Chrysostom
Beloved of All
This business of marking those who cause divisions must be your first care, for the subversion of the Church comes precisely from this. When opinions arise contrary to the doctrine you have learned, know that they serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. The devil has no power to enter where the body is joined into one; but from division comes offence. So avoid those who make this mischief. Do not meet them with strife and blows, but spring away from them.
Against a leader receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Many judgments are formed upon suspicion, but there must be men to convict the offender according to the ancient law. If the accusations are false, those who speak them hurt themselves, for of every idle word you shall give account, while the one falsely accused gains by them. And if there be truth in some charge, yet he who has the care of so many things must through ignorance commit errors. Bring the accusation openly, and receive the defense. Reprove, lest perhaps he has not said it; and if he has done it, that he add not thereto. This favor I ask: come together, bind one another in love, and let no one separate you.
Consider also that when the righteous are near the end of their conflicts, God enhances the struggle, willing them to gain more. What seems intolerable becomes tolerable when removal stands at the very doors. Look to the prophets driven out and persecuted for Christ’s sake. So do not be terrified. The whole world weighs nothing against a soul; let us build up the Church by our manner of life, not tear it down with factions saying, I am of this one, and I of that. Christ is not divided.
Against a leader receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Many judgments are formed upon suspicion, but there must be men to convict the offender according to the ancient law. If the accusations are false, those who speak them hurt themselves, for of every idle word you shall give account, while the one falsely accused gains by them. And if there be truth in some charge, yet he who has the care of so many things must through ignorance commit errors. Bring the accusation openly, and receive the defense. Reprove, lest perhaps he has not said it; and if he has done it, that he add not thereto. This favor I ask: come together, bind one another in love, and let no one separate you.
Consider also that when the righteous are near the end of their conflicts, God enhances the struggle, willing them to gain more. What seems intolerable becomes tolerable when removal stands at the very doors. Look to the prophets driven out and persecuted for Christ’s sake. So do not be terrified. The whole world weighs nothing against a soul; let us build up the Church by our manner of life, not tear it down with factions saying, I am of this one, and I of that. Christ is not divided.
