Sketch of the Life and Works of Saint Basil the Great

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130 Pages

Page 77

Among the remarks which have seemed frivolous is the comment on Is. xi. 12, that the actual cross of the Passion was prefigured by the four parts of the universe joining in the midst. [514] Similar objections have been taken to the statement that the devils like rich fare, and crowd the idols' temples to enjoy the sacrificial feasts. [515] On the other hand it has been pointed out that this ingenuity in finding symbols of the cross is of a piece with that of Justin Martyr, [516] who cites the yard on the mast, the plough, and the Roman trophies, and that Gregory of Nazianzus [517] instances the same characteristic of the devils. While dwelling on the holiness of character required for the prophetic offices, the Commentary points out [518] that sometimes it has pleased God to grant it to Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar for the sake of their great empires; to Caiaphas as the high priest; to Balaam, because of the exigencies of the crisis at which he appeared. The unchaste lad [519] who has some great sin upon his conscience shrinks from taking his place among the faithful, and is ashamed to rank himself with the weepers. So he tries to avoid the examination of those whose duty it is to enquire into sins [520] and he invents excuses for leaving the church before the celebration of the mysteries. The Commentary urges [521] that without penitence the best conduct is unavailing for salvation; that God requires of the sinner not merely the abandonment of the sinful part, but also the amends of penance, and warns men [522] that they must not dream that the grace of baptism will free them from the obligation to live a godly life. The value of tradition is insisted on. [523] Every nation, as well as every church, is said to have its own guardian angel. [524]

[514] S: 249.

[515] S: 236.

[516] Apol. i. S: 72.

[517] Carm. 11, Epig. 28: Daimosin eilapinazon, hosois toparoithe memelei Daimosin era pherein, ou katharas Thusias.

[518] S: 4. cf. S: 199.

[519] S:19.

[520] id. oknos eis prophaseis peplasmenas epinoon pros tous epizetountas.

[521] S: 34, 278.

[522] S: 39.

[523] cf. De Sp. S. p. .

[524] S: 240.

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