Chapter CXXXI. Of his charity; and how he set himself as a pattern of perfection for the salvation of souls

Of his Charity

172. If the strength of love had made him a brother to the other creatures it is no wonder if Christ's charity made him more than a brother to those who have been stamped with the Creator's image. For he used to say that nothing is more important than the salvation of souls, often alleging in proof of this that the Only-begotten of God deigned to hang upon the cross for souls. Hence his wrestlings in prayer, his going about preaching, the excessive efforts he made in order to give examples of conduct. He deemed not himself a friend of Christ unless he loved the souls that Christ loved. And this was the chief cause of his reverence for the Doctors,¹ namely, that being Christ's helpers they performed the same office with Him. As for the Brethren, he loved them with an unbounded passionate affection as being of the household of a peculiar faith and united by the fellowship of an eternal inheritance. 173. Whenever the hardness of his own life was blamed he answered that he had been given to the Order for a pattern, so that like an eagle he might incite his young ones to fly: and accordingly though his innocent flesh, which already was subjecting itself voluntarily to the spirit, needed no scourge for offences committed, still, for example's sake, he renewed his chastisement of it, keeping to these hard ways on account of others alone. And rightly, for more regard is paid to the deeds than to the words of those in authority. It was by deeds, father, that thou didst discourse most sweetly, didst persuade most readily, didst prove most surely. Though they speak with the tongues of men and angels but show no examples of charity they profit me little and themselves not at all. But where there is no dread of the reprover, and self-will takes the place of reason,1 are seals sufficient for salvation 2? Yet we should do as they tell us, that the runnels may trickle through scanty channels to little plots of ground. Meanwhile let us gather a rose from among the thorns, so that the greater may do some service to the lesser.