VI.

Moreover, the capital element of our salvation is the incarnation of the Word. We believe, therefore, that it was without any change in the Divinity that the incarnation of the Word took place with a view to the renewal of humanity. For there took place neither mutation nor transposition, nor any circumscription in will,19 περικλεισμὸς ἐν νεύματι. A Topical Discourse by our holy father Gregory, surnamed Thaumaturgus, bishop of Neo-Cæsareia in Pontus, addressed to Tatian. as regards the holy energy20 δύναμιν. [A person not known.] of God; but while that remained in itself the same, it also effected the work of the incarnation with a view to the salvation of the world: and the Word of God, living21 πολιτευσάμένος. [True to the universal testimony of the primitive Fathers as to Holy Scripture.] on earth after man’s fashion, maintained likewise in all the divine presence, fulfilling all things, and being united22 συγκεκραμένος. [Aristotle, Physica. Elucidation I.] properly and individually with flesh; and while the sensibilities proper to the flesh were there, the divine energy maintained the impassibility proper to itself. Impious, therefore, is the man who introduces the passibility23 τὸ πάθος. ἐννοίαις. into the energy. For the Lord of glory appeared in fashion as a man when He undertook the economy24 Meaning here the whole work and business of the incarnation, and the redemption through the flesh.—Migne. εὐπαράδεκτα. upon the earth; and He fulfilled the law for men by His deeds, and by His sufferings He did away with man’s sufferings, and by His death He abolished death, and by his resurrection He brought life to light; and now we look for His appearing from heaven in glory for the life and judgment of all, when the resurrection of the dead shall take place, to the end that recompense may be made to all according to their desert.