Moral rules

Returning from a trip to the most important ascetic centers of the Christian East, St. Basil the Great compiled “Moral Rules”, numbering 80, many of them further divided into chapters. The approximate time of writing the essay is 360-364. The genre of the work is reminiscent of “educational books”. The rules are set out in the words of Holy Scripture and determine all Christian life and activity, both in general and in different states (preachers of the Gospel, primates, persons living in marriage, widows, slaves and masters, children and parents, virgins, warriors, sovereigns and subjects). The Holy Scripture serves not only as a guide in doctrinal matters, but also allows us to navigate our temporary existence here. It defines the entire life of Christians as disciples of the Lord. Therefore, “listeners, instructed in the Scriptures, should test what the teachers say, and accept what is in agreement with the Scriptures, and reject what does not agree, and even more turn away from those who hold such teachings” (Rule 72, Chapter 1). All norms of behavior of Christians and their internal structure of the soul are regulated by God's verbs. As a result, they “as disciples of Christ, who are conformed to the only thing that they see in Christ or hear from Christ” (Rule 80, chapter 1), must direct their lives towards a single goal - the Kingdom of Heaven. *The title of the work in Greek is Ὅροι ἠθικοί. *The title of the work in Latin is Regulae morales. Contents Rule 1. About repentance, about the time of repentance, about its properties and about its fruits Chapter 1. Those who believe in the Lord must first of all repent, according to the sermon Chapter 2. The present time is the time of repentance and remission of sins, and in the next century there will be a righteous judgment of retribution. Chapter 3. Those who repent must cry bitterly and express everything else that is characteristic of repentance from the heart. Chapter 4. For those who repent, removal from sins alone is not enough for salvation, but they also need fruits worthy of repentance. Chapter 5. After leaving this life there is no longer time for good deeds, because God, in His longsuffering, has determined the time of this life to do what is necessary to please God. Rule 2. That the diligence of those who wish to please God must be unconnected with anything contrary and pure Chapter 1. He who interferes in matters alien to piety will not be able to serve God Chapter 2. He who has entered into obedience to the Gospel must, first of all, cleanse himself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, in order through this to become acceptable to God in holy matters. Chapter 3. He cannot become a disciple of the Lord if he is partial to something real, or if he tolerates something even slightly distracting from God’s commandment. Rule 3. About love for God and what its sign is Chapter 1. According to the testimony of the Lord, the first and great commandment in the Law is to love God with all your heart, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. Chapter 2. Not to keep the commandments of Christ means not to love God and His Christ; and the sign of love is keeping the commandments of Christ, enduring the sufferings of Christ, even to the point of death. Rule 4. What is honor to God, and what is dishonor Rule 5. About mutual love for each other and its properties Chapter 1. Having been cleansed of all hatred for everyone, we must love our enemies, and for our friends, when need requires it, we must lay down our souls, having the same love that God and His Christ had for us. Chapter 2. The sign of Christ’s disciples is mutual love for each other in Christ. Chapter 3. To do any harm to one’s neighbor or to offend him to the detriment of one’s faith, even if the act for some special reason was permitted by Scripture, means not to have Christ’s love for one’s neighbor. Chapter 4. A Christian, to the best of his ability, by all means, should soften the one who is upset against him. Chapter 5. He who loves in Christ sometimes grieves his loved one for his own good. Rule 6. About boldness in confessing God and Christ. Rule 7. About the fact that the confession of the Lord by those who transgress His commandments is not enough for salvation. Rule 8. About faith and the certainty of the words of the Lord Chapter 1. In considering what the Lord said, one should not hesitate and doubt, but undoubtedly accept that every word of God is true and omnipotent, even if nature assures otherwise. For this is the feat of faith. Chapter 2. He who does not believe the Lord in small things will obviously not believe in large things. Chapter 3. One must not affirm and reject what the Lord has said on one’s own reasoning, but know that the words of the Lord are more reliable than one’s own evidence. Rule 9. About knowledge and ignorance of what concerns us Chapter 1. About knowledge and ignorance of what concerns us. Chapter 2. We should not be curious about things that do not concern us. Chapter 3. Those who care about pleasing God tend to ask others what they should. Chapter 4. The questioner should take care to give a sensible answer. Chapter 5. Great condemnation awaits those who know but do not do. However, it is not safe to sin out of ignorance. Rule 10. What is the end of sin, and what is the end of God’s commandment Chapter 1. The root of sin is death. Chapter 2. The end of God’s commandment is eternal life. Rule 11. About the judgments of God and the fear they should inspire Chapter 1. One must not neglect the judgments of God, but fear them, although retribution does not immediately follow. Chapter 2. He who has been admonished after committing his first sins and has been deemed worthy to receive forgiveness, if he sins again, prepares for himself the most severe judgment of wrath. Chapter 3. When some fall under the judgment of the wrath of God, then others, being afraid, should come to their senses. Chapter 4. Often others are given over to the most vicious deeds as punishment for previous wickedness. Chapter 5. It is not the multitude of sinners who inclines God to mercy, but the one who pleases God, whether it be a husband or a wife. Rule 12. About the rejection of God's will, and about contradicting it, or about obedience to God's will and about observing it Chapter 1. Every contradiction, although it is from a friendly and reverent disposition, alienates the one who contradicts from the Lord; every word of the Lord must be accepted with all certainty. Chapter 2. One should not follow human traditions until one rejects God’s commandments. Chapter 3. It is impermissible to observe everything handed down by the Lord in the Gospel and through the Apostles. Chapter 4. One should not prefer one’s own will to the will of the Lord; but in every matter one must seek what the will of God is and fulfill it. Rule 13. On the readiness at all times and on the unwavering diligence of those who strive to please God Chapter 1. Knowing the danger of falling into disarray, one must always be sober and ready to thoroughly carry out the work of God. Chapter 2. Every time should be considered convenient for carefully doing what is pleasing to God. Rule 14. About the timeliness of each deed, taken separately Rule 15. About hope in the merits of others Rule 16. About those who think that they can take advantage of the fact that they live with people who are virtuous and pleasing to God, while they do not correct themselves Rule 17. How one should dispose oneself in reasoning in the present time Rule 18. About how and with what disposition the one who strives to fulfill the commandment of God fulfills it Chapter 1. The commandments of God must be fulfilled as the Lord commanded. For whoever sins in the way he acts, although he apparently fulfills the commandment, nevertheless does not have praise from God. Chapter 2. The commandments of God must be fulfilled not out of pleasing people, and not out of any other passion, but have in everything the goal of pleasing God and glorifying God. Chapter 3. The Lord's commandments must be fulfilled with a good conscience and with a good disposition before God and before people. For whoever does it wrong is condemned. Chapter 4. For conscientiousness in small things, greater rewards will be rewarded with righteous judgment. Chapter 5. The Lord's commandments must be fulfilled with insatiable desires, constantly hastening towards more and more. Chapter 6. The commandments of God must be fulfilled in such a way that, to the best of the ability of those who fulfill them, everyone is enlightened and God is glorified. Rule 19. About the one who hinders, and about the one who encounters obstacles to the fulfillment of the commandment of God Chapter 1. One who does the will of God should not be hindered, whether according to the commandment of God, or according to reason, he will follow the commandment; and the one who fulfills the commandment should not listen to those who interfere, although they are neighbors, but is obliged to adhere to the accepted intention. Chapter 2. Whoever fulfills the commandment of God and not out of a healthy disposition, but at least apparently preserves exactly the teachings of the Lord, should not be forbidden to do this, since he does not harm anyone, and others, perhaps, receive benefit from him; but he must be advised to have a thought worthy of a good deed. Rule 20. About baptism; what is the intention and what is the power of baptism Chapter 1. Those who believe in the Lord should be baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Chapter 2. What is the intent and power of baptism? Through it, the baptized person changes in mind, word and deed and, according to the power given to him, becomes the same as the One who gave birth to him. Rule 21. About the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, and what is the intention thereof Chapter 1. And for eternal life itself, the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ is necessary. Chapter 2. He who approaches Communion without understanding the intention for which the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ is given does not receive any benefit from this, and he who partakes unworthily is condemned. Chapter 3. With what intention should we eat the Body and drink the Blood of the Lord? In remembrance of the Lord's obedience even to death, so that those who live no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was Risen. Chapter 4. He who partakes of the Saints (mysteries) must sing songs to the Lord. Rule 22. How someone is alienated from God, and by means of which he becomes close to God Chapter 1. Committing sin alienates him from the Lord and makes him akin to the devil. Chapter 2. Closeness with the Lord is recognized not by carnal affinity, but by thoroughness in fulfilling the will of God. Rule 23. About those overcome even by those sins that are hated Rule 24. About lies and truth Rule 25. About idle talk, and about making sure that speeches are useful Chapter 1. One should not make questions useless and controversial. Chapter 2. One should not utter an idle word that has no benefit. For to say or do even good things that do not build up faith means to offend God’s Holy Spirit. Rule 26. To confirm what we do or say, we must first of all use the testimony of Scripture, and then what is known from general use. Chapter 1. Every word or deed must be confirmed by the testimony of inspired Scripture, to certify the good and to the shame of the evil. Chapter 2. And what is known from nature and custom in the community should be used to confirm what we do or say. Rule 27. About assimilating, if possible, God and the Saints Rule 28. About distinguishing between good and bad people Rule 29. About how we can assure ourselves of our title Rule 30. About honoring what is dedicated to God Chapter 1. Shrines should not be desecrated by adding to it something that serves for general use. Chapter 2. What has been dedicated to God until then should be honored as a shrine, as long as God’s will remains. Rule 31. About the use of what is set apart for the Saints Rule 32. About debts and the payment thereof Rule 33. About those who seduce and those who are tempted Chapter 1. One should not seduce. Chapter 2. Everything contrary to the will of the Lord is a temptation. Chapter 3. One must also avoid such deeds or words, which are permitted by Scripture, when others are disposed by something similar to sin, or to the fact that they lose no matter how much zeal for good. Chapter 4. In order not to tempt anyone, one must also do what is not necessary. Chapter 5. In doing the will of the Lord, although some are tempted, one must show unyielding boldness. Rule 34. About the duty of everyone to be for others, in their own way, an example of virtues Rule 35. About those who humiliate the good in others Rule 36. About honoring the Saints and about being disposed towards them Rule 37. About those who are zealous, to the best of their ability, with mercy Rule 38. How to treat Rule 39. About firmness in temptations Rule 40. About those teaching new teachings Rule 41. About cutting off seducers, and about sparing those who are more weak Chapter 1. We must cut off everything that seduces, although it is apparently very close to us and is necessary for us. Chapter 2. Those who are weaker in faith should be spared and carefully raised to perfection; however, to spare without violating the commandment of God. Rule 42. About the fact that the Lord came to fulfill the Law Rule 43. About the difference between the commandments of the Law and the Gospel Chapter 1. Just as the Law prohibits bad deeds, so the Gospel prohibits the most intimate passionate movements in the soul. Chapter 2. Just as the Law requires partial perfection in every good deed, so the Gospel demands complete perfection. Chapter 3. It is impossible for those who have not shown in themselves that the truth of the Gospel is greater than the truth under the law to be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rule 44. That the burden of the Lord is light, but sin is heavy Rule 45. About equal honor for all and about humility Chapter 1. It is not possible for those who do not imitate children in showing each other honor in the Kingdom of Heaven. Chapter 2. Whoever wishes to receive greater glory in the Kingdom of Heaven must love humility and humiliation before others. Rule 46. On thorough success in great or small Chapter 1. In comparison with the order we observe in matters of little importance, we are required to be thorough in matters of major importance. Chapter 2. Those who are convicted of contempt for the most important and in negligence about it will be subject to greater condemnation in comparison with those who, even in less important things, showed fear in themselves as a result of faith and thoroughness as a result of praiseworthy lust. Chapter 3. He who shows thoroughness in the less important should not despise the most important: but, fulfilling primarily the most important commandments, he is obliged to succeed in the less important. Rule 47. About wealth and poverty, and what will follow them Rule 48. About doing good to the brethren, and about doing work for this Chapter 1. One must be merciful and generous. Those who are not like this are condemned. Chapter 2. Whoever has more than what is needed for everyday needs is obliged to use all this for charity, according to the commandment of the Lord, who has given us everything that we have. Chapter 3. According to the word of the Lord, one must not become rich, but be poor. Chapter 4. One should not worry about the excess of what is necessary for life, and make efforts about satiety and pomp; but one must be clean from all forms of covetousness and panache. Chapter 5. One should not worry about one’s own needs and place hope in what has been prepared for real life, but one must entrust oneself to God. Chapter 6. One must take care and provide for the needs of the brethren, according to the will of the Lord. Chapter 7. Those who are able should work and share with those in need. For whoever does not want to work is not recognized as worthy to eat. Rule 49. About one who enters into litigation and seeks satisfaction for himself or another Chapter 1. One should not enter into litigation even about the clothing necessary to cover one’s body. Chapter 2. One should not quarrel or take revenge on oneself, but, according to the Lord’s commandment, if possible, one must have peace with everyone. Chapter 3. Even when taking revenge for an insult, another should not take revenge on the offender. Rule 50. About peace and reconciliation Rule 51. What kind of person should be who tries to correct his neighbor Rule 52. About grief at the sight of those who sin; how one should treat them, when to run them, and when to accept them into one’s society Chapter 1. One should not look indifferently at those who sin, but grieve and cry for them. Chapter 2. We must not remain silent when we see those who sin. Chapter 3. Entering into rapprochement with those who sin should not be for anything other than to induce them to repentance, if in some way this can be done without sin. Chapter 4. Those who remain in their sin should be turned away, after using all possible care for them. Rule 53. What condemnation is there for those who, in their opinion, remember evil for an insult inflicted on them? Chapter 5. A Christian should not remember evil, but is obliged to forgive from the heart those who have sinned against him. Rule 54. About pronouncing a judgment, and about slowness in judgment Chapter 1. We should not condemn each other for what is permitted by Scripture. Chapter 2. We must not be slow to judge what is permitted in Scripture. Chapter 3. One should not judge the unknown. Chapter 4. One should not judge with partiality. Chapter 5. No one should be condemned before his case has been thoroughly examined in his presence, although there are many who accuse. Rule 55. About zeal for God, about confession of God's gifts, and about thanksgiving for them Chapter 1. We must know and confess that every good gift and the patience of the most suffering for Christ are given from God. Chapter 2. We must not remain silent about God’s benefits, but we must give thanks for them. Rule 56. About prayer; when, about what, how and for whom one should pray Chapter 1. One should constantly remain in prayer and vigils. Chapter 2. First one must thank God for the most necessary things for daily bodily needs, and then use them. Chapter 3. A person praying should not say unnecessary things, nor should he ask the Lord for anything perishable and unworthy. Chapter 4. How one should pray and in what state of mind. Chapter 5. We must pray for each other and for the leaders of the word of truth. Chapter 6. We must also pray for enemies. Chapter 7. A man should not pray or prophesy with his head covered, and a woman should not pray with her head uncovered. Rule 57. On exaltation by merit Chapter 1. One should not think highly of oneself because of one’s merits, and humiliate others. Rule 58. On the acquisition and communication of God's gifts to others Chapter 1. One should not think that the gift of God is acquired with money or any other idea. Chapter 2. Everyone, according to the measure of faith, is given from God gifts for benefit. Chapter 3. He who receives the grace of God freely must give it freely, and not trade it according to his own whims. Chapter 4. He who gratefully accepted God's first gift and carefully cultivated it for the glory of God is granted other gifts. And whoever is not like this is deprived of his former gift, is not rewarded with the gift prepared for him and is given over to punishment. Rule 59. About human honor and glory Rule 60. About the difference of God's gifts, and about the mutual consent of those who, according to these gifts, are higher or lower Rule 61. About the insignificance in human opinion of those who accept God's grace Rule 62. About temptations, when to avoid them, and when to fight them; and how to meet opponents Chapter 1. Those who believe in God and are baptized must immediately be ready to endure temptations from their own households, even to the point of death. For anyone who is not ready for this easily becomes hesitant when danger suddenly befalls them. Chapter 2. One should not throw oneself into temptation ahead of time before God’s permission, but on the contrary, one must pray so as not to fall into temptation. Chapter 3. At other times it is necessary to evade those who are malicious. And whoever is allowed to fall into temptation must ask in prayer for relief, so that he may be able to bear the temptation, and for the fulfillment of God’s will. Chapter 4. A Christian in temptation, at every danger encountered, must remember what is said in this case in the Inspired Scripture, and thus keep himself unashamed, and lead his opponents to inaction. Rule 63. About timidity and courage in adversity Rule 64. About the joy that should be felt in suffering for Christ Rule 65. How one should pray even at the time of death Rule 66. For those who have abandoned those who strive for piety, and for those who struggle with them Chapter 1. Those who strive for piety should not be abandoned. Chapter 2. Must pray for those tested in temptations. Rule 67. About those who grieve for the dying Rule 68. About the difference between the present and future ages Chapter 1. Even after the resurrection one should not expect anything characteristic of this age, but one must know that in the future age life is angelic and free from all needs. Chapter 2. One should not think that the coming of the Lord will be local and carnal, but one must expect Him in the glory of the Father suddenly in the whole universe. Rule 69. About what is prohibited or approved in Scripture Chapter 1. Enumeration of what is equally prohibited and subject to a severe sentence. Chapter 2. An enumeration of those things which are equally approved, or have the promise of blessing. Rule 70. About those who are entrusted with the preaching of the Gospel, when, to whom and what they should teach... Chapter 1. Those to whom the preaching of the Gospel is entrusted, with supplication and supplication, must appoint deacons and elders who are blameless, who have earned approval in their former lives. Chapter 2. In ordination one should not be frivolous and proceed with it imprudently, for what has not earned approval is not safe. But if you are caught in something, you must reveal it so that you yourself do not become an accomplice in sin and so that others do not stumble, but, on the contrary, learn to fear. Chapter 3. The chosen one should not begin to preach without permission, but wait for God’s time for favor and begin preaching when commanded, but preach to those to whom he is sent. Chapter 4. He who is called to preach the Gospel must immediately obey and not put off this matter. Chapter 5. Should not teach otherwise. Chapter 6. Those entrusted must be taught everything that is commanded by the Lord in the Gospel and through the apostles and what is in accordance with this. Chapter 7. If the one who has been entrusted with the word of the Lord’s teaching fails to say anything necessary to please God, then he is guilty of the blood of those in danger, either by doing what is forbidden or by not fulfilling his duties sufficiently. Chapter 8. In considering what is not clearly commanded in Scripture, everyone should be exhorted for the better. Chapter 9. It is impermissible to impute to others a necessity that you yourself do not fulfill. Chapter 10. The leader of the word must be for others an example of all that is good, himself first fulfilling what he teaches. Chapter 11. The leader of the word must not limit his guardianship only to his good deeds, but should honor the correction of those entrusted to him as his own and exclusive work of the guardianship entrusted to him. Chapter 12. The leader of the word must go around all the villages and cities entrusted to him. Chapter 13. Everyone must be called to obedience to the Gospel, to proclaim the word with all boldness and testify to the truth, although others hinder this and, be that as it may, persecute them even to death. Chapter 14. We must pray for the success of those who believe and give thanks for it. Chapter 15. Good deeds, accomplished by the grace of God, must be made known to others for the glory of God. Chapter 16. We must take care not only of those present, but also of those absent, and do everything as the need for edification requires. Chapter 17. We must listen to those who call for good. Chapter 18. Those who receive the word of truth must be confirmed in it by their visit. Chapter 19. It is characteristic of one who loves the Lord to take great care of those taught with all measures and with all diligence, even if teaching both publicly and privately, he should remain in teaching until death. Chapter 20. The leader of the word must be merciful and compassionate, especially towards those who suffer mentally. Chapter 21. One must be compassionate towards those entrusted with their bodily needs and take care of them. Chapter 22. The leader of the word should not be lacking in proper care for the most important, personally fulfilling with effort the unimportant. Chapter 23. One should not boast or trade in the word of teaching to flatter the listeners, to satisfy one’s own lust or needs, but one must be such as one should be when speaking before God and for the glory of God. Chapter 24. The leader of the word should not use his power to insult his subordinates and boast before them, but on the contrary, he must turn the degree of his rank into a reason for humility before them. Chapter 25. One should not preach the Gospel out of covetousness, out of envy and rivalry with someone. Chapter 26. For the preaching of the gospel, one should not take advantage of human advantages, so that they do not overshadow God’s grace. Chapter 27. We should not think that the success of preaching is produced by our own imaginations, but all hope must be placed on God. Chapter 28. Whoever is entrusted with preaching the Gospel must not acquire anything beyond what is necessary for his own needs. Chapter 29. One should not take upon oneself the care of everyday life to please people who are passionate about it. Chapter 30. Those who, to please the hearers, do not boldly proclaim the will of God, subservient to those whom they want to please, are no longer subject to the sovereignty of the Lord. Chapter 31. The teacher must set himself the goal of elevating everyone into a perfect man, according to the age of the fullness of Christ, and, moreover, each in his own rank. Chapter 32. Those who are hostile must be admonished with kindness and meekness, expecting their repentance until the measure of care for them is fulfilled. Chapter 33. One must be compliant, and not stubbornly attack those who, out of fear and fear of God, refuse to accept the one who preaches the word. Chapter 34. Those who, due to insensitivity, do not accept the preaching of the Gospel must be avoided, and not take advantage of their benefits even in the necessary needs of the body. Chapter 35. People who remain disobedient despite the use of care of all kinds must be removed. Chapter 36. With everyone and in every matter one must strictly observe the words of the Lord, without doing anything out of partiality. Chapter 37. The leader of the word must do and speak everything with caution and after many trials, with the goal of pleasing God, as a person who needs the approval and testimony of even those entrusted to him. Rule 71. About what is equally commanded to primates Chapter 1. Enumeration of what is said equally about bishops and presbyters. Chapter 2. About deacons. Rule 72. About listeners. How should students differentiate between spiritual masters and non-spiritual masters; what dispositions to have towards them, and how to accept their lessons Chapter 1. Listeners instructed in the Scriptures should test what the teachers say, and accept what is consistent with the Scriptures, and not reject what is consistent and even more turn away from those who hold such teachings. Chapter 2. Those who have little information in Scripture as a distinctive sign of the saints should recognize the fruits of the Spirit, and those who have such fruits should accept them, and those who do not have them should turn away. Chapter 3. Those who teach the word of truth must receive it as from the Lord, for the glory of Him who sent Jesus Christ our Lord. Chapter 4. Those who do not obey those sent from the Lord not only dishonor them, but also the Sender himself, and bring upon themselves a judgment more severe than the Sodomites and Gommorites. Chapter 5. The teaching of the commandments of the Lord must be accepted as such a teaching that brings us eternal life and the kingdom of heaven, and we must fulfill it with zeal, even if it seems difficult. Chapter 6. Reproof and reprimand should be accepted as medicine, by which infirmity is destroyed and health is restored. From which it is clear that those who pretend to be meek out of passion for man-pleasing and do not expose those who have sinned spoil everything and encroach on true life itself. Rule 73. About those living in marriage Chapter 1. A husband and wife or a wife and her husband should not be separated, unless one of them is convicted of adultery or finds an obstacle to piety. Chapter 2. It is not permissible for one who has sent away his wife to marry another, and for another to marry one who has been released by her husband. Chapter 3. A husband must love his wife with the same love that Christ loved the Church, giving Himself for her in order to sanctify her. Chapter 4. Wives, doing the will of God, must obey their husbands, just as the Church obeys Christ. Chapter 5. Wives should not dress up to enhance their beauty, but are obliged to have every effort and concern for good deeds, and this decoration is considered true and decent for Christian women. Chapter 6. Women should remain silent in church, but at home engage in conversations about pleasing God. Rule 74. About widows Chapter 1. A widow, if she still has bodily strength, should spend her life in care and diligence, remembering what was said and witnessed to the Apostles about Chamois. Chapter 2. A widow who has been tested in the virtues listed by the Apostle, and who has entered the rank of actual widows, must remain in supplications and prayers, fasting day and night. Rule 75. About slaves and masters Chapter 1. Slaves must, for the glory of God, obey their masters according to the flesh with all zeal and in everything that does not violate the commandment of God. Chapter 2. The masters, remembering the true Lord, what they themselves use from the slaves, must do the same for them to the best of their ability, in the fear of God and with condescension towards the slaves, imitating the Lord. Rule 76. About children and parents Chapter 1. Children must honor their parents and be obedient to them in everything that does not interfere with the fulfillment of God’s commandments. Chapter 2. Parents should raise their children in the teaching and admonition of the Lord with meekness and long-suffering, and, as much as depends on them, not give any reason for anger and sorrow. Rule 77. About virgins Rule 78. About warriors Rule 79. About sovereigns and subjects Chapter 1. Sovereigns must defend the decrees of God. Chapter 2. The highest authorities must be obeyed in everything that does not interfere with the fulfillment of God's commandments. Rule 80. What kind of person, in general, according to the requirement of the Word of God, should Christians and leaders be? Chapter 1. As disciples of Christ, who are conformed to the only thing that they see in Christ, or hear from Christ. Chapter 2. Like the sheep of Christ, who listen only to the voice of their own Shepherd, and will follow Him. Chapter 3. Like the rods of Christ, which are rooted in Christ, bear fruit in Him, and do and have everything that is characteristic of Christ and worthy of Him. Chapter 4. As members of Christ, who are perfect in every operation of the commandments of the Lord or the gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to the dignity of the Head, who is Christ. Chapter 5. As the bride of Christ, who maintains purity, in accordance with the one will of the Bridegroom. Chapter 6. Like God's churches, which are holy, pure and filled only with that which belongs to the service of God. Chapter 7. As a sacrifice to God, undefiled and immaculate, which preserves sound godliness in all members and parts. Chapter 8. As children of God, who are transformed into the image of God, according to the measure given to man. Chapter 9. Like light in the world; why they themselves do not allow sin into themselves, and enlighten those who approach them in the knowledge of the truth, so that they become what they should be, or are convicted of what they are. Chapter 10. Like salt in the earth; why those who enter into fellowship with them are renewed in spirit into incorruption. Chapter 11. Like the word of life; why by deadness to the present one is assured of the hope of true life. What, according to the requirement of God's word, should be those who are entrusted with the preaching of the Gospel. Chapter 12. As Apostles and servants of Christ and faithful stewards of the Mysteries of God, who unflaggingly fulfill the Lord’s decrees in deed and word. Chapter 13. As preachers of the Kingdom of Heaven to the destruction of those who have the power of death in sin. Chapter 14. As a model and rule of piety, so that in those who follow the Lord, we can produce straightness in everything, and in those who do not submit to anything, we can expose deviation. Chapter 15. As an eye in the body, to discern between good and evil, and to guide the members of Christ, to which each is obliged. Chapter 16. As shepherds of Christ’s sheep, who do not refuse to lay down their souls for them in time, if only to communicate to them the Gospel of God. Chapter 17. As doctors, so that with great compassion, in accordance with the knowledge of the teachings of the Lord, heal spiritual infirmities and lead to health and constant life in Christ. Chapter 18. As fathers and educators of their own children, with great fervor of love for Christ, we are ready to convey to them not only the gospel of God, but also our souls. Chapter 19. As God’s associates, who have completely devoted themselves for the Church to the only deeds worthy of God. Chapter 20. As planters of God's rods, who do not plant anything alien to the vine, that is, Christ, and nothing that does not bear fruit, but with all zeal they improve what is characteristic of this Vine and fruitful. Chapter 21. As builders of the church of God, who prepare the soul of each one to make it conform to the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. Chapter 22. You might be interested in: