|
IT remains therefore for us to measure its meaning and drift from the
inmost feelings of the speaker, and to discuss what the blessed Apostle
called good, and what he pronounced by comparison evil, not by the bare
meaning of the words, but with the same insight which he showed, and to
investigate his meaning with due regard to the worth and goodness of the
speaker. For then we shall be able to understand the words, which were
uttered by God's inspiration, in accordance with his purpose and wish, when
we weigh the position and character of those by whom they were spoken, and
are ourselves clothed with the same feelings (not in words but by
experience), in accordance with the character of which most certainly all
the thoughts are conceived and opinions uttered. Wherefore let us carefully
consider what was in the main that good which the Apostle could not do when
he would. For we know that there are many good things which we cannot deny
that the blessed Apostle and all men as good as he either have by nature,
or acquire by grace. For chastity is good, continence is praiseworthy,
prudence is to be admired, kindness is liberal, sobriety is careful,
temperance is modest, pity is kind, justice is holy: all of which we cannot
doubt existed fully and in perfection in the Apostle Paul and his
companions, so that they taught religion by the lesson of their virtues
rather than their words. What if they were always consumed with the
constant care of all the churches and watchful anxiety? How great a good is
this pity, what perfection it is to burn for them that are offended, to be
weak with the weak! If then the Apostle abounded with such good things,
we cannot recognize what that good was, in the perfection of which the
Apostle was lacking, unless we have advanced to that state of mind in which
he was speaking. And so all those virtues which we say that he possessed,
though they are like most splendid and precious gems, yet when they are
compared with that most beautiful and unique pearl which the merchant in
the gospel sought and wanted to acquire by selling all that he possessed,
so does their value seem poor and trifling, so that if they are without
hesitation got rid of, the possession of one good thing alone will enrich
the man who sells countless good things.
|
|