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Morals

St Basil the Great, tr. Lowther Clarke, 1925

Chapter 18

That one must carry out the commandments of God in such a way as the Lord ordered. For he that offends in the manner of executing them, though he may seem to carry out the commandment, is yet reprobate in God’s sight. Lk. xiv. 12-14.

That one must not carry out God’s commandment to please men or because of any other human affection, but in everything have the aim of pleasing God and glorifying God. Mt. vi. 1 ἐλεημοσύνην for δικαιοσύνην K; 2 τῶν ἀνθρώπων for σου**; 1 Cor. x. 31; 1 Thess. ii. 4 τῷ θεῷ for θεῷ K; 5 omit ἐν before προφάσει K; 6.

That one must perform the commandments of God with a good conscience and disposition towards both God and man. For he that doeth not thus is condemned. Mt. xxiii. 25; 26; Rom. xii. 8 †; Phil. ii. 14; 1 Tim. i. 5; 18; 19.

That a prudent management of lesser things justifies a decision to recompense by the charge of greater things. Mt. xxv. 23; 29 ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ for τοῦ δέ K; Lk. xvi. 11; 12.

That one must perform the commandments of the Lord with insatiable desire, always pressing further forward. Mt. v. 6; Phil. iii. 13 τῶν μὲν ὄπισθεν for τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω*.

That one must so perform the commandments of God that, so far as lies in the power of the performer, all are enlightened and God is glorified.

Mt. v. 14; 15 omit αὐτόν**; 16 ὑμῶν after ἔργα**; Lk. viii. 16 κρύπτει for καλύπτει**; Phil. i. 10; 11 καρπῶν δικ. for καρπὸν δικ. τόν K.