Homilies on First Corinthians

⁴ Do you see love, how it is everywhere extended and manages all things? But be not weary, until thou have thoroughly acquainted yourself with this golden chain. For having said, “seeks not her own,” he mentions again the good things produced by this. And what are these?

“Is not easily provoked, thinks no evil.” See love again not only subduing vice, but not even suffering it to arise at all. For he said not, “though provoked, she overcomes,” but, “is not provoked.” And he said not, “works no evil,” but, “not even thinks;” i.e., so far from contriving any evil, she does not even suspect it of the beloved. How then could she work any, or how be provoked? Who does not even endure to admit an evil surmise; whence is the fountain of wrath.