25. Chrysostom (in the first tome of the Benedictine
edition) has consecrated three books to the praise and
defence of the monastic life. He is encouraged, by the
example of the ark, to presume that none but the elect (the
monks) can possibly be saved (1. i. p. 55, 56). Elsewhere,
indeed, he becomes more merciful (1. iii. p. 83, 84), and
allows different degrees of glory, like the sun, moon, and
stars. In his lively comparison of a king and a monk (1.
iii. p. 116-l2l), he supposes (what is hardly fair) that the
king will be more sparingly regarded, and more rigorously
punished.