hatred, but in love, is made plain by that addition, “that the spirit may be saved.” Or let them
notice what we say in those books to which they themselves attribute great authority, where
it is written that the Apostle Thomas imprecated on a certain man, by whom he had been
struck with the palm of the hand, the punishment of death in a very cruel form, while yet
commending his soul to God, that it might be spared in the world to come,—whose hand,
torn from the rest of his body after he had been killed by a lion, a dog brought to the table
at which the apostle was feasting. It is allowable for us not to credit this writing, for it is not
in the catholic canon; yet they both read it, and honour it as being thoroughly uncorrupted
and thoroughly truthful, who rage very fiercely (with I know not what blindness) against
the corporeal punishments which are in the Old Testament, being altogether ignorant in
what spirit and at what stage in the orderly distribution of times they were inflicted.
66. Hence, in this class of injuries which is atoned for by punishment, such a measure
will be preserved by Christians, that, on an injury being received, the mind will not mount
up into hatred, but will be ready, in compassion for the infirmity, to endure even more; nor
will it neglect the correction, which it can employ either by advice, or by authority, or by
[the exercise of] power. There is another class of injuries, where complete restitution is
possible, of which there are two species: the one referring to money, the other to labour.
And therefore examples are subjoined: of the former in the case of the coat and cloak, of
the latter in the case of the compulsory service of one and two miles; for a garment may be
given back, and he whom you have assisted by labour may also assist you, if it should be
necessary. Unless, perhaps, the distinction should rather be drawn in this way: that the first
case which is supposed, in reference to the cheek being struck, means all injuries that are
inflicted by the wicked in such a way that restitution cannot be made except by punishment;
and that the second case which is supposed, in reference to the garment, means all injuries
where restitution can be made without punishment; and therefore, perhaps, it is added, “if
any man will sue thee at the law,” because what is taken away by means of a judicial sentence
is not supposed to be taken away with such a degree of violence as that punishment is due;
but that the third case is composed of both, so that restitution may be made both without
punishment and with it. For the man who violently exacts labour to which he has no claim,
without any judicial process, as he does who wickedly compels a man to go with him, and
forces in an unlawful way assistance to be rendered to himself by one who is unwilling, is
able both to pay the penalty of his wickedness and to repay the labour, if he who endured
the wrong should ask it again. In all these classes of injuries, therefore, the Lord teaches that
the disposition of a Christian ought to be most patient and compassionate, and thoroughly
prepared to endure more.
67. But since it is a small matter merely to abstain from injuring, unless you also confer
a benefit as far as you can, He therefore goes on to say, “Give to every one that asketh thee,
and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” “To every one that asketh,”
73
Chapter XX