A Good Confession

“It's a strange thing that some of history's most stirring confessions to the Lord's grace and goodness have been made by his people when they have been under their most severe trial or persecution. ”

Thus we find these ringing affirmations from the lips of the faithful Chrysostom at the very hour of his banishment: –

“What can I fear? Will it be death? But you know that Christ is my life, and I shall only gain by death. Will it be exile? But the earth and all its fulness, is the Lord's. Will it be the loss of wealth? But we brought nothing into the world, and carry nothing out. Thus all the terrors of the world are contemptible in my eyes, and I smile at all its good things. Poverty I do not fear. Riches I do not sigh for. Death I do not shirk from, and life I do not desire, save only for the progress of your souls. But you know, my friends, the true cause of my fall. It is that I have not flattered the effeminacy and sensuality of certain men, nor laid gold and silver at their feet. But why need I say more? Jezebel is raising her persecution and Elijah must fly; Herodias is taking her pleasure, and John must be bound in chains; the Egyptian wife tells her lie, and Joseph must be thrust into prison. And so, if they banish me, I shall be like Elijah; if they throw me into the mire like Jeremiah; if into the pit, like Daniel. If they stone me, it is Stephen that I shall resemble; Paul, if they beat me with stripes; Isaiah, if they saw me asunder.”

This Page Title – A Good Confession – Example of a good confession given from life of Chrysostom. The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 107 – placed on line March 2014 Wicket Gate contact address – Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk