CHAPTER VII Chrysostom did not avoid ordination because he intended to insult those who destined him for it
CHAPTER VII
Chrysostom did not avoid ordination because he intended to insult those who destined him for it
151. Hereupon he blushed and coloured, and said, [BASIL.] Let my concerns be dismissed now; for from the outset I never asked you for an account of these matters. But if you have anything proper to say to those who are without, I would willingly hear your words to that effect.
Therefore dismissing this shadowy contest, say, what answer shall I give to others, both to those who have honoured me, and to those who grieve for them as if they were despised?
[CHRYSOSTOM.] 152. In fine, said I, I am hastening to do this: for since my explanation to you is finished, I shall readily turn to this part of the answer. What then is their accusation, and what are the charges?
[BASIL.] They say they have been slighted by us, and shamefully wronged, because we have not accepted the honour which they desired to confer upon us.
[CHRYSOSTOM.] 153. Well, first I say this, that I am not bound to render any account of slight towards men, when by honouring them I should be compelled to offend God. Nor is it safe for those who are vexed to be annoyed about these things, but it is a great injury to them. For I think that such as are set apart to God, and look to Him alone, ought to conduct themselves so piously, as not to account it an insult, even if they should be dishonoured a thousand times.
154. But that I have not dared to do this even in thought, is manifest from hence; that if I had come to this degree through folly and love of glory, as you have often said some even slanderously affirm, I ought to be reckoned by my accusers with such as have perpetrated the greatest wrong, as having despised men who were great and worthy of admiration, and besides, my benefactors. For if to wrong those who have not wronged us is deserving of punishment, what vengeance does it not deserve to repay the contrary to those who have chosen of their own accord to honour us? (since nobody can say that those who have been favoured in little or much by me have made any return for such benefits).
155. But if I never allowed this to enter my mind, but on other advice declined the heavy burden, why, while omitting to forgive, even if they do not consent to approve, do they condemn me because I spared my own soul?
156. For I was so far from insulting the men in question, that I should say I have honoured them by my refusal. And do not be surprised if what I have been saying is paradoxical, for I shall supply a speedy solution of it.