{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/112/1120064.htm","path":"chr/ecf/112/1120064.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/112/1120064.htm","text":"p. 350 Homily XV.\nSo that 770 though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret.\nHe goes on to apologize for his Epistle, when, (the sin having been corrected,) to treat them tenderly 771 was unattended with danger; and he shows the advantage of the thing. For he did this indeed even before, when he said, \u201cFor out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote unto you: not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have toward you.\u201d (c. 2 Cor. 2.4.) And he does it also now, establishing this same point in more words. And he said not, \u2018I regretted indeed before, but now I do not regret:\u2019 but how? \u201cI regret not now, though I did regret.\u201d \u2018Even if what I wrote,\u2019 he says, \u2018was such as to overstep the [due] measure of rebuke 772 , and to cause me to regret; still the great advantage which has accrued from them doth not allow me to regret.\u2019 And this he said, not as though he had rebuked them beyond due measure, but to heighten his praises of them. \u2018For the amendment ye manifested was so great,\u2019 saith he, \u2018that even if I did happen to smite you too severely insomuch that I even condemned myself, I praise myself now from the result.\u2019 Just as with little children, when they have undergone a painful remedy, such as an incision, or cautery, or bitter physic, afterwards we are not afraid to sooth them; so also doth Paul.\n2 Cor. 7:8, 9. \u201cFor I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season. Now I rejoice not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance.\u201d\nHaving said, \u201cI do not regret,\u201d he tells the reason also; alleging the good that resulted from his letter; and skillfully excusing himself by saying, \u201cthough but for a season.\u201d For truly that which was painful was brief, but that which was profitable was perpetual. And what indeed followed naturally was to say, \u2018even though it grieved you for a season, yet it made you glad and benefited you forever.\u2019 But he doth not say this: but before mentioning the gain he passes again to his praises of them, and the proof of his own concern for them, saying, \u201cNow I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry,\u201d (\u2018for what gain came to me from you being made sorry?) \u201cbut that ye were made sorry unto repentance,\u201d that the sorrow brought some gain.\u2019 For a father also when he sees his son under the knife rejoiceth not that he is being pained, but that he is being cured; so also doth this man. But observe how he transfers all that was well achieved in the matter unto themselves; and lays whatever was painful to the account of the Epistle, saying, \u201cIt made you sorry for a season;\u201d whilst the benefit that resulted from it he speaks of as their own good achieving. For he said not, \u2018The Epistle corrected you,\u2019 although this was the case; but, \u201cye sorrowed unto repentance.\u201d\n\u201cFor ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.\u201d\nSeest thou wisdom unspeakable? \u2018For had we not done this,\u2019 he says, \u2018we had done you damage.\u2019 And he affirms that indeed which was well achieved to be theirs, but the damage his own, if indeed he had been silent. For if they are likely to be corrected by a sharp rebuke, then, if we did not sharply rebuke, we should have done you damage; and the injury would not be with you alone, but also with us. For just as he that gives not to the merchant what is necessary for his voyage, he it is that causeth the damage; so also we, if we did not offer you that occasion 773 of repentance, should have wrought you damage. Seest thou that the not rebuking those that sin is a damage both to the master and to the disciple?\n[2.] 2 Cor. 7.10. \u201cFor godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret.\u201d\n\u2018Therefore,\u2019 he says, \u2018though I did regret before I saw the fruit and the gain, how great they were I do not regret now .\u2019 For such a thing is godly sorrow. And then he philosophizeth about it, showing that sorrow is not in all cases a grievous thing, but when it is worldly. And what is worldly? If thou be in sorrow for p. 351 money, for reputation, for him that is departed, all these are worldly. Wherefore also they work death. For he that is in sorrow for reputation\u2019s sake feeleth envy and is driven oftentimes to perish: such sorrow was that which Cain sorrowed, such Esau. By this worldly sorrow then he meaneth that which is to the harm of those that sorrow. For only in respect to sins is sorrow a profitable thing; as is evident in this way. He that sorroweth for loss of wealth repaireth not that damage; he that sorroweth for one deceased raiseth not the dead to life again; he that sorroweth for a sickness, not only is not made well but even aggravates the disease: he that sorroweth for sins, he alone attains some advantage from his sorrow, for he maketh his sins wane and disappear. For since the medicine has been prepared for this thing, in this case only is it potent and displays its profitableness; and in the other cases is even injurious. \u2018And yet Cain,\u2019 saith one, \u2018sorrowed because he was not accepted with God.\u2019 It was not for this, but because he saw his brother glorious in honor 774 ; for had he grieved for this, it behoved him to emulate and rejoice with him; but, as it was, grieving, he showed that his was a worldly sorrow. But not so did David, nor Peter, nor any of the righteous. Wherefore they were accepted, when grieving either over their own sins or those of others. And yet what is more oppressive than sorrow? Still when it is after a godly sort, it is better than the joy in the world. For this indeed ends in nothing; but that \u201cworketh repentance unto salvation, a salvation that bringeth no regret.\u201d For what is admirable in it is this that one who had thus sorrowed would never repent, whilst this is an especial characteristic of worldly sorrow. For what is more regretted than a true born son? And what is a heavier grief than a death of this sort? But yet those fathers who in the height of their grief endure nobody and who wildly beat themselves, after a time repent because they have grieved immoderately; as having thereby nothing benefitted themselves, but even added to their affliction. But not such as this is godly sorrow; but it possesseth two advantages, that of not being condemned in that a man grieves for, and that this sorrow endeth in salvation; of both which that is deprived. For they both sorrow unto harm and after they have sorrowed vehemently condemn themselves, bringing forth this greatest token of having done it unto harm. But godly sorrow is the reverse [of this]: wherefore also he said, \u201cworketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance that bringeth no regret.\u201d For no one will condemn himself if he have sorrowed for sin, if he have mourned and afflicted himself. Which also when the blessed Paul hath said he needeth not to adduce from other sources the proof of what he said, nor to bring forward those in the old histories who sorrowed, but he adduceth the Corinthians themselves; and furnishes his proof from what they had done; that along with praises he might both instruct them and the rather win them to himself.\n2 Cor. 7.11. \u201cFor behold,\u201d he saith, \u201cthis self-same thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you.\u201d \u2018For not only,\u2019 he saith, \u2018did your sorrow not cast you into that condemning of yourselves, as having acted idly in so doing; but it made you even more careful.\u2019 Then he speaks of the certain tokens of that carefulness;\n\u201cYea,\u201d what \u201cclearing of yourselves,\u201d towards me. \u201cYea, what indignation\u201d against him that had sinned. \u201cYea, what fear.\u201d (2 Cor. 7.11.) For so great carefulness and very speedy reformation was the part of men who feared exceedingly. And that he might not seem to be exalting himself, see how quickly he softened it by saying,\n\u201cYea, what longing,\u201d that towards me. \u201cYea, what zeal,\u201d that on God\u2019s behalf. \u201cYea, what avenging:\u201d for ye also avenged the laws of God that had been outraged.\n\u201cIn every thing ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter.\u201d Not only by not having perpetrated, for this was evident before, but also by not consenting 775 unto it. For since he said in the former Epistle, \u201cand ye are puffed up;\u201d (1 Cor. v. 2.) he also says here, \u2018ye have cleared yourselves of this suspicion also; not only by not praising, but also by rebuking and being indignant.\u2019\n[3.] 2 Cor. 7.12. \u201cSo although I wrote unto you,\u201d I wrote \u201cnot for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong.\u201d For that they might not say, Why then dost thou rebuke us if we were \u201cclear in the matter?\u201d setting himself to meet this even further above, and disposing of it beforehand 776 , he said what he said, namely, \u201cI do not regret, though I did regret.\u201d \u2018For so far,\u2019 says he, \u2018am I from repenting now of what I wrote then, that I repented then more than I do now when ye have approved 777 yourselves.\u2019 Seest thou again his vehemence and earnest contention, how he has turned around what was said unto the very opposite. For what they thought would have made him recant 778 in confusion as having rebuked them hastily, by reason of their amendment; that he uses as a proof that it was right in him to speak freely. For neither does he refuse afterwards to humor them fearlessly, when p. 352 he finds he can do this. For he that said farther above such things as these, \u201cHe that is joined to an harlot is one body,\u201d (1 Cor. vi. 16.) and, \u201cDeliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,\u201d (1 Cor. v. 5.) and, \u201cEvery sin that a man doeth is without the body,\u201d (1 Cor. vi. 18.) and such like things; how saith he here, \u201cNot for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong?\u201d Not contradicting, but being even exceedingly consistent with himself. How consistent with himself? Because it was a very great point with him to show the affection he bore towards them. He does not therefore discard concern for him 779 , but shows at the same time, as I said, the love he had for them, and that a greater fear agitated him, [namely] for the whole Church. For he had feared lest the evil should eat further, and advancing on its way should seize upon the whole Church. Wherefore also he said, \u201cA little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.\u201d (1 Cor. v. 6.) This however he said at the time; but now that they had well done, he no longer puts it so but differently: and implies indeed the same thing, but manages his expressions more agreeably, saying,\n\u201cThat our care for you might appear unto you. 780 \u201d\nThat is, \u2018that ye might know how I love you.\u2019 Now this is the same thing as the former, but being differently expressed seemed to convey another meaning. For [to convince thyself] that it is the same, unfold his conception and thou wilt perceive the difference to be nothing. \u2018For because I love you exceedingly,\u2019 saith he, \u2018I was afraid lest ye should suffer any injury from that quarter, and yourselves succeed to that sorrow.\u2019 As therefore when he says, \u201cDoth God take care for oxen?\u201d (1 Cor. ix. 9.) he doth not mean that He careth not, (for it is not possible for any existing thing to consist if deserted by the Providence of God:) but that He did not legislate primarily for oxen, so also here he means to say, \u2018I wrote first indeed on your account, but secondly on his also. And I had indeed that love in myself,\u2019 he says, \u2018even independently of mine Epistle: but I was desirous of showing it both to you, and in a word to all, by that writing.\u2019\n2 Cor. 7.13. \u201cTherefore we have been comforted.\u201d\nSince we both showed our care for you and have been wholly successful. As he said also in another place, \u201cNow we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord;\u201d (1 Thess. iii. 8.) and again, \u201cFor what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye?\u201d (1 Thess. 2.19.) For this is life, this comfort, this consolation to a teacher possessed of understanding; the growth 781 of his disciples.\n[4.] For nothing doth so declare him that beareth rule as paternal affection for the ruled. For begetting alone constitutes not a father; but after begetting, also loving. But if where nature is concerned there is so great need of love, much more where grace is concerned. In this way were all the ancients distinguished. As many, for instance, as obtained a good report amongst the Hebrews, by this were made manifest. So was Samuel shown to be great, saying, \u201cBut God forbid that I should sin against God in ceasing to pray for you:\u201d (1 Sam. xii. 23.) so was David, so Abraham, so Elijah, and so each one of the righteous, those in the New Testament and those in the Old. For so Moses for the sake of those he ruled left so great riches and treasures untold, \u201cchoosing to suffer affliction with the people of God,\u201d (Heb. xi. 25.) and before his appointment was leader of the people 782 by his actions. Wherefore also very foolishly did that Hebrew say to him, \u201cWho made thee a ruler and a judge over us?\u201d (Exod. ii. 14.) What sayest thou? Thou seest the actions and doubtest of the title? Just as if one seeing a physician using the knife excellently well, and succoring that limb in the body which was diseased, should say, \u2018Who made thee a physician and ordered thee to use the knife?\u2019 \u2018Art, my good Sir 783 , and thine own ailment.\u2019 So too did his knowledge make him (i.e., Moses,) what he claimed to be. For ruling is an art, not merely a dignity, and an art above all arts. For if the rule of those without is an art and science superior to all other, much more this. For this rule is as much better than that, as that than the rest; yea, rather, even much more. And, if ye will, let us examine this argument more accurately. There is an art of agriculture, of weaving, of building; which are both very necessary and tend greatly to preserve our life. For others surely are but ancillary to these; the coppersmith\u2019s, the carpenter\u2019s, the shepherd\u2019s. But further, of arts themselves the most necessary of all is the agricultural, which was even that which God first introduced when He had formed man. For without shoes and clothes it is possible to live; but without agriculture it is impossible. And such they say are the Hamaxobii, the Nomads amongst the Scythians, and the Indian Gymnosophists. For these troubled not themselves 784 with the arts of housebuilding, and weaving, and shoemaking, but p. 353 need only that of agriculture. Blush ye that have need of those arts that be superfluous, cooks, confectioners, embroiderers, and ten thousand other such people, that ye may live; blush ye that introduce vain refinements 785 into life; blush ye who are unbelievers, before those barbarians who have no need of art. For God made nature exceedingly independent, needing only a few things 786 . However, I do not compel you nor lay it down for law that ye should live thus; but as Jacob asked. And what did he ask? \u201cIf the Lord will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on.\u201d (Gen. xxviii. 20.) So also Paul commanded, saying, \u201cAnd having food and covering let us be therewith content.\u201d (1 Tim. vi. 8.) First then comes agriculture; second, weaving; and third after it, building; and shoemaking last of all; for amongst us at any rate there are many both servants and laborers who live without shoes. These, therefore, are the useful and necessary arts. Come, then, let us compare them with that of ruling. For I have therefore brought forward these that are of all most important, that when it shall have been seen to be superior to them, its victory over the rest may be unquestioned. Whereby then shall we show that it is more necessary than all? Because without it there is no advantage in these. And if you think good, let us leave mention of the rest and bring on the stage 787 that one which stands higher and is more important than any, that of agriculture. Where then will be the advantage of the many hands of your laborers, if they are at war with one another and plunder one another\u2019s goods? For, as it is, the fear of the ruler restrains them and protects that which is wrought by them; but if thou take this away, in vain is their labor. But if one examine accurately, he will find yet another rule which is the parent and bond of this. What then may this be? That according to which it behoveth each man to control and rule himself, chastising his unworthy passions, but both nourishing and promoting the growth of all the germs of virtue with all care.\nFor there are [these] species of rule; one, that whereby men rule peoples and states, regulating this the political life; which Paul denoting said, \u201cLet every soul be subject to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God.\u201d (Rom. 13:1, 4.) Afterwards to show the advantage of this, he went on to say, that the ruler \u201cis a minister of God for good;\u201d and again, \u201che is a minister of God, and avenger to execute wrath on him that doeth evil.\u201d\nA second there is whereby every one that hath understanding ruleth himself; and this also the Apostle further denoted 788 , saying, \u201cWouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good;\u201d (Rom. xii. 3.) speaking of him that ruleth himself.\n[5.] Here, however, there is yet another rule, higher than the political rule. And what is this? That in the Church. And this also itself Paul mentions, saying, \u201cObey them that have the rule over you and submit to them; for they watch in behalf of your souls as they that shall give account.\u201d (Heb. xiii. 17.) For this rule is as much better than the political as heaven is than earth; yea rather, even much more. For, in the first place, it considers principally not how it may punish sins committed, but how, they may never be committed at all; next, when committed, not how it may remove the deceased [member], but how they may be blotted out. And of the things of this life indeed it maketh not much account, but all its transactions are about the things in heaven. \u201cFor our citizenship 789 is in heaven.\u201d (Philip. iii. 20.) And our life is here. \u201cFor our life,\u201d saith he, \u201cis hid with Christ in God.\u201d (Col. iii. 3.) And our prizes are there, and our race is for the crowns that be there. For this life is not dissolved after the end, but then shineth forth the more. And therefore, in truth, they who bear this rule have a greater honor committed to their hands, not only than viceroys but even than those themselves who wear diadems, seeing that they mould men in greater, and for greater, things. But neither he that pursueth political rule nor he that pursueth spiritual, will be able well to administer it, unless they have first ruled themselves as they ought, and have observed with all strictness the respective laws of their polity. For as the rule over the many is in a manner twofold, so also is that which each one exerts over himself. And again, in this point also the spiritual rule transcends the political, as what we have said proved. But one may observe certain also of the arts imitating rule; and in particular, that of agriculture. For just as the tiller of the soil is in a sort a ruler over the plants, clipping and keeping back 790 some, making others grow and fostering them: just so also the best rulers punish and cut off such as are wicked and injure the many; whilst they advance the good and orderly 791 . For this cause also the Scripture likeneth rulers to vine-dressers. For what though plants utter no cry, as in states the injured do? nevertheless they still show the wrong by their appearance, withering, straitened for room by the worthless weeds. And like as p. 354 wickedness is punished by laws, so truly here also by this art both badness of soil and degeneracy and wildness in plants, are corrected. For all the varieties of human dispositions we shall find here also, roughness, weakness, timidity, forwardness 792 , steadiness 793 : and some of them through wealth 794 luxuriating unseasonably, and to the damage of their neighbors, and others impoverished and injured; as, for instance, when hedges are raised to luxuriance at the cost of the neighboring plants; when other barren and wild trees, running up to a great height, hinder the growth of those beneath them. And like as rulers and kings have those that vex their rule with outrage and war; so also hath the tiller of the soil attacks of wild beasts, irregularity of weather, hail, mildew, great rain, drought, and all such things. But these things happen in order that thou mayest constantly look unto the hope of God\u2019s aid. For the other arts indeed hold their way 795 through the diligence of men as well; but this getteth the better as God determines the balance, and is throughout almost wholly dependent thereupon; and it needeth rains from above, and the admixture of weathers, and, above all, His Providence. \u201cFor neither is he that planteth any thing, nor he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase.\u201d (1 Cor. iii. 7.)\nHere also there is death and life, and throes and procreation, just as with men. For here happen instances both of being cut off, and of bearing fruit, and of dying, and of being born (the same that was dead) over again, wherein the earth discourseth to us both variously and clearly of a resurrection. For when the root beareth fruit, when the seed shooteth, is not the thing a resurrection? And one might perceive a large measure of God\u2019s providence and wisdom involved in this rule, if one go over it point by point. But what I wished to say is that this [rule] is concerned with earth and plants; but ours with care of souls. And great as is the difference between plants and a soul; so great is the superiority of this to that. And the rulers of the present life again are as much inferior to that [rule], as it is better to have mastery over the willing than the unwilling. For this is also a natural rule; for truly in that case every thing is done through fear and by constraint; but here, what is done aright is of choice and purpose. And not in this point alone doth this excel the other, but in that it is not only a rule, but a fatherhood 796 so to speak; for it has the gentleness of a father; and whilst enjoining greater things, [still] persuades. For the temporal ruler indeed says, \u2018If thou committest adultery, thou hast forfeited thy life,\u2019 but this, shouldst thou look with unchaste eyes, threatens the highest punishments. For awful is this judgment court, and for the correction of soul, not of body only. As great then as the difference between soul and body, is that which separates this rule again from that. And the one indeed sitteth as judge of things that are open; yea, rather, not of all these even, but of such as can be fully proved; and ofttimes moreover, even in these dealeth treacherously 797 , but this court instructeth those that enter it that He that judgeth in our case, will bring forward \u201call things naked and laid open,\u201d (Heb. iv. 13.) before the common theatre of the world, and that to be hidden will be impossible. So that Christianity keeps together this our life far more than temporal 798 laws. For if to tremble about secret sins makes a man safer than to fear for such as are open; and if to call him to account even for those offences which be less doth rather excite him unto virtue, than to punish the graver only; then it is easily seen that this rule, more than all others, welds 799 our life together.\n[6.] But, if thou wilt, let us consider also the mode of electing the rulers; for here too thou shalt behold the difference to be great. For it is not possible to gain this authority by giving money, but by having displayed a highly virtuous character; and not as unto glory with men and ease unto himself, but as unto toils and labors and the welfare of the many, thus, (I say,) is he that hath been appointed inducted unto this rule. Wherefore also abundant is the assistance he enjoys from the Spirit. And in that case indeed the rule can go no further than to declare merely what is to be done; but in this it addeth besides the help derived from prayers and from the Spirit. But further; in that case indeed is not a word about philosophy, nor doth any sit to teach what a soul is, and what the world, and what we are to be hereafter, and unto what things we shall depart hence, and how we shall achieve virtue. Howbeit of contracts and bonds and money, there is much speech, but of those things not a thought; whereas in the Church one may see that these are the subjects of every discourse. Wherefore also with justice may one call it by all these names, a court of justice, and a hospital, and a school of philosophy, and a nursery of the soul, and a training course for that race that leadeth unto heaven. Further, that this rule is also the mildest of all, even though requiring greater strictness, is plain from hence. For the temporal ruler if he catch an adulterer p. 355 straightway punishes him. And yet what is the advantage of this? For this is not to destroy the passion, but to send away the soul with its wound upon it. But this ruler, when he hath detected, considers not how he shall avenge, but how extirpate the passion. For thou indeed dost the same thing, as if when there was a disease of the head, thou shouldest not stay the disease, but cut off the head. But I do not thus: but I cut off the disease. And I exclude him indeed from mysteries and hallowed precincts; but when I have restored him I receive him back again, at once delivered from that viciousness and amended by his repentance. \u2018And how is it possible,\u2019 saith one, \u2018to extirpate adultery?\u2019 It is possible, yea, very possible, if a man comes under these laws. For the Church is a spiritual bath, which wipeth away not filth of body, but stains of soul, by its many methods of repentance. For thou, indeed, both if thou let a man go unpunished hast made him worse, and if thou punish hast sent him away uncured: but I neither let him go unpunished, nor punish him, as thou, but both exact a satisfaction which becomes me, and set that right which hath been done. Wilt thou learn in yet another way how that thou indeed, though drawing swords and displaying flames to them that offend, workest not any considerable cure; whilst I, without these things, have conducted them to perfect health? But no need have I of arguments or words, but I bring forth earth and sea, and human nature itself, [for witnesses.] And inquire, before this court held its sittings, what was the condition of human affairs; how, not even the names of the good works which now are done, were ever heard of. For who braved death? who despised money? who was indifferent to glory? who, fleeing from the turmoils of life 800 , bade welcome to mountains and solitude, the mother of heavenly wisdom? where was at all the name of virginity? For all these things, and more than these, were the good work of this judgment court, the doings of this rule. Knowing these things then, and well understanding that from this proceedeth every benefit of our life, and the reformation of the world, come frequently unto the hearing of the Divine words, and our assemblies here, and the prayers. For if ye thus order yourselves, ye will be able, having displayed a deportment worthy of heaven, to obtain the promised good things; which may all we obtain, through the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.\n\u2018For,\u2019 Rec. Text [which is correct. C.]\n350:771 350:772 350:773 351:774 351:775 351:776 351:777 351:778 352:779 352:780\n[The true text of this clause is given in the Rev. Vers. \u201cThat your earnest care for us might be made manifest.\u201d C.]\n352:781 352:782 352:783 352:784 353:785 353:786 353:787 353:788 353:789 353:790 353:791 354:792 354:793 354:794 354:795 354:796 354:797 354:798 354:799 355:800","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. XII: Homilies on Sec...","type":"page"}