Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian On Holy Baptism (Oration XL), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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30 Pages

Page 23

XXXVII. And as I know of two kinds of fire, so also do I of light. The one is the light of our ruling power directing our steps according to the will of God; the other is a deceitful and meddling one, quite contrary to the true light, though pretending to be that light, that it may cheat us by its appearance. This really is darkness, yet has the appearance of noonday, the high perfection of light. And so I read that passage of those who continually flee in darkness at noonday; [4146] for this is really night, and yet is thought to be bright light by those who have been ruined by luxury. For what saith David? "Night was around me and I knew it not, for I thought that my luxury was enlightenment." [4147] But such are they, and in this condition; but let us kindle for ourselves the light of knowledge. [4148] This will be done by sowing unto righteousness, and reaping the fruit of life, for action is the patron of contemplation, that amongst other things we may learn also what is the true light, and what the false, and be saved from falling unawares into evil wearing the guise of good. Let us be made light, as it was said to the disciples by the Great Light, ye are the light of the world. [4149] Let us be made lights in the world, holding forth the Word of Life; [4150] that is, let us be made a quickening power to others. Let us lay hold of the Godhead; let us lay hold of the First and Brightest Light. Let us walk towards Him shining, before our feet stumble upon dark and hostile mountains. [4151] While it is day let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, [4152] which are the dishonesties of the night.

[4146] Isa. xvi. 3.

[4147] A strange paraphrase of the last clause of Ps. cxxxix. 11, in the LXX., "And I said, then the darkness shall swallow me, and night is enlightenment in my luxury."

[4148] Thus LXX. in Hosea x. 12, where we read "Break up your fallow ground."

[4149] Matt. v. 14.

[4150] Phil. ii. 15, 16.

[4151] Jer. xlii. 16.

[4152] Rom. xiii. 13.

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