CHAPTER X It is no great matter to save one oneself
CHAPTER X
It is no great matter to save one oneself
[BASIL.] 568. And now, said he, have you no need of toils, and have you no cares, while you keep to yourself?
[CHRYSOSTOM.] I have indeed, said I, even now.
569. For how can it be, that one who is a man and lives this much-vexed life should be released from cares and conflict? But it is not the same thing to enter upon a vast ocean and to row across a river; and such is the distance between these cares and the others.
570. Now, indeed, I should wish to be useful to others, if I could, and this to me is a matter of much prayer. But if I cannot profit another, provided it happen that I should save myself and escape from the tempest, I shall be satisfied with this.
[BASIL.] 571. Then you think this to be a great matter, said he; but do you think you can be saved at all, if you are useful to nobody else?
[CHRYSOSTOM.] 572. You have spoken well and right, said I, for I do not believe that he can be saved who does not labour for the salvation of his neighbour. It profited that wretched servant nothing that he had not diminished his talent, but he perished through not increasing it and returning twofold.
573. But still, I think a lighter punishment will descend on me when I am called to account for not saving others too, than if it were for destroying others as well as myself by turning out much worse after so great an honour. I believe I shall now suffer as much punishment as the magnitude of my sins demands; whereas, after accepting this office, it would not be double merely, or threefold, but manifold, through causing a greater number to stumble, and, after receiving greater honours, offending the God that honoured me.