Homilies on the Statues

^4. Study then, O man, the life according to God, and no one shall conquer you at any time; and although you may be accounted the most insignificant of men, you shall be more powerful than all. On the other hand, if you are indifferent about virtue of soul, though thou were the most powerful of men, you will easily be worsted by all that assail you. And the examples already quoted proved this. But if you are desirous, I will also endeavour to teach you by actual facts the unconquerableness of the righteous, and the vulnerable condition of sinners. Hear then how the prophet intimates both these particulars. “The ungodly,” says he, “are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind scatters away from the face of the earth.” For even as chaff lies exposed to the gusts of wind, and is easily caught up and swept along, so is also the sinner driven about by every temptation; for while he is at war with himself, and bears the warfare about with him, what hope of safety does he possess; betrayed as he is at home, and carrying with him that conscience, which is a constant enemy? Such, however, is not the nature of the righteous man. But what manner of man is he? Hear the same prophet, saying, “They that trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion.” What means then, “As Mount Zion?” “He shall not be shaken,” says he, “for ever.” For whatever engines you bring up, whatever darts you hurl, desiring to overturn a mountain, you will never be able to prevail; for how can you? You will break in pieces all your engines, and exhaust your own strength. Such also is the righteous man. Whatever blows he may receive, he suffers no evil therefrom; but destroys the power of those who take counsel against him, and not of men only, but of demons. You have heard often what engines the Devil brought up against Job; but not only did he fail to overthrow that mountain, but drew back exhausted, his darts broken to pieces, and his engines rendered useless, by that assault!