and unfolds the unbounded spiritual riches of the
least tittle in the divine word; and explains its sacred truths with
incomparable ease, perspicuity, elegance, and energy of style. The moral
instructions are enforced by all the strength and ornaments of the most
sweet and persuasive eloquence. Inveighing against the stage, he calls
it the reign of vice and iniquity, and the ruin of cities: and commends
the saying of that ancient Roman, who, hearing an account of the usual
entertainments which were represented on the stage, and how eagerly the
citizens ran to them, cried out, "Have they then neither wives nor
children at home?" giving to understand, that men ought not to seek
diversion abroad which they would more rationally procure at home with
those whom they love. (Hom. 37, p. 414.) On the precept of self-denial
he takes notice, that by it Christ commands us, first, to be crucified
to our own flesh and will; secondly, to spare ourselves in nothing;
thirdly, not only to deny ourselves, but thoroughly to deny ourselves;
by this little particle _thoroughly_, adding great force to his precept.
He says further, _Let him take up his cross_; this is, bearing not only
all reproaches and injurious words, but also every kind of sufferings or
death. (Hom. 55, p. 556.) On Vain Glory, he calls it the most tyrannical
of all the diseases of the soul, (Hom. 19, p. 244,) and pathetically
laments the extreme misery of a soul that forsakes God, who would
commend and reward her, to court the empty esteem of the vainest of all
creatures, and those who will the more hate and despise her as she more
eagerly hunts after applause. He compares her to a king's daughter who
should abandon a most amiable and rich prince, to run night and day
through the streets after fugitives and slaves, that hate and fly from
her as the {265} basest of prostitutes. Those she seeks to have for
witnesses and applauders, or rather she herself, act the part of
robbers, and rifle treasures laid up even in heaven in a place of
safety. The devil sees them inaccessible to his arts, therefore employs
this worm to devour them. When you bestow an alms, shut your door; let
him alone to whom you give it be witness, nor even him if possible; of
others see you they will proclaim your vain-glory, and be published by
God himself. (Hom. 71.) Speaking on alms, (Hom. 66,) he says, that the
Church of Antioch was then possessed only of the revenue of one rich and
of one poor man, ye