Homily Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren

¹¹ But it is also worth hearing the very words of their prayer, and how the words are of a puerile mind; of how infantile a soul. I am ashamed in truth when about to repeat them; but it is absolutely necessary to repeat them, and to imitate that coarse tongue. What then are the words? “Avenge me of my enemies, show them that I too have God (on my side).” They do not then learn, man, that we have God, when we are indignant and angry and impatient; but when we are gentle and meek and subdued, and practise all love of wisdom.

So also God said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.” Perceivest thou not that it is an insult to God, the making a request to God against your enemies? And how is it an insult? One will say. Because He Himself said, “pray for your enemies;” and brought in this divine law. When therefore you claim that the legislator should relax his own laws; and callest upon him to legislate in opposition to himself; and supplicatest him who had forbidden you to pray against your enemies to hear you praying against your enemies; you are not praying in doing this, nor calling upon him; but you are insulting the lawgiver, and acting with drunken violence towards him, who is sure to give to you the good things which result from prayer.

And how is it possible to be heard when praying, tell me, when you exasperate him who is sure to hear? For by doing these things you are pushing your own salvation into a pit, and art rushing down a precipice, by striking your enemy before the king's eyes. For even if you do not this with the hands, with your words you strike him, the thing which you dare not do even in the case of your fellow-slaves. At least dare to do this in a ruler's presence, and though you have done countless public services, you will straightway surely be led away to execution.

Then (I ask) in the presence of a ruler do you not dare to insult your equal, but when doing this in God's presence, tell me, do you not shudder, nor fear when in the time of entreaty and prayer being so savage and turning yourself into a wild beast; and displaying greater want of feeling than he who demanded payment of the hundred pence? For that you are more insolent than he, listen to the story itself. A certain man owed ten thousand talents to his master; then, not having (wherewith) to pay, he entreated him to be long-suffering, in order that, his wife having been sold and his house and his children, he might settle his master's claim.

And the master seeing him lamenting had compassion on him, and remitted the ten thousand talents. He having gone out and found another servant owing him a hundred pence, seizing his throat demanded them with great cruelty and inhumanity. The Master having heard this threw him into the prison, and laid on him again the debt of the ten thousand talents which he had before remitted; and he paid the penalty of the cruelty shown towards his fellow-servant.