Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 9
Chrysostom — Priesthood, Ascetic Treatises & Homilies
SECTION 121
14. But not only do I now admonish the evil speakers; but those besides, who hear others ill spoken of, I exhort to stop up their ears, and
14. But not only do I now admonish the evil speakers; but those besides, who hear others ill spoken of, I exhort to stop up their ears, and to imitate the prophet who saith, "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I punish." [1169] Say to thy neighbour, "Hast thou any one to praise or highly to commend? I open my ears,…
2,394 wordsSECTION 12220. But let not any one say that many of the guilty escaped, and that many of the innocent incurred punishment. For I hear of numerous perso
20. But let not any one say that many of the guilty escaped, and that many of the innocent incurred punishment. For I hear of numerous persons who frequently say this; not only in the case of the present sedition, but also in many other circumstances of this nature. What then should I reply to those who make such observations? W…
2,203 wordsSECTION 123Homily IV.
[1185] litaneusai. [1186] Sav. and M. "the change that of our whole life:" the Greek reads best so. [1187] prothesmian. [1188] Gen. xlii. 21. Homily IV. An exhortation to the people respecting fortitude and patience, from the examples of Job and the Three Children in Babylon. The Homily concludes with an address on the subj…
2,631 wordsSECTION 1246. Let us then leave to Him the time for the removal of our evils; let us only pray; let us live in piety: for this is our work, to turn to
6. Let us then leave to Him the time for the removal of our evils; let us only pray; let us live in piety: for this is our work, to turn to virtue; but to set us free from these evils is God's work! For indeed He is more desirous to quench this fire than thou who art tried by it: but He is waiting for thy salvation. As tribulati…
2,452 wordsSECTION 12511. And first of all, let us discipline our tongue to be the minister of the grace of the Spirit, expelling from the mouth all virulence and
11. And first of all, let us discipline our tongue to be the minister of the grace of the Spirit, expelling from the mouth all virulence and malignity, and the practice of using disgraceful words. For it is in our power to make each one of our members an instrument of wickedness, or of righteousness. Hear then how men make the t…
1,691 wordsSECTION 126Homily V.
Homily V. The exhortation of the last Homily is continued in this. The people are exhorted to bear with fortitude the impending wrath of the Emperor. The cases of Job and the Ninevites are referred to as examples. It is shewn that men ought not to fear death, but sin. What it is to die miserably is explained; and the Homily con…
2,276 wordsSECTION 1278. Since therefore such evils await sinners, what advantage can it be to them, though they should end their days at home, and in their bed?
8. Since therefore such evils await sinners, what advantage can it be to them, though they should end their days at home, and in their bed? Even so, on the other hand, it can do no harm to the righteous to lay down the present life through sword, or steel, or fire, when they are to depart to the good things that are immortal. Tr…
2,335 wordsSECTION 12814. Let us not then fear death, but let us only fear sin, and grieve on account of this. And these things I speak, not anticipating any thin
14. Let us not then fear death, but let us only fear sin, and grieve on account of this. And these things I speak, not anticipating any thing fearful, God forbid! but wishing you when alarmed to be always thus affected, and to fulfil the law of Christ in very deed. For "he," saith Christ, "that taketh not his cross, and followet…
2,363 wordsSECTION 12920. Let us therefore persuade it to make this first change for the better, by the avoidance of oaths; for although I spake to you yesterday,
20. Let us therefore persuade it to make this first change for the better, by the avoidance of oaths; for although I spake to you yesterday, and the day before, [1273] on this same subject; yet neither to-day, nor to-morrow, nor the day after, will I desist giving my counsel on this subject. And why do I say to-morrow and the da…
2,235 wordsSECTION 130Homily VI.
[1256] 1 Cor. xi. 31, 32. [1257] Matt. x. 38. [1258] Amos vii. 14. [1259] treis hem?rai. Thus it has always been read in the Septuagint, even from the first ages of the Church (note in Ed. Par. 1834). But this reading, it should be remarked, is not supported by the Targum, or the Vulgate, or Syriac, which all read forty days,…
2,218 wordsSECTION 1315. Consider also His care over us, and how He both affrighted and consoled us. For after permitting them to set out on the very day when all
5. Consider also His care over us, and how He both affrighted and consoled us. For after permitting them to set out on the very day when all these outrages were committed, as if they would report all that had taken place to the Emperor; He alarmed us all at their sudden departure. But when they were gone, and two or three days h…
2,479 wordsSECTION 13211. Where now are those who said, "Let the Emperor take all, and grant us our bodies free?" Let such go and learn what is a free body. It is
11. Where now are those who said, "Let the Emperor take all, and grant us our bodies free?" Let such go and learn what is a free body. It is not immunity from punishment that makes the body free, but perseverance in a life of righteousness. The bodies of these youths, for instance, were free, though they were given over to the f…
2,252 wordsSECTION 13318. When you go home, therefore, discourse of all these things with those who are in your house; and as many persons often do, when they com
18. When you go home, therefore, discourse of all these things with those who are in your house; and as many persons often do, when they come back from a meadow, having plucked there a rose, or a violet, or some flower of that kind, they return twisting [1327] it about with their fingers; and as some, again, when they quit the g…
2,128 wordsSECTION 134[1331] euchais ton ?gion pat?ron. See on Rom. xvi. 24, Hom. XXXII., where the translation perhaps ought to be, "These imitators of Paul. Onl
[1331] euchais ton ?gion pat?ron. See on Rom. xvi. 24, Hom. XXXII., where the translation perhaps ought to be, "These imitators of Paul. Only let us yield ourselves worthy of such intercession." This rendering is confirmed by its agreement with Hom. XLIV. on Gen. xix. 29; Ben. iv. 448, 449. But there is a difficulty in it owing …
1,418 wordsSECTION 135Homily VII.
Homily VII. Recapitulation of former exhortations. Sin brought death and grief into the world, and they tend to its cure. Grief serviceable only for the destruction of sin. Remarks upon the passage, Gen. 1. 1. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." It is argued that God's forethought for man in the work of cre…
2,597 wordsSECTION 1367. But God, willing to show even by this that sin had not quenched His tenderness, nor disobedience taken away His favor toward him, and tha
7. But God, willing to show even by this that sin had not quenched His tenderness, nor disobedience taken away His favor toward him, and that He still exercised His Providence and care for the fallen one, said, "Adam, where art thou?" [1356] not being ignorant of the place where he was, but because the mouth of those who have si…
2,039 wordsSECTION 137Homily VIII.
Homily VIII. An exhortation to virtue--and particularly upon the passage, "God was walking in Paradise in the cool of the day:"--and again on the subject of abstaining from oaths. Ye have lately heard, how all Scripture bringeth consolation and comfort, although it be an historical narrative. For instance, "In the beginning, G…
2,774 wordsSECTION 1386. Knowing these things then, let us avoid oaths; and let our mouth continually practise the saying, "Believe me;" [1389] and this will be t
6. Knowing these things then, let us avoid oaths; and let our mouth continually practise the saying, "Believe me;" [1389] and this will be to us a foundation for all pious behaviour; [1390] for the tongue, when it has been disciplined to use this one expression, is ashamed, and would blush to utter words that are disgraceful and…
1,040 wordsSECTION 139Homily IX.
Homily IX. Commendation of those who had laid aside the practice of swearing. It is shown that no one need scruple about hearing the divine oracles in the Church after a meal. Answer to the question, Why it was so long before the Holy Scriptures were given? Comment on the passage, "The heavens declare the glory of God," with a …
2,569 wordsSECTION 1406. Therefore also the Psalmist, [1413] struck with astonishment at the equality of this distribution, exclaimed, "Night unto night sheweth k
6. Therefore also the Psalmist, [1413] struck with astonishment at the equality of this distribution, exclaimed, "Night unto night sheweth knowledge." If thou knowest how to meditate wisely on these matters, thou wilt admire the Being who fixed these immoveable boundaries even from the beginning. Let the avaricious hear these th…
2,805 wordsSECTION 14111. But in order that the amendment may take place the more quickly, do this which I tell thee. Inscribe upon the wall of thy house, and upo
11. But in order that the amendment may take place the more quickly, do this which I tell thee. Inscribe upon the wall of thy house, and upon the wall of thy heart, that "flying sickle;" [1433] and think that it is flying forth on occasion of the curse, and constantly remember it. And if thou observest another person swearing, r…
1,350 wordsSECTION 142Homily X.
Homily X. Commendation of those who came to hear after taking a meal.--Observations on the physiology of the natural world; and against those who deify the creation; and on the duty of not swearing. 1. I joy, and rejoice with you all, that ye have actually put in practice that admonition of ours, which we lately made with resp…
2,493 wordsSECTION 1436. But what is the sapient argument of the unbelievers, when we go over all these particulars with them; the magnitude, the beauty of the cr
6. But what is the sapient argument of the unbelievers, when we go over all these particulars with them; the magnitude, the beauty of the creation, the prodigality, the munificence everywhere displayed? This very thing, say they, is the worst fault, that God hath made the world so beautiful and so vast. For if He had not made it…
2,477 wordsSECTION 14411. For the sake of all these things then, let us glorify Him, our Guardian; not only by words, but also by deeds; and let us shew forth an
11. For the sake of all these things then, let us glorify Him, our Guardian; not only by words, but also by deeds; and let us shew forth an excellent conversation, not only in general, but in particular with regard to abstinence from oaths. For not every sin brings the same penalty; but those which are easiest to be amended, bri…
1,059 wordsSECTION 145Homily XI.
Homily XI. Thanksgiving to God for deliverance from the evils expected owing to the sedition; and recollection of the events which took place at the time. Also against those who find fault with the structure of the human body, and in general concerning the creation of man; and, in conclusion, on success in avoiding oaths. 1. W…
2,291 wordsSECTION 1467. But rather, I should say, what language is fully adequate to set forth the whole excellency of this member? And why do I speak of the pup
7. But rather, I should say, what language is fully adequate to set forth the whole excellency of this member? And why do I speak of the pupil and the visual faculty? for if you were to investigate that which seems the meanest of all the members, I mean the eyelashes, you would behold even in these the manifold wisdom of God the…
2,430 wordsSECTION 14714. For all these things then let us give thanks to God who loveth man; and for His tender care over us, render Him a recompense, that will
14. For all these things then let us give thanks to God who loveth man; and for His tender care over us, render Him a recompense, that will also be profitable to ourselves; and as regards the commandment which I so frequently discourse of to you, let us use our utmost diligence! For I will not desist from the exhortation until y…
809 wordsSECTION 148Homily XII.
Homily XII. Thanksgiving to God for the pardon granted to the offenders against the Emperor. Physical discourse on the Creation. Proof that God, in creating man, implanted in him a natural law. Duty of avoiding oaths with the utmost diligence. 1. Yesterday I said "Blessed be God!" and to-day again I say the very same thing. Fo…
2,304 wordsSECTION 1497. Take then all the best things, and clothe thyself with them; for thou art indeed king of the irrationals; but kings, if there be any thin
7. Take then all the best things, and clothe thyself with them; for thou art indeed king of the irrationals; but kings, if there be any thing excellent possessed by their subjects, be it gold or silver, or precious stones, or sumptuous vestments, usually possess the same in greater abundance. From the creation also, learn to adm…
2,309 wordsSECTION 15014. But these things he spake in reference to the early times, before the coming of Christ; and the Gentile he names here is not an idolater
14. But these things he spake in reference to the early times, before the coming of Christ; and the Gentile he names here is not an idolater, but one who worshipped God only; unfettered by the necessity of Judaical observances, (I mean Sabbaths, and circumcision, and divers purifications,) yet exhibiting all manner of wisdom and…
2,406 wordsSECTION 151Homily XIII.
[1529] Gen. iv. 9. This clause is added in the Vulgate as well as the Septuagint. The Hebrew seems to present an hiatus after rm'yv (said rather than spake). The Targum of Jerusalem and that called of Jonathan supply it, Tr. (The Samaritan and Syriac and Aquila also contain this clause. Origen did not find it in the Hebrew, and …
2,443 wordsSECTION 1527. Perchance the tragedy of all I have told you, has greatly softened your hearts. Do not however take it amiss. For since I am about to ven
7. Perchance the tragedy of all I have told you, has greatly softened your hearts. Do not however take it amiss. For since I am about to venture upon some more subtle thoughts and require a more sensitive state of mind on your part, I have done this intentionally, in order that by the terror of the description your minds might h…
2,383 wordsSECTION 153Homily XIV.
[1549] tetr?da. Feriam quartam, the fourth day of the week. The day referred to was probably one of the days of silence mentioned in the beginning of Hom. XI., where, first line of sec. 2, read "ourselves." [1550] ph?rangas, usually "ravines." There were, however, caves near Antioch. [1551] Eccl. i. 2. [1552] Isa. xlii. 6, 7.…
2,599 wordsSECTION 1546. And this was just what he did now in the case of Saul. Observe, however, what a snare is immediately framed for this oath: "The army pass
6. And this was just what he did now in the case of Saul. Observe, however, what a snare is immediately framed for this oath: "The army passed through a wood, that contained a nest of bees, and the nest was in front of the people, [1579] and the people came upon the nest, and went along talking." [1580] Seest thou what a pit-fal…
2,370 wordsSECTION 15512. Saul then having made this declaration, the people were more afraid than before, and all were in a state of great trembling and terror.
12. Saul then having made this declaration, the people were more afraid than before, and all were in a state of great trembling and terror. But the devil rejoiced, at having rendered them all thus anxious. There was no one, we are told, of all the people, who answered. "And Saul said, Ye will be in bondage, and I, and Jonathan m…
2,227 wordsSECTION 156Homily XV.
[1583] 1 Sam. xiv. 27. [1584] Jud. xi. 31. [1585] He means the absence of interference, for it was against the law of Moses. Deut. xii. 31. [1586] Jud. xi. 39. [1587] Some mss. read four, as the text. Judg. xi. 40. [1588] Gen. xxii. 12. [1589] 1 Sam. xiv. 28. Or, "recovered their sight;" see Acts xxii. 13, where the same w…
2,294 wordsSECTION 1577. But "perceive;" scrutinizing diligently; and if any kind of gain falls in thy way, look not only at the gain, but inspect it carefully, l
7. But "perceive;" scrutinizing diligently; and if any kind of gain falls in thy way, look not only at the gain, but inspect it carefully, lest somewhere death and sin lurk within the gain; and shouldest thou perceive this, fly from it. Again, when some delight or pleasure may chance to present itself, look not only at the pleas…
2,534 wordsSECTION 15814. All this let us consider, and let us not put our brethren on oath. What dost thou, O man? At the sacred table thou exactest an oath, and
14. All this let us consider, and let us not put our brethren on oath. What dost thou, O man? At the sacred table thou exactest an oath, and where Christ lies slain, there thou slayest thine own brother. Robbers, indeed, murder on the highways; but thou slayest the son in the presence of the mother: committing a murder more accu…
1,850 wordsSECTION 159Homily XVI.
Homily XVI. This Homily was delivered on the occasion of the Prefect [1650] entering the Church, for the purpose of pacifying the minds of the people, in consequence of a rumour of an intended sack [1651] having been announced to him, when all were meditating flight. It treats also on the subject of avoiding oaths, and on the w…
2,477 wordsSECTION 1607. But here I see an enquiry arising out of this point; and if you give me your attention, I will both state the question exactly, and will
7. But here I see an enquiry arising out of this point; and if you give me your attention, I will both state the question exactly, and will add the solution. What then is the subject of enquiry? This same Paul once having come before Festus, whilst discoursing to him, and defending himself concerning the charges which the Jews h…
2,396 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.