Thus even those creatures that are born in wildness serve the ordinances of discipline. Whence I marvel at times that a man, in whom is wisdom and the understanding of prudence, everywhere neglects the precepts of discipline, when we see a dumb beast avoid faults, obey commands, serve orders, and so fit its spirit to every obedience that, when there is need, it meets armed legions and casts itself below against hostile weapons. Hear in this place the prophet saying: 'The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib; but Israel has not known me' (Isa. 1:3). I fear to speak, lest that sentence strike our negligence: for he does not know the Lord who does not know the duty of his own condition.
I will indeed show how the Lord can be either found or known, if only there be the mind to see. If you would see the Lord, seek out the beggar, take in the stranger, visit the sick, run to the prison. If you would see God, loose the bonds of captivity, cut the knots of iniquity. Hear the Lord speak of this: 'I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me' (Matt. 25:35-36). I warn you, therefore, do not despise the naked, do not withdraw your hand from the blind, do not scorn him wrapped in rags. For in this garb the Lord was first found, when he was sought by the Magi.
And since we have made mention of the discipline under which the Christian faith flourishes, it is necessary that all the ornaments of life be brought to your ears, so that each one may understand that the reputation of conversion profits him little, unless in contempt of the world he has loved discipline. Therefore, let him whose zeal it is to worship Christ first receive the vestments of the heart and then of the body. Every life, then, of professed religion ought to feel the reputation of integrity, lest the crown of virtue that awaits it be smitten by the loss of modesty. Let integrity of body fortify the life, let uncontaminated faith guard integrity, so that, the benefit of both parts remaining, it may make the unspotted man to reign with Christ. But the whole account of our conversion consists in this alone: that we be good.
Above all, therefore, he who follows goodness must labor to be judged good. For although a man keep his body pure and unspotted, he brings a mangled life to God, whose deeds defame his countenance—though we know that a good conscience alone can suffice for good deeds. Yet how much better it is that he always think well of you, who often sickens with vain suspicions about your door. For it is naturally implanted in the common crowd always to judge ill of the good. But you who cultivate care for a good name, by your zeal acquire the favor of an untarnished opinion. Let our life, then, be so bright that it be known to all. Let integrity serve religion, modesty serve humility.
Whom the love of keeping integrity holds fast, let him above all not admit to himself the reputation of false error. It is indeed great and glorious, and to be proclaimed by every mouth even unto heaven, never to have given place to evil deeds; but it is far stronger never to have labored under false suspicions. For what does sobriety profit you, if you practice the vices of drunkenness? Who would not judge you drunk, if amid cups overflowing with wine you imitate the whirlings of dancers? Who will think you chaste, if he sees you mingled in the tales of harlots composed in theatrical speech, or speaking base things, or echoing what is dishonorable? I praise indeed the conscience of chastity in you, but I hate the harlot's converse.
In this place perhaps someone may say, 'A pure conscience suffices for me.' As far as innocence is concerned, it suffices for you alone. But it must be provided that by your easiness another sin not, and another's sin redound upon you, according to that which Scripture says: 'Woe to him through whom scandal comes' (Matt. 18:7). But although you clothe your body in precious silk and array your limbs in snowy fleece, you do not pass the day without a stain, if you touch the mouth of a burning brand. In every act of yours, therefore, let discipline accompany your life. If you would please Christ, labor that faith may aid your profession and reputation commend it. Let patience, companion of humility, go before you; let chastity, mistress of integrity, stand beside you:
let cupidity flee, let drunkenness blush, let luxury mourn its own acts, let pride depart confounded. Whoever, then, hastens to know God, under this order of discipline he shall be able to find our Christ. Many things indeed still remained, dearly beloved, which the account of discipline urged us to disclose; which for the time we have thought must be deferred, lest a long narration breed weariness in idle ears. Yet, lest we seem to have withheld anything in this work, we shall strive to discourse at a later time on those things that befit religious deeds.