Sermon LXIX. [CXIX. Ben.] On the same words, John i. “In the beginning was the word,” etc. 1. That our Lord Jesus Christ in seeking lost man was made Man, our preaching has never withholden, and your faith has ever retained; and moreover, that this our Lord, who for our sakes was made Man, was always God with the Father, and always will be, yea rather always Is; for where there is no succession of time, there is no “hath been” and “will be.” For that of which it is said, “it hath been,” is now no more; that of which it is said, “it will be,” is not yet; but He always is, because He truly “is,” that is, is unchangeable. For the Gospel lesson has just now taught us a high and divine mystery. For this beginning of the Gospel St. John poured forth3606 for that he drank it in from the Lord’s Breast. For ye re- member, that it has been very lately read to you, how that this St. John the Evangelist lay in the Lord’s Bosom.3607 And wishing to explain this clearly, he says, “On the Lord’s Breast;”3608 that we might understand what he meant, by “in the Lord’s bosom.” For what, think we, did he drink in who was lying on the Lord’s Breast? Nay, let us not think, but drink;3609 for we too have just now heard what we may drink in. 2. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”3610 O glorious preaching! O3611 the result of the full feast of the Lord’s Breast! “In the beginning was the Word.” Why seekest thou for what was before It? “In the beginning was the Word.” If the Word had been made (for made indeed that was not by which all things were made); if the Word had been made, the Scripture would have said, “In the be- ginning God made the Word;” as it is said in Genesis, “In the beginning God made the heaven and the earth.”3612 God then did not in the beginning make the Word; because, “In the beginning was the Word.” This Word which was in the beginning, where was It? Follow on, “And the Word was with God.” But from our daily hearing the words of men we are wont to think lightly of this name of “Word.” In this case do not think lightly of the Name of “Word;” “The Word was God. The same,” that is the Word, “was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was nothing made.” 3. Extend your hearts, help the poverty of my words. What I shall be able to express, give ear to; on what I shall not be able to express, meditate. Who can comprehend the 3606 Ructuavit. 3607 John xiii. 23. 3608 John xiii. 25. 3609 Non putemus sed potemus. 3610 John i. 1. 3611 Saginam Dominici pertoris eructuare. 3612 Gen. i. 1. On the same words, John i. ‘In the beginning was the word,’ etc. 968 On the same words, John i. ‘In the beginning was the word,’ etc.