Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian In Defence of His Flight to Pontus and His Return, After His Ordination to the Priesthood, with an Exposition of the Character of the Priestly Office (Oration II), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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Page 26

56. Why should I enter into detail? He lived not to himself, but to Christ and his preaching. He crucified the world to himself, [2702] and being crucified to the world and the things which are seen, he thought all things little, [2703] and too small to be desired; even though from Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum [2704] he had fully preached the Gospel, even though he had been prematurely caught up to the third heaven, and had a vision of Paradise, and had heard unspeakable words. [2705] Such was Paul, and everyone of like spirit with him. But we fear that, in comparison with them, we may be foolish princes of Zoan, [2706] or extortioners, who exact the fruits of the ground, or falsely bless the people: [2707] and further make themselves happy, and confuse the way of your feet, [2708] or mockers ruling over you, or children in authority, [2709] immature in mind, not even having bread and clothing enough to be rulers over any; [2710] or prophets teaching lies, [2711] or rebellious princes, [2712] deserving to share the reproach of their elders for the straitness of the famine, [2713] or priests very far from speaking comfortably [2714] to Jerusalem, according to the reproaches and protests urged by Isaiah, who was purged by the Seraphim with a live coal. [2715]

[2702] Gal. vi. 14.

[2703] Phil. iii. 8.

[2704] Rom. xv. 19.

[2705] 2 Cor. xii. 2, 4.

[2706] Isa. xix. 11.

[2707] Ib. ix. 16.

[2708] Ib. iii. 12.

[2709] Ib. iii. 4.

[2710] Ib. iii. 7.

[2711] Ib. ix. 15.

[2712] Ib. i. 23.

[2713] Ib. viii. 21.

[2714] Ib. xl. 2.

[2715] Ib. vi. 6, 7.

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