Seeing, as I do, that
temptation is now spread all over the world, and that the greater
cities of Syria have been tried by the same sufferings as yourselves,
(though, indeed, nowhere is the Senate so approved and renowned for
good works, as your own, noted as you are for your righteous zeal,) I
all but thank the troubles which have befallen you. χάριν
ἔχειν τοῖς
οικονομηθεῖσιν,
with the Cod. Med., instead of ἐπὶ
τοῖς
οἱκονομηθεῖσιν.
The Ben. note points out that this expression of gratitude to the
troubles themselves is of a piece with the expression of gratitude
to enemies in the De. Sp. S. vi. § 13. (p. 8), and
concludes: “Sic etiam Machabæorum mater apud
Gregorium Nazianzenum orat. xxii. ait se tyranno pene gratias
agere.