Why, tell me, do not the Angels differ from us in this respect, that they do not want so many things as we do? Therefore the less we need, the more we are on our way to them; the more we need, the more we sink down to this perishable life. And that thou mayest learn that these things are so, ask those who have grown old which life they deem happiest, that when they were helplessly [2314] mastered, or now when they are masters of these things? We have mentioned these persons, because those who are intoxicated with youth, do not even know the excess of their slavery. For what of those in fever, do they call themselves happy when, thirsting much, they drink much and need more, or when, having recovered their health, they are free from the desire? Seest thou that in every instance the needing much is pitiable, and far apart from true wisdom, and an aggravation of slavery and desire? Why then do we voluntarily increase to ourselves wretchedness? For, tell me, if it were possible to live uninjured without roof or walls, wouldest thou not prefer this; wherefore then dost thou increase the signs of thy weakness? Do we not for this call Adam happy, that he needed nothing, no house, no clothes? "Yes," saith some one, "but now we are in need of them." Why then do we make our need greater? If many persons curtail many of the things actually needed, (servants, I mean, and houses, and money,) what excuse can we have if we overstep the need? The more thou puttest about thee, the more slavish dost thou become; for by whatever proportion thou requirest more, in that proportion thou hast trenched upon thy freedom. For absolute [2315] freedom is, to want nothing at all; the next is, to want little; and this the Angels and their imitators especially possess. But for men to succeed in this while tarrying in a mortal body, think how great praise this hath. This also Paul said, when writing to the Corinthians, "But I spare you," and, "lest such should have trouble in the flesh." [2316] ( 1 Cor. vii. 28.) Riches are called "usables," [2317] that we may "use" them rightly, and not keep and bury them; for this is not to possess them, but to be possessed by them. Since if we are going to make this our aim how to multiply them, not that we may employ them rightly, the order is reversed, and they possess us, not we them. Let us then free ourselves from this grievous bondage, and at last become free. Why do we devise ten thousand different chains for ourselves? Is not the bond of nature enough for thee, and the necessity of life, and the crowd of ten thousand affairs, but dost thou twine also other nets for thyself, and put them about thy feet? And when wilt thou lay hold on heaven, and be able to stand on [2318] that height? For a great thing, a great thing is it, that even having cut asunder all these cords, thou shouldest be able to lay hold on the city which is above. So many other hindrances are there; all which that we may conquer, let us keep to the mean estate [2319] [and having put away superfluities, let us keep to what is necessary.] Thus shall we lay hold on eternal life, through the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[2296] "Whosoever shall do," &c., N.T.
[2297] i.e. the Father.
[2298] N.T. "That He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him."
[2299] Morel. "had been made flesh."
[2300] Some mss. add, "and setting right some who turn."
[2301] i.e. the heretics: some mss. to monon
[2302] al. "even reject God."
[2303] i.e. the Father's.
[2304] Ben. "and His being."
[2305] i.e. to His death.
[2306] para seauto
[2307] al. "Thou wast."
[2308] i.e. the flesh.
[2309] al. "seekest Thou."
[2310] al. "all."
[2311] one ms. "the precious."
[2312] al. "have received."
[2313] i.e. receives so much help from them.
[2314] ton hote ekratounto maten, e ton hote auton kratousi nun. There may be some words omitted.
[2315] a krires
[2316] "such shall have," &c., N.T.
[2317] chremata
[2318] al. "rise up to."
[2319] euteleias