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

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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Page 4

VI. Light was also the firstborn commandment given to the firstborn man (for the commandment of the Law is a lamp and a light; [4021] and again, Because Thy judgments are a light upon the earth); [4022] although the envious darkness crept in and wrought wickedness. And a Light typical and proportionate to those who were its subjects was the written law, adumbrating the truth and the sacrament of the great Light, for Moses' face was made glorious by it. [4023] And, to mention more Lights—it was Light that appeared out of Fire to Moses, when it burned the bush indeed, but did not consume it, [4024] to shew its nature and to declare the power that was in it. And it was Light that was in the pillar of fire that led Israel and tamed the wilderness. [4025] It was Light that carried up Elias in the car of fire, [4026] and yet did not burn him as it carried him. It was Light that shone round the Shepherds [4027] when the Eternal Light was mingled with the temporal. It was Light that was the beauty of the Star that went before to Bethlehem to guide the Wise Men's way, [4028] and to be the escort of the Light That is above us, when He came amongst us. Light was That Godhead Which was shewn upon the Mount to the disciples—and a little too strong for their eyes. [4029] Light was That Vision which blazed out upon Paul, [4030] and by wounding his eyes healed the darkness of his soul. Light is also the brilliancy of heaven to those who have been purified here, when the righteous shall shine forth as the Sun, [4031] and God shall stand in the midst of them, [4032] gods and kings, deciding and distinguishing the ranks of the Blessedness of heaven. Light beside these in a special sense is the illumination of Baptism of which we are now speaking; for it contains a great and marvellous sacrament of our salvation.

[4021] Prov. vi. 23.

[4022] Ps. cxix. 105.

[4023] Exod. xxxiv. 30.

[4024] Ib. iii. 2.

[4025] Ex. xiii. 21.

[4026] 2 Kings ii. 11.

[4027] Luke ii. 9.

[4028] Matt. ii. 9.

[4029] Luke ix. 32, 34.

[4030] Acts ix. 3.

[4031] Matt. xiii. 43.

[4032] Wisd. iii. 7.

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