Homilies on the Statues

^1. When I think of the past tempest, and of the present calm, I cease not saying, “Blessed be God, who makes all things, and changes them; who has brought light out of darkness; who leads to the gates of hell, and brings back; who chastises, but kills not.” And this I desire you too to repeat constantly, and never to desist. For if He has benefitted us by deeds, what pardon shall we deserve, if we do not requite Him even by words. Therefore, I exhort that we never cease to give Him thanks; since if we are grateful for the former benefits, it is plain that we shall enjoy others also, which are greater. Let us say, then, continually, Blessed be God, who has permitted us to spread before you in security the accustomed table, while He has also granted you to hear our word with assurance of safety! Blessed be God, that we no longer run hither flying from the danger without, but only from desire to hear; that we no longer meet one another with agony, trembling, and anxious thoughts; but with much confidence, having shaken off all our fear. Our condition, indeed, on former days was nothing better than that of those who are tossed up and down in the midst of the deep; and expecting shipwreck every hour. We were scared all day long by innumerable rumours, and disturbed and agitated on every side; and were every day busy and curious to know who had come from the court? what news he had brought? And whether what was reported was true or false? Our nights too we passed without sleep, and while we looked upon the city, we wept over it, as if it were on the eve of its destruction.