sin for ever. A soul that is fearful of giving account cannot but be slow to transgression. For
fear being vigorous in the soul does not permit anything worldly to exist in it. For if discourse
raised concerning hell so humbles and brings it low, does not the reflection constantly
dwelling upon the soul purify it more than any fire?
Let us not remember the kingdom so much as hell. For fear has more power than the
promise. And I know that many would despise ten thousand blessings, if they were rid of
the punishment, inasmuch as it is even now sufficient for me to escape vengeance, and not
to be punished. No one of those who have hell before their eyes will fall into hell. No one
of those who despise hell will escape hell. For as among us those who fear the judgment-
seats will not be apprehended by them, but those who despise them are chiefly those who
fall under them, so it is also in this case. If the Ninevites had not feared destruction, they
would have been overthrown, but because they feared, they were not overthrown. If in the
time of Noah they had feared the deluge, they would not have been drowned. And if the
Sodomites had feared they would not have been consumed by fire. It is a great evil to despise
a threat. He who despises threatening will soon experience its reality in the execution of it.
Nothing is so profitable as to converse concerning hell. It renders our souls purer than any
silver. For hear the prophet saying, “Thy judgments are always before me.” (From Ps. xvii.
22, Sept.) For although it pains the hearer, it benefits him very much.
For such indeed are all things that profit. For medicines too, and food, at first annoy
the sick, and then do him good. And if we cannot bear the severity of words, it is manifest
that we shall not be able to bear affliction in very deed. If no one endures a discourse con-
cerning hell, it is evident, that if persecution came on, no one would ever stand firm against
fire, against sword. Let us exercise our ears not to be over soft and tender: for from this we
shall come to endure even the things themselves. If we be habituated to hear of dreadful
things, we shall be habituated also to endure dreadful things. But if we be so relaxed as not
to endure even words, when shall we stand against things? Do you see how the blessed Paul
despises all things here, and dangers one after another, as not even temptations? Wherefore?
Because he had been in the practice of despising hell, for the sake of what was God’s will.
He thought even the experience of hell to be nothing for the sake of the love of Christ; while
we do not even endure a discourse concerning it for our own advantage. Now therefore
having heard a little, go your ways; but I beseech you if there is any love in you, constantly
to revert to discourses concerning these things. They can do you no harm, even if they
should not benefit, but assuredly they will benefit you too. For according to our discourses,
the soul is qualified. For evil communications, he says, “corrupt good manners.” Therefore
also good communications improve it; therefore also fearful discourses make it sober. For
the soul is a sort of wax. For if you apply cold discourses, you harden and make it callous;
but if fiery ones, you melt it; and having melted it, you form it to what you will, and engrave
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2 Thessalonians 1:1,2