Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian Last Farewell in the Presence of the One Hundred and Fifty Bishops (Oration XLII), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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Page 9

8. Thou countest tens of thousands, God counts those who are in a state of salvation; thou countest the dust which is without number, I the vessels of election. For nothing is so magnificent in God's sight as pure doctrine, and a soul perfect in all the dogmas of the truth.—For there is nothing worthy of Him Who made all things, of Him by Whom are all things, and for Whom are all things, [4344] so that it can be given or offered to God: not merely the handiwork or means of any individual, but even if we wished to honour Him, by uniting together all the property and handiwork of all mankind. Do not I fill heaven and earth? [4345] saith the Lord! and what house will ye build Me? or what is the place of My rest? [4346] But, since man must needs fall short of what is worthy, I ask of you, as approaching it most nearly, piety, the wealth which is common to all and equal in My eyes, wherein the poorest may, if he be nobleminded, surpass the most illustrious. For this kind of glory depends upon purpose, not upon affluence. These things be well assured, I will accept at your hands. [4347] To tread [4348] My courts ye shall not proceed, but the feet of the meek [4349] shall tread them, who have duly and sincerely acknowledged Me, and My only-begotten Word, and the Holy Spirit. How long will ye inherit My holy Mountain? [4350] How long shall My ark be among the heathen? [4351] Now for a little longer ye indulge yourselves in that which belongs to others, and gratify your desires. For as ye have devised to reject Me, so will I also reject you, [4352] saith the Lord Almighty.

[4344] 1 Cor. viii. 6.

[4345] Jer. xxiii. 24.

[4346] Isai. lxvi. 1.

[4347] Ib. i. 12.

[4348] To tread, etc. The Arians for a time had been in possession of the churches of Constantinople.

[4349] Isai. xxvi. 6 (LXX.).

[4350] Ib. lvii. 13; lxv. 9.

[4351] 1 Sam. vi. 1.

[4352] Hos. iv. 6.

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