CHAPTER VI Proof of the virtue of Basil, and of his great love
CHAPTER VI
Proof of the virtue of Basil, and of his great love
145. For when one of our intimate friends was falsely accused on charges of contumely and desperate conduct, and was in extreme danger, although nobody cited you, nor even he who was exposed to peril entreated you, you cast yourself into the very midst of the danger.
146. This was the deed: and to convict you also by your words, I shall recall to mind what you have said. For when some did not approve of this forwardness, though others praised and admired it, ‘What am I to do?’ you asked of those who criminated you, ‘for I know no other way to love, than by surrendering my own life when one of my friends who is in peril has to be delivered.’
147. In other words, but with the same idea, you uttered what Christ said to his disciples when He defined the limits of perfect love: “For greater love hath no man than this,” said He, “than that a man lay down his life for his friends.” If then greater than this cannot be found, you have attained its limit, and by what you have done, and by what you have said, you have climbed to its summit.
148. On this account I betrayed you, and on this account I manufactured that deception. Do I then persuade you that I brought you into this course, not through ill will, nor because I wished to involve you in danger, but because I knew you would be useful?
[BASIL.] 149. You think then, said he, that for the correction of one’s neighbours the force of love is sufficient?
[CHRYSOSTOM]. 150. In very great part, said I, it could contribute thereto. But if you wish me also to produce examples of your prudence, I will go on to this too, and will show that you are even more wise than you are kind.