A dispute over approaches to heresy...

St. Epiphanius [of Salamis] disputed with St. John Chrysostom, saying, that he never would tolerate the disciples of Origen. St. John Chrysostom, not so hasty in his conclusion, said, that he would never confound the innocent with the guilty. St. Epiphanius replied, that the heresy was so impious, the crime so enormous, that true love for the faith should force him to expel this brood of vipers from the Church without delay. St. John Chrysostom answered: “A good judge condemns no one without a hearing.” St. Epiphanius exclaimed: “You are too punctilious in the matter.” In reply, St. John Chrysostom complained, that Epiphanius was too zealous, not having patience enough to listen to the truth. “Patience,” answered St. Epiphanius, “you mean sympathy with the cause, and hypocrisy!” “Say rather violence and precipitation,” answered Chrysostom. “But,” said Epiphanius, “are you afraid to condemn heretics?” “And have you no fear of condemning the innocent as guilty?” asked St. Chrysostom. “I clearly see,” remarked Epiphanius, “that you favor Origen.” “And I,” rejoined St. John Chrysostom, “fear that you side with the enemies of truth.” “Be it so! But I say to you in the name of God,” replied St. Epiphanius, “that you will not die in Constantinople; you will be banished, and will end your life upon a distant shore.” “And I also tell you, on the part of God,” answered St. John Chrysostom, “that you will not reach your diocese, and that you will die at sea.” Both were saints, both prophesied truly, both were right; and yet there seemed to be sufficient cause for dispute and opposition between them. Similar contests and differences of opinion occurred between St. Peter and St. Paul, the Princes of the Apostles; between St. Augustine and St. Jerome, and many others great and eminent in learning and sanctity.

 

Source: The Golden Rule, or a Book for All, by a Member of a Religious Order (Baltimore: Kreuzer Brothers, 1871), pp. 2-3.