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Shorter Rules

St Basil the Great, tr. Lowther Clarke, 1925

Rule 185: If in the Course of a Talks a Man Rejoices as He Sees the Hearers Moved by What…

If he finds his joy in praises only, he is clearly moved by selfish motive; but if he is glad because he sees the speedy understanding of those who praise him as they hear—which leads him to hope that they will obey—but afterwards being anxious about practical results either rejoices at finding virtuous acts in them corresponding to the praises they uttered, or else grieves at seeing those who uttered the praises in no way benefited, then let him give thanks to God, that as one loving God and the brethren he was counted worthy to have such feelings, that he was not seeking his own glory but the glory of God and the edifying of the brethren.

Notes

  1. διαλέξει.
  2. i.e. those who visit the monastery with a view to edification; cf. F. 32.

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