Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian On His Father's Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail (Oration XVI), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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16 Pages

Page 7

9. But then what advocate shall we have? What pretext? What false excuse? What plausible artifice? What device contrary to the truth will impose upon the court, and rob it of its right judgment, which places in the balance for us all, our entire life, action, word, and thought, and weighs against the evil that which is better, until that which preponderates wins the day, and the decision is given in favour of the main tendency; after which there is no appeal, no higher court, no defence on the ground of subsequent conduct, no oil obtained from the wise virgins, or from them that sell, for the lamps going out, [3098] no repentance of the rich man wasting away in the flame, [3099] and begging for repentance for his friends, no statute of limitations; but only that final and fearful judgment-seat, more just even than fearful; or rather more fearful because it is also just; when the thrones are set and the Ancient of days takes His seat, [3100] and the books are opened, and the fiery stream comes forth, and the light before Him, and the darkness prepared; and they that have done good shall go into the resurrection of life, [3101] now hid in Christ [3102] and to be manifested hereafter with Him, and they that have done evil, into the resurrection of judgment, [3103] to which they who have not believed have been condemned already by the word which judges them. [3104] Some will be welcomed by the unspeakable light and the vision of the holy and royal Trinity, Which now shines upon them with greater brilliancy and purity and unites Itself wholly to the whole soul, in which solely and beyond all else I take it that the kingdom of heaven consists. The others among other torments, but above and before them all must endure the being outcast from God, and the shame of conscience which has no limit. But of these anon.

[3098] S. Matt. xxv. 8.

[3099] S. Luke xvi. 24.

[3100] Dan. vii. 9.

[3101] S. John v. 29.

[3102] Col. iii. 3.

[3103] S. John v. 29.

[3104] S. John iii. 18; xii. 48.

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