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

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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30 Pages

Page 25

XXXIX. And in addition to what has been said, it is good with our head cleansed, as the head which is the workshop of the senses is cleansed, to hold fast the Head of Christ, [4168] from which the whole body is fitly joined together and compacted; and to cast down our sin that exalted itself, when it would exalt us above our better part. It is good also for the shoulder to be sanctified and purified that it may be able to take up the Cross of Christ, which not everyone can easily do. It is good for the hands to be consecrated, and the feet; the one that they may in every place be lifted up holy; [4169] and that they may lay hold of the discipline [4170] of Christ, lest the Lord at any time be angered; and that the Word may gain credence by action, as was the case with that which was given in the hand of a prophet; [4171] the other, that they be not swift to shed blood, nor to run to evil, [4172] but that they be prompt to run to the Gospel and the Prize [4173] of the high Calling, and to receive Christ Who washes and cleanses them. And if there be also a cleansing of that belly which receiveth and digesteth the food of the Word, it were good also; not to make it a god by luxury and the meat that perisheth, [4174] but rather to give it all possible cleansing, and to make it more spare, that it may receive the Word of God at the very heart, and grieve honourably over the sins of Israel. [4175] I find also the heart and inward parts deemed worthy of honour. David convinces me of this, when he prays that a clean heart may be created in him, and a right spirit renewed in his inward parts; [4176] meaning, I think, the mind and its movements or thoughts.

[4168] Ephes. iv. 16.

[4169] 1 Tim. ii. 8.

[4170] Ps. ii. 12.

[4171] Hag. i. 1.

[4172] Mal. i. 1 sq.; Prov. i. 16.

[4173] Phil. iii. 14.

[4174] John vi. 27.

[4175] Jer. iv. 19.

[4176] Ps. li. 10.

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