secondly, we observe a sequence
that is both logical and fitting; thus avoiding, pursuant of our
intergoal of God's good pleasure, a departure from the right
same command. In
this
first
of all
in heaven.
which grow
possess and give alms. Make to yourselves bags
6
and there are
not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not
many other instances of the same kind.
Now, a disciple, as we learn from the Lord Himself, is one
who comes to the Lord for the purpose of following Him, that
3
1 Pet. 3.15.
5 Matt. 6.20.
6 Luke 12.33.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
341
disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth
37
shall make you free.
That is to say, we shall receive freedom
of spirit from the cruel tyranny of the Devil by being defrom the dominion of sin; for He says: 'whosoever
livered
committeth
the servant of
38
We
is
made
the justice of
disobedience of one
God
him
sin.
In
many
in the
shall
be
who
solicitous
is
to him:
311
More than
'Come, follow me.
declared:
first
'All these
John
John
8.31,32.
8.34.
9 2 Cor. 5.21.
10
Rom.
5.19.
Matt. 19.21.
12 Matt. 19.20.
11
this,
He
gave the
have
sins,
you
see,
512
I kept.
342
SAINT BASIL
by the Blood
of our
of the Devil
mitteth
sin,
is
when he wrote
man
'But he
who
is
the servant
14
a free
is
that they
who
to justice.'
necessities of life
And from
this
doctrine the
'What participation
Apostle derived his fuller presentation
hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what
:
part hath the faithful with the unbeliever? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?' 16 In another place,
he says directly, 'The flesh lusteth against the spirit and the
against the flesh for these are contrary one to another,
17
so that you do not the things that you would.'
Let us also
recall what he says in a passage which is meant to convey to
spirit
know
still
but
am
'I
tual,
13 John 8.3435.
14 Rom. 6.20.
15 Matt. 6.24.
16 2 Cor. 6.14-16.
17 Gal. 5.17.
18 Rom. 7.14-17.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
has developed more fully the Idea that
who
who
is
in the
it is
343
impossible for one
it is
power
'Unhappy man
the words:
19
to
them
according to the
flesh.
this, his
who
shall deliver
give thanks to
words
in
still
me
God through
no condemnation
that I am,
death?
this
is
now,
set
Jesus Christ:
Tor
as
shall
the
made
21
just.'
still
says:
22
In view of
the justice of God in him.'
these utterances and other similar ones, we are under the
strictest obligation, unless we have received in vain the grace
we might be made
of
God,
23
first,
to free ourselves
who
Devil
ful
19
20
21
7.24,25.
8.1.
5.19.
22 2 Cor. 5.21.
23 2 Cor. 6.1,
24 Matt. 16.24.
in the
SAINT BASIL
344
we
shall
25
which
shall
be shed for
and
redeemed us from the curse of the law,'
so in many other passages. When pardon for his transgressions
man obtain of the Redeemer, Jesus
is
granted, then does
from his sinful state and theredeliverance
our
Lord,
Christ,
'Christ hath
upon
is
is
must be followed.
We
for our possessions and for the necessities of this life, but we
are even instructed to make no account of just claims as reus by law and nature: for
one another
gards
imposed upon
CONCERNING BAPTISM
345
He
adds: 'He that taketh not up his cross and followeth me,
not worthy of me. 530 And the Apostle who succeeded In doIng this writes for our instruction: T am crucified to the world
and the world to me.' 31 'And I live, now not I; but Christ
32
liveth In me.'
Is
Once more,
let
spoke directly to
'Suffer me first to
us call to
mind
go and bury
He
man who said
He replied: 'Let
my
father,'
the dead bury their dead; but go thou and preach the king-
dom
33
affairs at
home,'
335
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
But if we recall the words of the Lord to him who said:
36
'Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God,'
we learn of a more terrible judgment of wrath and severity
which deprives those who transgress the precept of every good
let
'A certain
man made
at the
great supper and invited many. And he sent his servant
hour of supper to say to them that were invited that they
should come, for now all things are ready. And they began
30 Matt. 10.38.
31 Gal.
32
33
34
35
36
6.14.
Gal. 2.20.
Luke
Luke
9.59,60.
9.61,62.
Matt. 16.24.
Luke
14.15.
SAINT BASIL
346
at
And
cannot come.
to
Go
come
were invited
say unto you that none of those men that
37
shall taste of my supper.'
Moreover, the Only-begotten Son
of the living God, sent by the Father not to judge the world
but to save the world,'" true to Himself and faithful to the
will of the good God, His Father, associates with the decree of
But
from
be
my
when,
540
disciple.
This, indeed,
in receiving the
37 Luke 14.16-24.
38 John 12.47.
39 Luke 14.26.
40 Luke
14.27.
is
Baptism
we make
we promise to be
CONCERNING BAPTISM
crucified, to die, to
written.
347
it
is
41
to establish
a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the charges that
are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it; lest
after he hath laid the foundation and is not able to finish it,
all that see it begin to mock him,
saying: This man began to
build and was not able to finish. Or what king about to go to
make war
43
received so great a grace in vain ), free ourselves from the tyranny of the Devil by refraining from every
action that is pleasing to the Devil. Secondly, we will renounce
less
we have
not only the world and its concupiscences, but also the just
claims we have on one another, and, even our life itself, whenever any of these things distracts us from the whole-hearted
and immediate submission we owe to God. Then shall we be
worthy
41
to
Rom.
become
6.4-11.
42 Luke 14.28-35.
43 2 Cor.
6.1.
disciples
of the
Lord. Furthermore,
we
SAINT BASIL
348
learn from Moses and the Prophets, from the Evangelists and
the Apostles, that all things visible and invisible were made
In the beginning by God through His Only-begotten Son, our
Lord Jesus Christ. By the events recounted in the Holy Scripture, also,
in
much
we
From
the
Scriptures
we
learn
also
of
of Christ,
of
44
heaven which
44 Gal.
5.6.
is
CONCERNING BAPTISM
349
Chapter 2
How
Baptism according
to the
Jesus Christ
is
conferred
readily accede to the request of Your Piety in Christ regarding the most glorious Baptism according to the Gospel of our
Son
John
2 Eph.
3
Luke
4 John
13.34.
4.2.
21.2.
14.26.
5 Prov. 9.9.
350
SAINT BASIL
not of
He
indicated that
we
He
6
John
3.5.
7 Lev. 22.21-31.
8 1 Cor. 10.11.
9 Matt. 12.6.
10 Luke 12.48.
poor in
the king-
CONCERNING BAPTISM
dom
are
for theirs
the
of
is
11
of heaven.'
'Blessed
351
He
shepherd,
pronounced
prophesies
be
at the
'Come, ye
blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry
and you gave me to eat,' u and so on. At another time and
place, as the context indicates, in the Gospel of Luke, He
sets forth the beatitudes, saying: "Blessed are the poor
again
Fear not,
the
is
kingdom
of
heaven
14
1
;
and
yet again:
which
little flock,
for
it
15
man
faileth not.'
is
heaven, however, are revealed by the Lord in the Gospel according to Matthew. He says: 'Unless your justice abound
more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not
enter into the
10
kingdom
of heaven,'
kingdom
of
11
318
it.
Matt. 5.3.
12 Matt. 5.10.
1.1
Matt.
!>5.3-1.35.
14
Luke
Luke
6.20.
15
God
into
10 Matt.
li>.3i>,33.
5.i>0.
17 Matt. 18.3.
18 Mark 10.15.
SAINT BASIL
352
19
also: 'Unless a man be bom again
the kingdom of God';
the
and
of water
Holy Ghost, he cannot enter Into the king-
dom
of
God. 520
With regard
that
says
if
:
one
all
is
fulfilled/
much
point,
inferred
after
He had
to the state
proclaimed the beatitudes, after His testimonies
who
24
The Apostle
Paul,
filled
are worthy
'they who do such things
these
do
who
he
not
of death.
things/
say: 'they
Why did
instead of saying: 'they who do such things shall not obtain
27
the kingdom of God'?
Again, he says more generally: The
28
the
obtain
not
shall
kingdom of God/ and similarly
unjust
In the Gospel according to Luke, our Lord
in other
his specific declaration
326
places.
19
20
John
John
3.3.
3.5.
Matt. 5.18.
22 Matt. 24.35.
23 James 2.10.
21
24 John 13.8.
25 Col. 1.24.
26 Rom. 1.32.
27 Gal. 5.21.
28 1 Cor. 6.9.
353
CONCERNING BAPTISM
ment
is
gift of
the king-
We
dom
is
withheld.
enter the
Pharisees,'
29 Luke 9.(>2.
30 2 Cor. 6.3,4.
31 John 3.5.
32 Matt. 5.20.
354
SAINT BASIL
he might present
convince us
prescription
that he who
has
fulfilled
its
Son of the
first
glory
whom
is
same
truth] in the
of
woman/
likewise
in-
CONCERNING BAPTISM
crea.se,
in
you
Ghost and
Spirit
Holy
355
;{s
is
this
is
commended
sa
loose the latchet of his shoc.'
From all these proofs the superiority of the Baptism according to the Gospel of Christ becomes clearly evident. Even if
it is not
possible to comprehend it worthily, yet, according to
our capacity and as
and
God may
on
it is a
pious
using as our source
grant us sufficiency,
this subject,
for purification,
state of impurity
it
it
appoint
or
human powers
of comprehension. It con-
SAINT BASIL
356
tains a glory
to
it,
but,
utterances of our
as
of the long-suffering
magnify by this means the greatness
and benevolence of the good God in tolerating our stammerabout the prodigies of His love and
to
to
speak
ing attempts
grace in Christ Jesus.
Now,
then, our
41
rection]
43
He
He
40 John
3.3.
41
3.5.
John
42 Ps. 2.7,8.
43 Matt. 10.5.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
the Holy Ghost.'
44
think that
we must by
357
faith grasp
and
Now,
am
not all together but by parts, according as each may contribute to the exposition of sound doctrine.
should reflect upon them devoutly and direct our thoughts to a contion,
We
No
one
49
is
free
from
stain,
And David
not even
if
S
one
Matt. 28.19.
Ps. 50.17,
Isa. 7.9.
Ps. 115.10.
Phil. 4.13.
Job 14.4 (Septuaeint)
Ps. 50.7.
358
SAINT BASIL
the
no longer
is
king
discernible.
The
wise artificer
and
with
to the
us. Afflicted as
command,
as
it is
we
become
like
to
written
is
54
them,'
the
as
original glory
image of God; for the Scripture says:
'God made man to the image and likeness of God.' 55 How this
Rom.
52
53
54
55
56
Matt. 26.28.
Eph.
3.23-25.
1.5-8.
Ps. 48.13.
Gen,
Rom.
1.27.
6.17.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
359
gards the inner man, fulfilling the words of the same Apostle
which he expresses in the form of a precept: 'stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds, and
putting on the new,
him who is renewed unto knowledge according to the image of
man
Knowing
this,
that
Now
Christ,
we
knowing
believe that
we
with Christ,
more; death
shall
now no
in
sin
when
as yet
we were
now
therefore, being
58
Rom.
6.3-11.
much more,
we be saved
when we were enemies, we
SAINT BASIL
360
Then,
the justice of one, unto all men to justification of life/
after an authoritative exposition in the verses which follow,
he says: 'Know you not, brethren, that all we who are bap61
For what
tized in Christ Jesus are baptized in his death?'
first granted us, we may fulpurpose? That, grace being
62
and, thus, the
fill
our duties by faith through charity,
satisfaction of the divine love in Christ may be perfectly
is need of a hard struggle,
accomplished in us. And so there
3
lest we receive so great and precious
yet a lawful one/
a gift as the love of God in Christ to no avail; for the
who knew no sin, he^ hath
Apostle himself says: 'Him
made sin for us that we might be made the justice of
manner
62
63
64
65
Rom.
Rom.
Rom.
5.8-10.
5.18.
6.3.
Gal. 5.6.
2 Tim. 2.5.
2 Co/. 5.21;
Luke
12.48.
6.1.
what
CONCERNING BAPTISM
361
subject of Baptism be scrupulously observed, and If we faithfully accept all that relates to these doctrines, by the power of
the same grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, in
grace of God; and, whatever we merit to understand, let us
perform in the love of Christ who said: 'If you know these
56
things, you will be blessed if you do them.'* "A good under07
Indeed, the
standing to all that do it, declares the Prophet.
Son
of
the
God
Himself
Only-begotten
Living
proclaimed a
dire and inescapable condemnation when He said: He that
5
knew
and what
it
He
(i9
one
derived from the parallel, like the change of color which ocor rather, that we
curs in wool when it is dipped into dye
the
unto
of
enkindle
the
comprehension
knowledge
may
light
of the great Light, let us take John the Baptist for guide, who
prophesied concerning the Lord: *He shall baptize you in
570
and use the comparison of iron
the Holy Ghost and fire,
John 13.17.
Ps. 110.10.
Luke 12.47.
Luke
12.48.
Matt. 3.11.
362
SAINT BASIL
in the
the will of
Christ. He Himself said: "This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto the remission of
sins.
372
The
whom we
have redemp7:i
Such a
through his blood, the remission of sins.'
will
be
all
not only
cleansed from
one, moreover,
iniquity
and sin, but also from every stain of the flesh and the
74
Then, at length, baptized in the death of the Lord,
spirit.
he will desire to be conformed to His death, which is to die
tion
the Incarnation
71
Heb.
1.9.
72 Matt. 26.28.
73 Eph. 1.7.
74 2 Cor. 7.1.
75 Rom. 6.17.
76
Rom.
6.4,
CONCERNING BAPTISM
363
Christ.
the
like a
in the likeness of
death must
rise
No longer, because of
inner man a countenance
blackened
77
but,
kettle,
And
us
so,
having put
show
'Death
is
swallowed
hell, where is
thy sting?
79
Let us, by obeying the Lord, the Sun of justice,
thy victory?'
become illuminated with His light and so be accounted worthy
up
in victory.
of understanding
death, where
and power,
is
that
we may be
justified in
Him.
And
should give light also to those who come to us. We must pay
heed to these words of the Lord: 'You are the light of the
81
but it behooves us both to heed and act upon these
world,'
others:
see
glorify
is
in
Next, the Apostle, also, will give us direct testimony: 'among whom you shine as lights in the world, hold83
ing forth the word of life to my glory in the day of Christ.'
heaven.
SAINT BASIL
364
But
as
in
of
our possessions and to acquire greater gains, as do men
the
to
claim
even
property
not
we
should
lay
the world, but
which has already been acquired and is our own. Let us be
what the law
zealous in giving to the needy over and above
Lord
Furthermore, we obey the command of our
requires.
Jesus Christ:
scribes
Law
if
he does not
365
CONCERNING BAPTISM
seek to reclaim
who
lets
to observe likewise, in
to me.'
86
now
live
not
I,
87
Else-
where he
declares,
after
but dung that 1 may gain Christ and may be found in him,
not having my justice which is of the law, but that which
of the faith of Christ Jesus which is of God, justice in
faith, that I may know him and the power of his resurrecis
and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death, if by any means, I may attain to the resur88
rection which is from the dead.'
Shortly after, he instructs
to share his sentiments: 'Let us, therefore,
us
tion
very explicitly
89
be thus minded.'
In still another place he speaks with greater vehemence, as
an indispensable doctrine: Therefore you
if expounding
also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that
from the dead,
you may belong to another who is risen again
forth fruit to God. For when we were in
that we
as
many
as are perfect,
may bring
the flesh, the passions of sins which were by the Law did work
in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. Now we are
Law, dead
we should
Gal. 6.H.
Gal. 2.20.
Phil. 3.8-11.
Phil. 3.1,5.
to that
and not
in the
SAINT BASIL
366
oldncss of the
'killeth,
letter.'
but the
91
'quickeneth.'
nothing;
it
and
92
life.'
90
spirit'
Tor
the
that
is,
that
letter'
the
word
says:
is,
the
of the
Law
Lord
My
is
prophecy
a prophet like unto me. Him thou shalt hear in all things
that he may command thee. And it will happen that every
soul that will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed utterly
from among the people.' 94 And John the Baptist, than whom
95
there was no greater among those born of women,
says
more directly and with greater severity: 'He that believeth
in the Son hath life everlasting; but he that believeth not the
96
Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.'
Further, in order that this death and burial which takes place
in Baptism may not give rise to grief because of our antiof life
cipating decay and destruction, and that the newness
the
sowthan
of
a
be
to
shown
be
greater promise
thing
may
a
of
our
as
confirms
it
inasmuch
of
glorious
hope
seed,
ing
have
resurrection, the Apostle adds his testimony: Tor if we
Rom.
7.4-6.
91 2 Cor. 3.6.
92 John 6.64.
93 John 6.69,70.
94 Dent. 18.15,18,19.
95 Matt. 11.11.
96 John
3.36.
97
6.5.
Rom.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
367
walk
tion of death
is
ing of seed.
98
made
like to the
whereby
'And so
also he
shall
body
is
we
'For this
we who
that
them
in the clouds to
we be always with
left,
meet
the Lord.'
101
John
17.24.
of
Then we
and
so shall
103
first.
whom
the following
SAINT BASIL
368
tion
5105
repetition will
a
hearers, the Apostle inculcates
firmer belief in the truth by a reiteration of the same ideas.
write the
with reference to himself:
hear him
We
To
saying
to the
we
he
who
is
108
By these words
longer.'
is baptized In
Christ
in
baptized
sin
no
His death, and is not only buried with Christ and planted
all crucified with Him. Thus
together with Him, but is first of
is crucified is separated from
who
he
as
we are instructed that
crucified with Christ in the
been
has
who
also
he
the living, so
likeness of
His death
is
completely
set
who
us to
according to the old man; for the Lord charged
109
and the Apostle says: 'And we
beware of false prophets,
live
from every
charge you, brethren, that you withdraw yourselves
brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition
mo The 'old man' mentioned
which they have received of us.
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
Rom.
6.5.
2 Tim. 2.11,12.
Phil. 3.L
Gen.
Rom.
41. Iff.
6.6.
Matt. 7.15.
2 Thess. 3.6.
369
CONCERNING BAPTISM
by the Apostle signifies, as If they represented his own members, all sin and defilement taken individually and together.
He who was crucified and condemned to death was separated from all the living who had in time past associated with
Him and He was lifted above all that creeps upon the earth.
He, likewise, who has been crucified with Christ through
to
Baptism, is set apart therewith from all who live according
so
this world and His mind is elevated to heavenly converse
that he can truly say and with trust in Christ: 'But our con111
versation is in heaven.'
Again, the Apostle adds: Tor he
that
is
dead
is
justified
from
112
sin';
that
is
to say,
he
is
set
piscences.
of the Cross,
crucify these things, since Baptism is an Image
the
from
resurrection
and
of death, burial,
dead, as It is writ-
which
Again, the Apostle says: "Mortify your members
least
at
henceforward,
the
earth'
your
by keeping,
upon
evil conuncleanness,
lust,
'fornication,
baptismal promises
ten.
are
of unbelief.
defile
5114
No
longer, therefore,
of
one
115
of His death.
Furthermore,
gether with Christ in the likeness
all evil, even the vicious inclinations
and
execrating
by hating
of the mind, the baptized soul shows forth purity of heart, as
111
Phil. 3.20.
SAINT BASIL
370
David
cleave to
says, 'the perverse heart did not
we
Incarnation in
future
If
life
life,
words, 'For
him.
man
newness of
the
if
suades us to the acceptance of these words, by adding in similar vein Tor if we have been planted together in the likeness
of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrec119
the
tion.'
Again, he presents the same doctrine regarding
and
with
the
to
urgency
greater
Gospel
Baptism according
the words: 'Christ, rising again from the
force
:
by adding
CONCERNING BAPTISM
371
who
Jesus
has
set us free,
as
it
is
written
deemed
'
us
made
made
sinners; so also,
125
shall
be
'Stand
unto God,' 127 so also we, who have died once and for
all to sin by the Baptism of water which is an image of the
Cross and of death, should keep watch over ourselves and
return no more to sin. Let us continue to live to God in Christ
liveth
Jesus,
me.'
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
who
128
We
said:
any
man
must, therefore,
K/.ech. 18.4.
John 8.34.
Gal. 5.24.
Gal. 3.13.
Rom,
'If
5.19.
Gal. 5.1.
Rom.
6.10.
John
12.2G.
first
SAINT BASIL
372
before
Lord Himeslf gave us: 'So let your light shine
and
works
your
glorify
good
men, that they may see your
129
the
and
Apostle's
secondly,
Father who is in heaven;'
the
can truly say: 'For the charity of Christ presseth us; judging
then all were dead; and Christ
this, that if one died for all,
live may not now live to themwho
died for all, that they also
for them and rose again.'
died
who
selves, but unto him
of the Lord: 'Abide in
word
that
Thus also is accomplished
shall abide in
my love. If you keep my commandments, you
commandments
Father's
my love as I also have132kept my
and do abide in his love.'
man that our minFurthermore, 'Giving no offense to any
ourselves as
exhibit
us
let
all
in
things
istry be not blamed,'
133
the
that
us
show
Let
promise made at
the ministers of God.'
the following
and
true, by heeding
our Baptism was sincere
if you
Again: Therefore
instruments of justice unto God.'
where
are
that
above,
the
things
be risen with Christ, seek
Mind the things that
Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
373
' l:if>
are above, not the things that are upon the earth.
In this
careful analysis, represented by the few passages I have quoted,
I think the Apostle designates this great prcvenient grace of
God
selves to
members
as instruments of justice
as follows:
God,
tells
the
life
us to imitate the
Law when
Phil. 2.8.
137
158
Rom.
Rom.
6.12,13.
6.23.
Lord and
rise
'Know you
not, brethren
SAINT BASIL
374
man. Therefore,
my
the
'*
140
spirit.
The
explains succinctly in
375
CONCERNING BAPTISM
143
the Apostle
again,'
is
clearly
shown by
condemns such
his
human
Christ,
which
is
of
'
to
God unto
the pulling
down
'*
of fortifications, destroying
2 Cor. 5.15.
Phil. 3.8,9.
Matt,
15.3ff.
2 Cor. 10.45.
Rom. 10.23.
Isa. 5.21.
SAINT BASIL
376
receive the
kingdom
of heaven as a
little
all alike
into
necessary, therefore, to be free from
the concupiscences aroused by the Devil, worldly preoccupato our own wishes,
tions, attention to human observances and
149
It is
it.
if they cause
a delay ever so slight in the swift readiness with which we
who profess,
ought to accomplish the will of God. They
to be
here
are
we
which
considering,
the
Baptism
through
crucified with Christ, to be dead and buried, planted and
raised up again with Him, may, then, be assured that they
crucified to the world' (and
speak truly when they say: 'I am
150
in a far stronger sense to the Devil) 'and the world to me,'
'And
I live,
now
151
In these
but Christ liveth in me.'
that of
than
a
us
teaches
greater justice
not
I,
may
heaven.
But perhaps we should now proceed to another consideraby our faith in Christ, to arrive at the knowledge
and understanding of what it means to be baptized in the
Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
tion and,
First of
all,
it is
of the Person
Name of the
significance of Baptism in the
He said: That which is born of the flesh
Holy
is
Spirit
flesh
when
and that
152
which
is
born
of the Spirit
is spirit.'
CONCERNING BAPTISM
of flesh shares the nature of that of
we who
so also,
But
this spirit
Spirit
but
it
is
which
377
it
to every man for his profit of the gifts of God, through His
153
It is mysteriously discerned also in the operation of
Christ,
all these gifts and in other instances, by words, likewise; as
when we
teach you
whatsoever
all
I shall
*5
grace of
and
so on.
In these
Christ, of
153
154
155
156
157
158
Cor.
John
whom
12.7.
14.26.
Gal. 5.22.
Gal. 5.18.
Gal. 5.25.
Rom.
who
12.6.
all
paternity in heaven
and earth
is
named,
SAINT BASIL
378
that he
Spirit,
we
shall
And
birth
in
this
man
ways
is in
conversation
our
'But
can say:
spirit, so that we
162
earth
the
draw
our
While we
heaven.'
body along upon
abode
The man
My
5164
CONCERNING BAPTISM
379
commandments contained
in
to
decrees;
that he might
make
peace; and
you that were afar off, and peace to them that were nigh.
For by him we have access both in one Spirit to the Father.
Now, therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners but
you are fellow citizens with the saints and the domestics of
God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom
all the building being framed
together, groweth up into an
lt;5
Name
of the Only-begotten
Son
of
God and
merit to receive
the great grace of which the Apostle speaks when he says: 'As
many of you as have been baptized in Christ have put on
166
Christ.'
'There is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision
SAINT BASIL
380
whether it
the king's likeness, the difference in material
the
affect
not
does
or
silver
drawing. The
be wood or gold
accurate resemblance of the image to its model and its artistic and meticulous presentation make the difference in matedifference may be.
pass unnoticed, however obvious this
the excellence of the
admire
to
are
moved
spectators
and this becomes more prized than all the king's
likeness
rial
The
itself,
power and
sovereignty.
The
case
is
the
is
whom
according to his purpose, are called. For,
conformable
made
to
be
he foreknew, he also predestinated
to the image of his Son; that he might be the firstborn
to
such
as,
169
out from the midst of them and be ye separate and touch not
an unclean thing; and I will receive you and you will be sons
171
This
and daughters to me, sayeth the Lord Almighty.'
168 Eph. 4.22-24.
169 Rom. 8.28,29.
170 John 1.12.
171 2 Cor. 6.17-18.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
381
granted by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Only-begotten Son of the living God, in whom "neither
circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision, but faith
that worketh by charity/ as it is written. 17 " Through this grace
power
we
is
command which
is
added
to
have commanded you.' 173 Moreover, the Lord Himself declared that the observance of His commands is the proof of
our love for Him, saying: 'If you love me, keep my command174
and again: He that hath my commandments
ments';
and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me 175 and yet again:
"If any one love me, he will
keep my word and rny Father
176
will love him.'
And with still greater force and importunity
c
He says: 'Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my
177
Father's commandments and do abide in his love.'
Now,
if the observance of the commandments is the essential sign
of love, it is very greatly to be feared that, without love,
even the most effective action of the glorious gifts of grace
most sublime powers and of faith itself and
the commandment which make a man perfect will be of
and that
no
of the
and
172
173
174
175
176
177
all
Gal. 5.6.
Matt. 28.20.
John
14.15.
John
John
14.21.
John
15.9,10.
14.23.
SAINT BASIL
382
And
if
if I
should distribute
should
my
deliver
all
my
body
to
5178
expressing
profiteth me nothing.
such a definitive manner, I believe the Apostle had in
charity,
it
will
'Many
we prophesied
himself in
In
come
mind
did we
teach in our streets?
And
he
will
answer them:
never knew
179
180
In another place,
one place, 'gain to be godliness.'
he says: 'Some, indeed, out of envy and contention, but some
also for good will preach Christ. And some out of contention
preach Christ not sincerely, supposing that they raise affliction
181
and also: Tor we are not as many, adulto my bands';
5182
Again, he puts the matter negaterating the word of God.
at any time the speech of
tively: Tor neither have we used
occasion of covetousness,
an
taken
nor
flattery toward you,
we
nor
God is witness;
glory of men, neither of you
sought
nor of others. Whereas we might have been burdensome to
183
In the light of these and
you as the apostles of Christ.'
says in
183
Thess. 2.5-7.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
383
as if a man should turn to a murderous purpose the instruments and remedies proper to the medical art and meant to
heal and to promote health and w ell-being. In so doing, you
do not obey the precept of the Apostle: 'Whether you eat or
drink or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God/ 185
r
On
who
'Woe to you because you are like to whited sepulwhich outwardly appear beautiful, but within are
dead men's bones and of all filthiness. So you also outwardly indeed appear to men just; but inwardly you are full
190
of hypocrisy and iniquity.'
said:
chres,
full of
necessary, therefore, to receive instruction before Baptism, having first removed any impediment to learning and so
making ourselves fit to receive the instruction. Our Lord
It is
Luke
13.27.
1
Cor. 10.31.
Matt. 12.33.
187 Matt. 23.26.
188 Matt. 13.8.
189 Eph, 4.30.
190 Matt. 23.27,28.
18(5
SAINT BASIL
384
and
also
5
192
and yet again, by the definitive declaration:
follow me';
'He that taketh not up his cross daily and followeth me, is
3193
such flaming words as these from the
of me.
not
By
worthy
our Lord Jesus Christwho said
lips of
cast
fire
kindled?
upon
5194
the
earth and
what
is
also:
will
revealed
'I
am come
but that
it
to
be
the
'Unhappy man that I am, who shall deliver me from
body of this death. I give thanks to God through Jesus Christ,
5195
who said: 'This is my blood of the new testaour Lord,
19<>
ment, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.'
The Apostle testifies to the same truth in the words: 'In whom
we have redemption through his blood, the remission of
197
And then we are ready for the Baptism of water,
sins.'
a type of the cross and of death, burial, and resurrection from the dead. Then we make and keep the covenants
which the same Apostle ratifies in his treatment of Baptism
which
is
with the words: 'Knowing that Christ rising again from the
dead, dieth now no more; death shall no more have dominion
over him. For in that he died to sin, he died once; but in that
he livcth, he liveth unto God. So do you also reckon that you
are dead to sin but alive unto God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
191
Luke
192
193
194
195
196
197
Matt. 16.24.
Matt. 10.38; Luke 9.23.
14.33.
Luke
12.49.
Rom.
7.24,25.
Matt. 26.28.
Col.
1.14.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
385
ments of
as instru-
the Spirit
we may
Name
of the
Son and to put on Christ. For one who has been born should
be deemed worthy of clothing, as the Apostle said: Tor as
many of you as have been baptized in Christ have put on
Christ
and again: 'stripping yourselves of the old man
with his deeds, and putting on the new, him who is renewed
!>y
God who
gives us
in the
power
Name
to
called sons of
become children
of the Father
and are
declared, as the
shall
201
in
be
And
'Do ye
may
20 *
SAINT BASIL
386
and yet
glory in the day of Christ';
the
seek
with
risen
Christ,
things
again 'Therefore, if you be
that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of
word
the
of life to
my
God; mind the things that are above, not the things that
are upon the earth. For you are dead and your life is hid with
Christ in God.
When
who
204
our
life,
then
And
this
was
is
'Then
shall the
3205
Chapter 3
Holy Mysteries
good God and by recalling the words
Son of the living God and of His saints,
exProphets, and the Apostles, who have ably
By the grace
of the
of the Only-begotten
Evangelists,
tism of
tice
Pet. 2.24.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
387
meat
is
Once
He had
He says:
flesh of the
have
him
do the
to
life
Son
in you.
will of
of
the words:
words, said:
lift*;
is
The words
quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.
there are
But
life.
and
are
to
have
that
spirit
you
spoken
the befrom
knew
For
not.
believe
that
of
some
Jesus
you
he was
who
and
not
did
that
were
believe,
who
they
ginning
that would betray him. And he said: Therefore did I say to
spirit that
I
2 Matt.
4.4.
3 John 4.31.
4 John 0.54-57.
SAINT BASIL
388
you that no
man
it
be given him by
my
Will you also go away? And Simon Peter answered him: Lord,
to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and
we have believed and have known that thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living
God/
written:
Furthermore, near the end of the Gospels, it is
and
and
blessed
and
bread
broke,
gave
'Jesus, therefore, took
and said: Take ye and eat. This is my body
to his
disciples
which
is
Do
these
teaching
John
6.61-70.
389
CONCERNING BAPTISM
the charity of Christ presseth us; judging this, that if one died
for all, then all were dead; and Christ died for all, that they
also who live may not now live to themselves, but unto him
who
died for
them and
who
live
may
now
not
live to themselves,
all,
but unto
him who died for them and rose again.' Such a one, however,
gains no benefit, for, according to the Lord's declaration,
'the flesh profiteth nothing.'
Furthermore, a person of
self
eateth
ment
body
10
This
the
if
all,.
SAINT BASIL
390
were dead/ and so on. Such a person, If he thoughtso precious and so great a blessing
lessly and idly makes void
and approaches as if without thankfulness a mystery so subthen
all
lime,
is
liable to the
man who
14
15
In this way, then, we ought to understand
the Holy Spirit.
the condemnation of the man who eats and drinks unworthily.
And if one grieving his brother because of meat falls away
16
without which even the greatest gifts of God's
from
charity,
17
no avail,
grace and the greatest acts of righteousness are of
what should be said of one who ventures to eat the Body and
drink the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ carelessly and with-
out
who
Lord? 18
He, therefore, who approaches the Body and Blood of
Christ in commemoration of Him who died for us and rose
and
again must be free not only from all defilement of flesh
he may not eat and drink unto judgspirit, in order that
ment, but he must actively manifest the remembrance of Him
who died for us and rose again, by being dead to sin, to the
world, and to himself, and alive unto God in Christ Jesus,
our Lord.
Him who
died for us
13 Matt. 12.36.
14 Matt. 25.25-29.
15 Eph. 4.29,30.
16
Rom.
14.15.
Cor. IS.lff.
18 2 Cor. 5.15.
17
and
391
CONCERNING BAPTISM
BOOK
Q.
1.
II
Whether everyone who has received Baptism accordGospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is obliged to be
and to live unto God in Christ Jesus.
ing to the
dead to sin
we who
brethren, that
in
all
his
this doctrine
death? For
more
explicitly
and
in a
is
in
Christ,
many
of
calcu-
you as
There
neither
is
manner more
'As
Jesus.'
And
Baptism
John
3.5.
2 Rom. 6.3,4.
3 Gal. 3.27,28.
4 Col. 2.11,12.
SAINT BASIL
392
6
received the one Baptism, as it is written, are equally bound
to fulfill in the manner of Him who died for us and rose
Tor the charity of Christ
again the words of the Apostle:
one died for all, then all
if
that
presseth us; judging this,
were dead. And Christ died for all, that they also who live
not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for
may
them and
gation
of Christ, whereby the entire body is despoiled of the sins of
8
the flesh, as it is written, to accomplish the words of the
world and the world to me/*
Apostle: *I am crucified to the
10
now not I, but Christ liveth in me.' He, there'And I
live,
the teaching of
truly baptized in conformity with
himself
rendered
has
the Apostle, unto the death of Christ,
so
to
more
far
and
sin, according to the
dead to the world
to
reference
with
words of the
Baptism : 'our old
fore,
is
who
is
Apostle
crucified with him, that the body of sin
to the
sin
man
may be destroyed
no longer.' 11 Such a one has
mercy
6 Eph. 4.5.
7 2 Cor. 5.14,15.
8 Col. 2.11.
9 Gal. 6.14.
10 Gal. 2.20.
11
Rom.
6.6.
ser-
393
CONCERNING BAPTISM
12
vice/
is
all
one in Christ
to hear the
all,
words: 'Come, then, good servant, thou wert faithful over
a few things; I will place thee over many things. Enter thou
515
These words we shall be accounted
into the joy of thy lord.
if every one of us, wherever called and to
to
hear,
worthy
14
Jesus.'
Thus, we
whatever
diligence
16
written.
state
as
one
and untiring
394
SAINT BASIL
integrity.
the
a blemish
is
life
incompletely observed
is
is,
partially or
or fulfilled in a
It is, therefore,
always
'giving no offense
fecting sanctification in the fear of God,
to any man, that our ministry be not blamed; but in all
21
Thus
things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God/
may
Matt
Eph.
12.6.
5.2.
20 2 Cor.
21 2 Cor.
7.1.
6.3,4.
to
Lord according
395
CONCERNING BAPTISM
who
am
whom
my
am
23
25
22 1 Cor. 10.11.
23 Lev. 22.1-3.
24 Matt. 12.6.
25 1 Cor. 11.27.
SAINT BASIL
396
526
And if one
to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.
the
law we
from
who is in a state of un cleanness only (and
incurs
so
of
learn in figure the proper nature
uncleanness)
will
a
severe
more
dire a condemnation, how much
penalty
himself who, being in a state of sin, is guilty
one
bring upon
of presumption toward the Body of the Lord Let us be free,
between defiletherefore, from all defilement (the difference
and uncleanness [akatharsia] being clear to
ment
!
[molusmos]
life
as
He
who
is
live to themselves
27
again.'
And
this
and
Q. 4. Whether we must believe every word of God
is
what
said,
comply with it, fully persuaded of the validity of
even though some word or act on the part of the Lord Himself
or of the saints seem to be in contradiction.
R. This question is quite unworthy of anyone who claims
to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, Only-begotten Son of the
all things, visible and invisible
living God, through whom
28
inasmuch as He speaks the words which He
were made,
26 1 Cor. 11.28,29.
27 2 Cor. 5.14,15.
28 Col. 1.16.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
We
words
397
of the Apostle
which
is
knowledge we
may
own
let
us call to
mind
the Lord's
which was
glorious,
even
if
'All his
commandments
29 1 Pet. 3.15.
30 Matt. 5.18.
31
Luke
shall pass,
16.17.
32 Matt. 12.41,42.
33 2 Cor. 3.10,11.
34 Matt. 24.35.
35 Deut. 8.3.
but
my
and
398
SAINT BASIL
ever,
made
in truth
Lord. 338
Now, with
seem
to involve
ments of God, than to become liable to a charge of presumption and audacity and to hear addressed to him the words:
'Impious is he who sayeth to the king: Thou art transgressing
the law' 40 and 'Who shall accuse against the elect of God?' 41
we
shall discover, at length, that they are not inshall demean ourselves as each precept
for
the
attainment
of our heavenly vocation. Toward
requires
compatible and we
36 Ps. 110.8.
37 Ps. 144.13.
38 2 Kings 10.10.
39 Rom. 11.33.
40 Job
41
34.18.
Rom.
8.33.
42 Horn. 11.33.
43 Ps. 140.4.
399
CONCERNING BAPTISM
this goal
now
in healing our
ills,
and now in promoting our advancement toward the perfection in which is the accomplishment of God's good pleasure.
For instance, the Lord said on one occasion 'No one lights
a lamp and hides it under a bushel, but upon a lampstand and
it shines to all that are in the house. So let your light shine
before men, that they may see your good works and glorify
544
At another time He said:
your Father who is in heaven.
'But when thou dost an alms, let not thy left hand know what
45
thy right hand doth.'
:
You
could find
many
Let us
us obey the Lord, who says: 'Search the Scriptures.'
Lord
the
who
the
of
follow the example
questioned
Apostles
the
learn
and
His
of
the
as
to
Himself
words,
interpretation
to inherit the
kingdom
of heaven:
'Fear not,
little flock,
for
good
44
45
46
47
48
49
Matt. 5.15,16.
Matt. 6.3.
John
5.39.
Matt. 6.20.
Matt. 19.21.
Luke
12.32,33.
SAINT BASIL
400
keep
my
552
word,
and so
in
many
we are taught to imitate the Apostle and cry out: 'O the
and of the knowledge of
depth of the riches of the wisdom
his
are
God!
judgments and how
incomprehensible
known the mind of
hath
who
For
unsearchable his
How
ways!
the Lord?'
53
us.
In
Him
it
is
necessary
and
merits
Q. 5. Whether our failure to obey every word of God
is not
threat
a
even
our
His anger and
destruction,
though
word.
each
to
specifically attached
R. The question whether disobedience to any word [of God]
treated
is deserving of His wrath and our destruction has been
55
on this
to
cite
concord.
on
letter
the
in
Yet,
at greater length
this
on
the
from
two
occasion one or
many bearing
passages
that
He
the
of
words
the
hear
Baptist:
John
subject, let us
believeth in the Son hath life everlasting; but he that bes
50
51
Rom.
8.35.
52 John 14.23.
53 Rom. 11,33,34.
54 Mark 10.15.
55 De judicio Dei
(?)
is
not restricted
is all-
CONCERNING BAPTISM
401
inclusive) 'shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth
on him.' 56 The JLord Himself affirmed in a definitive manner
that 'one jot or one tittle of the law shall not pass until all
be fulfilled.' 57 If this is true of the law, it is far more true of
the Gospel, as the Lord Himself declared many times. Now,
to
[whether
ment
judgment.
of the council.
all';
and a
little
farther on:
that which
is
evil.'
61
Many
56 John 3.36.
57 Matt. 5.18.
58 Matt. 5.22.
59 Matt. 5.28.
60 Matt. 5.34.
61 Matt. 5.37.
62 Matt. 5.20.
402
his
SAINT BASIL
house upon the sand, and the rain fell and the floods
the winds blew, and they beat upon that house and
came and
it fell
fall thereof.
363
of sins,
it,
in imitation of the
is
named
idols or
railer or
a one, not so
much
565
and in still another place: 'Let all anger and indignation and clamour and blasphemy be put away from
66
you with all malice.' And he frequently gave such precepts
as these without adding a threat. In one place, however, he
adds the penalty in a general way: 'Do not err; neither fornicators nor idolators nor adulterers nor the effeminate nor
Hers with mankind nor thieves, nor covetous nor drunkards
nor railers nor extortioners shall possess the kingdom of God. 367
Elsewhere, again, he writes in more detail: 'And as they
liked not to have God in their knowledge, God delivered
them up to a reprobate sense, to do those things which are not
another,
convenient. Being
403
CONCERNING BAPTISM
form
of disobedience,
violates
self
6&
judge him in the last day.' And the words which follow
are even more frightening. John the Baptist, too, than whom
shall
'he
greater, offers clear and precise testimony:
of
wrath
that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
70
the
in
God abideth on him.' This thought is a familiar one
there
was no
malediction upon
ment
of a
most
'Cursed be every
man
that
71
abideth not in
and
frightful penalty
all
that
is
negligently.'
Lord
negligently,
68 Rom. 1.28-2.1.
68 John 12.48.
70 John 3.36.
71 Deut. 27.26.
72 Jer. 48.10.
it
not?
SAINT BASIL
404
Q. 6. Whether disobedience consists in doing what is forbidden or in neglecting to do that which is commended.
JR. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in strongly confirming His judg-
ment regarding
this point,
upon
in
Again 'A certain man had a fig tree planted
and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.
:
his vineyard,
And he
said
He
whom
73
74
75
76
77
Matt. 5.20.
Matt. 7.26,27.
Luke
13.6,7.
Matt. 25.41.
Matt. 25.42.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
also the inextinguishable fire has
405
that,
who
gently.'
It also
now
the axe
is
good
fruit shall
any
evil
from doing any good at all Justly, indeed, are the following
words addressed to such persons: 'Depart from me, you
cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil
and his angels.' 81 And so, from all this, it is evident that great
promptness and untiring zeal united with a good and simple
intention are indispensable in carrying out the precepts of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that we also may be worthy of the blessing
promised by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of
the Living God 'Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after
82
justice, for they shall have their fill.'
!
78 Mark 9.43.
79 Jer. 48.10.
80 Matt. 3.7-10.
81 Matt. 25.41.
82 Matt. 5.6.
SAINT BASIL
406
(2-
7.
Whether
is
it
God
or acceptable to
possible, or pleasing,
to
servant of sin
perform a meritorious
The
he should brain a dog; he that offereth the finest wheaten flour, as If he should offer swine's
383
He also prescribed great carefulness with regard to
blood.
that which is offered in sacrifice, and Imposed a dreadful
ficeth
an ox to
me
Is
as
if
'So
Apostle,
teaches,
and
let
us cleanse
86 Ibid.
87 Luke 14.33.
88 2 Cor. 6.14-16.
89 Matt. 12.33.
first
and of
407
CONCERNING BAPTISM
90
of heaven.
Q. 8 Whether the work enjoined by the command is acis not in conceptable to God if the manner of performing it
forrnity with the divine ordinance.
R.
learn the answer to this question, and at the same
time a rule, so to speak, for dealing with every question of
We
this sort,
says In His
own Person, as It were: If rightly thou didst make thy offerhast sinned. Peace;
ing, but didst not rightly divide it, thou
302
show that not only
words
These
his turning Is unto thee.
made
is
which
Is an
unacceptable, but
Improperly
offering
such an action
is
imputed
says:
whom when
from His
we can
'so
blessing one
who
to do by
accurately be taught and fully persuaded
90 Matt. 23.26.
91 2 Cor. 7.1.
SAINT BASIL
408
and sayings in both the Old and New Testament. Not 'so doing means acting Inappropriately as re-
many
stories
consider
how an
act
is
performed inappropri-
a familiar example in
Apostle, using
ately as to place.
lucid manner and to
more
a
in
his
order to present
point
an
toward
hearers
his
assist
understanding of the proprieties
The
life,
says:
you that a
if
95
96
Cor. 11.14,15.
COT. 10.11.
409
CONCERNING BAPTISM
different
No
an
priesthood in unhallowed places; for such
the
of
the
on
act would constitute a sin of contempt
part
celebrant and would scandalize others in various ways, because of the varying deficiencies in the knowledge which
teries of the
But, someone
may
*I will,
you
every place
Jerusalem
that
conformity with the prophecy of sacrifice,"
is,
conse-
the
97 1 Tirn. 2.8.
98 John 4.21.
99 Mai. 1.11.
100 Isa. 61.6.
SAINT BASIL
410
to this world;
your reasonable service. And be not conformed
of
but be reformed in the newness
your mind, that you may
and the
will
perfect
prove what is the good, the acceptable,
101
of God.'
Moreover, he clearly allots to each the form of
and forbids him to encroach
ministry which is suitable for him
he
says: Tor I say by the
upon another's province, when
that are among you, not
all
to
grace of God that is given me
be wise, but to be wise
to
to be more wise than it behcveth
divided to every one
hath
as
God
unto sobriety and according
5102
the good order
with
Furthermore,
the measure of faith.
which obtains among the members of the body for the puras his model, he prescribes
pose of comeliness and security
the good order which should exist among us with regard for
the diversity of gifts and which is pleasing to God in the love
of Christ Jesus. For he says: 'As in one body we have many
we
members, but all the members have not the same office, so
members
one
and
Christ
are one body in
every
being
many
the
having different gifts, according to
used
be
to
according
given us, either prophecy
103
one of another.
And
grace that is
to the rule of faith, or ministry in ministering,'
and so on.
same
the
toward
goal,
Now, if they who strive together
that of pleasing God, and who are so intimately united with
one another in the love of Christ are yet not permitted to
we not exert
overstep the proper limits of their gifts, ought
that are
those
the greatest care in isolating from holy places
holiness?
to
hostile
and
used for practices which are alien
From all the quotations from the Holy Scripture and other
the examples given above,
proofs of this sort, as well as from
is done in an unfitting"
which
we must conclude that an action
As to actions
intended.
the one
place has an effect contrary to
101
102
103
Rom.
Rom.
Rom.
12.1,2.
12.3.
12.4-7.
411
CONCERNING BAPTISM
and
foolish
But the
five, wise.
five foolish,
lamps, did not take oil with them; but the wise took oil in
their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying,
they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a
cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to
meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their
lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil,
know
you,
104
not the day nor the hour.'
Now, then, since I realize that instruction concerning this
decree carries greater strength and conviction when it is
stated repeatedly and forcefully, I shall add a quotation on
I
know you
not.
Watch
ye, therefore,
because you
the same subject from another place. The Lord Himself says:
the
'many shall seek to enter and shall not be able. But when
master of the house shall be gone in and shall shut the door,
you
shall
shall say to
fore, I
you think
not, the
Son
of
man
will
come/
106
and
similarly in
SAINT BASIL
412
we must
If
especially
faith.'
109
If
still
Tor
words of
thee in
a seasonable time.'
another witness
David
this shall
110
is
needed,
3111
Core
and the men who dared to enter the priesthood without being
called to it and by the severity of the wrath which came upon
112
we see how grave a thing
them to their utter destruction,
the person.
it is to do that which is unsuitable as regards
to be on
Himself
the
Lord
instructed
were
we
by
Moreover,
this respect, when He said to the disciples: 'I
sent but to the sheep that are lost of the house of
3113
and to the woman: 'It is not good to take the bread
our guard in
was not
Israel,
of children
and
cast
it
3114
to the dogs.
Again, in the Old
example of an act performed unsuit-
Testament, we find an
a
ably with respect to the material involved, when, although
to offer sacrifice of undefiled and sound and unblemished victims had been given, the offering was
not^made
a sacrifice of this kind, God said: 'Offer
of such.
command
Regarding
it
107
108
109
110
111
to thy prince if
Isa. 49.8.
2 Cor. 6.2.
Gal, 6.10.
Ps. 31.6.
Eccle. 3.11.
it,
or
if
he will
413
CONCERNING BAPTISM
cth
me
in vain
with their lips, but their heart is far from me. And
do they worship me, teaching doctrines and precepts
of men.'
116
The Apostle
awareness of the
pleasing
Apostle, truly
of the
justifications
adds: 'Furthermore,
count
knowledge of Jesus
excellent
fully
accomplished,
the
things to be but loss for
I
whom
for
Christ, my Lord;
all
fore,
we
are taught to be exceedingly careful never to associhuman justice with the rule for pleasing
ate considerations of
God
laid
As
mind
to
to
comprehend
of charity
119
thyself).
'for it is
written
The Lord
said:
SAINT BASIL
414
120
unto you: that you love one another as I have loved you.'
'Greater love than this no man hath that a man lay down his
5121
In general, one can understand the
life for his friends.
doctrine concerning ail justifications from the rule laid down
by the Lord Himself: 'Unless your justice abound more than
that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the
of heaven.'
kingdom
An
act
is
122
performed
in a disorderly, inconsistent
when a man
manner
importance in the
what is third in order
first
should rank
have
first.
according to order.
Now
let
John
5126
us consider
15.13.
how an
act
is
performed
in
improper
CONCERNING BAPTISM
415
view
and
for the
I
if
arn
I
Luke
13.26,27.
SAINT BASIL
416
and
mysteries,
if
my
it
profiteth
body
131
me
nothing.'
And
in another place
he says more
'If
132
thy
3134
To
this the
observe these
which derive
not in
all
that
is
'Cursed be every
137
need, then, of
134
135
136
137
138
139
Rom.
13.10.
Deut. 27.26.
Ps. 65.18.
Ps. 52.6,
CONCERNING BAPTISM
417
1 Cor. 5.11.
141 Col. 3.5,6.
142 Eph. 5.7.
140
SAINT BASIL
418
commendable but are not performed in good disposiOld Testament, the Prophet, comparing the
saints to a tree, says: "which shall bring forth Its fruit in due
144
Solomon declares: The work of the just is unto life
season/
145
and Osee: 'Sow for
but the fruit of the wicked is sin';
146
Micheas says:
yourselves In justice, reap the fruit of life.'
as are
tions.
In the
shall
tants thereof,
and
made
be
148
and similarly elsewhere. So, then, since
good fruit.'
we have the name 'fruit' applied to contrary Ideas, let us
further inquire as to what sort of trees bear no fruit and
as to which works the Apostle terms unfruitful. The significance of barren trees is clarified for us by John the Baptist,
who said to those who had merited to receive Baptism for
the remission of their sins and who had been cleansed from
forth
2 Thess.
3.6.
Ps. 1.3.
Prov. 10.16.
Osee 10.12 (Septuagint)
419
CONCERNING BAPTISM
therefore that doth not yield good fruit shall be cut down and
150
cast into the fire.'
The Lord, however, gives us clearer in-
struction in the
fire,
He
who
Apostle means by
all, let
us examine further
unfruitful works.
Upon
what the
consideration of the
matter, I find the link, which is needed between the man who
observes the commandment of God lawfully and in a manner
Him and the one who commits evil and him who
does neither, in those who do good, but in a manner displeasing to God for any of the reasons previously mentioned
in discussing the question whether the observance of a
pleasing to
command
ried out
is
and
acceptable
in a
if
such compliance
is
improperly car-
to the requirements
154
of the command.
Respecting these persons, the Lord said:
3155
Consider the case of the five fool'they have their reward.
ish virgins.
virgins
On
152
153
154
155
Matt. 25.41.
Matt. 25.42.
See above, Q.
Matt. 6.5.
8.
SAINT BASIL
420
is,
every
as the
158
renders an act
he taught
and, by adding: 'but rather reprove them,
abstention.
this
in
us how we are to conduct ourselves
3
ness
Now
let
the forms
us consider
it
what
it is
to
takes.
instructeth
him
Luke
17.S4.35.
Cor. 13.1-3.
2 Cor. 6.4.
1
Eph.
5.11.
Prov. 1.11.
Phil.
1.7.
in all
3164
good
things.
Again:
'If
thou didst
CONCERNING BAPTISM
421
167
in
does not
make open
SAINT BASIL
422
God, he
to
his own work, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed in the example
of the man left in the bed and the woman left in the mill-
house.
171
The
who
are entrusted to
led to infer
danger lies and where not. Now, scandal, as I am
us
draws
that
is
from the Scriptures,
away from
everything
introduces
or
of
form
error,
true piety toward any
defection,
171
Luke
17.34,35.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
to
me, unless
it
be given him by
my
423
Father.
3175
Thereupon.,
pret His doctrine; as the Apostle says: 'To the one, indeed,
the odor of life unto life but to the others, the odor of death
;
Now,
if
that
which
is
said or
done
is evil
in
itself,
then he
who
whom
when
Peter was
'because
thou savorest not the things that are of God, but the things
that are of
this
we know
SAINT BASIL
424
of
mind which
is
the way, they have slain Sichem, for they have wrought
180
On the other hand, if it is
wickedness among the people/
and harm comes of it
in
is
licit
that
act
itself,
a case of some
and
it
who
are
weak
in faith or
un-
who
181
their
little
ones/
182
We
have discussed this point more fully in former investithose who take scandal was also
gations where the nature of
181
CONCERNING BAPTISM
scandalize
my
3185
brother.
permissible acts,
425
Q.
11.
Whether
it
is
any
of
cious pretext
of heart,'
187
it
is
clear that
we
are
am
more
justice.
186
187
188
189
190
Cor. 8.13.
Cor. 10.32,33.
Matt. 11.29.
Matt. 3.14.
Matt. 3.15.
Matt. 16.23.
1
I
SAINT BASIL
426
Lord again
said
'If I
wash thee
not,
with me.
3191
be just to hear you rather than God, judge ye, for we cannot
5194
but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
12.
whom
'I am
191
John
sheep
13.8.
CONCERNING BAPTISM
196
Israel
and
to
His
disciples
He
427
hath
197
199
cision.
5203
new commandment
196 Matt. 15.24.
197 John 20.21.
198 Matt. 10.5.
199 Ps. 2.7,8.
Rom.
12.3.
give
unto you:
SAINT BASIL
428
another as
have loved
204
you.'
no
man
We
are
hath, that a man lay
in
a
when
either
authority
called to love of neighbor
person
needs our support or when those in his charge require that
some necessity be supplied. The Apostle says: 'Let no man
206
The love which
seek his own, but that which is another's.'
207
its
own.
not
Elsewhere, the
seeks
to
Christ
is
down
according
208
If a man
another as you also do.'
Apostle says: 'edify one
mission
the
work
and
word
in
upon
does not accomplish
those
blood
of
the
of
therefore
he
is
was
which he
guilty
sent,
who have not heard the Gospel, and he is unable to say with
the Apostle, addressing the Ephesian elders: 'I am clean from
this time of the blood of all of you. For I have not spared
209
And whoever
to declare unto you all the counsel of God.'
the edifiIs able to do more than what is enjoined, unto
cation of faith in the love of Christ, will have a recompense
intimated when he said: Tor if I
as the
for
Apostle
this,
do
this
will,
thing willingly,
a dispensation
is
if
against
my
kind of trial,
Q. 13 Whether it is necessary to suffer every
even to the point of risking death, in fulfilling our duty of
obedience to God, especially in caring for those committed
to us.
John
John
1
13.34.
15.13.
Cor. 10.24.
Cor. 13.5.
Thess. 5.11.
Acts 20.26,27.
I Cor. 9.17.
1
1
Col. 1.16.
429
CONCERNING BAPTISM
to
they approached
received
to seize
all
Him and
lead
Him
to death that
we might have
he that
will betray
and
me
is
at
eternal
hand.
life,
3212
Moreover, as
it is
writ-
ten in the Gospel according to John 'Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth and said
seek ye? They answered him: Jesus of
to them:
:
Whom
am
213
'I
he
215
their mission
tumely and death with joy that they might fulfill 216
of preaching according to the Lord's command.
Furthermore, the Apostle means to instruct us when he
the love of God? Shall
says: 'Who shall separate us from
tribulations? or distress? or persecution? or hunger? or naked-
We
sheep
212
213
214
215
216
Mark
14.41,42.
John
John
18.43.
18.8.
Phil. 1.29.
Acts
4,5.
SAINT BASIL
430
because of him that hath loved us. For I am sure that neither
death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor
dominations nor things present nor things to come nor height
nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us
is
in Christ Jesus/
217
The
observ-
and com-
command
219
you.'
Keeping our gaze fixed upon Christ, therefore, let us, by glorious imitation of Him, increase our zeal. And thinking upon
the saints, let us receive instruction from them to the full extent
of our capacity, so that, rendered ever more zealous by them
and observing every commandment of the Lord without spot
or blame even unto death, we may attain to life everlasting
and possess the kingdom of heaven, as He who cannot deceive
Son of the
living
God,
WHO
speech that
we might
human
nature in
faculty of
disclose the counsels of our
and
common, each
with his neighbor, bringing them forth from the secret recesses of the heart as from a treasury. If we were passing
through this life with our minds bared for all to see, we should,
in thinking, make direct and immediate contact with one
another. But, inasmuch as the mind carries on its processes
of thought beneath a covering of flesh, nouns and verbs are
needed to make known the secrets of the mind. As soon, there-
my
discourse. It
may,
much
in
little
and by condensation
431
to
make what
is
said easy
SAINT BASIL
432
to retain in the
among you
my
quotation
as follows
steal in
'Give heed
upon
thee.
to thyself, lest
it.
It
ran
51
We men
stronger
possession
the soul which He knows is most liable to sin. The actions
favorable opportunity,
performed by the body require time,
accessories. The moveother
and
assistance,
physical exertion,
ments of the mind, however, take place independently of
are accomtime; they are performed without weariness; they
is appropriate for them.
plished effortlessly; every occasion
For instance, some haughty person having nothing but conthe appeartempt for decorum, although wearing outwardly
of
ance of sobriety, may be sitting in the midst
persons who
man has
this
are admiring him for his virtue. Suppose that
the
of
heart,
run off in his thoughts, by a secret movement
to a place of sin. In imagination he beholds the objects of his
1
Dem.
15.9.
2 Ps. 32.15.
GIVE
HEED TO THYSELF
433
known
in
upon
who
looks
upon a woman
to lust after
And now,
declares,
let
'a
wicked thought
us return to the
theme
steal
in
upon
of our discourse.
power
of self -protection.
You would
find
upon
care-
enjoyment of whatever
is
also
mals do
instinctively.
Moreover,
in
obeying
this,
precept,
we
become
3 1 Cor. 4.5.
4 Matt. 5.28.
SAINT BASIL
434r
heed
to thyself that
you
may
an absorption
another sense, to an
if we should assert
intellectual gaze at incorporeal realities
that this precept has to do with the action of our bodily
eyes,
we should be
obeyed.
How
glance?
The
it
cannot be
It
of snares.'
on guard,
for
'Thou
art
snare.
in protecting
yourself.
will.
you
5 Eccli. 9.20.
6 Prov.
7 2
6.5.
Tim.
2.26.
GIVE
HEED TO THYSELF
We
are
the
and
image
435
us,
yet another.
Intellect in that
of the Creator.
sensations
the
quence and
heed
to the
to thyself,' that
end
that,
being you are. Know your nature that your body is mortal,
but your soul, immortal; that our life has two denotations, so
to speak: one relating to the flesh, and this life is quickly over,
the other referring to the soul, life without limit. 'Give heed
to thyself
cling not to the mortal as if it were eternal; disdain not that which is eternal as if it were temporal. Despise
the flesh, for it passes away; be solicitous for your soul which
will never die.
know how
Do
the body unduly and do not try to acquire physical bulk 'for
the flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the
SAINT BASIL
436
58
one to another. Take care never
to provide the lower part of your nature with great power of
dominion by adding weight to the flesh. As with scales, where,
in
if you depress one side, the other is necessarily raised, so,
the case of the body and soul, excess in one inevitably causes
ing deterioration.
may
your
given
longed
your
supportso.
Only
of health
of atten-
sound in more perfect health. Every one of us,^ inis the adminisdeed, who is instructed in the Holy Scripture
trator of some one of those gifts which, according to the
lishes the
8 Gal. 5.17.
GIVE
HEED TO THYSELF
437
suits.
God,
The house
10
of
God, which
is
Church
the
of the living
To
all
admoni-
tion will be appropriate, for it will produce in each proficiency in action and energy of will. You are a hunter sent
who
says:
'Behold, I send
many
hunters
and they
shall
shepherd, take care that none of your pastoral duties is neglected. And what are these duties? To bring back that which is
lost, to bind up that which was broken, to heal that which is
15
If
9 2 Tim.
2.20.
Tim.
3.15.
10
11 Jer. 16.16.
12
13
14
15
16
17
Ps.
118.133.
Deut. 17.20.
1 Cor. 3.11,12.
Ezech. 34.16.
Luke
13.8.
2 Tim.1.8;
Tim.
1.18.
438
spirits
SAINT BASIL
of
wickedness.
18
Do
all
the armor
of
your hand. Keep your gaze fixed upon your opponent. In the
23
Such a one
adversaries.
long as
Time does not permit me to continue enumerating the various pursuits followed by those who are united in labor for
Christ's Gospel
to
them
all.
ful to preserve
Do
23 Phil. 3.13.
24 1 Cor. 9.24.
25 Eph. 6.12.
GIVE
HEED TO THYSELF
439
agility of their minds. They promise themselves fame, a brilliant marriage, model offspring, a good old age, universal
esteem. Then, despite the fact that there is no foundation for
throng of
itself.
affairs of another.
Beware
Many
Lord's words, see the mote in their brother's eye and see not
26
You should, therefore, be constantly
the beam in their own.
26 Matt.
7.3.
440
SAINT BASIL
who
stood justifying himself and despising the publican. Continually examine yourself as to whether you have committed
any sin of thought, or whether your tongue has been guilty of
human,
brilliant success
will
be a useful
ally
life
328
mortal; 'for dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return.
Pass in review those persons who have enjoyed positions of
eminence before you. Where are they who held the civil
magistracies? Where, the peerless orators? Where are they
charge of the national assemblies the famous breed-
who had
legend?
Is it
27 Luke 18.11-13.
28 Gen. 3.19.
GIVE
HEED TO THYSELF
441
the
life-
God and
all,
to those reserved
you are a
man,
by promise
all
living beings to
have
30
Is not this enough to call forth the
been formed by God.
most ecstatic joy in a man who reasons intelligently that you
have been formed by the very Hands of God who created all
to the image
things? Secondly, having been made according
of the Creator, you are able to arrive at a dignity equal to that
of the angels by leading a good life. You have been given a
mind capable of understanding, through which you gain
aid of your
knowledge of God. You investigate, with the
the air of this earth serve you and are subject to you. Have
and devised all the
you not invented arts and founded cities,
tools
which minister
29 Prov.
30 Gen.
13.8.
2.7.
to necessity
SAINT BASIL
442
rational faculty
made
possible for
you
not earth and waters yield nourishment
and sky and wheeling stars show forth
it
Do
you? Do
you their array?
Why, then, are you dejected because you do not possess a
horse with a silver bridle? You have the sun as a torchbearer,
The lustre of
lighting your way in swiftest course all day long.
shed her
gold and silver is not yours, but you have the moon to
a
not mount
carriage
great beams of light around you. You do
inlaid with gold, but you have your feet, a vehicle belonging to
you alone and adapted to you by nature. Why, then, do you
admire those who have a full purse, but who need the feet
of others to convey them from place to place? You do not
take your slumber upon an ivory couch, but you have the
Sweet
ground which is more valuable than quantities of ivory.
from
free
is the rest taken upon it and swiftly come by and
care. You do not lie beneath a gilded roof, but you have
for
not air
to
the sky glittering overhead in all its expanse with the indescribable beauty of the stars. And these wonders are of a mortal kind; those which I shall now mention are still greater.
31
there was a distriFor
sake, a God dwelt among men,
your
33
32
death was destroyed,
bution of the Holy Spirit,
hope of
34
a divine precept was given for
resurrection was confirmed,
was shown by
leading a life of perfection, the way to God
36
35
the kingdom of heaven was prepared,
the commandments,
37
were made ready for him who has not
and crowns of
justice
fled
Now,
if
31
John
32
33
34
35
36
37
Hefo. 2.4.
1.14.
Cor. 15.26,55.
Cor. 15.12,22.
Matt. 19.17,21.
Matt. 25.34.
2 Tim. 4.8.
I
to yourself,
you
virtue.
GIVE
443
HEED TO THYSELF
about yourself and still more. You will not be made disconby your deficiencies, but you will take pleasure in what
you do possess. This precept will be of great assistance if you
keep it before your mind on all occasions. For example, sup-
solate
pose that anger overrules your reason and you are quite carried away by your wrath, so that you utter unseemly words
and act in a rude and savage manner. If you give heed to
yourself, you will control your wrath as you would an unruly
and refractory young horse, laying on the blows of reason,
a lash.
You
will also
end
in bitterness,
and
fire,
bound
up
SAINT BASIL
444
apprehended
Do
is
it
is
discernible
by
its
that
not, therefore, seek as regards God
of
the
but,
sight,
faculty
through
gained
of
by the reason, keep your apprehension
supporting
Him a spiritual activity. Marvel at the manner in which the
Artificer has joined the powers of the soul with the body so
that they permeate it from end to end, bringing the most
and uniting them all
widely separated parts of it into alliance
under one impulse of the breath. Consider, also, what this
and what sympower is which the soul imparts to the body
in return; how, on the one
soul
the
renders
the
body
pathy
the soul, on
hand, the body is given life by the soul and how
the other hand, is the recipient of pains from the body. Remind and
flect upon the stores of learning contained in the
ask
why it is that, when additional information enfaith
yourself
ters in, it
GIVE
HEED TO THYSELF
445
if
you
as a dwelling place for the rational soul. Of all living creaman alone
has made to stand erect, so that you may
He
tures,
perceive from your very aspect that your life has a celestial
origin. All quadrupeds keep their gaze fixed upon the ground
pleasures of the table nor with lustful desires, but devote his
whole energy to his journey heavenward. Moreover, the Creator placed man's head at the highest point of his body and
it the seat of the principal senses. Here are located in
made
may
ment,
it
grinding
446
SAINT BASIL
138.6.
God,
to
whom
be glory
HOMILY
Against Those
Who
10
Are Prone
to
Anger
experience.
fest their
life
when they receive the strong confirmation of results produced. In Proverbs we read the explicit declaration: 'Wrath
51
destroy eth even the prudent, and the Apostle admonishes us
as follows: 'Let all anger and indignation and clamour be
52
The Lord, likewise,
put away from you with all malice.
says that whoever gives way lightly to anger against his
brother is in danger of the judgment. 3 Now, when we have
had experience with the vice of anger, not as arising within
ourselves, but attacking us from without, like a sudden temthen, especially, do we perceive the excellence of the
divine precept. If we have ever yielded before such anger, as
if giving
passage to a strongly flowing stream, and have
pest,
! Prov.
2 Eph.
3 Matt.
4 Prov.
15.1
(Septuagint)
4.31.
5.22.
11.25
(Septuagint).
447
SAINT BASIL
448
the soul.
It
The
effect of
does
it
who carry
by this passion is like that of the poison in animals
dart
about
mad
like
become rabid,
venom.
dogs; they
They
like scorpions; they bite, like serpents. The Scripture also recthe names of wild aniognizes the truth of this and applies
mals to those
who
power
of
affinity
any
vice; for,
by
5
of vipers, etc.
dogs, serpents, a generation
and
destruction
mutual
bent
who
are
upon
Certainly, they
be
would
fellow
to
their
men,
appropriately
upon doing harm
calls
them dumb
old age, nor for a virtuous life, nor ties of kinship, nor favors
received in the past, nor for anything else worthy of honor.
Anger is a kind of temporary madness. Its victims often plunge
headlong into open peril, so careless of themselves are they
5 Isa. 56.10.
6 Matt. 23.33.
7
James
1.26.
449
AGAINST ANGER
Who
venomous beast? Nor do they leave off until the flame has
spent itself and the wrath within them has burst like a bubble
in working great and even irremediable harm. Neither the
fear
point of the sword, nor fire, nor any means of inspiring
than
more
with
frenzied
the
restrain
to
able
is
wrath, any
spirit
such threats subdue persons possessed by the Devil (from
or
angry men differ not at all, either in appearance
state of soul). In those who are thirsting for revenge, the
blood boils around the heart as if it were seething and bubhis passion
bling over a high fire. Bursting forth to the surface,
reveals the angry man under a different aspect from his habitual one that is well known to all. It is as if a theatrical mask
altered his appearance. His friends do not discern in his eyes
their characteristic and wonted expression. His glance is wild
darts fire. He gnashes his teeth like a charging
and
whom
presently
boar. His face
is
livid
is
his
body
swells,
450
SAINT BASIL
ness.
of the
body
sides inflict
so fierce a
is
safe.
suffer as
laying violent hands upon the other. The latter then returns
the blow and refuses to give way. Their bodies get well pummeled but anger deadens the pain. They have not time to
become aware
is
fit
you despiteBut you, contrariwise, receive into your own heart your adversary's gust of wrath and
then you imitate the winds which return by a counter-blast
whatever is flung against the direction in which they are blowing. Let not your enemy be your teacher and model. Do not
imitate what you hate. Do not become a mirror, as it were, for
an angry man by reflecting his image. His face is flushed. Why
has not yours turned red? His eyes are suffused with blood.
silence.
Do you mean
AGAINST ANGER
451
comes back the same, but the insult is answered with increase.
Now, what sort of taunts are they which revilers utter back
and forth? One calls the other a common fellow of ignoble
He, in turn, calls the first a slave of slaves. One
'pauper'; the other answers, Vagabond.' One cries,
'fool'; the other shouts, 'madman
until, like arrows, their
stock.
says,
Thus
falls
and
8
9
Gen.
Gen.
3.19.
18.27.
10 Ps. 21.7.
SAINT BASIL
452
ample
upon
by your disdaining
of mildness, or,
to
bandy
insults
and
let
upon
himself.
A man who
strikes
who
upon
dubbed
irritable
will suffer
ing virtue.
But, why should I go on at great length? [The main consideration is that] his railing keeps your enemy from enter-
Num.
12.lff.
AGAINST ANGER
453
God. 12 Your
kingdom
of
entitles
14
things.'
The fact that another provoked you does not constian excuse. Nay, you thereby become more justly an object of displeasure, in my opinion, because your enemy was
not given an example of self-control. Upon beholding your
it,
then.
tute
angry foe behaving in a disgraceful manner, you did not refrom reproducing his image in yourself, but you took
offense you became annoyed and, in turn, gave way to anger.
Your passionate reaction really excuses the one who took the
frain
12 1 Cor. 6.10.
13 Matt. 10.22.
14 Ps. 38.2,3.
15 Ps. 3f>.27.
SAINT BASIL
454
why were you offended with your opponent for losing his
for having
temper? You are, therefore, in no better situation
In the conresponded to provocation instead of initiating it.
not
crowned
is
victor
the
tests where crowns are the prize,
the
is
the first entrant. Consequently, not only
inaugurator of
also the one
but
a wicked action worthy of condemnation,
calls
he
If
sin.
into
you a poor
who follows a wicked leader
does it
what
he
If
truth.
the
lies,
man and this is true, accept
not
do
that
insults
matter? You should not be angered by
in praise which
apply to you any more than you should exult
how arrows
observe
not
Do
you
oversteps the limits of truth.
than anger?
assailant
16
Job
1.21.
17 2 Cor. 8.9.
18 John 8.48.
If
AGAINST ANGER
Were you
The Lord
455
recalling the
20 Matt. 27.31,35.
21 Ps. 118.60.
22 2 Sam. 16.10.
SAINT BASIL
456
who
suffers
it.
as a wave that
expression of his feelings but repressed them,
subsides.
and
Quiet
breaks within the confines of the shore
Make your
your heart, I beg you, when it howls and rages.
of
the scene
your reason, as
passions honor the appearance on
man.
venerable
a
of
an unruly boy respects the presence
from
How might we avoid the harm that comes
yielding to
the
guidance of our
anger? by persuading our wrath to await
all upon not
above
concentrating our efforts
reason;
nay, by
to outstrip
it
allowing
may
it
however,
is
direct
it.
The
serviceable to us in
irascible
many
who has
part
of
the
acts of virtue.
soul,
When,
for
of iron
and
restores
it
flaccid state
to strictness
intense,
23 Ps.
and
vigor. Unless
I believe,
142.4.
as
is
very
457
AGAINST ANGER
between the irascible and the rational part of the soul is most
excellent and appropriate. A person who lives in this manner
will never compromise with treachery nor ever ally himself
with anything harmful, but he always will raise the cry and
fall upon the deceitful pleasure as if he were attacking a wolf.
one
Such, then, is the advantage to be derived from anger if
knows how to handle it. In the case of other powers also, each
becomes a good or an evil for its possessoor according to the
use made of it. For example, a man who abuses the concuby making it subservient to carnal
and abomenjoyment and impure pleasure becomes licentious
love of
the
toward
this
who
directs
faculty
inable, but one
piscible part of the soul
God and
maker and a
villain.
24 Ps.
4.5.
SAINT BASIL
458
who
nation one
lightly gives
way
to anger, but
He
does not
you
their enemies,'
26
men,
27
demand
retribution
for the practice of idolatry and arm the Levites for the slayhe said, 'his sword
ing of their brethren. Tut, every man,'
his thigh; go from gate to gate and return through
the midst of the camp and let every man kill his brother and
28
and friend.' Then, a little farther on: 'and Moses
upon
neighbor
said
every
You have
man
in his son
be given to you.'
29
What
justified
Phinees?
Was
veil
with
Again,
through
of
Amalec, after
his
31
In
life had been spared by Saul against the divine decree?
still
As
actions.
to
ministers
this way, anger frequently
good
another instance, it was in deliberate and reasonable anger, for
the good of all Israel, that the zealot, Elias, put to death the
of shame, and the four
four hundred and
men,
fifty
hundred men,
25 Gen. 3.15.
26 Num. 25.17.
27 Num. 12.3.
28 Exod. 32.27.
29 Exod. 32.29.
30
Num.
31
25.8.
Sam.
15.33.
priests
priests
of the groves,
who
ate
at
Jezabel's
AGAINST ANGER
32
459
brother. Surely,
it is
trivial
on
reasons
slight
obliged to shun.
How, then, could
it
32 I Kings 18.19ff.
33 John 8.44.
34 Mark 9.34.
35 John 18.22,23.
SAINT BASIL
460
heaven and earth, He who is adored by every creature havall things by the
ing sensation and reason, He, 'upholding
word
of his power,
536
spoken
strikest
but
evil,
thou me?'
if
'If I
have
well,
why
command, you
gard him
as
more worthy
of pity
make
an
than hatred.
It is not,
there-
fore, the
but
it is
38
and leave rage/ therefore, that you may escape the trial of
wrath which 'is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
39
and injustice of men/ If, by the prudent use of reason, you
could cut away the bitter root of indignation, you would reother vices along with this, their source. Deceit,
and a
suspicion, faithlessness, malice, treachery, rashness,
Let us
vice.
this
of
offshoots
are
like
these
of
evils
whole thicket
move many
malady upon
estrangement
36 Heb.
1.3.
37 John 18.23.
38 Ps. 36.8.
39
Rom.
1.18.
upon
AGAINST ANGER
cause for
coming
strife,
461
full
to birth in
interior, like
Holy
Whenever
Spirit.
strifes,
bursts of
us put
away from
clamor, with
all
let
malice,
and
let
the
HOMILY
11
Concerning Envy
OD
GOOD and He
The
proud
man
Devil,
how
is
Devil
Is
is
subject to the
was prepared
for the
man
Devil? No
vice
more
pernicious than
is first and
envy
implanted
foremost a personal detriment to the one guilty of it and does
not harm others in the least. As rust wears away iron, so envy
in the souls of
is
that gives
it
it
inhabits.
More than
is being
all quarters. Is anyone brave
from
wounds
with
pierced
and vigorous? This is a blow to the envious man. Is someone
else handsomer than he? Another blow. Does so-and-so
463
464
SAINT BASIL
Is he looked up to and
possess superior mental endowment?
emulated because of his wisdom and eloquence? Is someone
to lavish his wealth in alms to the poor and
else rich and
eager
The worst
heart's core.
is
his
that
my neighbors
not choosing to
say if he were willing to tell the truth. But,
the
in
confines
he
these
reveal
depths of his soul
sentiments,
which
this disease
is
gnawing
at his vitals
and consuming
them.
As a consequence, he does not call in a doctor for his malady and he is unable to discover a healing remedy, although
the Scriptures are filled with such medicines. The sick man
that, perchance, he
awaits only one alleviation of his distress
fall into misforenvies
he
whom
may see one of the persons
the victim of
behold
to
his
hatred
tune. This is the goal of
he
who is adthat
his envy pass from happiness to misery,
in sorrow.
Rom.
12.15.
The
465
CONCERNING ENVY
his fall
body
strength
What
euver
Cain, that
first
disciple
of the Devil,
who
learned
says,
with jealousy.
by God and was inflamed
to reach Him
effort
in
an
He slew the recipient of the honor
with God,
contend
not
could
he
who had bestowed it. Since
3
Let us
brother.
his
slew
and
he followed the next best course
the honor conferred
2 Rom. L29.
3 Gen. 4.8.
SAINT BASIL
466
teach us to wage
brethren, from this disease that would
war upon God. It is mother to homicide, does violence to
ties of kinship, and
nature, causes us to disregard the closest
based upon irrational motives.
brings upon us an unhappiness
Why do you grieve, my friend, when you yourself have suffered no misfortune? Why are you hostile to someone who is
flee,
great
First, after
For
was witness to it,
Saul first attempted murder and tried to slay David by treachBut he still did not desist from his
ery, then forced him to flee.
'Saul slew his thousands
and David
chosen men
hatred, for he arrayed against him three thousand
had been
Saul
If
him.
of
search
in
desert
and combed the
he would have been compelled to admit that it was the favors received from David's hand.
Moreover, even though Saul had been found asleep by David
asked the reason for his
hostility,
and
during the very time that the latter was being pursued,
life
his
his
before
enemy,
although Saul lay, an easy victim,
from
he
refrained
doing
was again spared by that just man, for
4
Sam.
18.7.
CONCERNING ENVY
467
him
is
offices.
What reduced
as
his
if
them from
being a slave would permanently exempt
him homage. If dreams are true, what ruse
having to offer
will
to pass exactly
prevent the events foretold from coming
deed,
ingenuity
Joseph's
God. The device by which they thought to forestall the prophecy proved to be the means of clearing the way
toward its fulfillment. If Joseph had not been sold and had
not gone to Egypt, he would not, for chastity's sake, have
providence of
Sam.
24.3ff;
6 Gen. 37.28.
26.7fT.
SAINT BASIL
468
Let your thoughts turn now to that very bitter envy, touchwhich the
ing upon matters of the very highest importance,
Saviour.
the
out
break
to
madness of the Jews caused
against
what
And
miracles.
His
Why did they envy Him? because of
commanded them
ers
is
destroyer of our
life,
With
this
he
and
in
mentioning
this
companionship
at table,
as well. Just
implies a reference to all other social contacts
7 Gen. 39-43.
8 Luke 7.22.
9 Prov. 23.6.
469
CONCERNING ENVY
as
we
as far
away
as possible
from
fire,
which
so
is
easily
we must
inflammable
refrain insofar
we can from
10
And
so
it is.
red blight
friendship.
is
again, those
short, as the
the plague of
calls
for
our
more vigorously
it
is
SAINT BASIL
470
spell,
suddenly losing
all
their plumpness,
which dwindles
from making
of yourself
mitting to wickedness,
upon
those
painters
CONCERNING ENVY
471
what
distortions
and
to
in slandering virtue
is
neighbor
temperate man, callous; the just
man, cunning. A person of lavish tastes they term vulgar and
one who is bountiful they name a profligate; on the other
hand, the thrifty man is called niggardly. In general, all forms
of virtue they invariably supply with a name taken over from
its
it.
opposite vice.
But, now, what course shall I take? Shall I limit my discourse to the denunciation of this vice? That would be a halfit were. To show a sick man the seriousness of his
with
a view to inculcating a proper concern for his
malady
condition is not useless, but to abandon him at this point and
not guide him toward health is tantamount to giving the sick
man over entirely to his infirmity. What, then, is to be done?
cure, as
How
we
possessions that are real and eternal. Thus, the rich man is
not enviable merely because of his wealth, nor the ruler be-
man
them, therefore,
is
use of
who
472
who
SAINT BASIL
administers his possessions well and according to right
who acts as a steward of the goods received from God
reason,
and does not amass wealth for his own private enjoyment, he
justly accorded praise and affection because of his charity
to his brethren and the benevolence of his character. Again,
a man may excel in mental acuteness and may win esteem
for his eloquence in discoursing about God and his interpretation of His sacred words. Be not envious of such a one nor
ever wish that an interpreter of the Sacred Scripture would
hold his peace because, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, he
wins some favor and praise thereby from his hearers. The
benefit is yours and through your brother the gift of doctrine
is sent to
you, if only you are willing to accept it. Besides, no
one dams up a gushing spring, nor does anyone wear a
is
Spirit,
would be neither
good by nature. Nevertheless, if a man who has a superabundance of wealth and who takes pride in his position of
sovereignty or in his vigor of body makes the right use of these
goods, we ought to love and honor him as being supplied with
resources which are generally serviceable for carrying on life
in this world.
rightly.
He
He
will
needy and he
is
and
superfluous as belong-
CONCERNING ENVY
473
To sum
crowd and
if,
vation for yourself and, the greater your good deeds, the
greater will be the glory manifested in you. Virtue is within
our power and can be acquired by one who labors earnestly
for
it.
a high
large fortune, physical vigor or beauty, or
if virtue is
more
lasting
good and
is
universally acknowl-
474
SAINT BASIL
as
same
11
God hath
forgiven
12
us in Christ Jesus our Lord,'
to whom be glory together with
the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
Gal. 5.26.
12 Eph. 4.32.
HOMILY
20
Of Humility
IOULD THAT MAN had abided in the glory which he
he would have genuine instead
possessed with God
of fictitious dignity. For he would be ennobled by the
power of God, illumined with divine wisdom, and made joyful in the possession of eternal life and its
blessings. But, because he ceased to desire divine glory in expectation of a better prize, and strove for the unattainable, he lost the good
which
it
was
in
his
power
to possess.
The
surest salvation
for him, the remedy of his ills, and the means of restoration
to his original state is in practicing humility and not pretending that he may lay claim to any glory through his own
efforts
but seeking
it
will
he make amends
for his error, thus will he be cured of his malady, thus will he
return to the observance of the holy precept which he has
abandoned. For the Devil, having caused man's ruin by holding out to him the hope of false glory, ceases not to tempt
him still by the same allurements and he devises innumerable
schemes to this end. For instance, he represents a large fortune to him as a great good, so that man will regard it as a
cause for boasting and expend effort to obtain it. Wealth,
however, leads not to glory but to great peril. To build a
fortune is to lay the foundation for avarice and the acquisition of
money
Rather,
it
blinds a
man
to
conceit,
and produces
in his soul
an
effect
475
SAINT BASIL
476
healthful nor beneficial to the body, but unwholesome, ina cause of death. Such an
jurious, a source of danger, and
effect does pride engender in the soul.
But money
arrogance.
is
Men
if
Kings
12.4,14.
477
OF HUMILITY
also awaken
the spoils of sickness and the plunder of time
flesh
'All
is
that
as
unaware
is
he
in
grass and all
man,
pride
all
if
undoing by
God and
injure him whom he hoped to alienate from
eternal life as he betrayed himself, becoming as he did a rebel
was himself caught
against God, doomed to death forever. He
in the snare he laid for the Lord. He was nailed to the cross
so
much
He
fools.'
but his
2
Isa. 40.6,7.
Kings
lJ5ff.
6 2 Sam. 14.26.
7
Rom.
1.22.
14.6.
SAINT BASIL
478
to be exposed at his
the
in
reared
order was secretly
royal household, destroyed
least suspected.
his
safety.
of his
The homicide
by
meagre and lowly thing and not a great and pre-eminent good.
No sensible man, then, will be proud of his wisdom or of
have mentioned, but will follow
possessing the other goods 1
the excellent advice of blessed Anna and of the Prophet
in his wisdom and let
Jeremias: 'Let not the wise man glory
his
not the strong man glory in
strength and let not the rich
11
is true glory and what
what
But
man glory in his riches.'
the
makes a man great? 'In this/ says
Prophet, 'let him that
and knoweth that I
understandeth
he
that
glorieth,
am
this
8
glory,
the Lord.'
is
12
his glory
Exod.
and greatness:
1-3.
9 Judges 9. Iff.
10 John 11.48.
11
Sam.
2.3; Jer.
12 Jer. 9.24.
9.23.
truly to
know what
is
great
OF HUMILITY
and to cleave
of glory.
The
to
ten:
He
perfect
own
and
and
It,
tells
Apostle
'Christ
sanctification
that glorieth
may
justice, but,
479
in
God: not
13
Now,
this
is
the
to exult in one's
be
Him
er of His resurrection
made conformable
to
His death,
14
sufferings, be-
ing
urrection from the dead. Herewith topples the whole lofty
inasmuch
as
mortifying yourself in
17
says Paul, 'yet not I but the grace of God with me.'
God delivers from dangers which are beyond all human recourse. 'We had in ourselves,' says the Apostle, 'the answer
all they,'
of death that
13 1 Cor. 1.30,31.
14 Phil. 3.9,10.
15 Phil. 2.13.
16
17
Cor. 2.7,10.
Cor. 15.10.
we should
Who
SAINT BASIL
480
of so great dangers, in
18
deliver us.'
whom we
trust that
as if they
then, pray, do you glory in your goods
for His
to
the
Giver
thanks
of
were your own instead
giving
And
received?
not
hast
thou
that
thou
hast
Tor what
Why,
gifts?
'if
also
may comprehend
1
be in accordance with grace, and the Judge will make examhow you have used the graces bestowed upon you.
If you do not understand that you have received grace and by
an excess of stupidity ascribe to yourself the success which is
a gift of grace, you will fare no better than St. Peter. Indeed,
ination of
you
will not
loved
Him
so ardently that
18 2 Cor. 1.9,10.
19 1 Cor. 4.7.
20 Gal. 4.9.
21 Phil. 3.12.
22 John 15.16.
23 Gen. 3.24.
24 1 Sam. 16.14.
25
Rom.
11.20.
481
OF HUMILITY
dalized in thee,
to
tected by the
power
of Christ
who had
foretold to
him what
was
to be, saying:
28
Peter,
he had learned
thus
how
to put
26.33.
14.30,31.
22.31,32.
18.11-14.
SAINT BASIL
482
saves a sinner
anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often
who has committed many grievous transgressions. Do not,
and never condemn
then, justify yourself as regards another
on the
yourself on the verdict of God by justifying yourself
'for
own
not
Paul,
'I
self/ says
basis of your own.
my
judge
hereI
am
not
of
to
I am not conscious
anything, yet
myself
30
but he that judgeth me is the Lord.'
by
justified;
Think you
Take
Israelites.
Gentiles
whom
they regarded
as
And
but the wickedness and impiety of the Genwas passed over because of their faith. In short, bear in
mind that true proverb: 'God resisteth the proud but to the
s33
humble he giveth grace.
Keep as your familiar that word of
the Lord: 'Everyone that humbleth himself shall be exalted
34
and he that exalteth himself shall be humbled.' Be not an uncase favorably to
just judge of yourself and do not weigh your
struous
woman,
22
tiles
30
Cor.
4.3,4.
31 Gal. 6.4.
32
33
34
Isa. 64.6.
1
Pet. 5.5;
Luke
14.11.
James
4.6.
OF HUMILITY
483
yourself. If
of conceit. If
you
see your neighbor committing sin, take care not to dwell exclusively on his sin, but think of the many things he has done
He
says:
'I
come
works and thoughts.' 35 Furthermore, when He rebuked Josaphat for a sin committed in an unguarded moment, He mentioned also the good he had done, saying: 'But good works
are found in thee.'
Such reminders as these regarding self-exaltation we should
:5<i
we may be
of those
who
35 Isa. 66.18.
36 2 Par. 19.3.
attacked
Him,
but, as
if
yielding to superior
484
SAINT BASIL
He
force,
proper to
it.
mankind and,
He
But how shall we, casting off the deadly weight of pride,
descend to saving humility? If such an aim governed our
conduct under all circumstances, we should not overlook the
on the ground that we would suffer no harm therecomes to take on a resemblance to its preoccupations and it is stamped and molded to the form of its activities. Let your aspect, your garb, your manner of walking
and sitting, your diet, bed, house and its furnishings reflect a
customary thrift. Your manner of speaking and singing, your
conversation with your neighbor, also, should aim at modesty
least detail
from.
The
soul
Do not strive, 1 beg you, for artiembellishment in speech, for cloying sweetness in song,
or for a sonorous and high-flown style in conversation. In all
your actions, be free from pomposity. Be obliging to your
rather than pretentiousness.
ficial
485
OF HUMILITY
friends, gentle toward your slaves, forbearing with the froward, benign to the lowly, a source of comfort to the afflicted,
a friend to the distressed, a condemner of no one. Be pleasant
in
to
man who
quence
who have
fallen
away and
of Christ, that
one
forfeits a
reward from
or doing
God by
to
voluntarily
be seen by men.
good
40
Do not cheat
'They have received their reward,' He says.
is the great
God
for
be
seen
to
men,
by
yourself by desiring
Witness. Strive for glory with God, for His is a glorious
deemed worthy of the
recompense. Suppose you have been
about you and hold you in esepiscopate and men throng
teem.
Come down
lording
it
37 Prov. 18.17.
38 Job 31.34.
39 Gal. 6.1.
40 Matt. 6.2.
41 1 Peter 5.3.
to the level of
41
486
SAINT BASIL
Thus you
will travel to
to that
true glory which is to be found with the angels and with God.
Christ will acknowledge you as His own disciple before the
and empire
for ever
42 Mark 10.44.
43 Luke 12.8.
44 Matt. 11.29.
and
ever.
Amen.
HOMILY
On Detachment
21
THOUGHT,
some
man and
now
he
the
same kind
again employ
to rescue you, insofar as
Devil. Dearly beloved, it
I
is
51
Therefore,
my
of exhortation in
brethren,
my
desire
Enemy
of truth daily
rich at others' expense, but who have not the power to make
use of open violence, are wont to lie in wait along the highcleft
and, if they espy any region nearby that Is either
ways,
of bushes, they
by deep ravines or shaded by a thick growth
I
Prov.
9.8.
487
SAINT BASIL
488
into the
alike free
things,
we
We
think that
we
be picked up by
We
must pay
the Scripture, 'set not your heart upon them. ')
of
kind
forth
no heed, even if the earth bud
delicacy
every
and offer luxurious dwellings to our gaze ( for 'our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour,
s
nor should we take notice when
our Lord Jesus Christ'
and
and
reveling and banquets ringing
merry-making
dancing
with the sound of the flute are offered for our enjoyment (for
)
woman
as
Wise Man. 5 )
Heed
it
not even
if
throngs of attendants
2 Ps.
61.11.
3 Phil. 3.20.
4 Eccle. 1.2.
5 Eccli. 21.2.
ON DETACHMENT
48!:
oi
grass and all the glory of man as the flower
6
grass Is withered and the flower is fallen.' ).
Beneath all these pleasures which are so delightful lurks our
common Enemy, waiting to see whether we will swerve from
(for
the
flesh
'all
is
The
field.
the straight path and fall into his lair, captivated by the enticements our eyes behold. Indeed, it is greatly to be feared that,
the
recklessly after these delights and regarding
the
in
harmful
not
as
their
from
derived
enjoyment
by running
pleasure
least,
we may swallow
first taste.
is, to death.
it is necessary and beneficial for us
brethren,
Therefore,
all to gird ourselves up like wayfarers or runners and, by
this journey,
ensuring our souls complete ease and lightness for
should anyone
Nor
end.
road's
the
to
on
to
straight
push
think that
human
am
life
He
who
for
'Blessed are
says in one place:
7
walk in the law of the Lord,'
treated
stances be so
6
Isa.
of
God
him
40.6,7.
7 Ps. 118.1.
8 Ps. 118.29.
9 Ps. 17.3233.
to complete
SAINT BASIL
490
life.
Does not
our life in this world seem to you also to stretch before us like
a long road, a journey broken at intervals by the periods of
of
life as by stages in a journey? It has its beginning for each
its course in
of
end
the
and
mothers
our
of
travail
in
the
us
the shelter of the grave. All men it conducts thither, some
the latter passing through all
rapidly, others more slowly;
the intervals of time, the former not even tarrying for the
those
first stages of life. Now, in the case of other roads,
it is possible if one so desires to turn
to
from
city,
city
leading
aside and not travel at all. This road, however, draws those
has been
by main force toward the end which
to
should
if
we
even
the
prolong
prefer
Lord,
appointed by
our course. And it is not possible, dearly beloved, for one who
has once
through the gate which leads toward this
who
travel
it
passed
and has set out upon this road not to arrive at the end
of it. Each of us, after leaving the maternal womb, is straightway seized and borne along by the flow of time, ever leaving
behind the day already lived and never able to return to
to do so. Yet, we
yesterday, however much we may desire
if we were receiving
as
onward
borne
in
and,
being
rejoice
some gain, we are glad to pass from one period of life to the
life
We
ON DETACHMENT
491
we
him
10
immediately.'
Furthermore, we are unwilling to take into careful considerwhich kind of burdens will be light for the course we
must run, which can help on their way those who have
ation
gathered them together, and what sort will make the life
hereafter very happy for us by reason of their being adapted
to the nature of those who carried them. Neither are we willing to ascertain which are the heavy, uncomfortable ones that
drag on the ground and that are by their nature absolutely
is
aware of: that none of the pleasures of this life, the pursuit
of which has caused madness in so many, are or can be truly
10
Luke
12.35,36.
492
SAINT BASIL
to
possessed by us. They are, indeed, foreign to all alike
those who appear to be enjoying them as well as to those
youth to amass
flicted
it.
The
had only
in-
toil
avarice, passes on
would own countless acres
up
his
abundance
to others,
still
their
ON DETACHMENT
As
we
devise as food
493
and drink and
rate, overeating
acts of a
maddened and
frenzied
in every
Do
respect detrimental to nature and notoriously harmful?
are
which
of
or
diminution
loss
the
powers
they not represent
the
to
and
real
in a very
sense proper
individual,
personal
since by such unions the body is weakened and depleted of
aliment that is in the highest degree congruent with it and
members? So, it is the experience of everywanton acts that, immediately after
the deed, when the sting of the flesh is quieted and the mind,
coming finally to abhor that which it has initiated, recollects
itself as if from a fit of drunkenness or any such turbulent
[it genexperience, and takes time to advert to its condition
preservative of
one
who
its
engages in such
body
been rendered torpid and quite without strength for the acof the gymcomplishment of his duties. Even the masters
nastic schools are aware of this and have laid down a rule
of continence for the palaestra which protects the bodies
of the youths against the danger of such pleasure. The contestants themselves are not permitted even so much as to gaze
SAINT BASIL
494
upon the
fair
our eyes closed, for they are absolutely foreign to our nature,
superfluous, and not capable of being really possessed by
at great pains for
anyone. On the other hand, we should be
then, really
ours.
be
What,
can
which
those possessions
truly
and
a
we
us?
A
spiritual
live,
light
soul, whereby
belongs to
a body,
and
of
need
no
has
which
anything weighty,
being
which was provided for the soul by the Creator as a vehicle
on life. This, therefore, is man: a mind united
for
carrying
with a
lies
outspread,
an exercise-ground for
virtue.
For
mons. This
it
is
which
will
ON DETACHMENT
495
under the gaze of the Creator, Riches, power, renown, pleasand the whole throng of such follies which increase daily
by reason of our stupidity do not enter into this life with us,
nor do they accompany anyone in leaving this world. For
ure,
womb
and naked
is
unalterably
mother's
my
11
man who has his own best interests at heart will therefore
be especially concerned for his soul and will spare no pains
to keep it stainless and true to itself. If his body is wasted by
hunger or by its struggles with heat and cold, if it is afflicted
by illness or suffers violence from anyone, he will make small
account of it, and, echoing the words of Paul, he will say
in each of his adversities: 'but though our outward man is
512
corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
When he sees mortal danger approaching, he will not show
if
fear, but he will say courageously to himself: 'We know,
we
haye
our earthly house of this habitation be dissolved, that
a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in
513
heaven.
But, if a man would also have mercy upon his body
as being a possession neceesary to the soul and its cooperator
in carrying on the life on earth, he will occupy himself with
its needs only so far as is required to preserve it and keep it
soul. He will
vigorous by moderate care in the service of the
it to become unmanageable through satiety.
allow
means
no
by
If ever he observe that it is inflamed by desires more than
'We brought
is good, he will address to it the precept of Paul
can
we
and
this
nothing
into
carry
world,
certainly
nothing
out. But having food and wherewith to be covered, with these
we are content. 314 By continually reciting these words to his
:
11
Job
1.21.
12 2 Cor. 4.16.
13 2 Cor. 5.1.
14 1 Tim. 6.7,8.
SAINT BASIL
496
length,
will,
itself,
and there he
will
lie,
groaning to no
And, when he
avail.
is
loud reproaches
by which he was robbed of the
time of his salvation. Yet, he will have no profit any more of
of his laments; for 'who,' says David, 'shall confess to thee in
he
hell?'
its
deceits,
15
with
all
greater
him
as
get rid of his ill-gotten wares,
When
souls
to think
15 Ps. 6.6.
ON DETACHMENT
We
497
riches
iniquity, will store up ever greater and more precious
for our souls. Fornication and other vices of this sort are utterly
when they are repudiated and they are entirely
destroyed
and
cast
it
from them. As
harbor
if
it
in advance, is
to their peril but unto glory.
not
it,
Let us, then, dearly beloved, determine upon a more benevolent course toward ourselves and distribute among many
the weight of riches, if we would in reality possess our gains.
These needy ones will joyfully bear it away and will lay up
our wealth in the bosom of the Lord as in a safe treasury,
'where the moth doth not consume and thieves do. not break
of
16
meant
us not
before
tables
Luke
16.19ff.
18 Ps. 48.8.
498
SAINT BASIL
in
ness
is
man
in the Gospel.
Not
him away
If
ON DETACHMENT
we
drive
him away
499
Name
unguent
you an occasion
for
hymns
of joyful exultation.
As you know,
the Devil has again manifested his savage hostility toward us.
With flames of fire for weapons, he laid siege to the sacred
20 2 Cor.
9.8.
SAINT BASIL
500
How
the
of old cooled the fiery furnace in Babylon.
Devil must be groaning today, since he did not reap the
enjoyment he had planned to gain from his project. The vil-
who
lain
air.
Relentlessly,
it
approached the
who
the one
He had
for his
own
to shed.
brethren, let us make his wound still more unbearable for our malicious Foe. Let us intensify his pain.
And now,
How
power
with their
to each,
is
found/
23
And
let
is
come
22 Dan.
23 Luke
3.49.
15.24.
to life again,
is
like
was
lost
and
501
ON DETACHMENT
And
courageous
winning your crown.
No
hath pleased the Lord, so also is it done.
away;
one should be led by his sufferings to think or to say that no
Providence rules our affairs, nor should any man cast asperand decree of the Lord. Let him
the
sion
525
as
it
upon
government
news of more
heavy misfortune, another came, bringing
with
one
another, and
were
Evils
linked,
calamities.
serious
24 Prov. 17.3.
25 Job 1.21.
SAINT BASIL
502
just
of the tempest and reducing to foam the
sent forth to the Lord a loving cry:
The
He
Him
to the
May
Lord
prevail.
He
is
the
Maker
of
my
children; I
am
to useless
I, a servant, give way
Why
I am
which
decree
a
bitter
and
complaints against
mourning
this just man shoot
did
words
With
such
to
avoid?
powerless
down the Devil.
His instrument.
should
But, when the Enemy saw that Job was winning the victory
and that he could not be shaken by any of these disasters,
ON DETACHMENT
503
The
him-
self of
prostrated herself
saw, casting
brought, recounting the ancient prosperity of their house,
calling attention to his present misfortunes, the state to which
he was reduced, and the fine reward he had received from the
From a
queen,
am become
a slave.
26
my eyes on the hands of my servants;
I, who once supported many, now consider myself fortunate
to be fed at the expense of strangers.' She added that it would
be a better and more beneficial thing for him to destroy himself utterly and to blaspheme, thus sharpening the sword of
the Creator's wrath, rather than that he prolong the labor of
am
forced to keep
by none of the
evils that
him, he
are
what
wrath. And
had previously
afflicted
(may God
SAINT BASIL
504
think that half of myself has committed an imus twain one body and
pious act, since marriage has made
we have received good
If
hast
committed
thou
blasphemy.
28
shall we not receive evil?
the
of
hand
at
the
Lord,
things
Recall to your mind our past blessings. Weigh our prosperity
in the balance with these adversities. For no man is life altolife.
Now,
to God alone.
gether happy. To prosper in all things belongs
circumstances,
our
sorrowful
made
are
if
present
by
But,
you
console yourself by remembering the past. Now you weep, but
former days you laughed. Now you are poor, but you have
been rich. You used to quaff a limpid stream of life. Drink
with patient endurance this turbid draught. The waters of a
a
river do not look perfectly clear. Our life, as you know, is
one
waves
with
flowing,
river, flowing ceaselessly and covered
flowed away;
upon the other. Part of the stream has already
out
still follows its course. A portion has just now gushed
in
part
of
its
provide
Judge
compel
abundance? Do we teach the Lord how He ought to arrange
our life? He Himself holds the authority over His own decrees. He directs our affairs as He wills. But He is wise, and
He metes out that which is profitable to His servants. Do not
love the dispensacuriously examine the Lord's decrees; only
tions of His wisdom. Whatever He may bestow upon you,
receive it with gladness. In adversity prove that you are
worthy of the joy that was previously yours.'
no advantage. His
28 Ibid.
flesh
Devil's attack
ON DETACHMENT
505
His
life
riches flowed in
from
all sides
in double
daughters, he possessed this portion of his goods also
one family abiding with him to give joy to their
await their father.
parents, the other children gone before to
All of them will stand about Job when the Judge of hu-
measure
man
life
will
when
of the
number
29 Ps. 54.23.
ON MERCY AND
JUSTICE
things,
disobedient
to
parents,
without affection,
calling back to His
to refrain from vice and to
foolish,
God
is
from committing
injustices,
Rom.
1. 28-31.
2 Isa. 1.16-17.
3 Prov. 15.8.
507
SAINT BASIL
508
be heard.'
fruits of
thy
justice.'
If
you
will
make an
it
possess
vows
it is
written: 'the
On
and
man
resources from
which he
We
and
justice also
you are in
3.9.
6 Prov. 15.8.
7 Mai. 3.8,10
8 Osee 12-6.
(Septuagint)
that,
being able
509
9
to the
not
you show mercy with God as Witness, you will be sure of
would
this
that
doing it for selfish gain, since you are aware
not be pleasing to God your Witness. Let us, then, show
bestows His
mercy that we may receive it from God. But God
He does
and
mercy upon those only whom He commends
to offer
entitled
not
are
not commend an avaricious man. You
offer
thou
'If
thy gift
to God if you offend your brother.
gifts
9 Eccli. 31.10.
10 Mai. 2.13.
11
Matt.
6.1.
SAINT BASIL
510
condition that
approve of lavish alms to the poor only on
restitution be made for gains unjustly acquired. The Lord,
Zacheus and said:
therefore, commended the uprightness of
This day
is
salvation
come
to this house.'
14
So much
for those
who
fulfill
is
shall
'every tree that doth not yield fruit
15
Never will such a tree
cast into the fire.'
be pleasing to the
down
that
it
22 Luke 6.38.
18 Deut. 24.19-21.
who
tice
511
are in Christ?
kingdom
and
of heaven.
519
Pharisees,
For
this
you
reason
does the Apostle exhort us to share with the needy, not only
the produce of our fields, and our profits, but also the work
of our hands. 'Working with your hands/ he says, 'the thing
which is good, that you may have something to give to him
that suffereth need.'
after
Him
to
20
And
possessions
Upon those
come
21
who are already His folthen to follow Him.
lowers and upon the perfect, however, He enjoins the accomplishment of the duty of charity in a perfect and unrestricted
manner, so that, having fulfilled the ministry as regards
worldly goods, they may pass on to the ministry of the reason
and the spirit. From others, moreover, He requires a continual
sharing and communicating of that which they possess, that,
mercy, sharing their goods, and conferring bene-
by showing
of
may reproduce in themselves the benevolence
522
FurtherGod. 'Give,' He says, 'and it shall be given to you.
more, He has promised that if they practice these virtues, they
will be united with Him. These, indeed, are they who will
stand at the right hand of the Lord. To them the King will
fits,
they
19 Matt. 5.20.
20 Eph. 4.28.
21 Matt. 19.21.
SAINT BASIL
512
not pass it
another; for,
might be over-
may
Holy Spirit be
and forever and
23 Matt. 25.34-40.
24 Matt. 10.42.
glory, empire,
ever. Amen.
INDEX
INDEX
Aaron, 30, 452
Abimilech, 478
Abraham,
16,
conversation,
59,
335,
45 1,
497
Absalom, 477
Achar, 43
Adam,
24,
with
observed in others,
447-450; means
worldly
women,
soli-
interests,
34
35
456
Anomaeans, 37
dience;
Ascetical
Ascetical
Work
Discourses,
207-215, 217-222
Anthony
fare,
fare,
life,
15-31,
as celestial
war-
moderation
in,
211-212;
30,
263
of avoiding,
459-461; proper exercise of,
45 6-45 9 ; recommendations
for proper reaction to, 450-
x,
21, 22,
26-27, 33, 270-271; disobedience, 325; doctrinal disputes, 34-35; duties, 29, 34;
injuries, 34-35; meals, 28^
280-281; posture, 21, 22, 27;
praise, 35-36; prayer, 28-29;
25
Agag, 458
Ambrose, St., v
Ananias, 50, 208
tification,
221,
27,
Adonias, 477
Agabus, 285
effects of,
23,
435-436;
515
INDEX
516
of the angels,
see also Ascete
way
Augustine,
St.,
18,
209;
xii
Cassian,
Chaldeans, 26
Cham, 25
420,
Charity,
430; fraternal,
34,
33,
220,
naming
of Trinity in,
376-
Gregory
of
Nazianzus,
monastic
Pontic re-
directives,
ix-xii;
St.,
Christ,
356;
confession
of,
79-80;
383-
illustrative of humility,
in, 81-85,
of,
65-67, 196-
205
Church,
50, 437,
43,
505
Cincture, 284-285
Clothing, 281-284
xii
Commandments, sequence
Cain, 465
89
in*
232
trial
Common
life, ix,
250-251, 286
213, 217-218,
517
INDEX
God upon,
39-53; treatment
289-290; see also Obedience
Dissertation on Ascetical Discipline, 33-36
Dives, 497
of,
435436
277,
Elias,
326-327
Controversies,
Core, 412
human
Customs,
of
condemned,
255, 375, 376
observance
49-50,
89,
Roy
Detachment,
J.,
vii
sures of
for,
242
plea-
life
and, 489-494;
purity and, 74-76, 144
Devil, 25, 30, 35, 58, 60, 220,
341, 342, 347, passim; futile
malice
definition
496 necessity
463-465;
David,
Deferrari,
284, 458
269,
Emmelia, vi
Envy, 463-474; avoidance of
Gedeon, 478
Gluttony,
ance
of,
24-26,
279;
273-277
avoid-
INDEX
518
God,
17, 34,
36,51,53,55,
58,
35;
judgment of, 37-55;
love of, 76-77,80, 86, 89-91,
104
122-124,
119,
93-99,
232-239; trust in, 81-85, 89;
will of, a goal of action, 2433
Jereboam, 26
Jezabel, 458
fob, 17, 18, 45, 229, 272, 285,
Josaphat, 483
Joseph, 368, 467
Journeys,
prescriptions
Justice, 229-230,
507-512
Long
483-484;
trating,
penalties
suffered for violations of,
482-483 rules for acquiring,
484-486; true good of man
for,
320, 322
Hcli, 46,
290
Homilies, 431-505
71, 270,
Levites,
458
Rules, 223-337
Lot, 25
Macrina
(sister of St.
Basil),
vi, vii
found
in,
478-483
Martha, 279
Martyrs, 36
Mary
(sister
of
Moses), 44>
452
Maximian,
vi
of,
330-
justice,
229-
337
Jacob, 279
James, St., 254, 352
Jehu, 398
Meekness, 30
519
INDEX
Ministry., exhortations to
of, 29; difficulties in,
work
249-
P hitoc alia,
vii
God, 37-55
Priesthood, 184-185, 393-395
Produce, monastic, sale of, 312-
314
Nabochodnoser, 26
Neighbor, love of, 27-28, 7779, 110, 426-428
Nicodemus, 351
Noe, 25
Oaths, 34, 215
Obedience, death to be risked
in, 428-430; kinds of, 227228; monastic, xi; obstacles
to, 425-426; to divine com-
mands,
224-231,
252-254,
Origen,
vii
Pachomius, coenobitism
viii, x
Pasch, mystic, 210
Patriarchs, 36
of, vii,
267
348,
357 >
ascetical,
xii,.
Renunciation,
Rufinus, xii
Saints,
107, 186,
269, 282,
356, 373,
430, 452,
512
Samuel, 17, 458
Sara, 272
Saul, 458, 466, 480
Scandal,
111-114,
118,
422-
425
480, 481
Peter (brother of
St. Basil), vi
INDEX
520
n.,
n.,
Amos, 278
n.
79, 83,
Baruch, 64
Canticle of Canticles, 234
Colossians, 29 n., 60 n., 63
64
66
n.,
79,
109,
114,
125,
n.,
60-62 nn., 64
103,
n.,
n.,
n.,
n.,
n.,
Daniel, 26
n.,
229, 270
n.,
500
n.
521
INDEX
Ecclesiastes, 63 n.,
n.,
469
308
n.,
n.,
488
332
249
n.,
n.,
412
271
n.,
n.
35
Ecclesiasticus,
326
n.,
434
n.,
228
n.,
n.,
230
n.,
249
264
n.,
281
n.,
n.,
294
253
n.,
n.,
253
n.,
254
n.,
268
n.,
287
n.,
348
342
n.,
Genesis, 16
n.,
225
n.,
n.,
230
n.,
269
n.,
287
n.,
n.,
300
n.,
n.,
INDEX
522
n, 346 n, 349 n, 35Q
n.,
352
Kings, 26
476
n.,
n.,
459
n.,
n.
n.,
285
n.,
335
n.,
n.
350
n.,
Malachias, 228
n, 508
n.,
n.,
509
409
n.,
413
n.
Mark, 15-17
3
477
2 Kings, 230
398
269
n.,
393
395
416
n.,
n.,
421
n.,
n.,
n.
n.,
Matthew,
523
INDEX
332 n, 339-345 nn, 350358 nn, 361-364 nn, 366
n., 368 n., 372 n., 375 n.,
376 n., 381-384 nn, 386-388
nn., 390 n., 393-395 nn., 397
n., 399 n., 401 n., 402-407
nn., 411-416 nn., 418420
nn., 422 n., 423 n., 425 n.,
427 n., 433 n., 439 n., 442
n., 443 n., 447 n., 448 n.,
452 n., 455 n., 461 n., 481 n.,
485 n., 486 n., 497 n., 500
n., 509-512 nn.
Micheas, 335 n., 418 n.
Nahum, 363 n.
Numbers, 25 n., 43-45 nn., 48
n., 296 n., 412 n., 452 n.,
458 n.
Osee, 418 n., 424 n., 508 n.
n.,
Paralipomenon, 301
n.
2 Paralipomenon, 483 n.
1
Peter, 18 n., 45 n., 340 n.,
242
n.,
255
n.,
256
303
n.,
304
n.,
n., 291
357 n.,
363 n., 365 n., 367-369 nn,
373 n, 375 n, 378 n, 382
n, 386 n., 413 n, 420 n,
429 n, 438 n, 479 n., 480
n, 488 n.
Proverbs, 22 n., 24 n, 27 n,
68 n, 228 n., 241 n., 243 n.
n.,
246
n.,
n.,
249
271
n.,
n., 35 n., 36 n, 39
40 n., 52 n, 54 n., 59 n.,
212 n., 228-231 nn, 235 n,
238 n, 244 n, 245 n, 247
n, 251 n, 252 n, 256 n,
261 n, 264 n, 297 n, 309311 nn, 315 n, 324 n, 339
n, 356-358 nn, 361 n, 370
n, 378 n, 398 n, 412 n,
416 n, 418 n, 421 n, 427
n, 432 n, 437 n, 446 n,
451 n, 452 n, 455-457 nn,
460 n, 488 n, 489 n, 496
n, 497 n, 503 n, 505 n.
Romans, 22 n, 34-36 nn, 39
n, 41 n, 42 n, 45 n, 49 n,
50 n, 57 n, 59 n, 64 n, 72,
Psalms, 13
n.,
INDEX
524
2 Samuel, 455
1
477
n,,
Thessalonians, 68
n.
171-173, 175
177, 184, 186, 187, 202, 287
155,
n.,
n.,
161,
169,
2 Thessalonians, 39
88,
90,
n.,
264
317
n.,
129,
67
n.,
n. }
210
140,
133,
Timothy, 34
n.,
53
n.,
124-
274
163, 167,
223
274
n.,
Wisdom, 477
n.,
Self-scrutiny,
296
n.
n.
Zacharias, 230
n.,
282
432-446
Semei, 455
Servants,
91, 95,
98, 114, 138, 142, 144, 154,
n.,
161,
158,
Titus, 80,
Silas,
310
341-348
Sinners, association with, for-
bidden,
292-293,
417-422;
runaway,
261-262
Sodom, 187
life,
advantages of,
245-247; disadvantages, 210,
247-252
Solitary
Solomon, 63,
276
n.,
284
n.,
291
n.,
n.,
319
n.,
320
n.,
n.,
424
n.,
438
n.,
33
n.,
264
Stoicism, xi
assistant
Superior,
to,
301,
303-304, 322-324; consulta-
n.,
299
n.,
n.,
409
495
n.,
407
n.,
n.,
360
n.,
442
n.,
293
282
n.,
382
487
Speaking, restricted use of, 222,
296-298, 322-324, 327
Spirit,
2 Timothy, 9
n.,
278
n.,
20
n.,
525
INDEX
213
Visitors,
Widows, 191-192
Wine, use of, 35, 212, 296-298
Withdrawal, from monastic
life,
305-306; treatment of
326
264
Temptation, and trial, 147-153
Theodoret of Cyrus, xii
Trades, appropriate for ascete,
311-312; care of implements
of, 316-317; choice of, 314-
316
Transactions, commercial, 313-
314
Women,
296-298
possessions, renunciation of, 257-259, 434-435;
use of, 124-129
Worldly
Work,
33,
physical,
passim
Virginity,
221-222
16,
195,
207-208,
xii,
Zacheus, 510
Zambri, 458
Zeal, 91-92
Zebedee, 254
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