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

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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30 Pages

Page 24

XXXVIII. Let us cleanse every member, Brethren, let us purify every sense; let nothing in us be imperfect or of our first birth; let us leave nothing unilluminated. Let us enlighten our eyes, [4153] that we may look straight on, and not bear in ourselves any harlot idol through curious and busy sight; for even though we might not worship lust, yet our soul would be defiled. If there be beam or mote, [4154] let us purge it away, that we may be able to see those of others also. Let us be enlightened in our ears; let us be enlightened in our tongue, that we may hearken what the Lord God will speak, [4155] and that He may cause [4156] us to hear His lovingkindness in the morning, and that we may be made to hear of joy and gladness, [4157] spoken into godly ears, that we may not be a sharp sword, nor a whetted razor, [4158] nor turn under our tongue labour and toil, [4159] but that we may speak the Wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden Wisdom, [4160] reverencing the fiery tongues. [4161] Let us be healed also in the smell, that we be not effeminate; and be sprinkled with dust instead of sweet perfumes, [4162] but may smell the Ointment that was poured out for us, [4163] spiritually receiving it; and so formed and transformed by it, that from us too a sweet odour may be smelled. Let us cleanse our touch, our taste, our throat, not touching them over gently, nor delighting in smooth things, but handling them as is worthy of Him, the Word That was made flesh for us; and so far following the example of Thomas, [4164] not pampering them with dainties and sauces, those brethren of a more baleful pampering, [4165] but tasting and learning that the Lord is good, [4166] with the better and abiding taste; and not for a short while refreshing that baneful and thankless dust, which lets pass and does not hold that which is given to it; but delighting it with the words which are sweeter than honey. [4167]

[4153] Prov. iv. 25.

[4154] Matt. vii. 2.

[4155] Ps. lxxxv. 8.

[4156] Ib. cxliii. 8.

[4157] Ib. li. 8.

[4158] Ib. lvii. 4; lii. 2.

[4159] Ib. x. 7.

[4160] 1 Cor. ii. 7.

[4161] Acts ii. 3.

[4162] Isa. iii. 34.

[4163] Cant. i. 3.

[4164] John xx. 28.

[4165] Quia gula est parens immunditiae et luxuriae.

[4166] Ps. xxxiv. 8.

[4167] Ps. cxix. 103.

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