A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

434 A Source Book for Ancient Church HistoryNevertheless, the death of Basil was an occasion for him todeliver his greatest oration. It was probably composed anddelivered several years after Basil's decease and after Gregoryhad retired from Constantinople to his home at Nazianzus.[396]Go forth a little way from the city, behold the New City, 151 thestorehouse of piety … where disease is regarded in a philosophiclight, and disaster is thought to be a blessing in disguise, andsympathy is tested. Why should I compare with this work Thebeshaving the seven gates, and the Egyptian Thebes and the walls ofBabylon … and all other objects of men's wonder and of historicrecord, from all of which, except for some slight glory, there wasno advantage to their founders? My subject is the most wonderfulof all, the short road to salvation, the easiest ascent to heaven. 152There is no longer before our eyes that terrible and piteousspectacle of men dead before their death, in many members oftheir body already dead, driven away from their cities and homesand public places and fountains, ay and from their dearest ones,recognizable by their names rather than by their features.… He,however, it was who most of all persuaded us men, as beingmen, not to despise men nor to dishonor Christ, the head of all,by inhuman treatment of them; but in the misfortune of othersto establish well our own lot and to lend to God that mercy,since we ourselves need mercy. He did not therefore disdain tohonor disease with his lips; he was noble and of noble ancestryand of brilliant reputation, but he saluted them as brethren, notout of vainglory, as some might suppose (for who was so farremoved from this feeling?), but taking the lead in approachingto tend them in consequence of his philosophy, and so giving notonly a speaking but also a silent instruction. Not only the city,but the country and parts beyond behave in like manner; and151 The name given to the extensive charitable institutions founded by Basil.152 For this conception of the value to the giver to be found in almsgiving, seeabove, § 39, h.