Quote #28

There are three very grievous kinds of war. The one is public, when our soldiers are attacked by foreign armies: The second is, when even in time of peace, we are at war with one another: The third is, when the individual is at war with himself, which is the worst of all. From the third, we cannot escape without danger. For when the body is at variance with the soul, and raises up evil desires, and arms against it sensual pleasures, or the bad passions of anger, and envy; we cannot attain the promised blessings, till this war is brought to an end; whoever does not still this tumult, must fall pierced by wounds that will bring that death that is in hell. We have daily need therefore of care and great anxiety, that this war may not be stirred up within us, or that, if stirred up, it may not last, but be quelled and laid asleep.

More from John Chrysostom

  1. To conquer enemies does not render kings so illustrious, as to conquer wrath and anger. For, in the former case, the success is due to arms…
  2. [A]lthough the tradition of Chrysostom continued to cause unbridled vituperation for Jews and Judaism, climaxing in the violence of 1096 an…
  3. If in order to put an end to public wars, and tumults, and battles, the Priest is exhorted to offer prayers for kings and governors, much m…
  4. The diatribes of St Chrysostom against the Jews were rivalled only by Hitler.
  5. How great punishment must they deserve, who, far from themselves forgiving, do even entreat God for vengeance on their enemies, and as it w…
  6. Many, throwing themselves prostrate, and striking the ground with their forehead, and pouring forth hot tears, and groaning bitterly from t…
  7. Prayer for our enemies is the very highest summit of self-control.
  8. Praying against one's personal enemies is a transgression of law.

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