John Chrysostom : "For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?" Thus from things merry ornamental he carries on his argument to those which are more necessary and useful; and saith that not in the harp alone, but in the trumpet also one may see this effect produced. For in that also there are certain measures; and they give out at one time a warlike note, and at another one that is not so; and again sometimes it leads out to line of battle and at others recalls from it: and unless one know this, there is great danger. Which is just what he means, and the mischief of it what he is manifesting, when he saith, "who shall prepare himself for war?" So then, if it have not this quality, it is the ruin of all. — Homily on 1 Corinthians 35 Origen of Alexandria : Thence one comes to Mount Shepher, which is called "trumpet-blowing." The trumpet is the sign of war. Therefore, where it perceives itself armed with such and so great virtues, of necessity it advances to war, which is for it against the principalities and powers, and against the rulers of this world; or else certainly it sounds the trumpet in the word of God, that is, of preaching and of doctrine, that it may "give a distinct sound by the trumpet," so that he who hears it may be able to prepare himself for war. — HOMILIES ON Numbers 27.12 Pelagius : If it is uncertain whether the bugle is sounding for relaxation or for war, nobody will get ready for battle. The latter is how your own words should be understood, for they are meant to prepare soldiers for spiritual warfare. — COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 14